insert_link Health / Medical Global pandemic treaty will help fight future threats: top negotiator on how talks are going By Precious Matsoso, University of the Witwatersrand For the past two years the World Health Organization’s 194 member states have been negotiating an international accord on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. This was driven by the need to ensure the world is better prepared for future pandemics. The outcome of the government-led negotiations was presented to the annual meeting of the World Health Assembly […] todayJune 21, 2024 8
insert_link Health / Medical Heat exposure during pregnancy can lead to a lifetime of health problems By Matthew Chersich, University of the Witwatersrand and Darshnika Pemi Lakhoo, University of the Witwatersrand 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 pregnant women and children. Scientists have previously shown that heat exposure increases the risk of preterm […] todayJune 20, 2024 16
insert_link Health / Medical South African Health Department to Explore AI for Faster Tuberculosis and Silicosis Diagnosis The S.A Department of Health says it’s considering exploring artificial intelligence tools to accelerate tuberculosis and silicosis diagnosis. Following the World Health Organisation's recommendations, the department is hosting a conference from today until Saturday in Sandton, Gauteng, to discuss using AI to improve diagnosis and address backlogs, especially among mineworkers. The department’s, Foster Mohale says the conference will feature health professionals, mining representatives, and AI tech companies to promote awareness […] todayJune 20, 2024 23
insert_link Health / Medical New blood tests may spot Parkinson’s before symptoms appear Researchers have identified a biological signature of Parkinson's disease they hope could lead to a simple blood test for the condition at least seven years before symptoms appear. Scientists have screened blood samples from people with Parkinson's and detected eight key proteins or "biomarkers" common to those with the condition. Based on these proteins in the blood, artificial intelligence could identify potential Parkinson's patients several years in advance. Parkinson's is […] todayJune 19, 2024 10
insert_link Health / Medical Surgeon general demands warning label on social media apps The like button is making parents rethink what the ideal age is to introduce phones and social media access to their children. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy told CNN that the threat social media poses to children requires urgent action, and he demanded Congress, in the US to put a label on the apps as it does with cigarettes and alcohol. "The mental health crisis among young people is urgent, […] todayJune 18, 2024 34
insert_link Health / Medical Former First Lady Madam Penehupifo Pohamba becomes Nampharm Foundation patron Former First Lady of Namibia, Madam Penehupifo Pohamba has joined the Nampharm Foundation as its patron to celebrate the social welfare organisation’s 19th anniversary of providing life-changing surgery to Namibian children. The foundation has been treating children with cleft lip and palate, for nearly two decades. The former first lady says the foundation has consistently surpassed its annual goal of assisting 30 children. todayJune 17, 2024 72
insert_link Health / Medical Oral nicotine pouches deliver lower levels of toxic substances than smoking – but that doesn’t mean they’re safe Oral nicotine pouches and related ‘snus’ tobacco pouches are marketed as cigarette alternatives. Andrii Atanov/iStock via Getty Images By Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, UMass Amherst and Nargiz Travis, Georgetown University Oral nicotine pouches – like Zyn and Velo in the U.S. – appear to be less toxic than cigarettes and deliver comparable levels of nicotine. This makes them an alternative for people who smoke. However, people who’ve never smoked […] todayJune 17, 2024 28
insert_link Health / Medical Namibia Monitors Mpox Situation After New Cases and Deaths in South Africa After the announcement by South African Health Minister, Joe Phaahla of a new laboratory-confirmed case of Mpox and a second death linked to the disease, Namibia is closely monitoring the situation. Executive Director of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Ben Nangombe, stated that health authorities in Namibia are on alert and taking necessary precautions to prevent any potential outbreak in the country. todayJune 17, 2024 170
insert_link Health / Medical INTERVIEW: Blood Transfusion Service Extends Gratitude on World Blood Donor Day As the world gears up to commemorate the 20th World Blood Donor Day, the Namibia Blood Transfusion Service (NAMBTS) extends its heartfelt gratitude to the generous souls who have selflessly donated blood over the span of six decades. Under the theme "Thank You Donors," this year's celebration, organized by the World Health Organization, acknowledges the invaluable contribution of blood donors globally, highlighting their role in saving countless lives and […] todayJune 14, 2024 12
