The 7th Public Health in Africa Conference, set for 17-19 October 2023 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, arrives at a critical juncture in global health. This year’s theme, “Population Health and Preventative Medicine,” probes into urgent issues like non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, and notably, the rising global epidemic of multimorbidity. Adding…
African leaders warn of deadly malaria emergency, call for urgent action to address unprecedented funding shortfall
African Union Heads of State and Government, global health leaders and development partners issued a joint call for urgent action to address the looming malaria emergency. They warned that failure to act now will put at risk both the African Union’s target of eliminating malaria in Africa by 2030, and the UN target of ending malaria…
Climate change and health solutions: Scientists advocate for prioritizing the needs of vulnerable communities
By Lenah Bosibori Scientists from across Africa have emphasized the need for placing vulnerable communities at the forefront when addressing the interconnecting challenges of climate change and health as they bear the brunt of the effects. Speaking during a webinar on ‘Prioritizing Health in Climate Change Action in Africa’ that was organized by the USAID-funded…
A lobby group calls for preservation of threatened indigenous seeds to enhance food security
By Lenah Bosibori A lobby group has called for the preservation of threatened indigenous seeds saying the move will enhance food security in the Africa adding that some companies producing seeds are on a mission to make money. Speaking in Nairobi during the African Biodiversity Network’s (ABN) 20th Anniversary celebrations of commitment to African biodiversity…
Africa’s stomach is empty and the hunger is growing
Africa’s stomach is empty and the hunger is growing. The continent is ravaged by a host of factors inhibiting food security and is trapped in what a recent report by the World Bank calls “the perfect storm”. Its consequences are disastrous. The Covid-19 pandemic was followed by the war in the Ukraine, which has led…
Exploring African Environmental Ethics and Ubuntu at the 13th Ethics, Human Rights & Medical Law Conference
Climate change, environmental ethics, and public sector strikes in Africa take centre stage at the 13th Ethics, Human Rights & Medical Law Conference. This year’s theme highlights the intricate relationship between African environmental conservation, indigenous knowledge, and an ethical framework based on Ubuntu, as experts gather to shape Africa’s healthcare systems of tomorrow. African environmental…
Climate change directly affects women and girls’ reproductive health
By Joan Muthoki Women and girls are increasingly experiencing reproductive health complications owing to climate change, Dr. Elizabeth Kimani Murage, Head of the Maternal and Child Wellbeing Unit, Africa Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) has said. “Physiologically, women need a lot of nutrients and micronutrients for their reproductive health needs. Climate change affects the quantity…
Young people demand skills and learning for future employment
On International Youth Day 2023, the world’s largest survey of young people reports that 40% of more than 700,000 respondents identify education, skills and employment as pathways to future security. The project collects the voices of 1 million+ young people, informing a global “Agenda for Action for Adolescents”, launching at a global forum for adolescents…