How The Health Factor Africa works, and the standards we hold ourselves to.
Anybody can post health advice online. What makes us different is that we show our work. This page explains exactly how we source, check, and publish everything on this site — so you can judge our credibility for yourself, and hold us to it.
1. Every claim is sourced
Every health claim we publish can be traced to a named, credible source: the World Health Organization (WHO), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Africa CDC, the Federal Ministry of Health, or peer-reviewed research. Those sources are named and linked at the bottom of every article. If we can’t source a claim, we don’t publish it.
2. We are building clinical review into everything we do
Health content carries real weight, and we treat it that way. We are building a clinical review process in which content touching on symptoms, treatment, dosage, pregnancy, infants, and mental health is reviewed by a licensed practitioner before publication. Where an article has been clinically reviewed, the reviewer is named at the top of the piece. Where it has not yet been, no review badge appears — we will never claim a review that did not happen.
3. We do not diagnose
Nothing on this site is a medical diagnosis or a substitute for care from a qualified health worker. We explain conditions, we point readers toward care, and we tell them when a symptom means “go now.” Every relevant article ends with a clear reminder to see a health worker. Your doctor or nurse knows your specific situation; we do not.
4. We report responsibly on outbreaks
When we cover a disease outbreak, we distinguish clearly between what is confirmed and what is suspected or under investigation. We do not upgrade “suspected” to “confirmed” before the health authorities do. We avoid sensationalism, unverified death tolls, and panic. Our goal in an outbreak is always the same: accurate information and a clear protective action.
5. We correct our mistakes, publicly and fast
We are careful, but we are not infallible. When we get something wrong, we correct it in the same channel, at the same prominence, within 24 hours. Corrections are noted openly, not quietly edited away. If you believe we’ve published an error, please contact us — we take corrections seriously.
6. We are transparent about advertising and sponsorship
We accept sponsorship and partnership from organisations whose work aligns with public health — including NGOs, health providers, and mission-aligned brands. But:
- Sponsored content is always clearly labelled as such, in line with Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) requirements.
- No health product is ever dressed up as independent editorial.
- Advertisers have no influence over our sourcing, our clinical review, or our editorial judgment. What we report is not for sale.
7. We respect our readers
We write in plain language and, where we can, in the languages our readers actually speak — including Pidgin. We correct health myths without shaming the people who hold them, because every belief has a reason. We do not use fear as a tool. We assume our readers are intelligent adults who deserve honest information delivered with respect.
These standards are how we earn — and keep — your trust. Health is too important for anything less.
The Health Factor Africa — Verified. Local. Yours.
Questions about how we work? Contact us.