South Africa’s controversial bid to sell the potentially lifesaving 1.5 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine to the African Union is faltering as the 30 April expiry looms – with some top researchers suggesting an unprecedented approach.
Forbes Africa
Published 3 weeks ago
At a time when science remains the only hope for humanity against a vindictive virus, the spotlight continues to be on those working tirelessly on the frontline. As the world observes international women’s day on March 8, FORBES AFRICA examines some of these intrepid women leading the charge with their services and solutions, combating dark nights and even darker days through the COVID-19 pandemic.
BY CHANEL RETIEF AND SIMONE SRIBRATH
WITHOUT A DOUBT, COVID-19 HAS EXACERBATED gender inequalities and deepened the chasm for women, as they continue to be disproportionately affected by the pandemic. These unprecedented times have highlighted raging issues around poverty, gender-based violence, and femicide. But these disruptive times have also brought into sharp focus the pioneering work of women in science, medicine, technology, and healthcare. A 2019 World Health Organization (WHO) report,
Alerts A health worker at the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (WRHI) in Johannesburg, South Africa showing off a Dapivirine vaginal ring that would be used in an HIV prevention trial on July 20, 2012
Photo: Stephane De Sakutin/AFP (Getty Images)
The next generation of medications and preventative treatments for HIV/AIDS continues to look promising. New research released Tuesday suggests that people can safely wear a vaginal ring-based treatment meant to prevent HIV infection for as long as three months. A monthly version of the same drug is already being weighed for approval in African countries and elsewhere.
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London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Change of strategy could improve health of women living with HIV in the region
Screening women living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa for cervical precancer using a molecular test is much more accurate than traditional methods and could reduce costly and inconvenient procedures, according to new research published in PLoS Medicine.
The study, led by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) in partnership with the University of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute in South Africa and Montpellier University in France was conducted among over 1,200 women living with HIV in two African countries, Burkina Faso and South Africa.