With the dawn of colonialism, nursing and midwifery were formally established and, in many colonies, recognised as the first modern clinical profession on the African continent.
Trokosi is an ancient practice in West Africa where virgin girls, some as young as six are sent as slaves to make amends for wrongs committed by their families.
Hunger is a daily reality across large parts of Africa.
Jon Hrusa/EPA
Yu-Shan Wu, University of the Witwatersrand; Chris Alden, London School of Economics and Political Science e Cobus van Staden, South African Institute of International Affairs
Not enough credit is given to the agency African governments have in their dealings with China.
A Togolese opposition supporter during protests over alleged electoral fraud in 2005.
EPA/Nic Bothma
The seeds of discord that were planted in independent Togo have resulted in ethnic divisions, and a state that has long been ruled by family. But recent protests could mean things are about to change.
Africa is home to many disease outbreaks yet is ill-prepared to deal with them.
UNMEER/Martine Perret
African leaders need to up their health allocations to help the new World Health Organisation Director-General meet his health care targets for the continent.
The Internet of Things offers great opportunities for Africa.
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