Home Health Guide
Africa's Health Guide

Know What To Do.
Save a Life Today.

Too many lives across Africa are lost not because of a lack of medicine — but because of a lack of knowledge. This guide is written by doctors, for every family, every driver, every neighbour who might one day be the only person standing between life and death.

5+Health Articles
6Contributing Doctors
FreeAlways & Forever
In Memoriam

"They didn't know what to do. Now you will."

Every year, lives across Africa are lost — not in remote places with no hospital, but in moments where the people present simply did not know the right action to take. This guide is dedicated to all those souls, and to the mission of making sure it never happens again.

Critical Emergency Guide

What To Do When Someone Has Very Low Blood Pressure

Low blood pressure at 55 mmHg is a life-threatening emergency. Yet most bystanders don't know the simple steps that can keep someone alive until help arrives.

🚨 Emergency Guides

Critical

Recognising a Stroke: Act F.A.S.T.

Every minute counts. Learn to spot a stroke and know exactly what to do in those critical first minutes.

Neurology 6 min
Critical

Signs of a Heart Attack & How to Help

Chest pain is not always the only sign. Discover the silent symptoms and the right response before help arrives.

Cardiology 7 min
Critical

What To Do During a Seizure

Clear steps to protect someone having a seizure — and the things you should never do.

Emergency Medicine 5 min
Important

Severe Dehydration: When Water Isn't Enough

Learn to make oral rehydration solution at home and when to seek urgent hospital care.

General Medicine 5 min
Important

Malaria: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Know the difference between simple and severe malaria, and when home treatment is not enough.

Infectious Disease 8 min

🌍 More Health Topics

Critical

Pregnancy Warning Signs Every Woman Must Know

Seven danger signs during pregnancy that should never be ignored.

Obstetrics 9 min
Important

Fever in Children: When to Worry

The signs that demand immediate action and how to care safely for a feverish child at home.

Paediatrics 6 min
Guide

Depression in Africa: Breaking the Silence

Mental illness is real. This guide helps families recognise depression and know when professional help is needed.

Psychiatry 8 min
Preventive

Eating Well on an African Budget

Locally available foods that reduce your risk of diabetes, hypertension, and malnutrition.

Nutrition 5 min

Our Contributing Doctors

Real physicians. Real expertise. Writing for every community across Africa.

Dr.
General Medicine · Africa

Dedicated to improving health knowledge across African communities.

Dr.
General Medicine · Africa

Dedicated to improving health knowledge across African communities.

Dr.
General Medicine · Africa

Dedicated to improving health knowledge across African communities.

Dr.
General Medicine · Africa

Dedicated to improving health knowledge across African communities.

Dr.
General Medicine · Africa

Dedicated to improving health knowledge across African communities.

Dr.
General Medicine · Africa

Dedicated to improving health knowledge across African communities.

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Emergency Guide
What To Do When Someone Has Very Low Blood Pressure
Emergency Medicine · 8 min read
In Memory of Those Lost to Unawareness

Across Africa, lives have been lost to very low blood pressure — not because help was far away, but because the people present did not know what to do. A reading of 55 mmHg is a life-threatening emergency. These steps can keep someone alive until a doctor arrives.

🔴 Warning Signs
Dizziness
Fainting
Extreme weakness
Confusion
Blurred vision
Rapid shallow breathing
Cold, clammy skin
Fast, weak pulse
✅ What To Do Immediately
1
Lay the person flat on their backDo not let them sit up or walk — they could faint and injure themselves.
2
Raise their legs 30–40 cm above heart levelThis pushes blood toward the vital organs and brain. Use a bag, pillow, or anything available.
3
Call for emergency help IMMEDIATELYTanzania: 112 · Kenya: 999. Call while doing the other steps — do not wait.
4
If conscious — give small sips of water or ORSDo NOT give anything by mouth if unconscious, confused, or vomiting.
5
Loosen tight clothingRemove belts and collars to allow better circulation.
6
Keep them warm and calmCover with a light cloth. Speak calmly — stress worsens low blood pressure.
Go to Hospital IMMEDIATELY if:

• Blood pressure below 70 mmHg or person is unconscious
• No improvement within 5 minutes of lying down
• Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of stroke
• Person has diabetes, heart disease, or is pregnant

❌ What NOT to DoDo NOT give coffee or alcohol. Do NOT leave them alone. Do NOT assume waiting will resolve a medical emergency — act immediately.
This guide does not replace professional medical care.
Emergency Guide
Recognising a Stroke: Act F.A.S.T.
Neurology · 6 min read

Every second without treatment, 1.9 million brain cells die. Fast action is the difference between recovery and permanent disability.

F
FACE DroopingAsk them to smile. Is one side drooping or numb?
A
ARM WeaknessAsk them to raise both arms. Does one drift downward?
S
SPEECH DifficultyIs speech slurred? Ask: "The sun is shining today."
T
TIME — Call Emergency Services NowNote the time symptoms began. There is a treatment window of 4.5 hours.
While Waiting for Help:

• Keep them calm and still — no food or water
• Lay on their side if unconscious (recovery position)
• Do NOT give aspirin unless instructed by a doctor

This guide does not replace professional medical care.
Emergency Guide
What To Do During a Seizure
Emergency Medicine · 5 min read

Most seizures last less than 2 minutes. Knowing what to do prevents serious injury.

1
Stay calm and stay with them
2
Clear hard or sharp objects away
3
Cushion their head with something soft
4
Turn them on their side to prevent choking
5
Time it — if over 5 minutes, call emergency services immediately
6
After — speak calmly, let them rest; confusion is normal
❌ NEVER Do These Things:

• Do NOT hold them down
• Do NOT put anything in their mouth
• Do NOT give water until fully awake

This guide does not replace professional medical care.
Health Guide
Severe Dehydration: When Water Isn't Enough
General Medicine · 5 min read
No urination 8+ hours
Sunken eyes
Extremely dry mouth
Rapid heart rate
In babies: sunken soft spot
🏠 Make ORS at HomeMix into 1 litre of clean water: 6 level teaspoons of sugar + ½ teaspoon of salt. Give in small sips frequently.
Go to Hospital If:

• Baby or young child · Cannot keep fluids down · Signs of shock · Suspected cholera

This guide does not replace professional medical care.
Tropical Disease Guide
Malaria: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Infectious Disease · 8 min read
High fever with chills
Headache
Fatigue
Nausea & vomiting
Muscle pain
⚠️ Signs of SEVERE Malaria — Go to Hospital NowConvulsions · Unconsciousness · Very high fever (above 40°C) · Yellow eyes · Dark urine
🛡️ Sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net (ITN) — reduces malaria deaths by up to 50%.
Eliminate standing water — pots, tyres, puddles where mosquitoes breed.
This guide does not replace professional medical care.
Emergency Guide
Heart Attack & Emergency CPR
Cardiology · 10 min read
1. Recognizing a Heart Attack
Heavy chest pressure
Pain in left arm/neck
Shortness of breath
Sudden cold sweat

IF CONSCIOUS: Call for help, keep them sitting still, and have them chew one 300mg Aspirin (if not allergic).

2. If they Collapse (Hands-Only CPR)

If the person is unconscious and not breathing, you must act as their heart. Hands-only CPR can double a person's chance of survival.

1
CHECK: Tap their shoulder and shout. Check if they are breathing. If no response, they are in cardiac arrest.
2
CALL: Shout for someone nearby to call 112 / 999 and find an AED if one exists.
3
POSITION: Lay them flat on their back on a hard floor (not a bed). Kneel beside their chest.
4
HANDS: Place the heel of one hand in the center of their chest. Place the other hand on top and interlace your fingers.
5
COMPRESS: Push HARD and FAST.
• Push down at least 5cm (2 inches).
• Speed: 100–120 beats per minute (to the beat of the song "Stayin' Alive").
• Allow the chest to come all the way back up between pushes.
6
DON'T STOP: Continue until you see signs of life or professional medical help takes over. If you get tired, trade off with someone else every 2 minutes.
Do I need to do "Mouth-to-Mouth"?

Current medical guidelines for bystanders emphasize Hands-Only CPR. Continuous chest compressions are often more effective and easier for untrained people to perform safely.

This guide is for educational purposes. Seek professional training if possible.
Done!