Health and medicine

The situation in Cabo Delgado has reached a critical crescendo, as the relentless surge in violence continues to undermine access to healthcare for countless vulnerable communities. It’s hard to fathom the scale of suffering that has unfolded over nearly eight years. Since the onset of this conflict, more than 400,000 individuals have been forcibly uprooted from their homes. Along with the displacement, medical services are shrinking, and the mobility of healthcare professionals is severely restricted. Where go the healers…

Abahlali baseMjondolo has taken a firm stand against groups such as Operation Dudula, which have been unfairly targeting migrants as the scapegoats for South Africa's pressing economic dilemmas. It's a poignant example of how societal pressures can be directed towards the most vulnerable among us. As the saying goes, “It's easier to blame others than to face the truth.” In this instance, are we not witnessing a diversion of responsibility? Operation Dudula's campaign has notably included denying migrants access to…

Equatorial Guinea is actively advocating for a petition submitted to the International Criminal Court (ICJ), aiming to block the French government's sale of a high-value property owned by Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue. This residence was seized in 2021, following his conviction under French legislation that targets wealth illicitly acquired by foreign leaders. The stakes are high, both politically and financially. The response from Equatorial Guinea's ambassador to France, Carmelo Nvono-Ncá, has been…

Burundi has proudly joined the ranks of the few nations that have successfully eradicated trachoma, a debilitating tropical affliction. This disease, which spreads through personal contact, contaminated surfaces, and the involvement of flies, has long plagued vulnerable communities. Now, Burundi stands as the eighth country in the region to declare victory over trachoma, marking a significant milestone in public health. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, acknowledged this…

The moment Howard Carter uncovered the tomb of King Tutankhamun in November 1922, a wave of fascination rippled through the world. This was no ordinary archaeological find; it revealed treasures that had lain undisturbed for millennia, invoking dreams and tales that danced in the minds of historians and the public alike. However, this excitement soon gave way to chilling anecdotes. Mysteriously, several members of the excavation team, including Lord Carnarvon—Carter's financial backer—succumbed to sudden illnesses, leading…

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) finds itself at a critical juncture, issuing a 21-day ultimatum aimed squarely at the federal government. The stakes are high, as the association threatens nationwide industrial action unless urgent attention is paid to pressing issues surrounding salaries, allowances, and overall welfare. When medical professionals raise their voices in unison, it is not just a flurry of words; it's a call for action that demands to be heard. Bala Audu, President of the NMA, recently expressed…

Recent reports have surfaced suggesting that the Zimbabwean government is allegedly backing the controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo in his ambitious bid to supply over $400 million worth of medical drugs and equipment through his South African company, TTM Global Medical Exports (Pvt). This proposition, while highly lucrative, raises significant ethical and legal questions. Wicknell Chivayo, a name synonymous with both ambition and controversy, is officially listed as a director on the company’s website. TTM Global…

The latest reports from Nigeria reveal a concerning uptick in Lassa fever cases. In week 23 of 2025 alone, health officials documented 11 new infections, pushing the grim tally of fatalities to 143 this year. These figures starkly illustrate the persistent threat posed by this viral infection. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has observed a significant rise in the case fatality rate (CFR) among those afflicted by confirmed Lassa fever cases; alarmingly, this rate has surpassed that of the same…

The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, has recently issued a stark warning: mpox remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This designation underlines the potential global threat posed by the disease, prompting urgent attention and action across nations. Dr. Ghebreyesus highlighted a troubling trend: an increase in mpox cases, particularly alarming is the recent spike in West Africa. “There is likely undetected transmission in countries beyond the…

The ongoing strike by nurses and midwives has effectively paralyzed the country's healthcare system, prompting urgent calls from the government for the striking professionals to "reconsider" their actions. This drastic move is not just about wages; it embodies deeper systemic frustrations that have simmered for years. Imagine waking up in an emergency room, only to find minimal staff and a mountain of unattended patients. Such is the reality now faced by many hospitals, where the very individuals who dedicate their lives…