Tag Archives: World Health Organization (WHO)

Health

Catapulting funding crisis into opportunity by getting on track to end TB and tobacco use

Maravi Post Reporter

BOBBY RAMAKANT – CNS

The funding crises forced upon by the US government on several low- and middle-income countries is an opportunity in disguise to improve programme efficiency and outcome and invest optimally in health and development responses from domestic coffers.

Evidence shows that tobacco alone costs an economic loss of US$ 1.4 trillion every year. One can imagine the huge economic benefit if governments accelerate progress towards ending tobacco, and reducing burden of tobacco-caused diseases and untimely deaths, and averting this mountainous economic loss to global economy.

All governments can generate more domestic resources by following the science. “One of the scientific evidence-based tobacco control measures is to raise tobacco taxes. Taxation is one of the most effective ways of reducing tobacco use. Higher tobacco taxes raise tobacco prices, leading to reductions in tobacco consumption. Increasing the price of tobacco reduces tobacco use by discouraging initiation among potential users, encouraging current users to quit and helping to prevent relapse in those who have stopped,” said Dr Tara Singh Bam, Asia Pacific Director (Tobacco Control), Vital Strategies, and honorary Board Director of Asia Pacific Cities Alliance for Health and Development (APCAT).

Dr Bam was delivering a public health guest lecture in the Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Indonesia, on the topic: “Integrative approaches to end the double burden of tuberculosis and tobacco Use.” It was organised by Udayana University and its Udayana CENTRAL (Centre for NCDs, Tobacco Control and Lung Health). This lecture was chaired by Dr Ketut Suarjana, Head of Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Udayana University, Indonesia.

Follow the science and raise tobacco taxes

Raising tobacco taxes is one of the six cost-effective and high impact measures to reduce demand for tobacco recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as part of its MPOWER package since 2008 onwards. All these six measures are in line with the legally binding global tobacco treaty (formally called the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control or WHO FCTC) which is ratified by 182 countries and the European Union. “Indonesia should also ratify it as it is the only country in Asia Pacific which has not done so,” said Dr Bam.

“Governments can also levy similar taxes on alcohol, sweetened sugary drinks, or junk fast food – all of which is a major pushback for public health, as it increases the risk of preventable deadly diseases,” rightly said Dr Bam.

By raising taxes on products that are proven to increase the risk of deadly diseases, governments can get more financial resources to invest into public health. More importantly, raising such taxes would deter users to consume harmful products and dissuade those who are not yet consumers of unhealthy diets and drinks.

For every US$ 1 invested in TB control, return on investment is US$ 46

An important 2023 study shows that for every US$ 1 invested in science- and evidence-based TB control, the return on investment is US$ 46.

When hit with funding crises at several levels, does it not make a lot of sense to invest domestic resources in fully funding the domestic fight to end TB? If governments find ALL people with TB with best of screening and diagnostic tools, put them on the latest treatment regimens, then they would prevent TB too, reduce human suffering and untimely deaths. TB preventive therapy as well as addressing risk factors for TB is equally important.

“Stronger implementation of evidence-based tobacco control measures also has a positive impact on TB response as well as other health programmes, such as those addressing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases,” said Dr Bam.

Double trouble: tobacco and TB

Dr Putu Ayu Swandewi Astuti, Coordinator of Undergraduate Public Health Study Programme, Udayana University, said that tobacco use is the biggest risk factor for TB, as per the latest WHO Global TB Report 2024. Tobacco use was the risk factor for almost 150,000 people with TB disease in 2023 in Indonesia (one-fifth of the total number of TB patients notified in the same year in Indonesia). Undernutrition ranked 2ndbiggest TB risk factor in Indonesia with 84,000 people with TB disease notified in 2023. Diabetes, HIV and alcohol were the next three big risk factors for TB in the country.

“10.8 million people fell ill with active TB disease in 2023 worldwide as per the latest WHO Global TB Report. Out of these, 1.25 million died due to TB in the same year globally. However, if we look at tobacco use, there were at least 1.133 billion tobacco users aged 15 years or above. Over 8 million tobacco users lost their lives in a year,” said Dr Bam. “At least 0.73 million people get TB disease in a year due to tobacco use, and 16% of them die due to the dual pandemic of TB and tobacco.”

Dr Bam shared that a WHO and The Union monograph on TB and tobacco control shows how tobacco smoking amplifies the risk of TB infection, mortality, treatment relapse, heightened clinical severity, and delays in both diagnosis and treatment.

Another study done by Dr Tara Singh Bam, Dr Donald Enarson (legendary lung health expert), Dr Dirgh Singh Bam (former Health Secretary of Government of Nepal) and others, showed that there were worryingly long delays in TB diagnosis and initiation of treatment. Current tobacco smokers in Nepal had an average of 133 days of delay and ex-smokers had 103 days of average delay, compared to those who had never smoked but faced an average delay of 80 days. These delays in TB diagnosis and treatment result in mounting up catastrophic costs for many people in low- and middle-income countries.

Better TB treatment outcomes in those who quit tobacco

A study published in 2022 in the reputed journal Thorax showed that TB treatment outcomes were significantly better among those patients who had quit tobacco use during the TB treatment in Pakistan and Bangladesh. More than 91% of TB patients who had quit tobacco use during TB treatment were successful in completing the therapy (compared to 80% who did not quit tobacco use).

TB relapse rates were also higher among those who did not quit tobacco use during TB treatment- 6% among those who had quit tobacco use and 14% among those who had not quit tobacco use during the treatment reported TB relapse.

Leadership and accountability

Rights come with responsibilities. Dr Bam encouraged everyone to take individual responsibility to have a health seeking behaviour, help protect others from infection and access healthcare services promptly when needed. Current tobacco users also have a responsibility to quit tobacco use and stay away from deadly tobacco.

We also need to unite and hold governments to account to deliver on the promises made for saving our lives from both: TB and tobacco – along with all other sustainable development goals and targets.

Bobby Ramakant – CNS (Citizen News Service)

(Bobby Ramakant is a World Health Organization (WHO) Director General WNTD Awardee 2008 and Health Editor at CNS (Citizen News Service). He is also on the executive boards of Global Antimicrobial Resistance Media Alliance (GAMA) and Asia Pacific Media Alliance for Health and Development (APCAT Media). Follow him on Twitter/X: @BobbyRamakant)

Human Rights

Goma Massacre: A devastating blow to humanity

Maravi Post Reporter

By Twink Jones Gadama

The city of Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has been left reeling after a devastating massacre resulted in the loss of approximately 3,000 lives. The atrocities, which took place between January 27 and 29, 2025, have been attributed to the Rwandan army operating under the M23-RDF banner. The humanitarian situation in Goma is dire, with organizations facing significant logistical and hygiene challenges in their efforts to provide aid to the affected populations.

According to a United Nations report, around 2,000 of the deceased have already been buried, while approximately 1,000 bodies remain stored in morgues. The report also reveals that several decomposing corpses are still scattered across sensitive sites, including near the airport and central prison. The situation is further complicated by the limited availability of body bags, with only 500 available, including 100 for children and 400 for adults.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that around 900 bodies remain in hospital morgues due to insufficient resources. The rapid burial of bodies has become a priority due to increased health risks. In response to the crisis, the President of the Republic, Félix Tshisekedi, has convened an extraordinary parliamentary session. The two chambers have agreed to establish a joint commission to develop diplomatic and political solutions to address the crisis.

The international community has also responded to the crisis, with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) intensifying efforts to aid victims. The ICRC has taken charge of 70% of the wounded, providing critical medical care and support. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has urged the international community to establish a humanitarian corridor to restore access to Goma’s airport for aid delivery and evacuation of the wounded.

The situation in Goma is critical, and immediate action is necessary to prevent further deterioration of the crisis. The international community must come together to provide support and aid to the affected populations. The establishment of a humanitarian corridor is crucial to facilitate the rapid arrival of medical supplies and vital resources to address the humanitarian emergency.

As the people of Goma struggle to come to terms with the devastating loss of life, it is essential that the international community provides support and aid to help alleviate the suffering. The massacre in Goma is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of conflict and violence. It is imperative that we work towards finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis and provide support to those affected.

The UN report highlights the need for a coordinated international response to address the humanitarian crisis in Goma. The report emphasizes the importance of establishing a humanitarian corridor to facilitate the delivery of aid and the evacuation of the wounded. The international community must take immediate action to respond to the crisis and provide support to the affected populations.

The massacre in Goma is a devastating blow to humanity, and it is essential that we come together to provide support and aid to the affected populations. The international community must take immediate action to respond to the crisis and provide support to those affected. The establishment of a humanitarian corridor is crucial to facilitate the rapid arrival of medical supplies and vital resources to address the humanitarian emergency.

Health

Egypt is certified malaria-free by WHO

Maravi Post Reporter

The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Egypt as malaria-free, marking a significant public health milestone for a country with more than 100 million inhabitants. The achievement follows a nearly 100-year effort by the Egyptian government and people to end a disease that has been present in the country since ancient times.

“Malaria is as old as Egyptian civilization itself, but the disease that plagued pharaohs now belongs to its history and not its future,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This certification of Egypt as malaria-free is truly historic, and a testament to the commitment of the people and government of Egypt to rid themselves of this ancient scourge. I congratulate Egypt on this achievement, which is an inspiration to other countries in the region, and shows what’s possible with the right resources and the right tools.”

Egypt is the third country to be awarded a malaria-free certification in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region following the United Arab Emirates and Morocco, and the first since 2010. Globally, a total of 44 countries and 1 territory have reached this milestone.

“Receiving the malaria elimination certificate today is not the end of the journey but the beginning of a new phase. We must now work tirelessly and vigilantly to sustain our achievement through maintaining the highest standards for surveillance, diagnosis and treatment, integrated vector management and sustaining our effective and rapid response to imported cases. Our continued multisectoral efforts will be critical to preserving Egypt’s malaria-free status,” said H.E. Dr Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister of Egypt.

“I reaffirm that we will continue with determination and strong will to safeguard the health of all people in Egypt under the wise leadership’s guidance and proceed with enhancing our healthcare system, this will remain a cornerstone in protecting the lives of all people living in and visiting Egypt.”

Certification of malaria elimination is granted by WHO when a country has proven, beyond reasonable doubt, that the chain of indigenous malaria transmission by Anopheles mosquitoes has been interrupted nationwide for at least the previous three consecutive years. A country must also demonstrate the capacity to prevent the re-establishment of transmission.

Egypt’s journey to elimination

Malaria has been traced as far back as 4000 B.C.E. in Egypt, with genetic evidence of the disease found in Tutankhamun and other ancient Egyptian mummies.

Early efforts to reduce human-mosquito contact in Egypt began in the 1920s when the country prohibited the cultivation of rice and agricultural crops near homes. With most of Egypt’s population living along the banks of the Nile River and malaria prevalence as high as 40%, the country designated malaria a notifiable disease in 1930 and later opened its first malaria control station focused on diagnosis, treatment and surveillance. 

“Today, Egypt has proven that with vision, dedication, and unity we can overcome the greatest challenges. This success in eliminating malaria is not just a victory for public health but a sign of hope for the entire world, especially for other endemic countries in our region. This achievement is the result of sustained, robust surveillance investments in a strong, integrated health system, where community engagement and partnerships have enabled progress. Furthermore, collaboration and support to endemic countries, such as Sudan, remain a priority,” said Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean.

By 1942, malaria cases in Egypt had spiked to more than 3 million as a result of the Second World War population displacement, the disruption of medical supplies and services, and the invasion of Anopheles arabiensis, a highly efficient mosquito vector, among other factors. Egypt succeeded in controlling the malaria outbreak through the establishment of 16 treatment divisions and the recruitment of more than 4000 health workers.

The construction of the Aswan Dam, completed in 1969, created a new malaria risk for the country, as standing water produced breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Egypt, in collaboration with Sudan, launched a rigorous vector control and public health surveillance project to rapidly detect and respond to malaria outbreaks.

By 2001, malaria was firmly under control and the Ministry of Health and Population set its sights on preventing the re-establishment of local malaria transmission. Egypt rapidly contained a small outbreak of malaria cases in the Aswan Governorate in 2014 through early case identification, prompt treatment, vector control and public education.

Malaria diagnosis and treatment are provided free-of-charge to the entire population in Egypt regardless of legal status, and health professionals are trained nationwide to detect and screen for malaria cases including at borders. Egypt’s strong cross-border partnership with neighbouring countries, including Sudan, has been instrumental for preventing the re-establishment of local malaria transmission, paving the way for the country to be officially certified as malaria-free.

Sourced from WHO

Health

New global guidance puts forward recommendations for more effective and equitable clinical trials

Maravi Post Reporter

The World Health Organization (WHO) today released guidance to improve the design, conduct and oversight of clinical trials in countries of all income levels. This guidance aims to support stronger country-led research and development (R&D) ecosystems to advance health science so that new, safe and effective health interventions can be made more accessible and affordable globally for people everywhere, faster.

For the first time, WHO offers recommendations for national health authorities, regulatory authorities, funders and others on how they can best facilitate clinical trials to generate evidence on health interventions. It addresses challenges such as poor trial design, limited diversity of participants, insufficient infrastructure and bureaucratic efficiencies, which cost time, money and lives.

Global divides between high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are leading to serious inequities in clinical trials. In 2022, there were 27 133 trials taking place in the world’s 86 HICs compared to 24 791 in 131 LMICs. At times, LMICs have been targeted for inclusion in clinical trials due to their disease burdens, only for the resulting data to be used in getting health interventions authorized in HICs, but not in the LMICs.

“Strengthening country-led research and development and embedding clinical trials in routine clinical and public health services will ensure faster and more equitable access to safe and effective interventions, helping people become healthier,” said Dr Jeremy Farrar, WHO’s Chief Scientist. “This new guidance aims to improve the diversity of trial participants to ensure research benefits the broadest range of people possible, decisively moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach.”

According to 2022 data, less than 5% of clinical trials included pregnant women and only 13% included children. This has lowered the quality of evidence, affecting care and access to interventions. The absence of adequate testing in underrepresented populations can lead to a cautious approach in treating them, which negatively impacts on their health. Furthermore, this gap in representation can also leave people from these groups less willing to accept health recommendations.

The guidance includes practical considerations for setting up trials to include pregnant and lactating women, given they have unique healthcare needs. In general, at-risk populations should be involved from the earliest stages. To facilitate this, safety should be assessed as an initial priority, for instance, by reviewing comparable interventions or expediting pre-clinical studies for these groups. Appropriate procedures for consent and assent are key, particularly for children.

The guidance recommends putting patient, participant and community engagement at the heart of organizing clinical trials, to ensure that research planning, delivery and dissemination meets public needs and maintains trust.

The new guidance also seeks to strengthen national R&D ecosystems through sustainable financing, to support better decision-making, accelerate access to health innovation and build more robust and effective national and global health research environments.

The guidance was developed in response to World Health Assembly resolution WHA 75.8 in an extensive and inclusive process, involving nearly 3000 stakeholders from various sectors across 48 countries. The guidance covers trials for any health intervention, including, but not limited to pharmaceutical medicines; vaccines; diagnostics; nutritional measures; cognitive, behavioural and psychological interventions; preventive care; digital and public health approaches; and traditional or herbal measures.

Sourced from WHO

Health

Over 1,000 attacks on healthcare in Occupied Palestinian Territory since October

Maravi Post Reporter

The World Health Organization (WHO) has registered more than 1,000 attacks on healthcare facilities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory since the October 7 terror attacks in Israel sparked the on-going war in Gaza, the agency’s top official in the region said on Wednesday.

In a press briefing, Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative for the West Bank and Gaza, told journalists there are currently no functional hospitals in the enclave’s southernmost city of Rafah, following Israel’s recent offensive there.

The availability of hospital beds has drastically declined, dropping from 3,500 before the conflict erupted, to just 1,400 today, he added.

He said 600 of those 1,400 are being provided by field hospitals “so currently from the Ministry of Health and NGO fixed hospitals, there’s only 800 hospital beds in service from the 3,500, plus 600 field hospital beds, for a population of 2.2 million people”.

The WHO official also highlighted the urgency of allowing critically ill patients to leave Gaza, stating that around 10,000 patients still require urgent evacuation, half of whom are suffering from severe trauma – including spinal injuries and amputations.

Despite the readiness of hospitals in the West Bank and East Jerusalem to accept patients – along with neighbouring countries – safe corridors for evacuation are essential, he underlined: firstly, to the West Bank and East Jerusalem, secondly, to Egypt via Rafah, with Jordan as a third option.

Many countries have offered medical evacuation services Dr Peeperkorn added. “Don’t let politics stand in the way of life-saving care for patients who are in critical condition,” he pleaded.

Entire population traumatised

The mental health crisis in Gaza is also of significant concern, affecting all 2.2 million residents and humanitarian workers.

“It’s about children…It’s about adolescents. It’s about women. It’s about men. It’s about the elderly. It’s about health workers. It’s about first responders…No one is not affected by what happened, and this also will require special attention in the early recovery and rehabilitation,” Dr Peeperkorn emphasised.

Stop targeting schools

In another development, Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency assisting Palestinians (UNRWA), reported that attacks on schools in Gaza have become an almost daily occurrence.

There have been “at least eight schools hit in the last 10 days, including six UNRWA schools” he said in a post on X. “The war robbed the girls and boys in Gaza of their childhood and education”.

He added that schools must never be used for fighting or military purposes by any party to the conflict.

“Schools are not a target,” he emphasised.

UN Health News

Development

WHO donates MK62m medical kits equipment to Malawi Govt

Dorica Mtenje

LILONGWE (MaraviPost)-World Health Organization(WHO) has donated medical kits to Malawi government through Ministry of health.

The donated medical equipment worth MK62million meant to improve children and adult with Malaria and malnutrition.

Making the donation on Monday, April 8, 2024 in Lilongwe, WHO representative, Dr. Neema Kimambo said the organisation handed over 48 sets of PEDSAM kits to address challenges in the Malawi’s healthcare system, particularly in the pediatric Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM).

Kimambo said the PEDSAM Kits are meticulously designed to provide essential supplies necessary for the effective treatment and care of children suffering from malnutrition, as well as malaria.

“We are committed for the good health services for everyone and within each kit are vital resources aimed at reaching 50 SAM pediatric cases for three months to ensure a sustained effort in combating malnutrition among our nation’s children, reflecting our commitment to their well-being,” said Kimambo.

She said WHO is fully committed to facilitate the swift delivery and utilization of these kits to the designated healthcare facilities across the country.

Receiving the donation, Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo said it is a timely donation that will help many children and adults with malnutrition and Malaria.

Health

2023 marked by achievements and ‘avoidable suffering’: WHO chief

Maravi Post Reporter

The past year saw significant milestones and challenges in global public health but also immense and avoidable suffering, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.

Reflecting on 2023, which also marked the UN agency’s 75th anniversary, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted key achievements and set out objectives for the coming year.

“In May, I declared an end to COVID-19 as a public health emergency of international concern. This marked a turning point for the world following three years of crisis, pain, and loss for people everywhere. I am glad to see that life has returned to normal,” he said in a video message.

New vaccines 

Dr. Tedros also pointed to other achievements, such as the end of the mpox outbreak as a global health emergency and the approval of new vaccines for dengue, meningitis and malaria which threaten millions worldwide, mainly the most vulnerable.

Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, and Belize achieved malaria-free status, and progress was made in eliminating some tropical diseases in various countries, including sleeping sickness in Ghana; trachoma in Benin, Mali, and Iraq, and lymphatic filariasis in Bangladesh and Lao. 

“The path to eradicating another vaccine-preventable disease – polio – has reached its last mile. Thirty more countries introduced the HPV vaccine, advancing our goal to eliminate cervical cancer,” he said. 

Climate impacts

2023 also saw increased attention to the health impacts of the climate crisis, he added.  Health issues featured prominently on the agenda of the COP28 conference in Dubai, where a global declaration on climate and health was issued, emphasizing the intersection of environmental and public health challenges. 

Additionally, in September, Heads of State at the United Nations General Assembly committed to advancing universal health coverage, ending tuberculosis, and protecting the world from future pandemics. 

“Each of these achievements, and many more, demonstrated the power of science, solutions and solidarity to protect and promote health,” he emphasized. 

‘Immense and avoidable suffering’

Tedros also acknowledged the “immense and avoidable suffering and threats to health” over the past year.  

He said the barbaric attacks by Hamas on Israel on 7 October left around 1,300 people dead and over 200 taken hostage, while reports of gender-based violence and mistreatment of hostages were deplorable.

The devastating attack on Gaza that followed has killed more than 20,000 people – mainly women and children – and injured over 53,000, he continued. 

No peace, no health

The WHO chief expressed deep concern over the impact on healthcare infrastructure, noting that “as of 22 December, only nine of 36 health facilities in Gaza were partially functional, with only four offering the most basic of services in the north.” He once again called for an immediate ceasefire. 

The global landscape was also marked by conflict and insecurity in countries such as Sudan, Ukraine, Ethiopia and Myanmar.

“Without peace, there is no health, and without health, there can be no peace,” said Tedros.

He noted that in addition to conflict-related challenges, issues like poverty, lack of access to clean water and hygiene, contributed to the spread of infectious diseases. The resurgence of cholera, with over 40 outbreaks worldwide, raised particular concern. 

Looking ahead 

Looking to 2024, the WHO chief highlighted the opportunity to address gaps in global pandemic preparedness. 

He said Governments, are currently negotiating the first-ever global agreement aimed at enhancing collaboration, cooperation, and equity in responding to pandemics of the future. 

“The Pandemic Accord and plans to strengthen the International Health Regulations represent monumental actions by governments to create a safer and healthier world,” Tedros affirmed. 

The WHO Director-General concluded his message by expressing gratitude to health workers, partners and colleagues, underscoring the shared journey to achieve Health for All. 

UN Health News

Health, Malawi

Malawi‘s ratification of WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control comes into effect

Lloyd M’bwana

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-On Thursday, November 16, 2023, Malawi’s ratification of the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) came into effect.

With the historic decision, Malawi joins a community of 182 other Parties to the Convention, affirming the country’s high-level political commitment to combatting the global tobacco epidemic and prioritizing public health and well-being.

The Convention, which Malawi ratified in August 2023, is a crucial international treaty designed to address the severe public health risks associated with tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke.

Its ratification by Malawi demonstrates the country’s determination to protect present and future generations from the devastating health, social, environmental, and economic consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke.

“WHO congratulates Malawi for this historic step and reaffirms its strong commitment to collaborating closely with the government to achieve the shared goals of the WHO FCTC,” said Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo, WHO Representative in Malawi. “Together, we will continue our collective efforts to protect public health and work towards a tobacco-free future.”

WHO is ready to provide extensive support to ensure Malawi’s successful implementation of the Convention and welcomes the nomination of a government liaison to work closely with the WHO FCTC Secretariat.

The FCTC, which entered into force in February 2005, provides an internationally coordinated response to combating the tobacco epidemic, setting out specific steps for governments addressing tobacco use and production including adopting tax and price measures to reduce tobacco consumption; banning tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship; creating smoke-free work and public spaces; putting prominent health warnings on tobacco packages; and combating illicit trade in tobacco products.

Tobacco consumption is the single largest preventable cause of death, killing more than 7 million people globally each year, of which more than 6 million are users or ex-users of tobacco, and around 890,000 are non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke. More than 80% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. 

While tobacco is harmful for people who consume it or are exposed to tobacco smoke, it is also harmful for the people who plant, cultivate, harvest, and process it.

WHO estimates that tobacco farmers may absorb nicotine equivalent to smoking 50 cigarettes a day. A key aspect of the implementation of the FCTC is to work with tobacco farmers on crop replacement and diversification which also has long-term economic, agricultural and health benefits.                                            

Health, Malawi

Malawi runs out of Cholera Vaccines

Maravi Post Reporter

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-At the peak of the prolonged cholera epidemic, the ministry of health has disclosed that it has run out of cholera vaccines, and left with no option, but to ask Malawians to adhere to strict preventive measures.

The ministry’ spokesperson, Adrian Chikumbe, says government is currently engaging the World Health Organization (WHO) for more support.

He however said there is no immediate indication that the vaccines will come in anytime soon.

“Yes, I can confirm that we have depleted all the cholera vaccine doses that we had. We are now in talks with WHO for another consignment.

“But looking at the fact that there is only one manufacturer of the vaccine globally, and that we are competing for the same, there is no guarantee that we may get another consignment in a few days,” said Chikumbe.

Cholera outbreak hit Malawi as Vaccines not available

According to Chikumbe, the country received 2.9 million doses.

As of January 18, 2023, Malawi had 26,888 Cholera cases with 881 deaths.

Health, Malawi

Malawi ready with Malaria vaccine

Maravi Post Reporter
Malawi media oriented on Malaria vaccine

By Dorica Mtenje

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi has introduced Malaria vaccines in a bid to contain the disease which is still killing 2, 500 people yearly from six million cases.

Deputy Director for Ministry of Health, Michael Kayange told the media orientation in Salima that Malawi introduced the vaccine after participating in three phases of malaria track through University of North Carolina (UNC) project.

Kayange said World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the roll out of the vaccine in the country on October 6, 2021.

He said the vaccine effectively work in children from five months to 17 months with an assurance of two years protection.

Kayange however said currently global vaccine supply may not meet the demand and the vaccine might be insufficient through the first 4 to 6 years.

He observes that there is need for Malaria burden stratification and vaccine prioritization exercise to identify priority districts.

He therefore said the country has received donation from Give Way for the pilot vaccine for the 11 districts.

Meanwhile the country has applied to Global Alliance on Vaccine Initiative (Gavi) for seven additional districts.

The country will roll out of the vaccine on November 29, 2022 in Mchinji.

The 11 districts including Karonga, Nkhataby, Ntchisi,Mchinji, Lilongwe rural, Mangochi machinga Balaka, Phalombe, Chikwawa, and Nsanje