Health - Page 3 of 18 - NewsNow Nigeria

The Federal Government Establishes Committee to Supervise the Health and Well-being of Civil Servants

5Apr

By Linda IfeomaNo Comments

Health

The Federal Government Establishes Committee to Supervise the Health and Well-being of Civil Servants

A 12-member committee has been set up by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, OHCSF, to enhance the health and overall well-being of its workforce. During the inauguration, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, represented by Dr. Comfort Adeosun, Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, SWO, in the OHCSF, conducted the ceremony. This initiative aligns with pillar 6 of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025, FCSSIP-25, aimed at enhancing the value proposition of staff by continually improving the work environment, well-being, and basic support services for Civil Servants through various initiatives. The Committee's establishment signifies a significant st...

The first patient who received a pig kidney transplant has been released from the hospital

4Apr

By Linda IfeomaNo Comments

Health

The first patient who received a pig kidney transplant has been released from the hospital

After undergoing a genetically modified pig kidney transplant, Rick Slayman, the first person in the world to receive such a transplant while alive, has been discharged from the medical facility. According to a report by CNN, Slayman left the hospital on Wednesday, exactly two weeks post his surgery, as confirmed by Massachusetts General Hospital in a formal statement. In a message issued by the hospital, it was stated, "He is making a good recovery and will be continuing his recuperation in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family." Expressing his emotions, Slayman shared, "Leaving the hospital today with one of the best health reports I’ve received in a long time is a moment I have hoped for, for so many years. Now, it is a reality and one of the happiest instances in my lif...

Concerns Raised by Institute Regarding Nigerian Government’s Neglect of Citizens’ Mental Health

3Apr

By Linda IfeomaNo Comments

Health

Concerns Raised by Institute Regarding Nigerian Government’s Neglect of Citizens’ Mental Health

The increasing instances of mental illness being documented in Nigeria are reportedly linked to inadequate attention from the government, challenging economic conditions within the country, and negative societal perceptions surrounding the issue. During a press briefing in Umuahia on Wednesday, Dr. Azubuike Aliche, the President of the Nigerian American Institute for Mental Health, highlighted these factors. Dr. Aliche expressed worry over the stigmatization and mistreatment faced by individuals experiencing various forms of mental health issues in Nigeria. He noted that such negative treatment exacerbates the problem instead of offering solutions. Citing the lack of proper funding for mental healthcare by governments at all levels, Dr. Aliche lamented the disproportionate focus on ph...

2Apr

By Linda IfeomaNo Comments

Health

Six individuals in Maigatari, Jigawa succumb to meningitis while 38 are hospitalized

Confirmation has been made by officials of Maigatari Local Government Council of Jigawa State regarding the demise of six individuals due to suspected cases of meningitis. In an interview with NewsNow, Abdullahi Muhammad, the local government Primary Health Care manager, affirmed this development. He mentioned that the council has identified over 38 confirmed cases of meningitis, with six fatalities reported. These cases have been reported across 10 political wards in the area. Moreover, Muhammed stated that a target of 210,455 individuals aged between 1-29 has been set for vaccination. The council chairman, Uzairu Nadabo, also verified this information, indicating that the LG has finalized all necessary arrangements for a robust meningitis vaccine campaign. "We have meticulousl...

Woman and 3-Day-Old Infant Detained Due to Unpaid Hospital Fees in Oyo State

2Apr

By Linda IfeomaNo Comments

Health

Woman and 3-Day-Old Infant Detained Due to Unpaid Hospital Fees in Oyo State

Ms. Adenike Samuel, a new mother, along with her three-day-old child, are currently being held at Montana Medical Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, as they are unable to settle a hospital bill of N300,000 resulting from the recent delivery. Although Mrs. Samuel was discharged on April 1, she and her newborn baby were not released from the hospital due to the outstanding bill, which her husband could not afford to pay. In her plea for assistance, Mrs. Samuel has reached out to compassionate individuals and Governor Seyi Makinde to provide financial aid to her family. Residing in Baba Agba, Wire and Cable, Apata, and being a tailor by profession, Mrs. Samuel explained that the hospital bill amounted to N400,000, of which her husband could only manage to pay N100,000, leaving a balance of N30...

The High Rate of Tuberculosis Deaths in Ogun State: Institute Sounds the Alarm

26Mar

By Linda IfeomaNo Comments

Health

The High Rate of Tuberculosis Deaths in Ogun State: Institute Sounds the Alarm

In a concerning report, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has drawn attention to the significant number of deaths resulting from tuberculosis in Ogun State. Out of the over 6,000 tuberculosis cases recorded in Ogun State in 2023, the institute revealed that more than 300 patients succumbed to the disease. During a press briefing in Abeokuta to mark the 2024 World Tuberculosis Day, IHVN's Senior Programme Officer, Florinda Olawusi, highlighted this alarming trend. She emphasized that there has been a drastic increase of over 100% in tuberculosis-related deaths compared to the data collected in 2019 by the institute. Quoting data from IHVN and the USAID TB-LON 3 project for Ogun State, Olawusi mentioned that 3,000 cases were documented in 2019, with 95% of the patients recei...

1,869 Deaths in Kwara Due to Tuberculosis in 2023, According to Commissioner

25Mar

By Linda IfeomaNo Comments

Health

1,869 Deaths in Kwara Due to Tuberculosis in 2023, According to Commissioner

Dr. Amina El-Imam, the Commissioner for Health in Kwara State, revealed that Tuberculosis was responsible for approximately 1,869 deaths in the region in 2023. During her speech at the 2024 World Tuberculosis Day event in Ilorin on Monday, El-Imam highlighted that globally, the disease claims over 4,000 lives daily. She stressed the need to thoroughly investigate all cases and ensure that patients receive the necessary anti-TB medication. "Breaking the chain of Tuberculosis transmission is only possible when all active cases are effectively treated," she stated. El-Imam reiterated the commitment of the Kwara State Ministry of Health to identifying Tuberculosis cases and providing interventions wherever needed. "We are enhancing community awareness campaigns and actively searching for c...

‘The chairman of NVMA reveals effective control of zoonotic tuberculosis in humans’

24Mar

By Linda IfeomaNo Comments

Health

‘The chairman of NVMA reveals effective control of zoonotic tuberculosis in humans’

On Tuberculosis Day, the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) announced significant progress in the control of zoonotic tuberculosis within the human population. In an inspection at the Lokoja abattoir in Felele, Dr. Tolu Omotugba, the Kogi State Chairman of NVMA, highlighted the importance of raising awareness among butchers and abattoir workers regarding the global epidemic of tuberculosis. Emphasizing the crucial role of upholding strict hygiene practices during slaughter, Omotugba pointed out the fatal impact of zoonotic tuberculosis on individuals worldwide over the years. He mentioned, “Our team of veterinary doctors routinely conducts meat inspections at abattoirs in Lokoja from as early as 5 am every day to safeguard public health. We serve as the guardians of public ...

Dr. Christopher Otabor: Medical Tourism in Nigeria Costs Over $1 Billion

22Mar

By Linda IfeomaNo Comments

Health

Dr. Christopher Otabor: Medical Tourism in Nigeria Costs Over $1 Billion

Expressing concern over the economic impact of medical tourism on Nigeria's health sector and economy, medical expert Dr. Christopher Otabor stated that the country loses more than a billion dollars due to brain drain. He warned of the negative effects of the "Japa syndrome" on teaching and specialist hospitals, as doctors are increasingly leaving the country. During a visit by the Guild of Medical Directors to Alliance Hospital, Dr. Otabor highlighted the need for government investment in the health sector to reverse this trend. He pointed out that there are more Nigerian doctors practicing abroad than in the country, leading to a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:10,000, far below the global standard of 1:600. Dr. Otabor emphasized the impact of this imbalance on the quality of medical c...

22Mar

By Linda IfeomaNo Comments

Health

The outbreak of Lassa Fever confirmed by Delta Govt

Confirmation has been made by the Delta State Government regarding the outbreak of Lassa fever in the state, with approximately four reported cases. During a press briefing in Asaba on Friday, March 22, the State’s Commissioner of Health, Joseph Onojaeme, identified the affected local government areas as Okpe, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, and Ndokwa East. Onojaeme announced the establishment of Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs) across the state to oversee the situation and ensure that residents are well-informed. He disclosed, “Four confirmed cases have been recorded in week 12, with a fatality rate of 50%. Despite the general fatality rate for Lassa fever ranging from 1% to 15%, we are exerting every effort to prevent the transmission from patients to healthcare workers and famil...