A new study published in The Lancet Global Health provides strong evidence that the global decline in maternal deaths over the past two decades has been largely driven by advances in both family planning and maternity care. The paper, titled “Effect of maternity care improvement, fertility decline, and contraceptive use on global maternal mortality reduction… [Read More]
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Prostate Cancer in Africa: Key Facts on Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Prevention
Prostate cancer is one of the most common male cancers in Africa, with significantly higher incidence and mortality rates among African men compared to other populations. This disparity is influenced by a combination of genetic, biological, and social factors. Research indicates that men of African descent often carry genetic traits linked to more aggressive forms… [Read More]
Joint Quadripartite Statement Highlights Africa’s Commitment to the One Health Approach
On the occasion of One Health Day 2025, the Regional Representatives and Directors in Africa from the Quadripartite Regional Coordination Group—comprising the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)—reaffirmed their collective commitment to advancing the One Health approach. This approach… [Read More]
Strengthening Crisis Preparedness: Anticipatory Action Frameworks in West and Central Africa
The first Regional Dialogue Platform on Anticipatory Action in West and Central Africa concluded in Dakar with a strong commitment from regional and international stakeholders to act earlier and more collaboratively in addressing recurring crises. Held from 28 to 30 October 2025, the event gathered over 150 participants, including representatives from national governments, civil society,… [Read More]
FAO Leads Efforts to Strengthen Biodiversity Governance at Landmark Gaborone Summit
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) took part in the inaugural Biodiversity Summit for Africa held in Gaborone, Botswana, from November 2–5, 2025. The summit brought together African governments, experts, and development partners to accelerate efforts toward biodiversity protection and sustainable food systems across the continent. FAO played a leading role… [Read More]
British Food and Drink Exports Gain £100 Million Boost as UK Removes Trade Barriers
British food producers are set to benefit from new export opportunities valued at nearly £100 million, following extensive work by the UK’s network of 16 agri-food attachés. Since January, these attachés have successfully removed 41 trade barriers and opened key global markets for British products. Major achievements include reopening pork exports worth up to £80… [Read More]
Ireland invests €16.5 million in 63 outdoor recreation projects, Minister Calleary confirms
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has announced a major investment of €16.5 million to support 63 outdoor recreation projects across Ireland under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS). The announcement, made during his visit to Clare Island, Co. Mayo, marks a significant step in delivering the ambitions of… [Read More]
Ireland Invests €5 Million to Boost Social Innovation as Minister Buttimer Launches New Solutions Hub
Minister of State for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer, officially launched the New Solutions Social Innovation Hub in Cork, marking a major milestone in Ireland’s commitment to fostering social innovation. During the event, the Minister also announced over €2.5 million in funding for nine projects through the New Solutions Scaling Up Grants Scheme, bringing… [Read More]
Ireland: Minister Buttimer Announces New Social Innovation Hub and Funding to Scale Up Community Solutions
Minister of State for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer, officially launched the New Solutions Social Innovation Hub in Cork on November 3, 2025, marking a major milestone in Ireland’s social innovation landscape. Alongside the launch, the Minister announced funding of over €2.5 million for nine projects through the New Solutions Scaling Up Grants Scheme,… [Read More]
Ethiopia’s Green Economy Boosted as ILO Strengthens Technical and Vocational Training Institutions
The International Labour Organization (ILO), through its Global Skills Programme – Ethiopia component and supported by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), is empowering technical and vocational training (TVT) institutions to lead Ethiopia’s green transition. The initiative, known as Green TVT – Skills for a Greener Future, equips educators and institutions to integrate environmental… [Read More]
European Union and Central Asia Strengthen Cooperation for Skills Development and Economic Growth
The European Union and Central Asian countries are deepening their cooperation in education and skills development to promote sustainable growth, innovation, and shared prosperity. This commitment was reaffirmed at a high-level meeting of the DARYA (Dialogue and Action for Young People in Central Asia) programme, held in Turin on 30–31 October 2025. DARYA, a €10… [Read More]
Understanding the Effects of VAT on Families in the DRC
The 2020 Household Survey for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) sheds light on how Value Added Tax (VAT) affects households differently across income levels. Introduced in 2012 to replace the turnover tax, VAT was designed to provide a more stable source of revenue compared to volatile mining income. Over time, it has become a… [Read More]
Hurricane Melissa: WFP Expands Life-Saving Food Assistance Across the Caribbean
Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of devastation across Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti, affecting nearly six million people. In response, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is scaling up its life-saving relief operations to assist those most impacted. WFP has started emergency food distributions, with additional supplies set to arrive in the coming days…. [Read More]
Greenhouse Sports Receives £1 Million Grant from Julia Rausing Trust to Empower Young People
The Julia Rausing Trust has announced a £1 million grant to Greenhouse Sports as part of the organisation’s largest-ever fundraising campaign, For Every Future. This substantial contribution will make up half of the £2 million match funding pot, ensuring that every donation made throughout November will be doubled in support of essential youth services. For… [Read More]
Apply Now: Grants Available for Repair and Restoration Projects in Essex
Applications are now open for the latest round of the Love Essex Fund, offering micro-grants of up to £2,000 to support community-led repair projects across Essex throughout November 2025. Since its launch in 2019, the Love Essex Fund has supported nearly 200 local projects that help reduce household waste through reuse and repair initiatives. These… [Read More]
European Union Allocates €21.5 Million to Support Victims of Crises in Venezuela, Haiti, and Hurricane Melissa
The European Union has announced €21.5 million in new humanitarian aid to support people affected by worsening crises in Venezuela and Haiti, as well as those impacted by Hurricane Melissa across the Caribbean. The funding aims to provide life-saving assistance including food, healthcare, protection services, and emergency relief to the most vulnerable populations. Of the… [Read More]
UNDP, DPPA and EU Deepen Cooperation to Support National Conflict Prevention Initiatives
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), and the European Union (EU) have signed a new agreement under the Joint UNDP–DPPA Programme on Building National Capacities for Conflict Prevention. This renewed partnership aims to strengthen nationally led efforts to prevent conflict and sustain peace. Through this new… [Read More]
Education Funding at Risk as Donors Reduce Charitable Contributions
Diana Zacharia, a primary school teacher in Arusha, Tanzania, manages a classroom of 90 pupils — a challenge she has learned to navigate with support from the Swiss development organization Helvetas. Through a two-year training program, she and other teachers were taught innovative methods such as involving students in lesson preparation and peer learning to… [Read More]
European Union to Release Fifth Round of Financial Support for Ukraine
The European Union is set to approve the fifth tranche of macro-financial assistance to Ukraine under the Ukraine Facility, amounting to €1.35 billion. The decision is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, as part of the EU’s continued support for Ukraine amid its economic and political challenges. According to sources cited by European Pravda, EU member… [Read More]
Horn of Africa Drought: Concern Scales Up Aid for Impacted Communities
Concern Worldwide is intensifying its support for drought-affected communities in Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia, as the Horn of Africa faces worsening conditions that could leave 6.5 million people food insecure and over 2.5 million children malnourished. The organization’s response comes amid deteriorating weather forecasts and widespread crop failures due to prolonged dry spells and inadequate… [Read More]
Tanzania Faces Ongoing Unlawful Killings and Rights Abuses During Blackouts
Amnesty International has condemned the ongoing internet and electricity blackouts in Tanzania following the country’s October 29 general elections, citing grave human rights concerns. For nearly a week, millions have been affected by these nationwide shutdowns, which have severely limited access to information and communication. According to Amnesty International, security forces have used excessive force… [Read More]
IDB Backs Peru’s Push for Digital Inclusion in Remote and Rural Communities
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $106 million loan to expand broadband internet access in rural areas of Peru, aiming to boost economic development and social inclusion. The project will enhance connectivity in nearly 900 population centers across the regions of Apurímac, Ayacucho, and Junín by installing broadband telecommunications infrastructure, technological equipment, and… [Read More]
IDB Supports Costa Rica in Expanding Access to Reliable and Sustainable Electricity
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $200 million loan to enhance Costa Rica’s electricity system, aiming to make it more reliable, efficient, and sustainable. The financing marks the second phase of a broader program designed to expand the nation’s renewable energy capacity and improve power transmission and distribution infrastructure. The initiative will directly… [Read More]
