Ifeoluwa Dare-Johnson, Founder and CEO of Healthtraka, is on a mission to transform healthcare in Africa. In a recent interview with healthiness.ng, she shared her inspiring journey and vision for making lab testing easy and accessible through at-home sample collection and rapid digital results delivery within 1-3 days. “I knew that I wanted to provide a solution to make sure that people have access to on-demand healthcare,” says Ifeoluwa. Her drive to create Healthtraka was born from a deeply personal experience.
In the heart of Nairobi, a team of dedicated researchers is poised to revolutionize maternal healthcare, potentially reshaping the future of pregnancy outcomes for women. Led by Dr. Moses Obimbo Madadi, a Clinician-Scientist and Associate Professor at the University of Nairobi, this groundbreaking project is shedding light on the intricate relationship between vaginal infections, reproductive health, and neonatal mortality rates in Africa, where 27 deaths per 1,000 live births remain a stark reality. What has been established so far is that
In Abuja, Nigeria, Dyslexia Help Africa (DHA) is driving an educational initiative that focuses on comprehensive reading intervention and support for children with dyslexia. This program combines advocacy, educator training, and a specialized learning intervention platform. Through patient guidance and innovative teaching methods, this initiative is breaking down educational inclusion barriers for kids with learning disabilities by promoting evidence-based strategies and empowering dyslexic learners. They are creating a more inclusive environment for both neuro-diverse (kids whose brain processes, learns, and/or behaves
In some resource-limited settings in Nigeria, reusable pads are being used as a sustainable solution to period poverty that can help girls stay in school and manage their menstruation with dignity. But the scale of this initiative may not be big enough to have statistically significant impact(s) on national metrics. Halima Akande is among thousands of girls who miss school several days every month—once her menstruation comes. She fears any stain showing on her dress, cannot focus in class or
There are strong indications that Dr Muhammad Pate could be Nigeria’s next health minister, this follows his decision to rescind his appointment as the CEO of Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, choosing instead, “to accept a request to return and contribute to his home country, Nigeria”. Professor Muhammad Ali Pate has rescinded his appointment as the next Chief Executive Officer of Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, and, according to indications, he could instead be returning to Nigeria to serve as the country’s next
At 14 years old, Paul Ajayi is experiencing the world through two eyes for the first time since he was three, thanks to a remarkable free surgery. While one eye is still on its way to recovery, he gets perfect vision through the other, liberating him from the confines of the School for the Blind where he had been enrolled. Paul Ajayi is not alone in receiving life-altering treatment from the skilled surgeons at the Restore Foundation for Child Sight (RFCS).
Payment for healthcare in Nigeria is predominantly out-of-pocket but a new player believes in spite of the numerous odds stacked against it, an already familiar approach could make a lot of difference in expanding access to health insurance. In Nigeria, achieving most health goals has been greatly limited by access and cost, with payment for health services predominantly out-of-pocket. The country has a large population of uninsured people, and even those who have insurance often find it difficult to afford the
The intent of a cashless economy is to make life easier. Recently, Nigerians, due to the scarcity of cash, had to solely rely on cashless channels. However, the unintended consequences of the platforms’ inadequacies made healthcare one of the worst-hit sectors. For years, the government of Nigeria, the country’s finance sector regulator — the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), their partners and others had aggressively campaigned and incentivized Nigerians to adopt going cashless, describing its cashless policy as an economic enabler
In Nigeria’s commercial capital city of Lagos, nestled within lush greenery, lies a majestic edifice of orange and butter colours. The building, known as the Cerebral Palsy Centre, is a haven for fully dependent individuals living with cerebral palsy. Founded by Nonye Nwoke about thirteen years ago, the centre aims to provide specialised full-time care options for those living with cerebral palsy in Nigeria. Cerebral palsy, a physical disability caused by brain injury during pregnancy, birth, or shortly after
Tanzania has confirmed its first-ever cases of Marburg Virus Disease, after laboratory tests were carried out following reports of cases and deaths in the country’s north-west Kagera region. According to the country’s National Public Health Laboratory, eight people developed symptoms including fever, vomiting, bleeding and renal failure. Five of the eight cases, including a health worker, have died, and the remaining three are receiving treatment. A total of 161 contacts have been identified and are being monitored. In response to the