insert_link Africa Nigerian bandits strategically target school children for kidnappings – here’s why By Oluwole Ojewale, Institute for Security Studies It is every parent’s worst nightmare: armed criminals attacking their child’s school, kidnapping students and teachers. In some parts of Nigeria, this scenario is not just the stuff of nightmares – it has become all too common in the past 10 years. The most famous incident was the mass abduction of 276 students from a girls’ school in Chibok, a […] todayMarch 27, 2024 10
insert_link Lifestyle Exploring the roots of stupidity: first understand the psychology of what lies behind irrational opinions By Manfred Kets de Vries, INSEAD Most people, at one time or another, act foolishly. However, truly ignorant individuals exhibit a lack of introspection and stubbornly cling to their opinions, regardless of how irrational they may be. These people demonstrate unwavering self-assurance and are often oblivious to their own inadequacies. They craft retrospective justifications to validate their beliefs and hold onto them. Even when presented with opportunities […] todayMarch 27, 2024 16
insert_link Africa Health risks at home: a study in six African countries shows how healthy housing saves children’s lives The WHO has developed guidelines outlining the attributes of healthy housing. These include structural soundness, as well as access to a local community that enables social interactions. Healthy housing protects inhabitants from the effects of disasters, pollution, waste and extreme heat or cold. It provides a feeling of home, including a sense of belonging, security and privacy. Health risks in the home environment are important to think about because of […] todayMarch 26, 2024 37
insert_link Health / Medical Cardiovascular risks and COVID-19: New research confirms the benefits of vaccination Common cardiovascular complications of COVID-19 — including blood clots, stroke, arrhythmias and heart attacks — were substantially reduced in vaccinated patients. (Shutterstock) Glen Pyle, University of Guelph COVID-19 is a respiratory disease. Yet, from the earliest days of the pandemic, the cardiovascular risks associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection were clear: individuals with severe cases of COVID-19 often died from cardiovascular complications, and those with pre-existing cardiovascular disease were more likely to […] todayMarch 26, 2024 18
insert_link Health / Medical Health professionals need to collaborate. Changing how they’re taught helps build that skill It’s crucial that medical professionals learn to collaborate. Katleho Seisa Gérard Charl Filies, University of the Western Cape and Luzaan Africa, University of the Western Cape When health professionals collaborate rather than operating in silos, everyone benefits – patients, families and the health system at large. This is a fact supported by ample research evidence. The professionals reap the benefits, too: staff satisfaction and retention are improved through collaboration. But […] todayMarch 26, 2024 22
insert_link Health / Medical Early births – between 34 and 37 weeks – for moms with pre-eclampsia can reduce baby and mother deaths By Alice Beardmore-Gray, King's College London About half a million babies die each year as a result of pre-eclampsia, an aggressive and potentially life-threatening problem in pregnancy. Approximately 46,000 women also die each year due to the disorder. The condition – a high blood pressure (hypertension) disorder – can affect multiple organs in the woman’s body, including the liver, kidneys, heart, brain and blood clotting system, as well as the […] todayMarch 26, 2024 26
insert_link Business / Economics Accidental managers: why people who are great at their job can fail when they get promoted Cary Cooper, University of Manchester There’s a saying that people don’t quit their job, they quit their boss. And poor management certainly has a lot to answer for in the UK workplace. A staggering 82% of new managers in the UK are what the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) calls “accidental managers”, according to a YouGov survey commissioned among 4,500 workers and managers in June, which has recently been published. Accidental […] todayMarch 26, 2024 12
insert_link Opinion Pieces Battling to make ends meet? Financial planning expert offers 5 tips on how to build your budget Bomikazi Zeka, University of Canberra Every day seems to bring new headlines about rising costs. In Nigeria, unions are threatening to strike amid soaring fuel prices; the country’s inflation rate hit 25% in August. The amount it costs to fill a food basket in South Africa keeps climbing. Ghanaians took to the streets of Accra in late September to protest about the cost of living. A recent study by the […] todayMarch 26, 2024 14
Africa bird TenX: Ten influential women in African politics By Esther Musembi, bird story agency With more than a third of African countries headed to the polls in 2024, African women are showing increasing interest in holding leadership positions, including the presidency. Their stories inspire resilience, determination, and visionary leadership, serving as beacons for future generations of female leaders across the continent. The following is a selected list of some influential women in African politics: 1. […] todayMarch 26, 2024 7