뉴스

Tritium Level Far Below Japan’s Operational Limit in 20th Batch of ALPS Treated Water, IAEA Confirms

South Africa: Minister John Steenhuisen calls on provinces to speed up vaccinations

Country: South Africa Source: Government of South Africa Minister Steenhuisen calls on provinces to speed up vaccinations as millions more foot and mouth disease vaccines arrive The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has announced that the first batch of a 3.5 million dose consignment of Biogénesis Bagó Foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccines arrived on Sunday, and has called on all provincial departments to ensure their top priority for the next few weeks must be to vaccinate as many animals as quickly as possible. The remainder of this record-breaking shipment from Argentina is already en route and expected to arrive during the course of the week. “This is the largest single consignment of FMD vaccines ever imported into South Africa. Provinces must now move with speed and urgency to scale up frontline vaccination efforts and protect our national herd of approximately 14 million cattle,” said Minister Steenhuisen. With the arrival of the 3.5 million doses, South Africa will have successfully secured and imported a total of 13.5 million vaccine doses before the end of May 2026. This forms part of the Department of Agriculture’s wider strategy to achieve and maintain “FMD free with vaccination” status, while safeguarding rural livelihoods, food security and agricultural exports. To maintain the pace and effectiveness of the campaign, the department is already fully prepared to facilitate the importation of follow-up consignments required for the critical booster vaccination programme. This will ensure that second-round vaccinations can be administered within the required timelines to establish durable immunity across the national herd. “The acquisition of 13.5 million doses in just four months demonstrates the seriousness with which we are confronting this disease,” Minister Steenhuisen said. “If we maintain this disciplined and aggressive trajectory, and ensure these vaccines are administered rapidly and effectively, we can ensure that South Africa never again experiences outbreaks on this scale. But government cannot do this alone. Every livestock owner has a responsibility to protect their animals through strict biosecurity measures, compliance with movement controls, and full participation in vaccination and identification programmes.” The Minister emphasised that defeating FMD requires a unified national effort across government, industry and farming communities. “This is a moment that demands partnership and collective action. Commercial farmers, communal farmers, veterinarians, industry bodies and government all have a role to play if we are to defeat this disease and secure the future of our livestock sector. “The stakes could not be higher. This is about protecting jobs, defending rural economies, safeguarding food security, and protecting the national interest,” Minister Steenhuisen said. To support the accelerated vaccination campaign, more Animal Health Technicians will be appointed and deployed across affected provinces to strengthen frontline operations and expand vaccination capacity. For media enquiries, please contact: Ms Joylene van Wyk Director: Media Liaison Ministry of Agriculture Email: joylenev@nda.gov.zaor medialiaison@nda.agric.za Cell: 083 292 7399 or 063 298 5661 Toll-Free FMD Support Line: 0860 246 640 Email: FMDcommandcent@nda.gov.za FMD WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vags5R83gvWWZOhk9946 FMD Reporting System: fmd.nda.gov.za #ServiceDeliveryZA

DR Congo: Ebola response: MONUSCO hands over vehicles to WHO to boost field mobility in Ituri

Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) on Friday handed over a first batch of vehicles to the World Health Organization (WHO) at its logistics base in Bunia, Ituri province, to strengthen the ongoing response to the Ebola outbreak. The fleet includes five motorcycles, two ambulances and two four-wheel-drive vehicles, aimed at improving the mobility of response teams, particularly in hard-to-reach areas affected by poor road conditions and insecurity. Overall, MONUSCO plans to provide four ambulances, two armored vehicles, eight motorcycles and two 4x4 vehicles to support the Ebola response through WHO. “The Mission supports the response on several fronts, notably through logistical assistance, including the transport of equipment and medical supplies,” said Jean‑Jacques Lopez, Acting Head of MONUSCO’s Bunia office. He added: “We have already facilitated the transfer of several tonnes of medical supplies from Nairobi and Kinshasa to Bunia, and this support will continue until the outbreak is contained. This effort requires the full engagement of all stakeholders, especially local communities.” The WHO representative at the ceremony, Dr. Richard Fotsing, welcomed the timely support, highlighting the expansion of the outbreak, which now affects three provinces—Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu—as well as six health zones in Ituri. “These vehicles come at a crucial time, as we need increased logistical capacity to reach affected populations and deliver essential services,” he stated, stressing the importance of collective action to prevent further spread, including beyond national borders. “Our joint efforts will help ensure that other countries are not affected; this is why the response to this outbreak requires commitment and contributions from everyone, at all levels,” said Dr. Richard Fotsing, while also commending “the leadership of the provincial government … which greatly facilitates many aspects.” Declared on 16 May 2026 in Ituri, the Ebola outbreak continues to spread due to several challenges, including insecurity, limited treatment capacity, and some community resistance linked to cultural and religious practices. In response to the spread of the outbreak, provincial authorities announced on Friday, 22 May 2026, a series of both restrictive and mandatory measures, including limits on public gatherings, the suspension of local sporting activities, and the compulsory installation of handwashing facilities in public places. Through this support, MONUSCO reaffirms its commitment to working alongside national authorities and partners to contain the outbreak and protect populations in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Jean-Tobie Okala