By Shiprah Kwagaka In a bold move to tackle rising teenage pregnancy rates, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with organizations such as USAID, has launched the BOLD Campaign in Namayingo District, Uganda. This youth-centered initiative empowers teens to lead efforts within their communities, transforming former victims into advocates and champions for change. Busoga region,…
In 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer. This was a historic moment, at which all WHO Member States committed to eliminating cancer. This commitment offered hope to many women around the world. Around 660 000 new cases and some 350 000 deaths from this cancer…
The African region is witnessing unprecedented progress in tuberculosis (TB) control, with approximately 70% of cases now being diagnosed and treated. This represents the highest case-detection rate ever achieved in the region, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). As home to 23% of the global TB burden and 33% of TB deaths, Africa’s strides…
Each year, millions of women and children around the world die from preventable causes. Maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) is a shared global priority, yet we often overlook one of its most pressing—and preventable—barriers: violence against women. As we mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, we are reminded that gender-based violence…
Pioneering research presented at The Union World Conference on Lung Health has shed light on experimental strategies to combat extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). The findings, which span safety, tolerance, and efficacy of new treatment regimens, signal a significant step forward in addressing this challenging global health threat. Tailored Treatments for Pre-XDR TB Results from the…
Breakthrough research presented at The Union World Conference on Lung Health in Bali, Indonesia showcased how artificial intelligence (AI) and computer-aided detection (CAD) technology are transforming tuberculosis (TB) detection across Africa. These innovations are significantly improving active case finding (ACF) efforts, revealing TB incidence rates far higher than national estimates and offering a pathway to…
Results from multi-country trials presented at The Union World Conference on Lung Health offer new insights into the safety, tolerability, and adherence of WHO-recommended treatment regimens for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in children and adults. The studies underscore both progress and challenges in managing MDR-TB, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children. Key Findings from TBCHAMP…
As the world marks World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week (WAAW) from November 18-24, experts and advocates have sounded the alarm on the growing threat of AMR, which endangers global health, food security, and modern medical practices. Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials, alongside poor healthcare and environmental practices, are accelerating the crisis. “Antimicrobial resistance is…
Tuberculosis (TB) experts at the Union World Conference on Lung Health have presented promising new research on the impact of active case finding (ACF) in advancing TB detection across communities in South-East Asia. Findings from community-based ACF programs in Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines highlight innovative approaches, including mobile chest X-ray screening, person-centered care, and…
In a sequence of online encounters, thousands of health workers from the Global South discussed how the climate is changing their work. Their insights shed new light on a pressing problem. 29 October 2024 by Ian Jones, Charlotte Mbuh A health worker carries a portable cooler for vaccines after…