Day: May 2, 2024

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KFSH&RC Ranked Top Valuable Healthcare Brand in Saudi Arabia and Middle East

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KFSH&RC tops the healthcare sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, recognizing it as the most valuable healthcare brand in these regions for the second year. According to the 2024 Brand Finance reports, it placed 9th in Saudi Arabia and 28th in the Middle East. Additionally, KFSH&RC stands out as the only hospital worldwide to be ranked among its country’s top ten most valuable brands.

The Brand Finance Report shows that KFSH&RC brand value increased by 31%, exceeding 5.6 billion Saudi Riyals, equivalent to USD 1.5 billion. This increase is the result of the hospital’s unwavering commitment to incorporating the latest medical technologies and treatments and providing specialized medical care that adheres to the latest international standards.

Reflecting on KFSH&RC’s global recognition, Mr. Muhannad Kadi, the Chief Corporate Communications & Marketing Officer, commented, “This accomplishment underscores the hospital’s dedication to achieving the highest quality standards and providing outstanding healthcare, as well as the significant value it delivers to its beneficiaries.” He emphasized that the hospital’s position among the top ten most valuable brands in Saudi Arabia not only highlights its effectiveness but also the positive impact of the ongoing transformations within the Kingdom’s healthcare sector.

Over the past year, KFSH&RC has achieved several notable milestones that have significantly contributed to its brand strength and reputation. These include conducting four ground-breaking experiments in space medicine, performing the World’s first fully robotic liver transplant, and launching a rapid whole genome sequencing analysis service available to all beneficiaries. Furthermore, KFSH&RC celebrated the successful treatment of 100 T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia patients, a testament to our advanced medical capabilities and dedication to patient care.

In line with Saudi Vision 2030 and its transformation programs, initiated by His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister—which aim to enhance the Kingdom’s global position and establish it as a healthcare hub—KFSH&RC has been ranked as the top Academic Medical Centre in the Middle East and Africa. It also secured the 20th spot globally for two consecutive years, 2023 and 2024, according to Brand Finance’s Global Top 250 Hospitals report. Additionally, it has been ranked among the top 250 Best Hospitals in the World by Newsweek Magazine.

For more information please contact:

Mr. Essam Al-Zahrani, Acting Media Affairs Head, 0555254429

Mr. Abdullah Alown, Senior Media Affairs Editor, 0556294232

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9110177

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INVNT GROUP and MSM Boost Partnership and Marketing Service Offerings in Motorsports Industry with Strategic Leadership Appointment

INVNT GROUP welcomes Roc Nation veteran, Luca Zanello, as SVP of Content Strategy

New York, NY, May 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Building on their successful partnership, INVNT GROUP and MSM (Media & Sport Management) enhance service offerings and commercial solutions tailored for talent and brands within the booming motorsports industry.

INVNT GROUP, the global brand storytelling agency portfolio, was named Best Global Media Agency at the 2023 Automotive Marcomm Awards by Autocar, for groundbreaking campaigns with Lamborghini, Formula E, General Motors, Lotus, Rolls Royce and more. Over four decades, MSM has built standout relationships between brands, drivers, teams, and championships at the pinnacle of motorsport, including sponsorships, hospitality, and events.

The partnership brings the appointment of Roc Nation music and entertainment veteran, Luca Zanello, as SVP of Content Strategy at INVNT GROUP, fortifying the global suite of award-winning capabilities and integrated services within the motorsports including strategy, partnerships, experiential, digital, Web3, content, and culture. Zanello reports into Scott Cullather, President and CEO of INVNT GROUP, and CEO of INVNT.ATOM.

“Motorsports have not only captured the global imagination but have accelerated the expansion of its cultural influence at unprecedented speed. Our evolving collaboration with MSM, and appointment of Luca, places us at the forefront, allowing us to deliver pioneering, bespoke solutions to the motorsports industry. We are committed to enhancing the connection between brands, talent, and partners with audiences worldwide through dynamic storytelling and groundbreaking experiences. Together, we are charging the future of motorsports, transcending the boundaries of the racetrack,” said Scott Cullather.

The partnership aims to deliver strategies within the motorsport domain, leveraging both INVNT GROUP and MSM’s deep rooted motorsports network and industry expertise.

Enrico Zanarini, Founder and CEO of MSM, expressed: “This is more than a partnership expansion; it’s how we redefine motorsport marketing. With MSM’s deep history in the motorsports industry, and INVNT GROUP’s storytelling expertise, we are poised to deliver exciting and unexpected engagement programs that resonate deeply with fans and stakeholders alike.”

Luca Zanello, commenting on his new role, added, “Joining this dynamic team during a transformative era in motorsports is truly exhilarating. We are redefining the limits of motorsports engagement by introducing comprehensive programs that blend traditional approaches with cutting-edge digital and experiential strategies. Our goal is to unite and excite fans globally, offering them novel and captivating experiences that not only entertain but also deepen their connection to the sport.”

This strategic allegiance is a significant milestone in the evolution of motorsport marketing and the overall industry, promising next-generation strategies and enhanced engagement for clients, brands, partners, and audiences across the globe.

ABOUT INVNT GROUP

INVNT GROUP™ represents a growing portfolio of complementary disciplines designed to help forward-thinking brands and organizations everywhere, impact the audiences that matter, anywhere.

Headed by President and CEO, Scott Cullather, INVNT GROUP amplifies globally with offices in New York (HQ), Sydney, London, Singapore, Dubai, San Francisco, Stockholm, Mumbai, Detroit, and Washington D.C.

The GROUP consists of the founding, live brand storytelling agency, INVNT; brand strategy & creative-led culture consultancy, Meaning; production studio & creative agency, HEVĒ; live events for colleges and universities, INVNT Higher Ed; digital innovation agency, INVNT.ATOM; creative multimedia experience studio, Hypnogram, and live entertainment production company, ITP Live. For more information visit: https://invntgroup.com/

ABOUT MSM

MSM is a leader in the world of motorsport and has been fostering standout relationships between brands, drivers, teams and championships for over 40 years.

The team specializes in individual and corporate management, offering clients their expertise across the marketing mix. MSM is active in sponsorship facilitation, commercial opportunity development and execution, client representation, tailored hospitality offerings, and managing bespoke events on and off track. Having spent four decades in the most innovative sporting environment, MSM has developed an approach that is tailor-made for partners to unlock their full potential.

MSM’s deep insight and unparalleled know-how enable their partners to connect with both new and existing audiences in an authentic way, while also delivering measurable commercial impact. For more information, https://msmgroup.com

Attachment

Jhonathan Mendez de Leon
INVNT GROUP
Jmendezdeleon@invnt.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9110107

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Syrians Seek UN Rights Ruling Against Russia for 2019 Hospital Attacks

Open Society Justice Initiative Files Complaint to the UN Human Rights Committee

New York, May 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Russian Federation has been accused before the UN Human Rights Committee in Geneva of carrying out a deliberate attack on a hospital in Syria—in a legal action that highlights Moscow’s repeated use of military force against health care facilities in Syria, where its forces have been supporting the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

A complaint before the Committee, filed on May 1, focuses on a series of air strikes on Kafr Nabl Surgical Hospital in Idlib province on May 5, 2019.

It accuses the Russian Air Force of killing two civilians and endangering the lives of all those working in and using the hospital at the time—medical practitioners, patients, support staff, and visitors.

The complaint has been brought before the Committee by a Syrian man whose two cousins were killed by the attack, and by Hand in Hand for Aid and Development, the humanitarian NGO that was supporting the hospital at the time. Hand in Hand is representing the interests of the patients of the hospital.

The applicants are represented by lawyers of the Open Society Justice Initiative, with Professor Philip Leach, professor of human rights law at the UK’s Middlesex University as co-counsel.

The evidence being presented to the Committee includes a detailed account of the Russian Air Force attack on the hospital at Kafr Nabl, and on three other hospitals near Kafr Nabl in just 12 hours on May 5-6, 2019. There was no fighting near the hospital at the time of the attack, which lay in opposition-controlled territory some 20km away from the front line.

The complaint draws on a wealth of video and audio recordings made at the time, as well as eyewitness accounts that point to direct Russian Air Force involvement in coordinating and executing the attacks. The material includes observations of Russian aircraft in the area at the relevant time, and audio recordings of communications between a Russian pilot and Russian ground control, authorizing the release of aerial munitions and confirming that the aerial munitions had been dropped, at the precise times that strikes were captured on video. Some of the material included as evidence in the complaint was used by the New York Times in a special report published on October 13, 2019.

Fadi al-Dairi, the director of Hand in Hand, said: “The Russian air force attack on Kafr Nabl hospital was a well-documented atrocity that was part of a systematic assault on hospitals and healthcare facilities in opposition-held territory in Syria in 2019. The coordinates of the hospital had been shared with Russia by the UN under the UN Deconfliction Mechanism. Syrians are looking to the Human Rights Committee to show us some measure of redress by acknowledging the truth of this brutal attack, and the suffering caused.”

James A. Goldston, executive director of the Justice Initiative, said: “This complaint before a preeminent international human rights tribunal exposes the Russian government and armed forces’ deliberate strategy of targeting healthcare in clear violation of the laws of war. It must remind us all that attacks on protected healthcare facilities—whether in Syria, Sudan, Ukraine, or the Gaza Strip—are an abomination that must never be normalized.”

The complaint is being supported by expert analyses prepared by Syrian Archive and Physicians for Human Rights. Physicians for Human Rights has documented 604 attacks against medical facilities in Syria since 2011, the overwhelming majority conducted by Syrian and Russian forces.

Houssam al-Nahhas, MD, Middle East and North Africa Researcher for Physicians for Human Rights, said: “Widespread and systematic attacks on health care in Syria are part of a strategy implemented by the Syrian and Russian governments, devastating the country’s health care system. Despite the seriousness of these crimes, no perpetrators have ever faced accountability. We hope this landmark case helps to end the impunity for attacks on health care in Syria and serve as a warning to perpetrators in other conflicts around the world.”

The Geneva-based Human Rights Committee is a body of 18 independent experts that monitors implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which has been signed by 173 countries. Under the ICCPR’s Optional Protocol, which the Russian Federation signed in 1990, individuals can bring complaints against signatory states before the Committee over rights violations.

The complaint accuses the Russian Federation of perpetrating a clear and serious violation of International Humanitarian Law by deliberately attacking a protected medical facility, in breach of the Right to Life under the ICCPR. The attack killed two brothers and endangered the lives of everyone working in and using the busy hospital. The hospital was operating normally at the time of the attack and neither Russia nor Syria provided any warning before the attack. This is not the only time the facility was targeted: Kafr Nabl Hospital was attacked 13 times between 2014 and 2019.

From a legal perspective, a decision against Russia would provide significant new jurisprudence on the extraterritorial obligations of States in armed conflict, and would pave the way for progressive decisions from other human rights bodies and courts.

The Open Society Justice Initiative is part of the Open Society Foundations, and pursues strategic litigation on a range of issues including advancing human rights and advancing the rule of law. Its work on Syria has included supporting efforts to bring top Syrian officials and leaders to trial before national courts in Europe for crimes against humanity committed in Syria.

Communications
Open Society Foundations
(212) 548-0378
media@opensocietyfoundations.org

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9109977

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Your ‘dumsor is over’ claim misleading – IES boss tells Akufo-Addo


The Executive Director of the Institute of Energy Security (IES) has described as misleading a claim by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo that erratic power supply challenges across the country (referred to as dumsor) have been fully resolved.

According to Nana Amoasi VII, while it is important that the president reiterated his admission that the outages were ‘dumsor’, his handlers should lead and not mislead him on the current status of dumsor.

‘The first thing that we picked from the president’s statement is that today he is admitting that under his tenure, there has been dumsor. And so he made it clear in his statement that the load shedding that we are seeing is probably normal…

“To say that the issues have been dealt with is misleading and we pray that the handlers of the president will rather lead him than mislead him. Sometimes the president looks awful in the eyes of industry players, the watchers and even consumers,” the IES boss told Citi News in an interview on May 1.

President Akufo-Addo m
ade the claim that ‘dumsor is over and will not return’ in his address at the Workers’ Day celebration on May 1.

He explained that the recent power outages have been resolved following the completion of maintenance work on transformers by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

The IES boss, however, said that even at the time the president was making the claim, some areas per his checks were experiencing dumsor.

He listed among others, Weija, Ekumfi, Mankessim, Nungua, and Tema Community 2 and 25, stressing that they had experienced power outages between Tuesday and Wednesday.

What Akufo-Addo said:

‘Issues surrounding the maintenance of the transformers have been resolved. Indeed, we have witnessed stable power supply across the country with no load shedding reported anywhere yesterday…

“I am confident that the unfortunate era of dumsor will not return,’ Akufo-Addo assured while delivering his speech at the event.

Meanwhile, the ECG issued a statement explaining that outages in parts of Accra were cau
sed by flooding at seven substations across the capital.

Source: Ghana Web

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Let’s all fight monetisation in our democracy- Abu Kansangbata

Mr Abu Kansangbata, former Upper West Deputy Regional Minister has called on all to come on board against monitisation of politics.

‘One of the major issues is the increasing influence of money in politics, leading to ‘moneycracy.’

Tha trend he said threatened the fairness and integrity of democratic processes, shifting power towards the wealthy rather than merit or public will in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra.

Another concern he added was the erosion of democratic values and principles.

He added ‘Upholding democratic norms and values is crucial for the future of Ghana, emphasizing the importance of freedom, equality, and justice for all.

He called on Ghanaians to be vigilant in their choice of future leaders to avoid deceitful promises.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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Fmr NDC minister raises concerns over decline in democracy under Akufo-Addo


A former deputy minister of state, Abu Kansangbata, has raised concerns about what he terms ‘moneycracy’ in the current political landscape of the country.

According to him, in recent times, Ghana’s democracy has come under significant strain, particularly under the leadership of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

Abu Kansangbata, in a statement, said he echoes the sentiments expressed by Kwabena Aduomi, an independent parliamentary candidate in the just-ended Ejisu by-election, that Ghana’s future looks bleak under this government.

He said that the dominance of money in politics has undermined the integrity of the democratic institutions in the country, creating a system where political power is determined more by wealth than by merit or the will of the people.

He lamented how there appears to be an erosion of democratic values and principles in the country.

‘Over the almost eight years of the Nana Addo and Bawumia administration, Ghanaians have witnessed extensive
damage to our democracy. The president’s actions and rhetoric have raised serious red flags for all who value democratic governance. A particularly troubling incident occurred, where H.E. Nana Addo insisted that chiefs stand up to greet him.

‘This display of arrogance not only disrespects traditional authority but also undermines the principles of equality and respect for all citizens, regardless of their social status. Furthermore, the president’s recent statement that he cannot be succeeded by someone he has previously defeated in elections is deeply troubling. This attitude smacks of an inherently anti-democratic nature, as it undermines the fundamental principle of the peaceful transition of power.

‘In a democracy, leaders should respect the will of the people and accept the possibility of being succeeded by their opponents through free and fair elections,’ he said in a statement.

Read the rest of his statement below:

Moreover, the Nana Addo and Bawumia administration has displayed a worrying tendency
to suppress dissent and stifle freedom of speech. Journalists and activists critical of the government have faced harassment and intimidation, creating a chilling effect on public discourse and debate. In addition to these concerns, the government’s handling of key democratic institutions such as the Electoral Commission and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has been highly questionable.

The lack of transparency and independence in these institutions undermines their credibility and erodes public trust in the electoral process. As the end of Nana Addo’s mandate draw near, it is imperative that Ghanaians reflect on the state of our democracy and take action to safeguard its future. Ghanaians must hold our leaders accountable for their actions and demand respect for democratic norms and values. The future of Ghana’s democracy depends on our collective vigilance and commitment to upholding the principles of freedom, equality, and justice for all.

During his visit to the Wa Naa palace, Presiden
t Akufo-Addo reiterated this sentiment, stating that his predecessor, His Excellency Former President John Dramani Mahama, should not be his successor. Such statements are not only divisive but also undermine the principles of democracy upon which our nation stands.

It is essential to remind President Akufo-Addo that sovereignty resides with the people, not with any individual, including the president. The will of the people must be respected, and the democratic process must be upheld. Denying a qualified candidate the opportunity to lead based on personal grudges sets a dangerous precedent for the future of our democracy. Moreover, President Akufo-Addo’s promises to the people of Wa regarding infrastructure development and road improvements remain unfulfilled.

The condition of the roads in Wa paints a stark contrast to the president’s assurances, highlighting a pattern of broken promises and neglect. The people of Wa, like all Ghanaians, deserve accountable leadership that prioritizes their needs and respe
cts their democratic rights. It is time for a change, a change that restores integrity to our democratic institutions and prioritizes the well-being of the Ghanaian people over personal vendettas.

As Ghanaians look towards the future, let us remember that Ghana’s strength lies in its diversity, its commitment to democracy, and its respect for the rule of law. President Akufo-Addo’s actions undermine these core values, and it is incumbent upon us, as citizens, to demand better. Hon. Abu Kansangbata call on all Ghanaians to reject political intolerance and to stand together in building a brighter future for our beloved country.

Let us build Ghana together, united in our commitment to democracy, equality, and progress.

Source: Ghana Web

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MTN-Ghana supports Effutu 2024 Aboakyer Festival

MTN Ghana, a leading telecommunication company, has presented a cheque for GHc15,000, drinks hamper, and airtime to the Effutu Traditional Council to support the 2024 Aboakyer Festival.

The celebration, which is on-going, will be climaxed on Saturday, May 4, with a grand durbar where Neenyi Ghartey VII, Effutu Oma Odefe (Paramount Chief), will sit in state to receive homage.

He will also await the first of the two Asafo groups, expected to bring the first catch of a live bushbuck from their ancestral forest for him to step on three times, symbolising the acceptance by their god, Otu.

Mr Prince Owusu Nyarko, the South West Business MTN Regional Senior Manager, led a team to present the items to Neenyi Ghartey at his palace at Winneba in the Central Region.

The donation formed part of the company’s corporate social responsibility of giving back to the society, he said.

Over the years it had partnered the Traditional Council to celebrate the festival and assured of its continuous support to ensure a peacefu
l and successful celebration.

Neenyi Ghartey, who received the items on behalf of the Effutu Traditional Council and the 2024 Festival Planning Committee, expressed his appreciation to the company for the support throughout the years.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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Former NDC minister condemns Maurice Ampaw over ‘choose Agyeman-Rawlings over Naana Jane ‘ comments


A former deputy minister under the John Dramani Mahama administration, Abu Kansangbata, has condemned the assertions made by private legal practitioner, Maurice Ampaw, regarding the selection of Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as NDC’s 2024 running mate.

Speaking on the Home Radio Morning Show, and monitored by GhanaWeb, Abu Kansangbata criticized the comments by Ampaw, urging Ghanaians not to take them seriously.

He added that people like Maurice Ampaw “are only comedians and should not be allowed into the political space.”

“Respectfully, Maurice Ampaw needs to lift up his game of politics above pettiness and mediocrity. It’s quite unfortunate for him to say that when Agyeman-Rawlings started politics, Naana was still in senior high school. Be that as it may, Prof. Naana is more than 65 years today. How old is Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings?” he quizzed.

He further stated that it is unnecessary for such a lawyer to comment on every serious political issue.

According to the former Upper West deputy regional ministe
r, Maurice Ampaw knows very well that Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is the personality of the moment in Ghana now, and out of desperation, he has aligned himself with individuals who are determined to run her down.

“My clarion call to our party members and party sympathizers is that we need to take advantage of Prof. Naana’s reputation and her high standing in our political space and advance her cause seriously and avoid all manner of diversionary tactics from jokers like Maurice and his cohorts, and concentrate more on explaining to Ghanaians to understand the excruciating hardship that is going on in the country.

“I expect every constituency to capitalize on the momentum and organize many house-to-house campaigns in pushing the agenda of wrestling power from the NPP since Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is a phenomenon and a new definition of women in politics in Ghana. Prof Naana is the personality of the moment in Ghana. Her speech connotes more revealing and comprehensive issues that are affecting our
daily lives,” he added.

He also indicated that what Maurice Ampaw said, regarding the NDC rather opting for former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings over Prof. Naana Jane is a comment that lacks adequate political experience.

He stressed that besides the case, Maurice Ampaw knows very well that the former First Lady has not been a member of the NDC for many years, especially after she suffered a significant defeat by the late Professor John Evans Atta Mills at Sunyani, during the party’s flagbearer election.

Abu Kansangbata, therefore, appealed to NDC members to try and avoid NPP’s negative political strategic agenda of swaying away the attention and beauty of Prof. Naana, especially after her maiden speech during her inauguration.

Source: Ghana Web