Global plant disease outbreaks, exacerbated by climate change, pose a significant threat to agriculture, particularly in Africa. Experts like Wijnand Swart and Eric Danquah highlight the challenges and potential solutions, including biotechnology and genetic engineering, to improve crop resilience and productivity. Despite technological advancements, resource constraints and regulatory hurdles hinder widespread adoption. Organizations like AUDA-NEPAD and the International Potato Centre advocate for biotechnology to address food security issues, while regulatory and infrastructural improvements are necessary to support smallholder farmers.

Researchers are working on developing a universal flu vaccine that could potentially require only one to three shots over a person's lifetime. This effort is driven by the influenza virus's constant mutation and the limited efficacy of current annual vaccines. The US National Institutes of Health has set criteria for such a vaccine, and recent breakthroughs in antibody technology have brought this goal closer. However, significant financial investment and extensive clinical trials are still needed. The universal flu vaccine could dramatically reduce global flu cases and prevent future pandemics, but it faces challenges including financial incentives for pharmaceutical companies.

South Africa is facing a severe third wave of COVID-19, driven by the Delta variant, leading to high hospitalizations and deaths, particularly in Gauteng province. Despite securing significant vaccine doses from Covax and AstraZeneca, the country's vaccination rollout has been slow and criticized for its lack of urgency. The Department of Health and experts like Mosa Moshabela have highlighted the challenges and delays in the vaccination process.

As the Covid-19 pandemic persists, doctors, especially in low and middle-income countries, are seeking effective treatments. Ivermectin, an inexpensive antiparasitic drug, has been claimed by some doctors to be effective against Covid-19. In South Africa, with the highest infection rate in Africa, groups of doctors and patients have pressured the government for emergency approval, despite weak evidence. The Ivermectin Interest Group and I Can Make A Difference are advocating for its use, while SAHPRA has only granted compassionate use approval. The debate over Ivermectin's use highlights the politicisation of medical treatments during the pandemic.

African countries have faced significant challenges in tackling COVID-19 due to underfunded health systems, shortages of medical supplies, and limited testing capacity. Despite these obstacles, efforts such as the creation of the Africa Medical Supplies Platform and innovative testing strategies in countries like Ghana have shown promise. South Africa, the hardest-hit country, has struggled with testing backlogs and healthcare worker shortages. North African countries like Egypt and Algeria have seen sharp rises in cases, while West African nations like Nigeria have been criticized for low testing rates. East African countries have taken varied approaches, with some, like Uganda, leveraging their experience with Ebola to manage the pandemic effectively.

South Africa's early and decisive action, led by Health Minister Zweli Mkhize and scientist Salim Abdool Karim, has been successful in managing the Covid-19 crisis, with a lockdown initiated at 402 cases and no deaths. Despite the robust health system, there are inequities, and concerns over PPE and training persist. Neighboring Zimbabwe struggles, while West Africa applies Ebola lessons. WHO notes testing challenges in Africa. South Africa's strategy includes testing, field hospitals, and managing the social impact of Covid-19, with concerns for HIV-positive individuals not on antiretrovirals.

The article emphasizes the critical need for accurate health journalism during the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting instances of misinformation and the challenges faced by journalists in reporting complex health issues. It discusses the role of media in shaping public health responses and the importance of investing in specialized health reporting. The piece critiques News24 for spreading false information about Bill Gates and a Covid-19 vaccine in Africa, underscoring the broader issue of under-resourced health journalism in South Africa. It advocates for better training and resources for journalists to ensure accurate reporting on health matters.

The article discusses the Zambia Chinese Agricultural Technology Demonstration Centre (ZATDC) and similar centers across Africa, which are part of China's initiative under the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) to provide agricultural training to local farmers. Despite the presence of these centers, many local farmers, particularly women, are unaware of them or have not benefited from the training. The article highlights the gender disparity in the selection of trainees, with a significant underrepresentation of women, who constitute the majority of small-scale farmers in Zambia and Tanzania. The centers claim to be open to all, but evidence suggests that local governments and committees are selecting male farmers with larger farms. The article also touches on the need for gender-inclusive guidelines and the role of African governments in ensuring that female farmers are empowered and included in these training programs.

The article discusses the high prevalence of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in South Africa, particularly in the Saldanha Bay Municipality. A study by the Foundation For Alcohol Related Research (FARR) found a FASD rate of 6.42 percent among Grade 1 children in the area. The article explores the cultural acceptance of alcohol abuse, the role of men in perpetuating the problem, and the lack of family planning. It also touches on the socioeconomic factors such as poverty and unemployment that contribute to the issue. Despite the high rates of FASD, the condition is not considered a national priority, and there is a need for a multi-sectoral approach to address it. The article includes personal stories from mothers and community workers, highlighting the challenges and the need for better education and awareness.