‘LIFE and HEALTH’ – November 4, 2025

 

‘LIFE and HEALTH’ – November 4, 2025

 

Welcome to this edition of 'LIFE and HEALTH'.

'LIFE and HEALTH' is a vibrant thought-centre, exploring the meanings, challenges, and beauties of human existence. It offers deep reflections on life, faith, leadership, purpose, and service —guided by wisdom. ‘LIFE and HEALTH’ is prepared, edited, produced, and moderated by Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje; and published by Afrihealth Information Projects/Afrihealth Optonet Association.

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I. EDITORIAL – LIFE and HEALTH – 4 NOVEMBER 2025                                                                     page 2

II. KEY TITLES/TOPICS:

1.       Large regional cholera burden (Eastern and Southern Africa)

2.       Malaria burden and risk of resurgence in Africa

3.       Food insecurity, malnutrition and climate shocks

4.       Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threats affecting treatment options

5.       Historic dengue surge in the Americas (record cases and deaths)

6.       Maternal mortality and pregnancy-related deaths (USA spotlight and regional disparities)

7.       Air pollution, wildfire smoke and respiratory health (North and South America)

8.       Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs): diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease

9.       Dengue and chikungunya surges (Bangladesh / South Asia)

10.   Air pollution and urban health (South and Central Asia)

11.   Ageing populations and elder care challenges (Japan and East Asia)

12.   Heatwaves, occupational heat and food security

13.   Dengue surges and vector control emergencies in Caribbean Island

14.   Indigenous health inequalities and “Closing the Gap” progress (Australia/Oceania)

15.   Climate change and health threats to Pacific Islands (sea level, storms, vector disease)

16.   Sustainable food systems and nutrition security in Oceania

17.   Measles resurgence — highest European cases in >25 years

18.   Healthcare workforce strikes and system strain (UK and region)

19.   Mental-health burden and service underinvestment

20.   Noncommunicable diseases (aging populations, chronic care)

III. CONFERENCES, EVENTS and PLACES

IV. PERSONALITIES and STAKEHOLDERS

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Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje

Global Health and Dev’t Projects Consultant | Conferences Organizer | Trainer| Facilitator | Researcher | M&E Expert | Civil Society Leader | Policy Advocate

Phone/WhatsApp/Telegram - +2348034725905   Email – druzoadirieje2015@gmail.com 

Writer, Columnist, Blogger, Reviewer, Editor, and Author

https://druzodinmadirieje.blogspot.com

 

 

 

 

 

EDITORIAL – LIFE and HEALTH – 4 NOVEMBER 2025

 

HEALING A FRACTURED WORLD THROUGH LIFE, FAITH, LEADERSHIP, PURPOSE AND SERVICE

 

(Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje — Editor-in-Chief, ‘Life and Health’)

 

The human family stands today at a delicate crossroads of survival and stewardship. From cholera in Africa to dengue in the Americas, from mental-health crises in Asia to climate-driven devastation in the Pacific, the world’s top ‘Life and Health’ challenges reveal one truth: our wellbeing is inseparable from the health of our planet, our governance, and our compassion for one another. Africa’s epidemics—cholera, malaria, hunger—remind us that clean water, food security, and peace remain sacred essentials. The Americas confront the twin demons of excess and inequity: obesity and overdose, affluence and despair. In Asia, heatwaves, pollution, and ageing strain health systems already weakened by conflict and displacement. Europe’s vaccine hesitancy and workforce fatigue mirror moral fatigue: the erosion of trust in leadership. Meanwhile, small island states and Australia face existential climate threats that no medicine alone can cure.

 

Yet beneath these crises lies opportunity. Humanity’s greatest resource is moral courage—the willingness of leaders, citizens, and institutions to serve with empathy and foresight. Faith must once again inspire action; leadership must become a ministry of stewardship, not self-interest. Purpose must guide technology and economics toward justice and sustainability. And service must be the daily language of both policy and community life.

 

The 20 issues presented in today’s edition of ‘Life and Health’ demand not only technical fixes but also spiritual renewal. We must reform health systems to be inclusive, resilient, and preventive; strengthen local communities to anticipate disaster rather than merely recover from it; and rekindle a sense of global solidarity that sees every child’s health as a shared responsibility. Each cholera case prevented, each mental-health service expanded, each greenhouse-gas emission reduced, is an act of leadership and faith in the future. We are called to heal—ourselves, our societies, and the earth. As we face the coming decade of intertwined crises, let us remember: service is the highest form of power, and the health of the weakest among us remains the measure of our collective strength.

 

 

AFRICA

 

1.            Large regional cholera burden (Eastern and Southern Africa)

UNICEF/WHO data show >178,000 confirmed cholera cases across Eastern and Southern Africa (Jan 2024–Mar 2025). Conflict, floods and weak WASH infrastructure amplify outbreaks and child mortality risk. Investment in WASH and rapid response is essential.

https://www.unicef.org/esa/press-releases/esa-records-over-178000-cholera-cases-over-15-months

2.            Malaria burden and risk of resurgence in Africa

Africa carries the overwhelming share of global malaria cases and deaths; children under five are most affected. Recent WHO guidance stresses vaccine allocation, prevention, and surveillance to prevent resurgence and reduce mortality.

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria

3.            Food insecurity, malnutrition and climate shocks

Climate extremes (droughts/floods) and supply disruptions are driving acute food insecurity and child malnutrition across many African regions—undermining health, development and resilience. Integrated humanitarian and health-nutrition responses remain a priority.

https://lancetcountdown.org/2025-report/

4.            Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threats affecting treatment options

AMR is rising globally and in African settings; increasing resistance compromises routine infections’ treatment and surgical safety, demanding stewardship, surveillance, and improved infection control in hospitals.

https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240116337

 

Reflection (Africa): Lives depend on solidarity and service—leaders must prioritize clean water, primary care and mental-health access, guided by compassion and humility.

 

THE AMERICAS

 

5.            Historic dengue surge in the Americas (record cases and deaths)

The Americas experienced record dengue activity (millions of suspected cases in recent seasons), driven by climate, urbanization and mosquito expansion—burdening hospitals and prompting intensified vector control and surveillance.

https://apnews.com/article/c7ba61d28009533336f23f9b954f1aa6

6.            Maternal mortality and pregnancy-related deaths (USA spotlight and regional disparities)

The U.S. (and some Latin American settings) continue to face maternal mortality concerns with stark racial and geographic disparities; new CDC/Commonwealth Fund analyses highlight ongoing avoidable deaths and the need for access to quality maternity care.

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/maternal-mortality/2023/Estat-maternal-mortality.pdf

7.            Air pollution, wildfire smoke and respiratory health (North and South America)

Wildfires and urban air pollution are causing acute respiratory admissions and chronic disease burden; climate-driven fires create transboundary health hazards in the Americas.

https://www.lancetcountdown.org/2025-report/

8.            Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs): diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease

NCDs remain leading causes of death across the Americas; rising obesity, sedentary lifestyles and poor diets increase morbidity and health-care costs, requiring prevention, primary care and policy measures.

https://www.who.int/data/gho/publications/world-health-statistics

 

Reflection (Americas): Leadership requires courage to balance immediate relief with systemic prevention—faith in communities and service through sustained public-health investment.

 

ASIA

 

9.            Dengue and chikungunya surges (Bangladesh / South Asia)

Bangladesh and several South-East Asian countries have faced severe dengue and chikungunya waves—overwhelming hospitals, exposing surveillance gaps, and demanding intensified vector control and clinical readiness.

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/bangladesh-battles-rising-tide-dengue-chikungunya-2025-09-07/

10.         Air pollution and urban health (South and Central Asia)

South Asia contains many of the world’s most polluted cities; PM2.5 exposure causes millions of premature deaths and major chronic disease burden—policy action on clean energy and transport is vital.

https://www.stateofglobalair.org/ and WHO air pollution pages. stateofglobalair.org+1

11.         Ageing populations and elder care challenges (Japan and East Asia)

Japan’s rapidly ageing population poses nursing-care, health-insurance and workforce sustainability issues; technology/robotics are trialed but social policy and workforce solutions are needed.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/09/16/japan/society/japans-elderly-population/ and Reuters coverage on eldercare robotics. The Japan Times+1

12.         Heatwaves, occupational heat and food security

Rising heat in Asia reduces labour capacity, harms crops and increases heat-related mortality; adaptation in agriculture, workplace safety and health services are urgent.

https://lancetcountdown.org/2025-report/ (heat and labour indicators). Lancet Countdown

 

Reflection (Asia): Service to the vulnerable means equipping communities for climate shocks, mental-health support, and dignified elder care.

 

CAPO (Caribbean, Australia, Pacific, Oceania)

 

13.         Dengue surges and vector control emergencies in Caribbean Island

Caribbean islands have seen major dengue waves with significant case counts; small island health systems struggle with surveillance, vector control and hospital capacity. Early warning and community action are critical.

https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/newsevents/news/2025/barbados-ministry-health-wellness-implements-new-dengue-outbreak-model

14.         Indigenous health inequalities and “Closing the Gap” progress (Australia/Oceania)

Progress on Closing the Gap is uneven; Indigenous communities face higher chronic disease, obesity, mental-health and incarceration risks — calls for community-led solutions and investment continue.

https://www.niaa.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-02/NIAA%20CTG%20Combined%20Report.pdf. niaa.gov.au

15.         Climate change and health threats to Pacific Islands (sea level, storms, vector disease)

Pacific islanders face acute climate-linked health threats—flooding, vector expansion (dengue), and damage to health infrastructure—requiring resilient, locally-led health adaptation.

https://wkc.who.int/resources/publications/i/item/human-health-and-climate-change-in-pacific-island-countries. wkc.who.int

16.         Sustainable food systems and nutrition security in Oceania

Coral reef decline and saltwater intrusion threaten traditional fisheries and crops; island communities require diversified food systems and support for nutrition resilience.

UN and regional climate-food security analyses (see Lancet Countdown and Pacific Community documents)

 

Reflection (CAPO): Justice and stewardship require wealthy nations to heed small islands’ suffering, serving with humility and supporting local leadership.

 

EUROPE

 

17.         Measles resurgence — highest European cases in >25 years

Measles cases in the WHO European Region surged (2024 data ~127,350 cases), due to missed childhood vaccinations and misinformation—urgent catch-up immunization campaigns required.

https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/13-03-2025-european-region-reports-highest-number-of-measles-cases-in-more-than-25-years---unicef--who-europe. World Health Organization

18.         Healthcare workforce strikes and system strain (UK and region)

Summary: Ongoing industrial action by doctors/nurses reflects pay, staffing and retention crises—strikes stress services and highlight the need for leadership, sustainable workforce planning and protective policies.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/oct/23/resident-doctors-england-strike-november.

19.         Mental-health burden and service underinvestment

Summary: Europe faces rising mental-health needs; WHO/EU data call for investment in prevention, school and workplace mental-health initiatives and better data collection to inform policy.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/ATAG/2025/777934/EPRS_ATA%282025%29777934_EN.pdf.

20.         Noncommunicable diseases (aging populations, chronic care)

Summary: Ageing populations increase NCD burden (cardiovascular, cancer, diabetes); integrated primary care, prevention and social supports are core to sustainable systems.

WHO World Health Statistics / NCD pages

 

Reflection (Europe): Stewardship calls for leaders to restore trust in public health, invest in workforce wellbeing, and protect children’s futures through vaccination.

 

FINAL THOUGHTS — WISDOM and ACTION

These 20 issues show one clear truth: health is interwoven with climate, inequality, governance and values. Effective leadership asks three questions: Who is most vulnerable? How do we empower communities? What sustained policies and compassion will keep lives and dignity at the center? Act with courage, invest in primary care and prevention, and lead from a posture of service.

 

THE PUBLISHER

Afrihealth Information Projects (AIP)/Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) is a Nigeria-based civil society organization and international think-tank working across Africa and the Global South. It focuses on the intersections of health, environment, energy, climate change, nutrition, and sustainable development. As the publisher of Life and Health, AHOA provides credible, evidence-based, and people-centred information that promotes holistic wellbeing and sustainable livelihoods. Through Life and Health, AHOA amplifies voices, innovations, and solutions from communities, experts, and policymakers—highlighting the links between global health, environmental sustainability, and social justice. The publication reflects AHOA’s mission to advance integrated development through knowledge sharing, advocacy, and partnerships for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a multidisciplinary knowledge platform, Life and Health embodies AHOA’s values of equity, inclusion, and service to humanity. It educates readers on critical global trends—ranging from climate resilience and health systems strengthening to gender equity and renewable energy—while promoting African leadership and perspectives in global discourse. Guided by the principles of integrity, collaboration, and innovation, AHOA will continue to use Life and Health to inspire action, inform policy, and drive community empowerment for a healthier, more sustainable, and peaceful world.

 

 

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje is the Producer and Editor-in-Chief of Life and Health, the global development and wellness publication of the Afrihealth Information Projects/Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA). A renowned Nigerian health systems consultant, development expert, project/programme/policy evaluator, health economist, former Columnist in the Daily Sun newspaper, and civil society leader, Dr. Adirieje brings over three decades of professional experience in global health, policy analysis, sustainable development, and social transformation. As Producer and Editor-in-Chief, he guides Life and Health in advancing informed dialogue, research dissemination, and evidence-based advocacy across Africa and the Global South. His editorial vision integrates health, climate change, energy, environment, and socio-economic development—reflecting his conviction that human wellbeing and planetary health are inseparable. A pioneer Fellow and former National President of the Nigerian Association of Evaluators, Dr. Adirieje is the CEO and Permanent Representative of AHOA; President of African Network of Civil Society Organizations (ANCSO), President of the Society for Conservation and Sustainability of Energy and Environment in Nigeria (SOCSEEN); and Chairperson of the Global Civil Society Consortium on Climate Change (GCSCCC). A Certified Management Consultant and Management Trainer/Facilitator, he has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s national Monitoring and Evaluation policy and SDG implementation frameworks. Through Life and Health, Dr. Adirieje champions integrity, equity, and service—using the power of information to inspire action, shape policy, and empower communities toward healthier lives, resilient environments, and sustainable local/global development.