Health

Hope Spring Water, a clean water charity, is dedicated to eliminating water poverty by installing boreholes. This article explores the challenges faced by communities in Nigeria regarding access to clean water and how Hope Spring Water is addressing these issues. We will take you through the process of selecting and assisting communities, the impact of their work on health, sanitation, and livelihoods, how they raise funds through their charity eCard platform, and how you can support their cause. Nigeria, like many other nations, faces significant obstacles when it comes to access to water. In rural areas, communities often rely on polluted water sources such as ponds and rivers, increasing the risk of waterborne illnesses. Hope Spring Water recognizes the seriousness of this situation a...

Surfing is a cardiovascular sport that greatly influences the overall health of your heart. Numerous studies have shown that cardiovascular exercise decreases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, lowers blood pressure, increases insulin sensitivity, and reduces the risk of dying from cardiovascular issues. Regular surfing can improve heart health and increase longevity. Surfing is Excellent for Heart Health Forget dark chocolate and red wine - surfing is a surefire way to build a stronger heart and cardiovascular system. Surfing improves heart function by increasing heart rate during wave riding. This causes the heart to work harder and more efficiently in pumping blood throughout the body. Over time, regular surfing can lead to the development of stronger cardiac muscles, ...

There has been an increase in the death toll of the diphtheria outbreak in Bauchi, with a total of 26 fatalities recorded so far. Across the state, there have been 180 suspected cases reported. In July, it was reported that five students had died from suspected diphtheria in the Jamaare local government area. During a USAID-IHP One Day Media Engagement on the 2023 Bauchi State budget performance held in Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (BSPHCDA), provided an update on the diphtheria outbreak in the state. He revealed that out of the reported deaths, four had been confirmed as diphtheria cases, whereas the remaining 22 showed signs, symptoms, and complications of the disease based on test results. Dr. Rilwan...

Across Bauchi state, a total of 180 suspected cases have been recorded in relation to the outbreak of diphtheria, resulting in the unfortunate death of 26 individuals.Prior to this, it was reported that five individuals had already died from diphtheria in the Jama’are local government area in July, which has become the epicenter of the disease within the state, prompting the closure of schools in the vicinity.During a USAID-IHP budget performance review meeting in Bauchi, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, the Executive Chairman of Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, revealed these distressing figures.He disclosed that out of the deaths, four were confirmed cases of diphtheria, while the remaining 22 deaths were attributed to the signs, symptoms, and complications of the disease fol...

 The Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) has expressed concern about the low number of optometrists in the public sector, stating that only about 20% of the more than 6000 optometrists in Nigeria are currently working in the public sector. The association revealed this information in a communique issued at the conclusion of its 46th National Conference and Annual General Meeting. According to the communique, the 20% ratio of optometrists in the public sector is responsible for providing primary health care to the rural and suburban areas, which constitute the majority of the country's population.The communique also highlighted ignorance and poor accessibility as major factors contributing to vision impairment and loss. The NOA pointed out that unless interventions are made, over 1 bil...

Breast milk is considered the perfect food for infants, providing essential antibodies that protect against common childhood illnesses. It supplies all the necessary energy and nutrients for the first months of life and continues to meet a significant portion of a child's nutritional needs during the second year. Unfortunately, many working mothers face challenges in effectively breastfeeding their babies due to workplace policies and a lack of breastfeeding spaces or childcare facilities. In line with the World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office organized a media dialogue to emphasize the importance of workplace breastfeeding. The theme for WBW 2023 is "Enabling Breastfeeding - Making a Difference for Working Parents," aiming to raise awareness about the conne...

The first 1,000 days of a child's life between conception and their second birthday are crucial for their survival and development.During this period, the brain experiences rapid growth and maturation, with 80 percent of its development occurring within the first two years. Additionally, physical growth in terms of height and weight is most significant during this time, according to Dr Tushar Rane, chief of the UNICEF Bauchi field office.Dr Rane, speaking at a recent media dialogue on "First 1,000 Days" organized by UNICEF, emphasized that cognitive and linguistic delays that accumulate early in life can have lifelong consequences. He also stated that growth failure during this critical period can affect schooling, productivity, and income in the long term.UNICEF Nutrition Specialist, P...

The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Gusau, Zamfara State, is set to be upgraded to a University Teaching Hospital for the Federal University, Gusau (FUGUS). This information was shared with reporters by the medical director of the medical centre, Dr Bello Mohammed, during a press briefing in his office. Dr Mohammed revealed that a bill aiming to transform the medical centre into a university teaching hospital has already completed the first and second readings in the National Assembly, with the third reading pending. Once the upgrade is completed, the hospital will primarily focus on training healthcare professionals and providing practical knowledge to medical students at the Federal University, Gusau, according to Dr Mohammed. Furthermore, Dr Mohammed emphasized the significanc...

Rising Costs of Drugs and Healthcare Cause Hardships for Nigerians In a shocking development last week, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), one of Nigeria's major pharmaceutical companies, announced its exit from the country. Known for manufacturing popular prescription medicines, vaccines, and consumer healthcare products, such as Panadol and Macleans, GSK's departure has increased concerns about drug scarcity and soaring prices. A recent survey conducted by 9JA NEWS, with input from medical professionals and hospital pharmacists, revealed that the prices of drugs and medical services have risen steeply in the last two months. Some drugs have become unaffordable for the average citizen, with prices surging between 80% to 150%. For example, the antibiotic tablet Ciprotab (Fidson) used to co...

The National Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP) has announced that over 2,000 positive tuberculosis cases have been detected in the initial six months of 2023 in Plateau. On Monday in Jos, at the beginning of the national tuberculosis testing week, Dr. Shedrack Dimang, the Zonal Medical Officer responsible for the NTBLCP in the North Central, made this statement. Dimang stated that the positive cases were uncovered through hospitals and outreaches carried out in the state. “The increase in case detection is due to an upsurge in public awareness and the public dispelling misconceptions about the disease. “The objective of the week-long testing is to raise awareness about Tuberculosis (TB) and also intensify efforts to discover cases of TB. “We also aim to ...