VODAN Africa reaches a milestone: Patient data visit across continents without loss of ownership

The Virus Outbreak Data Network (VODAN) Africa has reached a global milestone. A historic data visit took place between Africa and Europe, between two FAIR data points where the data is stored securely and in-residence. The network was set up to ensure that COVID-19 data can be accessed in residence, according to the principles of machine-readible and FAIR (Findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable) data. Europe External Programme with Africa (EEPA) is partner of the VODAN Africa network. EEPA supports the administrative processes, partnerships and the VODAN Africa Foundation’s set-up in Europe.

News Highlights: Floods in Sudan and Ethiopia, Libyan Prime Minister Al-Sarraj to resign, Greece denies relocation to refugees from Moria

In this week’s news highlights: 27 religious prisoners released on bail in Eritrea; Heavy floods in Sudan and Ethiopia; Six killed after bomb attack in Somalia; Ethiopian refugees repatriated from Saudi detention camps; Boat capsizes in front of Libyan coast; Prime Minister of Libya Al-Sarraj to resign; Greece pledges to build a new refugee centre on Lesbos; Germany takes in 1,500 refugees, but Greece says it will not let any leave; Migrants and refugees allowed to disembark from Maersk Etienne; Health care declined for migrants on Open Arms; and Report explores the implementation of the Global Compact on Migration amidst COVID-19.

COVID-19 – Unintended Teenage Pregnancy in Pumwani Majengo slum, Nairobi

By Francis Kinyua, Kamukunji Community Empowerment Initiative

In the Pumwani Majengo slum in Nairobi, the Kamukunji Community Empowerment Initiative (KACEI) is committed to holistically supporting and empowering youth and especially young women.. The organization is concerned that many teenagers (ages 11-18) will fail to complete their studies due to unintended pregnancies resulting in early marriages. “What we have been seeing on the roadsides and alleys while heading home to beat the curfew time is really dreadful,” a KACEI official stated, in relation to the emerging threats of COVID-19 on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of teenage girls. “Teenage girls and boys are engaging in sexual matters, which will affect them after the coronavirus pandemic is over. We are going to have a lot of early unintended teenage pregnancies and early marriages after this,” the KACEI official emphasizes.