WHO dismisses report of link between smartphone use and brain cancer

A recent World Health Organization (WHO) analysis has found no link between smartphone use and brain cancer. Concerns over radiation from mobile devices have persisted for decades, and in 2011, the WHO’s cancer division classified this radiation as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”

However, a new study based on several research papers dating back to 1994 found no connection between cellphone usage and cancer, even among heavy users who make frequent calls. The study concluded that the incidence of brain cancers has not increased in correlation with increased mobile phone use.

The research team of eleven specialists from ten countries, including the Australian government’s radiation protection authority, reviewed 63 studies from 1994 to 2022. They examined possible links between exposure to radio waves from wireless technology — such as televisions, baby monitors, and cellphones — and various cancers, including brain and salivary gland tumours and leukaemia.

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The study found that despite the skyrocketing use of wireless technology, the occurrence of cancers has not increased to a corresponding degree. This finding holds true even for individuals who have been using mobile phones for over a decade or frequently engage in lengthy phone conversations.

Mark Elwood, a professor of cancer epidemiology at the University of Auckland in New Zealand and a co-author of the study, stated that none of the key research questions indicated elevated risks.

This review aligns with other similar studies. The WHO and other international health organizations have previously stated that there is insufficient evidence to suggest that mobile phone radiation poses a health risk. However, they have encouraged further research.

WHO dismisses report of link between smartphone use and brain cancer

FG begs doctors to stop warning strike

The Federal Government has urged the members of the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, to halt their seven-day warning strike.

The government said efforts are ongoing to meet the demands of the striking doctors.

The Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, made this known on Thursday in Kaduna during a visit to the National Eye Centre.

Alausa disclosed that negotiations are underway to ensure the release and safe return of their kidnapped colleague, Dr Ganiyat Popoola.

“We are on top of the matter and have been on talking terms with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu ,regarding the issue.

“I have spoken with the Commissioner of Police and everyone is working hard to see that she is released,” he said.

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The minister said that he had held a meeting on Monday with the leadership of NARD over the situation to convince them to call off the strike because it would worsen the situation.

Alausa added that the kidnappers kept changing their demands every moment but the security agencies were working hard to see that she was safely rescued.

Recall that the members of the association began a seven-day warning strike to push for the rescue of a Kaduna-based doctor, Dr Ganiyat Popoola.

Popoola, a staff of the centre, was kidnapped in December, 2023 and has now spent about nine months in the kidnappers’ den.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the association, National Eye Centre, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed,said the strike was still on.

He said that the medical and dental consultants had joined them in the strike and it was a directive from the national body.

FG begs doctors to stop warning strike

Osun confirms 2 cases of Monkeypox in Ilesa West

The Osun State Government has confirmed two cases of monkeypox in the Ilesa West Local Government Area.

According to the state’s Commissioner for Health, Mr. Jola Akinola, the affected individuals, both male, are aged five and 25. They are currently receiving treatment at the State Hospital in Ilesa West.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Health’s Information Officer, Segilola Babalola, Akinola urged residents not to panic, reassuring them that the situation is under control.

The commissioner emphasized the government’s proactive approach, noting that the state had successfully managed previous health challenges, including COVID-19 and a potential cholera outbreak.

“We have activated the Monkeypox Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), and our team is fully prepared to tackle this challenge,” Akinola said. “We will hold strategic meetings every Monday to discuss and implement measures to prevent the spread of the virus.”

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The Special Adviser to the State Governor on Public Health, Dr. Akindele Adekunle, praised the efforts of the state’s partners and affirmed the governor’s commitment to maintaining a proactive stance on public health issues.

Further details on the situation were provided by the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Omolola Adeagbo, who revealed that from the beginning of the year up to Week 34, 47 suspected cases were recorded across 13 Local Government Areas. Out of these, two cases were confirmed, both from Ilesa West.

To prevent further spread, the state has deployed a Rapid Response Team to the affected areas. The team is engaged in advocacy, community sensitization, and active case search efforts, both within the community and in healthcare facilities.

The Osun State Government remains vigilant and committed to safeguarding the health of its residents, assuring the public that all necessary measures are being taken to contain the outbreak.

Osun confirms 2 cases of Monkeypox in Ilesa West