Africa has made remarkable progress in reducing new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, highlighted these achievements in her statement to mark this year’s World AIDS Day, themed “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right” on Friday.

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For the first time in 2023, the number of new HIV infections outside sub-Saharan Africa surpassed those within the region, underscoring Africa’s significant progress.

The continent is also a global leader in advancing the 95-95-95 UNAIDS targets aimed at ensuring 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 95% of those treated achieve viral suppression.

“Seven countries have already achieved the targets, with the overall rating for the region currently at 90-82-76,” said Dr. Moeti. “About 21.3 million people are now on antiretroviral treatment, raising their life expectancy.”

Botswana and Namibia were recognized for achieving significant milestones in preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission, earning silver and bronze tier statuses, respectively, under WHO’s Path to Elimination of HIV initiative.

African countries are also adopting innovative prevention methods, including oral and long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and the dipivefrine vaginal ring.

Dr. Moeti stressed that while these tools are vital, their impact depends on accessibility.

“The value of these innovations depends on their universal accessibility,” she stated, emphasizing the need for investments and policy reforms.

Dr. Moeti called for an end to stigma and discrimination, which she said continue to hinder progress.

“We have a collective obligation to protect human rights, specifically ensuring that health care is available to everyone, without any discrimination, regardless of their HIV status, background, gender, or where they live. Stigma and discrimination cannot be allowed to undermine the gains and impede our progress.”

While celebrating these advancements, Dr. Moeti noted that disease outbreaks across the region pose a challenge to already overburdened health systems.

She emphasized the importance of strong, integrated, and person-centered health care systems to meet the needs of vulnerable populations.

“Let’s take this opportunity today to acknowledge the progress, but to also renew our joint commitment to eliminating HIV.

By protecting everyone’s right to health, and reducing new HIV infections, we can achieve an AIDS-free generation and ensure the sustainability of the HIV response,” she urged.

Dr. Moeti also highlighted the crucial role of communities in shaping strategies to eliminate barriers to care.

“We must ensure their voices are heard,” she said, emphasizing that the collective efforts of governments, partners, civil society, health care providers, and communities are essential in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Nigeria requires an estimated $19 million to effectively combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), according to Fatai Oyediran, the National Coordinator for NTDs at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Speaking at a high-level advocacy meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Oyediran highlighted the urgent need for funding to support the country’s NTD control efforts.

“We developed our NTD master plan in 2023, which runs through 2027, and $19 million is what we need to implement it effectively,” Oyediran stated, emphasizing that adequate investment is crucial to addressing these diseases, which continue to affect millions in Nigeria.

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The World Health Organisation defines NTDs as a diverse group of diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins, often leading to devastating health, social, and economic consequences.

These diseases primarily affect impoverished communities in tropical areas and are estimated to impact over one billion people globally.

In Nigeria, NTDs are responsible for a significant portion of the continent’s health burden, with the country contributing to 50% of Africa’s NTD cases and 25% of the global total.

Oyediran underscored the need for a united approach to secure funding and mobilize resources for Nigeria’s NTD control programs.

“One major challenge in addressing NTDs has been inadequate funding. There are about 21 diseases grouped under NTDs; each of them has its own peculiarities. Adequate funding is essential to effectively implementing all the strategies of controlling NTDs,” he explained.

The National Coordinator also called on both federal and state governments to allocate specific budgetary provisions for NTDs.

“Most states currently lack budgetary provisions for these diseases, and this is why we are engaging with health commissioners today. They are expected to communicate with their governors and ministries of budget and planning to establish a dedicated budget line for NTDs,” he said.

Stuart Halford, Director of Advocacy and Resource Mobilisation at United to Combat NTDs, echoed Oyediran’s call for funding, emphasizing that eliminating NTDs should be prioritized due to their severe economic impact.

“There are many health priorities, but eliminating NTDs is equally important because they contribute to economic and productivity losses,” Halford said.

Progress is being made in some states, such as Abia, where NTDs like onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis have been largely controlled.

Abia State Health Commissioner, Prof. Enoch Uche, revealed that the state was certified in 2022 for breaking the transmission of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis.

“We began mass administration of drugs as a form of preventive measure, which lasted for 10 years. In 2022, Abia state was certified to have broken the transmission of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis,” he said.

Kwara State has also made strides in the fight against NTDs.

The state’s Health Commissioner, Amina El-Imam, noted that Kwara has successfully eradicated lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, despite the many other health challenges the state faces.

“NTDs are so-called because they have not received appropriate attention and funding over the past years. Unless we refocus on them, we will not be able to achieve eradication as intended,” she warned.

Your body has subtle ways of communicating essential information about your health—and sometimes, one of the simplest clues is the color of your urine.

Urine, which is about 95% water, forms when your kidneys filter out waste and excess water from your blood. Normally ranging from light yellow to amber, it provides insights into your hydration and more.

Changes in urine color, smell, or frequency can serve as early indicators of potential health conditions.

While most color shifts are harmless and temporary, persistent changes could suggest a more significant issue.

“Tracking these signs can be a simple way to monitor hydration and potentially catch health issues early,” says Dr. Jenna Lewis, a nephrologist at Healthline Clinic.

Here’s a guide to what different urine colors might mean for your health:

Clear or Very Light Yellow

This typically shows you’re well-hydrated. While generally a positive sign, consistently clear urine could indicate overhydration, which may lower salt levels in your body.

Light to Medium Yellow

Often considered the “healthy” zone, this shade reflects good hydration without excess water intake.

Dark Yellow to Amber

A darker shade often indicates a need for more water. This is common in the morning or after exercise and can usually be resolved by drinking more fluids.

Orange

Dehydration may lead to orange urine, but other factors can also contribute. High levels of beta-carotene (found in foods like carrots) or certain medications can turn urine orange.

Persistent orange urine might signal liver or bile duct issues, so consult a doctor if it persists.

Pink or Red

While foods like beets or berries can cause pinkish urine, this color can also indicate the presence of blood, possibly signaling kidney problems, infections, or kidney stones. If diet isn’t the cause, seek medical advice.

Brown or Cola-Colored

This shade may suggest dehydration or, in some cases, a more severe issue. Brown urine can indicate liver or kidney problems, or a condition called rhabdomyolysis, where muscle tissue breaks down. Persistent brown urine warrants a visit to the doctor.

Blue or Green

Rarely, certain medications, dyes, or health conditions can produce blue or green urine. While often harmless, persistent blue or green urine should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Cloudy or Milky

Cloudy urine may indicate an infection or excess minerals. It could be a sign of a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, or mild dehydration. Sometimes, excess proteins or fats may also cause this cloudiness.

Most changes in urine color are temporary, especially when related to hydration, diet, or harmless compounds. However, experts agree that if unusual colors or symptoms persist, a consultation with a healthcare provider is wise.

“Listening to your body’s signals, even through something as simple as urine color, can offer valuable insights into your overall health,” adds Dr. Lewis.

By keeping an eye on these colors, you can stay on top of hydration and potentially catch health issues early.