Health
23,000 Nasarawa residents test positive to Hepatitis – Official
No fewer than 23, 224 persons are currently living with hepatitis in Nasarawa State, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Janet Angbazo has disclosed.
At a press briefing in commemoration of World Hepatitis Day, on Monday, in Lafia, Dr Agbazo said it discovered the number after screening a total of 229,682 persons for the disease.
She also revealed that out of a total of 5,096 persons screened for viraemia, 2,697 have been found to be viraemic.
She said 2,587 persons out of the number have been put on treatment and some of them with HCV have been cured respectively.
According to her, the state aimed to treat approximately 124,000 persons of hepatitis C through a five years elimination plan.
Speaking on this year’s World Hepatitis day with a theme, “We are not waiting, one life, and one liver”, the permanent secretary decried the high burden of Hepatitis B and C in the state, which she said, surpassed the national average.
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Dr Agbazo said the state government with support from Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), has been actively working to create an enabling policy environment to facilitate access to diagnosis and treatment services for HBV and HCV.
“Additionally, we are improving vaccination efforts against Hepatitis B and implementing the Elimination Intervention; which include roll-out of the HIV, Syphilis and HBV Triple Elimination Study,” she explained, adding that significant progress has been made in the fight against hepatitis in the state.
She said 97 healthcare workers have been trained across 17 facilities, noting micro elimination have been achieved in three facilities in Awe, Keana, and Doma.
“We have activated 13 Secondary Health facilities ‘General Hospital, with three more facilities in Obi, Wamba and Uke on track to achieve micro elimination soon,” she added.
She called for regular screening for early identification of the disease and proper treatment.
She also advised the general public against the use of unsterilized needles/syringes, even as she urges them to refrain from transfusion of unscreened blood/blood products.
Health
NAFDAC destroys N5bn fake, expired products in Aba
NAFDAC destroys N5bn fake, expired products in Aba
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down 150 shops at Eziukwu Market in Abia over fake and expired products Worth N5 billion.
The agency disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday on X.
NAFDAC said the shops were shut during a two-day operation on December 16 and 17, while products valued at N5billion were destroyed at the market.
The director of the South-East zone, Martins Iluyomade, expressed dismay at the continued illegal activities despite a previous undertaking signed by market leaders in December 2023 to expose counterfeiters.
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According to the statement, Mr Iluyomade described the market as a hub for counterfeit and substandard products.
“Our team uncovered a large-scale production and distribution of fake and expired goods, including beverages, carbonated drinks, wines, spirits, and vegetable oils.
“Revalidated food items such as milk, yoghurt, noodles among others were also destroyed,” the statement said.
It reaffirmed NAFDAC zero tolerance for such practices and emphasised its unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health while working toward a permanent solution to the problem of counterfeiting in the market
NAFDAC destroys N5bn fake, expired products in Aba
(NAN)
Health
Eating fish regularly minimises risk of incurable hearing condition – Study
Eating fish regularly minimises risk of incurable hearing condition – Study
Tinnitus is the sound of ringing in the ears. It may also be described as roaring, buzzing, hissing, or clicking inside the head. The sounds may come and go. Or they may be ongoing. The sounds range in severity from a mild distraction to a disabling condition and may manifest with buzzing, hissing, or clicking inside the head.
The sound may happen in one or both ears and may have different tones. A team from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston studied 73,000 individuals to understand how common this disorder is, which affects millions with a constant ringing in their ears.
Over a span of 30 years, those who consumed more than two servings of fish weekly had nearly 25 percent lower odds of getting tinnitus compared to those who seldom or never ate fish. Even eating just one serving a week resulted in a 13 percent reduced risk.
Certain types of fish, like tuna, light-fleshed varieties such as cod or halibut, and shellfish, were linked to a reduced risk, while darker fish like salmon and swordfish seemed to increase the risk.
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Interestingly, fish oil supplements, known for their benefits to heart, brain, and joint health, were also connected to a higher risk of tinnitus. It’s estimated that tinnitus is diagnosed in almost 1 in 6 persons.
While age-related hearing loss, ear injuries, and circulation issues are known to contribute to tinnitus, the exact cause remains unclear. Previous studies have suggested that dietary factors, such as high levels of calcium, iron, and fat, might heighten the risk. However, this new research is the first to analyse data over such a lengthy period.
Past findings have also shown that seafood can lower the risk of hearing loss, with one study suggesting that increased fish consumption might reduce hearing issues by up to 20 percent. Scientists believe that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish could protect inner ear cells or reduce inflammation caused by loud sounds, chemicals, or infections.
The Boston team’s investigation, based on a database of US nurses, aims to shed light on the connection between fish consumption and tinnitus, potentially aiding future patients. The authors of the study expressed hope that identifying factors that can be changed might help in preventing tinnitus and guiding targeted treatments.
Eating fish regularly minimises risk of incurable hearing condition – Study
Health
Nigerian doctor claims increased s3xual activity lowers cancer risk for women
Nigerian doctor claims increased s3xual activity lowers cancer risk for women
Dr. Rasheed Abassi, a Nigerian medical practitioner, has sparked widespread debate following comments on TVC’s programme Your View, where he recommended increased sexual activity for women as a way to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
The doctor also advised men to consider polygamy, citing its potential health benefits, including a lower risk of prostate cancer.
“Women need to have more sex to reduce breast cancer risk. When a woman reaches orgasm, she releases oxytocin, which lowers her chances of developing cancer,” Dr. Abassi stated during the interview.
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Addressing men’s health, Dr. Abassi claimed that polygamy could improve longevity and reduce prostate issues. “Men with two to three wives live longer than men with one wife. If your son is not getting rid of his DHT (dihydrotestosterone), he is likely to develop an enlarged prostate,” he said.
He also linked the absence of regular erections to potential cardiac problems. “Any man not waking with a full erection already has cardiac issues. My oldest patient is 92 years old and has a four-year-old daughter — and that’s DNA-proven,” he revealed.
When asked about the risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) associated with increased sexual activity, Dr. Abassi emphasised the importance of safe practices. “The condom is not 100% protective, but we still advise it. Awareness is key,” he said.
He also noted that some men cite the cost of contraceptives as a challenge, comparing it to the financial costs of engaging in sexual activities.
Nigerian doctor claims increased s3xual activity lowers cancer risk for women
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