🇲🇺MauritiusEast Africa
Novo Nordisk launches weekly type 2 diabetes treatment Ozempic in Mauritius
via Le Mauricien2 min read
Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk officially launched Ozempic, a weekly injectable treatment for people with type 2 diabetes, in Mauritius. The launch event took place at the Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel in Port Louis, attended by healthcare professionals and media representatives. This introduction is significant as type 2 diabetes affects approximately 22.6% of Mauritians aged 20 to 79, posing a major health challenge due to increased risks of cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic complications if not properly managed. Ozempic contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which works by stimulating insulin secretion when blood sugar is high and reducing glucagon production. It also helps decrease appetite, potentially leading to weight loss in overweight or obese patients. Novo Nordisk officials stated that the medication aims to improve glycemic control and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications. The company cited results from the international SUSTAIN clinical study program, involving over 10,000 patients, which showed that a majority achieved recommended glycemic control, significant weight loss, and a reduction in major cardiovascular events for at-risk individuals. Jakob Mollerup, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Middle Africa, noted that this launch reflects the company's commitment to improving the quality of life for people with type 2 diabetes by providing access to a proven therapeutic option. Mauritius joins many other countries where this tre
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Mauricien.
The United Federation of Workers FTU has raised concerns about the stressful situation faced by employees of the World Knits group, which was placed under voluntary administration in May. Negotiator Atma Shanto stated that nearly 700 families are without resources, as June salaries have not been paid, and some personnel received only 50% of their May wages. The group includes Kline Textiles, Universal Fabrics Ltd, and World Knits Ltd. Shanto highlighted that late salary payments have been an issue since last year, despite workers' cooperation to maintain production. He emphasized that the government should protect workers, especially given the rising cost of living in Mauritius. Some employees, lacking resources, have moved in with relatives. The situation is particularly difficult for administrative and middle management staff, who only received half their May salaries, while operatives received full pay. Employees of Universal Fabrics remain technically unemployed. Shanto also noted concerns about gratuity on retirement and pensions for those nearing retirement age, fearing they could face extreme poverty. He pointed out that the situation violates Article 114 of the Workers Rights Act and questioned the fate of foreign workers. The FTU plans a demonstration in Rose-Hill to protest the situation and demand government action to uphold workers' rights.
Businessman and lawyer Shaan Kundomal has been detained in Dubai for seven nights following allegations of embezzlement. He was arrested on June 26 at Dubai Airport while attempting to board a flight to Istanbul with his wife and assistant. The two women were not detained. The case stems from a complaint by a British national residing in the UAE, described as an influential figure who held positions within the Executive Office of Dubai's ruling Al Maktoum family. The British national accuses Kundomal of embezzling USD 3 million, approximately Rs 144 million, related to an investment. Kundomal, director of Capital Horizons Ltd, recently rebranded as Aurevya Wealth Ltd, and head of Gulf Management Services, is being held at the Bur Dubai police station. He appeared in court earlier this week but was not granted release and remains in custody as investigations continue. UAE authorities are known for their strict handling of financial offenses, and suspects can be detained during the initial investigation phase, particularly for serious offenses or if there is a flight risk. Information released to the public in such cases is typically limited to maintain the integrity of investigations. Kundomal benefits from the presumption of innocence, as the accusations against him remain allegations at this stage.
Export Oriented Enterprises experienced a loss of 2,453 jobs between March 2025 and March 2026, reducing the workforce from 30,105 to 27,652 employees, an 8.1% decrease over one year. Mauritian workers were most affected, with 1,621 jobs lost, including 1,197 held by women and 424 by men. The number of foreign workers decreased by 832 positions, comprising 603 men and 229 women. Job cuts were concentrated in clothing manufacturing, which lost 1,403 jobs, and the food industry, with 576 positions eliminated. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, the sector saw a decline of 572 jobs, a 2% decrease, with the workforce falling from 28,224 to 27,652. This reduction was due to 801 job eliminations resulting from workforce reductions in some companies and the closure of others. Regarding exports, EOE companies achieved 9.3 billion rupees in the first quarter of 2026. This represents a 14.6% decrease compared to the fourth quarter of 2025 but a slight 0.5% increase compared to the same period last year. The United Kingdom, South Africa, the United States, Spain, and France remain the main export markets, accounting for nearly 67% of the sector's sales. While exports to Spain and the United Kingdom increased from the previous quarter, they significantly declined to the United States and South Africa. Over one year, sales to the United States showed a strong rebound of 54.1%.