Health

FG Launches GMO TELA Maize Seeds in Nigeria
Agriculture, Nigeria, Science

FG Launches GMO TELA Maize Seeds in Nigeria

Nigeria’s federal government has launched a new Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) maize variety named TELA, despite widespread concerns and opposition from citizens. The initiative, ostensibly aimed at boosting maize production, has been criticized as prioritizing corporate and governmental interests over public health and ecological safety. The TELA maize was developed at the Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR) at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in collaboration with the African Agriculture Technology Foundation (AATF). The project received funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other partners. See Also: Nigeria: Why I Spoke Directly to Nigerian Leaders – Bill Gates At the launch event in Abuja, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sena...
South Africa’s Contentious Healthcare Bill Signed into Law
Elections, Legislature, News, South Africa

South Africa’s Contentious Healthcare Bill Signed into Law

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the National Health Insurance (NHI) bill into law on Wednesday, sparking both hope and controversy across the nation. The bill, enacted just two weeks before a crucial general election, aims to deliver quality healthcare to all South Africans, regardless of income. However, concerns loom large over its implementation amidst fears of corruption and budget constraints. The ruling African National Congress (ANC), facing the possibility of losing its parliamentary majority for the first time post-apartheid, sees the NHI as a vital step towards equitable healthcare. Currently, 80% of citizens rely on stretched state-run health services, while only 16% have access to private healthcare through medical aid schemes. See Also: One Million Afric...
Kenyan Doctors End Two-Month Strike
Economy, Employment, Kenya, Labour

Kenyan Doctors End Two-Month Strike

Nairobi, Kenya – After a nearly two-month nationwide strike, Kenyan public hospital doctors have agreed to return to work. The decision brings much-needed relief to millions of Kenyans who rely on public healthcare services that have been severely disrupted by the strike. The strike was sparked by a long-standing dispute regarding inadequate pay and poor working conditions for doctors. Davji Atellah, the union secretary-general, confirmed on May 8th that doctors will resume work, placing their trust in the government to finally address the core issues of the strike. The agreement to end the strike came after a labor court issued a 48-hour deadline for the doctors and the government to reach a resolution, or else the court would intervene. See Also: Nationwide Strike: Some State C...
Kenya Floods Heighten Cholera Threat: 44 Cases Reported
Kenya, News, United Nations

Kenya Floods Heighten Cholera Threat: 44 Cases Reported

The flooding situation in Kenya's Tana River County has intensified concerns over the spread of cholera, with 44 cases already confirmed. In a statement on Tuesday, May 7, the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted collaborative efforts between Kenyan authorities, WHO, and other agencies to address health challenges exacerbated by the widespread floods. According to Dr. Pius Mutuku, a medical epidemiologist in the Ministry of Health, "Forty-four cholera cases have been reported in Tana River County, one of the most flood-affected areas. The Government of Kenya has mounted a multisectoral emergency response, led by the Kenya Disaster Emergency Operations Centre in the country’s capital, Nairobi." See Also: Kenya Floods Claim 228 Lives: Search for 72 Missing Intensifies The...
President Tinubu to Returns to Nigeria Tomorrow
News, Nigeria, Press Statement

President Tinubu to Returns to Nigeria Tomorrow

President Bola Tinubu, along with his aides, is set to return to Nigeria on Wednesday the 8th of May after concluding his visit to Europe. The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser on information and strategy to the president, in a post on his social media handle. Tinubu embarked on his journey on April 22 from Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, heading to The Netherlands for an official visit. The visit was at the invitation of Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Following his engagements in The Netherlands, the President proceeded to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to participate in a special World Economic Forum meeting held between April 28 and 29. See Also: President Tinubu Returns to France for Treatment While it was anticipated that President Tinubu would return after the fo...
42 Dead in Measles Outbreak in Adamawa
Nigeria, United Nations

42 Dead in Measles Outbreak in Adamawa

In Adamawa, Nigeria, a devastating measles outbreak has claimed the lives of at least 42 people within just over a week, as confirmed by Felix Tangwami, the state's health commissioner. The outbreak has primarily struck two local government areas, where nearly 200 suspected cases have been identified. Tangwami addressed the concerning situation during a media briefing on Friday, stating that measures are being taken to contain the outbreak. Vaccines have been swiftly dispatched to the affected areas, and field teams are actively working to manage the crisis. Measles, a highly contagious airborne virus, predominantly targets children under the age of five. The disease can be prevented through two doses of vaccine. Initial symptoms include high fever, cough, and runny nose, often acco...
President Tinubu Returns to France for Treatment
News, Nigeria

President Tinubu Returns to France for Treatment

Nigeria's President, Bola Tinubu, has embarked on a trip to France for medical reasons, according to sources. This journey comes on the heels of his visit to Saudi Arabia for the World Economic Forum, raising questions about his health and the transparency of official communication regarding his travels. Investigations by SaharaReporters reveal that President Tinubu left Saudi Arabia for London, England, on Tuesday, before proceeding to France on Thursday. The purpose of his trip to France, which was not officially disclosed by the Presidency, is reported to be for medical consultations with his doctors. A Nigerian presidential aircraft, identified as a Gulfstream Aerospace GV-SP (G550), with registration number 5N-FGW and serial number 5310, was used to transport Tinubu to Paris Ai...
King Charles III Diagnosed with Cancer: Royal Family and World Leaders Send Well Wishes
News, United Kingdom

King Charles III Diagnosed with Cancer: Royal Family and World Leaders Send Well Wishes

Buckingham Palace has announced that King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer, leading to an immediate initiation of treatment that will necessitate his withdrawal from public duties for the immediate future. The 75-year-old monarch, who recently underwent treatment for a benign enlarged prostate, will now focus on receiving regular outpatient treatments. The diagnosis was made following a recent hospital procedure, during which a separate issue of concern was identified. While Buckingham Palace has not disclosed the specific type of cancer, they have clarified that it is not prostate cancer. Despite the challenging circumstances, the king remains optimistic about his treatment, with Buckingham Palace affirming that he is wholly positive about the medical intervention. In lig...
Hajj: 6 Nigerians Die while on Pilgrimage to Mekkah
News, Nigeria, Religion, Transportation

Hajj: 6 Nigerians Die while on Pilgrimage to Mekkah

In a recent update from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), it has been revealed that six Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2023 Hajj have tragically lost their lives during the course of the pilgrimage. Usman Galadima, the head of the NAHCON 2023 Hajj medical team, shared this unfortunate news during a meeting held in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. According to Mr. Galadima's presentation, the states of Osun and Kaduna each reported two deaths among their respective delegations for the 2023 Hajj, while Plateau State recorded one. Concerned by the mortality rate, Mr. Galadima emphasized the urgent need to strengthen the pre-Hajj medical screening of intending pilgrims. He stressed the importance of restricting individuals who are deemed "not fit to travel" from participating ...
<strong>US Charges Nigerians For ‘Fraudulently Obtaining Nursing Credentials’</strong>
Judiciary, News, Nigeria

US Charges Nigerians For ‘Fraudulently Obtaining Nursing Credentials’

The Texas board of nursing has pressed charges against some nurses for reportedly obtaining educational credentials deceitfully in the United States. The US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) in a multi-state coordinated law enforcement action, tagged Operation Nightingale, found that some persons had obtained fraudulent nursing degree diplomas and transcripts. The investigation which started on January 25, was targeted at uncovering fraudulent dealings where individuals acquired nursing credentials and used them to qualify to sit for the national nursing board examination.   Tired depressed female african scrub nurse wears face mask blue uniform gloves sits on hospital floor. Exhausted sad black doctor feels burnout stress of corona vir...