August 16, 2022

WHR Global Announces New President, Chris Lagerman

WHR also Promotes Tenured Employees to Director of Global Operations and Client Services Manager

MILWAUKEE, Aug. 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WHR Global, Inc. (WHR), a leader in the global employee relocation industry, announced that Chris Lagerman will be its new President, effective immediately. This promotion reflects Chris’ dedication to WHR and the global mobility industry. Over his 20-year tenure at WHR, Chris previously served as a Relocation Counselor, Client Services Manager and most recently, as Director of Global Operations (DO).

As DO, Chris guided a team of Client Services Managers throughout WHR’s offices in the US, Switzerland and Singapore. WHR helps some of the largest global organizations and has relocated tens of thousands of employees to over 100 countries worldwide. WHR specializes in providing each expatriate with a dedicated relocation team, white-glove service and 24/7 availability for their entire relocation journey. As a testament to Chris’ DO success, WHR only lost one corporate client in its 27-year history, which is a direct result of Chris’ passion for best-in-class service.

WHR CEO Roger Thrun believes Chris will continue to drive the success of WHR’s services and technology. “Chris has been instrumental to our growth in the last 20 years and will continue the velocity of our global expansion. I am very proud that he is part of WHR,” said Thrun.

“I’m honored and grateful for this opportunity and I look forward to driving WHR’s further growth,” said Lagerman.

Effective immediately, WHR also announced that Heather Hess has been promoted to Director of Global Operations, leading all Client Services Managers in the US, Switzerland and Singapore. WHR also announced that Peter Janotta has been promoted to Client Services Manager, effective immediately. Heather and Peter have been at WHR for 14 years each, embodying WHR’s service-oriented approach to global mobility and successfully managing relocation programs for Fortune 500 companies.

About WHR Global
WHR Global (WHR) is a private, client-driven global relocation management company distinguished by its best-in-class service delivery and cutting-edge, proprietary technology. WHR has offices in the US, Switzerland and Singapore. With its 100% client retention rate for the past decade, WHR continues to position itself as the trusted leader in global employee relocation. WHR lives by its vision of Advancing Lives Forward^®.

To learn more about WHR, visit https://www.whrg.com, or follow on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Media Contact: Mindy Stroiman, Corporate Writer
Mindy.Stroiman@whrg.com
+1-262-523-7510

August 16, 2022

WHR Global Anuncia Novo Presidente, Chris Lagerman

WHR Anuncia Também a Promoção de Funcionários Titulares para Diretor de Operações Globais e Gerente de Serviços ao Cliente

MILWAUKEE, Aug. 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A WHR Global, Inc. (WHR), líder na indústria global de realocação de funcionários, anunciou que Chris Lagerman será seu novo presidente, com efeito imediato. Esta promoção reflete a dedicação de Chris à WHR e à indústria de mobilidade global. Durante seu mandato de 20 anos na WHR Chris atuou como Consultor de Realocação, Gerente de Serviços ao Cliente e, mais recentemente, como Diretor de Operações Globais (DO).

Na sua função de DO, Chris orientou uma equipe de Gerentes de Atendimento ao Cliente em todos os escritórios da WHR nos EUA, Suíça e Cingapura. A WHR ajuda algumas das maiores empresas globais e já relocou dezenas de milhares de funcionários para mais de 100 países em todo o mundo. A WHR é especializada em fornecer a cada expatriado uma equipe de relocação dedicada, um serviço esmerado e disponibilidade 24/7 durante toda a jornada de relocação. Como prova do sucesso de Chris como DO, a WHR perdeu apenas um cliente corporativo durante sua história de 27 anos, refletindo diretamente a dedicação de Chris pelo melhor serviço da categoria.

O CEO da WHR, Roger Thrun, acredita que Chris continuará a impulsionar o sucesso dos serviços e da tecnologia da WHR. “Chris tem sido fundamental para o nosso crescimento nos últimos 20 anos e dará continuidade ao ritmo da nossa expansão global. Estou muito orgulhoso dele fazer parte da WHR”, disse Thrun.

“Estou honrado e grato por esta oportunidade e preparado para impulsionar o crescimento da WHR”, disse Lagerman.

Com efeito imediato, a WHR também anunciou que Heather Hess foi promovida a Diretora de Operações Globais, liderando todos os Gerentes de Atendimento ao Cliente nos EUA, Suíça e Cingapura. A WHR também anunciou que Peter Janotta foi promovido a Gerente de Serviços ao Cliente, com efeito imediato. Heather e Peter estão na WHR há 14 anos cada, representando a abordagem orientada a serviços da WHR para a mobilidade global e tendo gerenciado com sucesso programas de realocação para empresas Fortune 500.

Sobre a WHR Global
A WHR Global (WHR) é uma empresa global de gestão de relocação privada, orientada para o cliente, distinguida pela sua melhor prestação de serviços e tecnologia proprietária de ponta. A WHR tem escritórios nos EUA, Suíça e Cingapura. Com sua taxa de retenção de clientes de 100% na última década, o WHR continua a se posicionar como líder confiável na relocação global de funcionários. A WHR é um exemplo vivo da sua visão de Advancing Lives Forward^®.

Para mais informação sobre a WHR, visite https://www.whrg.com, ou siga LinkedIn, Twitter e Facebook.

Contato com a Mídia: Mindy Stroiman, Redatora Corporativa
Mindy.Stroiman@whrg.com
+1-262-523-7510

August 16, 2022

WHR Global annonce la nomination d’un nouveau président, Chris Lagerman

WHR promeut également des employés de longue date aux postes de directeur des opérations mondiales et de responsable des services à la clientèle

MILWAUKEE, 16 août 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WHR Global, Inc. (WHR), un leader mondial du secteur de la relocalisation des employés, a annoncé que Chris Lagerman sera son nouveau président, avec effet immédiat. Cette promotion reflète l’engagement de M. Lagerman envers WHR et l’industrie mondiale de la mobilité. Au cours de ses 20 ans de mandat chez WHR, il a occupé le poste de conseiller en relocalisation, de responsable des services à la clientèle et, plus récemment, celui de directeur des opérations mondiales.

À ce poste, M. Lagerman a dirigé une équipe de gestionnaires des services à la clientèle dans l’ensemble des bureaux de WHR aux États-Unis, en Suisse et à Singapour. WHR aide certaines des plus grandes entreprises au monde et a déplacé des dizaines de milliers d’employés dans plus de 100 pays à travers le monde. WHR se spécialise dans la fourniture à chaque expatrié d’une équipe de relocalisation dédiée, d’un service haut de gamme et d’une disponibilité 24 h/24 et 7 j/7 pour l’ensemble de son parcours de relocalisation. Illustrant la réussite de Chris en tant que directeur des opérations mondiales, WHR n’a perdu qu’un seul client d’entreprise au cours de ses 27 années d’existence, ce qui est le résultat direct de sa passion pour offrir le meilleur service de sa catégorie.

Roger Thrun, PDG de WHR, est convaincu que M. Lagerman continuera à favoriser le succès des services et de la technologie de WHR. « Chris a joué un rôle déterminant dans notre croissance au cours des 20 dernières années et contribuera à maintenir la vitesse de notre expansion mondiale. Je suis très fier qu’il fasse partie de WHR », a déclaré M. Thrun.

« Je suis honoré et reconnaissant pour cette opportunité, et je suis impatient de stimuler la croissance future de WHR », a déclaré M. Lagerman.

Avec effet immédiat, WHR a également annoncé la promotion de Heather Hess au poste de directrice des opérations mondiales, chargée de diriger l’ensemble des gestionnaires de services à la clientèle aux États-Unis, en Suisse et à Singapour. M. WHR a également annoncé que Peter Janotta a été promu directeur des services à la clientèle, avec effet immédiat. Mme Hess et M. Janotta travaillent tous les deux pour WHR depuis 14 ans, incarnant l’approche orientée sur le service de l’entreprise vis-à-vis de la mobilité mondiale et gérant avec succès les programmes de relocalisation d’entreprises figurant dans le palmarès Fortune 500.

À propos de WHR Global
WHR Global (WHR) est une société de gestion des mutations mondiale privée, axée sur le client, qui se distingue par une prestation de services meilleure de sa catégorie et par une technologie de pointe dont elle est propriétaire. WHR possède des bureaux aux États-Unis, en Suisse et à Singapour. Avec son taux de rétention de la clientèle de 100 % au cours des dix dernières années, WHR continue de se positionner en tant que fournisseur de confiance dans le domaine de la mutation des employés à l’échelle mondiale. WHR incarne sa vision « Advancing Lives Forward^® » (Faire avancer les vies).

Pour en savoir plus sur WHR, rendez-vous sur https://www.whrg.com, ou suivez WHR sur LinkedIn, Twitter et Facebook.

Contact auprès des médias : Mindy Stroiman, rédactrice d’entreprise
Mindy.Stroiman@whrg.com
+1-262-523-7510

August 16, 2022

Hisense High-Performance 2022 ULED TVs Now Available in South Africa

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Aug. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Hisense, a provider of high-performance TV and home appliances, has made three series of its high-performance ULED display products available in the South African market this August. With the series of U8H, U7H, and U6H, Hisense aims to elevate home entertainment for South Africans.

With Hisense’s Hi-View Engine, the models across the three series provide a better viewing experience for any content and in all TV usage conditions such as a bright, dark, noisy, or quiet room. With all the smartness aggregated in one place, the Hi-View Engine powers to enhance the picture quality scene-by-scene. The algorithm simulates the neural network, intelligently optimizing the picture through deep learning for an adaptive and brilliant viewing.

All three series support Quantum Dot Colour, allowing users to enter a new world of colours with over one billion shades available. Meanwhile, the Dolby Atmos® speaker system enables the TVs to deliver unparalleled realism and rich soundscape, creating a fully immersive audio-visual experience that immerses the viewer into the scene.

The U8H and the U7H also feature room-fitting sound technology, which intelligently generates the best sound curve for the size and materials in the space. Furthermore, Dolby Vision IQ and HDR 10+ Adaptive, which are supported in the two series, improve HDR performance in all lighting conditions. Both series are powered by Hisense’s updated VIDAA U6 OS, which supports more apps and a wider range of content. For even more streamlined viewing, users can control the TV via the hands-free voice remote or issue voice commands up to a distance of three meters.

With 2.1.2 Multi-Channel Surround bringing a vivid immersive surround sound experience that transports viewers into the moment without distractions, IMAX Enhanced is also supported in the U8H series.

Available in all three series, the feature of Game Mode Pro enables gamers to enjoy instant responses with automatic low-latency mode and continual VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) to minimize input lag, screen jitter and tearing. In the U7H and U8H models, with HDMI 2.1 support and AMD FreeSync Premium certification, the display automatically activates advanced HDMI features to give gamers a competitive edge.

Now for any new orders of the 2022 ULED TV, Hisense will provide vouchers to South African consumers:

R3,000 for the U80H 20 August- 31 October
R2,000 for the U8H 10 July-31 August
R1,500 for the U7H 10 July-31 August
R1,000 for the U6H 10 July-31 August

Additionally, from 10 July to 31 October, if you share a picture of your new 2022 ULED TV, detail your experience on social media, and tag @HisenseSA, you stand a chance to win a Hisense HS212F soundbar that will complement your TV and is valued at R2,200.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1879016/image_1.jpg

August 16, 2022

Cody Patrick Named OEM Direct Sales Manager for Nikkiso Clean Energy and Industrial Gases Group

TEMECULA, Calif., Aug. 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nikkiso Cryogenic Industries’ Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group (“Group”), a part of the Nikkiso Co., Ltd (Japan) group of companies, is pleased to announce that Cody Patrick has been named OEM Direct Sales Manager for Nikkiso ACD, a part of the Cryogenic Pumps unit of Nikkiso’s Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group.

Cody is a graduate of Texas A&M College of Engineering’s Industrial Distribution program. The combination of his education and experience with Cryogenic pumps for the industrial gases market, make him well suited to assist with growing the U.S. market. He will manage and develop business strategies and opportunities as well as assist with the development of training and educational programs for the Group’s clients. Cody will be based in Houston and report to Ian Guthrie, Business Line Manager for the Group’s Cryogenic Pumps unit.

“Given Cody’s enthusiasm and understanding of the cryogenic pumps market we are excited to have him join the Group,” according to Daryl Lamy, President and CEO of the Group’s Pump Unit. “We’re looking forward to his support in further developing the opportunities in this market.”

With this addition, Nikkiso continues their commitment to be both a global and local presence for their customers.

ABOUT CRYOGENIC INDUSTRIES
Cryogenic Industries, Inc. (now a member of Nikkiso Co., Ltd.) member companies manufacture and service engineered cryogenic gas processing equipment (pumps, turboexpanders, heat exchangers, etc.), and process plants for Industrial Gases, Natural gas Liquefaction (LNG), Hydrogen Liquefaction (LH2) and Organic Rankine Cycle for Waste Heat Recovery. Founded over 50 years ago, Cryogenic Industries is the parent company of ACD, Nikkiso Cryo, Nikkiso Integrated Cryogenic Solutions, Cosmodyne and Cryoquip and a commonly controlled group of approximately 20 operating entities.

For more information, please visit www.nikkisoCEIG.com and www.nikkiso.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Anna Quigley
+1.951.383.3314
aquigley@cryoind.com

August 16, 2022

Stevie® Awards Anuncia Vencedores do 19th Annual International Business Awards® de Todo o Mundo

3.700 Indicações Foram Enviadas de Empresas de 67 Países

Vencedores do International Business Awards

Empresas e executivos de sucesso de todo o mundo foram reconhecidos com os prêmios Stevie® Award Ouro, Prata e Bronze na The 19th Annual International Business Awards®.

FAIRFAX, Va., Aug. 15, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Empresas e executivos de sucesso de todo o mundo foram reconhecidos com os prêmios Stevie® Award Ouro, Prata e Bronze na The 19th Annual International Business Awards®, o único programa de premiação mundial para empresas.

Os vencedores foram selecionados dentre mais de 3.700 nomeações enviadas por organizações de 67 países.

Uma lista completa de todos os vencedores do Stevie Award Ouro, Prata e Bronze de 2022 por categoria pode ser encontrada em www.StevieAwards.com/IBA.

Mais de 300 executivos de todo o mundo participaram nos 11 corpos de jurados para a escolha dos vencedores dos Stevies.

O principal vencedor dos Stevies Ouro, Prata e Bronze no Prêmio foi Yapı Kredi Bank da, Turquia, com 32. Outros vencedores de vários Prêmios Stevie incluem IBM Corporation (21), LLYC (20), Deutsche Post DHL (19), Abu Dhabi Ports Group (17), Viettel Group (17), OPET (15), Telkom Indonesia (13), ZER (13), Ayala Land Inc. (12), Ooredoo (12), Globe Telecom (10), PJ Lhuillier, Inc (PJLI) (10), Enerjisa Enerji (9), Wolters Kluwer (9), Strategic Public Relations Group (8), pH7 Communications (8), Tata Consultancy Services Inc. (8), Adfactors PR (8), Jeunesse Global (7), Bank of Montreal, (6), Canadian Tire Corporation (6), HeyMo The Experience Design Company (6), Octopus Energy (6), Sleepm Global Inc. (6), VUMI Group (6) e VNPT Vinahone Corporation (6).

A IBM, empresa multinacional de tecnologia com sede em Armonk, NY, EUA, recebeu nove Stevie Awards Ouro, mais do que qualquer outra empresa da competição.

Todas as empresas do mundo são elegíveis para competir nas IBAs e podem enviar inscrições para uma ampla gama de categorias de realizações em gestão, marketing, relações públicas, atendimento ao cliente, recursos humanos, novos produtos e serviços, tecnologia, sites, aplicativos, eventos e muito mais.

Os prêmios serão entregues durante um evento de gala em Londres, Inglaterra, no dia 15 de outubro de 2022.

Sobre os Stevie® Awards
Stevie Awards são concedidos em oito programas: Stevie Awards Ásia-Pacífico, Stevie Awards Alemão, Stevie Awards Oriente Médio e África do Norte, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, Stevie Awards para Grandes Empregadoras, Stevie Awards para Mulheres Empresariais e Stevie Awards para Vendas e Serviço ao Cliente. Os concursos Stevie Awards recebem mais de 12.000 nomeações todos os anos de empresas de mais de 70 países. Honrando empresas de todos os tipos e tamanhos, e as pessoas por trás delas, os Stevies reconhecem excelente desempenho no local de trabalho em todo o mundo. Saiba mais sobre os Stevie Awards em http://www.StevieAwards.com.

Contato de Marketing
Nina Moore
Nina@StevieAwards.com
+1 (703) 547-8389

Foto deste comunicado disponível em: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bea1d991-4f7d-41b6-bce7-4ba3619ac4ab/pt

August 16, 2022

Les Prix Stevie® annoncent les lauréats de la 19e édition des International Business Awards® du monde entier

3 700 candidatures ont été présentées par des organisations de 67 pays

Gagnants des International Business Awards

Des entreprises et dirigeants de haut niveau du monde entier ont été élus lauréats des Prix Stevie® d’or, d’argent et de bronze dans le cadre des 19e International Business Awards® annuels.

FAIRFAX, Virginie, 16 août 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Des entreprises et dirigeants de haut niveau du monde entier ont été élus lauréats des Prix Stevie® d’or, d’argent et de bronze dans le cadre des 19e International Business Awards® annuels, le seul programme international de récompenses pour les entreprises.

Les lauréats ont été sélectionnés parmi plus de 3 700 candidatures soumises par des organisations établies dans 67 pays.

Une liste complète de tous les lauréats des Prix Stevie d’or, d’argent et de bronze 2022 par catégorie est disponible à l’adresse www.StevieAwards.com/IBA.

Cette année, plus de 300 cadres à travers le monde ont été membres de 11 jurys de sélection des gagnants des Stevies.

Le plus grand vainqueur des Stevies d’or, d’argent et de bronze est HALKBANK d’Istanbul, en Turquie, avec 32 prix. Les autres lauréats des nombreux Prix Stevie incluent IBM Corporation (21), LLYC (20), Deutsche Post DHL (19), Abu Dhabi Ports Group (17), Viettel Group (17), OPET (15), Telkom Indonesia (13), ZER (13), Ayala Land Inc. (12), Ooredoo (12), Globe Telecom (10), PJ Lhuillier, Inc (PJLI) (10), Enerjisa Enerji (9), Wolters Kluwer (9), Strategic Public Relations Group (8), pH7 Communications (8), Tata Consultancy Services Inc. (8), Adfactors PR (8), Jeunesse Global (7), Bank of Montreal, (6), Canadian Tire Corporation (6), HeyMo The Experience Design Company (6), Octopus Energy (6), Sleepm Global Inc. (6), VUMI Group (6) et VNPT VinaPhone Corporation (6).

IBM, une société technologique multinationale basée à Armonk, NY, aux États-Unis, a remporté neuf Prix Stevie d’or, plus que toute autre organisation du concours.

Toutes les entreprises du monde peuvent participer aux IBA et peuvent soumettre leurs candidatures dans un large éventail de catégories récompensant les réussites dans des domaines tels que la gestion, le marketing, les relations publiques, le service à la clientèle, les ressources humaines, les nouveaux produits et services, les technologies, les sites Web, les applications, les événements, et bien plus.

Les prix seront remis lors d’un gala organisé à Londres, en Angleterre, le 15 octobre 2022.

À propos des Prix Stevie
Les Prix Stevie sont décernés dans huit programmes : les Prix Stevie en Asie-Pacifique, les Prix Stevie en Allemagne, les Prix Stevie au Moyen-Orient et en Afrique du Nord, les American Business Awards®, les International Business Awards®, les Prix Stevie pour les grands employeurs, les Prix Stevie pour les femmes entrepreneurs et les Prix Stevie pour les ventes et le service à la clientèle. Les concours des Prix Stevie reçoivent chaque année plus de 12 000 nominations émanant d’entreprises de plus de 70 pays. En récompensant les entreprises de tous types et de toutes tailles, ainsi que leurs collaborateurs, les Stevies reconnaissent les performances exceptionnelles sur le lieu de travail dans le monde entier. Pour en savoir plus sur les Prix Stevie, veuillez consulter le site http://www.StevieAwards.com.

Contact Marketing
Nina Moore
Nina@StevieAwards.com
+1 (703) 547-8389

Une photo accompagnant ce communiqué de presse est disponible à l’adresse suivante : https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bea1d991-4f7d-41b6-bce7-4ba3619ac4ab/fr

August 16, 2022

Angola: Unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests and hunger set election tone

Angola has faced an unprecedented crackdown on human rights, including unlawful killings and arbitrary arrests, in the lead up to the 24 August election, Amnesty International said today.

In its new briefing, “Make the vote meaningful for human rights observance: Human rights manifesto for Angola ahead of the 2022 general election”, the organization details how Angolan authorities have increased their clampdown on human rights amid a deteriorating humanitarian situation compounded by drought-induced hunger in the country’s southern region.

“Angola has been characterized by an increase in brutal crackdowns on human rights in recent years, including repression of any form of dissent. Protesters, including young people demanding accountability and their socio-economic rights, have not been spared,” said Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International’s Director for East and Southern Africa.

“As the country heads to the polls, authorities must outline their plans to respect human rights, ensure accountability for countless human rights violations, and access to justice and effective remedies for victims.

“Authorities must work with the international community to bring humanitarian relief to the victims of drought and hunger in the southern region.”

Unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests and hunger

At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the security forces responsible for implementing restrictions killed at least seven boys and young men by using excessive and lethal force.

In January 2021, police shot and killed dozens of activists who were peacefully protesting the high cost of living in the mining town of Cafunfo in Lunda Norte province. Security forces also chased down protestors in surrounding neighbourhoods and forests. While the exact numbers of those killed and injured remain unknown, dumped bodies were found in the nearby Cuango River.

Following the violent repression of a peaceful protest on 8 February 2021, the country’s Criminal Investigation Service arrested José Mateus Zecamutchima of the Lunda Tchokwe Protectorate Movement, which advocates for autonomy and self-determination of the eastern half of Angola. Accused of “association with evildoers and armed rebellion” and “leading the rebellion to overthrow the government”, José Mateus was subjected to an unfair trial and imprisonment. He has often been denied contact with his lawyer and family.

On 30 May 2021, police in Cabinda arrested and detained several protestors after violently ending their procession and confiscating their personal items. The demonstration was part of a wider five-province protest against drought-induced hunger, unemployment and the unaffordable cost of living.

Amnesty International is calling on the candidates in the upcoming election to publicly commit, if elected, to:

• conduct prompt, thorough, impartial, independent, transparent and effective investigations into all the killings and hold those suspected to be responsible accountable in fair trials;

• ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims and their families;

• bring to justice in fair trials all members of the security forces accused of using excessive and lethal force against peaceful protestors and provide access to justice and effective remedies for victims and their families; and

• work with the international community to promptly bring humanitarian relief to the victims of drought and hunger in the southern region

Source: Amnesty International

August 16, 2022

Zimbabwe Piloting Non-Chemical Based Malaria Prevention Measures in Chiredzi

Chiredzi, Zimbabwe – Malaria remains a public health threat in Zimbabwe, with more than half the population at risk of contracting malaria annually. Despite the progress made, malaria still accounts for about 40% of outpatient attendances in the moderate to high transmission districts, especially during the peak transmission period. Zimbabwe has adopted several chemical-based vector control measures to reduce malaria. However, there has been growing evidence of resistance to chemical-based malaria vector interventions. This has necessitated the call for alternative non-chemical-based innovations for vector control such as house screening.

Recent studies have shown house screening to significantly reduce the number of mosquitoes entering houses in several African countries. However, it remains necessary to quantify the impact house screening has in malaria prevention and reduction effect in different countries. Henceforth, Zimbabwe is among the six southern African countries in the WHO AFRO region where studies on demonstration of effectiveness of diversified, environmentally sound, and sustainable interventions, and strengthening national capacity for innovative implementation of integrated vector management (IVM) for disease prevention and control is being implemented.

The study is known as the AFRO II Project which is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through UNEP and WHO-AFRO. The project supports the implementation of the UNEP roadmap for development of alternatives to DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane) as endorsed by the seventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP7) to the Stockholm Convention in May 2015. The objective of the road map is to make locally safe, effective, affordable, and environmentally sound alternatives available for a sustainable transition away from DDT.

The Afro II project study in Zimbabwe covers wards 27 (Monyoroka Resettlement area) and 28 (Triangle) in Chiredzi District, Masvingo Province. The project involves the screening of houses by installing wire mesh screens on windows, doors, eaves, and other openings to prevent the entry of mosquitoes. To start off the project the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) with support from WHO conducted household enumeration, malaria knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) survey, and insecticide susceptibility mapping within the targeted community in the project district. The KAP survey conducted in May 2021 was aimed at assessing the local community`s awareness and appreciation of malaria (the disease, causes, transmission, vectors, current interventions, and treatment).

Speaking on the sidelines of a project field visit in Chiredzi, Mr Wilson Chauke, MoHCC, National Vector Control Officer noted how the AFRO II Project was not replacing existing control measures but adding to existing malaria prevention and control mechanisms. “Zimbabwe is currently using chemical based vector control interventions and the AFRO II project is going to assess effectiveness of house screening, a non-chemical-based intervention. You know chemicals have an environmental impact which should be avoided at all costs,” said Mr Chuake.

“Should this project succeed, we look forward to having an additional intervention which is environmentally friendly,” added Mr Chauke.

Covering doors, windows, and any other openings with screens and closing off any remaining gaps with mortar is simple and effective. Keeping mosquitoes out of homes not only prevents the transmission of malaria, but also several other tropical diseases like dengue, filariasis, or Rift Valley Fever. Apart from protecting all members of the household while indoors, screening is also an environmentally friendly intervention as well as a lasting and more cost-effective option compared with use of bed nets alone.

“House screening was successfully tried in the Gambia and Tanzania and found to significantly reduce malaria transmission. It is also beneficial in that it is environmentally friendly and not prone to development of mosquito resistance. Again, it fosters community participation and ownership,” says Casper Tarumbwa, WHO Zimbabwe AFRO II Project Coordinator.

Results from the AFRO II Project are expected to assist in overcoming challenges such as reliance on chemical-based malaria vector interventions that are prone to resistance. Scarcity of human and technical resources, and inadequate capacity for the enforcement of policies related to production and safe use of insecticides. The multi-sectoral approach to the implementation of the project will also enhance collaboration between the health and other relevant sectors with regards to developmental projects impacting on health.

After the preliminary activities outlined above the project has moved on to the next stage where the first phase of screening of 400 houses commenced on 25 July 2022 and will run until 05 August 2022. When the screening is concluded evaluations will be carried out to determine if there is a reduction of mosquitoes entering houses, decrease in the number of new malaria cases and acceptance by the community.

Source: World Health Organization. Africa

August 16, 2022

More Than 150 Children Dead in Zimbabwe Measles Outbreak

A measles outbreak in Zimbabwe has killed at least 157 children, with more than 2,000 infections reported across the country, the government said Tuesday.

Cases have been growing rapidly in the southern African nation since authorities said the first infection was logged earlier this month, with reported deaths almost doubling in less than a week.

“As of 15 August, the cumulative figure across the country has risen to 2,056 cases and 157 deaths,” Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said, briefing journalists after a weekly Cabinet meeting.

Mutsvangwa said the government was going to step up vaccinations and has invoked special legislation allowing it to draw money from the national disaster fund “to deal with the emergency.”

She said the government was to engage with traditional and faith leaders to garner their support with the vaccination campaign, adding most victims were not vaccinated.

The health ministry has previously blamed the outbreak on church sect gatherings.

The measles virus attacks mainly children with the most serious complications including blindness, brain swelling, diarrhea and severe respiratory infections.

Its symptoms are a red rash that appears first on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Once very common it can now be prevented with a vaccine.

In April, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Africa was facing an explosion of preventable diseases due to delays in vaccinating children, with measles cases jumping 400%.

Source: Voice Of America