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Africa News Live Updates: Blé Goudé eyes Ivorian presidency as Fru Ndi's death shakes Cameroonian opposition
First malaria treatment for newborns approved with significant economic implications for Africa
The approval of the first-ever malaria treatment for newborns has substantial long-term economic potential for affected African nations, according to a report in The Washington Post. The treatment targets a key demographic, as children under five in the WHO's Africa region accounted for 76% of the 597,000 global malaria deaths in 2023. From an economic perspective, this development is poised to enhance human capital by improving child survival rates and long-term health outcomes. A healthier population can lead to increased productivity and free up household resources that would otherwise be spent on healthcare. The approval also validates the investment models of global health initiatives, potentially encouraging further public-private partnerships. However, realising these economic benefits is contingent on overcoming logistical hurdles, including ensuring equitable distribution and affordability, which will require regulatory approval and investment from national governments.

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Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
Tobacco companies are now using NFTs, online gaming and avatars for promotion rising vaping risk; experts warn
Source: World Conference on Tobacco Control Study Tobacco marketing in the metaverse is emerging as one of the biggest public health concerns of 2024. Researchers have found that tobacco companies are using virtual reality platforms, NFTs, and gaming communities to promote smoking and vaping among young audiences. These immersive digital strategies bypass traditional advertising restrictions and target users where regulations have not yet caught up. Experts warn that this new wave of digital tobacco marketing could normalise harmful behaviours among teenagers and young adults, threatening decades of progress in tobacco control. Metaverse becomes new ground for teen tobacco marketing The metaverse is transforming how brands connect with audiences, and tobacco companies are exploiting this unregulated environment. Social media images show avatars smoking in virtual bars and cafés, while gaming platforms host immersive events linked to tobacco brands. A recent World Conference on Tobacco Control report highlighted how companies are issuing NFTs and hosting branded experiences to engage users. This groundbreaking research comes from the Canary Project, run by the global health organization Vital Strategies. Acting as a 'canary in the coalmine,' the program monitors tobacco and vape promotions across digital spaces in India, Indonesia, Mexico, and beyond. Evidence shows targeted campaigns aimed at normalizing smoking and vaping in youth-oriented online communities. More than half of the metaverse's active users are aged 13 and below, making them highly vulnerable. Experts warn that these virtual interactions blur reality and can influence social norms around smoking. 'The combination of immersive technology and addictive marketing is deeply concerning,' says Dr. Melina Magsumbol of Vital Strategies India. Source: YouTube WHO warns online tobacco marketing could spark teen vaping surge Unlike traditional advertising, digital promotions can bypass geographical restrictions and age regulations. Researchers found promotions embedded in gaming worlds and virtual events, with some tobacco companies even celebrating anniversaries through digital collectibles. Experts fear this could trigger an increase in youth experimentation with smoking and vaping. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that digital tobacco and vaping promotions could reverse years of progress in reducing youth smoking rates. Countries are being urged to expand their tobacco control policies to include digital marketing channels, as children increasingly spend time online due to factors like the pandemic and gaming trends. Experts warn unregulated online ads risk normalizing youth smoking Youth advocates, such as those at Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids , emphasize digital literacy as a defense against covert marketing. Teaching students how to identify online advertising and influencer-driven promotions can help reduce the impact of such campaigns. Experts believe building these skills at an early age is crucial to safeguarding future generations. Experts agree that regulating the internet is complex, as cross-border digital environments lack the strict frameworks seen in physical advertising. However, ignoring these emerging trends may lead to widespread normalization of harmful habits among youth. Also Read | 'I don't believe I'll die': Tech mogul Bryan Johnson is blending AI and biology to outlive death itself AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
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Business Standard
8 hours ago
- Business Standard
Natco Pharma to acquire 35.75% stake in Adcock Ingram for ₹2,000 cr
The proposed Rs 2,000 crore deal will give Natco Pharma a strategic foothold in South Africa, with transaction completion expected within four months subject to approvals Sanket Koul New Delhi In a bid to enter the African market, Natco Pharma on Wednesday announced that it has submitted a firm intention for a ZAR 4 billion (Rs 2,000 crore) cash offer to acquire a minority stake in South Africa-based drugmaker Adcock Ingram Holdings (AIHL). If approved, the Hyderabad-based company will hold a 35.75 per cent stake in Adcock Ingram by offering ZAR 75.00 ($4.271) per share to minority stakeholders. The deal gives Natco a gateway into South Africa, with AIHL holding a 10 per cent share of the private pharmaceutical market in the country. It is also the largest supplier of hospital and critical care products in South Africa. This transaction would consolidate Natco's existing 0.80 per cent stake, making it the second-largest shareholder in AIHL, behind the Bidvest Group, which holds the remaining 64.25 per cent. 'Post-transaction, Natco will consolidate 35.75 per cent of AIHL's net profits in Natco's financial results in accordance with its shareholding,' the company said in a regulatory filing. If the deal proceeds, Adcock Ingram will be delisted from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and will continue to operate as a private South African business. Rajeev Nannapaneni, chief executive officer and vice-chairman of Natco Pharma, said the proposed acquisition would help the company tap into new revenue streams and expand its presence in one of the largest and fastest-growing emerging markets. In return, AIHL is expected to leverage Natco's research and development capabilities, regulatory expertise, and global marketing network to support local leadership and expansion into new markets. 'AIHL will benefit from a partnership with a research-focused, innovative, and vertically integrated pharmaceutical company, and over time, South Africans will be beneficiaries of wider access to affordable medicines,' said Andrew Hall, chief executive officer, AIHL. Valued at an estimated ZAR 11 billion ($632 million), AIHL generated revenues of ZAR 9.6 billion ($536 million) for the financial year ending June 2024. Founded in 1890, the company operates across four segments—prescription, consumer, over-the-counter (OTC), and hospitals. It has a diverse product portfolio ranging from generic and branded formulations to critical-care hospital products, as well as consumer and home-care products. The announcement was made after market hours. On Wednesday, Natco Pharma's shares rose by 2.01 per cent, ending the day's trade at Rs 1,034.75 apiece on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
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Business Standard
11 hours ago
- Business Standard
Chikungunya on the rise: WHO flags growing risk of global epidemic spread
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday issued a warning about the growing risk of a global chikungunya epidemic, urging immediate action to avert a crisis. Officials state that they are detecting the same early warning signs that preceded a major outbreak two decades ago in 2004-05. An estimated 5.6 billion people across 119 countries are at risk, according to Dr Diana Rojas Alvarez, medical officer at the WHO. Speaking at a press briefing in Geneva, she highlighted that the virus poses a serious threat due to its potential to cause high fever, crippling joint pain, and in many cases, long-term disability. The current wave began in early 2025, with major outbreaks in Indian Ocean territories such as La Réunion, Mayotte, and Mauritius, with nearly one-third of La Réunion's population being infected. The virus has since spread to Madagascar, Somalia, Kenya, and parts of Southeast Asia, including India. Signs of local transmission have also emerged in southern France and Italy. Chikungunya: What you need to know First identified in Tanzania in 1952, chikungunya virus is spread by the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Aedes albopictus or 'tiger mosquito' is also known to transmit dengue and Zika. Sudden high fever Intense joint pain (especially in hands and feet) Muscle pain Headache Fatigue Skin rash While rarely fatal, the virus can cause prolonged joint pain lasting months, particularly in older adults and those with pre-existing conditions. There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya. Care is mainly supportive, focusing on hydration, pain relief, and rest. There are currently two chikungunya vaccines that have been approved or recommended for use in some countries, but they are not yet widely available or in common use. The WHO and expert advisors are reviewing vaccine trial and safety data, along with global outbreak trends, to decide on future recommendations for broader use. What do the numbers say? According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), as of June 2025, the countries reporting the highest number of cases are Brazil (141,436), Argentina (2,521), Bolivia (605) and Peru (46). Over 51,000 cases have been reported from the French outermost region as of end May 2025, while more than 33,000 cases have been reported in Asia from India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan since June. Regions that were once free from local transmission, such as southern Europe, are now reporting occasional autochthonous cases (locally transmitted infections). This expansion is largely due to climate change, which has enabled mosquito populations to thrive in new areas. WHO's recommendations The WHO warns that the virus could pose a greater public health risk if global preparedness does not improve. The organisation has urged governments to: