What does it take to live to 117? For Maria Branyas Morera, the answer may lie in a diet rich in yogurt, daily walks, and an intentional life free of alcohol, cigarettes—and toxic people. Until her peaceful passing in August 2024, Morera held the title of the world’s oldest living person. Born in San Francisco in 1907 to Catalan parents and a resident of Spain since childhood, her remarkable longevity…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a woman, Ihensekhien Miracle Obehi, at the Port Harcourt International Airport of Rivers State while trying to smuggle 2.5kg of cocaine to Iran. She was caught on Sunday, 3 May, disguised in a hijab to avoid detection. According to NDLEA release on Sunday, Obehi had concealed three wraps of cocaine in her private part, two large parcels in her handbag, and…

The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs La (LASODA) has partnered with the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Agency (LASPPPA) to promote inclusivity of People Living with Disability (PWDs) in infrastructure development across the state. This collaborative discussion was held at the LASPPPA headquarters located in Ikeja during an official visit led by the General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, recently. The aim of the visit was to discuss…

The United Nations World Food Programme (UN-WFP) has issued a stark warning that over 52 million people across West and Central Africa are at risk of acute hunger between June and August, marking one of the most severe food crises in the region’s recent history. In its latest regional assessment, WFP reports that 36 million people are already struggling to meet basic food needs. The crisis is being driven by…

Nigeria has restated its commitment to improving healthcare across West Africa during the 26th Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Health Ministers’ Meeting in Praia, Cape Verde. Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziak Salako, praised Cape Verde’s hospitality and the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) for its efforts in health security and regional coordination. Dr. Salako emphasized…

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has criticized the National Universities Commission (NUC) over its recent decision to upgrade Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Optometry from bachelor’s degrees to doctor’s status. In a press release shared on their X page recently, NARD explained that the decision to change the degree status across Nigerian universities may have unintended consequences, despite seeking improved welfare and a stronger health system. NARD, through the executive…

In a move to tackle shortage of health personnel, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has authorised the recruitment of additional medical and health personnel to enhance the delivery of healthcare services across the state. The approval was announced on Friday by the Permanent Secretary of the Kwara State Civil Service Commission, Hajia Jimoh. READ ALSO: Nigerian Nurse to leave UK over alleged exam malpractice Jimoh noted that the recruitment is m…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged all government sectors globally to ensure that every individual has access to quality roads as they embark on walking and cycling activities. This call was made during the launch of the new toolkit as the 8th United Nation (UN) Global Road Safety Week kicks off around the world, titled “Make Walking and Cycling Safe.” The new toolkit aims to aid governments in promoting…

In significant groundbreaking landmark to maintain health independence in Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) have signed a sublicensing agreement with Nigerian health tech company Codix Bio to begin making rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). The deal allows Codix Bio to use advanced technology from SD Biosensor, a global diagnostics firm. The move will help boost local production of quick and reliable tests for HIV,…

Brazil’s cities are facing an unexpected public health crisis: scorpions. Researchers have warned that the arachnids are “taking over” urban environments, with more than 1.1 million stings reported between 2014 and 2023, a staggering 250% increase over the last decade. Published in Frontiers in Public Health, a new study attributes this surge to rapid, unplanned urbanisation combined with the escalating effects of climate change. Makeshift housing in favelas, poor waste…

A study says patients with Down syndrome are prone to a higher risk of having heart disease, including stroke, with a 4.41 times higher risk of ischemic stroke and a 5.14 times higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke. This research, published in the Journal of Internal Medicine on May 7, shared that the 5.14 times risk of stroke is caused by brain bleed. While the study revealed that both those with…

Despite grappling with challenges in skilled birth attendance across Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Kwara State has recorded the lowest child mortality rate in Nigeria, according to the latest data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). Speaking during the first quarterly meeting of the Kwara State Task Force on Immunization and PHC in Ilorin, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State PHC Development Agency, Professor Nasirat Elelu, disclosed that…