Africa Factbook

River Blindness is a tropical disease caused by a parasitic worm laid by biting black flies. About 300,000 people are blind because of the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus from biting black flies and another 800,000 have a visual impairment. Nearly 99% of infected persons live in Africa. Precious eyesight can be saved, river blindness is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness worldwide.  Man in Tanzania Africa with River blindness What is River Blindness? River Blindness is transmitted through repeated bites by black flies that bite during the day. The disease is called River Blindness because the blackfly that transmits the infection lives and breeds near fast-flowing streams and rivers and the infection can result in blindness. Humans become infected when blackflies deposit Onchocerca infective larvae into the skin when biting to extract blood. Once inside the human body, the larvae mature into adults in around 3 months to 1 year. Most adult female worms live

Fear the Snitch African Proverbs Three Zulu African proverbs why you need to fear a snitch, trader and bad influence with proverb meanings and explanations. Fear the Snitch African Proverbs purpose is to let the reader know the danger that lurks and to sound the alarm so that every person may be on his or her guard prepare against a friendly foe. Snitch, trader and bad influence Zulu African proverbs with explanations. Yintlolela yombini A spy for both. Meaning: Said of a snitch. Ukaka kampetu The shield turned the wrong way. Meaning:  This saying is applied to anyone who goes over from one party to another. It is a common expression for one who turns evidence against accomplices in crime. Uyakulila ngasonye uxele inkawu You will shed tears with one eye like a monkey. Meaning:  A warning used to deter anyone from being led into a snare of any kind. It is said that when a monkey is caught in a trap he cries, but that tears come out of one e

Countless plants in Africa have a supernatural deadly reputation. Medicinal African plants used for thousands of years for healing purposes in Africa such as mandrake, opium, kaempfer, cork oak, satyrion, cumin. In Africa, the supernatural and medicinal properties of plants were secrets learnt by the most intelligent and observant members of static, pastoral and nomadic tribes and clans; and the possessor of these secrets became the supernatural cornerstone of the clan since holding the knowledge acquired of herbs and their uses. Herbalist growing supernatural African Plants The medicinal properties of certain herbs and plants in skillful hands were well known to the ancient seers the symptoms and effects could be varied accordingly as the plants were dried, powdered, dissolved in water, eaten freshly gathered, or burnt as incense on the altars. The subtle powers of opiates obtained from certain plants were among the secret

Crisis African proverb advice to listen and obey, here are 25 timeless African proverb guidance from the ancestors in the time of crisis and trouble. Crisis African Proverbial Guidance. Those who refuse to obey cannot command.   War ends nothing. If you are filled with pride then you will have no room for wisdom. The lion does not turn around when a small dog barks. The spider and the fly can't make a bargain.   An army of sheep led by a lion can defeat an army of lions led by sheep. The spider and the fly can't make a bargain .   Crisis African proverbial guidance to start listening to and obey in the time of crisis and trouble. Here are 20 more African proverbs and quotes to teach us to always be mindful of the words that we say to one another and our actions. A fool is a wise person ladder. A wise person will always find a way. After mischance everyone is wise. He does a good day’s work who rids himself of a fool. He who rides on