Nyheder – Africa

More gorillas in the mist: Ten years ago, there were only 680 mountain gorillas left in the world. But thanks to intensive conservation efforts, there are now more than 1000.

More contraception in Mali: In 1990, only 9 percent of women in the African country of Mali had access to modern contraception. Today, it’s 38 percent.

Botswana fights AIDS: Botswana has reduced the amount of deaths caused by AIDS by a third since 2010. The country is making treatment available for everyone.

Fewer elephants get killed: In 2011, 10 percent of Africa’s elephants were killed by poachers, but in 2017, fewer than 4 percent were illegally killed, according to new study.

First malaria vaccine tested: The world’s first vaccine against malaria is now being tested in a large trial in Malawi, Kenya, and Ghana.

Baby elephant abduction ban: An international agreement has made it illegal to take wild elephant cubs from their parents and selling them off to zoos worldwide.

Senegal plants wet forest: During the last decade, The West African country of Senegal has planted 152 million new mangrove trees.

Nigeria now free from polio: This week, Nigeria marks three years without any new cases of the paralysing disease polio. An extensive vaccination campaign has ended the disease.

Sudan breaks its vaccine record: 13 million children in Sudan are now vaccinated against diseases such as measles and polio. Not since 2014 has the number been this high.

Ethiopia plants millions of trees: In just one day, Ethiopia has planted 350 million new trees, as part of a drive to recreate the country’s lost forests and fight climate change.

Scientists map HIV: A new study has produced a very detailed map of where most of the Africans infected by HIV live. The mapping can help focus efforts against the deadly disease.

Less HIV in Nigeria: A recent survey indicates that the prevalence of HIV in Nigeria may be only half of previous estimates. This makes it more feasible to defeat the disease.

Huge factory against Aids: Kenya has begun construction of Africa’s biggest drug factory, which will supply 23 countries. This is expected to make Aids medicine much cheaper.

Protesters push over president: Following huge public demonstrations, the 82-year old president Bouteflika of Algeria has decided not to seek a fifth term.

Mali to save women and children: To lower child mortality, all pregnant women and small children in Mali will now be offered free healthcare. Free contraceptives will also be provided.

Lights on in Ethiopia: In Ethiopia, electricity now reaches 45% of the population, compared with just 5% in 2000. The plan is to reach the whole population by 2025.

One million bombs destroyed: The UN Mine Action Service has now cleared one million bombs and explosive items in South Sudan. The milestone item was an air-dropped bomb weighing 100 kilos.

Rwanda is beating cervical cancer: The first developing country to introduce HPV vaccines, Rwanda now immunises 93 percent of girls in primary school.

’Ghost hunt’ against corruption: In a drive to fight corruption, 30,000 non-existing ‘ghost workers’ have been struck from public payrolls in Mozambique.

Mauritania is landmine free: After two decades of mine clearance, Mauritania has declared itself landmine free. The mines are a remnant from the 1976-1978 conflict in Western Sahara.