Short News – Africa
Fewer child brides in Ethiopia
The number of child marriages in Ethiopia has fallen by a third over the last decade. Although, four out of 10 girls will still marry before the age of 18.
South Africa announces minimum wage
For the first time, South Africa has introduced a minimum wage: 20 rand (1.36 euro) per hour. While modest, it does mean higher wages for 47% of workers.
Longer lives in Africa
Newborn children in African countries are now expected to live three years longer than those born in 2010. Meanwhile, mothers generally have fewer children.
Success for plastic ban
One year ago, Kenya banned single-use plastic bags. Most people have respected the ban, and there’s now less plastic trash in nature.
Big vaccine boost
A new partnership is to hire 50,000 community health workers and vaccinate eight million people in Liberia, Uganda, and Kenya.
Fast response to Ebola outbreak
Cooperating with vaccine experts from Guinea, DR Congo is moving fast to fight he second outbreak of Ebola this year.
More power to South African women
Today, 42% of the seats in South Africa’s parliament are held by women. The number has increased from 2.8% since 1990, especially since the end of Apartheid.
Young Kenyans say no to violence
A project in Kenya has nearly halved the number of rapes in a slum area. Girls are taught self-defence and boys learn to interfere if they witness harassment.
Tunisian mayor making history
Souad Abderrahim is the first woman to be elected mayor of Tunis. She is also the first woman in history to lead a capital city of an Arabic country.
A more peaceful Gambia
The human rights climate in Gambia has improved after president Barrow won the election in 2016. Political prisoners have been released and the media is freer.
Clean water in Tunisia
Tunisians have gained better access to clean water. Since 2000, the share of people with access to clean drinking water has increased from 37 % to nearly 93 %.
Lassa fever stopped in Nigeria
Nigeria has managed to stop the life-threatening Lassa fever from spreading. Since 2016, more than 450 people have been infected by the virus in the country.