Hellen Shikanda

Nairobi

Creative Writer | Health and Science Journalist at Nation Media Group

Health and Science Reporter at Daily Nation

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Articles

Global study connects chemical in everyday items to cardiovascular deaths

1 week ago | nation.africa | Hellen Shikanda |Linet Owoko

What you need to know:Your plastic lunch box contains chemicals linked to heart disease deaths. A global study found DEHP in everyday items caused over 356,000 deaths in 2018. Developing countries bear the heaviest burden with limited regulations. Is your plastic lunch box a silent heart disease risk? A global study has revealed a concerning link between common plastics and heart disease deaths worldwide.
Worrying spike in chest related illnesses, malaria and skin conditions

1 week ago | nation.africa | Hellen Shikanda

The country recorded an increase in new cases of diseases last year, pointing to a growing prevalence of illnesses, according to a comprehensive nationwide health survey. The analysis conducted by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) published in this year’s Economic Survey shows that chest-related illnesses, malaria and skin conditions took the lead with the highest number of infections in 2024.
Tiny invaders: Microplastics found in human ovaries for first time

2 weeks ago | nation.africa | Hellen Shikanda

Tiny plastic particles have been found in human ovaries for the first time, drawing attention to the need for more research on their impact on women’s reproductive health. These particles are scientifically referred to as microplastics.
PPB recalls three common drugs from the Kenyan market

2 weeks ago | nation.africa | Hellen Shikanda

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has today issued an immediate recall of three widely-used pharmaceutical products from the Kenyan market. The drugs are Augmentin, paracetamol and esomeprazole. Augmentin is an antibiotic used to treat infections of the urinary tract, respiratory tract, ear, sinuses, and skin, as prescribed by a medical doctor. The PPB found out that there was a forged batch of Augmentin, batch numbers 8X3K and EU7C, doing rounds in the Kenyan market.
No, blood group O is not a mosquito magnet

2 weeks ago | nation.africa | Hellen Shikanda

Have you ever wondered whether mosquitoes find your blood irresistible than everyone else’s? That your blood is some sort of magnet that attracts the tiny, annoying, singing insects. If you scroll on social media –especially on Tiktok, there are a number of videos insinuating that your blood group could be a possible sellout. Some people believe that mosquitoes gravitate towards people with blood group O more than any other blood group. Well, here is what you need to know.
PPB recalls three common drugs from the Kenyan market

2 weeks ago | nation.africa | Hellen Shikanda

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has today issued an immediate recall of three widely-used pharmaceutical products from the Kenyan market. The drugs are Augmentin, paracetamol and esomeprazole. Augmentin is an antibiotic used to treat infections of the urinary tract, respiratory tract, ear, sinuses, and skin, as prescribed by a medical doctor. The PPB found out that there was a forged batch of Augmentin, batch numbers 8X3K and EU7C, doing rounds in the Kenyan market.
Students tackle climate crisis through film at national drama festival

3 weeks ago | nation.africa | Hellen Shikanda

What you need to know:The initiative comes at a critical time for Kenya, which ranks among the countries most vulnerable to climate change despite contributing minimally to global emissions. The year is 2060, and you are on a fireside chat with your grandchildren. You grew up in the Northeastern part of Kenya - Garissa County.
From free surgery to Sh7 million bill: One man's journey through Kenya’s healthcare revolution

3 weeks ago | nation.africa | Hellen Shikanda

What you need to know:Peter Kairang'a Githinji, Kenya's oldest heart surgery survivor, now faces a life-threatening situation requiring expensive treatment abroad. He, however, can't afford despite decades of relatively normal life after a pioneering operation as a child. His journey mirrors Kenya's healthcare evolution from free services in the 1970s to today's SHA system, which falls far short of covering his Sh7 million treatment needs in India.
Why breast cancer remains a death sentence in Africa

4 weeks ago | nation.africa | Hellen Shikanda

In 2022 alone, about 1,800 women died from breast cancer worldwide every day. This is according to latest data shared by the World Health Organization. In February, a new study published in the scientific journal Nature Medicine looked at global patterns and trends of breast cancer globally. Healthy Nation spoke to Dr Miriam Mutebi, an oncologist at Aga Khan University Hospital who was one of the study authors. Why is this study important for Africa?
PS acknowledges bumps in SHA rollout, pledges smoother path ahead

1 month ago | nation.africa | Hellen Shikanda

Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni on Tuesday acknowledged that the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA) has faced some initial challenges. However, she assured the public that the government is actively working to streamline the process and deliver a more seamless experience for Kenyans as part of efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).