insert_link Health / Medical Namibia commended in HIV and Hepatitis B battle By Bonface Orucho, bird story agency Namibia is making significant strides in combating the transmission of HIV and Hepatitis B from mother to child, showcasing the effectiveness of government-led initiatives in addressing these two global health challenges, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). On Monday (May 6), the WHO awarded Namibia with “silver tier” and “bronze tier” certifications for its progressive trends towards reducing hepatitis […] todayMay 8, 2024 11
insert_link Health / Medical Namibia targets climate impact on maternal health for International Midwives Day Namibia will mark International Midwives Day on Saturday, 11 May 2024. This year's theme aligns with the core objectives of COP28 and focuses on strategies to improve the health and status of women. Annaloice Penduka, a Board member and Treasurer of the Independent Midwives Association of Namibia, as well as an Advanced Midwife and Lecturer at IUM, says that Namibia's emphasis will be on the effects of climate change on […] todayMay 7, 2024 4
insert_link Health / Medical Namibia outperforms region in public health The Namibian government, in partnership with the WHO, unveiled the African Health Workforce Investment Charter on 6 May at the inaugural Africa Health Workforce Investment Forum. The charter's launch signified a coordinated effort to bolster investments in health workforce education, employment, and retention, with a specific focus on reducing disparities and enhancing health outcomes, particularly in underserved regions. Attended by about 170 delegates, including ministers of health, labor and finance […] todayMay 7, 2024 7
insert_link Health / Medical Caesarean births: South Africa’s rates are too high – they can be dangerous for mothers and babies By Priya Soma-Pillay, University of Pretoria and Andre Van Niekerk, University of Pretoria A caesarean section is an important surgical intervention that can save the lives of mother and baby. Caesarean sections are essential in complicated labours such as prolonged or obstructed labour or if the baby is distressed. The World Health Organization says that while “every effort should be made to provide a caesarean section […] todayMay 7, 2024 13
insert_link Health / Medical How much time should you spend sitting versus standing? New research reveals the perfect mix for optimal health The Conversation, Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock By Christian Brakenridge, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute People have a pretty intuitive sense of what is healthy – standing is better than sitting, exercise is great for overall health and getting good sleep is imperative. However, if exercise in the evening may disrupt our sleep, or make us feel the need to be more sedentary to recover, a key question emerges – what […] todayMay 3, 2024 8
insert_link Health / Medical Why is cancer called cancer? We need to go back to Greco-Roman times for the answer Amna Artist/Shutterstock By Konstantine Panegyres, The University of Melbourne One of the earliest descriptions of someone with cancer comes from the fourth century BC. Satyrus, tyrant of the city of Heracleia on the Black Sea, developed a cancer between his groin and scrotum. As the cancer spread, Satyrus had ever greater pains. He was unable to sleep and had convulsions. Advanced cancers in that part of the body […] todayMay 3, 2024 12
insert_link Environment Electricity from farm waste: how biogas could help Malawians with no power By Ehiaze Ehimen, Atlantic Technological University and Thomas Robin, Atlantic Technological University In sub-Saharan Africa, over 600 million people (more than 50% of the population) are without access to electricity. Malawi has one of the world’s lowest electricity access rates – just 14.1% of the total population have access to the main grid. In rural areas, the electrification access rate is even lower, estimated at 5.6% […] todayMay 2, 2024 9
insert_link Health / Medical Africa has made remarkable vaccination progress, more can be done – report By Bonface Orucho, bird story agency As the 2024 World Immunization Week comes to a close, a recent WHO report has highlighted Africa’s remarkable advancements in vaccine accessibility. According to the report, an estimated 51.2 million lives have been saved through vaccines on the continent over the past five decades. “For every infant life saved over that period, close to 60 years of life are lived,” a […] todayApril 30, 2024 7
insert_link Environment Gum arabic from Africa’s acacia trees in the Sahel is used in hundreds of products: what’s worth knowing By Asgar Ali, University of Nottingham The conflict in Sudan has turned attention to a rarely discussed commodity: gum arabic. This product, the dried sap of certain species of acacia trees, is used mainly as an additive in the soft drinks industry. Sudan accounts for about 70% of global gum arabic exports. Asgar Ali, an expert in sustainable food systems, answers questions about the commodity and its […] todayApril 30, 2024 13
Paying it forward: Kenyan coastal doctor Bashrahil Mohammed Mafudh has made it his life’s work to care for the most vulnerable in his community, at no cost.
