South African daffodils may be a future cure for depression
Scientists have discovered that plant compounds from a South African flower may in time be used to treat diseases originating in the brain – including depression.
Antibodies that stops HIV virus found in Malawi mothers breast milk
Researchers from Duke University isolated the antibodies from immune cells called B cells in the breast milk of infected mothers in Malawi, and discovered that the B cells in breast milk can generate neutralizing antibodies that may inhibit the virus that causes AIDS. Learn more.
Fake malaria drugs common in Africa, Asia
More than a third of the malaria-fighting drugs tested over the past decade in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia were either fake or bad quality, seriously undermining efforts to combat the disease, a study said Tuesday.
Zimbabwe: Women asked to shave hair, be circumcised to reduce HIV
Women should always have bald heads, lose weight and dress shabbily to reduce their attractiveness as part of measures to curb the spread of HIV, MDC-T Senator for Chikomo, Morgan Femai said during a workshop held in Zimbabwe.
In Ethiopia, water treatments not enough to combat fluorosis
Increased intake of dietary calcium may be key to addressing widespread dental health problems faced by millions of rural residents in Ethiopia’s remote, poverty-stricken Main Rift Valley, according to a new Duke University-led study.
Longer breastfeeding along with antiretroviral drugs could lower HIV transmission to babies
In early results of a large-scale randomized study published in 2010 and led by researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, giving daily antiretroviral drugs (ART) to HIV-infected moms or their breastfeeding babies for 28 weeks proved safe and effective for preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission through breast milk.
ECOWAS signs agreement with Cuba for the Elimination of Malaria in West Africa by 2015
ECOWAS and the Republic of Cuba have agreed new measures to revive their collaboration towards the elimination of malaria in West Africa by 2015 through a control and elimination programme.
Treatment to benefit African infants at risk of endemic fever
Thousands of pre-school children in Africa could benefit from access to treatment for an endemic disease, after tests showed infants to be at high risk of infection.
Ghana’s Bongo District records more teenage pregnancies and illegal abortions
A research carried out in the Bongo District of Ghana in 2011 revealed that the District recorded more teenage pregnancies and illegal abortions.
