Editor's choice: AHS reaches leaps and bounds

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In this March 2025 issue of African Health Sciences, we have a selection of papers on infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases (NCDs.) and others. Hence, Iqbal1, as well as Sudanese researchers2, give us a glimpse into antimicrobial resistance and so does Mert3, who describes surgical site infections. The infectious disease theme is also echoed by a case report of an unusual abscess4. The role of Toxoplasma gondii in degenerative conditions is discussed5. Algerian scientists, who also studied Toxoplasma gondii, highlight its prevalence and risk factors in pregnant women6. The next paper helps us to understand Blastocytosis spp regarding clinical presentation and irritable bowel7. COVID-19 is not back, but we continue to reflect on it. For example, researchers from Nigeria have written for us an interesting paper on stress and coping with the pandemic8. On the other hand, a report from northern Uganda highlights the optimization of service delivery for contraceptives among adolescents living with HIV9.

Continuing the infectious disease theme, Ihekaike and others10, describe kidney diseases among children living with HIV, while Mirambo and colleagues report on mumps among the un vaccinated in Northern Tanzania11. Hepatitis B and C continue plaguing our continent. Thus, Nigerian researchers report on the factors associated with hepatitis B and among children with sickle cell anemia12. Pneumonia on the other hand remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality, and in this vein, Ye and colleagues report on pneumonia in children13. Adekemi and others14, provide us with a protocol for systematic reviews on diagnostic references in Africa. The section ends with several papers on arthritis.15-16.

This pushes us into the realm of the ever-ubiquitous non-communicable diseases (NCDs) which have reached endemic levels. Hence, we have papers on myocardial ischemia17, acute coronary syndrome18, and aortic stenosis19. Others are on subarachnoid bleeding20; cardiovascular diseases and contraceptives21. Work on the rehabilitation of stroke patients22 ends this cardiovascular disease section. Next, we have papers on breast cancer23, metastases in the peritoneum24, management of post cystectomy strictures25, and gastrointestinal malignancies in Nigeria26.

The NCD theme continues with papers on renal diseases: care of post renal transplant patients27, distribution of kidney disease in Africa28, acute kidney injury in Kenya29, and diabetic nephropathy30. There are papers on intake of fruits and vegetables31, effect of weight reduction in patients with asthma and obesity32; and a unique study on dentures33. A paper on psoriasis34; the immunology of sickle crises35; and frailty of the eldery ends this section on non-communicable diseases.36 The next section is on reproductive health and sexuality issues.

This is ushered in by papers on adolescent attitude to premarital sex37; low antenatal care visits38; perimenopause39; post menopause40; contraception41, and cesarean section scars42.

We have a few papers on anesthesia for hernia repair43; neuro tube defects44, and adenoidectomy45. We have papers on temporomandibular joint in Brazil46, surgical outcomes in LMICs47. The final paper is on vertebroplasty for fractures of the spine.48

We wish you enjoyable reading of this bumpy issue of African Health Sciences.