Health
NCDC Debunks News Of New COVID-19 Variants In Nigeria
News making the rounds of the discovery of a new variant of the dreaded COVID-19 virus in Nigeria are false, and members of the public have been counselled not to panic.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) in a statement on Saturday informed the public that it remained alert and is monitoring the new EG.5 and BA.2.86 sub-variants of the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, both of which yet to be identified in Nigeria.
Director General, NCDC, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, in the statement noted that on August 9, 2023, the World Health Organisation (WHO) designated EG.5, a descendant lineage of XBB.1.9.2, and its sub-lineages as a variant of interest.
According to Dr Adetifa, the EG.5 is a sublineage of the omicron variant and has been detected in 51 countries, including China, the United States of America (USA), the Republic of Korea, Japan, Canada, Australia, Singapore, the United Kingdom (UK), France, Portugal, and Spain.
The risk assessment conducted by the WHO shows that the EG.5 variant poses a low risk at the global level.
Part of the statement read, “In addition, EG.5 has not been associated with any change in symptoms or a clinical manifestation and has not produced an increase in severity of illness and, or hospitalisations or difference in death rates in reporting countries.
“EG.5 causes symptoms like those seen with other COVID-19 variants, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, and sore throat.
“So far, only one case of EG.5 has been seen in Africa, it has not been identified in Nigeria.”
Recall that the National Public Health Institute (NPHI) had said that the recently discovered BA.2.86 is a descendent lineage of BA.2 – a sublineage of Omicron, also found in Nigeria in 2022.
The WHO designated the COVID-19 variant BA.2.86 as a ‘variant under monitoring’ due to the large number of mutations it carries.
The BA.2.86 variant has been reported in a handful of countries – the UK, Israel, Denmark, South Africa, and the United States.
“Since there are few cases identified so far, there is not enough information to make conclusive assessments of virulence, transmission, and severity.
“However, we do not expect it to be much different from other omicron descendants currently circulating. Although the ancestor, BA.2 has been previously found in Nigeria, no BA.2.86 variant has been identified in Nigeria,” the agency added.
It said the NCDC’s COVID-19 Technical Working Group is closely monitoring COVID-19 epidemiology – local, regional, continental, and global – including emerging variants.
“Our influenza sentinel surveillance sites continue to provide information on COVID-19 prevalence in patients with influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory illness.
“We have not observed any increase in the trend of COVID-19 in this patient group.
“We continue to carry out genomics surveillance even with the low testing levels and encourage testing locations in states to ensure their positive samples are sent on to the NCDC for sequencing.
“Unrelated to the news of these emerging variants, the NCDC and partners are working on implementing an enhanced COVID-19 testing exercise in four states to obtain complementary and more detailed information about circulating variants in the country.
“In addition, COVID-19 rapid diagnostic kits are being distributed for the purpose of improving bi-directional COVID-19 testing,” it said.
The Agency maintained that there was no need to cause unnecessary anxiety and panic.
“As we have consistently advised, COVID-19 is here to stay, and is now mainly a problem for those at high risk – the elderly, those with underlying chronic illnesses, especially hypertension, diabetes, those on cancer treatment, organ transplant recipients, and those whose immune systems are suppressed for one reason or the other,” it noted.
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.
Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has taken a significant step by approving a 100% hazard allowance for medical doctors and healthcare professionals in the state.
The decision, aimed at boosting their morale, was disclosed during a courtesy visit by pioneer medical students from Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) leadership at the Government House in Lokoja on Wednesday.
Recall that Governor Yahaya Bello’s administration inherited accreditation challenges for the pioneer set of medical students from the previous government.
In response, the governor placed these affected students on scholarship at various tertiary institutions nationwide, ensuring they could pursue their Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degrees without hindrance.
Accompanied by their parents and the Abubakar Audu University’s management, including Vice Chancellor Prof. Marietu Ohunene-Tenuche, the students who completed their MBBS extended gratitude during the courtesy visit.
Prof. Ohunene-Tenuche specifically thanked Governor Yahaya Bello for his crucial financial support towards their education and acknowledged his significant investments in the state’s education sector.
Dr. Olusola Baoku, Chairman of the NMA, Kogi chapter, commended Governor Bello for significant advancements in the state’s health sector.
He praised Kogi as one of the seven states in the federation addressing hazard allowances, with a 50% payment for medical doctors.
Dr. Baoku also applauded the Bello administration for enhancing medical infrastructure, stating, “It’s clear now that Kogi is ready to establish and run a medical college.”
In response, Governor Bello affirmed his dedication to advancing healthcare, expressing a commitment to utilizing the state’s resources and policies for the training of medical professionals both within and outside Kogi State.
He clarified that this initiative aimed to address the manpower gap resulting from the “Japa Syndrome” prevalent in the country.
Governor Bello reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering a conducive working environment for professionals within the state.
He further declared that the 100% hazard allowance for medical doctors and health workers in Kogi State would be implemented immediately.
Accompanied by governor-elect Usman Ododo, Bello assured ongoing enhancements across all economic sectors in Kogi, emphasizing a focus on improving healthcare delivery.
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