ERNews

Kathmandu, June 14 -- Marking Pride Month, the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) organised a two-day training for health professionals on chemsex harm reduction and LGBTQIA+ mental health support. Led by the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) under the ministry, the orientation aimed to equip health workers with the skills to provide inclusive and stigma-free care. Held from June 11, the orientation trained psychiatrists, general practitioners, medical officers, and opioid agonist therapy nurses from Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Parsa, Rupandehi, and Kaski districts. According to the organisers, the training was designed to raise awareness among healthcare providers about the rising use of sexualised drugs, known as chemsex, and its impact on the mental health of the users. Facilitated by advocacy groups, Blue Diamond Society and Recovering Nepal, the training was conducted under the Chemsex Harm Reduction Project, supported by British pharmaceutical company...

READ MORE:  Thousands of cans of Dr Pepper recalled over risk An urgent recall for several popular Jolly Rancher sweet products has been issued over fears they contain a banned ingredients linked to cancer . Those who've already eaten them should not panic, watchdog the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned, as the risk is low, but urged customers to disposed of them. These include Hard Candy, 'Misfits' Gummies, Hard Candy Fruity 2 in 1, and Berry Gummies, all made by Hershey. The sweets were found to contain the harmful chemicals Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH) and Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbon (MOSH). These chemicals, derived from crude oil, have been linked to serious illnesses including cancer, particularly in the liver and lymph nodes. This makes the sweets unsafe to eat, particularly over long periods of time, and not compliant with UK law. American multi-national firm Hershey told UK regulators it has alr...

The Ministry of Health has gazetted the third batch of Graphic Health Warnings (GHWs) under the Tobacco Control Act, reaffirming the commitment to tobacco control and public health protection. The warnings, which feature approved pictures and pictogrammes, will be required on all tobacco product packaging. These new regulations will come into effect nine months from the date of publication. The intervention aims to increase public awareness of the serious health risks associated with tobacco use, deter tobacco consumption, particularly among the youth, and protect non-smokers and other vulnerable populations from the harms of second-hand smoke. In a statement, the Ministry of Health emphasised the importance of public participation in ensuring the successful implementation of the new regulations. The public has been urged to report instances of non-compliance, actively support awareness campaigns, and advocate for smoke-free environ...

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reiterated that their focused attention is to ensure that no child would be left unimmunised against polio, saying polio vaccine is safe and effective. This was disclosed on Saturday in Gusau by the Social Policy Specialist and Officer in Charge, UNICEF Sokoto Field Office, Isah Ibrahim, during the flag-off ceremony for the June 2025 Polio Outbreak Response (OBR) National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) campaign held at the Gusau Emir’s Palace, Zamfara State. The UNICEF social policy specialist explained that through united efforts, remarkable progress has been made in the fight against polio. “However, we must acknowledge that significant challenges remain, demanding our immediate and focused attention to ensure that no child is left behind,” he stated. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional leadership of Zamfara State leaders for unwavering dedication to the health and well-being of our children. Your steadfast...

By Elizabeth Larkwor Baah Tema, June 14, GNA — Mr Wisdom Aditse, Head of the Tema Metropolitan Environmental Health Department, has cautioned the public against purchasing and consuming food exposed to contamination. Mr Aditse urged residents to be more vigilant about where and how their food is prepared and sold, noting that many food vendors continue to disregard basic hygiene standards, putting the health of consumers at risk. He gave the advice during a sensitisation programme for stakeholders on the Mpox, and cholera outbreaks organised by the Tema Metro Health Directorate. He explained that while some food vendors try to maintain hygiene, a significant number fail to follow the rules and regulations set by the Environmental Health Department, which has made law enforcement challenging. He said the department regularly inspects food vending sites in Tema, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic such as markets, lorry stations, and busy street...

In an effort to avoid environmental hazards related to chemical incidents and explosion in the country, Chemists and chemical handlers in Nigeria have been urged ensure careful handling and storage of chemical substances. The call was made at the 20th Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Workshop and Induction, organized by the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON) at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau State. Registrar/CEO of ICCON, Chemist Wilford Jwalshik, expressed concern that often times; people confuse flammable and inflammable substances, which have led to chemical incidents. He disclosed that the workshop was organized to address such issues as participants had the opportunity to learn and understand the processes of chemical storage, transportation and safely. With the theme: 'Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals: Environmental Protection P...

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - A child was taken to the hospital after being hit by a vehicle Thursday afternoon, the Mount Horeb Police Department reported. According to a Facebook post by the city’s police department, officers responded around 4:45 p.m. to the 300 block of East Main Street on reports of a crash involving a car and a pedestrian. The child was taken to the hospital for treatment and is expected to be OK. Based on the initial investigation, officials said the pedestrian attempted to cross the street outside of the crosswalk and was hit by the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle did stay on scene, officials noted. Click here to download the WMTV15 News app or our WMTV15 First Alert weather app.

The occupational lung disease silicosis is taking the lives of stone fabrication workers in the San Fernando Valley. Laborers who cut, grind, sand, finish or polish engineered stone slabs are at risk of inhaling crystalline silica dust, causing lung inflammation and scarring, which can lead to silicosis, a severe lung disease, that may cause difficulty breathing, a need for a lung transplant and even death. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has reported 322 cases of silicosis, 31 lung transplants and 15 deaths in the state as of May, with 180 cases (over 55%) reported in Los Angeles County. The majority of those cases are in the Northeast San Fernando Valley, where the stone fabrication industry is most prevalent. On Tuesday, the LA County Board of Supervisors (BOS) proclaimed June as Silicosis Awareness Month, approving the motion spearheaded by Supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath and Hilda Solis. “We want to make sure that not only are people aware of what this...