At a virtual meeting today, the Bureau of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC committed to taking forward crucial work to tackle climate change under the umbrella of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), despite the COVID-19 crisis. The 11 members of the Bureau are nominated by each of the five…
Safety of wildlife paramount in the midst of the pandemic
More than 50 community wildlife rangers from Kenya and Tanzania deployed in a joint border patrol this week in response to a potential risk of poaching. Funded by the European Union through the International Fund for Animal Welfare (ifaw), rangers simultaneously monitored the wildlife-rich landscapes along their respective borderlines, while staying within their international boundaries.…
COVID-19: Medical technology partnership to advance healthcare delivery in South Africa
South African healthcare practice management software provider, EZMed and specialised virtual healthcare technology platform, USA-based Medici, today formally announced a partnership that will help advance healthcare delivery in South Africa. The EZMed and Medici platform is the first of its kind in South Africa and combines the best of virtual consulting technology with the backend…
Enabling digitally-led trade growth is a key opportunity
By Vinod Madhavan The Covid-19 outbreak is set to significantly impact trade growth for the year as countries limit physical movement to curb the virus spread. While the health crisis undoubtedly has vast negative implications for global trade processes, it is one that could be turned into an opportunity as it provides the political and…
COVID-19: Pan-Africanism at an all-time high for continent’s youth, a new survey finds
While Africa Day (May 25th), the official day of the African Union (AU) marking intercontinental unity, takes place solemnly in 2020 on the backdrop of the continued outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus), a recent study of Africa’s youth has showcased continent-wide resiliency, institutional trust, cohesion and collective ‘Afro-Optimism’ in facing the challenges ahead. The results of…
Floods and COVID-19: Kenyan counties launch plan to safeguard farmers
County governments in Western Kenya have jointly launched a plan to cushion farmers against the devastating impacts of floods in the region. According to Ruth Mukhongo, a technocrat and a senior officer in the county government of Busia, hunger is looming large across the country following the restrictions of COVID 19 and effects of floods…
Coping with COVID-19: The Role of the ICT Industry During a Pandemic
By Tonny Tugee, SEACOM East and North-East Africa Managing Director As the world continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, the toll on human life is growing exponentially. The impact that COVID-19 has had on the global healthcare system and the global economy is unprecedented and will likely be felt for many years to come.…
Is WHO turning around on the herbal tonic?
Rattled by the growing popularity of a possible treatment for COVID-19 by herbal tonic produced by Madagascar, the World Health Organization (WHO) appears to seek a way around its hardline position against the tonic. In a press statement released on Monday, 04 May 2020 WHO said that it recognizes that traditional, complementary and alternative medicine…