Health

World BreastFeeding Week: UNICEF And WHO Call For Equal Access To Support

Published

6 months ago

August 8, 2024

As World Breastfeeding Week kick off,UNICEF and WHO are urging governments and healthcare systems to provide equal access to breastfeeding support for all mothers. This year’s theme, “Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all,” highlights the need for improved support systems to address persistent challenges and reduce health inequity.

Despite a 10% increase in exclusive breastfeeding rates over the last 12 years, with 48% of infants worldwide now benefiting from this healthy start in life, significant gaps remain. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that improving breastfeeding rates could save over 820,000 children’s lives each year.

Breastfeeding provides critical antibodies that protect babies against illness and death, especially during emergencies when it guarantees a safe, nutritious, and accessible food source. It also reduces the burden of childhood illness and the risk of certain cancers and noncommunicable diseases for mothers. However, an estimated 4.5 billion people lack full coverage of essential health services, leaving many women without the support they need to optimally breastfeed.

To address this, UNICEF and WHO are calling for improved monitoring systems, increased investment in breastfeeding programs and policies, and the implementation of family-friendly workplace policies. They also emphasize the need for developing and enforcing laws restricting the marketing of breast-milk substitutes and providing timely, effective breastfeeding counseling as part of routine health coverage.

The agencies stress that this is a shared responsibility, requiring the involvement of families, communities, healthcare workers, policymakers, and decision-makers. By working together, we can ensure that all mothers receive the support they need to breastfeed their babies, ultimately reducing health inequity and protecting the rights of mothers and babies to survive and thrive.

As we celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, let us remember the critical role that breastfeeding plays in saving lives and promoting healthy development. By closing the gap in breastfeeding support, we can create a better world for everyone

Health

“CARICOM and UNEP-WCMC Join Forces to Boost Biodiversity Monitoring in the Caribbean

Published

3 months ago

November 5, 2024

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"CARICOM and UNEP-WCMC Join Forces to Boost Biodiversity Monitoring in the Caribbean

CARICOM and the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) have partnered to strengthen biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts across the Caribbean. This collaboration aims to enhance data collection, support sustainable ecosystem management, and protect the region’s rich biodiversity. By advancing the understanding of ecosystems and species trends, CARICOM and UNEP-WCMC are empowering Caribbean nations to make more informed environmental decisions. The initiative includes training local experts, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and fostering partnerships to promote resilience against climate change and biodiversity loss. This joint effort supports global conservation goals while preserving the Caribbean’s natural heritage for future generations. Join us in celebrating this significant step toward a healthier, more biodiverse Caribbean!

Welcome to the highly anticipated 23rd volume of Diaspora Watch, your indispensable source connecting the vibrant African diaspora around the world! This edition is packed with captivating stories and in-depth analysis.

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"CARICOM and UNEP-WCMC Join Forces to Boost Biodiversity Monitoring in the Caribbean

Health

Breast Cancer Not Exclusive to Women, Experts Warn

Published

3 months ago

October 20, 2024

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Breast Cancer Not Exclusive to Women, Experts Warn

Breast cancer is often perceived as a disease that affects only women, but experts are warning that men are also at risk. While the majority of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women, a growing body of research highlights that men, too, can develop this disease, albeit at lower rates. Male breast cancer may go undetected for longer periods due to a lack of awareness, leading to more advanced stages by the time of diagnosis.

Experts emphasize that early detection is crucial for both men and women. Symptoms like lumps, skin dimpling, nipple discharge, or changes in breast shape should never be ignored, regardless of gender. Genetic factors such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations can increase the risk of breast cancer in men, just as they do in women.

In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, health professionals are advocating for increased awareness and education on male breast cancer. Men are encouraged to perform self-examinations and seek medical advice if they notice any unusual changes. Early detection and timely treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

By breaking down gender stereotypes and raising awareness, the medical community hopes to prevent unnecessary delays in diagnosis for men, saving lives and reducing the stigma associated with this disease.

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Breast Cancer Not Exclusive to Women, Experts Warn

Health

Canada Passes Landmark Bill for Free Contraception, Others

Published

3 months ago

October 15, 2024

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Diaspora Watch Newspaper-Vol.20

In a significant move towards universal healthcare, Canada’s parliament has passed a bill to fully fund contraception and diabetes medications. This new legislation is particularly impactful for the one in five Canadians who struggle with the high costs of prescription drugs. In 2023 alone, Canadians spent C$41 billion on prescriptions, with over C$8 billion paid out-of-pocket.

The bill aims to cover 100% of the costs for individuals without existing insurance and is expected to increase federal spending by C$1.9 billion over the next five years. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised the bill as “real progress” and urged provincial leaders to support the legislation’s swift implementation. British Columbia has already signed a memorandum of understanding, but other provinces like Alberta and Quebec have raised concerns about federal overreach into provincial healthcare jurisdictions.

Despite these concerns, reproductive health advocates celebrate the bill, as it will provide access to contraception for around nine million women of reproductive age, as well as crucial diabetes medications for the 3.7 million Canadians living with the condition. While critics argue that a single-payer model could limit drug access and increase taxpayer burdens, the legislation represents a major step forward in Canada’s journey toward comprehensive drug coverage.

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