Category: APO-OPA

GENEVA, Switzerland, August 28, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The World Health Organization is today issuing a “roadmap” to guide and coordinate the international response to the outbreak of Ebola virus disease in West Africa.

The aim is to stop ongoing Ebola transmission worldwide within 6–9 months, while rapidly managing the consequences of any further international spread. It also recognizes the need to address, in parallel, the outbreak’s broader socioeconomic impact.

It responds to the urgent need to dramatically scale up the international response. Nearly 40% of the total number of reported cases have occurred within the past three weeks.

The roadmap was informed by comments received from a large number of partners, including health officials in the affected countries, the African Union, development banks, other UN agencies, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and countries providing direct financial support.

It will serve as a framework for updating detailed operational plans. Priority is being given to needs for treatment and management centres, social mobilization, and safe burials. These plans will be based on site-specific data that are being set out in regular situation reports, which will begin this week.

The situation reports map the hotspots and hot zones, present epidemiological data showing how the outbreak is evolving over time, and communicate what is known about the location of treatment facilities and laboratories, together with data needed to support other elements of the roadmap.

The roadmap covers the health dimensions of the international response. These dimensions include key potential bottlenecks requiring international coordination, such as the supply of personal protective equipment, disinfectants, and body bag.

The WHO roadmap will be complemented by the development of a separate UN-wide operational platform that brings in the skills and capacities of other agencies, including assets in the areas of logistics and transportation. The UN-wide platform aims to facilitate the delivery of essential services, such as food and other provisions, water supply and sanitation, and primary health care.

Resource flows to implement the roadmap will be tracked separately, with support from the World Bank.

Dubai, UAE, August 28, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Dubai-based flydubai (http://www.flydubai.com) today announced the addition of three new East African routes, bringing the total number of destinations in the carrier’s network to 80. With the launch of flights in September 2014 to Bujumbura in Burundi, Entebbe in Uganda and Kigali in Rwanda, flydubai will fly to nine destinations in Africa.

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

Photo 1: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1294 (Burj Khalifa Exterior Downtown)

Photo 2: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1295 (flydubai Business Class Lounge)

Photo 3: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1296 (flydubai Business Class seats)

Photo 4: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1300 (flydubai cabin crew during onboard service)

Photo 5: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1297 (flydubai fleet)

Photo 6: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1298 (flydubai Business Class)

Download flydubai Business Class infographic: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1299

Download the August RouteMap: http://www.apo-mail.org/140813.pdf

Commenting on the launch of these new routes, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer of flydubai, said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of three new East African destinations which also sees flydubai become the first national carrier from the UAE to fly to Rwanda and Burundi, underlining our commitment to opening up underserved markets.”

flydubai’s operation to these emerging markets will provide passengers with a reliable, direct and high-quality service. Business Class, which is made available for the first time between Dubai and Burundi, will give passengers travelling to these new destinations a more comfortable and personalised travel experience.

“We have announced 17 new destinations since the start of 2014, matching the total number of destinations flydubai launched last year. We look forward to continuing to expand our network as we remain committed to supporting Dubai’s trade and tourism sectors,” continued Al Ghaith.

In addition to operating between Dubai and these three new cities, flydubai has obtained the rights to carry passengers between Uganda and Burundi.

Rwanda and Burundi are home to some of the most biodiverse places. Filled with numerous volcanoes, nature reserves and the second deepest lake in the world, the two countries also have one third of the world’s remaining Mountain Gorillas and one third of Africa’s bird species. While tourism is the largest contributor to Rwanda and Burundi’s economies, Uganda is considered one of Africa’s most progressive economies and is emerging as one of the leading commercial centres within Africa.

Within Africa, flydubai currently operates flights to Alexandria in Egypt, Khartoum and Port Sudan in Sudan, Juba in South Sudan, Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa as well as Djibouti’s capital Djibouti.

Flight Details:

Entebbe, Uganda

flydubai will operate seven flights a week between Entebbe and Dubai starting from 28 September 2014.

Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays: FZ622 is scheduled to depart Entebbe International Airport at 01:30hrs local time, landing at Dubai International Terminal 2 at 08:05hrs local time.

On Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays FZ621 is scheduled to depart Dubai International Terminal 2 at 16:10hrs local time, arriving into Entebbe International Airport at 20:30hrs local time.

Tuesdays and Fridays: FZ624 is scheduled to depart Entebbe International Airport at 22:10hrs local time, landing at Dubai International Terminal 2 at 04:35hrs local time.

FZ623 is scheduled to depart Dubai International Terminal 2 at 12:20hrs local time, arriving into Entebbe International Airport at 16:40hrs local time.

Sundays: FZ620 is scheduled to depart Entebbe International Airport at 15:15hrs local time, landing at Dubai International Terminal 2 at 21:50hrs local time.FZ619 is scheduled to depart Dubai International Terminal 2 at 09:55hrs local time, arriving into Entebbe International Airport at 14:15hrs local time.

Wednesdays: FZ620 is scheduled to depart Entebbe International Airport at 13:15hrs local time, landing at Dubai International Terminal 2 at 19:50hrs local time.

FZ619 is scheduled to depart Dubai International Terminal 2 at 07:55hrs local time, arriving into Entebbe International Airport at 12:15hrs local time.

Round trip fares

Economy Class return fares from Entebbe to Dubai will start at USD 399 including 20kg checked baggage, while Business Class return fares will start at USD 1,200 and are inclusive of all taxes and 40kg checked baggage.

Bujumbura, Burundi via Entebbe

flydubai will operate two flights a week between Bujumbura and Dubai via Entebbe starting from 30 September 2014.

Tuesdays and Fridays: FZ624 is scheduled to depart Bujumbura International Airport at 18:55hrs local time, landing at Dubai International Terminal 2 at 04:35hrs local time with a one-hour stopover in Entebbe.

FZ623 is scheduled to depart Dubai International Terminal 2 at 12:20hrs local time, arriving into Bujumbura International Airport at 17:55hrs local time with a one-hour stopover in Entebbe.

Round trip fares

Economy Class return fares from Bujumbura to Dubai will start at USD 399 including 20kg checked baggage, while Business Class return fares will start at USD 1,200 and are inclusive of all taxes and 40kg checked baggage.

Entebbe to Bujumbura

flydubai will operate two flights a week between Entebbe and Bujumbura starting from 30 September 2014.

Tuesdays and Fridays: FZ623 is scheduled to depart Entebbe International Airport at 17:40hrs local time, landing at Bujumbura International Airport at 17:55hrs local time.

FZ624 is scheduled to depart Bujumbura International Airport at 18:55hrs local time, arriving into Entebbe International Airport at 21:10hrs local time.

Round trip fares

Economy Class return fares from Entebbe to Bujumbura will start at USD 400 including 20kg checked baggage, while Business Class return fares will start at USD 900 and are inclusive of all taxes and 40kg checked baggage.

Kigali, Rwanda via Entebbe

flydubai will operate three flights a week between Kigali and Dubai via Entebbe starting from 27 September 2014.

Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays: FZ622 is scheduled to depart Kigali International Airport at 22:30hrs local time, landing at Dubai International Terminal 2 at 08:05hrs local time with a one-hour stopover in Entebbe.

FZ621 is scheduled to depart Dubai International Terminal 2 at 16:10hrs local time, arriving into Kigali International Airport at 21:30hrs local time with a one-hour stopover in Entebbe.

Round trip fares

Economy Class return fares from Kigali to Dubai will start at USD 399 including 20kg checked baggage, while Business Class return fares will start at USD 899 and are inclusive of all taxes and 40kg checked baggage.

Flights can be purchased starting today from flydubai’s website (flydubai.com), its Call Centre (+971) 600 54 44 45, flydubai travel shops or through travel partners. Further information and details of the carrier’s car rental and travel insurance services can also be found on http://www.flydubai.com.

Uganda contact details: +256-414-359-392

Rwanda contact details: +250-252-575-867

Burundi contact details: +257-7180-9819

 

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

For further information, please contact:

Houda Al Kaissi, Senior Press Officer; (+971) 56 683 0336; Email: houda.alkaissi@flydubai.com

Kareem Mahjoub, Media Relations Officer; (+971) 55 635 6196; Email: kareem.mahjoub@flydubai.com

About flydubai:

Dubai-based flydubai (http://www.flydubai.com) strives to remove barriers to travel and enhance connectivity between different cultures across its ever-expanding network. Since launching its operations in 2009, flydubai has:

• Created a network of 80 destinations, with 17 new destinations announced so far in 2014.

• Opened up 54 new routes that did not previously have direct air links to Dubai or were not served by a UAE national carrier from Dubai.

• Built up a fleet of more than 39 new aircraft and will take delivery of more than 100 aircraft by the end of 2023, all of which will be Boeing 737-800s.

In addition, flydubai’s agility and flexibility as a young airline has enhanced Dubai’s economic development, in line with the Government of Dubai’s vision, by creating trade and tourism flows in previously underserved markets.

For more information about flydubai services, please visit http://www.flydubai.com.

GENEVA, Switzerland, August 28, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Epidemiology and surveillance

• The total number of probable and confirmed cases in the current outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the four affected countries as reported by the respective Ministries of Health of Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone is 3 069, with 1 552 deaths.

• The outbreak continues to accelerate. More than 40% of the total number of cases have occurred within the past 21 days. However, most cases are concentrated in only a few localities.

• The overall case fatality rate is 52%. It ranges from 42% in Sierra Leone to 66% in Guinea.

• A separate outbreak of Ebola virus disease, which is not related to the outbreak in West Africa, was reported on 24 August by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and is detailed in a separate edition of the Disease Outbreak News.

http://who.int/csr/don/2014_08_27_ebola/en/

Health sector response

A full understanding of the outbreak that will lead to improved response requires detailed analysis of exactly where transmission is occurring (by district level) and of time trends. This analysis is ongoing. Preliminary results show that cases are still concentrated (62% of all reported cases since the beginning of the outbreak) in the epicentre of the outbreak in Gueckedou (Guinea); Lofa (Liberia), where cases continue to rise; and Kenema and Kailahun (Sierra Leone). Capital cities are of particular concern, owing to their population density and repercussions for travel and trade.

WHO and its partners are on the ground establishing Ebola treatment centres and strengthening capacity for laboratory testing, contact tracing, social mobilization, safe burials, and non-Ebola health care.

WHO continues to monitor for reports of rumoured or suspected cases from countries around the world and systematic verification of these cases is ongoing. Countries are encouraged to continue engaging in active surveillance and preparedness activities. Cases of EVD have been reported from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The cases in DRC are not related to the outbreak in West Africa. Outside of the four affected countries in West Africa and DRC, no new cases have been confirmed in other countries.

WHO does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions be applied except in cases where individuals have been confirmed or are suspected of being infected with EVD or where individuals have had contact with cases of EVD. (Contacts do not include properly-protected health-care workers and laboratory staff.) Temporary recommendations from the Emergency Committee with regard to actions to be taken by countries can be found at http://who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2014/ebola-20140808/en/

Disease update

As of 26 August 2014, the cumulative number of cases attributed to EVD in the four countries stands at 3 069, including 1 552 deaths. The distribution and classification of the cases are as follows: Guinea, 647 cases (482 confirmed, 141 probable, and 25 suspected), including 430 deaths; Liberia, 1 378 cases (322 confirmed, 674 probable, and 382 suspected), including 694 deaths; Nigeria, 17 cases (13 confirmed, 1 probable, and 3 suspected), including 6 deaths; and Sierra Leone, 1 026 cases (935 confirmed, 37 probable, and 54 suspected), including 422 deaths.

Confirmed, probable, and suspect cases and deaths from Ebola virus disease in Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone

Confirmed Probable Suspect Totals

(by Country)

Guinea

Cases 482 141 25 648

Deaths 287 141 2 430

Liberia

Cases 322 674 382 1 378

Deaths 225 301 168 694

Nigeria

Cases 13 1 3 17

Deaths 5 1 0 6

Sierra Leone

Cases 935 37 54 1 026

Deaths 380 34 8 422

Totals

Cases 1 752 853 464 3 069

Deaths 897 477 178 1 552

Note: Cases are classified as confirmed (any suspected or probable cases with a positive laboratory result); probable (any suspected case evaluated by a clinician, or any deceased suspected case having an epidemiological link with a confirmed case where it has not been possible to collect specimens for laboratory confirmation); or suspected (any person, alive or dead, suffering or having suffered from sudden onset of high fever and having had contact with: a suspected, probable or confirmed Ebola case, or a dead or sick animal; or any person with sudden onset of high fever and at least three of the following symptoms: headache, vomiting, anorexia/loss of appetite, diarrhoea, lethargy, stomach pain, aching muscles or joints, difficulty swallowing, breathing difficulties, or hiccup; or any person with unexplained bleeding; or any sudden, unexplained death).

The total number of cases is subject to change due to ongoing reclassification, retrospective investigation, and availability of laboratory results. Data reported in the Disease Outbreak News are based on official information reported by Ministries of Health.

LUSAKA, Zambia, August 28, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — World Panel Zambia Ltd. (www.world-panel.com) launched the durable World Panel solar panels that charge mobile phones as fast as a wall plug. Held at Lusaka’s Taj Pamodzi Hotel, the launch was attended by senior Zambian government officials, COMESA free-trade group leaders, US embassy officers, African Development Bank officials and the CEOs of major Zambian mobile operators. The launch celebrated the first container of World Panels that arrived in World Panel Zambia’s Lusaka warehouse.

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/worldpanel.jpeg

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1317 (World Panel Zambia CEO Jacob Sikazwe speaking about empowerment)

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1318 (Only smiles when a World Panel charges a rural cell phone)

The CEO, Jacob Sikazwe, a well-known Zambian business leader who led the creation and then chaired Zambia’s Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission said, “I’ve worked for many years to empower people in rural Africa to improve their economic well-being and opportunities in life. This utility-grade personal solar charger finally delivers on my dream to aid and empower people living without regular access to electricity.”

The first shipment contained thousands of World Panel 500 combo-pack units with the patented solar panel technology plus a bundled 5000-milliamp Powerbank and bright ten-bulb LED light. The technology will be distributed in rural and urban COMESA regions. The company indicated that it plans to ship one million World Panel units to the COMESA region in 2015.

John Anderson, the inventor and CEO of US-based World Panel Inc., gave the keynote speech at the event. An expert in micro-solar technology and business sustainability, Anderson said, “with only 8% of rural Zambia connected to an electrical grid, our distributed green energy solution can significantly increase that level in three years at a fraction of the cost of traditional energy solutions. We are honored to deliver our first containers into Zambia.”

World Panel Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theworldpanel

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1319 (The Zambia management team with CEO Mr. Jacob Sikazwe (on left)

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1320 (The motivated support staff at the Lusaka headquarters!)

In prepared remarks read on behalf of Zambia’s Minister of Energy Christopher Yaluma, the Ministry’s Director of Energy Andrew Simwaba said, “I am pleased that this solution being launched today will help mitigate this power shortage because our people will be able to charge their phones and other devices no matter where they are located.” Recognizing this powerful green electrical solution for energy poverty, the Zambia Revenue Authority notified World Panel Zambia Ltd. that its application for zero customs and VAT has been approved.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of World Panel Inc.

Contact:

Mr. Larry Tanning

ltanning@world-panel.com

PHOTOS:

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1321 (The well-attended launch event with the Ministry’s Director of Energy Andrew Simwaba (on right)

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1322 (Zambia CEO Jacob Sikazwe and USA CEO John Anderson with thousands of World Panels)

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1323 (Personal solar for all. World Panel is a mobile electricity solution that provides consumers with the security of having power for their phones and batteries on the go or at home)

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1324 (Ms. Sandra Uwera speaking on behalf of COMESA with a personal endorsement of the technology)

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1325 (Mobile electricity for distributed energy solutions to the rural areas, powers phones onsite without the need to travel to the phone charging station)

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1326 (Plug into the sun! Founder John Anderson charging a local consumers phone with the technology. Put sun into your phone, it’s easy and free)

About World Panel Inc.:

Boulder, Colorado, USA-based World Panel Inc. (www.world-panel.com) is a triple-bottom line company (people, planet, profit) founded by micro-solar and sustainability expert John Anderson. On a trip to Sub-Saharan Africa, it became apparent that mobile electricity was in demand, and cell phone charging was of particular interest. Equipped with requests from citizens there that a charger be powerful, durable, affordable and portable, Anderson developed the patented World Panel to charge 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE handsets and tablets, and all USB devices. A suite of chargers, based on the patented direct-from-the-sun technology are now being distributed into the COMESA and SADC countries of Sub-Saharan Africa.

NEW YORK, August 28, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Mark Lyall Grant ( United Kingdom):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest ter…

NEW YORK, August 28, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Mark Lyall Grant ( United Kingdom):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest ter…

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, August 27, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, met with the newly-appointed United Nations Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, …

GENEVA, Switzerland, August 27, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Disease outbreak news
Epidemiology and surveillance
On 26 August 2014, the Ministry of Health, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of…

OTTAWA, Canada, August 27, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:

“Canada is concerned by reports that a UN helicopter crashed after being attacked near Bentiu, South Sudan. Three crew members are confirmed to have died. The United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan [UNMISS] has dispatched an investigative team to confirm the cause of the crash.

“This incident comes only one day after the Government of South Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army [SPLA] in Opposition signed an agreement in Ethiopia to work toward a permanent ceasefire and form a national unity government within 45 days.

“Canada urgently calls on both sides to respect agreements they have made toward preventing more violence and bloodshed in the area and to cease military engagements. They must also allow UNMISS to carry out its mandate to protect civilians and facilitate full, safe, unhindered humanitarian access to all parts of South Sudan.

“An immediate ceasefire is essential to ensuring the safe delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid.”

NAIROBI, Kenya, August 27, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — As part of the initial tour he is undertaking in the region, Said Djinnit, the Special Envoy designate of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Region visited Addis Ababa on 26-2…