Gilead, EVA Pharma Partner To Boost HIV Care In 120 High-Prevalence Countries

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

EVA Pharma and Gilead have signed a non-exclusive, royalty-free voluntary licensing agreement to increase access to Lenacapavir in 120 countries with high Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) incidence and limited resources.

The agreement was signed on October 4 in Cairo, Egypt. It will enable EVA Pharma to submit its high-quality generic Lenacapavir to multiple regulatory authorities to support demand and broaden accessibility across many countries.

“The urgency of NOW demands that we go fast and far to end HIV/AIDS. This goal is only reached through collective efforts, from innovation to sustainable access to medicines,” said Riad Armanious, CEO of EVA Pharma.

Armanious added, “To this commitment, we stand our ground as the sole licensee in Africa. EVA Pharma has already rolled the ball on fast-track actions towards our joint mission with Gilead. Combining Gilead’s expertise and EVA Pharma’s capabilities and reach, we ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against HIV.”

Amgad Talaat, Strategic Alliances Director at EVA Pharma, stressed that EVA Pharma has been committed to the fight against HIV since 2003, consistently empowering governments and healthcare systems to support patient care across Africa.

“In our ongoing effort to ensure sustainable access, EVA Pharma has expanded its focus to localizing drug substance production. In collaboration with Gilead, we have been setting numerous firsts in the area of generic voluntary licensing, from combating HCV to making Remdesivir available for COVID patients. And now, we embark on another significant milestone by supplying Lenacapavir to patients across the continent, including South Africa for the first time,” he said.

Of the six generic manufacturers in Gilead’s voluntary licensing agreement, EVA Pharma is the sole local manufacturer in Africa.

Responding to the urgency of this shared mission, EVA Pharma expects to complete Lenacapavir API manufacturing by the end of 2024, following the completion of the tech-transfer from Gilead, paving the way for the production of Lenacapavir finished product.

The company expects to begin supplying the high-quality, African-made Lenacapavir within 25 months. Leveraging its extensive pan-African reach, EVA Pharma will supply the medicine to 120 countries, with the first phase of export including 18 countries representing the highest incidence rate (about 70 percent of the HIV burden in the countries named in the license) to receive Lenacapavir as quickly as possible.

These countries are Botswana, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, the Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, Vietnam, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Lenacapavir is approved in multiple countries for the treatment of adults with multi-drug-resistant HIV in combination with other antiretrovirals. The use of Lenacapavir for HIV prevention is investigational, and the safety and efficacy of Lenacapavir for this use have not been established.

The multi-stage mechanism of action of Lenacapavir is distinguishable from other currently approved classes of antiviral agents. While most antivirals act on just one stage of viral replication, Lenacapavir is designed to inhibit HIV at multiple stages of its lifecycle and has no known cross-resistance exhibited in vitro to other existing drug classes.

Lenacapavir is being evaluated as a long-acting option in multiple ongoing and planned early and late-stage clinical studies in Gilead’s HIV prevention and treatment research program. Lenacapavir is being developed as a foundation for potential future HIV therapies with the goal of offering both long-acting oral and injectable options with several dosing frequencies, in combination or as a mono agent, that help address the individual needs and preferences of people and communities affected by HIV.

CAF To Conduct TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 Draws On October 9

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the draws for the TotalEnergies 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) will take place on Wednesday, October 9th.

To qualify for the final tournament, participating nations will need to navigate two rounds of qualifiers. The first round is scheduled for the weekend of October 25th-27th and November 1st-3rd, 2024. The second round will take place on December 20th-22nd and December 27th-29th, 2024.

Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will jointly host the tournament from February 1st to 28th, 2025. Senegal won the last edition of CHAN.

Since its inception in 2009, the TotalEnergies CHAN tournament has consistently showcased the exceptional talent and quality of African football. The previous edition, hosted by Algeria, attracted a massive following, both in-person and online, underscoring the tournament’s growing popularity.

In line with CAF’s strategic goal of enhancing the commercial value of its competitions, the TotalEnergies CAF CHAN tournament has witnessed a significant increase in commercial interest. This is further evidenced by CAF’s substantial 60 percent increase in the tournament’s prize money, with the eventual champions now set to receive a lucrative $2 million.

Details and procedures regarding the draw will be provided as soon as possible.

Cameroon, EU Partner To Strengthen CSOs & Gender Inclusivity

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The government of Cameroon and Team Europe under the European Union have partner to strengthen Civil Society Organisations, CSOs and gender inclusivity in Cameroon.

The partnership was penned down on Friday September 27 in Yaounde. The Minister of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development, MINEPAT, Alamine Ousmane Mey represented the government of Cameroon while Jerome Pons, Head of Cooperation for European Union to Cameroon represented Team Europe.

***Minister Ousmane Mey and international partners exchanging MoUs*** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

The project, Strengthening Civil Society Organisations and Gender Inclusivity, PROSCIG is expected to run from 2024 to September 2028. The project is wort FCFA 14 billion (21 million Euro).

The project will be implemented by Germany through the German Development Agency, GIZ and the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA. It is been finance jointly by the European Union and the BMZ.

Speaking after signing the agreement, Jerome Pons pointed out that the project’s focus on society but aims to support women and gender issues.

“We have a specific focus on violence against women,” he said adding that, “This program is really aimed at supporting or protecting women.”

The German Ambassador to Cameroon, H.E. Corina Fricke, stressed that it is a Team Europe project and that Germany is participating actively through GIZ, which is an active player in the realization of the project.

“The project is very important to us,” Ambassador Fricke said. “We are realizing this project here with the active engagement of the Cameroonian government.”

***Minister Ousmane Mey talking to the press*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

The German Ambassador to Cameroon, H.E Corina Fricke, stressed that the project is a Team Europe initiative and Germany is actively participating through GIZ.

“The project is very important to us,” Ambassador Fricke said. “We are realizing this project here with active engagement of the Cameroonian government.”

Besides emphasizing that the project is also important in the strengthening of women, she said, “Women are not supposed to be victims because they are important factors in the building of society.”

To Minister Ousmane Mey, the FCFA 14 billion grant is aimed at supporting one of the pillars of cooperation with Germany. “The pillar is around governance, decentralization, peace, security, and social cohesion,” the Minister said, adding that “The two regions targeted at this stage are the Northwest and Southwest Regions.”

According to Minister Ousmane Mey, “Strengthening civil society, communities, and women in the process of promoting development and inclusive promotion of development, they will be supported with these important resources in terms of capacity building organizations and implications in the process.”

PROSCIG aims to support CSOs so that they can initiate social change towards greater gender equality and economic and social participation for everyone. MINEPAT is the political partner of the project, while the implementing partners include the Ministries of Territory Administration (MINAT), Decentralisation and Local Development (MINDDEVEL), Justice (MINJUSTICE), and the Promotion of Women and the Family (MINPROFF) with their regional structures as well as local authorities.

***Officials pose for a family picture*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

The focus of PROSCIG will be on gender equality, social cohesion, especially between internally displaced persons and inhabitants of the host community, conflict resolution and peace, as well as the prevention of gender-based violence and support for survivors of gender-based violence.

PROSCIG will be implemented in the 10 regions of Cameroon. Among other things, 25 local organisations will be strengthened with two national advocacy initiatives. With four local advocacy initiatives, PROSCIG hopes to prioritize 25 local projects with 250 CSO participants in training.

800 people, including 300 survivors of gender-based violence, will be expected to increase their income, while there will be services to 400 survivors of gender-based violence with 10 initiatives to prevent gender-based violence.

BSFC 2024 Day 4 Match Preview: Do-Or-Die Matches In Group B As Teams Fight For Survival

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Sunday September 29 will mark another crucial moment for teams in the ongoing Bui Sports Fans Competition as teams seek redemption after their first group matches.

Given the stakes of the matches, teams will be looking to consolidate their position in the group face as they eye a spot in the net round of the competition.

Mile One Kumbo FC vs Dzekwa Rangers FC

This is one among the crucial matches that will put fans at the edge of their seats when the game finally kicks off this Sunday September 29.

***Mile One Kumbo FC*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

This will be the second time these two teams are meeting in the history of the competition. During the last edition, both havens drawn in Group B faced each other in one of the opening matches of the competition.

The match played under the rain ended on a 2-2 draw with Nwang Hansen scoring two goals for Dzwekwa Rangers (First Half) while goals from Mile One Kumbo came from Minard Fanka and Platini Fonyuy (second half).

The encounter this Sunday will surely be one that will leave spectator’s spirit high as both sides fights to position themselves in the next phase of the competition.

***Dzekwa Rangers FC*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

Haven suffered a 0-1 narrow defeat to Bui Diaspora Fc during the first group match, the current last position in the group gives them reason to take this match against Dzekwa Rangers seriously. Incurring a defeat will surely eliminate them from the competition. With these, the need to fight to win or secure a draw as a second option while hoping to win their last match.

Dzekwa Rangers have another difficult task as a win is the only best option to register during this playing day. Haven played a 1-1 draw against Melim United during the first group match, they need to step up. However, a draw will give them hope as they need to won their last group match to qualify for the next round of the competition.

Bui Diaspora Fc vs Melim United FC

The match between Bui Dispora FC currently topping the group against Melim United FC is another match of the day to watch keenly. The match is expected to produce a lot of fire works as both teams will be looking forward to have a comfortable position in qualifying for the next phase of the competition.

***Bui Diaspora FC*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

A win for Bui Diaspora FC will give them a comfortable position in qualifying for the next round of the competition. However, a draw will still put them on four points and giving them an opportunity to either win and register a draw in other to qualify for the next phase of the competition.

***Melim United FC*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

Melim United FC has a task to register a win to book a comfortable position in the group. A win will give them a moral boaster considering that their last group match will be tough. A draw will surely put them under pressure to win their last match.

However, the clash between Bui Diaspora, current cup holders will be a match to watch keenly as both sides will want to step their play to satisfy their fans with good playing style and consequently a victory. Backing on youthful nature of the playing the two matches promises to be a most watched encounter

8 Winners Emerge As CAMTEL Blue Tech Challenge Champions

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Eight young Cameroonians have emerged as winners of the 2024 edition of the Cameroon Telecommunications, CAMTEL Blue Tech Challenge Competition. The winners were announced on October 2 in Yaoundé after a rigorous selection process involving over 30 finalists.

***Winners pose for a family picture with CAMTEL officials*** *(Photo Credit: CAMTEL)*

Launched in May 2024, the competition was open to youths aged 15 to 35 and aimed to showcase the innovative talents of Cameroonian youth in the ICT ecosystem.

One of the winners in the Blue Star category, Moses Anuagueleh Afobezi, expressed his gratitude to CAMTEL for the opportunity to present his work. Afobezi, co-founder of AgricFresh, a Cameroonian startup, explained that his inspiration came from his mother’s struggles with storing perishable tomato crops.

***Moses Anuagueleh Afobezi, one of the Blue Star award***

“AgricFresh is an agricultural startup dedicated to helping small-scale farmers to reduce post-harvest losses,” Afobezi said. “Our innovations include solar panels, sensors, and batteries.” He added that the company also provides market access through its website and offers farmers educational videos on improving their yields.

Meanwhile, Judith Yah Sunday, General Manager of CAMTEL, while opening the session stressed that the Blue Tech Challenge is more than just a competition. “It’s a showcase for digital excellence made in Cameroon,” she said. “We are here to honor the innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of our youth.”

***CAMTEL GM, Judith Yah Sunday speaking during the opening ceremony*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

The three winners in the Blue Star category were Moses Anuagueleh Afobezi (AGRICFRESH), Cedric Hugues Ngbwa Ngbwa(MENDO COTI), and David Kenfac (TSAF).

Treasure Bah Nkwambi (E-FARM), Murielle Nahomy Kombou (CommuneConnect), and Johan Megnemo Wirdzeyii (Input Automatic Transfer Switch with with Lo T and Data Logging Features) won in the Blue Academic Innovation category while Grace Megaptech Djambou (SolarSync) and Rayan Hessack (LINA) emerged as winners in the Blue Tech Women and Handi Blue categories, respectively.

The competition attracted 289 applicants, from which 50 were shortlisted and 30 advanced to the final stage with eight crown as winners. The Blue Tech Challenge is part of CAMTEL’s 25th anniversary celebrations and aims to identify, assess, reward, and promote innovative projects and technological practices from universities, researchers, and startups.

***CAMTEL officials and Jury member pose for a family picture (Photo Credit: CAMTEL)***

Candidates submitted solutions addressing the needs of Cameroonian populations, the government’s development plan, SND30, CAMTEL, or public administration. The competition featured four award categories: Blue Star Award, Blue Academic Innovative Award, Blue Tech Women Award, and Handi Blue Award.

Finalists and winners received visibility, funding opportunities, networking connections, and mentorship to support their technological advancements and contribute to a sustainable future.

The Blue Tech Challenge Competition is a significant initiative by the state-owned operator, supported by its top management. This competition demonstrates their unwavering belief in the ingenuity of Cameroonian youth and their commitment to fostering the growth of digital startups and projects that drive the development of the digital economy and digital transformation in Cameroon.

Minister Ousmane Mey, New Swiss Ambassador Discuss Strengthening Cooperation

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Minister of the Economy, Planning, and Regional Development (MINEPAT), Alamine Ousmane Mey, and the new Swiss Ambassador to Cameroon, H.E Natalie Kohli, have held discussions focused on strengthening economic relations between the two countries.

***Minister Ousmane Mey (R) and H.E Natalie Kohli (L) during the audience*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

This was the substance of an audience MINEPAT granted to H.E Natalie Kohli on October 1 in Yaoundé. For nearly 45 minutes, both personalities reviewed the rich cooperation and had detailed discussions on fostering relations between the two countries.

Speaking shortly after the audience, Ambassador Kohli expressed her appreciation for meeting the Minister. She added that they held discussions centered around both the private and public sectors.

“I was very happy to meet the Minister this morning to discuss cooperation in the economic area between Switzerland and Cameroon,” the Ambassador said. “We have discussed both areas in the private and public sectors. We had a very good exchange on how we can further strengthen cooperation.”

Besides strengthening cooperation ties, she said, they also discussed actions to be taken to accelerate the implementation of the projects included in the Swiss Counter-Value Funds program, in order to achieve the closure of the said program signed in 2017.

“The priority is to finish projects we started before the pandemic. These projects include the development of renewable energies and capacity-building for certain SMEs in Cameroon,” H.E Kohli said.

Their closure, announced by the Ambassador for early 2025, will enable new development projects to be included in the Cameroon-Switzerland cooperation portfolio.

Appointed in August 2024, Natalie Kohli is Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, based in Yaoundé.

Before her appointment, she was Presidential Adviser and International Adviser at the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) General Secretariat in Bern, Switzerland.

Colombe Sportive Claims 2024 Cameroon Cup Title

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Colombe Sportive of Dja and Lobo have emerged victorious in the 2024 Cameroon Cup, defeating Aigle Royal of Menoua, Dschang in a closely contested final. The match, played at the Yaoundé Omnisport Stadium on September 29, saw Colombe secure a narrow win to claim the coveted title.

The game began with both teams displaying attacking intent. Colombe had early opportunities but were denied by Aigle Royal’s goalkeeper. However, the deadlock was broken in the 10th minute when Boris Ekotto headed home a cross from Ivan Mvondo Olama, taking advantage of a defensive lapse.

***Chief Dr. Dion Ngute hands trophy to Randy, team captain of Colombe FC*** *(Picture Credit: FECAFOOT)*

Despite Aigle Royal’s efforts to equalize, Colombe maintained their lead going into halftime. The second half saw an intense battle as both teams fought for control. While Colombe sought to extend their advantage, Aigle Royal pushed for an equalizer.

**Captain Randy of Colombe Sportive lifts the 2024 Cameroon Cup Trophy** (Picture Credit: CRTV Web)

The final minutes of the match were filled with drama as Aigle Royal desperately tried to find a goal. However, Colombe’s defense held firm, and the final whistle confirmed their victory.

With this win, Colombe Sportive becomes the second team from the South Region to win the Cameroon Cup, after Ocean FC of Kribi failed to win in 1995. Aigle Royal, on the other hand, reached the final for the second time, having previously lost in 2008 to Coton Sport of Garoua.

***Both teams battling*** *(Picture Credit: FECAFOOT)*

Prior to the final, Aigle Royal had secured their place by defeating Mintack FC, while Colombe overcame ISOHSA FC. This was the eighth meeting between the two teams, with Aigle Royal holding a slight advantage in their head-to-head record.

The Cameroon Cup final marked the conclusion of the 2023/2024 football season and was also an occasion to celebrate the achievements of other sports disciplines. Various trophies were awarded to winners in different sports.

Youth Empower Peers To Recycle Plastic Waste Into Functional Brooms

By Violet Mbasso Lale (ASMAC Journalism Student On Internship)

Through the One Million Leaders Africa Fellowship (OMLA), a group of youth is inspiring their peers to turn plastic waste into functional brooms. This is the result of a two-day workshop held in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The first phase took place on September 12, and the second on September 27.

***Participants pose with brooms produced***

During the workshops and hands-on training sessions, approximately 18 youths learned how to transform discarded plastic items into useful household tools, thereby reducing landfill waste and promoting sustainable living.

The practical phase involved collecting plastic bottles from the streets, washing them, cutting them into smaller pieces, and attaching them to sticks using a machine. Over 100 bottles were used to create 10 household brooms.

Ruth Obi Eban, the Project Manager of OMLA, explained that the project will help reduce the amount of plastic found on the streets, thus mitigating the risk of flooding. She stressed the importance of protecting the environment for future generations and highlighted the project’s potential to contribute to the fight against food scarcity by reducing plastic bottles found in farms.

The youths were encouraged to take sustainable actions to address societal challenges and contribute to combating climate change in their homes and communities. During the first phase, the youths were educated about the role they play in fighting climate change and learned how to manage household waste sustainably by ensuring proper disposal and generating creative recycling ideas.

At the conclusion of the production process, the project leaders expressed their intention to donate the brooms to a community school for use in keeping the campus clean. They also plan to establish environmental clubs in schools to educate students on sustainable actions to combat climate change.

The Clean Sweep Project, launched by youths under the One Million Leaders Africa Fellowship, aims to reduce plastic waste on the streets by transforming plastic bottles into household brooms. The project also seeks to empower youths with skills for environmental protection and climate change mitigation. Ultimately, the project aims to inspire youths to engage in sustainable activities.

Minister Ousmane May, New WFP Country Director Discuss Enhanced Cooperation

By Jacqueline Nyingchia

The Minister of Economy Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT), Alamine Ousmane Mey, and the new representative and country director of the World Food Program (WFP) in Cameroon, Gianluca Ferrera, have explored new avenues for cooperation.

During an audience granted by MINEPAT on September 25 in Yaoundé, the two officials sought to familiarize themselves with each other and review the existing cooperation between Cameroon and the WFP.

The two parties also reaffirmed their desire to work together for the well-being of the people and the sustainable development of Cameroon.

Their discussions centered on the various humanitarian crises affecting Cameroon, particularly the recent floods in the Far North region that have displaced numerous families. They explored the need for swift and effective humanitarian interventions to accommodate and assist the affected families.

In addition, Minister Ousmane Mey and Ferrera discussed the WFP’s impact on the local economy and the job creation it has fostered in vulnerable areas. They also deliberated on the development of a new cooperation framework that will soon be implemented.

It was also an opportunity to look at the vision of a new cooperation framework between Cameroon and the WFP. This framework aims to strengthen the actions of the World Food Programme while aligning itself with national development priorities.

Gianluca Ferrera is a seasoned humanitarian professional with two decades of experience in implementing and managing emergency and development humanitarian assistance programs. He has served as a country director for food programs in eight countries, including Niger, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mozambique.

Minister Ousmane Mey, Latifah Elbouabdellaoui Explore Investment Opportunities

By Jacqueline Nyingchia

The Minister of Economy, Planning, and Regional Development (MINEPAT), Alamine Ousmane Mey, and the Director General of the Islamic Center of Trade (ICDT) in Morocco, Latifah Elbouabdellaoui, have discussed potential investment opportunities between Cameroon and Morocco.

***Minister Ousmane May (R ) and Latifah Elbouabdellaoui (L) during the audience*** *(Photo Credit: MINEPAT)*

During an audience on September 25 at MINEPAT, both officials focused on strengthening the existing economic, social, and commercial ties between the two countries. Elbouabdellaoui shared her satisfaction with the fruitful relations and collaborations While Minister Ousmane Mey equally disclose to him the number of investors available in Cameroon.

Following the meeting, Elbouabdellaoui expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the successes and achievements of the bilateral relationship. She highlighted the favorable investment climate in Morocco and its alignment with international standards.

“It was an occasion to present to Cameroon the climate of affairs extremely interesting and its link with international standards,” Elbouabdellaoui said.

Reaffirming Cameroon’s commitment to pursuing reforms aimed at improving the business climate and welcoming more foreign investment, the Minister of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development stressed the importance of international cooperation, particularly with Islamic countries, for Cameroon’s economic development.

Discussions also centered on the economic and investment forum held on September 24 in Yaoundé. The event, themed “Investing in the New Cameroon: Land of Attractiveness,” attracted investors from around the world, particularly those from member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The forum was the result of a strategic partnership between the Cameroon Investment Promotion Agency (API) and the Islamic Center for the Development of Trade. This relationship between the OIC and Cameroon is expected to open new avenues for partnerships in various domains.

The Islamic Center for Development Trade (ICDT), a pivotal institution within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), is dedicated to fostering trade development among Islamic countries. Through initiatives like the ICDT Invest Days, the ICDT actively promotes economic opportunities in emerging markets, including Cameroon.

This growing relationship between Cameroon and OIC member countries presents exciting prospects for establishing strong partnerships in sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, manufacturing, and more.

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