Coronavirus: Two-thirds of Germans willing to receive COVID vaccine

A recent report points to raccoon dogs as possible transmitters at the origin of the Covid-19 pandemic. DNA samples collected at the Huanan Wholesale Seafood Market in China show that several raccoon dogs were present in areas where the SARS-CoV-2 virus was found. FRANCE 24's Science Editor Shirli Sitbon looks at what the data may have revealed and why it has disappeared from data-sharing site GISAID.

A keenly-watched malaria vaccine from Oxford University has secured its first approval, in Ghana, as the African country ramps up efforts to combat the mosquito-borne disease that kills a child every minute.

An Oxford University malaria vaccine has been approved for use in Ghana. The African country is ramping up efforts to combat the mosquito-borne disease that kills a child every minute.

The Songkran Festival has come as "a national relief" as Thailand celebrates a return to normality after three years of COVID-19. Revelers enjoyed water fights and other festivities throughout the country.

China's economy grew faster than expected in the beginning of the year at 4.5 percent, on the back of strong export and infrastructure investment figures. GDP is bouncing back after the country put an end to its so-called "Zero-Covid" policy and as the government has pledged to do more to support business.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says malaria still kills a child every two minutes in the world, mostly in Africa. However, buoyed by hopes of a new vaccine, the WHO hopes to reduce infection numbers by 90 percent by 2030.

In Kenya, over 10,000 people die from malaria each year, but the prevalence rate is on a steady downward trend, and a new vaccine looks set to be approved soon. Meanwhile, fighting continues in Sudan despite warring factions agreeing to extend a truce. Those unable to escape are suffering severe shortages of basic goods, water and electricity. Finally we take you to Ivory Coast for the FEMUA music festival, one of West Africa's biggest Afropop events.

The ECDC said the COVID-19 pandemic had taught "valuable lessons" and stressed that there needs to be better preparation for future health crises.

The coronavirus pandemic is over as a global health emergency, the World Health Organization said — while stressing that the virus "is here to stay."

New data shows Chinese economic growth slowing, with property investment in steep decline and youth unemployment at a record high. Also, the US Federal Reserve confirms its "hawkish pause" policy, keeping interest rates steady for now but planning for more hikes. Finally, economists name an unlikely culprit for persistent Swedish inflation: Beyoncé.

According to the UN health agency, COVID-19 is still responsible for over 1,000 deaths a week in the European region. However, this can be an underestimation as many countries no longer maintain proper data.

In a post-Covid era where music lovers have less disposable income and organisers face higher costs, we discuss what music festivals can do to survive. We're joined by John Rostron, CEO of the Association of Independent Festivals in the UK.