health news

Govt eyes HPV vaccination for boys amid low second-dose uptake among girls
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Govt eyes HPV vaccination for boys amid low second-dose uptake among girls

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 3 – The government is considering extending the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme to boys as Kenya steps up efforts to prevent cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. His remarks come amid concerns over low completion rates for the HPV vaccine among girls, with the latest Kenya Mini Demographic and Health Survey showing that only 20 per cent have received the recommended second dose.

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New York child dies from measles in state’s first fatal case in 30 years
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New York child dies from measles in state’s first fatal case in 30 years

New York governor says case is ‘devastating reminder of what’s at stake’ when vaccine protections are eroded A child in rural northern New York has died after contracting measles, marking the state’s first death from the disease in 30 years, state officials announced on Monday. The child died in Lewis county, about 93 miles (150km) north of Syracuse, New York governor Kathy Hochul said.

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One in four Kenyan women has experienced online abuse, KNBS survey reveals

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 3 – One in four Kenyan women has experienced online abuse, with a new national survey exposing the scale of technology-facilitated gender-based violence across the country. Women in counties including Narok, Kajiado and Samburu recorded some of the highest levels of technology-facilitated gender-based violence, according to the survey.

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Family planning use falls to 61pc among married women in Kenya – KNBS
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Family planning use falls to 61pc among married women in Kenya – KNBS

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 3 – The proportion of married Kenyan women using family planning methods has slightly declined, according to the 2025/2026 Kenya Mini Demographic and Health Survey. The survey shows that 61 per cent of married women aged 15–49 are using at least one family planning method, compared to 63 per cent recorded in the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey.

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New York state reports first measles-linked child death in over 30 years amid outbreak
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New York state reports first measles-linked child death in over 30 years amid outbreak

The New York State Department of Health said on Monday that a child in Lewis County had died in ​connection with an ongoing measles outbreak, marking the state’s first known measles-associated ‌death in more than 30 years. “At New York’s request, CDC has deployed epidemiologists and other experts to work alongside state health officials on ​the ground, providing surveillance, ​data analysis, strategic ⁠planning, and other outbreak response support,” the US Department of Health and Human Services told Reuters in an emailed statement.

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Kenya pregnancy-related mortality falls to 287 deaths per 100,000 live births – KNBS
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Kenya pregnancy-related mortality falls to 287 deaths per 100,000 live births – KNBS

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 3 – Pregnancy-related deaths in Kenya have declined, with the latest national survey showing a reduction in the mortality rate compared to figures recorded in 2014. The 2025/2026 Kenya Mini Demographic and Health Survey puts pregnancy-related mortality at 287 deaths per 100,000 live births, down from 362 deaths recorded in the 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey.

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Reps probe Ebola preparedness, prisons seek emergency funding
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Reps probe Ebola preparedness, prisons seek emergency funding

By Gift Chapi Odekina, Abuja The House of Representatives has commenced an assessment of Nigeria’s preparedness against the Ebola Virus Disease, as the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) called for dedicated emergency funding, medical equipment and improved healthcare facilities in custodial centres to prevent a possible outbreak. The Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, made the call on Tuesday at a one-day public hearing organised by the joint House Committees on Infectious Diseases, Healthcare Services, Aviation and Interior at the National Assembly, Abuja.

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When applause replaces discernment
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When applause replaces discernment

The Otabil controversy and the bigger question Pastor Mensa Otabil, Founder and General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), recently made strong remarks about people who identify themselves as prophets in Ghana. Among the reported reactions, Reverend Isaac Owusu Bempah criticised Otabil and made personal allegations, while Prophet Nigel Gaisie expressed disagreement and called for engagement and mentorship among ministers.

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