Cancer What is cancer? Cancer is a disease that happens when the body’s cells start to grow uncontrollably. Instead of dying when they should, these abnormal cells keep multiplying and can spread to other parts of the body. This spreading is called metastasis, and it is what makes cancer life-threatening. Cancer is a major health…
Burns What are burns? Burns are one of the most common household injuries, especially among children, the elderly, and women in low-income communities. A burn is not just the painful sensation felt after contact with something hot. It is a serious injury where the skin is damaged, sometimes so badly that it dies. In Africa,…
Bug Bites Introduction: Why you should care about bug bites In Africa, bug bites are more than just a minor annoyance. Many insects carry diseases that can be life-threatening. For example, mosquitoes are responsible for spreading malaria, which affects millions of Africans each year. In 2021 alone, Africa accounted for 95% of global malaria cases…
Breast Cancer What is cancer? Cancer happens when certain cells in the body start growing out of control. Normally, cells grow, divide, and die in an orderly way, but cancer cells don’t follow this process. Instead, they multiply quickly and can spread to different parts of the body. What is breast cancer? Breast cancer is…
Blindness What is blindness? Blindness is the inability to see anything, including light. Some people may have partial blindness, which means they can see some shapes, shadows, or have cloudy vision but cannot see clearly. Others may have night blindness, making it hard to see in the dark, or tunnel vision, where they can only…
Bilharzia (Schistosomiasis) What is bilharzia? Bilharzia, also known as schistosomiasis, is a disease caused by tiny parasitic worms called cercariae. These worms enter the human body when a person comes into contact with freshwater sources like lakes, rivers, or streams contaminated with infected snail hosts. The disease can remain in a person’s body for years,…
Asthma Introduction: How common is asthma in Africa? Asthma is a common lung disease that affects how people breathe. In Africa, many people live with asthma without even knowing it, and this can be dangerous. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 300 million people worldwide suffer from asthma, with Ghana recording a country…
Appendicitis What is appendicitis? Appendicitis is a condition where the appendix, a small finger-like pouch attached to the large intestine, becomes swollen and painful. This usually happens because something blocks it, leading to an infection. The appendix is located in the lower right side of your stomach. Many people wonder why we have an appendix…
Anaemia What is anaemia? Imagine your body as a car. For it to run smoothly, it needs fuel. In the same way, your body needs oxygen to function properly. Oxygen is carried by red blood cells, which act like little transporters in your bloodstream. Anaemia happens when your body does not have enough red blood…
Alzhemier’s Disease What is Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys a person’s memory, ability to think, and even their ability to perform simple daily tasks. It is one of the most common causes of dementia, a condition that affects how the brain functions. Unlike normal aging, where a person may…