Uganda is facing a shortage of HIV testing kits in government health facilities, a recent survey carried out by HIV/AIDS activists indicates (Fei Maohua)

Uganda

HIV Testing Kit Shortage

Uganda is facing a shortage of HIV testing kits in government health facilities, according to a recent survey carried out by HIV/AIDS activists. The study, which was conducted in 24 districts, revealed that there has been a scarcity of HIV test kits in both private and public health facilities for the last three months. "HIV testing is a critical entry point to treatment access, prevention of mother-to-child transmission and prevention of sexual transmission of HIV. The absence of kits affects efforts to combat the disease," said Margaret Happy, Advocacy Manager of the National Forum for People Living With HIV/AIDS. CA

South Africa  

Anti-corruption Bureau

Faced with growing corruption in the public sector, the South African Government has proposed the establishment of an anti-corruption bureau to curb the problem. The proposal to set up the bureau is part of the Public Administration Management Bill, which is up for public comment. The bureau would be able to save the government millions by tackling corruption and helping to recover money gained through corrupt practices, according to Minister of Public Service and Administration Lindiwe Sisulu. CA

Nigeria

Up Up and Away

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the federal government is to start the training of local astronauts for space travel by 2015. Nigeria's Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Ita Ewa announced at a press conference in Abuja on June 17, the government's intention to train astronauts for space travel. Ewa said Nigeria would cooperate with the Chinese Government to develop a spacecraft and was waiting for President Goodluck Jonathan to approve the training program. A launch site with a 20 km launch capability had been set up in Epe, Lagos State, and Ewa said that 12 engineers from the National Space Research and Development Agency (NARSDA) were training in China. CA

Somalia

Wooing International Investors

Somalia recently held its first investment conference in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, to showcase opportunities that exist in the nation, which is located in the Horn of Africa. Conference attendees said Somalia will be the next frontier for rapid investment across all sectors of the economy, as the country is currently enjoying relative peace and stability after two decades of conflict. Somali Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mohamed Omar, said his country's rebirth has created investment opportunities in strategic economic sectors, including agriculture, transport, energy and fisheries. He said that economic growth is the current focus of the new government in Mogadishu, which is working to ensure that stability and cohesion are entrenched across the nation. CA

Kenya

Ban on Tobacco Advertising

The Kenyan Government has pledged to enforce legislation banning the advertising and promotion of tobacco-related products in order to halt the rising number of deaths caused by smoking. "Evidence shows that advertising, promotion and sponsorship bans lead to a reduction in the number of smokers. This is also one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce demand for tobacco," said Cabinet Secretary for Health James Macharia. Tobacco consumption in Kenya has surged due to urbanization and changing lifestyles. CA

A program designed to share Chinese wind energy technology with developing countries kicked off in June in northwest China's Gansu Province (Wang Peng)

CHINA

Expertise Sharing

A program designed to share Chinese wind energy technology with developing countries kicked off in June in northwest China's Gansu Province. The program is the first of six planned this year as part of efforts to share the benefits of China's renewable energy development, said Xi Wenhua, Vice Chairman of the China Renewable Energy Society. Organized by the Gansu Natural Energy Research Institute, the program's launch was attended by 19 officials, business executives and technicians from 11 Asian and African countries, including Ethiopia, Sudan and Yemen. Lectures on wind energy technology and field visits will be arranged over the next two months, and Chinese specialists will share their experience in wind technology design, utilization and maintenance. CA

Tunisia

New University Hospital

China will build a new university hospital in the Tunisian industrial city of Sfax, said Ma Xiaowei, Vice Minister of China's National Health and Family Planning Commission. China is willing to partner with the African continent in the sector of health, the Chinese official said. The hospital will have 300 beds and will be financed by a $30 million Chinese donation. The new hospital is one of the largest Chinese cooperation projects in Tunisia. CA