Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) represent a pervasive environmental pollutant, raising significant concerns about potential health effects on humans. These tiny plastic particles have been detected across various environmental matrices, including air, water, soil, and food sources. While the adverse impacts of MNPs on wildlife and ecosystems are well-documented, understanding their effects on human health is still in its infancy. This study aims to comprehensively review existing case reports documenting adverse health outcomes associated with MNPs exposure. Through an extensive literature search, relevant articles were identified and analyzed. MNPs exposure primarily occurs through ingestion and inhalation routes. Health effects on the digestive system include oxidative stress, inflammation, dysbiosis, and metabolic disorders, with cases linking MNPs exposure to gastrointestinal injury and liver dysfunction. Respiratory system impacts include asthma exacerbation and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, particularly in industries involving plastic production. MNPs exposure has also been associated with nervous system conditions, reproductive toxicity, skeletal system interference, excretory system disruption, and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Despite limited case reports, the widespread presence of MNPs warrants further investigation into their potential health risks. This study underscores the urgency of understanding and mitigating the adverse health effects posed by MNPs exposure. Further research is imperative in order to comprehensively assess and address the dangers associated with MNPs contamination in the environment.

Climate change-induced flooding has caused public health crises in Borno State, Nigeria, which influence the increase of waterborne diseases and malnutrition. Flooding disrupts water and sanitation systems, creating breeding grounds for waterborne diseases such as cholera, malaria, and diarrheal illnesses. The displacement of communities and destruction of agricultural infrastructure due to flooding further increase food insecurity, leading to malnutrition. This paper examines the interplay between flooding, waterborne diseases, and malnutrition in Borno State, highlighting the urgent need for climate adaptation strategies and strengthened healthcare systems to mitigate these public health challenges. Additionally, it highlights the double burden of conflict and climate change where ongoing conflicts impede efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Finally, this paper outlines the socio-economic impacts of flooding and proposes interventions to mitigate the effects of flooding.

This commentary explores the intersection between climate, conflict, and child nutrition, highlighting the severe child nutrition crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa exacerbated by climate change and ongoing conflicts. Shifting climate patterns disrupt agricultural productivity and food security, while persistent conflicts displace populations and destroy infrastructure, significantly increasing food insecurity and malnutrition among children. Recent UNICEF data indicates that 1 in 4 children globally live in severe food poverty, with those affected up to 50% more likely to suffer from life-threatening malnutrition. Over half a billion children reside in areas prone to climate-related extreme weather events, challenging food production, distribution, and access. Extreme weather events have led to crop failures, food shortages, and price spikes, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns also alter the nutritional content of crops, worsening nutritional challenges. Conflicts in SSA have led to a food crisis of unprecedented scale, with over 80% of the 137 million Africans facing acute food insecurity located in conflict-affected countries. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has further disrupted global food and fertilizer supply chains, exacerbating food shortages and inflation in many African countries. Addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted approach integrating evidence-based, cost-effective strategies. This commentary advocates for the adoption of the 3 C approach—climate-smart school feeding programs, cultivation of edible insects, and community-based food hubs—as solutions to enhance child nutrition and build climate resilience.

This research is a scoping review aimed at identifying evidence and studies that address the mental health issues of children and young people forcibly displaced by conflict. It also examines mental health interventions for this population and factors that either favor or worsen their mental health. This issue a major public health issue due to increasing global conflicts that results in the continuous displacement of large populations and the development of new communities where children and young people struggle to re-integrate. This sub-population represents a hidden and at-risk group often not prioritized in planning health interventions for displaced populations. The objective was to identify mental health issues faced by children and young people forcibly displaced by conflict, examine available mental health interventions for this population, and identify factors that favor or worsen their mental health.Four databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, and ProQuest) were systematically searched for published evidence. Additionally, the King’s Fund Library, OpenGrey, DANS data archive, APA website, and WHO were searched for gray literature. After applying strict selection criteria, 27 studies were chosen for a full-text review out of the initially identified 4,548 studies. This review identified depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety as the major mental health issues in this population. Other issues included somatic disorders, sleep disturbances, nightmares, encopresis, and substance abuse. These disorders, when left untreated, did not diminish over time post-displacement. Mental health was positively influenced by mental health services and religious activities. Negative factors included prior trauma, female sex, poverty, child abuse, parental violence, and separation. Several psychotherapy interventions were found to be effective. In conclusion mental health issues among forcibly displaced children and young people are prevalent and troubling, yet empirical evidence is insufficient. Further research is needed, especially among internally displaced children and youth.