insert_link Interview Transcripts Interview: High Sugar Consumption in Baby Foods Sparks Health Alarm Photo: NAFSAN Windhoek, Namibia — The Nutrition and Food Security Alliance of Namibia (NAFSAN) has raised urgent concerns about the rising consumption of sugar, particularly among young children, in an interview with director Ben Schernick. The issue, he says, goes beyond individual dietary preferences and has deep public health and economic implications. “One of our biggest concerns is the high level of sugar consumption, especially among children between the ages […] today15 December, 2025
insert_link Health / Medical Experts Raise Alarm Over Youth Vaping The WHO reports that e-cigarettes are driving a new wave of nicotine addiction, targeting young people worldwide. Children are significantly more likely to vape than adults in certain countries, contributing to over 100 million global users. Dr. Bernard Haufiku, local health practitioner and former Health Minister, offered his comment, highlighting the rising trend and lack of regulation locally. today8 October, 2025
insert_link South Africa The ANC has called for stricter health and safety protocols for spaza shops In S.A, the ANC has called for stricter health and safety protocols for spaza shops following recent foodborne illnesses, which have affected children. The party is working with law enforcement, local businesses, and other partners to introduce stricter regulations for establishments like spaza shops to ensure public health is prioritised. ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula told the media the party is also closely monitoring investigations into these incidents: today8 November, 2024
insert_link South Africa S.A. Police Target Food Manufacturers Amid Rising Food Poisoning Cases In S.A, Acting Gauteng premier and Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela says police have been given a mandate to focus on food manufacturers, as cases of suspected food poisoning are on the rise. She visited the family of two pupils from Sonqoba Primary School in Katlehong, who died after allegedly consuming snacks from a local spaza shop and food supplied by the school. Diale-Tlabela says communities need to be […] today6 November, 2024
insert_link World UN suspends polio vaccine drive in the north of Gaza The United Nations has been forced to pause it's polio vaccination drive in the north of Gaza. More than 100 thousand children were to receive the second dose of the vaccine but due the escalating violence this is now not possible. Jody Jacobs has more from the United Nations Headquarters in New York. today24 October, 2024
insert_link Africa South Africa is failing its youngest children – report flags critical gaps in early learning, social protection and health care By Wiedaad Slemming, University of Cape Town; Linda Biersteker, University of Cape Town, and Lori Lake, University of Cape Town Nearly 10 years ago South Africa outlined its commitment to invest in the health and development of young children. The National Integrated Early Childhood Development Policy of 2015 detailed government’s intention to provide a comprehensive set of services to pregnant women, young children and their families by […] today12 September, 2024
insert_link Africa Kenya’s new social health insurance fund wants to improve care for mothers and babies: but it faces challenges By Boniface Oyugi, University of Kent Kenya has made strides in maternal and child health over the past decade. Preventable complications related to pregnancy still result in about 5,000 maternal deaths annually, however. I am a health economist and health policy specialist and co-author of a study of the Kenyan health system to evaluate the state of maternal care in the country. This is important because the […] today9 September, 2024
insert_link Health / Medical WHO says vaccine patches could revolutionise measles prevention A vaccine patch could be a safe and effective alternative way to protect young children against measles, a trial by the World Health Organisation in The Gambia has suggested. Dr. Birgit Giersing, team lead at the WHO vaccine product and delivery research unit to UN News that the patches could be a major breakthrough in protecting vulnerable populations from preventable diseases. today13 May, 2024
insert_link Africa Health risks at home: a study in six African countries shows how healthy housing saves children’s lives The WHO has developed guidelines outlining the attributes of healthy housing. These include structural soundness, as well as access to a local community that enables social interactions. Healthy housing protects inhabitants from the effects of disasters, pollution, waste and extreme heat or cold. It provides a feeling of home, including a sense of belonging, security and privacy. Health risks in the home environment are important to think about because of […] today26 March, 2024
