insert_link Africa Diet and nutrition: how well Tanzanians eat depends largely on where they live By Hannah Ameye, University of Bonn Cities are growing faster in sub-Saharan Africa than elsewhere, with an annual urban population growth rate of around 4% compared to the world average of 1.5%. Across the continent the urban share of the total population is projected to increase to 50% by 2030 and 60% by 2050. Urbanisation is associated with lifestyle changes such as less physical activity and less […] todayApril 9, 2024 30
insert_link Health / Medical Cancer Association prepares to launch Palliative Care unit The official inauguration of Palliative Care Namibia by the Cancer Association of Namibia is scheduled for tomorrow in Windhoek. Rolf Hansen, the CEO of the Cancer Association of Namibia says the initiative is a significant step towards improving the quality of life for many in Namibia. todayApril 4, 2024 51
insert_link 2 Health / Medical Adult Autism Spectrum Disorder Written by Vitalio Angula, a socio-political commentator and independent columnist. When Carmen Nangolo (27) was younger she was often disorganized and easily distracted. She also didn’t get along with children her age and was considered disruptive at school. A visit to a therapist and a professional assessment led to a diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) but her reaction to the medication she was prescribed wasn’t addressing her condition. After […] todayApril 2, 2024 127 2
insert_link Health / Medical New TB skin test could offer cheaper and easier way to detect the disease By Yvette Naudé, University of Pretoria Detecting tuberculosis early could play a significant role in eradicating the world’s most deadly infectious disease. The World Health Organization says 1.5 million people die from this devastating disease each year. People infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the TB bacteria that attack the lungs, often do not know that they have it until their symptoms become severe. Two out of every […] todayMarch 28, 2024 39
insert_link Environment Hazardous mould contaminates many food staples – what you should know about mycotoxins By Oluwadara Pelumi Omotayo, North-West University Mycotoxins are substances produced by mould that poison food. They are harmful to humans and animals when consumed. According to the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), about 25% of the world’s agricultural harvests are contaminated by mycotoxins. Though reliable data is lacking, mycotoxin contamination is widespread in Africa. It often takes the form of aflatoxin in cereal crops and has led to health […] todayMarch 28, 2024 37
insert_link Africa The Toxic Air We Breathe: Greenpeace Maps Africa’s Air Pollution Hotspots Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa have emerged as Africa’s most polluted countries in terms of air pollution disease burden, with profound health consequences for Africa’s people and exacerbated impacts on climate change, a report prepared by Greenpeace Africa and Greenpeace MENA can now reveal. Titled "Major Air Polluters in Africa Unmasked," the report investigates the biggest human sources of air pollution across Africa, focusing on major industrial and economic […] todayMarch 28, 2024 43
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