Improvements in prison conditions long overdue in remote Liet-Nhom
'We literally do not have a roof over our heads,' says Bedaj Bandak, a prison official, to a visiting team from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
'We also don't have running water, so inmates have no choice but to go to the rivers and the lack of toilets and bathrooms makes matters worse,' he adds.
These alarming conditions not only prevent the incarcerated from having a dignified existence but also pose a strong security risk—with this much movement it's impossible for the limited number of prison guards to effectively keep their wards in check.
This lack of 24-hour surveillance poses additional risks to juvenile detainees and women serving their sentences.
Furthermore, prison cells are overpopulated with more than 20 people sharing a single cell. This, coupled with the lack of toilets and water, has created severe hygiene and sanitation issues, leading most prisoners to spend their time outdoors, separated by nothing but air.
'We live in constant fear of everything, including getting sick as there is no healthcare available at the prison,' shares one of the female inmates.
In case they do get sick, which is unavoidable, they do get taken to the local healthcare facilities but only if there are enough cars and personnel available.
For its part, UNMISS continues to advocate with state authorities to provide long-overdue support, especially as the rainy season starts bringing with it further health risks such as malaria.
Precious Chinamasa, a Corrections Officer with the UN Peacekeeping mission on her frequent visits here bears witness to the continuous decline of human rights standards at the facility.
'Similar conditions prevail in many prisons across South Sudan,' she reveals, visibly moved.
'It's heartbreaking to witness these struggles and we'll continue advocating with authorities to strengthen their support to the prison system. To truly reform and reintegrate into society upon their release, prisoners must be treated humanely and with dignity. There must be a collective push to strengthen infrastructure and prisons management.'
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
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Zawya
4 hours ago
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Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Acknowledges Media Champions for Driving Awareness on Social and Health Issues- 125 Winners from 36 Countries announced
Merck Foundation CEO announced call for application of 2025 Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards in partnership with African First Ladies - apply now at submit@ Merck Foundation ( the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, in partnership with the First Ladies of Africa, proudly announced the Winners of their Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 2024 under the categories 'More Than a Mother' and 'Diabetes and Hypertension'. The Awards Ceremony was conducted virtually to honor and celebrate the outstanding contributions of all the winning media professionals. The winners were warmly acknowledged by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the 'More Than a Mother' campaign. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed, 'I am truly happy to announce the winners of our Media Awards, together with my dear sisters, The First Ladies of Africa, who are also the Ambassadors of the Merck Foundation 'More Than a Mother' Campaign. This year, we are delighted to celebrate 125 outstanding winners from 36 countries. It brings me joy to see such impressive participation not only from across Africa but also from several Asian and Latin American countries. Congratulations to all our incredible winners! It is a true pleasure to welcome you all as Merck Foundation Alumni. Let's continue to work together to raise awareness about critical social and health challenges, be the voice of the voiceless, and create culture shift in our communities.' Merck Foundation Media Awards launched in 2017, are announced annually, with over 640 Winners from 52 countries celebrated to date. The theme of the 'More Than a Mother' Media Awards is to raise awareness about important social issues like: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending Female Genital Mutilation and/or Stopping Gender-Based Violence. The theme of the 'Diabetes and Hypertension' Media Awards is to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. The Merck Foundation CEO also launched the Call for Applications for the 2025 Media Awards. 'I am pleased to invite entries for the Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2025 – 'More Than a Mother'&'Diabetes and Hypertension', in partnership with the African First Ladies. I look forward to receiving another outstanding round of impactful entries this year as well.' Said Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej. Winners of Merck Foundation "More Than a Mother" Media Recognition Awards 2024 Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW; and The First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, H.E. Dr. FATIMA MAADA BIO: PRINT CATEGORY WINNER Jennifer Ambolley, The Chronicle, Ghana (First Position) Mackie Muctarr Jalloh, News Times Daily, Sierra Leone (Second position) Alao Abiodun, The Nation, Nigeria (Second position) ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS Dzifa Tetteh Tay, The Spectator, Ghana (First Position) Laudia Sawer, Ghana News Agency, Ghana (First Position) Nyima Sillah, The Voice, The Gambia (Second Position) Isatou Ceesay, The Gambia Point, The Gambia (Third Position) Abigail Arthur, Citi Newsroom, Ghana (Third Position) Odimegwu Onwumere, The Nigerian Voice, Nigeria (Third Position) RADIO CATEGORY WINNER Mavis Offei Acheampong, GBC Radio, Ghana (First Position) Joyce Kantam Kolamong, GBC Radio, Ghana (Second Position) Zainab Sunkary Koroma, Star Radio, Sierra Leone (Third Position) MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS Tolulope Adeleru-Balogun, News Central TV, Nigeria (First Position) Alieu Ceesay, QTV, The Gambia (Second Position) Mona Lisa Frimpong, Joy News, Ghana (Third Position) Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Malawi, H.E. Mrs. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA: PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS Precious Kumbani, The Nation, Malawi (First Position) Gresham Ngwira, Freelancer, Malawi (Second Position) Simon Muntemba, Daily Nation, Zambia (Second Position) Charlotte Nambadja, The Namibian, Namibia (Third Position) Silence Mugadzaweta, The Standard, Zimbabwe (Third Position) ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS Alain Kabinda, Daily News Agency, Zambia (First Position) Catherine Murombedzi, Freelancer, Zimbabwe (First Position) Alick Ponje, The Times, Malawi (second Position) Wallace Mawire, Pan African Visions, Zimbabwe (Second Position) Hamu Madzedze, 365 Health Diaries, Zimbabwe (Third Position) Kundai Michael Magoronga, Chronicle, Zimbabwe (Third Position) Mlondi Mkhize, Briefly News, South Africa (Third Position) RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS Glendah Fadzai Takachicha, Capitalk FM, Zimbabwe (First Position) Tina Nyirenda, Smooth FM, Zambia (Second Position) Sylviah Chisi, Trans World Radio, Malawi (Second Position) Nyasha Mandimutsira, Capitalk FM, Zimbabwe (Third Position) Perina N. Wahara, PL FM, Malawi (Third Position) MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS Keneilwe Pono, YTV, Botswana (First Position) Taati Niilenge, The Namibian, Namibia (Second Position) Lame Lucas, YTV, Botswana (Third Position) Here are the winners from East African Countries: PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS Elizabeth Angira, People Daily, Kenya (First Position) Marco Maduhu, Nipashe, Tanzania (Second Position) Margaret Maina, Nation Media, Kenya (Second Position) Beatrice Philemon Mukocho, The Guardian, Tanzania (Third Position) Vitus Audax, The Guardian, Tanzania (Third Position) ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS Kamau Maichuhie, Nation Online, Kenya (First Position) Isabella Maua Chemosit, Freelancer, Kenya (Second Position) Anne Robi, Daily News, Tanzania (Second Position) Nteza Michael, UG Standard, Uganda (Third Position) Benjamin Takpiny, Anadolu Agency, South Sudan (Third Position) Ayele Addis Ambelu, Ethiopian Mass Media Action News, Ethiopia (Third Position) RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS Caren Waraba Sisya, Radio Citizen, Kenya (First Position) Mamer Abraham Kuot, Voice of America, South Sudan, (Second Position) Mwanaisha Makumbuli, Highlands FM, Tanzania (Second Position) Fatuma Mustapha Mtemangani, Pambazuko FM, Tanzania (Third Position) Daniel Byiringiro, Flash FM, Rwanda (Third Position) MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER Rose Wangui, NTV Kenya, Kenya (First Position) Andrew Juma, TV47, Kenya (Second Position) Leonard Kigozi and Isabel Nakirya, CGTN Africa, Uganda (Third Position) Mackriner Siyovelwa, Crown Media, Tanzania (Third Position) Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Burundi, H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE; The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI: PRINT CATEGORY WINNER Issa Moussa, Niger Times, Niger (First Position) Koami Agbetiafa, Niger Inter Press Group, Niger (Second Position) ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS AZODODASSI Mêmèdé Ambroisine, Savoir News, Togo (First Position) Julio Gada, Global News, Benin (Second Position) Boris Esono Nwenfor, Pan African Visions, Cameroon (Third Position) Bakari Guèye, Initiatives News, Mauritania (Third Position) Frimo Koukou Djipro, Lelus, Côte d'Ivoire (Third Position) RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS Remy RUKUNDO, Radio TV Buntu, Burundi (First Position) Magnus MFURANZIMA, ISÔKO FM, Burundi (First Position) Mame Mbagnick DIOUF, Radio Oxyjeunes, Senegal (Second Position) Tanko Worou, Radio SU TII DERA, Benin (Second Position) Moussa KONE, Radio Channel 2, Mali (Third Position) MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS Matthias KABUYA TSHILUMBA, RTDK, DRC (First Position) Here are the winners from Portuguese Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde, H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO: ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS Edisângela Tavares, Expresso das Ilhas, Cabo Verde (First Position) Sheilla Ribeiro, Sociedade, Cabo Verde (Second Position) RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS Teresa Monteiro Pinto, Rádio Televisão de Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde (First Position) MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS ngelo Semedo, Deutsche Welle, Cabo Verde (First Position) Merck Foundation "Diabetes&Hypertension" Media Recognition Awards 2024 Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW; and The First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, H.E. Dr. FATIMA MAADA BIO: PRINT CATEGORY WINNER Agnes Opoku Saprong, Ghanaian Times, Ghana (First Position) Patience Ivie Ihejirika, Leadership Newspaper, Nigeria (Second Position) ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS Muhammed Lamin Touray, Freelancer, The Gambia (First Position) Prince Owusu Asiedu, Adom Online, Ghana (Second Position) Lara Adejoro, The Punch, Nigeria (Third Position) RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS Godwin Awuni Anafo, Odadee Radio, Ghana (First Position) MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER Emmanuel Dzivenu Seyram Abla De-Souza, Joy TV, Ghana (First Position) Ezedimbu Karen Ogomegbunem, Africa Independent Television, Nigeria, (Second Position) Lois Abba Sambo, Abuja Broadcasting Corporation, Nigeria (Third Position) Akua Oforiwa Darko, TV3, Ghana (Third Position) Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Malawi, H.E. Mrs. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of the Republic of Zambia, H.E. Mrs. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA: PRINT CATEGORY WINNER Nancy Kefilwe Ramokhua, The Patriot, Botswana (First Position) Matilda Chimwaza Majawa, Times Group, Malawi (Second Position) ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS June Shimuoshili, Unwrap Online, Namibia (First Position) Tendai Chisiri, Sport Way News Net, Zimbabwe (Second Position) Shireen van Wyk, Shay Blogger, Namibia (Third Position) Prince Kurupati, Pan African Visions, Zimbabwe (Third Position) RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS Elvis Howahowa, Times Radio, Malawi (First Position) Stella Mlotha, Trans World Radio, Malawi (Second Position) Here are the winners from East African Countries: PRINT CATEGORY WINNER Lucy Johnbosco, Mwananchi, Tanzania (First Position) Christina Mwakangale, Nipashe, Tanzania (Second Position) ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS Joan Mbabazi, The New Times, Rwanda (First Position) Leon Lidigu, Nation Online, Kenya (Second Position) Namwalo Daniel Absalom, Kenya News Agency, Kenya (Third Position) Angela Kezengwa, Citizen Digital, Kenya (Third Position) Veronica Mrema, M24 Tanzania, Tanzania (Third Position) RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS Kintu Khalid, Radio Simba, Uganda (First Position) Asha Bekidusa, Bahari FM, Kenya (Second Position) MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER Walter Mwesigye, NTV, Uganda (First Position) Edvesta Tarimo, Tumaini Media, Tanzania (Second Position) Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Burundi, H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE; and The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI: PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS Konan N'Guessan Attoumgbre Joseph, La Retraite Active, Côte d'Ivoire (First Position) Nkurunziza Moise, Le Renouveau, Burundi (Second Position) ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS Bahwa Ferdinand, Le Journal Africa, Burundi (First Position) Abdoulaye Ouédraogo, Queen Mafa, Burkina Faso (Second Position) Richard Manirakiza, l'Agence Burundaise de Presse, Burundi (Second Position) Mapote Gaye, Infomedia27, Senegal (Second Position) Atha Menssan Woffa Assan, Focus Infos, Togo (Third Position) Catherine Aimée Biloa, Échos Santé, Cameroon (Third Position) Nadège Omoladé SANNY, SRTB Online, Benin (Third Position) RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS MVUYEKURE Jean Claude, Radio TV Buntu, Burundi (First Position) Abdoul Razak Sani Oumarou, Radio Saraounia Maradi, Niger (Second Position) Kabamba Ngalamulume Fabrice, Radio Télévision de l'éducation (RTEDUC), DRC (Third Position) MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER Chris IRAMBONA, Radio Television Buntu, Burundi (First Position) Here are the winners from ASIAN Countries: PRINT CATEGORY WINNER Parikshit Nirbhay, Amar Ujala, India (First Position) Revathi Murugappan, Star Health, Malaysia (Second Position) Pooja Biraia, The Week, India (Third Position) ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS Rashe Zoe Sophia B Piquero, Cebu Daily News, Philippines (First Position) Roshan Bhandari, Medicoliterature, Nepal (Second Position) Crystal Chow, Undark Magazine, China (Third Position) Here are the winners from LATIN AMERICA Countries: ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS Adriana Becerra, Agencia Brunch, Mexico (First Position) Rafaela Polo, UOL, Brazil (Second Position) MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER Roxana Fabiola Lopresti, Channel 9 Televida, Argentina (First Position) Ana Paula Pedrosa, R7, Brazil (Second Position) Details of Merck Foundation Media Awards 2025: 1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition 'More Than a Mother' Awards 2025 Theme for the awards: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels. Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups: Southern African Countries West African Countries East African Countries French Speaking African Countries Portuguese Speaking African Countries Submission deadline: 30th September 2025. 2. Merck Foundation Media Recognition 'Diabetes&Hypertension' Awards 2025 Theme for the awards: Promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups: Southern African Countries West African Countries East African Countries French Speaking African Countries Portuguese Speaking African Countries Latin American Countries Asian Countries Submission deadline: 30th October 2025. All entries are to be submitted to submit@ Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation. Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard! Facebook: X: YouTube: Instagram: Threads: Flickr: Website: About Merck Foundation: The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare&scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook ( X ( Instagram ( YouTube ( Threads ( and Flickr ( The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.
Zawya
11 hours ago
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Ethiopia Completes Second Round of novel Oral Polio Vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) Campaign, Reaching Over 16.8 Million Children with Integrated Health Services
Ethiopia has successfully concluded the second round of its nationwide novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) campaign, reaching more than 16.8 million children across ten regions. Led by the Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute and supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Rotary International, and other immunization partners, the campaign was conducted from 30 May to 2 June 2025. With an administrative coverage of 105%, the campaign integrated essential maternal and child health services to maximize its reach and impact. While the primary target group was children under five, the age range was extended to include children up to ten years in Kellem and West Guji zones of Oromia Region, following localized risk assessments. 'Ethiopia's leadership and coordination have been exemplary,' said Dr Owen L. Kaluwa, WHO Representative in Ethiopia. 'In the first round, over 15.3 million children were vaccinated with nOPV2, achieving 103% coverage. These efforts are vital as the country continues to respond to outbreaks, with 69 cases reported across multiple regions between 2024 and March 2025.' Throughout the campaign, WHO played a pivotal role in ensuring its success. In close collaboration with the Ethiopian Public Health Institute and UNICEF, WHO supported pre-campaign preparations, including resource mobilization, training of health workers, and real-time monitoring using tools like the Open Data Kit (ODK). WHO also deployed independent monitors and quality assurance surveyors in nearly half of the selected regions, enabling immediate corrective actions and contributing to higher coverage rates. Additionally, WHO Field Officers and STOP consultants supported preparedness assessments, microplanning, cold chain inventory, and training of team supervisors. The integrated campaign strategy is central to reducing mortality and morbidity from vaccine-preventable diseases. During the first round, a total of 104,000 zero-dose (62,000) and under-vaccinated children (42,000) were identified and vaccinated—highlighting the campaign's success in reaching previously missed populations. Key Achievements from the Second Round are: 48,363 zero-dose children vaccinated, bringing the cumulative total to over 110,000 across both rounds. 654 children immunized at official border entry points with Sudan, Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan. 31,253 supervisory visits conducted, resulting in 365 acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) alerts, with 81 confirmed cases and samples collected for laboratory analysis. Independent monitoring and Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) surveys confirmed high campaign quality, with 98% of 52,120 children verified as vaccinated and 90% of lots passing the quality threshold. In addition to nOPV2 vaccination, the campaign facilitated catch-up immunizations for zero-dose and under-vaccinated children and supported the identification and referral of women with obstetric fistula for treatment—demonstrating a holistic approach to public health. WHO remains committed to supporting Ethiopia's regions, zones, and woredas in achieving high immunization coverage and maintaining robust disease surveillance systems to protect every child. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - Ethiopia.
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12 hours ago
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Eritrea: World Breastfeeding Week Observed at National Level
World Breastfeeding Week is being observed from 1 to 7 August with various activities under the theme 'Prioritize Breastfeeding – Create Sustainable Support System.' At a national-level ceremony organized today in Asmara, Sister Amleset Hagos from the Ministry of Health stated that breastfeeding protects against various diseases, supports physical and mental development, contains all essential nutrients, and ensures the future health of infants. Sister Amleset also called on all institutions to establish daycare centers to ease the burden on breastfeeding mothers. Mr. Abdulah Mohammed Yosuf, UNICEF Representative in Eritrea, noted that according to the 2010 Eritrea Public Health Survey, over 90% of children are breastfed within the first hour, and 69% are exclusively breastfed for six months. These achievements have significantly contributed to reducing neonatal and child mortality, placing Eritrea among the global leaders in breastfeeding practices. At the discussion forum moderated by the Association of Medical Doctors of Eritrea, female doctors shared their experiences with participants, focusing on the general benefits of breastfeeding, maternity leave, the importance of establishing daycare centers at institutions, and support for breastfeeding mothers in the workplace. Awards were also presented to winners of the general knowledge competitions conducted during the week. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
