A new peer-to-peer programme pairs emerging designers from the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa for a landmark creative opportunity offering studio space, mentorship, and direct access to buyers, press, and industry leaders
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 18 March 2026 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/- The British Council together with Paul Smith’s Foundation and Projekt today announced the launch of the Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield a new international exchange programme bringing together a total of six fashion designers from the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa. The programme kicked off effective from 16 to 23 March 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with the aim to collaborate, share expertise, and forge sustainable creative and professional relationships. The programme marks a significant step in positioning London as a genuinely global fashion hub, built on equal partnership rather than one-way knowledge skills transfer.
Farai Ncube, Regional Arts Director, British Council said: ‘This initiative reflects the British Council’s commitment to supporting the creative economy across Africa and the UK by placing creative professionals and their potential at the centre of sustainable growth. Through authentic collaboration, skills exchange, and mutual respect across cultures, we support designers and creative practitioners in building sustainable enterprises and accessing global markets. This cross-continental residency exchange in London and Ethiopia, with an emphasis on craftsmanship and sustainability, will help foster enduring partnerships, facilitate knowledge sharing, and unlock new opportunities for creative talent to thrive and collaborate across borders.’
The six participating designers namely: Solome Asfaw (Ethiopia), Reneta Brehna (UK), Chido Kaseke (Zimbabwe), Bettydora Odhiambo (Kenya), Karoline Vitto (UK), and YAKU (UK) were selected from a closed call application by a jury including representatives from The British Council, Projekt and Paul Smith’s Foundation will receive direct access to industry leaders, buyers, and press through studio tours, professional networking and personal introductions; structured mentorship from Paul Smith’s Foundation’s extensive professional network; production support and facilities access throughout collection development; showcasing opportunities and sustained commercial guidance extending six months post-programme.
‘I was so impressed by the talent of these designers. This kind of residency nurtures the future shapers of the fashion industry, particularly through its invaluable cultural exchange. It reminds us of the importance of learning from voices around the world, and being inspired by our peers,’ said IB Kamara, Creative Director of Off-White.
International designers will be hosted within the Fashion Residency at Studio Smithfield a flagship business development programme for early-career fashion designers created by the Mayor of London, Projekt and Paul Smith’s Foundation, with support from British GQ and the City of London Corporation. The Residency offers free studio space for 18 months and more than 80 hours of business training delivered by industry experts.
‘We’re very excited to be working with the British Council and Paul Smith’s Foundation on this new, innovative programme. Providing subsidised and funded spaces and opportunities for collaboration is a key part of Projekts’ ethos, and we’re proud that this programme reflects our commitment to offering space and infrastructure that enables designers to develop and grow their businesses,’ Nick Hartwright, CEO of Projekt.
Rather than a traditional mentorship model, the programme is designed so that UK and African designers learn from each other sharing perspectives on sustainability, traditional craftsmanship, digital innovation, and the distinct challenges and opportunities of their respective markets. Practical studio sessions are woven together with cultural immersion and reflective learning, creating an experience that deepens each designer’s creative identity and sharpens their commercial edge.
‘We are delighted to be co-creating this new opportunity for international creative exchange. At Paul Smith’s Foundation we champion the enduring value of peer-to-peer support, and are excited to see how these brilliant brands develop their vision through the sharing of knowledge, skills and experiences,’ added Martha Mosse, Director of Paul Smith’s Foundation.
At the heart of Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield is a commitment to genuine creative equality. Rather than traditional mentorship models, the programme aims to strengthen participants’ understanding of sustainability, traditional craftsmanship, and digital innovation while expanding their entrepreneurial and creative skill sets. By blending practical, hands-on sessions with reflective learning and cultural immersion, the programme intends to create a holistic experience that enhances each designer’s creative identity and professional potential.
About The British Council Creative DNA The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We do this through our work in arts and culture, education and the English language. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2024–25 we reached 599 million people. Creative DNA is a flagship programme of the British Council’s creative economy portfolio in Sub-Saharan Africa. Since 2020, it has supported over 200 fashion entrepreneurs across Kenya, Uganda, Senegal, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Malawi through mentorship, business development, and showcasing opportunities. The programme is designed to strengthen creative enterprises, foster inclusion, and build international connections between Africa and the UK. www.britishcouncil.org
About Projekt Projekt was founded by Nicholas Hartwright as a social enterprise in 2012 in response to the lack of affordable creative workspaces in London. Since then, Projekt has opened an arts hotel, multiple creative large-scale music venues and hosts a wide range of events of organisations across its London sites, spanning over a million square feet and directly supporting hundreds of creative business tenants and organisations. Through Projekt’s work with the Mayor of London, the Greater London Authority, the Corporation of London and the British Council, the team at Projekt have come to understand that it’s about providing spaces and building networks, fostering community and shaping culture. This approach to large-scale community building is reflected in Projekt’s ability to collaborate with clients from the ground up and runs through the heart of Projekt’s development and repurposing of every site whether a smaller individual building or a large-scale development project. www.thisisprojekt.com
About Paul Smith’s Foundation Paul Smith’s Foundation supports early career creative people working in fashion, visual arts, and design. Through in depth and bespoke business mentoring, the Foundation equips creatives with the insight, tools, and network they need to establish and sustain a healthy business for the long term. Through partnerships, we create paid opportunities to freely make, encouraging curiosity and experimentation without financial burden, whilst nurturing potential to help shape a dynamic and enterprising creative sector. https://www.paulsmithsfoundation.org/
By Zwelethu Bashman, Managing Director, MSD South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, Marloes Kibacha, Managing Director, Africa Health Business, Cheyenne Braganza, Senior Project Associate, Africa Health Business
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 22 January 2026 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/ –
Introduction Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women globally, despite being almost entirely preventable. In Africa, it continues to claim lives not because science has failed, but because policy ambition has fallen short. Over 200 strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) exist, with 12 high-risk types responsible for most HPV-related cancers. [1] Although HPV vaccines can prevent almost 90% of cervical cancer, most women remain unvaccinated, leaving cervical cancer among the top killers of women worldwide, with more than 94% of deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. [2] At current rates of vaccination and coverage, hundreds of thousands of African women will die from a cancer that could have been prevented with vaccines already available.
Cervical cancer hits the hardest where vulnerability is greatest. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies sub-Saharan Africa as the region with the highest prevalence of cervical HPV, affecting nearly one in four women. [3] Women living with HIV face an even steeper risk, as weakened immune systems make them more susceptible to persistent HPV infection and four to five times more likely to develop invasive cervical cancer. [4] Without urgent action, these inequities will continue to drive preventable deaths across the continent. Recently, Gavi’s inclusion of higher-valency HPV vaccines is an important development in the global HPV prevention landscape and a relevant consideration for countries across sub-Saharan Africa as they continue to strengthen cervical cancer prevention efforts.
Vaccinating Girls First: Africa’s Critical Foundation In 2018, the WHO launched a global call to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat, built on three pillars: vaccination, screening, and timely treatment. Central to this strategy is fully vaccinating 90% of girls by age 15. [5] This focus on adolescent girls is a critical foundation, and African countries have made meaningful progress in recent years.
Rwanda offers a powerful example. In 2011, it became the first African country to introduce a national HPV vaccination program targeting adolescent girls through a robust school-based platform. Today, Rwanda has achieved over 90% coverage among eligible girls, one of the highest rates globally. [6] This success reflects strong political leadership, community trust, and effective delivery systems. But even Rwanda’s success highlights a fundamental limitation. High coverage among adolescent girls alone does not protect older women, boys, or men, nor does it fully interrupt HPV transmission within the broader population. A girls-only strategy, while necessary, is insufficient for elimination.
HPV Is Not a Women-Only Virus HPV continues to be framed primarily as a women’s health issue because of its link to cervical cancer. This framing is both incomplete and counterproductive. Men are not only carriers of HPV, they are also affected by HPV-related disease. Globally, one in three men is infected with at least one HPV strain, often after age 15. [7] In sub-Saharan Africa, HPV prevalence among men remains high, sustaining community-level transmission. [8]
HPV also causes anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers, conditions that disproportionately affect men and are increasing globally. [8, 9] Excluding boys and men from vaccination strategies perpetuates transmission to women and leaves men unprotected from largely preventable cancers.
Why Gender-Neutral Vaccination Matters for Elimination If Africa is serious about elimination, vaccination strategies must reflect how HPV actually spreads. Expanding vaccination to boys and men is not only a matter of equity, it is an epidemiological necessity. Gender-neutral vaccination accelerates herd immunity, reduces circulation of high-risk HPV types, and offers critical protection for high-risk populations, including people living with HIV. [10]
Yet progress remains uneven. Only 29 of 54 African countries have implemented national HPV vaccination programs, and nearly all focus exclusively on girls aged 9 to 14. [11]This is an important starting point, but it will not break the cycle of transmission. Elimination demands moving beyond a single cohort and a single gender.
The Forgotten Cohort: Women Who Aged Out While adolescent girls remain the priority, millions of women across Africa missed HPV vaccination entirely. Many aged out before programs were introduced, while others were missed due to COVID 19 disruptions. [12] These women, now in their 20s and 30s, represent the largest group at near term risk and will drive cervical cancer incidence over the next decade if left unprotected. [13]
In addition, women living with HIV (WLHIV) require tailored protection. Sub-Saharan Africa carries the world’s highest prevalence of HIV among women. [14] WLHIV experience higher rates of persistent HPV infection, faster quicker disease progression, increased recurrence, and poorer outcomes. Modelling shows that vaccinating WLHIV aged 10–45 could reduce new cervical cancer cases by 4.7% overall and by 10% among WLHIV. [15]
The evidence is clear. Sexually active women over 15 still benefit from HPV vaccination, as they may not have been exposed to all high-risk HPV types. [16, 17] Catch-up vaccination, particularly when combined with screening, can substantially reduce future cancer incidence. Integrating HPV vaccination into HIV care, university health services, and workplace health programs offers practical, scalable pathways to reach this cohort. [18]
The socioeconomic case is clear. Women contribute an estimated 35–45% of GDP across the region. Preventing cervical cancer protects households, sustains productivity, and reduces catastrophic health expenditure. [19] Yet across the continent, adult women remain largely invisible in HPV prevention policies. This gap is not scientific. It is political.
Leadership, Systems, and Smarter Policy Choices African governments are central to closing the HPV protection gap. While the number of countries delivering HPV vaccines has tripled since 2019 and coverage has doubled, the regional average remains just 52%, far below the 90% target. [20] Sustainable progress requires integrating HPV vaccines into routine immunization schedules, securing predictable domestic financing, and strengthening supply chains.
Kenya’s recent decision to introduce a single-dose HPV vaccine for girls shows how policy can adapt to improve efficiency and access. However, simplification alone will not address missed cohorts or limited population-level protection. Other countries in the region are also adapting policy to expand reach, with Botswana integrating higher-valency HPV vaccines within national prevention planning aligned with HIV care, and Eswatini expanding HPV vaccination in 2024 to include adolescent girls and young women living with HIV. [21, 22]
Adult vaccination pathways should be integrated into reproductive health services, alongside catch-up vaccination for older adolescents and women. Efforts should target cohorts missed by school-based programmes, including out-of-school girls and WLHIV – using multi-channel delivery platforms such as clinics, HIV programmes, mobile outreach, and innovative community-based models. [23]
As science evolves, policy must keep pace. Transitioning to nonavalent vaccines offers broader protection against high-risk HPV types and greater long-term impact in high-burden settings. [24] Procurement decisions should be driven by epidemiology, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability, not short-term constraints.
The Role of Partnerships and Innovation Industry, alongside governments and civil society, has a role to play in supporting national cervical cancer elimination goals.
Between 2021 and 2025, MSD supplied over 115 million HPV vaccine doses to low- and middle income countries, supported by a US$2 billion investment in manufacturing capacity. MSD has also reaffirmed its commitment to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to support sustainable HPV vaccine supply and equitable access across Sub-Saharan Africa.
These efforts support broader vaccination strategies, including protection of older cohorts and women living with HIV, and enable country transitions to higher-valency HPV vaccines – an important step toward averting millions of future cancer cases and deaths.
The Choice Africa Must Make Africa cannot eliminate cervical cancer and all other HPV-related diseases by protecting adolescent girls alone. HPV does not respect age, gender, or delivery platforms, and elimination requires population-level protection. This means vaccinating girls, protecting boys, catching up women who were left behind, and building resilient systems that sustain coverage over time.
The tools exist. The evidence is overwhelming. What remains is the choice. If governments and partners act decisively now by expanding HPV vaccination beyond adolescent girls and investing in durable prevention systems, cervical cancer can become a disease of the past. Elimination is not a question of feasibility. It is a question of ambition, and the time to choose is now.
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[2] “World Health Organization,” 5 March 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact sheets/detail/human-papilloma-virus-and cancer#:~:text=The highest prevalence of cervical,variable based on sexual trends .. [Accessed 11 November 2025].
[3] T. e. a. Dzinamarira, “Cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: an urgent call for improving accessibility and use of preventive services,” International Journal of Gynecological Cancer, vol. 33, no. 4, 2023.
[4] S. M. T. N. B. R. Liu G, “HIV-positive women have higher risk of human papilloma virus infection, precancerous lesions, and cervical cancer.,” AIDS, October 2018.
[5] K. M. K. S. Wilailak S, “Strategic approaches for global cervical cancer elimination: An update review and call for national action.,” Int J Gynaecol Obstet., 2025. [Online].
[7] G. K. M. J. Naidoo D, “Breaking barriers: why including boys and men is key to HPV prevention.,” BMC Med, 2024.
[8] T. B. M. C. C. J. A. K. K. &. K. S. K. Olesen, “Human papillomavirus prevalence among men in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.,” Sexually transmitted infections, 2014.
[9] P. JM., “Human papillomavirus-related disease in men: not just a women’s issue.,” J Adolesc Health, 2010.
[10] G. J. Scheepers VC, “Expanding the case for gender-neutral human papillomavirus vaccination in South Africa: Emerging neonatal and ethical considerations.,” Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med., 2025.
[11] E. I. Eric Asempah, “Accelerating HPV vaccination in Africa for health equity,” PubMed Central- National Library of Medicine, no. PMID: 39294815, 2024.
[12] I. L. C. M. Sad SA, “Revisiting HPV vaccination post-COVID: geopolitical, sociocultural, and ethical disparities in global health,” Int J Equity Health., 2025.
[13] S. P. Castanon A, “Is the recent increase in cervical cancer in women aged 20-24years in England a cause for concern?,” Prev Med., 2018.
[15] W. J. e. al., “Modelling the Impact of HPV Vaccination among Women Living with HIV.,” Lancet Global Health.
[16] X. M. N. P. P. F. D. M. J. A. K. L. J. M. E. M. S. B. O. M. B. J. V. S. H. R. M. &. S. A. Castellsagué, “End-of-study safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of quadrivalent HPV (types 6, 11, 16, 18) recombinant vaccine in adult women 24- 45 years of age.,” British journal of cancer, 2011.
[17] “Human papillomavirus vaccination for adult women,” Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet, 2022.
[18] S. N. e. B. E. A.-D. Kimeshnee Govindsamy, “Effectiveness of integrating cervical cancer prevention strategies into HIV care programmes: A mixed-methods systematic review protocol,” PLOS One, 2024.
[23] “Cervical Cancer Data Surveillance in Sub-Saharan Africa,” WHO & IARC, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://gco.iarc.fr/.
[24] V. V. C. H. e. a. Bobadilla ML, “Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection and Risk Behavior in Vaccinated and Non Vaccinated Paraguayan Young Women.,” Pathogens, 2024.
[25] T. G. e. al., “Implementing HPV Vaccination Services in People Living with HIV in Trinidad and Tobago: A Brief Report,” Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers, 2025.
[26] G. M. E. Al., “Human papilloma virus vaccination in the resource-limited settings of sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and recommendations,” Vaccine X, vol. 20, 2024.
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[31] e. a. Alison G Abraham, “Invasive cervical cancer risk among HIV-infected women: A North American multi-cohort collaboration prospective study,” PubMed Central- National Library of Medicine, no. doi: 10.1097/QAI.0b013e31828177d7, 2014.
[32] A. I. R. S. C.-U. Erna Milunka Kojic, “Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in HIV-infected Women: Need for Increased Coverage,” PubMed Central- National Library of Medicine, no. doi: 10.1586/14760584.2016.1110025, 2016.
[33] M. Goretti, “Vellum,” 24 October 2025. [Online]. Available: https://vellum.co.ke/kenya-switches-to-single-dose hpv-vaccine-to-boost uptake/#:~:text=Kenya has taken a major,local scientists and international expert s.. [Accessed November 2025].
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[35] M. C. C. J. A. K. K. S. Olesen TB, “Human papillomavirus prevalence among men in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis,” Sex Transm Infect, no. doi: 10.1136/sextrans-2013-051456, 2014.
[36] H. S. S. G. S. G. Soumendu Patra, “HPV and Male Cancer: Pathogenesis, Prevention and Impact,” Journal of Medicine in Africa (JOMA), vol. 2, no. 1, 2025.
[37] I. Z. E. Al., “Cervical Cancer Prevention in Rural Areas,” Ann Glob Health, 2023.
[38] L. B. E. Al., “Global and regional estimates of genital human papillomavirus prevalence among men: a systematic review and meta-analysis,” Lancet Global Health, 2023.
SEOUL, Singapore, 22 January 2026-/African Media Agency(AMA)/- Bigo Live, one of the world’s fastest-growing social live streaming platforms with over 600 million registered users across over 150 countries, has announced the seventh edition of its annual flagship event, the BIGO Awards Gala. Themed “SEOUL LIGHTS, BIGO NIGHTS,” the highly anticipated ceremony will take place at KBS Hall in Seoul on Friday, 23 January 2026, celebrating the passion and creativity of its global community of content creators over the past year.
BIGO Awards Gala 2026
This year’s theme, “SEOUL LIGHTS, BIGO NIGHTS” captures the spirit of the event, where the energy of Bigo Live’s creators will illuminate Seoul. The Gala will honour the dedication and talent of the platform’s creators and families, turning each moment into a shared celebration that is both unique and unforgettable. Seoul was selected as the host city for this year’s BIGO Awards Gala as it stands at the intersection of creativity, technology and culture, reflecting the vibrant and globally connected community that Bigo Live continues to build.
The star-studded event will welcome over 1,200 global guests, including those from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North and South America, and Africa. The festivities will begin with a public red-carpet event, offering a first glimpse into the energy and vibrancy of the event
“Seoul’s dynamic energy is the perfect backdrop for our 2026 Gala,” said a spokesperson from Bigo Live. “‘SEOUL LIGHTS, BIGO NIGHTS’ is more than a theme, it’s a reflection of how our creators illuminate the platform with their talent and passion. We are thrilled to bring our global community together in this vibrant city to celebrate their achievements and the powerful connections they’ve built.”
The ceremony will honour over 200 content creators and families for their outstanding contributions over the past year, with winners receiving a trophy and in-app rewards, with select honourees also featured on prominent digital billboards in Gangnam’s high-profile media district, extending recognition beyond the platform.
The evening will also feature a diverse lineup of captivating performances, from live music to band shows by international artists, including special appearances by South Korean girl groups FIFTY FIFTY and tripleS, creating an immersive atmosphere where global creativity meets a shared rhythm.
As the night pulses with excitement, Bigo Live will also unveil an exclusive blind-box collection featuring its friendly mascot, mini-Dinos, bringing an extra spark of surprise to the night.
For viewers worldwide, the BIGO Awards Gala 2026 will be broadcast live on Bigo Live’s Music Live House channel (Bigo ID: music) and the official Bigo.tv website. The live broadcast will begin with the Red Carpet at 3:00 pm (GMT+9), followed by the Gala Ceremony at 7:00 pm (GMT+9). Viewers in the live room can vote for their favourite content creators and families during the gala night for three special awards: “MOST POPULAR BROADCASTER,” “MOST POPULAR FAMILY,” and “GALA STAR.”
To join Bigo Live’s global community and tune into the BIGO Awards Gala 2026, download the Bigo Live app or visit the official website. Follow Bigo Live on Facebook and Instagram for latest updates.
About Bigo Live Bigo Live is one of the world’s fastest-growing livestreaming social communities where users broadcast in real-time to share life moments, showcase their talents, and interact with people from around the world. Bigo Live has more than 600 million users in over 150 countries. Launched in March 2016, Bigo Live is owned by BIGO Technology, which is based in Singapore. https://www.bigo.sg/
Police in South Carolina are reaching out to the public for help finding an endangered teen who has not been seen since late November 2025.
In a statement that was issued on Friday, January 2, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department said that 16-year-old Mackenzie Dalton is believed to be in the company of a man she allegedly knows.
Police, who were unavailable to answer Us Weekly’s questions, have not provided that man’s name or described the suspect physically.
Deputies have been searching for Dalton since she was last seen leaving her Lexington home in late November. Police said Dalton is a runaway.
Dalton stands at 5-foot-4 and weighs approximately 118 pounds, according to police. She has long blonde hair and light eyes. Police did not say what she may have been wearing the last time she was seen.
According to Lexington County Sheriff’s deputies, both the car that Dalton drove off in, as well as the suitcase she was seen carrying when she left her home, have been found. Investigators have not shared where her possessions were found but have reiterated that Dalton remains missing.
Authorities also said that they believe that Dalton is in danger, due to her age and the length of time she has been missing. The age of the man she is traveling with was not provided by police.
The sheriff’s department did not say if foul play is suspected in Dalton’s disappearance. At this point, they also could not determine if a specific crime was committed connected to Dalton’s disappearance.
Anyone who may have seen Dalton or can provide information on her whereabouts is being urged to share that info anonymously by using the Crimestoppers mobile app or by calling (888) 274-6372.
Investigators said that even details you may consider insignificant could help them reunite Dalton with her family and ensure she’s safe.
Anyone who believes they have immediate or time-sensitive information is encouraged to contact local law enforcement without delay by dialing 911.
In South Carolina, over 2,500 people go missing each year and the state has a high rate of missing children, with many cases going unsolved for long periods, with runaways like Dalton making up a significant portion.
In 2023, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) reported over 200 missing children, and, in 2022, SLED said there were over 200 children reported missing.
The man Dalton is believed to be traveling with could be facing jail time in South Carolina, where kidnapping is classified as a felony. A kidnapping conviction in the state carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years. The state does not differentiate sentencing based on aggravating factors, though judges have discretion within this range.
If you know of a young person who is being exploited or is the victim of a crime, you are urged to report it to your local FBI field office by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI. Tips can also be left at tips.fbi.gov
Kampala, Uganda, 16 December 2025-/African Media Agency (AMA)/-The latest WHO World Malaria Report 2025 highlights a critical reality: malaria remains one of Africa’s most pressing health challenges. With an estimated 282 million cases and approximately 610,000 deaths globally in 2024, the African Region continues to account for most of the burden, particularly among children under five.
Five countries; namely Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Mozambique, and Uganda contribute more than half of all global cases.
According to the 2025 Goalkeepers report, in 2024, 4.6 million children died before their fifth birthday. In 2025, that number is projected to rise for the first time this century, by over 200,000, to an estimated 4.8 million children. That means more than 5,000 classrooms of children, gone before they ever learn to write their name or tie their shoes.
“Across Africa, we lose children every day to a disease we understand and know how to prevent. Each of those losses is a profound tragedy, not just for a family, but for communities and economies too. What makes it even more heartbreaking is that malaria is a problem we can solve. Our responsibility now is to scale up those solutions, innovate responsibly, and make sure no child’s life is cut short by any preventable disease,” said Krystal Birungi, Ugandan scientist and malaria advocate.
WHO’s World Malaria Report 2025 highlights growing antimalarial drug resistance in Africa and the urgent need for complementary strategies. Progress in diagnostics, surveillance, vaccination, vector control, treatment delivery, and community-driven engagement will be key to achieving lasting gains.
In Uganda, malaria continues to exact a heavy toll, there was an estimated 13.6 million cases and over 16,204 estimated deaths. Despite strides in prevention and treatment, progress against malaria mortality remains uneven, with incidence and deaths concentrated in high-transmission districts. Neighbouring countries across East and West Africa face similar challenges, driven by drug resistance, climate pressures, humanitarian crises and gaps in access to interventions.
A roadmap to change The Goalkeepers Report outlines a clear path forward at a time when global health systems are strained and progress is slipping. For the first time this century, child deaths are set to rise; a 20% decrease in health funding could result in 12 million more children dying by 2045.
The most impactful actions over the next decade include:
Strengthening primary health systems so frontline workers can diagnose and treat malaria quickly and consistently.
Scaling up proven tools, including malaria vaccines, insecticide-treated nets, rapid diagnostics, and timely treatment.
Investing in next-generation solutions, from improved vector control tools to responsibly developed genetic innovations that can complement existing measures.
Supporting local scientific leadership, ensuring African researchers and institutions drive the development and implementation of future tools.
Integrating community voices, recognising that trust and understanding are critical for the success of any intervention.
The research and development of emerging tools like gene drive for vector control require not only scientific rigour but also clear, accessible and timely engagement and communication,” said Naima Sykes, Director of Global Stakeholder Engagement for Target Malaria at Imperial College London.
“Communities and stakeholders want to understand how these technologies work, how they are developed, and how they, as people who are potentially impacted by this research, are involved in their development. Researchers, in turn, need to be open to understanding and considering the perspectives of these groups. When information flows both ways, is transparent and locally grounded, trust grows. Trust is essential for progress. Our role is to equip stakeholders with the knowledge they need to engage confidently with the science, while actively listening to what we can learn from them, too.”
She added that in an era of rising misinformation, communication becomes a public health intervention in itself. “When facts are clear, and people feel included, they are empowered to act. That is how we, as Africans, can build a sustainable future where malaria no longer steals the lives of our children.”
Birungi stressed that Africa stands at a critical point. “The recent numbers are not just data, they represent lives, futures, and entire generations of potential. The continent faces a choice: continue on a trajectory where preventable diseases claim millions of young lives, or commit to scaling up proven tools, investing in science, and strengthening health systems that protect families.”
A path forward exists. It is grounded in evidence, driven by African expertise, and supported by innovation and community partnership. With decisive action, the next decade can mark a turning point – one where every child in Africa has the chance not just to survive, but to thrive.
Target Malaria is a not-for-profit research consortium that aims to develop and share new, cost-effective and sustainable genetic technologies to modify mosquitoes and reduce malaria transmission. Our vision is to contribute to a world free of malaria. We aim to achieve excellence in all areas of our work, creating a path for responsible research and development of genetic technologies, such as gene drive. www.targetmalaria.org
Target Malaria receives core funding by the Gates Foundation and Open Philanthropy. The lead grantee organisation is Imperial College London with partners in Africa, Europe and North America.
Intensifying fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has claimed more than 70 civilian lives, displaced over 200,000 people and cut thousands off from food assistance, prompting UN warnings of a rapidly expanding humanitarian emergency spilling across borders.
New Goalkeepers Report models impact of global health funding cuts, offers roadmap of best buys and most effective investments to slow this reversal
SEATTLE, 4 December 2025 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/- The number of children dying before their 5th birthday is projected to rise for the first time this century, reversing decades of global progress, according to new data published today in the Gates Foundation’s 2025 Goalkeepers Report.
In 2024, 4.6 million children died before their 5th birthday. According to modeling in the report, conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), that number is projected to rise by just over 200,000—to an estimated 4.8 million children this year. At the same time, global development assistance for health fell sharply this year—26.9% below 2024 levels.
Beyond this year’s drastic funding cuts, countries face mounting debt, fragile health systems, and the risk of losing hard-won gains against diseases like malaria, HIV, and polio.
The report, We Can’t Stop at Almost, warns that if global health funding cuts persist, up to 16 million more children could die by 2045. It offers a roadmap for how targeted investments in proven solutions and next generation innovations can save millions of children’s lives, preventing a reversal in progress in today’s constrained budget environment.
“I wish we were in a position to do more with more because it’s what the world’s children deserve. But even in a time of tight budgets, we can make a big difference,” writes Bill Gates, chair of the Gates Foundation and the report’s author. “I’ll continue to advocate however and wherever I can for increased funding for the health of the world’s children—and for efficiencies that improve our current system. But with millions of lives on the line, we have to do more with less, now.”
A Critical Turning Point
Projections by the IHME show that if global health funding cuts of 20% persist, an additional 12 million children could die by 2045. A 30% permanent cut would bring that toll to 16 million.
Gates describes this moment as a turning point for global health, when the right choices can still save millions of lives.
“We could be the generation who had access to the most advanced science and innovation in human history—but couldn’t get the funding together to ensure it saved lives,” Gates writes. “By making the right priorities and commitments, and investing in high-impact solutions, I’m confident we can stop a significant reversal in child deaths and help ensure millions more children are alive in 2045.”
In the report, Gates identifies investments with the greatest potential to save millions of young lives. He calls for doubling down on the most effective interventions—primary health care, routine immunizations, better vaccines, and new uses of data—to stretch every dollar. For
example:
For less than $100 per person per year, strong primary health care systems can prevent up to 90% of child deaths.
Every $1 spent on vaccines returns $54 in economic and social benefits. Through Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, more than 1.2 billion children have received lifesaving vaccines since 2000.
The work of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is also evidence of what sustained investment can achieve. As one of the most effective engines in health, the Global Fund has saved 70 million lives and reduced deaths from malaria, TB, and HIV by more than 60% since 2002. Late last month, leaders pledged $11.34 billion to the Global Fund’s Eighth Replenishment, underscoring continued global commitment to fighting these diseases while laying bare the risks of stepping back.
According to Gates, investment in the development of next-generation innovations could end some of the deadliest threats to children, such as malaria and pneumonia, for good. Modeling in the report projects that sustained funding in these innovations could save millions of children by 2045.
Next-generation vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus and pneumonia could save 3.4 million children.
New malaria tools could save another 5.7 million children, while long-acting HIV prevention tools like lenacapavir could help drive infections and deaths toward zero in high-burden countries.
Local Leadership, Global Action
The report also features essays with firsthand perspectives from leaders, health workers, and researchers in Africa and Asia who are advancing solutions to sustain progress:
In Nigeria, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, governor of Gombe State, prioritized primary health and education amid a budget deficit. “You don’t need perfect conditions to make progress. You need clarity, and the courage to stick to it.”
In Kenya, community health worker Josephine Barasa continued volunteering in her community after losing her paid position, providing care and education to mothers and children. “They could take away the money, but they couldn’t take me away from my women… The support systems may have disappeared, but the need has not. And neither have I.”
In Uganda, entomologist Krystal Mwesiga Birungi is developing next-generation tools to combat malaria. “Ending malaria is not only possible, it is urgent,” she said. “We African researchers know this—and we are leading the way.”
In India, Dr. Naveen Thacker, a pediatrician, underscored the importance of affordable and accessible vaccines. “If we want to see more healthy children, affordability of vaccines is key.”
Gates implores governments, philanthropies, and citizens to act on the report’s findings by safeguarding or expanding funding, increasing philanthropic giving, and reminding leaders that every child deserves the chance to survive and thrive, no matter where they are born.
“We can’t stop at almost,” Gates writes. “If we do more with less now—and get back to a world where there are more resources to devote to children’s health—then in 20 years we’ll be able to tell a different kind of story: how we helped more kids survive childbirth—and childhood.”
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, we work with partners to create impactful solutions so that people can take charge of their futures and achieve their full potential. In the United States, we aim to ensure that everyone—especially those with the fewest resources—has access to the opportunities needed to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Mark Suzman, under the direction of Bill Gates and our governing board.
About Goalkeepers
Goalkeepers is the foundation’s campaign to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (Global Goals). By sharing stories and data behind the Global Goals through an annual report, the Gates Foundation hopes to inspire a new generation of leaders—Goalkeepers who raise awareness of progress, hold their leaders accountable, and drive action to achieve the Global Goals.
About the Global Goals
On September 25, 2015, at the United Nations headquarters in New York, 193 world leaders committed to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (Global Goals). These are a series of ambitious objectives and targets to achieve three extraordinary things by 2030: end poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and fix climate change.
With each Thanksgiving comes a few traditions almost everyone celebrates — traveling home to visit friends or family, the mass consumption of turkey and various calorie-filled side dishes and gazing at all the balloons in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
But there’s one other event that’s quickly become a part of everyone’s annual festivities — watching the parade of canines in the annual National Dog Show.
Now in its 24th year, the National Dog Show presents the finest dogs in the country. Who will take the crown this year? Watch With Us has everything you need to know about the 2025 National Dog Show, including the date, time, streaming options and more.
What Date and Time Is the 2025 National Dog Show?
Like previous years, the 2025 National Dog Show will air immediately after Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 27. The usual start time is at noon and ends around 2 p.m., no matter which time zone you’re in.
Where Can I Watch the 2025 National Dog Show Live?
You can watch the 2025 National Dog Show live on NBC.
Is the 2025 National Dog Show Available to Stream?
Yes! The 2025 National Dog Show will be available to stream at noon on Peacock.
Who Is Hosting the 2025 National Dog Show?
There are two hosts this year. David Frei, a professional dog breeder, will preside over the competition alongside Seinfeld actor and Dancing with the Stars alum John O’Hurley. Joining them is veteran NBC Sports personality Mary Carillo, who will provide commentary directly from the showroom.
Over 2,000 dogs are expected to compete in this year’s edition, with over 200 breeds represented. Every dog is separated and placed into seven main groups: Terriers, Toy, Sporting, Non-Sporting, Working, Herding and Hound. Some popular breeds you can expect to see this year include collies, Boston terriers, Irish setters, akitas and more.
Is the National Dog Show Based on the 2000 Movie ‘Best in Show’?
Fred Willard and Jim Piddock in Best in ShowEverett Collection
It is! After the cult comedy premiered in 2000, NBC executive Jon Miller was inspired to start a real dog show like the one seen in the movie, minus all the outrageous contestants and inappropriate commentators.
“When Best in Show premiered, it gave audiences a hilarious and heartfelt look into the world of competitive dog shows — a world we proudly showcase every Thanksgiving,” said Miller.
If you haven’t watched Best in Show, now’s as good a time as any. The Christopher Guest movie is streaming on MGM+ and available to rent or purchase on Prime Video.
KAMPALA, Uganda, 15 October 2025 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/-Malaria is a preventable disease that still claims over half a million African lives every year, and mostly children under the age of five. Ugandan researcher, Krystal Birungi, a malaria survivor herself has dedicated her life, and profession, to changing this reality.
Krystal Mwesiga Birungi, Ugandan scientist, malaria advocate, and Research & Outreach Associate at Target Malaria Uganda at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), has achieved a string of outstanding achievements that reflect her lifelong commitment to eliminating malaria and protecting children’s lives across Africa and beyond.
Her journey is deeply personal. Her childhood was marked by repeated bouts of malaria, and the fear that her younger brother might not survive. “Those early years embedded the conviction in me that malaria is not just a scientific challenge, but a moral and social injustice,” says Birungi.
Today, Krystal brings that dual force of lived experience and scientific rigor to initiatives shaping the future of public health, equality, and child survival.
A voice on the global stage
In 2025, Krystal contributed a powerful essay to Hope for Life on Our Planet: Inspiration for Seven Generations, a global collection of reflections edited by Osvald Bjelland. Her essay, “Breaking the chains: Addressing public health inequities in the fight against malaria,” was launched in London alongside contributions from voices, such as Dame Jane Goodall and Pope Francis.
She used her essay to spotlight the disproportionate burden of malaria on African women and children, and to argue for equity and investment in cutting-edge innovations and policy reform.
Elevating leadership – locally and internationally
In September 2025, Krystal Birungi was selected as part of the 2025–2026 Obama Foundation Leaders Africa class. Among over 200 global changemakers, she is one of just 35 Africans chosen to receive training in leadership, civic engagement, and cross-sector collaboration.
Krystal regularly participates in global advocacy missions (including with The Global Fund Advocates Network), educating policymakers, donors, and the public about malaria research, prevention, and equity.
The Global Fund, a key partner in malaria control, reported in 2025 that its overall work (against HIV, TB, and malaria) has helped save 70 million lives since its inception, with a 63% decline in combined death rates.
Krystal’s fight for Africa’s survival
Krystal’s own survival gives urgency to her work for Africans. “In 2023, 94% of the world’s malaria cases, and 95% of malaria deaths happened in Africa. I am driven everyday by the data and by the faces behind it, because every statistic is someone’s child, friend, or family,” adds Birungi.
On many global stages, Krystal has shared a vivid account of childhood suffering. Her brother convulsing from malaria, her family repeatedly sick and not being able to afford life-saving medicine. That personal history fuels both her empathy and her resolve.
She has helped explain complex tools like dual-insecticide nets, spatial repellents, new drug formulations, vaccines and genetically modified mosquitoes – emphasising that no single tool is enough, and that community involvement, national leadership, and equity concerns matter every step of the way.
As an entomologist, Krystal reiterates the critical role of ongoing research, from understanding mosquito behavior to developing next-generation tools to support and strengthen public health equity.
By 2035, she believes the world can push malaria from a common threat to a manageable, largely prevented disease, using vaccines, better tools, strong health systems, and equity-driven research.
By 2040, the dream is elimination in many high-burden areas, with technologies like gene drive helping stop transmission entirely.
Krystal says her vision is not just scientific optimism, but a call to collective responsibility: global donors, African governments, research institutions, and communities must invest, innovate, and lead together.
Target Malaria is an international not-for-profit research consortium that aims to develop and share new, cost-effective and sustainable genetic technologies to modify mosquitoes and reduce malaria transmission. Our vision is to contribute to a world free of malaria. We aim to achieve excellence in all areas of our work, creating a path for responsible research and development of genetic technologies, such as gene drive. www.targetmalaria.org
Target Malaria receives core funding by the Gates Foundation and Open Philanthropy. The lead grantee organization is Imperial College London with partners in Africa, Europe and North America.
SHANGHAI, China, September 29, 2025 /African Media Agency (AMA)/ – Huawei unveiled its SMART Logistics & Warehousing Solution at HUAWEI CONNECT 2025’s transportation summit titled “Creating a Digital & Intelligent Foundation for Comprehensive Transportation and Logistics.”
Ma Yue, Vice President of Huawei and CEO of Huawei’s Smart Transportation BU, stated that Huawei remains committed to technological innovation and will deepen joint innovation in communications networks, computing power, AI, and talent cultivation to advance sustainable development of transportation.
Kumpol Boonchom, Deputy Chief of State Railway of Thailand, said that they aim to create an integrated network to help Thailand become the central hub of Southeast Asia. The construction of the Thailand-China Railway is an opportunity for SRT to develop a strategic rail logistics hub in the region.
Guo Shuangqing, Assistant CMO of SF Technology, said that SF Technology and Huawei will maximize respective strengths to expand capabilities in coordinating multiple airports, thus leading to a substantial efficiency increase across the entire air logistics sector.
Jiang Xingxiang, Assistant to General Manager of Yunnan Construction and Investment Holding Group, shared insights on integrated supply chain operations. Looking ahead, YCIH Logistics will continue to prioritize digital and intelligent supply chain to support its collaborative development.
Yang Bin, Chairman of Shandong Port Technology Group, said that they have successfully developed a digital foundation featuring one network, one cloud, and one security system based on Huawei’s strong technical support. The group works with partners to develop integrated smart port solutions covering both physical infrastructure and digital services.
“With its comprehensive ICT intelligent foundation and innovative technologies, Huawei is turning concepts like Mobility as a Service and Logistics as a Service into reality—unlocking the full potential of digital intelligence,” said Rachad Nassar, Huawei’s Global Business & Strategic Partners Director.
Qiu Shikui, Vice President of Huawei’s Smart Logistics and Warehousing BU announced the launch of the innovative SMART Logistics & Warehousing Solution. The solution focuses on five core capabilities: platform-based services, digitalized operations management, intelligent allocation, automated relocation, and unattended transportation.
Huawei has served more than 100 ports and over 200 logistics and warehousing enterprises; over 300 urban rail lines in more than 70 cities and over 180,000 km of railways; a road network exceeding 200,000 km; over 300 cities for urban transportation; and more than 210 airlines and air traffic management bureaus worldwide.
