The Ministry of Health (MoH) is continuing to work with partners to respond to the Ebola haemorrhagic fever outbreak in Uganda. As of 8 August 2012, the MoH has recorded a total of 23 probable and confirmed cases, including 16 deaths. Of these, 10 cases have been laboratory confirmed by the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) in Entebbe. Continue reading Ebola fever outbreak in Uganda →

China is considered one of the top destinations for expat assignments, according to the Global Mobility Survey 2012. However, the condition of the air in many of China’s fast developing cities leaves a lot to be desired writes Bryony Ashcroft of expathealth.org 

Beijing, or “Greyjing” as it has been dubbed, is full of centuries old heritage sites and cultural gems, however, the chronic air pollution makes it one of the worst cities to live in. Lung cancer rates among the cities 20 million inhabitants are rising, say the cities health officials. Many multinational companies consider Beijing to be a hardship posting, and despite the extra allowances this classification brings, some executives are leaving. Continue reading Expats struggling to breathe in China’s “Greyjing”? →

It seems Greece’s financial crisis is set to continue as it struggles to make agreed bailout targets. To meet the financial benchmarks the government is preparing to make €11.6 billion cuts, with pensions and healthcare expected to be widely hit writes Bryony Ashcroft of expathealth.org

To make the cuts proposed by The International Monetary Fund (IMF), the European Union and the European Central Bank, known as the Troika, the government is looking at capping state-funded healthcare coverage to only €1,500 per year. Currently Greece provides universal care for residents, a large portion of which is state-funded. A cap at €1,500 would put a huge strain on people which chronic conditions or those needing expensive cancer treatment. Continue reading Cap at €1,500 per person for healthcare costs in Greece →

People often associate international health insurance with emergencies and being airlifted to the nearest hospital. The reality is, most claims made through expat insurance are for everyday ailments reports Expat Health.org

The most common complaint is back problems. Back pain is extremely common, with four in five people being affected at some point in their lives. Carrying heavy suitcases, being on long-haul flights and even sleeping in an unfamiliar bed can bring on this type of pain. Continue reading Everyday ailments top list of international medical insurance claims →

In what could arguably be the greatest immunological breakthrough in decades, French drugmaker Sanofi SA announced that a vaccine against Dengue fever had shown clinical efficacy in recently completed trials.  Additional testing is necessary, but the vaccine could be available as early as 2015 reports the Healthytravelblog.com Continue reading Dengue Fever Vaccine – Cure Breakthrouch ? →

The Ministry of Health in Uganda has reported a cumulative number of 53 suspected cases of Ebola haemorrhagic fever including 16 deaths. Of these, five cases have been laboratory confirmed by the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) in Entebbe (this includes three fatal cases and two cases currently being treated in the isolation facility). Continue reading Uganda – 53 suspected cases of Ebola haemorrhagic fever reported →

We are delighted to have been short listed for the 2nd year running for the COVER Excellence Awards in the best “international private medical insurance provider 2012” category (iPMI). Continue reading ALC Health short listed for the 2nd year in a row for the International Private Medical Insurance Provider of the Year at COVER Excellence Awards 2012 →

ADVO Group interviews Andrew Apps, Director, ALC Health

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reported a sharp increase in the number of cholera cases in the armed conflict area of North Kivu. According to the report, 368 new cases were reported from epidemiological week 24 (11-17 June) to epidemiological week 26 (25 June-1 July). The most affected areas include Birambizo, Goma, Karisimbi, Kiroshe, Mutwanga, Mweso and Rwanguba.

There is concern that the security situation may increase difficulty in accessing the health-care facilities and could increase the number of severe and fatal cases. The current armed conflict in North Kivu also poses a risk of international spread of the disease to neighbouring countries such as Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda. Continue reading Cholera outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) →

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