December 2024 News Highlights

When looking back at December 2024, the final month of 2024 that packed a mix of health emergencies, sports showdowns, and market shocks. Also known as Dec 2024, it offers a snapshot of how events unfolded across Africa and the world.

One of the most urgent stories was the surge in untreated mental‑health cases in Nigeria, a crisis underscored by World Mental Health Day, an annual observance that raises awareness about mental‑health challenges worldwide. As malnutrition worsened in the north, the World Health Organization and Médecins Sans Frontières warned that 85% of those affected received no care. At the same time, Brazil’s 5‑0 rout of South Korea in Seoul hinted at the form that will shape the 2026 World Cup, the global football tournament slated for the United States, Canada and Mexico. The match showcased young stars and set the tone for qualifiers that will dominate headlines throughout the next two years.

Key Themes from December 2024

Beyond health and football, the month featured a dramatic turn in the African Nations Championship (African Nations Championship, a tournament for home‑based African players that runs alongside the senior AFCON). Kenya’s ten‑man draw against Angola and Algeria’s 3‑0 victory over Uganda highlighted the growing competitiveness of CHAN and its impact on regional pride. Financial markets felt the ripple effect of geopolitical tensions as Israel’s strike on Iran sent oil prices soaring and safe‑haven assets rallying, a reminder that global markets are tightly linked to political events.

All these stories intersect around one common thread: December 2024 acted as a microcosm of larger trends shaping health policy, international sport, and economic stability. In the sections that follow you’ll find detailed coverage of each headline, from on‑the‑ground reports in Nigeria to tactical analysis of Brazil’s friendly and expert commentary on market reactions. December 2024 wasn’t just another month—it was a turning point that set the stage for what’s coming next. Dive into the collection below to see how each story fits into the bigger picture.