Category: COVER
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Combating Liver Cancer in Northern Region
Liver Cancer Foundation-Dagbon Forum Join Hands
…………As Free Liver Screening Program ends in Yendi & Tamale
Report: Mohammed A. Abu
A two-day free liver cancer screening cum medical check-ups program, a collaboration between the Liver Cancer Foundation and Dagbon Forum(DF) recently ended most successfully at Yendi and Tamale in Dagbon, Northern region of Ghana.
The oversubscribed Eastern Dagbon edition of the program was held at the Royal Gbewaa Palace, Yendi, on the 26th July 2023 under the auspices of His Royal Majesty, Yaa Na Mahama Abukari Ii, King of Dagbon with the kind able support of Hon Umar Farouk Alu Mahama, Member of Parliament for Yendi Constituency.
The Western Dagbon edition on its part, was held on the 27th July 27, 2023 in Tamale at the Palace of His Royal Highness, Na Yeb Gulkpe Na Alhaj Alhassan Abdulai Paramount Chief of the Gulkpegu Traditional Area with the kind support of the Hon Murtalla Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central Constituency, Northern regon.
Speaking in a post event exclusive interview with your favourite, Eco-Enviro News Africa, Sakoya Na(Chief) Sintaro Mahama who also doubles as DF’s President, noted with great satisfaction the astounding success of the program.
Chief Sakoya also disclosed that, the initial targeted total of 2000 people from Yendi and Tamale programs had been inundating and thus, setting the tone for the next step, that is, opening of a permanent Liver Cancer screening centre and Liver clinics in the Northern Region as envisaged by the Liver Cancer Foundation in the event that, the program gets the desired patronage.
He noted with great appreciation the logistics support kindly extended to the program by the two Members of Parliament in Eastern and Western Dagbon, the passion of the executives of the Yendi and Tamale Chapters of Dagbon Forum, the high patronage by students and people from all walks of life in Eastern and Western Dagbon which culminated into the success of the program.
Chief Sakoya also appreciated members of the medical team and staff drawn from the Yendi Municipal and Tamale Teaching Hospitals to ably support the President of the Liver Cancer Foundation, Dr. Offei,a leading pancreatic cancer specialist in the country and his team from Accra to ensure the success of the program.
He also intimated that DF and Dagbon cannot thank the Liver Cancer Foundation and its President enough for his kind heartedness and selfless spirit in moving the medical needs of the people from Accra to their very door steps in the Northern region of Ghana.
The Liver Cancer Foundation is a Ghanaian Nonprofit Organization that was registered in Accra under the auspices of the Registrar General with aim of reducing the number of people living with and dying from liver cancer in Ghana. making treatment accessible and affordable for patients living with liver cancer in Ghana. creating awareness by educating the Ghanaian public on liver cancer. and to support research into liver cancer that would lead to improved treatment modalities for patients living with liver cancer.
Earlier during a pre-program interview with Sagani TV, in Tamale,,Chief Sakoya underscored the importance of health to human existence and said it was the core of human life minus which the chief cannot rule, the farmer cannot farm, the trader and others cannot perform their functions of relevance to the socio-economic well-being and progress of society.
Chief Sakoya also emphasized the need for preventive medicine rather than waiting to be overcome by an ailment at which point curative medicine is then seriously sought at exorbitant cost and which sometimes sadly becomes too late despite all the expenses incurred
He therefore advised people of Dagbon cultivate the habit of doing of medical check-up at least once a year to enable the earlier uncovering of otherwise hidden ailments so they could be treated before the undesirable occurs.
Hepatitis B and C Check-ups Chief Sakoya noted, ought to be given great attention in the Northern region and people he adviced, must not feel shy to do so as disease knows no age limit.
The two ailments, he said could be treated if detected earlier enough but if not could degenerates into cancerous stage with dire health consequences.
He also advised the youth to eschew drug addiction as that has long term damage effect on their health and well-being. He advised them to invest productively in themselves during their youthful ages for a better future rather than engage in drug addiction which will only damage them and eventually render them as social liabilities.
To this end, Chief Sakoya had appealed to all and sundry both the sick and healthy to take advantage of the charitable act of the Liver Cancer Foundation that is coming to the Northern region with a team of eighty-five(85) medical specialists. They are not coming for only the sick, he said, but the healthy as wall, who stand to benefit from test of Hepatitis B and C, Blood Pressure(BP), test,Ultra Scan among others, at no cost.
“In Ghana viral hepatitis is a major health concern for health authorities. Hepatitis B is hyper endemic with an estimated prevalence in the population of 9.1 percent. Hepatitis C also poses high burden with an estimated prevalence of 3.3 percent.
“Hepatitis disproportionately affects the people of Northern Ghana. Here poverty and inequitable access to quality healthcare services means people are more vulnerable to infections than in other parts of the country”. (Ref: WHO feature article published on 28 July 29, 2023).
According to WHO, Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver with causes including viruses and other infections, alcohol and certain drugs. It leads to a range of health problems some of which can be fatal.
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Ghanaian Herbert Mensah Represents World Rugby Chairman at World Rugby U20 Trophy in Kenya
The newly elected President of Rugby Africa will embark on a five-day visit to Kenya where he will officially represent World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont NAIROBI, Kenya, July 27, 2023/ — Herbert Mensah, the recently elected President of Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the governing body of rugby in Africa, is scheduled for a five day visit to Kenya. During his visit, Herbert Mensah will serve as the official representative of World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont at the World Rugby U20 Trophy tournament, where he will have the privilege of presenting the highly coveted trophy.
The World Rugby U20 Trophy is an international rugby union competition organized by World Rugby. This tournament features men’s junior national teams, with players under the age of 20 showcasing their skills and passion for the sport.
All 16 matches of the World Rugby U20 Trophy are actively taking place at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya, following its commencement on 15 July.
It is the second time Kenya is hosting the U20 Trophy, having done so in 2009 when the tournament was known as the Junior World Rugby Trophy. Besides the silverware, the eight competing teams will be playing for a spot in the World Rugby U20 Championship next year in South Africa. The winners will be promoted to the U20 Championship replacing Japan, as the team that finished bottom in that competition (24 June – 14 July, South Africa) will drop down to the U20 Trophy in 2024.
The participating teams have been divided into two challenging pools. Pool A consists of Scotland, Uruguay, USA, and Zimbabwe, while hosts Kenya join Hong Kong China, Samoa, and Spain in Pool B. This lineup promises an intense and captivating display of rugby talent and teamwork.
“The World Rugby U20 Trophy not only showcases Kenya’s capability as a world-class sporting destination but also represents the collective spirit and passion for rugby that resonates across Africa. Together, we stand united in celebrating Africa’s presence on the global rugby stage,” said Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa.
Herbert Mensah’s presence during the World Rugby U20 Trophy reflects the significance of this event and his representation of World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont symbolizes the strong collaboration between Rugby Africa and the global rugby community.
“Africa hosting two World Rugby U20 tournaments consecutively will be exciting to witness and serves as the perfect build-up to Rugby World Cup 2023 which is just under three months away. Both South Africa and Kenya have proven their ability to host global age-grade competitions in the past and I have no doubt that these editions will be successful with great interest from local crowds”, said World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont.
As Kenya continues to welcome the world for the World Rugby U20 Trophy. Follow the journey, witness remarkable athleticism, and celebrate the passion for rugby in one of Africa’s most vibrant nations.
More information about the World Rugby U20 Trophy: https://apo-opa.info/3q4lbXQ Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.
Media contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communication Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa
rugby@apo-opa.com -
Stears Announced as Lead Sponsor of AFSIC – Investing in Africa 2023
Empowering Africa-Focused Investments with Data-Driven Insights
LONDON,United Kingdom,July 25,2023–Stears, one of the world’s leading providers of African data and insights, has been announced as the Lead Sponsor of AFSIC – Investing in Africa 2023. AFSIC 2023, Africa’s Investment Event, which will be held in London on the 9th and 10th October 2023, is the meeting place for focused networking, discussions and executing African investment deals. It has for the past ten years delivered year on year growth as well as success for African companies seeking funding and companies wanting to grow globally.
Stears’ sponsorship of AFSIC – Investing in Africa 2023 reflects its commitment to promoting investment opportunities in Africa, driving capital inflows and increasing the ease of doing business for investors. The conference allows attendees to discover new investment opportunities, forge valuable business partnerships, and exchange critical insights on the African market.
“We are thrilled to be the lead sponsor of AFSIC – Investing in Africa 2023”, stated Preston Ideh, CEO of Stears. “Stears is committed to fostering an environment where African investors can thrive. Our sponsorship of AFSIC aligns perfectly with our mission to provide reliable and actionable intelligence to global decision-makers interested in Africa. Through this partnership, we aim to enable more quick, accurate decisions for both financial and operational opportunities on the continent.”
Stears’ deep expertise with African data and AFSIC’s prestigious platform will create an environment where Africa-focused conversations and connections can flourish. The conference will provide a unique opportunity for investors to learn about the latest trends in the African market and network with leading industry figures.
Stears join a growing group of prestigious sponsors who are supporting AFSIC 2023 as they celebrate their tenth anniversary and the commitment of so many underlines the importance of AFSIC’s continued focus on driving investment into Africa. Country-focused investment summits, high level networking, investor meetings and industry relevant content are just some of the sessions that AFSIC 2023 will deliver, once again supported by many of Africa’s most important investors, Prosper Africa, a wide range of Development Finance Institutions, and leading African corporate executives.
For more information visit our website www.afsic.net.
About Stears:
For global organisations investing in African markets, Stears is the data and insights provider that enables quick, accurate decisions for financial and operational opportunities. Stears customers access raw data from various sources, trend data for a wide range of data sets, and constantly updated analysis by researchers. Unlike other providers, Stears goes beyond just data to provide insights and context based on knowledge of local markets and delivers it all in an easy-to-use interface usable by anyone.
About AFSIC – Investing in Africa:
AFSIC – Investing in Africa has become perhaps Africa’s most important annual investment event. The event is owned by Africa Events Limited. AFSIC is wholly focused on accelerating Africa’s economic emergence by matching investment opportunities in Africa transforming Africa’s business, trade and investment environment, growing Africa’s economy, reducing poverty, and increasing African incomes in all business sectors at a continental scale across all 54 countries in Africa.
African Investments Limited (www.africaninvestments.co), a sister company to Africa Events Limited, operates two multi award-winning digital platforms, the AFSIC African Investments Dashboard which matches investment opportunities to our global network of institutional investors and the Africa Business Opportunities Dashboard, which matches business, trade and investment opportunities across Africa covering all business products, sectors, countries in Africa and multiple business objectives. The digital platforms won the global 2022 Salesforce Partner Innovation Award for Financial Services.
Resources:
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Ndan Yaa Na’s Welcome Address to the Defence Minister, National Security Coordinator and Their Entourage.
YENDI,Gbewaa Royal Palace, Northern Ghana,11th July 2023.
Read by Zangbalun Naa Dr Yakubu Il
(Chief of Zangbalun Traditional Area.)
Good morning everyone. It’s a great pleasure to see our Honorable Defense Minister, The National Security Minister, our Hon. Regional Minister and all honorable members of your entourage here in my Palace today. I welcome you heartily to the Gbewaa Palace and Dagbon as a whole.
The importance of your visit is not lost on us and you couldn’t have come at a more opportune time to the Gbewaa Palace amidst the rumors of imminent war that has plagued the region for a couple of weeks now.
These rumors that are being peddled through social media have intensified and become ugly as the perpetrators add their spin to them. This has made it difficult for the people in the region to go about their normal duties at home and in the farms.
And as you are aware we are in the peak of the farming season and almost all of us are engaged in the fields.
It has gotten to the extent of peddling lies about attacks that do not exist. And one of such cases, that you are all aware of by now, got residents from Sunson, two days ago, fleeing at mid night to Yendi for protection. I personally sent my emissaries to find out and it turned out to be a false alarm.
The rumors have gotten students fleeing from school and workers leaving their places of work and you know what will become of their future. You guess is as good as mine.
Not the Dagombas nor the Konkombas are happy about what is happening. Nobody needs a war. A war in which there would be no winners. We will all be the losers.
Dagbon and the Northern Region are for us all, those who hail from the region and those from other regions and living with us. We make no distinction among them.
So it behoves on all of us to protect the region and ensure its development for the complete eradication of poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition, maternal and child mortality. These are our real enemies.
We need to direct our strengths and resources towards these real enemies so that we create the jobs our youth lacks for fulfilling livelihoods.
Though we cannot downplay the importance of this meeting but it would have been totally uncalled for if we did what we promised to do.
We and the Hon. Defense Minister and most have tread this path before and resolved to take certain actions. Including the apprehension of the certain persons operating the social media handles spewing out hate speech.
We reneged on our promise and considered our previous meeting a thing of ridicule.
That is why we are where we are today. Now we are back to square to engage in another round of rhetoric.
What will make this meeting different from the previous one? What are our intentions behind the rhetoric? How far do we want to go to ensure peaceful coexistence in our region? How far do we intend to go to ensure that our children complete their education and get employed in a developing region?
These are some of questions I need answer to. Convince me and the people of Dagbon and the Northern Region.
Anyway as traditional leaders of this region, our main duty and responsibility is to ensure the security and safety of our people and to continuously strive for the environment that will enhance the development of the region.
Anything shon of this makes us unworthy of holding ourselves as leaders of our people.
All said and done I thank you all for making it to my Palace today.
May Allah SWT bless Dagbon.
Allah bless the Northern Region
And Allah bless our homeland Ghana.
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KOYA and DAGBON FORUM URGE CALM AMONGST KONKOMBAS AND DAGOMBAS IN RESPONSE TO SOCIAL MEDIA HATE SPEECHES.
ACCRA,Ghana,July 10,2023-The Konkomba Youth Association (KOYA) and Dagbon Forum have come together to address
the recent surge in social media hate speeches targeting the Konkomba and Dagomba
communities. We stand united in our commitment to promoting peace, harmony, and
understanding among all residents of Northern GhanaWe want to emphasize that the leadership of KOYA and the entire Nkpakpaando is in close
contact with the leadership of Dagbon Forum and the entire Dagbon. Together, we are actively
working towards maintaining peace and security for all communities.We recognize the concerns and anxieties that may arise in such situations, but we want to assure
all Konkombas and Dagombas that there is no need for panic or fear. The leadership of both
KOYA and DF, are committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all Konkombas and
Dagombas and fostering a peaceful coexistence between our communities.We have engaged in ongoing dialogue and communication as leaders to address the tensions
and mitigate any potential conflicts. Through open lines of communication, we are actively
addressing the issues at hand, seeking resolutions, and promoting understanding amongst all
parties involved.Both KOYA and Dagbon Forum strongly condemn the dissemination of hateful and divisive
rhetorics on social media platforms. Such inflammatory content stokes tension, threatens social
cohesion, and has the potential to incite violence. We firmly believe that respect, dialogue, and
unity are the foundations for building a peaceful society.In light of the recent events, we urgently appeal to all members of the Konkomba and Dagomba
communities to remain calm, exercise restraint, and reject the influence of those spreading hate
speeches. It is crucial that we recognize the destructive intent behind these incitements and
adopt a collective response based on reason and empathy.We call upon responsible social media users to report any hate-filled content encountered
online to the appropriate platforms. By working together, we can help prevent the proliferation
of harmful speech and contribute to the creation of a safer and more inclusive digital
environment.Therefore, we urge all Konkomba and Dagomba students and workers in both Konkomba and
Dagomba areas to remain calm and continue with their daily routines without fear. We
understand the importance of education and livelihoods, and we want to assure you that
concerted efforts are being made to safeguard your well-being.We encourage all residents of the Northern Region to be cautious of rumours and
misinformation that may circulate during these challenging times. Verify information through
reputable sources and refrain from engaging in activities that may escalate tensions or
contribute to misunderstandings.Furthermore, we implore the government, community leaders, religious groups, and civil
society organizations to actively engage in promoting peacebuilding initiatives and fostering
understanding between the Konkomba and Dagomba communities. It is incumbent upon us to
reject hate and actively seek paths toward sustainable peace and harmony.We also urge law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities to investigate and take
appropriate action against individuals found to be engaging in hate speech, in accordance with
the laws governing our society. Safeguarding peace and ensuring the safety of all citizens is a
shared responsibility that requires the active participation of all stakeholders.The leadership and elders from our communities will continue to engage in areas of mutual
interest including addressing high rates of food and nutrition insecurity, illiteracy, infant
mortality, and general levels of underdevelopment and poverty.We urge all Konkombas and Dagbambas to go about their usual businesses and report anything
suspicious to the security agencies.In closing, KOYA and Dagbon Forum reiterate our unwavering commitment to fostering
peaceful coexistence between the Konkomba and Dagomba communities. Together, we can
overcome the misguided actions of a few and build a society that values unity, tolerance, and
respect for all.Thank you
Signatories;
JAWOL BISUNNA TITUS
KOYA President
0245731023
CHIEF SAKOYANAA MAHAMA
IDDRISU SINTARO
Dagbon Forum President
0548780962
ELVIS POLIYEH NAGBIJA
KOYA General Secretary
0245036606
AHMED ABDUL-RAZAK DE-GANGSO
Dagbon Forum General Secretary
0202984 -
Invest in Niger Spotlight at African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 to Connect E&P Players with Industry Leaders
The 2023 edition of African Energy Week will host an Invest in Niger Energies country spotlight, promoting opportunities, facilitating investment and kickstarting a new wave of project developments in the country JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, July 7, 2023/ — The Government of Niger is making great strides towards opening the domestic market for foreign investment, working closely with a suite of energy players and investors to drive long-term and sustainable developments.
As the market grows, the regulatory environment has been made that much more attractive, and the Government is inviting investors to join the burgeoning sector.During this year’s edition of the African Energy Week (AEW) conference and exhibition – scheduled for October 16-20 in Cape Town – a dedicated Invest in Niger Energies country spotlight session will provide potential investors with crucial insight into the developing market. Comprising a roundtable discussion, technical presentations, networking event and deal rooms, the summit serves as a networking and engagement hub for the country’s energy sector and is set to unlock a wave of opportunities and outcomes.At the center of the country spotlight is collaboration.
While Niger currently produces an average 20,000 barrels of crude oil per day, efforts to ramp up exploration and the development of regional pipelines are set to increase these levels substantially. The country holds approximately 3.7 billion barrels of proven oil reserves and over 24 billion cubic meters of recoverable gas reserves, thus creating an exciting investment prospect. High oil exploration success, attractive fiscal terms and relatively low operational costs associated with the market promise high returns for players.
As such, the AEW 2023 country spotlight will provide crucial updates into upstream prospects, avenues for investments and both regional and global trends. Notwithstanding an upstream push, Niger is making progress towards connecting domestic basins to regional consumers through the construction of cross-border pipeline networks. With much of Niger’s crude exported to regional markets including Nigeria, Mali and Burkina Faso, the country is eager to increase exports and facilitate intra-African trade.
Projects underway include the 2,000 km Niger-Benin Pipeline, connecting Diffa in Niger to Bight of Benin. The project is currently 75% complete and on-track to transport crude this year. Additionally, the multi-billion Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline is making progress with a taskforce and roadmap established for its development by the respective ministries of Niger, Algeria and Nigeria.
The 4,128 km pipeline will run from Warri in Nigeria to Hassi R’Mel gas field in Algeria via Nigeria, creating a direct connection between Nigeria and Algeria’s gas fields while bringing significant benefits for Niger.Meanwhile, opportunities for investment transcend hydrocarbons with Niger making progress to expand its renewable energy sector. Investors have already expressed their interest in investing in the promising market, with Niger offering abundant solar and wind resources.
Savannah Energy Niger Solar inked a deal with the Government this year for the development of two solar power plants with a combined capacity of 200 MW, following a 2022 deal between the company and country for the construction of a 250 MW wind project.
These projects barely scratch the surface of Niger’s clean energy potential, and the AEW 2023 country spotlight will connect new players to Nigerien opportunities.“The opportunities for investment in Niger cannot be overstated. As a relatively untapped market, the country is inviting regional and global players to participate and help grow the entire energy value chain from oil and gas exploration to processing and refining to distribution and retail.
The AEW 2023 country spotlight is a unique opportunity for potential investors and project developers to meet with Nigerien leaders, discuss opportunities for collaboration and sign deals,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC, adding that, “AEW 2023 takes place under a mandate to make energy poverty history by 2030. Investing in Niger’s energy sector will not only enable the continent to achieve this goal but promises high returns on investment for participating players.
”The Invest in Niger Energies represents just one of many country spotlights set to take place during this year’s edition of AEW. Representing the premier event for the African energy sector, AEW 2023 is committed to making energy poverty history by 2030 by providing a platform where stakeholders can meet, network and sign deals. Taking place in Cape Town from October 16-20, AEW 2023 serves as the biggest gathering of energy stakeholders on the continent.
For more information, visit. www.AECWeek.com
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.SOURCE
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Konkombas and Dagombas Urged to Remain Calm
………..As KOYA and Dagbon Forum Leadership Step Up Engagement
A rumored planned Konkomba war offensive allegedly targeted at a number of Dagomba towns to kick-off today Monday, further beefed up tension yesterday between Konkombas and their age-long Dagomba neighbours prompting the Konkomba Youth Association(KOYA) last night to issue an official statement assuring Konkombas resident in Dagbon that its leadership was in close contact with their counterparts of the Dagbon Forum(DF).
Now read the full statement for more details
The Konkomba Youth Association (KOYA) issues this statement to assure all Konkombas residing in
Dagomba areas and other parts of Northern Ghana to remain calm and steadfast during these turbulent times.We want to emphasize that the leadership of KOYA is in close contact with the leadership of Dagbon Forum,
and together, we are actively working towards maintaining peace and security for all communities.We recognize the concerns and anxieties that may arise in such situations, but we want to assure all
Konkombas that there is no need for panic or fear. KOYA, in collaboration with the Dagbon Forum (DF)
leadership, is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all Konkombas and fostering a peaceful
coexistence between our communities.We have engaged in ongoing dialogue and communication with leaders of DF to address the tensions and
mitigate any potential conflicts. Through open lines of communication, we are actively addressing the issues
at hand, seeking resolutions, and promoting understanding amongst all parties involved.Therefore, we urge all Konkomba students and workers in Dagomba areas to remain calm and continue with
their daily routines without fear. We understand the importance of education and livelihoods, and we want
to assure you that concerted efforts are being made to safeguard your well-being.We encourage all residents to be cautious of rumours and misinformation that may circulate during these
challenging times. Verify information through reputable sources and refrain from engaging in activities that
may escalate tensions or contribute to misunderstandings.KOYA, in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, is firmly committed to establishing and
maintaining a peaceful environment for everyone.We call upon the Regional Security Council, Northern Regional Peace Council, Community Leaders, Local Authorities, and Law Enforcement Agencies to work hand in hand with us to foster mutual respect, cooperation, and harmony.
Finally, we extend our gratitude to all Konkombas for their patience, resilience, and commitment to peaceful
coexistence. Together, we can overcome these challenges and build a brighter future for all communities in
Northern Ghana.Sincerely
Nagbija Elvis Poliyeh
[General Secretary- KOYA]
9TH July, 2023
General Secretary: +233 245036606
National President: +233 245731023 -
A Model for Africa: Côte d’Ivoire Health Ministry Announces New Initiative to Become Self-Sufficient in Paediatric Cardiology Surgery
The goal of the new initiative is to build a national effort to diagnose and treat many more children
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, July 7, 2023/ — Launched by Mitrelli Group, Menomadin Foundation, Save a Child’s Heart, Côte d’Ivoire Health Ministry and Abidjan Institute of Cardiology; Côte d’Ivoire Minister of Health: “Health-independence is a national strategic priority, and this project is a major step on the road to that vital goal.” ; Taking part in the project: Mitrelli’ s health subsidiary Promed International (Switzerland) and the Sylvan Adams Children’s Hospital (Israel), AFCAO and CHU Nantes (France).
The Mitrelli Group (https://Mitrelli.com/), the Menomadin Foundation (https://MenomadinFoundation.com/), Save a Child’s Heart (https://SaveaChildsHeart.org/), and the Côte d’Ivoire Health Ministry, this week announced an innovative local-capacity-building initiative in Côte d’Ivoire to establish the country’s local capabilities in the field of life-saving paediatric cardiac surgery, and enable the country to become a model for self-sufficiency in this field in the continent.
The initiative is rooted in the “UN’s Sustainable Development Goal to promote Good Health and Well Being”.
Approximately 1 in every 100 babies born in the world suffers from congenital heart disease (CHD), which are structural heart anomalies that occur during pregnancy when the heart or major blood vessels fail to develop properly. CHD is the most common type of birth defect, but with advanced medical care and treatment, the chances of infants and children fully recovering from CHD and living normal adult lives are better than ever. However, in countries where the necessary treatments are unavailable, CHD is the leading cause of mortality in the first year of life.
According to the WHO (https://apo-opa.info/3O1Ps2F), 2,700 out of 300,000 births registered each year in Côte d’Ivoire, suffer from congenital heart disease. However, the screening rate for these congenital heart diseases is very low (11%).
The goal of the new initiative is to build a national effort to diagnose and treat many more children, while jointly establishing Côte d’Ivoire’s paediatric cardiac surgery health-independence with advanced medical knowledge and resources.
As part of this new partnership, projected to last for 5 years, the Institut de Cardiologie d’Abidjan’s medical staff will undergo advanced training in various heart-related procedures from French and Israeli cardiology teams, enhancing their existing professional capabilities. Delegations of surgeons will travel throughout the year to Côte d’Ivoire, to perform operations on young patients, and provide training for local medical teams. In addition, medical teams from Côte d’Ivoire will benefit from state-of-the-art training in Israel in different fields of paediatric cardiac care.
The project will serve Côte d’Ivoire as a model and a reference point for paediatric cardiac surgery in Africa – not only reducing mortality rates but also improving quality of life for children. Meanwhile, the most serious and urgent cases will be transferred for immediate care in Israel.
The announcement of the initiative was made at a special meeting at the Côte d’Ivoire Ministry of Health and included the participation of nine children with heart deficiencies, ranging between the ages of 1 to 13 years old, who are traveling to Israel in the coming days to undergo life-saving heart procedures at the Sylvan Adams Children’s Hospital through Save a Child’s Heart.
In 2020, during the early stages of the project, the foundation, “Children of Africa” under the patronage of First Lady Mrs. Dominique Ouattara, Mitrelli Group, Menomadin Foundation and the NGO “Save a Child’s Heart”, worked together to facilitate successful surgeries in Israel for five children suffering from cardiologic conditions.
Minister of Health of Cote d’Ivoire Mr. Pierre Dimba spoke on the importance of health independence as a strategy of the government. “Patients with heart defects require not only surgery but also post-treatment. Sending children abroad for surgery is a blessing but not a long-term solution. Achieving health-independence in the field of paediatric cardiological care especially, is a national strategic priority, and this project is the first step on the road to that vital goal. Our vision is to stop outsourcing our healthcare, and instead begin to export our own capabilities to help others.”
He added, “We are extremely pleased with the cooperation with our partners and the treatments of our children at the Sylvan Adams Children’s Hospital through Save a Child’s Heart and we are looking forward to establishing this extremely important and strategic health model for our country and happy to see it serve as a model cross-Africa.”
Haim Taib, Founder and President of Mitrelli Group and Menomadin Foundation and President of Save a Child’s Heart Africa said: “This is an incredible opportunity to make a difference in the wellbeing of children and their future through upgrading local capacities and creating sustainable solutions. If 1% of children in the country need heart surgery, philanthropic activity, however blessed, is just a drop in the ocean. In order to create a significant, sustainable and long-term impact, the government must be involved, because only the government has the power to create a long-term solution.
This is the Mitrelli model – to build long term sustainable development solutions in cooperation with our local partners in health, agriculture, education, and more, to create real impact. Together with Menomadin’s ability to provide solutions based on national roadmaps and impact management, I am sure that Cote d’Ivoire will be a model for additional countries. We are extremely encouraged by Cote d’Ivoire leadership – the president and health minister – and their commitment to building a self-sufficient model to treat children, and proud to be working with such special partners.”
Eva Peled, Mitrelli’s Partner in Côte d’Ivoire stated: “We have been working with the government of Côte d’Ivoire and its ministry of health for several years. We discovered a wonderful country with many hidden gems, among which is the Abidjan Institute of Cardiology (ICA). The ambitious vision of His Excellency Alassane Ouattara, President of Côte d’Ivoire, has made the health sector a priority for the nation’s citizens. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Patrick Achi and the guidance of the Minister of Health Pierre Dimba, we are honored and proud to join forces in this humane initiative, which reflects our shared beliefs and values. We believe that Côte d’Ivoire will not only become a point of reference for cardiac surgeries, but for many other sectors in Africa.”
Professor Mohamed Ly, cardiac surgeon, and President of the AFCOA, added: “This extraordinary partnership signifies a monumental step towards providing essential surgical care and empowering local teams, ensuring a brighter future for children who currently lack access to these critical services.”
Simon Fisher, Executive Director of Save a Child’s Heart: “We are very grateful to the Mitrelli Group and the Menomadin Foundation for their partnership and for initiating the expansion to Cote d’Ivoire of Save a Child’s Heart activities.
The arrival of the group of nine children in Israel for lifesaving treatment at the Sylvan Adams Children’s Hospital is a major step in the implementation of this strategic initiative in partnership with the Côte d’Ivoire Health Ministry and the Institut de Cardiologie d’Abidjan.
This group of children, and future groups to be treated in Israel, will complement the capacity building efforts in Côte d’Ivoire led by the Association Française du Coeur pour l’Afrique de l’Ouest (AFCAO) and the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Nantes from France turning this initiative into an truly international project that will lead to Côte d’Ivoire to becoming self-sustainable in Paediatric Cardiac Care and a Regional leader in the field.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mitrelli Group.
For more information, please visit:
www.Mitrelli.com
www.MenomadinFoundation.com
https://SaveaChildsHeart.org/
https://apo-opa.info/44vgDZ9 -
Inter-Ethnic Dynamics in Northern Region
TAMALE,Northern Ghana,July 6,2023-The attention of the Northern Regional Peace Council has been drawn to
video commentaries on social media and press releases by certain
individuals and youth associations which have heightened tension in the
area.The council is deeply concern about the development and appeals
to traditional authorities, religious leaders, organized groups and the
general public to remain calm in the face of all forms of provocations as
mandated institutions take steps to address the situation.The Council strongly condemns any act that undermines our collective
progress and jeopardizes the peaceful environment we have strived to
build.Citizens are entreated to act in ways that will contribute to
sustainable peace and to make way for development of the region. We
have the responsibility to ensure peaceful co-existence and to refrain
from making sweeping generalizations.
We call on all the people of the region to exercise restraint and
circumspection in their comments and pronouncements on the matter.Social media users are entreated to avoid misinformation,
disinformation, falsehoods, and use of abusive and insightful languages.This is the right time for reflections and to remind ourselves of the
common values we hold as people of the region and we must be engaged
in activities that will promote social cohesion.The Council further urges regional and national security institutions to
swiftly arrest and prosecute any individual or group of persons seeking
to undermine peaceful coexistence in the region.We entreat all groups to endeavor to undertake complimentary roles to
address and improve growth rate in the region.Let’s allow peace to prevail in the Northern Region
Thank you.
Alhaji Mohammed Awal Alhassan
For. Most. Rev. Matthew Yitiereh
(NRPC Chairman)