New Ebola infections plateau as DR Congo sounds optimism the pandemic is stabilising
Speaking at a press conference in Bunia, capital of the eastern Ituri Province and the epicentre of the outbreak, Adelard Lufongola, operations manager for the national Ebola response coordination, said case notifications had entered a plateau, with a slight downward trend.
Africa Centres for Disease Control confirms Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed more than 1,000 people
Officials have warned that 80 per cent of new cases have emerged outside known chains of transmission, a sign the outbreak is spreading faster than health officials can track it even as they step up their response in Ituri province, the epicentre of the outbreak, and four other provinces where cases have been recorded.
East African Community to launch regional virus research institute in Entebbe, Uganda, that will serve as regional virology centre
East African Community (EAC) will officially launch the Uganda Virus Research Institute as the bloc’s regional centre of excellence in virology on Wednesday in Entebbe, Uganda, according to a statement issued by the EAC headquarters in Arusha. The centre will serve as a hub for advanced virology research, specialised laboratory...
US disruptions to global HIV/Aids relief programme forces organisations in 46 countries to close clinics, new report says
Researchers contacted groups that got PEPFAR funding to deliver HIV services last year. Nearly a quarter – 166 groups from 46 countries – responded to an electronic survey conducted between last November and April, providing information on their funding, staff and services.
Congo’s ministry of health announces at least 930 people have died since Ebola outbreak in the east
The Ebola outbreak that was declared in eastern Congo on May 15 is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record. The Bundibugyo virus responsible for the outbreak is less common than others that cause Ebola disease, and there is no approved vaccine or treatment.
Why anti-abortion agenda is gaining momentum in Africa as draft calling for rejection of sexual and reproductive health rights is finalised
Last year, anti-abortion Christian groups from the US, Europe and Africa and high-ranking Kenyan officials gathered in Nairobi for a conference on “Promoting and Protecting Family Values in Challenging Times.”
How US movement that ‘exports family values’ to Africa indirectly gives rise to illicit and unsafe abortion on the continent
The expanded restrictions build on the anti-abortion advocacy work carried out by conservative US non-profits abroad – especially in Africa, where healthcare is highly dependent on foreign aid. The region has the world’s highest estimated proportion of unsafe abortions and highest maternal mortality rates – including the highest number of maternal deaths per 100,000 abortions.
State disburses Ksh275 million to hunger-stricken 20,410 families in Marsabit County in northern Kenya
Vulnerable households listed under the Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP) in Marsabit County will continue to receive their stipends without interruptions as the government strives to safeguard their self-worth. The kitty administered through the national drought management authority (NDMA) consists of 20,410 eligible households that will receive Ksh275.5 million. County...
Kenya intensifies fight against cancer with launch of ethics committee to oversee prevention, treatment and control
Duale challenged the institute to position Kenya as a regional centre of excellence in cancer research and clinical trials, saying the newly accredited ethics committee would provide the oversight needed to support quality research while attracting international collaborations.
Kenya and US sign $1.7 billion health financing agreement that covers cancer, malaria and tuberculosis
National Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi described the agreement as another milestone in Kenya-US health cooperation, noting that Kenya is the first country to sign the new financing arrangement. He said the previous donor funding model often lacked clarity on financing commitments and implementation, making planning difficult for both the Treasury and the Ministry of Health.
