U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a joint statement to formally reject the WHO’s 2024 International Health Regulations Amendments.
The statement accused the amendments of being “vague and broad” in terminology, claiming that U.S. agencies “put Americans first in all our actions” and “will not tolerate international policies that infringe on Americans’ speech, privacy or personal liberties.”
The pact, which was adopted in Geneva in June 2024, aims to ensure that drugs, therapeutics and vaccines are globally accessible when the next pandemic occurs.
The tournament will bring together 15 nations competing in Africa’s Davis Cup Group V, the continent’s lowest tier in the prestigious global competition.
Team Rwanda features a strong line-up including Niyigena Étienne, Hakizumwami Junior, Ishimwe Claude, and David Manzi Rwamucyo. The squad is under the stewardship of head coach Habiyambere Dieudonné.
Before they departed from Kigali on Saturday, the players received the national flag from the Minister of State in the Ministry of Sports, Rwego Ngarambe, in a symbolic send-off ceremony.
The matches will be staged at the National Tennis Centre in Gaborone, with the 15 teams divided into three pools: one group of three teams, and two groups with four teams each.
To determine which two teams will earn promotion to Group IV, playoffs will be held between the top team in Group A and the top team in Group D, as well as between the winners of Group B and Group C.
Rwanda dropped to Group V following a tough outing at the Davis Cup 2024 in Angola, where it finished bottom of Group B behind Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya.
That 2024 squad, also coached by Habiyambere Dieudonné, included Habiyambere Ernest, Niyigena Étienne, Hakizumwami Junior, and Muhire Joshua. The team won only one of nine matches in the group stage and lost 2–1 to Angola in the relegation playoff.
Cameroon also suffered relegation from Group IV in 2024, finishing last in Group A, home to Senegal, Algeria, and Angola, before falling 2–1 to Kenya in the playoffs.
Rwanda’s best Davis Cup campaign came in 2019, when the national team, featuring Havugimana Olivier, Niyigena Étienne, Habiyambere Ernest, Uwizeyimana Mathieu, and guided by coach Rutikanga Sylvain, secured historic promotion to Group III.
The tech billionaire revealed the plans in a brief post on X, but no further details or launch timeline were provided.
The new app is expected to offer kid-friendly AI content, a notable shift from the more controversial aspects of xAI’s current offerings.
“We’re going to make Baby Grok @xAI, an app dedicated to kid-friendly content,” Musk wrote on Sunday.
The announcement follows criticism directed at xAI after the release of an adult-style AI avatar named Ani in the Grok app.
Ani, a sultry-voiced anime character dressed in revealing clothing, sparked widespread concern among parents and online users for reportedly responding inappropriately to minors, even when Kids Mode was enabled.
Baby Grok appears to be Musk’s attempt to reassure users and reposition xAI as a safe platform for younger audiences.
This pivot also comes as tech rivals move to secure their stake in the growing market for child-focused AI tools.
Google, for instance, recently announced it is working on a child-friendly version of its Gemini AI assistant.
The Gemini app for kids will reportedly help with homework, storytelling, and answering questions, all without advertising or data collection, to emphasise learning and creativity in a controlled environment.
Meanwhile, xAI has continued to rapidly evolve its core product. Earlier this month, the company released Grok 4, its most advanced language model to date, featuring a multi-agent architecture and expanded capabilities.
Grok remains central to Musk’s vision for integrated AI across his platforms. The chatbot is currently accessible through X, Grok.com, and mobile apps, and comes with premium tiers that unlock advanced features, including Grok 4.
Airtel Rwanda announced on Thursday, July 17, 2025, that whenever suspicious messages are detected, customers will receive them with a warning label advising caution.
Airtel Rwanda’s Managing Director, Emmanuel Hamez, said the system was launched in response to the growing number of cybercrimes, particularly mobile money fraud.
“This is part of our commitment to enhancing safety and protecting our customers from internet-related crimes and financial fraud. In recent months, we’ve seen a rise in mobile money theft, particularly through SMS scams. Today, we’re pleased to announce that, as of two weeks ago, we’ve implemented a system that flags potentially fraudulent SMS messages with a warning.”
The AI system analyses messages for characteristics common in scam texts, such as frequently used words by fraudsters, patterns of mass messaging, and other indicators.
Once the AI detects suspicious activity, it flags the message with a warning before delivering it to the customer.
If the sender’s number continues to distribute fraudulent messages and is confirmed as suspicious, that number may be blocked.
Gaaga Jean Claude, Managing Director of Airtel Money Rwanda, stated that Airtel worked closely with various government agencies to understand the nature of mobile money fraud, leading to the decision to develop and implement a proactive solution.
He emphasised that using AI to combat cyber fraud is timely, given the growing reliance on digital systems and the evolving tactics of fraudsters.
“AI is an advanced technology that enables machines to mimic human intelligence, and it is widely used around the world. That’s why we adopted it, to enhance the security of our customers’ funds,” he said.
Gaaga added that Airtel already had a system in place to help customers recover stolen money when reported, and it has proven effective. Statistics show that mobile money fraud incidents involving Airtel customers remain below 2% of total reported fraud cases nationwide.
The new fraud detection system is free of charge and doesn’t require customers to register, as it has been automatically activated for all Airtel users.
Airtel Rwanda also plans to expand the warning system to detect fraud not only in SMS, but also in phone calls and social media messages used by scammers to steal money.
A high-level delegation from SUNY, comprising senior leaders and university presidents, concluded a two-day visit to Kigali on Friday, July 18, 2025, with a declaration of intent to collaborate, made in partnership with Rwanda’s Ministry of Education.
Speaking during the event held at Serena Hotel Kigali, Dr. Melur K. “Ram” Ramasubramanian, SUNY’s Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost, emphasised the institution’s long-term commitment to fostering mutually beneficial relationships with African nations.
“We’re here to explore the possibility of deploying our Africa initiative and building long-term collaborations with the education system of Rwanda,” he said. “We’ve been impressed by the commitment of the people and the opportunities we’ve encountered.”
The SUNY Africa Initiative is an intentional global strategy aimed at deepening academic and cultural ties across the continent. The delegation’s visit to Rwanda followed an earlier stop in Kenya and will continue to other countries, including Nigeria and Ghana.
Dr. Ramasubramanian outlined key areas of interest, including student and faculty exchange programmes, joint research, online education offerings, and workforce development initiatives.
“We call this the SUNY Africa Initiative… Our goal is to build long-standing academic programmes where students from Rwanda can come to the United States to study at one of our 64 campuses,” he said.
“At the same time, we want our students to experience the culture and innovation happening here in Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills and a thousand smiles.”
Research collaboration is another key priority, particularly in fields aligned with Rwanda’s national development goals. SUNY officials expressed interest in partnering in areas such as energy, mining, and materials science.
“We have research interests aligned with Rwanda’s priorities, such as energy and minerals,” said Dr. Ramasubramanian.
“At SUNY Poly, for instance, Professor Soboyejo, an international expert in materials science, and his team, along with other material scientists within the SUNY system, are planning to collaborate with Rwandan counterparts to not only support the immediate use of extracted minerals but also innovate and modify these materials for future applications.”
Rwanda’s Minister of Education, Dr. Joseph Nsengimana, welcomed the collaboration, noting that the government prioritises such partnerships in pursuit of its Vision 2050 goals.
“To achieve that vision, we must ensure that we have a workforce capable of delivering on it,” he said. “Collaborations like this bring significant value to the country and help us build the Rwanda we want and deserve.”
The discussions also highlighted Rwanda’s interest in tapping into SUNY’s expertise in areas such as materials science, advanced manufacturing, and e-learning. Dr. Nsengimana noted that Rwanda is exploring “e-internships” that would allow students to gain international experience virtually, expanding access to global opportunities without leaving the country.
Dr. Winston “Wole” Soboyejo, President of SUNY Polytechnic Institute and Chairman of the Council of the Institute of Applied Sciences at the University of Rwanda, stressed the importance of aligning education with industrial needs.
“We listened to industry here in Rwanda articulate their needs for skilled human capacity to scale, and we believe SUNY can play a role in bridging that gap,” he said. “We’re thinking not just of students travelling to New York, but also of short courses and online education tailored to Rwanda’s needs.”
Dr. Peter O. Nwosu, President of SUNY Oswego, pointed to SUNY’s involvement in major U.S. industrial development projects as a model for collaboration.
“In Central New York, we’re working with Micron Technology on a $100 billion investment in semiconductor manufacturing,” he said.
“This kind of transformation requires talent — the right kind of workforce. That’s where universities come in, and we want to explore what we can learn from Rwanda and what we can offer in return.”
Rwanda’s openness to innovation was another key point of interest. “One intriguing idea we heard is Rwanda being open to acting as a proof of concept,” said Dr. Ramasubramanian. “We have faculty developing new ideas, and Rwanda could offer a place to test and refine these ideas before scaling them globally.”
The SUNY delegation included university presidents from SUNY Oswego, SUNY Cortland, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, and SUNY Fredonia, as well as senior officials in international education and external relations. Among them were Dr. Joshua S. McKeown, Associate Provost for International Education and Programs at SUNY Oswego, and Wayne Westervelt, Vice President for External Relations at SUNY Polytechnic Institute.
During their visit, the delegation engaged with the University of Rwanda, Rwanda Polytechnic, and various private industry stakeholders.
Dr. Stephen H. Kolison Jr., President of SUNY Fredonia, expressed appreciation for the hospitality and vision he witnessed during the visit. “The potential to do things here is just tremendous,” he said. “We hope to return.”
The collaboration, still in exploratory stages, is expected to lead to a range of academic activities, including co-developed programmes, research partnerships, and expanded student mobility between Rwanda and the SUNY system, which serves over 375,000 students across 64 campuses in New York State.
“We believe in starting small and executing quickly,” said Dr. Ramasubramanian. “It’s only a matter of time before we return and move to the next phase of implementation.”
The deals, signed on Thursday, July 17, in New York, include a visa waiver for all passport holders and two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering health and tourism.
Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Martin Ngoga, and Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Walton Webson, signed the agreements on behalf of their respective countries.
The visa waiver agreement allows nationals of both countries to travel without the need for entry, transit, or visitor visas. Officials say the move will ease travel restrictions, promote cultural and economic exchange, and enhance mobility between the two nations.
The MoU on health outlines areas of collaboration including disease prevention, HIV/AIDS and malaria programmes, maternal and child health, health insurance systems, pharmaceutical cooperation, and epidemiological surveillance. The agreement is expected to support knowledge exchange and capacity building in both countries’ health sectors.
In tourism, the two nations committed to working together to promote sustainable travel and eco-tourism, and to explore innovations in green energy and climate-resilient tourism strategies. The MoU also provides a framework for joint marketing and tourism development initiatives.
The agreements are part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to deepen engagement with the Caribbean and advance South-South cooperation.
According to Leavitt, ultrasound exams performed on Trump’s legs revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a condition frequently found in individuals over the age of 70.
Leavitt said additional exams identified Trump with “no signs of heart failure, renal impairment or systemic illness.”
Trump, 79, was recently photographed at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where visible swelling around his ankles sparked public speculation about his health.
The agreement, signed on July 17, was represented by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB).
The new plant is expected to reduce Rwanda’s dependence on cement imports, create jobs, and support the country’s infrastructure development with sustainable quarrying practices.
Clinker, a vital component in cement production, will be produced locally for the first time at scale. Cement imports into Rwanda reached $94 million in 2024, marking a 41.5% increase from $67 million the previous year, according to the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
RDB said the investment would “generate employment and support Rwanda’s infrastructure development through sustainable quarrying practices.”
This development follows the government’s recent approval of mineral, quarry, and exploration licences as part of efforts to boost the mining sector.
The clinker plant is expected to play a crucial role in meeting growing local demand for cement, cutting foreign exchange outflows, and driving economic growth in the country.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Dr. Berhane Redae, a consultant endoscopic surgeon at KFHR, revealed that the procedure was introduced locally to save patients the cost and inconvenience of seeking the service abroad.
“Gastric balloon placement is a well-established global procedure. For years, patients had to travel to Kenya, Turkey, or elsewhere just to get it done. Now, everything is available here in Rwanda,” said Dr. Redae.
The procedure involves placing a silicone balloon inside the stomach using an endoscope. Once inserted, the balloon is filled with sterile water, occupying space in the stomach and helping patients feel full faster. The result is reduced food intake, smaller portions, and steady weight loss over several months.
According to Dr. Redae, the entire process, from preparation to recovery, takes less than an hour. The balloon itself is inserted in 15 to 20 minutes under light sedation, and the patient can return home the same day.
“We use anaesthesia and so the patient sleeps and feels no pain or discomfort,” he explained. “It’s far less invasive than surgery and completely reversible.”
The gastric balloon remains in the stomach for about six months. During this period, patients are encouraged to adopt healthier habits, particularly around portion control, physical activity, and nutrition.
“The gastric balloon is reversible,” Dr. Redae explained. “If the patient doesn’t follow the recommended lifestyle changes, they can regain the weight, just like with surgery. The idea is that during the six months it’s in place, the patient adapts to a new lifestyle. If they maintain that lifestyle, the weight loss is sustainable.”
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The ideal candidates for this procedure are adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 27 and 40, typically individuals classified as overweight or moderately obese. For those with a BMI above 50, Dr. Redae says additional interventions such as surgery may be more suitable.
The expected average weight loss is about 15% of a patient’s starting weight, though outcomes vary depending on personal discipline, diet, and activity levels. “For someone who weighs 100 kg, they might lose around 15 kg within the balloon’s placement period,” said Dr. Redae.
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Dr. Redae reassures patients that the procedure is among the safest weight loss interventions available.
“It doesn’t permanently alter the body. If necessary, we can remove the balloon early without complications.”
Complications, though rare, may include nausea, discomfort, or, in very rare cases, balloon leakage (deflation). Patients are educated on warning signs and have access to follow-up care throughout the six-month period.
“It’s a very well-proven silicone product. It won’t burst easily,” Dr. Redae said. “But if there’s a manufacturing defect and water leaks, it can result in dyspepsia or other self-destruction signs, which may happen.”
King Faisal Hospital offers scheduled follow-up appointments at one week, one month, three months, and six months to monitor patient progress, provide nutritional counselling, and support long-term success.
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At present, the gastric balloon itself must be purchased out-of-pocket from pharmacies, though the endoscopic procedure is covered by medical insurance. Dr. Redae believes that, in time, insurers will begin recognising the value of obesity treatment.
“Obesity is not just a cosmetic issue, it’s a disease,” he said. “By helping people lose weight, we reduce the risk of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and joint problems. It’s preventive medicine.”
With rising urbanisation, sedentary lifestyles, and changing dietary habits, obesity is becoming an increasingly pressing health issue in Rwanda, much like in many parts of the world. Dr. Redae believes the gastric balloon is a crucial tool in addressing this challenge.
“This is just one tool,” Dr. Redae said. “But it’s a valuable one, especially for people who’ve struggled with other weight loss options.”
For those considering the procedure, Dr. Redae’s advice is for them to start with a consultation.
“Come in, talk to a physician, and we’ll work with you to find the best path forward.”
Watch the full interview with Dr. Berhane Redae on our YouTube channel.
Yet experts emphasise that no supplement or superfood can replace the powerful effects of healthy daily habits. Building immunity naturally requires a combination of good nutrition, rest, exercise, stress management, and lifestyle choices, as highlighted by leading global health organisations like the World Health Organisation (WHO) and institutions such as Harvard Medical School.
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A well-functioning immune system requires a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrients like vitamin C, which supports immune cell function. Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and leafy greens are especially good sources of this vitamin.
“A healthy immune system needs good, regular nourishment. To give your immune system the upper hand, make an effort to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limit saturated fat,” Harvard Health Publishing advises.
Beyond vitamin C, nutrients like vitamin A, zinc, and vitamin E play crucial roles in maintaining healthy immune responses. For instance, carrots, sweet potatoes, nuts, seeds, legumes, and spinach all offer important vitamins and minerals that help fight infections. According to the National Institutes of Health, consuming a diverse range of plant foods helps supply the body with antioxidants that reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage.
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According to research published by the National Institutes of Health in January 2009, sleep is vital for proper immune function because the body produces infection-fighting proteins called cytokines during deep rest. People who consistently sleep fewer than seven hours per night have a higher risk of falling ill after being exposed to viruses like the common cold.
Good sleep hygiene, such as keeping a consistent bedtime, avoiding screens before bed, and creating a comfortable sleep environment, is a simple yet powerful way to help the immune system stay strong.
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According to the American College of Sports Medicine, moderate exercise like brisk walking, cycling, or dancing improves circulation, allowing immune cells to travel more efficiently throughout the body. Regular movement lowers inflammation and helps the immune system respond more quickly to infections.
However, experts caution that extreme physical exertion, particularly without adequate rest, can temporarily weaken immune function. Therefore, balance is crucial; moderate, consistent activity is far more beneficial than occasional intense exercise.
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According to the American Psychological Association, chronic stress can increase the production of cortisol, a hormone that suppresses immune function and makes the body more vulnerable to infections. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, prayer, and deep breathing have been shown to reduce stress levels significantly.
Cultural traditions around the world, from Scandinavian Forest walks to Asian tai chi to African communal singing and dancing, emphasise the importance of emotional well-being in maintaining health. These practices not only promote mental health but also contribute to stronger immunity.
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Staying hydrated helps the body produce lymph, the fluid that carries immune cells and essential nutrients. Even mild dehydration can weaken concentration, physical performance, and immune defence mechanisms.
While the amount of fluid needed varies depending on climate, activity level, and individual needs, health authorities universally recommend water as the best source of hydration. Herbal teas, natural broths, and fruit-infused water can also support hydration without excess sugar.
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The gut houses nearly 70% of the body’s immune cells, making gut health fundamental to overall immunity. A balanced gut microbiome helps regulate inflammation, fend off harmful pathogens, and support healthy immune responses.
Probiotics found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and traditional fermented beverages from different cultures can help maintain this balance. Additionally, fibre-rich foods like legumes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables feed beneficial bacteria and strengthen the gut lining, further protecting the immune system.
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According to the WHO, smoking damages immune function and increases susceptibility to respiratory infections, while excessive alcohol intake weakens the body’s defences and heightens the risk of conditions like pneumonia. Health authorities globally advise reducing or eliminating smoking and drinking in order to protect immunity and overall well-being.
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While many people turn to supplements for immune health, the National Institutes of Health states that most individuals who eat a balanced diet don’t need extra vitamins or minerals. However, deficiencies such as low vitamin D levels in people living in regions with limited sunlight may warrant supplementation under medical supervision.
It’s important to remember that no single supplement can “boost” the immune system instantly. According to Harvard Medical School, a healthy lifestyle remains the cornerstone of strong immune function, and supplements should never replace nutritious food.
Across the world, experts agree that a powerful immune system isn’t built overnight. It’s the product of daily habits like eating a colourful, nutrient-rich diet, getting enough rest, exercising moderately, managing stress, staying hydrated, and avoiding harmful substances.
By embracing these natural strategies, we equip our bodies to fight not only seasonal infections.
