insert_link Health / Medical Mpox: what to watch out for, treatment and what to worry about By Cheryl Walter, University of Hull The new strain of the mpox virus is spreading quickly along the eastern border of the Democratic Republic of Congo and is “the most dangerous yet”, says the World Health Organization. The current outbreak has been driven by sexual transmission but there is evidence this strain can also be passed on through close skin-to-skin contact. Those […] todayJune 28, 2024 18
insert_link Africa Nigeria’s cholera outbreaks: why they happen and are so hard to control By Stella Ifeanyi Smith, Mountain Top University On 9 June 2024 the Lagos State government declared a cholera outbreak. Three days later, it announced that 324 suspected cases had been reported in the state, including 15 people who died and 40 who were discharged after treatment. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported that as of 11 June, 1,141 suspected cholera […] todayJune 27, 2024 17
insert_link Health / Medical World marks International Day Against Drug Abuse Today is International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime's World Drug Report 2024, launched on Wednesday, reveals that new synthetic opioids and a record supply and demand for other drugs have worsened the global drug problem. Angela Me, head of social affairs at UNODC. todayJune 26, 2024 30
insert_link Health / Medical Technology makes it possible to diagnose diseases on the spot – but South Africa’s public healthcare system faces several obstacles By Tivani Mashamba-Thompson, University of Pretoria Digital technology has hugely improved healthcare in many ways. It’s now possible to test patients on the spot – in a clinic or hospital – for many health conditions. Digital diagnostic devices can analyse samples like sweat, saliva, faeces, tears and breath for signs of major diseases such as cancer and HIV. Testing at the point […] todayJune 26, 2024 29
insert_link Health / Medical SA’s Border Management Authority implements preparedness plan for Mpox South Africa’s Border Management Authority commissioner, Michael Masiapato has announced that the authority's port health officials have developed an outbreak preparedness plan that outlines the response in dealing with Mpox. Spokesperson, Mmemme Mogotsi says 13 cases have been confirmed by the Department of Health. todayJune 25, 2024 20
insert_link Health / Medical Senegal tightens anti-Covid controls after Mecca deaths Senegal said today it had implemented voluntary Covid-19 screening tests and reimposed the wearing of masks at Dakar's international airport for returning pilgrims fearing the virus was linked to the deaths of some Mecca pilgrims. Dakar suspects that a number of the some 1,300 deaths -- according to a Saudi tally -- are down to a respiratory syndrome ailment such as Covid-19, Health Minister Ibrahima Sy […] todayJune 24, 2024 9
insert_link Health / Medical What is cervical cancer and how can it be prevented? Answers to key questions By Abba Mallum, University of KwaZulu-Natal; Beatrice M’mboga Akala, University of the Witwatersrand; Maureen Bilinga Tendwa, Rhodes University; Rakiya Saidu, University of Cape Town; Stephen Avery, University of Pennsylvania; Twalib Ngoma, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, and Wil Ngwa, Johns Hopkins University In 2020 the World Health Organization rolled out a global strategy to eradicate cervical cancer by 2030. This is the fourth-most […] todayJune 24, 2024 15
insert_link Health / Medical Your wig could be poisoning you: study finds pesticides and other toxic chemicals in synthetic hair in Nigeria By Nwanne Dike Ijere, Federal University of Technology Owerri Well-groomed hair is a symbol of beauty for many black African women. Natural hair requires special care and attention, though, which can be time consuming. Wigs (human or synthetic hair), weave-ons and other artificial hair extensions offer women an alternative to their natural hair. In Nigeria, these alternatives are very popular with women, both young […] todayJune 24, 2024 14
insert_link Health / Medical The impact of breast cancer treatments on bone health. By Dr Justus Apffelstaedt, specialist surgeon with an interest in breast, thyroid and parathyroid health as well as soft tissue surgical oncology Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in women[1]. A comprehensive research effort stretching back more than half a century makes breast cancer the most well understood cancer, with advanced screening and treatment therapies available. Women are surviving longer, have increased remission rates and, […] todayJune 21, 2024 24
