Category: AFRICAN NEWS

Nigeria’s teleco operator 9mobile partners Medicaid to combat cancer

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NIGERIA – In line with its commitment to support initiatives that promote healthcare, Nigeria’s telecom operator, 9mobile, has partnered with Medicaid Foundation to support the fight against cancer. Both organizations held a six kilometer-walk against cancer, themed Walk Away Cancer’ in the central business district of Abuja, Nigeria. The event was put together to create awareness on the devastating effect of cancer, drum up support for the fight against the disease, and highlight the role of early detection in saving lives. Chief Executive Officer, MEDICAID, Dr. Zainab Bagudu, who convened…

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Study suggests cloud computing as a game changer in Africa’s healthcare industry

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KENYA – Cloud computing is one of the leading trends in digital transformation for 2021 and beyond with Africa not being left behind, a move that has been deemed to revolutionize the healthcare scene in the continent. Leading tech companies have already been offering this technology but the increased use of online platforms since the pandemic started is increasing its popularity even more. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that many healthcare organizations do not have the necessary agility and business continuity programs or technologies to support them during crises. It…

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Ghana reports alarming numbers of HIV/AIDS infections among children

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GHANA – The National AIDS/STI Control body in Ghana has announced that at least 5,200 new infections of HIV were recorded in children 0-14 out of a total population of about 19,000 in a recent roundup study. Dr Stephen Ayisi Addo, Programmes Manager at the organization said data from the 2020 HIV Sentinel Survey conducted by the Ghana Aids Commission further revealed that out of the number, 18 per cent were females. According to him, since the first case of HIV in 1988, there were currently 346,120 people leaving with…

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UAE’s Abdul Latif Health inks fetal monitoring alliance deal with Melody International

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AFRICA – Abdul Latif Jameel Health, through their Japanese trading corporation, has announced a new collaboration to address the lack of access to adequate fetal monitoring in Africa with unmet needs due to limited availability of medical facilities and maternity physicians, or those with geographically dispersed populations not easily able to visit primary health care. The collaboration involves signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the exclusive distribution of a cloud-based mobile wireless fetal monitor platform by Melody International, cloud-based mobile wireless fetal monitor platform. This technology, dubbed ‘Melody i…

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U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and Medical Credit Fund partner to improve maternal healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa

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AFRICA – The United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Medical Credit Fund, a non-profit organization founded as part of PharmAccess Group, has announced a new collaboration aimed at reducing maternal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. This collaboration will result in the design and implementation of a technical assistance facility for health providers in the region that will serve low-income mothers and their families. The effort will be aided by the MOMs (Maternal Outcomes Matter) Initiative, a program launched in June 2019 by DFC, MSD for Mothers, Credit Suisse, and…

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Mark Sardi steps down as Ascendis CEO while the company commences recapitalization

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SOUTH AFRICA – Ascendis Health has announced that Mark Sardi has resigned as chief executive of the South African health and well-being company with effect from December 31, in the wake of getting shareholder approval for the group’s recapitalization. Earlier this month, shareholders voted in favor of the recapitalization, which aims to settle outstanding debt of approximately €444 million (more than R7.6 billion) owed to senior lenders. The firm said Sardi had joined the company in October 2019 with a mandate to turn Ascendis Health around operationally and fix the…

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Namibia becomes second after South Africa to suspend use of Sputnik V

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NAMIBIA – Namibia has discontinued the use of Russia’s Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine following concerns raised by their neighboring country, South Africa, the health ministry has said. South Africa earlier this week said it would not approve Sputnik V due to concerns it could increase the risk of HIV infection among men, a claim the vaccine’s developer says is unfounded. The Namibian health ministry said in a statement that following South Africa’s decision it was suspending, with immediate effect, use of the shots until the formula is listed for emergency…

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Africa Investment Forum fronts US$140M vaccines and healthcare projects

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COTE D’IVOIRE – Members of the Africa Investment Forum have fronted two projects focused on improving the continents healthcare to potential investors as the continent looks to boost its healthcare sector and attract much-needed investment in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The projects, jointly worth around US$140 million and located in East and West Africa, were previewed for potential investors. The first opportunity, with a project cost of $96 million, is for the development of a 250-bed specialist hospital offering world-class healthcare services in a West African country. Feasibility…

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Acino Health acquires US$121.5M select prescription drugs from Aspen Pharmacare

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SOUTH AFRICA – Drug maker Aspen Pharmacare has sold six prescription medicines used for the treatment of gastroenterology, erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases to Swiss pharmaceutical company Acino Healthcare Group for US$ 121.5 million (R1.8 billion). Chief Executive at Acino Stephen Saad, said the transaction formed part of the group’s communicated strategy to refine its product portfolio in South Africa. “The acquisition of these trusted brands in South Africa represents excellent scaling and commercial opportunities for Acino as it expands its footprint in South Africa by adding these products to…

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Kenya, Uganda launch synchronized mass trachoma treatment

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KENYA – The fight against blindness-causing trachoma has received a boost following the launch of a cross-border mass drug administration exercise by Kenya and Uganda. The exercise, which was launched at Alakas Primary School in Amudat district of Uganda, seeks to synchronize drug administration among the residents of West Pokot and Turkana Counties with neighboring Uganda in an effort to fully eradicate the disease which is caused by bacteria that attack the inner surfaces of the eyelids. Speaking during the launch of the exercise, Ugandan State Minister for Karamoja affairs…

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