GENEVA | TASS | A new pandemic may strike at any time, World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned, addressing a session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) working on a draft agreement to prevent pandemics. “As the current outbreak of H5N1 reminds us, the next pandemic …
Read More »Heat exposure during pregnancy
It can lead to a lifetime of health problems ANALYSIS | MATTHEW CHERSICH & DARSHNIKA PEMI LAKHOO | Climate change is one of the greatest public health threats humanity has ever faced. Global warming is part of this threat. Increasing temperatures are linked to deteriorating health, especially in vulnerable populations, including …
Read More »Measles outbreaks across the world indicate fall in immunization levels after COVID-19 disruption
75% of Infants in Low Vaccine Coverage Countries Face Rising Measles Outbreaks, New Data Reveals HEALTH REPORT | THE INDEPENDENT | Global childhood immunization coverage stalled in 2023, leaving 2.7 million additional children un and under-vaccinated compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to data published on Monday by the …
Read More »Grief, bereavement care services piloted in Masaka
Masaka, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Families grieving for relatives who succumb to terminal illnesses can benefit from a new grief and bereavement care service being piloted by palliative care providers. According to Iddi Matovu, a Public Health Specialist at Kitovu Mobile, a palliative care provider that’s piloting the care …
Read More »Africa races to increase vaccine manufacturing capacity, concerns rise over Europe’s control
As the African vaccine independence drive gains momentum, European countries want to play a bigger role-They lead the launch of a financing vehicle out of Africa and make the bulk of the funding commitment. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | As Africa races to be more independent in vaccine production, …
Read More »FMD: Uganda close to lifting quarantine on livestock
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) is considering lifting the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) quarantine on livestock. On February 28th, the Ministry imposed quarantine restrictions in Kampala following an outbreak of FMD in Kabowa, Rubaga Division. Subsequently, the disease spread …
Read More »Investing in African health tech
African-led health tech has improved the lives of millions of patients. But systemic change in global health procurement is needed to support local innovations ANALYSIS | AGENCIES | In a remote village in Rwanda, a life-saving medicine delivery takes place. A drone, operated by Zipline; an American company that designs, manufactures, …
Read More »HIV breakthrough
Drug trial shows injection twice a year is 100% effective against infection ANALYSIS | LINDA-GAIL BEKKER | A large clinical trial in South Africa and Uganda has shown that a twice-yearly injection of a new pre-exposure prophylaxis drug gives young women total protection from HIV infection. The trial tested whether …
Read More »Zambia sees COVID-19 cases increase in cold season
LUSAKA, Zambia | Xinhua | Zambia has experienced a rise in COVID-19 cases following the recent cold season in the country, health authorities said on Monday. Minister of Health Sylvia Masebo told a press briefing that about 3,070 tests were conducted between May and June, out of which 2.4 percent …
Read More »Shortage of rabies vaccines hits Eastern Uganda
Tororo, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | A severe shortage of rabies vaccines has hit government health facilities in Eastern Uganda amidst a surge in the number of people bitten by suspected rabid animals. A survey conducted in Tororo, Busia, and Namayingo districts revealed significant shortages of rabies vaccines, leaving many …
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