The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that eight countries,
including Nigeria, Kenya, and Lesotho, are at risk of running out of HIV
drugs due to the US government’s suspension of foreign aid. The aid freeze,
initiated by President Donald Trump in January 2025, has disrupted health
programs globally, particularly affecting the US President’s Emergency Plan for
AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has saved over 26 million lives since 2003.
WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus cautioned that these disruptions
could reverse 20 years of progress, leading to over 10 million new HIV
infections and 3 million related deaths. The funding cut has halted HIV
treatment, testing, and prevention services in more than 50 countries, leaving
sub-Saharan Africa’s 25 million HIV-positive individuals—two-thirds of the
global total—vulnerable.
Dr. Tedros urged the US to reconsider its stance, emphasizing that global health
support not only saves lives but also helps prevent disease outbreaks from
spreading internationally.
General News
Cape Verde Declares 2025 as the “Year of Cancer” to Strengthen Fight Against the Disease
Cape Verde has launched the “2025 – Year of Cancer” initiative to enhance
cancer prevention, early detection, and equitable access to treatment across
the country. Minister of Health Jorge Figueiredo emphasized that this initiative is
not just a set of isolated actions but a long-term strategy to reduce cancer-
related mortality and morbidity.
The government plans to implement awareness campaigns, screening programs,
professional training, and strengthened public policies to improve cancer care.
The initiative will operate under the theme: “Hope is our strength, unity is our
cure.”
Guinean Civil Society Accuses Macron of Supporting Dictatorship
Guinea-Bissau’s civil society organizations have accused French President
Emmanuel Macron of supporting and legitimizing Umaro Sissoco Embaló’s
dictatorial regime. In a letter, they criticized Macron for maintaining close ties
with Embaló, whom they call the “former President”, arguing that his mandate
ended on February 27, 2025 but that he remains in power illegally with military
backing.
The organizations also condemn France’s silence on human rights violations in
Guinea-Bissau, including abductions, attacks on journalists, and repression of
the opposition. They view Macron’s recent Legion of Honor award to Embaló
as an attempt to whitewash his regime.
The letter calls for stronger action from France, ECOWAS, and the United
Nations to uphold democratic principles and restore constitutional order in
Guinea-Bissau.
Burkina Faso: Political Activist Idrissa Barry Abducted
Idrissa Barry, Secretary of the political movement “Servir et non se servir”
(Sens) (Serve and Not Be Served), was abducted on March 18 at the Saaba
municipal office in Ouagadougou by individuals identifying themselves as
gendarmes, without any official reason. His arrest came days after Sens
condemned the massacre of Fulani civilians in Solenzo, allegedly perpetrated by
the Burkinabe army and its auxiliaries.
The Sens movement, which advocates for good governance and the protection
of human rights, believes Barry’s abduction is a reprisal for their denunciation
of these killings. In response, the group strongly condemned the act, calling for
his immediate and unconditional release, labeling it a serious human rights
violation.
Barry’s disappearance reflects a broader crackdown on political dissent under
the military junta. Sens had earlier accused the regime of conducting punitive
expeditions with genocidal undertones against Fulani communities, suspected of
links to the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM). These
statements likely angered authorities, leading to Barry’s abduction.