#public health

Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has cautioned Kenyans against self-medication with antibiotics, highlighting that the misuse of these medications is contributing to the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance in the country. She emphasized the importance of seeking professional medical advice before taking antibiotics to combat this issue.

Kenya is facing challenges in ensuring access to affordable, nutritious, and safe food for its growing population. As pesticide use increases, there are rising concerns regarding public health and food security. Experts emphasize that long-term food security relies not only on agricultural production but also on food safety, healthy ecosystems, and resilient agricultural systems, according to KBC.

The article discusses the significance of health data as a public health asset and a strategic resource that influences scientific knowledge, economic value, and technological advancement. It specifically examines Tanzania's position in relation to the America First Global Health Strategy and raises questions about data sovereignty.

The Public Health and Infectious Disease Management Practitioners Association of Nigeria (PHIDMPAN) has called on the National Assembly to ensure that the proposed National Institute for Public Health and Infectious Diseases (NIPHID) features inclusive, multidisciplinary leadership. The association emphasized that Nigeria's health security should not be dominated by a single professional group.

Lagos State reported the highest number of HIV diagnoses in Nigeria for the year 2025, highlighting persistent public health issues in the nation's most populous city. Experts are stressing the importance of early testing to address these concerns.

Experts have called on the Federal Government to enhance the implementation of clean cooking policies and increase investment in electric cooking. They warn that millions of households continue to depend on polluting fuels, which pose risks to public health, contribute to climate change, and worsen poverty.

As of 2022, South Africa hosted approximately 2.4 million international migrants, representing 3.9% of the population, primarily from the Southern African Development Community region. Public health professionals have highlighted the economic contributions of these immigrants, noting their role in fostering economic growth and diversity, according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).

Health-e News discusses the need for health system reform in South Africa to effectively combat tuberculosis (TB). The article emphasizes that while tools to end TB are available, the organization and financing of the health system must be improved to ensure these resources reach those in need.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced plans to expand cancer treatment services to improve public access and alleviate patient burdens. During the inauguration of a new radiotherapy unit, she also called for research into the rising cases of cancer and heart diseases among children.

As Nigeria observes International Widows Day, Mrs. Comfort Adedayo, CEO of Comfort and Grace Women Initiative, highlights the increasing mental health challenges faced by widows in the country. This trend raises significant public health concerns, as discussed in her interview with Sade Oguntola.

The White House is preparing to request over $1.4 billion in new funding from Congress to tackle the expanding Ebola virus outbreak, which has now reached France, according to ThisDay Live. The funding aims to address the public health crisis as it escalates.

According to Punch, an adviser to Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu has emphasized that Nigeria's clean cooking initiative has the potential to enhance economic growth, generate employment opportunities, and improve public health. The initiative aims to promote cleaner cooking methods across the country.

The US Department of Health and Human Services has declared the conclusion of the monitoring period for the hantavirus, indicating that the outbreak has eased. This decision reflects a significant reduction in cases and a return to normal public health operations, according to Al Jazeera.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued new warnings regarding the resurgence of yellow fever outbreaks in Africa and the Americas. This troubling trend highlights the ongoing public health challenges posed by the disease in these regions.

The Lagos State Government has advised residents of Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki, and Epe to stay vigilant and implement preventive measures against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) to protect public health. This announcement was made by Dr. Monsurat, the Permanent Secretary of Health District III, as part of the state's efforts to ensure community safety.

A study by researchers at the Makerere School of Public Health indicates that Uganda has successfully eliminated endogenous cholera, which refers to outbreaks or transmission originating entirely within the country. The findings are part of a broader analysis titled ‘Uganda’s Cholera Elimination Journey in a Cholera Endemic...’

Allergy and immunology specialists in Africa are urging that allergic diseases be recognized as a public health priority, highlighting that millions suffer from underdiagnosed and poorly managed conditions. This call to action coincides with World Allergy Week 2026, as the African Alliance for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (AFRICALLI) emphasizes the need for improved care and recognition of these health issues across the continent.

Raw sewage in a Limpopo village has contaminated the Senwamokgope River, raising concerns among residents about potential disease and water contamination. The pollution has left the community without a reliable source of water, according to Health-e News.

Uganda recently closed its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo to prevent the spread of Ebola, as the Congo faces a significant outbreak with over 1,000 suspected and confirmed cases and more than 250 deaths reported as of May 27, 2026, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Public health experts suggest that such border closures may not be the most effective strategy in managing the outbreak.

Recent research findings have raised alarm among health authorities in South Africa due to a disturbing spike in the rate of Fetal Alcohol Disorder. This increase has prompted concerns regarding public health and the need for effective interventions to address the issue.