WHO calls for greater access to assistive tech

WHO calls for greater access to assistive tech

As the 2024 Paralympic games get underway in Paris, the head of the World Health Organisation has urged greater access to the so-called assisted technology that many people with disabilities rely on. WHO director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the devices which include running blades, wheelchairs, and prosthetic limbs are important for the Paralympians. However, around the world, many still do not have access to these technologies due to the […]

August 29, 2024 25

Africa

Fitch Warns Mpox Virus Spread in Sub-Saharan Africa Could Worsen Regional Fiscal Strain

Reuters reports that the rapid spread of the mpox virus across sub-Saharan Africa may exacerbate the fiscal challenges already faced by many countries in the region, that's according to a statement by ratings agency Fitch. Earlier this month, the World Health Organization declared mpox a global health emergency after a new strain spread from the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighboring countries.

August 29, 2024 69

Africa

Africa needs 10 million doses of mpox vaccines

Tanzanian politician Dr. Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile has been nominated as the World Health Organization’s regional director for Africa for a five-year term. This comes amid an Mpox outbreak across eight African countries, which has been declared a global health emergency. The Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has called for 10 million Mpox vaccine doses to address the outbreak.

August 28, 2024 36

Health / Medical

Health Executive Director gives update on Mpox testing capacity

Following the announcement by the Ministry of Health and Social Services that, as of 26 August 2024, public and private health facilities have collectively tested 18 patients for Mpox, with 15 cases testing negative and three still awaiting results, we asked Executive Director Ben Nangombe whether Namibia has the infrastructure and capacity to test for the disease and how long it takes to receive the results.

August 28, 2024 29

Health / Medical

Health Ministry Reports 18 Mpox Tests, 15 Negative And 3 Pending

The Health and Social Services ministry announced that as of 26 August, 18 patients have been tested for Mpox across the country, with 15 negative results and three tests pending. The health authority also confirmed that 25 out of 36 hospitals nationwide have isolation facilities prepared to admit patients with suspected infectious diseases. Executive Director, Ben Nangombe. Local health practitioner and former Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. […]

August 28, 2024 20

Health / Medical

WHO launches mpox response plan

The World Health Organisation has launched a global plan to stop new outbreaks and spreading of the Mpox disease through collective national, regional, and global efforts. The suggested plan will cover 6 months starting September 2024 to February 2025.

August 27, 2024 81

Health / Medical

CEO of the Cancer Association of Namibia advocates for cancer care at WHO Africa regional committee

The Chief Executive Officer of the Cancer Association of Namibia and Palliative Care Namibia, Rolf Hansen, is representing the Union for International Cancer Control at the 74th World Health Organisation Regional Committee for Africa in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. Hansen is working to increase access to the HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer, improve cancer data management, and support Universal Health Care. According to the UN health body, the […]

August 27, 2024 70

Africa

DRC Faces Delays in Mpox Vaccine Delivery Amidst New Virus Variant Spread

The Democratic Republic of Congo no longer expects its first delivery of mpox vaccines this week, as it battles a new virus variant that has spread beyond its borders reports Al Jazeera. Despite promises from the U.S. and Japan, the vaccines are delayed, while the World Health Organization has declared mpox a global public health emergency.

August 27, 2024 52

Health / Medical

How to distinguish mosquito-borne diseases

World Mosquito Day is commemorated every year on the 20th of August, and it is an opportunity to raise awareness on the dangers posed by mosquito-borne diseases and the ongoing efforts to combat the world’s deadliest creature. Both malaria and dengue are transmitted by female mosquitoes and cause severe illness in humans. Because of some similarities, the two diseases, and mosquito species, are often confused by patients and medical personnel. […]

August 23, 2024 31