In many African countries, drinking tea affords the opportunity to take a break in the day, to relax and to connect with what is going on in the world. Here is an overview of recent headlines that caught our attention to pair with your morning or afternoon break in the day.
Country Profiles:
Uganda: Think Africa Press: Opiates for the Masses
20 December
On a continent with limited access to pain relieving drugs, Uganda is setting the bar, making great strides in the field of palliative care and overcoming limited access to opioids and its related stigma.
The Gambia: The Point: The Business Coalition Against AIDS Sensitizes Stakeholders On Response
2 January
The Business Coalition Against HIV and AIDS (UCAHA) in collaboration with UNAIDS held a one-day forum to sensitise members of the private sector on appropriate HIV/AIDS responses, recognizing “giant strides” in the private sector’s role in prevention and response to HIV/AIDS in the workplace.
Palliative care:
Associated Press: Study ties drug shortage to poorer cancer survival
27 December
In a first of its kind study, young cancer patients unable to access key medicines due to national drug shortages are shown to be more likely to suffer a relapse than others who are able to receive appropriate treatment.
Palliative Medicine: Palliative care for people with intellectual disabilities: Pitfalls and potential
3 January (no date listed)
Professor of Learning Disability Nursing at Keele University in Staffordshire, Sue Read, examines the challenges of delivering palliative care to patients with intellectual disabilities (IDs).
Advocacy and Policy:
IRIN: Congo cancer conference urges action
24 December
Experts from seven countries in the region gathered in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to urge African governments to implement national plans to combat cancer on the same scale as malaria, tuberculosis, and sickle cell disease.
Cancer Care:
American Medical Association Journal of Ethics: The Message Isn’t as Mean as We May Think
3 January (no date listed)
Dr. Thomas W. LeBlanc writes about the disconnect often experienced between physicians and patients when it comes to communicating prognosis. Dr LeBlanc notes that patients tend to overestimate their recovery rate whereas physicians struggle to maintain hope while simultaneously communicating realistic prognoses.
HIV/AIDS:
IRIN Plus News: Milka*, “You have to let go hiding your HIV status to save your child”
2 January
A HIV-positive mother living in Kenya shares how exposing her HIV status helped to alleviate the pressures she faced from family and friends in regards to breast feeding.
IRIN Plus News: The HIV prevention agenda
13 December
According to Global Advocacy for HIV Prevention (AVAC), a critical tipping point could be reached in the fight against HIV/AIDS if the world scales-up HIV treatment and prevention in the next two years.
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