Mpox Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family as the smallpox virus. Although it was first discovered in monkeys, it is mainly spread to humans through contact with infected animals or from person to person. Mpox is not as deadly as smallpox, but it can cause…
Dizziness What is dizziness? Dizziness is the feeling of being lightheaded, unsteady, or off-balance. Some people feel like they are about to faint, while others feel like the world around them is spinning. Dizziness is not a disease on its own but a sign that something may be wrong in the body. In Africa, many…
Malaria Introduction: Why malaria matters in Africa Malaria is one of the biggest health problems in Africa. It kills thousands of people every year, especially children under five and pregnant women. According to the world health organization (WHO), Africa accounts for about 95% of all malaria cases and 96% of all malaria deaths worldwide. In…
Ulcers What is an ulcer? An ulcer is a sore or wound that takes a long time to heal and can come back if not properly treated. Ulcers can develop inside the body, like in the stomach, or on the skin. Many Africans experience ulcers but may not fully understand what causes them or how…
Tonsillitis Introduction: Why you should care about tonsillitis? Have you ever had a sore throat that made swallowing feel like torture? Or seen a child crying because their throat hurt so badly? That might have been tonsillitis! Tonsillitis is a common health problem in Africa, especially among children. Studies show that throat infections, including tonsillitis,…
Tongue Problems What is the tongue? The tongue is a powerful muscle inside the mouth that helps us talk, eat, and taste food. In Africa, where we enjoy a variety of local dishes—from spicy jollof rice in West Africa to injera in East Africa—the tongue plays a big role in our daily lives. However, many…
Stroke What is stroke? Stroke is a serious health problem affecting millions of people worldwide, including many Africans. According to the world health organization (WHO), stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in Africa. In Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa, stroke cases have been rising due to lifestyle changes, poor diet,…
Stomach Ulcer What is a stomach ulcer? A stomach ulcer, also known as a gastric ulcer, is a painful sore in the stomach lining. It is part of a group of conditions called peptic ulcers, which affect both the stomach and the small intestines. Stomach ulcers happen when the thick mucus layer that protects the…
Spinal Cord Injury What is spinal cord injury? A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord, the vital pathway that connects the brain to the rest of the body. This type of injury is serious and can lead to long-term disability, affecting movement, sensation, and even basic bodily functions like bladder control. In…
Snoring What is snoring? Snoring is the loud, harsh sound that happens when air flows past relaxed tissues in the throat, causing them to vibrate while breathing. It is very common among men but can also affect women and children. While many people think snoring is just a nighttime disturbance, it can sometimes be a…