By Tonny Tugee, SEACOM East and North-East Africa Managing Director As the world continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, the toll on human life is growing exponentially. The impact that COVID-19 has had on the global healthcare system and the global economy is unprecedented and will likely be felt for many years to come.…
Is WHO turning around on the herbal tonic?
Rattled by the growing popularity of a possible treatment for COVID-19 by herbal tonic produced by Madagascar, the World Health Organization (WHO) appears to seek a way around its hardline position against the tonic. In a press statement released on Monday, 04 May 2020 WHO said that it recognizes that traditional, complementary and alternative medicine…
COVID-19: Hope for African countries as GAVI, UNICEF pact to secure PPEs, diagnostics
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…