Alcon Celebrates One Year of Advancing Eye Care Through its Phaco Development Program in Africa

By Michael Gwarisa Alcon, the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, today commemorated the first anniversary of its African Phaco Development Program (PD). This milestone reflects the program’s significant achievements across South Africa, Kenya, and Zambia, with plans for further regional expansion. Alcon remains committed to the principle of “Skill Africa, by Africa, for Africa,” as it continues to enhance healthcare capacity and improve access to eye care across the continent. According to the World Health Organization1, over 110 million people in Africa suffer from…

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Hospitals and Healthcare Workers Attacked In Ukraine Following Russia’s Invasion

THE World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) surveillance system for Attacks on Healthcare (SSA) has documented 31 attacks on healthcare workers by Russian forces, a development that has compromised access to healthcare services for Ukrainian citizens. By Michael Gwarisa A join statement issues by WHO, UNICEF and the UNFPA has called for a ceasefire in Ukraine and resuscitation of normal healthcare operations. Today, we call for an immediate cessation of all attacks on health care in Ukraine. These horrific attacks are killing and causing serious injuries to patients and health workers, destroying…

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Zim Removed From TB high Burden Countries List

THE World Health Organisation (WHO), has  removed Zimbabwe from the list of Tuberculosis (TB) high burden countries in its recent global updated list of high burden countries. By Patricia Mashiri The new lists are for 2021–2025 and replace those previously used between 2016 and 2020. Zimbabwe together with other high TB burden countries such as Cambodia, the Russian Federation transitioned  out of the list. Speaking to HealthTimes, Dr Charles Sandy, the Deputy Director, TB and HIV Services  in the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) said there was some…

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Russia unveils coronavirus vaccine, claiming victory in global race before final testing is complete

MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Tuesday that the country has become the first to approve a coronavirus vaccine, developed by the Gamaleya Institute in Moscow, with production and tens of thousands of inoculations to follow. SOURCE: Washington Post Officials have pledged to vaccinate millions of people, including teachers and front line health-care workers, with the experimental coronavirus vaccine beginning this month, raising global alarm that the country is jumping dangerously ahead of critical, large scale testing that is essential to determine if it is safe and effective. Russian officials…

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