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Background Africa is blessed with vast arable land and enriched with valuable natural resources encompassing both renewable (like water, forests, and fisheries) and non-renewable (such as minerals, coal, gas, and oil). Under the right conditions, a natural resource boom should serve as an important driver for growth, development, and the transition from cottage industry to factory output. However, despite its wealth, Africa is often associated with the notion of a resource curse. Negative outcomes are often linked with mineral wealth. This paper investigates the causes of adverse health outcomes in resource-rich regions. The study provides empirical support for the natural resource curse with particular emphasis on the environmental health risks in Africa. We explore the multifaceted connections among mineral deposits, environmental risks, conflict events and population dynamics, shedding light on the complexities of resource-rich areas. Results We amalgamate georeferenced data pertaining to 22 specific mineral deposits with information on the prevalence of reliance on compromised infrastructures at a spatial resolution of 0.5 ∘ × 0 . 5 ∘ for all of Africa between 2000 and 2017. Through comprehensive econometric analysis of environmental health risk factors, including reliance on contaminated water sources, open defecation, unimproved sanitation, particulate matter concentration, and carbon concentration, we uncover the intricate pathways through which mineral deposits impact public health. Our findings revealed the significant role of in-migration in mediating environmental health risks. Moreover, we found that the activities of extractive companies amplify certain environmental risks including reliance on unimproved sanitation and practices and particulate matter concentration. Conflict events emerge as a key mediator across all environmental health risks, underlining the far-reaching consequences of instability and violence on both local communities and the environment. Conclusion The study contributes to the discourse on sustainable development by unraveling the nuanced associations between mineral wealth and health challenges. By drawing attention to the intricate web of factors at play, we provide a foundation for targeted interventions that address the unique environmental and health challenges faced by mineral-rich communities.

Childbirth complications continue to remain a major problem in various settings but most rampant in underdeveloped nations, including Gambia, where poor living condition is widespread. Obstetric Fistula (OF) has been cited as one of the most common issues experienced by mothers during labor over the years. The study thus focuses on evaluating the level of awareness of this condition among Gambian women of childbearing age. Women’s Data from the recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) in Gambia was used for the study. A total of 11,864 women of reproductive age, who had completed cases of the variables of interest were used for the analysis. Stata version-16 was used in carrying out the analysis of this study; and Pearson Chi-square test for independence was used to examine the distribution of the awareness of fistula among Gambian women across the explanatory variables. A two model binary logistic regression was fitted to examine the association between the outcome variable and the explanatory variables. The study presented that, majority of the Gambian women (87.2%) had no knowledge about Obstetric Fistula, as they indicated to have never heard of the condition. Considering the individual factors, age was seen to be a significant factor in determining the awareness level of Obstetric Fistula among women of childbearing age. As they age, the higher their odds of knowing about the condition. Other factors such as level of education, marital status, pregnancy termination, media exposure, community poverty level, and employment were also discovered to be significant factors in determining a woman’s awareness of Obstetric Fistula. Considering the low level of awareness of Obstetric Fistula among Gambian women, there is therefore the need for the appropriate institutions to increase health educational programmes targeted at creating its awareness, and to provide further in-depth understanding of the condition to the few who already have a fair knowledge about it.

Background Childhood malnutrition can impair physical and cognitive development, thereby diminishing productivity at adulthood. Current research recognizes the crucial impact of early childhood nutrition on the long-term health and well-being of children. Ghana has achieved notable progress in lowering childhood malnutrition; nevertheless, it remains a major concern. This study advances current understanding on the socioeconomic drivers and magnitude of child malnutrition in the Ghanaian context. Methods We used data from 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey to analyze inequalities in malnutrition among children This study was an analytical cross-sectional survey that covered a total weighted sample of 4,935 women aged 15–49. Simple measures of inequality [difference (D), and Ratio (R)], and complex measures of inequality [Population Attributable risk (PAR), and Population Attributable Fraction (PAF)] were performed using the World Health Organization’s Health Equity Assessment Toolkit (WHO’s HEAT) software. Six equity stratifiers examined malnutrition among children in Ghana: child’s age, economic status, educational status, place of residence, sex of child, and subnational region. Results Overall, out of the four child malnutrition indicators used, stunting was the highest with 17.4%. We observed age (D = 7.2, UI = 4.0– 10.4, PAF=-67.7, UI=-67.9– -67.4), maternal education ( R  = 1.8, UI = 1.5–2.1; PAF=-18.8, UI=-18.8–-18.7), place of residence ( R  = 1.3, UI = 1.1–1.6; PAF=-13.4, UI=-13.4–-13.3), and subnational region (D = 19.1, UI = 13.5–24.8; PAR=-6.9, UI=-10.1–-3.8). Conclusion This study revealed the existence of inequalities in malnutrition among children in Ghana, which is influenced by child’s age, maternal economic status, maternal education, place of residence, and subnational region. To tackle the issues of child malnutrition in Ghana, it is vital to implement targeted interventions that address age-related disparities and implement social protection programs. Subnational region disparities must be addressed by directing resources to areas vulnerable to malnutrition, such as Northern Ghana, adapting interventions to local needs, and improving infrastructure to facilitate better healthcare and nutrition access in rural communities.

Childbirth complications continue to remain a major problem in various settings but most rampant in underdeveloped nations, including Gambia, where poor living condition is widespread. Obstetric Fistula (OF) has been cited as one of the most common issues experienced by mothers during labor over the years. The study thus focuses on evaluating the level of awareness of this condition among Gambian women of childbearing age. Women’s Data from the recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) in Gambia was used for the study. A total of 11,864 women of reproductive age, who had completed cases of the variables of interest were used for the analysis. Stata version-16 was used in carrying out the analysis of this study; and Pearson Chi-square test for independence was used to examine the distribution of the awareness of fistula among Gambian women across the explanatory variables. A two model binary logistic regression was fitted to examine the association between the outcome variable and the explanatory variables. The study presented that, majority of the Gambian women (87.2%) had no knowledge about Obstetric Fistula, as they indicated to have never heard of the condition. Considering the individual factors, age was seen to be a significant factor in determining the awareness level of Obstetric Fistula among women of childbearing age. As they age, the higher their odds of knowing about the condition. Other factors such as level of education, marital status, pregnancy termination, media exposure, community poverty level, and employment were also discovered to be significant factors in determining a woman’s awareness of Obstetric Fistula. Considering the low level of awareness of Obstetric Fistula among Gambian women, there is therefore the need for the appropriate institutions to increase health educational programmes targeted at creating its awareness, and to provide further in-depth understanding of the condition to the few who already have a fair knowledge about it.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to pose a significant public health challenge globally, negatively impacting reproductive health and increasing the likelihood of infertility, complications during pregnancy, and mother-to-child transmission. Despite the increasing burden of self-reported (SR) STIs, there is limited evidence on their prevalence and associated factors across Africa. Applying the socio-ecological model (SEM), this study sought to estimate the prevalence and identify the factors associated with SR-STIs among sexually active women in Africa. The study used the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted in 29 African countries. A weighted sample of 340,179 sexually active women who had ever had sexual intercourse in the past 12 months and had complete information on all variables of interest were included. Guided by SEM, explanatory variables were conceptually mapped onto its four levels (individual, interpersonal, community, and societal/structural). The analysis was conducted using Stata version 14.2. Descriptive, chi-square, and multilevel regression analyses were carried out. Frequencies, percentages, and odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and p-values were used to present the results. The pooled prevalence of SR-STIs among sexually active women in Africa was 18.43% (95% CI: 18.00%-18.70%), ranging from 47.9% in Liberia to 3.9% in Ethiopia. Guided by the SEM levels, significant associations were identified at the individual, interpersonal, and societal/structural levels. At the individual level, women aged 45-49 [aOR = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.66-0.76] and women whose sexual debut occurred at age 20 or older [aOR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.73-0.79] had lower odds of SR-STIs than women aged 15-19 years and those whose sexual debut occurred before age 20 years, respectively. At the interpersonal level, women living in female-headed households had lower odds of SR-STIs [aOR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.93-0.99]. At the societal/structural level, women in Southern Africa had lower odds of SR-STIs [aOR = 0.35; 95% CI = 0.32-0.39] than those in West Africa. This research revealed a high prevalence (18.43%) of SR-STIs among sexually active women in Africa, with substantial cross-country and sub-regional variation. The findings demonstrate the utility of the SEM in understanding SR-STIs, as significant factors were identified across individual, interpersonal, community, and societal/structural levels, highlighting that SR-STI risk is shaped by a complex interplay of multilevel determinants. These findings call for targeted, context-specific interventions that address factors at multiple levels, including enhancing STI education and screening as part of routine reproductive health and HIV services. Additionally, governments should implement region-specific strategies to improve reproductive health outcomes.