Cholera: Nigeria faces vaccine shortage as death toll hits 40 – Newstrends
Connect with us

Health

Cholera: Nigeria faces vaccine shortage as death toll hits 40

Published

6 months ago

on

Cholera: Nigeria faces vaccine shortage as death toll hits 40

Nigeria – As the death toll from the latest cholera outbreak reaches 40, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has announced a critical shortage of vaccines. Dr. Jide Idris, Director General of the NCDC, confirmed that Nigeria has placed an order for additional cholera vaccines from donor agencies, but the delivery date remains uncertain.

Dr. Idris emphasized the importance of vaccines and other preventive measures to control the spread of cholera, a severe diarrhoeal disease caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae. He noted, “We don’t have enough to prevent an outbreak because we need to give these things before that time. Most countries plan ahead. When it comes to health security, we are supposed to stockpile some things in anticipation of an emergency.”

Between 2021 and 2024, cholera has claimed 4,364 lives out of 139,730 suspected cases in Nigeria, according to NCDC reports. The rainy season has exacerbated the situation, with recent data showing an increase in cholera cases across the country. From January 1 to June 11, 2024, there were 1,141 suspected cases, 65 confirmed cases, and 30 deaths reported in 96 local government areas in 30 states.

READ ALSO:

The NCDC identified ten states contributing to 90% of the cholera burden: Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos. Lagos State has seen a significant rise in cases, with 417 suspected cases, 35 confirmed cases, and 24 deaths as of June 19, 2024. The cholera outbreak in Lagos was traced to an unregistered tiger nut drink, highlighting the role of contaminated food and beverages in spreading the disease.

Dr. Idris stressed the need for improved personal, environmental, and sanitary hygiene to prevent cholera. He also mentioned that while cholera vaccines are not long-lasting, a combination of vaccination and preventive measures is essential.

Public health experts, including Prof. Tanimola Akande and Dr. Kenechukwu Igwegbe, advocate for preventive vaccination against cholera, especially given its recurring nature in Nigeria. The World Health Organisation has identified three oral cholera vaccines – Dukoral®, Shanchol™, and Euvichol-Plus® – that require two doses for full protection.

The NCDC, along with other agencies, is actively working to manage the outbreak. However, Dr. Idris highlighted the challenges in vaccine procurement and the need for better planning and resources. “Cholera vaccine demand is far ahead of supply, so most people who need them place orders and plan ahead. It is the same with all vaccines, not just cholera.”

As Nigeria grapples with this cholera outbreak, the focus remains on obtaining more vaccines and enhancing preventive measures to curb the spread of this deadly disease. The NCDC, in collaboration with international and local partners, continues to provide support and resources to the affected states, aiming to mitigate the impact of this public health crisis.

Cholera: Nigeria faces vaccine shortage as death toll hits 40

Related Topics:
Advertisement

Health

NAFDAC destroys N5bn fake, expired products in Aba

Published

3 days ago

on

December 19, 2024

By

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.

READ ALSO:

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)

Continue Reading

Health

Eating fish regularly minimises risk of incurable hearing condition – Study

Published

1 week ago

on

December 14, 2024

By

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.

READ ALSO:

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

Continue Reading

Health

Nigerian doctor claims increased s3xual activity lowers cancer risk for women

Published

2 weeks ago

on

December 11, 2024

By

Dr. Rasheed Abassi

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.

READ ALSO:

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

Continue Reading

Trending