insert_link Africa Mpox cases are soaring in Africa – what must be done to prevent a global pandemic By Cheryl Walter, University of Hull Alarmed by the surge in mpox cases, the Africa Centres for Disease Control has taken the unprecedented step of declaring the outbreak sweeping through African countries a continental public health emergency. The World Health Organization (WHO) is also meeting to decide whether to trigger its highest global alert level over the epidemic. These moves come after a virulent strain of the disease […] todayAugust 13, 2024 27
insert_link Africa Nigeria mandates health form for incoming air passengers Nigeria's government has directed air passengers coming into the country to fill out a health declaration form as part of measures against the Mpox outbreak and other infectious diseases. According to The Vanguard, the mpox strain known as Clade Ib, which has been rapidly spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since September, is both more deadly and more easily transmitted than earlier strains. This strain, transmitted […] todayAugust 12, 2024 17
insert_link Health / Medical Rare Disease Alliance highlights the critical issues surrounding Spinal Muscular Atrophy Bianca Özcan, The head of Rare Disease Aliiance, highlighted the critical issues surrounding Spinal Muscular Atrophy during August's Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month. The theme for this year's SMA Awareness Month is "#WeAreOne," which aims to unite diverse communities in a common goal: improving the lives of those affected by SMA. Bianca expressed her hopes for advancements in research and treatment, emphasizing the collective dream of a better world for […] todayAugust 12, 2024 19
insert_link Health / Medical INTERVIEW: Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month: A Conversation with Bianca Özcan Windhoek, Namibia – In a recent interview with Future Media’s Leonard Witbeen, Bianca Özcan, a passionate advocate for rare diseases, highlighted the critical issues surrounding Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) during August's Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month. Bianca began by addressing the profound impact SMA has on individuals and families. "SMA is a rare, progressive neuromuscular condition characterized by muscle weakness and atrophy, which can severely affect daily activities such […] todayAugust 9, 2024 10
insert_link Health / Medical In-Focus: Marelize Mentz of Lady Pohamba Private Hospital Highlights Community Engagement and Breastfeeding Week Initiatives In a recent episode of In Focus with Leonard Witbeen on OneAfrica Television, Marelize Mentz, the Marketing Manager of Lady Pohamba Private Hospital (LPBH), discussed the hospital’s ongoing initiatives and future plans. Mentz shared insights into the hospital’s recent engagement with high school students and its role in promoting the healthcare profession among Namibia’s youth. Lady Pohamba Private Hospital, recognized as one of the best healthcare providers in Namibia, recently […] todayAugust 9, 2024 17
insert_link Africa WHO warns M-Pox outbreak in Africa could pose a public health emergency The World Health Organization says it has raised its response to the mpox outbreak in over a dozen African countries. Parts of Africa are witnessing an "unprecedented" spike in mpox cases with 15 countries reporting outbreaks. The WHO is trying to determine whether the outbreak in Africa constitutes a Public Health Emergency of international concern. Corresponding for us is Jody Jacobs. todayAugust 9, 2024 14
insert_link Health / Medical New law to reform health sector The government is establishing a unified Health Professions Council to replace the existing five councils. The Namibia Press Agency reports that Health Minister Dr. Kalumbi Shangula introduced in parliament, saying that the Health Professions Council of Namibia Bill, will merge the Social Work and Psychology Council, Allied Health Professions Council, Nursing Council, Pharmacy Council, and Medical and Dental Council into one entity. The new law will also mandate health professionals […] todayAugust 8, 2024 12
insert_link Health / Medical What your nails can tell you about your health An example of koilonychia (‘spoon nail’). iweevy/Shutterstock By Dan Baumgardt, University of Bristol As a medical student, nails were one part of my anatomy course that I really struggled with. I found it difficult, at first, to stomach the sight of painful nail injuries. My squeamishness may have stemmed from witnessing someone sharply removing a plaster from their stubbed big toe – only to take the whole toenail […] todayAugust 8, 2024 8
insert_link Health / Medical Eating quickly saves time, but it takes a toll on your health – here’s how Simona pilolla 2 / Shutterstock By Esther Martínez Miguel, Universidad Nebrija and Silvia Gómez Senent, Universidad Nebrija Our fast-paced modern lives often rob us of time for basic activities like eating. Many of us grab something quick for breakfast on the way out of the house, or wolf down our lunch so we can gain a sliver more time to be productive at work, or to dedicate to our […] todayAugust 7, 2024 13
