Health
1.8 Million Nigerians Living With HIV – NACA
As many as 1.8 million people are living with HIV in Nigeria.
Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Gambo Aliyu, made the revelation on Friday, in Abuja at a press briefing marking World AIDS Day.
The agency further stated that out the 1.8 million, around 1.63 million individuals are currently receiving Antiretroviral Therapy, a crucial medication for managing the condition.
According to Report, World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1, serves as a platform to bolster worldwide endeavours in preventing new HIV infections, enhancing awareness and understanding about HIV, providing support to those affected by the virus, and honouring the lives lost due to AIDS-related complications.
The theme for this year, “Communities: Leadership to End AIDS by 2030,” underlines the pivotal role of communities in achieving the goal of ending AIDS.
Aliyu said, “Nigeria like many other countries has made significant strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS but there is still much to be done to achieve the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
“Nigeria has the second-largest burden of HIV infection. Currently, a total of 1.8 million persons are estimated to be living with HIV in Nigeria out of which about 1.63 million are already on the lifesaving medication of ART.
“Approximately 58 per cent are estimated to be female, and 42 per cent male. The national average of mother-to-child transmission rate of 22 per cent is driven by a large number of states with transmission rates above 25 per cent and few states with rates below 15 per cent.”
Aliyu highlighted Nigeria’s significant responsibility, constituting roughly 30% of the global gap in achieving the goal of eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Acknowledging the support from development partners and the global community in bolstering Nigeria’s HIV response, the NACA leader affirmed the government’s dedication to meeting the global objective of eradicating AIDS in Nigeria by 2030.
“I equally note and appreciate the invaluable contributions of communities in the fight against HIV/AIDS. It is within these communities that we have found resilience, determination, and the will to make a difference. The strength of these communities has propelled us forward in our efforts to improve services and access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.
“Community leadership encompasses people having common roles and responsibilities to take action as leaders. These community leaders in all their diversities include policymakers, service providers, gatekeepers (traditional, religious, business/trade leaders etc.), women, men, young people and other vulnerable groups, civil society groups, people infected and affected by HIV, Key populations by their typology etc.
“Furthermore, we recognise the importance of addressing social and structural factors that drive the HIV epidemic.
He added “It is imperative that we confront these systemic inequalities head-on and work tirelessly to ensure that all individuals have equal access to life-saving prevention, treatment, and care services as well as all other social services available to all Nigerians.”
He emphasized the necessity of rallying community leaders to promote gender-equitable social norms and ensure gender equality in accessing HIV prevention measures, particularly in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, as well as in facilitating treatment and care services for all affected individuals.
Health
Cholera Outbreak In Sokoto Claims 25 Lives, Over 1,000 Infected
A cholera outbreak in Sokoto State has claimed the lives of at least 25 people, with 1,160 confirmed cases recorded in three local government areas.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Asabe Balarabe, disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday.
She revealed that 15 patients are currently receiving treatment for the disease, which was confirmed through laboratory tests.
READ MORE: Tinubu Joins World Leaders In Renewed Fight Against Hunger, poverty
“Out of 1,160 people affected by the outbreak, 25 have succumbed to the disease,” Dr. Balarabe said.
In response, the state government has ramped up efforts to curtail the spread of the infection, which is caused by consuming contaminated water or food.
“The state rescue teams are collaborating with the government to manage and forestall further spread of the dreaded disease,” the commissioner stated.
To address the crisis, the government has ordered the immediate purchase and distribution of essential drugs free of charge to all 18 local government areas of the state.
Dr. Balarabe urged residents to maintain proper hygiene and seek medical attention immediately if they exhibit symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.
The outbreak has highlighted the need for improved sanitation and clean water access in affected communities, as health authorities work to contain the spread and prevent further fatalities.
Health
Don’t Ignore These Hidden Health Clues In Your Urine
Your body has subtle ways of communicating essential information about your health—and sometimes, one of the simplest clues is the color of your urine.
Urine, which is about 95% water, forms when your kidneys filter out waste and excess water from your blood. Normally ranging from light yellow to amber, it provides insights into your hydration and more.
Changes in urine color, smell, or frequency can serve as early indicators of potential health conditions.
While most color shifts are harmless and temporary, persistent changes could suggest a more significant issue.
“Tracking these signs can be a simple way to monitor hydration and potentially catch health issues early,” says Dr. Jenna Lewis, a nephrologist at Healthline Clinic.
Here’s a guide to what different urine colors might mean for your health:
Clear or Very Light Yellow
This typically shows you’re well-hydrated. While generally a positive sign, consistently clear urine could indicate overhydration, which may lower salt levels in your body.
Light to Medium Yellow
Often considered the “healthy” zone, this shade reflects good hydration without excess water intake.
Dark Yellow to Amber
A darker shade often indicates a need for more water. This is common in the morning or after exercise and can usually be resolved by drinking more fluids.
Orange
Dehydration may lead to orange urine, but other factors can also contribute. High levels of beta-carotene (found in foods like carrots) or certain medications can turn urine orange.
Persistent orange urine might signal liver or bile duct issues, so consult a doctor if it persists.
Pink or Red
While foods like beets or berries can cause pinkish urine, this color can also indicate the presence of blood, possibly signaling kidney problems, infections, or kidney stones. If diet isn’t the cause, seek medical advice.
Brown or Cola-Colored
This shade may suggest dehydration or, in some cases, a more severe issue. Brown urine can indicate liver or kidney problems, or a condition called rhabdomyolysis, where muscle tissue breaks down. Persistent brown urine warrants a visit to the doctor.
Blue or Green
Rarely, certain medications, dyes, or health conditions can produce blue or green urine. While often harmless, persistent blue or green urine should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Cloudy or Milky
Cloudy urine may indicate an infection or excess minerals. It could be a sign of a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, or mild dehydration. Sometimes, excess proteins or fats may also cause this cloudiness.
Most changes in urine color are temporary, especially when related to hydration, diet, or harmless compounds. However, experts agree that if unusual colors or symptoms persist, a consultation with a healthcare provider is wise.
“Listening to your body’s signals, even through something as simple as urine color, can offer valuable insights into your overall health,” adds Dr. Lewis.
By keeping an eye on these colors, you can stay on top of hydration and potentially catch health issues early.
Health
JUST IN: JOHESU Launches Nationwide Strike Over Unresolved Demands
Members of the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU) have announced a seven-day warning strike set to begin at midnight on Friday.
This action follows a 15-day notice of industrial action issued to the Federal Government.
READ MORE:Russia Battles Inflation, Raises Key Interest Rate To 21%
Addressing journalists in Abuja, JOHESU’s national chairman, Kabiru Minjibir, outlined the union’s primary demands, emphasizing a need for immediate action to address ongoing concerns affecting healthcare workers across the nation.
Key demands include the urgent implementation of the consolidated health salary structure and the payment of a 25 percent review of arrears from June to December 2023.
The union is also calling for an upward review of the retirement age for healthcare workers, a tax waiver on healthcare workers’ allowances, and the immediate disbursement of COVID-19 inducement hazard allowances.
Minjibir urged all union members nationwide to adhere to the strike directive, underscoring that compliance would be essential in pushing for their demands.
Details shortly………….