Health News Of The Week

WHO, UNICEF and WaterAid host Global Sanitation Summit
Delegates from more than 20 countries and stakeholder organizations gathered in Kathmandu from 25–27 June 2024 for a Global Sanitation Summit organized by UNICEF, WHO and WaterAid. The Summit agenda focused on promoting alignment with technical approaches and a shared understanding of how to support countries in making measured progress towards safely managed sanitation. 

During the summit, the upcoming “Eight steps towards safely managed sanitation framework” was introduced. This framework aims to demystify the process of achieving safely managed sanitation, identifying practical applications and developing a common understanding of the process and key areas where all actors can contribute according to their capacities and mandates. It was announced that the framework will be formally launched in November on World Toilet Day.

New Mpox strain in DR Congo - described as ‘most dangerous yet’
A new strain of the mpox (monkey pox) virus has been reported to spread quickly along the eastern border of Democratic Republic of Congo. Scientists briefing journalists about the current outbreak said they feared the new strain was being spread more easily, causing more serious disease and more deaths in children and adults. They also shared concern over the risk of asymptomatic spread between people who do not have symptoms and are unaware they have the virus.

Health experts say the new variant risks cross-border and international spread of the virus, with one calling it the "most dangerous strain yet".

Study links sunlight exposure to improved fertility outcomes
A recent study, in Israel, has found that women in their 30s and 40s who receive modest sun exposure may see an improvement in their ovarian reserve. The study was conducted on 2,235 women aged 20-40, comparing the changes of levels of the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) with the seasons. When moderate levels of solar radiation intensity were present in the spring and autumn, women over 30 years old showed increased levels of AMH.

As research continues, study authors note that the potential benefits should be balanced with the possible risks of sun exposure, such as cancer or skin damage.

Nigerian lawmakers pledge action to improve health, development
In a two-day summit themed “Prioritizing Nutrition – A Pathway to Human Capital Development,” held in Lagos, legislators from 13 states gathered to discuss issues surrounding malnutrition and boosting human capital development. The lawmakers reviewed existing nutrition policies in their states, identified gaps and explored solutions, whilst emphasizing the need for robust legislative frameworks to support and enforce the policies. The discussions at the well attended event also addressed the importance of adequate funding for nutrition programmes.

The legislators committed to advocating for a 4 percent increase in budgetary allocation for nutrition-sensitive ministries, and a 10 percent increase for those directly addressing nutrition. That also pledged to ensure timely disbursement of allocated funds within their constituency.