BioNTech Pledges African Access to its Future Cancer Drugs

Syringes are seen in front of a displayed BioNTech logo in this illustration taken November 10, 2020. (Reuters)
Syringes are seen in front of a displayed BioNTech logo in this illustration taken November 10, 2020. (Reuters)
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BioNTech Pledges African Access to its Future Cancer Drugs

Syringes are seen in front of a displayed BioNTech logo in this illustration taken November 10, 2020. (Reuters)
Syringes are seen in front of a displayed BioNTech logo in this illustration taken November 10, 2020. (Reuters)

Germany's BioNTech, which is preparing to produce its COVID-19 vaccine or other disease-preventing shots in Africa, said that novel cancer therapies it is working on will in future be available on the continent at affordable prices.

"We pledge as BioNTech to develop our cancer medicines also according to the needs of the African people and enable affordable access to our immunotherapies to African states and African people," the company's chief executive said at a news conference on Wednesday.

BioNTech earlier unveiled a vaccine factory made from shipping containers that it plans to ship to Africa as assembly kits to ease disparities in global COVID-19 vaccine access.



Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Launches Fifth Beekeeping Season

Jazan’s Annual Honey Festival - File Photo/SPA
Jazan’s Annual Honey Festival - File Photo/SPA
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Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Launches Fifth Beekeeping Season

Jazan’s Annual Honey Festival - File Photo/SPA
Jazan’s Annual Honey Festival - File Photo/SPA

The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority launched the fifth annual beekeeping season for 2026 as part of its programs to empower the local community and regulate beekeeping activities within the reserve.

The launch aligns with the authority's objectives of biodiversity conservation, the promotion of sustainable environmental practices, and the generation of economic returns for beekeepers, SPA reported.

The authority explained that this year’s beekeeping season comprises three main periods associated with spring flowers, acacia, and Sidr, with the start date of each period serving as the official deadline for submitting participation applications.

The authority encouraged all interested beekeepers to review the season details and attend the scheduled virtual meetings to ensure organized participation in accordance with the approved regulations and the specified dates for each season.


Hail Municipality Named Arab Green City For 2024-2025

The achievement establishes Hail as a leading Arab model for sustainable urban development - SPA
The achievement establishes Hail as a leading Arab model for sustainable urban development - SPA
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Hail Municipality Named Arab Green City For 2024-2025

The achievement establishes Hail as a leading Arab model for sustainable urban development - SPA
The achievement establishes Hail as a leading Arab model for sustainable urban development - SPA

The Hail Region Municipality has secured first place in the Arab Green City award for 2024-2025 at the 15th session of the Arab Towns Organization.

This recognition honors the municipality’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the expansion of green spaces, and the implementation of urban practices that elevate the quality of life, SPA reported.

The award follows a series of strategic environmental initiatives, including large-scale afforestation, the modernization of public parks, and the adoption of eco-friendly solutions to enhance the urban landscape and resource efficiency.

By aligning its projects with the sustainability goals of Saudi Vision 2030, the municipality continues to foster a healthy and safe environment for residents and visitors.

This achievement establishes Hail as a leading Arab model for sustainable urban development.


'Large-scale' Avalanche Kills Two Skiers in French Alps

Members of the CRS Alpes Grenoble mountain rescue team prepare to board a Securite Civile helicopter (emergency management) after after an avalanche emergency response rescue mission in an off-piste area of the Ecrins massif, French Alps on January 29, 2026. (Photo by JEFF PACHOUD / AFP)
Members of the CRS Alpes Grenoble mountain rescue team prepare to board a Securite Civile helicopter (emergency management) after after an avalanche emergency response rescue mission in an off-piste area of the Ecrins massif, French Alps on January 29, 2026. (Photo by JEFF PACHOUD / AFP)
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'Large-scale' Avalanche Kills Two Skiers in French Alps

Members of the CRS Alpes Grenoble mountain rescue team prepare to board a Securite Civile helicopter (emergency management) after after an avalanche emergency response rescue mission in an off-piste area of the Ecrins massif, French Alps on January 29, 2026. (Photo by JEFF PACHOUD / AFP)
Members of the CRS Alpes Grenoble mountain rescue team prepare to board a Securite Civile helicopter (emergency management) after after an avalanche emergency response rescue mission in an off-piste area of the Ecrins massif, French Alps on January 29, 2026. (Photo by JEFF PACHOUD / AFP)

An avalanche has killed two off-piste ski tourers in the French Alps, a local prosecutor said on Sunday.

According to local rescue services, the two men died when an avalanche was triggered on Saturday afternoon near the village of Saint-Veran, known as the highest village in the French Alps.

The two victims-- one born in 1997 and the other in 1991 -- were part of a group of four unguided skiers when a "large-scale" avalanche swept down the north side of the Tete de Longet mountain peak, Gap prosecutor Marion Lozac'hmeur told AFP.

The other two skiers were unharmed, Lozac'hmeur added.

An autopsy has been ordered as part of an investigation into the cause of death, according to the prosecutor.

Avalanches have already claimed the lives of more than 20 skiers across the French, Swiss and Austrian Alps so far this season.