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Health Experts Warn Against Unhealthy Vegetable Oils, Cite Increased Risk Of Heart Attacks

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In the midst of Yuletide celebrations, nutritionists in Nigeria have issued a stern warning to the public, urging them to steer clear of unhealthy diets, particularly those involving vegetable oils high in trans fat.

Concerns have been raised about the rising incidence of heart attacks and strokes in the country, attributed to the consumption of imported vegetable oils containing elevated levels of trans fat.

The nutritionists have drawn attention to data from the 2018 World Health Organisation, revealing that heart failure in Nigeria accounted for 5.60% of total deaths, reaching 108,578 cases in that year. A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology in February 2021 highlighted a global surge in heart failure cases, with the number of patients nearly doubling from 33.5 million in 1990 to 64.3 million in 2017.

Experts emphasised that the escalating rate of heart failure in Nigeria is linked to various risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, smoking, and other unhealthy lifestyles. The senior nutritionists, speaking to our correspondents urged Nigerians to be cautious not only about the types of vegetable oils they consume but also about how they use them in cooking.

Prof Wasiu Afolabi, a leading figure in community nutrition at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, stressed the need for individuals to monitor their diets and avoid foods containing trans fats and ‘bad’ cholesterol. He highlighted imported vegetable oils with high trans fat levels and the potential dangers of consuming confectioneries produced using hydrogenated oils.

Prof Afolabi, who is also the President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, cautioned, “Most people do not know the danger of consuming these oils, and that is why they have to be careful about the vegetable oil that they buy and consume.”

In addition to avoiding high trans fat content, experts warned against overheating vegetable oils, as it can lead to the conversion of fatty acids into trans fatty acids, contributing to cardiovascular diseases. Professor Ignatius Onimawo, a Professor of Public Health Nutrition, explained that the reheating of cooking oil multiple times can transform its composition, making it detrimental to heart health.

Onimawo further highlighted the dangers of trans fats, stating, “They are the ones that normally form plaques or deposits along the arteries,” leading to hypertension and other cardiovascular issues. He recommended discarding oil after multiple uses to prevent the transformation of fatty acids into harmful trans fatty acids.

With the World Health Organisation estimating that over 500,000 deaths annually result from trans fat intake, health experts underscored the importance of eliminating trans fats from the global food supply. The WHO released a comprehensive guide in 2018 to address the health risks associated with industrially-produced trans-fatty acids, advocating for measures to protect public health and save lives.

As Nigerians revel in the festive season, the call to adopt healthier dietary practices echoes, with a focus on informed choices regarding vegetable oils and a heightened awareness of the potential cardiovascular risks associated with trans fats.

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Africa Leads Global Progress In HIV/AIDS Fight, Says WHO

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Africa has made remarkable progress in reducing new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, highlighted these achievements in her statement to mark this year’s World AIDS Day, themed “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right” on Friday.

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For the first time in 2023, the number of new HIV infections outside sub-Saharan Africa surpassed those within the region, underscoring Africa’s significant progress.

The continent is also a global leader in advancing the 95-95-95 UNAIDS targets aimed at ensuring 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 95% of those treated achieve viral suppression.

“Seven countries have already achieved the targets, with the overall rating for the region currently at 90-82-76,” said Dr. Moeti. “About 21.3 million people are now on antiretroviral treatment, raising their life expectancy.”

Botswana and Namibia were recognized for achieving significant milestones in preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission, earning silver and bronze tier statuses, respectively, under WHO’s Path to Elimination of HIV initiative.

African countries are also adopting innovative prevention methods, including oral and long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and the dipivefrine vaginal ring.

Dr. Moeti stressed that while these tools are vital, their impact depends on accessibility.

“The value of these innovations depends on their universal accessibility,” she stated, emphasizing the need for investments and policy reforms.

Dr. Moeti called for an end to stigma and discrimination, which she said continue to hinder progress.

“We have a collective obligation to protect human rights, specifically ensuring that health care is available to everyone, without any discrimination, regardless of their HIV status, background, gender, or where they live. Stigma and discrimination cannot be allowed to undermine the gains and impede our progress.”

While celebrating these advancements, Dr. Moeti noted that disease outbreaks across the region pose a challenge to already overburdened health systems.

She emphasized the importance of strong, integrated, and person-centered health care systems to meet the needs of vulnerable populations.

“Let’s take this opportunity today to acknowledge the progress, but to also renew our joint commitment to eliminating HIV.

By protecting everyone’s right to health, and reducing new HIV infections, we can achieve an AIDS-free generation and ensure the sustainability of the HIV response,” she urged.

Dr. Moeti also highlighted the crucial role of communities in shaping strategies to eliminate barriers to care.

“We must ensure their voices are heard,” she said, emphasizing that the collective efforts of governments, partners, civil society, health care providers, and communities are essential in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

 

 

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NTDs: Nigeria Needs $19m To Combat Health Crisis, Officials Warn

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Nigeria requires an estimated $19 million to effectively combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), according to Fatai Oyediran, the National Coordinator for NTDs at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Speaking at a high-level advocacy meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Oyediran highlighted the urgent need for funding to support the country’s NTD control efforts.

“We developed our NTD master plan in 2023, which runs through 2027, and $19 million is what we need to implement it effectively,” Oyediran stated, emphasizing that adequate investment is crucial to addressing these diseases, which continue to affect millions in Nigeria.

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The World Health Organisation defines NTDs as a diverse group of diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins, often leading to devastating health, social, and economic consequences.

These diseases primarily affect impoverished communities in tropical areas and are estimated to impact over one billion people globally.

In Nigeria, NTDs are responsible for a significant portion of the continent’s health burden, with the country contributing to 50% of Africa’s NTD cases and 25% of the global total.

Oyediran underscored the need for a united approach to secure funding and mobilize resources for Nigeria’s NTD control programs.

“One major challenge in addressing NTDs has been inadequate funding. There are about 21 diseases grouped under NTDs; each of them has its own peculiarities. Adequate funding is essential to effectively implementing all the strategies of controlling NTDs,” he explained.

The National Coordinator also called on both federal and state governments to allocate specific budgetary provisions for NTDs.

“Most states currently lack budgetary provisions for these diseases, and this is why we are engaging with health commissioners today. They are expected to communicate with their governors and ministries of budget and planning to establish a dedicated budget line for NTDs,” he said.

Stuart Halford, Director of Advocacy and Resource Mobilisation at United to Combat NTDs, echoed Oyediran’s call for funding, emphasizing that eliminating NTDs should be prioritized due to their severe economic impact.

“There are many health priorities, but eliminating NTDs is equally important because they contribute to economic and productivity losses,” Halford said.

Progress is being made in some states, such as Abia, where NTDs like onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis have been largely controlled.

Abia State Health Commissioner, Prof. Enoch Uche, revealed that the state was certified in 2022 for breaking the transmission of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis.

“We began mass administration of drugs as a form of preventive measure, which lasted for 10 years. In 2022, Abia state was certified to have broken the transmission of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis,” he said.

Kwara State has also made strides in the fight against NTDs.

The state’s Health Commissioner, Amina El-Imam, noted that Kwara has successfully eradicated lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, despite the many other health challenges the state faces.

“NTDs are so-called because they have not received appropriate attention and funding over the past years. Unless we refocus on them, we will not be able to achieve eradication as intended,” she warned.

 

 

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Cholera Outbreak In Sokoto Claims 25 Lives, Over 1,000 Infected

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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.

 

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