Day: June 5, 2024

Tunis: A Tunisian team, made of Khaoula Ben Ahmed, Ghofrane Ayari, Souleima Ben Temime and Sirine Ayari who have developed the MOOVOBRAIN smart wheelchair control system, was selected as a finalist for the Young Inventors Prize 2024.

The young inventors were selected from over 550 candidates for this year’s edition, said the European Patent Office (EPO) .

The MOOVOBRAIN system introduces a new method for wheelchair control, tailored to meet the diverse needs of its users. It features four intuitive driving modes: Voice Driving Mode enables operation through voice commands; Brain Driving Mode uses a specialised headset that detects brain signals; Grimace Driving Mode allows control through facial expressions; and Manual Driving Mode provides a touchpad or smartphone app interface for those with some manual capabilities.

This system, made by the team’s startup, GEWINNER, is designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals with mobility impairments across the globe, ensuring accessibility and independe
nce. The four driving modes accommodate different needs, disabilities and health conditions. Available for people who can speak and those who cannot, this system is a four-in-one solution with a multiplied potential impact. Furthermore, it can be retrofitted to conventional wheelchairs

Additionally, the MOOVOBRAIN system provides a space for assistants and caregivers, offering features like tracking the wheelchair and the user’s phone battery in real time, along with receiving notifications and alerts. This comprehensive approach not only caters to a broad spectrum of disabilities but also emphasises user independence, safety, and connectivity.

The MOOVOBRAIN system directly contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, Good Health and Well-Being, and 10, Reduced Inequalities. By offering an innovative solution that enhances mobility and independence, the invention addresses the health and well-being of a significant portion of the global population that faces daily challenges due t
o mobility impairments. By accommodating various disabilities with its multiple control modes, MOOVOBRAIN offers more opportunities for mobility and greater participation in society.

Since its founding in 2019, GEWINNER has been recognised under Tunisia’s Startup Act Label for its innovative contributions, has featured prominently at international tech events like VivaTech Paris, and has garnered several awards for technological excellence. The team also benefitted from mentorship through a programme from the European Investment Bank, which provided expertise in finance and business planning.

Winners of the 2024 edition of the European Inventor Award and Young Inventors Prize will be announced during a ceremony livestreamed from Malta next July 9.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

Tunis: The Assembly of People’s Representatives (ARP), on Wednesday afternoon, approved Bill 30-2023 concerning the rights of healthcare service beneficiaries and medical liability.

The bill was adopted with 108 votes in favour, 3 abstentions, and 5 votes against.

During the afternoon session, the deputies continued the debates about the vote on the various articles of this bill. They began the session with the adoption of Article 28 and Articles 29, 30, 33, 35, 38, 41, 42, 44, 45, 48, 49 and 50 in their initial version, as proposed by the Committee on Health, Women’s Affairs, Social Affairs and the Disabled at the National Assembly of People’s Representatives (ARP).

During the debates, Article 31 was modified following a proposal focusing on the obligation of healthcare agencies to adhere to the insurance scheme as well as to guarantee the right to invoke medical liabilities in the event of medical malpractice but not does not require public health structures to join private insurance companies. The MPs a
dopted the amended version of this article.

The deputies adopted the modified version of Article 32 by deleting the last two paragraphs which were added to Article 34.

They also agreed to amend Article 36 by adding an extra paragraph as well as introduce modifications to Articles 37 and 40 which were adopted in their new version.

The deputies also adopted the modified version of Article 47 which stipulates that «serious negligence is the basis of the tort liability of healthcare professionals».

This bill, which was proposed, by deputies includes 6 chapters and 50 articles.

In its first article, this bill aims to protect the rights of beneficiaries of healthcare structures and bodies. It also covers prevention mechanisms, risks and damages linked to healthcare services and the liability of healthcare professionals.

The ARP speaker pointed out that during the plenary session, the parliament was able, through the adoption of this bill to serve the interests of all parties concerned (patients, doctors and h
ealthcare structures) as well as reassure all Tunisian citizens.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

Tunis: The weather Wednesday is temporarily cloudy nationwide, getting sometimes very cloudy and rainy in northern-eastern regions and stormy in the west with scattered showers.

The wind is relatively strong near eastern coasts and light to moderate elsewhere.

The sea is choppy to a bit choppy in the north and very choppy to choppy in the east.

Temperatures range between 25°C and 30°C in coastal regions and heights and 31°C and 36°C elsewhere.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

Tunis: The 2024 main session of the baccalaureate exam kicked off Wednesday with a total of 140,213 candidates in 586 examination centres.

The tests will be held on June 5-7 and 10-12 , and the results will be announced on June 25.

The 2023 Baccalaureate’s overall success rate stood at 50.91%, i.e. 66,733 candidates.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

The provincial authorities of Noumbiel, led by the secretary general of the province, Bepampo Ouoba, officially launched the written and oral tests of the BEPC session 2024 on Tuesday June 4, 2024 at the Noumbiel provincial high school.

The secretary general of the province Bepampo Ouoba and his delegation provided advice to the candidates before opening the first envelope: ‘We have come to encourage you and wish you very good luck. The topics that you will discover are only exercises that you have already seen during the school year. So be focused and calm,’ he advised.

The province of Noumbiel has 760 candidates distributed among 3 judges housed at the provincial high school and 9 secondary centers according to the provincial director of secondary education and primary station of Noumbiel. It should be noted that this year the number of BEPC candidates increased by 134 candidates. For this 2024 session at BEPC, the province of Noumbiel intends to keep its first place at the regional level, or even better
, to occupy a better national place.

Source: Burkina Information Agency

Rabat – His Majesty King Mohammed VI sent a message of congratulations to Claudia Sheinbaum on her election as president of the United Mexican States.

‘On the occasion of your election to the presidency of the United Mexican States, I congratulate you and send you My best wishes for every success in your high office,’ HM the King said in this message.

The Sovereign commended Claudia Sheinbaum for the trust placed in her excellency as the first woman in the history of the United Mexican States to lead her friendly country to achieve its aspirations of continuous progress and prosperity.

His Majesty the King takes this opportunity to express to her Excellency all the esteem he has for the cordial friendly relations between the two countries, expressing His firm determination to work together with Mrs. Sheinbaum to strengthen these relations and further promote them, within the framework of mutual respect for the national constants of the two countries and in the service of the two friendly peoples.

Source
: Agence Marocaine De Presse

The High Commissioner of the Noumbiel province, Drissa Hema, kicked off, on Tuesday June 4, 2024, the Primary Studies Certificate (CEP) exams at school ‘A’ in the center of Batié. 1516 registered candidates are taking part in this session.

Like other provinces, the starting point for the Primary Studies Certificate (CEP) tests was given at school ‘A’ in the center of Batié on Tuesday June 4, 2024. Accompanied by the authorities of the province to encourage the candidates, Drissa Hema, the High Commissioner of the province after encouraging and wishing good luck to the candidates. ‘We stopped by this morning to encourage you and wish you good luck,’ he said. ‘Do not be afraid because it is nothing other than the exercises that you have certainly seen in class,’ continued Drissa Hema. He then proceeded to open the first envelope in front of everyone to give the starting signal. The province records more than 1,516 registered candidates including 738 girls and 778 boys distributed in 09 centers of 05 juries. U
ltimately, 1472 candidates will definitely take part. This number is down slightly from last year.

Source: Burkina Information Agency

Rabat – The number of victims of the methanol poisoning that recently occurred in the commune of Sidi Allal Tazi (province of Kenitra) has reached 8 deaths, said, on Wednesday, the Rabat-Salé-Kenitra Regional Directorate of Health and Social Protection.

‘Some 114 cases of methanol poisoning were recorded, from Monday at 6:00 pm to Wednesday at 8:00 am in the commune of Sidi Allal Tazi, and confirmed in the laboratory by the Moroccan Anti-Poison and Pharmacovigilance Center (CAPM) in Rabat,’ the same source said in a statement.

According to the Regional Directorate, the consumption of this substance exposed these people to serious complications of intoxication, resulting in the death of eight of them, seven of them at the El Idrissi provincial hospital in Kenitra, while another death was recorded at the Zoubeir Skirej hospital in Souk El Arbaa du Gharb.

’81 other cases are under medical supervision in the region’s various hospitals. These include 28 cases at the El Idrissi provincial hospital in Kenitra, t
hree of whom are admitted to the intensive care unit. 38 people have left the hospital following an improvement in their state of health”, the same source added.

In addition, “40 cases were admitted to the Moulay Youssef Regional Hospital Center in Rabat, two of which were placed in the intensive care unit. The latter two are undergoing, with 20 other cases, hemodialysis treatments at the Hemodialysis Center at the University Hospital Ibn Sina of Rabat, following complications linked to the consumption of this substance.

‘As soon as it was informed of this tragic incident, the Regional Management mobilized its medical and nursing staff, as well as the resources and equipment needed to provide care for those affected, in cooperation with the various authorities and stakeholders, in addition to mobilizing the medical managers and teams placed on alert’, according to the statement.

‘All necessary resources have been mobilized to receive new cases at the region’s health facilities, while close coordination is
being established with local authorities to identify any cases that may have made their way to the region’s health centers and hospitals’, the source stressed.

The Regional Directorate urges ‘citizens in the province of Kenitra to report any similar cases and refer them directly to the nearest health facility in order to receive appropriate care and avoid any serious health complications’.

Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse

The High Commissioner of the Kourweogo province, Siaka Barro, launched this Tuesday, June 4, 2024 in Boussé, the school exams for the Brevet d’études du premier cycle (BEPC) and the Certificate of primary studies ( CEP), for the 2024 session. A total of 4,224 candidates for the CEP and 2,218 for the BEPC were registered in the province.

Like other localities in the country, the province of Kourwéogo launched the school examinations for the Brevet d’études du premier cycle (BEPC) and the Certificate of primary studies (CEP), for the 2024 session, on Tuesday June 4, 2024 in Boussé , by the High Commissioner of the Kourweogo province, Siaka Barro.

The BEPC candidates, numbering 2,218 including 1,306 girls and 912 boys, were distributed among 8 juries for the entire province.

For primary school exams and competitions, 2,308 girls, 1,916 boys, for a total of 4,224 candidates.

In the opinion of the various officials in charge of organizing these exams, the material arrangements are made to ensure the smooth ru
nning of these sessions.

The provincial director in charge of primary education in Kourweogo, Sié Palé, deplored the fall of a tree which caused damage to equipment belonging to staff in the Damsi examination center and to the damaged buildings at the Raongo school, following the strong wind which blew the night before.

For his part, the provincial director of post-primary and secondary education, Abdoulaye Sawadogo, reports damage reported on the roofs of buildings at Mouni high school.

Fortunately, he said, this damage does not prevent the continuation of activities.

The High Commissioner of Kourweogo province, Siaka Barro, encouraged the staff and provided advice to the candidates.

He invited them to be calm and punctual throughout the exams.

Source: Burkina Information Agency

Ouagadougou: The Minister in charge of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, indicated on Wednesday that Russia has strongly contributed to breaking the energy myth, which according to him, which considered nuclear power as the business of developed nations.

‘The nuclear issue has long been presented to our countries as being out of reach. We have always been made to understand that this issue concerns developed countries. Russia played a big role in breaking this energy myth,’ declared the Minister in charge of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré.

According to the head of Burkinabe diplomacy, Russian cooperation has allowed many African countries to understand that this energy is accessible to all.

Mr. Traoré and his Russian counterpart Serguëi Lavrov were in Ouagadougou in front of the press on Wednesday, specifying that the development of nuclear energy remains a priority for Burkina Faso.

‘With the International Atomic Energy Agency, there are big steps that have been taken for institut
ional and administrative arrangements,’ he maintained.

According to him, the Burkinabè ministers in charge of energy and that of transport who are currently staying in Saint Petersburg in Russia discussed this Wednesday with the ROSATOM Company on the nuclear issue.

‘We are still working on defining the technical outlines of nuclear power plants. We hope that it will provide a definitive solution to energy problems,’ he explained.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov affirmed that his country remains a leader in nuclear matters and is willing to support Burkina Faso in gaining access to it.

‘Russia will also train Burkinabè technicians so that they can appropriate technologies in this area,’ the Russian minister suggested.

As part of his African tour, Serguëi Lavrov stayed in Burkina Faso on June 4 and 5, 2024 in Ouagadougou.

Source: Burkina Information Agency

The High Commissioner of the province of Gourma, Silas Nakanabo, chaired this Tuesday, June 4, 2024 in Fada N’Gourma, a donation ceremony of medical technical equipment, worth more than 158 million F CFA , offered by the Health Services Strengthening Project (PRSS), for the benefit of health facilities in the Eastern region.

The Burkinabè State, through the Health Services Strengthening Project (PRSS), in order to improve the quality of services of health structures, offered on Tuesday June 4, 2024 to Fada N’Gourma, a batch of medical technical equipment and a medical ambulance in the Eastern region.

According to the regional director in charge of Eastern Health, Dr Mahamady Yerbanga, this donation of medical technical equipment is composed, among other things, of delivery tables, hospital beds, examination tables, thermometers (thermo flash), gynecological operating tables and defibrillators.

By listening, this material will be distributed to all six (06) health districts in the Eastern region and to the
Fada N’Gourma Regional Hospital Center.

Dr Mahamady Yerbanga indicated that the monetary value of the donation amounts to more than 158 million CFA francs.

The head doctor of the Fada N’Gourma health district, Dr Bienvenue Sandrine Sam, is delighted that his health facility has benefited from this donation of high quality medical technical equipment.

‘This large quantity of material will relieve the suffering of patients,’ declared Dr Bienvenue Sandrine Sam.

The general director of the CHR of Fada N’Gourma, Irénée Edmond Zagré, added by emphasizing that this material that its structure has just obtained is a very long expressed need.

Also, he suggested, his joy is great for the gift of the medical ambulance which could ensure good transport of his patients because upon return we could begin care to the destination.

The acquisition of this donation of equipment is the result of the Burkinabe State and its partner the World Bank through the PRSS.

The High Commissioner of the Gourma province, Silas Nakana
bo, invited health technicians to properly manage this equipment so that it can be useful to these populations who are already suffering from the horrors of terrorism.

Source: Burkina Information Agency

Ouagadougou: Heavy rains in recent days in Niger have caused floods leading to the death of 13 people and 15 injured in Niger, according to the Niger press agency.

The flood report, presented by the General Directorate of Civil Protection (DGPC) of Colonel-Major Bako Boubacar, indicates that the bad weather affected a total of 2,933 people spread across 381 households. 325 animals are also affected by these floods.

According to the DGPC, the region of Maradi, in south-central Niger, was the most affected with 11 deaths and 11 injured, followed by Zinder in the center-south-east, with 2 deaths and then Tillabéri, in the far west. , which records 4 injuries.

‘In total,’ informs the DGPC, ’18 municipalities are affected throughout the country,’ notes the ANP.

On May 8, the Niger meteorological department announced an abundance of rain in Niger in 2024, with risks of flooding.

In Burkina Faso, the National Meteorological Agency of Burkina Faso also announced, for the current winter season, “risks of flooding
which can lead to loss of crops, harvests, and human and animal lives in the different localities exposed.

Source: Burkina Information Agency

The High Commissioner of the Kourittenga province, Aissata Angélina Traoré, gave the start on Tuesday June 4, 2024 in Gounghin, the examinations for the First Cycle Study Certificate (BEPC). A total of 4,927 candidates took the exam in the province, including 3,174 girls.

The First Cycle Study Certificate (BEPC) tests were launched on Tuesday June 4, 2024 in the commune of Gounghin by the High Commissioner of the Kourittenga province, Aissata Angélina Traoré, with a total of 4,927 candidates including 3,174 girls.

‘We are not afraid, on the contrary we are ready to tackle the subjects. I have prepared well and I am sure that everything will go well,’ said one candidate, Boenzem-wendé Oubda.

Another, Niada Sylvie, admitted to being stressed and hopes that everything will go well.

The provincial director in charge of inviting post-primary education in Kourittenga, Dieudonné Bélémsigri, encouraged the candidates while them to use the knowledge acquired during the year.

‘Everything is going well because the
candidates are currently composing and there are no major difficulties at the moment. Everyone gives their best and everything will be fine. Good luck to everyone,’ he said.

The High Commissioner of Kourittenga, Aissata Angélina Traoré, said she came with her delegation to encourage the candidates.

‘I came this morning with all the personalities of the province to the commune of Gounghin to provide our support to our children. To prove to them that our hearts are with them. I’m sure this year things will improve. I make a special mention to all those involved in education who have been resilient. Good luck to all the candidates and we hope that the results will meet our expectations,’ said Ms. Traoré.

Source: Burkina Information Agency

Ouagadougou: Russian soldiers gave a helping hand to their brothers in arms in Chad to free last week, 21 Chadian soldiers who had been in the hands of terrorists in the Central African Republic for 9 months.

According to the TASS agency, citing the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Chadian soldiers kidnapped 9 months ago were held in a terrorist camp in inhumane conditions and subjected to torture.

But thanks to the assault by Chadian and Russian Forces, all the captive soldiers were freed and placed in a temporary base where they were examined by Russian doctors before returning to Chad.

The Chadian Minister of Defense thanked Russia for its help in the release of its soldiers, also recognizing the reliability of Russian cooperation.

‘Given the results of the operation to free prisoners of war, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Chad thanked Russia, noting that it has always been a reliable partner of African states, unlike France, United Kingdom and the United States, which only took advantage o
f Africans,’ said the Russian Defense Ministry, quoted by TASS.

Source: Burkina Information Agency

The US House of Representatives has approved a bill that would authorize Washington to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) for its proceedings against the United States and its allies. The meeting was broadcast by television channel C-SPAN.

The document was supported by 247 deputies, 155 opposed it. The text of the bill, presented at the initiative of the Republicans, emphasizes that the Washington administration should impose sanctions on the ICC if this body ‘attempts to investigate, detain, arrest or prosecute any person under protection’. This category includes Americans, in particular the military, anyone working for the American government and citizens of countries allied with Washington if these states do not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC.

The restrictions imposed by the United States in the cases described may also apply to individuals who collaborate with the ICC. Being placed on the sanctions list results in denial of visas, freezing of assets in the United States,
and a ban on US citizens and businesses doing business with individuals on the sanctions list.

As the document points out, American deputies condemn the ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, for having asked the Pre-Trial Chamber, on May 20, to issue arrest warrants against the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. According to Khan, the prosecutor’s office has gathered evidence that suggests they are “responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Palestinian territory since at least October 8, 2023.” At the same time, the prosecutor requested arrest warrants for three leaders of the radical Hamas movement.

Source: Burkina Information Agency