Joint pain can be very frustrating, be it a dull ache, stiffness, or even sharp discomfort that makes it difficult to move with ease. One of the things people make out of it is that it usually comes from old age. However, that’s not always the case. Anyone can experience joint pain as a result of some injuries, inflammation, infections, autoimmune diseases, or even lifestyle choices. So, what’s the way out? Let’s break it down: Identify the causes Before jumping into what can resolve the issue, it’s important to first understand why you’re experiencing the joint pain. Here are some…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
The recurrence rate of vulvo candidiasis is through the roof. Some women experience it every month! There’re eight possible reasons you keep having this infection. What is vulvo candidiasis? Vulvo candidiasis is a fungal infection of the lower female reproductive tract. It is also called ‘thrush’ or ‘yeast’ infection. This infection is very common, 75% of all women are likely to have at least one episode in their lifetime. What are its causes? 90% of candidiasis cases are caused by Candida albicans. Candida albicans are present as part of the vaginal flora, however it causes an infection when there’s an…
The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and Rwanda’s Ministry of Information Communication Technology and Innovation (MINICT) have joined forces to establish the Rwanda Food Innovation Hub, a groundbreaking initiative designed to revolutionize food systems and strengthen agricultural resilience across Africa. This partnership aims to empower smallholder farmers, foster inclusive markets and financing, and enhance agricultural systems, ultimately driving increased food production, improved nutrition, and greater climate resilience. A vision for sustainable growth The initiative aligns with Rwanda’s national development priorities, leveraging technology and innovation to support economic growth, reduce poverty, and enhance food security. It also reinforces…
One of the hardest decisions people make daily is what food to eat. Questions like, “Is this healthy?” “How many calories does this contain?” are the order of day. It doesn’t help that FAT (as a food class) has been demonized. Let’s talk about it. “FAT” isn’t always bad, however not all fats are equal. Your body needs fat for energy, brain function, production of hormones and for absorbing vitamins like A,D,E and K. Some fats are great for your health, while others silently harm the body. How do you differentiate? There’re three types: Saturated fat Unsaturated fat Trans fat…
AGRA has partnered with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to promote climate-resilient, sustainable agriculture and reduce food loss across Africa. Under GCF’s pilot Project-Specific Assessment Approach (PSAA), the RE-GAIN initiative will implement innovative solutions to help smallholder farmers adapt to climate change while enhancing food security. Aligned with GCF’s commitment to accelerating climate action, the program will strengthen smallholder resilience by promoting large-scale adoption of food loss reduction solutions (FL-RS) and lowering the carbon footprint of agri-food systems in seven host countries. By leveraging public-private partnerships, the initiative aims to enhance economic stability and long-term agricultural resilience in Africa. RE-GAIN…
Certain medications can affect your dreams — and not always in a good way. Vivid dreams and nightmares can be an unexpected side effect of several medications and supplements, such as melatonin, beta blockers, and antidepressants. And while they don’t happen to everyone, it’s helpful to be aware of some of the most common offenders. Here’s a list of medications that are most likely to affect your dreams. Key takeaways: Some medications, such as melatonin, Ambien (zolpidem), and Chantix (varenicline), can cause vivid dreams and nightmares. These dreams can be bothersome, but typically aren’t dangerous to your health. Other medications that can…
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has announced the winners of the Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards 2024, recognizing outstanding contributions from African researchers in the fields of women’s health and reproductive care. Five researchers from five African countries were honored under two categories: Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers. Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Chairperson of MARS, commended the winners for their contributions to scientific research in Africa, particularly in areas where women researchers remain underrepresented. She reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to empowering young African scientists, especially…
Shortness of breath isn’t always the result of a lung disease like asthma, pneumonia, or emphysema. Sometimes, medications can cause it. Key takeaways: Rarely, medications can cause new breathing problems or worsen lung conditions you already have. Some people are at a higher risk than others — especially those with lung disease, a history of smoking, and folks taking chemotherapy or rheumatological medications. If you notice shortness of breath after starting a new treatment, let your healthcare professional know. You might need to stop and/or change the medication to protect your lungs. Although it’s rare, a small list of medications can lead…
In the U.S., over 40% of women and around 50% of men report having sexual problems. To live your most meaningful life, it’s important to understand factors that may lead to these problems. But did you know there is a link between certain medications and sexual health? Key takeaways: Sexual problems are common for both men and women. There are many possible causes of sexual problems, including medication. Several medications used to treat cancer, depression, and seizures can cause sexual problems. Heart failure, high blood pressure, and birth control medications can also play a role. If you think you’re having sexual problems due to…
For the first time, Africa is taking a major step toward vaccine self-sufficiency. Two landmark agreements, backed by a $1.2 billion investment from Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, are setting the stage for the continent to become a producer, not just a buyer, of life-saving vaccines. One of the agreements will establish Africa’s first end-to-end mRNA vaccine production platform, capable of manufacturing 100 million doses annually. The other strengthens cross-continental collaboration on homegrown mRNA technology. Signed in Cairo during the 2nd Vaccine & Other Health Products Manufacturing Forum, these deals mark a turning point in Africa’s health security efforts. The first…