Category: Medical

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that it is expanding the scope of the WHO Director-General’s (DG) Flagship Initiative on tuberculosis over the period from 2023 to 2027 to support fast-tracking progress towards ending TB and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030. Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s top infectious killers, causing 1.6 million deaths each year and affecting millions more, with enormous impacts on families and communities. The COVID-19 pandemic coupled with ongoing crises such as armed conflict, food insecurity, climate change, political and economic instability, has reversed years of progress made in the fight against TB. Last year, for the first time in nearly two decades, WHO reported an increase in the number of people falling ill with TB and drug resistant TB, alongside an increase in deaths. ‘TB is preventable, treatable and curable, and yet this ancient scourge that has afflicted humanity for millennia continues to cause suffering and death for millions every year,’ said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. Ghebreyesus added that WHO is committed to supporting countries to step up their response, by expanding access to services to prevent, detect and treat TB as part of their journey towards universal health coverage, and to strengthen their defenses against epidemics and pandemics. The WHO DG flagship initiative on TB builds on the progress achieved and lessons learned from 2018-2022. It aims to scale up the delivery of quality care to people living with TB through equitable access to WHO-recommended rapid diagnostics, shorter all-oral treatment for infection and disease, increasing their access to social protection and other innovations including digital tools for health. The initiative highlights the pressing need to increase both domestic and international investments in TB services, research, and innovation, particularly in new vaccine development. It calls for TB services and programmes, particularly in countries with a high TB burden, to be recognized as an essential component of health systems, bolstering primary healthcare and pandemic preparedness and response. The move comes against a backdrop of World Tuberculosis Day this year which is being commemorated under the theme ‘Yes! We can end TB!’ with the goal of promoting optimism and fostering high-level leadership, increased investments, rapid adoption of new WHO recommendations, and strengthened multisectoral partnerships to combat the TB epidemic. As part of the DG Flagship initiative, a special call to action is being issued by WHO and partners urging Member States to accelerate the rollout of new WHO-recommended shorter all-oral treatment regimens for drug-resistant TB. Drug-resistant TB continues to be a pressing public health concern, taking a significant toll on individuals affected by TB, communities, and healthcare systems worldwide. In 2021, nearly half a million people fell ill with multidrug- or rifampicin-resistant TB (MDR/RR-TB), only one in three accessed treatment. New WHO guidelines on drug-resistant TB treatment recommend rapid roll-out of the novel BPaLM/BPaL regimen that has the potential to significantly increase cure rates due to its high effectiveness, offer more extensive access because of its lower cost, and improve patients’ quality of life, as it is an all-oral treatment that is considerably shorter than traditional regimens. ‘2023 is our chance to push forward the agenda towards ending TB,’ said Dr Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO’s Global Tuberculosis Programme. ‘On World TB Day, WHO is pressing for firm political commitment at the highest level, strong multi-sectoral collaboration including beyond health, and an effective accountability system. We need everyone-individuals, communities, societies, donors and governments-to do their part to end TB. Together, yes, we can end TB.’ In September 2023, the UN General Assembly will convene three High-Level Meetings focusing on UHC, pandemic preparedness and response and ending TB. There are clear linkages between these agendas and the Heads of State will deliberate to accelerate action, including on the goal to end TB.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kitui Governor Dr Julius Malombe flagged off drugs and Medical supplies worth Sh 81.5 million set to be delivered to 306 health facilities across the county, to aggregate efforts in providing quality healthcare. Presiding the ceremony held at the County Referral Hospital, Malombe said the consignment of assorted pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical commodities based on the disease patterns in the county will boost healthcare to the local residents. The governor revealed the county had cleared all the accrued debts from KEMSA and MEDS totaling Sh. 144 million to facilitate smooth supply from these institutions and cultivate a mutually beneficial relationship and to ensure smooth running of the supply chain. He further added that the county expects drugs and other medical supplies to be delivered in the next three weeks. ‘Going forward, we expect that drugs and other medical supplies will be supplied in time and in the ordered quantities as discussed with the two key partners (KEMSA and MEDS),’ he said. The Governor further pointed out that his government will recruit 2,470 County Health Volunteers for the 247 villages in efforts to enhance primary health of preventive and promotive health care. Among his plans include establishing Teaching and Referral hospitals in both Kitui and Mwingi, continually upgrade healthcare facilities, and establish modern maternity facilities in all hospitals. Other health sector priority areas in his plan are to equip maternity units in selected healthcare facilities, construct the Nzamba Kitonga Memorial Hospital in Mutitu/Kaliku among others as part of his development plan. The Deputy Governor Mr. Augustine Kanani, who accompanied his boss at the flagging off ceremony, added that their administration is looking forward to automating health facilities. ‘As we move to the next step, we are looking on automating our health facility services to enhance quality services delivery to our people,’ said the Deputy Governor. In October last year, Malombe flagged off similar consignment worth Sh 108 million of assortment drugs and medical supplies to the 306 health facilities across the county. Other county officers and invited guests present during the flagging off ceremony included, the Kitui County Executive Member for Health Ruth Koki, Bernard Sila chairperson of the county committee of health in the assembly, several county CECMs, KEMSA officers, scores of county chief officers and clergymen, officers of County Chamber Of Commerce, health workers and members of the public.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Grim mental health statistics continue to stalk Taita Taveta County’s healthcare landscape, according to a survey released this week by a multi-sectoral task force established during COVID-19 to address the high prevalence of depression and other psychosocial conditions. Data released by the taskforce show that mental health disorders increased from 2, 152 cases in 2021 to 3,174 cases in 2022; a rising trend that healthcare stakeholders say should be arrested before it turns into a pandemic. ‘We cannot sit pretty while a silent pandemic in the making is brewing in our communities and threatens the very foundations of our healthcare systems,’ warns Eva Mwandembo, the County mental health, and GBV coordinator. Rebecca Macharia, a psychologist at Mwatate Sub-County Hospital, says that the numbers were merely the tip of an iceberg as they represented reported cases while thousands more went unreported. She attributes the depressed reporting to the social and cultural connotations about mental health, a precedent that has prevented patients and their relatives from seeking medical help. ‘Communities here believe mental health disorders are caused by sorcery. Therefore, patients and their families shy away from visiting mental health facilities for help,’ says Ms. Macharia. While there are concerted efforts both from the national and county governments to categorize mental health disorders as mainstream medical conditions, Ms. Macharia admits that there is a lot of ground to be covered in terms of financial support, awareness, and recruiting experienced human resources. Similar calls for the integration of mental health care with general health services were made by Carol Ngari, USAID Stawisha Pwani Technical officer for HIV testing services, who said that such an approach would create an effective and efficient strategy in caring for and supporting patients. At the national level, the government is guided by the Kenya Mental Health Action Plan (2021-2025), a Ministry of Health (MoH) blueprint on interventions for securing mental health systems reforms in the country. Currently, MoH data indicates that one in every four people seeking health services in the country has a mental health condition. Depression has been marked as the most prevalent due to alcohol and substance abuse in the backdrop of tough economic times precipitated by COVID-19 and the ongoing harsh drought in most parts of Kenya. While mental health does not enjoy an exclusive budget allocation from the exchequer, the State established a Mental Health Taskforce in 2020 and continues implementing a litany of reforms to improve prevention, treatment, and care for people with mental health problems.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Residents of Kasambara in Eburu- Mbaruk Ward in Gilgil sub County, will soon enjoy the services of an abandoned donor funded hospital that the County Government of Nakuru hopes to manage.

The Rhein Valley Hospital situated in Eburru-Mbaruk Ward may soon be reopened under the management of the County, with the residents warming up to its operationalisation to ease access to healthcare

The hospital, closed its doors three years ago, when the community clashed with the donors from Switzerland on its ownership. The community had donated five acres of land on which the donors build and equipped the facility at a cost of Sh150 million.

The 13 bed capacity hospital that had afforded the residents a 19-year service is still in good shape and fully equipped, with the community and the county government working on a proper legal framework for its management and operation.

Speaking during a public participation forum held at the facility, County Secretary Dr Samuel Mwaura noted that the County Government of Nakuru will need to carefully consider the legal framework required to operationalise the facility and ensure that it is sustainable in the long run.

‘This hospital has a catchment population of 4,000, mainly from Kasambara and Thugunui locations with great potential to be a valuable resource for health care services,’ noted County Executive for Health Ms Jacqueline Osoro.

The residents, who remembered the facility with nostalgia termed it as a ‘friend indeed’ with a number having survived by a whisker when they were resuscitated at the facility before being transferred to Nakuru Level 5 hospital, 25 KM away.

‘The facility was well equipped and would afford us the much needed services at low costs. Its closure was a blow to us as accessibility to the nearest facility was a problem,’ said Jane Mungaru.

Present at the forum, area Member of the County Assembly Mike Gathanwa, who said the reopening of the Rhein Valley Hospital would be a significant development for the local community and would help to improve access to quality healthcare services, hoping that the community and the county will successfully conclude on the matter.

The community had differed with the then manager Ruth Schafer, noting that the initial agreement was for the donor to build on the locals’ land, then have them manage and not as she claimed that it was solely donor funded.

Source: Kenya News Agency

No new cholera cases have been reported in Machakos in the past four days, County Executive Committe Member (CECM) for Health Dr Daniel Yumbya has disclosed. Yumbya however said six people out of the 51 cases reported have died of the disease since the outbreak on March 6. The CECM said of the total cases reported, 46 were from Mavoko Sub County while three were recorded in Matungulu and two in Kangundo sub counties. ‘Six patients are currently receiving treatment at both Machakos Level Five and Mavoko Level Four hospitals,’he said. Dr Yumbya, speaking yesterday to the press outside the governor’s office, attributed the decline of the cases to rapid response by the county government to contain the disease and prevent further spread. ‘The concerted efforts by the county government to distribute clean drinking water together with tablets and tracing of the patients has helped improve the situation,’said the CECM. Pointing out that hawking of food remains banned, Dr Yumbya asked residents to ensure that food is cooked thoroughly and avoid open defacation to curb the disease. ‘We are also asking residents to report any suspected cases. All our health facilities are on alert and have enough medication for cholera. We are also expecting a consignment of further drugs from KEMSA starting next week,’ disclosed the CECM.

Source: Kenya News Agency

System-based interpretations of “One Health” approach is vital to minimize animal to human-human to animal infections in Ethiopia, according to experts in the sector.

Speaking at a two-day stakeholder’s workshop that opened here in the capital city today, Dr. Mirgissa Kaba of the School of Public Health said the government of Ethiopia, with support from international partners, had established a National One Health Steering Committee (NOHSC) back in 2017.

Although the steering committee comprises of representatives of core government ministries, more needs to be done to address the ever increasing challenges of diseases crossing to human world from domestic and wild animals, he noted.

COVID-19 and zoonotic diseases like rabies, which are viral diseases affecting the central nervous system, are among the examples that transmit from the animal to human world.

Due to the increasing interactions between humans and animals within the environment and numerous factors exacerbating the emergence, re-emergence and spread of infectious diseases, the professor said that the problem necessitates a multi-sectoral approach.

Addressing such problems requires genuine collaboration and partnership, Dr.Mirgissa stressed.

Principal Scientist at the International Livestock Research Institute of Arusha, Tanzania, Theo Knight-Jones, said the world is facing unprecedented, inter-connected threats to the health of people, animals and the environment as animal to human-human and human to animal infections are spreading due to climate change.

Addressing the threats requires cross-sectoral, system-wide health approaches, he said, adding that addressing such problems require genuine collaboration, partnership and a systematic approach.

According to him, enhancing national and sub-regional cross-sectoral collaboration between government entities with “One Health” mandates and “One Health” stakeholders across society will bring better results to minimize disease transmission.

Hence, he pointed out that there is a need to equip educational and research institutes to train the next generation “One Health” workforce.

Increasing the capacity of government and non-governmental stakeholders to identify and deliver “One Health” solutions to key problems is also vital.

Source: Ethiopian news Agency

WASHINGTON — The little-noticed program that led to a Chinese spy balloon drifting across the United States this month has been discussed in China’s state-controlled media for more than a decade in articles extolling its potential military applications.

The reports, dating back to at least 2011, focus on how best to exploit what is known as “near space” – that portion of the atmosphere that is too high for traditional aircraft to fly but too low for a satellite to remain in orbit. Those early articles may offer clues to the capabilities of the balloon shot down by a U.S. jet fighter on Feb. 4.

“In recent years, ‘near space’ has been discussed often in foreign media, with many military commentators pointing out that this is a special sphere that had been neglected by militaries but now has risen to hotspot status,” reads a July 5, 2011, article in the People’s Liberation Army Daily titled Near Space – A Strategic Asset That Ought Not to be Neglected.

The article quoted Zhang Dongjiang, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of Military Sciences, discussing the potential applications of flying objects designed for near space.

“This is an area sitting in between ‘air’ and ‘space’ where neither the theory of gravity nor Kepler’s Law is independently applicable, thus limiting the freedom of flight for both aircraft that are designed based on the theory of gravity and spacecraft that follow Kepler’s Law,” Zhang was quoted as saying.

He noted that near space lacks the atmospheric disturbances of aeronautical altitudes, such as turbulence, thunder and lightning, yet is cheaper and easier to reach than the altitudes where satellites can remain in orbit.

“At the same time,” he added, near space is “much higher than ‘sky,’ hence holding superb prospects and potential for intelligence collection, reconnaissance and surveillance, securing communication, as well as air and ground warfare.”

Zhang suggested that near space can be exploited with “high-dynamic” craft that travel faster than the speed of sound, such as hypersonic cruise vehicles and sub-orbital vehicles, which “can arrive at target with high speed, attack with both high speed and precision, [and] can be deployed repeatedly.”

But he said near space also can provide an environment for slower vehicles, which he called “low-dynamic” craft, such as stratospheric airships, high-altitude balloons and solar-powered unmanned vehicles.

These, he said, “are capable of carrying payloads capable of capturing light, infrared rays, multispectral, hyper-spectral, radar, and other info, which can then be used to increase battlefield sensory and knowledge capability, support military operations.”

They also “can carry various payloads aimed at electronic counter-battle, fulfilling the aim of electronic magnetic suppression and electronic magnetic attack on the battlefield, damage and destroy an adversary’s information systems.”

Four years after the PLA Daily article, images were published in the military pages of Global Times, a state-controlled outlet, of two small-scale stratospheric vehicles identified as KF13 and KF16.

The vehicles were developed by the Opto-Electronics Engineering Institute of Beijing Aeronautics and Aerospace University, China’s main aeronautical and aerospace research university, according to an explanatory note published alongside the model shown in the Global Times. The institution is now known as Beihang [Beijing-Aero] University.

The explanatory note said a key feature of the vehicles was their unmanned and remote-control dual capability. Work was being done in Beijing and Shanghai, as well as in Shanxi province, on seeing the vehicles evolve from concept to production, according to the October 2015 article.

Other images of near space objects that surfaced the same month featured variously shaped aircraft whose features and functions included high-functioning surface materials, emergency control mechanisms, precise flight control technology, high-efficiency propeller technology, high-efficiency solar technology and ground operation integration technology.

An image of a blimp-like near space flying object called the Yuan Meng, literally “fulfilling dream,” was also posted to the internet in October 2015. It was described as having a flying altitude of 20-24 kilometers, a flight duration of six months and a payload of 100-300 kilograms.

Rick Fisher, a senior fellow at the International Assessment and Strategy Center in Washington, told VOA that China’s interest in the exploitation of near space actually began long before the PLA Daily article.

“Since the late 1990s, the PLA has been devoting resources for research and development for preparing for combat in ‘near space,’ the zone just below Low Earth Orbit (LEO) that is less expensive to reach than LEO [itself], and offers stealth advantages, especially for hypersonic platforms,” he said in an exchange of emails.

In addition to round balloons such as the one shot down by U.S. aircraft on Feb. 4, he said, “the PLA is also developing much larger blimp or airship stratospheric balloons that have solar powered engines driving large propellers that enable greater maneuverability.”

Fisher said Chinese state-owned conglomerates such as China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) “have full-fledged near space programs like their Tengyun to produce very high-altitude UAV and hypersonic vehicles” for the purpose of waging combat in near space.

Tengyun literally means “riding above clouds.”

In September 2016, Chinese official media reported that Project Tengyun, initiated by CASIC, was expected to be ready for a test flight in 2030. The so-called “air-spacecraft” is designed to serve as a “new-generation, repeat-use roundtrip flying object between air and space,” a deputy general manager of CASIC told the 2nd Commercial Aeronautical Summit Forum held in Wuhan that month.

Another four projects proposed by CASIC also bore the concept of “cloud” in their names: Feiyun, meaning “flying cloud,” focuses on communication relay; Xingyun, meaning “cloud on the move,” would enable users to send text or audio messages even “at the end of the earth or edge of the sky”; Hongyun, meaning rainbow cloud, would be able to launch 156 satellites in its first stage; and Kuaiyun, meaning “fast cloud,” would be tasked with formulating a near space spheric network.

While China’s openness about its near space ambitions may be debatable, the speed with which it has made advances in related R&D appears to be indisputable.

“Throughout my career that was focused on the PLA, I do not recall anything about the PLA having a balloon program, let alone to have balloons operating over U.S. territory,” U.S. Navy Captain (retired) James Fanell, who retired as director of intelligence for the U.S. Pacific Fleet in 2015, told VOA in a written interview.

U.S. official now say they are aware of at least 40 incidents, however, in which Chinese surveillance balloons have passed over countries on as many as five continents. Those presumably included an incident last December in which a high-altitude airship was photographed near the northern Philippine Island of Luzon bordering the South China Sea.

“The object would look to be a teardrop-shaped airship with four tail fins. It’s not entirely clear from the images whether it might have a translucent exterior or a metallic-like one,” wrote Joseph Trevithick, deputy editor of The War Zone, a specialized website dedicated to developments in military technology and international security.

“Overall, the apparent airship’s general shape has broad similarities to a number of high-altitude, long-endurance types that Chinese companies are known to have been working on,” he wrote, including “at least two uncrewed solar-powered designs, the Tian Hang and Yuan Meng, with external propulsion and other systems intended primarily for operations at stratospheric altitudes, both of which have reportedly been test flown at least once.”

Fisher said the United States would be well advised to emulate China in enhancing its capabilities in near space.

The American aerospace company Lockheed Martin “tested a technology demonstrator in 2011 [but] there has been no further development of operational stratospheric airships for the U.S.” since then, Fisher said.

“The PLA is correct to invest in stratosphere balloons and airships; the U.S. must do more to develop these assets as well.”

Source: Voice of America