New WHO-Endorsed Test Targets Drug-Resistant TB By Gift Briton The World Health Organization (WHO) has endorsed a new test for tuberculosis (TB) that uses molecular analysis to detect the genetic markers of the bacterium that causes the disease in the saliva of people suspected of infection. Known as Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra, the test offers hope […]

COP16: Private Sector Builds Drive for Sustainable Land Management By Joyce Ojanji In response to a call launched by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16),  private sector representatives met to discuss their role in ensuring sustainable land, soil and water management. The Business 4 Land(B4L) […]

Africa-FINGERS Program Launched to Combat Dementia in Africa By Joyce Ojanji To address the growing challenge of dementia across Sub-Saharan Africa, the Brain and Mind Institute at Aga Khan University and the FINGERS Brain Health Institute have launched the Africa FINGERS Program, which aims to co-create culturally informed lifestyle interventions to reduce the risk of […]

UN: Invest in Healthy Lands to Cut Costs of Human-made Droughts By Joyce Ojanji As droughts fuelled by human destruction of the environment are projected to affect three in four people by 2050, investing in sustainable land and water management is essential to reduce their costs, which already exceed $ 307 billion per year globally. […]

US$ 2.15 Billion Pledged for the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership By Joyce Ojanji The Kingdom of Saudi has announced the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership, to leverage public and private finance to support 80 of the most vulnerable and drought-hit countries around the world. An initial US $2.15 billion has been pledged towards the Riyadh […]

Launch of World Drought Atlas Calls for Radical Action to Reduce Risks By Sharon Atieno As global leaders gather in Saudi Arabia for the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP16), the unveiling of the World Drought Atlas is a wake-up call for urgent action at all […]

Plastic Pollution: No Treaty Yet By Sharon Atieno The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5), which was to be the determining negotiation for a global plastic pollution treaty, concluded in Busan, Korea with no treaty in sight. The talks, attended by more than 3,300 delegates adjourned, with agreement on a ‘Chair’s Text’ that will serve […]

World Animal Protection Opposes JBS’ Expansion into Nigeria By Gift Briton The expansion of JBS, one of the world’s largest food companies, into Nigeria has been met with mixed reactions. Animal welfare activists have expressed concern over potential environmental and animal welfare issues. On 21st November 2024, Brazillian meat producers signed a memorandum of understanding worth […]