‘LIFE and HEALTH’ – November 5, 2025

 

‘LIFE and HEALTH’ – November 5, 2025

 

Welcome to this edition of 'LIFE and HEALTH' - a vibrant thought-centre, exploring the meanings, challenges, and beauties of human existence. It offers deep reflections on life, faith, leadership, purpose, and service. ‘LIFE and HEALTH’ is prepared, edited, produced, and moderated by Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje; and published by Afrihealth Information Projects/Afrihealth Optonet Association. Access/read the Details here: <https://www.facebook.com/share/18na4VuTBG/>. Click on the above link and join now, follow and like the Page, share the above link with your networks.

 

I. EDITORIAL – LIFE and HEALTH – 5 NOVEMBER 2025                                                         page 2

II. KEY TITLES/TOPICS:

1.      Maternal and newborn mortality and gaps in perinatal care

2.      Vaccine equity and routine immunization decline

3.      Malnutrition and child wasting in crisis-affected zones

4.      Climate-driven health hazards: heat, floods, vector expansion

5.      Vaccine-preventable disease re-emergence and measles clusters

6.      Urban air pollution and respiratory disease

7.      Aging populations and long-term care (Latin America/Caribbean)

8.      Pandemic preparedness and health financing fragility

9.      Air-pollution health burden in South and East Asia

10.  Urban migration, slum health, and WASH deficits

11.  Heatwaves, occupational heat stress and agricultural worker health

12.  Digital health expansion and telemedicine regulation

13.  Seafood-borne and seasonal zoonoses; biosecurity

14.  Heatwaves, bushfire smoke and respiratory/cardiac impacts (Australia)

15.  Aging population and rural health access (New Zealand / Pacific territories)

16.  Noncommunicable diseases and limited specialist services

17.  Respiratory virus seasonality and healthcare surge risk

18.  Hepatitis A / foodborne outbreaks and travel-associated illnesses

19.  Aging population pressures on health systems (Western and Eastern Europe)

20.  Climate-linked vector emergence (West Nile, tick expansion)

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 – 5 NOVEMBER 2025

 

LIFE AND HEALTH IN A CHANGING WORLD — OUR SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

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

 

Humanity today stands at a profound crossroads where the fate of life and health reflects the moral, social, and spiritual condition of our world. From the cholera-hit villages of Africa to the opioid-ravaged communities of the Americas, from Asia’s polluted megacities to the flood-prone islands of the Pacific, the message is clear: health is both a human right and a divine trust. We are reminded that global health is local health — and every nation’s resilience depends on our collective compassion, wisdom, and action.

 

Life and health challenges are no longer confined by geography. Climate change, pandemics, noncommunicable diseases, malnutrition, and mental distress cut across continents and cultures. Yet, amid the crises, there remains an unyielding hope — the human capacity to adapt, to lead with conscience, and to serve with purpose. Leadership in life and health today demands more than policies and budgets; it requires moral imagination, empathy, and the courage to put people before profit.

Faith teaches us that service to humanity is service to God. The health worker who saves lives in an under-resourced clinic, the policymaker who enacts equity-driven reforms, the volunteer who feeds the displaced, the youth who advocates for mental well-being — all participate in a sacred ministry of healing. This sacred duty transcends religion, race, or politics; it is a universal covenant with life itself.

 

As the world confronts emerging infections, aging populations, and the worsening burden of climate-induced illnesses, our purpose must rise above short-term politics and self-interest. We must invest in prevention, education, and systems that treat health not as a commodity but as a cornerstone of justice and peace. Strong institutions, transparent governance, and community-driven approaches remain our surest paths toward resilience.

 

Let us also reflect on leadership as stewardship — a sacred calling to protect, nurture, and empower. The wise leader listens, learns, and leads by example; the faithful servant sees every life as worthy of care. Our decisions, both private and public, must mirror this truth: that every human being deserves a healthy body, a peaceful mind, and a hopeful future.

 

In this shared struggle for life and health, may we blossom in compassion, flourish in faith, and remain victorious in service — not by might, but by the wisdom that honours God through the healing of humanity.

 

AFRICA

 

1. Maternal and newborn mortality and gaps in perinatal care

Maternal and neonatal deaths remain concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa due to poor access to skilled birth attendants, emergency obstetric care, and postnatal services. Investment in midwifery, referral systems and respectful maternal care saves lives and advances gender equity.

https://www.unicef.org/health/maternal-and-newborn-health

 

2. Vaccine equity and routine immunization decline

Routine immunization coverage setbacks (exacerbated by COVID-19) have left cohorts susceptible to measles, polio, and other vaccine-preventable diseases; delivering catch-up campaigns and restoring community trust are urgent to prevent large outbreaks.

https://www.who.int/initiatives/immunization

 

3. Malnutrition and child wasting in crisis-affected zones

Conflict, displacement, and food-price shocks have pushed child wasting and acute malnutrition higher in many regions. Rapid nutrition screening, therapeutic feeding, and scaled social protection reduce mortality and foster longer-term resilience.

https://www.wfp.org/emergencies

 

4. Climate-driven health hazards: heat, floods, vector expansion

Rising temperatures and extreme weather alter disease patterns (e.g., mosquitos), strain water and food systems, and increase injury and displacement. Health system adaptation (early-warning, resilient supply chains) and climate-mitigation co-benefits are essential public-health priorities.

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-and-health

 

AMERICAS (North and South)

 

5. Vaccine-preventable disease re-emergence and measles clusters

Pockets of low vaccination coverage have led to measles and other outbreaks across the hemisphere; targeted catch-up campaigns and strong surveillance are crucial to restore herd immunity.

https://www.who.int/activities/supporting-countries-to-meet-vaccination-goals

 

6. Urban air pollution and respiratory disease

City air pollution contributes to chronic respiratory and cardiovascular disease; policy, transport redesign, and clean-energy transitions reduce exposures and save lives—especially for children and older adults.

https://ourworldindata.org/air-pollution

 

7. Aging populations and long-term care (Latin America/Caribbean)

Demographic shifts toward older populations increase demand for chronic disease management and long-term care; systems need workforce training, affordable care financing, and age-friendly services. https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/ageing

 

8. Pandemic preparedness and health financing fragility

The Americas face a financing and governance gap in pandemic preparedness—strengthening labs, workforce, and coordinated surveillance is essential to detect and respond quickly to emerging threats. https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2024/01/30/default-calendar/international-health-regulations

 

ASIA

 

9. Air-pollution health burden in South and East Asia

High particulate matter levels cause millions of premature deaths, raising heart and lung disease rates. Cross-sectoral policy (clean energy, transport) plus monitoring and public advisories improve health outcomes.

https://www.who.int/health-topics/air-pollution

 

10. Urban migration, slum health, and WASH deficits

Rapid urbanization produces informal settlements with poor sanitation and crowded housing, raising infectious-disease and maternal/child-health risks; integrated urban planning and primary-care outreach are essential.

https://www.unicef.org/

 

11. Heatwaves, occupational heat stress and agricultural worker health

Rising heat threatens outdoor workers with heatstroke and chronic kidney disease in some regions; workplace protections, hydration policies, and early-warning systems reduce harms.

https://www.who.int/health-topics/climate-change-and-health

 

12. Digital health expansion and telemedicine regulation

Telehealth uptake accelerated, improving access in remote areas but raising equity, data-protection, and quality-assurance concerns. Policies to regulate platforms, train providers, and ensure broadband access are immediate priorities.

https://www.who.int/health-topics/digital-health

 

CAPO (Caribbean, Australia, Pacific, Oceania)

 

13. Seafood-borne and seasonal zoonoses; biosecurity

New zoonotic risks from wildlife and changing ecosystems require strong biosecurity and food-safety surveillance; coordinated One-Health approaches protect livelihoods and reduce zoonotic spillover.

https://www.mpi.govt.nz/

 

14. Heatwaves, bushfire smoke and respiratory/cardiac impacts (Australia)

https://www.health.gov.au/ | Summary: Australia’s extreme heat and wildfire smoke events increase respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses; public-health advisories, air-quality monitoring, and community cooling centers mitigate impacts especially for older adults and children. (≈50 words)

 

15. Aging population and rural health access (New Zealand / Pacific territories)

Aging rural populations need integrated primary care, transportation supports, and home-based services. Proactive community care models and workforce incentives maintain dignity and reduce hospital dependency.

https://www.health.govt.nz/

 

16. Noncommunicable diseases and limited specialist services

Pacific nations have some of the highest NCD rates globally (diabetes, obesity); prevention, culturally-tailored health promotion, and strengthened primary care reduce long-term disability and health spending.

https://www.who.int/

 

EUROPE

 

17. Respiratory virus seasonality and healthcare surge risk

Combined influenza, RSV, and novel respiratory viruses can stress hospitals seasonally; vaccination, surge planning, and protecting health workers are essential to maintain elective services.

https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en

 

18. Hepatitis A / foodborne outbreaks and travel-associated illnesses

Europe has experienced clustered hepatitis A and other foodborne disease events linked to travel and food-supply chains; strengthened surveillance, vaccination for at-risk groups, and food-safety protocols reduce spread.

https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events

 

19. Aging population pressures on health systems (Western and Eastern Europe)

Aging societies require expanded geriatrics, long-term care infrastructure, and sustainable financing to serve more patients with multimorbidity while retaining workforce capacity.

https://www.oecd.org/health/

 

20. Climate-linked vector emergence (West Nile, tick expansion)

Warmer seasons and shifting ecosystems increase West Nile and tick-borne disease occurrence in Europe; entomological surveillance and public alerts are essential to reduce human infections.

https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/climate-change-and-health

 

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 centre?

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.