
Gabon is experiencing a worrying decline in its vaccination coverage, a situation that exposes the country to real epidemic risks. On the occasion of African Vaccination Week, which began on April 22, 2026, the Minister of Health, Professor Elsa Nkana Joséphine Ayo Nkana Epse Bivigou, highlighted the determination of authorities to reverse this trend. The national vaccination coverage currently fluctuates between 60% and 75%, with a rate of 62% for Penta 3 in 2025, significantly below the 90% target set in the National Health Development Plan. This decline particularly affects children over one year old, leading to health vulnerabilities. The minister warned of this fragility, citing the resurgence of diphtheria in Woleu-Ntem in 2023, as well as recent cases of measles and yellow fever. Under the impetus of President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, 2026 has been declared the "year of revitalizing vaccination services." The government's strategy includes generalizing the "Reach every district" approach to identify and vaccinate "zero-dose" children, especially in isolated areas. A large-scale program to modernize the cold chain will be launched with solar refrigerators, supported by partners like UNICEF and CDC Africa. The government also plans to use digital transformation for real-time vaccine stock monitoring with tools like DHIS2 and geographic information systems. New vaccines against pneumococcus, rotavirus, HPV, and malaria will be introduced, and a second dose of the mea
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Gabon Review.
Must ReadAt the opening of the 5th NewSpace Africa conference in Libreville on April 20, 2026, Cécile Abadie, the European Union Ambassador to Gabon, emphasized the strategic role of space in the partnership between Africa and Europe. She highlighted the tangible benefits already being realized by African populations. Abadie stated that space is a foundational pillar of the partnership between the European Union and the African Union, providing concrete services to African populations. She noted that cooperation has moved from concepts to concrete operations. She detailed several programs demonstrating this transformation. Initiatives like GMES & Africa use satellite data to improve water management, agriculture, and coastal zone management, directly benefiting farmers, coastal communities, and the blue economy. In the climate sector, the ClimSA program enhances access to meteorological data and early warning systems, aiding risk anticipation and agricultural planning. The future ANGA system is also mentioned, designed to provide high-precision navigation services, particularly for air safety on the continent. This dynamic is supported by European space programs such as Copernicus and Galileo, which are utilized for sustainable development, security, and digital transformation in Africa. Abadie explained that this cooperation aligns with the strategic framework of "Global Gateway," which aims to finance sustainable infrastructure, including in the space sector, consistent with the Afr

Gabonese footballer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, currently with Olympique de Marseille, spoke on April 18, 2026, about the profound personal impact of Gabon's elimination from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Aubameyang, a former captain and one of the national team's most capped players, saw his image affected by the early exit. This period led to strong decisions by Gabonese authorities, including his ban from the national team. He expressed deep hurt over the events, stating, "I was very touched by what happened. It hurts for a guy like me who really gave everything every time I went to the national team." He noted the psychological toll this took, affecting his club performances in early 2026. Despite the difficulties, Aubameyang affirmed his commitment to the national jersey, viewing representing Gabon as a strong patriotic engagement. He indicated his readiness to play for the national team again when needed.
Must ReadGabon's Minister of Digital Economy, Mark Alexandre Doumba, presented the country's presidential vision for digital sovereignty at the Africa Development Conference 2026, held at the Harvard Kennedy School. The minister highlighted digital sovereignty as a strategic lever for national power and transformation. This presentation occurred during the Spring Meetings in Washington, where Gabon's digital transformation strategy was a central topic. The conference theme was "Africa and the World: Reclaiming Control of Its Destiny in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape." Doumba emphasized making digital sovereignty a core driver of competitiveness, influence, and power, aligning with President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema's vision. This vision is supported by the third pillar of the National Development Plan, which focuses on structural transformation through digital technology, innovation, and modernization of public administration. Gabon aims to become an influential actor in a reconfiguring geopolitical landscape by increasing its presence in international decision-making spaces, actively participating in global norm definition, and enhancing its capacity to mobilize development financing. Internally, this strategy has led to concrete results, including simplified administrative procedures through digital public services, development of digital skills among youth, support for local entrepreneurs, and an improved economic environment to attract investments. The ministry views this H

Eco-guards in Gabon are threatening to strike on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, due to up to nine months of unpaid salaries. Sosthène Ndong Engonga, the secretary general of their union, stated on April 20, 2026, that despite repeated appeals, some guards are owed three months' pay, while others have not been paid for nine months. He highlighted the lack of communication from their hierarchy, forcing the union to seek information from the Public Treasury. The eco-guards are appealing directly to the head of state, reminding him of a presidential commitment to integrate National Parks Agency ANPN personnel into the civil service to resolve remuneration issues. If a solution is not found by Tuesday, the guards plan to close all 13 national parks, which Ndong Engonga warned would leave the parks vulnerable to poachers. This potential strike follows similar actions in 2021, 2022, and 2024 over the same demands, underscoring a persistent crisis that is weakening conservation efforts.