Tag: WHO

Kenya: Government and WHO Spearhead Emergency Response

8May

By adminNo Comments

Kenya, News, Safety

Kenya: Government and WHO Spearhead Emergency Response

The ongoing long rainy season in Kenya, which typically spans from March to May, has unleashed unexpected and devastating downpours, leading to widespread flooding since mid-April. The impact has been severe, with over 286,000 people affected, 47,000 households displaced, and a tragic toll of 238 reported deaths across 37 of the country's 47 counties. Dr. Pius Mutuku, a medical epidemiologist in the Ministry of Health, revealed the dire consequences of the flooding, stating that 14 health facilities have shuttered, and a crucial water treatment plant has been compromised, leaving approximately 3,000 people without access to safe drinking water. Additionally, 44 cases of cholera have been confirmed in Tana River County, one of the hardest-hit areas by the floods. To address the escal...

Kenya Floods Heighten Cholera Threat: 44 Cases Reported

8May

By adminNo Comments

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...

<strong>One Million Africans May Die Of Cancer By 2030 – WHO</strong>

4Feb

By Mary UgwuanyiNo Comments

News, Nigeria

One Million Africans May Die Of Cancer By 2030 – WHO

Dr Matshidisco Moeti, the World Health Organisation, WHO, Regional Director for Africa, expressed fear that cancer mortality may rise to about one million deaths per year by 2030 in Africa if urgent actions and interventions are not undertaken. Moeti said that an estimated 1.1 million new cancer cases are recorded every year in Africa, with about 700,000 deaths. She disclosed this in a message to mark the 2023 World Cancer Day. World Cancer Day is an annual international day commemorated on February 4 to increase awareness of cancer and encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. The theme for 2023 is “Close the care Gap: Uniting our voices and taking action.” Moeti said, “The numbers are stark. Approximately 1.1 million new cancer cases occur each year in Afric...

African States Report 1,400 Monkeypox Cases – WHO

1Jun

By Chukwuebuka FestusNo Comments

Congo, Liberia, News, Nigeria, Sierra Leone

African States Report 1,400 Monkeypox Cases – WHO

Seven African countries have cumulatively reported about 1,400 monkeypox cases this year up to mid-May, the World Health Organization (WHO) says. These include 1,392 suspected and 44 confirmed cases. The cases were reported in Cameroon, Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Nigeria, Congo-Brazzaville and Sierra Leone. The number of cases this year is slightly fewer than half of cases reported in last year. The WHO notes that while the virus has not spread to new African countries where it is not common, it has been expanding its geographic reach in recent years. Read Also: Ethiopia’s Dr Tedros Re-elected As WHO Head It cites Nigeria where the virus has spread from the south, where it was mainly reported until 2019, to central, easte...

WHO Disqualifies Nigeria From Global Vaccine Bid

6Feb

By Obiajulu Joel NwoluNo Comments

Covid-19, News, Nigeria

WHO Disqualifies Nigeria From Global Vaccine Bid

Nigeria’s bid to acquire COVID-19 vaccine has suffered a setback as the World Health Organisation-led COVAX global initiative has failed to shortlist the country for the Pfizer vaccines over its inability to meet the standard requirement of storing the vaccines at the required -70 degrees Celsius. The Nigerian government had expressed optimism t would receive 100,000 doses through the COVAX initiative, which was set up to ensure rapid and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for all countries, regardless of income level. However, the Director, WHO, African Region, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, while speaking during a virtual press conference which Saturday PUNCH attended said only four African countries were shortlisted for the Pfizer vaccine out of the 13 that applied. According to Moeti...