
Public health efforts can curb mpox spread
A combination of self-isolation, testing, and public awareness campaigns can significantly reduce the spread of Mpox, a viral infectious disease endemic to parts of Africa, according to modelling by scientists from Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, and published in Scientific Reports1.
Using mpox incidence data from the United States, the study demonstrates that without clinical intervention, the disease continues to spread. But, even partial adherence to isolation protocols and public awareness efforts significantly reduces new infections.
The researchers urge public health authorities to combine “effective isolation, expanded testing, and targeted awareness campaigns.” They emphasise that interventions must be sensitive to stigma and socio-economic barriers, which may prevent high-risk populations from fully participating in prevention efforts.
Heatwaves increase air pollution risks over Kigali
Between 2021 and 2024, during six heatwaves in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, ozone concentrations increased by up to 40% above normal . Other air pollutants including fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, also spiked during these heatwaves, influenced also by sources such as vehicle traffic and biomass burning.
The study published in Scientific Reports2 used low-cost sensors to monitor air quality in Kigali and provides valuable data on how heatwaves affect urban air pollution levels in Sub-Saharan African cities, highlighting the combined risks posed rising temperatures and worsening air quality.
The researchers emphasise the importance of early-warning systems and strong urban policies that address heat and air pollution simultaneously. They also point out that atmospheric conditions around Kigali differ from those in many high-income countries, underscoring the need for more research focused on the unique interaction of heat and air pollution in Sub-Saharan Africa.
These findings build on a recent study published in Communications Earth & Environment3 which showed that heatwaves across most of Africa have become more frequent, longer-lasting and more intense in the last 40 years.
Green hydrogen from Africa is ‘prohibitively’ expensive
Many European countries want to import ammonia from Africa as a source of green hydrogen (H2), a renewable energy alternative that could help decarbonise their refining and industrial sectors – currently reliant on hydrogen produced from fossil fuels. However, without strong European policy support to address security issues, political uncertainty, and long-term investment challenges, such efforts remain economically unviable, according to a recent report in Nature Energy4.
Under a commercial scenario, the researchers showed that green hyrdogen production in Africa is unlikely to be cost competitive by 2030. They emphasised that “de-risking” investment environments and selecting strategic project locations selection are essential for making African green hydrogen exports viable on the global market. The authors also stress that long-term success depends on pairing hydrogen production with broader economic development plans that supporting decarbonization goals, as well as African development.
Africa has only one green hydrogen facility — a 3.5 MW project in South Africa. Feasibility studies have been completed for 18 proposed projects across Egypt, Namibia, Morocco, South Africa, Mauritania and Kenya. However, Africa faces competition from countries like Chile, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Spain, which often have stronger domestic financial capacity, developed institutional frameworks to attract international investment, and locations along major trade routes.
Integrating community psychiatric care
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) research, published in Global Mental Health5 offers insights for integrated mental health care in communities where resources are tight. Community-based collaborative care (CBCC) is an internationally recognised model that emphasises multidisciplinary teamwork and coordinated service delivery. In South Africa, CBCC integrates community psychiatric services with some public health facilities.
The Wits team conducted qualitative interviews with healthcare providers at two integrated clinics. In one, psychiatric services were delivered from offices located inside the main public health clinic; in the other, staff operated from an adjacent outbuilding.
They found that multidisciplinary teams functioned more effectively and cohesively when located in the same building. Strong leadership, a healthy working environment, access to adequate resources and clearly defined roles between team members contribute to greater cohesion and success.