Sub-Saharan Africa

University Teaching Hospital in the capital Lusaka, Zambia is home to the first neurology residency program in the country. The program has trained seven neurologists since starting in 2018.

'We're seeing the tip of the iceberg': Neurologists in Zambia upend understandings of multiple sclerosis in the region

For years, medical providers were taught that MS is very rare among Black Africans. But the presence of more neurologists in Zambia has upended previous thinking on the condition. Now, more people are getting diagnosed and treated for the disease.

'We're seeing the tip of the iceberg': Neurologists in Zambia upend understandings of multiple sclerosis in the region
São Sebastião Fort and Museum with statues of conquistadors São Tomé.

'Born in Blackness': A new book centers Africa in the expansive history of slavery

'Born in Blackness': A new book centers Africa in the expansive history of slavery
Four people are shown looking through a white-framed windows and wearing green medical scrubs.

Discussion: Sub-Saharan Africa’s deepening coronavirus crisis

Discussion: Sub-Saharan Africa’s deepening coronavirus crisis
A scaly pangolin with small, brown eyes and a pointy nose forages for food near some greenery.

Pangolin smuggling: The next coronavirus time bomb?

Pangolin smuggling: The next coronavirus time bomb?
Contact tracers are pictured in a room

COVID-19 threatens global progress in fight against other communicable diseases 

COVID-19 threatens global progress in fight against other communicable diseases 
dried mud in south africa

Climate disruption is worsening global economic inequality

New research finds that since 1961, global warming has reduced the gross domestic product of poorer countries an average of 25%, while some richer countries have benefited.

Climate disruption is worsening global economic inequality
Women with green bandanas protest in a crowd

Abortions rise worldwide when US cuts funding to women's health clinics, study finds

The "global gag rule" has been rescinded by every Democrat and reinstated by every Republican to occupy the Oval Office, reflecting the partisan nature of abortion. But studies show the rule may actually lead to increased abortions abroad.

Abortions rise worldwide when US cuts funding to women's health clinics, study finds
a drop of blood being placed onto a slide

A second HIV patient has been ‘cured,’ but researchers say reducing cases is still the top priority

Researchers say a cure for HIV/AIDS is on the horizon, but it's important to reduce cases overall while a cure is developed.

A second HIV patient has been ‘cured,’ but researchers say reducing cases is still the top priority
A strip of closed offices and empty sidewalk with a single woman waiting for offices to open.

Zimbabwe’s internet crackdown shows the ‘economic sabotage’ of shutdowns

The government of Zimbabwe shut down the internet last month to quell dissent. But the move cost the nation $5.7 million per day and set Zimbabwe's growing "technopreneur" business back during the blackout.

Zimbabwe’s internet crackdown shows the ‘economic sabotage’ of shutdowns
A young Tanzanian woman speaks to a male doctor.

Tanzanian president bluntly attacks contraception, saying high birth rates are good for economy

Tanzania was one of the first countries in sub-Saharan Africa to embrace family planning. But current president John Magufuli made headlines when he said he does “not see any need for birth control," asserting that population growth is actually an economic boon to the East African nation.

Tanzanian president bluntly attacks contraception, saying high birth rates are good for economy
car

Russia expands its military and business ties to Africa

Since Western nations sanctioned Russia for annexing Crimea in 2014, Moscow has signed 19 military cooperation deals in sub-Saharan Africa, including with Ethiopia, Nigeria and Zimbabwe, according to its foreign and defense ministries and state media.

Russia expands its military and business ties to Africa
A nurse uses a stethoscope to listen for heart problems

Women with heart disease in sub-Saharan Africa face fertility risks and social stigma as their greatest challenges

Some women admit they would rather have HIV than heart disease because at least it wouldn't interfere with fertility and family planning. They often go through high-risk pregnancies and other health complications due to pressures from their communities to have children at all cost.

Women with heart disease in sub-Saharan Africa face fertility risks and social stigma as their greatest challenges
selling grasshoppers for food in Uganda

Ugandan research project hopes to make nutritious grasshoppers available year-round

A good source of protein, and delicious fried. The trouble has been that the insects can only be had during certain months, but researchers are seeking to solve this problem and, in turn, reduce malnutrition across the country.

Ugandan research project hopes to make nutritious grasshoppers available year-round
smog in mexico city

Is China worsening the developing world's environmental crisis?

The developing world is in the midst of an environmental crisis. Simply breathing the air is a leading cause of death.

Is China worsening the developing world's environmental crisis?
Birth control pills

Trump's 'global gag rule on steroids' threatens Congolese clinics

The global gag rule, which every Republican administration has enacted since Reagan, bans international organizations that receive US aid money from providing abortions or suggesting abortions as an option to pregnant women.

Trump's 'global gag rule on steroids' threatens Congolese clinics