insert_link Health / Medical WHO warns of rising COVID-19 infections and potential new variants COVID-19 infections are up worldwide, including at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games where over 40 athletes have tested positive, the UN World Health Organisation warned on Tuesday. WHO experts are also concerned that more severe variants of the coronavirus may soon be on the horizon as wastewater surveillance also suggests the circulation of the virus is between 2 to 20 times higher than current figures indicate. COVID-19 is still very […] todayAugust 7, 2024 21
insert_link Health / Medical Heat risk isn’t just about the highs: Large daily temperature swings can harm human health – maps show who is affected most Low-income neighborhoods with lots of concrete and few trees can heat up faster than surrounding areas. AP Photo/Richard Vogel By Shengjie Liu, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and Emily Smith-Greenaway, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences This summer has shown how quickly high temperatures can pose serious health risks, with record-breaking heat waves claiming thousands of lives around the world. However, it’s not just high […] todayAugust 7, 2024 18
insert_link Health / Medical 3 reasons you feel hungrier and crave comfort foods when the weather turns cold Klaus Neilson/Pexels By Lauren Ball, The University of Queensland and Emily Burch, Southern Cross University As we move through Autumn, parts of Australia are starting to see cooler weather. For some of us, that can mean increasing feelings of hunger and cravings for “comfort food” such as as pasta, stews and ramen. But what’s happening in our body? 3 things change when it gets cold 1. Our body conserves […] todayAugust 7, 2024 13
insert_link Health / Medical Double whammy antibiotic makes antibiotic resistance much harder – new study Fahroni/Shutterstock By Tom Smith, Sheffield Hallam University Most antibiotics are natural products of bacteria and other microorganisms from the environment. They are part of a silent chemical warfare among microorganisms in soils, rivers and seas right now. The fact that they are natural products that have been around for millions of years means that even as we discover new antibiotics, there are probably already microorganisms that are resistant to […] todayAugust 7, 2024 6
insert_link Health / Medical 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. todayAugust 7, 2024 27
insert_link 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 […] todayAugust 6, 2024 15
insert_link 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 […] todayAugust 6, 2024 13
insert_link 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. todayAugust 6, 2024 13
insert_link 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 […] todayAugust 5, 2024 16
