India launched the most extensive free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination initiative in history to systematically combat the rising toll of cervical cancer. This ambitious 90-day campaign aims to inoculate nearly 12 million 14-year-old girls before the preventative shot is permanently integrated into the country’s universal immunization schedule. “India has joined the community of 160 countries […] Continue reading ->
The Parliaments of both Ghana and Senegal are considering harsher penalties for same-sex relationships. Last month, Ghana’s Parliament had its first reading of an anti-LGBTQ Bill, which is now being considered by its Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. Meanwhile, Senegal’s Cabinet approved a Bill for its Parliament last month that will double the […] Continue reading ->
The US based reproductive rights organisation Ipas has secured a substantial grant from The Audacious Project to expand global access to abortion and contraception. The full amount has not been disclosed as Ipas is still negotiating with the donor.  “Every year, 35 million people end pregnancies using unsafe methods, amounting to one unsafe abortion every […] Continue reading ->
Kenyans’ access to a range of health products – including HIV treatment, maternal medicine, and contraceptives – plunged in three counties last year, largely as a result of the closure of the US Agency for International Development (USAID). In contrast, Zambia showed “modest improvements” in certain areas, particularly maternal health – largely thanks to a […] Continue reading ->
Over 60% of maternal deaths in 2023 took place in countries and territories experiencing conflict or institutional and social fragility, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) technical brief published on Tuesday. “In 2023, an estimated 260,000 women died from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Around 160,000 of those deaths occurred in settings experiencing […] Continue reading ->
This story was originally published by The New Humanitarian. Chaos, confusion, and more ethical dilemmas: Humanitarians are still trying to understand the impacts of a sweeping expansion to the so-called “global gag rule” on US funding. The Trump administration expanded the on-again, off-again anti-abortion care directive known as the Mexico City policy to include nearly […] Continue reading ->
Global health organisations have reacted with anger to the new US foreign aid policy, which prohibits all aid recipients, bar military, from performing or promoting abortion, “gender ideology”, or “diversity, equity and inclusion” (DEI). “Catastrophic”, “bullying”, “draconian” and “ideologically driven” – are some of their reactions to the Promoting Human Flourishing in Foreign Assistance (PHFFA) […] Continue reading ->