The African region has emerged as a global leader in the fight against HIV, achieving significant milestones in the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, according to Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa. In a statement marking World AIDS Day 2024, Dr. Moeti commended the continent’s progress in diagnosing, treating, and achieving viral suppression among people living with HIV. Seven African countries have already met the UNAIDS targets, which aim for 95% of people living with HIV to know their status, 95% of those diagnosed to be on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment to achieve…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
Research by the University of Bonn and CABI’s Regional Centre for Africa in Nairobi, Kenya, revealed that animal products, including milk, eggs, and fish significantly enhance childhood nutrition in Africa. Drawing from representative data covering over 32,000 child observations in five African countries, the research demonstrates that diets incorporating animal products effectively reduce malnutrition and associated developmental deficiencies. The study’s findings are published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) and remain embargoed until December 2, 2024, at 9 p.m. CET. Globally, approximately 150 million children under five experience stunted growth, a condition linked to insufficient nutrient…
This week, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is on a State visit to France just after his return from Brazil. This is the Nigerian president’s first State visit to France since 2000. My good friend, Prof Marc-Antoine Pérouse de Montclos, in an article on the visit in Jeune Afrique magazine, argues that the stake for France is to improve its relationship with Africa’s most populous country after the catastrophic disaster that followed the failure of Operation Barkhane and its being chased out of the Sahel. He doubts that much can be gained by the visit given the troubles of governance in…
36 kilograms is the average amount of plastic packaging waste generated by a single EU citizen per year. Longer-term projections are equally grim, with the amount of plastic waste estimated to triple by 2060 globally. Increasing consumption is driving the search for alternatives – biodegradable and durable materials that would not only replace but also outperform synthetic plastics. Today, bioplastics are often named as one of the solutions for a more sustainable future, yet few know that this material is not a result of recent scientific work. Back in 1926, a French researcher Maurice Lemoigne discovered a way to produce bioplastic…
Documents from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) have revealed state governments’ contributions to non-import VAT pool. Agora Policy, on its X handle @AgoraPolicy highlighted the contributions of the non-import VAT pool made by the states between January and October 2024. In the 10 months, the lowest contribution was N3.33bn (Imo) while the highest was N2.21trn (Lagos). Within that period, four states contributed less than N10 billion; 26 states contributed between N10 billion and N50 billion; three states contributed between N51 billion and N100 billion and three states contributed above N100 billion. The states that contributed less than N10 billion…
Tech professionals are now well-practised in using ChatGPT for coding and development, including the new Canvas feature. However, the AI can still make mistakes. By Megan Crouse Two years ago, on Nov. 30, ChatGPT burst onto the scene, igniting a global fascination with generative AI and transforming it into a must-watch innovation for both consumers and technology professionals. Since then, ChatGPT has expanded, and the wheels of AI regulation have started to turn. TechRepublic asked tech professionals how their work with ChatGPT has evolved, both personally and within the broader tech industry. New features introduced in 2024 Over the last…
Snoring (Sleep Apnea) isn’t just an annoying bedtime soundtrack it’s a warning sign. What if you are told this common issue could damage your health in ways you never knew? What do you need to know? What is sleep apnea? Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions can last a few seconds to minutes and may occur numerous times throughout the night. There are three main types of sleep apnea: – Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): The most common type, where the airway becomes blocked or collapses during sleep. – Central sleep…
Malaria is not always gone for good after treatment. Have you ever wondered why it comes back? You should know the difference between reoccurrence and recrudescence and how to protect yourself from both! Malaria can be a stubborn disease, sometimes returning even after successful treatment. It is important to understand the difference between reoccurrence and recrudescence to manage expectations when it comes to malaria treatment. Reoccurrence This refers to the return of malaria after complete clearance from the bloodstream This can happen if you get bitten by another infected mosquito, introducing a new malaria infection. It’s essentially a new infection…
Vitamin deficiencies can show up in subtle ways, often mistaken for other health issues. Spotting these signs early can help address the deficiency before it worsens. Here are a few common signs to look out for: Fatigue Low energy or unusual tiredness could mean a lack of vitamins like B12, D, or iron. These nutrients are vital for energy production. Brittle Hair & Nails Weak or splitting nails and hair often signal a lack of biotin (Vitamin B7), which supports hair, skin, and nail health. Mouth ulcers or cracks at the corners of your mouth Painful sores around the mouth…
Last week, the Africa Climate Summit was held in Nairobi, Kenya. The conference was attended by key delegates from African countries, international organisations, and the private sector. The summit was a significant event for Africa, as it was the first time African leaders had come together to discuss climate change on a continent-wide scale. It also served as a platform for multiple electric vehicle (EV) companies—including BasiGo, which serves Nairobi with 20 electric buses for public transport—to showcase their products. The argument is that vehicles powered by fossil fuels are bad for the environment, and there is a need to shift focus…