NovaTalks

  In the current #digital revolution and transformation agenda, access to technology and the #internet has become a crucial aspect of education and overall #development. This holds true not only for developed nations but also for emerging regions like #Africa. As we celebrate the #International Day of the #African #Child, can we confidently say that we have a safe digital environment for the children? While there are undeniable benefits to embracing technology, it is essential to consider the unique challenges and limitations that may arise in this context. Enhanced #Educational Opportunities : A digital environment opens up a world of educational resources, enabling children in Africa to access a wealth of information, textbooks, and e-learning platforms. This increased accessibility can bridge educational gaps and provide a level playing field, empowering children to learn at their own pace and explore diverse subjects. Expansion of #Knowledge and #Skills: Digital platforms ...

  #Nurses form the back-borne of the workforce in #Africa’s health care delivery. The continent still struggles to achieve the critical number recommended for optimal service delivery. While there has been tremendous progress in the health sector reform agenda, t he # shortage of healthcare workers in Africa is and has been a significant public health concern that has been attributed to a variety of factors. The World Health Organization ( @ WHO) estimates that there is a shortage of 2.3 million healthcare workers in sub-Saharan Africa, which has a significant impact on the ability of communities to access adequate healthcare. One of the main reasons for the shortage of healthcare workers in Africa is a lack of or inadequate investment or budget allocation in the healthcare sector. Many African governments do not invest enough in healthcare infrastructure, such as hospitals and clinics, and in the training and education of healthcare workers , even after endorsing the Abuja...

#Menstrual #health is a crucial issue that affects a significant portion of the population in #Africa. However, the topic is often considered a private matter and not discussed openly, leading to a lack of education and access to resources. With almost 50% of the population having access to a GSM enabled device, this is an opportunity for demystifying taboos and democratizing information around menstrual health. In many African cultures, menstruation is seen as a taboo subject and not to be talked about in public. This can lead to a lack of education on menstrual health and can make it difficult for women and young #girls to access the resources they need during their period. This can include #sanitary products, clean water, and education on how to properly manage menstrual hygiene. The lack of #education and resources can lead to serious health problems for women in Africa. For example, a lack of access to sanitary products can lead to the use of unhygienic materials such as rags, whi...

  #Menstrual #health is an important aspect of overall health and well-being for #women and #girls. However, it is not always included in the definition of health put forth by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." While menstruation is a normal and healthy bodily function, it is not always considered in discussions of overall health. This can lead to a lack of attention and resources dedicated to addressing menstrual health issues. Problems with menstrual health can include heavy or irregular periods, painful cramps, and difficulty accessing sanitary products. These issues can have a significant impact on a person's physical and mental well-being, as well as their ability to participate in daily activities. In addition, menstrual health is closely linked to issues such as #poverty, lack of education, and limited access to healthca...

                       Neglected tropical diseases ( # NTDs) are a group of parasitic and bacterial infections that affect more than one billion people, mostly in low- and middle-income countries ( # LMICs). They cause significant # morbidity and # mortality, yet remain largely neglected and underfunded. Improving access to NTD treatment and care in LMICs is a significant challenge that requires a multifaceted approach. Investing in NTDs is a global # health and development success story. So far, 47 countries have eliminated an NTD, showing progress is possible. In 2020, 600 million fewer people required interventions against NTDs than in 2010. Yet, for some time, a lack of resources has been seen as a significant barrier to the control, elimination, and eradication of NTDs. This challenge has only been intensified by # COVID-19 which has caused severe delays and disruption to NTD programmes, as well as a massive repurposing ...