Health and medicine

Responding to Ebola's Echo: An Ongoing Battle in the Heart of Africa The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is no stranger to the ominous specter of Ebola. Its history with the virus has been marked by terrifying outbreaks and miraculous recoveries, and the latest resurgence underscores a vital truth: public health is an ongoing battle, deeply woven into the fabric of DRC's communities. Just as the Congo River winds through the nation’s landscape, so too do the somber realities of infectious diseases intertwine with the…

Africa’s quiet emergency: rising suicide rates meet a shrinking safety net When Namibia’s Vice President Netumbo Nandi‑Ndaitwah told Parliament this year that 542 people had died by suicide between 2023 and 2024, she broke a painful public silence. Her warning — that Namibia now has the highest suicide rate in Africa — landed alongside a stark global tally from the World Health Organization: more than 720,000 people die by suicide each year, and suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death for 15- to 29‑year‑olds, most…

South Africa at a Crossroads: Donor Cuts Threaten Hard‑Won Gains Against HIV GAUTENG, South Africa — In a conference hall a short drive from Johannesburg’s busy highways, the blunt arithmetic of global aid collided with the realities faced by clinics and families. Scientists, clinicians, activists and people living with HIV spoke in urgent, sometimes angry tones: the era of steady international support that helped turn a tide against HIV may be ebbing, and the consequences could be catastrophic. Stark projections, stark…

Nigeria's Healthcare Landscape: A Temporary Respite Amid Ongoing Struggles The announcement from the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) that they have suspended their two-day warning strike is a relief for many. The strike, which had brought a standstill to public tertiary hospitals, was a cry for help from a beleaguered healthcare system grappling with both systemic inefficiencies and personal sacrifices in the face of a demanding economic landscape. In hospitals across Nigeria, the impact of the strike was…

Echoes of a Deadly Past: The 16th Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo As the sun sets over the dense forests and bustling villages of Kasai province, the shadows grow longer, casting a pall over a region that has been gripped by fear and uncertainty. Once again, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) finds itself in the throes of an Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak—the 16th in its troubled history. The country, often in the international spotlight for its ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises, now faces a renewed threat…

The Evolving Landscape of Trader Trust in South Africa In a rapidly evolving financial environment, trust and transparency have emerged as fundamental pillars driving trader preferences in South Africa. Recent findings from Kantar's Global Brand Health Tracking study reveal critical insights into what today’s traders prioritize when selecting a broker. These insights not only reflect local sentiments but also resonate with larger global trends in the finance sector. Trust: The Cornerstone of Trading Relationships Trust…

Nigeria's Nutrition Crisis: A Silent Struggle for Survival In the heart of Nigeria’s bustling capital, Abuja, a stark warning resonates from the Nigeria Health Watch Roundtable: the nation stands on the precipice of a silent crisis, grappling with a “triple burden” of malnutrition. This term paints a grim picture, embodying a complex web of undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies that threatens the health and future of millions—especially the youngest among us. Understanding the Triple Burden As…

A Crisis in Botswana: Health Emergency Amidst Economic Struggles In a stark televised address, President Duma Boko announced a public health emergency in Botswana, highlighting a dire situation that has been compounded by economic straits, dwindling international aid, and overwhelming shortages of essential medicines. The announcement comes at a time when this Southern African nation, known for its stability and diamond wealth, finds itself grappling with unprecedented challenges that threaten the well-being of its…

Mobilizing for Health: Africa’s Fight Against Mpox One Year Later In a world where every second counts, the Africa Centers for Disease Control (Africa CDC) is racing against the clock. One year since declaring mpox a public health emergency, the organization is ramping up its efforts to combat the spread of the disease and save lives across the continent. With the shadow of a global health financing crisis looming, the urgency for international collaboration has never been greater. The Context of a Crisis Mpox, a viral…

Confrontation and Compassion: A Tale of Protest and Unity in Johannesburg In a towering city where hope and division often coexist, South Africa's ongoing struggle with immigration has taken on a new chapter. Last week in Johannesburg, the anti-immigration group Operation Dudula marched through the streets, demanding action against undocumented immigrants while clashing with human rights defenders. The protest, marked by heightened emotions and palpable tensions, not only highlights the deep-seated anxieties many South…