Africa Science Focus
195 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago -Africa Science Focus is SciDev.Net's award-winning weekly podcast. We dive deep into the impacts that science has on everything from health, to technology, agriculture and life. Subscribe to get the best science and development news from the continent delivered straight to you!
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Episodes
Battling diseases of poverty
November 03, 2021 15:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBTogo became the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to eliminate the disfiguring disease elephantiasis as a public health problem in 2017, followed by Malawi in 2020. Elephantiasis occurs when parasites carried by mosquitos are transmitted to people. Infection usually occurs in childhood, and can later cause the abnormal enlargement of body parts. Despite some progress, the disease is still a major health burden across the continent – about one third of global cases of elephantiasis occur i...
From security gates to the operating room
October 27, 2021 09:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBWhen Jane Kubai fled forced marriage at the age of 11, she began working as a maid and found support to go to school. She later took a job as a security guard at a hospital in Kenya — and discovered a passion for surgery. Working day and night, Kubai studied to become a theatre technologist. And she has her eyes fixed firmly on becoming a surgeon. Recently recognised as a health hero by the Women in Global Health network, Kubai has inspired her former security colleagues to also enrol in t...
Meet Bones, SuperScientist explorer
October 20, 2021 14:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBSeason 2, Episode 8 Getting stuck deep underground with thousands of years old human remains may not sound like fun to some people, but for explorer and paleoanthropologist Keneiloe Molopyane, it is a dream come true. And, her discoveries in South Africa’s Cradle of Humankind have the potential to change the world. Molopyane is an underground astronaut, a National Geographic Society emerging explorer, and a diehard Tintin comic fan. This week on Africa Science Focus, we hear how Molopyane...
Breast cancer ‘rampant in Africa’
October 13, 2021 11:00 - 14 minutes - 10.4 MBTanzania’s first female physician says major advances have been made in health and wellbeing in the 50 years that she has worked in medicine. But, as Esther Mwaikambo tells Africa Science Focus, major challenges persist — particularly around women’s access to healthcare. She says breast cancer remains rampant in Africa, and cultural changes are needed to fully eradicate female genital mutilation. And yet, Mwaikambo’s tenacity is slowly paying off: today, there are growing numbers of female...
Engineering Africa’s banana future
October 06, 2021 11:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBUganda is among the top banana-producing countries in the world, and is home to the much-loved matoke banana — also known as the East African highland banana. But the matoke, along with many of the other banana varieties that are native to Sub-Saharan Africa, is under threat from diseases and pests. This is where Priver Namanya Bwesigye comes in. This week on Africa Science Focus, reporter Halima Athumani finds out how Namanya and her banana research team at the National Agricultural Rese...
Integrating public health, urban farming
September 29, 2021 13:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBCommunity health workers are the backbone of many health systems around the world. But, their contributions to public health are rarely recognised, and many go unpaid. Diana Nambatya Nsubuga, from the non-profit Living Goods, is working with governments across Sub-Saharan Africa to build these community heroes into their public health systems. Not only is Nsubuga a high-level public health advocate and maternal health specialist, she’s also an award-winning urban farmer who teaches the tri...
‘Witchcraft’ stigma surrounds dementia
September 22, 2021 13:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBEvery three seconds, someone around the world is diagnosed with dementia. And cases of dementia are increasing, with the largest burden felt in low- and middle-income countries. But, stigma and misunderstanding still surround dementia in Sub-Saharan Africa, and research and support are underfunded. Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia affect not only the sufferer, but also their family, friends and communities. This week on Africa Science Focus, our reporter Michael Kaloki meet...
Science leaders ‘can tackle child marriage’
September 15, 2021 12:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBEight of the ten countries in the world with the highest rates of child marriage are in Africa. According to the United Nations, 37 per cent of young women in Sub-Saharan Africa are married before they turn 18. Girls who are married are more likely to drop out of school, while girls with higher levels of education are less likely to be married as a child. This week, biostatistician and maternal health researcher Halima Twabi tells us why she’s working to keep girls studying, and why power...
Hacking Africa’s next tech geniuses
September 08, 2021 14:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBWith nine in every ten new jobs in 2030 expected to require digital skills, graduates in Africa — and young women in particular — without information and communications technology training will be left behind. Nigerian computer scientist Unoma Okorafor is striving to change that. This week on Africa Science Focus, we find out how the Working to Advance African Women foundation is equipping girls with the science and technology skills of the future, through hackathons, mentoring programmes...
The maternity taxi service saving lives in Kenya
September 01, 2021 14:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBSub-Saharan Africa has the world’s highest maternal mortality rate. While access to health facilities for births is improving for some, many women are still left behind — and the challenges women face during pregnancy and birth have been amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic. In our second season of Africa Science Focus, we’ll be shining the spotlight on the women from across Sub-Saharan Africa who are leading some of the most important science, technology and health work for the continen...
The plastic waste fueling fungal diseases
August 25, 2021 10:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBThis week we investigate how tiny plastic pieces known as microplastics are contributing to an increase in potentially fatal diseases caused by fungi. A recent study conducted in western Kenya found that a number of fungal species accumulate on microplastic particles in the soil that can cause serious medical problems such as swelling in the lungs. Our reporter, Dann Okoth speaks to mycology experts about how these fungal infections are affecting Sub-Saharan Africa. Send us your quest...
Malaria mosquito thriving in cities
August 18, 2021 13:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBAnopheles stephensi is one of the few malaria mosquitoes that thrives in urban areas because of its ability to find clean water to lay its eggs. The World Health Organization raised the alarm on urban malaria transmission in 2019, urging aggressive action against Anopheles stephensi, which it described as a “major potential threat” to malaria elimination efforts in Africa. This week we investigate warnings that Africa has just months to react to the invasive Asian mosquito that scientis...
Narrowing the mobile gender gap
August 11, 2021 11:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBWomen in low- and middle-income countries are 15 per cent less likely to use mobile internet services than men -- that’s 234 million fewer women than men connected to the worldwide web -- according to a new report. And some of the biggest gender gaps are in Sub-Saharan Africa. This week we ask: what is blocking women from accessing these services? And how can this gender divide be bridged? Our reporter, Charles Pensulo, speaks to women in Malawi, and toMehjabeen Alarakhia, a UN policy advis...
Science 'lost in translation' in Africa
August 04, 2021 16:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBCulture, traditional knowledge, arts and language influence the development of thought in Africa. The science landscape is dominated by European languages. This week, we hear how ‘decolonising’ science and translating terms into African languages will help more people to understand, and become involved with, science. Our reporter, Halima Athumani, speaks to African language experts, while science communicator Sibusiso Biyela tells us how science fiction inspired his career. Send us your...
Africa’s great cannabis debate
July 28, 2021 11:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBIn Sub-Saharan Africa, cannabis has been in use for generations but remains illegal in many countries. Now, the debate over medical marijuana and the development of regulated cannabis industries is heating up. While many who champion the growth of cannabis say the industry could drive Africa’s development, others have questions about whether farmers and communities will be the ones who benefit. Our reporter Michael Kaloki takes to the streets to hear public opinion, and speaks to Gama ...
AgriAfrica: Blockchain for farming
July 21, 2021 14:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBBlockchain technology is gaining supporters in Sub-Saharan Africa, and advocates say it could have a growing role in agriculture. This week, our reporter Halima Athumani investigates how blockchain can provide digital identities, access to credit, land and inputs for farmers in Africa. This is the third and final episode in our AgriAfrica mini-series, where we’ve been digging into the continent’s agricultural infrastructure to find out more about food loss, food safety, and how to make foo...
AgriAfrica: Toxins threaten food safety
July 14, 2021 10:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBIn Africa, unsafe food causes illness, puts pressure on public health systems and hinders progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals to end poverty and hunger by 2030. According to the World Health Organization, each year about 600 million people around the world become ill after eating contaminated food. This is the second episode of our new mini-series,AgriAfrica, where we’re digging into the continent’s agricultural infrastructure. This week, our reporter Charles Pensulo investi...
AgriAfrica: Food loss driving hunger
July 07, 2021 12:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBIn Sub-Saharan Africa, on-farm losses of fruits and vegetables were the highest in the world before the pandemic hit, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. The United Nations estimates that an additional 45 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia became acutely food insecure last year. Over the next three episodes Africa Science Focus will be taking a closer look at food production, as part of a new mini-series,AgriAfrica. Join us as we dig into the continent’s agricult...
‘We needed the vaccines yesterday’
June 30, 2021 09:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBCOVID-19 cases have been surging in Africa since the onset of a third wave in May. The World Health Organization is urging wealthy countries to send vaccine supplies to the continent. But, the health body also reports that some countries in Africa are facing distribution challenges and have doses that are at immediate risk of expiration. This week, Africa Science Focus investigates why Sub-Saharan Africa’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage for the first dose remains at one per cent. Our repor...
Imaging ‘the technology of our time'
June 23, 2021 13:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBWith the ability to develop knowledge on drugs, agriculture, health and the environment, microscope and imaging technologies could be the next big thing in Africa’s research landscape. But, funding and training are needed to magnify microscopy’s potential benefits. This week on Africa Science Focus, our reporter Michael Baruti meets the microscope specialists from the newly established African BioImaging Consortium, who are excited about the future of imaging on the continent. And, Math...
Africa’s emerging climate superstars
June 16, 2021 12:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBClimate change is already hitting Africa hard – from extreme weather events, to locust plagues, and failed harvests. But, international research and policy bodies, and ‘hot lists’ of influential climate scientists, rarely include African scientists. With United Nations climate talks set to take place in the United Kingdom in November, Africa Science Focus reporter Michael Kaloki asks whether African science can influence these critical international negotiations. We find out which climate...
Africa’s young leaders light up Europe
June 09, 2021 11:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBAcross Sub-Saharan Africa, science and development are being brought together by our creative young thinkers, activists and researchers. At this year’s European Development Days, the #EDD21 Young Leaders — including nine from Africa — will share their ideas and ambitions for a sustainable future with the world. From the continent’s national parks and major cities, three of these young leaders tell Africa Science Focus reporter Michael Kaloki how they are driving sustainable development in...
Africa’s young leaders light up Europe
June 09, 2021 11:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBAcross Sub-Saharan Africa, science and development are being brought together by our creative young thinkers, activists and researchers. At this year’s European Development Days, the #EDD21 Young Leaders — including nine from Africa — will share their ideas and ambitions for a sustainable future with the world. From the continent’s national parks and major cities, three of these young leaders tell Africa Science Focus reporter Michael Kaloki how they are driving sustainable development in...
Genetically modified mosquitoes and Africa
June 02, 2021 13:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBEpisode 44 In Sub-Saharan Africa, malaria is a leading cause of death for children under five and with an estimated 220 million cases worldwide every year, malaria remains a public health crisis. For some, genetically modified mosquitoes could be a game-changing tool in the fight against malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. But others say that genetic engineering threatens the delicate circle of life. The World Health Organization has just released an updated version of its ‘Guida...
Awakening Africa’s underground forests
May 26, 2021 11:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBSub-Saharan Africa’s vibrant rainforests support communities, lives, and livelihoods. The drylands — which include grasslands, savannahs and scrublands — are just as important. But, many of these landscapes have become degraded, and are under threat. Our reporter Michael Kaloki investigates what’s being done to rehabilitate and replenish Africa’s forests and drylands. Irene Ojuok, a champion of farmer managed natural regeneration, tells us about Africa’s sleeping underground forests, and we...
Energising Africa: internet, interrupted
May 19, 2021 15:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBThis is the final episode in our mini-series ‘Energising Africa’, where we investigate progress towards electricity, infrastructure and network access on the continent. The United Nations declared internet access a human right in 2016. But network disruptions remain an everyday part of life in Sub-Saharan Africa, and some analysts say there is an increasing trend of governments blocking internet access during elections or civil unrest. Reporting from Tanzania, Michael Baruti investigates ...
Energising Africa: crude oil vs climate
May 12, 2021 15:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBEpisode 41 This week, we continue with the second episode in our mini-series ‘Energising Africa’, where we investigate progress towards electricity, infrastructure and network access on the continent. Our reporter Halima Athumani has been mining for information about the East African Crude Oil Pipeline. What environmental, social and economic impacts could the world's longest heated crude oil pipeline have in Uganda and Tanzania? And with less than half of the countries’ populations con...
Energising Africa: energy poverty rising
May 05, 2021 13:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBEpisode 40 Clean energy can power sustainable economic growth by improving access to knowledge, boosting health and wellbeing, and improving the lives of women and children, the United Nations says. This week on Africa Science Focus, reporter Michael Baruti asks whether universal access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy can be achieved in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, in the face of disruptions caused by the pandemic. This episode is the first in a special three-part series, ‘...
Artemisinin resistance and malaria vaccines
April 28, 2021 14:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBEpisode 39 With the confirmation that malaria parasites in Rwanda have developed resistance to artemisinin — a first-line drug used to treat malaria, which kills around 400,000 people a year worldwide — public health teams in Africa are asking what this could mean for the battle against malaria. Elsewhere on the continent, malaria vaccine trials have reported success. This week on Africa Science Focus, reporter Charles Pensulo speaks to Karen Barnes from the University of Cape Town, wh...
Giving plastic waste a new life
April 21, 2021 14:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBEpisode 38 With millions of tonnes of plastic waste produced each year on the continent, Africa Science Focus investigates how communities are managing this plastic tsunami. This week, we speak to a team who set sail across Lake Victoria in a dhow made of recycled plastics and flip flops, and our reporter Michael Kaloki meets with activist James Wakibia, who’s taking his campaign against single-use plastics Africa-wide. Carole Excell from the World Resources Institute tells us what more ...
Behind the wall: Africa’s prison health crisis
April 14, 2021 16:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBEpisode 37 Africa’s prisons are hotbeds of disease and hunger — problems that have been heightened by COVID-19, a lack of resources and poor planning, health and rights advocates tell Africa Science Focus. This week, reporter Charles Pensulo speaks to a former inmate of Malawi’s notoriously overcrowded prisons, who tells us what life was like behind the walls. We hear about the public health threat from tuberculosis and HIV from Thokozile Phiri-Nkhoma, the executive director of Facilita...
Family planning lags as myths persist
April 07, 2021 13:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBEpisode 36 Cultural and social norms, and myths about how modern contraceptives affect men’s virility are just some of the reasons why the uptake of contraception remains low in Sub-Saharan Africa, despite increasing demand. This week on Africa Science Focus, Effie Chipeta from the Malawi College of Medicine tells us about the growing demand for contraceptives, while Tazirwa Chipeta speaks about the services available from the Family Planning Association of Malawi. Over in Uganda, Moses ...
Family planning lags as myths persist
April 07, 2021 13:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBEpisode 36 Cultural and social norms, and myths about how modern contraceptives affect men’s virility are just some of the reasons why the uptake of contraception remains low in Sub-Saharan Africa, despite increasing demand. This week on Africa Science Focus, Effie Chipeta from the Malawi College of Medicine tells us about the growing demand for contraceptives, while Tazirwa Chipeta speaks about the services available from the Family Planning Association of Malawi. Over in Uganda, Moses ...
In Africa, music is life — and health
March 31, 2021 14:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBEpisode 35 Music is at the heart of many African cultures. Now, music is taking centre stage in health communication and treatment — particularly in rural communities, where access to television, radio, the internet and electricity is limited. This week on Africa Science Focus, we hear how music can be a game-changer when it comes to fighting disease. Edward Kabuye has been drumming up interest in cancer and HIV for years, while Joy Mugambi from the World Organization of Family Doctors Af...
COVID-19: What’s next for Tanzania?
March 24, 2021 16:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBEpisode 34 Samia Suluhu Hassan has been sworn in as the president of Tanzania, after the death of President John Magufuli was announced on 17 March. While supporters praised his pursuit of development, Magufuli’s approach to the coronavirus pandemic was controversial. Africa Science Focus reporter Michael Baruti is in Dar es Salaam, the country’s largest city, to find out what Tanzania’s COVID-19 future might look like. We hear from epidemiologist Angel Dillip about the need for statistics...
COVID-19: What’s next for Tanzania?
March 24, 2021 16:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBEpisode 34 Samia Suluhu Hassan has been sworn in as the president of Tanzania, after the death of President John Magufuli was announced on 17 March. While supporters praised his pursuit of development, Magufuli’s approach to the coronavirus pandemic was controversial. Africa Science Focus reporter Michael Baruti is in Dar es Salaam, the country’s largest city, to find out what Tanzania’s COVID-19 future might look like. We hear from epidemiologist Angel Dillip about the need for statistics...
Can Ebola virus be sexually transmitted?
March 17, 2021 16:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBEpisode 33 With new Ebola outbreaks in Guinea and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa Science Focus investigates whether the Ebola virus can be sexually transmitted. It is understood that the women who were the first reported patients in both countries were married to survivors of previous Ebola outbreaks. Scientists say this possible transmission link needs careful attention, without further stigmatising survivors, who face ongoing health and social challenges. We hear from the...
Can Ebola virus be sexually transmitted?
March 17, 2021 16:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBEpisode 33 With new Ebola outbreaks in Guinea and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa Science Focus investigates whether the Ebola virus can be sexually transmitted. It is understood that the women who were the first reported patients in both countries were married to survivors of previous Ebola outbreaks. Scientists say this possible transmission link needs careful attention, without further stigmatising survivors, who face ongoing health and social challenges. We hear from the...
Bananas, indigenous knowledge, and GMOs
March 10, 2021 16:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBEpisode 32 Biotechnology, indigenous knowledge, climate change and banana trees. This week, Africa Science Focus sits down with United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity executive secretary Elizabeth Maruma Mrema to discuss biodiversity and environment on the continent. With the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration officially launching in June, local solutions and innovations will play a leading role in driving sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa, Mrema says. Is there ...
East Africa’s rising flood threat
March 03, 2021 15:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBEpisode 31 About six million people were affected by floods in 2020, from Rwanda to South Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania and beyond. Flooding can lead to disease outbreaks, such as cholera, and damage livelihoods, crops and the environment. Why have floods become so bad in East Africa, and what can be done to prevent them? Africa Science Focus reporter Njenje Chizu speaks to Sally Tembo from the Environmental and Public Health Union of Zambia, environmental health technologist Henry Z...
Youth, women bridge Africa health gaps
February 24, 2021 15:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBEpisode 30 Strong health systems are essential for sustainable development, and young people and women are leading the way in creating local solutions to Africa’s health ills. Ahead of the Africa Health Agenda International Conference, 8-10 March, we hear from health leaders who say that digital innovations will accelerate progress towards universal health coverage, giving more people access to quality healthcare. Africa Science Focus reporter Charles Pensulo speaks to Amref Health Africa...
Science and you: Africa’s COVID-19 vaccines
February 17, 2021 15:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBEpisode 29 Vaccine hesitancy is a global health threat, and health teams in Sub-Saharan Africa are doing everything they can to boost COVID-19 vaccine confidence. This is the third episode in a special Africa Science Focus series investigating coronavirus vaccine hesitancy. In previous episodes, we heard how COVID-19 cases and deaths had increased across Sub-Saharan Africa, and how myths and misinformation spread among communities. In this episode, reporter Brook Abdu brings you vaccine...
Debunking COVID-19 myths and remedies
February 10, 2021 15:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBEpisode 28 As coronavirus cases rise in Africa and people search for ways to avoid the disease, myths about steaming and herbal cures are quickly spreading. This week on Africa Science Focus, reporter Charles Pensulo speaks to the people who are working to spread the facts, and save lives. In last week’s episode, Africa Science Focus asked why coronavirus deaths and cases had rapidly increased in Africa, and we heard how knowledge gaps were being filled with misinformation. Is there some...
Debunking COVID-19 myths and remedies
February 10, 2021 15:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBEpisode 28 As coronavirus cases rise in Africa and people search for ways to avoid the disease, myths about steaming and herbal cures are quickly spreading. This week on Africa Science Focus, reporter Charles Pensulo speaks to the people who are working to spread the facts, and save lives. In last week’s episode, Africa Science Focus asked why coronavirus deaths and cases had rapidly increased in Africa, and we heard how knowledge gaps were being filled with misinformation. Is there some...
Rising COVID-19 cases and vaccine doubt
February 03, 2021 16:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBEpisode 27 Coronavirus deaths and cases have surged in Africa in recent months. As Africa Science Focus takes a closer look at the scale of the outbreak, we ask why numbers have increased so rapidly in the region. Reporter Jubiel Zulu speaks to people across Zambia and Malawi to find out what they think about efforts to manage coronavirus and vaccinate their communities against COVID-19. We hear from people who say that they do not have access to adequate information, which is causing mist...
Locust invasion spawns new food threat
January 27, 2021 15:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBEpisode 26 Farmers who lost entire crops to desert locusts in 2020 are facing a fresh wave of the invasive pests. Is there an end in sight to East Africa’s worst locust invasion in 70 years? This week, Africa Science Focus hears from farmers in Ethiopia who are on the frontlines of the locust resurgence, as millions of people in the region face food shortages and income loss. And, our reporters find out about a surprising solution that could help communities deal with future locust threat...
Zambia’s leaky condoms crisis
January 20, 2021 17:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBEpisode 25 This week, Africa Science Focus reports on Zambia’s faulty condoms and latex gloves scandal. Health and civil society organisations say the unfolding crisis could have repercussions for the ongoing battle against HIV, and impact trust in condoms and the health system. Reporter Njenje Chizu speaks to Zambians whose lives have been forever changed by the scandal. Is there something you want to know about science in Africa? Send us your questions from anywhere in the world and we’...
Maggots new protein craze in Uganda
January 13, 2021 18:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBEpisode 24 It might be an idea that makes you squirm, but small-scale farmers in Uganda are getting excited about maggots. Researchers say new studies have shown the larvae of the black soldier fly, which can be found across Sub-Saharan Africa, are a protein-packed feast for chickens, pigs and fish. This week, Africa Science Focus reporter Joseph Elunya meets farmers who are embracing the bug revolution. Is there something you want to know about science in Africa? Send us your questi...
Maggots new protein craze in Uganda
January 13, 2021 18:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBEpisode 24 It might be an idea that makes you squirm, but small-scale farmers in Uganda are getting excited about maggots. Researchers say new studies have shown the larvae of the black soldier fly, which can be found across Sub-Saharan Africa, are a protein-packed feast for chickens, pigs and fish. This week, Africa Science Focus reporter Joseph Elunya meets farmers who are embracing the bug revolution. Is there something you want to know about science in Africa? Send us your questi...
Focus on diabetes, mental health in 2021
January 06, 2021 13:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBEpisode 23 Did your New Year’s resolutions include going for a medical check-up? Across Sub-Saharan Africa, health workers encourage people to think about their wellbeing as the year begins. We hear why this advice is often not followed. And, while the ‘big three’ diseases continue to be a burden in Africa, experts warn that new and emerging health problems are on the horizon. This week, Africa Science Focus hears from medical specialists who warn that COVID-19 may not be the biggest cha...