TheNewsGuru

Tag: Health

  • Akpabio back from London, dismisses rumours of ill health

    Akpabio back from London, dismisses rumours of ill health

    President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, returned to the country from London early this Monday morning, looking robust and dispelling rumours of ill health.

    Some social media reports had claimed that Akpabio was critically ill and admitted in a London hospital, but the Senate President dismissed the rumours as the imagination of the purveyors. “There’s nothing like such. I’m fit as a fiddle. I only stopped over in London for a short vacation,” Akpabio said.

    Recall that the Senate President had attended the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva between July 29 and 31st after which he headed to London to rest after a hectic legislative year.

    The Senate President, who touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 4.00am Monday was received at the Presidential Wing by senators, aides and Nigerians from different walks of life.

    Fielding questions from journalists on arrival, the Senate President promised Nigerians robust legislative engagements on resumption. He further justified the presence of a strong Nigerian delegation at the International Parliamentary Union in Geneva, assuring the people of more derivatives of democratic governance and effective collaboration with the other arms of government.

  • IRC, State leaders unite in Adamawa to drive long-Term health reforms

    IRC, State leaders unite in Adamawa to drive long-Term health reforms

    A major health sector summit held on Tuesday in Yola, Adamawa State brought together key government officials, development partners, and humanitarian organizations in a unified push to build a more resilient, inclusive health system in Adamawa State.

    The high-level gathering, hosted at the Fadfadis Conference & Event Center, was convened by the International Rescue Committee, (IRC) and Adamawa State Ministry of Health and Human Services in partnership with the Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ADSPHCDA) and Participants used the forum to share insights, reflect on achievements, and explore long-term strategies for aligning emergency humanitarian response with sustainable health system development.

    In a keynote speech, IRC Nigeria Country Director Babatunde Ojei traced the organization’s impact in Adamawa from its initial flood response in 2012 to its current work across 18 Local Government Areas. He highlighted key achievements, including clinical care for more than 267,000 people, reproductive health services for nearly 48,000, and the rehabilitation of 35 health facilities since 2020. The IRC has also trained 283 CHIPS agents and supported the enrollment of nearly 14,000 vulnerable residents in the state’s health insurance scheme.

    “This is not charity. This is system building,” Ojei said, emphasizing the importance of long-term planning and deeper collaboration among all stakeholders. “A resilient health system is not built overnight. It is forged in partnerships.”

    Later at the event honoring the IRC’s leadership team, Dr. Sulaiman Saidu Bashir, Executive Chairman of the ADSPHCDA, spoke frankly about the dual reality facing the state’s health system, progress made in restoring services and the persistent challenges of insecurity, limited infrastructure, and displacement. He praised the IRC’s work as both timely and strategic.

    “What we need now is not just more but better. Better alignment, better investment, better localization, and better accountability,” Dr. Bashir noted.

    Earlier in the day, IRC Field Coordinator for Adamawa, Mr. Timothy Golfa, welcomed participants with a call for unity and strategic reflection. He acknowledged the role of state ministries and other partners and highlighted recent efforts to improve nutrition outcomes, including the launch of a simplified treatment protocol for malnourished children.

    Golfa also introduced Mr. Modou Diaw, IRC’s Regional Vice President for West Africa, whose presence was seen as a strong endorsement of Adamawa’s growing importance in regional health planning.

    Throughout the summit, the central theme remained clear: moving from reactive crisis response to proactive system building. With increasing pressures from conflict, climate change, and shrinking donor funding, speakers underscored the urgency of strengthening local ownership, ensuring inclusive governance, and making health systems more shock-responsive.

    The summit concluded with a joint commitment to keep momentum going strengthening Adamawa’s health system one facility, one community, and one partnership at a time.

  • Health expert raises concern over surge in anal s3x in northern Nigeria

    Health expert raises concern over surge in anal s3x in northern Nigeria

    Dr Zainab Suleiman, a prominent health expert, has raised concerns about the risks associated with anal sex, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

    In a recent Facebook post, she likened the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in the region to a “new refinery”, suggesting a growing issue that needs attention.

    Dr Suleiman plans to elaborate on the health implications of anal sex, including hemorrhoids and loss of anal sphincter control, in a forthcoming post.

    “Teenage pregnancy in the north is the new refinery. Will write about this tomorrow (Tuesday) and I will be diving into hemorrhoid and lose of anal sphincter,” she wrote.

    What is Anal s3x?

    Anal sex or anal intercourse is generally the insertion and thrusting of the erect penis into a person’s anus, or anus and rectum, for sexual pleasure. Other forms of anal sex include anal fingering, the use of sex toys, anilingus, and pegging.

  • World Health Day 2025: Tolu Bankole calls for protection of Mothers and Newborns

    World Health Day 2025: Tolu Bankole calls for protection of Mothers and Newborns

    On monday, Nigeria joined the global community in commemorating World Health Day 2025 with a powerful call to action under the theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.” The focus this year is on maternal and newborn health, an urgent issue that demands collective efforts to ensure every woman and child has access to quality healthcare during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period.

    In a statement released to mark the day, Hon. Tolu Bankole, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, highlighted the critical importance of maternal and newborn health as the foundation for strong families and a prosperous nation. The statement emphasized that the health of mothers and babies is not only vital for individuals but also for the entire nation’s future.

    Globally, approximately 300,000 women die every year due to complications related to pregnancy or childbirth, while over 2 million newborns die or are stillborn. These tragic deaths are largely preventable, yet they persist, with one life lost every seven seconds due to inadequate care.
    Bankole said. “Every loss represents a life that could have been saved with timely medical intervention. This is why we must act now.”

    The statement also acknowledged the significant strides made by the Nigerian government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Bankole commended the administration’s ongoing efforts to revitalize primary healthcare centers across the country, which have significantly improved access to essential services for millions of Nigerians. Increased budgetary allocation to health, particularly maternal and child health initiatives, along with expanded health insurance coverage, have been key areas of focus for the government.

    According to him, the administration has prioritized the recruitment and training of healthcare workers, particularly midwives and community health officers, to ensure that even the most rural and underserved communities have access to skilled care.
    Bankole also pointed to the improvements in healthcare infrastructure and the provision of modern medical equipment in federal health institutions as critical to strengthening the overall capacity of Nigeria’s health system.

    Chairman of the Governing Board urged Nigerians to prioritize their health, particularly during pregnancy and the early years of a child’s life.

    He called on women to attend regular antenatal and postnatal checkups and for families to support one another in seeking timely medical attention. Bankole further emphasized the need for Nigeria’s health system to evolve, addressing not only obstetric complications but also mental health, noncommunicable diseases, and other reproductive health challenges.

    “We must raise awareness about maternal and newborn health, advocate for increased investment in healthcare, and support frontline health workers who are integral to our healthcare system,” he said.

  • ‘I will write their condolence letters’ – Wike dispels rumor of ill health

    ‘I will write their condolence letters’ – Wike dispels rumor of ill health

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says he is healthy, strong and performing his duties as the minister of FCT.

    Wike stated this in Abuja on Thursday, while reacting to the rumour going round that he collapsed on Friday and was flown to France for medical treatment.

    The minister, who reacted to the rumour after he inspected some ongoing projects in Abuja, described the rumour as mere politics.

    Wike said there was no time he collapsed, and there was no time anybody took him overseas for treatment.

    “It is human beings that will collapse if there is any problem with their health.

    “Unfortunately, I did not collapse and I did not show any sign that I have any health problems.

    “As you have seen, I am even healthier than most of them who carried that rumour.

    “I can assure you that I will write their condolence letters,” he said.

    The minister said he was out inspecting road projects when the rumour was going round that he had collapsed.

    He added that he was around when President Bola Tinubu broke iftar on his birthday.

    “The next day, I led Abuja residents to pay Sallah homage to Mr President.

    “This is politics but I have thick skin for such ill feelings. Those things don’t bother us.

    “We are not distracted but focused on our jobs,” he said.

    The Minister thanked Nigerians for being worried, adding however people should not wish their fellow human beings such a thing.

    He noted that “we will die one day and  nobody will remain in this world forever”.

    Speaking about the inspected projects, Wike expressed optimism that the International Conference Centre would be ready for inauguration in May.

    He also lauded the quality and pace of the road projects in Gishiri, including the once leading to Judges Quarters in Katampe District.

    “I have said before that we are going to inaugurate several of these projects to celebrate the second anniversary of Mr  President.

    “So, I am very, very impressed with what I have seen. The projects are going on well,” he said.

  • Health workers suspends 7-day warning strike

    Health workers suspends 7-day warning strike

    The Joint Health Sector (JOHESU) and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals Association (AHPA) said it would suspend its seven-day warning strike effective from midnight Oct. 31 in the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and in general public interest.

    Mr Kabiru Minjibir, National Chairman of JOHESU said this in a communiqué jointly signed by Mr Martin Egbanubi, National Secretary of the union on Thursday in Abuja.

    It would be recalled that JOHESU had embarked on a seven-day warning strike on Oct. 25, to press home its demands from the Federal Government.

    It said that the decision to suspend the warning strike was taken at an hybrid emergency meeting of the Expanded National Executive Council (NEC) of the Union.

    It said the expanded NEC comprised of the Presidents and General Secretaries of JOHESU affiliate unions and professional Associations, National Executive Council (NEC) members of affiliate Unions and JOHESU Chairmen and Secretaries at the State and Branch levels.

    According to the communiqué, NEC-in-Session critically appraised the various reports and the MoU signed between the JOHESU team and the Federal Government team during the conciliation meeting held on Oct. 29 at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

    “NEC-in-session after extensive deliberations resolved that the suspension of the seven-day warning strike effective from midnight, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024 in the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and in general public interest.

    “Time line of six weeks given to the Federal Government to meet all her obligations contained in the MoU.

    “Expanded NEC meeting shall be convened upon the expiration of the six (6) weeks’ deadlines to review development and take appropriate decision.

    “Indefinite strike action shall be the next option if the Expanded NEC of JOHESU is not satisfied with the Federal Government responses to the implementation of her obligations contained in the MoU,”it said.

    NAN reports that the demands of the unions includes immediate implementation of CONHESS adjustment, payment of 25 per cent CONHESS Review arrears, payment of nine months’ salary to staff of Regulatory Agencies.

    Others were the restoration of funding to Environmental Health Regulatory Council, reconstitution of Boards/Governing Councils of Federal Health Institution, commencement of the process to upwardly review retirement age of health workers, among others.

  • Health and safety: Vital tips for all Nigerians – By Aiyedun Bosun

    Health and safety: Vital tips for all Nigerians – By Aiyedun Bosun

    By Aiyedun Bosun

    In Nigeria, ensuring health and safety in all aspects of life is paramount to prevent avoidable deaths and injuries. From workplaces to homes, schools, and public spaces, adopting proactive measures and promoting a culture of safety can significantly reduce risks and enhance overall well-being.

    This article explores essential health and safety tips for Nigerians across various sectors of life, emphasizing prevention, first aid, and the role of government agencies like the Ministry of Orientation in promoting safety awareness.

    Workplace Safety:

    1. Conduct regular risk assessments and implement safety protocols in workplaces to prevent accidents and injuries.

    2. Provide adequate training and resources for employees to handle machinery, equipment, and hazardous materials safely.

    3. Promote ergonomic practices to prevent musculoskeletal disorders and promote employee well-being.

    4. Ensure proper ventilation, lighting, and cleanliness in work environments to minimize health risks.

    5. Encourage the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as helmets, gloves, and masks where necessary.

    Home Safety:

    1. Install smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide alarms to prevent fire hazards and poisoning.

    2. Keep walkways and staircases clear of clutter to prevent falls and injuries, especially for children and the elderly.

    3. Secure windows and doors with locks and grilles to deter burglaries and intrusions.

    4. Store cleaning products, medications, and other hazardous substances out of reach of children and pets.

    5. Regularly inspect electrical wiring, appliances, and gas connections for signs of damage or malfunction.

    First Aid and Emergency Response:

    1. Equip homes, schools, and workplaces with first aid kits containing essential supplies such as bandages, antiseptics, and medications.

    2. Train individuals in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), basic wound care, and emergency response procedures.

    3. Educate communities on recognizing the signs of common medical emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, and choking.

    4. Establish communication channels and emergency contact numbers for quick response to accidents and medical emergencies.

    5. Advocate for the establishment of community-based emergency response teams and ambulance services in underserved areas.

    Role of the Ministry of Orientation:

    1. Develop and disseminate educational materials, campaigns, and workshops on health, safety, and emergency preparedness.

    2. Collaborate with schools, workplaces, and community organizations to integrate safety awareness into curricula and programs.

    3. Conduct public awareness campaigns on the importance of adopting safety measures and seeking timely medical attention.

    4. Provide training and support for community leaders, volunteers, and healthcare providers to promote safety initiatives.

    5. Advocate for policy reforms and regulations to enforce safety standards and hold accountable those who violate them.

    Preventing Avoidable Deaths in Nigeria:

    1. Improve access to quality healthcare services, especially in rural and underserved areas, to reduce preventable deaths from treatable conditions.

    2. Strengthen public health infrastructure and disease surveillance systems to respond effectively to outbreaks and epidemics.

    3. Invest in road safety initiatives, including infrastructure improvements, public awareness campaigns, and enforcement of traffic laws.

    4. Address environmental health hazards such as pollution, poor sanitation, and inadequate water supply to prevent waterborne diseases and other health risks.

    5. Promote healthy lifestyles and preventive healthcare practices through community-based programs, screenings, and vaccination campaigns.

    Conclusion:

    Ensuring health and safety for all Nigerians requires collective efforts from individuals, communities, and government agencies.

    By prioritizing prevention, adopting first aid practices, and promoting safety awareness, we can significantly reduce the incidence of avoidable deaths and injuries in our society.

    The Ministry of Orientation plays a crucial role in disseminating information, fostering collaboration, and advocating for policies that prioritize human life and well-being.

    Together, let us commit to creating a safer and healthier Nigeria for generations to come.

    Aiyedun Bosun writes from Dublin, Ireland and can be reached via aiyedunbosun@yahoo.com

  • BREAKING: Tinubu approves immediate upgrade of LUTH, JUTH, others

    BREAKING: Tinubu approves immediate upgrade of LUTH, JUTH, others

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate upgrade of key health infrastructure and equipment across all six geo-political zones including Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), and University of Jos Teaching Hospital (JUTH).

    The upgrade of the key health infrastructure in the country was disclosed in a statement issued by the special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, on Friday.

    It reads: Upgrading health infrastructure and equipment is a top priority of President Tinubu’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. To advance this landmark effort, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) will carry out the comprehensive upgradation of cancer-treatment infrastructure and other critical developments in six tertiary hospitals across several geopolitical zones, in addition to the full renovation and expansion of prior investments to improve broad-based access to high-quality healthcare in all six geo-political zones of the federation.

    The following teaching hospitals across geo-political zones have been marked for the establishment of oncology and nuclear medicine centres per facility as part of President Tinubu’s bid to ensure that world-class cancer diagnosis and care is accessible across the country:

    (1) University of Benin Teaching Hospital

    (2) Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital

    (3) University of Nigeria (Nsukka) Teaching Hospital

    (4) Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina

    (5) University of Jos Teaching Hospital

    (6) Lagos University Teaching Hospital

    The following ten critical healthcare service expansion projects across the fields of radiology, clinical pathology, medical and radiation oncology, and cardiac catheterization will be carried out in ten hospitals across all geo-political zones:

    (1) North-West: Reference Hospital, Kaduna — (Radiology, clinical pathology, medical and radiation oncology)

    (2) South-East: Medical Diagnostic Centre Complex, Enugu — (Radiology, clinical pathology, medical & radiation oncology)

    (3) North-West: Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto — (Diagnostic and intervention radiology, clinical pathology, and cardiac catheterization)

    (4) South-West: University College Hospital, Ibadan — (Diagnostic and intervention radiology, clinical pathology, and cardiac catheterization)

    (5) South-South: University of Uyo Teaching Hospital — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

    (6) North-East: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

    (7) South-South: Federal Medical Centre, Asaba — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

    (8) North-Central: Harmony Advanced Diagnostic Centre Complex, Ilorin — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

    (9) North-Central: Jos University Teaching Hospital — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

    (10) North-East: Federal Medical Centre, Nguru — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

    These critical projects, set to be delivered within 12-18 months, will improve screening and diagnostics for communicable and non-communicable diseases; reduce mortality rates and improve outcomes for non-communicable diseases; create considerable employment opportunities for clinical, administrative, and managerial personnel across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones, all while building the capacity of clinical personnel in advanced procedures, diagnostics and treatment modalities, in accordance with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

  • “Health is wealth” – By Francis Ewherido

    “Health is wealth” – By Francis Ewherido

    There is nobody reading this article who has not heard this short sentence, “health is wealth,” before, but what does it mean? Everybody might know the literal meaning, but very few people know the connotative meaning. 

    When you wake up in the morning, after a good night sleep, empty your bowels and bladder effortlessly, do some exercises, get dressed, and head off to work; it all looks so smooth and natural. 

    Contrast that with these scenarios: When you get tired and go to bed, sleep eludes you. The implication is a sleepless night (insomnia) or you take medication to enable you get what you should get naturally: sleep. 

    Also, you are pressed at night, you get up to empty your bladder, the bladder is full, but you cannot pass urine. You roll in bed in pains with a full bladder. After a while, urine begins to come out in “bits and pieces.”  

    Sometimes your pants, boxers or pyjamas get soaked by involuntary discharge of urine. You are probably suffering from enlarged prostate or related infections. Sometimes it looks like a simple matter, but if it is not intentionally and deliberately tackled, it can cost the sufferer a fortune and even his life. 

    One of the functions of the kidneys is waste removal from the body. But the kidneys of some people are not functioning optimally. They resort to dialysis regularly to temporarily perform this function. Dialysis costs money and there are really no options. The patient does it regularly or dies gradually. Kidney transplant is the “permanent” solution, but it costs a fortune. 

    Moreover, it is not full proof. The best solution is to run away from anything that compromises your kidney functions. Not all the solutions are within our control, but most are. In 2012, I went to India for medical reasons. I had to because even with the costs of treatment, tickets for two, accommodation and upkeep, it was still N200,000 (as at 2012) cheaper than the bill they gave me in Nigeria. I used the opportunity to do general check-up. When reviewing the results, the doctor said, “I don’t want to scare you, but watch your kidneys.” 

    Since then, I have been deliberate in watching my kidneys. I cannot use ignorance or a foolish lifestyle to compromise my kidneys.

    I had a neighbour for about 10 years. I only met her twice and that was when I went to her house. She managed to come downstairs. Arthritis had confined her to the upper floor of their one storey building. The children did all the running around. After all the children left home, the husband did the running around, while an emergency kitchen was created upstairs to enable her cook without coming downstairs to the kitchen she had used before arthritis took over. 

    There are many more instances where health challenges have completely altered people’s lives. There are those who rely on treatment or taking drugs regularly to stay alive. They take the treatment daily or periodically as prescribed. The cost might be cheap or expensive. 

    There are those who spend hundreds of thousands or more monthly just to function normally. There are also those who spend huge sums of money just to be alive, but they cannot function normally. Living and earning an income gets disrupted by health challenges. Some people spend their financial reserves on medicals and drugs to just stay alive. With time, they dispose of assets they had accumulated. Another name for this situation is burning a candle on both sides: spending without earning income. How long can the candle last?

    Finally, we have those in the above conditions but are in addition suffering from debilitating conditions. We have critical stages of diabetes, cancer that has spread, kidneys that have failed, etc. Unless a miracle happens, it looks like the people are only living on borrowed time. They hang on to hope and become broke or accumulate debts after spending all they have on treatment. At the end some still die. These people and their families and devoted friends are the ones who really understand the connotative meaning of the sentence, “health is wealth.” 

    If you do not fall into these categories, thank God for getting into 2024 in health of body and mind, but you cannot rest on your oars. Remember Apostle Paul’s admonition: “those who think they stand firm should be careful to avoid falling” (1Corinthians 10:12). Happy New Year once more. 

    I advice every adult, especially those over 40, to declare 2024 a year of “health is wealth.” The implication is to take your health very seriously. In the last week of 2023, we were hit by news of the death of the former governor of Ondo State, Chief Rotimi Akerodolu, SAN and Ghali Na’Abba, former speak of the House of Representatives. Akeredolu died of cancer. The cause of death of Na’Abba was not disclosed, but we know prolonged illnesses that cause death in Nigeria: cancer, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, failure of key organs like the heart, liver, kidneys, etc. These illnesses can be managed if detected early, so everybody should look after his/her health.

    We must be careful what we consume, but we must also know what works for us. Our granny on my maternal side, Amerhevu Ofeheri lived up to 101. Until her death, she continued to eat starch, banga soup, owho soup and raw palm oil. All these are palm oil-related meals. Yet some young people are running away from the same foods? How did Granny Amerhevu live up to over 100 years eating these foods till the last minute? We need to investigate the impact of these foods before we jump to conclusion. 

    Anyway, till date do not mess around with Urhobo, Isoko, Itsekiri and Ijaw people where banga, owho and starch are concerned. They will not take it easy with you. A ceremony devoid of Owho soup and starch is incomplete. I eat what agrees with my body constitution. I am taking more interest in condiments/spices like irienre, eyirhe, eb’itien and lemon grass. We use them in the Niger Delta to prepare pepper soup. I strongly believe they have medicinal values. I am still researching, but I enjoy them in my unripe plantain pepper soup as often as my wife obliges me.

    Prostate enlargement has been one of my areas of interest. It affects more than 50 per cent of black men from age 40, particularly 50 years and above. I had previously committed some resources to it. The expedition continues. Once I find a reliable remedy, I will blow it here for interested men to follow up independently. I spoke about tomatoes remedy some time ago. It is still potent, but from my investigation, it is better taking it to manage the prostate, not to cure the enlarged prostate. Prostate cancer is a major killer of men, so we must kill it before it kills us. 

    Many people died in 2023. Some of these deaths could have been avoided if detected early. I want to spend some time discussing these health issues on this column to help us avert avoidable deaths. We shall continue next week.

  • Mavin star, Rema suspends December shows over health issues

    Mavin star, Rema suspends December shows over health issues

    Mavin Records star, Rema, says he is cancelling all performances in December to focus on his health.

    The Nigerian singer announced the decision in a post via his Instagram story.

    He wrote: “Breaks my heart to say that I won’t be performing anywhere this December. I have been touring and I’ve ignored my health and I need time to recuperate.  2024 we go again. .”

    Reacting, to Rema’s post, afrobeats star, Davido, in a post via his Instagram story, wrote: “The job ain’t easy, physically and mentally. You’ve done Africa and the world proud beyond expectations.

    “Get some rest king @heisrema, come back stronger.”

    Rema is best known internationally for his hit song Calm Down, which has smashed multiple streaming and chart records.

    The 23-year-old also recently gave a dramatic performance at the London’s 20,000-seater O2 Arena.

    His now-cancelled tour dates for December were booked for Abuja, Benin, and Lagos.

    He was also billed to perform at the Hey Neighbour Festival in South Africa on Dec. 9.

    It is not clear whether fans who have already bought tickets will be refunded or have their tickets carried over to new dates in 2024.