Cameroon has halted a logging plan in the Ebo Forest, home to gorillas, chimpanzees, and other fauna, by retracting a decree that would have allowed nearly half the forest to be logged. This decision, ordered by President Paul Biya, suspends the conversion of 68,385 hectares of the forest into a state-controlled Forest Management Unit. The Ebo Forest, proposed as a National Park in 2006, is the only habitat where Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzees exhibit unique tool-using behaviors. Environmental organizations like Greenpeace Africa and Rainforest Rescue have expressed relief but remain vigilant about the forest's future and local community rights.

Studies show that Covid-19 vaccines, such as those from Novavax and Johnson & Johnson, may be less effective against new variants like the B.1.351 strain prevalent in South Africa. Novavax's vaccine was 89.3% effective in the UK but showed reduced efficacy in South African trials, especially among HIV-positive individuals. The South African variant has spread to almost 30 countries. Adjustments to vaccines may be necessary to combat these variants, with researchers emphasizing the urgency of vaccination to prevent further mutations.

Covid-19 vaccines, such as those from Novavax Inc. and Johnson & Johnson, may require adjustments to combat new strains like the South African variant B.1.351. While Novavax's vaccine showed 89.3% efficacy in the UK, its efficacy dropped to 60% among HIV-negative individuals in South Africa. The South African variant, which is more transmissible but not more severe, has spread to nearly 30 countries. Experts emphasize the urgency of vaccination to prevent further mutations. Adjusting vaccines could take five to six weeks, according to vaccinology professor Shabir Madhi.

The World Health Organization reported that a coronavirus variant first identified in South Africa is causing a surge in infections and deaths across the region, with the variant also found in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, and Mayotte. It is likely present in other African countries and has been detected in at least 24 countries outside Africa. The variant is more transmissible but not necessarily causing more severe illness. A resurgence is occurring in 22 African countries, with a 50% increase in infections and a doubling of deaths in the month ending January 25. The WHO and Africa CDC have established a network of labs to monitor variants, urging countries to send samples for sequencing.

The death of Shonisani Lethole at a South African public hospital highlights severe deficiencies in patient care. Lethole, who had COVID-19 and stage 4 renal failure, was not fed for 100 hours nor seen by a doctor for nearly three days. His case, which led to public outrage and a petition for justice, prompted Health Minister Zweli Mkhize to order an investigation. The ombudsman's report criticized the hospital for using the same ward for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients, poor record-keeping, and delays in post-mortem processes. It recommended disciplinary action against the CEO and staff who misled the investigation. The provincial health department has agreed to implement the ombudsman's recommendations.

South Africa's government, initially praised for its swift lockdown to curb the coronavirus, is now criticized for its slow response in securing vaccines. Unlike other developing nations like Indonesia and Argentina, which have begun vaccinations, South Africa's program has not started. The country has only secured enough doses for 10% of its population through Covax, with deliveries expected to begin the following month.

South Africa's government faces criticism for delays in securing COVID-19 vaccines, with no inoculation program started while other nations have begun vaccinations. The government secured doses for 10% of the population from Covax, with more expected next month. Critics, including top medical scientists and opposition parties, accuse the government of poor planning and potential criminal negligence. President Ramaphosa and Health Minister Mkhize defend their strategy, citing financial and legal constraints. Deals with the Serum Institute of India and other suppliers have been made for additional doses. The slow procurement process could impact the ANC's support in upcoming elections and President Ramaphosa's political future.

The Bangweulu Wetlands in northeastern Zambia will host its first cheetahs in nearly a century, with three males relocated from South Africa. This initiative by African Parks aims to restore the area's biodiversity and support the survival of the African cheetah, a species with fewer than 6,700 individuals remaining in the wild.

South Africa, severely affected by COVID-19, is lagging in its vaccine strategy despite hosting trials for Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca-University of Oxford. The government plans to join the Covax initiative but has not made the necessary payments. Covax will initially cover only 3% of the population, with healthcare workers and the elderly prioritized. The country faces a resurgence of cases and economic challenges from earlier lockdowns. Other nations have secured vaccine deals, while South Africa's negotiations are unclear. Aspen Pharmacare will produce J&J vaccines, with half for emerging markets under Covax. Experts criticize the government's lack of communication and urge for action.

South Africa, the African nation with the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, has not yet clarified its vaccine procurement strategy. Hosting trials for Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca-University of Oxford, the country is preparing for a potential pandemic resurgence with nearly 22,000 deaths. South Africa intends to join the Covax initiative, with the National Treasury allocating funds, but further financial resources are required to secure timely vaccine access. Finance Minister Tito Mboweni and Anban Pillay of the Department of Health provided insights into the funding and vaccine availability.

During the COVID-19 lockdowns in South Africa, township entrepreneurs like Kopano Mofokeng found opportunities to thrive by supplying local food vendors in Soweto. Despite the national economy suffering and high unemployment, the restrictions led to a surge in demand for local businesses. Mofokeng's Kasi Convenience and Refiloe Rantakoe's bakery are examples of enterprises that adapted and grew, benefiting from the shift to local shopping and innovation.

South Africa is experiencing a resurgence of coronavirus infections, particularly in the Western Cape province, which reported a 42% increase in new cases. Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, who is quarantined after testing positive for the virus, highlighted a super-spreader event in a Cape Town bar as a significant source of the recent spike. Nationwide, cases rose by 9.1% in the past week. The government, which eased most restrictions on October 1, is now facing the threat of a second wave, with complacency and social gatherings contributing to the virus's spread. The country has recorded a total of 708,359 infections and 18,741 deaths.

Rwanda has entrusted the management of Nyungwe National Park to African Parks, a non-profit organization, to enhance wildlife conservation and boost tourism. African Parks, which manages 19 national parks across Africa, will also develop tourism infrastructure in the park, known for its diverse species including primates and birds. This is the second park in Rwanda under African Parks' management, following the successful reintroduction of lions and rhinos in Akagera National Park. Nyungwe is crucial for water provision in Rwanda, contributing to 70% of the country's water and feeding into the Congo and Nile Basins.

South Africa may soon sign a deal with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations to produce a Covid-19 vaccine at the Biovac Institute, enhancing vaccine access across Africa. The country is actively participating in several clinical trials, including those by AstraZeneca, Novavax, and Johnson & Johnson, highlighting its unique position in the continent's healthcare landscape. The move aims to increase vaccine manufacturing capacity in Africa.

South Africa has become the first country in Africa to publish a list of companies awarded coronavirus-related government contracts, in an effort to combat corruption. The list was released by the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer and includes procurement information from all provinces, national departments, and over 70 public entities. President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasized the government's commitment to transparency amid a scandal involving the procurement of medical equipment, which has implicated members of his office and the ruling ANC. Investigations are ongoing into potential impropriety in the awarding of 658 government contracts worth over R5 billion. Ramaphosa has also addressed ANC members in a letter, urging them to act against corruption that tarnishes the party's image.

South Africa's COVID-19 epidemic is declining, with a decrease in new infections, hospital admissions, and positivity rates. The infection rate has slowed significantly since March, and the country is transitioning to a surveillance mode with a new testing strategy. Despite the relaxation of restrictions, vigilance is advised due to the potential for a second surge. South Africa has the highest number of infections in Africa and is fifth globally, with over 611,450 cases and 13,159 deaths.