oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | africa, health, healthcare and medicine, politics, public health
Tanzania has put forward Professor Mohamed Janabi as the candidate for the position of Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for Africa, aiming to improve healthcare across the region.
The hunt for a new regional leader comes after an unexpected
passing
Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, a Tanzanian poised to take up his position, created history by becoming the inaugural individual from both his nation and the Eastern African zone to secure victory in the elections for the World Health Organization’s African regional office. Tragically, Dr. Ndugulile passed away on November 27, 2024, during medical care in India. This untimely demise happened just days prior to him taking the oath of office, leading to an unexpected gap in the leadership at WHO AFRO.
Dr. Ndugulile
was set to replace Dr. Matshidiso Moeti from Botswana, who held the position for ten years. After his passing,
WHO
appointed Nigeria’s
Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu
as interim regional director and reopened the selection process.
The Tanzanian government is currently uniting behind
Dr. Janabi
an eminent cardiologist and public health specialist as the perfect choice to continue this vital undertaking.
Janabi serves as the Executive Director of
Muhimbili National Hospital
In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s primary referral hospital holds his position, and concurrently, he acts as a healthcare consultant to President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Prior to this role, he served as the personal doctor to ex-President Jakaya Kikwete. This appointment occurs during an important period for the nation.
Africa
, as new infectious
diseases
new issues have arisen, and non-communicable diseases have become more common.
Dr. Janabi stated that his distinctive blend of experience, forward-thinking strategy, and dedication to health equity qualifies him as the perfect applicant. He brings a verified history of healthcare system leadership, creative problem resolution skills, along with an extensive knowledge of the varied health issues faced by Africa and the global community.
Vision
In his attempt to secure the position of WHO AFRO Director, Dr. Janabi envisions
healthier, more resilient
, and prosperous Africa where every individual has access to quality healthcare, and health systems are strong enough to meet future challenges.
This objective will be accomplished by establishing robust, equitable, and sustainable healthcare systems throughout the region. Within the coming 5 to 10 years, my goal is to improve health outcomes and overall wellness by reinforcing basic medical care, enhancing nutritional support services, increasing accessibility to vital medications, fostering local production capabilities, and utilizing scientific and technological advancements to address deficiencies in healthcare provision,” he stated.
His main focus is on attaining Universal Health Coverage by eliminating financial obstacles to crucial health services, bolstering primary care, and addressing both infectious and non-infectious ailments. Alongside enhancing early identification, treatment, and vaccination initiatives, his goals include fighting against both types of diseases.
He mentioned that the African region is facing a two-fold health challenge, dealing simultaneously with prevalent infectious diseases including malaria and HIV, and an increasing number of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Emphasizing the importance of tackling NCDs via public education initiatives, prompt diagnosis, and accessible treatments, he also highlighted how vital it is to combine various healthcare programs for these conditions.
In order to maintain and speed up advancements against illnesses such as malaria, meet the targets of 95% for HIV—known as the ‘three 95s’, and keep pushing toward eradicating polio, I will push for strong monitoring systems and immunization drives that focus on grassroots healthcare approaches. Through supporting local health workers—who form the core of basic medical services—I aim to guarantee that everyone receives necessary care right where they live,” he stated. “Furthermore, I will work towards sustaining ongoing financial support for scientific studies and improving distribution networks for pharmaceutical products and equipment.
“In addition to current strategies, I propose establishing real-time disease monitoring and smart systems, extending immunization initiatives to cover even the farthest-flung areas, and forming public-private collaborations for swift epidemic responses. Focusing on critical issues like new zoonotic illnesses would be key to promoting a One Health strategy,” stated Dr. Janabi.
Dr. Janabi emphasized that his tenure at Muhimbili National Hospital highlighted the significance of decentralizing healthcare services and maximizing available resources to bolster primary care, which he considers essential for achieving universal health coverage. Should he be chosen as the WHO AfroRegional Director, he intends to leverage his experience to fortify primary healthcare networks, refine referral processes, and focus on developing the workforce along with fostering collaborative efforts among stakeholders to upgrade health systems throughout Africa.
Nevertheless, the path forward remains competitive.
The competition for the WHO AFRO Director role includes four additional candidates.
strong candidates
All hailing from Francophone West African countries, each contributes their distinct skills and perspectives.
Togo’s Professor Moustafa Mijiyawa
,a previous Health Minister, is celebrated for promoting comprehensive healthcare access and spearheading pan-African initiatives aimed at preventing diseases as the Chair of the Africa CDC Governing Board.
Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo from Niger
A veteran healthcare administrator, possessing extensive international experience, concentrates on addressing health issues exacerbated by the climate emergency, promoting creative and cooperative answers.
Dr. Mohamed Lamine Drame from Guinea
He advocates for enhancing Africa’s capabilities in monitoring diseases and responding to outbreaks. He emphasizes the need for increased funding in healthcare facilities and training of personnel to strengthen overall preparedness, thereby building resilience.
Dr. N’da Konan Michel Yao from Côte d’Ivoire
,a pioneer in managing infectious diseases, underscores the significance of global cooperation to tackle Africa’s healthcare issues and fortify medical infrastructure.
Every contender presents a distinct strategy for addressing the critical healthcare demands of the continent, yet they all exhibit a strong inclination toward promoting Africa’s health priorities.
The latest update shows that Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo, nominated by Niger, has withdrawn from the race.
The election set for May 18, 2025, in Geneva occurs during a crucial period concerning the future direction of public health in Africa. The terms for WHO Regional Directors last initially five years, with the potential for being extended for another single term.
Dr. Janabi’s influence goes well past just policies, aiming to build a healthier and fairer tomorrow for Africa, ensuring that nobody gets left out.
He stated, ‘I aim to promote policies within African nations that merge climate adaptation with health planning efforts, including the creation of National Health Climate Change Adaptation Strategies. This involves constructing energy-efficient medical centers, enhancing water supply and sanitation systems, and educating healthcare professionals about managing climate-induced health threats. Furthermore, I will urge for the development of robust, flexible health frameworks designed to lessen the effects of climate change.’
Upon taking office, his primary focus will be to establish comprehensive health coverage by tackling disparities in medical accessibility, securing stable funding for healthcare systems that safeguard people from financial ruin, and encouraging community involvement in managing personal well-being.
“This will be supplemented by focusing on the well-being of my colleagues and enhancing the visibility of the nation’s office within all member states,” stated Dr. Janabi.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | africa, health, healthcare and medicine, medical conditions and diseases, public health
Abu Dhabi
[
UAE
], March 24 (ANI/WAM): Experts from WOAH Collaborating Centre for Camel Diseases, affiliated with the
Abu Dhabi
The Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) in the
UAE
, has identified one of the potential causes behind the enigmatic condition.
camel
mortality in Ethiopia.
This phenomenon has resulted in significant economic losses and severe social consequences over the past two decades.
The announcement was made during the 26th Conference of the WOAH Regional Commission for Africa, held in Ethiopia from 4-7 February 2025. The event was attended by the Deputy Director-General of WOAH, leading scientific experts, and representatives from various countries and global organisations.
During the conference, ADAFSA team of experts from the WOAH Collaborating Centre of Camel Diseases presented the findings of their field investigations and laboratory analyses, which were conducted in response to a formal request from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture seeking scientific support in identifying the cause of this enigmatic disease outbreak.
In July 2024, a specialised technical team from WOAH Collaborating Centre for Camel Diseases in collaboration with the Animal Health Institute (AHI) in Ethiopia, conducted a field visit to Ethiopia, where clinical samples were collected from infected
camel
s in Borana zone, southwest of Ethiopia.
The initial lab tests verified the existence of the Wesselsbron virus (WSLV), which is a member of the Flaviviridae family and falls under the genus Flavivirus in the affected individual.
camel
For the first time, this discovery has attracted significant international notice and received considerable acclaim from officials in the impacted nations such as Kenya and Somalia, along with major organizations focused on global animal health.
This achievement reaffirms the
UAE
‘and ADAFSA’s prominent position in backing international initiatives aimed at safeguarding animal health, especially in the
camel
sector, and to boost regional and global biosecurity. It also reinforces
Abu Dhabi
‘s position as a centre of excellence in veterinary research, contributing to biosecurity and food security.
Given these preliminary results, the Collaborating Centre for Camel Diseases, alongside the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture, has suggested that future research should focus on the epidemiology of the “Wesselsbron virus” in
camel
s. They also recommend broadening the scope of investigations to include East African countries to corroborate the initial findings identified in Ethiopia.
They also concurred on enhancing analytical methods for carrying out serosurveys in the impacted regions, along with executing field tests to examine the virus’s effects.
camel
In addition to potentially developing an effective vaccine to curb the transmission of WSLV, efforts are currently being made to collaborate with health agencies in Ethiopia. This collaboration involves analyzing human specimens to detect the virus, with the aim of broadening our comprehension of its zoonotic and epidemiological implications through a One Health perspective.
To strengthen global scientific collaboration and enhance knowledge sharing, specialists from ADAFSA visited the Ethiopian Animal Health Institute. There, they set up and initiated confirmatory diagnostic procedures to detect the Wesselsbron virus in the institute’s labs. This effort allowed them to identify the virus in previously stored clinical specimens, thereby corroborating ADAFSA’s findings with further evidence.
Additionally, ADAFSA and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening research capabilities and disease surveillance in animal diseases. The agreement will include collaboration in knowledge exchange and information sharing, joint training programs for veterinary professionals, and collaborative research projects to deepen scientific understanding of
camel
diseases in the region.
This collaboration is anticipated to strengthen biosecurity protocols and boost livestock wellness, providing advantages for pastoral groups reliant on animal husbandry.
camel
s for their livelihoods.
This collaboration reflects the
UAE
Dedication to backing global initiatives for animal health and promoting the One Health concept, which connects human, animal, and environmental well-being to foster sustainable development and enhance biosafety.
Asma Abdi Mohamed, Director of Biosecurity Affairs Division at ADAFSA and Head of the experts Research Team, expressed her pride in this milestone achievement, stating, “Identifying Wesselsbron virus as a possible causative agent of mysterious
camel
The deaths in Ethiopia signify an unparalleled scientific accomplishment. This milestone highlights the proficiency of our Collaborating Centre for Camel Diseases and underscores its capability to deliver scientific solutions that safeguard livestock while improving regional and international biosafety.”
She stated, “Our discovery was facilitated by the diligent work of our research group along with our robust partnership with Ethiopian entities and WOAH. We continue to be devoted to advancing this study to create efficient preventive measures and treatments that protect animal herds.”
ADAFSA continues to be committed to progressing scientific research and enhancing animal disease diagnostics, strengthening its position as a vital participant in international initiatives aimed at curbing pandemics and livestock illnesses.
At ADAFSA, our commitment includes broadening regional and international collaboration via experience sharing, jointly developing training programs, engaging in field research, and implementing a “One Health” strategy to safeguard livestock health and promote sustainable growth. (ANI/WAM)
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
).
oleh admin | Jan 5, 2025 | anxiety, food and drink, mental health, psychology of everyday life, public health
Adding a dash of semi-skimmed milk to your tea daily might lower the risk of
depression
and anxiety, research suggests.
A significant British research project discovered that individuals who consistently consume low-fat milk have approximately a thirty percent lower chance of being diagnosed with anxiety and a sixteen percent decreased likelihood of experiencing depression, as opposed to those who do not drink milk whatsoever.
The safeguarding benefits of semi-skimmed milk surpass those provided by either full-fat milk or skimmed milk.
However, it’s unfortunate for vegans — the research indicates that individuals consuming non-dairy alternatives like soy or oat milk are at an increased risk of experiencing anxiety or depression.
The researchers, affiliated with the Southern Medical University in
China
The findings indicated that there is something specific regarding the fat composition in semi-skimmed milk which positively impacts the brain and enhances levels of ‘feel-good’ hormones such as serotonin and dopamine.
A significant British research project discovered that individuals who frequently consume low-fat milk have approximately a thirty percent lower risk of being diagnosed with anxiety and a sixteen percent decreased likelihood of experiencing depression, as opposed to those who do not drink milk at all.
The shielding benefits of semi-skimmed milk surpass those provided by either full-fat milk or skimmed milk.
However, it’s not good news for vegans — the research indicates that individuals consuming non-dairy alternatives like soy or oat milk are at an increased risk of experiencing anxiety or depression.
In the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, the researchers stated: “The fatty acid composition of semi-skimmed milk could offer better brain protection than full-cream and skimmed milk, which may help lower the chances of developing depression and anxiety.”
They mentioned that the results offered ‘fresh opportunities for nutritional interventions’.
The study examined information from 357,568 individuals aged 36 to 73, tracked for over 13 years. Within this period, 13,065 participants received a diagnosis of depression, and 13,339 were identified as having anxiety.
Individuals who regularly consumed semi-skimmed milk, which is the most popular type in the United Kingdom, showed an 18 percent reduced likelihood of being diagnosed with depression when compared to non-milk drinkers. Additionally, these individuals had a 30 percent decreased chance of experiencing anxiety.
On the contrary, consuming full-cream or whole milk appeared to be associated with a reduced likelihood of experiencing anxiety symptoms, though it did not have an impact on depression.
People who reported consuming non-dairy milk showed a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with anxiety or depression when compared to individuals who drank dairy milk in any form as well as those who did not consume any milk.
The authors stated: ‘In order to firmly confirm these correlations, additional studies must be conducted to verify’
These findings and investigate how varying levels of milk consumption influence mental well-being.
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