Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland writes about meeting inspirational young health innovator Rayvon Stewart at the Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting (CHMM) in Geneva last year in this blog. Rayvon was among the finalists shortlisted for last year’s Commonwealth Health Innovation Awards. Five years ago more than 40 babies born in Jamaican hospitals became infected with lethal bacteria – …

Young Jamaican’s invention could help tackle the spread of viruses like COVID-19 Read More »

Stay home, stay safe, stay alive. That is the global message as the coronavirus pandemic claims more lives. While many of us can practice social distancing, spare a thought for refugees, forced migrants and displaced persons who have no choice about how and where they live. Bismark Akoto, a 24-year-old Commonwealth Correspondent from Accra, Ghana …

Far from home and dodging coronavirus Read More »

Responses by leaders across the world to the coronavirus pandemic have ranged from efficient to questionable. As Canadian writer Robin Sharma eloquently put it: “Anyone can lead when the plan is working. The best lead when the plan falls apart.” Munguongeyo Ivan, a 27-year-old Commonwealth Correspondent from Kampala, Uganda, looks at various interventions to a crisis that …

Leadership during COVID-19 Read More »

As governments attempt to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in local communities and countries, it is vital that they communicate to citizens in languages that people in different segments of the society speak and understand. Metolo Foyet, a 23-year-old Commonwealth Correspondent from Cotonou, Benin, shares her experience with language learning when she was growing …

Language learning for health, safety and life Read More »

As the coronavirus continues to spread globally, what opportunities are there for creators and innovators? Jacob Masenga, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Zambia, talks to Zanga Musakuzi, a Zambian health tech innovator making it easier for people to find health services. Most great solutions came about through creativity and innovation during challenging situations. Here’s an example of how a …

COVID-19: Inspiring innovation Read More »

Life in Cameroon is slowly returning to normal despite the continued increase in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases writes Promise Forsuh, 23-year-old Commonwealth Correspondent from Cameroon. The government of the West African country recently eased the strict restrictions that were implemented two weeks after the first confirmed case of the virus in Cameroon on March 6, 2020.  …

Easing COVID-19 restrictions in Cameroon Read More »

It may sound bizarre for one to say that the coronavirus pandemic has a positive side, but it does. How about we take a small break from discussing the negative effects of COVID-19 and examine the flipside of the pandemic on Nigeria, writes Commonwealth Correspondent Folmi Yohanna, 29, from Abuja in Nigeria. What gains can COVID-19 provide to …

COVID-19: Time to reboot in Nigeria? Read More »

Coronavirus has brought more than the risk of physical illness. It poses a real threat to mental health due to the fear, panic, stress, and anxiety, that many people are suffering from, writes Omer Fayshal Pavel, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Dhaka, Bangladesh. Since its discovery in November 2019, the coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread to …

Staying mentally fit for the fight Read More »

As one of the countries in Africa hardest hit by the coronavirus, Nigeria is pushing through new health legislation to replace old laws dating back to 1926. Although most citizens understand the need to replace old laws to reflect new health challenges, Omeye Chimaobi Kenechukwu, a 24-year-old Commonwealth Correspondent from Nigeria, raises concerns about human rights infringements …

Temperatures rise over Nigeria’s health bills Read More »

The sudden death of Commonwealth youth trainer, internationally recognized activist and TV presenter, Esther Nakajjigo has been like the falling of an Iroko tree whose thud has shaken her family, her homeland Uganda, and young people across the Commonwealth. 24-year-old Chimaobi Omeye, our Correspondent from Nigeria, penned this piece in tribute of the late activist. …

Goodbye champion for women and girls Read More »