Reunion Wire

International Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Prevention and Control Organization stressed the need for a concerted effort to prevent trachoma disease, which is expanding in the Eastern Africa Region.

A continental conference is underway in Arba Minch town of Ethiopia to discuss on the challenges and solutions of lowland and tropical diseases in Africa.

Representative from more than 13 African countries and partner organizations are attending the three day conference.

The conference is expected to deliberate on the activities being undertaken in the prevention and control of trachoma and other tropical diseases, positive achievements, challenges and actions to be taken vital to tackle the problem.

African Director at the International Neglected Tropical Diseases Prevention and Control Organization, Dr. Teshome Gebrie said on the occasion that trachoma is a serious problem that affects people for a long term health predicament.

Noting that the prevention measures carried out over the past 20 years to control the disease have brought some encouraging out comes in Western and Southern Africa regions; however, he said that it was not able to bring similar success in East Africa.

Hence, he stressed the need for a concerted effort to prevent trachoma disease which is expanding in the region.

The Director further mentioned the importance of sanitation, supply of safe drinking water and enhanced public awareness to prevent the disease which has been huge health burden in the region.

He underlined that governments in the region should give a special attention to the prevention of the disease with strong coordination.

Executive Officer of Disease Prevention and Control at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Hiwot Solomon for her part recalled that efforts had been carried out to eradicate trachoma from the world by the year 2020.

However, she added that countries in Easter and Southern Africa region failed to achieve the target.

Lack of sanitation, awareness and supply of safe drinking water as well as weak coordination have also been some of the challenges encountered in Ethiopia to tackling the disease, Dr. Hiwot pointed out.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

The Japanese Embassy in Ethiopia has signed a grant contract today for the expansion project of a Model Primary School in Dawro Zone, in the South West Ethiopia Region.

Japan Ambassador to Ethiopia, ITO Takako and Dawro Development Association General Manager Mulugeta Bezabih signed the agreement.

Japan will donate up to USD 76,274 for this project, through the Japanese Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).

Japan Ambassador to Ethiopia, ITO Takako said the project signed today will support the construction of one furnished school building with four classrooms and one latrine building for female students in Dawro zone in the region.

Ito added “this project will enable all about 500 students especially female students to study in a proper learning environment.”

Dawro Development Association General Manager Mulugeta Bezabih on his part said Japan has been supporting the Dawro community through its institutions and the association.

Japan has especially been providing support in the education, health and potable water provisions, he noted.

This support to the primary school will improve the learning activity of the students and improve the friendship between the peoples of the two countries, Mulugeta added.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Sen. Ajibola Basiru, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said that the removal of petroleum subsidy by President Bola Tinubu is for the development of the country.

Basiru said this at a reception organised in his honour by members of the party on Saturday in Osogbo.

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He said that in the last two months when the subsidy had been removed, government had been able to save about N2 trillion.

The APC national secretary said that Nigerians must be ready to support the Federal Government to take the country to a higher level.

Basiru also urged party members in the state to continue to work for the progress of APC.

He said those who worked against the party in the last general elections are now ripping the consequences.

“I want to thank all our supporters for standing with the party in the last general elections.

“APC garnered more than 113,000 votes in Osun Central Senatorial District in the last election.

“President Bola Tinubu won in Osun Central Senatorial district in spite of all the intimidation and harassment by the thugs,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Ade Adetimeyin, the Chairman of Ondo State APC, appealed to members of the party in the state to be united and always work for its progress.

Adetimeyin, who spoke on behalf of South-West APC Chairmen, said Basiru has the pedigree to lead the party.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria