Health and medicine

The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, has recently issued a stark warning: mpox remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This designation underlines the potential global threat posed by the disease, prompting urgent attention and action across nations. Dr. Ghebreyesus highlighted a troubling trend: an increase in mpox cases, particularly alarming is the recent spike in West Africa. “There is likely undetected transmission in countries beyond the…

The ongoing strike by nurses and midwives has effectively paralyzed the country's healthcare system, prompting urgent calls from the government for the striking professionals to "reconsider" their actions. This drastic move is not just about wages; it embodies deeper systemic frustrations that have simmered for years. Imagine waking up in an emergency room, only to find minimal staff and a mountain of unattended patients. Such is the reality now faced by many hospitals, where the very individuals who dedicate their lives…

The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has recently raised concerns over the sharp uptick in mpox cases across the nation. With 69 "active cases" reported, the situation demands attention. This surge isn't just a local phenomenon; NPHIL has confirmed that these viral strains are highly infectious and have crossed borders into neighboring countries. In response, authorities are urging schools, places of worship, and businesses to take precautionary measures. Imagine entering a bustling market and noticing…

The Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) have urgently appealed to lawmakers for increased funding to tackle the ongoing mpox outbreak. Currently, four active cases have been confirmed. This request emerged during a recent public hearing, where the House of Representatives invited health officials to shed light on the troubling resurgence of the disease. Dugbeh Chris Nyan, the head of NPHIL, emphasized the critical need for resources to enhance the institute's operations and…

At the recent 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, an impressive coalition of world leaders and philanthropic organizations came together, collectively pledging over $170 million to bolster the efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO). These contributions are not merely funds; they signify a commitment to global health at a time when it is desperately needed. This financial injection aligns with WHO's ongoing Investment Round, which supports its 14th General Programme of Work. This ambitious initiative aims to save…

In a striking revelation, a recent report from ActionAid—the international development agency—illuminates the grim reality of healthcare in Liberia. It starkly highlights that a staggering 97 percent of health workers earn salaries insufficient to meet even the most basic living expenses. Titled "The Human Cost of Public Sector Cuts in Africa," this report extends its scrutiny beyond Liberia, analyzing the healthcare challenges faced by five additional African nations. Imagine dedicating your life to healing others, only…

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has sounded the alarm: a staggering number of individuals in West and Central Africa are grappling with unprecedented levels of hunger. Amidst a backdrop of armed conflict, widespread displacement, economic turmoil, and relentless extreme weather, the region teeters perilously on the edge of a humanitarian crisis. From June to August alone, over 36 million individuals faced challenges in meeting even their most basic food requirements. Alarmingly, projections indicate that this figure could…

As the political landscape shifts in the United States, two critical initiatives are at a crossroads, raising pressing concerns. Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba has stepped forward with an earnest call to action, urging the administration of President Donald Trump to reconsider the potential cancellation of programs that have dramatically reshaped African lives and economies. The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) have both played pivotal roles in their…

In a stark shift in its foreign aid strategy, the United States has decided to withhold $50 million in health assistance to Zambia. This decision stems from the alarming issue of "systematic theft" of donated drugs and medical supplies within the country. What does this mean for those in dire need of medical support? U.S. Ambassador to Zambia, Michael Gonzales, expressed the gravity of this choice. He described it as a "difficult" but necessary step after countless warnings to the Zambian government about the importance of…

“The public holds us accountable for delays and inefficiencies, yet how can we achieve miracles without the most basic resources?” This poignant statement from the Zimbabwe Nurses Association encapsulates the frustration felt by countless healthcare professionals across the country. In Zimbabwe, the healthcare system finds itself in a dire predicament. The nurses are not merely lamenting; they are articulating a crisis that transcends their immediate circumstances. Imagine being responsible for the well-being of 30…