The World Health Organization (WHO) has granted Emergency Use Listing (EUL) to the LC16m8 mpox vaccine, making it the second mpox vaccine endorsed by the organization following the Director-General’s declaration of mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on August 14, 2024. This decision will accelerate vaccine access in regions facing surging mpox outbreaks. As of October 31, 2024, mpox cases have been reported in 80 countries, including 19 in Africa. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the most severely affected, has recorded over 39,000 suspected cases and more than 1,000 deaths. In a significant development,…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
Vitamins and minerals keep your body running smoothly. And your vision is no exception. Several vitamins are key to healthy eyes, including beta carotene and vitamin A. Key takeaways: Many vitamins can support eye health or prevent conditions, such as diabetes, that can lead to vision problems. Vitamins A, C, and E, along with other nutrients like beta carotene, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids, can support healthy vision. The best way to get these vitamins is by eating a well-balanced diet. Most people don’t need to take vitamin supplements for their eye health. But there are several other micronutrients (nutrients…
Sokoto State is grappling with a cholera outbreak that has claimed 25 lives across three local government areas. The State Commissioner of Health, Asabe Balarabe, disclosed this during an interview on Monday, confirming that 15 active cases are currently under treatment in Sokoto North, Silame, and Kware LGAs. According to Balarabe, the 15 cases were diagnosed through laboratory tests involving culture and sensitivity, confirming their status as cholera infections. She further revealed that a total of 1,160 people have been affected by the outbreak, with 25 victims succumbing to the disease. In response to the outbreak, the state government has…
A cucumber a day keeps excess weight and chronic diseases away. Cucumbers are as versatile as they are beneficial. What happens when you eat them for one week? First off, let’s talk about the nutritional benefits. A medium-sized cucumber is about 95% water, 4% carbohydrates and 1% protein. It also contains; Vitamin C Vitamin K Magnesium Potassium Manganese. All these account for the health benefits it offers. Keeps you hydrated: They are 95% water. They keep you full and hydrated even on the hottest days. Helps in weight loss: They are very low in calories, and they make for a…
As world leaders converge in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the G20 Summit, a symbolic message of hope and action will shine from the city’s iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, bathed in teal light. This striking display is part of a worldwide “Day of Action for Cervical Cancer Elimination,” spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO) and joined by advocates and communities across the globe. The movement, which began four years ago with the commitment of 194 countries to eliminate cervical cancer, has gained significant momentum. Globally, 144 countries have introduced the HPV vaccine, 60 have adopted HPV testing in…
Vitamin B12 is one of the 13 essential vitamins our bodies need to work properly. As a result, it’s common to see it everywhere — from cereal boxes to your favourite energy drinks. It’s also available as a supplement and included in most daily multivitamins. Key takeaways: Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin. It’s mainly found in animal products, and most people get the recommended amount (about 2.4 mcg daily) from their diet. If your vitamin B12 levels are low, your healthcare provider may recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) supplement or prescription form of vitamin B12. A common dose of OTC vitamin B12…
Vitamin D supplements are linked to many health benefits, including decreasing the chance of heart disease, supporting immune function, and aiding weight loss. New research suggests that calcium and vitamin D supplements may have a high blood pressure-lowering effect, particularly for older adults with overweight or obesity. However, the study indicates that taking more than recommended and exceeding the daily dose of vitamin D does not create any additional benefits. New research published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society suggests that vitamin D supplements may help lower blood pressure in older adults with obesity, and taking more than the daily recommended dose does not provide any…
A cutting-edge methane tracking system has proven its value in identifying major leaks, but global action to address these emissions is lagging, according to a new report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Over the past two years, the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) issued 1,200 notifications to governments and companies, yet only 15—just 1%—prompted action. The findings, published in An Eye on Methane: Invisible but Not Unseen, underscore the urgency of addressing the emissions, which are over 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2) in driving near-term global warming. As the second-largest contributor to anthropogenic climate change,…
Global measles cases spiked by 20% in 2023, reaching over 10.3 million compared to nine million in 2022, according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Released on Thursday, the “2024 WHO-CDC Measles Report and the State of Measles Vaccination in Lower-income Countries” also showed that while cases increased, measles deaths declined by 8% to 107,500 from 116,800 in 2022. The report reveals that measles outbreaks affected 57 countries in 2023, highlighting ongoing challenges in vaccine coverage. In African countries, however, resilience efforts boosted vaccine coverage by two…
For victims of torture and their families, the United Nations (UN) Committee Against Torture’s review brings a moment of hope—and, perhaps, a chance to be heard. From October 28 to November 22, the committee has been holding hearings on the state of human rights and government accountability in six countries, including Namibia and Cameroon. This review isn’t just another check-in; it’s a public reckoning for these nations, where survivors and advocates alike hope their stories will finally spark change. The committee has engaged in dialogue with government representatives, NGOs, and human rights defenders, but it’s the voices of ordinary people—those…