TheNewsGuru

Tag: Health

  • Bauchi expectant mothers lauds govt. for supporting anti-natal programme

    Some expectant mothers in Bauchi State have commended the State Government and its Development Partners for providing and equipping Anti-Natal Clinic (ANC) with essential lifesaving drugs for pregnant women.

    Some clinics in the state now have lifesaving drugs for mothers and their babies during anti-natal.

    Mrs Hafsa Dahiru, one of the beneficiaries told newsmen that she has been receiving subsidised anti-natal drugs like Fesolite and Folic acid tablets on each visit.

    According to her, throughout her experience of having three children, ANC had been a thing of joy due to the quality of health information acquired during each visit.

    “The state and its partners are assisting in the provision of chairs and benches for the centre to ensure the comfort of members due to our large number.

    “And the drugs are also available although we pay stipend but it’s better than not available in the facility.

    “Buying drugs out of the facility might cause danger because you don’t know the quality of drug you are buying, we are happy that government purchases them and make them available at the centre,’’ she said.

    Mrs Aisha Mohammed, another beneficiary said that lots of efforts were made to ensure that essential drugs were made available despite the high number of attendance.

    She suggested that the state government should continue to provide such drugs to prevent complication during pregnancies, adding that the development partners had played a huge role in the provision of medicare and consumables.

    Also speaking, Mrs Rukaiya Mohammed said that essential drugs were served to any pregnant woman that attends ANC on the spot without delays.

    She advised that the government should do more because from what was budgeted for health, ANC and other maternal issues alone can consume more than half of the budget,’’she said.

    The Matron in charge of Urban Maternity, Mrs Grace Sani, said over 300 pregnant women attended the clinic per week.

    She commended pregnant women for the turnout, adding that lots of complications could be detected and reduced while receiving medical attention.

     

  • Vaginitis: Expert advises women to seek urgent medical help

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that can result in discharge, itching and pain. The cause is usually a change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria or an infection. Reduced estrogen levels after menopause and some skin disorders can also cause vaginitis.

    Dr.Adaora Ukoh, an Abuja based gynaecologist, has advised women suffering from vaginitis to seek medical help in order to avoid complications associated with the disease.

    She gave the advice in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Ukoh described vaginitis as an inflammation of the vagina caused by low levels of estrogen as well overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina.

    According to her, vaginitis has two types; namely atrophic vaginitis and bacterial vaginitis.

    Ukoh explained Atrophic (or senile vaginitis) as a situation when the endothelium (the lining of the vagina) estrogen levels decrease during the menopause, saying that this makes the lining more susceptible to irritation and inflammation.

    Bacterial vaginitis is caused by overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina, she said, noting that women usually have less of normal vaginal bacteria called lactobacilli.

    The expert attributed Trichomonas vaginalis, sometimes referred to as trich, as one of the causative factors of vaginitis, it is a sexually transmitted single-celled protozoan parasite.

    This may infect other parts of the urogenital tract, including the urethra (where urine comes out of) as well as the vagina.

    She also mentioned Candida albicans yeast that causes a fungal infection as another causative factor to the development of vaginitis.

    “Infectious vaginitis makes up about 90 percent of all cases in females who have reached puberty infectious vaginitis includes candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis.

    “Less commonly, vaginitis may also be caused by gonorrhoea Chlamydia, mycoplasma, herpes, campylobacter, some parasites and poor hygiene.

    “Young girls, before they reach puberty, can also develop vaginitis, but the cause may be different from those for older females, different types of bacteria are often involved.

    “Improper hygiene in pre-pubescent girls can transfer bacteria and other irritants to the vaginal area from the anal region as well as irritation from a tampon can also cause vaginitis in some women,” she added.

    Ukoh also noted that sometimes, vaginitis can be caused by an allergic reaction, stating that some women may be allergic to condoms, spermicides, certain soaps and perfumes, douches, topical medications, lubricants and even semen.

    She, therefore, said that practising good hygiene such as keeping vaginal area clean and the use a mild soap without irritants or scents helps prevent vaginitis.

    “Avoid douching and irritating agents, avoid wiping from your bottom to your vagina, always wipe from front to back.

    “Wear loose clothing, practice safe sex as well as avoid usage of petroleum jelly during sexual intercourse also helps in preventing vaginitis,’’ she said.

    However, Ukoh said that treatment depends on the cause of the condition which may include low-potency topical (applied to the skin) steroids, oral antibiotics, antifungal or antibacterial creams.

    She also suggested the use of Cortisone cream if irritation symptoms are severe and antihistamine were sometimes given if the inflammation was caused by an allergic reaction.

    The expert recommended topical estrogen cream if the vaginitis was caused by low estrogen levels.

    She urged women who experience irritation on their genital areas, vaginal discharge, inflammation, redness, foul vaginal odour and pain during urination to seek urgent medical help.

     

  • Early detection will stem rising cases of cancer – NGO Coordinator

    Early detection will stem rising cases of cancer – NGO Coordinator

    Mr. Tokbish Yohanna, the Coordinator, Civil Society for Cancer Eradication (CIS-ANEN) in Plateau, on Tuesday said early detection was key to tackling the rising cases of cancer.

    Yohanna spoke during a courtesy visit to the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Mohammed Nazif, in Jos.

    He said this was why medical experts had been advocating early detection, timely screening, regular awareness, treatment and vaccination as major interventions against the disease.

    “If cancer is detected early, it can be effectively managed.

    “We advocate regular screening, and such screening and advocacy should be extended to those at the grassroots since cancer knows no boundaries,” he said.

    Yohanna said research had shown that cancer killed more people than HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.

    Quoting the World Health Organisation (WHO), he said that in Nigeria, 500,000 new cases of cancer were diagnosed yearly.

    “In Plateau, statistics from the Jos University Teaching Hospital from 1987 till 2014 show that 6,915 cases have been detected with an estimated annual rate of 256.

    “There were 2,891 cases in male and 4,024 cases in females,” Yohanna said.

    He said that high rate of smoking amongst youths, persistent and indiscriminate consumption of illicit drinks and substances were some of the contributing factors to rising cases of cancer.

    Yohanna appealed to the commissioner to create cancer awareness in all the 17 local government areas of the state.

    In his remarks, the commissioner assured the group of his ministry’s unflinching support toward creating awareness and advocacy for early screening.

     

  • Rivers state confirms Lassa fever case

    The Rivers ministry of health has confirmed a case of Lassa fever in a private health facility in the state.

    The commissioner for health, Dr. Theophilus Odagme, disclosed to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Wednesday that the patient had been managed, fully recovered and discharged.

    He said the ministry was collaborating with the World Health Organisation (WHO), the private hospital and family of patient to ensure that the process of decontamination and contact are effectively carried out.

    “Right now, we pray it does not pose further threat to the state.

    “Indeed, we had a patient in a private hospital in the state. The patient was diagnosed and expertly managed and has been discharged.

    “The primary and secondary contacts are being followed and the other processes of decontamination are all on,” he said.

    According to Odagme, the patient did not die while the ministry is doing necessary follow-up

    “We are following up with all the contacts. We are also ready if there are eventualities with the contacts, we will move them to the special center in Emohua local government,” he said.

    The commissioner advised residents of the state not to panic because the government was on top of the situation.

     

  • Unilorin don wins N5m research grant on heart burn disease

    An Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Dr. Abdullahi Olokoba, has been awarded the Astra Zeneca Research Grant, worth about N5million.

    Olokoba told newsmen on Tuesday in Ilorin that the grant would help to advance research in the study of Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD, also known as heart burn).

    According to him, the research will be conducted with a team of scholars across departments of medicine from Nigerian University Teaching Hospitals and Federal Medical Centres.

    The scientist clinched the grant following the submission of a proposal entitled “Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease in Nigeria: A Population-Based Study”.

    According to Olokoba, the research is necessary because the prevalence of GERD in Africa is not clearly known.

    He explained that the continent was conspicuously missing in the global map of GERD, which was known to affect between 10 and 20 percent of the population in western countries.

    Olokoba, also the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Kwara State General Hospital, Ilorin, described GERD as the clinical condition that develops when gastric contents find their way into the oesophagus.

    “This causes troublesome symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation or complications such as Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma that can require surgical intervention,” he said.

  • Angola records first 2 cases of Zika virus

    Angola said on Wednesday it had recorded its first two cases of the Zika virus, just three months after a yellow fever epidemic that killed at least 400 people was brought under control.

    Zika, a viral disease carried by mosquitoes, has spread to more than 60 countries and territories since an outbreak was identified in Brazil in 2015, raising alarm over its ability to cause the rare birth defect microcephaly.

    “Up until two months ago, we didn’t have any detected case, but now, we have two cases of Zika,” Health Minister José Luis Gomes Sambo told reporters in the Angolan capital, Luanda.

    “We have to take preventable measures, especially in the anti-vectorial fight against the mosquitoes.”

    ”Angola is only just recovering from a yellow fever outbreak, which began in a densely-populated Luanda slum before rapidly spreading across the south-west African country and into neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.

    Nearly 12 million people were vaccinated against yellow fever last year in Angola and the DRC in a campaign led by the World Health Organisation.

  • Drugs radiation in pregnancy causes congenital malformation in babies- Gynaecologist

    Drugs radiation in pregnancy causes congenital malformation in babies- Gynaecologist

    A gynaecologist, Dr Nathaniel Adewole, says radiation exposure at an early stage of pregnancy, as well as intake of antibiotics, could cause congenital malformation in babies.

    He advised women of reproductive age to avoid self-medication prior to ovulation period.

    Adewole, who works with the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, spoke in an interview in Abuja on Tuesday.

    He cited an example where a woman had an infection and she had taken antibiotics for two weeks, not knowing that she was pregnant.

    Adewole stressed that intake of the antibiotics at an early stage of the pregnancy would have affected the formation of the babies if there was no early intervention.

    “So drugs; both orthodox and herbal medications should not be taken carelessly, infection should be avoided and if any it should be treated properly.

    “There are a lot of drugs that are contraindicated in pregnancy which is the most critical factor that predispose to congenital malformation.

    “So any woman contemplating becoming pregnant should be careful of the drugs she takes, especially during the ovulation period until she did the next pregnancy test.

    “The unfortunate thing is that damage would have occurred before the woman will know that she is pregnant.

    “Others include radiological investigation; radiation exposure can lead to congenital abnormality.

    “This is why some x-ray investigations are not carried out in certain period because it poses a little bit of risk to the baby,” Adewole explained.

    He advised women to attend clinic prior to conception, especially those with existing health problems; so that drugs that might not be compatible with the pregnancy would be changed.

     

  • 6,330 HIV patients registered in Libya in 2016 – WHO

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) said that 6,330 HIV patients registered in Libya in 2016.

    The UN Health Agency said in a statement that 10 people also died in the out-gone year as a result of inability to access anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs.

    “Last year, there were 6,330 registered HIV patients in Libya; 10 people aged 18 or 19, died due to lack of ARV drugs.

    “Many other patients have been forced to scale back on their drug regimens, meaning that many are now in the advanced stages of the disease and that they face increasingly high mortality rates.’’

    The global health body said just a few weeks ago, it began distributing much-needed ARV drugs to patients living with HIV in Libya, following the country’s collapse in medical services and inability to provide life-saving drugs.

    “After the start of the country’s civil war in 2011, rates of HIV have continued to rise.

    “A recent WHO analysis of the country’s health system indicates a general collapse in medical services, including a lack of drug availability.

    “Severe shortages of ARV drugs are threatening the lives of those with HIV and have even led to public protests demanding that the Ministry of Health take immediate action to resolve the problem.’’

    It said following the pressure on the ministry, it subsequently reached out to WHO for support in drug procurement and distribution.

    According to it, so far, WHO has provided three months of drugs to some 450 patients.

    “The agency is working closely with the Ministry to develop and implement surveillance and health system assessment mechanisms, particularly those regarding blood safeties,’’ WHO said.

    WHO said the initiative was intended to reinstate the HIV-related infrastructure that was halted at the start of the war in 2011.

    “For years, cultural barriers and stigmatisation have impeded effective HIV prevention programmes.

    “The WHO is advocating for universal access to HIV treatment and care by focusing on planning, surveillance, and delivery of health care services to HIV patients in order to undermine some of these barriers.

    “In order to meet its goals, the WHO is requesting 1.2 million dollars from donors, which would allow the agency to guarantee a supply of ARV drugs throughout 2017.’’

     

  • No polio case in Cross River – Health Commissioner

    The Cross River Government has described as falsehood, reported case of poliomyelitis in Ekpene Eki community in Odukpani Local Government Area of the state.

    “I wish to say that the reported case of polio in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River is not true.

    “We just had our child and maternal health week and that area in question was fully covered,’’ Dr. Inyang Asibong, the state Commissioner for Health, told newsmen on Wednesday in Calabar.

    Asibong said that state epidemiologists were investigating the case, adding that a sample of the child had been taken to a laboratory in Ibadan for testing.

    Also, Dr. Betta Edu, Director-General, Cross River Primary Healthcare Development Agency, said that Cross River is polio free.

    Edu said she personally carried out a physical examination of the child and found that he was born with talipes equinovarus.

    She explained that a child could be born with telipes equinovarus which is a congenital deformity of the foot and ankle.

    “I want to clearly debunk that story; there is no case of polio in Cross River.

    “From the physical examination which I did at Ekpene Eki yesterday, what that child has is clinical manifestation of talipes Equinovarus.

    “From the history given by the parents, that child was born with a congenital malformation: Polio is not a diagnosis made clinically.

    “Polio is a laboratory diagnosis and so seeing a child that has a congenital malformation and saying it is a case of polio does not add up,’’ she said.

    The DG said that State Primary Healthcare Agency, in conjunction with the National Primary Healthcare Agency, would soon commence a local survey with a view to vaccinate more children in the area.

    “The mother of the baby said she noticed that something was wrong with the child’s leg at birth, but she thought that the curving of the leg was normal.

    “When the child was about three to four months, the parents noticed that one leg was different from the other.

    “The mother also said that one leg was straight while the other was curve at the ankle.

    “The child’s parents took him to a bone setter who at some point tried to intervene but did not correct that deformity and so they left the child’’, she said.

  • Trekking is good for health- Medical practitioner

    Trekking is good for health- Medical practitioner

    According to research trekking helps the body to fight Type 2 diabetes. Since muscles are intensely working during trekking and hiking, they need energy. The body uses the blood sugar to fuel muscle activity. This reduces the excess sugar in the blood, while also increasing the body’s insulin tolerance.

    Dr Bunmi Olufemi of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) has said that trekking is good for health. He made this revelation at Ilorin saying that trekking keeps the body fit

    “Trekking is a great way to reduce stress and that it improves mental health, memory and functionality of the brain. Trekking helps to achieve excellent muscle strength. It leads to exercising of each and every muscle in the body thereby making the body flexible and the muscles agile. I always advice anybody above thirty years of age to always engage in trekking as it helps to build and achieve excellent muscle,” he said.

    He also reveals that physical activities being engaged in the process of trekking tour helped to shed unwanted fat and water weight.

    ” Climbing, dodging around boulders and lights runs and sprints is common, while trekking tour leads to weight loss”.

    He advises both old and young people to always engage in trekking, saying it was the best exercise for the body as it placed the muscles at alert and promoted effective functioning of the brain.