Posts in category: Uncategorized

Endometriosis is a chronic—often painful—illness that only affects women. New research shows potential for shortening the path to diagnosis and treatment. In the years prior to being diagnosed with endometriosis, women with the chronic illness have more contact than average with their GP, private gynecologist and the hospital service.

Patients living with one of the UK’s most common heart rhythm conditions are 50% less likely to die from a heart attack or stroke than they were at the start of the millennium, new research has found.

By BUUMBA CHIMBULU

MANUFACTURERS have outlined some of the challenges they have grappled with during the first two quarters of this year, citing high cost of doing business, electricity disruption and volatility in the exchange rate.

In their submission at a Mid-Year Economic Performance and 2024-2026 Medium Term Budget Plan meeting in Lusaka on Tuesday, the manufacturers submitted that the cost of doing business in the country still remained high.

The submission was made through the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) Chief Executive Officer, Ms Muntanga Lindunda.

Ms Lindunda emphasised that the cost of doing business still remained high due to the high number of licences and permits that manufacturers were subjected to.

ZAM, she said, had been advocating for a reduction in the number of licences and permits through harmonisation.

“This challenge also acts as a barrier for Foreign Direct Investment in the country as potential investors shy aware from investing in the sector in fear of going through a cumbersome procedure of obtaining these documentations.

“To be specific, the agricultural sector is subjected to tax exemptions which increase the cost of doing business. Our recommendation therefore, is to apply zero rated tax to allow manufacturers claim input tax to reinvest in their businesses,” Ms Lindunda said.

On electricity disruption, Ms Lindunda said load-rationing affected production of many companies especially the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) who did not have the capacity to use alternative sources such as generators.

She explained that the manufacturing sector was energy intensive, and that electricity remained one of the key inputs in the production process.

“Additionally, some manufacturers who use machinery that take time to heat up before commencement of production where heavily affected as Zesco implemented a six hours per period power rotation leaving them with only four hours of production time per day,” Ms Lindunda said.

She also said the instability in the exchange rate between the Kwacha and the United States Dollar exacerbated the impact on the sector.

She said the Kwacha-Dollar exchange rate was characterised with fluctuations in the first two quarters of 2023.

“This affected manufacturers who highly depend on the exchange rate when importing raw materials,” Ms Lindunda said.

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A new study led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden has examined how T cells of the immune system are affected by weightlessness. The results, which are published in the journal Science Advances, could explain why astronauts’ T cells become less active and less effective at fighting infection.

Ever since the Jerry Lewis telethons began in the 1960s, millions of people have become familiar with an otherwise rare disease called muscular dystrophy (MD).

Colchicine does not significantly reduce perioperative atrial fibrillation (AF) or myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery (MINS) in patients undergoing major non-cardiac thoracic surgery, according to late breaking research presented in a Hot Line session today at ESC Congress 2023.

New COVID-19 booster shots, reworked to target variants circulating now, could be available by mid-September.

By GIDEON NYENDWA 

OSSIX Technologies has launched a revolutionary mobile money application called “YES” Money with fee-less model for deposits, transfers, and withdrawals in Zambia.

And speaking at the launch Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati in a speech read by director ICT Annie Munsaka said the ministry supports the innovation and digitalisation of financial inclusion.

Mr Mutati said the value and potential for Yes Money especially for Zambia was that it was more than just an application, it was a beacon of inclusion insuring that every Zambian irrespective of their back ground could participate in the economy.

He said for money Zambia traditional banks remain out of reach and platforms like Yes would bridge the gap by offering a way for everyone to manage access funds with ease.

“We live in a world that is steadily reducing its reliance on cash and this initiative is not only a step in the right step in that trend but also considers the environmental benefits by reducing the need to produce the physical currency by embracing  a more sustainable approach,” he said.

Mr Mutati said Yes money by keeping their transaction cost low it would ensure that Zambians would make the most of their money. 

And Ossix technology Chief Executive Officer, Alberto Olympio said launch of the innovative mobile money application, “YES,” across Zambia was tailored to champion financial inclusion, “YES” was poised to significantly bolster the economic stature of individuals, especially those with limited incomes.

Mr Olypio said the step aligns with the company’s vision of enabling a broader spectrum of Zambians to benefit from financial empowerment. 

He said the application has key features like Money Transfer, Top up, Cash out, Bill Payment, Voucher, Companion Cards, Store, Microloan, Quick and  Merchant Pay and Marketplace that people could transact in at no cost at all. 

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It’s a lament I’ve heard many many times. “I know vegetables are good for me. I just don’t like to eat them.”

At a pivotal time for Medicaid health coverage for Americans with low incomes, a report on the impacts of Michigan’s Medicaid expansion shows very positive effects, as well as opportunities for continued improvements.