Health and medicine

In a surprising twist, the government of Lesotho expressed its profound dismay over a statement made by former U.S. President Donald Trump. During a recent address to Congress, he asserted that "nobody has ever heard of" Lesotho while discussing proposed budget cuts, which notably include $8 million earmarked for LGBTQI+ initiatives in the country. The reaction from Lesotho was swift and resolute. Foreign Affairs Minister Lejone Mpotjoane characterized Trump's comments as "shocking." He underscored the depth of the…

The impact of recent funding cuts by the Trump administration reverberates through South Africa. Specifically, organisations benefitting from the PEPFAR (The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) initiative, which is funded through USAID, have received troubling news: their financial support has been terminated permanently. This development signifies a dramatic shift in the landscape of HIV prevention and treatment efforts across the nation. According to a report by Bhekisisa's Mia Malan, this grim notification is not…

The challenge of delivering sufficient surgical care in Sub-Saharan Africa is a multifaceted dilemma, stemming from a conspicuous lack of resources, technology, and expertise. An alarming projection suggests that by the year 2030, the continent could face a deficit of six million surgical care professionals. This staggering statistic was highlighted by Melody Chironda in her recent report from the Pan African Surgical Conference held in Kigali, Rwanda. Imagine traveling to a vibrant city in Africa, immersed in the…

In recent years, the landscape of global funding has been tumultuous, prompting African nations to grapple with the consequences of dwindling foreign aid. The ripple effects of changes in American policy, particularly under the Trump administration, pose a grave threat to essential health, education, and economic stability initiatives crucial for various countries on the continent. A notable example is President Donald Trump's executive order, which quelled new government spending on foreign assistance for a staggering 90…

In a surprising move that has sent shockwaves through the humanitarian community, the military junta in Niger has issued an expulsion order for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Strikingly, they provided no official rationale for this decisive action, leaving many to speculate about the motivations behind it. The ICRC has been a steadfast presence in Niger since 1990, tirelessly delivering crucial healthcare services to over 120,000 individuals affected by armed conflict. Their commitment to alleviating…

In a landmark decision, the High Court has shifted the paradigm regarding individuals living with HIV, advocating against their classification as a distinct category of offenders. The justices emphasized that, with the remarkable strides we've made in medical science, HIV is no longer viewed as a death sentence. This transformation in perspective reflects not just advancements in treatment but also a deeper understanding of the human experience. As the court deliberated, it became clear that the once-dreaded specter of HIV…

In a decisive and urgent response to a severe cholera outbreak, health authorities in Angola are gearing up to vaccinate one million individuals, encompassing both children and adults. This strategic initiative aims to thwart the spread of this potentially deadly disease, which has already claimed 59 lives and infected 1,710 people across several provinces. Since the onset of the outbreak in early January 2025, the numbers have been alarming, particularly in Luanda, where 37 cases have been reported. The provinces of Bengo,…

Niger has carved its name into the annals of public health history as the first African nation to successfully eliminate onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness. This parasitic disease has long been regarded as the second-leading cause of blindness globally, casting a shadow over the lives of many. How does one contract this affliction? The culprit is the bite of an infected black fly, predominantly found in areas along rivers, where these tiny marauders carry the parasitic worm that ultimately wreaks havoc on…

In a remarkable stride for public health, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially applauded Guinea for its success in eradicating human African trypanosomiasis, more commonly known as sleeping sickness. This milestone is more than just a line on the achievement chart; it marks the first time a neglected tropical disease has been wiped out in the country, shining brightly as a beacon of hope amidst ongoing global health challenges. Coincidentally, this announcement was made on World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day,…

On January 20, 2025, an executive order from the Trump administration sent shockwaves through the philanthropic world, as the U.S. government enacted an immediate freeze on foreign aid for a staggering 90 days. This bold decision ignited apprehension among aid organizations, leaving vulnerable communities in despair and shaking the foundations of essential programs tackling hunger, healthcare, and education. The reality is stark: lives depend on this assistance, and the abrupt halt threatens to pull the rug out from under…