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The third league of the Nelson Mandela Bay Cross Country Legacy Series will be held on Saturday 6 July, at Varsvlei, in Bethelsdorp. EP Athletics cross country commission chair, Zolani Mqoqi, applauded the clubs and schools who have supported the previous two league cross country events, with over 500 athletes participating at each event. “We …
Border, Eastern Province, the Golden Lions and Western Province continued their dominant run when they claimed big wins in the final round of the U18 Girls Week staged at Jeppe High School in Johannesburg on Wednesday. EP claimed their second win of the competition when they beat the Limpopo Blue Bulls 41-0, with scrumhalf Emihle …
Judicial Conduct Tribunal prepares to wrap up hearing into possible gross misconduct
The return of the Engen Ballito Downwind to the Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill brings with it some serious competition as top paddlers from the Eastern Cape, brothers Matthew (22) and Joshua (24) Fenn, take on the top local competitors this Sunday, 7 July. This doubles surfski race, from Blythedale to Tiffany’s beaches, forms part …
“This is an unreasonable expense for low-income households, who already pay higher kWh/h charges than those on conventional meters,” says OUTA. The City of Johannesburg’s recent decision to impose a new R200 fixed service charge (R230 including VAT) on the prepaid high-usage electricity tariff, effective from 1 July 2024, has raised widespread concern among residents …
Now the work begins: DP, Ministers and Deputy Ministers sworn in
The new Deputy President, Ministers and Deputy Ministers of the seventh administration have been sworn into office in Cape Town.
The cohort took their oath of office or solemn affirmation in a ceremony officiated by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo on Wednesday.
WATCH |
President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile watched on and congratulated the new Ministers and Deputy Ministers that he appointed in terms of the powers vested in him by the Constitution.
Addressing members of the media following the swearing-in ceremony, President Ramaphosa said the ceremony was a historic moment.
“It has been a very difficult and complicated process. It’s now come to an end and to a start. It’s a fresh start for all of us in South Africa. Today was a historic moment in constituting the Executive of our country in the form of Ministers and Deputy Ministers, who have all collectively been assuring me… that they are going to work and they are going to make South Africans proud.
“The trust that our people have invested in all these men and women... We will not waste time. We will work very hard to take our country forward,” he said.
The first to take the oath of office was Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
In taking the oath, the Deputy President said: “In the presence of everyone assembled here, and in full realisation of the high calling I assume as Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, I, Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, swear that I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa and will obey, observe, uphold and maintain the Constitution and all other law of the Republic; and I solemnly and sincerely promise that I will always promote all that will advance the Republic, and oppose all that may harm it;
“So help me God."
Then it was the turn of the newly minted executive to take the oath of office or solemn affirmation.
The oath or affirmation compels them – amongst others – to be faithful to the Republic of South Africa and to uphold the Constitution and all other laws while in office.
See our Special Feature | Meet the new Cabinet
New path
Unlike previously, the new Ministers and Deputy Ministers are from an array of political parties as a result of the formation of the Government of National Unity.
The cohort boasts some of South Africa’s youngest minds to enter office, including the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, 34; new Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, also 34; Finance Deputy Minister Ashor Sarupen, 36 and 32-year-old Deputy Minister of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi.
On social media platform X, Gwarube said: “Thank you all for the well wishes! Being appointed the Minister of Basic Education is a massive responsibility that I do not take lightly. The future of the country rests on how well this department that I lead does its work.”
New faces to the Cabinet include Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber and Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi.
In a post on X, Schreiber said: “It is my honour to be appointed as Minister of Home Affairs for the Republic of South Africa. I pledge to serve you to the best of my abilities and in a spirit of collaboration, to demonstrate that South Africans can fix even the most intractable problems when we work together.”
There are some returning faces to South Africa’s Cabinet and deputy ministries.
These include Sihle Zikalala, who will be serving as Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI).
Zikalala served as Minister of that department during the sixth administration.
“As we continue this work, we do so with a steadfast commitment to put maximum efforts towards bettering the poor and work with all stakeholders.
“Together, we must make relentless strides to address unemployment, poverty and inequality. I congratulate the new Minister of DPWI, Dean MacPherson, and wish him all the best in his new assignment and look forward to working with him,” Zikalala said in a statement.
At the end of the swearing-in ceremony, Director General in the Presidency, Phindile Baleni, wished the leaders of the seventh administration well.
“Congratulations to the new National Executive and the Deputy Ministers on your appointment. We wish you well in your duties and endeavours to create a better South Africa and a better world,” Baleni said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 07/03/2024 - 14:34
There’s no better place to be in winter than on the sunny KZN South Coast where the slight drop in temperatures makes spending time outdoors that much more enjoyable. For those looking to grab a delicious meal or refreshing beverage, the Fish Eagle Café based in the stunning Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh is well …
KnowBe4 (www.KnowBe4.com), the provider of the world's largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, released its International Healthcare Report. The report takes a closer look at the cybersecurity crisis currently experienced by the healthcare sector, in particular hospital groups, across the world.
Africa was the global region with the highest average number of weekly cyberattacks per organisation in 2023. One in every 19 organisations on the continent experienced an attempted attack every week. Although South Africa's healthcare sector has managed to avoid a major attack since 2020, the alarming escalation of attacks in other sectors within the country suggests that it's only a matter of time before the next attack strikes, making it a question of "when" rather than "if".
Hospitals have become increasingly attractive targets for ransomware attacks due to their comprehensive patient databases, sensitive information, and their interconnectedness between systems and equipment. Moreover, poor security measures have made hospitals vulnerable to cyber threats. When attacked, cybercriminals can potentially take control of entire hospital systems, and gain access not only to patients' health information but also their financial and insurance data.
Hospitals are severely impacted by cyberattacks (https://apo-opa.co/4csCXH4), which can lead to a reduction in patient care, loss of access to electronic systems, and a reliance on incomplete paper records. This can also result in the cancellation of surgeries, tests, appointments, and, in some cases, even loss of life.
Some shocking facts discussed in the report include:
“The healthcare sector remains a prime target for cybercriminals looking to capitalise on the life-or-death situations hospitals face,” says Stu Sjouwerman, CEO of KnowBe4. “With patient data and critical systems held hostage, many hospitals feel like they are left with no choice but to pay exorbitant ransoms. This vicious cycle can be broken by prioritising comprehensive security awareness training to empower employees and cultivate a positive security culture as a strong defence against phishing and social engineering attacks."
The report examines the state of cybersecurity in the healthcare sector in North America, Europe, the United Kingdom, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America. In addition it also highlights some of the most prolific global ransomware attacks that occurred between December 2023 and May 2024, the aftermath thereof and what healthcare organisations can do to protect themselves from cyberattacks.
To download a copy of KnowBe4's International Healthcare Report, click here (https://apo-opa.co/3xIjjaY).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4.
About KnowBe4:
KnowBe4, the provider of the world's largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, is used by more than 65,000 organizations around the globe. Founded by IT and data security specialist Stu Sjouwerman, KnowBe4 helps organizations address the human element of security by raising awareness about ransomware, CEO fraud and other social engineering tactics through a new-school approach to awareness training on security. The late Kevin Mitnick, who was an internationally recognized cybersecurity specialist and KnowBe4's Chief Hacking Officer, helped design the KnowBe4 training based on his well-documented social engineering tactics. Organizations rely on KnowBe4 to mobilize their end users as their last line of defense and trust the KnowBe4 platform to strengthen their security culture and reduce human risk.
Cape Town school shortlisted for World's Best School Prize
The independent school Christel House, which made the top 10 shortlist for the World’s Best School Prize for ‘Overcoming Adversity,” has received a congratulatory message from the Western Cape Education Department.
The school, which is situated in Ottery in Cape Town, serves learners from disadvantaged communities.
Christel House’s mission is to help children break the cycle of poverty, realise their hopes and dreams, and become self-sufficient members of society.
Most of the learners at the school must face gang warfare, drugs, alcoholism, hunger and abuse to make it to school every day.
Christel DeHaan, a German American businesswoman and philanthropist, founded the school, which offers Grades R through 12.
Western Cape MEC for Education, David Maynier, congratulated Christel House for being a finalist in the World’s Best Schools competition for 2024.
“The school is doing excellent work supporting learners from poor communities to receive a world-class education, and it is fitting that they have been selected as a finalist in the ‘Overcoming Adversity’ category. We wish them all the best in the next phase of the competition, and we are holding thumbs for the announcement of the top three in September.”
Christel House joins the Western Cape’s list of previous top 10 and top three finalists in the World Best School Prize.
In 2022, Pinelands-North Primary School achieved the top three position in the category ‘Overcoming Adversity’, while the West End Primary School featured in the top 10 position in the same category.
Last year, the Rustenburg Girls High School scooped the top 10 position in the category for ‘Supporting Healthy Lives’.
The top three finalists for each of the five World’s Best School Prizes - for Community Collaboration, Environmental Action, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity, and Supporting Healthy Lives - will be announced later this year.
After a public advisory vote, the winner of each prize will be chosen based on rigorous criteria by a judging academy comprising distinguished leaders across the globe including academics, educators, non-government organisations (NGOs), social entrepreneurs, government, civil society, and the private sector.
“We are delighted that Christel House will have the opportunity to showcase their ‘best practice’ to the world and are rooting for them to make the finals.”
The World’s Best School Prizes are the world’s most prestigious education awards, giving inspirational schools a share of the $50 000 (R 924 816.50) award and a global platform so others can replicate their best practices.
This year’s list features Afghanistan’s only school helping students with all kinds of disabilities to a school in Poland set up for Ukrainian refugees.
On the list, there is also a school from Italy tackling bullying and a London school confronting knife crime. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 07/03/2024 - 11:51
Wales Prop Cerys Hale has announced her retirement from all rugby following Wales’ recent Test match against Spain. Hale, 31, will bring the curtain down on her international and club career after more than a decade playing first-class rugby in Wales and England. The 49-times capped Welsh international was selected for the 2014 World Cup …
Dear Editor The DA congratulates George Michalakis on his appointment as the party’s new Chief Whip in the National Assembly, succeeding Siviwe Gwarube, who has served as Chief Whip of the Official Opposition since 2022 and will be sworn in as the country’s new Minister of Basic Education tomorrow. George Michalakis, an admitted attorney of …
Team to investigate child abuse allegation at KZN home
The newly appointed KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC, Mbali Shinga, has ordered a full investigation into the allegations of child abuse at the Aryan Benevolent Home Child and Youth Care Centre in Chatsworth, Durban.
Shinga visited the centre on Tuesday, following recent allegations of child abuse at the home.
According to the provincial department, reports suggest that workers at the facility have ignored children's rights, with instances of children being assaulted with wet towels and belts.
Shinga said it was disappointing that management at the institution could not pick up any signs of the abuse.
“I believe that one person should have picked this up before it reached this stage because it has been happening for a long time.”
The centre’s General Manager, Ray Naguran, confirmed the abuse allegation and that 48 children had been abused.
The MEC has announced the formation of a dedicated team of investigators to thoroughly examine the grave concerns.
“The investigative team will work diligently to uncover the truth, provide support to any affected children, and ensure that appropriate actions are taken against any perpetrators.”
Shinga added that the team will also wait for the other 21 children residing at the home, who are currently away for the holidays to come back so that they can also hear their side of the story on the allegations.
The team which will be led by the department’s Head of Department has been given three weeks to complete its investigation and compile a report for her to review.
“The department remains steadfast in its mission to protect the most vulnerable members of society and uphold the highest standards of care within our child welfare institutions. The safety and well-being of our children are paramount, [and] any instances of child abuse will be met with swift and decisive action,” said Shinga.
Naguran said four child caregivers have since been dismissed. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 07/03/2024 - 13:04
The lease stands as the cornerstone of occupier-landlord relationships in commercial real estate. Yet beneath the surface of these meticulously drafted documents lies a complex web of financial obligations and legal stipulations that can easily become tangled. The more leases an organisation has, the higher the risk of costly trip-ups. A lease audit is a …
The Ride Train Race academy (RTR) was established by legendary Springbok Motocross riders Tony Riddell and Ryan Hunt. Their aim was to give young riders the opportunity to experience off-road motorcycling and motocross, and benefit from these exciting sports in the same way that they themselves did. Motocross and off-road motorcycle training and racing allow …
The African Penguin is predicted to be extinct in the wild by 2035 after its numbers have declined by 99% in the past 120 years. To highlight the impermanence of the species, SANCCOB and BirdLife South Africa commissioned this sand art installation at Big Bay Beach near Bloubergstrand, South Africa, to mark World Seabird Day …
Water restored after Sundays River Canal rehabilitation
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) says a number of areas have started receiving water from Wednesday morning following the completion of repairs to the Sundays River Canal, with water being subsequently pumped back into the system.
The municipality embarked on a 10-day rehabilitation project for the Sundays River Canal, which commenced on 24 June 2024.
Led by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the project aimed to enhance the reliability and sustainability of the water supply to Nelson Mandela Bay residents.
The Lower Sundays River Canal repairs have led to added pressure on the municipality’s water reticulation system, with more areas identified as high risk.
The Lower Sundays River Canal forms part of the Lower Sunday’s Government Water Scheme (LSGWS).
The LSGWS forms part of the greater Orange-Fish-Sundays Inter Basin Transfer Scheme and it transfers 740 million kilolitres of water annually from the Gariep Dam to the Eastern Cape through the 80km Orange-Fish Tunnel.
The repair of the canal is a result of a May 2017 incident, where a section of the canal embarkment slipped, about 4.4km south of Enon.
The Department of Water and Sanitation then had to construct a temporary embarkment using a plastic membrane to ensure the continuous supply of water to users. However, a secondary embankment failure has occurred, with 200m downstream of the initial embankment and canal failure.
The work on the canal included the demolition of the existing canal at the upstream and downstream tie-in sections.
The municipality said the production at Nooitgedacht Water Treatment Works is averaging 120 megalitres per day, with the Motherwell Reservoir at 27% and Grassridge and Oliphant Kop seeing increases to 23% and 32%, respectively.
“Most low-lying areas are receiving water, with the exception of high-lying areas around NU 8, 9, 10, and 11. Water trucks will remain in the Motherwell area.
“Bloemendal and Bethelsdorp reservoirs are also increasing, with average levels of 9%. This indicates that the system is full and that the affected areas in the Northern regions will also begin to receive water, starting with low-lying areas,” the municipality said in a statement on Wednesday.
Planned water shutdown
Meanwhile, the municipality announced that a water shutdown is planned for Thursday, 4 July 2024, for maintenance on the water pipe network to be carried out.
“Areas that will be affected include South End, and Forest Hill. Water supply will be shut off from 8am to 5pm. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 07/03/2024 - 10:36
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) public representatives have been inundated by calls from concerned citizens regarding the absurd R200 electricity surcharge, a tariff which the DA strongly rejected when it was tabled in council. In March 2024 and again in May of 2024, the DA warned the ANC/EFF/PA led City council that an increase …
Komani jazz legend Mlungisi Gegana blames the Eastern Cape arts department for the collapse of the centre
Shoprite launches online shopping and bulk delivery service for spaza shops and small businesses Shoprite has introduced an innovative digital solution for its Cash & Carry stores, marking the wholesale brand’s first venture into ecommerce. Bulk-buying customers can now browse and purchase a wide range of goods at highly competitive prices through a fully automated …
[Listen to this report as a Podcast] James Janse van Rensburg, NSRI Hermanus deputy station commander, said: On Friday, 28 June, the SA Whale Disentanglement Network (SAWDN) was alerted to a whale appearing to be in distress, entangled in what appeared to be fishing line, off-shore in Walker Bay area, Hermanus. The local whale charter …
President Ramaphosa, President Biden commit to deepening relations
President Cyril Ramaphosa and his US counterpart, President Joe Biden, have committed to advancing the relationship between the two countries.
According to the Presidency, the two leaders held a telephone discussion on Tuesday evening.
The Presidency revealed that Biden congratulated President Ramaphosa on both his re-election as President and “the successful formation of the Government of National Unity”.
“President Biden pledged that the United States will work closely with the 7th Administration in South Africa on key areas such as economic growth, job creation, social development and climate change, as well as South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 in 2025. President Biden confirmed that he will visit South Africa and participate in the G20 meetings.
“President Ramaphosa expressed his appreciation for this commitment and in turn extended an invitation to President Biden to undertake a State Visit to South Africa. Dates will be confirmed by the respective diplomatic teams,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 07/03/2024 - 09:28
In its latest natural gas policy brief, global trade association EnerGeo Alliance has positioned natural gas as the premier transition fuel for South Africa, citing its reduced carbon emissions, scalability and cost competitiveness. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org)– as the voice of the African energy sector – supports these data-driven findings and calls for greater foreign investment in Africa's natural gas prospects.
South Africa's power supply remains in urgent need of diversification away from aging coal- and diesel-powered plants. While the country is looking to renewables to diversify its power mix and alleviate load shedding, the brief identifies natural gas as the ideal transition fuel to achieving a low-carbon future and meeting the demands of South Africa's rapidly growing population and economy. According to the report, countries that use gas as a source for power generation have seen their electricity supply grow approximately three times faster in the past decade than those without gas. The Chamber has long advocated for the exploration and development of Africa's natural gas resources – of which the continent holds over 620 trillion cubic feet – and commends EnerGeo Alliance for championing its expanded role in the energy mix.
With member companies spanning more than 50 countries, EnerGeo Alliance brings together the global geoscience industry to discover, develop and deliver alternative energy and low-carbon energy solutions that meet growing energy demand. Natural gas emits 50-60% less carbon dioxide, rendering it a relatively clean energy source able to meet power demand reliably and at scale. Gas also serves as a critical feedstock for the production of fertilizers and petrochemicals, as well as a source of process heat in energy-intensive industries, creating the potential to decarbonize heavy industry. According to the World Economic Forum, a tripling of sub-Saharan Africa's power consumption using natural gas would only correspond to a one percent increase in global carbon emissions.
Natural gas also represents the most cost-effective pathway to energy security for South Africa and the continent at-large. It can provide both base load and backup power – whereas solar and wind power present intermittency problems – and is more cost-competitive as a base load supply than nuclear. According to the policy brief, large-scale discoveries like Brulpadda-Luiperd, the offshore Orange Basin and shale reserve prospects in the Karoo Basin suggest that South Africa could not only meet its power demand through domestic gas resources, but also stimulate broader economic development through regional gas exports.
EnerGeo Alliance highlights South Africa's promising reserves in Mossel Bay and the Orange River Basin, as well as shale gas in the Karoo Basin, for further upstream investment. Through advanced seismic survey, upstream geoscience and data generation activities play a key role in identifying potential gas reserves, de-risking exploration and reducing the environmental footprint associated with gas exploration and extraction. Major investment is also needed across South Africa's midstream and downstream sectors, including regional transmission pipelines, gas storage facilities and gas-to-liquids, regasification and LNG plants. While the construction of gas-fired power plants is already underway at Coega, Richards Bay and Saldanha Bay, new projects are needed to boost South Africa's gas availability and reliability.
“The AEC supports the EnerGeo Alliance in positioning gas as critical to South Africa's energy independence and low-carbon future. The science confirms this, and the bottom line confirms this. More capital must flow to African upstream and integrated gas projects, and we must support the geoscience community so that natural gas exploration is no longer seen as a risk, but as a given,” says NJ Ayuk, AEC Executive Chairman.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Portuguese businessman kidnapped for ransom rescued in Soweto
A 49-year-old Portuguese businessman who was kidnapped for ransom last month, is the latest victim to be rescued by the police.
In the last six months, 12 businessmen and six students who had been kidnapped for ransom have been rescued by a multidisciplinary team led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) anti-kidnapping task team.
According to the SAPS, the Portuguese businessman was kidnapped from his business premises in Florida, Johannesburg, on 24 June 2024.
“On Monday evening, 1 July 2024, the team traced the victim to a home in Snake Park, Soweto, where he had been in captivity.
“On the same evening, members also arrested one of his captors in Turffontein, Johannesburg,” a statement from the Office of the National Commissioner of the SAPS read.
According to Eyewitness News (EWN), Portuguese South African butchery owners are being targeted in a spate of kidnappings in Gauteng.
The news organisation said that 20 Portuguese South African butchery owners and managers were kidnapped in the province since January last year, with one victim murdered.
EWN said ransom demands for the safe release of the victims range between R400 000 and R3.5 million, while in at least nine of these cases, ransom demands started from R10 million.
“The SAPS anti-kidnapping task team including other law enforcement agencies and private security have been working around the clock to find the businessman, safe and unharmed,” the police said.
The police believe that the 39-year-old suspect belongs to a syndicate that is responsible for at least four other kidnappings where businessmen were the target in the Johannesburg District.
“The team is currently tracing suspects who were working together with the man.
“In cases where the businessmen and students had been rescued, no ransom payment was made as a direct result of the expertise and capabilities of SAPS detectives, the crime intelligence unit and collaboration with private security.”
As per the police statement from January 2024 to date, 49 kidnappers who had demanded ransom payment from families of victims have been arrested in Gauteng, the North West and Free State.
In addition, 21 vehicles used in the commission of these crimes have been confiscated and eight firearms have also been seized.
“The SAPS is confident that working together with all stakeholders and community tip-offs, it will continue to take down more syndicates believed to be behind a spate of kidnappings for ransom across the country,” the SAPS added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 07/03/2024 - 09:42
In the evolving landscape of global health, digital innovation emerges as a beacon of hope, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in healthcare access, quality, and affordability. A recent white paper by the World Economic Forum, produced in collaboration with the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, EY, and Microsoft, sheds light on an exciting paradigm shift: the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in social innovation, especially within healthcare. AI uptake has the potential to improve immunisation programmes, supply chains, referrals, diagnoses, drug safety, and overall health system efficiency.
The report finds three primary impact areas where AI is making significant contributions:
Healthcare is by far the most prevalent impact domain that social innovators are addressing with AI. Corresponding to this, 1 in 4 Social innovators are deploying AI to advance Sustainable Development Goal 3, Good Health and Well-being. This is apparent across all geographies as innovators seek to adopt AI to address multiple challenges within the area of healthcare.
Referenced in this report is BroadReach Group, a social impact organisation, that is using AI and machine learning to equip health care workers, leaders and institutions to better manage their scarce resources and drive better health outcomes for all. Vantage Health Technologies, a part of BroadReach Group is harnessing its work across continents in the following ways:
Dr. Ernest Darkoh, co-founder of BroadReach Group, says, “the fundamental issue in healthcare, whether you are in Sub-Saharan Africa, Western Europe, or the USA, is that demand outstrips supply in terms of health services, doctors, nurses, and medications. The healthcare sector is trying to deliver on an antiquated model of ‘sick care' without real-time intelligence on disease patterns, who is being affected the most, or the adequacy of healthcare resources. We need to change this paradigm to be more effective by leveraging data and digital solutions to ensure we are always spending the next hour and the next dollar in the in the most impactful way possible.”
Global Collaboration to Achieve Health Equity
The report also shows that Africa is emerging, with leaders like South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya. Egypt and Kenya have developed national AI strategies. In other countries like Cameroon, individual social innovators are using AI to address healthcare challenges, such as developing low-cost diagnostic tools for malaria. The continent is also seeing AI applications in economic empowerment and various ML capabilities.
Paul Bhuhi, Managing Director of Vantage shares, ‘'AI is becoming more accepted, with healthcare leaders seeing the promise of AI to drive real improvement in health access, quality, and affordability. Yet, the education gap between innovators and the policy makers inhibits AI adoption, In our experience Rwanda and Kenya are leading that push but more needs to be done.”
An important lesson that BroadReach Group is applying is that learning healthcare lessons in one country can have a profound global impact through collaboration. By sharing best practices, innovations, and research findings, countries can collectively address common health challenges more effectively. Collaborative efforts enable the adaptation of successful strategies to different contexts, promoting universal health improvements and accelerating progress towards global health goals like SDG 3. This exchange of knowledge fosters a more interconnected and resilient global healthcare community, where advancements in one region benefit all.
Dr. John Sargent, co-founder of BroadReach Group, says “an example of impact through collaboration is using our experience and learnings in Africa addressing health inequity and applying them to promote health equity in cancer care in the US. Our teams work across geographies and this collaboration has shown that we can more effectively and rapidly improve patient care because of this experience. Although every geography and market has its differences, many of the same core principles, critical lessons learned, and approaches apply, allowing us to rapidly adapt and implement solutions that have a real impact for populations in need while ensuring that the health system is using its resources in the most impactful way.”
Embracing the Ethical Adoption of AI
The next generation of ethical generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) provides new hope for more equitable healthcare, but advances in technology must never come at the cost of patient rights. AI systems should start with guardrails and ethics within their foundational design.
Chris LeGrand, CEO of BroadReach Group emphasises, “regulatory frameworks for ethical use of AI in healthcare are still early stage but are progressing. The new Digital Trade Protocol recently adopted by African heads of state under the Africa Continental Trade Area (AfCTA) is an example of international bodies defining the desired digital landscape with rules based on common principles, including protecting personal data while promoting trusted, safe, ethical use of emerging technologies. Regulation is slowly evolving to create trust and confidence in the protection of health data.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of BroadReach Group.
BroadReach Group is a group of social impact businesses focused on harnessing innovation and technology to empower human action. Since 2003 BroadReach Group has worked in over 30 countries to support governments, international NGOs, public and private sector to improve health outcomes for their populations.
