South Africa rolls out single dose AIDS treatment
The South African government has rolled out a single dose anti-AIDs drug that is aimed at simplifying the treatment regime for people living with the HIV virus in the country. The tablet known as Atroiza is a three-in-one combination antiretroviral (ARV) and was unveiled two weeks ago at Phedisong Clinic in Pretoria. Patients ordinarily took four tablets a day. Domestic and international pharmaceutical companies have been contracted to manufacture the all-in-one drug. ARV drugs boost the body's ability to deal with the opportunistic infections caused by AIDS. South Africa has nearly 6 million people infected with HIV -- one of the heaviest caseloads in the world.WHO calls for increased blood pressure awareness
WHO calls for increased blood pressure awareness
To mark World Health Day on April 7, the World Health Organization is calling for increased efforts to prevent and control high blood pressure.Mandela back in hospital with lung infection
Former South African President Nelson Mandela has been admitted to hospital with a recurrence of a lung infection, renewing concerns about the health of the revered anti-apartheid leader. A statement said the 94-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate went into hospital shortly before midnight on Wednesday. It gave no further details other than to say he was receiving the "best possible expert medical treatment and comfort". Mandela has a history of lung problems dating back to when he contracted tuberculosis as a political prisoner.
UK: NHS launches Act FAST campaign
In England, strokes are a major health problem. Every year over 150,000 people have a stroke.
People over 65 years old are most at risk from having strokes, although 25% of strokes occur in people who are under 65.
The NHS Act FAST campaign funded by the Department of Health aims to show people the signs and symptoms they should look for to identify someone suffering from a stroke, with the aim of making everyone a potential ‘stroke-saver’.
Family health days introduced in Uganda's worship centres
The United Nations Children's Agency, UNICEF in partnership with the Ugandan government and faith-based organizations, has introduced Family Health Days in places of worship. Encouraged by religious leaders, worshippers take their families to get life saving health interventions, normally unavailable to them. By reaching out to the most remote communities of the country, families who otherwise walk long distances to health centers, now have access to fundamental health services. The free health package not only targets children, but whole communities.
