Health

EU watchdog backs Novavax COVID-19 vaccine

Europe’s medicines watchdog on Monday approved a COVID-19 jab by US-based Novavax, which uses a more conventional technology that the biotech firm hopes will reduce vaccine hesitancy.

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“EMA has recommended granting a conditional marketing authorization for Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine Nuvaxovid to prevent COVID-19 in people from 18 years of age,” the European Medicines Agency said of the jab, the fifth to be recommended for authorization in the European Union.

Saudi Arabia makes COVID-19 booster shot available three months after second dose

Israel to ban travel to US, Canada over omicron variant

Health

Patients in Rafah ‘afraid to seek services’, WHO reports

The World Health Organization (WHO) has taken “crucial steps” in the event of a large-scale Israeli military operation in Rafah, Dr. Ahmed Dahir, Team Lead of its office in Gaza, told UN News on Tuesday.

Health

Peace or war, midwives keep delivering

Millions of lives each year rely on the expertise and care of midwives and yet a global shortage is squeezing the profession like never before, the UN sexual and reproductive health agency UNPFA said on Sunday, marking the International Day of the Midwife.

Health

First Person: Women in Madagascar too ashamed to seek help giving birth

Some of the poorest women in an underdeveloped region south of Madagascar are “too ashamed” to seek the maternal health services they need, according to a midwife working in a health centre supported by United Nations agencies, but that may be about to change.