Health and medicine

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has divulged some staggering statistics: 1,319 fatalities attributed to diphtheria have been recorded between epidemiological week 19 of 2022 and week 10 of 2025. These figures raise critical questions about our vaccination efforts and highlight alarming deficiencies in coverage across the nation. In total, there have been at least 42,642 suspected cases spanning 37 states and over 350 local government areas. Out of these, 25,812 have been confirmed, yet 5,470…

A significant setback has recently impacted an innovative initiative spearheaded by a team of dedicated researchers—individuals who have already made remarkable strides in deepening our comprehension of HIV. This project, uniting experts from eight diverse African nations under the banner of the BRILLIANT Consortium, finds itself in jeopardy due to a controversial shift in U.S. government aid policies. Why does funding for such essential research fluctuate with political currents? The plight of scientific inquiry often seems…

In a troubling development, the Africa Centers for Disease Control (Africa CDC) has raised alarms over the deteriorating situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The region, already grappling with a serious outbreak of mpox, has seen escalating violence that has tragically compelled over 600 patients to abandon their treatment centers. This situation illustrates a grim reality: healthcare accessibility can crumble under the weight of conflict. Mpox, a viral disease that manifests through severe skin…

Approximately 80% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 in Sierra Leone have endured the harrowing experience of female genital mutilation (FGM), as per findings from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). This tragic statistic reveals a practice that isn’t merely a ritual; it is a troubling cornerstone of identity for many communities within the country. As Kaata Minah, an African feminist activist and a 2024 Impact West Africa Fellow, elucidates in her writing for the Inter Press Service, this act is often perceived…

In a surprising twist, the government of Lesotho expressed its profound dismay over a statement made by former U.S. President Donald Trump. During a recent address to Congress, he asserted that "nobody has ever heard of" Lesotho while discussing proposed budget cuts, which notably include $8 million earmarked for LGBTQI+ initiatives in the country. The reaction from Lesotho was swift and resolute. Foreign Affairs Minister Lejone Mpotjoane characterized Trump's comments as "shocking." He underscored the depth of the…

The impact of recent funding cuts by the Trump administration reverberates through South Africa. Specifically, organisations benefitting from the PEPFAR (The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) initiative, which is funded through USAID, have received troubling news: their financial support has been terminated permanently. This development signifies a dramatic shift in the landscape of HIV prevention and treatment efforts across the nation. According to a report by Bhekisisa's Mia Malan, this grim notification is not…

The challenge of delivering sufficient surgical care in Sub-Saharan Africa is a multifaceted dilemma, stemming from a conspicuous lack of resources, technology, and expertise. An alarming projection suggests that by the year 2030, the continent could face a deficit of six million surgical care professionals. This staggering statistic was highlighted by Melody Chironda in her recent report from the Pan African Surgical Conference held in Kigali, Rwanda. Imagine traveling to a vibrant city in Africa, immersed in the…

In recent years, the landscape of global funding has been tumultuous, prompting African nations to grapple with the consequences of dwindling foreign aid. The ripple effects of changes in American policy, particularly under the Trump administration, pose a grave threat to essential health, education, and economic stability initiatives crucial for various countries on the continent. A notable example is President Donald Trump's executive order, which quelled new government spending on foreign assistance for a staggering 90…

In a surprising move that has sent shockwaves through the humanitarian community, the military junta in Niger has issued an expulsion order for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Strikingly, they provided no official rationale for this decisive action, leaving many to speculate about the motivations behind it. The ICRC has been a steadfast presence in Niger since 1990, tirelessly delivering crucial healthcare services to over 120,000 individuals affected by armed conflict. Their commitment to alleviating…

In a landmark decision, the High Court has shifted the paradigm regarding individuals living with HIV, advocating against their classification as a distinct category of offenders. The justices emphasized that, with the remarkable strides we've made in medical science, HIV is no longer viewed as a death sentence. This transformation in perspective reflects not just advancements in treatment but also a deeper understanding of the human experience. As the court deliberated, it became clear that the once-dreaded specter of HIV…