Metro

World’s largest hospital ship, Global Mercy, makes debut in Africa as it lands in Senegal

Published

2 years ago

May 31, 2022

The world’s largest civilian floating hospital ship, the Global Mercy, has made its debut in Africa when it landed in the port of Dakar, Senegal, on Monday, where it will stay for four weeks to train the country’s health professionals.

The floating hospital was welcomed to the West African country by Senegalese President Macky Sall at a ceremony attended by Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and his Comoros counterpart President Azali Assoumani.

The arrival of the ship coincides with the recent fire outbreak at a public hospital in the western Senegalese city of Tivaouane where 11 new born babies were burnt to death on May 25.

During its stay in Senegal, the crew intends to participate in the training of 260 Senegalese health professionals, alongside the crew of the Africa Mercy, which has been in the port of Dakar since February (until November) and is performing surgery on board.

At the end of June, the Global Mercy will return to the Canary Islands for the “complete and final dressing of the ship”, according to the itinerary of the floating hospital.

The Global Mercy docked next to the Africa Mercy shortly after arriving in Africa for the first time in Dakar, Senegal.

The Global Mercy Ships plans to return to Africa in early 2023 to conduct training and surgery including maxillofacial and reconstructive surgery, tumor removal, cleft lip and palate repair, obstetric fistula repair, etc.

The giant ship which measures at 174 meters long and 28.6 meters wide and comprising 12 decks, will stay in the Dakar port for until the end of June, before returning in 2023 to offer surgical care to poor populations in the continent.

The Global Mercy hospital covers about 7,000 square meters, and includes “six operating theatres, 102 acute care beds, seven intensive care beds and 90 convalescent beds,” which works to improve access to health care in developing countries in Africa, according to a statement from the international NGO Mercy Ships,

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Metro

World Bank pledges $3b to support Zambia’s development goals

Published

12 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The World Bank Group has pledged to avail Zambia with approximately $3 billion to support the country’s development goals under the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for 2025-2029, with nearly half of the funds already disbursed.

World Bank Country Manager, Achim Fock, who made this known at the CPF launch at the Mulungushi Conference Centre in Lusaka on Wednesday, outlined the global lender’s focus areas, which included enhancing jobs, human capital, and climate resilience.

Fock highlighted that $200 million had been approved to strengthen Zambia’s social protection programs, including the Refugee and Host Community Project.

He also expressed optimism for upcoming approvals, including the Climate and Economic Resilience Financing and the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector.

Zambia’s Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, who also spoke at the event, noted that 2.3 million Zambian households have so far benefited from social protection interventions such as the Cash for Work Programme, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives amid crises like the recent drought.

Musokotwane further reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting lives during times of crises such as the recent drought.

“More than two thirds of the Zambian population was affected by the drought. It was the government’s view that the first priority was to save lives,” Musokotwane stated.

Metro

Chinese mining giant CNMC set for $1.6 billion investment in Zambia

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A Chinese mining giant, China Nonferrous Metal Mining Company (CNMC), has announced the investment of over $1.6 billion in Zambia, following successful discussions with President Hakainde Hichilema at the State House on Tuesday.

CNMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Wen Gang, who held the discussions with Hichilema along with the Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, confirmed the company’s commitment to furthering Zambia’s economic development.

“We are actively investing in critical sectors of Zambia’s economy,” Gang said after the meeting.

He noted that CNMC was currently pumping water from Shaft 28 at Luanshya Copper Mine, where 29.9 million cubic liters have been cleared as part of intensified dewatering efforts, adding that the company plans to inject an additional $200 million to develop a greenfield mine on the Copperbelt.

President Hichilema who welcomed CNMC’s commitment, highlighted the potential economic impact of the firm’s investment which will include job opportunities for Zambians.

“This $1.6billion investment, alongside advanced technology and expansion, will extend operations and create more jobs and opportunities for Zambians, especially in mining contracting and supply,” the President said.

He also expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government for their shared commitment to fostering growth and cooperation between the two countries.