Urinary Tract Infection What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)? A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that affects parts of the urinary system, which includes the bladder, kidneys, ureters, and urethra. UTIs happen when bacteria, fungi, or viruses get into the urinary tract, leading to discomfort and other symptoms. UTIs are very common,…
Safe Sex Safe Sex Understanding Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Sex is a natural part of life, but unsafe sex can expose you to serious health risks. One of the biggest risks is getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI), which is an infection passed from one person to another through sexual contact. This can happen through…
Syphillis What is syphilis? Syphilis is a serious infection that affects many people in Africa, but not enough people talk about it. It is caused by a tiny germ called Treponema pallidum, and it spreads mainly through unprotected sex. Many Africans may not know they have syphilis because it can stay in the body for…
HIV What is HIV? HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that weakens the body’s defense system, making it hard to fight off diseases. It does this by attacking special cells called CD4 cells (a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infections). When untreated, HIV reduces the number of these cells,…
Gonorrhea What is gonorrhea? Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It spreads through unprotected sexual contact and can affect different parts of the body, including the private parts, throat, and eyes. Gonorrhea is one of the most reported STIs in Africa. According to the…
Genital Herpes Introduction: Why you should care about genital herpes? Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a growing concern in Africa, affecting millions of people every year. Genital herpes is one such infection, yet many people don’t know they have it because they don’t show symptoms. According to studies, genital herpes affects about 30% to 40%…
Chlamydia What is chlamydia? Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI) caused by bacteria. It is very easy to spread because most people who have it do not show any symptoms. In Africa, chlamydia is a major health issue, affecting millions of young people. For example, studies show that in Ghana,…
Condom What is a condom? A condom is a simple and effective tool for preventing both unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Condoms work as a protective barrier, stopping sperm from reaching an egg during sex. They also prevent direct skin contact and the exchange of body fluids that can spread infections….