Mbabane- The Ministry of Health in Eswatini has heightened its emergency management systems in response to the escalating Mpox cases in neighboring South Africa. Given Eswatini’s geographical proximity and frequent cross-border movement with South Africa, the potential for disease transmission is high.

Overview

The Health Resources and Services Availability Monitoring System (HeRAMS) aims to provide decision-makers and health stakeholders at large with vital and up-to-date information on the availability of essential health resources and services, help them identify gaps, and determine priorities for intervention. 

Tendaba, The Gambia - In a concerted effort to address the rising tide of cancer cases in The Gambia, the World Health Organization (WHO) is spearheading a landmark initiative to develop the nation's maiden cancer control strategy. Amidst this endeavor, a pivotal four-day meeting of experts is currently underway at Tendaba Camp in the Lower Region, marking a crucial milestone in The Gambia's fight against cancer.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) with support from World Health Organization (WHO) Namibia, commemorated the World No Tobacco Day on 31 May 2024 in Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region. The event was held under the theme “Protecting children from the tobacco industry interference”, which aimed to advocate against targeting youth with harmful tobacco products and to raise awareness among communities, school children, and businesspersons on the danger of smoking and selling tobacco products to underage children. 
 

Lusaka - Zambia is grappling with a severe drought, declared a national disaster at the end of February. Over 1 million people in 84 of the 116 districts have been affected, and the lack of rainfall is devastating crop and animal production.  

According to the government’s crop assessment data, the drought has destroyed 983 765 hectares of maize crops, the country’s staple food, with production declining by nearly 50%.  

Abuja, 3 June, 2024 - Bassey Effiong, 42, started smoking as a teenager thinking “it was cool”. “I thought it showed you were in charge and independent. I was influenced by people who smoked in my neighbourhood, in movies, and in music videos, he says.