Health / Medical Archives - Page 22 of 49

W.H.O Alert Says COVID-19 making worrying comeback

Covid-19 infections are on the rise worldwide and the World Health Organisation says it is unlikely to decline anytime soon. The UN health agency has sounded the alarm bells following several reported cases at the Olympics. More than 40 athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics have tested positive for Covid-19. Jody Jacobs reports from the United Nations in New York.

7 August, 2024

Africa

World Health Organisation considers emergency status for Africa’s Mpox outbreak

The World Health Organisation is considering convening an expert committee to determine if the escalating Mpox outbreak in Africa should be declared an international emergency. WHO director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus announced this consideration following a surge of cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and nearby countries. South Africa has also confirmed two more cases in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, bringing its total to 24 cases and three deaths. The Africa Centres […]

6 August, 2024

Health / Medical

National Health Laboratory Service in South Africa has begun restoring its critical IT services

The National Health Laboratory Service in South Africa has begun restoring its critical IT services following a recent cyberattack. Critical services, including laboratory registration and results processing, are being returned online in phases. Healthcare professionals can now access patient results through the NHLS laboratory web results viewer, improving efficiency and reducing backlogs. The laboratory’s spokesperson Mzi Gcukumana says they are safeguarding their IT assets and resuming full-service delivery amid ongoing […]

6 August, 2024

Health / Medical

Namibia to Transition to HPV DNA Testing in New Cancer Control Plan

The Health ministry, along with the Cancer Association of Namibia and WHO, is finalizing a new National Cancer Control Plan. The plan includes transitioning from the visual inspection HPV test to HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer. This change will target women aged 25 and 30 and those living with HIV, as noted by Executive Director Ben Nangombe.

6 August, 2024

Health / Medical

National cancer awareness week focuses on patient needs

The first week of August marks Cancer Awareness Week, running from 5 August to 9 August 2024. This year, the Cancer Association of Namibia is championing the campaign "Nothing about us, without us," emphasizing solidarity with cancer patients. Throughout this week, the Association will highlight the importance of understanding and addressing the needs of Namibians living with cancer. The campaign underscores the necessity of involving patients in conversations and decisions […]

5 August, 2024

Health / Medical

South Africa’s Department of Health has confirmed two more positive cases of Mpox in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal

South Africa's Department of Health has confirmed that two more positive cases of Mpox have been detected in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, increasing the number of cases from 22 to 24 nationwide. The number of deaths linked to the disease remains at three. The department’s spokesperson, Foster Mohale, says the 23rd case is a 36-year-old man from KwaZulu-Natal who was admitted at a public health facility in Durban late in July […]

5 August, 2024

Health / Medical

Ticks in South Africa are becoming resistant to pesticides – and may become uncontrollable

By Luther van der Mescht, University of the Free State Ticks that suck the blood of South Africa’s cattle are developing resistance to the only pesticides that kill them and have become increasingly difficult to control. If not contained, the spread and resistance to pesticides of these small parasites will affect farmers’ incomes and could reduce the country’s meat and milk production. South Africa […]

31 July, 2024

Health / Medical

WHO launches mRNA bird flu vaccine project

The World Health Organization and its partners launched a bid on Monday to speed up the development and distribution of H5N1 avian influenza, also known as bird flu vaccines in low and middle-income countries. The mRNA Technology Transfer Programme, collaboratively developed by WHO and MPP, was launched in July 2021 to enhance the capacity of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) for the development and production of mRNA-based vaccines. As a […]

30 July, 2024

Health / Medical

Busting breast health myths

Dr Justus Apffelstaedt, specialist surgeon Does it really hurt to have a mammogram and are drinkers really at a higher risk of developing breast cancer? With so many myths and preconceived ideas on the internet and in our minds, it is often difficult to distinguish between fact and fiction. Breast, thyroid, and parathyroid specialists Dr Justus Apffelstaedt and Dr Fatima Hoosain help to debunk some common misconceptions about […]

30 July, 2024