Health

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.

Aden Duale noted that maternal and newborn services were among the worst affected as public hospitals scaled down operations during the industrial action.

The proposed law criminalises advertising surrogacy services, selling human embryos or gametes, importing genetic material for surrogacy, and operating agencies that broker such deals.

According to the forecast summary for November-December 2025, Kakamega faces a high risk of malaria epidemic, while Kisii and Nandi are at no risk.

As of November 2025, the CS noted that 27.2 million Kenyans had successfully registered under SHA, representing more than half of the country’s population. Since the rollout of the scheme in October 2024, contributions amounting to Sh8.13 billion have been collected.

Recent studies show a small but measurable increase in breast cancer risk for women using hormonal contraceptives, highlighting the importance of informed choices.

The Sh120 million programme at KNH will fund life-changing ear implants for children with severe hearing loss, making advanced treatment accessible under UHC.

Many mothers in Kenya face isolation, stigma, and emotional trauma after giving birth to children with deformities, highlighting gaps in maternal mental health support.

In Kenya, cardiovascular disease is an increasingly significant cause of illness and death. Recent data show that about 25 per cent of hospital admissions are related to heart and blood vessel diseases.

Between countries, global inequalities exacerbate shared risks. Low-income countries have faced repeated obstacles in accessing vaccines, medicines and emergency financing, leaving outbreaks uncontrolled and prolonging global disruption.

The summit, organised by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and hosted by NCI-K, will be only the second edition held in Africa, following the 2023 gathering in Cape Town, South Africa.

The Ministry also highlighted the importance of maintaining and sustaining the equipment to guarantee long-term functionality.

According to the WHO, health aid is expected to fall by 30 to 40 per cent in 2025 compared with 2023, threatening essential health services in many low- and middle-income countries.

High levels of added sugars, such as refined cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver, and inflammation.

As of August 17, 2025, the WHO reported 4,738 deaths from cholera and acute watery diarrhoea (AWD) across 31 countries. Earlier in the year, global deaths rose from 1,514 by March to 3,522 by June.

So if you’re wondering whether being creative is “good for you”, the answer seems to be “yes”. Scientifically, measurably, and beautifully so. Your next dance step, brush stroke, or musical note might just help your brain stay a little younger.

In a statement on November 1, the Ministry of Health revealed that the operation was carried out on a mother of eight who had been suffering from a severe lung infection.

As the Linda Mama programme fades and hospital fees surge, thousands of expectant mothers in Kenya’s poorest communities are being priced out of safe deliveries.

Practitioners and health facilities renewing their licences through the KMPDC online portal are advised to ensure they have a valid professional indemnity cover (for practitioners) or institutional liability cover (for health facilities).

Her appeal comes at a time when Kenya's breastfeeding rates have plateaued at around 60 per cent, remaining largely unchanged for over a decade, underscoring the need for renewed efforts to promote and support this foundational practice.

Mesothelioma, though rare, remains a serious cancer almost exclusively linked to asbestos. In 2022, there were an estimated 30,870 new cases globally.

Globally, ADHD affects about 5-7 percent of children and teenagers and around 2.5 percent of adults. It is often associated with negative life outcomes, including increased risk of involvement in crime.

In a post shared by the association, RUPHA said the Ministry of Health, headed by Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, owes the largest share at Sh7.8 billion, followed by the Ministry of Public Service, which owes Sh3.47 billion under the civil servants’ medical cover, and the Ministry of Interior, which owes Sh1.64 billion

The study showed that over 16 per cent of children exposed to COVID-19 in the womb were diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder, compared with less than 10 per cent among those whose mothers were not infected.

In Kenya, technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) is gaining recognition as a serious issue.

According to health officials, the vaccination drive will be accompanied by hygiene and sanitation sensitisation campaigns to ensure maximum protection against cholera.

The survey, which examined 3,605 facilities across all counties, including all public Level 4 and 5 hospitals, found that millions of patients, especially in rural and underserved areas, still lack access to reliable diagnostic and treatment services.

The patient, who works at Garissa County Referral Hospital (GCRH), developed symptoms including fever, fatigue, and a characteristic rash on October 20, 2025.