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In the heart of sub-Saharan Africa, where communities are as vibrant as they are vulnerable, a silent crisis is growing—childhood anemia. Affecting cognitive development, energy levels, and even future economic productivity, anemia is far more than just a health condition. It's a barrier to national development. 1. Anemia: A Public Health Emergency Hidden in Plain Sight Anemia, the most common blood disorder in children, arises when the body doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to tissues. For children, especially those under five years old, this means delayed development, poor learning outcomes, frequent illness, and a higher risk of death. Globally, anemia affects about 39.8% of children aged 6–59 months, with the African region suffering the highest burden—60.2% of its children are affected. In Mozambique, the picture is even more alarming. According to newly pooled data from two national Demographic and Health Surveys (2011 and 2022–2023), the anemia rate in children under five has risen from 69.1% to 72.9% over the past decade. That's nearly 3 out of every 4 children. Source: Encyclopedia Scientific Infographics (https://encyclopedia.pub/image/3598) 2. What's Behind the Numbers? You might assume the main culprit is iron deficiency—and you'd be partly right. But the causes are deeply intertwined and multifaceted. These include: Micronutrient deficiencies, like vitamin A, B12, and folic acid Infectious diseases, such as malaria and HIV, which are prevalent in Mozambique Inherited blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia Poor dietary quality, particularly in food-insecure communities Environmental conditions, like lack of clean water and sanitation Social inequalities, including gender and economic disparities These factors don't operate in isolation—they reinforce each other, making the fight against anemia particularly complex. 3. Who Is Most at Risk? The recent study identified key groups of children at greater risk of anemia: Children suffering from illness had a 44% higher likelihood of being anemic. Those living in households with unimproved drinking water sources were 40% more likely to be anemic. Children from female-headed households showed a modestly increased risk. Conversely, children who had received vitamin A supplements were significantly less likely to be anemic. Interestingly, children aged 6–11 months were less likely to be anemic than older children, a finding that suggests age-specific feeding practices and nutritional transitions play a crucial role. 4. Why Mozambique? Why Now? Despite global efforts like iron supplementation, mass deworming, and food aid, Mozambique continues to rank among the top 15 countries with the highest burden of childhood anemia. The persistence of such high rates over the past decade indicates that short-term solutions and fragmented policies are simply not enough. According to the study, about 16% of the anemia variation was attributed to differences between communities, pointing to the significant role of structural and environmental factors. If Mozambique is to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—including reducing anemia by 50% in women and children by 2030—interventions must be broader and more integrated. 5. What Needs to Change? To reduce childhood anemia, the response must shift from clinical band-aids to structural transformation: Improve Primary Healthcare Access Early diagnosis and consistent health monitoring for children must be expanded, particularly in rural areas where access is limited. Ensure Food Security and Dietary Diversity Policies should promote sustainable agriculture and local food systems that increase access to iron-rich and nutrient-dense foods. Enhance Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Infrastructure Poor sanitation and unsafe water sources fuel infection-driven anemia. WASH programs are as essential as iron supplements. Support Female-Headed Households Women are often primary caregivers. Programs that empower women economically and socially can have cascading benefits for child health. Promote Nutrition Education Awareness campaigns about dietary needs and proper child feeding practices—especially during the critical first 1000 days of life—are crucial. 6. Beyond Health: Anemia as a Development Issue Anemia isn’t just a medical problem—it’s a developmental one. Children with anemia are more likely to underperform in school, struggle to find stable employment later in life, and remain trapped in cycles of poverty. National productivity declines when a significant portion of the future workforce is physically and cognitively stunted. According to the World Bank, addressing malnutrition (including anemia) could raise a country’s gross domestic product (GDP) by up to 11% in Africa and Asia. The stakes are high, but so is the return on investment. For more information about topic, you can view the online video entitled "Childhood Anemia in Mozambique".

What if plants could hunt? In the swamps of the Carolinas, one plant does just that—waiting patiently with jaws wide open for the moment a meal walks by. Meet the Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula), a botanical marvel that defies everything we think we know about how plants behave. 1. A Killer in the Wetlands Native to the subtropical wetlands of North and South Carolina, the Venus flytrap isn't your average houseplant. It has evolved a remarkable solution to a common problem: how to get enough nutrients in nutrient-poor, acidic soils. The answer? Turn carnivorous. The Venus flytrap doesn't photosynthesize like most plants alone. It supplements its diet by capturing and digesting small insects. This extraordinary adaptation allows it to survive where other plants would wither away. Source: Encyclopedia Scientific Infographics (https://encyclopedia.pub/image/3636) 2. How the Trap Works: Biology with Bite The Venus flytrap's leaves are modified into jaw-like structures that remain open, lined with trigger-sensitive hairs. When an unsuspecting insect touches these hairs twice within about 20 seconds, the trap snaps shut in a fraction of a second. It’s one of the fastest movements in the plant kingdom. What happens next is even more astonishing. The plant begins to digest the insect using enzymes, absorbing valuable nitrogen and other nutrients over 5 to 12 days. Afterward, the trap reopens, often shriveled, and ready for its next victim. For centuries, the Venus flytrap has fascinated botanists, naturalists, and even poets. Charles Darwin called it "one of the most wonderful plants in the world." Scientists continue to study it today for insights into plant movement, signaling, and evolution. Research has shown that the flytrap's snapping mechanism is triggered by an electrical impulse—a mini action potential similar to what occurs in animal nervous systems. This raises philosophical questions about plant sentience and how we define intelligence in the natural world.Conservation Concerns Despite its popularity in cultivation, wild populations of Dionaea muscipula are under threat. Urban development, illegal poaching, fire suppression, and climate change have reduced its natural range significantly. It is currently listed as "Vulnerable" by the IUCN and is protected under U.S. federal and state laws. Conservationists advocate for responsible cultivation, sustainable seed sourcing, and the protection of the plant’s unique wetland habitat. If you've ever considered owning one, choose flytraps from reputable growers—never from the wild. 3. Did You Know? Venus flytraps are native only to a 90-mile radius around Wilmington, North Carolina. Each trap dies after about 3–4 uses, so overfeeding can shorten the plant's life. Flytraps can live up to 20 years in the right conditions. For more information about topic, you can view the online Scientific Infographics entitled "Venus Flytrap".

We are pleased to announce that the “Encyclopedia Outstanding Contributor Award” in 2025 is now open for applications. In 2025, we will award two outstanding contributors to the Encyclopedia platform (https://encyclopedia.pub/) and the journal Encyclopedia. After a thorough evaluation, the journal award committee, led by Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Raffaele Barretta, will select all eligible contributors. The winners will be announced in March 2026. The Prize – CHF 300 (Swiss francs);– An opportunity to publish one paper free of charge in the Encyclopedia journal before 31 December 2026, following peer review;– An electronic certificate. Eligibility and Requirements To be eligible, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:– The applicants must have published at least one qualified entry/video/image on the Encyclopedia platform in 2025;– The applicants must have published at least one paper in the Encyclopedia journal in 2025.  Application Deadline 15 January 2026. Winner announcement 31 March 2026. Please send your curriculum vitae/resume to our Editorial Office before the above deadline (encyclopedia@mdpi.com). As mentioned above, the winners will be announced on the journal's website in March 2026. Kind regards, Encyclopedia Editorial Office.