Category: APO-OPA

Plano, TX, September 6, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — DreamTrips™ Vacation Club (https://www.dreamtrips.com), one of the world’s leading travel and vacation club membership organizations, was recognized as “Africa’s Leading Travel Club” for 2014 as part of the World Travel Awards (WTA)—the second WTA regional award for the travel club this year. The World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony was held at Transcorp Hilton Abuja in Abuja, Nigeria on Friday, Sept. 5, with hundreds of tourism professionals in attendance.

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/atc.jpg

The award acknowledges DreamTrips’ distinguished travel club excellence in the Africa (https://www.dreamtrips.com/experience-more) and Indian Ocean regions within the last year. Industry leaders from across both regions identified DreamTrips for exceptional service and product offerings. Nominees in other Africa and Indian Ocean travel categories include Four Seasons Hotels, Hilton, Marriott, Kenya Airways and Royal Air Maroc.

“We are grateful to be recognized as Africa’s best travel club a month after DreamTrips was named Europe’s Leading Travel Club,” WorldVentures Co-Founder and CEO Mike Azcue said. “Together with Rovia, our travel agency partner, the team composes unforgettable travel experiences, which include a unique product offering and exceptional customer service for our worldwide membership. This is a warm handshake from the tourism industry’s leadership.”

Since 1993, WTA has acknowledged and celebrated excellence across all sectors of the global tourism industry. Last year, DreamTrips was named “World’s Leading Travel Club” at the 2013 WTA Grand Finals. The Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony is the fourth stop on the annual Grand Tour which visited Dubai, Greece and Ecuador earlier this year, and will include stops in India and Anguilla before arriving in Morocco for the Grand Finals in November.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of DreamTrips™ Vacation Club.

For inquiries, contact:

Laura Wards

Email: press@worldventures.com

About DreamTrips

DreamTrips (http://www.dreamtrips.com/experience-more ) delivers high-quality, one-of-a-kind curated travel and vacation experiences to its vacation club members. More information can be found at

www.dreamtrips.com/experience-more.

About World Travel Awards

The World Travel Awards (http://www.worldtravelawards.com) was launched in 1993 to acknowledge and recognize excellence in the global travel and tourism industry. Now celebrating its 21st anniversary, it is regarded as the highest achievement a travel product or service could hope to receive. More information can be found at http://www.worldtravelawards.com.

WASHINGTON, September 5, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
September 5, 2014

The United States congratulates the people of Mozambique for the agreement reached to bring an end to ho…

BUJUMBURA, Burundi, September 5, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The East and West Africa Malaria Task Force, launched four years ago, has matured into a robust collaboration between East and West African countries and the United States. More than 60 senior medical representatives from member states met in Bujumbura, Burundi, on August 25 for the opening ceremonies of the Task Force conference.

As part of the U.S. effort to eradicate malaria on the African continent, in Burundi alone the United States has provided more than $40 million through USAID to help build capacity of Burundi’s malaria prevention and control program. “Malaria affects productivity and the ability of troops to fight during peace-keeping operations,” said Ambassador Liberi, U.S. Ambassador to Burundi. Ninety percent of malaria deaths in 2010 were recorded in Africa.

The United States Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center-Global Emerging Infection Surveillance and Response System (AFHSC-GEIS) funded the meeting, which was coordinated by U.S. Africa Command. “The hard work and accomplishments of both the East and the West African Malaria task forces are now being integrated into a combined, synergistic effort against this devastating infectious disease,” stated U.S. Army Colonel James F. Cummings, Director of GEIS at AFHSC. ”We stand proudly with our East and West African partners to defeat the scourge that is malaria.”

“The meeting is very important because malaria impacts half of the countries in the world. Burundi is a key member of the peace-keeping process in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) as are many countries in East and West Africa,” said Ambassador Liberi. The United States is committed to supporting global efforts against the deadly disease by contributing about one-third of the funding to the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (GFATM).

“This meeting is important because it allows us to be here to address ways of malaria prevention and ways of controlling malaria infection,” said Kenya’s Brigadier General Kristopher Osirarrumm, a member of the East Africa Malaria Task Force.

“At U.S. Africa Command, we share the belief that a safe, stable and secure Africa is in everyone’s best interest,” said Navy Captain David Weiss, AFRICOM Command Surgeon. “I truly believe that a regional approach to a common problem is the most effective form of engagement and the most efficient way to learn. This week, we meet to share experiences, knowledge and best practices with each other.”

WASHINGTON, September 5, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
September 5, 2014

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I send best wishes to the people of th…

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, September 5, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The African Union Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan (AUCISS) (http://www.au.int) met with President Thabo Mbeki, in his capacity as Chairperson of the High Level Implementation Panel on Sudan, today 4 September 2014. In attendance were President Olusegun Obasanjo, Professor Mahmood Mamdani and Lady Justice Sophia Akuffo.

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/african_union.jpg

Photo Presidents Obasanjo and Mbeki: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1343

The meeting follows nation wide consultations earlier undertaken by the AUCISS with key stakeholders across the spectrum of the South Sudanese society. This meeting constitutes another level of consultation which President Obasanjo observed as ‘providing us an opportunity to receive insight and possible proposals from President Mbeki and the high-level panel, for a lasting solution towards healing, reconciliation, accountability and institutional reform”. The two former Presidents engaged in a frank and open manner and they both noted the complementarity of the mandates of the two processes.

President Obasanjo chairs the AUCISS, which was established by the Peace and Security Council of the African Union at Summit level, in the wake of heightened tensions and violence in South Sudan from December 15 2013 to the present. The High Level Implementation Panel, on the other hand, was established in 2009, to undertake the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement which (amongst others) led to the independence of South Sudan. The mandate of the Panel includes the supporting of institutional reforms, promotion of reconciliation as well as democracy in the Republic of South Sudan and Sudan.

Presidents Obasanjo and Mbeki recognized that the solution to the current crisis was within the reach of the peoples of South Sudan but also requires an active supportive role from the regional structures, particularly, the Inter – Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union (AU) and the broader international community.

The Commission of Inquiry will continue to meet (between 4 and 6 September) with other various stakeholders at the African Union Headquarters including holding a briefing session with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, HE Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the African Union Commission (AUC).

For media inquiries contact:

Vukani Lumumba Mthintso | Advisor to the African Union Commission Chairperson | Tel: (+251) 11 518 2917 | Cell: +251 932 089 829 | E-mail: Mthintsov@africa-union.org | Web: http://www.au.int | Addis Ababa

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The African Union (http://www.au.int) spearheads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens. AU Vision: to accelerate progress towards an integrated, prosperous and inclusive Africa, at peace with itself, playing a dynamic role in the continental and global arena, effectively driven by an accountable, efficient and responsive Commission.

Learn more at: http://www.au.int/en/

CAPE-TOWN, South-Africa, September 5, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ —

• 21st century LED technology will provide a makeover to the Castle of Good Hope during the conclusion of Philips’ fifth consecutive Cairo to Cape Town Roadshow

• The Castle of Good Hope is the latest addition to a pan-African line-up of iconic city monuments lit by Philips during the roadshow

Royal Philips (AEX: PHIA, NYSE: PHG) (http://www.philips.com/africaroadshow), the global leader in lighting, today unveiled a stunning lighting makeover of the historic and iconic Castle of Good Hope (http://www.castleofgoodhope.co.za) in Cape Town at the conclusion of its fifth consecutive pan-African Cairo to Cape Town roadshow (http://www.philips.com/africaroadshow). Philips’ latest LED lighting technology has been utilized to create eye-catching, dynamic and colourful lighting effects that will bring this architectural monument to life, while allowing energy savings of 80% over the traditional lights that are currently used in the Castle.

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/philips-1.jpg

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1341 (Castle of Good Hope illuminated with Philips digital LED technology)

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/140320-1.png (JJ van Dongen, Senior Vice President & CEO Philips Africa)

The magnificent Castle, which is in the foothills of the iconic Table Mountain, remains a major international tourist attraction, in addition to being an architectural masterpiece with a rich history and unique design. Philips’ visual lighting concept will provide the building with an imposing look, with the world famous Table Mountain acting as a splendid backdrop behind the Castle. Philips has used its innovative Vaya Flood LED (http://bit.ly/1qBB4fg) range combing a spectrum of red, blue and green lighting creating an almost mythical atmosphere around the Castle that brings history to life.

Philips enlivens marquee Castle in World Design Capital 2014

“Philips is very proud to have placed its know-how and technology at the service of this iconic monument” says JJ van Dongen, Senior Vice President and CEO, Philips Africa. “For us the challenge was to devise effective lighting that would enhance the beauty of the site without at any time overwhelming it. We are very delighted by the final results and hope that this enhanced lighting will improve the tourism value of the Castle; in addition, we believe that this spectacular illumination of the Castle of Good Hope contributes hugely to Cape Town’s unique distinction as the World Design Capital of 2014” (http://www.wdccapetown2014.com).

The Castle of Good Hope

The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa. Constructed between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company, it was once a fort, but today functions as a museum of the Cape’s early days. It is an example of a “star fort”, and attracts thousands of visitors annually. The spectacular Philips LED lighting is likely to significantly improve the tourism and marketing value of the monument.

“We are delighted with this historic project Philips has completed at the Castle of Good Hope,” states Mr Calvyn Gilfellan, CEO, of the Castle of Good Hope. “It is great that the iconic Table Mountain will now have a wonderfully well-lit Castle at its feet. We are extremely proud to work in the Castle of Good Hope; to see the visual and perceptual transformation of this historic building to such an extent is magnificent and a real credit to Philips. With the spotlight now firmly on us, our goal – to bring the people to the Castle and take the Castle to the people – has now received a significant boost”

The advantages of the LED lighting provided at the Castle of Good Hope include:

• Dynamic lighting that makes it possible to adjust the atmosphere of the site (change of intensity and color).

• A longer lifespan of the installation: around 50,000 hours compared to 12,000 hours with conventional lighting.

• A reduction in maintenance costs: LED luminaires require little maintenance, while at the same time they cut energy consumption by 80%.

The fifth pan-African Cairo to Cape Town roadshow

Cape Town is the final stop on Philips’ annual flagship Cairo to Cape Town roadshow which focuses on key challenges facing Africa today – the need for energy-efficient lighting and the revitalization of African healthcare infrastructure. The roadshow kicked off in Cairo on 14th April 2014 and concluded today, 4 September, in Cape Town visiting 10 cities and 7 countries enroute.

Philips had committed to lighting up and illuminating iconic monuments in every country visited during the roadshow and it delivered this commitment by providing a stunning lighting makeover of historic, well-recognized monuments in African cities including The Baron Place in Cairo, the Maqam Echahid in Algiers, the Wilaya City Hall of Casablanca, Kenya National Archives building in Nairobi, Nigerian National Arts Theatre in Lagos and the historic Black Star Monument in Accra.

JJ van Dongen summarizes, “Although we are concluding our fifth Pan-African roadshow, Philips remains dedicated to continuing the engagements, partnerships and commitments we have made on this journey. Issues like Mother and child care and energy efficiency are of high priority for policy makers and societies. Philips recognizes this need and will continue to create dialogue and cooperation between governments and non-governmental organizations, between public and private stakeholders. Philips remains committed to Africa which is an important growth market to us.”

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Royal Philips.

For more information please follow the Cairo to Cape Town Roadshow on: http://www.philips.com/africaroadshow

For further information, please contact:

Radhika Choksey

Philips Group Communications – Africa

Tel: +31 62525 9000

E-mail: radhika.choksey@philips.com

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) (http://www.philips.com is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2013 sales of EUR 23.3 billion and employs approximately 113,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at http://www.philips.com/newscenter.

CAPE-TOWN, South-Africa, September 5, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ —

• 21st century LED technology will provide a makeover to the Castle of Good Hope during the conclusion of Philips’ fifth consecutive Cairo to Cape Town Roadshow

• The Castle of Good Hope is the latest addition to a pan-African line-up of iconic city monuments lit by Philips during the roadshow

Royal Philips (AEX: PHIA, NYSE: PHG) (http://www.philips.com/africaroadshow), the global leader in lighting, today unveiled a stunning lighting makeover of the historic and iconic Castle of Good Hope (http://www.castleofgoodhope.co.za) in Cape Town at the conclusion of its fifth consecutive pan-African Cairo to Cape Town roadshow (http://www.philips.com/africaroadshow). Philips’ latest LED lighting technology has been utilized to create eye-catching, dynamic and colourful lighting effects that will bring this architectural monument to life, while allowing energy savings of 80% over the traditional lights that are currently used in the Castle.

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/philips-1.jpg

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1341 (Castle of Good Hope illuminated with Philips digital LED technology)

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/140320-1.png (JJ van Dongen, Senior Vice President & CEO Philips Africa)

The magnificent Castle, which is in the foothills of the iconic Table Mountain, remains a major international tourist attraction, in addition to being an architectural masterpiece with a rich history and unique design. Philips’ visual lighting concept will provide the building with an imposing look, with the world famous Table Mountain acting as a splendid backdrop behind the Castle. Philips has used its innovative Vaya Flood LED (http://bit.ly/1qBB4fg) range combing a spectrum of red, blue and green lighting creating an almost mythical atmosphere around the Castle that brings history to life.

Philips enlivens marquee Castle in World Design Capital 2014

“Philips is very proud to have placed its know-how and technology at the service of this iconic monument” says JJ van Dongen, Senior Vice President and CEO, Philips Africa. “For us the challenge was to devise effective lighting that would enhance the beauty of the site without at any time overwhelming it. We are very delighted by the final results and hope that this enhanced lighting will improve the tourism value of the Castle; in addition, we believe that this spectacular illumination of the Castle of Good Hope contributes hugely to Cape Town’s unique distinction as the World Design Capital of 2014” (http://www.wdccapetown2014.com).

The Castle of Good Hope

The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa. Constructed between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company, it was once a fort, but today functions as a museum of the Cape’s early days. It is an example of a “star fort”, and attracts thousands of visitors annually. The spectacular Philips LED lighting is likely to significantly improve the tourism and marketing value of the monument.

“We are delighted with this historic project Philips has completed at the Castle of Good Hope,” states Mr Calvyn Gilfellan, CEO, of the Castle of Good Hope. “It is great that the iconic Table Mountain will now have a wonderfully well-lit Castle at its feet. We are extremely proud to work in the Castle of Good Hope; to see the visual and perceptual transformation of this historic building to such an extent is magnificent and a real credit to Philips. With the spotlight now firmly on us, our goal – to bring the people to the Castle and take the Castle to the people – has now received a significant boost”

The advantages of the LED lighting provided at the Castle of Good Hope include:

• Dynamic lighting that makes it possible to adjust the atmosphere of the site (change of intensity and color).

• A longer lifespan of the installation: around 50,000 hours compared to 12,000 hours with conventional lighting.

• A reduction in maintenance costs: LED luminaires require little maintenance, while at the same time they cut energy consumption by 80%.

The fifth pan-African Cairo to Cape Town roadshow

Cape Town is the final stop on Philips’ annual flagship Cairo to Cape Town roadshow which focuses on key challenges facing Africa today – the need for energy-efficient lighting and the revitalization of African healthcare infrastructure. The roadshow kicked off in Cairo on 14th April 2014 and concluded today, 4 September, in Cape Town visiting 10 cities and 7 countries enroute.

Philips had committed to lighting up and illuminating iconic monuments in every country visited during the roadshow and it delivered this commitment by providing a stunning lighting makeover of historic, well-recognized monuments in African cities including The Baron Place in Cairo, the Maqam Echahid in Algiers, the Wilaya City Hall of Casablanca, Kenya National Archives building in Nairobi, Nigerian National Arts Theatre in Lagos and the historic Black Star Monument in Accra.

JJ van Dongen summarizes, “Although we are concluding our fifth Pan-African roadshow, Philips remains dedicated to continuing the engagements, partnerships and commitments we have made on this journey. Issues like Mother and child care and energy efficiency are of high priority for policy makers and societies. Philips recognizes this need and will continue to create dialogue and cooperation between governments and non-governmental organizations, between public and private stakeholders. Philips remains committed to Africa which is an important growth market to us.”

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Royal Philips.

For more information please follow the Cairo to Cape Town Roadshow on: http://www.philips.com/africaroadshow

For further information, please contact:

Radhika Choksey

Philips Group Communications – Africa

Tel: +31 62525 9000

E-mail: radhika.choksey@philips.com

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) (http://www.philips.com is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2013 sales of EUR 23.3 billion and employs approximately 113,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at http://www.philips.com/newscenter.

BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, September 5, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The European Commission has today announced €140m of funding for the countries currently affected by the Ebola virus in West Africa: Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Nigeria.

€38 million of the new package is specifically designed to help those governments bolster their health services (for example through reinforcing treatment centres or support for health workers), both during the crisis and in the recovery phase. It will also provide support in the areas of food security, water and sanitation, which are essential in terms of safeguarding the health of the population.

Announcing the support today during his official visit to Benin, European Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs, said “The ongoing Ebola crisis remains extremely concerning; not just because of its obvious impact on health services but also due to the wider challenges it brings to the region in terms of economic stability, food security, water and sanitation. Our package shows that the EU continues to be committed to a strong, coordinated international response and will do all it can to help governments in those countries affected in the areas where it is most needed.”

Kristalina Georgieva, EU Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response, said: “The situation is going from bad to worse, despite the brave efforts of humanitarian organisations and despite early and substantial assistance provided by the international community, including the EU. We are helping make a difference on the ground, but the needs are outpacing the international community’s capacity to react. We need to pool our efforts and provide adequate air transportation and medical equipment to our partners in order to fight this menace.”

The total package of €140 million will be split as follows:

€38m to strengthen healthcare systems, including in the areas of healthcare provision, food security, water and sanitation.

€5 million towards providing mobile laboratories for the detection of the virus and training health workers (as part of the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace, or IcSP).

€97.5 million will be spent in Budget Support (BS) operations to Liberia and Sierra Leone, to reinforce governments’ capacity to deliver public services – in particular health care – and macro-economic stability.

Background

The fact that affected West African countries have seen a spiralling of Ebola cases reveals, among other things, the inadequacies of their current health systems. Contagion can be controlled with adequate measures and gear, but through active engagement of local and international partners. Any measures aimed at isolating these countries would only exacerbate the situation.

Several European specialist teams of the European Mobile Laboratory project for dangerous infectious diseases have been dispatched to Guinea and Nigeria (and one will arrive in Liberia next week), with mobile laboratories to support with viral haemorrhagic fever diagnostics, rapid analyses of samples and confirmation of cases.

The European Commission has been scaling up its response to the epidemic since March 2014 and has pledged a total of €11.9 million in humanitarian aid (including €8 million from the €38million mentioned above to strengthen healthcare systems). Humanitarian experts have been deployed in the region, monitoring the situation and liaising with partner organisations and local authorities.

This is the first Ebola virus outbreak registered in the region. Highly contagious, human to human transmission of Ebola occurs by contact with blood and body fluids.

The European Commission is also working closely with the EU Member States within the Health Security Committee to keep them informed about the latest developments and secure the synchronisation of measures. A travel advice leaflet has been endorsed by the Health Security Committee and is available in all EU languages.

GENEVA, Switzerland, September 5, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — While South Sudan continues to grapple with widespread insecurity and mass displacement, IOM is continuing to build the new country’s limited administrative capacity.

IOM Juba this week hosted a five-day training on document examination, imposter recognition, and risk profiling for 22 officers from South Sudan’s Directorate of Nationalities, Passports and Immigration (DNPI).

The goal of the training was to improve the skills and capacity of immigration officers from Juba International Airport and the two most frequented border crossings into Uganda – Nimule and Kaya.

IOM is currently working closely with DNPI and international experts to develop an immigration processes and procedures manual and a set of border management training modules. These are crucial tools to ensure that border management policy decisions are understood and implemented by officers in the field. IOM constructed seven new border posts in South Sudan in 2013 and 2014.

To date, IOM delivered 27 technical trainings benefitting 675 officers. Topics addressed have included human-trafficking and smuggling, detection of forged documents, investigative skills, interviewing skills and overall migration management and policy principles.

The trainings and the construction of seven new border posts throughout the country were funded by the Government of Japan.

GENEVA, Switzerland, September 5, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — IOM has delivered emergency aid to more than 100 people burned out of their homes when fire raged through a displacement camp in the town of Bosaso in the Puntland area of Somalia.

A blaze, possibly started by a cooking fire, broke out on August 16th at the 55 Bush settlement in Bosaso, which lies in the Bari region of northeast Somalia.

IOM worked with local authorities and partner agencies to provide emergency aid to more than 100 people whose makeshift shelters were destroyed. The traditional shelters are called “buuls” and are made of wooden sticks, cloth and cardboard boxes.

Isaac Munyae of IOM Somalia said that most displaced people in Bosaso are from different parts of south central Somalia and tend to cluster together based on their clans.

A rapid assessment after the fire identified urgent needs including shelter, food, water, non-food relief items, protection for under-age children, and protection for women and girls from gender-based violence (GBV).

IOM helped the local authorities to provide water trucking, shelter, water, hygiene and sanitation kits, and other non-food relief items for the affected families.

IOM’s emergency assistance in Bosaso is supported through its mixed migration programme, which is funded by the US State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM).