Cholera vaccine push underway in southern Africa

Cholera vaccine push underway in southern Africa

The World Health Organization has warned that cholera cases are increasing globally, and there’s been an unprecedented spike in Africa. Dr. Fiona Braka from WHO’s regional office in Brazzaville, Congo, said that eastern and southern Africa have been badly affected. In just the first four weeks of the year, 10 African countries reported more than 26,000 cases and 700 deaths.

February 7, 2024 44

Health / Medical

Climate change behind Africa’s cholera increase

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has tied the worst outbreak of cholera in three years to climate change, saying adverse weather is raising the risk of this disease faster than in the rest of the world. That’s as floods in the Democratic Republic of Congo — and across southern Africa — stretch already fragile health systems. The increase in cases comes even as Africa is the region […]

February 1, 2024 22

Africa

Neglected tropical diseases persist in the world’s poorest places: four reads about hurdles and progress

By Nadine Dreyer, via The Conversation It’s sobering to reflect that “neglected tropical diseases” are referred to as “neglected” because they persist in the poorest, most marginalised communities even after being wiped out in more developed parts of the world. A variety of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins, cause neglected tropical diseases, which include dengue, chikungunya, leprosy, lymphatic filariasis and yaws. They inflict tremendous suffering because […]

January 30, 2024 17

Health / Medical

World Malaria Report 2023: A call for concerted action to address growing threats

By Dr. Martin Lukindu, Postdoctoral Researcher, Target Malaria, Uganda Virus Research Institute The World Health Organization's World Malaria Report 2023, released at the end of 2023, paints a concerning picture of the global state of malaria in 2022. Despite continued efforts, malaria remains a significant public health challenge, with both malaria incidence and mortality higher now than they were before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This scenario […]

January 25, 2024 20

Health / Medical

WHO concerned that countries will miss deadline for pandemic treaty

The World Health Organization Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says countries risk missing a May deadline for agreeing on a legally binding treaty on fighting pandemics to shore up the world's defences against new pathogens after the COVID-19 pandemic killed more than 7 million people.

January 23, 2024 23

Africa

Cameroon rolls out world’s first Malaria vaccine

Cameroon is rolling out the world's first routine vaccine programme against malaria, in a global fight projected to save thousands of children's lives across Africa. Nabil Ahmed Rufai reports from Accra.

January 22, 2024 74

Health / Medical

Gaza health system on the brink of collapse

The World Health Organisation says the health system in Gaza is on the brink of collapse. According to a WHO health emergency officer, the organisation needs more aid and medical supplies to assist with the unfolding "catastrophe". Jody Jacobs reports from the United Nations in New York.

January 18, 2024 54

Africa

Zambia records worst cholera outbreak

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has requested emergency funds worth 4.6 million dollars to address Zambia’s worst cholera outbreak in recent years. 351 People have died and nearly 9,000 active cases have been registered.

January 16, 2024 34

Health / Medical

Global health risk from Coronavirus remains high

The World Health Organisation warned on Friday that the global public health risks from COVID-19 remain high. While the virus continues to circulate worldwide, only a few countries are closely monitoring infections, according to the WHO’s Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove.

January 15, 2024 22