Category: BREAKING NEWS

#Breaking: Zimbabwe Records Two Mpox Cases

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Health and Child Care Minister,  Dr Douglas Mombeshora has announced that two cases of Mpox have been recorded in Zimbabwe. Briefing Journalists in the capital, Harare  Dr Mombeshora said the two cases are in currently in isolation. The Ministry of Health and Child Care wishes to inform the nation that Zimbabwe now has two (2) confirmed cases of Mpox: one in Harare and another in Mberengwa. Both cases are in isolation at home, and are receiving appropriate care,” said Dr Mombeshora. He added that both cases are…

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Urgent action needed to accelerate mental health progress in African region

Michael Gwarisa

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. Notable advancements in the region include a 14% improvement in the ratio of mental health specialists to population in the six years to 2020, as well as the introduction of mental health care training for…

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Zambia records first mpox case: Health minister

Healthtimes

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 in Zambia, there is a heightened risk of local transmission and potential cross-border spread. Following the confirmation of his test results, the Ministry of Health, through the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI), has heightened…

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Mercy Ships and West African College of Surgeons Collaborate to Elevate Surgical and Anesthesia Training in Africa

Michael Gwarisa

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 aboard the international charity’s hospital vessels. The clinical and scholarly endorsement from WACS has been celebrated by Mercy Ships as a huge milestone in continuing to deliver of the organization’s Education Training and Advocacy (ETA)…

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Zimbabwe Amongst African Countries With Growing Disabling Hearing Loss Burden

Michael Gwarisa

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, similar services are not offered at primary care level. This is despite the fact that the common causes of hearing loss are mostly preventable through simple public health interventions, or measures to mitigate the risk…

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3-Month Dapivirine Vaginal Ring for HIV Prevention Demonstrates Superior Drug Release Compared to 1-Month Ring

Michael Gwarisa

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, at higher levels than the 1-month dapivirine vaginal ring. The trial, conducted among   124 women in South Africa, suggests that the longer-acting ring will be as effective as the 1-month ring, offering a more cost…

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WHO approves first mpox diagnostic test for emergency use, boosting global access

Michael Gwarisa

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 diagnostic capacity in countries facing mpox outbreaks, where the need for quick and accurate testing has risen sharply. Early diagnosis of mpox enables timely treatment and care, and control of the virus. Limited testing capacity…

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Ghana To Host ICASA 2025

Michael Gwarisa

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. This prestigious event will convene global leaders, community, researchers, advocates, and healthcare professionals to further the continent’s fight against HIV/AIDS, STIs, Hepatitis, Malaria, TB, emerging viral infections and strengthening Africa’s Health systems. Since its inception…

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Zimbabwe’s Sibongile Mlambo Appointed as Rotary’s Celebrity Ambassador to Promote Global Health and Peace

Michael Gwarisa

By Staff Reporter EVANSTON, Ill., USA (October  6th , 2024) – Rotary International today launched its celebrity ambassador program, welcoming Kat Graham, for many years Rotary’s first ambassador and Archie Panjabi, Rotary’s first ambassador for a polio-free world. Sibongile Mlambo and Gaby Moreno are Rotary’s inaugural members for 2024-2025. Rotary brings together people of action from all continents and cultures who deliver real, long-term solutions to the world’s most persistent issues. Together with its celebrity ambassadors, Rotary aims to engage new leaders and change-makers from around the globe who can…

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WHO adds an HPV vaccine for single-dose use

Michael Gwarisa

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 important milestone will contribute to improving sustainable supply of HPV vaccines—allowing more girls to be reached with the vaccines that prevent cervical cancer. Unlike most other cancers, we have the ability to eliminate…

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