Mental health is a crucial but frequently neglected aspect of general health and well-being that faces numerous challenges, including underfunding, shortage of trained professionals, pervasive stigma, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient policies in sub-Saharan Africa. This review reports the significant progress and initiatives that have been made in this region. South Africa, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Ghana have developed national policies and integrated mental health services into primary healthcare, marking a shift towards community-based care and reducing stigma through awareness campaigns. Countries such as South Africa and Rwanda have robust infrastructure, while Ethiopia and Kenya emphasize training primary healthcare providers and community-based models. Ghana’s Mental Health Act and Uganda’s collaboration with NGOs has enhanced awareness and resource mobilization. Mental healthcare-targeted programs, such as Kenya’s Friendship Bench and Ethiopia’s Health Extension Program, have demonstrated the efficacy of community-based interventions. South Africa has leveraged innovative approaches, such as telepsychiatry, to expand access to holistic mental health services, particularly in rural areas. Partnerships with traditional healers in Uganda and Rwanda have enhanced early identification and referral. Despite these advancements, challenges persist. Common issues include a severe shortage of mental health professionals, inadequate budget allocation, limited access to services in rural areas, and the need for comprehensive policy frameworks that continue to stall the desired goals. Urban-centric services in Nigeria, financial constraints in Tanzania, and resource limitations in Ethiopia and Rwanda have hindered equitable access. While public–private partnerships and technological innovations are emerging, the dominance of institutionalized care in several regions limits community outreach. To chart the path forward, improving mental health services in Sub-Saharan Africa requires increased funding, expanded training programs for mental health professionals, and incorporation of mental health into basic healthcare systems. Utilizing technology such as telemedicine and mobile health applications holds promise for overcoming geographical barriers and supporting ongoing education. Community-based models and advocacy efforts are essential for reducing stigma, promoting sustainable mental healthcare, and enhancing the overall well-being of citizens insub-Saharan Africa.

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.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health concern that threatens the efficacy of existing antibiotics and poses significant challenges to public health and the economy worldwide. This review explores the potential of CRISPR-Cas systems as a novel approach to combating AMR and examines current applications, limitations, and prospects. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, covering publications published from 2014 to August 2024. This review focuses on CRISPR-Cas technologies and their applications in AMR. Results: CRISPR-Cas systems have demonstrated efficacy in combating antimicrobial resistance by targeting and eliminating antibiotic-resistance genes. For example, studies have shown that CRISPR-Cas9 can effectively target and eliminate colistin resistance genes in MCR-1 plasmids, restoring susceptibility to carbapenems in bacteria such as E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Further molecular findings highlight the impact of CRISPR-Cas systems on various bacterial species, such as Enterococcus faecalis, in which CRISPR systems play a crucial role in preventing the acquisition of resistance genes. The effectiveness of CRISPR-Cas in targeting these genes varies due to differences in CRISPR locus formation among bacterial species. For instance, variations in CRISPR loci influence the targeting of resistance genes in E. faecalis, and CRISPR-Cas9 successfully reduces resistance by targeting genes such as tetM and ermB. Conclusion: CRISPR-Cas systems are promising for fighting AMR by targeting and eliminating antibiotic-resistant genes, as demonstrated by the effective targeting of colistin resistance genes on MCR-1 plasmids and their similar activities. However, the effectiveness of CRISPR-Cas is affected by variations in the CRISPR loci among bacterial species. Challenges persist, such as optimizing delivery methods and addressing off-target effects to ensure the safety and precision of CRISPR-Cas systems in clinical settings.

Oropouche fever is an increasingly significant health concern in tropical and subtropical areas of South and Central America, and is primarily spread by midge vectors. The Oropouche virus (OROV) was first identified in 1955 and has been responsible for numerous outbreaks, particularly in urban environments. Despite its prevalence, the disease is often under-reported, making it difficult to fully understand its impact. OROV typically causes febrile illness characterized by symptoms such as headaches, muscle pain, and, occasionally, neurological issues such as meningitis. The ability of the virus to thrive in both forested and urban areas has raised concerns regarding its potential spread to new regions, particularly in the context of climate change. This paper delves into the epidemiology, clinical features, and transmission patterns of OROV, shedding light on the difficulties in diagnosing and managing the disease. The absence of specific treatments and vaccines highlights the urgent need for continued research and development of targeted public health strategies. Advancements in molecular diagnostics and vector control strategies can mitigate Oropouche fever’s impact. However, a comprehensive public health approach involving increased surveillance, public education, and cross-border collaboration is needed, especially as the global climate crisis may expand vector habitats, posing risks to previously unaffected regions.

Zoonotic diseases pose a significant global health threat, driven by factors such as globalization, climate change, urbanization, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and intensified human–animal interactions. The increasing interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health underscores the importance of the OH paradigm in addressing zoonotic threats in a globalized world. This review explores the complex epidemiology of zoonotic diseases, the challenges associated with their management, and the necessity for cross-sector collaboration to enhance prevention and control efforts. Key public health strategies, including surveillance systems, infection control measures, and community education programs, play crucial roles in mitigating outbreaks. However, gaps in governance, resource allocation, and interdisciplinary cooperation hinder effective disease management, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). To illustrate the effectiveness of the OH approach, this review highlights successful programs, such as the PREDICT project, Rwanda’s National One Health Program, the EcoHealth Alliance, and the Rabies Elimination Program in the Philippines. These initiatives demonstrate how integrating human, animal, and environmental health efforts can enhance early detection, improve outbreak responses, and reduce public health burdens. Strengthening global health governance, enhancing surveillance infrastructure, regulating antimicrobial use, and investing in research and technological innovations are essential steps toward mitigating zoonotic risks. Ultimately, a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach is vital for addressing the dynamic challenges posed by zoonotic diseases and ensuring global health security in an increasingly interconnected world.