Has the health of Nigerians improved over the last decade, at least according to eight key indicators? We examined the trends revealed by a series of major surveys.
Healthcheck Reports
Does Nigeria have 23% of world’s malaria cases, as an insecticide maker claimed?
Claim
“Nigeria contributes 23% of the global malaria cases”
Insecticide brand Mortein
downplayed
Verdict
Most recent data shows its higher
checked
#5facts: SA’s top 2017 numbers
Crime, income, social grants, obesity and migrants. We picked five facts about big South African talking points in 2017.
checked
Handwashing 101: Dettol’s disease-busting claims under the microscope
Just how likely are you to avoid diarrhea or the flu by regularly washing your hands? And how big a toll does diarrhea take among the very young?
unproven
Is SA ‘among the top six in the world’ for nuclear medicine ingredients?
South Africa’s third energy minister for 2017 has high praise for the country’s nuclear capabilities. Here’s what we know about South Africa’s contribution to nuclear medicine.
mostly-correct
SA billboard likely understates child ‘hunger’ deaths
In a publicity campaign, South Africa’s official opposition put a spotlight on the number of children dying due to a lack of food every day. But the figure is probably even higher.
checked
Does Nigeria have the most people with diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa?
A top drug firm executive said Nigeria registers the most new cases of diabetes in the region and that 5 million people in the country are living with the disease. Do the claims get a clean bill of health?
Blog post: ANALYSIS: The case for speed cameras on South Africa’s deadly roads
In theory, anything which reduces a motorist’s speed could reduce the possibility of a crash – or serious injury, if one occurs. But does research back up the case for traffic cameras to help enforce speed limits?
checked
#5facts: The sad extent of suicide in South Africa
A recent suicide of a university student in South Africa has put self-harm deaths back in the headlines. We look at 5 facts about suicide in South Africa.
checked
Do Nigeria’s Yoruba people have the world’s highest twin birth rate? (And are yams to blame?)
The idea that eating yams increases the chance of twins seems to be backed up by the high twinning rate in parts where the vegetable is popular. But it’s not grounded in solid evidence.