Health / Medical Archives - Page 31 of 49

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.

9 May, 2024

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 […]

8 May, 2024

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 […]

7 May, 2024

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 […]

7 May, 2024

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 […]

7 May, 2024

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 […]

3 May, 2024

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 […]

3 May, 2024

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% […]

2 May, 2024

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 […]

30 April, 2024