Health ministers from African nations bearing the highest burden of malaria convened today in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to pledge intensified efforts towards ending fatalities from the disease. Representing countries that account for a staggering 95% of global malaria deaths, these ministers committed to sustained, equitable action to confront the threat posed by malaria in the African region. During the gathering, ministers signed a declaration vowing to provide stronger leadership and increased domestic funding for malaria control programs. They also pledged to invest in data technology, adhere to ..read more

In a major breakthrough for global health, Nigeria has become the first country to receive a groundbreaking new vaccine aimed at combating meningitis outbreaks. Delivered by UNICEF, this shipment of the MenFive vaccine, funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, holds promise in addressing the ongoing meningococcus C outbreak in the country. The vaccine, developed through a remarkable 13-year collaboration between PATH and the Serum Institute of India, with support from the UK government, targets five main strains of meningococcal meningitis, including the elusive serogroup X. This means it can off ..read more

Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses that circulate in all parts of the world. It is a serious condition that can lead to severe complications such as heart attacks and strokes and has a huge human, societal, and economic impact. Flu is a contributing factor to five out of the top 10 deaths globally, with 3 to 5 million severe influenza cases reported worldwide. The WHO estimates that flu may be responsible for an estimated 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths per year worldwide, with a global burden of about 10 million influenza-related hospitaliza ..read more

In life, the need for a physiotherapist is inevitable, given the pivotal role they play in the healthcare team and the journey to wellness. Unfortunately, awareness of their significance remains lacking, leading to a detriment to the patient’s well-being. At St. Joseph’s Physiotherapy Clinic, our commitment to value and rehabilitation extends far beyond our well-equipped clinics in Lekki and Surulere. Whether seeking private care or covered by health insurance, we prioritize health education, guiding individuals on when and for what conditions they should seek physiotherapy. Conditions Th ..read more

Cabo Verde, a picturesque archipelago comprising 10 islands in the Central Atlantic Ocean, has achieved a historic milestone in global health. The World Health Organization (WHO) today officially certified Cabo Verde as a malaria-free country, making it the third African nation, after Mauritius and Algeria, to achieve this prestigious status. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended the commitment and resilience of the government and people of Cabo Verde, emphasizing the significance of strategic public health planning and collaboration. Cabo Verde’s success is seen as a b ..read more

Eight in ten people living with diabetes (80%) in Nigeria only found out they had diabetes after developing complications associated with the condition. Additionally, almost all (94%) of those surveyed in the country had experienced one or more diabetes complications during the course of their life with diabetes. The findings come from global research recently carried out by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) ahead of World Diabetes Day on Monday, 14 November. The survey was conducted among people living with diabetes across Africa, Asia, Europe and South America to understand the lev ..read more

Ifeoluwa Dare-Johnson, Founder and CEO of Healthtraka, is on a mission to transform healthcare in Africa. In a recent interview with healthiness.ng, she shared her inspiring journey and vision for making lab testing easy and accessible through at-home sample collection and rapid digital results delivery within 1-3 days. “I knew that I wanted to provide a solution to make sure that people have access to on-demand healthcare,” says Ifeoluwa. Her drive to create Healthtraka was born from a deeply personal experience. Her father’s sudden illness and tragic passing left her searching for answers, a ..read more

In Abuja, Nigeria, Dyslexia Help Africa (DHA) is driving an educational initiative that focuses on comprehensive reading intervention and support for children with dyslexia. This program combines advocacy, educator training, and a specialized learning intervention platform.  Through patient guidance and innovative teaching methods, this initiative is breaking down educational inclusion barriers for kids with learning disabilities by promoting  evidence-based strategies and empowering dyslexic learners. They are creating a more inclusive environment for both neuro-diverse (kids whose ..read more

In spite of the stark inundating and overwhelming realities, Isaac Olufadewe argues he is on a mission to transform healthcare in some Nigerian remote communities. In the heart of Nigeria, where the pulse of healthcare struggles to find its rhythm, one man has taken it upon himself to rewrite the narrative. Isaac Olufadewe, a dedicated medical doctor, found his purpose amidst the challenges that plagued rural and slum communities. It was during his tenure as a National Youth Corps Service member in Ibadan, Oyo State, that Olufadewe was struck by the stark reality of inadequate healthcare provi ..read more

In some resource-limited settings in Nigeria, reusable pads are being used as a sustainable solution to period poverty that can help girls stay in school and manage their menstruation with dignity. But the scale of this initiative may not be big enough to have statistically significant impact(s) on national metrics. Halima Akande is among thousands of girls who miss school several days every month—once her menstruation comes. She fears any stain showing on her dress, cannot focus in class or take part in any extracurricular activities. It is the same nightmare for the five days her p ..read more