Malaria remains a critical public health challenge in East Africa, with endemic transmission in many regions. Recent trends, however, show an alarming rise in imported malaria cases—wherein individuals contract malaria in endemic areas and transport it to regions with lower or no endemicity. This review examines the epidemiology of imported malaria in East Africa, with a focus on contributing factors such as international travel, migration, and inadequate vector control. The fatality rates associated with imported malaria, often driven by delayed diagnosis, drug resistance, and limited healthcare resources, are explored in depth. The review highlights the risk factors for imported malaria, including the role of expatriates, tourists, refugees, and migrants in the cross-border transmission of malaria. In particular, non-immune individuals such as travelers are highly susceptible to severe disease, often leading to fatalities when treatment is delayed. In addition, the review discusses the complex transmission dynamics that arise from overlapping malaria transmission zones within East Africa, further complicating efforts to distinguish domestic from imported cases. Management strategies to combat imported malaria, including strengthening surveillance systems at entry points, enhancing diagnostic capabilities, and ensuring access to effective treatments, are outlined. The importance of cross-border collaboration between East African nations to harmonize malaria control strategies is emphasized. Additionally, the review identifies future research directions, including the need for more detailed epidemiological studies, ongoing drug resistance monitoring, and policy development to address the complexities of imported malaria. This comprehensive analysis underscores the significance of addressing imported malaria as a critical element in the broader fight against the disease, highlighting the need for tailored strategies to mitigate its impact on healthcare systems and prevent further transmission in East Africa. Keywords: Imported Malaria, Cases, Fatality, East Africa.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) continued to pose a major global health challenge, with current antiretroviral therapies unable to fully eradicate the virus due to latent reservoirs and potential drug resistance. Emerging CRISPR-based gene editing technologies had the potential to revolutionize HIV treatment by targeting and disrupting the viral genome or modifying host cells to confer resistance. This article explored the mechanisms of CRISPR in HIV therapeutics, including excision of integrated HIV proviruses and genetic editing of host immune cells. It reviewed progress in CRISPR-based research through in vitro studies, animal models, and early clinical trials, highlighting both promising advancements and ongoing challenges such as delivery efficiency, off-target effects, and viral escape. The methodology employed in writing this review paper involved a comprehensive literature review and synthesis of recent research findings to assess the current state and future directions of CRISPR-based HIV therapies. Despite significant progress, challenges remained, and future research will need to focus on improving delivery systems, combining CRISPR with other therapies, and optimizing gene editing in stem cells to achieve long-term HIV eradication. Keywords: CRISPR-Cas9, HIV Therapy, Gene Editing, Latent Reservoirs, CCR5 Receptor.

Diabetes mellitus, characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insulin deficiency or resistance, is a global public health crisis with significant disparities in prevalence, management, and outcomes, particularly among underserved populations such as racial and ethnic minorities, low-income groups, and rural residents. These populations faced higher rates of diabetes and complications due to social determinants of health, including economic instability, inadequate education, and limited access to healthcare. Barriers such as lack of insurance, transportation challenges, and cultural and linguistic differences further hindered effective diabetes management. Lifestyle and behavioral factors, including diet, physical activity, medication adherence, and mental health, play critical roles in diabetes outcomes. Policy and system-level interventions, such as expanding healthcare coverage, improving access to care, and addressing social determinants of health, are essential to reducing disparities. Technological innovations like telehealth, mobile health applications, wearable devices, and data analytics offered significant potential to enhance diabetes management in underserved populations. This review was conducted using a comprehensive analysis of current literature and existing studies to provide insights into the multifaceted nature of diabetes disparities and to highlight successful interventions and necessary policy changes to improve health outcomes for underserved populations. Addressing these inequities required a multifaceted approach, including community-based interventions, policy reforms, and technological advancements to ensure equitable diabetes care for all. Keywords: Diabetes disparities, Underserved populations, social determinants of health, Healthcare access, Technological innovations.

Cervical cancer represents a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, where it ranks as a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. This comprehensive review examines the current state of cervical cancer prevention in Nigeria, with a focus on HPV vaccination and screening programs. The review highlights the critical barriers to effective prevention, including inadequate healthcare infrastructure, low vaccination coverage, limited access to screening services, and sociocultural stigmas. Despite the availability of preventive measures, many Nigerian women face challenges such as financial constraints, lack of awareness, and cultural taboos, which contribute to late-stage diagnoses and high mortality rates. The review also explores the broader implications of cervical cancer on women’s physical, psychological, and economic well-being. Recommendations for improving cervical cancer prevention include expanding vaccination programs, strengthening screening services, raising awareness, and investing in healthcare infrastructure. Addressing these challenges through a multi-faceted approach is essential to reducing the burden of cervical cancer and enhancing the overall well-being of Nigerian women. Keywords: Cervical Cancer, HPV Vaccination, Screening Programs, Nigeria, Public Health, Healthcare Infrastructure.

Diabetes self-management education (DSME) is integral to managing diabetes, a chronic condition affecting millions globally. DSME programs aim to equip patients with essential knowledge and skills to manage their diabetes effectively and enhance their quality of life. This review assesses the challenges and effectiveness of current DSME programs. Key challenges include a lack of individualization, cultural and socioeconomic barriers, inadequate health literacy, and difficulties in achieving sustained behavioral change. Despite these challenges, DSME programs have shown potential in improving clinical outcomes, enhancing quality of life, and being cost-effective. Effective strategies to improve DSME include personalizing education to meet individual needs, integrating behavioral support techniques, addressing cultural and socioeconomic factors, and utilizing digital technologies. Addressing these challenges through tailored, evidence-based approaches and ongoing support can enhance the impact of DSME programs. Future research should focus on refining these strategies and exploring innovative methods to optimize diabetes education. Keywords: Diabetes self-management education (DSME), Diabetes management, Patient education, Behavioral change

Epigenetic modifications are increasingly recognized as critical factors in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This review examined the complex interplay between genetic predispositions, lifestyle factors, and epigenetic changes that contributed to the development of diabetes and its complications. Key epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, can alter gene expression without changing the underlying DNA sequence, thereby influencing metabolic pathways essential for insulin sensitivity and β-cell function. Environmental factors such as diet, physical activity, and exposure to toxins induced epigenetic alterations, linking lifestyle choices to diabetes risk. Moreover, these modifications had significant implications for the development of microvascular and macrovascular complications associated with diabetes, including retinopathy and cardiovascular disease. Understanding the epigenetic landscape of diabetes not only enhanced our comprehension of its underlying mechanisms but also opened new avenues for therapeutic interventions. This review synthesized findings from recent literature and highlights the potential for targeting epigenetic modifications in developing personalized treatment strategies. A comprehensive analysis of studies published over the last decade, focusing on the relationship between epigenetics and diabetes. Keywords: Epigenetics, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), DNA Methylation, Lifestyle Factors, Diabetic Complications.

HIV/AIDS has historically been associated with younger populations, but the growing number of older adults affected by the virus has prompted a shift in focus. This review examines the unique challenges faced by older adults in preventing and managing HIV, addressing their biological, social, and healthcare-related vulnerabilities. Factors such as the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in extending life expectancy, late diagnoses, and the lack of targeted prevention efforts contribute to the increasing prevalence of HIV among individuals over 50. The review explores the epidemiology of HIV in older adults, the risk factors specific to this demographic—including sexual health, low awareness, and social isolation—and the barriers to adequate healthcare access, such as stigma and inadequate provider awareness. Additionally, the review dispels common misconceptions about HIV in older adults, including stereotypes around sexual inactivity and age-related immunity. The need for age-specific prevention strategies, tailored healthcare interventions, and improved education on sexual health in older adults is highlighted. By identifying gaps in current HIV prevention programs and proposing comprehensive interventions, this review emphasizes the importance of addressing the HIV epidemic among older adults to ensure equitable healthcare outcomes. Keywords: HIV/AIDS, older adults, antiretroviral therapy (ART), late diagnosis, sexual health, HIV prevention.

The human immune system is a complex and multi-tiered defense mechanism that safeguards the body from infections and diseases. This comprehensive review explores the structure and function of the immune system, detailing its two primary components: innate and adaptive immunity. While innate immunity offers immediate, nonspecific defense, adaptive immunity provides long-term protection by targeting specific pathogens. The review delves into the impact of HIV on the immune system, focusing on how the virus specifically targets and depletes CD4+ T cells, leading to immune system dysregulation and the progression to AIDS. The discussion includes the stages of HIV infection, the virus’s mechanisms of immune evasion, and the resulting immune dysfunctions such as immunodeficiency, chronic inflammation, and autoimmune disorders. Opportunistic infections like tuberculosis and hepatitis are also examined in the context of HIV-induced immune suppression. Advances in HIV/AIDS treatment, particularly the role of antiretroviral therapy (ART), are highlighted, emphasizing ART’s effectiveness in preserving immune function and improving patient outcomes. The review concludes by addressing ongoing challenges with ART adherence, access to treatment, and drug resistance, while also exploring emerging research into potential cures, including gene therapy and therapeutic vaccines. Through a detailed exploration of the human immune system and its vulnerabilities to HIV, this review underscores the importance of continued research and intervention in combating the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. Keywords: Human immune system, HIV/AIDS, CD4+ T cells, innate immunity, adaptive immunity, immunodeficiency