Ebola in DR Congo’s isolated far north a logistical challenge Kinshasa, DR Congo | AFP | An Ebola outbreak in a remote region in DR Congo’s far north poses a logistical challenge for doctors and aid workers although the sheer remoteness could help limit its spread. The latest outbreak of …
Read More »Fast-moving cyberattacks wreak havoc worldwide
Washington, United States | AFP | A fast-moving wave of cyberattacks swept the globe Friday, apparently exploiting a flaw exposed in documents leaked from the US National Security Agency. The attacks — which experts said affected dozens of countries — used a technique known as ransomware that locks users’ files …
Read More »Ebola in DRC
Ebola epidemic declared in northeast DR Congo, three dead: WHO Kinshasa, DR Congo | AFP | The first Ebola outbreak since the crisis in West Africa that killed 11,300 people has been declared in northeast Democratic Republic of Congo, the World Health Organization said Friday, after the virus caused three …
Read More »Health through song
The power of musical glue that binds friends and lovers across the ages By Amee Baird & Bill Thompson Many couples have a special song – “our song” – that reminds them of a significant event or time in their relationship, like when they first met, their wedding, or when …
Read More »Do you know stealthing?
Inside the world of men who remove condoms during sex without consent By Rachel Hosie Removing a condom during sex – known as stealthing – transforms a consensual act into a non-consensual one. It’s a little-discussed form of gender violence, but that is all changing thanks to a new study …
Read More »NGOs team up to help Ugandan acid-attack survivors
Julie Bukirwa an acid survivor and a mother of two has told of her story of physical, social and emotional pain after the acid burns she suffered. She has called upon government to come up with strict laws on acid sale in Uganda and also heavy punishments for the perpetrators, writes Jimmy Siya. Two …
Read More »More die as mysterious illness spreads to Liberia capital
Monrovia, Liberia | AFP | More people have died following the outbreak of a mysterious illness that began in southeastern Liberia but has spread to the capital, with 12 unexplained deaths so far, health authorities told AFP Tuesday. Liberia’s health ministry and the World Health Organization (WHO) both confirmed the …
Read More »World’s first malaria vaccine
Children aged five to 17 months old in Kenya, Ghana, Malawi to test it Ghana, Kenya and Malawi have been chosen to test the world’s first malaria vaccine through a pilot program beginning next year, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on April 24. The vaccine, which has partial effectiveness …
Read More »Kenyan study shows why reusing old mosquito nets should be encouraged
Treated mosquito nets are vital in the fight against malaria. But the average lifespan of a net is about four years. The Conversation Africa’s Health and Medicine Editor Joy Wanja Muraya asked Dr Lydiah Kibe to explain how old and torn bed nets are being reused in coastal Kenya. …
Read More »Illegal kidney trade racket uncovered in Pakistan
Lahore, Pakistan | AFP | Pakistani investigators have uncovered an illegal kidney donation racket and arrested six people, including two doctors, after raiding a house where unauthorised surgeries were reportedly underway, a senior official told AFP Monday. Authorities say the gang was involved in selling kidneys to international clients, particularly …
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