Latest news with #Sub-SaharanAfrican
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Amid US funding cuts, global health aid sinks to 15-year low in 'era of austerity'
PARIS: Sweeping foreign aid cuts led by the United States will cause international health funding to plummet to the lowest level in 15 years, a study said Wednesday, warning the world has entered a new "era of global health austerity." Money that provides healthcare to some of the poorest and most in-need people across the world has been dramatically slashed this year, led by the administration of US President Donald Trump. The new study published in the prestigious Lancet journal also pointed to recent steep aid cuts announced by the UK, France and Germany. After reaching an all-time high of $80 billion in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic, the total amount of global health aid will sink to $39 billion this year, the US-led team of researchers estimated. That would be the lowest level since 2009. Such a dramatic change will result in the world entering a new "era of global health austerity", the authors of the study warned. Sub-Saharan African countries such as Somalia, the war-torn Democratic of Congo and Malawi will be hit worst because most of their health funding currently comes from international aid, according to the study. The funding cuts will have a major impact on the treatment and prevention of a range of diseases, including HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, it added The US slashed its global health funding by at least 67 percent in 2025 compared to last year, according to the research. The UK cut its funding by nearly 40 percent, following by France with 33 percent and Germany with 12 percent. The researchers at the US-based Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation called for the world to urgently ramp up health aid. They also warned that nations would likely need find other sources of funding. The study was released as AIDS experts meet in Rwanda's capital Kigali for an international conference on HIV science. The US foreign aid cuts alone are estimated to result in the preventable deaths of more than 14 million people by 2030, according to a different Lancet study published earlier this month. For comparison, around 10 million soldiers were killed during World War I.
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Global health aid sinks to 15-year low in 'era of austerity'
PARIS: Sweeping foreign aid cuts led by the United States will cause international health funding to plummet to the lowest level in 15 years, a study said Wednesday, warning the world has entered a new "era of global health austerity." Money that provides healthcare to some of the poorest and most in-need people across the world has been dramatically slashed this year, led by the administration of US President Donald Trump. The new study published in the prestigious Lancet journal also pointed to recent steep aid cuts announced by the UK, France and Germany. After reaching an all-time high of $80 billion in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic, the total amount of global health aid will sink to $39 billion this year, the US-led team of researchers estimated. That would be the lowest level since 2009. Such a dramatic change will result in the world entering a new "era of global health austerity", the authors of the study warned. Sub-Saharan African countries such as Somalia, the war-torn Democratic of Congo and Malawi will be hit worst because most of their health funding currently comes from international aid, according to the study. The funding cuts will have a major impact on the treatment and prevention of a range of diseases, including HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, it added. The US slashed its global health funding by at least 67 percent in 2025 compared to last year, according to the research. The UK cut its funding by nearly 40 percent, following by France with 33 percent and Germany with 12 percent. The researchers at the US-based Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation called for the world to urgently ramp up health aid. They also warned that nations would likely need find other sources of funding. The study was released as AIDS experts meet in Rwanda's capital Kigali for an international conference on HIV science. The US foreign aid cuts alone are estimated to result in the preventable deaths of more than 14 million people by 2030, according to a different Lancet study published earlier this month. For comparison, around 10 million soldiers were killed during World War I - AFP
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
ViiV Healthcare extends voluntary licensing agreement with Medicines Patent Pool to enable access to innovative long-acting injectable HIV treatment
Agreement allows manufacturers to develop, manufacture and supply generic long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB LA) for treatment in 133 countries Builds on the voluntary licence for CAB LA for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), enabling increased access to innovative long-acting injectables for HIV treatment LONDON, July 14, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ViiV Healthcare, the global specialist HIV company majority owned by GSK, with Pfizer and Shionogi as shareholders, today announced an update to their voluntary licensing agreement with the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) for cabotegravir to include patents relating to its use in a long-acting HIV treatment regimen. The announcement follows updated guidance from WHO recommending long-acting injectable cabotegravir + rilpivirine as an HIV treatment option. Existing generic licensees for prevention will be able to develop, manufacture and supply generic CAB LA, for use in combination with long-acting rilpivirine, subject to required regulatory approvals being obtained, to help enable access to the long-acting treatment in 133 countries worldwide. This includes all least-developed, low-income, lower middle-income and Sub-Saharan African countries, as well as countries where ViiV does not have patent rights for cabotegravir. Deborah Waterhouse, CEO at ViiV Healthcare said: "As leaders in long-acting innovation we're proud to be expanding our voluntary licence with the MPP to now include treatment of HIV in addition to prevention. Long-acting injectables have the potential to transform HIV treatment and we welcome the latest recommendations from WHO to expand treatment options. In line with our mission to ensure no one living with HIV is left behind, we're committed to working with partners like MPP to continue to increase access and reach those most impacted by HIV." Charles Gore, Executive Director at MPP said: "We're delighted to extend the CAB LA licence to cover HIV treatment, reflecting the latest WHO recommendations. Our previous agreement with ViiV for dolutegravir has already enabled the supply of generic DTG-based HIV treatments in 129 countries and we hope that over time a similar coverage can be achieved for CAB LA. CAB LA is a vital addition to the HIV treatment toolbox — especially for people facing adherence challenges with oral regimens. Expanding access to long-acting options like this supports a more person-centred, choice- and needs-driven approach, which is exactly what an equitable and effective HIV response requires." Dr Meg Doherty, Director Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes said: "The World Health Organization welcomes the expansion of the voluntary licence agreement for long-acting cabotegravir to include HIV treatment. This step is closely aligned with WHO's new recommendation of long-acting injectable antiretrovirals as an alternative for people who are virologically suppressed but face adherence challenges with daily oral regimens. It reflects our commitment to expanding access to innovative, person-centered treatment options that improve outcomes — particularly in underserved regions. This agreement aligns with our global goals to ensure equitable access to essential medicines and improve health outcomes for all. We are committed to supporting countries in implementing these new guidelines and ensuring that no one is left behind." The updated MPP-ViiV agreement is an extension of the voluntary license for cabotegravir for HIV PrEP. ViiV Healthcare has been supporting the generic manufacturers with technical know-how to enable development and access to CAB LA as soon as possible. Through the agreement, the existing licensees, Aurobindo, Cipla and Viatris, will be able to develop, manufacture and supply generic versions of CAB LA, for use in combination with long-acting rilpivirine, for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents weighing at least 35kg, subject to required regulatory approvals being obtained. Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the ViiV Healthcare group of companies. About Apretude (cabotegravir long-acting) Apretude is a medicine used for preventing sexually transmitted HIV-1 infection (pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP) in adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kg who are at high risk of being infected. Individuals must have a negative HIV-1 test prior to initiating Apretude (with or without an oral lead-in with oral cabotegravir) for HIV-1 PrEP. It should be used in combination with safer sex practices, such as using condoms. Apretude contains the active substance cabotegravir. Please consult the full EU Summary of Product Characteristics for all the safety information: Apretude 600 mg prolonged-release suspension for injection About Vocabria (cabotegravir) Vocabria injection is indicated - in combination with rilpivirine injection - for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in adults and adolescents (at least 12 years of age and weighing at least 35kg) who are virologically suppressed (HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL) on a stable antiretroviral regimen without present or past evidence of viral resistance to, and no prior virological failure with agents of the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) and integrase inhibitor (INI) class. Vocabria tablets are indicated - in combination with rilpivirine tablets - for the short-term treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents (at least 12 years of age and weighing at least 35kg) who are virologically suppressed (HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL) on a stable antiretroviral regimen without present or past evidence of viral resistance to, and no prior virological failure with agents of the NNRTI and INI class for: oral lead in to assess tolerability of Vocabria and rilpivirine prior to administration of long acting Vocabria injection plus long acting rilpivirine injection. oral therapy for adults who will miss planned dosing with Vocabria injection plus rilpivirine injection. Vocabria tablets are only indicated for treatment of HIV-1 in combination with rilpivirine tablets, therefore, the prescribing information for Edurant (rilpivirine) tablets should also be consulted for recommended dosing. Please consult the full EU Summary of Product Characteristics for all the safety information: Vocabria 400mg/600 mg prolonged-release suspension for injection and Vocabria 30 mg film-coated tablets About Rekambys (rilpivirine) Rekambys is indicated - in combination with cabotegravir injection - for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents (at least 12 years of age and weighing at least 35kg) who are virologically suppressed (HIV-1 RNA < 50 copies/mL) on a stable antiretroviral regimen without present or past evidence of viral resistance to, and no prior virological failure with, agents of the NNRTI and INI class. Rekambys should always be co-administered with a cabotegravir injection. The prescribing information for cabotegravir injection should be consulted for recommended dosing. Rekambys may be initiated with oral lead-in or without (direct to injection). Please consult the full EU Summary of Product Characteristics for all the safety information: Rekambys 600mg/900 mg prolonged-release suspension for injection About ViiV Healthcare ViiV Healthcare is a global specialist HIV company established in November 2009 by GSK (LSE: GSK) and Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) dedicated to delivering advances in treatment and care for people living with HIV and for people who could benefit from HIV prevention. Shionogi became a ViiV shareholder in October 2012. The company's aims are to take a deeper and broader interest in HIV and AIDS than any company has done before and take a new approach to deliver effective and innovative medicines for HIV treatment and prevention, as well as support communities affected by HIV. For more information on the company, its management, portfolio, pipeline, and commitment, please visit About GSK GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. Find out more at About MPP The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) is a United Nations-backed public health organisation working to increase access to and facilitate the development of life-saving medicines for low- and middle-income countries. Through its innovative business model, MPP partners with civil society, governments, international organisations, industry, patient groups, and other stakeholders to prioritise and license needed medicines and pool intellectual property to encourage generic manufacture and the development of new formulations. To date, MPP has signed agreements with 22 patent holders for 13 HIV antiretrovirals, one HIV technology platform, three hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals, a tuberculosis treatment, a cancer treatment, four long-acting technologies, a post-partum haemorrhage medicine, three oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19 and 16 COVID-19 technologies. MPP was founded by Unitaid, which continues to be MPP's main funder. MPP's work on access to essential medicines is also funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Government of Canada, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Government of Flanders. MPP's activities in COVID-19 are undertaken with the financial support of the Japanese Government, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the German Agency for International Cooperation, and SDC. Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described in the "Risk Factors" section in GSK's Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2024, and GSK's Q1 Results for 2025. Registered in England & Wales: GSK plc ViiV Healthcare Limited No. 3888792 No. 06876960 Registered Office: 79 New Oxford Street ViiV Healthcare Limited London GSK Medicines Research Centre WC1A 1DG Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage United Kingdom SG1 2NY View source version on Contacts MPP enquiries: Media:Gelise McCulloughgmccullough@ +41 79 685 64 36 (Geneva) ViiV Healthcare enquiries: Media:Rachel Jaikaran +44 (0) 78 2352 3755 (London)Nicola André +44 (0) 7845027166 (London)Melinda Stubbee +1 919 491 0831 (North Carolina) GSK enquiries: Media:Tim Foley +44 (0) 20 8047 5502 (London)Sarah Clements +44 (0) 20 8047 5502 (London)Kathleen Quinn +1 202 603 5003 (Washington DC)Lyndsay Meyer +1 202 302 4595 (Washington DC)Alison Hunt +1 540 742 3391 (Washington DC) Investor Relations:Constantin Fest +44 (0) 7831 826525 (London)James Dodwell +44 (0) 20 8047 2406 (London)Mick Readey +44 (0) 7990 339653 (London)Steph Mountifield +44 (0) 7796 707505 (London)Jeff McLaughlin +1 215 751 7002 (Philadelphia)Frannie DeFranco +1 215 751 3126 (Philadelphia) Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
14-07-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
ViiV Healthcare extends voluntary licensing agreement with Medicines Patent Pool to enable access to innovative long-acting injectable HIV treatment
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ViiV Healthcare, the global specialist HIV company majority owned by GSK, with Pfizer and Shionogi as shareholders, today announced an update to their voluntary licensing agreement with the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) for cabotegravir to include patents relating to its use in a long-acting HIV treatment regimen. The announcement follows updated guidance from WHO recommending long-acting injectable cabotegravir + rilpivirine as an HIV treatment option. Existing generic licensees for prevention will be able to develop, manufacture and supply generic CAB LA, for use in combination with long-acting rilpivirine, subject to required regulatory approvals being obtained, to help enable access to the long-acting treatment in 133 countries worldwide. This includes all least-developed, low-income, lower middle-income and Sub-Saharan African countries, as well as countries where ViiV does not have patent rights for cabotegravir. Deborah Waterhouse, CEO at ViiV Healthcare said: 'As leaders in long-acting innovation we're proud to be expanding our voluntary licence with the MPP to now include treatment of HIV in addition to prevention. Long-acting injectables have the potential to transform HIV treatment and we welcome the latest recommendations from WHO to expand treatment options. In line with our mission to ensure no one living with HIV is left behind, we're committed to working with partners like MPP to continue to increase access and reach those most impacted by HIV.' Charles Gore, Executive Director at MPP said: 'We're delighted to extend the CAB LA licence to cover HIV treatment, reflecting the latest WHO recommendations. Our previous agreement with ViiV for dolutegravir has already enabled the supply of generic DTG-based HIV treatments in 129 countries and we hope that over time a similar coverage can be achieved for CAB LA. CAB LA is a vital addition to the HIV treatment toolbox — especially for people facing adherence challenges with oral regimens. Expanding access to long-acting options like this supports a more person-centred, choice- and needs-driven approach, which is exactly what an equitable and effective HIV response requires.' Dr Meg Doherty, Director Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes said:"The World Health Organization welcomes the expansion of the voluntary licence agreement for long-acting cabotegravir to include HIV treatment. This step is closely aligned with WHO's new recommendation of long-acting injectable antiretrovirals as an alternative for people who are virologically suppressed but face adherence challenges with daily oral regimens. It reflects our commitment to expanding access to innovative, person-centered treatment options that improve outcomes — particularly in underserved regions. This agreement aligns with our global goals to ensure equitable access to essential medicines and improve health outcomes for all. We are committed to supporting countries in implementing these new guidelines and ensuring that no one is left behind.' The updated MPP-ViiV agreement is an extension of the voluntary license for cabotegravir for HIV PrEP. ViiV Healthcare has been supporting the generic manufacturers with technical know-how to enable development and access to CAB LA as soon as possible. Through the agreement, the existing licensees, Aurobindo, Cipla and Viatris, will be able to develop, manufacture and supply generic versions of CAB LA, for use in combination with long-acting rilpivirine, for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents weighing at least 35kg, subject to required regulatory approvals being obtained. Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the ViiV Healthcare group of companies. About Apretude (cabotegravir long-acting) Apretude is a medicine used for preventing sexually transmitted HIV-1 infection (pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP) in adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kg who are at high risk of being infected. Individuals must have a negative HIV-1 test prior to initiating Apretude (with or without an oral lead-in with oral cabotegravir) for HIV-1 PrEP. It should be used in combination with safer sex practices, such as using condoms. Apretude contains the active substance cabotegravir. Please consult the full EU Summary of Product Characteristics for all the safety information: Apretude 600 mg prolonged-release suspension for injection About Vocabria (cabotegravir) Vocabria injection is indicated - in combination with rilpivirine injection - for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in adults and adolescents (at least 12 years of age and weighing at least 35kg) who are virologically suppressed (HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL) on a stable antiretroviral regimen without present or past evidence of viral resistance to, and no prior virological failure with agents of the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) and integrase inhibitor (INI) class. Vocabria tablets are indicated - in combination with rilpivirine tablets - for the short-term treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents (at least 12 years of age and weighing at least 35kg) who are virologically suppressed (HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL) on a stable antiretroviral regimen without present or past evidence of viral resistance to, and no prior virological failure with agents of the NNRTI and INI class for: oral lead in to assess tolerability of Vocabria and rilpivirine prior to administration of long acting Vocabria injection plus long acting rilpivirine injection. oral therapy for adults who will miss planned dosing with Vocabria injection plus rilpivirine injection. Vocabria tablets are only indicated for treatment of HIV-1 in combination with rilpivirine tablets, therefore, the prescribing information for Edurant (rilpivirine) tablets should also be consulted for recommended dosing. Please consult the full EU Summary of Product Characteristics for all the safety information: Vocabria 400mg/600 mg prolonged-release suspension for injection and Vocabria 30 mg film-coated tablets About Rekambys (rilpivirine) Rekambys is indicated - in combination with cabotegravir injection - for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents (at least 12 years of age and weighing at least 35kg) who are virologically suppressed (HIV-1 RNA < 50 copies/mL) on a stable antiretroviral regimen without present or past evidence of viral resistance to, and no prior virological failure with, agents of the NNRTI and INI class. Rekambys should always be co-administered with a cabotegravir injection. The prescribing information for cabotegravir injection should be consulted for recommended dosing. Rekambys may be initiated with oral lead-in or without (direct to injection). Please consult the full EU Summary of Product Characteristics for all the safety information: Rekambys 600mg/900 mg prolonged-release suspension for injection About ViiV Healthcare ViiV Healthcare is a global specialist HIV company established in November 2009 by GSK (LSE: GSK) and Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) dedicated to delivering advances in treatment and care for people living with HIV and for people who could benefit from HIV prevention. Shionogi became a ViiV shareholder in October 2012. The company's aims are to take a deeper and broader interest in HIV and AIDS than any company has done before and take a new approach to deliver effective and innovative medicines for HIV treatment and prevention, as well as support communities affected by HIV. For more information on the company, its management, portfolio, pipeline, and commitment, please visit About GSK GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. Find out more at About MPP The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) is a United Nations-backed public health organisation working to increase access to and facilitate the development of life-saving medicines for low- and middle-income countries. Through its innovative business model, MPP partners with civil society, governments, international organisations, industry, patient groups, and other stakeholders to prioritise and license needed medicines and pool intellectual property to encourage generic manufacture and the development of new formulations. To date, MPP has signed agreements with 22 patent holders for 13 HIV antiretrovirals, one HIV technology platform, three hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals, a tuberculosis treatment, a cancer treatment, four long-acting technologies, a post-partum haemorrhage medicine, three oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19 and 16 COVID-19 technologies. MPP was founded by Unitaid, which continues to be MPP's main funder. MPP's work on access to essential medicines is also funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Government of Canada, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Government of Flanders. MPP's activities in COVID-19 are undertaken with the financial support of the Japanese Government, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the German Agency for International Cooperation, and SDC. Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described in the 'Risk Factors' section in GSK's Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2024, and GSK's Q1 Results for 2025.
Al-Ahram Weekly
04-07-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Israeli-Iranian conflict threatens Africa - Opinion
The impact of this escalation extended beyond the Middle East, reaching other regions, notably Africa, which quickly felt its repercussions on the economic, security, and geopolitical levels. The strikes disrupted global markets and triggered a spike in oil prices, which directly affected the Sub-Saharan African economies. Countries like Ghana and South Africa experienced currency fluctuations and surging fuel prices, intensifying inflationary pressures. These nations, heavily reliant on energy imports and vulnerable supply routes such as through the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, found themselves exposed to the ripple effects of the crisis. Tensions escalated in the Red Sea due to Iranian-backed Houthi attacks on commercial vessels, raising concerns among coastal African states about increased militarisation. Meanwhile, Africa's responses to the crisis were divided, revealing deep splits in foreign policy alignments. On the geopolitical front, the escalation intensified global competition for influence in Africa, making the continent more vulnerable than ever to the spillover of transnational conflicts and instability in the global order. Africa is experiencing rapidly escalating economic repercussions as a result of the ongoing escalation between Israel and Iran. It has triggered severe shocks in already fragile economies, and the global oil price surge, exceeding seven per cent, has pushed energy-importing African nations into renewed inflationary crises, particularly amid weak local currencies and waning market confidence. In Ghana, inflation fears have returned with force as the cost of fuel imports rises. Meanwhile, South Africa witnessed a sharp depreciation of the rand and a swift drop in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, exposing its financial fragility and dependency on global markets. Capital flight to safe havens such as gold and US bonds has further strained emerging African economies. With the ongoing tensions, African governments appear to have limited tools to absorb external shocks, especially as transport and basic goods prices climb, threatening societal stability already weakened by past crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The military escalation in the Gulf has further disrupted global oil markets, pushing crude prices close to $78 per barrel and exacerbating energy crises in African oil-importing countries. These nations now face mounting challenges to balance public budgets and protect people's purchasing power, amid widening current account deficits and slowing growth. The persistence of tensions also threatens food security and supply chains, especially in East Africa and the Sahel, due to the disruption of maritime navigation in the Red Sea caused by Houthi attacks. Countries like Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia may struggle to import essential fuel and food supplies as insurance and shipping costs soar, potentially leading to a severe logistical crisis. The deeper issue lies in the accumulation of crises, which continue to overwhelm African economies without providing sufficient recovery time. Although Africa plays no direct role in these conflicts, it disproportionately bears the cost at a time when the continent urgently needs calm and recovery. The Iranian-Israeli escalation has extended to the Red Sea, one of the world's most important strategic maritime corridors, threatening its stability as a vital artery for the flow of food and energy to Africa. In Somalia, fears are growing over the emergence of covert alliances between the Houthis and Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group. This deepens security threats and turns the Somali coastline into an open arena for proxy confrontations between regional powers. Meanwhile, Somaliland also finds itself at a difficult crossroads, facing increasing pressure from regional actors such as Ethiopia, the UAE, and Russia competing for control over its ports. In Djibouti, the challenge is even more complex due to the presence of military bases belonging to rival global powers, including the United States, France, and China. In Sudan, the consequences are multifaceted and severe. A potential decline in Iranian support for the Sudanese Army especially in the domain of drones may shift the balance of power in favour of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). At the same time, increasing Sudanese accusations of Israeli support for rebel groups could internationalise the conflict through local proxies. The Iranian-Israeli escalation has sparked notable reactions from the African countries, which have expressed diverse positions reflecting their strategic interests and perspectives. Egypt and Tunisia strongly condemned the Israeli attacks on Iran, viewing them as a serious threat to regional security and a violation of international legitimacy. South Africa called for de-escalation and the activation of UN mechanisms, while Nigeria adopted a balanced stance, urging restraint and the prioritisation of dialogue. Kenya criticised the UN Security Council's failure to prevent the crisis and demanded structural reform. Ghana and Namibia voiced concerns over the economic fallout, particularly the rising energy prices and their impact on Africa's fragile economies. The preoccupation of the major powers with the Middle East crisis may also lead to a decline in international support for African security programmes, leaving the continent facing mounting challenges in combating terrorism and insurgencies. As a result, Africa risks becoming a battleground for external conflicts or bearing their cost without having any real influence over them. The writer is a researcher in African affairs. * A version of this article appears in print in the 3 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
