Food Poisoning What is food poisoning? Food poisoning, also called foodborne illness, happens when a person eats food that is contaminated, spoiled, or toxic. This can happen due to bacteria, viruses, or parasites in food. In Africa, food poisoning is common, especially when food is not handled or stored properly. How common is food poisoning…
Epilepsy What is epilepsy? Epilepsy is a brain condition that causes repeated seizures. A seizure happens when there is a sudden rush of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, leading to shaking, confusion, or loss of awareness. A person is diagnosed with epilepsy when they have two or more seizures that are not caused by…
Ebola Understanding Ebola? Ebola is a deadly disease that has affected many African countries, causing fear and loss. It is a virus that spreads from animals to humans and then from person to person. The first cases of Ebola were recorded in 1976 in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), near the Ebola…
Eating Disorders What is eating disorders? Many Africans believe that being overweight is a sign of good living or wealth, while being thin is often linked to poverty or illness. However, eating disorders are serious health conditions that affect both the overweight and the underweight. These conditions can lead to malnutrition, obesity, and life-threatening complications…
Type 1 Diabetes Understanding type 1 diabetes? Imagine your body as a car. To move, it needs fuel. The food we eat is broken down into a type of fuel called glucose (sugar). But the body needs a special key insulin to unlock the cells and let the glucose in. People with type 1 diabetes…
Type 2 Diabetes What is type 2 diabetes? Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition where the sugar (glucose) levels in the blood become too high. This happens because the body is unable to use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps move sugar from the blood into the body’s cells for energy. When…
Dengue What is dengue fever? Dengue fever, sometimes called “break-bone fever,” is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes. Unlike malaria, which is spread by Anopheles mosquitoes, dengue fever is transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. This disease is common in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Africa. Dengue is a serious health concern worldwide. Every…
Deafness What is deafness or hearing loss? Hearing loss, also called deafness, happens when a person cannot hear sound clearly in one or both ears. This can be partial or complete and usually develops over time. In Africa, hearing loss is more common than many people realize. According to the world health organization (WHO), over…
Constipation What is constipation? Constipation is when you find it difficult to pass stool (poop), or you go for several days without using the toilet. It means having hard, dry bowel movements or passing stool fewer than three times a week. In Africa, many people experience constipation due to low fiber diets, not drinking enough…
Cholera Cholera What is cholera? Cholera is a dangerous disease that spreads through contaminated water. It is caused by tiny germs called Vibrio cholerae bacteria. When a person drinks or eats food contaminated with these germs, they can fall very sick. Most people with cholera may not feel sick at all, but some experience severe…