insert_link Health / Medical Becoming a dad can be scary. Here’s how to be the best father for your kids By nurturing strong father-child attachment, fathers contribute to the growth, resilience and happiness of their children. Goodboy Picture Company/Getty Images By Tawanda Makusha, Human Sciences Research Council It is natural to feel apprehensive about the responsibilities that come with parenthood – the financial obligations, the emotional and practical support, and the lifelong commitment. And parenting takes many forms. In my case I became a father for the first […] todayMay 13, 2024 23
insert_link Health / Medical AstraZeneca vaccine withdrawn globally over side effect AstraZeneca has admitted in court documents that its Covid-19 vaccine, developed in collaboration with Oxford University and manufactured as Covishield in India, can cause a rare and dangerous side effect known as Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome. Pharmaceutical giant on Wednesday further announced the global withdrawal of its vaccine. The Serum Institute and the Indian government are yet to make a comment on the development. todayMay 9, 2024 80
insert_link Health / Medical Government launches investigation into death at Katutura clinic Following the death of a man while waiting for medical assistance at the Katutura Health Centre in Windhoek on Monday night, we asked the Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, if the government has initiated investigations into the matter. We've also asked Dr. Shangula how the Ministry plans to alleviate the pressure on clinics like Katutura Health Centre. todayMay 9, 2024 127
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 44
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 68
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 82
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 26
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 27
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 28