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Health system urged to track patients after treatment

Saving a patient’s life should no longer be the final measure of healthcare, health leaders have said, calling for greater focus on what happens after treatment, including whether patients can return to school, work and independent living.

The call was made on Thursday, September 17, 2026, during the Fourth Rehabilitation Summit in Dar es Salaam, where stakeholders urged the integration of rehabilitation into healthcare, supported by better patient tracking, data, financing and public awareness.

Mwananchi Communications Ltd (MCL) managing director, Ms Rosalynn Mndolwa-Mworia, who led a panel discussion on leadership and advocacy for rehabilitation services, said the health system should consider patients’ lives after treatment. ‘When we talk about healthcare, much of the attention goes to preventing illnesses, treating diseases and saving lives. But another important question begins after that: What kind of life does a person live?’ she said.

Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania (CCBRT) chief executive officer, Ms Brenda Msangi, said healthcare systems often measure diseases treated and lives saved without adequately measuring whether patients regain their ability to function.

‘If you look at how we measure healthcare indicators, we do not measure function. That is the first issue, and we also do not track the journey of these children after they receive interventions,’ she said.

Ms Msangi said better data was necessary for rehabilitation to receive attention in planning and budgeting.

‘Data gives us information. Even zero is data. If you are not tracking, then rehabilitation cannot be prioritised in terms of budgeting and financing,’ she said.

Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) executive director, Dr Delilah Kimambo, said her experience as a cardiologist had shown her that successful medical treatment did not necessarily mean a patient had returned to normal life.

Dr Kimambo said the experience changed how she viewed recovery and demonstrated the importance of rehabilitation after medical treatment.

She called for rehabilitation to be incorporated into Ministry of Health activities and health workers’ training.

‘For the Ministry of Health, rehabilitation should be included in all activities. We send our surgeons there, but rehabilitation is left aside,’ she said.

She also called for simple rehabilitation curricula in health workers’ training and urged cooperation between the government, private sector and non-governmental organisations to expand services.

Leaked charges reportedly point to Zelenskyy aide as alleged money laundering organizer

Leaked charges against Iryna Mudra, deputy head of Ukraine’s President’s Office, allegedly identify her superior as the organizer of a money laundering scheme intended to provide bail for former Energy and Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko, according to Ukrainian media.

The leaked text of the charges, published by Bihus.info late on September 15, does not name the official. It describes the person as a senior official of the President’s Office and Mudra’s direct superior.

According to the document, the official allegedly instructed Mudra to launder cash to cover Halushchenko’s bail and subsequently supervised her actions in the scheme uncovered by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU).

Bihus.info reported that the description appears to correspond to Kyrylo Budanov, head of the President’s Office, as Mudra reportedly has only one direct superior in the office.

The report also cited alleged transcripts of NABU recordings published by Hromadske in August. The transcripts reportedly contain several references to ‘Kyrylo,’ ‘Kyrylo Oleksiyovich,’ Mudra’s unnamed superior and a senior President’s Office official. Budanov’s surname is also reportedly mentioned directly in the transcripts.

Asked by Hromadske on August 27 about alleged references to him in the recordings, Budanov said: ‘Let the court sort it out. You know, (my name) comes up in a lot of places.’

The allegations come amid a broader corruption investigation by NABU involving senior Ukrainian officials. The leaked charging document itself does not name Budanov as the alleged organizer, and the reported identification is based on the description of Mudra’s superior and the media’s comparison with the leaked recordings.

The Kyiv Independent said it had requested comments from the President’s Office, Budanov and Mudra. NABU declined to comment.

Osimhen, Lookman, Nwabali lead Super Eagles squad for AFCON 2027 qualifiers

Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Stanley Nwabali headline Eric Chelle’s 24-man Super Eagles squad for Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau later this month.

Nigeria will host Madagascar’s Barea at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau’s Wild Dogs on Tuesday, September 29.

The back-to-back fixtures will provide Chelle with an early test as Nigeria begin their campaign to qualify for the AFCON 2027 finals.

Osimhen, Lookman lead Super Eagles attack

Osimhen and Lookman are among the key attacking options named by Chelle, with Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze and Kelechi Iheanacho also included.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi will anchor the midfield alongside Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka, while Nwabali leads the goalkeeping options.

Defensively, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Olaoluwa Aina are among the more established names in the squad.

New faces earn call-up

Chelle has also rewarded several emerging players following their performances for Nigeria.

Unity Cup standouts Arthur Okonkwo and Chibuike Nwaiwu have earned places in the squad, while Portugal-based defender Isaac James receives his first Super Eagles call-up.

Forwards George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor are also included for the first time.

England-based defender Benjamin Fredricks returns to the squad alongside Aina, adding further options to Chelle’s defensive ranks.

Two matches in four days

The Super Eagles face a demanding schedule, starting with Madagascar in Uyo before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for the second qualifying fixture four days later.

The fixtures will give Chelle an opportunity to assess his squad in competitive action while targeting maximum points from the opening two matches.

Nigeria are seeking to return to the AFCON finals after winning bronze at the 2025 tournament in Morocco.

24-man Super Eagles squad

Goalkeepers: Michael Atata (Ikorodu City); Samuel James (SJK FC, Finland); Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa).

Defenders: Kenneth Igboke (Enugu Rangers); Isaac James (Alverca FC, Portugal); Benjamin Fredricks (Brentford FC, England); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Victory Akpe (FC Basel, Switzerland); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham FC, England); Abdullahi Bewene (FC Banik Ostrava, Czechia).

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany); Chibuzo Nwoko (Fulham FC, England); Stephen Michael (Vendsyssel FF, Denmark); Igor Wilfred (Kristiansund FC, Norway); Ridwan Abdulrasaq (Al Wasl, UAE); Suleiman Mubarak (Slavia Prague, Czechia); Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City).

Forwards: Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Akor Adams (Venezia FC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Tolu Arokodare (Ajax FC, The Netherlands); George Ilhenikina (Al Ittihad, Saudi Arabia); Moses Usor (LASK FC, Austria)

ASEAN-EU gab puts financial inclusion on biz agenda

FINANCIAL inclusion will take a prominent place in discussions among government and business leaders from Asean and Europe as the 12th Asean-EU Business Summit convenes in Manila on September 22, alongside the Asean 58th Economic Ministers’ Meeting.

The summit will examine how greater access to financial services can support household resilience, business investment and broader economic growth.

It is a part of discussions on four areas critical to Asean’s long-term development: the energy transition, financial inclusion, digital connectivity and artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, and health and nutrition.

Steven Chan, Group Chief Government Relations and Policy Officer of Prudential plc, said financial services such as insurance can help households and businesses manage economic shocks while giving them greater confidence to invest.

‘Trade and investment are strongest when growth is resilient, inclusive and built on confidence. Insurance is not only a protection tool; it is also a driver of prosperity, helping households manage financial shocks, enabling businesses to invest with greater certainty, and supporting healthier, more productive societies,’ Chan said.

The summit is expected to examine how private investment can be directed toward areas identified by governments as regional priorities, including financial inclusion and other measures that can strengthen economic resilience.

The meeting comes as three Southeast Asian economies negotiate bilateral free-trade agreements with the European Union, adding trade and investment to the agenda of the gathering.

Chris Humphrey, Executive Director of the EU-Asean Business Council (EU-ABC), said European companies are drawn to Southeast Asia by its growth prospects but need clearer and more predictable trading conditions to deepen their commitments.

‘European companies come to this region for its growth, and they stay for its potential. What helps them commit further is straightforward: a predictable, transparent and investor-friendly trading environment,’ Humphrey said.

‘Three trade negotiations are live at the moment. We are hopeful they will result in high-quality FTAs that deliver practical commercial outcomes to both European and Southeast Asian companies, such as increased market access, fewer regulatory barriers, clearer rules and greater customs efficiency,’ he added.

The summit comes in the closing months of the Philippines’s chairship of Asean, which has emphasized practical cooperation across the region.

European business sentiment toward Asean remains positive, with 78 percent of respondents in the EU-ABC’s latest sentiment survey expecting trade and investment in the region to increase over the next five years.

Among companies considering supply-chain shifts, 67 percent identified Asean as a potential destination, putting the region ahead of China and South Asia, according to the survey.

Beyond financial inclusion, the program will feature a panel on digital connectivity, including efforts to align payment systems, data rules and digital infrastructure across Asean’s 10 member states.

Another session will examine nutrition and food security and their links to workforce productivity and long-term competitiveness.

More than 200 representatives from government, business, development institutions and the diplomatic community are expected to attend the summit.

SINOTRUK showcases new-energy commercial vehicles, integrated energy solutions at IAA Transportation 2026

A centerpiece of the show is the SITRAK 4×2 battery-electric tractor for long-haul logistics. With a curb weight of just 10.1 tonnes and a gross combination weight (GCW) of up to 44 tonnes, the truck delivers greater payload capacity without compromising transport efficiency. Optimized aerodynamic design, energy management and energy recovery help the truck consume as little as 1.1 kWh per kilometer. The 600 kWh battery supports megawatt-level charging, with a 20-80% charge taking approximately 23 minutes.

In addition, the vehicle comes with a spacious long-haul cab, digital rear-view mirrors and a range of smart driver-assistance functions based on multi-sensor fusion.

From Vehicles to the Energy Ecosystem

In addition to vehicles, SINOTRUK is presenting an integrated wind-solar-storage-charging-swapping solution designed to support the energy needs of new-energy commercial vehicle operations.

The solution combines renewable energy, energy storage, grid and backup power with charging and battery-swap infrastructure. It supports both grid-connected and off-grid operation, depending on local conditions, helping address challenges such as limited grid capacity, fluctuating loads and high-power charging of commercial vehicles.

The solution is already being applied in different markets and operating scenarios around the world, supporting the deployment and operation of new-energy commercial vehicles beyond the vehicles themselves.

SINOTRUK has sold more than 100,000 battery electric vehicles, with its products now operating in more than 50 countries and regions. Drawing on experience from these markets, SINOTRUK develops vehicle and energy solutions adapted to different transport applications and local operating conditions.

A Broader Commercial Vehicle Portfolio

SINOTRUK is also displaying a wider commercial vehicle line-up at IAA Transportation 2026, including the SITRAK 4×2 battery-electric light truck for urban distribution, the SITRAK 8×4 battery-electric tipper for heavy-duty construction applications, a 6×2 battery-electric rigid truck for full-trailer transport, and the SITRAK 4×2 diesel tractor for long-haul and cross-border logistics.

The company is also presenting key electric technologies, including the electric axle and CTP battery systems.

The intelligent technologies on display are designed to enhance vehicle safety, driving assistance and operating efficiency across different transport scenarios.

Supporting Customers Throughout the Vehicle Lifecycle

In addition to vehicle supply, SINOTRUK provides life-cycle support covering service planning, technical training, talent development and operational assistance. For major customers and projects, the company can also provide customized service packages and service contracts to support service efficiency and more predictable maintenance and operating costs.

Technical training and talent development programmes support local service and technical teams in areas including vehicle operation, maintenance and diagnostics, helping build the capabilities needed to operate and maintain new-energy commercial vehicles.

At IAA Transportation 2026, SINOTRUK is integrating new-energy commercial vehicles, electric technologies, energy infrastructure and life-cycle support, to deliver solutions tailored to different markets and operating scenarios.

CRICKET-WCPL-RESULT Guyana Amazon Warriors Women 149-8 (19.3) defeat the Trinbago Knight Riders Women 145-6 (20 overs) by 2 wickets – Final

The Guyana Amazon Warriors Women defeated the Trinbago Knight Riders Women by two wickets in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League Final at Kensington Oval here on Thursday.

KNIGHT RIDERS WOMEN 145-6 in 20 overs (Sushma Verma 39, Shika Pandey 27, Marizanne Kapp 25; Shabnim Ismail 2-18)

WARRIORS WOMEN 149-8 in 19.3 overs (Chedean Nation 39 not out, Chloe Tryon 32, Tazmin Brits 22; Deandra Dottin 2-19, Karishma Ramharack 2-27, Shikha Pandey 2-33)

President Ilham Aliyev: Azerbaijan’s bilateral agenda is primarily oriented toward the countries of the Turkic world

Azerbaijan actively cooperates with OTS member states in a bilateral format, President Ilham Aliyev said during his meeting with security officials from OTS member states.

‘We have established joint investment funds with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan,’ the head of state noted, adding that the process of attracting and mobilizing mutual investments is actively ongoing.

President Ilham Aliyev also emphasized: ‘In other words, our country’s bilateral agenda is primarily oriented toward the countries of the Turkic world. As I have repeatedly stated in my public speeches, this is our main foreign policy priority. Among other things, I have said that the Turkic world is our family, and we have no other family.’

How policy reforms, data can unlock Africa’s $80bn travel market

While Africa’s rich cultural heritage, vast coastline, and vibrant creative industries position it as a premier global destination, long-standing systemic bottlenecks continue to suppress its full economic potential.

Deliberations at this year’s 22nd edition of the Akwaaba African Travel Market, yielded a clear consensus: transforming African travel into a sustainable economic powerhouse requires a fundamental overhaul of governance structures, seamless intra-African connectivity, data-driven policymaking, and strategic regional partnerships.

The event which was held at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos focused on the urgent need to address the structural deficiencies impeding tourism growth across West Africa. The private sector voiced strong calls for governments to move beyond surface-level promotional events and focus on institutionalizing clear, supportive policies.

Aliyu Badaki, the President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), emphasized that the current state of tourism in the region stems directly from a lack of coordinated, sustainable planning.

He maintained that African nations cannot continue operating under archaic frameworks while expecting modern economic returns. According to Badaki, unlocking the continent’s true potential demands deliberate public policy intervention, dedicated funding mechanisms, and structured collaboration between government authorities and private operators.

The private sector’s focus is now firmly fixed on a comprehensive transformation agenda designed to establish accountability, streamline regulatory approvals, and create an enabling environment where tourism businesses can scale sustainably.

Leveraging data, technology and infrastructure

Addressing the broader strategic vision for the sector, Hannatu Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, pointed to data accuracy and technological integration as the missing links in Africa’s tourism evolution.

She argued that effective governance and impactful advocacy are impossible without access to reliable, real-time statistics.

Musawa highlighted recent national digital initiatives, such as unified tourism applications, designed to consolidate information on travel offerings, heritage sites, and local services across all sub-regions.

By creating centralized digital hubs, destination marketers and investors gain precise insights into traveller behaviour, resource availability, and market opportunities.

She noted that digital tools and robust data gathering serve as critical bridges connecting the various sub-sectors of the travel economy, from transportation and lodging to arts and culinary tourism, positioning Africa as a globally competitive market ready for dynamic economic expansion.

Beyond policy and technology, the event served as a major rallying point for deepening bilateral and multilateral tourism ties within the continent. Stakeholders unanimously agreed that Africa must become its own primary tourism market by encouraging seamless cross-border travel among its citizens.

Abdoulie Jobe, the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture of The Gambia, presented a compelling case for strengthening cross-border commercial ties, specifically targeting the Nigerian market.

Describing The Gambia as the ‘Smiling Coast of Africa,’ Jobe urged for stronger, formalized partnerships between Gambia tourism boards and Nigerian airlines, tour operators, and hospitality brands.

He emphasised that encouraging Africans to explore neighbouring destinations not only drives mutual economic growth but also builds long-term diplomatic and cultural resilience. By facilitating easier transit, synchronized visa policies, and joint marketing campaigns, African nations can retain valuable travel capital within the continent while showcasing their shared culinary, artistic, and historical assets.

Positioned as the gateway to creative economy

Host city representatives underscored the expanding scope of modern tourism, which has evolved far beyond traditional leisure trips into a multi-faceted industry encompassing business, gastronomy, sports, medical travel, and the creative arts.

Speaking on the importance of regional trade platforms, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the First Lady of Lagos State, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to positioning Lagos as a primary hub for business, entertainment, and cultural investment.

She noted that initiatives integrating local culture such as regional culinary showcases like the celebrated ‘Jollof Rice War’, play a vital role in preserving social history while generating tangible economic opportunities for local micro-enterprises.

By linking the creative arts, hospitality, and corporate travel, destination managers can build multifaceted travel ecosystems that attract continuous domestic and foreign investment.

Sustaining the vision for long-term growth

Reflecting on more than two decades of driving regional integration through travel, Ikechi Uko, the founder of the Akwaaba African Travel Market, noted that the platform’s core mission remains cantered on empowering young operators, opening global market access for local travel firms, and championing intra-African connectivity.

The insights shared at this year’s gathering offer a clear roadmap for the future. For Africa to fully capitalize on its tourism resources, governments and industry leaders must move swiftly from policy debate to practical execution-establishing rigid institutional structures, adopting digital technologies, removing cross-border trade friction, and fostering public-private synergies capable of turning cultural wealth into lasting economic prosperity.

Heavy rains to prevail over Metro Manila, Luzon areas Thursday afternoon

Heavy rains are expected to prevail over Metro Manila and 11 other areas in Luzon on Thursday afternoon, Sept. 17, due to localized thunderstorms, the state weather bureau said.

In a thunderstorm advisory issued at 2:30 p.m., the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said heavy to intense rains with lightning and strong winds may affect the following areas within the next two to three hours:

Metro Manila (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Las Pinas, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Taguig, Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, San Juan, Pasay, Pateros, Marikina, and Manila)

Batangas (Agoncillo, Alitagtag, Balayan, Balete, Bauan, Calaca, Calatagan, Tanauan, Laurel, Lemery, Lian, Lobo, Mabini, Malvar, Mataasnakahoy, Padre Garcia, Rosario, San Juan, San Luis, San Nicolas, San Pascual, Santa Teresita, Santo Tomas, Taal, Talisay, Tingloy, and Tuy)

Bulacan (Angat, Balagtas, Bocaue, Bulakan, Malolos, Meycauayan, San Jose del Monte, Dona Remedios Trinidad, Hagonoy, Marilao, Norzagaray, Obando, Pandi, Paombong, San Ildefonso, San Miguel, and Santa Maria)

Cavite (Alfonso, Amadeo, General Emilio Aguinaldo, Indang, Maragondon, Mendez, Silang, Tagaytay, Ternate, Trece Martires, Bacoor, Carmona, Cavite City, Dasmarinas, Gen. Mariano Alvarez, Imus, Kawit, Naic, Noveleta, Rosario, and Tanza)

Laguna (Alaminos, Bay, Cabuyao, Calauan, Calamba, Los Banos, Luisiana, Majayjay, Nagcarlan, Rizal, San Pablo, Victoria, San Pedro, Cavinti, Famy, Kalayaan, Lumban, Mabitac, Paete, Santa Maria, and Siniloan)

Pampanga (Floridablanca, Lubao, Sasmuan, Arayat, Bacolor, San Fernando, Magalang, Masantol, Mexico, Santa Ana, Angeles, Guagua, Porac, Santa Rita, and Mabalacat)

Quezon (Candelaria, Dolores, San Antonio, Sariaya, Tiaong, Tayabas, Lucban, Lucena, Mauban, Pagbilao, Sampaloc, Agdangan, Alabat, Atimonan, Burdeos, Jomalig, Padre Burgos, Panukulan, Patnanungan, Perez, Plaridel, Polillo, Quezon, and Unisan)

Rizal (Antipolo, Rodriguez, San Mateo, Angono, Binangonan, Cainta, Taytay, and Teresa)

Zambales (Candelaria, Iba, Masinloc, Palauig, Santa Cruz, San Marcelino, San Felipe, Olongapo, Subic, Castillejos, San Antonio, and San Narciso)

Bataan

Nueva Ecija

Tarlac

Pagasa also reported that similar weather conditions were being experienced in the following areas, which may continue within the next two hours:

Metro Manila (Quezon City)

Batangas (Ibaan, Taysan, San Jose, Cuenca, Batangas City, Lipa, and Nasugbu)

Bulacan (Calumpit, Pulilan, Baliuag, Bustos, San Rafael, Plaridel, and Guiguinto)

Cavite (Magallanes and General Trias)

Laguna (Liliw, Pila, Santa Cruz, Magdalena, Pagsanjan, Pakil, Pangil, Binan, and Santa Rosa)

Pampanga (Apalit, Macabebe, Minalin, San Simon, Santo Tomas, San Luis, and Candaba)

Quezon (General Nakar, Infanta, Real, Calauag, Guinayangan, Tagkawayan, Lopez, Buenavista, San Narciso, Mulanay, San Francisco, San Andres, Catanauan, General Luna, Macalelon, Pitogo, and Gumaca)

Rizal (Morong, Cardona, Baras, Tanay, Jala-Jala, and Pililla)

Zambales (Botolan and Cabangan)

The weather bureau earlier said gloomy skies with isolated rain showers may prevail over Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon on Thursday due to localized thunderstorms.

Young karate fighters win three medals in Hungary

Azerbaijani young karate athletes secured two gold and one silver medal at the 29th Budapest Open 2026.

Organized by the Hungarian Karate Federation, the international tournament featured kata and kumite competitions for cadets, juniors, U21 and senior athletes. The event attracted a large international field, with reports putting the number of participants at more than 1,800.

Members of the children’s karate team representing the Azerbaijan Karate Federation and the Sports and Health Club of the Ministry of Emergency Situations achieved strong results in the kumite events.

Chingiz Abbasov won all five of his bouts in the 24-kilogram U-8 category to claim the gold medal. Nazrin Shahmammadli also defeated all six of her opponents in the 42-kilogram U-14 category, taking first place.

Ramal Shahmammadli, competing in the 35-kilogram U-12 category, won five bouts and finished with the silver medal.

The winners were presented with trophies, medals and diplomas established by the Hungarian Karate Federation.

You can make the transition smoother by mentioning Azerbaijan’s success first and then introducing the federation:

Azerbaijani karatekas have achieved notable success on the international stage, winning medals at major international tournaments as well as European and World Championships. Their achievements have helped establish Azerbaijan as a strong presence in international karate.

The development of the sport in the country is supported by the Azerbaijan Karate Federation, which was founded in 1994 and is a full member of the World Karate Federation (WKF) and the European Karate Federation (EKF).

Azerbaijan has produced a number of successful karate fighters, including five-time World Champion Rafael Aghayev, European champions Parviz Abdulkarimov, Jeyhun Aghasiyev, Rustam Madadov, Fayyaz Ildirimzade, Niyazi Aliyev and Asiman Gurbanli, as well as European Championship bronze medalists Ilaha Gasimova, Amal Atayev, Yusif Jafarov, Shahin Atamov, Rashad Huseynov and others.