As the world works toward a global pandemic treaty, African countries including Kenya, face a critical test of health equity. Advocates warn that without strong, binding provisions in the Pathogens Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) Annex, Africa risks repeating the vaccine and treatment inequities seen during COVID-19. The PABS system is...
Public health systems across Africa continue to face increasing pressure as multiple crises emerge simultaneously, particularly in regions that often receive less global attention. Recent developments in Madagascar highlight how environmental, infectious and systemic challenges can converge, placing significant strain on already fragile health systems. Madagascar is currently grappling with...
A recent update from the Jehovah’s Witnesses community has sparked renewed conversation in healthcare. The group has announced as of March 2026 that members may now choose to have their own blood removed, stored, and reinfused during medical procedures, such as planned surgeries. While this marks a shift, the core...
On 5 March 2026, South Africa announced plans to produce lenacapavir locally, a long-acting HIV prevention drug originally developed by Gilead Sciences. Lenacapavir is a twice-yearly injection that has shown near-complete effectiveness in preventing HIV, making it one of the most promising tools in reducing infections, particularly in high-burden...
Health threats don’t respect borders, and neither should our response. On 5 March 2026, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the Japan Institute for Health Security (JIHS) signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Cooperation to strengthen collaboration in infectious disease control, research, and public health...
Onchocerciasis also known as river blindness, remains a public health concern for millions of people living near rivers and wetlands in Africa. While often associated with rural communities, its impact is widespread, affecting livelihoods, education, and community wellbeing. River blindness is caused by a parasitic worm transmitted through the bite...
African health systems are at a critical crossroads. We can no longer be at the mercy of external donors for our own health. Sustainable, resilient healthcare must be built and financed from within the continent. In April 2025, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) unveiled a...
Blog Reference - HIHAA/23/0001 Date: 9th June 2023 Authors: Barbara Castelnuovo and Andrew Kambugu of the Infectious Diseases Institute-Makerere University Uganda; Nomathemba Chandiwana of Ezintsha, the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Kwasi Torpey, University of Ghana, Mr. Luc Armand Bodea, (ICASA Director/SAA Coordinator) of the Society for AIDS in Africa...
