Health

The removed tissue accounted for 37 per cent of her total body weight, leaving her unable to walk comfortably, attend school, or live a normal life.

Although the virus has been wiped out in most of the world, polio remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where insecurity and limited access continue to hamper vaccination drives.

From the previous research, the authors said non-smokers at the highest risk of lung cancer are mostly those who are exposed to passive smoking, radioactive material, air pollution and asbestos, and history of lung cancer in a first-degree family member

She reflected on the struggles faced by patients, particularly those with limited access to care, and questioned how women in underprivileged areas manage the demanding nutritional and medical needs of cancer treatment.

The brief highlights that 11 indicators remain untracked because data is missing, outdated or not disaggregated by gender, age or region, obscuring the true state of health inequalities across the country.

In Kenya, cannabis ranks among the most commonly abused substances by youth, according to the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).

The petitioner claimed that the county had gone further to publish the names of shortlisted candidates and invite public comments by October 10, suggesting that the selection process had been concluded prematurely and contrary to due procedure.

The study shows that men's sperm doesn't just get older - it changes in a way that favours some harmful mutations, making them more common over time. This helps explain why children of older fathers are at slightly higher risk for certain genetic conditions.

Armed with courage and compassion, Wario Nasibo and her team at Girl Concern are rewriting what it means to be a girl in Isiolo.

Prostate cancer is a disease where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system. It is one of the most common cancers affecting men worldwide.

Despite being operational for over a year, SHA continues to face recurring operational and policy problems that are overwhelming healthcare providers.

In Kenya, neurological disorders account for up to 7.5 percent of medical admissions in major hospitals, with meningitis, epilepsy, and cerebrovascular diseases among the most common.

Many nations, particularly those most affected by antimicrobial resistance, still lack the infrastructure to generate reliable resistance data.

The findings offer strong reassurance to expectant mothers about the safety of vaccination. At the beginning of the pandemic, there were widespread fears that COVID-19 vaccines could harm unborn babies.

During debate on the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Bill, MPs urged the government to strengthen emergency obstetric care, improve data tracking, and ensure all women receive proper counselling and safe, evidence-based maternity services.

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating effectively, causing blood flow to the brain and other vital organs to cease. It is a medical emergency that can lead to death within minutes if not treated immediately.

Duale, appearing agitated, warned that he would not allow members to “extort or blackmail” his ministry.

The senators said the situation has created a financial strain on counties, forcing some facilities to delay procurement of essential drugs and medical supplies.

The report links this growing resistance to the misuse of antibiotics, poor infection control, and weak surveillance systems, particularly in developing regions.

Past outbreaks have often been linked to heavy rains and flooding that increase mosquito populations, especially in Rift Valley and northeastern regions, making early detection and prevention critical.

In 2024, 20,105 adults were newly infected with HIV - a sharp rise from 3,353 cases recorded in 2023. Infections among children also surged from 606 to 4,349 during the same period.

KMPDU Secretary General Dr Davji Atellah said the strike is the result of repeated failures by the county to meet court orders issued last year.

Dr Abeid Athman, head of oncology at KUTRRH, noted that men often seek medical attention only when symptoms have advanced, complicating treatment outcomes.

The research reveals a global decline in mortality rates across 204 countries since 2020, though rising deaths among younger populations temper the progress.

The study shows that most patients faced long delays before receiving treatment, with only 69 patients (37 per cent) undergoing the recommended surgery within one year.

When donor funding for vulnerable groups was first withdrawn, there was hope that some form of cushioning would ease the transition. But months later, the reality has been far harsher—especially for those already living on the edge.

The researchers focused on two types of brain cells. The first type helps control mood and how the brain responds to stress. The second type acts like the brain's protection team, managing inflammation, which is the body's natural response to injury or illness, but can be harmful when it happens in the brain.

Several southern African countries started their national circumcision programmes to prevent HIV in 2010. As of 2023, 37 million voluntary medical male circumcisions had been performed in 15 high priority African countries.

The initiative positions KEMRI as a leading hub for medical research in Africa, promoting gender equity, fostering local innovation, and advancing sustainable health solutions for the continent.

Patients and experts alike warn that the once-celebrated progress in HIV management is now unravelling, leaving vulnerable groups to fend for themselves.

This model can forecast where and at what prevalence level acute malnutrition among children is likely to occur in one month’s time with 89 per cent accuracy.

Globally, the numbers are staggering: over 640 million women alive today were married as children, and 12 million girls are still married each year - that's one girl every three seconds.

The new Mama Lucy unit is expected to relieve pressure on overstretched facilities and ensure mothers and infants receive timely and quality care.

The Council urged practitioners and institutions not to delay the process to avoid disruptions or penalties, which can include suspension from practice.

The SHA Board said the appointments aim to ensure continuity of operations and enhance oversight as the Authority implements its mandate of providing financial risk protection and access to healthcare services for Kenyans.

Avastin (Bevacizumab) is a prescription-only medication used in the treatment of various types of cancers, including colorectal cancer, lung cancer, kidney cancer, cervical cancer, and certain types of eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Sight loss affects many aspects of life, leading to lower income, job loss, reduced school performance, increased caregiving duties, mostly for women's mental health challenges, and higher risks of accidents and illnesses.

SHA also announced plans to meet representatives from the Kenya Network of Cancer Organisations (KENCO) next week to explore ways of improving support for patients and incorporating feedback into the review.

SHA Chief Executive Officer Mercy Mwangangi said patients should ensure their visits are accurately logged in the system on the day services are received.

If Parliament adopts the proposed changes, hospitals will be legally required to comply with the expanded emergency treatment provisions and stop detaining bodies, marking a major shift in how healthcare facilities handle both emergencies and unpaid bills.

The legislators admitted that the current allocation is inadequate given the high cost of cancer treatment in the country.

The initiative, implemented under the Taifa Care Model and the Social Health Authority (SHA), marks the first time mental health has been formally included in Kenya’s national health insurance framework.

Acting CEO Dr Richard Lesiyampe said the surge in critically ill patients has placed immense pressure on the hospital’s maternity and newborn units, which are operating at more than double their normal capacity.

National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) CEO, Dr Anthony Omerikwa, said the trend indicates a dangerous global shift towards potent synthetic substances.

SHA currently provides Sh400,000 per person per year for cancer treatment, covering Sh100,000 for diagnostic tests such as PET and PSMA scans and Sh300,000 for treatment.

The proposal is under the Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill (No. 41 of 2025), which seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework to promote high standards of healthcare and safeguard patients’ rights.

According to Hafid Maalim, autism remains a low priority for authorities, particularly regarding awareness, specialised education, therapy services, and caregiver support, despite appeals.

The allowances in question total Sh201,000 per month and include emergency, health risk, extraneous, non-practising, and health services allowances.

According to health officials, poor sanitation and limited access to clean water have worsened the situation in the affected areas.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the tobacco industry is “aggressively targeting young people” with new nicotine products.

Doctors in Kiambu County have been on strike for the past four months, demanding salaries that are seven months overdue.