Women's Economic Power and the Enduring Impact of Vaccines

Greetings!

Championing women’s economic power in Africa can drive inclusive growth, enhance community resilience, and boost the overall economy by unlocking untapped potential and fostering innovation.

In this month's Leading African Voices Newsletter, we spotlight a businesswoman who is creating new pathways for other women to thrive in Africa’s dynamic entrepreneurial landscape. We also feature insights from a leading African voice attending the upcoming 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) and highlight immunization challenges and progress across the continent, alongside insights on the mpox outbreak and its potential implications for Africa. Read on for more!

IMMUNIZATION MATTERS?

Data from the latest WHO/UNICEF Immunization Coverage Estimates (WUENIC) report shows that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage in Africa is improving, with nearly 27 countries integrating it into their national immunization programs.?

Despite this progress, the continent remains below the 90% immunization target needed to eliminate cervical cancer, which is primarily caused by HPV. Reaching rural and underserved populations remains challenging due to limited access, socio-cultural barriers, and misconceptions about the vaccine.?

Dr. Norah Obudho, East Africa Regional Director at WomenLift Health, and Dr. Obinna Ebirim, Senior Associate at Corona Management Systems (CMS), share their thoughts on how healthcare worker training, improved vaccine supply chains, and deeper community engagement, including the involvement of men as vaccine champions and social and economic empowerment of women, can protect more girls and women from this preventable disease.

Read their interviews in AllAfrica and The Guardian Nigeria . ?

MPOX, A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY

In mid-August WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) following the upsurge in cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a growing number of countries in Africa.?

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Dr. Abdou Salam Gueye, Leading African Voice and WHO Regional Emergency Director, highlights the need for testing and diagnostics support to control the outbreak, while emphasizing why we must stick to science to keep populations safe. Watch his interview here .

SPOTLIGHT ON WOMEN’S ECONOMIC POWER

Women across Africa continue to break barriers and make enormous contributions to economic growth, whether in business as entrepreneurs and employees, or through care work at home.?

Despite the challenges they face, women continue to push the boundaries of innovation to excel.?Gugulethu Siso has overcome numerous obstacles to establish Thumeza, a fintech company that serves the logistics industry across the continent.

In this second installment from our five-part Forbes Africa series, Gugu discusses how digital public infrastructure (DPI) can significantly enhance women's economic power by addressing the lack of identification and limited access to financial services, both of which significantly hinder their full participation in entrepreneurship and economic growth. Read more here .

INSIGHTS ON UNGA 79?

NEWS YOU COULD USE

Tackling Climate Change - Forum Galien Afrique 2024

The Forum Galien Afrique has been a platform for addressing key issues such as the disproportionate impact of climate change on Africa, and fostering research and discourse on public health challenges. The 2024 edition of the forum will take place in Dakar, Senegal from October 22-25, under the theme "Health and community action in the face of climate and environmental crises in Africa".?

Over 3,000 participants including notable health leaders such as Dr. Jean Kaseya, Africa CDC, Prof. Awa Marie Coll Seck, Galien Africa, Dr. Chris Elias, Gates Foundation, and Dr. Naveen Rao, Rockefeller Foundation are expected to contribute to discussions on advancing health and sustainable development in Africa. Find out more about the forum here .

Addressing the mpox crisis in Africa: New strains and strategic responses

The recent mpox outbreaks in Africa, particularly the emergence of new strains like Clade1b in regions such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), present significant challenges for the continent. The rapid spread of this virus, coupled with its presence in countries that previously had not reported mpox cases, highlights the urgency of addressing this public health crisis.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a Global Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan to combat these outbreaks, focusing on enhanced surveillance, prevention strategies, and equitable access to medical countermeasures like vaccines. For Africa, this means that coordinated efforts, particularly in high-risk regions, are essential to containing the virus and preventing further spread. The plan underscores the need for robust health infrastructure, community engagement, and international collaboration to address the vulnerabilities that make the continent particularly susceptible to such outbreaks. Read more here .

HIV Control?

Despite significant progress in recent decades, HIV remains a major public health challenge in Africa. By the end of 2023, an estimated 39.9 million people were living with HIV, with 65% of them residing in the WHO African Region. To address this ongoing crisis, the HIV Control Working Group (HCWG) , co-led by Leading African Voices, Dr. Magda Robalo and Dr. Izukanji Sikazwe, will host a pivotal High-Level Side Event at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly this year.

This event is crucial as it seeks to foster a sustainable, African-led response to the HIV epidemic. It will provide a platform for African leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for achieving long-term control of HIV, promoting local ownership of health programs, and shaping global investment trends. The focus will be on reinforcing the importance of African leadership in driving the HIV response, ensuring its sustainability amid competing public health priorities and financial constraints.

LOOKING AHEAD??

The Twelfth Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa, August 30 - September 2 – Hosted by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), this conference will be held in Abidjan, C?te D’Ivoire, bringing together policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to discuss innovative strategies and actions for building climate resilience and advancing sustainable development in Africa under the theme “Financing Climate Adaptation and resilience in Africa.”

79th Session of the UN General Assembly, September 10-24 – Hosted in New York, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussions on the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations.?

Stay up to date on UNGA 79 with our comprehensive guide, which includes details on over 200 events. Whether participating virtually or in person, this guide will help you navigate the key discussions and activities. Explore the full list of events and plan your experience here: UNGA 79 Events Guide .

Zero Emissions Day, September 21 – Celebrated globally, this is a day dedicated to raising awareness of the harm caused by carbon emissions and the urgent need to address air pollution from fossil fuels to slow down global warming.?

Climate Week NYC, September 22-29 – This major annual event, held in partnership with the UN General Assembly and the City of New York, gathers global leaders, innovators, and action-takers from various sectors. It aims to accelerate climate action and drive progress in the fight against climate change.

UN Summit of the Future, September 22-23 – This high-level event aims to build a new international consensus on improving global cooperation and addressing future challenges. World leaders are expected to adopt the Pact for the Future, which includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations designed to restore trust and adapt global governance to current political and economic realities.

International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste Reduction, September 29 – This day highlights the need to address food loss and waste. Co-convened by the FAO and UNEP, it advocates for greater diversity in nutritious foods and aims to reduce wastage to ensure everyone has access to adequate food.