Leprosy Introduction: Leprosy in Africa Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a bacterial infection that has affected people for centuries. Although many think it is a disease of the past, leprosy still exists today, particularly in some parts of Africa, Asia, and South America. According to the world health organization (WHO), Africa recorded over…
Leishmaniasis Introduction: Leishmaniasis in Africa? Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by tiny parasites (leishmania) that are spread by the bites of infected sand flies. It is more common in tropical and subtropical areas, including parts of Africa. According to the world health organization (WHO), over 600 million people in Africa are at risk of leishmaniasis,…
Hypertension What is hypertension? Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure, a condition where the force of blood against the walls of your blood vessels is too high. This makes your heart work harder than normal and increases the risk of serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. In Africa,…
HPV Introduction: Why you should care about HPV Did you know that human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common viral infections in the world? In Africa, millions of men and women carry this virus without even knowing it. HPV is responsible for about 70% of cervical cancer cases, which is one of the…
Hernia What is Hernia? A hernia is when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscles or tissues that hold it in place. In Africa, many people believe that hernias are caused by carrying heavy loads or eating certain foods, but this is not entirely true. Hernias often result from weak…
Hemorrhoids What are hemorrhoids (piles)? Hemorrhoids, commonly known as “piles” or “kookoo” in some African communities, are swollen veins in the lower rectum or around the anus. They are similar to varicose veins that appear on the legs but occur in a more sensitive area. Hemorrhoids can be internal (inside the rectum) or external (around…
Heartburn What is heartburn? Have you ever felt a burning pain in your chest after eating a heavy meal, spicy food, or drinking a fizzy drink? That burning sensation, sometimes accompanied by a sour taste in your mouth, is what we call heartburn. It happens when acid from the stomach moves up into the food…
Guinea Worm What is guinea worm? Guinea worm disease, also known as dracunculiasis, is a painful infection caused by the guinea worm (Dracunculus medinensis). Decades ago, millions of people in Africa suffered from this disease, but today, thanks to strong prevention efforts, it has become rare. However, it still affects some rural communities in countries…
Glaucoma Introduction: Why glaucoma matters in Africa? Imagine waking up one day and realizing that your vision is slowly fading without any warning. This is the reality of glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. In Africa, where access to eye care is often limited, glaucoma is a major health concern. According to…
Fungal Skin Infection What is a fungal infection? Fungi are tiny organisms that live everywhere in the soil, on plants, and even on human skin. Most of the time, they don’t cause problems, but when they grow too fast or enter the skin through a cut, they can lead to an infection. Since fungi thrive…