Africa: Two-Dose Strategy and Targeted Interventions Drive Mpox Campaign

[ad_1] The Mpox vaccination campaign in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) began on October 4, with Africa CDC Director General Dr Jean Kaseya emphasising the importance of two doses. While a single dose provides over 50% protection, Dr Kaseya stated: "We don't want to compromise the health of our people." The vaccination campaign was launched in Goma, the eastern city hardest hit by the outbreak. Meanwhile, Mpox cases continue to rise, with Ghana becoming the 16th country to […]

October 14, 2024

Africa

Africa: Climate Change – Care for Humans, Other Species and the Natural Environment Is the Key to a Just Transition

[ad_1] Communities across the world are facing two worsening crises: a climate crisis and a care crisis. The evidence and urgency on the climate crisis has been expertly illustrated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The root cause of this crisis is the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This is due to excessive exploitation of fossil fuels, deforestation and industrial processes. In short, it is a result of development processes that have not been based on […]

October 12, 2024

Africa

Africa: ‘What Inspired Me Was to Provide Solutions to People’ – HIV Prevention Advocate Idah Mulala

[ad_1] Lima, Peru — Research has shown that social behavior change is a cost-effective tool in HIV prevention, particularly when combined with robust advocacy efforts. When young people are equipped with accurate knowledge and empowered to make informed decisions, they are more likely to engage in preventative behaviours, contributing to the broader goal of reducing HIV transmission affordably and sustainably. This approach also highlights the value of integrating community voices into research, ensuring that prevention methods are not only scientifically […]

October 11, 2024

Africa

Africa: Kagame, Africa CDC Discuss Strategies to Enhance Disease Prevention On Continent

[ad_1] President Paul Kagame and Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), on October 11 discussed Rwanda's preparedness and collaboration with Africa CDC in containing the spread of the Marburg virus. ALSO READ: Rwanda has almost zero risk to export Marburg, says Africa CDC boss "They also exchanged on various strategies to help enhance disease prevention as well as building increased capacity for manufacturing of vaccines and medical kits on the continent," […]

October 11, 2024

Africa

Africa: World Mental Health Day – a Day With Serious Meaning for Humanitarian Workers

[ad_1] The theme of World Mental Health Day 2024 is "Mental Health at Work." We asked colleagues from around the world to share their thoughts on this theme in a context where crises and disasters continue to multiply. For this article, we gathered insights from our colleagues working in the health sector in the IFRC Africa region. Humanitarian workers face unique challenges: they operate in contexts of severe hardship, often under pressure, and in environments where safety is never guaranteed. […]

October 11, 2024

Africa

Africa: Digital Press Briefing – The Future Role of The United States PEPFAR in Africa

[ad_1] Ambassador John N. Nkengasong discusses the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief in Africa, the importance of establishing strong public -private partnerships for sustainability of the response, government ownership and leadership in the HIV/AIDS response. MODERATOR: Good afternoon to everyone joining us from across the continent. We are hosting today the U.S. Department of State's Global AIDS Coordinator and Senior Bureau Official for Global Health Security and Diplomacy, Ambassador John N. Nkengasong. Ambassador Nkengasong will discuss the President's […]

October 11, 2024

Africa

Africa: AMR in Focus At Africa’s First One Health Congress

[ad_1] Cape Town hosted the first World One Health Congress in Africa, where Africa CDC led a well-attended side event on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a rapidly growing health threat across the continent. AMR occurs when microorganisms--bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites--resist treatment. In many African countries, the unchecked sale and misuse of antibiotics for viral infections and livestock worsens the problem. Poor hygiene, inadequate infection control, and improper waste disposal further accelerate the spread of resistant microorganisms. At the Cape Town […]

October 11, 2024

Africa

Africa: Promising Progress On Eye Health in African Region, but Challenges Remain

[ad_1] Brazzaville — Despite important progress towards integrating eye health into primary health care services in African countries, a dire shortage of financial resources, combined with the concentration of scarce human resources in urban areas and low community awareness, continues to threaten the gains. One in every six blind people globally live in Africa, along with 26 million others grappling with some degree of visual impairment. Yet statistics show that despite the onerous burden, only 14% of people who need […]

October 11, 2024

Africa

Africa CDC Strengthens Laboratory Capacity for Mpox and Other Outbreaks in Burundi

[ad_1] Africa CDC continues to support Mpox response in Africa through the strengthening of diagnostic capacity, surveillance, case detection and management, contact tracing, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) among other efforts. In strengthening laboratory diagnostic capacity for mpox and other pathogens, the Africa CDC supported the Institut National de Santé Publique (INSP) with sample management and referral, biosafety and biosecurity trainings, and enhancing molecular testing and sequencing capacities. From September 30 to October 4, 2024, the Africa CDC, in partnership […]

October 11, 2024

Health and Medicine