Africa Africa: War of Influence at COP 10 – The Intricate Dance Between WHO, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and Harm Reduction Advocates [ad_1] The 10th Conference of the Parties (COP10) to the World Health Organization's (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) is currently held in Panama until February 10th, 2024, and amidst the discussions on tobacco control, a complex debate unfolds regarding the influence of Bloomberg Philanthropies in the policymaking. Founded by Michael Bloomberg, Bloomberg Philanthropies has since 2005, "invested $1.58 billion to fight tobacco use, working with a global network of partners to prevent tobacco-related illnesses and save lives ", […] todayFebruary 9, 2024 2
Africa Africa: Cholera Outbreak in Southern Africa – a Multinational Fight [ad_1] The cholera crisis has engulfed southern Africa. As cases surge across Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, lack of clean water and sanitation continue to threaten lives. In Brondo in the southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), accessing clean water is essential for survival. Despite enjoying rich rainfall for much of the year, the region lacks proper water treatment. For residents like Betty, access to sanitation and treated water therefore is extremely limited. […] todayFebruary 9, 2024 1
Africa Africa: COP10 – Debate on Novel tobacco and Nicotine Products; It is High time to Listen to Each Other [ad_1] Delegates from around the world are gathering in Panama City since Feb 5th for the 10th Conference of the Parties (COP10) to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). At COP10, delegates from 183 countries discuss various points including implementation of FCTC Articles 9 and 10 (regulation of contents and disclosure of tobacco products), tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship among others and one the most controversial subject in the current debate, the novel and emerging tobacco […] todayFebruary 9, 2024 2
Africa Africa: Demography and Reproductive Rights Are Environmental Issues – Insights From Sub-Saharan Africa [ad_1] Sub-Saharan Africa's population is growing three times faster than the rest of the world with an average of 4.6 births per woman in 2021. By comparison, the fertility rate in Canada was 1.3 births per woman in 2022. The region is projected to continue to be the fastest growing in the world, with a population increasing from 1.2 billion in 2021 to 2.1 billion in 2050. Sustained and rapid population growth has deep implications for development, exacerbating social, economic […] todayFebruary 9, 2024 2
Africa Africa: COP 10 – Does the Implementation of the FCTC Exclude the People Most Affected by Tobacco? [ad_1] Tobacco continues to affect the entire planet. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of smokers is estimated at 1.1 billion smokers in 2025 if recent trends continue. The WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), during its tenth Conference of the Parties (COP 10), is currently examining in Panama the implementation of tobacco control with the 183 member countries of the Convention. The poor countries most affected Cigarette smoking is spreading even more in middle- and […] todayFebruary 8, 2024 2
Africa Africa: COP 10 – Health And Politics: Is There A Lack Of Transparency ? [ad_1] The tenth Conference of Parties (COP 10) of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) meeting on the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) is currently underway in Panama until February 10th, 2024. At the heart of the discussions are the tobacco policies that significantly influence national regulations, particularly in Low and Middle-Income countries where WHO regulations hold sway. Amidst these deliberations, advocates for non-combustible products, including vapes, nicotine pouches, and heat-not-burn products, find themselves grappling to be included in the […] todayFebruary 8, 2024 2
Africa Africa: Microplastics Found in Nile River’s Tilapia Fish – New Study [ad_1] The Nile is one of the world's most famous rivers. It's also Africa's most important freshwater system. About 300 million people live in the 11 countries it flows through. Many rely on its waters for agriculture and fishing to make a living. The Nile's two main tributaries, the Blue Nile and the White Nile, come together in Sudan's capital city, Khartoum. This industrial hub has grown rapidly over the past few decades. The Nile is not immune to the […] todayFebruary 7, 2024 2
Africa Africa: Defying Tradition, Championing Rights – UNFPA Sparks Change in Female Genital Mutilation Hotspots Across East Africa [ad_1] "Is [female genital mutilation] religious?" Under a tree in the quiet village of Dalocha Woreda in Central Ethiopia region, Nuritu Sirbar, the Head of the Dalocha district Women and Children's Affairs Office, challenged community and religious leaders four years ago to justify a deeply ingrained tradition - female genital mutilation (FGM). The answers provided by the elders reflected a struggle between tradition and the growing realization of the severe health risks associated with FGM. They searched for justification in […] todayFebruary 7, 2024
Africa Africa: COP 10 – Tobacco Growers’ Share Concerns Over WHO Decisions [ad_1] A large group of premium tobacco producers and workers from a few tobacco growers’ countries, Colombia, Panama, Honduras and Nicaragua, have protested on February 5th in front of the Panama Convention Centre where the tenth Conference of the Parties (COP) of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), is currently taking place. The FCTC aims at protecting present and future generations from the impact of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke by reducing both demand […] todayFebruary 7, 2024 2