Africa: How Vaccines and Rapid Diagnosis Can Help Eradicate Meningitis

[ad_1] We've shown meningitis can be eliminated. Let's do it. It is a deadly disease linked to high temperatures, airborne dust and overcrowded living conditions – some of the very conditions that climate change threatens to exacerbate. It caused an estimated 250,000 deaths in 2019, ranks among the top killers of young children and can leave survivors with brain damage and hearing loss. This disease is bacterial meningococcal meningitis, and it can appear anywhere at any time. But it disproportionately affects the Meningitis Belt, which […]

October 1, 2024 1

Africa

Africa: 1.3 Million Future Deaths Prevented By Gavi-Supported Vaccines in 2023

[ad_1] Geneva — In the time it takes you to read this press release, Gavi-supported vaccination programmes will have saved 6 lives 2023 saw the Vaccine Alliance massively step up its HPV vaccination programme, with more girls protected than in the entire preceding decade More than ever, countries are contributing to the cost of their immunisation programmes, as co-financing surpasses US$ 200m for the first time Read Gavi's Annual Progress Report 2023 here Over 1.3 million future deaths were averted […]

October 1, 2024 1

Africa

Africa: Breast Cancer Is the Most Common Cancer in the World. 5 Reads That Could Save Lives

[ad_1] Every year breast cancer claims more than 650,000 lives worldwide. Survival rates have been recorded to be as high as 90% in high income countries. In sub-Saharan Africa the rate is less than 40%. A recent study found that the incidences of breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa had increased by 247% from 1990 to 2019. The highest incidence was recorded in Nigeria. For Breast Cancer Awareness Month we highlight four essential reads about the difficulties women in Africa must […]

October 1, 2024 2

Africa

Africa: Integrating a Gender Lens in the Fight Against Malaria – A Dialogue Exploring the Power of Women’s Leadership in Malaria Eradication

[ad_1] Yale Club, New York, NY — Stakeholders in the fight against malaria have reaffirmed the vital role of women leaders in driving efforts toward malaria eradication. Speaking during a side event at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), hosted by WomenLift Health and the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, global health leaders underscored that gender-responsive approaches are not only critical but essential for sustainable progress in the fight against malaria and the growing threats posed by climate change. […]

October 1, 2024 3

Africa

Africa: Experts Commit to Step Up Immunization Programme in Central Africa

[ad_1] Kinshasa — At their 2024 meeting in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo from 9 to 12 September, Essential Programme on Immunization (EPI) managers from Central African countries committed to consolidate gains made by the EPI in its 50 years of existence. The meeting, which brought together EPI Managers from Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Sao Tome and Principe was aimed at celebrating the achievements of EPI in […]

October 1, 2024 2

Africa

Africa: Mpox: Coordination, Collaboration, Planning and Finance for Equity Required

[ad_1] A statement from the Right Honourable Helen Clark and the active former members of The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response Given the mpox emergency, stakeholders including the World Health Organization headquarters and regional offices, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, international and regional health actors and those who can finance the response must ensure a co-ordinated and transparent plan to protect people’s lives and stop […]

August 31, 2024 2

Africa

Africa: Mpox in the DRC – Children Are At High Risk – Health Expert Explains Why

[ad_1] The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that children, pregnant women and people with weak immune systems are at higher risk from the mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Reports confirm that children under five account for 39% of all cases in the country, and babies as young as two weeks are being diagnosed with this viral illness. Nadia Adjoa Sam-Agudu, an expert in paediatric infectious diseases, […]

August 30, 2024 3

Africa

Africa: The Mpox Outbreak’s Disturbing Echoes in Africa

[ad_1] Mpox is not COVID-19, but that pandemic's bitter lessons have not all been learnt. An ominous sense of déjà vu is emerging across Africa as the mpox outbreak spreads from its epicentre in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Is this COVID-19 redux? The short answer is probably no, as mpox isn't spread as easily as COVID-19, merely by breathing - it requires direct physical contact, including sex. […]

August 30, 2024 2

Africa

Africa: WHO Urges Rapid Access to Mpox Diagnostic Tests, Invites Manufacturers to Emergency Review

[ad_1] WHO has asked manufacturers of mpox in vitro diagnostics (IVDs) to submit an expression of interest for Emergency Use Listing (EUL). WHO has been in ongoing discussions with manufacturers about the need for effective diagnostics, particularly in low-income settings. The request for EUL expressions of interest by manufacturers is the latest development in these discussions. Testing is key for people to get treatment and care as early as possible […]

August 30, 2024 2

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