NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 29 – The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention programs in light of the U.S. withdrawal. President Donald Trump announced pulling the US from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the suspension of global health aid, including funding from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), dealing a major blow to Africa and other developing countries. Speaking at a weekly media briefing in Mombasa, Dr. Patrick Amoth, Director General for Health, highlighted the critical role the U.S. has played in supporting Kenya’s HIV programs, disease prevention efforts, and health system resilience over the years. “Kenya has made significant strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with 98% of people living with HIV aware of their status and on treatment, and
Tag Archives: PublicHealth
Jan
A female security guard working at Hercules Clinic in Pretoria was shot and injured during an attempt by robbers to access a nearby store on Sunday night. City of Tshwane’s MMC for health Tshegofatso Mashabela said the clinic was open on Monday after the crime scene had been comprehensively investigated by the police. She said on Tuesday the guard who had been admitted to hospital had been discharged and was recovering at home. “The damage at the clinic includes a broken ceiling and a detached air-conditioning unit — physical manifestations of a deeper threat to our community’s wellbeing. These acts of vandalism and violence target the core of our public health infrastructure,” Mashabela said. She said the community must take ownership of its precious infrastructure. “Hercules Clinic
Jan
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 28 – Public Service Principal Secretary Amos Gathecha has revealed that the government is actively exploring alternative funding sources to support people living with HIV and AIDS, considering the United States’ move to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) global fund. Gathecha expressed concern that the move by US, the largest financial contributor to the program, would have significant consequences on Kenya’s efforts to combat HIV and AIDS. “We hope America won’t pull out of the WHO program because they are the biggest financiers,” Gathecha stated. “But should they pull out, as a country, we have to get alternatives on funding.” The announcement comes days after Donald Trump signed an executive order affirming the intent to withdraw from the WHO global health initiative. The move is
Jan
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to begin the process of withdrawing the US from the World Health Organization (WHO). “Oooh, that’s a big one,” the newly inaugurated US president said as he approved the document after arriving back at the White House. It was one of dozens of executive actions he put his signature to on day one in office. This marks the second time Trump has ordered the US be pulled out of the WHO. Trump was critical of how the international body handled Covid-19 and began the process of pulling out from the Geneva-based institution during the pandemic. President Joe Biden later reversed that decision. Carrying out this executive action on day one makes it more likely the US will formally leave the global
Doctors and nurses possess a degree of social currency within their communities which is not limited to health matters. They are regarded as thought leaders on matters of public interest such as the deteriorating quality of healthcare at institutions such as state hospitals, primary healthcare centres and clinics. In the High Court of Namibia last month, judge Beatrix de Jager found retired nurse Mathilde Kadhikwa liable for defaming medical supplies middleman Shapwa Kanyama and his wife, Beata Kanyama. The ruling not only sets a precedent in terms of what constitutes freedom of speech and fair comment in Namibia but undermines the ability of nurses and doctors to advocate for the rights of patients when it comes to accessing quality and affordable healthcare. At times, Namibian public health facilities have run