Metro

Ethiopia: Bigger trouble ahead as Tigray’s only hospital closes over medical supply shortages

Published

2 years ago

June 5, 2022

The humanitarian crisis in the Tigray region of Ethiopia has hit a new low as Ayder Referral Hospital, which is the largest and only operating hospital in the troubled region, said it was forced to suspend providing services over shortages of medical supplies.

The hospital’s technical director, Dr Kibrom Gebresilase in an interview, said the health facility is unable to provide services due to power outages, lack of medicines, and fuel shortages.

“We have run out of medicines; there is no anaesthesia, no oxygen supply. One year has passed since the hospital’s oxygen supply was disrupted” he said.

It was reported two months ago that the number of casualties has continued to increase in the prolonged unrest in the troubled Tigray region of Ethiopia due to shortages of life-saving drugs, oxygen, and other humanitarian needs.

Since its outbreak in November 2020, the war, which began in Tigray (northern Ethiopia) and then spread to the neighbouring regions of Amhara and Afar, has been marked by numerous allegations of abuses on both sides.

The Tigray region is the northernmost regional state in Ethiopia. The Region is the homeland of the Tigrayan, Irob , and Kunama people. Formerly known as Region 1.

According to U.N. figures, more than 90% of Tigray’s 6 million people require humanitarian assistance, including 115,000 children who are severely malnourished.

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Metro

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

Published

11 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.