Latest news with #Impact
Zawya
11 hours ago
- Health
- Zawya
Supply chain innovators are charting a new healthcare future for Africa
At this year's SAPICS Conference in Cape Town, a powerful healthcare-focused panel discussion spotlighted Africa's emergence as a creator of health supply chain innovations with global potential. The session brought together trailblazing African entrepreneurs who are transforming medicine access, patient safety and healthcare supply chain systems across the continent. It was moderated by Stella Kivila, a pharmacist, health technology consultant and strategic advisor with a deep commitment to advancing African-led healthcare solutions. Currently the Director of Healthtech Strategy & Impact at Salient Advisory, Kivila works alongside her colleagues to advance African-led healthtech and innovations through strategic partnerships with forward-thinking industry, foundations and governments. Kivila opened the session with insights drawn from Salient's work tracking more than 1 000 healthtech innovators across Africa. 'We are seeing a new generation of African entrepreneurs tackling one of the continent's most pressing problems: fragmented and inefficient medicine supply chains,' she said. The Cost of Fragmentation Across Africa, public sector healthcare distribution systems are overburdened. Most consumers rely on fragmented private sector supply chains that drive up costs and compromise quality. Kivila noted that this fragmentation often adds as much as 60% to the final price patients pay for medicines. A further concern is that patients are left with little guarantee of quality or availability and there is a significant risk of counterfeit and substandard products entering the system. But as she explained, African-led innovators are working to close these gaps through technology, data and new business models. Two standout examples - Dawa Mkononi from Tanzania and Meditect from Côte d'Ivoire - took centre stage at SAPICS 2025 to share their journeys. Dawa Mkononi: 'Medicine in the Palm of Your Hand' Dawa Mkononi means 'medicine in the palm of your hand'. For Dr. Joseph Paul, the business's founder, the road to innovation began with heartbreak. While assisting a mother during childbirth in a rural Tanzanian village, he found that the essential drug needed to accelerate labour was unavailable. Six hours later, the family returned with a medicine that sadly proved ineffective. It was likely a counterfeit. That moment sparked a mission. As a medical doctor with a passion for software engineering, Paul developed a digital platform and distribution model that delivers medicine within hours in urban areas, complete with inventory services and demand prediction. His business now supplies pharmacies, clinics and hospitals with safe, verified medicines and flexible credit financing. In just a few years, Dawa Mkononi has served over 500 000 patients, reached more than 1 000 pharmacies and facilitated over $1 million in credit to health facilities. 'Our mission is to make medicine accessible, affordable and safe, through data-driven supply chains,' Paul told the SAPICS audience. His company is growing fourfold annually, demonstrating both the magnitude of the problem and the scalability of African-born solutions when given the right support. Meditect: Restoring Trust in Medicines For Dr. Arnaud Pourredon, founder of Meditect and a former surgeon in Côte d'Ivoire, the decision to leave his clinical career was similarly rooted in a moment of despair. 'I couldn't buy malaria treatment for a three-year-old child. That's when I knew we had to fix the system,' he recalled. Meditect provides digital tools that support drug traceability, supply chain visibility and pharmacy management. With a focus on Francophone Africa, where populations are growing rapidly and infrastructure often lags, Meditect is helping to leapfrog traditional barriers through technology. 'By improving access to quality medicine and enhancing transparency, we can increase life expectancy in Africa by 10 years,' Pourredon said. His platform now supports thousands of healthcare professionals across the region and is a beacon for what's possible when innovation is rooted in local understanding. Investing in Innovation: The i3 Model Both Dawa Mkononi and Meditect are part of the Investing in Innovation (i3) programme, a value-creation network launched in 2022 to help scale commercial African supply chain innovations. Rather than acting as a traditional accelerator, i3 connects promising local innovators with donors, governments and the private sector to champion both economic and health outcomes. In its first 24 months, i3 has provided $3M in direct grant funding to 60 start-ups across 18 African countries. Sponsored by the Gates Foundation, MSD, Cencora (formerly AmerisourceBergen), Endless Foundation, HELP Logistics (a subsidiary of the Kühne Foundation) and Sanofi's Global Health Unit, i3 provides risk-tolerant funding, tailored market access support and opportunities to partner with governments, donors and major healthcare organisations. 'Africa doesn't lack ingenuity. It lacks systems to support and scale it,' Kivila emphasised. 'That's what we're fixing with i3.' Building Resilient, Locally-Led Health Systems Beyond numbers and technologies, the SAPICS panel discussion served as a rallying call for rethinking the role of African innovators in shaping the continent's future - and the global healthcare landscape more broadly. Whether it's Dawa Mkononi's last-mile delivery model or Meditect's traceability platforms, these companies are creating blueprints for responsive, transparent, efficient and scalable healthcare systems. They are also creating jobs, strengthening communities and demonstrating that sustainable transformation in patient care is possible. As Kivila concluded, 'Africa's healthcare future does not have to be imported. It is being built here - by Africans, for Africans, and increasingly, for the world.' More than 700 supply chain managers from across Africa and around the world convened in Cape Town for this year's 47th annual SAPICS Conference - to learn, share knowledge and network. This is the leading event in Africa for the supply chain profession. For more information: Email: info@ ABOUT SAPICS: Since 1966, SAPICS has worked to elevate, educate and empower the community of supply chain professionals in South Africa and across the continent. This is done via membership, events, the annual conference and education courses and workshops through Authorised Education Providers and others. SAPICS is registered in South Africa as a not-for-profit company. Its mandate is to ensure that any profits made are used towards the continual development and overall benefit of individuals and organisations in the supply chain management profession. The annual SAPICS Conference is the leading event in Africa for the supply chain profession.
Sunday World
4 days ago
- Sunday World
Man with ‘dreadful record' broke into hotel room while two elderly women were there
Details were given of 92 previous convictions against Lawrence Mubango, a father of one. A burglar who spent approximately 20 minutes in a Dundalk hotel room while two elderly women were present before making off with cash and clothing has been jailed for eight months. Passing sentence, Judge Nicola Andrews remarked that Lawrence Mubango (36), of no fixed abode, had a 'dreadful record'. He appeared via video link having a week earlier pleaded guilty to burglary at the Imperial Hotel on March 30 last. The case had been adjourned for gardaí to canvass Victim Impact Statements. The district court was told that the two women were uncontactable. Details were given of 92 previous convictions against Mr Mubango, a father of one. These included assault causing serious harm for which he received a 10-year sentence in 2019; theft and forgery. Solicitor Carol Slattery said that her client had spent considerable time in custody previously after which he struggled to integrate back into society. He was 'quite a bright young man' doing well in prison and was one module away from a Degree. The defendant was anxious to move on. He had been unable to attend his eight-year-old son's First Communion. Judge Andrews said that the nature of the offence was 'quite troubling'. When anyone checked into a hotel they were entitled to security and not have have someone sneak into their room. Stock image News in 90 Seconds - July 26th It was quite aggravating and had an appalling impact on two elderly guests. It was at the upper end, the judge continued. An eight-month sentence was imposed, backdated to April 1 last. The court had heard evidence that Lawrence Mubango was neither a resident nor a guest when he entered a third floor bedroom of the town centre hotel at 3.20am. He was there approximately 20 minutes while the two ladies were present. He stole €500 cash, items of clothing and a purse. He exited the room and hotel at 3.38am. Neither the cash nor purse were recovered. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Joe Hendry passes the torch to Mike Santana in TNA
TNA has two huge fan favorites at the top of the company with eyes on winning the world title from Trick Williams. That case wasn't settled at Slammiversary when Joe Hendry and Mike Santana both came up short in defeat. But, that was a three-way dance. Perhaps the singular focus of one-on-one could produce a different outcome. That still means TNA needs to decide on who will be that man. It looks like Hendry and Santana settled that issue on Impact (July 24, 2025). Hendry wrestled Santana in the television main event on Thursday night. TNA didn't do any hype promos. The matchup sold itself. Hendry opened with a handshake. The crowd was split with three-syllable chants of, 'Mike Santana,' and, 'We believe.' Santana accepted the gesture of respect. Match on! Tensions increased the longer the action spanned. Hendry went on a run for a fallaway slam, an Olympic slam, a pop-up powerbomb, and an Attitude Adjustment. Hendry could never hit the Standing Ovation finisher. Santana was able to escape Hendry's grip. Santana went on a run of his own for a rolling cutter and a frog splash. The finish came down to counter wrestling with a flurry of roll-ups back and forth. Santana gained the edge for a jackknife pin to win. After the match, it looked like Hendry passed the torch to Santana to be the man to save TNA from Trick Williams. The question is now when Santana will get another crack at the TNA World Championship. The answer would seem to be Bound For Glory on October 12, however, that leaves a lot of time in the way. The two special events prior to that PPV are Emergence on August 15 and Victory Road on September 26. Time will tell how Santana's story shakes out. Share your thoughts on Mike Santana beating Joe Hendry clean. More from Not everyone is marking out about Eva Marie's return Mansoor's Raw Debut was classic WWE Is this who caught Lilly's eye? Former WWE champs face off on (checks notes) Main Event Yes, Angel Garza shoved a rose up Drew Gulak's butt on Raw Raw recap & reactions: Flip the switch Flair already added to title match at WrestleMania Backlash EVA MARIE IS BACK
Daily Express
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Sogip to create 30,000 jobs, locals urged to prepare
Published on: Friday, July 25, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 25, 2025 Text Size: One of the job seekers receiving an offer letter from a company. SIPITANG: The MYFutureJobs X SSMJ @ Sipitang 2025 Career Carnival, organised by the Sabah Maju Jaya (SSMJ) Secretariat, saw a strong turnout with around 1,100 attendees and 14 individuals successfully securing employment during the event. Held at Dewan Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Pengiran Omar 2, the carnival attracted students, job seekers, and recent graduates from the district and surrounding areas. Decisions for other applicants are still pending. A total of 15 employers, including five oil and gas companies, took part alongside 15 exhibitors, offering a wide range of opportunities and information to the participants. Qhazanah Sabah Berhad Chairman and Sindumin Assemblyman, Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob, officiated the event and delivered a special presentation titled Readiness to Embrace the Investment Impact at SOGIP. He said the need for the local community to understand and prepare for the opportunities arising from the development of the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP), which is expected to generate approximately 30,000 job opportunities during both its construction and operational phases. 'The spillover benefits from SOGIP are not limited to direct employment. Entrepreneurs, local vendors, farmers, livestock breeders, and fishermen will also stand to gain,' he said. Dr Yusof encouraged locals to be proactive by tapping into related support services such as car workshops, plumbing, electrical work, barbering, and accommodation facilities. 'At the same time, I must caution that if we are not prepared, these opportunities may be taken up by outsiders,' he added. Also present at the event were SSMJ Chief Operating Officer Datuk Ramlee Kariah, Sabah Oil and Gas Development Corporation Managing Director and CEO Datuk Harun Ismail, Perkeso Sabah Director Dr Mohd Ali Hindia, and Esteel Enterprise Sabah's Human Resources Director Elsa Lu Meng. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
IOL News
6 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Activist launches bold movement to confront systemic injustice and restore human dignity
Social Impact With Pearl Walsh launched a bold movement to confront systemic injustice and restore human dignity while protesting outside the Western Cape High Court. Image: Ayanda Ndamane/ Independent Media A new justice‑led movement is taking shape in South Africa's legal corridors as human‑rights advocate Pearl Walsh unveiled Social Impact With Pearl, an initiative that vows to expose judicial dysfunction, protect the vulnerable and 'bring humility back to humanity through human dignity'. Walsh, 37, is a Cape Town-based activist whose decade-long track record spans court-reform campaigns, gender-justice litigation, and anti-corruption drives aimed at the Legal Practice Council, the Ministry of Justice, and Parliament. Known for her uncompromising stance and direct challenges to authority, she says the movement is 'not about politics, it's about people'. 'Constitutional rights are not optional. Humanitarian values are not negotiable. Justice must work for everyone or it works for no one,' Walsh told reporters on the Western Cape High court steps, flanked by survivors of domestic violence and parental‑rights disputes. The campaign's launch manifesto pledges to confront 'corruption in the courts, failure in the legal system and injustice committed in the name of law'. It commits to amplifying survivor stories, mentoring youth activists and offering rapid legal‑literacy workshops in communities cut off from legal assistance. Among those standing with Walsh was Belinka Unger, who said a 2013 custody ruling has effectively confined her to Cape Town for 12 years. 'I have tried to protect my daughter and pursue work outside the province, but every time I leave, I'm charged with contempt,' Unger said. 'Meanwhile, her father, a judicial officer, owes maintenance and faces no consequences.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Charmalaine Zwiegelaar, embroiled in a five‑year divorce and eviction battle, described repeated abuse. 'My teeth were damaged during assaults, yet I'm the one left homeless,' she said. 'I want justice for myself and my children.' Walsh argues such cases illustrate 'a justice system that serves the few at the expense of the many' and believes public pressure can force institutional change. 'Silence enables harm. Accountability begins with truth,' she said. Raised in Retreat, Walsh traces her activism to witnessing court delays in her mother's domestic violence case. After completing paralegal studies, she worked with women's shelters before launching a court-watch program that logged hundreds of delayed maintenance hearings. Her slogan, 'bringing humility back to humanity through human dignity' now anchors the new movement's branding. Social Impact With Pearl will file an open‑access report on alleged lapses by the Legal Practice Council next month and plans a national listening tour to gather testimony from litigants, beginning in KwaZulu‑Natal on 5 August. Walsh is also lobbying Parliament's Justice Portfolio Committee for public hearings into 'systemic breaches of Section 34 rights to access courts'. She urged citizens to 'rise with us, protect rights, demand truth and rebuild trust', adding that the movement would track institutional responses and publish scorecards online.
