insert_link Africa Why is Ghana so hot this year? An expert explains By Yaw Agyeman Boafo, University of Ghana Ghana’s meteorological agency and the state’s health service have issued warnings about a period of very high temperatures expected in the first half of 2024 around the country. Ghana’s experience is part of a global phenomenon: record temperatures were recorded in 2023. Yaw Agyeman Boafo, the programmes coordinator and a senior research fellow at the University of Ghana’s Centre for […] todayApril 8, 2024 40
insert_link Africa The Gambia may allow female genital mutilation again – another sign of a global trend eroding women’s rights By Satang Nabaneh, University of Dayton The Gambia’s ban on female genital mutilation (FGM) since 2015 is under threat. Proposed changes before parliament could permit medicalised female genital cutting and allow it for consenting adults. This potential reversal has thrust the country into the global spotlight as the latest example of the backlash against gender equality. The Gambia’s criminalisation of FGM was not the first in west […] todayApril 2, 2024 17
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 40
insert_link Environment Swakopmund residents protest radioactive facility plans Swakopmund residents are outraged over plans for a radioactive material storage and handling facility in the coastal town’s industrial area. According to residents, the facility, if approved by the town council, puts the lives of residents at risk, as toxic matter will be stored near their homes. We contacted former Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Bernard Haufiku for his take. todayFebruary 28, 2024 102
insert_link Lifestyle Is your pet exposed to secondhand smoke? Here are the (serious) health risks Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images Jacqueline Boyd, Nottingham Trent University Our pets share our homes, lifestyles, and sometimes even our food and beds. For many pets, this close contact with humans can include exposure to secondhand smoke from cigarettes and other air pollutants. This may have serious health consequences for our animal companions. So, how significant a risk is passive smoking for our pets and should we be concerned? Smoking […] todayFebruary 6, 2024 25
insert_link Health / Medical How dieting, weight suppression and even misuse of drugs like Ozempic can contribute to eating disorders Although semaglutide drugs like Ozempic are indicated to treat Type 2 diabetes, they are increasingly prescribed off-label because of their observed effectiveness at inducing weight loss. (Shutterstock) Samantha Withnell, Western University and Lindsay Bodell, Western University Up to 72 per cent of women and 61 per cent of men are dissatisfied with their weight or body image, according to a U.S. study. Globally, millions of people attempt to lose weight […] todayFebruary 2, 2024 44