Adelaide Deda Abaidoo, a final-year Information Technology student at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, is dedicated to combating early marriages in Northern Ghana by empowering young girls through education. She collaborates with organizations like Dellcom Charity Foundation and CAMFED, using platforms such as radio to spread awareness. Abaidoo also runs her own foundation to support girls' education in rural areas. She recently participated in the MaputoAt 20 celebrations in Nairobi, organized by FEMNET, where she connected with other advocates from across Africa.

The African Investigative Journalist Conference in South Africa highlighted the importance of fact-checking in journalism, with AfricaCheck awarding journalists who excelled in this area. Oluwamayowa Tijani, the second runner-up, shared his journey from studying Food Technology to becoming a journalist focused on business, finance, and fact-checking. His award-winning story debunked a Nigerian minister's false claim about the country's doctor sufficiency, significantly impacting public debate and policy. Tijani emphasizes the critical role of facts in journalism and aspires to continue making a societal impact through his work.

The fight against AIDS is progressing, but funding for its eradication has regressed to 2013 levels, according to the UN's Onusida. In 2022, funding for HIV programs in developing countries reached €20.8 billion, falling short of the €29.3 billion target for 2025. Despite a 5.6% decrease in new infections and a 4.5% drop in AIDS-related deaths, significant regional disparities persist. Eastern and Southern Africa have seen substantial progress due to increased investment, while regions with funding gaps lag behind. The UN's 95-95-95 target aims for 95% of people with HIV to know their status, receive treatment, and achieve viral suppression. Success stories include expanded antiretroviral therapy access, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. However, homophobic laws in some countries pose challenges to HIV prevention and treatment. The report underscores the need for international solidarity and increased internal funding to sustain progress.

Adelaide Deda Abaidoo, a final-year Information Technology student at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, is dedicated to combating early marriages in Northern Ghana by empowering young girls through education and advocacy. She collaborates with organizations like Dellcom Charity Foundation and CAMFED, and actively participates in events such as the Maputo Protocol at 20 celebrations organized by FEMNET in Nairobi. Abaidoo's foundation supports girls' education by providing school supplies, aiming to prevent early marriages and promote career aspirations among young girls.

Mary Mwendwa's article focuses on the multifaceted roles of women in violent extremist groups, particularly al-Shabaab, in Kenya. She highlights that women are not only victims but also play roles as recruiters, sympathizers, and domestic workers within these groups. The article emphasizes the lack of attention given to these roles by organizations and governments countering extremism. Mwendwa's research in Nairobi's Majengo slum reveals the community's struggles with radicalization, recruitment, and the fear of speaking out due to repercussions from security forces. She discusses the involvement of women in preventing extremism through support groups and economic empowerment initiatives. The article also touches on regional peace treaties and strategies by the African Union to incorporate women in the fight against extremism. Mwendwa calls for targeted programs to educate women and girls about the dangers of joining extremist groups and to support economic empowerment as a means to prevent radicalization.

Kenyan boxers, including Suleiman Wanjau Bilali, Stephen Muchoki, and David Munyasia, face severe struggles with depression, addiction, and poverty after their sports careers. Despite public outcry and some individual efforts, such as former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko funding Bilali's rehabilitation, the government and sports bodies have not provided adequate support. The Boxing Federation of Kenya acknowledges the issue but cites a lack of resources and structural limitations. The article highlights the need for better post-career planning and support for athletes to prevent such situations in the future.

The article discusses the practice of 'nyumba mboke' in Migori County, Kenya, where women are married to other women to bear children for them, often due to infertility issues. This practice, although culturally accepted, is not supported by the constitution and leads to the violation of women's and children's rights. The article shares the stories of several women who entered into such marriages due to poverty and societal pressures, and who now struggle to care for their children. Local support groups and officials are trying to educate the community and discourage the practice, but it persists due to deep cultural roots and the high value placed on having children, particularly sons. The World Health Organization notes that infertility is a significant issue in sub-Saharan Africa, and while technologies like IVF exist, they are unaffordable for many.

In southwestern Kenya, the practice of 'nyumba mboke' allows women who cannot bear children to marry surrogates, despite the criminalization of gay marriage. This cultural practice, prevalent in Kuria District, often leads to significant hardships for the women and children involved, who frequently live in poverty. Local support groups like Goceso offer some assistance, but the practice remains widespread due to deep-rooted cultural beliefs and economic pressures. Efforts by local officials to discourage the practice and promote alternatives like adoption have had limited success. Infertility, a significant issue in the region, further complicates the situation.

In Isiolo County, Kenya, a severe health crisis is unfolding as a nurses' strike over pay disputes continues for more than four months. Amina Adan, a mother of seven, is a victim of this crisis, unable to receive proper medical care for her heavy bleeding due to the lack of healthcare services. The strike has caused maternal deaths to double, disrupted vaccinations, and led to the resurgence of diseases like malaria. The upcoming presidential election has not addressed the healthcare sector's issues, with neither President Uhuru Kenyatta nor opposition leader Raila Odinga making commitments to resolve the strike. The Kenya National Union of Nurses demands a collective bargaining agreement, including allowances, but the government has not agreed, citing taxpayer burdens. The public health sector's near-total collapse has had dire consequences for the population, particularly in remote areas like Isiolo County.

The ongoing nurses' strike in Kenya, which began over pay disputes, has severely impacted the healthcare system, leading to increased maternal deaths, missed vaccinations, and the resurgence of diseases like malaria. Amina Adan's plight highlights the dire consequences of the strike, as she struggles to access medical care. The strike, involving over 25,000 nurses, demands a collective bargaining agreement that the government has yet to sign. The upcoming presidential election has not addressed the healthcare crisis, with both President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga remaining silent on the issue. The collapse of public healthcare services has left many Kenyans without essential medical care, exacerbating the crisis.