Senegal’s small scale gold miners still use poisonous mercury: how to reduce the harm

Senegal’s small scale gold miners still use poisonous mercury: how to reduce the harm

By Jacqueline Gerson, Michigan State University “Do not fish in these waters.” “Contains high levels of mercury.” These warnings are shown at thousands of lakes and rivers globally, as well as on numerous fish products. But eating mercury-laden fish is not the only source of mercury exposure. Even more dangerous is the inhalation of mercury vapours, which are released as mercury is used in the extraction of another trace […]

January 8, 2024 13

Health / Medical

Taxes on e-cigarettes: South Africa must strike a balance between economic arguments and health concerns

By Marius van Oordt, University of Pretoria The 21st century has seen a massive expansion in the ways that people can consume tobacco and nicotine. Innovative new products include electronic nicotine delivery systems (“ENDS” or e-cigarettes) and heat-not-burn (HnB) products. One of the challenges this has thrown up is the tax rates on these products. Combustible tobacco products like cigarettes and loose tobacco are generally taxed at similar rates since […]

January 8, 2024 28

Africa

Cameroonian girls combat menstrual stigma through school clubs and education

By Brenda Kiven, via bird story At 12 years old, a shy Wendy Musi had never heard of a menstrual cycle. The fourth child and one of two girls in a family with six boys, menstruation was simply not a topic discussed at home. Then, one day, Wendy’s world changed. When she got to school, she felt pains in her lower belly. When her French language teacher failed to […]

December 21, 2023 38

Africa

Gavi approves $1.8B African vaccine manufacturing accelerator for self-reliance

By Bonface Orucho, bird story agency Recent approval by the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi) of a US$1.8 billion African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA), a financing instrument that will support sustainable vaccine manufacturing in Africa is being hailed as a game changer for the continent. “The targeted US$1 billion from Gavi to African manufacturers is a game changer for the continent and advances our efforts towards vaccine self-reliance,” said Jean Kaseya, Africa […]

December 21, 2023 47

Africa

The LifeCare Better Together Mara Medical Camp treats its 12,000th patients

On December 4th and 5th 2023, Lifecare International hosted its annual Better Together Mara Medical Camp, an impactful healthcare initiative benefitting the communities in and around the Maasai Mara. Lifecare endeavoured to enhance the community’s health and wellbeing with free medical treatment, surgeries, and medication, conducted at Sekenani Medical Centre in Narok South and Oloolaimutia in Narok West. The 2023 edition treated 3587 patients, bringing the total number of […]

December 20, 2023 120

Health / Medical

New Covid variant detected in India

The Indian government has issued an alert to states after a new coronavirus variant was detected in the south of the country. India currently has more than 1800 active COVID cases concentrated in two southern states, sparking concern among authorities ahead of the holiday season.

December 19, 2023 19

Health / Medical

Government wants to partner with private sector for nurses’ home renovation

The government is partnering with the private sector to renovate the Windhoek Central Nurses' Home. Ben Nangombe, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, told the Namibia Press Agency that a bid notice for the partnership with the private sector will be advertised. The decision to renovate the nurses' homes at Windhoek Central Hospital follows recent complaints about their poor condition.

December 19, 2023 33

Health / Medical

What sunscreen is best? A dermatologist offers advice on protecting your skin

Bianca Tod, Stellenbosch University Sunburn is a sign that skin has experienced significant levels of damage. Ultraviolet light can change a person’s DNA structure, which can lead to cancer. At the same time, choosing from the multitude of modern sunscreens can be overwhelming. Health & Medicine editor Nadine Dreyer asked dermatologist Bianca Tod what to look for in sun protection. What are the dangers of too much exposure to the […]

December 19, 2023 23

Health / Medical

MoHSS working towards PPP in renovation of nurses’ homes

Executive Director in the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), Ben Nangombe, on Monday said that the government is working towards a Private Public Partnership (PPP) in the renovation process of the Windhoek Central nurses' home. Nangombe, in a recent interview with Nampa, said the commencement of the possible collaboration with the private sector for the renovations has begun, and could however not further disclose the possible private partner’s […]

December 19, 2023 13