The news of a total freeze on “all federal financial assistance” by President Donald Trump on foreign aid and HIV-related initiatives, has raised a global concern, especially among African countries

With so many African healthcare programs, including vaccines for HIV/AIDS, dependent on USAID funding, many African countries seem to feel the heat more than other countries that benefit from U.S. foreign aid.

Here are 5 countries with the highest HIV rates

1. Swaziland or Eswatini

Eswatini has the world’s highest HIV/AIDS infection rate, with 27.20% of the country’s population living with the infection. The infection was reportedly transmitted all over the country through unprotected sex, transactional sex, and sexual violence. The country formerly known as Swaziland was renamed by King MSWATI III to Eswatini in April 2018

2. Lesotho

Lesotho has a 25.00% HIV/AIDS infection rate. The majority of affected people are women and young people between the ages of 15 to 24 from low-income communities. Also, the country has limited access to good jobs, formal education, and adequate medical care.

3. Botswana

The HIV/AIDS infection rate in Botswana is at the rate of 21.90% of its population, making it the world’s third-highest. The infections are most common among female sex workers. The prevalence of the epidemic is higher among adult females than among males, like in Swaziland, and has spread largely through forced marriages and gender-based violence.

4. South Africa

South Africa remains a country with a substantial number of people living with HIV/AIDS with 18.90% of the population testing positive for the virus. These high rates have been attributed in part to sexual abuse, a lack of adequate information, and false beliefs about the illness. The majority of those afflicted are women under 40, including those who are pregnant.

5. Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe ranks fifth among countries living with HIV/AIDS with 12% of the population testing positive for the virus. Factors such as poverty, limited education, and a high incidence of other infectious diseases contribute to the transmission, although the country is making processes to reduce the transmission across the country.

Credit: Vanguard News

The Federal Ministry of Works has issued a stern warning to telecommunications giant MTN over delays in the N202 billion Enugu-Onitsha Expressway project. The Ministry demanded that MTN commits to paying contractors at least ₦15 billion monthly for the next 10 months or face termination of the contract.

The project is being executed under the Federal Government’s Tax Credit Scheme and handled by RCC Ltd.

The warning came after a high-level meeting in Abuja, chaired by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, and attended by members of the Anambra and Enugu Caucus of the 10th National Assembly, along with representatives of MTN.

A statement issued by Hon. Orji Uchenna Orji, the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media, read in part:

“The Federal Ministry of Works will write to MTN demanding an irrevocable commitment to pay contractors a minimum of ₦15 billion monthly for the next 10 months to fast-track the completion of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway. Failure to comply will result in the termination process being initiated.”

The Ministry expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work and financial delays, which have reportedly caused a cost escalation of over 100%.

Further resolutions included:

Engaging three contractors to complete the 79 km section of the road within the initial ₦202 billion contract sum.

Awarding the remaining 72 km to other contractors through due process, with MTN and RCC eligible to bid.

The Ministry noted that MTN’s handling of the project did not align with the Tax Credit Executive Order. Officials warned that continued delays could increase the project cost by over 200%, which is unacceptable to the Federal Government.

The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including:

MTN Representatives:

Ikechukwu Uchendu, General Manager

Ifeoma Nkata, Manager of Federal Affairs

Engr. Chris Okoye, Community Liaison

Onioha Dike and Tochuckwu Onuorah, Project Managers

C.J. Caleb, Legal Adviser

Ministry Officials:

Engr. C. A. Ogbuagu, Director of Highways Construction and Rehabilitation

Engr. B. U. Obioha, Director of Highways Bridge and Design

Engr. M. Saidu, Acting Director of Highways Road and Design

The ultimatum underscores the Federal Government’s renewed resolve to complete critical infrastructure projects and hold stakeholders accountable for delays.

Safest cities in the world abound with safety an important factor for people when deciding where to live, work, or travel.

And the rating of safety depends on low crime rates, good healthcare, public safety, affordable costs, and clean surroundings.

Safe cities attract visitors, investors, and new residents. They offer places where people can achieve their goals and build strong relationships. Safety also helps cities grow economically. Low crime encourages businesses to invest, supports new ventures, and makes shopping safer for customers. Safe cities also attract tourists, who spend money and help the local economy.

The safest cities are ranked based on factors like crime rates, public safety, healthcare, cost of living, and

environmental quality. Cities with low crime and high safety scores are the safest.

Abu Dhabi has been the world’s safest city for nine years in a row, and the UAE has several cities ranked highly on the global list.

Based on the 2025 Numbeo Safety Index, here are the top 10 safest cities in the world.

10. Munich, Germany
Safety Index: 79.3

Munich is a safe city with a mix of tradition and modernity. It has efficient public services and low crime rates.

9. The Hague
(Den Haag), Netherlands (Safety Index: 79.5)

The Hague is a secure city with international importance. It is known for peace and justice and offers a high standard of safety.

8. Trondheim, Norway
(Safety Index: 79.6)

Trondheim is a safe and beautiful city. It has low crime rates and a strong community, making it a great place to live.

7. Muscat, Oman
(Safety Index: 80.8)

Muscat is safe and clean. It has a low crime rate and offers a peaceful environment for residents and tourists.

6. Manama, Bahrain
(Safety Index: 81.0)

Manama is peaceful and welcoming. The city has a strong sense of community and low crime rates.

5. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
(Safety Index: 83.8)

Sharjah is family-friendly and culturally rich. It maintains high safety standards and is a secure place to live.

4. Taipei, Taiwan
(Safety Index: 83.8)

Taipei is known for its friendly residents and safe streets. It has good public transportation and very little violent crime.

3. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
(Safety Index: 83.8)

Dubai is a modern city with strict laws and advanced security systems. It provides a safe place for people to live and travel.

2. Doha, Qatar
(Safety Index: 84.0)

Doha is safe and well-organised. It has low crime rates, reliable public services, and a secure environment for residents and visitors.

1. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
(Safety Index: 88.4)

Abu Dhabi has been the safest city in the world for nine years. It has low crime rates, modern infrastructure, and effective law enforcement.