- Healthcare Rising
- Posts
- March 26, 2025
March 26, 2025
Unicef cuts threaten fight against climate-related malnutrition
 | Some 1.3 million children under five in Ethiopia and Nigeria may lose access to Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) this year. As UNICEF faces funding cuts, leading African manufacturers Insta, Nutrik, and Project Peanut Butter are now relying on governments and hospitals as their primary buyers. |
RUTF is an energy-dense food paste made from peanuts, sugar, milk powder, oil, and vitamins/minerals, used to treat severe acute malnutrition in children.
The new Codex guideline classifies RUTF as a medical food, enabling governments to incorporate it into public health policies and enhancing access for treating severe malnutrition.
Our take: With UNICEF's funding cuts, African healthcare systems must step up to sustain this life-saving business… Read more (2 min)
 | Healthcare systems in Africa are swiftly adapting to the challenges posed by climate change, which leads to disease outbreaks and infrastructure damage. Dr Sheik Faizaan, a dentist and digital health advocate, asserts that robust public health systems can be achieved through effective management of health programmes. |
He emphasises that quality management is essential for bridging the gap between medical expertise, technology, and business efficiency, enabling professionals to navigate the complexities of healthcare systems.
Project managers play a vital role in healthcare by overseeing digital transformations such as electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, and AI solutions. They ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and optimised for patient care.
Click the link to read the full op-ed…Read more (2 min)
 | A new study has called for urgent policy actions to strengthen Sierra Leone's healthcare system in order to combat climate-related diseases. It emphasises the need to build climate-resilient infrastructure, enhance workforce capacity, foster community involvement, and secure international funding as essential steps in achieving this. |
Seven of the ten most climate-vulnerable countries with weak healthcare systems are located in Africa, grappling with climate-sensitive health issues such as vector-borne and waterborne diseases.
On 24th March 2025, UNICEF reported over 178,000 cholera cases in Eastern and Southern Africa over a period of 15 months, worsened by insufficient water, sanitation, and hygiene services, resulting in nearly 2,900 deaths.
Our take: With severe floods occurring in Southern Africa and heat waves affecting the Sahel, there is no better time to take action…Read more (2 min)
____________________
Portable artificial intelligence ultrasound, BabyChecker, improves maternal care in rural Sierra Leone
Events
🗓️ Attend the 2025 Global Conference on Climate and Health (July 29)
🗓️ Register for the G20 Health Working Group Meeting in South Africa (March 26)
Jobs
📝 Be the next SRHR Programme Officer for UNEP (Kenya)
📝 Become a Public Health Engagement & Advocacy Officer at eHealth4everyone (Niger)
📝 Apply for the Africa Epidemic Service Fellowship Program by Africa CDC (Africa)
Various
📝 Nearly 50 million people sign up call for clean air action for better health
☀️ Three teaching hospitals receive solar power in Nigeria
Seen on LinkedIn
Dr Pascalia Munyewende, a senior climate and health researcher at Wits RHI, says, “Reflecting on Climate Health Africa Conference 2024, I am struck by how vividly Africa understands the catastrophe climate change poses to her people. Four hundred delegates from 30 countries highlighted our continent’s resolve to shape a resilient, sustainable future. Yet, while policy discussions were productive, I cannot ignore the gap between progressive policy frameworks and real-world implementation across African health systems.”
____________________