EAST AFRICA

Rwanda’s Health Minister, Sabin Nsanzimana, recently announced some promising news regarding the country's battle against the Marburg virus. Since the outbreak first emerged in September, there’s been a notable decrease in the rate of new infections, a sign that has the nation hopeful. Nsanzimana described this trend as "very encouraging." Reflecting on the initial phase of the outbreak, he mentioned, "The first two weeks felt somewhat stagnant; we were still unearthing the nature of this virus." However, he expressed…

In a groundbreaking development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially reported that Rwanda is spearheading the world's inaugural clinical trial aimed at treating the Marburg virus disease. Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasized the collaborative effort with the organization, which involves testing a medication currently employed for COVID-19 management—Remdesivir—alongside an antibody specifically engineered to combat the Marburg virus. “This initiative showcases our collective…

Today marks Global Handwashing Day, an occasion designed to elevate public consciousness about the vital role of handwashing with soap in safeguarding health and preventing disease. Failure to wash one’s hands properly with soap and clean, flowing water significantly heightens the risk of various illnesses. This year's theme, "Why Are Clean Hands Still Important?", underscores the ongoing relevance of hand hygiene in thwarting the spread of outbreaks and pandemics, particularly in areas where healthcare resources are…

In South Africa, the battle for women's rights has reached a new crescendo, with dedicated activists rallying against the anticipated performance of the controversial U.S. artist, Chris Brown. The advocacy group, Women For Change, has initiated a petition aimed at urging both the government and concert promoters to reevaluate the decision to host him in December. The petition articulates a clear demand: the Department of Home Affairs should revoke Brown's visa, thereby preventing him from entering the country altogether.…

In a significant gathering in Asmara, Eritrea, leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia convened to reaffirm their commitment to upholding sovereignty and ensuring territorial integrity within the Horn of Africa. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea, and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia participated in this summit, which took place against the backdrop of escalating tensions throughout the region. During their discussions, the leaders focused on bolstering security measures, enhancing…

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has pinpointed Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), and Burundi as the hardest-hit nations in Africa amid the ongoing mpox outbreak. The latest multi-country situation report from the WHO paints a sobering picture: DR Congo has logged 30,766 suspected cases, 5,610 confirmed cases, and regrettably, 25 fatalities. Meanwhile, Burundi has reported 2,188 suspected cases, with 853 confirmed, yet it has fortunately not endured any deaths. A glance at the data, spanning from…

On a recent day, the quietude of the Ethiopian Rift Valley was shattered by a 4.9-magnitude earthquake. This seismic event originated west of Lake Awash, particularly near the Mount Fentale district, rattling the town of Metehara and prompting some locals to scramble for safety. In the aftermath of the quake, reports indicated that numerous buildings suffered structural damage, while cracks emerged in the ground nearby. Fortunately, as of now, no injuries or significant destruction have been documented, which is a relief…

In the vibrant city of Lima, Peru, allAfrica's very own Sethi Ncube is immersing herself in the dynamic world of HIV research at the auspicious 5th HIV Research for Prevention Conference (HIVR4P 2024). This unique gathering is a monumental global platform specifically devoted to the intricate and rapidly evolving field of HIV prevention research. During this event, scientists, healthcare professionals, and policy makers from around the world converge to exchange innovative ideas and present transformative findings. Ncube is…

Rwandan health officials are deeply engaged in a massive contact tracing initiative, tracking down countless individuals to curtail the spread of a particularly alarming disease across the nation and beyond. Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana remarked, “We’re confronting the challenge of viral hemorrhagic fever while simultaneously addressing mpox.” This dual health scare gives rise to a pressing need for swift action. During a recent online briefing, Nsanzimana reiterated their commitment to halting the virus's advance. “We…

In a recent address, President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi underscored Egypt’s solidarity with Somalia, a nation grappling with instability for nearly thirty years. As he spoke to distinguished guests during a ceremony celebrating a new class of police officers, Al-Sisi emphasized that Egypt's support for Somalia was not intended to provoke Ethiopia. This announcement comes amidst rising tensions in the region, especially following the arrival of a cargo ship laden with a substantial cache of military equipment from the Egyptian…