Health Literacy Center

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes blood sugar (glucose). Your body either doesn't produce enough insulin or resists the insulin it does make, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic condition where the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high. Often called the "silent killer" because it usually has no symptoms but can lead to serious complications.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the body's immune system, specifically CD4 cells (T cells), which help fight off infections. If untreated, HIV reduces the number of CD4 cells, making the body vulnerable to other infections and cancers. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection.

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. In Zimbabwe, Plasmodium falciparum is the most common and dangerous type, causing severe malaria.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB), but can also affect other parts of the body (extrapulmonary TB) such as lymph nodes, bones, brain, or kidneys. TB is curable with proper treatment.

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious mental health condition that causes persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. It affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. Depression is NOT a sign of weakness and is treatable.