Author: Tunde

The introduction of two newly licensed vaccines to protect infants against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in South Africa is being hindered by their high costs, according to Professor Shabir Madhi from Wits University. Madhi stated that the national health department is in negotiations with manufacturers to secure a reduced price for the maternal RSV vaccine, which, although available privately, remains unaffordable for most expectant mothers. He highlighted the prohibitive costs as a significant barrier to their public health implementation. RSV is a prevalent virus that can lead to serious pneumonia and lower respiratory tract infections in babies. The first vaccine,…

Foster was permitted to return to the UK for his child’s funeral, provided he returned to Cyprus last week for the plea hearing. His lawyer, Alexandros Alexandrou, plans to request that the court remove travel restrictions, allowing his client to be with his wife and daughter until the next hearing. In July, the Paphos District Court heard that the boy fell through an open window while being held by his father, who was swinging him side to side. Alexandrou stated that Foster chose to plead guilty to avoid a lengthy trial that would force the family to relive the tragedy…

First Lady Fatima Bio met with Türkiye’s First Lady, Emine Erdoğan, to discuss the progress of a new 150-bed pediatric hospital in Bo, Sierra Leone. The meeting centred on the hospital project, which is a collaboration with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and aims to enhance paediatric healthcare in the region. Fatima Bio described the initiative as a crucial investment in the health and future of Sierra Leone’s children, emphasising her dedication to ensuring all children have access to quality healthcare, irrespective of their birthplace. The hospital will benefit families in Bo and surrounding communities, improving local access…

Residents of Chad’s Lake Province are facing severe challenges due to climate change. This region, which relies heavily on the lake for fishing and farming, has seen significant disruptions from unpredictable weather patterns. Fishermen are struggling with dwindling fish stocks, while farmers contend with damaged land and rising living costs. Central Africa’s once-productive area is being pushed further into crisis after years of threats from Boko Haram jihadists. Our correspondent Harold Girard spoke to some residents who depend on the environmental stability of Lake Chad for their livelihoods. Source link

The Director General of the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), Chernor Mamoud Jalloh, and Deputy Director General Mohamed Bangura, along with senior officials, recently visited the newly appointed Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, at the Ministry’s Headquarters in New England Ville, Freetown. During the meeting, they provided a comprehensive update on NASSIT’s current programmes, operational priorities, and planned reforms. This was an opportunity for NASSIT to outline its work plans and seek closer collaboration with the Ministry, which oversees policy direction for the Trust. They emphasised the importance of aligning NASSIT’s programmes with…

No 10 Confirms Manchester Will Host Next Year’s G20 Summit Downing Street has announced that Manchester will host the G20 summit next year. This comes on the heels of previous comments from Andy Burnham regarding Donald Trump when he was first expected to visit Manchester during a state visit, although he never did so. According to the Manchester Evening News, Burnham arranged to invite Trump during their first phone call after he became Prime Minister, and Trump reportedly accepted the invitation. Planning for the event has already begun, with preparations for the largest security operation in the city’s history underway.…

Sierra Leone is facing a serious governance crisis as criminal activities, political instability, and institutional decline intersect. Recent reports of foreign “investors” arriving with considerable unexplained wealth have escalated into a national security emergency, endangering the country’s international reputation and economic stability. At the centre of this turmoil is notorious drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers, also known as Omar Sheriff. He is wanted globally for drug trafficking, money laundering, and violent crime, and his operations in Sierra Leone reflect a significant governance failure. The infiltration of Sierra Leone’s political system by a foreign criminal network has revealed severe weaknesses in immigration…

DANGOTE Refinery Moves into Nigeria’s Public Market Amidst Economic Uncertainty DANGOTE Refinery is entering Nigeria’s public markets at a turbulent time for the global economy. The United States is exhibiting industrial weakness, while long-term financing costs remain high. In contrast, China reports strong industrial production, although domestic consumption and investment are faltering. Europe is facing sluggish industrial activity compounded by rising energy costs. Across Africa, reliance on imported refined petroleum persists despite increasing energy demands. In the US, manufacturing output fell by 0.3% in August 2026, halting seven months of growth, while overall industrial production remained stagnant. Capacity utilisation is…

Zelensky Arrives in New York for UN General Assembly as Russian Attacks Continue Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has landed in New York alongside First Lady Olena Zelenska for the UN General Assembly, where he aims to negotiate a stop to strikes on the energy sector and secure a new drone deal with allies. Later today, Zelensky will meet with US President Donald Trump to discuss a potential truce protecting heating and power facilities before winter. French President Emmanuel Macron also met with Zelensky and highlighted the urgency to halt energy infrastructure strikes, fearing millions of Ukrainian families may suffer from…

IMF Director Praises Sierra Leone’s Economic Progress New York, United States, 21 September 2026 – Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has praised President Julius Maada Bio for Sierra Leone’s notable strides in macroeconomic stability. Her comments came during a meeting with the President at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Georgieva highlighted the country’s substantial progress in its collaboration with the IMF, despite facing global economic challenges. “This is a difficult time for governments everywhere, particularly due to rising energy costs,” she noted. She reiterated the IMF’s dedication to assisting Sierra Leone…