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  • South Africa Parliament’s Health Committee pays tribute to midwives on International Midwives’ Day

    South Africa Parliament’s Health Committee pays tribute to midwives on International Midwives’ Day

    CAPE TOWN, South Africa (NPA) — The Portfolio Committee on Health has paid tribute to midwives across South Africa and the world for their indispensable role in safeguarding mothers and newborns, marking International Midwives’ Day on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

    Committee Chairperson Ms Faith Muthambi, in a statement, described midwives as central to safe childbirth, quality maternal care, and resilient health systems, particularly in underserved communities. “Midwives are more than healthcare providers, they are advocates, educators and trusted caregivers who support women and families through some of life’s most critical moments,” she said.

    This year’s global theme, “One Million More Midwives,” announced by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), highlights the urgent shortage of trained midwives worldwide. The committee noted that well‑supported midwives, integrated into health systems, can significantly improve maternal and newborn outcomes.

    “Investing in midwives is not optional; it is a strategic imperative that reduces preventable deaths, improves primary healthcare and strengthens the quality of services,” Muthambi emphasised.

    Midwives provide comprehensive services including family planning, antenatal and postnatal care, safe deliveries, breastfeeding support, and continuity of care. Yet, many face workforce shortages, resource constraints, and inadequate recognition. The committee stressed the need for increased investment in education and training, supportive policy frameworks, improved working conditions, and fair remuneration.

    Muthambi also acknowledged the resilience of midwives during crises. “Their dedication saves lives and strengthens communities,” she concluded.

  • Matawalle denies bribery allegation by US Lawmaker Kimberly Daniels

    Matawalle denies bribery allegation by US Lawmaker Kimberly Daniels

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, has denied allegations by Florida legislator Kimberly Daniels that he attempted to bribe a United States official to alter the narrative of a report on Christian killings in Nigeria.

    Daniels, a Democratic member of the Florida House of Representatives for District 14, alleged in a viral video posted on her official Facebook account that Matawalle offered money to influence the findings of the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN‑WCD). “A US elected official was offered money by Nigeria’s minister of state defense, Bello Matawalle, to change the narrative of the UN‑WCD Christian genocide in Nigeria report,” she claimed.

    She has previously called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove Matawalle, accusing him of complicity in violence in Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, and other states. The allegation surfaced publicly on 21 April 2026, coinciding with renewed international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security challenges.

    In response, Matawalle’s office issued a statement on 22 April through Ahmad Dan‑Wudil, his Personal Assistant on Media. The statement dismissed the claims as false and malicious. “It must be stated unequivocally that the Honourable Minister has never engaged in, nor would he ever condone, any act of bribery or misconduct. The allegations in question are nothing but baseless, misleading and do not reflect the conduct or record of the Honourable Minister,” it said.

    The Defence Ministry stressed that Matawalle remains focused on his responsibilities and will not be distracted by what it described as campaigns of lies and calumny. “The public is therefore advised to disregard these misleading reports and unsubstantiated claims,” the statement concluded.

    Matawalle reaffirmed his commitment to discharging his duties with diligence, integrity, and dedication to national service, insisting that the allegations are devoid of credibility and aimed at tarnishing his reputation.

  • Iran rules out further talks with U.S. amid Strait of Hormuz tensions

    Iran rules out further talks with U.S. amid Strait of Hormuz tensions

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — The war in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and Iran shows no sign of easing, as Tehran has dismissed prospects for renewed negotiations with Washington.

    Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, stated that Tehran has “no plan” for another round of talks with the U.S., adding, “If the U.S. sends a team to Islamabad, that is a matter that concerns them.” His remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American envoys were en route to Islamabad to continue discussions aimed at ending the conflict.

    Baqaei stressed that Iran would not accept deadlines or ultimatums, reiterating that its “red lines” remain unchanged. He further clarified that the issue of transferring Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles abroad was “never raised” and is “not on the agenda.”

    The spokesperson also criticized U.S. actions, describing the ongoing naval blockade as a violation of the ceasefire. He accused Washington of making “unreasonable demands” and insisted that progress depends on “good faith” from the American side.

    Tensions have escalated following Iran’s decision to reimpose the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which the U.S. condemned as a breach of prior agreements. In response, President Trump warned of “devastating consequences” should Iran persist with the blockade.

    Analysts note that uncertainty over the Islamabad Talks and mutual accusations of violations have left the conflict at risk of further escalation, with trust between the two sides at a low point.

  • Scheduled Site Maintenance: Newpost Africa Service Restored Shortly

    Scheduled Site Maintenance: Newpost Africa Service Restored Shortly

    15 April 2026

    Dear Esteemed Newpost Africa Reader,

    We wish to notify you that scheduled site maintenance and upgrades are currently ongoing. During this period, access to our news service may be temporarily unavailable.

    The service will be fully restored within a few hours once the exercise is completed. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve your experience.

    Thank you for staying with Newpost Africa.

  • South Africa strengthens HIV prevention with Lenacapavir

    South Africa strengthens HIV prevention with Lenacapavir

    PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, 8 April 2026 (NPA) — The South African Government has received its first consignment of 37,920 doses of Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting injectable that offers up to six months of protection against HIV with just two injections per year.

    This milestone marks a significant advance in the country’s HIV response, expanding prevention options particularly for adolescent girls, young women, sex workers, and men who have sex with men. The introduction of Lenacapavir is expected to accelerate efforts to reduce new HIV infections and support South Africa’s goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

    Lenacapavir is not a vaccine but a long-acting HIV prevention medicine. Administered twice yearly, it provides continuous protection and offers a convenient alternative for individuals who face challenges with existing prevention methods.

    The Government emphasised that the rollout of Lenacapavir strengthens its integrated, people-centred approach to HIV prevention. The six-monthly injectable is expected to improve adherence and expand choices for high-risk populations.

    An official launch will be announced in the coming weeks, including details of a phased implementation plan to ensure effective and equitable distribution across the country.

  • Trump imposes tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals, citing national security threat

    Trump imposes tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals, citing national security threat

    INTERNATIONAL, April 3, 2026 (NPA) — President Donald J. Trump has issued a sweeping proclamation imposing tariffs on imported patented pharmaceuticals and their active ingredients, citing heavy reliance on foreign supply chains as a threat to U.S. national security.

    The move follows a report by the Secretary of Commerce under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which concluded that imports of pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients “are being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security.” According to the report, only 15 percent of patented active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are produced domestically, while 53 percent of patented drugs distributed in the U.S. are manufactured abroad.

    Trump’s proclamation sets a 100 percent ad valorem duty on patented pharmaceuticals and associated ingredients, with exceptions for companies that commit to onshoring production. Firms with approved onshoring plans will face a reduced 20 percent tariff, which will rise to 100 percent after four years. Companies that enter into Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) pricing agreements and onshoring commitments with the Departments of Commerce and Health and Human Services may qualify for zero tariffs until 2029.

    The proclamation also outlines preferential treatment for imports from allied trade partners. Products from Japan, the European Union, South Korea, and Switzerland will face a 15 percent tariff, while imports from the United Kingdom will be subject to a 10 percent tariff, eventually dropping to zero under a forthcoming bilateral pharmaceutical agreement. Certain specialty drugs, including orphan-designated medicines, nuclear therapies, plasma-derived treatments, and medical countermeasures, will be exempt from tariffs altogether.

    Generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars are excluded from the tariff measures for now, though the Commerce Department will review their status within a year.

    Trump emphasized that the tariffs are designed to strengthen domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing, safeguard military and civilian healthcare, and reduce vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions. “A self-sufficient domestic manufacturing base is vital for national defense and public health security,” the proclamation stated.

    The tariffs will take effect beginning July 31, 2026, for select companies, and September 29, 2026, for all others.

  • Fuel hike in Nigeria triggers soaring food prices, citizens want FG intervention

    Fuel hike in Nigeria triggers soaring food prices, citizens want FG intervention

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (News Agency) — March 23, 2026 — Prices of food items, goods, and services have sharply increased across markets in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and surrounding areas, according to a survey by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    The NAN study in Abuja on Sunday revealed that the surge in prices is linked to the recent hike in petroleum product pump prices, driven by the ongoing Middle East crisis. The development has strained traders, business owners, and households, with many citizens reporting higher spending on feeding and basic necessities.

    Business owners, traders, and consumers alike lamented the impact of the fuel hike on their livelihoods and called for urgent government intervention to cushion the effects.

    At the Orange Market along the Abuja-Keffi road, a big basket of tomatoes that sold for N9,000–N10,000 in February now costs N30,000–N35,000. A big bag of onions, previously N15,000–N25,000, now sells for N40,000–N45,000. Similar spikes were recorded in Lugbe, Orozo, Karu, Wuse, Utako, Garki, Nyanya, and Apo markets, with yams, beans, peppers, sweet potatoes, and onions all experiencing steep increases.

    The price of sachet water and ice blocks has also risen due to poor electricity supply and reliance on diesel. Distributors now sell a bag of sachet water for N450–N500, up from N300–N350, while ice blocks have jumped from N500 to N800. Small businesses report dwindling profits as they spend heavily on fuel and diesel to power generators.

    Residents expressed frustration at the rising costs of everyday services. Haircuts for children that cost N1,400 weeks ago now cost N3,000, while bakers complain of soaring prices for baking materials. Traders noted that transportation fares for bringing goods from other states have tripled, further driving up market prices.

    Citizens appealed to the Federal Government to urgently address electricity challenges, stabilize fuel supply, and support businesses to ease the burden. Many warned that without intervention, even basic commodities like water could soon become unaffordable for ordinary Nigerians.

  • Nigeria and China: Shared future, shared journey, building eco-friendly modernisation together

    Nigeria and China: Shared future, shared journey, building eco-friendly modernisation together

    Yu Dunhai, China’s Ambassador to Nigeria

    OPINION (NPA) — March 21, 2026 — Balancing development with environmental protection is a major common challenge for the world today.

    It is also an eternal task for the sustainable development of human society.

    As the world’s largest developing country, China has achieved a green development miracle that has captured global attention.

    This has contributed Chinese wisdom, solutions, and strength to global ecological and environmental governance and the building of a clean and beautiful world.

    The year 2026 marks the beginning of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period.

    The recently concluded “Two Sessions”, the annual sessions of China’s top legislature and political advisory body, reviewed and approved the Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan and the Ecological and Environmental Code of the People’s Republic of China.

    This paints a blueprint for China’s high-quality economic and social development and comprehensive green transition.

    The 15th Five-Year Plan sets the development goals for the next five years, and explicitly calls for accelerating the comprehensive green transition of economic and social development, and actively participating in and leading global climate governance.

    This also demands adherence to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and fully implementing the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement, and continuously deepening South-South cooperation on climate change.

    The Ecological and Environmental Code directly addresses global environmental challenges. Notably, it features a standalone section on “Green and Low-Carbon Development,” a pioneering initiative in global legislative practice.

    When green development becomes a national strategic goal, and the vision of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature is enshrined in law, the path towards sustainable development for mankind is bound to become clearer and broader, thanks to China’s green commitment.

    China has always been a steadfast practitioner of ecological civilisation, and has integrated ecological progress into the overarching plan for national development, taking concrete actions to fight pollution.

    It became the first developing country to implement systematic PM2.5 pollution control, and has taken the lead in establishing and implementing an “ecological conservation red line” system, accelerating the development of the world’s largest national park system.

    China has achieved consecutive years of “double reduction” in desertified and sandified land, and currently contributes one-quarter of the world’s newly increased green area, making it the fastest and most effective country in “greening” the planet.

    Every patch of green across the land of China vividly testifies to its practice of the concept of ecological civilisation.

    China has always been a pragmatic actor in global climate governance, conscientiously fulfilling its obligations under the Convention.

    It has solidly advanced its goals of peaking carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality, by committing to achieving the largest reduction in carbon emission intensity in the shortest time globally.

    China continues to optimise its energy structure, having built the world’s largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system and the most complete new energy industrial chain.

    For ten consecutive years, China has ranked first globally in installed capacity for photovoltaic and wind power; its hydropower and biomass power generation installed capacities remain the largest worldwide.

    It currently supplies over 80 per cent of the world’s photovoltaic components and 70 per cent of wind power equipment.

    These tangible figures amply demonstrate that China is not just an active advocate but a down-to-earth implementer in climate governance.

    China has always been an active leader in global environmental governance, as a participant, contributor, and leader in the global endeavor for ecological civilisation.

    The country firmly upholds multilateralism and strives to build a fair, reasonable, and mutually beneficial global environmental governance system.

    It vigorously promotes green development under the Belt and Road Initiative, deeply engages in global ecological and environmental governance, and works tirelessly to build a clean and beautiful world.

    China actively advances South-South cooperation on climate change, increasing support for countries and regions with fragile ecosystems and weak green development capacities.

    It has collaborated on green energy projects with over 100 countries and regions. As the world’s largest exporter of clean technology, China has created 46 per cent of global jobs in the renewable energy sector, injecting strong momentum into worldwide green development.

    China and Africa have always been like-minded companions on the journey to address climate change and promote green development.

    African countries have drawn on China’s experience with the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program to implement the Great Green Wall Initiative, effectively advancing efforts to combat desertification in the Sahara.

    In the clean energy sector, China has implemented hundreds of cooperative projects in Africa. The installed capacity of photovoltaic power stations built through China-Africa cooperation alone has exceeded 1.5 gigawatts.

    China’s Juncao technology has been introduced to Africa, becoming an exemplary model of “small and beautiful” livelihood cooperation.

    Cooperation on green technologies like wind power, geothermal energy, and solar power assists African nations in their energy transition.

    Through these tangible practices of green cooperation, China and Africa are setting a prime example of solidarity, cooperation, and shared development for the Global South.

    The new journey of the 15th Five-Year Plan period has commenced, opening a new chapter in China’s ecological civilisation development.

    Standing at this new historical starting point, China is promoting a comprehensive green transition of its economic and social development with unprecedented determination and effort.

    Building an ecological civilisation concerns the common future of humanity. China will unwaveringly pursue a path of green, low-carbon, and high-quality development.

    It will continue to contribute wisdom and solutions to global green development, and work hand in hand with countries around the world on the new journey towards an eco-friendly modernisation.

    As a major African country and an important global economy, Nigeria plays an irreplaceable role in addressing climate change and promoting regional green development.

    China is ready to work with Nigeria to strengthen policy dialogue, share governance experience, and deepen practical cooperation in areas such as clean energy, disaster prevention and mitigation, desertification control, and green finance.

    Together, we can jointly paint a beautiful picture of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.

    This can be done by making the Niger River clearer, the Gulf of Guinea bluer, and ensuring that the green bond of China-Nigeria friendship is passed on with everlasting vitality from generation to generation.(NAN).

  • European Commission-funded Sentimental Value wins Oscar for Best International Feature

    European Commission-funded Sentimental Value wins Oscar for Best International Feature

    INTERNATIONAL — (NPA) March 16, 2026 — The European Commission has celebrated Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value (2025) after the Norwegian family drama won the Oscar for Best International Feature Film. The film, which explores themes of estrangement, reconciliation, and the fragile bonds of memory, was supported by the Commission through its Creative Europe MEDIA programme, part of a €2.44 billion investment in cultural diversity across the bloc.

    In a statement on Monday, the European Commission wrote: “Congratulations to ‘Sentimental Value’ on winning the Oscar for Best International Feature Film. Supported by our Creative Europe MEDIA programme, this win reflects our €2.44 billion investment in cultural diversity for the benefit of all.”

    The story follows Gustav Borg, an aging filmmaker portrayed by Stellan Skarsgård, who reappears at his ex-wife’s funeral after years of absence. His return forces his daughters, Nora (Renate Reinsve) and Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas), to confront the emotional scars of abandonment. Nora, a troubled actress, is offered the lead role in Gustav’s new film, blurring the lines between art and life.

    Awarded the Oscar for Best International Feature Film in 2026, Sentimental Value resonates as a broader reflection on how art can both heal and reopen wounds. With Trier’s collaboration with longtime co-writer Eskil Vogt, Kasper Tuxen’s evocative cinematography, and Hania Rani’s haunting score, the film marks Norway’s first-ever Oscar win in this category, cementing Trier’s reputation as one of Europe’s most compelling contemporary filmmakers.

  • Nigeria Police boost counter-terrorism capacity with new training, bases, and deployments

    Nigeria Police boost counter-terrorism capacity with new training, bases, and deployments

    CRIME DIARY (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has strengthened its counter-terrorism capacity through a specialised training programme and the establishment of new Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) bases across the country.

    The training, conducted in collaboration with the British High Commission in Nigeria through the Office of the Counter Terrorism Regional Coordinator for West Africa, is part of efforts to enhance the Force’s ability to combat terrorism, banditry, and other serious crimes threatening national security.

    In a statement issued Saturday, Acting ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer, said the expanded capacity includes new CTU bases and additional deployments.

    “The two-week Close Quarter Battle and Intelligence Analysis training programme featured fifty-six (56) participants drawn from the Counter Terrorism Units of the Nigeria Police Force. The officers were exposed to contemporary counter-terrorism tactics, intelligence analysis, and operational best practices aimed at strengthening coordinated responses to emerging security threats,” the statement read.

    At the closing ceremony in Abuja, Lt. Col. Ian Tyler of the British High Commission commended the professionalism of participants and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations.

    Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu, represented by AIG Akoh Gabriel, said the initiative reflects his administration’s determination to continually upscale the operational capacity of officers. He expressed appreciation to the British Government for its sustained partnership.

    As part of broader measures, the IGP approved the establishment of new CTU bases in Madagali (Adamawa State), Ikot Odo (Akpabuyo, Cross River State), and Ode-Remo (Ogun State), alongside additional deployments to strategic locations nationwide to enhance rapid response capability.

    “The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strengthening partnerships, building operational capacity, and deploying strategic resources to combat terrorism and other emerging security threats across the country,” the statement added.