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Pfizer Supplies One Billionth Pneumococcal Conjugated Vaccine Dose for Vaccination of Children in Lower- Income Countries Through Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

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1 month ago

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Pfizer

The Vaccine Alliance is a public-private partnership that brings together governments, global health organizations, the vaccine industry and other sectors to increase equitable and sustainable access to vaccines

The billionth dose is an exciting milestone and a testament to the commitment and cooperation of Pfizer, Gavi and other partners to help children in Ethiopia and around the world

NEW YORK, United States of America, October 22, 2024/APO Group/ —

  • The 1 billionth pneumococcal vaccine dose was delivered to Ethiopia
  • Since 2010, Pfizer pneumococcal vaccines have reached 57 Gavi-eligible countries to help protect an estimated 300 million plus children
  • The collaboration is a part of Pfizer’s commitment to help close the global health equity gap and bring our medicines and vaccines to vulnerable communities on a not-for-profit basis

Pfizer (www.Pfizer.com) today announced it has supplied its 1 billionth pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) through its collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. The billionth dose was delivered to Ethiopia for use in its national immunization program to help protect children from pneumococcal disease. 

Globally, pneumonia is the single largest infectious cause of mortality in children under five [1]. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance is a public-private partnership that brings together governments, global health organizations, the vaccine industry and other sectors to increase equitable and sustainable access to vaccines for some of the world’s deadliest diseases, like pneumonia.

In 2009, Gavi established the Pneumococcal Advance Market Commitment (AMC), a public-private health financing mechanism designed to create a sustainable marketplace, enabling investment in development and manufacturing and providing an affordable and stable supply of vaccines at a highly subsidized price for supply to children in low- and lower-middle income Gavi-eligible countries. Pfizer was one of the first manufacturers to participate in the AMC. To date, its vaccines have reached 57 Gavi-eligible countries, and they are estimated to have helped protect more than 300 million children from pneumococcal disease [2].

Gavi’s success in immunizing over a billion children since 2000 is built upon its unique multistakeholder model. Vaccine manufacturers play a critical role in this partnership, helping us build healthy, affordable markets for vaccines and delivering innovative new solutions. We are proud of reaching this important milestone together with Pfizer and look forward to impactful collaboration in the future.” – Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

In Ethiopia, more than 40,000 children under five die from pneumonia annually [3]. It is a leading cause of death during the postnatal period, accounting for 20% of deaths in this age group every year [4]. Since 2020, Pfizer has supplied more than 40 million pneumococcal vaccines to support the country’s vaccination efforts.   

“Pediatric pneumococcal vaccines are critical in our fight against one of our nation’s most urgent public health challenges. With the support of Gavi, we have been able to provide access to these vaccines to help protect our most vulnerable citizens. The billionth dose is an exciting milestone and a testament to the commitment and cooperation of Pfizer, Gavi and other partners to help children in Ethiopia and around the world have a healthier start in life.” said Mr. Melkamu Ayalew, Head of Immunization, Federal Ministry of Health, Ethiopia.

Today, more than 50 percent of Pfizer pneumococcal vaccines manufactured are supplied to support access in low- and lower-middle-income countries on a not-for-profit basis through its collaboration with Gavi.

“We are thrilled to have reached such an incredible milestone through our continued collaboration with Gavi to ensure children around the world have the opportunity to live longer and healthier lives, but our work does not end here,” said Pfizer Emerging Markets President Nick Lagunowich. “Through collaborations like this one and our ‘Accord for a Healthier World’ initiative, which is working to expand access to all of the medicines and vaccines for which we have global rights, in 45 lower-income countries, we will continue to collaborate with global health organizations, governments and others to enable sustained, not-for-profit access to breakthrough medicines and vaccines and to help to close the health equity gap for the most vulnerable.”

Since the Pneumococcal AMC was first established, significant progress in the fight to protect children against pneumococcal disease has been made. Global PCV coverage has increased six-fold from 10 percent in 2010 to 65 percent in 2023 [5]. However, this falls short of the Immunization Agenda 2030 target of 90 percent [6], signaling that there is more work to be done. Ensuring more children are vaccinated against vaccine-preventable diseases, like pneumococcal disease, goes beyond providing individuals with protection against severe disease and death. It can help uplift communities and countries by promoting health equity [7], increasing economic productivity [8] and reducing the cost burden on healthcare systems [9].

Pfizer’s collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance is part of the company’s broader commitment to help address health equity gaps around the world and enable accelerated access to medicines and vaccines. Pfizer’s Accord for a Healthier World (http://apo-opa.co/3UhWbbB) initiative is a first-of-its-kind effort to increase access for 1.2 billion people living in 45 lower-income countries around the world. Through the Accord, Pfizer has committed to provide access to the full portfolio of medicines and vaccines for which it has global rights on a not-for-profit basis to eligible countries while also collaborating with governments and others to address the system-level barriers that can prevent access to these products to the people that need them. 

[1] WHO. 2022. Pneumonia in children. Available at: https://apo-opa.co/3UgxZWM. Accessed September 2024.

[2] Pfizer Inc. 2024. Data on file – Patient counts are estimates derived from Pfizer internal data sources” Pneumonia Prevalence and Associated Risk.

[3] Alamneh YM, Adane F. Magnitude and Predictors of Pneumonia among Under-Five Children in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Environ Public Health. 2020 May 30;2020:1606783. doi: 10.1155/2020/1606783. PMID: 32565837; PMCID: PMC7277048. Available at: https://apo-opa.co/3BXsXZi. Accessed September 2024.

[4] Leka Lutpiatina, Lilis Sulistyorini, Ririh Yudhastuti, Hari Basuki Notobroto, Prediction of Toddlers Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) to Become Pneumonia in Martapura Catchment Area, Banjar District, Indonesia, Global Pediatric Health, 10.1177/2333794X241227694, 11, (2024). Available at: https://apo-opa.co/48i3823. Accessed September 2024.

[5] WHO. 2024. Pneumococcal Vaccination Coverage. Available at: https://apo-opa.co/3Umsi9V Accessed September 2024.

[6] WHO. 2021. Implementing the Immunization Agenda 2030. Available at: https://apo-opa.co/48lhhvh Accessed September 2024.

[7] Luyten J and Beutels P. 2016. The Social Value Of Vaccination Programs: Beyond Cost-Effectiveness. Health Affairs. 35(2). Available at: https://apo-opa.co/3UkIk45 Accessed September 2024.

[8] Masia NA, Smerling J, Kapfidaze T et al. 2018. Vaccination and GDP Growth Rates: Exploring the Links in a Conditional Convergence Framework. World Development. 103;88-99. Available at: https://apo-opa.co/3Ui30d6 Accessed September 2024.

[9] Chen C, Liceras FC, Flasche S et al. 2019. Effect and cost-effectiveness of pneumococcal conjugate vaccination: a global modelling analysis. The Lancet. 7(1);58-67. Available at: https://apo-opa.co/48fnDfI Accessed September 2024.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Pfizer.

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Yellow Card Secures Crypto Asset Service Provider Licence in South Africa

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23 hours ago

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November 21, 2024

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Yellow Card

Stablecoin adoption is surging throughout Africa, with sub-Saharan Africa having the highest adoption rate in the world at 9.2%

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 20, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Yellow Card (www.YellowCard.io), Africa’s leading stablecoin-based infrastructure provider, has been issued a Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) licence by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa.  

Commenting on the FSCA’s decision to issue the licence to Yellow Card Financial South Africa, Chris Maurice, Yellow Card’s co-founder and CEO, said, “The CASP licence underscores Yellow Card’s commitment to its customers in South Africa and regulatory compliance across the continent.This achievement reflects our dedication to providing secure, compliant and transformative solutions for our customers both in South Africa and across Africa.  

The CASP licence underscores Yellow Card’s commitment to its customers in South Africa and regulatory compliance across the continent

Stablecoin adoption is surging throughout Africa, with sub-Saharan Africa having the highest adoption rate in the world at 9.2%. In South Africa alone, where the number of total users of crypto assets is estimated to amount to 5.8 million people, stablecoins have experienced growth of 50% month over month since October 2023, displacing bitcoin as the country’s most popular cryptocurrency.  Yellow Card is excited to play a pivotal role in this financial revolution in South Africa. 

Yellow Card, which launched in South Africa in 2020, has facilitated over US$3 billion in transactions in the last several years and now operates in 20 countries across the continent. The company recently completed a US$33 million Series C financing, led by Blockchain Capital and existing investors, including Polychain Capital, Valar Ventures, Third Prime Ventures, Coinbase Ventures, and Block, Inc. (Square/Cash App), reflecting strong investor confidence in its mission.   

As the stablecoin landscape continues to evolve, Yellow Card is committed to leading the charge in making digital assets accessible and secure for businesses across Africa. With the recent licensing and funding, the company plans to expand its B2B offerings by enhancing its stablecoin rails, upgrading infrastructure, and advancing its B2B API and Widget. These efforts will empower businesses with seamless solutions for liquidity management and their general operations. 

To learn more about Yellow Card, visit: https://YellowCard.io/. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Yellow Card Financial.

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Telecoming and MTN Partner to Launch cloud gaming in South Africa

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23 hours ago

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November 21, 2024

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MTN Cloudplay will allow MTN users in South Africa to access a wide range of cloud-based video games, providing a high-quality gaming experience without the need for downloads or high-end gaming consoles

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 20, 2024/APO Group/ —

  • Both companies extend their collaboration to introduce cloud gaming in South Africa.
  • MTN Cloudplay aims to revolutionize digital entertainment with affordable, high-quality gaming access.

MTN, Africa’s leading telecommunications operator with over 290 million subscribers across the continent, announces the launch of Cloudplay, a revolutionary new cloud gaming service, with Telecoming (www.Telecoming.com), a sportech company specializing in developing and distributing mobile experiences for sports and entertainment. This project marks a new milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the two companies.

MTN Cloudplay: A Game Changer

MTN Cloudplay will allow MTN users in South Africa to access a wide range of cloud-based video games, providing a high-quality gaming experience without the need for downloads or high-end gaming consoles. The service will allow customers to stream high-end PC games to their mobile phones, enabling them to play anywhere, anytime.

This service seeks to democratize access to high-quality mobile gaming for the whole family; including various genres which include retro games and exciting popular gaming titles with multi-device gameplay, at an affordable price of only R79 per month.

Jason Probert, General Manager for Digital Services at MTN South Africa shared his thoughts on the collaboration:

Customers can use their existing Steam licenses on the service, and have access to more than 300 games on the service for only R79 per month

“We’re thrilled to launch MTN Cloudplay in South Africa. We’re committed to enabling our customers to enjoy the benefits of a modern connected life and the advent of 5G means that it is now possible to stream and play games without the need for a PC or console. Customers can use their existing Steam licenses on the service, and have access to more than 300 games on the service for only R79 per month.”

Alí Karaosman, MEA Director of Telecoming says “It is very exciting for us to extend our collaboration with MTN, bringing our nearly decade-long experience in this market and supporting the operator in this innovative digital entertainment offering, we are convinced that MTN Cloudplay will revolutionize the way users in South Africa enjoy video games. For Telecoming, this partnership with MTN is a strategic step in our mission to bring esports and innovative digital services to Africa. We are committed to continuing to develop technological solutions that enhance digital leisure for people in the region.”

Service Details

MTN Cloudplay is available to all MTN users in South Africa since November 2024. With a vast library of over 340 games from over 50 publishers, this cloud gaming service offers an unmatched gaming experience on any device.

MTN Cloudplay is accessible to MTN subscribers. Users can visit https://Cloudplay.MTN.co.za to explore the platform and enjoy a wide selection of gaming titles.

Highlights

  • Extensive Game Library: Enjoy classics like Contra, PacMan and Mortal Kombat and modern hits like Hogwarts Legacy and Borderlands 3.
  • Bring Your Own License (BYOL): Access games you’ve purchased on Steam, such as Grand Theft Auto V and Fallout 4.
  • Multi-Device Access: Play on any device and switch seamlessly between them.
  • Low Latency: Experience responsive gameplay with minimal lag.
  • Subscription: Available directly on https://Cloudplay.MTN.co.za or via the MTN Play https://Play.MTN.co.za website for R79 per month.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Telecoming.

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rainx Launches the101 Range of 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) Routers for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)

Published

2 days ago

on

November 20, 2024

By

rainx

The industry’s smartest and most aesthetically pleasing 5G and Wi-Fi 7 router opens new opportunities for service providers globally

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 20, 2024/APO Group/ — 

rainx, a leader in 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) solutions, has launched the101 range (https://apo-opa.co/40UwYYE), an advanced ecosystem of fixed wireless 5G and Wi-Fi access products designed to meet the high standards of modern Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) and their customers.

This lineup includes the101 and the101 Pro 5G smart routers, the101 Xtender smart mesh Wi-Fi extender, and the101 Loop – a new category of product designed for today’s always-connected customer, powered by MediaTek. Together, these solutions redefine 5G FWA, enabling operators to enhance network quality, reduce churn, and drive new revenue streams. The routers also offer a collection of 101 skins to suit the users’ style, creating devices that are designed to be on show.

Targeted to the demands of the modern telco

As demand for 5G-enabled FWA continues to surge, MNOs face complex challenges in scaling network capacity and quality for fixed locations, while managing the concurrent load on mobile networks. Recognising this challenge, rainx has engineered the Customer Edge approach, an integrated ecosystem of products and services designed to empower operators to manage and optimise the customer experience. This begins with the101 range of 5G smart routers, which double as network probes, feeding real-time insights to theStation, a smart managed services platform.

theStation provides operators with deep network insights, enabling accurate, proactive decisions on coverage and capacity expansion. Operators can access detailed data on network performance in the home, including Wi-Fi clients, usage patterns, speed and latency – providing proactive support and direct customer communication through the101’s touch screen. This visibility gives MNOs comprehensive control over the entire FWA ecosystem, helping to streamline network load management, anticipate capacity needs, and deliver high-speed connectivity for both residential and commercial customers.

For end-users, the101 range provides an intuitive, self-service interface that empowers customers to manage their network in real time, minimising support needs and enhancing the overall customer experience.

Key Products in the101 Range include:

the101 Pro 5G smart router

Built for premium, high-demand users, the101 Pro offers advanced 5G capabilities with the new MediaTek (MTK) T830 platform that delivers sub-6Ghz 5G with speeds of up to 7 Gbps, Wi-Fi 7 and 300MHz 4 carrier aggregation. The routers offer a range of customisable skins to suit the users’ aesthetic preferences that bring the Pro’s screen to life. Its powerful hardware ensures optimal performance for bandwidth-intensive applications, including cloud gaming.

Our Customer Edge approach provides operators with the deep insights they need to make informed decisions on their networks

Ripple Messaging™ offers MNOs a direct communication channel to the device’s 2.1” touch screen for real-time support and service notifications. It includes a built-in speed test and a “Tap for Support” feature. Additionally, theStation’s managed services enable proactive device management, optimising performance with real-time updates to ensure continuous service quality and reducing operational costs.

the101 5G Smart Router

rainx’s mid-range offering is powered by an MTK T750 platform with 200MHz two carrier aggregation and AX3600 Wi-Fi 6. With a 1.8” touch screen display, it offers smart features like “Scan to Connect”, direct messaging and a built-in speed test. It’s available with a choice of 101 skins to suit customer tastes. the101 also offers managed services through theStation.

the101 Xtender Smart Mesh Wi-Fi

the101 Xtender broadens 5G coverage, enabling MNOs to deliver high-quality, uniform connectivity throughout larger spaces. As part of the mesh network, Xtenders integrate directly with 101 routers, allowing operators to address Wi-Fi coverage gaps and deliver a consistent, high-speed experience across homes or office spaces.

the101 Loop

A new portable 5G router designed for today’s always-connected consumer. With built-in 5G, a 5.5” LCD touch screen, 25W stereo sound and a cinematic camera, the Loop lets you connect in exciting new ways. MNOs can leverage the Loop’s multimedia capabilities to offer premium services, build customer loyalty and create new ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) opportunities through integrated 5G and Wi-Fi.

“Through smart hardware and services, we’re partnering with MNOs and MVNOs to unlock the potential of 5G,” said Brandon Leigh, Founder and Director of rainx. “Our ecosystem empowers operators to monetise latent 5G capacity, create new revenue streams, and addresses the shift from spiky mobile traffic to high, steady usage at fixed locations. Our Customer Edge approach provides operators with the deep insights they need to make informed decisions on their networks, manage the customer experience and generate ROI from 5G.”

“For customers, the 101range allows them to blend their aesthetic preferences with beautiful customisable skins, alongside high-performance engineering powered by the latest MediaTek CPE technology. the101 range delivers a reliable, high-speed connection that stays robust during periods of spiky traffic. The range also offers intuitive self-service features, allowing customers to easily monitor and control their router, reducing the need for support calls and creating a seamless, hands-on user experience that truly puts the power in their hands,” Leigh concluded. 

Rami Osman, Director of Business Development for MediaTek Middle East and Africa, said: “We are excited to collaborate with rainx to increase 5G FWA access across Africa, Asia and abroad to bring the benefits of fast, reliable connectivity to consumers and businesses. The MediaTek T830 has a highly integrated and compact design that provides big power savings and reduces development time and costs for customers like rainx.

“The MediaTek T830 chipset platform represents the latest advancements in both 5G and Wi-Fi connectivity and enables our customers to build extremely high-performance multi-gigabit 5G CPE products in the smallest form factors possible. Users can get a super-fast router at home of office that they can self-install and manage, reducing the lengthy installation times for fixed line broadband,” Osman said.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MediaTek Inc..

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