Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance has urgently made US$ 40 million available to UNICEF to secure personal protective equipment (PPE), diagnostic tests and other vital supplies on behalf of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Malawi, Sudan, and Togo among others as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The PPE delivered will help these…
WHO, WTO to jointly work on COVID-19
COVID-19 has rapidly progressed to become a global pandemic, causing unprecedented, far-reaching impact on the health, social and economic well-being of communities around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) and World Trade Organization (WTO) are committed to responding effectively to the situation, working together with other international organizations and our respective memberships. Global, coordinated action…
Response to Covid-19 in Mali: United Nations provides support amounting to over US$6 million
By Malik Toure The United Nations in Mali through MINUSMA signed on Monday, April 6, with the Malian Ministry of Health and Social Affairs three (3) memoranda of understanding that will enable an integrated and rapid response to the health crisis prompted by the Covid-19 virus. With a total amount of US$2,732,043 or nearly 1,650,000,000…
Ilara Health Launches Readiness Package to Equip Kenyan Clinics and Pharmacies to Fight COVID-19
By Henry Opondo Ilara Health, a health tech company that provides affordable diagnostic equipment to patients and healthcare providers in peri-urban areas, has launched a readiness package that will allow Kenyan peri-urban clinics and pharmacies to be the first line of defence against the COVID-19 pandemic. The readiness package will include a self-assessment chatbot and…
WHO, FIFA launch joint campaign to equip the football community to tackle COVID-19
Henry Opondo FIFA, the international governing body of football, and the World Health Organization (WHO) have teamed up to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) by launching a new awareness campaign led by world-renowned footballers, who are calling on all people around the world to follow five key steps to stop the spread of the…
COVID-19 strengthens in Africa
More than 600 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in 34 countries in Africa as of 19 March, compared with 147 cases one week ago. Although the region has seen a significant increase in confirmed cases recently, there are still fewer cases than in other parts of the world. “The rapid evolution of COVID-19 in…
GAVI pleads for urgency as COVID-19 firms up in Africa
By Henry Opondo With the COVID-19 pandemic already affecting 47 Gavi-supported countries mostly in Africa, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance has taken new steps to help strengthen the preparedness of health systems in lower-income countries with the full support of its Board. According to the WHO, at least 33 African countries had reported more than 600…
People Living with HIV: Shorter TB regimen found to have a lasting effect
A new study implemented by the Aurum Institute and Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU) in South Africa, the Ohio State University, Global One Health initiative in Ethiopia, and by Centro de Investigação de Saúde de Manhiça (CISM) in Mozambique has found that a single course of weekly rifapentine and isoniazid for three months (3HP) provides…