Startups step up as extreme heat threatens health and livelihoods in Nigeria

As extreme heat intensifies across Nigeria, a new group of innovators is developing practical solutions to protect crops, reduce food spoilage and livestock losses, and help hospitals and outdoor workers cope with rising temperatures. BFA Global, FSD Africa, ClimateWorks Foundation, and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in Nigeria have selected 10 early-stage ventures to…

An unprecedented view of the immune system’s killer cells

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes are the body’s specialized “killer” cells, precisely eliminating infected or cancerous cells. Their action relies on a specialized exchange zone called the “immune synapse,” where they release active molecules to destroy the target cell without damaging neighboring ones. Until now, the fine organization of these structures remained difficult to observe. A study…

Review finds AI risks deepening existing power imbalances in lower-income countries

A new study published in PLOS Digital Health finds that while artificial intelligence (AI) tools show significant promise for strengthening research capacity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the technology risks reinforcing the very inequities it could help dismantle if deployed without proper governance frameworks and meaningful local leadership. The study, conducted by researchers from…

Malaria cases rise to 282 million as Africa bears the brunt and new trial targets pregnant women

Global malaria cases rose to 282 million in 2024, up from 273 million the previous year, with an estimated 610,000 deaths, underscoring the fragile progress in the fight against the disease, according to the World Health Organization. The increase comes despite major long-term gains. Since 2000, global efforts have prevented an estimated 2.3 billion cases…

Inside the science: How malaria innovation is researched, assessed and tested

As the world marks World Malaria Day, scientists across Africa are exploring new ways to reduce the spread of one of the continent’s deadliest diseases: malaria. While significant progress has been made over the past two decades, the 2025 Africa Malaria Progress Report warns that momentum in the fight against malaria has stalled. Despite continued…

Fact Sheet: United States Delivers Breakthrough HIV Prevention Medication to Uganda

April 2026 The United States, in partnership with the Global Fund, has delivered lenacapavir, a cutting-edge new HIV prevention medication developed by U.S. company Gilead, to Uganda—marking a significant milestone in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. Uganda is one of the ten priority countries selected for the initial rollout and the fifth in Africa to…

Uganda flags rising infectious disease risks as typhoid cases exceed alert threshold

Uganda is experiencing increased infectious disease risks, with suspected cases of typhoid fever and dysentery rising above expected levels, according to the Ministry of Health’s weekly epidemiological bulletin. The report indicates that observed cases of typhoid and dysentery exceeded the established alert threshold, which is based on the average number of weekly cases recorded over…

Uganda records rise in maternal deaths as surveillance gaps persist

Uganda recorded an increase in maternal deaths in the second week of April, even as national disease surveillance systems continue to face reporting challenges, according to the Ministry of Health’s latest epidemiological bulletin. A total of 17 maternal deaths were reported in epidemiological week 15 (April 6–12, 2026), up from nine deaths the previous week,…