The policy applies to freshly brewed beverages and was developed with nine major coffee operators, including Café Amazon, Inthanin, All Café, Black Canyon, and Punthai.

Health authorities described the move as one that is designed to slow the rise of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, which remain a growing burden in Thailand.

According to Bangkok Hospital , nearly 1 in every 10 Thais aged 15 and above is living with diabetes — close to 5 million people — a figure that has sharpened the government’s push to cut sugar consumption nationwide.

Globally , diabetes has surged at an alarming pace, with the number of people living with the disease rising from about 200 million in 1990 to 830 million in 2022, with treatment coverage weakest in poorer nations.

Rather than banning sugar outright, the programme changes the default recipe. Customers will still be able to request full sweetness, but the standard option will now deliver only 50% sugar.

This move is a form of behavioural “nudging,” a strategy meant to gently reshape consumer habits by normalising lower-sugar choices.

Under the revised formula, a typical 16-ounce cup of coffee or Thai milk tea will contain about 3.3 to 3.7 teaspoons of sugar, comfortably below the World Health Organization’s recommended daily maximum of six teaspoons.

The initiative also dovetails with Thailand’s expanding sugar tax regime, which targets sweetened beverages and is expected to generate 578.2 billion baht ($18 billion) in revenue in 2026.

While packaged drinks are already taxed based on sugar content, freshly made beverages have largely fallen outside regulatory reach. The new partnership effectively closes that gap.

For coffee chains, the shift offers financial upside as well. Using less sugar and syrup lowers ingredient costs, helping businesses offset higher taxes and rising raw material prices without raising menu prices.

What is Nipah virus?

Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic pathogen carried by fruit bats. It can jump to humans via infected animals or contaminated food (notably raw date palm sap), and it can spread between people through close contact. The World Health Organization lists it as a high-priority pathogen because of its severity and outbreak potential.

Symptoms to watch for

Infection ranges from mild or asymptomatic to severe:

How does it spread?

Nipah reaches humans in three main ways:

No cure, no vaccine

Where has it appeared before?

Sudan — Cholera epidemic persists amid conflict | Africa

Sudan continued to battle one of its most severe cholera outbreaks in 2025, with more than 124,000 suspected cases and over 3,300 deaths reported. Ongoing conflict and mass displacement worsened the situation, damaging water and sanitation infrastructure and limiting access to healthcare. The epidemic stressed already fragile health services, forcing authorities and international organisations to implement emergency treatment centres and vaccination campaigns.

South Sudan — Cholera outbreak hits displaced populations | Africa

The cholera crisis in South Sudan, which began in late 2024, escalated in 2025, affecting almost 95,000 people and causing over 1,500 deaths. The outbreak primarily impacted displaced populations and communities with limited access to safe water and healthcare. Humanitarian organisations faced immense challenges in delivering treatment and preventive services in conflict‑affected regions, highlighting the intersection of displacement, poverty, and public health vulnerability.

Democratic Republic of Congo — Ebola outbreak in Kasai province | Central Africa

In September 2025, the DRC declared a new Ebola Virus Disease (Zaire strain) outbreak in Kasai Province. By the time the outbreak was contained in December, there were 81 confirmed cases and 28 deaths, including healthcare workers. The outbreak highlighted persistent weaknesses in surveillance, rapid response capacity, and community engagement in remote regions, underlining the challenges of controlling Ebola even in areas with previous outbreak experience.

Haiti — Cholera resurgence in Port‑au‑Prince | Latin America

Haiti experienced a resurgence of cholera in 2025, with 2,852 suspected cases, 186 confirmed infections, and 48 deaths, mostly among children under nine. The outbreak was concentrated around Port‑au‑Prince and the surrounding areas, exacerbated by weak sanitation infrastructure, poverty, and restricted access to healthcare. International agencies and local authorities mobilised emergency interventions, including treatment centres and water purification programmes, to limit further spread.

Vietnam — Measles epidemic hits children | East Asia

In Viet Nam, over 80,000 suspected measles cases were reported in 2025, amid declining routine vaccination coverage. Other countries in the region, including Cambodia, Mongolia, and the Philippines, also saw significant increases in measles infections, putting tens of thousands of children at risk. WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi warned that these outbreaks were reversing years of progress in immunisation, highlighting the urgent need for catch-up vaccination campaigns and improved access to preventive healthcare.

Bolivia — Measles emergency declared | Latin America

Bolivia declared a public health emergency in response to a measles outbreak that began in June 2025, resulting in 87 confirmed cases. National and international health authorities mobilised to contain the spread, particularly among children, through vaccination drives and awareness campaigns. The outbreak exposed gaps in routine immunisation coverage and underscored the ongoing challenges in maintaining herd immunity in low-resource settings.

Cuba — Dengue, chikungunya and arboviral epidemics strain healthcare | Latin America

In 2025, Cuba confronted a serious public health emergency marked by simultaneous outbreaks of dengue, chikungunya and other mosquito-borne viruses, with cases reported across most of the island and health facilities struggling to cope with demand. Official data and independent reports indicated tens of thousands of infections, with active transmission in multiple provinces and persistent challenges in diagnosis and treatment.

Local health organisations reported shortages of medicines, diagnostic reagents and hospital capacity, while civil society groups called for a formal public health emergency declaration amid overwhelmed clinics and limited resources. The outbreaks unfolded alongside broader systemic strains, including shortages of potable water and gaps in essential services that complicated public health responses.

It follows the confirmation of 30 polio cases so far this year, a sharp improvement on last year’s toll but still a reminder that transmission persists.

More than 400,000 frontline vaccinators are moving door to door, supported by thousands of police officers deployed amid intelligence warnings of possible militant attacks. Vaccination teams have repeatedly been targeted by extremists who claim, without evidence, that polio campaigns are a Western plot.

Health Minister Mustafa Kamal urged families to cooperate with vaccination teams, warning that complacency could reverse gains. Each new infection, he said, risks condemning a child to lifelong paralysis while keeping communities vulnerable to wider outbreaks.

Afghanistan is the only other country where polio remains endemic. Officials said synchronised drives on both sides of the border are essential to interrupt cross-border transmission, which has historically undermined national progress.

Despite the latest cases, health authorities pointed to a dramatic long-term decline. Pakistan has reduced polio incidence by more than 99 per cent since the 1990s, cutting tens of thousands of annual cases to a few dozen. Two of the three strains of wild poliovirus once circulating in the country have already been eliminated.

That progress was underscored at a recent World Health Organization and Aga Khan University forum in Karachi, where international and national experts concluded that eradication in Pakistan is scientifically achievable. 

Pakistan’s programme is often cited as one of the most extensive public health operations in the world, with a dense network of emergency operation centres and one of the most sensitive surveillance systems globally. 

International advisers said the remaining challenge is not the effectiveness of the vaccine but reaching every last child, particularly in insecure or hard-to-access areas.

Officials described the current campaign as part of the “last mile” — the most difficult phase of eradication, when case numbers are low but the risk of resurgence is high. 

The outbreak has disrupted the lives of children across the country, affecting their education and exposing them to illness and emotional trauma. In a significant incident, 16 out of 62 children died within days in a Kinshasa group home after the disease spread through the facility.

“Congolese children should not be so gravely affected by what is a wholly preventable disease,” said John Agbor, UNICEF DRC Representative. “UNICEF encourages our government partners to increase investments in water, sanitation, hygiene and health services, especially in established cholera hotspots, to better protect the health and well-being of Congolese families and children.”

17 out of the DRC’s 26 provinces have been affected, including the capital city, Kinshasa. On average, children account for 23.4% of reported cases across the country.

Poor access to water and sanitation remains a key factor in the spread of cholera in the DRC. The 2024–2025 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) reports that only 43% of the population has access to at least basic water services, the lowest rate in Africa. Only 15% have access to basic sanitation.

The situation is worsened by ongoing conflict, displacement, and insecurity in eastern parts of the country, which limit access to healthcare services. 

To combat the outbreak, the DRC government launched the Multisectoral Cholera Elimination Plan (PMSEC) 2023–2027, with a proposed budget of $192 million. However, the plan remains underfunded. A mid-term evaluation conducted in May 2025 called for increased investments and better coordination across sectors.

The government also introduced the “River Congo without cholera” initiative, which addresses sanitation issues at river ports, the need for hygiene education among boat crews and passengers, and the lack of access to safe drinking water along the river.

Cholera is a severe diarrhoeal illness caused by the ingestion of contaminated food or water containing Vibrio cholerae. Without treatment, the disease can lead to death within hours.

Globally, researchers estimate 1.3 to 4.0 million cholera cases occur annually, with 21,000 to 143,000 deaths. In October, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reported 6,854 deaths from cholera across 23 African countries in 2025. The overall case fatality rate stood at 2.3%, with 297,394 cases recorded, nearly 50,000 more than the previous year.

Angola and Burundi remain the most severely impacted countries due to poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. While case numbers have declined in South Sudan, Sudan, and the DRC, according to the Africa CDC,  these countries continue to bear the highest burden of the disease.

Families described dire conditions inside the prison, saying inmates have been left without access to food, medicines or basic supplies. “You cannot pass him food, you cannot pass him supplies, you cannot pass him anything… The people there have nothing,” said one mother of a detainee with tuberculosis, breaking down as she spoke. Others recounted how their relatives entered the facility healthy but have since become bedridden due to malnutrition and untreated disease.

Several relatives also reported days of uncertainty as they sought updates on sick or missing detainees. One woman said she learned of her brother’s death only after repeated visits to the prison, claiming officials had delayed informing the family. Others described inmates suffering from additional infections and a lack of water for basic hygiene.

According to the Permanent Committee for the Defence of Human Rights of Guayaquil, 592 detainees have died in the Litoral Penitentiary so far in 2025, surpassing the total number of inmates killed in prison massacres nationwide between 2021 and 2024. Between January and September alone, an estimated 8% of those deaths were linked to tuberculosis and chronic malnutrition, highlighting the scale of the humanitarian crisis unfolding inside the facility.

The outbreak, which was officially declared on September 4 after the first known patient died on August 25 from multiple organ failure, resulted in a total of 64 cases—53 confirmed and 11 probable—and 45 deaths.

"On behalf of the government— and taking into account all the scientific and operational indicators confirming that the chain of transmission of the virus has been broken—I hereby officially declare the end of the 16th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo," said Dr Samuel Roger Kamba, Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare.

The Ministry of Health, supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other partners, worked to contain the outbreak in a span of three months. According to Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, the rapid containment effort reflects strong coordination among all parties involved.

"Controlling and ending this Ebola outbreak in three months is a remarkable achievement. National authorities, frontline health workers, partners and communities acted with speed and unity in one of the country's hard-to-reach localities," he stated. "WHO is proud to have supported the response and to leave behind stronger systems, from clean water to safer care, that will protect communities long after the outbreak has ended."

For the first time in a DRC Ebola response, a specialised care facility—the Infectious Disease Treatment Module (IDTM)—was introduced. Developed by the WHO, the World Food Programme, and other stakeholders, the IDTM aimed to ensure better protection for health workers and provide safer and more dignified treatment for patients.

Vaccination efforts also formed a key part of the response. More than 47,500 people were vaccinated against Ebola, beginning with known contacts of confirmed cases and later extending to surrounding communities in and near Bulape.

This outbreak took place against the backdrop of a worsening humanitarian crisis in the country, marked by conflict in eastern DRC and widespread internal displacement. Over 7 million people currently face limited access to basic services , including food, clean water, and healthcare.

Ebola virus disease is a severe and often fatal illness in humans. It spreads through direct contact with blood or body fluids from an infected person or from contaminated surfaces. The DRC has experienced multiple outbreaks since the disease was first identified in 1976, including previous ones in Kasai Province in 2007 and 2008.

The country will now enter 90 days of heightened disease surveillance to monitor for any potential resurgence.

Since then, authorities have reported 28 suspected cases and at least 16 deaths, including four health workers, putting the case fatality rate at about 57%. 

The country’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre has activated its Incident Management System, deploying rapid response teams and reinforcing epidemiological surveillance. Triage and isolation facilities have been established, and investigations are underway to identify and monitor contacts.

This marks the 16th Ebola outbreak in DRC since the virus was first discovered there in 1976. Officials confirmed the latest flare-up is caused by the Zaire strain, for which a vaccine exists. According to the World Health Organisation, stocks of the vaccine are prepositioned in Kinshasa and are expected to be delivered to affected sites.

Following this, the ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control (RCSDC) has said the risk of the virus spreading to West Africa is “significant” due to the high volume of travel between the DRC and West African capitals.

The Regional body has therefore urged ECOWAS member states to amongst others, "strengthen surveillance and early warning systems, especially at airports and other entry points for passengers arriving from or transiting through the DRC, reinforce rapid response teams to ensure immediate action if suspected cases are identified," an information note stated.

The warning despite heightened vigilance in West Africa, which suffered a devastating Ebola outbreak from 2014 to 2016 that killed more than 11,000 people across Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. 

The World Health Organisation describes measles as one of the most contagious viruses in the world. It can spread easily through coughing, sneezing, or even breathing in the same space as an infected person.

Although measles is preventable with two doses of vaccine, it continues to pose a serious threat in many parts of the world.

In 2023, the disease killed over 100,000 people globally, most of them children under five.

Health officials in Mongolia are now urging parents to make sure their children receive all recommended vaccine doses.

A scientist at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Happyness Mpanda, emphasised the importance of proactive measures to contain the disease.

"The only effective control measure is to encourage affected farmers to uproot and destroy all infected banana plants and allow a fallow period before replanting with disease-free banana seedlings," she explained .

To develop a long-term solution, researchers are screening 72 banana varieties from their parental breeding program for BBTV resistance.

"Those found to be resistant will advance to the banana product development phase," Mpanda said.

Initially confined to Kigoma, BBTV has now spread to other regions, causing severe losses for banana farmers.

"While breeding resistant varieties takes time, it is the most sustainable solution. Meanwhile, farmers must uproot and destroy infected banana plants to curb the spread of the disease," Mpanda noted.

BBTV is not just a Tanzanian problem; it has been reported in several African countries, including Angola, Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, DRC, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Togo, and Zambia.

Since the outbreak began on January 21, at least 419 people have fallen ill with many suffering from fever, vomiting, and internal bleeding—symptoms linked to serious viruses like Ebola and Marburg.

However health experts have tested samples, and none of these common deadly diseases have been found.

Doctors say what makes this outbreak frightening is how quickly people are dying. In most cases, victims develop symptoms and pass away within 48 hours.

The disease first spread in a village called Boloko, then appeared in another village, Bomate, in February, CNN reports.

Scientists in the capital, Kinshasa, are testing samples to find the cause. So far, some tests have detected malaria, but experts are still searching for answers.

Last year, another mysterious illness in Congo was later found to be malaria, but this new outbreak remains unsolved.

Health officials are worried about diseases that spread from animals to humans, especially in places where wild animals are eaten. The number of such outbreaks in Africa has risen sharply in the past decade, and experts say they need more research to stop future outbreaks.

Namibia has recently been ranked as the fourth safest country in Africa, according to a study by Altezza Travel, which considered global safety perceptions and citizen experiences. This ranking comes in the wake of assessments that placed Mauritius, Ghana, and Zambia ahead of Namibia. Spokesperson Romeo Muyunda highlighted the role of Namibia's political stability and its thriving tourism industry in achieving this accolade. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism is launching a tourism safety campaign aimed at bolstering Namibia’s attractiveness to both travellers and investors. The overarching goal is for Namibia to reach the status of the safest country in Africa, facilitated by ongoing collaboration between citizens and law enforcement. 

Over 73 Lumpy Skin Disease reported

Namibia's Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) has sounded the alarm over 73 confirmed cases of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) reported in the Otjombinde Constituency, Omaheke Region. Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Johannes Shoopala has urged farmers to report LSD occurrences to state veterinarians, as the disease poses significant risks to the livestock sector. It is transmitted through insect bites, leading to severe implications for Namibia's beef exportation, which is a crucial part of the nation's economy. Farmers are advised to vaccinate their livestock, implement effective insect control measures, and promptly report any suspicious cases. 

Namibia police raise concerns amid rise in drug use and trafficking

In light of rising drug use and trafficking, the Namibian Police have raised serious concerns regarding the expanding demographic involved in these illicit activities, including mothers and elderly individuals. Notably, a recent operation led to the arrest of a 60-year-old woman at the Ariamsvlei Border Post in possession of methamphetamine valued at N$1.3 million (over USD 69,000). December 2024 saw a considerable rise in drug-related arrests, with 126 individuals apprehended for various offences. Among these cases, a mother and daughter were found with 187 cannabis plants worth N$1.7 million (about USD 91,000), alongside other substantial quantities of drugs such as mandrax and cocaine. The increasing number of Namibians arrested internationally for drug trafficking has also raised concerns about the country’s reputation on the global stage. 

Trade relations with China

China emerged as the largest trading partner in November 2024. Approximately 26.8% of Namibia's exports, predominantly uranium, were directed towards China, while the country accounted for 24.6% of Namibia's imports, which include aircraft and motor vehicles. Namibia's trade deficit has improved from 7.7 billion Namibian dollars (about USD 413 million) in October to 5.5 billion (over USD 295 million) in November. Other key trading partners include South Africa, Botswana, Belgium, and Zambia, with South Africa contributing 17.4% to exports and a substantial 34.9% to imports. 

Namibia hails removal of Cuba from terrorism sponsor list

Namibia has formally welcomed the United States' decision to remove Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, viewing it as a positive milestone for international diplomacy and justice. President Nangolo Mbumba praised the Biden Administration’s announcement as a long-awaited move that corresponds with Namibia's ongoing advocacy for Cuba's removal from what he considers an unjust designation. He further stressed that this step should pave the way for the U.S. to terminate its economic blockade against Cuba. Namibia has long upheld its support for Cuba on various international platforms, with National Assembly Speaker Peter Katjavivi also acknowledging this decision as a constructive advancement towards normalising U.S.-Cuba relations.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has rejected allegations that it has engaged in the printing of Rs. 100 billion (approximately $341 million). CBSL representatives characterised these claims as "completely baseless," asserting that their open market operations are conventional practices dedicated to bolstering price stability and regulating interest rates. The bank maintained that there has been no issuance of additional currency or inappropriate money issuance aimed at financing the government's budget.

Installation of rooftop solar systems at religious sites across Sri Lanka

India has embarked on a significant initiative involving a $17 million project to install rooftop solar systems at 5,000 religious sites across Sri Lanka, comprising temples, churches, and mosques. The initiative, governed by the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority, intends to curtail energy expenses while facilitating a transition to renewable energy sources within the country. This project is projected to yield roughly 37 million units of energy annually and includes a five-year maintenance programme to guarantee sustainability. The anticipated completion of this project is slated for early next year and is in alignment with India's "Neighbourhood First" policy, which underscores collaborative efforts with Sri Lanka. Additional renewable energy initiatives are in the pipeline, including solar electrification of Buddhist temples and developments focusing on hybrid energy.

African swine fever outbreak in Sri Lankan province

African swine fever (ASF) – initially identified in Sri Lanka's Western Province – has now extended its reach to the Uva, Northern, and North Western provinces. Reports indicate that around 20,000 to 25,000 out of 70,000 pigs in the western province have been afflicted. With four farms confirming cases, authorities have instituted control measures that include the culling of infected animals. Nevertheless, the economic ramifications concerning compensation weigh heavily on the response strategy. In light of these developments, the government is poised to issue a Gazette notification that will outline measures to effectively manage the outbreak. Recent investigations have corroborated the presence of ASF in pigs located in the Gampaha District, where unusual mortalities have been noted.

Sri Lanka launches investigation into Indian flight bomb threat

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Sri Lanka has instigated an investigation into a bomb threat directed at an Indian flight, as confirmed by Minister Vijitha Herath. This incident adds to a disconcerting trend, as over 90 flights in India have been impacted by fraudulent bomb threats since mid-October, predominantly disseminated through social media channels. Although rigorous checks of the affected flights have uncovered no actual threats, these bogus alerts have generated considerable disruptions and alarm among passengers. In response, Indian authorities have initiated actions to block social media accounts associated with these hoaxes, while Sri Lanka is reassessing safety protocols.

Drugs worth $3.2 million seized in India was headed to Sri Lanka

India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has made a significant seizure of methamphetamine valued at Rs 27 crore (roughly $3.2 million) in Chennai, eastern India which was being trafficked to Sri Lanka. The authorities apprehended two individuals: Vijaykumar, a Sri Lankan national, and Manivannan. During the arrests, 1.9 kg of the narcotic and Rs 15 lakh (over $17,000) in cash were confiscated. Subsequent searches unearthed an additional 900 grams at Manivannan's residence. Both suspects remain under investigation as officials delve deeper into their drug trafficking network.

In the 24 hours leading up to 8:00 a.m. on October 20, the DGHS reported 1,298 new cases of dengue, raising the total number of cases in October to 18,942.

Another six deaths were confirmed on the same day, further escalating concerns about the spread of the mosquito-borne disease, as reported by Xinhua . The surge in fatalities began in September, which saw 80 deaths, compared to 27 in August, 12 in July, and eight in June.

To combat the spread of dengue, Bangladeshi health authorities have intensified mosquito control measures and are conducting anti-larval operations to prevent the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes, the primary carriers of the virus.

The annual toll for dengue-related deaths in Bangladesh reached 1,705 in 2023, marking the highest number ever recorded. This is a sharp rise compared to 281 deaths in 2022 and 179 in 2019.

Dengue fever is transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes and typically results in symptoms such as headache, high fever, severe muscle and joint pain, vomiting, rash, and swollen glands. The disease poses a serious health risk, especially during peak monsoon seasons when mosquito populations are at their highest.

Health experts are urging the public to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to protect against mosquito bites, including using insect repellents and eliminating standing water, which serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

"Almost 20% of our patients are sex workers, or people who say they've been infected but have been in contact with an occasional partner who happens to be a sex worker. So this category is quite vulnerable and very exposed, and it's important that they be vaccinated," Dr Daily told AFP.

The nature of sex work complicates efforts to trace and treat the disease, as many individuals are reluctant to disclose their illness. “No one wanted to say she was ill,” said Alice, a local sex worker. “If I'm infected, I hide so others don't know, and vice-versa.”

As the outbreak grows, health officials are calling for targeted interventions to support the affected community.

“I congratulate the government and the people of Chad for this remarkable achievement. It is encouraging to see Chad join the growing group of countries that have successfully eliminated at least one NTD. The goal of 100 countries by 2030 is now closer and within reach,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General as quoted by Afrcanews.

Sleeping sickness, or human African trypanosomiasis, initially presents flu-like symptoms but can eventually lead to behaviour changes, confusion, sleep disturbances, coma, and death. Improved access to early diagnosis, treatment, surveillance, and response has demonstrated that countries can control and eventually eliminate transmission.

To date, seven countries have been validated by WHO for eliminating the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis: Togo (2020), Benin (2021), Côte d’Ivoire (2021), Uganda (2022), Equatorial Guinea (2022), Ghana (2023), and Chad (2024). Additionally, the rhodesiense form of the disease has been eliminated as a public health problem in Rwanda, as validated by WHO in 2022.

"The elimination of the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis in Chad reflects our commitment to improving the health of our people. This achievement results from years of dedicated efforts by our health workers, communities, and partners. We will continue this momentum to tackle other neglected tropical diseases and ensure a healthier future for all Chadians," said Hon. Dr. Abdel Modjid Abderahim Mahamat, Minister of Health, Chad.

As of June 2024, 20 countries in the WHO African region have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease. Notably, Togo has eliminated four diseases, while Benin and Ghana have each eliminated three diseases.

The NuMeRI facility will offer centralised expertise in nuclear technologies in biosciences and medicine and will help treat cancer and other key diseases like tuberculosis (TB).

Dr. Blade Nzimande, South Africa’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, highlighted the facility's importance during the opening ceremony.

“The mobilisation of innovation and technology to address the disease burden and the need to provide quality health care to all South Africans is a key priority of my department’s Decadal Plan on Science, Technology, and Innovation,” he said.

“It will assist in taking bio-innovations further down the value chain from radiolabelling to preclinical testing. It will also contribute to good manufacturing practices and clinical trials,” he added.

Cancer remains a significant health challenge in South Africa. Between 2008 and 2019, the highest incidences of cancer among South African males were prostate, colorectal, lung, and non-melanoma skin cancers. Among females, breast, cervical, colorectal, and non-melanoma skin cancers were most prevalent.

In 2018, cancer deaths were most common in the age group of 65 to 69 years, with 2,996 deaths among men and 2,546 among women. The Black African population recorded the highest number of cancer-related deaths, with nearly 24,000 fatalities in that same period.

Between 2019 and 2021, global life expectancy declined by 1.8 years to 71.4 years, reverting to 2012 levels. Likewise, global healthy life expectancy decreased by 1.5 years to 61.9 years in 2021, also returning to the 2012 level.

The 2024 report underscores the unequal impact of the pandemic across the globe. The WHO regions of the Americas and Southeast Asia experienced the most significant declines, with life expectancy dropping by about 3 years and healthy life expectancy by 2.5 years between 2019 and 2021.

On the contrary, the Western Pacific Region experienced minimal impact during the first two years of the pandemic, with life expectancy decreasing by less than 0.1 years and healthy life expectancy by only 0.2 years.

“There continues to be major progress in global health, with billions of people who are enjoying better health, better access to services, and better protection from health emergencies,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “But we must remember how fragile progress can be. In just two years, the COVID-19 pandemic erased a decade of gains in life expectancy. That's why the new Pandemic Agreement is so important: not only to strengthen global health security but to protect long-term investments in health and promote equity within and between countries.”

In the issues of killer diseases, COVID-19 ranked as the third highest cause of death in the world in 2020 and the second in 2021. Adding that Nearly 13 million lives were lost during this timeframe.

However, the WHO report emphasises that noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as ischemic heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes were the leading causes of death before the pandemic, responsible for 74% of all deaths in 2019. Even amid the pandemic, NCDs remained the primary cause of non-COVID deaths, accounting for 78% of them.

The audit, according to The Star, points out regional and gender imbalances in the organization that is supported by 54 African Union Member States.

“Some 81 percent of the staff were English-speaking on a continent with a wide range of language diversity — this includes 39 percent of countries officially speaking French. And more than half of the staff came from Kenya and Ethiopia — an uneven balance for a continent with 54 countries,” Devex, a media platform that reports on global development activities was quoted by The Star .

This comes after Dr. Ahmed Ogwell Ouma, deputy head of Africa CDC and acting interim director general was reportedly forced out of his position to ensure regional representation.

The Star reports that the organisation is working towards an increase of employees to more than 900. This could be disadvantageous for Kenyans who may already be seen as overrepresented because of their huge numbers.

The Africa Center for Disease Control employs workers on regular contracts and short-term contracts, where 90 percent of all workers fall.

Staff are mostly seconded by partners and contract renewals are subject to the availability of funds or the needs of the organisation.

The current director general, Dr Jean Kaseya, is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, a member of the East African Community.

According to The Star , Kenya hosts Africa CDC’s Eastern Africa Regional Collaboration Centre in Nairobi and is set to host the Regional Emergency Operations Centre due to the country's strategic geopolitical position.

The CDC which was launched in 2017 serves as a support system for health systems of African countries and played a significant role in securing COVID-19 supplies for the continent.

According to WHO, Nigeria is one of the 26 meningitis hyper-endemic countries of Africa situated within the African Meningitis Belt, where the menace of meningitis has inflicted devastating tolls year after year.

WHO explained that Meningitis is a serious infection that leads to the inflammation of the membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and poses a grave threat to public health, with bacterial strains capable of causing rapid deterioration and even death within a mere 24 hours.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, who lauded Nigeria's proactive stance, said on social media platform X, “Meningitis is an old and deadly foe, but this new vaccine holds the potential to change the trajectory of the disease, preventing future outbreaks, saving many lives, and bringing us closer to our goal to eliminate meningitis by 2030.”

The new vaccine protects against the five primary strains of meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W, Y, and X) with just a single shot and has the potential to significantly reduce meningitis cases.

“Northern Nigeria, particularly the states of Jigawa, Bauchi, and Yobe were badly hit by the deadly outbreak of meningitis, and this vaccine provides health workers with a new tool to both stop this outbreak but also put the country on a path to elimination,”   Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate of the Nigerian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare was quoted by WHO .

The meningitis vaccine received funding from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which supports the global meningitis vaccine stockpile and facilitates routine vaccination against meningitis in lower-income countries.

The factory is the result of a collaborative effort involving ElsMed Healthcare Solutions from Israel, Siemens Healthineers from Germany, and Ethiopia's Ministry of Health, showcasing the power of fruitful public-private partnerships.

The factory will assemble ultrasound devices capable of diagnosing a varied range of diseases.

State Minister of Health Frehiwot Abebe during the inauguration emphasized the plant's role in providing access to advanced healthcare solutions to countries in Africa beyond Ethiopia's borders, local media Fana Broadcasting reported.

"After many years of preparation, we are happy that the factory has become a reality," Ronen Bahur President of ElsMed Solutions Company was quoted by local media Fana Broadcasting .

Dawit Hailu, representing ElsMed Ethiopia, said that the equipment manufactured by the factory would be stamped with the "Made in Ethiopia" label.

Carlos Hurtado, the Head of Epidemiology of the Departmental Health Service in Santa Cruz, the Eastern part of Bolivia confirmed the first monkeypox case in the region in 2024. According to a report received by the Bolivian National Center for Tropical Diseases (Cenetrop) on February 9, the patient is a 22-year-old man with general malaise, fever, and anal pain. Hurtado reports that the patient is receiving antibiotic treatment and is being evaluated for hospitalization and isolation. The contagion is indigenous and not related to international travel, local media Los Tiempos reports.

$52 million in mineral theft

Bolivia's mining sector, which accounted for 24% of exports in 2023, is facing significant damage from the illegal practice of "juqueo," or mineral theft. The theft of nearly two tons of minerals per year, mainly tin, is a significant issue, causing an estimated $52 million in losses, local media El Diario reports. According to El Diario, more looting has occurred as a result of cooperatives being freed from labour, environmental, and tax requirements. Bolivian Mining Corporation mines have a significant issue with cooperatives, which are exempt from labour, environmental, and tax obligations. Despite 2018 laws punishing mineral theft with 10 years in prison, cooperatives evaded $1.4 billion in 2022, threatening economic stability and highlighting the need for reforms, El Diario reports.

Aid to assist forest fires in Chile

Bolivia has sent 70 tons of humanitarian aid to Chile to assist those affected by forest fires. The package includes rice, noodles, flour, powdered milk, sugar, and medical supplies, totalling around Bs 6 million (around $870,000). Chile's President, Gabriel Boric on February 4 declared two days of national mourning for the fatalities of the forest fires which at the time was 112, a tragedy described as “the largest” since the 2010 earthquake that hit the Latin American nation, Los Tiempos reports.

Shortage of medicine due to lack of dollars

The Pharmaceutical Chamber in Bolivia warns that the lack of dollars could hinder the import of medicines for the sick, urging authorities to act immediately. According to El Diario , the state bank has reduced foreign and national currency transactions, and economic analysts have noted a 16% loss against the dollar. The Bolivian Financial System Supervision Authority has established that commissions for transfers abroad exceeding $1,000 will be determined by the bank when the consumer buys dollars from the financial institution, El Diario reports.

Cessation of magistrates extension

The Attorney General of Bolivia, César Siles, has warned that the possible cessation of the extension of magistrates could be declared unconstitutional if the bill is approved in the Legislative Assembly of the Latin American nation. Siles believes that approving other regulatory projects without constitutional protection could lead to the same issue. “Trying to approve other regulatory projects, other laws, without having the constitutional umbrella, we are going to return to the same thing, because the Constitutional Court is going to have to declare it unconstitutional. Although I do not believe that the dismissal of magistrates will be approved, if it is approved, a declaration of unconstitutionality will surely correspond to that bill,” he is quoted by local media El Deber .

The outbreak in Comoros was introduced by a Tanzanian ship according to reports.

After the bacterial conjunctivitis epidemic which occurred in January, the Mahajanga authorities remain cautious, hence this decision. “We are currently facing an epidemic of severe influenza, followed by bacterial conjunctivitis. We cannot afford to be affected by other diseases. We will closely monitor our borders,” Mokhtar Salim Andriatomanga, governor of the Boeny region was quoted by the Madagascar Tribune .

The report further noted that commercial boats are authorised to sail but passengers can only disembark after fifteen days in confinement.

Meanwhile, interim measures have been taken to ensure the disease is prevented. Disinfectant gel has been made available to passengers at the airport and there is increased coastal surveillance to prevent the arrival of illegal ships.

Madagascar’s health ministry and government have put in these measures to avoid the record of any cholera cases.

Cholera awareness campaigns are also being run on social media platforms.

The country’s last recorded cholera epidemic was in 1999 causing 1,300 deaths and 25,000 infections.

Over 150 women's rights movements in Kenya have called for the government to declare femicide a national emergency and a threat to national security, according to Kenya News Agency . The movements argue that recent femicide cases in Airbnbs highlight widespread gender inequality and the lack of effective measures to protect women and girls, Kenya News Agency reports. “We stand united against femicide, recognizing that its eradication requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society spearheaded by an anti-femicide campaign from the government. It is time for decisive action to ensure that no woman or girl in Kenya lives in fear of losing her life simply because of her gender,” said the rights movement in a joint petition.

Police deployment to Haiti blocked

The Kenyan High Court has blocked the deployment of police officers to Haiti for peacekeeping, stating in a ruling on January 26 that the Kenyan National Security Council has no legal authority to send officers outside Kenya and that the planned deployment would be illegal, local media the Standard reports. Justice Chacha Mwita, the judge in charge of the case said, “A declaration is hereby issued that the National Security Council has no mandate to deploy police officers outside Kenya under article 240 (8) of the Constitution. An order is at this moment issued prohibiting deployment of police officers to Haiti or any other country otherwise in compliance with part 14, sections 107 and 108 of the national police service act.”

First Rift Valley Fever human case

Kenya's Ministry of Health has confirmed the first reported human case of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) an acute viral hemorrhagic fever that is most commonly seen in domesticated animals such as cattle in the East African nation. “This outbreak is closely associated with the conclusion of El-Niño rains, leading to a surge in the mosquito population and an increased transmission of vector-borne diseases,” Patrick Amoth, Kenya’s Acting Director General for Health, is quoted by the national news agency .

Halting of housing levy

President William Ruto has defended his Housing levy policy, stating that the programme will continue despite the Court of Appeal's verdict. The court declined to extend an order allowing the state to stop deducting money from salaried workers. The president stated that while his administration respects the court's decision, he believed it was the wrong one in light of the current unemployment crisis affecting millions of Kenyan youth, saying his outfit will appeal the ruling, NTV Kenya reported. “I want to tell them that we were in the reprocess of creating a law to guide the process and they should have given us time. We will also appeal the case so that we continue with the programme and create jobs for millions of Kenyan youth… this is the first government that has a clear demonstrable plan on how to create employment,” he said.

Road levy on major roads

Kenya's Transport Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, announced the East African government’s plans to charge road users for using major roads in the country. According to the official, the Kenyan government plans to expand major roads and implement a road toll model on various commonly used roads while providing alternative routes for those who wish not to pay tolls, he said on January 26. "I believe that it is possible to expand and toll the road… The good news is that there are so many alternative routes along this corridor that those who don’t wish to pay toll fees, we’ll give them those alternative roads," he is quoted by local channel Citizen Digital .

The WHO cited media reports and a global infectious disease monitoring service regarding undiagnosed pneumonia clusters in northern China. While outside scientists emphasized the need for close monitoring, they were cautious about interpreting the recent surge in respiratory illnesses as the onset of a new global outbreak.

Instances of new flu strains or viruses triggering pandemics typically begin with unexplained clusters of respiratory illness, as seen with SARS and COVID-19.

The Chinese National Health Commission reported an uptick in respiratory diseases on Nov. 13, attributing it to the lifting of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

WHO acknowledged that similar increases in respiratory diseases occurred in other countries when pandemic restrictions ended.

Following a teleconference with Chinese health officials, WHO received data showing a rise in hospital admissions of children due to various diseases, including bacterial infections, RSV, influenza, and common cold viruses since October.

“No changes in the disease presentation were reported by the Chinese health authorities,” WHO said.

The WHO mentioned that Chinese officials reported that the surge in patients had not overwhelmed the nation's hospitals.

WHO said that northern China has reported a jump in influenza-like illnesses since mid-October compared to the previous three years. It is rare for the U.N. health agency to publicly ask for more detailed information from countries, as such requests are typically made internally. WHO said it requested further data from China via an international legal mechanism.

According to internal accounts in China, the outbreaks have swamped some hospitals in northern China, including in Beijing, and health authorities have asked the public to take children with less severe symptoms to clinics and other facilities.

The average number of patients in the internal medicine department at Beijing Children’s Hospital topped 7,000 per day, exceeding the hospital’s capacity, state-owned China National Radio said in an online article earlier this week.

Francois Balloux from University College London suggested that China is likely experiencing a notable surge in childhood infections, as this is the first winter since the lifting of lockdown restrictions, potentially reducing children's immunity to common illnesses.

The World Health Organization (WHO) mentioned that northern China has witnessed an increase in influenza-like illnesses since mid-October compared to the previous three years. It is uncommon for the WHO to publicly request more detailed information from countries, as such inquiries are typically made internally. WHO stated that it sought additional data from China through an international legal mechanism.

Reports from within China indicate that the outbreaks have overwhelmed some hospitals in northern regions, including Beijing, prompting health authorities to advise the public to seek treatment for children with less severe symptoms at clinics and other facilities.

An online article from state-owned China National Radio this week mentioned that the internal medicine department at Beijing Children’s Hospital was receiving an average of over 7,000 patients per day, surpassing the hospital’s capacity.

“It really means people are eating their own faeces,” a member of the delegation said off the record.

Sewer reticulation infrastructure in Harare was installed in the 1950s for a small population of 84,000, now there are 1,578,000 people in the city . The system is now overwhelmed resulting in continuous pipe bursts.

“Some residents have taken the sewage as greywater. Whereas greywater can be safely used in the garden because it doesn’t carry faecal matter, sewage cannot,” said a doctor in the delegation.

“Cholera is mostly transmitted through the faecal-oral route. In handling and eating vegetables contaminated with sewage the bacterium infects people and spreads quickly,” he added. 

The government has drilled boreholes in most densely populated areas but the borehole water has been contaminated by the sewage. People also use pit latrines which have polluted the shallow wells from which residents fetch water.

“We have declared a state of emergence because of cholera,” Harare mayor Ian Makone said this week. “The cholera outbreak has been caused because we do not have adequate water supplies to the city. Many people have turned to boreholes and wells which are contaminated,” he added.

Minister Mombeshora said watering gardens with sewage must be banned . He is also mooting banning the sale of street food.

“But the solution will come down to a sound education for the residents and the provision of safe potable water,” said the doctor.

The country has since the current outbreak, recorded 7,000 cases and 142 deaths. 

The Government of Zambia has received 10 million Euros from Germany towards the improvement of water supply in Zambia, Zambianeye reports. Germany’s president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier announced this during a press conference at the statehouse on November 1, during his two-day visit to the Southern African country. The German president also held talks with Zambia’s president, Hakainde Hichilema.

Anthrax deaths

Zambia’s Ministry of Health has announced an anthrax outbreak in the country. In a statement signed by Health Minister Sylvia Masebo, a cumulative three hundred and thirty-five (335) cases have been recorded with four deaths reported across the country. The ministry is working with officers of the Livestock ministry to curb the spread of the disease among humans.

Food insecurity

Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has highlighted concerns about the impact of food instability on the Southern African region, Lusaka Times has reported. The president, during a meeting with the World Food Programme Director for Southern Africa Development Community Region (SADC) emphasized food insecurity challenges caused by climate challenges and conflicts in neighbouring countries while calling for collaborative efforts within the region to combat food insecurity.

Zambia loses to Kenya in Rugby Cup

Zambia lost by 36-12 to Kenya in the Victoria Rugby Cup match played on Wednesday, November 1. The match played at the Kyadondo Rugby Club in Kampala saw Kenya take charge of the game from the start when they scored 7 goals against Zambia who had no goals. Zambia National team player Daniel Gunda told local news outlet Mwebantu that they had a game plan but were outsmarted by their opponents.

5000km road construction

A US firm, LANDLOCK Natural Paving Inc. has concluded a five-year deal with the Zambia National Service to build a 5,000-kilometre road in all 10 provinces of Zambia, Lusaka Times has reported. The joint venture agreement under the Ministry of Defence will ensure the construction of safe and efficient road systems that provide regional travel. The project is estimated to begin in March or April 2024, depending on weather conditions.