Lagos, Nigeria | AFP | Thirty-one people have died from Lassa fever in Nigeria since the start of this year, the health minister said, with cases of the viral disease recorded across the country. Isaac Adewole told reporters in Abuja on Monday that the outbreak was currently “active in 15 …
Read More »DPP to investigate embattled Bob Kasango’s health claims
Kampala, Uganda | GODFREY SSALI | The Director of Public Prosecution Mike Chibita is investigating city laywer Bob Kasango’s health claims, that have stalled the hearing of the sh15 billion pension case before the Anti-corruption Court against him and three former jailed officials of the Ministry of Public Service, . …
Read More »High pollution shuts schools in Tehran
Tehran, Iran | AFP | Primary schools will be closed on Monday in Tehran as thick fog caused by pollution smothers the Iranian capital and most of the surrounding province, local authorities said. They also announced Sunday they would impose traffic restrictions in Tehran, home to 8.5 million inhabitants, allowing cars …
Read More »Thousands protest over UK health service
London, United Kingdom | AFP | Thousands of people marched through central London on Saturday in support of the country’s embattled National Health Service (NHS), which is straining under the weight of winter demand. NHS staffing levels have been in crisis for months, an issue made worse by a winter flu …
Read More »More than skin deep: cosmetic surgery industry booming
Paris, France | AFP | In the never-ending quest for youthful, magazine-cover looks, 8.6 billion euros ($10.7 billion) were spent last year on materials and chemicals used in cosmetic procedures worldwide, the IMCAS industry body said Thursday. This meant plastic surgeons and beauty practitioners spent about the equivalent of Costa Rica’s …
Read More »COMMENT: Water and health management
Degradation of freshwater ecosystems often brings disease, water protection improves health outcomes COMMENT | GIULIO BOCCALETTI | With climate change accelerating and its effects exacerbating other geopolitical and development crises, the role of environmental protection in preserving and improving human wellbeing has become starkly apparent. This recognition lies at the heart …
Read More »Top US health official resigns in conflict of interest
Washington, United States | AFP | The top US public health official resigned Wednesday due to financial conflicts of interest, a day after US media reported she bought tobacco stocks while heading the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A statement from the US Department of Health and Human …
Read More »Togo healthcare workers join strike as protests mount
Lome, Togo | AFP | Togo’s government was facing fresh turbulence on Wednesday as healthcare workers went on strike, joining thousands of demonstrators holding opposition protests on the streets. The two-day nationwide strike was called by the National Union of Hospital Practitioners of Togo (SYNPHOT) who are demanding better equipment …
Read More »Winnie Mandela discharged from hospital
Johannesburg, South Africa | AFP | South African anti-apartheid activist Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was discharged from hospital Tuesday after being treated for a kidney ailment, the family of her ex-husband Nelson Mandela said. Madikizela-Mandela, 81, was admitted to a Johannesburg hospital 10 days ago. The struggle veteran, who was persecuted by authorities …
Read More »Why is it so difficult for scientists to discover new drugs?
Over-reliance on and misuse of antibiotics has led to warnings of a future without effective medicines. Kampala, Uganda | AGENCIES | It’s a tale of scientific discovery taught the world over: the serendipitous find of a mould that revolutionised modern medicine. Almost 90 years ago, Alexander Fleming returned from holiday to …
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