Author: Helen Okechukwu

As measles cases witnessed an upsurge globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have raised concerns that children below age five suffer the most, leaving them prone to the risk of contracting the viral disease. The health organization said the viral diseases have been on the increase due to inadequate immunization coverage globally, driving the surge with about 10.3 million cases contracting measles in 2023 and a 20% increase from 2022. As a preventive disease, they advised that two doses of measles vaccine should be administered to children, noting that more…

Following a previous 21-day warning strike, the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has issued a fresh seven-day ultimatum for the government to meet their demands. MDCAN, an association representing professionals with the highest qualifications in the fields of medicine and dentistry, announced that the strike will commence on November 18 and end on November 24 if their requests are not addressed. In a communiqué issued after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held virtually on Monday, the association stated its intent to withdraw its members from all Nigerian universities and hospitals, citing the government’s failure to address…

The Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Jide Idris, has issued a public health warning to residents, urging them to prevent further outbreaks of Lassa Fever and cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) in Nigeria by maintaining a clean environment. DG Idris made this statement in Abuja while addressing the press, encouraging residents to seal any rodent entry points to prevent them from gaining access to homes. Lassa fever is a severe and highly contagious viral disease characterized by hemorrhagic symptoms, primarily caused by the Lassa virus. The primary carrier of this viral disease is the multimammate rat, commonly…

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday raised concern over the high rate of diabetes cases witnessed around the globe and urged countries to take adequate action to suppress the increase. It was noted that the number of adults living with diabetes worldwide is beyond 800 million, more than quadrupling since 1990, adding that The Lancet made this known in new data research on World Diabetes Day. In the disclosure, analysis reviewed by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC) with support from the WHO said the result showed that the diabetes epidemic needs to be addressed urgently worldwide, most especially…

The State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards has hosted a health workshop in readiness to prevent the attack of viral diseases, particularly Mpox and Marburg. According to the document shared on their X handle on Wednesday, it noted that training was designed for the port health officers from Kenya’s 26 points of entry. The notice came after the country witnessed three new cases of mpox, ending a month-long hiatus and bringing the total case count to 17 on 8 November with a death record report, a report revealed. The information stated that the initiative was marked to improve…

In reducing noise pollution in the state, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has announced that various churches and business ventures have been shut down. The agency noted that enforcement exercise was carried out on Wednesday in different locations within the state. Noting its commitment in providing and maintaining environmental standards and protecting public health, this enforcement operation was executed. Areas visited during the operation were Itokin Road, Maya, Erunwen, Elepe Road, Awolowo Way, Ijede Road, and the Igbogbo Road area in Ikorodu. The affected churches and business ventures are the National Conference of the Calvary Cross, Cherubim &…

The Lagos State Government (LASG) has taken a bold step through the Inter-Ministerial Committee to boost the Social Protection Policy of its vulnerable residents. In an intervention programme to be witnessed across five divisions in the state, the state government said they will be embarking on the Social Protection, Stakeholders’ Sensitization, and Advocacy Programme, tagged “IBILE SP Campaign.” The initiative is to run from 19 to 28 November. Towards the implementation of this policy, the state government, through its social media page on Wednesday, announced the committeemen empowering vulnerable groups. The programme aims to create public awareness on both state…

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), in collaboration with the United Nations (UN), has charged journalists to remain committed ahead of the Ondo State governorship election scheduled for November 16. CAPPA is a Pan-African organization that advocates for human rights, challenges corporate abuse of our natural resources, and builds community power for inclusive development and participatory governance. During the pre-electoral lecture session titled Misinformation and Election:” Journalist as Public Educators and Opinion Shapers” held via Zoom on Tuesday, Mr. Robert, the moderator, said the aim of the programme is to shape reportage against misinformation, which is a major problem…

To fight against the impact of climate change in low- and middle-income countries, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has supported the World Health Organisation (WHO) with the sum of $10 million. The grant donated aims to implement and promote the Health Impact Investment Platform (HIIP) among other initiatives in universal health coverage. On 12 November, this development came shortly after the signing of the Climate Change Conference (COP29) held in Baku in the effort to show their commitment in building and maintaining stronger primary healthcare and healthy systems. In partnering with WHO and MDBs to develop and invest in healthcare…

A murder suspect, Anthony Mwenda, has been arrested today for allegedly killing his 24-year-old wife, Millicent Mwendwa, in the Mugirirwa area of Chuka in Meru South of Kenya. On 11 July, 2024, Mwenda, the alleged suspect, was reported by the chief of Mugwe to have killed his wife after a short misunderstanding between the duo. Late Mrs. Mwendwa was said to have died from the deep cut she sustained on her head and leg after the family dispute. They have been married for 2-year. Revealing the death of late Mrs. Mwendwa via their X page on Tuesday, the Directorate of…