Orange Or Apple: Which Is Better For A Consumer Residing In West Africa

Article By Dumbiri Frank Eboh 

The one question that consumers of fruits in West Africa have often battled with, is: which is better orange or apple? For rural dwellers in this sub-region, orange is readily available and so commands more patronage than apple for the obvious reason that the latter is imported and therefore costlier. But the story is not quite the same in West African cities. Here, because of the proximity to ports and the consequent availability of apple at affordable prices, many would prefer apple even though those in the lower class would opt for the less costly orange. But health wise, which is better for someone living in West Africa: orange or apple? A closer look at key indicators, especially those relating to production, importation, storage and preservatives while in transit, among others, present some very interesting observations on these two very important fruits and their health implications for the final consumer residing in West Africa. But first, let’s look at the nutritional value of each fruit.

The Nutritional Value Of Orange

Oranges are a type of healthy, low calorie, highly nutritious citrus fruit. As part of a healthful and varied diet, oranges contribute to strong, clear skin and can help lower a person’s risk of many conditions.

Oranges are popular due to their natural sweetness, the many different types available, and the diversity of uses. For example, a person can consume them in juices and marmalades, eat them whole, or use zested peel to add a tangy flavor to cakes and desserts.

This popular citrus fruit is particularly known for its vitamin C content. However, oranges contain a range of other plant compounds and antioxidants that may reduce inflammation and work against disease.

The Nutritional Value Of Apple 

Apples contain antioxidants, vitamins, dietary fiber, and a range of other nutrients. Due to their varied nutrient content, apples can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet.

Apples come in a variety of shapes, colors, and flavors. They provide a range of nutrients that can benefit many aspects of a person’s health.

Eating a diet rich in apples, may help reduce the risk of several conditions, including cancer, obesity, heart disease and diabetes among others. 

The Impact Of Consumer-Production Proximity On The Efficacy Of Fruits 

Looking closely at the similarity in the health benefits of both fruits, one might be tempted to jump to the conclusion that whichever you opt for, whether orange or apple, is okay. However, the assessment is not as easy as that.

Studies have shown that the proximity of the consumer of a particular fruit to the production location of that fruit, plays a vital role on the efficacy of that fruit on the consumer. This is as a result of several factors. For instance, fruits begin to lose nutrients, especially Vitamin C and certain B vitamins, immediately after being picked. Local, short-transit produce retains higher levels of these nutrients compared to fruit that has traveled long distances. Again, fruits allowed to ripen fully on the tree or vine develop maximum sugar and nutrient content. On the other hand, long-distance, imported fruit is often harvested before it is ripe, missing this peak in nutritional value.

Locally sourced produce requires fewer chemical preservatives, waxes, and artificial ripening agents (like ethylene gas) often used on imported, long-distance shipments.

Besides, some research suggests that eating fruits grown in your own, familiar environment and climate provides nutrients better matched to your body's needs since both you and the product exist in the same biosphere and ecological region. 

With the above in mind, let’s take a comparative look at the orange and the apple in terms of proximity to a consumer in West Africa.

The Proximity Of Consumers To The Production Of Orange And Apple In West Africa 

Even though a few oranges are imported into West Africa, the bulk of oranges consumed in the subregion comes from local production. Nigeria and Ghana are the top producers of oranges in West Africa, with production primarily focused on meeting local consumption demands. These countries produce large quantities for local fresh markets, though they are not major exporters compared to North African producers like Egypt. 

The implication of this is that, the oranges consumed in West Africa are generally more fresh as they do not undergo the unfavourable conditions that imported fruits are made to go through as earlier stated.

But the same cannot be said about apples. Most apples consumed in Africa are imported primarily because the continent's, particularly West Africa's, hot, tropical climate is unsuitable for large-scale production of temperate apple varieties, which require specific, colder conditions. Over 95% of Africa's apple production is concentrated in just four countries (South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria), necessitating imports to meet growing demand in other regions, including West Africa. 

The implication? These long-distance, imported apples are often harvested before they are really ripe and are most times subjected to chemical preservatives, wax, which greatly affect their nutritional values and often impact negatively on the health of the consumer. And since fruits begin to lose nutrients, especially Vitamin C and certain B vitamins, immediately after being picked, it’s obvious most of these apples will lose their nutritional values before they get to the final consumer in West Africa.

Conclusion

Orange is good and nutritious; apple is also good and nutritious. But when it comes to a consumer living in West Africa, orange has a comparative advantage in nutritional delivery to the final consumer. Of course, one finds one or two oranges, especially in some West African cities, that are shipped from the local farms and subjected to ripening agents; but the bulk of the oranges consumed in the subregion are generally fresh and nutritious.

It is difficult to get an apple that is really fresh, without wax and without preservatives in this part of the continent.

 

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Aloe Vera And The Fight Against Malaria In Africa: The Discovery Of A New Study

The prevalence of malaria in Africa continues to be a cause for concern. Despite the various interventions by health authorities, the continent bears a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden, accounting for approximately 95% of all cases . most of the fatalities from malaria occurs in children under five. Nigeria alone accounts for over 25-30% of the global burden. While significant progress has been made since 2000,, malaria remains a major public health challenge, with about 1.3 billion people at risk. 

Most people are now looking in the direction of natural solution as the hope of a lasting solution to the problem of malaria.  In a recent study, researchers discovered that Aloe vera compounds called anthraquinones sharply reduced malaria parasite levels, especially at low doses.

When combined with amodiaquine, a common malarial drug, the treatment worked even better, in some cases completely clearing the infection.

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) is a succulent, cactus-like plant known for its thick, fleshy leaves containing a clear, medicinal gel. Used for thousands of years in traditional medicine for its soothing, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory properties; it has often been used to treat skin conditions like sunburns, wounds, and acne. Aloe vera has long been used in traditional medicine across Africa and the Middle East. In Yemen, Aloe juice is commonly mixed with other ingredients to treat malaria-like symptoms, while in Nigeria it is frequently used by herbal practitioners to manage fevers.

The researchers had focused on anthraquinones, naturally occurring compounds found in Aloe vera, and tested their effectiveness against Plasmodium berghei, a malaria-causing parasite, using infected laboratory mice.

The study, in Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research, included Abdulazeez A. Abubakar, Temidayo D. Adeniyi, Shukura Salau, Jacob O. Arawande and Akinpelu Moronkeji from the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo as well as Oluwagbenga Aina at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba.

In laboratory tests, researchers used laboratory mice infected with malaria. They gave some mice Aloe vera extract; some standard malaria medicine and another group received a combination of Aloe vera and malaria medicine.

Each day, they checked the blood of the mice to see how many malaria parasites were still there and whether the number was going up or down.

They discovered that Aloe vera compounds called anthraquinones significantly reduced malaria parasite levels in infected mice, especially at low doses.

Among the different extracts tested, the methanolic fraction proved most effective, achieving the lowest parasite density at a dose of 200 microgrammes per kilogramme, with parasite levels dropping to 0.53 parasites per microlitre of blood.

Other extracts made with ethyl acetate and n-hexane also showed parasite suppression, though to a lesser extent. Overall, the extracts demonstrated strong suppressive, preventive, and curative effects, meeting established benchmarks for antimalarial activity.

In addition, the study reported that when combined with the antimalarial drug amodiaquine, the treatment worked even better, in some cases completely clearing the infection.

At a dose of 200 microgrammes per kilogramme of anthraquinones combined with 40 milligrammes per kilogramme of amodiaquine recorded the highest parasite suppression.

While higher anthraquinone doses produced lower suppression rates in short-term tests, they showed strong curative effects over longer treatment periods, with complete parasite clearance observed by day six at the highest dose tested.

In addition, the study recorded no deaths or obvious toxicity in mice at the doses tested, suggesting a favourable safety profile at the experimental level.

Though the mechanisms of action are not yet fully established, they suggested that the combination might have inhibited various stages of the parasite’s growth and reproduction, altered the permeability and integrity of parasite membranes and ultimately led to the death of the parasite.

“Anthraquinones, a component of the combination, may modulate the host’s immune response, thereby enhancing the host’s natural defences against malaria,” they declared.

The researchers suggested therefore that Aloe vera derived compounds may enhance the effectiveness of existing antimalarial drugs, a strategy increasingly encouraged by the World Health Organisation to slow the development of drug resistance.

“If the potential of the compound is properly harnessed, the severity and number of malaria cases will be reduced, ultimately leading to a reduction in morbidity and mortality rates,” they said.

However, researchers said that the findings are based on animal models and as such human studies are essential before any clinical recommendations can be made.

They also called for further research into how the compounds work; including understanding how it works with malaria medicines, correct dosing, and potential long-term effects.

Apart from Aloe vera, several plants that can boost the effectiveness of malaria medicines like artemisinin have been identified.

In the 2022 edition of the South African Journal of Botany study, scientists found Stemonocoleus micranthus stem in combination with artemisinin enhanced the antimalarial potency of the two drugs involved, compared to when used as individual drugs.

Stemonocoleus micranthus is known as “nre” in the South-east of Nigeria. Its stem bark decoction is most widely used traditionally as a remedy for various diseases such as malaria and boil.

Also, in another study, researchers found the combination of Securidaca longipedunculata with Artemether and Lumefantrine a more potent antimalarial treatment in combating resistance.

Securidaca longipedunculata, commonly called Violet tree, “uwar maganigunar” in Hausa, “Ipeta” in Yoruba and “ezeogwu” in Ibo has been used as a remedy for various disease conditions in traditional medicine.

Previously, scientists found stem bark of Khaya grandifoliola, bitter leaf, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (paran pupa in Yoruba), mangosteen rind, Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Asofeyeje in Yoruba) and Moringa oleifera (Ewe Igbale or drumstick tree) leaf extracts as partner drugs of artemisinin for treating malaria. Their combination with artemisinin had a very strong antimalarial effect and as such a low dose of artesunate will be required in treating malaria.

 

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Herbal Remedy For HIV: South African Scientists Look Closer At The Efficacy Of Product Nkabinde

Researchers in South Africa have taken an important step toward explaining how a traditional herbal remedy long used in some communities may help in the fight against HIV, a disease that continues to affect millions across Sub-Saharan Africa.

In a new study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, scientists reported that Product Nkabinde (PN), a polyherbal formulation used by traditional healers, contains compounds that may act on key biological pathways involved in HIV infection and immune regulation.

These researchers included Samuel Chima Ugbaja, Mlungisi Ngcobo, Siphathimandla Authority Nkabinde, Magugu Nkabinde and Nceba Gqaleni, from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the African Health Research Institute in South Africa.

HIV/AIDS remains one of the world’s most persistent public health challenges, with Sub-Saharan Africa bearing the greatest burden. Despite major advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART), millions of people continue to live with HIV, and gaps in access to healthcare, funding uncertainties, and rising infection rates threaten recent gains.

In many rural and underserved areas, traditional medicine plays a vital role in healthcare. An increasing number of people living with HIV use herbal remedies alongside conventional antiretroviral therapy, making it necessary to scientifically assess their safety and potential benefits.

Against this backdrop, researchers are drawing attention to the potential role of traditional medicine in supporting HIV treatment and care.  One such is Product Nkabinde (PN), a traditional polyherbal formulation made from four medicinal plants used by healers to manage HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in South Africa.

The medicinal plants combined, according to indigenous knowledge systems in South Africa, are Sclerocarya birrea (stem and leaves), Gnidia sericocephala (roots), Senna italica (roots) and Pentanisia prunelloides (roots).

PN polyherbal plants are located in different places around the world, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Ethiopia, the Sudano-Sahelian region of West Africa, and Madagascar.

To better understand how the remedy works, researchers analyzed 27 naturally occurring compounds found in PN. Using advanced computational techniques, researchers examined how these compounds might interact with human proteins linked to HIV infection.

The analysis identified 327 genes shared between HIV-related biological pathways and the compounds in PN, from which they highlighted 10 key “hub” genes involved in processes that are central to HIV disease progression. These are immune response, inflammation, metabolism, and cell survival.

According to the study, compounds in PN influenced immune function and viral persistence through multiple targets at once, unlike conventional drugs.

Its constituents, such as rutin, catechin, quercetin derivatives, and aloin, showed strong binding with HIV-related protein targets and so influence immune defence and HIV cell survival.

Such multi-target effects are typical of many plant-based medicines and may help explain why traditional remedies are sometimes reported to improve wellbeing in people living with HIV.

The findings help explain why traditional remedies like PN may provide perceived benefits for people living with HIV, particularly in settings where access to healthcare is limited.

The researchers stated that since PN can influence immune defence and HIV cell survival, it could potentially complement standard HIV treatment, but they cautioned against it replacing antiretroviral therapy.

They declared that plant-derived compounds with multi-target activity may be beneficial in complex diseases like HIV, but it also raises the possibility of unintended effects at high doses or with long-term use.

They emphasized the need for further research, including laboratory experiments, animal studies, toxicity assessments, and eventually human clinical trials, for proof of clinical effectiveness before PN or its components can be considered for wider medical use.

They also warned that plant compounds can have unintended effects if used at high doses or over long periods, underlining the importance of safety and dosage studies.

Researchers suggested that PN probably acts against HIV through several supportive biological mechanisms, rather than by directly “killing” the virus.

HIV weakens the immune system by attacking key immune cells. Many compounds found in PN are known to regulate immune responses, helping the body respond more effectively to infection. This immune-balancing effect may help slow disease progression.

Its constituents, especially tannins and flavonoids, have been shown in laboratory studies to block HIV from entering human cells. This does not eliminate the virus but may reduce its ability to spread within the body.

In addition, PN compounds appear to disrupt viral replication indirectly and reduce chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as prevent premature death of immune cells, so ensuring better outcomes for people living with HIV.

According to public health experts, the study is important because it closes the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary science, particularly in regions where traditional medicine is still an important part of healthcare.

By applying rigorous scientific methods to herbal remedies, researchers aim to discover safe, effective compounds that could one day enhance current HIV medications.  

As the HIV epidemic continues to threaten health systems across Africa, studies such as this indicate the significance of exploring every possibility while keeping patient safety and scientific evidence at the forefront.

 

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Africa CDC Declares Ethiopia Marburg Free

The first-ever outbreak of Marburg in Ethiopia has been declared over, after less than three months of rapid and collaborative response efforts supported by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

The end of the outbreak – which was largely confined to Ethiopia’s southern region – comes after 42 consecutive days without any new cases. Africa CDC Director-General, Dr Jean Kaseya, commended the Government of Ethiopia for its swift leadership and high level of transparency throughout the response, noting that the country’s actions demonstrated the resilience and growing strength of its health system.

He said rather than allowing the emergency to disrupt essential services, Ethiopia adopted an integrated approach that paired routine vaccination campaigns with door to door screening in affected communities. “This community centred strategy ensured early detection, maintained public confidence and preserved continuity of care,” Dr Kaseya said.

A robust laboratory system also played a central role in the response. More than 3,800 tests were conducted, leading to 14 confirmed cases, nine deaths and five recoveries. This emphasis on timely, high-quality data allowed authorities to guide decisions with precision and confidence, according to Dr Kaseya.

He said Ethiopia informed Africa CDC immediately upon confirmation of laboratory results on 14 November 2025, even before the formal outbreak declaration, describing this as “a powerful sign of trust and a strong commitment to continental health security.”

Dr Mekdes Daba, Ethiopia’s Health Minister, said the swift containment of the outbreak underscores strong national leadership, effective coordination and the dedication of frontline teams and communities, while emphasising that continued preparedness is vital to safeguard populations against future health threats.

From the start of the outbreak, Africa CDC worked closely with the Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI). The agency deployed technical experts into Ethiopia’s Incident Management System, supported the development of the national Marburg response plan, and provided essential supplies, including more than 2,000 PCR testing kits and protective equipment for frontline health workers. The organisation also strengthened Ethiopia’s surveillance, rapid-response capacity and operational research to help prevent future outbreaks.

Looking ahead, Addis Ababa will host the 5th International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2026), showcasing Ethiopia’s modernised Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Artificial Intelligence Centre and growing innovation ecosystem.

“Today, as we celebrate the end of this outbreak, we are not only celebrating the containment of a virus,” Dr Kaseya said. “We are celebrating Ethiopian leadership that is positioning the Ethiopian Public Health Institute as a continental centre of excellence for outbreak preparedness and response.

 

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