WÒRDS FÒR YÒU

In a sharp escalation of the ongoing trade tensions, China has imposed a sweeping 125% tariff on a wide range of U.S. goods, retaliating against the United States’ recent decision to levy 145% tariffs on Chinese imports. The move marks a significant deepening of the US-China trade war, with analysts warning of serious consequences for global supply chains and international commerce. Chinese President Xi Jinping issued a stern warning against unilateralism, calling for “global cooperation against bullying” and urging a shift toward mutual respect and dialogue. “China remains committed to win-win cooperation,” Xi stated, emphasizing that sustainable bilateral relations must be built on mutual trust and fairness. The International Trade Centre’s Executive Director, Pamela Coke-Hamilton, raised alarm over the growing risks to global trade, forecasting an 80% decline in US-China trade if tensions continue unabated. “With 40% of traded goods classified as intermediate products, ...

Southern Africa is taking a landmark step to fortify its defenses against climate-driven health threats and future pandemics through a comprehensive new initiative spanning eight countries and backed by $35 million in international support. Eight countries— Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe — have launched a three-year program aimed at boosting emergency health preparedness across the region. The effort is funded by the Pandemic Fund , with technical leadership from the World Health Organization (WHO) and collaboration from key regional and global health partners. This wide-reaching program is designed to build stronger, more responsive health systems by focusing on early warning mechanisms , disease surveillance , laboratory diagnostic capabilities , and developing a resilient health workforce . The initiative also emphasizes climate adaptation , recognizing the urgent need to equip health systems to withstand and respond to the gr...