Updated WHO guidance for controlling vector-borne diseases through indoor residual spraying.

An estimated 80% of the world’s population is at risk of one or more vector-borne diseases. Mosquitoes, flies, bugs, and other vectors transmit viruses, parasites and bacteria that infect millions of people globally. They cause deadly and debilitating diseases such as malaria, dengue, Chikungunya, yellow

Vellum Health: WHO convenes first high-level global summit on traditional medicine to explore evidence base and opportunities to accelerate health for all

  The World Health Organization (WHO) is convening the Traditional Medicine Global Summit on 17 and 18 August 2023​ in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. Co-hosted by the Government of India, the Summit will explore the role of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine in addressing pressing health

Focus on kidney health is key in fighting non-communicable diseases

The enormous negative impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on public health systems across the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region today is receiving much more attention on the policy agenda than it did two decades ago. Amid this commendable progress, however, there is an emerging risk that

Curbing Alcohol Abuse in Kenya: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Government Measures and Proposed Solutions

Alcohol abuse is a prevalent issue in Kenya, and the government has implemented various measures to tackle it. These measures comprise policies, programmes, and regulations to reduce alcohol abuse, enhance treatment and rehabilitation, and promote responsible drinking habits. This article analyses the government’s efforts to

1 in 6 people globally affected by infertility: WHO

Large numbers of people are affected by infertility in their lifetime, according to a new report published Tuesday by WHO. Around 17.5% of the adult population – roughly 1 in 6 worldwide – experience infertility, showing the urgent need to increase access to affordable, high-quality

Greening Africa’s judiciary: Promoting climate justice and gender equality

Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing Africa today, with far-reaching impacts on human livelihoods, food security, health, and the environment. According to the United Nations, Africa is one of the region’s most vulnerable to climate change, with the potential to affect up

Second high-level interregional meeting on the health of refugees and migrants

Amid the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes in the Syrian Arab Republic and Türkiye over a month ago, as well as the ongoing war in Ukraine now past its one-year mark, three WHO regional offices this week brought together governments, civil society and health partners

Statement on the update of WHO’s working definitions and tracking system for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and variants of interest

WHO has updated its tracking system and working definitions for variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, to better correspond to the current global variant landscape, to independently evaluate Omicron sublineages in circulation, and classify new variants more clearly when required. SARS-CoV-2 continues to

Raila declares official start of countrywide mass action

Kenya Raila declares official start of countrywide mass action Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition leader Raila Odinga on Thursday declared the official start of countrywide mass action after the lapse of an ultimatum issued to the Kenya Kwanza government. Azimio has also launched the

Time is ripe period poverty and period shame in Kenya

Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba unorthodox bid to raise awareness on the scourge of period shame and period poverty was the talk of the country on Valentine’s Day 2023. Orwoba caused a stir as she attended parliamentary proceedings in a white ‘blood-stained’ suit. The Senator drew

WHO issues temporary recommendations in relation to the multi-country outbreak of mpox

These proposed Temporary Recommendations continue to support the goal of the Strategic Preparedness, Readiness and Response Plan for Monkeypox 2022–2023 with the aim of stopping the ongoing mpox outbreak and its objectives to interrupt human-to-human transmission, protect the vulnerable, and minimize zoonotic transmission of the

Advancing sustainability: Innovations across the board to safeguard the environment

Sustainability is important because it is essential for our planet’s health and the health of all its inhabitants. It is a concept that includes preserving natural resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring a healthy environment for future generations. Sustainability has become an

Baby formula industry: Time to pass law on breast milk substitutes

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently sounded the alarm on the continued and aggressive marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes but where does Kenya lie on this issue? Kenya issued draft Breast Milk Substitutes (Regulations and Control) (General) Regulations in 2021 for public review. The draft

E-waste management in Kenya: Regulatory landscape and what companies can do to safeguard the environment

E-waste refers to electronic products that are unwanted, not working, and nearing or at the end of their “useful life.” E-waste can also be any electrical or electronic equipment that’s been discarded. This includes working and broken items that are thrown in the garbage. E-waste

WHO calls for stern measures against exploitative advertisements by the formula milk industry.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has decried the surge in exploitative marketing tactics used by the formula milk industry and called for a clamp down on the industry.  In a statement on 6th February 2023, WHO faulted the vast economic and political power of the

Health care in Kenya requires bold steps to address the issues and restore public confidence

The health system in Kenya has for the longest time been of great concern to many. A section of Kenyans have complained about poor services in hospitals where some have lost their loved ones due to alleged negligence by caregivers. Some cases have been taken

National Treasury Draft Green Fiscal Incentives Policy Framework

The National Treasury recently published the Draft Green Fiscal Incentives Policy Framework “the Framework” to steer Kenya’s economy onto a desired low-carbon climate-resilient green development which is critical in achieving a green economy. The Framework sets out actions and economic mechanisms to be undertaken by

African leaders unite in pledge to end AIDS in children

    News Release Ministers and representatives from twelve African countries have committed themselves, and laid out their plans, to end AIDS in children by 2030. International partners have set out how they would support countries in delivering on those plans, which were issued at

How well do development partners work together and follow country priorities to achieve the health SDGs?

Views from national governments and relevant authorities 52 national governments and relevant authorities provided their views on how well multilateral agencies and other development partners align to their national priorities and plans and collaborate with each other to increase efficiencies and avoid duplications when providing

Fresh move to compel landlords to install solar water heating systems

If new regulations aimed at encouraging the adoption of renewable energies are approved, owners of all new and existing buildings risk spending six months in jail or paying a fine of Sh20,000 if they fail to incorporate designs for installation of solar water heaters.  

Kenya demographic and health survey 2022 Key indicators report

The Kenya demographic and health survey  2022 shows that the average number of sexual partners are 2:3 among women and 7:4 among men in Kenya. Background The primary objective of the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey is to provide up-to- date estimates of demographic,

Urgent action needed as acute malnutrition threatens the lives of millions of vulnerable children

12 January 2023/ News release United Nations agencies are calling for urgent action to protect the most vulnerable children in the 15 countries hardest hit by an unprecedented food and nutrition crisis. Conflict, climate shocks, the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, and rising costs of living

Accelerated action needed to ensure safe drinking-water, sanitation and hygiene for all

14 December 2022 / News release Urgent action is needed globally and locally to achieve safe and sustainably managed water, sanitation and hygiene for all in order to prevent devastating impacts on the health of millions of people. Findings from WHO and UN-Water’s Global Analysis

9th December 2022 Trade and Financial Services Round Up

Kenya KRA starts crackdown on hidden employee perks The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has started a crackdown on firms under-declaring their payrolls in what will see thousands of employees pay taxes on items like overtime, leave pay and per diems. The taxman is targeting a

WHO calls on the global community to equalize the HIV response

On 1 December, World AIDS Day 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling on global leaders and citizens to boldly recognize and address the inequalities that are holding back progress in attaining the global goal to end AIDS by 2030. WHO is joining global

Half of health care facilities globally lack basic hygiene services – WHO, UNICEF

News Release by the World Health Organisation Newly established global estimate on hygiene reveals the risk of disease spread and infections to patients and health care providers Half of health care facilities worldwide lack basic hygiene services with water and soap or alcohol-based hand rub

WHO Director-General congratulates Togo on becoming first country to eliminate four neglected tropical diseases

WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, today extended his congratulations to the Republic of Togo, as it was confirmed that the West African country had become the first country to eliminate four devastating neglected tropical diseases. The ceremony took place during the 72nd Session of

WHO launches appeal to respond to urgent health needs in the greater Horn of Africa

News Release by World Health Organization Millions of lives are in peril, including children. US$ 123.7 million is needed for the health agency’s response until December 2022. The health and lives of people in the greater Horn of Africa are threatened as the region faces

E-waste and the hazardous impact on its trail

E-waste, also known as digital waste, refers to electronic products that are unwanted, not working, and nearing or at the end of their ‘useful life’. Computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and fax machines are everyday electronic products. The ongoing challenge of how best to dispose

KEBS silence after Skittles lawsuit in US reveals need to amend Standards Act

Recently a class-action lawsuit against Mars, a manufacturing company of candies such as Skittles, was filed before the United States District Court for the Northern District of California on the basis that the company’s use of titanium dioxide as an additive in Skittles made the

Give WHO land for ‘our’ Hospital

Editorial Opinion by Jaindi Kisero from Nation Media Group Here is my take on the Kenyatta University land saga. In the early 1970s, Nairobi, Delhi and New Mexico put in bids for hosting the Unep headquarters. In 1972, the government rolled out a high-profile campaign

COVID-19 pandemic fuels largest continued backslide in vaccinations in three decades

Source: WHO WHO and UNICEF sound the alarm as new data shows global vaccination coverage continued to decline in 2021, with 25 million infants missing out on lifesaving vaccines The largest sustained decline in childhood vaccinations in approximately 30 years has been recorded in official

Why global hunger is not going away soon

Press Relesase by UN The number of people affected by hunger globally rose to as many as 828 million in 2021, an increase of about 46 million since 2020 and 150 million since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a United Nations report. 

Healing the health system in Kenya: Health Service Commission headache

Deputy President William Ruto has promised health workers that he will set up a Health Service Commission if he succeeds in his ambitions for the presidency. A Health Service Commission would be a boon for health workers since unlike teachers and the police, they were

World Bank Board Approves New Fund for Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPR)

News release by World Health Organization The devastating human, economic, and social cost of COVID-19 has highlighted the urgent need for coordinated action to build stronger health systems and mobilize additional resources for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR). The World Bank’s Board of Executive

Emergency supplies at KEMSA to continue during annual stock-take week

Press release by KEMSA  A scheduled annual stock take exercise at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) has commenced today. The exercise was flagged off by KEMSA CEO Terry Ramadhani who confirmed that, during the stock-taking period (from Friday 1st to Friday 8th July), KEMSA

The dilemma in the wake of Covid-19 upsurge and increasing political gatherings

Indoor political meetings are super spreader events for the coronavirus, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe said during a press conference on June 20. What does this mean especially at this time when the political heat has intensified, with the majority of contenders hunting for votes from

KEMSA banking on Information Technology systems to guarantee effective national healthcare supply chain system

By: John Kabuchi Information Technology solutions continue to provide limitless opportunities facilitating much-needed efficiency at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) as part of organisational reforms. KEMSA is a strategic State Corporation mandated to undertake roles and responsibilities to ensure supply chain excellence for Health

A summary of the public health (COVID-19 restriction of movement) rules

New rules were gazetted this week. The Rules provide for: Movement Into And Out Of The Restricted Area/Public Gatherings One needs authorization from the Assistant County Commissioner where they need to enter or exit an infected area for purposes of attending a funeral or seeking

Government guidelines on COVID-19 vaccines

This week the Pharmacy and Poisons Board published guidance on the role of Private Sector in the deployment of COVID-19 Vaccines (March 2021). The guideline describes the Pharmacy and Poisons Board procedure applicable for private sector engagement in supply of the COVID-19 vaccines. The guideline

Unlock our Country

Today on the 1st of April 2021, President Uhuru Kenyatta addressed the nation at State House, Nairobi. In his address the President gave assurance to those who had taken their first dose (COVID-19 vaccine) and that they will not miss out on their second dose.

Countering the third wave: New COVID-19 measures

Introduction On 26th March, 2021, the President of Kenya addressed the Nation on the Covid-19 Pandemic. The last time he addressed the Nation pertaining to the same was on Friday, 12 March 2021. Albeit the norm where the President addresses the Nation after 30 days

The COVID vaccine debate- Why is Africa not able to manufacture its own vaccine?

The ongoing COVID-19 (C-19) pandemic has and continues to expose the Africa’s weakness in its manufacture and supply of essential medicines and health equipment. This has also brought to the fore a recognition of Africa’s unwavering dependence on the importation of both pharmaceuticals and essential

A year of resetting what is normal: 12 months post COVID

Today we mark exactly one year since Kenya recorded its first case of COVID-19 on 12th March, 2020.In its wake, the coronavirus disease has left our national consciousness wounded and scarred, every aspect of our life tested to the limit. The COVID enemy has remained

Tricky times ahead of the Covid vaccine

A story earlier in the week stating that private companies will be allowed to import and administer Covid-19 vaccines caused concerns online about the Government’s plans. Coming as revelations rolled out of Parliament about the apparently shady procurement at the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency as

The guidance note on Personal Data Protection on COVID-19

In March 2020, the World
Bank declared COVID-19
as a global Pandemic
prompting governments
and health officials to take
precautionary measures to
curb the spread of the virus. Some
of the measures put in place require
an aspect of mass surveillance in
order to map out close contacts
who may have interacted with an
infected or a potentially exposed
person.

State of Healthcare in Kenya: Of COVID, Striking medics and BBI

On Wednesday, the Employment and Labour Court ordered striking health workers to temporarily resume work. The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) officials however claim that the court order does not apply to the ongoing strike, stating that it is in regards to a strike

Interfaith Council for Corona response

The Interfaith Council for Corona Response sympathizes, prays and condoles with those that have lost loved ones due to the pandemic and continually pray for those infected and affected and their families. The Council notes that Covid19 pandemic infections and deaths continue to rise in