Measles surge in Niger demands urgent attention

Aïcha Abdou

measles surge in Niger demands urgent attention related insights vaccination: protecting the most vulnerable associated initiatives pediatric care in southern Niger support for displaced persons in Diffa Dr. François Rubona, a medical coordinator for Médecins Sans Frontières in Niger, highlights the escalating measles crisis gripping the nation. Since February, MSF teams have mobilized mass vaccination campaigns across multiple regions to curb the alarming rise in early-onset measles clusters. Here’s an in-depth look at the epidemic’s current state. how severe is Niger’s measles outbreak? This year has witnessed a dramatic surge…

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Burkina Faso: urgent call to address severe human rights violations against fulani communities

Ousmane Tandja

As the 45th session of the Human Rights Council approaches its conclusion, the Organisation mondiale contre la torture (OMCT) and its partners within the SOS-Torture Network are urging the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, along with all Council members, to give critical attention to the Fulani populations in Burkina Faso. These communities are caught in the escalating conflict stemming from counter-terrorism operations across the Sahel region. Since 2016, the Fulani people in Burkina Faso have been subjected to grave human rights abuses, some of which bear the…

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Polio vaccination campaign launched in seven regions of Burkina Faso

Aïcha Abdou

polio vaccination campaign launched in seven regions of Burkina Faso polio vaccination campaign launched in seven regions of Burkina Faso health Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Health, in collaboration with UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), launched a nationwide polio vaccination campaign on Friday, targeting seven regions across the country. Running from 18 to 21 September 2020, the campaign aims to immunize over 2 million children under five in seven regions: Plateau Central, Centre, Centre-Nord, Centre-Ouest, Centre-Sud, Est, and Centre-Est. UNICEF confirmed this in a press release, highlighting the urgency…

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Un’s growing alarm over Sahel armies’ alleged human rights abuses

Aïcha Abdou

Allegations of severe human rights abuses, including forced disappearances and summary executions, are increasingly being leveled against soldiers from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These forces are actively engaged in counter-jihadist operations across the Sahel region, prompting significant concern from the United Nations. During a Security Council videoconference focusing on the Sahel, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, emphatically stated, “I urge the G5 Sahel Joint Force and its member states to spare no effort” in upholding human rights. This concern has been voiced with increasing urgency for…

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New pediatric unit in Koutiala, Mali enhances child healthcare

Aïcha Abdou

new pediatric unit in Koutiala, Mali enhances child healthcare pediatric care explore Koutiala, Mali, where a groundbreaking pediatric unit is transforming child healthcare since 2009, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has operated a pediatric program in Koutiala, southeastern Mali, to combat child mortality through preventive and curative care. To enhance treatment for young patients, MSF initiated the construction of a modern pediatric unit. Over more than a year, we documented this transformative project. malaria remains a leading cause of child mortality in the Koutiala region. Affected children often experience reduced appetite,…

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Benin’s constitutional reforms: a new political landscape emerges

Aïcha Abdou

A significant constitutional amendment, swiftly enacted on November 1st, introduces a “presidential ticket” system for Benin. This new framework mandates the simultaneous election of both the President of the Republic and a Vice-President, requiring an absolute majority of votes over two electoral rounds. Further provisions within the revised constitution include the abolition of the death penalty and the establishment of a dedicated Court of Accounts. Additionally, it enshrines the principle of affirmative action to promote female representation in electoral processes. Legislative terms for members of parliament are now capped at…

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Vaccination against measles and meningitis outbreaks in Niger

Ousmane Tandja

vaccination against measles and meningitis outbreaks in Niger updated november 2019 Miriam Alía, vaccination and epidemic response lead at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), discusses the meningitis C and measles outbreaks that struck Niger in early 2018. Why did the meningitis C and measles outbreaks occur? In 2018, Niger faced severe outbreaks of meningitis C and measles, both highly contagious and life-threatening diseases. While vaccination campaigns should have prevented these epidemics, each case posed unique challenges. Meningitis C: a global vaccine shortage No single affordable vaccine covers all meningitis serogroups. Global…

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Burkina Faso’s political transition: navigating a complex path

Ousmane Tandja

The interpretation of a coup d’état frequently shifts based on the perceived interests and goodwill of the international community, often endorsed by neighboring states. In Burkina Faso, the appointment of Transitional President Michel Kafando was deemed unconstitutional, setting the stage for the nation to operate with newly established institutions for at least a year. Like a complex construction set, the provisional institutions of the transition have been gradually falling into place. Following the dramatic departure of Blaise Compaoré, the ‘Sphinx of Kosyam,’ and the subsequent appearance of military uniforms on…

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