Africa’s Response to Mpox: Will the public health system hold up?
As mpox cases surge, Africa's public health system faces unprecedented challenges. This issue of our newsletter briefly highlights the surge and what can be done to ready Africa's Health Systems.
The ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa shows how quickly diseases can become global threats. Once seen as a rare infection limited to rural Africa, mpox was ignored by the global health community. The 2022 outbreak highlighted the risks of neglecting diseases in poor and developing regions.
In 2022, mpox cases suddenly spread to 116 countries, reaching beyond Africa. High-income nations quickly responded with vaccines and treatments. Meanwhile, Africa with limited resources struggled. In 2023, mpox cases surged in Africa, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). With 12,300 suspected cases and 447 deaths by mid-July 2024, the situation is dire. The response in DRC is further hampered by ongoing violence and other health crises, leaving displaced people particularly at risk.
To combat this growing threat, experts are calling for:
? Equitable access to diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments.
? An African-led Mpox research consortium to drive research.
The Africa CDC recently reported the launch of a regional Mpox testing and sequencing training hosted by the Pathogen Genomic Lab. 14 trainees from 7 member states are attending with the goal of enhancing Mpox testing, sequencing, and surveillance across Africa.
INSIGHTS
Inequities in healthcare affect women's health outcomes in Africa. Public-private partnerships (PPPs), are transforming access to care.
This co-authored article by 罗氏公司 and Africa Health Business highlights initiatives by 罗氏公司 in Kenya providing breast cancer treatment without copayment and enhancing diagnostic capabilities in C?te d'Ivoire. Other innovations like MTIBA and Zipline that further improve healthcare delivery for underserved populations are also covered.
Learn how these collaborations are shaping a healthier future for women across the continent and how you can contribute!
THIS MONTH ON BLOOD?
The Urgent Need to Prioritize the Blood Agenda in Africa:?Is Enough Being Done?
What happens when someone urgently needs a blood transfusion but there’s no safe blood available??
Road accidents, which claim around 250,000 lives annually, often result in fatalities due to insufficient blood supplies. The urgency to address these challenges is clear—it's time to make blood access a priority.
Why This Matters Now
Elevating the blood agenda isn’t just about recognizing the problem—it’s about taking action. By advocating for stronger policies, investing in infrastructure, and encouraging regular blood donations, we can ensure that no one dies due to a lack of blood.
Get Involved
Who is leading the charge to ensure blood access is prioritized? Coalition of Blood for Africa - CoBA (CoBA) is at the forefront of driving change to?ensure blood access is prioritized.?Through advocacy, partnerships, and education, CoBA is committed to making safe blood accessible for all Africans.
Become part of the change
By joining CoBA, you become part of the solution. Together, we can ensure that blood access is no longer an afterthought but a priority across Africa. Let’s work together to save lives, one drop at a time.
THIS COMING MONTH ON WOMEN'S HEALTH
When you hear "family planning," what comes to mind? For many, it’s about methods or choices. But what if we looked beyond that—at how family planning could transform entire communities, nations, and even the world?
领英推荐
Consider this: According to the Guttmacher Institute, if every woman in low- and middle-income countries who wanted to avoid pregnancy used modern contraceptives, and if every pregnant woman and newborn received care in line with WHO standards, the impact would be monumental:
??Unintended pregnancies would drop by 68%.
? Unsafe abortions would decrease by 72%.
? Maternal deaths would fall by 62%.
These aren’t just statistics; they reflect lives saved, thriving families, and healthier, more resilient communities.
On 25th September, we invite you to a dynamic webinar, "Family Planning: A Catalyst for Healthier Communities."?
Partner Spotlight?
Celebrating WHO AFRO Regional Director Dr Matshidiso Moeti
A private sector team led by? Dr Amit N. Thakker , Dr. Daniella Munene , from AHB, Mokgadi (Lischen) Mashishi Organon South Africa , Dr. Mwiti Makathimo. Dr Cinthia Manzan , from 诺华 and Philana Mugyenyi , from GE Healthcare presented a commemorative plaque to the outgoing WHO Africa Regional Director, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti.
The presentation took place in the presence of the World Health Organization Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , during the 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
Around 500 delegates including ministers from a number of African countries were in attendance. At the event, AHB joined Africa’s health stakeholders in celebrating and bidding farewell to Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the outgoing Director for WHO AFRO.?
ECHAlliance Gathering of Global Leadership at UNGA79
ECHAlliance ?is hosting a Partner Program at the upcoming Science Summit during the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79).?
It will feature a day of insightful discussions and networking with global leaders, including an Open Session on Women’s Health, co-hosted with the?Society for Women’s Health Research , and a Round Table on the transformative potential of AI in global healthcare.
PharmaConex Egypt?2024
Pharmaconex is where Africa's pharma professionals unite, network, share insights, and stay ahead of the curve with the latest industry trends.?
Attendees will have the opportunity to:
? Get updated on the latest trends and developments at Pharmaconex?
?? Identify new business opportunities.
? Source new suppliers and manufacturers from all around the world under one roof.
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37 years of experience in GLOVES, exported from Malaysia. (All comments are my personal comments).
1 个月Not sure. Is Africa ready? No additional orders for gloves from Malaysia. Maybe orders for medical gloves are to other countries. God Bless.