Join Ross Bailey, Head of Advocacy at Malaria No More, as he discusses the promising progress of malaria vaccination campaigns in Africa, reducing child mortality rates effectively. Gail Creek, an African-American seeking Beninese citizenship, shares her heartfelt journey to reconnect with her heritage amidst evolving citizenship laws in Benin. The podcast also covers Nigeria's recent mobile tariff hike, exploring the implications of rising costs on subscribers and the youth-driven digital economy.
The approved 50% hike in mobile tariffs in Nigeria is raising consumer concerns amidst escalating costs of living and essential services.
The one-year rollout of malaria vaccinations across Africa has significantly decreased child mortality rates but faces distribution and access challenges.
Deep dives
Impact of Malaria Vaccination in Africa
The launch of routine malaria vaccinations in Africa has greatly reduced child mortality rates. After a year of vaccine deployment, nearly 10 million doses have been provided across 17 countries, contributing to a 13% decrease in overall child mortality. In particular, the vaccines have significantly reduced hospitalizations due to malaria among vaccinated children. Despite this progress, many African countries still await vaccine supplies, highlighting the need for improved distribution and access.
Nigerian Telecom Tariff Increase
Nigerian mobile phone users are facing a 50% increase in tariffs, the first such rise since 2013, due to rising operational costs affecting telecom companies. The Nigerian Communications Commission argues that without this hike, the telecom industry risks collapse, a view supported by telecom operators. Consumers have expressed outrage over the increase, stressing the burden of simultaneous rising costs in electricity, fuel, and food. The situation has raised concerns among small business owners and students who rely on affordable communication services for their daily activities.
Benin's Approach to Citizenship for Descendants of Slaves
Benin has enacted a law offering citizenship to descendants of African slaves, acknowledging its historical role in the transatlantic slave trade. This initiative aims to foster connections with the African diaspora and serves as a symbolic act of reparations. Thousands have shown interest in reclaiming their citizenship, reflecting a growing desire for reconnection with ancestral roots. The law emphasizes the importance of acknowledging shared responsibility for this history and creating pathways for healing and belonging.
Challenges and Achievements in Vaccine Rollout
The rollout of malaria vaccines in Africa faces challenges, including vaccine hesitancy and logistical hurdles in distributing doses. Community leaders and organizations have worked to educate populations about the vaccine's safety and importance, leading to a strong demand for immunization. While initial pilot programs showed positive results in Ghana and Kenya, scaling efforts across multiple countries requires rigorous monitoring and management. Success stories, such as those from Cameroon, suggest that with consistent political will and funding, malaria eradication is a potential goal for the future.
Nigeria's telecoms regulator has approved a tariff hike by operators-customers are groaning.
A year after ground-breaking malaria vaccination campaigns were launched in Africa-we assess the progress.
And why is Benin granting citizenship to descendants of the victims of the transatlantic slave trade?
Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Producers: Blessing Aderogba. Yvette Twagiramariya and Blessing Hassan
Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga
Technical Producer: Chris Kouzaris
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
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