Malaria deaths and cases have been common among people living in tropical climatic countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Mali, etc. Malaria is one of the leading causes of deaths in Nigeria and every person in Nigeria experiences at least three episodes of malaria sickness every year. Many efforts in the past to reduce malaria incidence and burden to patients have not proven successful as resistant strains of mosquitos emerge. Malaria incidence in Nigeria has risen to a hyper-endemic level over some decades whereas countries like Algeria, Morocco and Argentina etc. have controlled and eradicated malaria by following international intervention programs by the World Health Organization and similar agencies. Malaria is of public health concern in Nigeria. Through a review of literature and lived experiences, the author identified and discussed the political and biosocial contexts: ecological, economic, communication, and infrastructural conditions that pose challenge to eradication programs. Recommendations were made to set up surveillance and monitoring system, restructuring the funding and management system, improving community partnership, and promoting health education.

This study explored the prospects and challenges of introducing advanced practice nursing (APN) in the Nigerian health system. It sought to address the following: career pathways for registered nurses and midwives, advanced duties performed by them and the circumstances, their views and willingness for autonomous practice, and doctors’ degree of acceptance. Research population composed of registered nurses, midwives and medical doctors in primary healthcare. The conceptual framework for this study was based on the scope of practice, standards and competencies of the APN established by the International Council of Nurses (2008). A 12-item checklist of typical duties of APN from the framework provided a guide for the design of eight main questions and 19 subquestions. Data was collected from 17 participants through in-depth interviews and group discussions and analyzed using Charmaz’s three simplified methods for qualitative data. Findings were that (a) registered nurses and midwives are constrained to perform advanced duties, (b) doctors delegate advanced roles to nurses and midwives, (c) nurses and midwives lacked pathways for advancement, (d) APN would substitute for doctor shortage, and (e) advocacy and lobbying has to done by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria to change the current policy. The social change implication is that it offers insight into the potentials for APN in healthcare delivery. Keywords: advanced practice

Health literacy and awareness are essential strategies in promoting global health and improving access to care. While seen as an essential tool for promoting population health awareness to improve early detection and treatment of chronic diseases, it is yet to be emphasized in most African countries. Health literacy is an essential practice to promote chronic disease prevention and reduce the growing threat to population health. Incidences and mortalities from chronic diseases commonly arise from limited knowledge of the causative risk factors and access to health facilities. Without knowledge about causes, health impacts, and available health services, people continue to indulge in the habits that worsen their health conditions and fail to access care timely. By using health literacy and awareness as a tool for chronic disease prevention, healthcare professionals will develop strategic health awareness programs that fit the socio-demographics of the population they serve. This article explored the significant role health awareness occupies in individual and community health prevention through health promotion and education. It reviewed the concept and dimensions of chronic disease prevention, cultural beliefs and impact on chronic diseases, gaps created by low health literacy, and the significance of health literacy in disease prevention and health promotion. Furthermore, it recommends that health systems and local communities form partnerships to address common and emerging health problems, and health systems should be properly funded.

This article addresses the important role school health education program can play in reducing youth risky behaviors that lead to incarceration, diseases and fatalities or that impact their academic performance in school. Children growing up are at risks of exposure to different behaviors and common social influences which if unchecked result in unexpected health consequences common among youth in America today. According to US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the six leading behaviors that cause death, disability, and social problems among American children are: unintentional injuries and violence, alcohol and drug use, tobacco use, unhealthy diets, inadequate physical activities, and sexual behaviors and diseases. This article shows that school health program: 1) can provide the foundation for children to learn desired healthy behaviors in order to preserve life, 2) protects the future of children and that of the nation, 3) can teach students skills to recognize risky behaviors and resist them, 4) can boost community efforts to achieve desired health behaviors, 5) closes socio-economic gaps that interfere with basic nurturing of children, and 6) finally links local stakeholders as partners in promoting community safety.