By Correspondent Chinyere Ogbonna – The United Nations Third Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction has opened in Geneva, Switzerland with a call for an accelerated efforts to strengthen the capacity to withstand disaster across the world. The UN Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon who made the call noted that the destruction brought by such events can be avoided or mitigated by enhancing resilience through technology and other measures aimed at boosting preparedness. “We must accelerate our efforts. The world’s vulnerability to disaster risks is growing faster than our ability to increase resilience,” Mr. Ban said that as... Continue Reading
MSF Report: Fragile Progress as Several Countries Upgrade to Better AIDS Treatment – New York/London, 11 May 2011 – A report released today by the international medical humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) revealed that several countries hardest hit by the AIDS epidemic are improving HIV treatment to reduce deaths and illness – but a lack of support from donors prevents many from making vital changes. This fragile progress needs sustained support, but the two biggest AIDS donors, the US and UK, are opposing a critical HIV treatment target ahead of next month’s AIDS Summit in New York at a... Continue Reading
By Adewale T Akande – Driving is a serious responsibility with physical and mental abilities impacting on the driving activities of a driver. It is more than moving a vehicle and knowing how to use the accelerator, brake pedals and steering. Driving is at best when you have knowledge and required skills to drive competently in accordance with those rules and regulations guiding the public roads. A safe and responsible driver has responsibility which makes him a good citizen. Driving is a learned skill acquired with much practice. It is also more important to drive with due regards for safety... Continue Reading
By Correspondent Chinyere Ogbonna – African health ministers have adopted a United Nations-backed declaration calling for urgent action against non-communicable diseases, including heart conditions, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory problems. Others are blood disorders, mental health, violence and injuries. The Brazzaville Declaration on non-communicable diseases, NCDs, named for the capital of the Republic of Congo, where the document was adopted on recently at the African Regional Ministerial Consultation, under the auspices of the UN World Health Organization, WHO highlighted commitments against the growing problem of NCDs in Africa. Actions agreed upon at the forum include strengthening and standardizing national health... Continue Reading
By Correspondent Chinyere Ogbonna – There is growing recognition within the international community that mental health is one of the most neglected yet essential development issues in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). According to the United Nations report, persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities represent a significant proportion of the world’s population. The report says millions of people worldwide have mental health conditions and an estimated one in four people globally will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. The report adds that almost one million people die due to suicide every year, and it is the third leading cause... Continue Reading
