The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended prioritizing the Ervebo vaccine for a randomized clinical trial to combat the ongoing Bundibugyo virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). While Ervebo was originally designed to target the Ebola Zaire virus, preliminary animal study data suggest it may offer cross-protection against the Bundibugyo strain, specifically … Read more
According to social anthropology researcher Claudia Eggart, the Dordoi Bazaar in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, generated roughly US$7.9 million in tax revenue in 2025, operating as a massive 100-hectare trading hub constructed from up to 60,000 double and triple-stacked shipping containers. Spanning post-Soviet economic shifts, the market functions as an autonomous city within a city, employing between … Read more
South Africa has initiated preparatory measures for the potential introduction of the M72/AS01E tuberculosis vaccine, marking a significant step toward addressing a disease that has lacked a new vaccine in over a century. The Department of Health is coordinating with international partners to ensure that if current Phase 3 clinical trials prove successful, the country … Read more
Namibia has avoided a major economic blow after escaping the latest 12.5 percent United States tariff wave that hit seven major African exporting economies, according to official trade policy documents issued on July 23. While nations including South Africa and Nigeria face the new levies under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974, … Read more
Economic engagement between Australia and Malaysia is accelerating under Australia’s Invested: Australia’s South-East Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, which identifies Malaysia as a priority market across agriculture and food, resources and energy transition, education and skills, and the digital economy. Bilateral trade reached almost A$35bil (RM99.89bil) in 2025, making Malaysia Australia’s ninth-largest two-way trading partner … Read more
Eric, recognized as the world’s first Burundian-Dutch Drag King living openly with HIV, uses performance art and advocacy to challenge systemic medical stigma and promote HIV prevention tools like PrEP and U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable). Diagnosed at age 26 when a doctor told him to plan his funeral, he now performs internationally—including selections at the … Read more
Thailand faces potential US trade sanctions under Section 301 as the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) investigates supply chain transparency and forced labor risks. If implemented, a proposed 12.5% tariff could disrupt major export sectors, including seafood, electronics, and automotive parts, forcing Thai producers to either absorb higher costs or lose market … Read more
PNG’s Strategic Shift: Closing Taiwan’s Trade Office Papua New Guinea (PNG) has announced the closure of Taiwan’s trade mission in Port Moresby, marking a significant diplomatic shift toward China. The move, confirmed by Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko, underscores PNG’s commitment to the One China policy and aims to strengthen ties with Beijing. “Taiwan’s presence is … Read more
President Donald Trump has declared the U.S.–Iran memorandum of understanding and ceasefire “over” following a series of Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The renewed hostilities caused a sharp rise in global oil prices, though the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts that global crude production and trade flows are likely … Read more
Indonesia and Canada are utilizing the newly signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (ICA-CEPA) to address an “underperforming” trade relationship that currently nears $7 billion annually. According to Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia Jess Dutton, the agreement aims to unlock growth in aerospace, energy, agriculture, and technology by reducing tariffs and increasing investor certainty. ICA-CEPA Tariff Reductions … Read more