Namibia’s struggling to find 34% of TB cases, leaving many untreated. It’s a reminder of health gaps in Southern Africa’s most arid nation.
The UN reports a surge in civilian deaths and war crimes in Sudan's ongoing conflict, with over 11,300 civilians killed in 2025. Human rights violations, including ethnic violence and sexual violence, have intensified amid fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and RSF. Recent sanctions target RSF commanders involved in atrocities.
Namibian government plans to require senior public officials to use public health facilities, prompting debate over rights and system readiness. Some officials oppose the move, citing capacity issues and rights concerns, while the government aims to improve public healthcare infrastructure.
On March 8, 2026, countries worldwide marked International Women's Day, emphasizing progress in gender equality and ongoing challenges. Events ranged from protests to celebrations, with themes focused on rights, justice, and action for women and girls. The day also spotlighted barriers to equality and calls for policy change.
Tensions in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz threaten Africa's energy supply, raising fuel costs, inflation, and economic vulnerability. Countries heavily reliant on imported petroleum face supply shocks, with potential impacts on trade, household costs, and regional stability.
Countries across Africa are advancing efforts to improve healthcare access through new diagnostics, training, and infrastructure. Namibia is expanding TB detection, Uganda is exploring AI diagnostics, and South Africa trials portable tests. Meanwhile, Africa faces a critical surgical workforce shortage, impacting treatment for conditions like cleft lip and palate.
African countries are experiencing rising fuel prices due to global energy shocks linked to conflicts in the Middle East and supply disruptions. Governments are implementing measures to mitigate impacts, but dependence on imported refined petroleum exposes the continent to external risks, affecting economies and daily life.
Reform UK announced plans to block visas from countries demanding slavery reparations, citing Britain’s sacrifices in abolishing slavery. This stance follows recent UN resolutions recognizing slavery as a crime against humanity and calls for reparative justice, which many nations and leaders support, but the UK opposes, framing reparations as insulting and a threat to sovereignty. The debate highlights tensions over historical accountability and Britain’s global relations.