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Afreximbank President visits African Medical Centre of Excellence as the landmark health investment marks first year of transformative impact

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Afreximbank

In its first year of operation, AMCE has moved from vision to measurable impact, demonstrating how development finance can transform healthcare on the continent

ABUJA, Nigeria, July 6, 2026/APO Group/ –As part of his working tour of Nigeria and the wider region, Dr George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), visited the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in Abuja, reaffirming Afreximbank’s commitment to supporting the realisation of Africa’s health care sovereignty.

 

Developed by Afreximbank in partnership with King’s College Hospital, London, AMCE was established to help transform specialist healthcare delivery in Africa, by strengthening clinical capacity, advancing research and education, creating a sustainable ecosystem for world-class care on the continent and in turn, reducing dependence on medical travel abroad.

In its first year of operation, AMCE has moved from vision to measurable impact, demonstrating how development finance can transform healthcare on the continent.

The Centre has registered over 5,000 patients from more than 20 countries across four continents, underscoring its growing role as a regional and global referral centre for advanced specialist healthcare.

Beyond the numbers are lives already being transformed. During its first year, AMCE has achieved several important clinical milestones. The Centre delivered West Africa’s first Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for lung cancer, treating an octogenarian with a localised lung tumour using a highly precise, non-invasive technique that previously required many patients to travel abroad. The Centre also completed its first complex Triple Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), demonstrating that advanced cardiac care can now be delivered to global standards within Africa. AMCE also successfully completed two Stem cell transplants.

The success of this Centre reflects the depth of talent assembled here and the pan-African spirit that underpins its service

Its advanced laboratory has processed more than 40,000 diagnostic tests and investigations, completed 10 open-heart surgeries and 11 cardiac surgical procedures under the cardiac programme, administered 99 catheterisation laboratory procedures, and 173 anaesthesia-supported procedures in just a year.

Additionally, the Centre has commenced Nuclear medicine services, with Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging now available for bone scans, renograms, and perfusion scans, while Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) imaging is scheduled to commence later in the year.

Speaking during the visit, Dr. Elombi applauded the remarkable progress recorded by the Centre within its first year of operation, describing it as a compelling demonstration of African excellence, institutional resolve, and shared purpose. He stated: “The success of this Centre reflects the depth of talent assembled here and the pan-African spirit that underpins its service. The vision that inspired the conception and construction of this facility is the same conviction now being carried forward by the medical professionals delivering care to the continent. The AMCE provides health services and advances Africa’s health sovereignty while affirming our collective capacity to take responsibility for our own lives and future. The AMCE is a world-class quaternary healthcare facility delivering medical services of a standard that many would previously have sought beyond the continent. Nigerians, and citizens across Africa, must take full advantage of this facility—built by African institutions with the steadfast support of our governments.”

AMCE Chief Executive Officer, Brian Deaver, said Dr. Elombi’s visit marks an important milestone in the Centre’s journey and provides an opportunity to reflect on the impact AMCE has made in just one year.

“Our progress, from pioneering clinical achievements to earning growing trust across the region, demonstrates that Africa can build and sustain world-class centres of excellence. With Afreximbank’s continued vision and support, we remain committed to advancing patient care, research, education and innovation to strengthen health systems across the continent”.  Deaver noted.

Dr Elombi also toured key clinical departments, interacted with healthcare professionals and staff, and received updates on the Centre’s operational performance, clinical achievements and long-term expansion plans. He thanked the facilities’ employees for their commitment to building a new benchmark for specialist healthcare in Africa, noting that the Centre’s early achievements reflect the dedication, professionalism and shared vision of its workforce.

Today, AMCE employs more than 600 clinical and non-clinical professionals, representing 12 nationalities, and reflecting its growing reputation as a destination for highly skilled healthcare professionals. Earlier this year, the Centre also earned Great Place to Work® Certification, with 90 percent of employees affirming it is a great place to work.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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Taiwan entrepreneur Time Light Care brings smart elderly care to mainland as silver economy gains ground

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June 30, 2026

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TIANJIN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 June 2026 – A smart elderly care enterprise branded Time Light Care, based in north China’s Tianjin, has developed a proprietary smart elderly care management platform, drawing on Taiwan’s long-term care experience and riding the momentum of the mainland’s silver economy.

The nursing homes, positioned as “community-embedded, small-to-medium scale, high-quality care” facilities, allow the elderly to stay in familiar surroundings while remaining close to family members.

On the technology front, the company has introduced millimeter-wave radar monitors for completely bedridden residents to track breathing, pulse, and heartbeat in real time, with automatic alerts sent to caregivers’ phones in case of any abnormality.

The company has also introduced accessible vehicles equipped with detachable automatic wheelchairs that go directly to the bedside, helping “suspended seniors”—those who struggle to go downstairs due to the lack of elevators—to go out with dignity.

These industry efforts come as China’s elderly population aged 60 and above reached 320 million by the end of 2025, a figure projected to exceed 400 million by 2035, with the silver economy expected to surpass 30 trillion yuan (about 4.41 trillion U.S. dollars).

In February 2026, an executive meeting of the State Council proposed to promote the expansion and quality improvement of inclusive elderly care service supply, improving a tiered, categorized, inclusive, accessible, urban-rural covering, and sustainable elderly care service system. The series of measures outlined at the meeting charted the direction and identified priorities for better meeting the diverse and multi-level needs of hundreds of millions of elderly people.

“The mainland’s policy support and market scale have created immense opportunities for innovation in senior care,” said Jing Ran, the company’s representative, during an exclusive interview with China News Service. “Having succeeded in starting our business here, we now hope to encourage more young people from Taiwan to come, explore, and develop their careers on the mainland.”

 

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Vestergaard and LifeStraw team up to boost community health impact in Kenya

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June 25, 2026

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Vestergaard first rehabilitated the Emusanda Health Centre in Lurambi, Kenya, in 2009, establishing a community clinic delivering essential primary and paediatric care, and comprehensive services for people living with HIV

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 24, 2026/APO Group/ –Vestergaard (https://Vestergaard.com/) and LifeStraw – sister companies united by shared values and a long commitment to social impact – are strengthening their collaboration in western Kenya through a new annual commitment from Vestergaard to donate 1,000 PermaNet® Dual long-lasting insecticidal mosquito nets. The initiative builds on more than a decade of joint engagement at Emusanda Health Centre, as well as LifeStraw’s global Give Back programme to provide communities across Kenya and other countries around the world with safe water.

 

Vestergaard first rehabilitated the Emusanda Health Centre in Lurambi, Kenya, in 2009, establishing a community clinic delivering essential primary and paediatric care, and comprehensive services for people living with HIV. Since LifeStraw became an independent company in 2020, it has continued to develop the facility – building a maternity ward and strengthening pre- and postnatal services – while Vestergaard has provided mosquito nets for every mother giving birth at the centre, and every family with children under 5 years old accessing care. Each family also receives a LifeStraw household water purifier, and LifeStraw’s local teams continue to support the clinic by filling staffing gaps and supplying essential medicines so services can operate around the clock.

 

Beyond Emusanda, LifeStraw’s Give Back programme has delivered safe water to schools and communities across Kenya and other countries, reaching more than 14 million children. At the same time, malaria remains a major threat to child health, with over 4 million cases estimated nationwide in 2024. Insecticide‑treated nets have been instrumental in reducing malaria globally, accounting for 72% (https://apo-opa.co/4vuLfIc) of all cases prevented between 2000 and 2024, while next‑generation dual active‑ingredient nets including PermaNet Dual have stopped an estimated 40 million cases since their introduction in 2019.

Safe water and malaria prevention are two of the most fundamental building blocks of community health, yet too many families still lack consistent access to either

 

By integrating distribution of Vestergaard’s latest mosquito net technology into LifeStraw’s existing community health programmes, the annual donation of PermaNet Dual will extend protection beyond healthcare facilities to boarding schools caring for orphans and children with disabilities, ensuring safer nights for some of the most at risk. Together, safe drinking water and malaria prevention form a simple but powerful package of protection for mothers, newborns, and school‑aged children.

 

Amar Ali, CEO of Vestergaard, said: “LifeStraw’s frontline work continues to show where the gaps are, and how well‑targeted interventions can protect children who might otherwise be left behind. By formalizing this annual PermaNet donation, we’re reinforcing our shared commitment to helping communities access the basic tools they need for a safer and healthier start in life.”

 

Alison Hill, CEO of LifeStraw, said: “Safe water and malaria prevention are two of the most fundamental building blocks of community health, yet too many families still lack consistent access to either. LifeStraw’s mission has always been rooted in the belief that safe water is a foundation for health and opportunity, but water alone is not enough. By integrating Vestergaard’s PermaNet Dual into our programs, we are bringing together the right interventions for families and children, improving both health and educational outcomes. It is a practical, scalable approach grounded in decades of work in these communities.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Vestergaard Sàrl.

 

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HKSTP Leads Largest-Ever Hong Kong Delegation to BIO 2026 Showcasing Life and Health Tech Strength

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June 25, 2026

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41 local tech firms, institutes and university spin-offs head to San Diego to forge global partnerships, reinforcing the city’s status as international healthcare innovation hub
HONG KONG SAR/SAN DIEGO, UNITED STATES – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 June 2026 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), in collaboration with InvestHK as co-organiser, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) as supporting organisation, and five renowned local universities – The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and City University of Hong Kong – to form the city’s largest-ever delegation of life and health technology innovators to the BIO International Convention 2026 (BIO 2026) in San Diego, from June 22 to 25.

Building on last year’s momentum, the 2026 Hong Kong delegation doubled the size of the Hong Kong Pavilion, expanding to a record of 41 organisations from HKSTP, including partner companies, research institutes, and for the first time with top five universities spin-offs. This landmark presence showcased Hong Kong’s deep strength across AI-enabled biotech, therapeutics, diagnostics, and pharma innovation, with potential outstanding “First-in-Class” and “Best-in-Class” assets. The delegation underscores the city’s leading role as Asia’s largest and the world’s second largest fundraising hub for the biotechnology sector.

Mr. Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said, “BIO 2026 is a premier platform to showcase Hong Kong’s groundbreaking innovation, deepen partnerships, and open new pathways into global healthcare markets. As a super-connector, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to bridge global innovators with opportunities across Asia and beyond. With strong R&D capabilities backed by world-class universities—five ranked among the QS Top 100, including two with medical schools now placed in the global top 20—Hong Kong’s biotech and medical research excellence is increasingly recognised worldwide. As the city’s innovation ecosystem orchestrator, HKSTP brings together talent, capital, research institutions, clinical partners, and industry leaders to accelerate the journey from discovery to impact. We will continue to empower life and health technology ventures, translating innovation breakthroughs into life-changing solutions that benefit communities around the world.”

HKSTP and Park Companies Advanced in Cross-border Innovation and Market Expansion

A key highlight of BIO 2026 is witnessing the signing of three major strategic partnerships:

LabCentral — HKSTP signed an MOU with one of the largest global non-profit biotech incubators, supporting life sciences startups with high-impact lab infrastructure and scientific community programmes. The collaboration will deepen ties between the U.S. and Hong Kong life sciences ecosystems through startup support, ecosystem engagement, and co-developed programmes, events and strategic initiatives. It will also help connect startups, investors, corporate partners and research institutions, creating stronger pathways for cross-border innovation and commercialisation.

Immuno Cure – the developer of the first-in-human novel therapeutic HIV vaccine ICVAX – announced its collaboration with OPIS, an international Contract Research Organization (CRO), at BIO 2026. Leveraging OPIS’s full-service, multi-country clinical trial expertise and regulatory knowledge, the partnership will support overseas clinical trial execution and establish a global framework to prepare for international expansion.

Zhaoke Ophthalmology signed an MOU with Laboratório Teuto, the first company to produce generic medicines and OTCs (Over the Counter – Prescription Exempt Medicines) in Brazil, to explore cross-border cooperation in ophthalmology. This is Zhaoke’s first strategic MOU in Brazil market. Leveraging its innovative pipeline and Teuto’s commercial network in Brazil, the partnership aims to bring advanced eye care treatments to Latin American patients while demonstrating the globalisation of Hong Kong-born biotech innovation.

Beyond the BIO 2026 Hong Kong Pavilion, HKSTP CEO Mr Terry Wong attended the “Translating Innovation Across Borders: Creating Global Gateways for Biotech Startups” panel sharing session. Mr. Wong shared his insights on cutting-edge biotech trends, Hong Kong’s strengths on life and health tech development, and HKSTP’s role in building a global bridge for nurturing global startup expansion, sustainable innovation and collaboration.

Furthermore, HKSTP and five Hong Kong university delegates visited the Salk Institute, home to six Nobel Laureates during BIO 2026 to explore partnerships and shape global biotech momentum through collaborative platforms. HKSTP, in collaboration with InvestHK as co-organiser, HKTDC as the supporting organisation, and powered by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco, hosted a Global Mixer during the exhibition. Industry leaders, incubators, and venture capital firms – including Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, LabCentral, Roche, Simcere Pharmaceutical, and T.Rx Capital – were invited to join the judging panel for startup pitching sessions. The Pavilion also featured executive sharing and curated networking events for commercialisation, licensing, partnerships, investment and international market expansion.

Global recognition at Biomedical Pitch Competition

In the lead-up to BIO 2026, HKSTP actively drove engagement across the biotech sector and co-organised the 2026 Biomedical Pitch Competition with the Boston Capital Investment Club in Boston on May 23 and 24. Competing against around 170 biotechnology companies worldwide, HKSTP park company Meta Pharmaceuticals (HK) Limited won Third Place for its next-generation autoimmune therapeutics. The recognition underscores the strength of Hong Kong’s biotech pipeline and HKSTP’s commitment to translational medicine, commercialisation and globally scalable healthcare solutions.

HK’s biotech ecosystem rises to another level

Hong Kong continues to expand its global healthcare footprint as the world’s second-largest biotech fundraising hub. As Hong Kong’s flagship innovation and technology ecosystem, HKSTP is home to more than 300 life and health technology companies and helps innovators turn pioneering ideas into real-world impact. Its ecosystem connects capital, talent, infrastructure and market access across the biotech innovation journey.

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 to create a thriving I&T ecosystem grooming 13 unicorns, more than 17,000 research professionals and over 2,500 technology companies from 26 countries and regions focused on developing healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies, etc.

Our growing innovation ecosystem offers comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures, with the I&T journey built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Kok, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined.

Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen plays positive roles in connecting the world and the mainland with our proximity, strengthening cross-border exchange to bring advantages in attracting global talent and allowing possibilities for the development of technology companies in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability, with both dry and wet laboratories, co-working space, conference and exhibition facilities, and more.

Through our R&D infrastructure, startup support and enterprise services, commercialisation and investment expertise, partnership networks and talent traction, HKSTP continues to contribute in establishing I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong.

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