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Monkeypox: ‘Bushmeat catches hunter’ as Nigeria bans animals sales, consumption

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It appears the bushmeat is finally catching up with the hunter as the monkeypox virus continues to spread across the globe. As part of moves to curtail the spread, the Nigerian government has placed a ban on the sale and consumption of bushmeat.

Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammad Abubakar announced the ban on Tuesday, May 31.

The minister also directed hunters and dealers of bush meat in the country to stop the business. He also urged Nigerians to avoid contact with persons suspected to be infected with monkeypox.

“Hunters and dealers of ‘bush meat’ must desist from the practice forthwith to prevent any possibility of a ‘spill over’ of the pathogen in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Sunday confirmed that 21 cases of monkeypox have been recorded since the start of the year with one death reported.

Also earlier today, Thursday Morocco’s Ministry of Health revealed that the North African country has recorded the first positive case of Monkeypox.

Monkeypox, which was eradicated some 40 years ago, has suddenly appeared in recent weeks in countries where it is normally only very rare: Europe and North America. The virus is rampaging in Europe with more than 100 cases.

Until recently, monkeypox is a disease that was once largely restricted to Africa, is gradually penetrating Europe and North America. Interestingly, the spread is not connected to Africa this time.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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