Latest news with #Abubakar
Scoop
21-07-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Effective Partnerships Can Stop The Next Pandemic
21 July 2025 Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar, a professor of infectious diseases at University College London, issued this warning at a recent meeting of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York. It is not a question of if but when, and Dr. Abubakar believes the answer is sooner than anyone wants in part because the global healthcare system remains drastically siloed. This is a problem because, intrinsically, a pandemic cannot be stopped by one country alone. 'Infectious diseases will not respect borders. Therefore, health systems to ensure equity, dignity and universal access must also be agile to implement policies across borders,' Dr. Abubakar said. Rather, stopping pandemics — and promoting broader global development — requires robust partnerships and consistent investment in multilateral systems as a practice, not just an ideal. 'If we are to meet the ambitions of the 2030 Agenda, we must reimagine cooperation, not as a transactional action but as a dynamic, inclusive and future-ready partnership,' said Lok Bahadur Thapa, vice president of ECOSOC. A goal to unite all goals The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development is convening at UN Headquarters in New York to discuss progress – or lack thereof – towards the globally agreed 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The first 16 SDGs deal with specific aspects of development — such as poverty, gender equality and climate change — but the 17th puts forward a path to achieve the others. And this path lies in embracing global partnerships between State governments, civil society organizations, communities and the private sector. However, with an annual financing gap for the SDGs which exceeds $4 trillion, the partnerships of today are not sufficient to realize the goals for tomorrow. 'We must forge truly transformative partnerships that break traditional silos: governments, civil society, the private sector and multilateral institutions all have roles to play in an inclusive coalition for sustainable development,' Dima Al-Khatib, director of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) said at an HLPF event. Prioritize prevention, not reaction Right now, the current health system, which includes pandemic preparedness, is oriented towards halting health emergencies once they emerge as opposed to proactively preventing them, according to Dr. Abubakar. Member States recently adopted a pandemic prevention treaty which endeavours to do just this — limit the likelihood of future pandemics. But for many, this emphasis on prevention extends beyond pandemics to issues like rehabilitation services and primary care, both of which experts say are critical investments not only in human well-being but also in peace and security. Moreover, these types of preventative medicine are cheaper than reactive medicine, according to Mandeep Dhaliwal, the Director of Health at the UN Development Programme (UNDP). 'It's important to invest in prevention as much as it is in treatment, and it is more cost-effective because … you're turning off the tap,' Ms. Dhaliwal said. However, convincing investors to support preventive care can be difficult because, when done correctly, tangible results are not necessarily visible. Health is in every system Nevertheless, investing in preventive medicine like primary care and the socioeconomic determinants of health — such as climate and nutrition — can help ensure that health systems are holistically supporting people before a crisis begins. 'Health is not a silo… the factors that influence health are often outside the health sector,' Ms. Dhaliwal said, citing the example of air pollution which is a climate problem that inherently influences health. This sort of holistic investment requires robust partnerships which work to ensure that every initiative — no matter how seemingly distanced — considers health implications. 'We have too often treated [health] as a downstream issue, something that improves only if other systems are working. But we now understand that health and well-being is not simply the result of good developments. It's the starting point,' said Tony Ott, a professor of agricultural sciences at the Pennsylvania State University. The weak link in the health system Migrants and displaced people tend to be among those least likely to have access to preventive medicine and often those most impacted by the social determinants of health. 'Migration and displacement, whether it's driven by conflict, climate change or economic factors, are defining factors in terms of our health,' he said. By the end of 2024, 123.2 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide, a decade-high number which proves that in the 10 years since the SDGs were adopted, the world has regressed in relation to displacements. For Dr. Abubakar, these displaced people — and the millions more voluntary migrants — embody why the health system simply cannot continue to silo itself and must instead embrace cross-border partnerships. 'Health systems must ensure access to essential services regardless of immigration status … Any community without access is that weak link that may mean we are all not protected,' Dr. Abubakar said, referring to the next pandemic. Communities at the centre The idea of partnerships as foundational to achieving the SDGs is logical for many people. After all, the goals are universal in nature and demand global collaboration. But this collaboration, especially for health, must do more than just engage experts — it must engage the people who seek out healthcare. Dr. Abubakar said that all health policies must be culturally appropriate to local contexts, something which can only happen if communities are placed at the centre of healthcare. 'The new future that I see would embrace global partnership, including countries irrespective of income level, public and private sector, academic and civil society. And within this framework, communities must be at the centre… not just as recipients but as co-creators of solutions.'
Arab News
01-07-2025
- Arab News
Pakistan arrests alleged land route agent linked to deadly Morocco boat tragedy
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Tuesday announced it had arrested an agent involved in the Morocco boat tragedy, in which dozens of Pakistanis attempting to travel illegally to Europe had drowned near the African country's coast earlier this year. The boat had set off from Mauritania in January with 86 migrants on board, among them 66 Pakistanis, for the Canary Islands administered by Spain, international rights group Walking Borders had said. Moroccan authorities said on January 16 that 36 people were rescued from the vessel, while Pakistan confirmed survivors of the tragedy included 22 of its nationals. Pakistani authorities have launched a crackdown against agents involved in illegally sending impoverished migrants through dangerous sea routes by offering them a chance at a better life in Europe. The FIA said its Faisalabad chapter arrested Ghulam Mustafa, a land route agent who was wanted for his involvement in the Morocco boat tragedy. 'Since 2023, the suspect had been working as a land route agent to send people to Europe via the maritime route through Morocco,' the FIA said in a press release. It said Mustafa was part of the same network of human smugglers Abdul Ghaffar and Muhammad Sarfaraz, who were arrested by the FIA in February, for smuggling the migrants on the same boat that met an accident near Morocco. The FIA said Mustafa, Ghaffar and Sarfraz were in contact with notorious African human smuggler Abubakar. 'The suspects were involved in extorting millions of rupees from Pakistani citizens under the pretext of sending them to Spain,' the statement said. 'They were found to be facilitating the illegal transport of citizens to Spain via sea routes.' A record 10,457 migrants, or 30 people a day, died trying to reach Spain in 2024. Most of them died while attempting to cross the Atlantic route from West African countries such as Mauritania and Senegal to the Canary Islands, according to Walking Borders. In 2023, hundreds of migrants, including 262 Pakistanis, drowned when an overcrowded vessel sank in international waters off the southwestern Greek town of Pylos, marking one of the deadliest boat disasters ever recorded in the Mediterranean Sea. The Pakistani government has ramped up efforts in recent months to combat human smugglers facilitating dangerous journeys for illegal immigrants to Europe, resulting in several arrests. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also urged increased collaboration with international agencies like Interpol to ensure swift action against human trafficking networks.
Business Insider
16-06-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Nigeria moves closer to acquiring 12 US-made AH-1Z viper attack helicopters
Nigeria is making steady progress toward acquiring 12 U.S.-made AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters in a strategic move to boost its air combat capabilities and strengthen national defense. Nigeria is advancing with plans to acquire 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the United States. The acquisition aims to enhance Nigeria's air combat and defense capabilities amid growing security challenges. High-level discussions were held between Nigerian and U.S. officials to finalize the terms and timelines. This development follows a high-level visit to the United States by Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff, who led a Nigerian delegation to a Programme Management Review Meeting held in San Diego, California, from June 9 to 13, 2025. The meeting brought together senior U.S. government officials and representatives from Bell Textron, manufacturers of the helicopters, to assess progress and fine-tune the delivery timeline. The visit marked a critical step in the procurement process, offering Nigerian defense officials direct engagement with their U.S. counterparts, including the United States Marine Corps—operators of the AH-1Z platform. According to Air Marshal Abubakar, the meetings provided Nigeria with valuable insights into best practices for operating, sustaining, and supporting the AH-1Z, a platform known for its agility, precision strike capabilities, and battlefield survivability. During the engagement, Air Marshal Abubakar expressed his deep appreciation to the U.S. Government, emphasizing the value of its longstanding strategic partnership with Nigeria. ' We are deeply grateful to the United States Government for its enduring strategic partnership with Nigeria. 'The acquisition of the AH-1Z Viper helicopters will significantly enhance the Nigerian Air Force's combat effectiveness, operational efficiency, and mission readiness. ' The acquisition comes at a time when Nigeria is facing one of the most intense waves of terrorist violence in its history, with insurgent groups launching increasingly sophisticated attacks using advanced weaponry. Deal closed after three years after initial request This deal was first discussed in 2022, when Nigeria indicated interest in purchasing 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the United States. After nearly three years of deliberation and diplomatic back-and-forth, the U.S. Department of Defense confirmed the sale, signaling a major milestone in Nigeria's military modernization efforts. Originally approved in April 2022, the full $997 million package includes engines, guided weapons, night vision systems, training, and logistics support as per Military Africa. The delay was largely due to U.S. concerns over human rights issues, which had stalled similar arms sales in the past. With regional security threats growing, the helicopters are expected to boost Nigeria's counterinsurgency operations and mark a new phase in U.S.-Nigeria military cooperation. The AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter The AH-1Z Viper —also known as the "Zulu Cobra" —is one of the most advanced attack helicopters in the world, developed by Bell Helicopter for the United States Marine Corps. It is an upgraded variant of the AH-1W Super Cobra and is designed for precision strike missions, close air support, and battlefield reconnaissance The platform features advanced avionics, weapons systems, and target acquisition technologies, making it one of the most capable attack helicopters in use today. The AH-1Z Viper offers a multi-mission platform that combines lethal firepower, high survivability, and advanced situational awareness—making it a valuable asset in modern asymmetrical and conventional warfare. The AH-1Z Viper features advanced targeting systems like FLIR and laser designation for precise day-and-night operations, along with radar and rangefinders for engaging ground and air threats. Its weapons include a 20mm rotary cannon, Hellfire missiles, Hydra rockets, Sidewinder missiles, and other munitions, making it a versatile and lethal combat platform. For Nigeria, it represents a significant leap in combat aviation capability, especially in counterinsurgency, anti-terrorism, and border security operations.
Gulf Today
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Somalia's Abubaker shines in UAE Warriors
The Middle East's premier mixed martial arts promotion staged another thrilling double-header over two nights of non-stop action, culminating in history being made as Muhidin Abubaker became the first Somalian champion in the history of mixed martial arts, and UFC veteran Tanner Boser returned to the Octagon in devastating form to pick up his latest TKO finish. Abubakar defeated Victor Nunes to take interim bantamweight championship in the UAE Warriors 60 at the Space 42 Arena in Abu Dhabi on Friday. After five rounds of back-and-forth action which took place mostly on the canvas, Muhidin Abubaker (10-1) bagged the interim flyweight title to set-up a mouthwatering unification bout with Brazil's incumbent Iago Ribeiro (13-3). His opponent at the Space 42 Arena in Abu Dhabi, Victor 'Sombra' Nunes (11-6) had no answer to the top control and fluid leg-wrapping of the London-based karateka, whose ground-work is beginning to mark him as a massive talent on the global stage. His triumph didn't come overnight—it was forged in the fire of defeat. Abubakar's journey to the title was deeply shaped by a pivotal moment: his unanimous decision loss to South Africa's Luthando Biko in September 2022, during the Abu Dhabi promotion. That moment, crushing as it was, lit a fire inside him—a fire that never went out. 'That day I went back dejected and disappointed,' Abubakar recalled, reflecting on the loss that would redefine his career. 'But I was determined. I promised myself I would return stronger, smarter, and hungrier. I was going to be a better fighter—no matter what it took.' Fast forward to now, and that promise has been fulfilled in stunning fashion. With his third straight win in the promotion, Abubakar didn't just win a fight—he claimed a championship. He took home the title belt not just as a symbol of victory, but as a hard-earned reward for the countless hours of work, sacrifice, and self-belief. 'I'm really overwhelmed by tonight's result,' he said after the bout. 'To take back a title belt means everything—it's proof of the hard yards I've put in since that defeat. It was a tough fight, but I believe I deserved this win.' The evening, witnessed 12 intense fights with the participation of 24 male and female fighters from 17 countries representing different continents of the world, was attended by Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Shakhbut Al Nahyan, President of the Asian Chess Federation and Chairman of the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club; and Abdel Moneim Al Hashemi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, President of the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union, First Vice President of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation (JJIF) and Chairman of Chairman of the Board of Directors of Palms Sports, event organiser. In the co-main event of the evening, UFC veteran Boser made an emphatic debut in the UAE Warriors promotion, securing a dominant victory over Brazil's Vinicius Moreira in a heavyweight showdown. After a tightly contested opening round, the Canadian took control, delivering relentless damage in the second frame. The punishment proved too much, and Moreira was forced to retire one minute and 55 seconds into the third round, visibly dazed and struggling to remain on his feet. In the welterweight division, Ukraine's Vladislav Rudnev kept his flawless professional record intact with a composed and calculated performance, earning a unanimous decision win over Polish debutant Piotr Niedzielski.
9 News
12-06-2025
- 9 News
Woman charged for allegedly luring people to Australia from Papua New Guinea
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here Australian Federal Police (AFP) have charged a woman over what's described as a "disturbing" human trafficking operation between Queensland and Papua New Guinea . They claim victims were promised fake scholarships then forced to work as fruit pickers, accommodated in shipping containers and alarmingly, transported in car boots. Authorities say Binta Abubakar left Australia two years ago but when she returned to Brisbane International Airport yesterday, AFP officers were waiting. A Queensland woman has been charged over an alleged human trafficking operation targeting people from Papua New Guinea. (9News) "Police will allege the woman lured Papua New Guinea nationals to Australia with the promise of fully funded scholarships," Adria Elfer from the AFP said. Abubakar is described as the CEO of BIN Educational Services and Consulting on its website. The business acted as an agent for Central Queensland University until 2023 and lists a rundown Victorian property as its office address. Abubakar, a dual Australian and Nigerian citizen, is accused of exploiting fifteen victims, as young as 19 years old, over a two-year period. Authorities say Binta Abubakar left Australia two years ago but when she returned to Brisbane International Airport yesterday, AFP officers were waiting. (9News) "When those persons arrived into Australia, they were instead forced to work on farms to pay off debts that they had not previously been told about," Telfer claimed. Fruit picking in the Moreton Bay and Lockyer Valley regions for up to 70 hours a week, as she allegedly pocketed their wages, unbeknownst to the farmers employing them. "Some of them at times were living in fairly oppressive conditions, some in the boot of a car," Telfer claims. The 56-year-old (in white) is facing 31 charges and if convicted could spend up to 12 years behind bars. (9News) The 56-year-old is facing 31 charges and if convicted could spend up to 12 years behind bars. She appeared in court yesterday, and was granted bail. Police believe there may be more victims, and they're appealing for them to come forward. Australia queensland trafficking police Brisbane papua new guinea CONTACT US
