Nipah Virus Outbreak in Kerala: Health Officials Scramble to Contain Spread Amid Rising Concerns

In the wake of a 14-year-old boy's death from the Nipah virus in Kerala, health authorities are urgently working to contain the outbreak. With 13 close contacts awaiting test results and 350 individuals identified on a contact list, strict measures including mandatory masks and 21-day isolation are being enforced. The source of the infection is suspected to be bats, common carriers of the virus.

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Mandela Day Surgical Marathon: Clearing the Backlog in Gauteng Hospitals

On Mandela Day, Gauteng hospitals are performing a surgical marathon to address the backlog of 18,000 elective surgeries. With over 700 surgeries planned across 32 facilities, the initiative aims to reduce waiting times for various procedures, including critical children's surgeries, as part of honoring Nelson Mandela’s legacy.

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Finance Bill 2024: MPs Urge Zero-Rating for Medical Oxygen Equipment to Improve Accessibility

In a bid to ensure affordable access to medical oxygen services, MPs are pushing to zero-rate medical oxygen equipment in the Finance Bill, 2024. A study by the APHRC and Institute of Public Finance reveals that most hospitals lack adequate medical oxygen facilities due to high taxes and inadequate technical staff. The proposal aims to alleviate these issues and improve healthcare across Kenya.

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