Covid-19: Covax seeks $2 bn donations to cover vaccines; $400m raised so far

GENEVA, April 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The Covax scheme launched a push for an extra $2 billion in donations, saying it needed the money in advance to reserve Covid-19 vaccine doses. The Covax facility ensures the 92 poorest participating economies can access coronavirus jabs, with the cost covered by donors. The…

UK summons Russian ambassador over ‘malign activity’

LONDON, April 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Britain said it had summoned the Russian ambassador to express what it said was the country’s “deep concern at a pattern of malign activity”. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said that included “cyber intrusions, interference in democratic processes, and the build-up of military forces…

UN to maintain Afghanistan mission after US, NATO withdrawal

UNITED NATIONS, April 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The UN said it will maintain its political and humanitarian mission to Afghanistan despite the departure of US and NATO troops later this year. Stephane Dujarric, spokesman to the UN secretary-general, said it was “clear and obvious” that the troops’ departure “will have an…

Covid-19: China’s Coronavac 80% effective at preventing Covid deaths – Chile results

SANTIAGO, April 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — China’s Coronavac vaccine was 67percent effective at preventing symptomatic Covid-19 and 80 percent atpreventing death, according to real-life results unveiled Friday fromChile’s inoculation campaign. “These figures should convey peace of mind to the country,” HealthMinister Enrique Paris told journalists as he announced the outcome oftwo…

Russia to close parts of Black Sea for six months

MOSCOW, April 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Russia will restrict thenavigation of foreign military and official ships in parts of theBlack Sea until October, a Russian news agency reported Friday, a movethat was swiftly condemned by Ukraine and the EU. Tensions between Moscow and Kiev have escalated in recent weeksfollowing an uptick…

Covid-19: Latin American pandemic recovery lagging – IMF

WASHINGTON, April 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Latin America’s recovery from the pandemic crisis is lagging the rest of the world and the economy will not return to its pre-pandemic level until 2024, the IMF warned. The persistent health crisis caused by Covid-19 remains a concern, and though growth has accelerated, helped…

US to announce sanctions on Russia over hacking, election meddling

US President Joe Biden (L) and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin WASHINGTON, April 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United States will announce sanctions against Russia on Thursday in retaliation for alleged election interference and hacking, American media reported. Tensions have escalated between the two countries in recent months over a raft of…

Tanzania procures three more planes for national carrier

A recent report disclosed mass losses by Air Tanzania DAR ES SALAAM, April 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The government of Tanzania said it has completed payments for the purchase of three new planes.This was said by the Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa while addressing Parliament on the estimates and expenditure of the…

Covid-19: Canada will grant permanent residency to 90,000 students and foreign workers

OTTAWA, April 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Canada will grant permanent residency to more than 90,000 foreign students and workers who helped treat patients during the pandemic, the immigration minister announced. The program, in effect from May 6, is intended for workers with at least one year of work experience in health…

Covid-19 global developments: EU to get 50 million Pfizer doses early as US prolongs J&J pause

PARIS, April 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The European Union said that it is expecting 50 million Pfizer coronavirus vaccine doses earlier than expected, as the United States said it would continue a pause in vaccinations using the Johnson & Johnson shot for at least another week so regulators can assess possible…