(DDM) – Medical experts have raised alarm over the increasing number of kidney disease cases among young people, warning that lifestyle choices and misuse of medications are contributing to a growing health challenge.

The warning was issued by Perditer Okyere, Head of the Renal Unit at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ghana.

She explained that the hospital has recently recorded a noticeable rise in kidney-related cases, particularly among younger patients seeking treatment and diagnosis.

According to her, the increase became more visible after government support for kidney disease treatment improved access to care, encouraging more patients to visit hospitals for medical evaluation.

The development has raised concerns among health professionals who warn that many individuals may be living with kidney disease without realizing it.

Kidney disease occurs when the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood.

The kidneys play a critical role in maintaining the body’s balance of fluids, electrolytes, and toxins.

When kidney function declines significantly, waste products accumulate in the body, potentially leading to serious health complications.

Professor Okyere explained that kidney disease often develops silently and may not show obvious symptoms in its early stages.

She noted that the condition progresses through five stages, with symptoms typically becoming noticeable only in the later stages when kidney function is severely impaired.

Because of this, many patients only seek medical attention when the disease has already reached an advanced stage.

She warned that a large number of people could be unknowingly living with kidney problems.

According to the specialist, unhealthy lifestyle habits are a major factor driving the rise in kidney disease among young people.

One of the key concerns is the misuse of medications and substances that are often taken without proper medical guidance.

Many individuals consume unprescribed drugs or substances believed to relieve pain, boost energy levels, or enhance productivity.

Such practices, she said, can place excessive strain on the kidneys and lead to long-term damage.

Medical experts have long warned that excessive use of certain painkillers, herbal mixtures, and stimulants can damage kidney tissues over time.

When these substances are taken frequently or in high doses without medical supervision, the risk of kidney failure increases significantly.

Professor Okyere stressed that the danger lies in the fact that many individuals may feel healthy while the disease continues to develop silently.

This makes regular medical screening essential for early detection and prevention.

The warning was issued during activities organized ahead of World Kidney Day, which included a health screening exercise and awareness float at the hospital.

The event aimed to educate the public about kidney health and encourage preventive healthcare practices.

Health professionals used the opportunity to conduct screening tests for participants in order to identify early signs of kidney disease.

Experts say early diagnosis can significantly improve treatment outcomes and prevent the progression of kidney damage.

Professor Okyere therefore urged the public to prioritize regular medical check-ups, particularly individuals with risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of medication misuse.

She also advised people to avoid taking drugs without proper medical prescription and to adopt healthier lifestyle habits.

Maintaining adequate hydration, eating balanced diets, and avoiding harmful substances can help protect kidney health.

Health experts emphasize that prevention remains the most effective strategy in reducing the burden of kidney disease.

With awareness campaigns continuing globally, medical professionals hope that more people will recognize the importance of early screening and responsible medication use.

Such measures, they say, could help curb the growing incidence of kidney disease among younger populations.

(DDM) – Artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape how hospitals, ambulances, and treatment financing operate across parts of Africa, as new digital systems are introduced to coordinate healthcare services before patients even arrive at hospitals.

A recent report by Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB) shows how AI-powered tools are being embedded directly into public health infrastructure rather than remaining experimental technologies developed in isolation.

The development signals a new phase for digital health in Africa, where technology is increasingly designed to solve everyday coordination problems within health systems.

Healthcare facilities across the continent often face logistical challenges that go beyond medical expertise.

Ambulances may travel without knowing which hospitals have available beds.

Patients may reach hospitals only to discover that financial arrangements must be settled before treatment begins.

Hospitals may have capacity somewhere in the city, but emergency responders often lack real-time information about where that capacity exists.

Artificial intelligence systems are now being introduced to connect these moving parts.

The goal is to ensure that emergency services, hospital capacity, patient records, and payment systems can operate within a shared digital infrastructure.

One of the regions experimenting with this approach is Kwara State, Nigeria, where a digital health roadmap is being developed to serve about 3.5 million residents.

The initiative is designed to link hospitals, emergency services, and public health agencies through integrated digital platforms supported by artificial intelligence.

Under the program, nine health technology startups were introduced into controlled testing environments connected to government health systems.

These environments allow developers to build software that interacts with live healthcare data while remaining under strict supervision.

From the program, six AI-enabled healthcare tools emerged, all designed to function within the same digital ecosystem.

Many earlier digital health initiatives in Africa struggled because they were developed independently and failed to integrate with government health infrastructure once initial funding ended.

By embedding new technologies directly into public health systems, developers hope to create tools that can operate sustainably over time.

One example highlighted in the report is a platform known as God’s Eye, which is designed to coordinate emergency medical response services.

In many African cities, families facing medical emergencies often struggle to identify which hospital has the capacity to receive a patient or which ambulance service can respond quickly.

The God’s Eye system evaluates emergency calls, dispatches the nearest available ambulance, and identifies hospitals with available beds and appropriate medical capabilities.

Ambulance crews receive guidance based on hospital readiness rather than guesswork.

The system can be accessed through multiple channels including mobile applications, messaging via WhatsApp, USSD codes, and voice-based systems.

This multi-platform access is important in environments where smartphone ownership and internet connectivity vary widely.

Despite the advantages of digital coordination, emergency response still depends heavily on physical realities such as road networks, traffic congestion, and the availability of trained medical staff.

Another platform introduced through the program addresses a different challenge within healthcare systems: payment delays.

In many hospitals across Africa, treatment may be delayed because patients must first arrange payment.

A digital platform called Mediloan attempts to reduce this delay by evaluating a patient’s eligibility for treatment financing.

If approved, treatment can begin immediately while the patient repays the cost gradually.

The system allows hospitals to receive guaranteed payment while reducing financial barriers that may prevent patients from accessing urgent care.

These tools are part of a broader vision to build connected digital healthcare systems.

Modern digital health infrastructure relies on interoperability standards that allow different health platforms to exchange information safely.

One commonly used framework is FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources), which enables hospitals, insurance systems, and public health databases to communicate using compatible formats.

In Nigeria, the participation of the Kwara State Ministry of Health and the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency indicates that these technologies are being incorporated into official health system planning.

When digital tools become part of government health strategies, they move beyond temporary pilot programs and begin shaping long-term service delivery.

As artificial intelligence becomes more involved in healthcare operations, new policy questions are emerging.

Health data governance, privacy protection, and transparency in automated decision-making are likely to become key issues for regulators.

Decisions made by algorithms — such as ambulance routing or treatment financing approvals — can directly influence patient outcomes.

Experts say governments must therefore ensure that strong oversight frameworks accompany the expansion of digital health technologies.

Although artificial intelligence is still at an early stage within Africa’s healthcare systems, its impact may grow steadily as these digital infrastructures expand.

Instead of replacing doctors or diagnosing diseases, many of the first AI applications in Africa are focused on organizing the operational side of healthcare.

Improving how ambulances are dispatched, how hospitals share capacity information, and how treatment is financed could significantly improve how patients access care.

If these systems succeed, the changes may not appear dramatic.

But they could gradually transform the everyday mechanics of healthcare across the continent.

(DDM) – A woman in India who had been declared brain dead by doctors reportedly regained signs of life while being transported home for burial after the ambulance carrying her body hit a pothole on the road.

The unusual incident involved Vinita Shukla, a court employee who works as a head copyist at the district court in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, India.

According to family members, Shukla had fallen seriously ill at her home before her husband rushed her to a government hospital in the area for treatment.

Doctors at the facility reportedly assessed her critical condition and referred her to a hospital in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India for advanced medical care.

Her husband, Kuldeep Shukla, subsequently admitted her to a private hospital in Bareilly where she was placed on ventilator support as doctors attempted to stabilize her condition.

Doctors reportedly declared her brain dead

Medical staff later informed the family that her condition had deteriorated significantly and that little could be done to save her life.

According to her husband, doctors explained that she was effectively brain dead and advised the family to take her home, warning that once ventilator support was withdrawn the outcome would become clear.

Kuldeep requested that doctors continue treatment overnight, but he was reportedly told the following morning that there was no hope of recovery.

Believing she had died, the family informed relatives in Pilibhit and began preparations for her funeral.

Family members, including her mother-in-law, son, daughter-in-law, and daughter, gathered at home to mourn and prepare for the last rites.

Unexpected signs of life during journey home

Brain death is a medical condition in which a person loses all brain function permanently, including the ability to breathe independently.

In most cases, doctors confirm brain death through strict medical tests because it is considered irreversible and legally recognized as death in many countries.

However, experts say misdiagnosis or confusion with other severe neurological conditions can occasionally occur in rare circumstances.

While transporting Shukla’s body home, the ambulance reportedly hit a large pothole near Hafizganj, Bareilly District, India.

The sudden jolt caused a strong shock inside the vehicle.

Family members said they were shocked to notice signs that Shukla was still alive after the impact.

The ambulance was immediately diverted to another hospital in Pilibhit where doctors examined her.

Possible snakebite complication suspected

At first, hospital staff were reportedly hesitant to admit the patient due to her previous diagnosis.

However, after family members insisted, doctors began examining her condition.

A neurosurgeon, Dr Rakesh Singh, later suggested that her symptoms may have been linked to complications from a suspected snakebite.

Certain venomous snakebites can cause paralysis that mimics brain death or severe neurological shutdown.

In such cases, victims may appear unconscious and unresponsive while still remaining alive.

Doctors administered anti-venom injections and began emergency treatment.

Within about 24 hours, medical staff observed gradual improvement in her condition.

She was later referred to neurology specialists in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India for further evaluation.

Recovery after nearly two weeks of treatment

After approximately 13 days of treatment, Shukla reportedly recovered fully and has since returned home where she is continuing her normal life.

The incident has generated widespread discussion in the region, with many residents describing the recovery as extraordinary.

Family members have described the event as a miracle.

Medical professionals involved in the case have also received praise locally for their efforts in diagnosing the condition and providing life-saving treatment.

(DDM) – Health experts have raised alarm over a growing crisis of drug-resistant infections across Africa, warning that the continent faces a dangerous surge in antimicrobial resistance as the development of new antibiotics continues to decline globally.

A new report released by the Access to Medicine Foundation warns that infections resistant to commonly used medicines are spreading rapidly, threatening the ability of healthcare systems to treat everyday diseases.

The 2026 Antimicrobial Resistance Benchmark highlights the widening gap between the spread of resistant infections and the shrinking pipeline of new treatments needed to combat them.

According to the report, Africa now carries a disproportionate share of the global burden of antimicrobial resistance, raising fears that routine infections could increasingly become difficult or impossible to treat.

A growing “silent pandemic”

CNN-style explainer: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites evolve and become resistant to medications designed to kill them.

When resistance develops, antibiotics that once cured infections may become ineffective, allowing diseases to spread more easily and increasing the risk of severe illness or death.

Experts say this growing threat is already responsible for more than one million deaths globally each year and contributes to more than four million deaths annually.

Data cited from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that drug-resistant infections may now cause more deaths in Africa than the combined toll of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.

Health researchers say the trend is particularly devastating in sub-Saharan Africa where fragile health systems, limited laboratory capacity, and inadequate diagnostic tools allow resistant infections to spread unchecked.

Infants and children face higher risks

The report also highlights a particularly troubling threat to newborn babies.

CNN-style explainer: In many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, neonatal infections remain a leading cause of infant mortality.

Researchers say nearly half of babies who die from neonatal sepsis in some regions may be affected by antibiotic-resistant bacteria because standard treatments no longer work.

Experts warn that resistant infections such as gonorrhea are also spreading rapidly, raising concerns that a “silent pandemic” of untreatable diseases could be emerging.

Shrinking pipeline for new antibiotics

The benchmark revealed another worrying trend: the number of antibiotic development projects by major pharmaceutical companies has declined by about 35 percent since 2021.

Analysts say this drop reflects the high cost and low financial incentives associated with developing new antibiotics.

However, the report identified a small number of promising medicines currently under development by companies including GSK, Otsuka Pharmaceutical, Shionogi, BioVersys, F2G, Innoviva, and Venatorx Pharmaceuticals.

One of the highlighted treatments is gepotidacin, an experimental antibiotic developed by GSK to treat urinary tract infections.

Medical researchers estimate that about 150 million people worldwide develop urinary tract infections each year, with more than half of women experiencing the condition at some point in their lives.

Gaps in treatment for children

The report also found major shortages of child-friendly antibiotics.

Only five antimicrobial development projects globally are specifically designed for children under five years old.

Even when pediatric antibiotic formulations exist, many are not registered or available in countries where infection risks are highest.

Researchers found that in at least 17 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, none of the companies assessed had registered pediatric antimicrobial treatments.

Health experts say this gap increases the risk of incorrect dosing or delayed treatment for children who develop serious infections.

Misuse of antibiotics worsening the crisis

CNN-style explainer: The misuse and overuse of antibiotics are major drivers of antimicrobial resistance.

In many African countries, antibiotics are often sold without prescriptions, and self-medication remains common.

Weak regulation, limited diagnostic testing, and insufficient surveillance systems make it difficult for health authorities to monitor how antibiotics are used.

Experts also warn that antibiotic pollution from pharmaceutical manufacturing can contribute to the development of resistant bacteria in the environment.

Calls for urgent action

Health experts say the fight against antimicrobial resistance will require coordinated action by governments, pharmaceutical companies, and international health agencies.

The Access to Medicine Foundation has urged African governments to strengthen national action plans, invest in laboratory infrastructure, regulate antibiotic sales, and expand access to diagnostic tools.

For countries such as Nigeria, experts say improving antibiotic regulation and ensuring access to effective medicines will be essential to preventing antimicrobial resistance from escalating into a much larger public health crisis.

Without urgent action, researchers warn that infections once easily treated with antibiotics could again become deadly — making routine surgeries, childbirth, and common illnesses far more dangerous across the continent.

(DDM) – Communities across the U.S. state of Pennsylvania are facing a growing healthcare access crisis as hundreds of local pharmacies continue to shut down, leaving many residents without nearby access to medications, vaccinations, and pharmaceutical advice.

Health policy analysts warn that the closures are rapidly creating what experts call “pharmacy deserts,” areas where residents no longer have reasonable access to a community pharmacy. Since 2020, more than 1,000 pharmacies have reportedly closed across the state, significantly reducing access to essential healthcare services.

A coalition known as Pennsylvanians for Pharmacy Access has documented the expanding problem through an interactive map showing closure locations and communities at risk. The group estimates that at least 213 pharmacies currently operating in vulnerable areas could shut down in the near future, potentially worsening the crisis.

What is a pharmacy desert?

CNN-style explainer: A pharmacy desert is a geographic area where residents must travel long distances to access a pharmacy. In such areas, patients often struggle to fill prescriptions, receive vaccinations, or consult pharmacists about medication safety.

Healthcare experts say these closures have serious consequences. Patients may delay treatment, skip medication doses, or fail to receive timely medical advice, increasing the risk of complications for chronic illnesses.

For elderly patients, rural residents, and those without reliable transportation, the disappearance of nearby pharmacies can become a major barrier to basic healthcare.

Why pharmacies are closing

Industry experts point to the growing influence of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) as a major factor behind the closures.

CNN-style explainer: PBMs are companies that act as intermediaries between health insurers, drug manufacturers, and pharmacies. They manage prescription drug benefits and determine how much pharmacies are reimbursed for medications.

Critics say some PBM practices, including “spread pricing,” allow these companies to charge health plans more for medications while reimbursing pharmacies at lower rates. In some cases, pharmacies are paid less than the cost of acquiring the drugs themselves.

Pharmacists also report being charged retroactive fees after prescriptions are filled, further eroding profit margins and making it difficult for small community pharmacies to remain financially viable.

The situation becomes more complicated when PBMs direct patients to pharmacies owned by the same companies managing the benefits, reducing customer traffic for independent pharmacies.

Rising healthcare costs and policy debates

Despite steady enrollment in Medicaid, prescription drug spending in Pennsylvania has surged dramatically, rising from approximately $1.4 billion in 2013 to about $4.6 billion in 2022.

Policy analysts say the growing gap between rising spending and declining pharmacy numbers has raised concerns about how funds are distributed within the healthcare system.

Lawmakers are now considering reforms that could reshape the way prescription drug benefits are managed.

One proposal, Pennsylvania Senate Bill 1186, sponsored by state senators Lisa Boscola and Judy Ward, seeks to introduce a single pharmacy benefit administrator model for Medicaid in the state.

Supporters argue that the bill could bring greater transparency and accountability to the system while ensuring pharmacies receive fair reimbursement.

What experts say must happen next

Healthcare advocates are urging state leaders and the administration of Josh Shapiro to act quickly before more pharmacies disappear.

Proposed solutions include banning spread pricing practices, increasing Medicaid dispensing fees to federal standards, compensating pharmacists for clinical services such as immunizations, and preventing benefit managers from steering patients to pharmacies they own.

CNN-style explainer: Pharmacists today do far more than dispense medication. They often provide front-line healthcare services, including vaccinations, medication counseling, chronic disease monitoring, and coordination with physicians.

Without accessible pharmacies, experts warn that the burden on hospitals and primary care providers could increase significantly.

For many communities across Pennsylvania, the stakes are high.

If closures continue at the current pace, some towns could soon lose their last remaining pharmacy, leaving thousands of residents without easy access to life-saving medications and professional pharmaceutical care.

(DDM) – Nigeria’s annual Lassa fever season has returned with renewed concerns, as the viral disease increasingly infects frontline health workers responsible for containing outbreaks. Public health experts warn that the trend highlights deep vulnerabilities in the country’s disease response system and raises urgent questions about preparedness.

Recent data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) shows that more than 15 healthcare workers had contracted Lassa fever by Epidemiological Week Seven of the year. The outbreak has already claimed at least 75 lives, with 1,538 suspected cases reported across 35 local government areas in nine states.

Health authorities say the growing infection rate among medical staff is particularly alarming because these workers serve as the first line of defence during outbreaks. When the very professionals tasked with treatment and containment become infected, the consequences ripple through the entire health system.

Taraba State currently appears to be the worst affected, with the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo reporting 35 deaths linked to the disease. In neighbouring Benue State, officials confirmed heavy losses as well, including the deaths of ten healthcare workers.

Why infections among health workers matter

CNN-style explainer: Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, typically transmitted to humans through food or household items contaminated with urine or droppings from infected rodents. Human-to-human transmission can also occur, especially in healthcare settings without adequate infection control.

Experts say when health workers become infected, three major problems quickly emerge.

First, staffing shortages worsen in already overstretched hospitals. During peak Lassa fever season, treatment centres often operate at or beyond capacity. Losing trained medical personnel can delay treatment, reduce hospital efficiency, and weaken emergency response efforts.

Second, morale among health workers can decline sharply. Fear of infection may discourage staff from volunteering for high-risk units or working in rural areas where medical personnel are already scarce.

Third, public trust in hospitals may decline. When communities perceive hospitals as unsafe, people often delay seeking treatment. Such delays can worsen patient outcomes and increase the risk of further community transmission.

A recurring outbreak with systemic challenges

Lassa fever outbreaks occur almost every year in Nigeria, particularly during the dry season when rodent activity increases. Despite its recurring pattern, experts argue that the national response still appears fragmented and reactive.

Some public health analysts have even raised concerns that the disease receives less urgent attention compared with other global health crises such as COVID-19 or HIV/AIDS.

The perception that Lassa fever disproportionately affects poorer rural communities has fueled criticism that it is sometimes treated as a “poor man’s disease,” a characterization health experts say should alarm policymakers.

What health experts say must change

CNN-style explainer: Experts emphasize that preventing infections among healthcare workers requires strong infection prevention systems.

Hospitals must maintain steady supplies of personal protective equipment, including gloves, gowns, and face shields. Supply chain disruptions have occasionally left facilities temporarily without these critical materials.

Medical professionals are also calling for mandatory Infection Prevention and Control training for both clinical and non-clinical hospital staff. Proper hand hygiene, functional washing stations, and alcohol-based hand rubs remain essential tools in stopping transmission.

Healthcare facilities must also strengthen triage systems that quickly identify and isolate suspected Lassa fever cases when patients arrive.

Rapid laboratory confirmation is equally critical. Improved specimen transportation networks and expanded laboratory capacity could significantly reduce testing delays and improve containment efforts.

Public awareness remains critical

Beyond hospitals, experts say public awareness campaigns must intensify. Government agencies, including the National Orientation Agency, state authorities, media organisations, and civil society groups must educate communities about symptoms, prevention, and the importance of seeking early treatment.

Lassa fever may be seasonal, but health experts say it is neither new nor unpredictable.

The fact that the virus continues to claim lives, including those of trained health professionals, underscores systemic weaknesses that require urgent attention.

For Nigeria’s health sector, the message is clear: protecting healthcare workers is not optional, it is the foundation of any effective epidemic response.