Day: April 12, 2024

Tunis: The Tunisian Women's Voices organization (Aswat Nissa) underlined that the rise in femicides in recent years shows the inability of relevant bodies and authorities to assess the threats women face and take necessary measures to protect them. In a statement released on Friday, the organization said that 7 femicides were recorded from early January 2024 to April 12, stressing that this report is the result of the State's continued indifference to the current situation despite the alarming results recorded in 2023 during which 25 femicides were reported, or an average of nearly two women killed every month. According to Aswat Nissa, this phenomenon creates chaos in society and gives rise to a persistent feeling of insecurity among women for fear of being subjected to femicide. The organization denounced «the State's silence» which exacerbates the situation in the country in addition to its failure to take strict measures against the perpetrators as well as the lack of effective implementation of Law No . 58 of 2017 related to combating violence against women. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

Tunis: Tunis will host the 2nd Precision Medicine Academy (PMA- 2nd edition), organised by the Institut Pasteur de Tunis on April 15-18, 2024, as part of the training activities of the Personalised Medicine in North Africa (PerMediNA) project, with the participation of 120 medical specialists and researchers. The Precision Medicine Academy comprises a set of lectures and interactive sessions led by leading experts in the precision medicine field. The Academy will begin with an update on the progress of the PerMediNA project and the setting up of the Molecular Multidisciplinary Consultation Meetings and Functional Genomics Task Forces. Other topics to be addressed, via training workshops and/or feedback, include the development of skills in leadership, mentorship, project management, scientific writing and communication, as well as other issues necessary for the career development of young researchers and healthcare staff, in addition to the involvement of the pharmaceutical industry and political decision- makers, the health economy and its importance in the well-being of patients. This second edition will focus on four main themes: a look back at the Academy of Precision Medicine and updates on the project, feedback from young researchers during internships and training courses with collaborators, workshops dedicated to developing skills such as communication and leadership, and an opening-up to other African initiatives. The PerMediNA project is coordinated by the Institut Pasteur de Tunis and involves four Pasteur Network members: the Institut Pasteur de Tunis, the Institut Pasteur d'Algérie, the Institut Pasteur du Maroc and the Institut Pasteur de Paris. The project aims to set up a Maghreb consortium for applied precision medicine in oncology. PerMediNA is a founding project that marks an important step in structuring precision medicine in North Africa, enhancing collaboration between Pasteur Network members in the region and improving patient care by facilitating access to genetic tests and targeted therapy. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

Tunis: President of the Republic Kais Saied stressed during his meeting, Friday afternoon, at Carthage Palace, with Public Works and Housing and aacting Minister of Transport Sarra Zaafrani Zanzari, to hasten the completion of several infrastructure projects across the country. He pointed out that «they were not carried out because of the legislative framework which is no longer appropriate or because some parties seek to disrupt or delay their implementation.» On the other hand, the Head of State discussed with the minister the restoration project of Menzah Olympic Stadium, within the framework of a cooperation programme between Tunisia and China. «Neglecting sports facilities for a long period is unacceptable,» he indicated, adding that «no maintenance has been carried out for over a decade as it is the case with the Municipal Swimming Pool of Belvedere and other facilities.» The project of completing the road linking Majel Bel Abbes and Umm Al-Qassab was also discussed during the meeting. The Presiden t of the Republic reiterated the need to increase the number of public means of transportation for citizens so that they can move comfortably. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse