Health

South Africa preparing health facilities to cope with Omicron variant: Minister

South Africa’s government is doing everything possible to prepare its health facilities to cope with the newly identified Omicron variant, Health Minister Joe Phaahla told a news conference on Monday.

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Phaahla added that officials were engaging with countries that imposed travel restrictions on southern African countries to try to get them to reverse them.

Oman suspends entry from seven countries including South Africa over COVID-19

UAE bans travelers from southern African states over COVID-19 concerns

Health

WHO to send one million polio vaccines to Gaza to protect children

The UN health agency said on Friday that it is sending more than a million polio vaccines to Gaza after the discovery of the highly infectious disease in sewage samples.

Health

‘Endless nightmare’ of death and destruction in Gaza, UN officials tell Security Council

Senior UN officials on Friday reiterated the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, and escalating threat to aid workers, urging immediate action prevent further deterioration.

Health

Europe tops the charts for alcohol consumption. WHO calls for urgent action to curb the trend

It seems that Europeans don’t want to give up booze. A UN World Health Organization (WHO) report has found that nothing has changed in the continent’s drinking habits. Despite the health risks, Europeans consume an average of 9.2 litres of pure alcohol a year – making them the world’s biggest drinkers.