A major vaccination campaign to halt the spread of cholera begins in three drought-ravaged regions of Somalia today. The vaccines were procured, transported and stored at the appropriate temperature by UNICEF. They will be administered by the Government of Somalia with the support of World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF; while UNICEF and others continue…
Kenya set to roll out PrEPs in April
By Herman Opondo Kenya Government will in April launch Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for people aged 15 years and above. This comes hot in the heels of a similar move by the South African health ministry. Dr. Martin Sirengo, head, the National AIDS & STI Control Programme (NASCOP) said PrEP when taken daily can reduce risk…
To maximize a child’s development, genetics provide important insight, study shows
A child’s genetic make-up can play a large, hidden role in the success of efforts to maximize his or her development, South African research suggests. The study, published February 28 in PLoS Medicine and supported by the Government of Canada through Grand Challenges Canada’s Saving Brains program, sheds new light on why some children benefit…
Tuberculosis Critical Group of Bacteria, needs new Antibiotics ─ TB Alliance tells WHO
By Herman Opondo TB Alliance and the broader TB community urge that The World Health Organization (WHO) was on Wednesday urged to add Mycobacterium tuberculosis to the critical group within the list of drug-resistant bacteria identified as urgent priorities for research and development. “The absence of TB from this list is shocking,” said Mel Spigelman,…
Africa: Infertile women still suffer stigma, discrimination
By Herman Opondo Infertile women still suffer discrimination, stigma and ostracism, Sarah Opendi, Minister of State of Health, Uganda noted that in Africa including Uganda has disclosed. Speaking in Kampala at the launch of a programme to empower infertile women, the minister said more often an inability to have a child or to become pregnant…
UNAIDS urges everyone to make some noise for zero discrimination
By Henry Opondo Ahead of the March 1, the Zero Discrimination Day, The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has urged people to make some noise around zero discrimination, to speak up and prevent discrimination from standing in the way of achieving ambitions, goals and dreams. Zero discrimination is an integral part of UNAIDS’…
Vaccine: Gavi seeks to support innovative solutions
To ensure vaccines reach all the world’s children, Gavi, is inviting entrepreneurs and businesses to identify innovations in vaccine delivery by applying to its INFUSE initiative. With global immunisation coverage stalled at around 80% for several years and 19 million children missing out on a full course of basic vaccines, Gavi launched INFUSE – Innovation…
Malawi commits to halve maternal, neonatal deaths over next five years
By Gondwe M. The Governments of Malawi and eight other countries from Africa and South East Asia have committed to halve maternal, new-born and stillborn births. The commitment comes at a time Malawi and eight other countries launch the Network on the improvement of quality of care for maternal, neonatal and child health. Through the…