Cognitive impairment in individuals with diabetes represents a multifaceted and increasingly prevalent health concern. This review critically examines the current evidence regarding the intricate relationship between diabetes and cognitive decline. It highlights the existing knowledge on the impact of diabetes on cognitive function, spanning from mild cognitive impairment to dementia, including vascular and Alzheimer dementia. The review underscores the need for a standardized diagnostic paradigm and explores research gaps, such as the implications of cognitive impairment in younger populations and various diabetes types. Furthermore, this review emphasizes the relevance of diabetes-related comorbidities, including hypertension and dyslipidemia, in influencing cognitive decline. It advocates for a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from neuroscience, endocrinology, and immunology to elucidate the mechanistic underpinnings of diabetes-related cognitive impairment. The second part of this review outlines prospective research directions and opportunities. It advocates for longitudinal studies to understand disease progression better and identifies critical windows of vulnerability. The search for accurate biomarkers and predictive factors is paramount, encompassing genetic and epigenetic considerations. Personalized approaches and tailored interventions are essential in addressing the substantial variability in cognitive outcomes among individuals with diabetes.

The effect of COVID-19 is enormous, and high-risk COVID-19 case arises when underlying infections like diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathy are present, and an immunocompromised state such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). People living with HIV(PLHIV) may be exposed to severe COVID-19, mostly in areas with poor access to proper care and complex intervention for HIV infection. During the lockdown, those with medical appointments will not access health facilities, which may be detrimental to people living with HIV. Emerging evidence suggests COVID-19 pandemic fear may lead to adverse mental health outcomes and affect preventive behavior. In addition to the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV, COVID-19 is also causing concerns. People with HIV tend to have mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress (PTSD), which can be both a cause and a harmful impact of HIV. Discussed in this research is the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV patients, their similarities, differences, and urgent attention from healthcare centers to take charge and respond to patients with HIV and other immunosuppressed conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic which emanated from Wuhan, China, and its successive spread across the globe had a tremendous impact on virtually all spheres of human endeavors such as economy, health, livelihood, and education amongst others. The widespread restrictions currently placed on movement and mass gatherings have made educational and academic activities to be grounded globally. In recent years, the concept of learning has gradually transformed from traditional classroom methods to online learning where students acquire knowledge through invisible classrooms. Most learning institutions in Africa may encounter difficulties in turning to this new form of learning due to the lack of information and communication technology (ICT) facilities of international standards. Although many students today possess internet-enabled devices, they cannot access the internet due to unaffordable data subscriptions, which have made most learners use their devices for non-educational purposes. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the African continent, the possibility to re-open the schools remains bleak. Thus, governments, authorities, and regulatory bodies in individual countries must improve their existing ICT infrastructures for a better online learning experience. This paper serves as a wake-up call for Africa and its educational sector to transit to online learning.

Interdisciplinary research (IDR) has the potential to drive scientific innovation, economic development, and sustainable solutions to Africa’s complex challenges. By integrating knowledge across disciplines, IDR fosters holistic approaches to pressing issues such as public health crises, food security, climate change, and technological innovation. However, its implementation in Africa is hindered by structural, institutional, and financial barriers. Rigid academic frameworks, disciplinary silos, and limited funding impede collaboration, while inadequate research infrastructure, fragmented data-sharing mechanisms, and policy inconsistencies further stifle interdisciplinary engagement. Additionally, sociocultural and political challenges—including language barriers, historical power imbalances, and political instability—complicate efforts to build inclusive and effective research communities. To address these challenges, this paper explores key strategies for strengthening IDR in Africa. These include fostering collaborative research cultures, enhancing interdisciplinary training programmes, and leveraging regional and international networks to facilitate knowledge exchange. The establishment of unified regulatory frameworks, streamlined ethical review processes, and interdisciplinary funding mechanisms is essential to sustaining IDR efforts. Furthermore, capacity-building initiatives—such as specialised fellowships, mentorship programmes, and Intellectual Property (IP) management training—are critical for equipping researchers with the skills necessary for effective interdisciplinary collaboration. By investing in IDR through policy advocacy, institutional reforms, and increased funding, African nations can harness the transformative power of interdisciplinary science to bridge knowledge gaps, stimulate innovation, and address the continent’s most pressing development challenges. A coordinated effort among governments, academic institutions, industry stakeholders, and international partners is imperative to fostering an enabling environment for IDR.