Inaugural Climate and Health Conference Rallies Africa To Take Action Against Climate-Induced Health Threats
By Michael Gwarisa Although Africa contributes less than 4% of global carbon dioxide emissions, it faces some of the harshest impacts of climate change on health and the environment, leaders at the inaugural Climate and Health Africa Conference (CHAC2024) have stated. Public health data shows that Africa is experiencing numerous climate-linked health hazards more than
Read MoreSierra Leone Nurses Empowered With Nurse Anaesthesia Diploma Programme
By Staff Reporter In a groundbreaking partnership to address the critical shortage of anesthesia providers in the country Mercy Ships (www.MercyShips.org), Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health, and the University of Sierra Leone have launched a Nurse Anesthesia Diploma Programme. This initiative aims to improve surgical care capacity by training specialized nurse anesthetists, ensuring lasting healthcare
Read MoreUrgent action needed to accelerate mental health progress in African region
The African region has made progress over the past decade to strengthen mental health systems, including investments to improve care, health workforce as well as national policies to steer the delivery of vital services. However, the pace of the progress is slow and further efforts are needed to address mental health challenges and ensure well-being.
Read MoreZambia records first mpox case: Health minister
Zambia’s Health Minister Elijah Muchima announced Thursday the first-recorded mpox case in the country. The 32-year-old Tanzanian male patient traveled from a neighboring country last month and presented symptoms earlier this month. He is currently admitted to a health facility in the Central Province. Given the patient’s extensive travel history and interaction at multiple points
Read MoreMercy Ships and West African College of Surgeons Collaborate to Elevate Surgical and Anesthesia Training in Africa
By Own Correspondent In a landmark collaboration, the West African College of Surgeons (WACS) has granted an accreditation to Mercy Ships’ (www.MercyShips.org) surgical and anesthesia training programmes. This partnership reflects the shared commitment of both organizations towards advancing medical education in the region, offering medical trainees unparalleled opportunities to gain specialized qualifications through their experience
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WHO adds an HPV vaccine for single-dose use
By Staff Reporter WHO announced that a fourth WHO-prequalified human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine product, Cecolin® has been confirmed for use in a single-dose schedule. The decision is made based on new data on the product that fulfilled the criteria set out in the WHO’s 2022 recommendations for alternative, off-label use of HPV vaccines in single-dose schedules. This
Read MoreZimbabwe Amongst African Countries With Growing Disabling Hearing Loss Burden
By Michael Gwarisa The World Health Organization (WHO) has projected an increasing burden in disabling hearing loss in Africa at the back limited capacity to handle hearing loss ailments, an ill-equipped workforce amongst a host of other factors. Data from 43 African countries show that while 36 countries provide EHC services at the tertiary level,
Read More3-Month Dapivirine Vaginal Ring for HIV Prevention Demonstrates Superior Drug Release Compared to 1-Month Ring
By Staff Reporter Lima, Peru – The Population Council, an international nonprofit research organization, announced today at HIVR4P 2024, the 5th HIV Research for Prevention Conference, the results of a phase I open-label randomized crossover relative bioavailability trial (IPM 054). The trial found that a 3-month dapivirine vaginal ring delivers the active antiretroviral drug, dapivirine,
Read MoreWHO approves first mpox diagnostic test for emergency use, boosting global access
By Michael Gwarisa The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed the first mpox in vitro diagnostic (IVD) under its Emergency Use Listing (EUL) procedure, an important step in improving global access to mpox testing. The approval for emergency use of the Alinity m MPXV assay, manufactured by Abbott Molecular Inc., will be pivotal in expanding
Read MoreGhana To Host ICASA 2025
By Staff Reporter The Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA) is delighted to announce that Ghana has been selected as the host country for the 23rd edition of the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA), which will take place in from 3rd to 8th December 2025 at the Accra International Conference Centre.
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