Mercy Chelangat

Nairobi

Fact Checker, Science and Climate Reporter at Nation Africa

God's child// Award winning journalist// Factchecker, Science & Climate reporter @NationAfrica //2024 AJEA Governance Reporting Winner

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Articles

Kenya exports lifesaving HIV drugs amid local shortage

1 day ago | nation.africa | Mercy Chelangat

Just two months ago, people living with HIV in Kenya were in distress over a crippling shortage of first-line antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. Many were forced to ration their medication, altering dosages in a desperate attempt to make limited supplies last longer. Meanwhile, an emergency consignment of ARVs worth $34 million (Sh4.4 billion) sat untouched in a Nairobi warehouse, awaiting distribution since the previous year.
Beyond pads and tampons: The complete guide to menstrual cups

5 days ago | nation.africa | Mercy Chelangat

What you need to know:While menstrual cups are generally safe, a recent case in which a 30-year-old woman wrongly positioned her cup, thus blocking the flow of urine into her bladder, highlights a rare but serious potential issue. Menstrual cups are bell-shaped, reusable devices inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual fluid during your period. They are typically made of medical-grade silicone.
Blocking more than blood: The unexpected risk of menstrual cups

5 days ago | nation.africa | Mercy Chelangat

Every month, millions of women face the same routine challenge of managing their menstruation. For Jalia Wambui, this monthly ritual transformed 14 years ago when a friend from the US handed her a small, bell-shaped silicone device—a menstrual cup. "When I used the cup, it felt quite liberating. It's perhaps the best thing that has happened to me ever since I started my menses," Wambui recalls, though she admits the journey wasn't always smooth.
Bleeding for 25 days a month: One woman's courageous battle against Endo

1 week ago | nation.africa | Mercy Chelangat

"My name is Ess Kimemia. I am an author, menstrual cycle coach, and teens coach with a background in psychology. My journey with endometriosis began in my early teens. I started my period at the age of nine. It then disappeared and returned at the age of 11. Everything seemed normal until I turned 13. My period became unbearably painful, with heavier and lumpy flow. From what I heard around me, I believed the pain was the price of being a girl.
Study: Only 16 pc of Kenyans can access life-saving antibiotics

1 week ago | nation.africa | Mercy Chelangat

What you need to know:A new study tracking 20 Kenyans with drug-resistant infections found that only 16 per cent could access life-saving antibiotics that already exist. The Lancet medical journal reveals that while 63.9 per cent of patients reach healthcare providers, only 26.5 per cent receive crucial blood tests for diagnosis, and even fewer obtain the necessary medicines. In hospitals across the country, a silent crisis is unfolding.
One in seven deaths linked to ultra-processed foods

1 week ago | nation.africa | Mercy Chelangat

What you need to know:One in seven early deaths in some countries is linked to ultra-processed foods like sugary drinks, packaged snacks, and ready meals. Kenya struggles with rising diabetes and obesity as processed foods flood its market. Researchers urge governments to implement warning labels, marketing restrictions, and taxes on ultra-processed foods. Your morning might start with a quick breakfast cereal, followed by a packaged snack at 10am, and perhaps a ready-to-eat meal for dinner.
Meningitis: The silent threat that persists beyond childhood vaccines

1 week ago | nation.africa | Mercy Chelangat

You received your vaccines as a child and crossed meningitis off your worry list years ago. But that sense of security might be dangerously misplaced, medical experts warn. Meningitis – an inflammation of the protective tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord – continues to pose a significant health threat even to those who were vaccinated in childhood, with immunity waning over time and leaving adults vulnerable to this potentially fatal condition.
We can't remain indifferent to suffering: Catholic Church now champions HPV vaccination

2 weeks ago | nation.africa | Mercy Chelangat

In a remarkable shift that could save thousands of lives, the Catholic Church—once opposed to HPV vaccination over concerns about sexual promiscuity and fertility issues—has now emerged as a powerful advocate in the fight against cervical cancer, a disease claiming thousands of women annually despite being largely preventable. "The church cannot remain indifferent to suffering.
Punguza vyakula hivi, vitakufanya ufe mapema

2 weeks ago | taifaleo.nation.co.ke | Mercy Chelangat

Makala Punguza vyakula hivi, vitakufanya ufe mapema Na Mercy Chelangat April 30th, 2025 Kusoma ni dakika: 2 ULAJI wa vyakula vilivyosindikwa kupita kiasi unahusishwa moja kwa moja na ongezeko la hatari ya kufa mapema, utafiti mpya umebaini. Kulingana na utafiti huo wa kimataifa, kifo kimoja kati ya saba katika baadhi ya nchi kinaweza kuhusishwa moja kwa moja na matumizi ya vyakula hivi.
Long battle with silent illnesses that stole my womb

3 weeks ago | nation.africa | Mercy Chelangat

“My name is Brenda Mbiro. I am an advocate of the High Court and an endometriosis warrior. I am not worried about the future. I have made peace. I have also made the decision to live my life in abundance and do things that I can, and travel when I can. When I have the good days, I make the most out of them. As an endometriosis warrior, I have also taken it upon myself to educate the people around me that painful periods are not normal.