A cholera outbreak has resulted in the death of a 62-year-old woman in the Ijebu-North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The woman contracted the disease while caring for her infected child, who is now hospitalized.

Dr. Tomi Coker, the Commissioner for Health, confirmed the incident, stating, “A 62-year-old woman died and five persons were hospitalized. It happened in Ijebu-Igbo in the Ijebu-North local government area of the state.”

The chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Ogun State, Dr. Kunle Ashimi, revealed that the cholera outbreak has impacted 30 states across Nigeria, including Ogun.

During a press conference on Thursday, he announced that treatment for cholera cases would be provided free of charge at designated facilities.

“Patients will be transported to and treated at facilities designated for cholera management across the state,” Ashimi said.

He also urged the public to adopt preventive measures to curb the spread of cholera which include avoiding open defecation, proper waste disposal, regular handwashing, and ensuring fruits and vegetables are thoroughly washed before consumption.

He added that water should be treated by boiling or using chemical purifying agents, and in the absence of these, adding two drops of plain household bleach to a liter of water is recommended.

Dr. Ashimi further advised schools to monitor the hygiene practices of food, fruit, and snack vendors and to reintroduce handwashing stations, as was done during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said “We advocate that where there is no wherewithal to do this, two drops of plain household bleach in 1 litre of water is a good alternative. We also implore schools to monitor food, fruit and snack vendors around the schools to ensure that they practice proper hygiene. As well, schools should reintroduce hand washing stations like was done during the COVID-19 period.”

Bitter leaf, also known as Vernonia amygdalina, has many health benefits.

It is being used in Africa and Asia for a long time to treat sickness.

Though it tastes bitter, that’s what makes it good for you. You can consume bitter leaf in different forms like juice or extract.

Studies have found that bitter leaf has good things like alkaloids and flavonoids. These can help with things like fighting inflammation, stopping bacteria, and even fighting cancer. People have used it for a long time to help with stomach problems, fevers, and liver issues.

In Africa, people often use bitter leaf in their traditional medicine, calling it “ewuro.” Tests have shown it really does have medicinal value. It’s becoming more popular worldwide. Bitter leaf also has antioxidants that protect your body from damage and help fight diseases.

One big benefit is that it helps with inflammation, which can cause many health problems. Bitter leaf has a compound called vernodalin that fights inflammation. It’s also good at fighting infections caused by bacteria and viruses.

Here are 25 health benefits of bitter leaf, and bitter leaf juice along with the constituents that provide each benefit:

1. Boosts Immune System: Bitter leaf is rich in antioxidants and other nutrients such as vitamin C and E which help to boost the immune system and protect the body from infections.

2. Helps With Weight Loss: Bitter leaf contains flavonoids that can help to stimulate the breakdown of fat, which makes it a great addition to a weight loss regimen.

3. Reduces Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of bitter leaf can help to reduce inflammation in the body and relieve pain caused by conditions such as arthritis.

4. Treats Malaria: Bitter leaf contains a compound called vernodalin, which has been shown to be effective against the malaria parasite.

5. Regulates Blood Sugar: The antioxidants in bitter leaf can help to regulate blood sugar levels, making it a great natural remedy for people with diabetes.

6. Lowers Blood Pressure: Bitter leaf contains compounds that can help to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure, making it a great addition to a heart-healthy diet.

7. Improves Digestion: Bitter leaf can help to improve digestion by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes.

8. Treats Skin Infections: Bitter leaf has antimicrobial properties that can help to treat skin infections and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. This is one of the popular health benefits of bitter leaf.

9. Fights Against Cancer: Bitter leaf contains a compound called vernonolide that has been shown to have anticancer properties.

10. Boosts Liver Health: Bitter leaf can help to protect the liver from damage and improve liver function.

11. Treats Respiratory Infections: Bitter leaf has been used for centuries to treat respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

12. Treats Fever: Bitter leaf has antipyretic properties, which means it can help to reduce fever. This is one of the essential health benefits of bitter leaf.

13. Reduces Anxiety: Bitter leaf has a calming effect on the body and can help to reduce anxiety and stress.

14. Improves Cognitive Function: Bitter leaf contains antioxidants that can help to protect the brain from damage and improve cognitive function.

15. Promotes Wound Healing: The antimicrobial properties of bitter leaf can help to promote wound healing and prevent infection.

16. Treats Sore Throat: Bitter leaf can help to soothe a sore throat and relieve coughing.

17. Fights Against Fungal Infections: Bitter leaf has antifungal properties that can help to treat fungal infections such as ringworm.

18. Boosts Fertility: Bitter leaf has been used for centuries to improve fertility in both men and women.

19. Treats Stomach Ulcers: Bitter leaf has been shown to be effective in treating stomach ulcers.

20. Lowers Cholesterol: Bitter leaf can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

21. Promotes Healthy Eyes: Bitter leaf contains antioxidants that can help to protect the eyes from damage and improve vision.

22. Treats Urinary Tract Infections: Bitter leaf has been used to treat urinary tract infections for centuries.

23. Reduces Menstrual Pain: Bitter leaf can help to reduce menstrual pain and regulate menstrual cycles.

24. Treats Insomnia: Bitter leaf can help to promote relaxation and treat insomnia.

25. Improves Skin Health: Bitter leaf contains vitamins and minerals that can help to improve skin health and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Bitter leaf has many good things for your health. It has different helpful stuff like alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, and phenolic acids. These are what make bitter leaf good for you. Bitter melon leaf, bitter gourd leaf, ampalaya leaf, and vernonia amygdalina leaf all have benefits.

Bitter leaf can also help control blood sugar, which is great for people with diabetes. It also fights inflammation, fungus, and bacteria, which can keep you from getting sick.

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has highlighted a worrisome trend in Nigeria, with Director General Dr Gambo Aliyu underscoring that more women than men are living with HIV in the country.

Dr Aliyu revealed that young Nigerian women were particularly vulnerable, being three times more likely to live with HIV compared to men in the same age bracket.

He categorically stated that six out of every ten individuals living with HIV in Nigeria were females.

In a press statement released on Tuesday to mark the upcoming International Women’s Day, Dr Aliyu emphasised the importance of empowering Nigerian women. He noted that this year’s theme, ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,’ aligns with NACA’s commitment to advancing gender equality and addressing the unique challenges faced by women living with HIV/AIDS.

Dr Aliyu stressed that investing in women is not just a financial commitment but also a catalyst for sustainable progress in society. By empowering women, he explained, positive transformations can occur within families, communities, and the nation as a whole.

In light of the International Women’s Day, NACA reaffirmed its dedication to empowering women and girls in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Dr Aliyu highlighted the agency’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusive policies, ensure access to comprehensive healthcare, and provide education to empower women to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

Dr Aliyu expressed gratitude to individuals, organisations, and partners contributing to the advancement of women’s rights and the global HIV/AIDS response. He urged continued collaboration towards a future where every woman can live free from the burden of HIV/AIDS.

According to NACA, an estimated 1.8 million people are living with HIV in Nigeria, with approximately 1.63 million already receiving Antiretroviral Therapy, a life-saving medication.