‘LIFE and HEALTH’ – November 7, 2025

 

‘LIFE and HEALTH’ – November 7, 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 by clicking on this link/here: <https://www.facebook.com/share/18na4VuTBG/>.

 

I. EDITORIAL – LIFE and HEALTH – 7 NOVEMBER 2025                                                                     page 2

II. KEY TITLES/TOPICS:

1.            HIV/AIDS — Ongoing epidemic with treatment and prevention gaps (Africa)

2.            Maternal mortality and emergency obstetric care (Africa)

3.            Food insecurity and malnutrition (Africa)

4.            Climate-driven health shocks (droughts, floods, heat) (Africa)

5.            Opioid overdose and substance-use crises (North America and parts of the Americas)

6.            Obesity and metabolic disease (Americas and global)

7.            Mental-health service gaps and rising need (Americas)

8.            Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) — policy and health-system action (Americas)

9.            Air pollution and its cardiopulmonary impacts (Asia)

10.         Dengue and expanding vector range (South and Southeast Asia)

11.         Population aging and care systems (East and South Asia)

12.         Tobacco, vaping and NCD risks (Asia)

13.         Hurricane and storm-related health emergencies (Caribbean)

14.         Indigenous health disparities and service access (Australia / Oceania)

15.         Climate change impacts on island health systems (Pacific / Oceania)

16.         Dengue and vector outbreaks in Pacific islands (Oceania)

17.         Heatwaves and climate-exacerbated mortality (Europe)

18.         Youth mental health and digital stressors (Europe)

19.         Antimicrobial resistance surveillance and stewardship (Europe)

20.         Alcohol-related harm and policy reform (Europe)

III. CONFERENCES, EVENTS and PLACES

IV. PERSONALITIES and STAKEHOLDERS

V. REFLECTION ON LIFE, FAITH, LEADERSHIP, PURPOSE AND SERVICE

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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 – 7 NOVEMBER 2025

 

LIFE, HEALTH, AND HUMANITY IN A CHANGING WORLD

 

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

 

In today’s world, Life and Health are intertwined with every dimension of human existence—faith, leadership, environment, and justice. In this edition, the twenty global Life and Health issues identified across Africa, the Americas, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, the Pacific, and Oceania are not isolated challenges but reflections of a single truth: humanity’s wellbeing depends on shared stewardship, wise governance, and compassionate service. Across Africa, diseases such as malaria and HIV remain persistent, even as malnutrition, maternal mortality, and climate-driven health shocks threaten decades of progress. These are not merely health problems—they reveal the fragility of life systems that must be rebuilt through justice, resilience, and trust. To lead effectively in this context is to be a servant-leader who places people before politics, ensuring that health becomes a right, not a privilege.

 

In the Americas, the paradox of prosperity emerges—where technology and affluence coexist with opioid addiction, obesity, and rising mental distress. Here, leadership must confront moral questions of equity, compassion, and accountability. Health policy must not be transactional but transformational, built on empathy and prevention rather than profit. The Asian region faces its own paradoxes—economic dynamism shadowed by air pollution, antimicrobial resistance, and aging populations. These issues remind us that modern development without sustainability is self-defeating. Wisdom demands that societies balance growth with human dignity, integrating environmental stewardship and cultural values into their development models.

 

For the Caribbean and Pacific Islands, the existential threat of climate change is not a future event but a daily reality. Rising seas, hurricanes, and disease outbreaks test the faith and endurance of small nations. Yet, their community spirit offers a lesson to the world: resilience is born from unity, service, and faith in something greater than oneself. In Europe, rising mental-health disorders, heatwave deaths, and unhealthy lifestyles signal that even advanced societies can lose balance when life’s purpose is reduced to consumption and convenience. True leadership, in every region, must rediscover moral clarity—recognizing that health is the foundation of peace, productivity, and progress.

 

Globally, the call is clear: the health of one is the concern of all. From pandemics to climate disasters, digital health divides to workforce shortages, our survival depends on solidarity. Faith and reason must work hand in hand to heal the world—through compassion-driven policy, purpose-led leadership, and service anchored in wisdom. The measure of civilization will not be its wealth, but how faithfully it preserves the sanctity of life and the dignity of every human being.

 

KEY TITLES/TOPICS

 

AFRICA

 

1.            HIV/AIDS — Ongoing epidemic with treatment and prevention gaps (Africa)

Sub-Saharan Africa continues to carry the heaviest HIV burden globally. Despite major treatment scale-up, new infections and gaps in testing, adolescent services, and prevention—plus funding volatility—threaten targets. Progress depends on sustaining antiretroviral access, reaching key and hard-to-reach populations, and integrating HIV services with primary care and social protection. Country profiles and global data: https://www.who.int/teams/global-hiv-hepatitis-and-stis-programmes/hiv/strategic-information/hiv-data-and-statistics

 

2.            Maternal mortality and emergency obstetric care (Africa)

Maternal deaths remain concentrated in low- and lower-middle income countries. Most pregnancy-related deaths are preventable with timely skilled care, emergency obstetric services and resilient financing. Cuts to aid, conflict and weak primary health systems have reversed or stalled gains in many settings, making maternal survival a pressing public health and social justice priority. WHO maternal mortality overview: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/maternal-mortality

 

3.            Food insecurity and malnutrition (Africa)

Conflict, economic stress, and climate extremes drive rising acute hunger and chronic malnutrition. Millions of children and pregnant women need treatment and preventive nutrition; school feeding programs and social safety nets are critical. The WFP/UN findings stress that hunger hotspots in West/Central Africa require urgent, flexible funding and resilience investments. WFP and SOFI reporting: https://www.wfp.org/news/global-hunger-declines-rises-africa-and-western-asia-un-report.

 

4.            Climate-driven health shocks (droughts, floods, heat) (Africa)

Climate change multiplies health risks: vector ranges shift, food systems are stressed, infectious disease seasons change, and extreme weather damages health infrastructure. Vulnerable populations suffer disproportionately; adaptation—climate-resilient health systems and early warning—is now an urgent cross-sector priority for African governments and partners. See regional vulnerabilities and evidence in global/UN reporting. https://www.wfp.org/news/global-hunger-declines-rises-africa-and-western-asia-un-report

 

AMERICAS (North, Central, South)

 

5.            Opioid overdose and substance-use crises (North America and parts of the Americas)

The opioid epidemic continues to evolve: synthetic opioids (fentanyl) have driven large mortality spikes; recent prevention and treatment expansions have begun to reduce deaths in some settings but challenges remain. Harm-reduction, naloxone, treatment access and resilient funding are essential to sustain gains. CDC overdose overview: https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/about/understanding-the-opioid-overdose-epidemic.html

 

6.            Obesity and metabolic disease (Americas and global)

Obesity prevalence continues to rise across income groups, with major implications for diabetes, heart disease and health systems. The Region of the Americas has high NCD burdens, and shifting diets, urbanization, and inequities drive the epidemic—demanding policy, primary-care and social interventions. WHO obesity / NCD resources: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight

 

7.            Mental-health service gaps and rising need (Americas)

Mental disorders and suicide risk are rising or remain alarmingly under-treated across populations, with pandemic after-effects, social stressors and service shortages fueling the crisis. Scaling community care, school-based supports, and integrated primary mental health is a pressing systems priority. WHO mental health resources and regional reports: https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/world-mental-health-report

 

8.            Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) — policy and health-system action (Americas)

Cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory disease are dominant causes of death in the Americas. Prevention (tobacco, alcohol, diet, physical activity), early detection and integrating NCD care into primary care are essential to reduce premature mortality and inequities. PAHO NCD overview: https://www.paho.org/en/topics/noncommunicable-diseases

 

ASIA

 

9.            Air pollution and its cardiopulmonary impacts (Asia)

Nine in ten people breathe air that fails WHO guidelines; air pollution causes millions of deaths yearly and is a major driver of heart disease, stroke, COPD and child mortality. Rapid urbanization and industrial sources make air quality a cross-sector policy issue with immediate health dividends from clean-air interventions. WHO air pollution info: https://www.who.int/health-topics/air-pollution

 

10.         Dengue and expanding vector range (South and Southeast Asia)

Dengue incidence has surged in many Asian countries as climate change, urban crowding, and mobility expand Aedes mosquito habitats; health systems face seasonal surges, and integrated prevention plus epidemiologic surveillance are vital. WHO dengue updates: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue

 

11.         Population aging and care systems (East and South Asia)

Rapid aging in many Asian countries increases demand for chronic disease care, long-term care, and geriatric skilled workforce. Policymakers face fiscal pressures while needing to redesign health/social systems for dignity and functional independence for older adults. UN population projections and WHO: https://www.un.org/development/desa/pd/sites/www.un.org.development.desa.pd/files/undesa_pd_2024_wpp_2024_advance_unedited_0.pdf

 

12.         Tobacco, vaping and NCD risks (Asia)

Tobacco remains a leading cause of preventable death; while smoking prevalence has fallen in some countries, industry targeting and rising e-cigarette use among youth require renewed policies, taxation and cessation services. WHO tobacco resources: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tobacco

 

CAPO (Caribbean, Australia, Pacific, Oceania)

 

13.         Hurricane and storm-related health emergencies (Caribbean)

Hurricane seasons bring acute injury, water-borne disease risk, and prolonged disruptions to health services and supply chains. Preparedness, resilient health infrastructure, and rapid recovery funds protect lives and continuity of care. PAHO regional preparedness guidance: https://www.paho.org/en/news/2-6-2025-paho-calls-countries-prepare-health-systems-amid-forecasts-very-active-2025-hurricane

 

14.         Indigenous health disparities and service access (Australia / Oceania)

Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and other First Nations peoples face large gaps in life expectancy, chronic disease burden and access to culturally safe primary care; closing these gaps requires sustained community leadership and funding. AIHW reporting and national strategies: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/indigenous-health-and-wellbeing

 

15.         Climate change impacts on island health systems (Pacific / Oceania)

Sea-level rise, extreme storms and marine heatwaves threaten infrastructure, food security and vector-borne disease risk in small island states. Health system resilience and community-led adaptation are urgent priorities. WHO Pacific climate and health action resources: https://www.who.int/westernpacific/activities/protecting-the-islanders-from-climate-change-and-environmental-hazards

 

16.         Dengue and vector outbreaks in Pacific islands (Oceania)

Dengue outbreaks have increased across several Pacific islands in recent years, exacerbated by climate variability—demanding improved surveillance, vector control and health system preparedness for small island contexts. Regional reporting and news: https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/outbreaks/2024/index.html

 

EUROPE

 

17.         Heatwaves and climate-exacerbated mortality (Europe)

Record-breaking heat events have caused tens of thousands of heat-related deaths in recent seasons. Aging populations and urban heat islands increase vulnerability; public-health heat action plans, cooling centers and early warning systems are now essential infrastructure. EEA/WHO regional analysis: https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/publications/the-impacts-of-heat-on-health

 

18.         Youth mental health and digital stressors (Europe)

Rising anxiety, depression and self-harm in adolescents are linked to social, academic and digital pressures. Schools, families and health services must scale prevention, early intervention and digital-wellbeing strategies. WHO/European mental-health reporting and research: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health

 

19.         Antimicrobial resistance surveillance and stewardship (Europe)

Europe maintains robust AMR surveillance but continues to manage rising resistance in bloodstream and urinary infections. Stewardship, diagnostics, and pipeline development are priorities. ECDC AMR reports outline the regional burden and trends. https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/antimicrobial-resistance-eueea-ears-net-annual-epidemiological-report-2023

 

20.         Alcohol-related harm and policy reform (Europe)

Alcohol causes high mortality and morbidity in Europe; policy measures (taxation, availability limits, advertising controls) are central to preventing harm and reducing health inequities. WHO Europe alcohol calls and campaign materials: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/alcohol

 

DEEP REFLECTIONS ON LIFE, FAITH, LEADERSHIP, PURPOSE AND SERVICE

 

1.            Life is fragile — act with urgency and compassion. Public health data are not abstract numbers; they are human lives. Leadership should pair technical action with humility and daily compassion for the suffering behind each statistic.

2.            Faith and solidarity expand the moral compass. Faith communities and ethical traditions are powerful partners in prevention, caregiving and advocacy for the poor and marginalized—reminding leaders that access to health is a moral duty.

3.            Leadership requires stewardship of resources and trust. Transparent use of funds, listening to communities, and protecting frontline workers fosters durable trust—essential when crises demand shared sacrifice.

4.            Purpose is sustained by service, not prestige. Long-term health gains need quiet, steady investment in education, water, primary care and prevention—areas that reward persistence over headlines.

5.            Wisdom means acting upstream. Tackling root causes—poverty, inequality, environmental degradation—protects health more reliably than temporary fixes; prevention is the most faithful expression of care.

6.            Measure what matters; care for what numbers hide. Use data to guide policy but maintain personal relationships with communities; policies without dignity and context will fail.

 

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.

 

NEXT EDITION: The next Edition of ‘Life & Health’ comes next Monday, 10th November 2025

Wishing you a great weekend ahead.