In the midst of Sudan’s ongoing conflict, pregnant women like Nadra Mohamed Ahmed are enduring unimaginable hardships. Ahmed, seven months pregnant, fled her hometown of el-Fasher in West Darfur, trekking nearly 40 kilometers with her two children to reach a displacement camp in al-Dabbah. Her journey was fraught with danger and exhaustion, culminating in severe health complications that required intensive medical care. Ahmed’s story is emblematic of the broader crisis facing Sudanese women, as the country’s healthcare system collapses under the weight of war. According to the Sudan Doctors Network, over 140 pregnant women have arrived at al-Dabbah camps since el-Fasher’s fall, many suffering from severe complications such as hemorrhaging and miscarriages. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, have exacerbated the crisis by targeting civilians and healthcare facilities, leaving thousands of pregnant women without access to life-saving maternal care. The conflict, which began in 2023, has displaced 12 million people and claimed at least 40,000 lives, according to the World Health Organization. Pregnant and lactating women are particularly vulnerable, facing malnutrition and the risk of violence as they forage for food. The international community has called for urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis, but the situation remains dire for women like Ahmed, who continue to struggle for survival in a war-torn nation.
标签： Africa
非洲
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R&B Fashion wins ‘Most Admired Value Retailer’ at SRF RetailMe Awards 2025
R&B Fashion, a prominent homegrown brand under the Apparel Group, has been honored with the ‘Most Admired Value Retailer’ title at the esteemed SRF RetailMe Awards 2025. The award ceremony, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, celebrated outstanding achievements in retail innovation and customer satisfaction. This accolade underscores R&B Fashion’s dedication to providing exceptional value while maintaining high standards of style and quality, solidifying its reputation as a leading fashion destination across the GCC region. The brand’s success is rooted in its ability to deeply understand customer needs and consistently surpass expectations. R&B Fashion’s winning strategy combines trendy designs, affordable pricing, and a customer-centric approach, which has resonated strongly with value-conscious shoppers. With a rapidly expanding presence of over 180 stores across 75 cities in 8 countries, the brand is on track to reach the milestone of 250 stores. R&B Fashion’s extensive product range, strategic sourcing for competitive pricing, and seamless shopping experience across both physical and digital platforms have been key drivers of its success. Additionally, the brand has invested significantly in understanding regional fashion trends and tailoring its offerings to meet local preferences. As R&B Fashion celebrates this significant achievement, it remains steadfast in its commitment to affordability, quality, and customer satisfaction, aiming to set new benchmarks in the value retail segment.
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Two schoolgirls escape Nigeria kidnap ordeal, official says
In a harrowing incident on Monday, armed assailants stormed an all-girls’ boarding school in Kebbi state, north-western Nigeria, kidnapping at least 25 students and a teacher. Amid the chaos, two girls managed to escape their captors by fleeing into nearby farmland, according to Hussaini Aliyu, a local official from Danko Wasagu council. While both girls are now safe, one required medical attention for injuries sustained during her escape. Security forces, including soldiers, police, and volunteers, are conducting extensive searches in forested areas to rescue the remaining captives. Major General Waidi Shaibu, Nigeria’s army chief of staff, has urged troops to persist in their efforts, emphasizing the urgency of the mission. The attackers, described as ‘bandits,’ invaded the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town at approximately 04:00 local time. Tragically, two staff members lost their lives during the assault: a teacher who died while protecting the students and a security guard who succumbed to gunshot wounds in the hospital. This attack underscores the ongoing security crisis in northern Nigeria, where schools have become frequent targets for armed groups seeking ransom or political leverage. Families of the abducted children are enduring immense anguish, with one father expressing his despair over his daughter’s captivity. Nigerian authorities, including President Bola Tinubu, have pledged their commitment to rescuing the girls and ensuring the safety of all citizens, particularly schoolchildren.
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UAE to introduce nasal spray flu vaccine for first time: Emarat Al Youm
In a groundbreaking move, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to introduce a nasal spray flu vaccine for the first time, as reported by Emarat Al Youm. This innovative needle-free option will be available in both public and private healthcare centers and hospitals across the country, marking a significant expansion in the nation’s immunization strategy. The vaccine, which covers the same flu strains as the traditional injectable version, is designed for healthy individuals aged 2 to 49 years old. It utilizes a live attenuated virus, making it an ideal choice for children and those who are apprehensive about needles. The Ministry of Health and Prevention emphasized that this new option aims to enhance vaccination coverage rates and provide safe, effective alternatives for the community. Dr. Nada Al Marzouqi, Director of the Public Health and Prevention Department, highlighted that the nasal spray vaccine first received U.S. FDA approval in 2003 for ages 5 to 49, with the age range later extended to include children as young as 2 in 2007. However, the vaccine is not recommended for certain groups, including children under 2, adults over 50, pregnant women, individuals with immune disorders, and those with specific chronic diseases. For these groups, the injectable vaccine or other physician-recommended options remain the preferred choice. The Ministry assured that the nasal spray vaccine is registered in the UAE and subject to rigorous pharmaceutical oversight, with approvals from global regulatory bodies such as the FDA, WHO, and EMA. Additionally, the UAE’s pharmacovigilance program will monitor the vaccine’s side effects and effectiveness to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality.
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Prime Minister oversees signing of 55 pacts in major push for Egypt’s offshoring industry
In a landmark move to strengthen its position in the global offshoring industry, Egypt has inked 55 strategic agreements with leading multinational and local technology firms. The signing ceremony, held under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly and attended by Dr. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, marks a significant milestone in Egypt’s journey to becoming a global delivery powerhouse. The partnerships include major players such as Teleperformance, Accenture, Deloitte, VOIS, Luxoft, RSA, and Capgemini, underscoring Egypt’s growing appeal as a hub for digital and business services. These agreements are expected to create over 70,000 high-value jobs, particularly in business process outsourcing (BPO), IT, engineering, and high-end technology services. This initiative aligns with the Information Technology Industry Development Agency’s (ITIDA) strategic goals to attract foreign investment, generate sustainable employment, and position Egypt as a trusted partner for global enterprises. Dr. Talaat highlighted Egypt’s RISE framework—Reliable talent, Infrastructure readiness, Strategic proximity, and Efficient cost structure—as key drivers of the country’s success. Eng. Ahmed Elzaher, CEO of ITIDA, emphasized the significance of these partnerships in advancing Egypt’s digital economy and expressed confidence in the nation’s ability to meet global market demands. The agreements not only reflect strong investor confidence but also demonstrate Egypt’s commitment to empowering its workforce with future-ready skills and fostering a knowledge-based economy.
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SelfDrive Mobility launches the region’s first conversational AI car rental reservation system
SelfDrive Mobility, a leading UAE-based smart mobility innovator, has unveiled the SelfDrive Intelligence Assistant (SIA), the region’s first commercially launched conversational AI system for car rentals. This groundbreaking technology, accessible via the SelfDrive website and mobile app, supports over 40 languages and offers an intuitive, human-like booking experience. SIA transforms the traditionally complex car rental process into a seamless, conversational interaction, allowing users to search, compare, and book vehicles effortlessly in their preferred language. The system’s advanced capabilities include contextual understanding, adaptive recommendations, and real-time personalization, ensuring a faster, smarter, and more personalized experience for users. Soham Shah, founder and CEO of SelfDrive Mobility, emphasized that SIA bridges the gap between AI efficiency and human-centric service, automating routine tasks while enabling customer agents to focus on higher-value interactions. The launch aligns with the UAE’s national AI vision, positioning the country as a global leader in intelligent technology adoption. Since its soft launch, SelfDrive has seen a 25% increase in AI-driven bookings, reflecting strong consumer trust and enthusiasm. To celebrate the official launch, SelfDrive is offering exclusive discounts, including Dh100 off monthly rentals and Dh50 off daily or weekly bookings. SIA is now live and ready to revolutionize the car rental experience at www.selfdrive.ae.
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Poll unrest has ‘stained’ Tanzania’s global image, president says
Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has initiated an official investigation into the violent unrest that erupted following last month’s contentious elections, acknowledging that the turmoil has tarnished the nation’s reputation for stability. Speaking during the swearing-in of her new cabinet, President Samia emphasized that the violence could hinder Tanzania’s progress and undermine its credibility on the global stage. “Our stability and progress previously secured us international loans, but recent events have eroded that trust,” she stated. The October elections, in which Samia was declared the winner with 98% of the vote, were marred by allegations of fraud and the disqualification of key opposition candidates. The opposition labeled the election a “mockery of democracy.” Reports suggest hundreds may have died during protests, which were met with a severe crackdown by security forces and a five-day internet blackout. While the authorities have not released an official death toll, graphic images and videos of the violence have circulated widely. In response, President Samia has urged prosecutors to consider reducing or dropping charges for detained individuals not directly involved in the protests. Meanwhile, Lazarus Chakwera, Malawi’s former president and Commonwealth envoy, is set to lead reconciliation efforts in Tanzania. President Samia also warned of potential economic challenges in her next term, stressing the need to mobilize domestic resources. Notably, her daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, was appointed deputy education minister, while her son-in-law retained his position as health minister. The Commonwealth has expressed hope that Chakwera’s mission will foster constructive dialogue in the region.
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Eswatini is the first African country to get twice-yearly HIV prevention shot
Eswatini has made history by becoming the first African nation to introduce lenacapavir, a revolutionary twice-yearly HIV prevention injection. Developed by Gilead Sciences, this groundbreaking drug has shown near-total protection in clinical trials and is hailed as a transformative tool in combating HIV, a virus that has claimed millions of lives across the continent. The rollout is part of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), in collaboration with the Global Fund, aiming to benefit at least 2 million people in 10 high-risk African countries by 2027. Eswatini, with the world’s highest HIV incidence, received the drug in the same year as its U.S. approval, marking a significant milestone. Zambia also received its first shipment, while regulatory approvals are pending in Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. The U.S. initially planned to distribute 250,000 doses in 2024 but increased this to 325,000 due to high demand. In Eswatini, approximately 6,000 high-risk individuals, particularly mothers and newborns, will benefit from the initial rollout. Despite its potential, concerns over limited supplies and manufacturing rights have sparked debates, with South Africa’s health minister highlighting the need for broader access. Gilead has significantly reduced the drug’s price for lower-income countries, making it more accessible. However, civil society groups in South Africa have criticized the exclusion of local manufacturers from licensing agreements, despite their contributions to clinical trials.
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UAE vs Iraq: Basra announces public holiday for Fifa World Cup qualifier
In a significant move to rally support for the national football team, the Iraqi Governorate of Basra has declared a public holiday on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. This decision coincides with the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup qualifier between Iraq and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Basra International Stadium, which boasts a capacity of 65,000 spectators. Basra Governor Asaad al-Eidani emphasized the importance of creating a vibrant atmosphere to bolster the Iraqi team, as reported by Iraq’s official news agency.
The match, scheduled for 8pm UAE time, marks the second leg of the fifth-round playoff. The first leg, held in Abu Dhabi on November 13, ended in a 1-1 draw, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter. The stakes are high, as the victor will advance to the six-team intercontinental playoff in March 2026, hosted in Mexico. The top two teams from this playoff will secure the final spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
To facilitate UAE fans’ attendance, the UAE Football Association (UAEFA) has arranged eight private planes to transport supporters to Basra. UAE national team coach Cosmin Olaroiu faces the challenge of leveraging his squad’s depth to keep the nation’s World Cup aspirations alive. This match not only highlights the intense rivalry between the two teams but also underscores the unifying power of football in the region.
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How AI turns horror scenes into viral ‘nightmare fragrance’
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now making waves in the fragrance industry, transforming the way scents are created and experienced. From crafting spine-chilling ‘nightmare fragrances’ inspired by horror scenes to enabling consumers to design personalized perfumes, AI is redefining the boundaries of olfactory innovation. This groundbreaking shift is particularly significant in Dubai, a global hub for fragrances, where the next iconic Arabian oud might be co-created by AI. Alex Wiltschko, Founder and CEO of Osmo, recently highlighted these advancements at the Dubai Business Forum – USA Edition in New York City. Osmo’s Olfactory Intelligence (OI) platform, which originated from Google Brain, allows brands and consumers to design fragrances digitally. Wiltschko explained how AI can interpret sensory inputs, such as movie scripts, to create unique scents. For instance, Osmo developed a viral ‘nightmare fragrance’ for a horror film, combining notes of mildew, metallic edges, and blood. Wiltschko’s journey into the world of scent began in his Texas childhood, where he became fascinated by the transformative power of fragrances. His dual passions for coding and neuroscience eventually led him to pioneer AI-driven scent technology. Today, AI-designed fragrances are already available in stores, including a vibrant electric-guitar-inspired scent created for Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture. Wiltschko’s vision is to democratize perfume design, empowering individuals and brands to craft bespoke scents. This innovation marks a new era in the fragrance industry, blending art, science, and technology.