WHO declares monkeypox a global health emergency amid rising cases

GENEVA, July 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the monkeypox outbreak, which has affected nearly 17,000 people in 74 countries, to be a global health emergency — the highest alarm it can sound. “I have decided that the global monkeypox outbreak represents a public health emergency of international concern,”…

Covid-19: Portugal registers fewer infections, deaths

LISBON, July 23 (NNN-Xinhua) — Portugal recorded 35,945 COVID-19 infections between July 12 and 18, down by 35 percent from the previous week, the Portuguese Directorate-General for Health (DGS) said. Meanwhile, 107 deaths were reported, down by 28 from a week ago, the DGS said in a weekly epidemiological bulletin.…

Kenya heightens security ahead of August polls

NAIROBI, July 23 (NNN-Xinhua) — Kenyan police said they have heightened security ahead of the general elections slated for Aug 9. Hilary Mutyambai, inspector-general of Police, told journalists in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, that a total of 150,000 officers drawn from partner securities agencies will be deployed during the…

Brazilian presidential elections: Workers’ Party officially launches candidacy of Lula

Lula da Silva confirmed as Workers’ Party’s presidential candidate SAO PAULO, July 23 (NNN-Xinhua) — Brazil’s Workers’ Party has officially launched the presidential candidacy of former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for the upcoming October election, after he was nominated by party delegates. The event in Sao Paulo was…

UN allocates 1 mln USD in emergency relief after Rift Valley Fever outbreak in Burundi

UNITED NATIONS, July 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United Nations has allocated 1 million US dollars to help 340,000 people in areas affected by Rift Valley Fever in Burundi, a UN spokesman said. Undersecretary-General Martin Griffiths, the UN emergency relief coordinator, released the funds for projects focused on controlling spread of…

UN voices concern over deadly clashes in Libya’s Tripoli

TRIPOLI, July 23 (NNN-Xinhua) — The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) expressed concern about clashes that took place between two armed groups in the capital Tripoli. “UNSMIL has received reports of civilian casualties as a result of clashes between two armed groups in Tripoli on Thursday night,” UNSMIL…

Italy’s president accepts resignation of Prime Minister Draghi

Italian President, Sergio Mattarella (left) with PM Draghi ROME, July 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Italian President, Sergio Mattarella, accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Mario Draghi after a week-long attempt to unite his unravelling coalition failed.The president’s office said that Draghi’s government would remain in place for the time being to…

Tanzania: Pres Samia Suluhu outlines strategies to strengthen transportation within EAC

President Samia Suluhu Hassan launching the 14.1 km Sakina-Tengeru Road ARUSHA (Tanzania), July 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Tanzanian Pres Samia Suluhu Hassan has outlined the country’s strategies to strengthen transportation in the region and the African continent in general.She also reminded road users and the general public on the importance of…

Russia-Ukraine ‘grain export’ pact: AU hails breakthrough

ADDIS ABABA, July 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The Chairperson of the African Union Commission welcomes signing of Russia/Ukraine agreement to resume grain exports under auspices of Turkiye and United Nations.The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat welcomes the signing by Russia and Ukraine of agreements under the auspices…

France’s hung parliament passes 20-bn-euro inflation package

PARIS, July 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — France’s divided parliament passed its first major piece of legislation since elections last month, greenlighting a 20-billion-euro package to help low-income families struggling with inflation. The vote in the early hours of the morning provided a boost for the centrist government of President Emmanuel Macron,…