This week's biggest stories from the Global South: Egypt is malaria-free, typhoon in Vietnam, historic dog neuter vaccine in Chile

Africa

WHO declares Egypt malaria-free

Egypt has been declared malaria-free by the World Health Organisation (WHO) after decade-long efforts by the country to eliminate the disease. This makes Egypt the third country in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region to achieve the feat. The other two are the United Arab Emirates and Morocco. Read more here.

Nigeria's Tinubu names seven ministers, sacks five in cabinet reshuffle

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu reshuffled his 45-member cabinet, naming seven new ministers, sacking five and reassigning 10 others to new portfolios, a spokesperson said on October 23. The ministers of finance, defence, national planning and two junior energy ministers all retained their positions. Read more here.

600 million Africans without electricity: This company has a wind-powered solution

Co-founder of Minagie Energy, a Ghanaian-based company is addressing the energy needs of some 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa who lack access to electricity. Read more here.

Asia

Vietnam closes major airports amid typhoon warning

Vietnam closed four major airports on October 27 as Typhoon Trami threatened. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) announced that the closures aim to keep air travellers safe from the typhoon, which could bring heavy rainfall and high winds to central Vietnam. The country is also restricting coastal activities to help limit storm damage. Read more here.

We’re still not at our destination: Filipino actor Miles Ocampo on film’s global growth

Popular Filipino actress Miles Ocampo has shared her insights on the growth of the Filippino film industry in an exclusive interview with Global South World, acknowledging both achievements and areas for improvement. Read more here.

Scores of illegal Indian migrants deported from US

An unspecified number of Indian nationals have been returned to their home country through a ‘charter removal flight’ conducted by the United States. The migrants who couldn’t establish legal basis to remain in the US were removed as part of ongoing repatriation efforts by the US. Read more here.

Latin America

World’s first vaccine to neuter dogs for a year is launched in Chile

Chile has introduced a vaccine that neuters dogs for a year, offering an alternative to permanent surgical castration. Described as the first of its kind globally, the vaccine prevents sexual behaviour and reproduction, according to its creators. Saenz and his team have been developing the vaccine since 2009, and it began distribution in Chile this month. Read more here.

In Guatemala, families mourn the migrants who never reached the USA

Relatives of a couple from Guatemala who drowned while trying to travel through the River Rio Grande to the US have paid their last respects. Rossanna and Widman drowned as they tried to wade across the notorious part of the river that links Piedras Negras, Mexico, with Eagle Pass, Texas, on Feb. 24, just two among the hundreds of people who lose their lives trying to cross into the U.S. every year. Dozens of community members filed through the streets to mourn the popular 26-year-old, often called by his middle name Alex. Rossanna, his 25-year-old partner, was buried in San Juan La Laguna, near her family. Read more here.

Argentina’s government overhauls tax agency amidst austerity measures and rising poverty

Argentina’s government announced the restructuring of its tax system on Monday, October 21, as part of ongoing austerity measures aimed at improving the nation’s financial stability. Xinhua reports that the Federal Administration of Public Revenues (AFIP) will replace the newly established Tax Collection and Customs Control Agency, designed to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.