Diseases & Conditions

Cancer is a broad term for a group of diseases characterised by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Normally, cells grow, divide, and die in an orderly way. In cancer, this process breaks down — abnormal cells grow out of control and can invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymphatic system (a process called metastasis). There are over 100 types of cancer, named after the organ or cell type where they originate. In Nigeria, the most commonly diagnosed cancers include breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, and lymphoma. Cancer is increasingly a leading cause of death in Nigeria alongside non-communicable diseases, though many cancers are preventable, detectable early, and treatable.

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, marked by an itchy, blister-like rash that spreads over the body. It is most common in children under 10 but can affect unvaccinated people of any age, with adult cases often being more severe. Outbreaks are still common in Nigerian schools and households due to low vaccination coverage. Most children recover fully within 1–2 weeks, but the disease can be more serious in adults, pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems.

Chlamydia is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, and one of the most commonly reported STIs among sexually active young adults worldwide. It is often called a "silent" infection because up to 70-80% of infected women and a substantial proportion of infected men have no noticeable symptoms, allowing the infection to persist undetected and, in women, ascend into the upper reproductive tract where it can cause lasting damage. The infection is easily and reliably cured with a short course of antibiotics, but only if it is diagnosed, which is why routine screening in sexually active young people is recommended regardless of symptoms.

Cholera is an acute, severe diarrhoeal illness caused by infection with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It spreads through water or food contaminated with faecal matter from infected individuals. Cholera can cause profuse watery diarrhoea and rapid dehydration — a severe case can kill an otherwise healthy adult within hours if untreated. Nigeria experiences recurring cholera outbreaks, particularly in communities with limited access to clean water and sanitation. With prompt oral rehydration, the vast majority of patients survive. Cholera is considered a marker of inadequate access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the gradual, long-term loss of kidney function, in which the kidneys become progressively less able to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. It is a growing health problem in Nigeria, closely linked to the rising rates of hypertension and diabetes, and is often diagnosed late because early stages produce few or no symptoms. Left untreated, CKD can progress to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or transplantation.

The common cold is a mild, self-limiting viral infection of the upper respiratory tract — the nose and throat. It is one of the most frequent illnesses affecting people of all ages, with adults experiencing an average of 2–3 colds per year and children even more, particularly during the rainy season and periods of dusty harmattan winds in Nigeria. Although uncomfortable, the common cold is usually harmless and resolves on its own within 7–10 days.

Conjunctivitis, commonly called "pink eye" or "apollo" in parts of Nigeria, is inflammation of the conjunctiva — the thin, clear membrane covering the white of the eye and inner eyelid. It causes redness, irritation, and discharge, and is one of the most common eye complaints seen in clinics. Conjunctivitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants; viral and bacterial forms are highly contagious and can spread quickly in schools, offices, and households, but most cases are mild and resolve without lasting harm to vision.