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In a written statement, Xi hoped for the G20’s greater role as an important platform for international economic cooperation.

This year’s G20 Leaders’ Summit, scheduled for Nov. 18-19, marks the first gathering of the kind since the accession of the African Union (AU) as a full member, a historic milestone that strengthens the voice of the Global South.

Javier Miranda, former president of Uruguay’s Broad Front party, expressed his hope that this summit will mark a significant step toward building a multi-polar world — one that fosters dialogue.

In a world fraught with wars and conflicts, the commitment to dialogue stands as one goal of this G20 meeting, he told Xinhua.

Following its assumption of the presidency, Brazil has established the summit theme as “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet.” Key priorities outlined by the Brazilian government include combating hunger, poverty, and inequality, advancing sustainable development, and driving reforms in global governance.

“Building a just world requires the G20 to honor the principles of mutual respect, equal-footed cooperation and mutual benefit, and support Global South countries in achieving greater development,” Xi said in a signed article published in Brazilian media outlet Folha de S. Paulo on Sunday.

“Building a sustainable planet requires the G20 to promote sustainable production and lifestyle as a way to achieve harmony between humanity and nature,” he said.

The Chinese president also pledged China’s active support for the initiative of a Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty proposed by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

“As we gather at the G20 to address critical global issues such as governance, hunger, sustainability, and the environment, we recognize the crucial role of our partnership with China,” said Rodrigo Castro, deputy secretary for Major Events and Promotion Actions of the Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro.

Many of the solutions to address challenges faced by developing nations stem from ideas and practices already implemented in China, Castro said.

“For us Brazilians who are hosting the G20 … we are very proud to welcome the president and the entire Chinese delegation,” he told Xinhua.

Apart from the G20 summit, Xi is also to pay a state visit to Brazil, as this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

During the visit, Xi will hold an in-depth exchange of views with the Brazilian president on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common interest.

Brazil is the second stop of Xi’s two-nation tour, which has taken him to Peru. In Lima, he kept to a tight schedule, attending the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, paying a state visit to Peru and holding a series of bilateral meetings, including one with his U.S. counterpart, Joe Biden, on the sidelines of the APEC meeting.

Xinhua

Xi made the remarks in a written statement upon his arrival in Brazil for the 19th G20 Leaders’ Summit and a state visit to the country at the invitation of President Lula. Xi also extended sincere greetings and best wishes to the government and people of Brazil.

Noting that he has visited Brazil four times and witnessed the development and changes in the country over the past 30 years, Xi said he feels very close to Brazil as he again stepped onto this passionate land.

China and Brazil are like-minded friends with the same aspirations and good partners forging ahead hand in hand, Xi said. Although separated by oceans, China and Brazil, two major developing countries in the eastern and western hemispheres respectively, are attracted to each other and echo each other at a distance, he said.

In recent years, the two countries have continued to deepen political mutual trust, yielded fruitful results in practical cooperation, achieved flourishing people-to-people and cultural cooperation, and showed new vitality of the times in the traditional friendship, Xi said.

China and Brazil have also jointly made the just voice of the Global South in the international arena and made important contributions to promoting world peace and development, Xi added.

As China and Brazil celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties this year, relations between the two countries stand at an important historical juncture of building on past achievements and forging ahead, he said.

Xi said he believes the visit will further strengthen the two countries’ strategic mutual trust, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields and usher in a new “golden 50 years” for China-Brazil relations.

Looking forward to attending the 19th G20 Leaders’ Summit, Xi said he is ready to work with all parties to discuss plans and seek development, jointly advocate an equal and orderly multi-polar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and promote the G20 to continue to play a greater role as an important platform for international economic cooperation.

Xi arrived here from Lima, where he attended the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and paid a state visit to Peru.

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Nov. 17, 2024. Xi arrived here Sunday for the 19th G20 Summit and a state visit to Brazil at the invitation of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

Xinhua

Following is the full text of the article:

Staying True to Our Shared Commitment and Opening a New Chapter in China-Kazakhstan Relations – Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China

All beings are flourishing in the height of summer. I will soon pay a state visit to Kazakhstan and attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in this vibrant season at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. This will be my fifth visit to your country as the President of the People’s Republic of China. Kazakhstan’s enchanting land, its splendid and distinctive culture, its vast and magnificent landscape, and its nice and friendly people have been most impressive. The visit offers me an opportunity to experience first hand the new progress and new changes that have been made in Kazakhstan. I look forward to meeting with President Tokayev to plan the way forward for closer China-Kazakhstan cooperation and draw a new blueprint for further growth of China-Kazakhstan relations and the SCO.

Over 2,000 years ago, Zhang Qian, a royal emissary from China led a diplomatic mission to the Western Regions, opening the door to friendship and exchanges between China and Central Asia. The ancient Silk Road, of which Zhang was a pioneer, contributed to the friendly exchanges and mutual learning between our two great nations. Over 80 years ago, Chinese musician Xian Xinghai and Kazakh composer Bakhytzhan Baikadamov met and came to know each other in Almaty. They soon became bosom friends and devoted brothers despite their different nationalities. Thirty-two years ago, China was among the first countries to recognize Kazakhstan’s independence. China-Kazakhstan relations have since embarked on a new journey. The history of China-Kazakhstan friendly exchanges is a strong testament to the fact that the development of our bilateral relationship conforms to the trend of history and that of our times.

It was in Kazakhstan eleven years ago that I first proposed the initiative of the Silk Road Economic Belt, which was warmly received by people from different sectors in Kazakhstan. This marked a magnificent chapter in Belt and Road cooperation between our two countries. And the development of China-Kazakhstan relations have since entered a new stage.

Our two countries have always supported each other and have always been partners in times of challenge. Our mutual political trust has reached a new level. The China-Kazakhstan relationship has made a leap from a comprehensive strategic partnership to a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership. The two countries have agreed on to promote the pursuit of a common future in the spirit of eternal friendship, profound mutual trust and solidarity, development and prosperity. We have rendered each other firm support on issues that bear on our respective core interests and are of major concern to us. We respect the development path that each has chosen according to our respective national conditions. We have always been trustworthy and reliable partners and would invariably extend a helping hand and do our utmost to support each other when we were hit by disasters like floods and pandemics. Such unbreakable mutual trust and support are invaluable, forming the strongest political cornerstone that underpins our bilateral cooperation.

Our two countries have always pursued mutual benefit, win-win and coordinated development, achieving new success in results-oriented cooperation. Last year, our two-way trade registered a record high of US$41 billion. China is now Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner and its top export destination. Major strategic projects including the Zhanatas wind farm, Turgusun hydropower station, and the modernization of Shymkent Oil Refinery have been completed and commissioned. China-Kazakhstan crude oil and natural gas pipelines are operating in a safe and stable manner. The “green lanes” for fast customs clearance of agricultural products are available at all border ports between the two countries, which makes green agri-products of high quality from Kazakhstan easily accessible for Chinese consumers. The potential for cooperation in new energy and transportation infrastructure has been unleashed. The transport and logistics terminal in Xi’an, the Western Europe-Western China Highway, and the China-Europe Railway Express all operate smoothly, providing a strong boost to the development of both China and Kazakhstan.

Our two countries have always helped and learned from each other and witnessed a new upsurge in people-to-people and cultural exchanges. A China-Kazakhstan agreement on mutual establishment of cultural centers has been signed. Chinese and Kazakh filmmakers have co-produced a film entitled “The Composer,” which is their first co-production. Our bilateral programs for cultural cooperation, including a Chinese university campus in Kazakhstan, a Luban Workshop, and a center of traditional Chinese medicine, have been fully implemented. These institutions are now up and running. Thanks to our mutual visa-exemption arrangements, our people can visit each other as frequently as relatives do. Last year, a total of 600,000 cross-border trips were recorded. In the first quarter of this year, the number of visits in both directions amounted to 200,000 and are expected to reach a new high. Subnational cooperation is also booming, with the number of sister cities increasing to 26 pairs. The much respected and lauded ophthalmologist Dr. Saulebek Kabibekov, the “panda-man” Ruslan Tulenov, who voluntarily donated his rare type of blood in China, and the immensely popular singer Dimash Kudaibergen have become China-Kazakhstan friendship envoys in the new era.

Our two countries have always worked together in response to various challenges, and our coordination and collaboration at the international level has achieved new and tangible results. China and Kazakhstan hold similar positions on international and regional affairs. Both countries champion the vision of common, comprehensive cooperative and sustainable security. And both are committed to acting as a world peace builder, a global development contributor, and an international order defender. We have jointly created a China-Central Asia cooperation mechanism, and maintained close coordination and collaboration in the United Nations, the SCO, and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, among other multilateral organizations. We have actively supported each other’s constructive proposals for international cooperation, and taken resolute measures to safeguard our shared strategic, security, and development interests.

China and Kazakhstan can and will accomplish a great deal in bilateral cooperation in the years to come. I hope my visit will help renew our traditional friendship and deepen the all-round cooperation between our countries. During my visit, President Tokayev and I will meet and plan the way forward for further growth of China-Kazakhstan relations and discuss how best to take the China-Kazakhstan permanent comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights.

First, our two countries need to further consolidate our political tradition of mutual support. As a Chinese saying goes, “We must be people of our word in dealing with friends.” China will continue to treat our Kazakh friends with sincerity and engage them with trust. China will work with Kazakhstan to further consolidate mutual political trust, strengthen strategic communication, and firmly support each other on issues that bear on our respective core interests and are of major concern to us. As always, China will support Kazakhstan in upholding its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, in continuing on the development path suited to its national conditions, in implementing domestic and foreign policies in the interest of its development and prosperity, and in opposing interference in its internal affairs by any external forces. Our two countries need to always follow the four principles that hold key to the success of our cooperation, namely, mutual respect, good neighborly friendship, solidarity in trying times, and mutual benefit, so as to ensure sustained and steady growth of China-Kazakhstan relations.

Second, our two countries need to stay committed to the golden rule of mutual benefit and win-win in our cooperation. China and Kazakhstan have different yet complementary resource endowments and industries. This offers huge potential for cooperation. China stands ready to promote greater synergy between Belt and Road cooperation and the economic policies under a Just Kazakhstan at a faster pace, and further open our super-sized market to Kazakhstan so that our Kazakh friends can share the opportunities of our development. Our two countries need to deepen cooperation in traditional sectors including business, trade, industrial capacity, investment, energy, mining and agriculture, and enhance the efficiency of customs clearance at border ports. We need to ensure the high-quality operation of the China-Europe Railway Express, advance the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, and make the network connecting our two countries more multidimensional, diverse and efficient. We need to significantly unleash the potential for cooperation in such high-tech areas as new energy, the digital economy, artificial intelligence, cross-border e-commerce, aviation and aerospace, and build more industrial and supply chains with high added-values, in order to inject new impetus to our cooperation.

Third, our two countries need to strengthen public support for an everlasting China-Kazakhstan friendship. A deeper and stronger China-Kazakhstan friendship is what our two peoples aspire to. It is therefore important that we carry forward such friendship and enhance mutual understanding and affinity between our peoples through a diverse range of cultural and people-to-people exchange programs. Our two countries need to ensure the success of the Luban Workshop, Confucius Institutes, and the Kazakh campus of the Northwestern Polytechnical University to foster future generations who will carry forward the China-Kazakhstan friendship. China welcomes joint education programs and joint research projects between Chinese and Kazakh higher education institutions, think tanks and research institutes. China supports closer interactions between people from all sectors across Chinese and Kazakh societies. Both countries need to encourage more twinning between our provinces and cities and more cooperation on education, tourism, archaeology, arts, and media, so as to expand the depth and scope of China-Kazakhstan cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Fourth, our two countries need to be responsive to the accelerated changes on a scale unseen in a century that are unfolding across the world. Changes and turbulence in the global landscape pose new threats and new challenges, but also bring new opportunities and create new possibilities for all-round cooperation of mutual benefit between China and Kazakhstan. We Chinese believe that in every challenge lies an opportunity, and that challenges and opportunities are interchangeable. China stands ready to join hands with Kazakhstan in response to the changes of historic significance that are taking place in our world and in our times. We need to foster new opportunities amid crises, and open up new horizons on a shifting landscape. China will work with Kazakhstan to uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law, act on true multilateralism, oppose hegemonism, power politics and bloc confrontation. We will work together to build an equal and orderly multipolar world, promote universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and bring about more positivity and certainty to world peace and stability.

Another important item on my agenda in Kazakhstan is to attend the SCO Summit. China highly commends the successful and fruitful work Kazakhstan has done in its capacity as the SCO chair to grow the influence of the organization. I have no doubt that the SCO Astana Summit will be a great success through concerted efforts of all parties and will help rally the SCO family closer and open up new prospects for SCO cooperation.

As a Chinese saying goes, “Success comes to those who share in one purpose. Triumph belongs to those who pull together in times of challenge.” In Kazakhstan, people say that five fingers held together make a powerful fist, and many people working in unity form a mighty force.

China will work shoulder to shoulder with Kazakhstan on the path to national prosperity and rejuvenation. Let us jointly draw up a new blueprint for closer cooperation and open a new chapter in China-Kazakhstan friendly relations.

Xinhua

This three-day meeting, taking place from November 18 to 20, 2024, aims to establish Standard Operating Procedures and protocols for addressing Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) threats across EAC member states.

In his opening remarks, Brig Gen Dr. Eugene Ngoga, speaking on behalf of the RDF Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), warmly welcomed the experts and highlighted the meeting’s crucial outcomes.

'Your presence here underscores our shared commitment to strengthening the collective security of our region and protecting our people from the complex and evolving challenges posed by CBRNE threats,' he stated.

He emphasized that the forum would enhance the region’s readiness and interoperability to ensure security.

'Through this forum, we are demonstrating the unity that underpins the EAC. Together, we have the opportunity to forge protocols and procedures that will enhance our readiness, improve our interoperability, and ensure the safety and security of our region,' he added.

Colonel Deng Mayom Manyang Malual, Defence Liaison Officer from South Sudan, and representative of the EAC Secretary General, expressed confidence in the meeting’s success.

He praised the diverse group of experts, including doctors, scientists, chemists, military personnel, police officers, and civilians, who have come together to develop a comprehensive document that will guide the military operations of EAC partner states.

The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising eight partner states, dedicated to promoting sustainable development and regional integration across sectors such as trade, infrastructure, and health.

Brig Gen Dr. Eugene Ngoga welcomed experts cnvening in Kigali for the meeting.

This three-day meeting runs from November 18 to 20, 2024.

The meeting brought together the diverse group of experts, including doctors, scientists, chemists, military personnel, police officers and civilians.

Participants of the meeting in a group photo.

IGIHE

The US Military-Industrial Complex (MIC), a term popularized by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1961, refers to the relationship between the US government, its military, and the defense industry.

This complex system influences foreign and defense policies, often leading to prolonged or unnecessary military interventions that can be tied to profit motives. One of the major reasons why the MIC continuously fuels conflicts globally, is the economic incentives that come with war.

Firstly, major defense companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Raytheon profit directly from military spending. Wars or conflicts increase demand for weapons, ammunition, and military technology thus boosting their revenues.

This way, defense companies spend millions lobbying lawmakers and funding political campaigns to secure contracts and influence policy, often promoting aggressive military strategies.

In the end, the MIC emphasizes job creation in domestic industries tied to defense spending, making it politically difficult to cut military budgets, even when wars are unnecessary.

Another major profit from global wars is the arms sales to foreign nations where the US is the largest arms exporter globally, supplying weapons to allies and nations involved in regional conflicts. These sales often escalate tensions and fuel ongoing wars.
An example includes arms sold to Saudi Arabia used in the Yemen conflict that contributed to one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

There are widespread reports that US President Joe Biden has given the green light to Ukraine’s Zelensky to use long-range missiles supplied by the US to strike Russia.

Perpetuating global instability seems to benefit the US as it supports groups or governments in conflict zones to counter perceived adversaries (e.g., Russia, China, or Iran). These actions often prolong conflicts, as seen in Afghanistan, Syria, and Iraq.

More so, regime change wars are fueled to overthrow governments under the guise of democracy promotion or counterterrorism often destabilizing regions and creating opportunities for prolonged military engagement.

The US maintains over 750 military bases in more than 80 countries. This global footprint ensures readiness for intervention but also fosters resentment and increases the likelihood of conflict in these regions due to the continuous expansion of military presence.

The presence of these bases also creates demand for ongoing defense contracts for equipment, maintenance, and logistics.

Since September 11, 2001, the US has engaged in a global “War on Terror,” a conflict without a clear endpoint. This framing allows for ongoing military engagements and steady funding for the MIC, defining the War on Terror as a perpetual conflict.

Defense contractors often sponsor think tanks, research, and media outlets that shape public opinion and policy debates. These entities may promote narratives that justify military interventions because of the influence of the media on public opinion.

Taking an example of the Iraq war of 2003, critics argue that the invasion was influenced by economic interests, including oil and defense contracts. Companies like Halliburton and private security firms made billions during the war.

Similarly, in Afghanistan, the two-decade-long war saw trillions in defense spending with lucrative contracts awarded to defense and logistics firms.

While national security concerns drive some military actions, the MIC often blurs the lines between genuine defense needs and profit-driven motives.

This dynamic contributes to a cycle where conflicts are perpetuated, not necessarily for strategic necessity but to sustain the financial and political interests tied to the defense industry.

Meanwhile, the human cost of US conflicts since 1950 is very alarming; The United States has been involved in approximately 90 conflicts across 70 countries.

Available key statistics indicate that the global death toll is estimated to be between 20 and 30 million, including some of the following countries; Korean and Vietnam wars lost 2 to 3 million each.

The Iraq war registered close to a million victims, in Afghanistan, between 176,000 and 240,000 people are expected to have perished while since September 11, global conflicts have resulted into over 900,000 deaths.

American military deaths are approximated to 90,000 combat deaths and 30,000 non-combat deaths in all the above mentioned countries.

Critics argue for greater oversight, transparency, and reforms to decouple military policies from profit motives and all this waits to be seen.

These wars have also caused widespread displacement, economic devastation, and long-term instability in many regions.

One of the major reasons why the MIC continuously fuels conflicts globally, is the economic incentives that come with war.

IGIHE

Reports surfaced on Sunday that Biden had given the green light for Ukraine to use long-range missiles supplied by the U.S. to strike Russia, drawing concerns about the stakes in a war Trump will inherit once he is inaugurated in January 2025.

Biden’s move, which comes two months before he exits the Oval Office, marks a significant shift in Washington’s stance, as it had previously declined for months to grant Kyiv permission to deploy ATACMS missiles beyond its own borders.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has consistently cautioned that strikes on Russia’s internationally recognized territory using U.S.-supplied weapons would be interpreted as direct involvement by NATO in the conflict. He has hinted that such actions could provoke serious consequences, potentially including retaliatory measures against Western interests.

'It is not a question of allowing the Ukrainian regime to strike Russia with these weapons or not. It is about deciding whether NATO countries become directly involved in the military conflict or not,' he said.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, a close confidant of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, has opposed any attempt to escalate the ongoing war.

Musk, who also owns social media giant X, weighed in on the matter while agreeing with a post stating 'libs love war.'

The post was published by Utah Senator Mike Lee, a Republican, who reacted to the news, saying 'Libs [liberals] love war,' adding: 'war facilitates bigger government.'

In response, Musk, designated to lead the Department of Government Efficiency in the next administration, replied with 'True.'

Richard Grenell, a close adviser to the president-elect who served as acting director of national intelligence in 2020, accused Biden of 'escalating the wars before he leaves office.'

Trump’s son, Donald Jr., also weighed in on the sensitive matter, accusing Biden of an attempt to trigger World War III.

'The Military Industrial Complex seems to want to make sure they get World War 3 going before my father has a chance to create peace and save lives,' Trump’s son wrote on X.

“Gotta lock in those $Trillions. Life be damned!!! Imbeciles!' he added.

Trump has committed to ending the conflict which began on February 24, 2022, when Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Prior to the full-scale war, tensions between the two countries had been escalating for years, particularly after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its involvement in the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, where Russian-backed separatists were fighting Ukrainian forces.

To bring the conflict to a speedy conclusion, Trump is expected to push Moscow and Kyiv to agree to peace talks.

Reports of outgoing United States President Joe Biden allowing Ukraine to launch deep strikes on Russia have received widespread condemnation from key figures close to incoming Head of State Donald Trump.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

With a sleek design and an irresistibly refined taste, the new SKOL Malt bottle wowed fans who turned up in droves to celebrate the brand’s exciting transformation.

Held at Kigali Universe, the event delivered a night of unforgettable vibes, boasting stellar performances from Rwanda’s top hip-hop artists. Hosted by the dynamic duo Anita Pendo and Kate Gustave, the concert united music lovers in a showcase of talent, energy, and community spirit.

Fans were treated to electrifying performances from heavyweights Riderman and Bulldog, whose iconic beats and lyrics ignited the crowd. The stage also sizzled with the raw energy of Fireman, Bushali, Zeotrap, Nessa, and other rising stars like Be Attilla, Boy Chopper, Slum Drip, and Papa Cyangwe.

The event attracted hundreds of excited revelers

Mariepaule Niwemfura, the Marketing Manager at SKOL Brewery Ltd., expressed his enthusiasm about the rebranding. “This new SKOL Malt bottle represents our dedication to innovation and quality. We are thrilled to offer our consumers a product that not only tastes exceptional but also embodies the vibrant spirit of Rwanda’s culture,” she said.

The friendly basket ball games between select teams and the surprise guest acts brought an extra dose of thrill, solidifying the event as a standout night in Kigali’s entertainment calendar.

As SKOL Malt’s new bottle took center stage, attendees couldn’t stop raving about its fresh, modern look and upgraded taste. Complementing the concert’s vibrant atmosphere, the new SKOL Malt became the perfect partner for fans to toast to the beats, the culture, and the brand’s unwavering commitment to Rwanda’s hip-hop scene.

Mariepaule Niwemfura, the Marketing Manager at SKOL Brewery Ltd., expressed his enthusiasm about the rebranding.

Rafael Mugenzi, a reveler who turned up with his family and friends to enjoy the evening, shared his excitement. 'I’ve attended many concerts, but this one was truly special. The performances were incredible, the vibe was unmatched, and SKOL’s new malt bottle is a game-changer. We all enjoyed to the maximum.'

With a massive crowd, iconic performances, and the unveiling of a game-changing SKOL Malt bottle, the 'Keep It 100% Concert' delivered a night that will be etched in Kigali’s memory.

The rebranded bottle has a sleek design and an irresistibly refined taste.

There were cultural and recreational performances that entertained the crowd.

There were friendly basket ball games between select teams.

Thibault Relecom, the propriator of Skol Brewery Ltd speaking at the event

With a sleek design and an irresistibly refined taste, the new SKOL Malt bottle wowed fans who turned up

Performances from Rwandan Hip-Hop tars thrilled the crowds

Sam K Nkurunziza

Data from Eurostat reveals that approximately 3.2 million elderly Germans aged 65 and over are at risk of poverty, according to the German news agency dpa.

The number has remained relatively stable in recent years, with 3.245 million seniors affected in 2023 compared to 3.157 million in 2022. This, however, stands in contrast to 2013, when only 2.4 million elderly individuals in Germany were at risk of poverty.

Poverty risk is defined as having an income below 60 percent of the median after social benefits.

Germany’s elderly population has grown significantly over the years, rising from 12 million in 1991 to 18.7 million in 2022. This demographic shift means seniors now make up a larger share of the population, according to the Federal Statistical Office.

The issue of elderly poverty has intensified debates over pension reform in the country, with German political parties sharply divided on potential solutions. According to dpa, major changes are unlikely to occur before the formation of a new government.

Germany’s elderly population has grown significantly over the years, rising from 12 million in 1991 to 18.7 million in 2022.

Xinhua

If current trends continue, AMR could lead to as many as 10 million deaths annually by 2050. Statistics show that economically, AMR could cost the global economy $3.4 trillion each year while pushing millions into poverty.

For low- and middle-income countries with healthcare systems already under strain, the need for coordinated, strategic responses is urgent.

From a layman’s understanding, AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms evolve to resist the drugs designed to kill them. Over time, these 'superbugs' render standard treatments ineffective, harder and sometimes impossible.

Dr. Eric Mugabo, a Rwandan Public Health activist and The Executive Director of Oazis Health, explains that AMR doesn’t discriminate; it’s a global issue that affects everyone. Human daily actions ranging from handwashing to responsible antibiotic use, play a critical role in fighting AMR.

Rwanda is addressing AMR through antimicrobial stewardship, a strategy designed to promote the responsible use of antimicrobials in order to preserve their effectiveness. This means ensuring antibiotics and other antimicrobials are used correctly and only when necessary.

Healthcare professionals attending Antimicrobial Stewardship training

Consuming these antimicrobials without professional guidance increases chances of developing AMR since misuse and overuse are primary drivers. It means that healthcare providers are key players in ensuring that medications like antibiotics are administered with care to avoid fueling resistance.

Through its Antibiotic Stewardship Program, Oazis Health and partners have developed initiatives to equip Rwandan healthcare professionals to become effective antimicrobial stewards.

This training emphasizes on understanding AMR from a scientific perspective, best practices for antibiotic prescribing, and patient engagement on responsible medication use.

Oazis Health offers an online, CPD-accredited course available to clinicians and para-clinicians across Rwanda. Through this course, healthcare providers gain insights into AMR drivers and effects, learning how to incorporate antimicrobial stewardship principles into their daily clinical practice.

'Stewardship isn’t just about prescribing less; it’s about understanding when and why to use antimicrobials to balance their benefits while minimizing risks 'Through education, we’re empowering healthcare providers to be guardians of these vital medicines,' says Dr Mugabo.

Rwanda’s healthcare workers increasingly recognize that every prescription matters in the fight against AMR and are learning to engage patients on responsible antibiotic use.

OAZIS Health conducting a workshop for University of Rwanda, Huye Campus students.

Public awareness is another critical strategy in containing AMR as recommended by the WHO. In collaboration with the University of Manchester, Oazis Health recently organized the '30 Days of Antibiotic Stewardship' campaign, designed to engage the public and raise awareness about AMR.

The campaign used an online course called Antibiotics and You, encouraging participants to learn about AMR and motivate others to take the course. Instead of relying on social media 'likes,' the campaign measured engagement by the number of course certificates participants earned and shared online.

One standout participant was Felix Nahimana, a medical student at the University of Rwanda, who mobilized over 100 individuals to complete the course. He reflected on and shared his experience.

'Through this course, I understood the seriousness of AMR. As a future doctor, I’m committed to raising awareness and using social media to combat the spread of superbugs.'

The campaign’s hashtag-driven format allowed participants to spread key messages on hygiene, the dangers of self-prescribing antibiotics, and the global threat of resistance.

Despite these promising efforts, Rwanda faces challenges in its fight against AMR. Public awareness of AMR remains low, diagnostic resources are limited, and antibiotics are often purchased without prescription, which increases misuse.

Rwandan Medical Doctors have pledged to preserve antimicrobials.

Dr. Mugabo highlights the importance of addressing these gaps: 'We’re making strides, but there’s a real gap in public understanding and policy enforcement. Rwandans need to understand that self-prescribing antibiotics or using them when unnecessarily contributes to AMR, impacting everyone in the long term.'

Experts agree that a multifaceted approach is essential to combat AMR effectively. For Rwanda, this includes increasing investments in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in healthcare settings, raising public awareness, enforcing strict regulations around antibiotic prescriptions, and providing healthcare workers with proper diagnostic tools and training.

Dr Mugabo underscores the importance of collaboration: 'Only by embracing the One Health approach and partnering with academic institutions, government bodies, and community organizations can we sustain change and successfully mitigate AMR’s impact.'

Oazis Health has ambitious plans to expand its impact. The organization aims to establish a regional Antimicrobial Stewardship Hub, dedicated to education, clinical training, and public awareness.

This hub would serve as a center for AMR knowledge and advocacy, connecting healthcare professionals with resources on AMR best practices.

Additionally, an online platform for AMR-related content is operational, with plans to collaborate with other media outlets to keep AMR a visible issue within the community.

These efforts are designed to build a foundation of knowledge, awareness, and responsible action against AMR in Rwanda and the wider region.

The battle against AMR requires sustained collaboration across all levels of society. While Rwanda advances its healthcare system, the commitment of healthcare professionals, activists, and community members provides a promising foundation.

Rwanda’s growing focus on antimicrobial stewardship and public engagement may pave the way for a healthcare system equipped to confront the silent but deadly threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Sam K Nkurunziza