Malaria is a deadly disease which kills at least 300,000 Nigerian children every year. The contribution of Malaria to the high mortality rate amongst children is of grave global concern. The Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2008 study report shows that malaria is endemic throughout the country. Data from the study results indicates that malaria accounts for nearly 110 million clinically diagnosed cases per year, 60 percent of outpatient visits, and 30 percent hospitalisations’.

It also contributes up to 11 percent maternal mortality. Almost all the population in the country is at risk. In addition to the direct health impact of malaria, there are also severe social and economic burdens on communities and the country as a whole, with 134 million naira (that’s about $1 billion) lost to malaria annually in form of treatment costs, prevention and loss of productivity (NDHS 2008). more…

Seven years ago today I flew into Lungi airport on an SN Brussels flight together with a few other people who were soon to be my colleagues and housemates. I remember it being hot and sticky while we were waiting to get on a helicopter to reach Freetown. I remember the drive along the beach road to get to Wilberforce to our team house. I remember falling in love with our amazing gazebo there. And getting settled in to a place that I would call home for the next four years! more…

< Is it better to write blogs or a book? I wondered this the other night as I attended the party to celebrate the launch of a friend's book. more…

South Africa has a bright future—with strategic investments now, we will have a vibrant economy fueled by our “youth bulge.” I believe that investments today will pay a youth dividend of increases in economic productivity, innovation and quality of life. more…