Latest data from the World of Statistics based on the WHO/UNICEF’s Joint Monitoring Programme, the highest percentages of people practicing open defecation are found primarily in African countries, with Eritrea leading at 67%, followed closely by Niger (65%), Chad (63%), and South Sudan (60%). Benin and Namibia also face significant challenges with 49% and 37% respectively. Other African countries like Liberia (35%) and Madagascar (34%) have similarly high rates. Nigeria shows an 18% rate of open defecation, representing a large number of people given its population size, although the country has been working on sanitation campaigns to reduce this practice,…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
Nigeria’s Prof. Ademola Adenle won the inaugural global M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace, recognizing his outstanding contributions to food security, climate justice, rural development, and empowering vulnerable communities. The award was presented at the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and honors the legacy of Professor M.S. Swaminathan, known as the “Father of India’s Green Revolution”. Prof. Adenle is a senior special adviser on agricultural innovation in Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture. His work covers biosciences, renewable energy, public health, and policy advocacy aimed at improving livelihoods in Africa and…
Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has officially rejected a proposal from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to conduct trials of a new hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) that can prevent pregnancy for up to eight years in Namibia. The President strongly condemned the initiative, calling it a profound injustice to the Namibian people and humanity. In her statement, President Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized that Namibia, with a population of just over 3 million people, should not be subject to population control measures that would hinder its human potential. She pointed out that if any country needed to consider population growth control, it would…
In a major boost for women-led agribusinesses, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has officially launched its flagship women-focused initiative, VALUE4HER, in Dakar, Senegal. Themed “Powering Senegal’s Food Future through Women-Led Agribusinesses,” the launch marks a strategic step in positioning women agripreneurs at the centre of Senegal’s agricultural transformation. The timing is significant, coming just weeks before the country hosts Africa’s largest agricultural gathering — the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) — scheduled for 31 August to 5 September 2025. The event brought together a diverse coalition of stakeholders, including women-led agribusiness founders, cooperative leaders, government officials…
At least five Al Jazeera journalists and media staff were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a media tent at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, according to the network. Those killed included prominent reporters Anas Al-Sharif and Mohammed Qraiqea. Al Jazeera, citing the director of Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City, said correspondents Anas Al-Sharif and Mohammed Qraiqea were killed on when their tent near the hospital complex was struck on Sunday night, local time. In a later update, Al Jazeera reported that the death toll had risen to five, including photographers and camera operators Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen…
In a nation where access to healthcare often depends more on one’s wallet than on one’s condition, the death of Senator Ibrahim Musa Kontagora is both shocking and painfully familiar. Having served Niger North from 2011 to 2015, he was denied critical surgery when he couldn’t pay the full bill—despite already depositing half the amount. It is a heartbreaking reminder: even for someone with relative privilege and political stature, inadequate finances can mean the difference between life and death. Sadly, this isn’t an isolated case—it is a reality that millions of Nigerians face every day. A system in crisis: When…
As of 2025, electricity access rates in key African countries show notable progress but also reveal ongoing challenges. Ghana leads with a national electricity access rate of 89.5%, followed closely by South Africa at 87.7%. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, trails with a significantly lower access rate of 61.2%. Ghana’s relatively high electricity access reflects substantial efforts in expanding its power generation and distribution capacities. The country’s energy mix is dominated by hydropower, thermal energy, and gas, with growing investments in renewables such as solar. Ghana has achieved about 74% electrification in rural areas and 94% in urban zones, with…
Florida scientists are deploying a surprising new weapon in the fight against invasive Burmese pythons in the Everglades — robot bunnies. Researchers at the University of Florida have developed solar-powered mechanical rabbits designed to mimic the heat, movement, and scent of real marsh rabbits, one of the pythons’ favorite meals. The innovative project, led by wildlife ecologist Robert McCleery, aims to lure the snakes out of hiding so they can be tracked and removed. Each robotic decoy is equipped with motors, heaters, motion sensors, and cameras. When a python approaches, the sensors alert researchers, enabling them to observe the predator’s…
In the 2025 Passport Index, passport strength for African nations reveals significant disparities in visa-free travel access. South Africa leads with visa-free access to 63 countries, followed by Ghana with access to 43 countries, and Nigeria with access to 27 countries. This ranking underscores the varying degrees of international mobility afforded to citizens of these nations. South Africa’s passport strength reflects its broader global diplomatic relations and agreements enabling freer travel compared to its regional counterparts. Ghana offers moderate global mobility, while Nigeria’s passport remains among the least powerful on the continent in terms of visa-free access. For context, global…
A growing body of dental research is prompting early risers to reconsider their morning brushing routines. A recent article in Good Housekeeping, written by Kaitlyn Phoenix, shares expert advice from dentists on whether to brush the teeth should happen before or after breakfast. Why brushing before breakfast wins Dental professionals overwhelmingly agree that if you only brush once in the morning, it should be done before you eat. Dr. Steven J. Katz, DDS, MS, president of the American Association of Endodontists, explains that brushing first thing in the morning removes plaque and bacteria that build up overnight when saliva flow…