Coronary Artery Disease What is coronary artery disease? Coronary artery disease (CAD) happens when the blood vessels that supply the heart become narrow or blocked. This happens because of a buildup of fatty substances called plaque. When blood flow is reduced, the heart does not get enough oxygen, which can lead to serious problems, including…
Brain Disorders Introduction: Understanding brain disorders in Africa Many Africans have heard about brain disorders, but few understand what they really are. Brain disorders affect millions of people worldwide, including in Africa. Studies suggest that conditions such as epilepsy, stroke, and mental health disorders are common across the continent. For instance, the world health organization…
Body Piercings and Tattoos What are piercings and tattoos? In many African societies, body modifications such as piercings and tattoos have cultural and personal significance. Some tribes use them for identity, beauty, or rites of passage. However, modern tattoos and piercings have become a global trend, with millions of people, especially the youth, embracing them…
Blood Cell Disorders What are blood cell disorders? Blood cell disorders are health conditions that affect the components of your blood—red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. These cells are made in your bone marrow (the soft tissue inside your bones) and each plays a vital role: When something goes wrong with any of…
Joint pain What is Joint Pain? Joints are the parts of your body where two or more bones meet, allowing movement. Examples include the shoulders, hips, elbows, and knees. Joint pain refers to discomfort, aches, or soreness in any of these areas. It is a common health issue among Africans, affecting young and old alike,…
Typhoid Fever What is typhoid fever? Typhoid fever is a serious infection caused by bacteria called Salmonella typhi. It spreads easily through contaminated water and food and affects millions of people every year. In Africa, where access to clean water and proper sanitation is a challenge in many areas, typhoid remains a major public health…
Tuberculosis What is tuberculosis?Tuberculosis (TB), is a highly infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1.5 million people died from the disease in 2020. A bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes TB. A variety of TB strains exist, and some of these have become resistant to medication. What is tuberculosis (TB)? Tuberculosis,…
Trachoma What is trachoma? Imagine waking up one day with itchy, swollen eyes, only to discover that over time, your vision starts to blur permanently. This is the reality for millions of people suffering from trachoma, an eye infection that, if left untreated, can lead to irreversible blindness. Trachoma is caused by a bacterium called…
Sleeping Sickness What is African sleeping sickness? Imagine you or a loved one suddenly feeling extremely tired during the day, unable to focus, and eventually struggling with memory loss and confusion. This could be more than just stress or lack of sleep, it could be African sleeping sickness (also called human African trypanosomiasis, HAT). This…
Skin Disorders Introduction: Why you should care about your skin? Your skin is the largest organ of your body. It protects you from infections, helps regulate body temperature, and gives you your unique appearance. But just like any other part of the body, your skin can develop problems. In Africa, where the sun is strong…