Health

A major focus of the review is the oncology package, which is currently capped at Sh550,000.

Resistance to ceftriaxone, in particular, has climbed from 0.8 per cent to five per cent while cefixime resistance rose from 1.7 per cent to 11 per cent.

Speaking on Wednesday, November 19, the President emphasised that both public and private hospitals must submit real-time data on mothers and children who die under their care.

The results show that one serving of Cerelac in Africa contains close to six grams of added sugar on average, roughly equal to one and a half sugar cubes.

Sponsored by Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni, the Bill explicitly forbids health facilities from holding patients or corpses as leverage for unpaid bills.

One of the clearest findings was that multiple exposures compounded the risk. Children who experienced both domestic and community violence were at particularly high risk of mental health difficulties, especially experiencing externalising symptoms.

Gilead is seeking regulatory approval to distribute lenacapavir in additional African countries, including Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Botswana.

Legislators expressed concern that the transition to SHA has created gaps in maternal healthcare, exposing women to unlawful confinement.

The Kenya National Public Health Institute (NPHI) highlighted that the virus, which causes severe hemorrhagic fever, could spread quickly due to Kenya’s close travel and trade links with Ethiopia.

There are several factors that can increase the likelihood of delivering prematurely. These include lifestyle choices, substance or drug abuse, climate-related stress, including extreme temperatures and pollution, and missing recommended antenatal care visits

In a statement released on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, the ministry stressed that antimicrobials remain a cornerstone in fighting infections in people, animals, and plants.

Groundbreaking study uncovers how the common Epstein–Barr virus hijacks immune cells, potentially triggering lupus and other autoimmune diseases in susceptible individuals.

Globally, the disease causes more than 600,000 new cases and over 340,000 deaths annually. About 90 per cent of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, highlighting deep inequalities in prevention and care.

Ruto also urged Kenyans to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to benefit from free outpatient services available in public, private, and faith-based facilities.

The Ministry of Health encourages citizens to reduce consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks while promoting healthy, balanced diets rich in locally sourced fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

According to the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Health, weak mechanisms for identifying and enrolling the poor have forced patients to bear high out-of-pocket costs, particularly for expensive treatments like cancer care.

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy when the body becomes more resistant to insulin, the hormone that helps glucose move from the blood into cells for energy.

The new guidelines aim to reduce health risks for both mothers and babies by providing clear, evidence-based strategies for care.

Postpartum haemorrhage remains one of the deadliest complications of childbirth, claiming the lives of tens of thousands of women every year. Globally, the World Health Organisation estimates that around 70,000 women die annually due to PPH, accounting for more than 20 per cent of all maternal deaths.

This targeted approach delivers radiation directly to cancer cells while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

Since the start of the year, 924 women and nearly 10,000 newborns have died, highlighting the urgent need for accessible maternity services in all counties.

But a new report reveals that while progress has been made in the global fight against the disease, funding gaps endanger hard-won gains.

He noted that while mobile apps have made healthcare more accessible, unchecked use could lead to self-diagnosis and mismanagement of illnesses.

Once seen as an older person’s disease, colorectal cancer is increasingly striking people in their 30s and 40s — a global wake-up call linking modern diets, sedentary lifestyles, and genetic risks to a deadly new trend.

Thousands of Kenyan children under five are dying from preventable pneumonia due to malnutrition, air pollution, and delayed medical care.

The law limits surrogacy to Kenyan citizens aged 25–55, while surrogate mothers must be 25–45, have had at least one child, and pass medical and psychological evaluations.

Mercury can damage skin cells, cause rashes, itching, redness, and burns, and trigger allergic reactions. It can also enter the bloodstream, harming the kidneys, nervous system, and even a developing fetus during pregnancy.

The findings indicate that chronic inflammation from gum disease may not remain confined to the mouth but could affect the brain through inflammatory pathways or by allowing bacteria and toxins into the bloodstream.

As we found in our recent research, our brains also have powerful mechanisms for defending body weight – and can sort of “remember” what that weight used to be. For our ancient ancestors, this meant that if weight was lost in hard times, their bodies would be able to “get back” to their usual weight during better times.

“Neurodivergent” refers to individuals or groups of people whose brains work differently, for example, autistic people or those with ADHD or dyslexia.

As stroke cases soar across Africa and hospitals struggle with limited resources, the continent urgently needs locally tailored care guidelines to ensure timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and improved survival for millions at risk.

Soaring treatment expenses leave thousands of Kenyans unable to continue cancer care, driving a sharp rise in annual deaths and highlighting the urgent need for accessible healthcare.

Scientists uncover a Tanzanian woman’s antibody that neutralizes nearly every HIV strain, offering new hope for prevention and treatment.

Dr John Munyu urged African countries to collaborate more closely in medical products regulation and increase local manufacturing to reduce reliance on imports.

The senators on Monday found patients stranded in long queues and others waiting for hours due to a malfunctioning IT system that had slowed service delivery across departments.

The committee, chaired by James Nyikal (Seme), questioned hospital officials following claims of irregular patient recruitment and possible organ harvesting. Members demanded explanations on donor sourcing, patient affidavits, and adherence to Kenyan medical law.

Lamu Deputy Governor Mbarak Bahjaj, who also serves as the County Health Executive, said the county will prioritise nurses’ promotions and other commitments according to available resources.

Researchers explained that many nurses continue to manage domestic duties after exhausting hospital shifts, creating a relentless cycle of stress and fatigue.

Early detection could prevent thousands of cervical cancer deaths in Kenya, yet most women remain unscreened and at risk due to persistent gaps in health services and follow-up care.

The collaboration aims to harmonise pharmaceutical regulations, boost local manufacturing, and ensure patients receive essential medicines more quickly and safely.

Only 39 percent of Kenyan health workers can properly diagnose and treat severe pneumonia, leaving thousands of children at risk.

Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana sought urgent clarification from the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare regarding Kenyan youth who travelled to Russia seeking employment or educational opportunities but reportedly faced coercion to join the Russian military.

In 2023, CKD caused an estimated 1.48 million deaths globally, making its first appearance in the top ten causes of mortality. It now ranks ninth, surpassing tuberculosis and colorectal cancer, and just ahead of liver disease.

Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum, typically as small growths called polyps on the inner lining. Over time, some polyps become cancerous.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects children but can also occur in unvaccinated adults.

Fenugreek, locally known as methi among Indian-Kenyan communities, has been used for generations as a spice and postpartum tonic. Fennel seeds have long been brewed into teas to soothe colicky babies.

The measures are intended to ensure that mothers and newborns receive timely, safe, and dignified care across public and private health facilities nationwide.

Mwangangi noted that despite the achievements, the Authority still faces a backlog of Sh30 billion in pending bills inherited from the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

Health experts warn that crushing tablets or opening capsules to make medicine easier for children to swallow can alter dosage, reduce effectiveness, and even cause harm.

Researchers say adults using melatonin for years faced nearly double the risk of heart failure and death compared to non-users.

They analysed data from over 1,000 participants across two long-term Danish cohorts, including children aged 10 and adolescents aged 18, to investigate the link between screen habits and heart and metabolic health.