July 2024

SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON LEGAL RIGHTS AND REALITIES: PROTECTING BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS IN NIGERIA

Speak Wednesday, Women, World Breastfeeding Week / cfhinitiative

Breastfeeding is a fundamental right and a crucial aspect of infant health, but breastfeeding mothers often face challenges in public spaces and workplaces. Despite the significant benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child, public stigma and discrimination against breastfeeding mothers remain prevalent. This social issue not only undermines the health and well-being of children but also infringes on the rights of mothers.

In Nigeria, legal protections exist to support nursing mothers, yet many mothers face discrimination and lack of support when attempting to breastfeed in public spaces or workplaces.

Many employers, particularly in the private sector, are either unaware of these laws or choose to ignore them. The informal sector, where a large percentage of Nigerian women work, is even less regulated, leaving many nursing mothers without legal protection.

Also, breastfeeding in public can provoke a range of reactions, from mild discomfort to outright hostility. Many mothers report feeling judged, embarrassed, or even harassed when they breastfeed outside the privacy of their homes.

Nigeria has made strides in establishing legal frameworks to protect breastfeeding mothers. They include:

Labour Act (S.54): This Act mandates that breastfeeding nursing workers are entitled to breastfeeding breaks of at least 30 minutes twice a day.
The Child Rights Act of 2003 provides that children have the right to be breastfed.
National Policy on Infant and Young Child Feeding: This policy promotes exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding up to two years or beyond, ensuring mothers have the support needed.
Public Health Laws: Various health policies emphasize the importance of breastfeeding and the need to create conducive environments for nursing mothers.

Although Nigeria has taken steps to protect breastfeeding mothers through the above legal frameworks, involving stronger legal protections, better enforcement, and cultural change are required. Furthermore, educating both employers and the public about the importance of breastfeeding and the legal rights of nursing mothers can reduce stigma and improve compliance.

It’s time to celebrate and support the natural act of breastfeeding, ensuring that no mother feels ashamed or discriminated against for nurturing her child in public or at work.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

#SpeakWednesday #BreastfeedingRights #HealthyBabiesHealthyNation #GenderEquality #GenderBias

REFERENCES:

Labour Act (Cap L1 LFN 2004):

– Nigerian Labour Act. (2004). Available at: [ILO Database of Labour Legislation] (https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/WEBTEXT/42156/67562/E90NGA01.htm).

National Policy on Infant and Young Child Feeding:

– Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria. (2010). National Policy on Infant and Young Child Feeding in Nigeria. Available at: [Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria] (https://www.health.gov.ng/doc/IYCF_policy_2010.pdf).

Public Health Laws:

– Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria. (2005). National Health Policy. Available at: [Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria] (https://www.health.gov.ng/index.php/documents/category/22-policies).

Impact of Public Stigma:

– World Health Organization. (2020). Breastfeeding. Available at: [WHO] (https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding#tab=tab_1).

– Nigerian Health Watch. (2018). Challenges of Breastfeeding in Nigeria. Available at: [Nigerian Health Watch] (https://nigeriahealthwatch.com/challenges-of-breastfeeding-in-nigeria/).

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON VIRAL HEPATITIS – VACCINE AND TREATMENT

#ViralHepatitis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Monday Health Burst / cfhinitiative

Hepatitis, a viral infection affecting the liver, poses significant global health challenges with various strains leading to potentially severe consequences. Vaccination has proven to be a critical tool in preventing the spread of Hepatitis A and B, while advancements in medical treatments offer hope for those afflicted with Hepatitis C.

Hepatitis A
Vaccine:
The Hepatitis A vaccine is highly effective and is recommended for children over one year of age, travelers to regions with high Hepatitis A rates, and individuals with chronic liver disease. The vaccine is administered in two doses six months apart.

Treatment:
There is no specific treatment for Hepatitis A, as it typically resolves on its own. Supportive care includes rest, hydration, and maintaining a nutritious diet. Patients are advised to avoid alcohol and drugs that can further harm the liver.

Hepatitis B
Vaccine:
The Hepatitis B vaccine is crucial for preventing infection and is administered in a series of three or four shots over six months. It is recommended for all infants at birth, healthcare workers, and individuals at higher risk of exposure.

Treatment:
According to the CDC, there is currently no medication for acute hepatitis B. For mild symptoms, doctors recommend rest, proper nutrition, and adequate hydration. In cases of severe symptoms, hospitalization may be necessary 1. Chronic Hepatitis B may require antiviral medications to reduce liver damage and the risk of liver cancer. Common antivirals include entecavir and tenofovir. Regular monitoring and liver function tests are essential for managing the condition.

Hepatitis C
Vaccine:
Currently, there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, making prevention through other means, such as safe injection practices and blood screening, vital.

Treatment:
Hepatitis C treatment has advanced significantly with the development of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). These medications can cure most cases of Hepatitis C, typically within 8 to 12 weeks. Common DAAs include sofosbuvir, ledipasvir, and velpatasvir. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Vaccination remains a key preventive measure for Hepatitis A and B, while effective treatments are available for managing and curing Hepatitis B and C. Public health efforts focus on increasing vaccine coverage, improving access to treatments, and promoting safe practices to reduce the incidence of hepatitis infections globally.

REFERENCE:
https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-b/treatment/index.html

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OVERVIEW OF HEPATITIS B; CAUSES, TRANSMISSION AND SYMPTOMS

#ViralHepatitis, Monday Health Burst, WHO / cfhinitiative

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease. The hepatitis B virus is highly infectious and can survive outside the body for at least seven days, maintaining its ability to infect. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, hepatitis B remains a major public health challenge.

According to WHO estimates, 254 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B infection in 2022, with 1.2 million new infections occurring annually.¹

Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. Common routes of transmission include:

Mother to Child: The most common mode of transmission globally. If a mother is infected with HBV, the virus can be transmitted to the baby during childbirth.
Sexual Contact: Unprotected sex with an infected partner can lead to transmission of the virus.
Sharing Needles: Using contaminated needles or syringes, especially among intravenous drug users, is a significant risk factor.
Blood Transfusions and Medical Procedures: Receiving blood products or undergoing medical procedures with non-sterile equipment can lead to infection.
Household Transmission: Sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes with an infected person can also spread the virus.

The symptoms of hepatitis B can vary from mild to severe and typically appear 1 to 4 months after exposure to the virus. They include:

Fatigue
Fever
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain, particularly near the liver
Dark urine
Clay-colored stools
Joint pain
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

In many cases, especially in children, hepatitis B may be asymptomatic, meaning the infected person shows no symptoms.

Over the past five years, CFHI’s hepatitis vaccination campaigns have reached over 5,000 individuals in Nigeria. CFHI joined the global VH Elimination efforts during the 2018 World Hepatitis Day (WHD) to ‘find the missing million.’ In Obi, Nasarawa state, a community with a high prevalence of Hepatitis B and C infections, over 150 people were tested for Hepatitis B and C, and more than 200 individuals received education on viral hepatitis. Also in 2022, CFHI collaborated with Kagini Primary Health Care Centre to commemorate World Hepatitis Day, 2022. Over 100 people were reached and educated about hepatitis and out of those tested, 95 were negative and 5 were positive.

Hepatitis B is a preventable but potentially life-threatening liver infection. Understanding its transmission routes, recognizing symptoms early, and practicing preventive measures are crucial in managing and reducing the spread of hepatitis B. Vaccination remains the most effective tool in preventing HBV infection.

Reference:

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-b

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON CAUSES, TRANSMISSION AND SYMPTOMS OF HEPATITIS

Monday Health Burst / cfhinitiative

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Unlike other forms of hepatitis, hepatitis A does not cause chronic liver disease, but it can cause acute liver inflammation and is a significant public health concern globally.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in rare cases, hepatitis A can lead to liver failure and even death. This is more common among older adults and individuals with other serious health conditions, such as chronic liver disease.

Causes and Transmission

The hepatitis A virus is typically spread through the fecal-oral route. This means the virus is present in the stool of an infected person and can contaminate food, water, and surfaces. Common sources of infection include:

Contaminated Food and Water: Eating raw or undercooked food, especially shellfish from contaminated water, is a common way to contract hepatitis A.
Close Personal Contact: Living in the same household or having sexual contact with an infected person increases the risk of transmission.
Poor Sanitation and Hygiene: Areas with poor sanitation or overcrowded living conditions are more susceptible to outbreaks.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hepatitis A can range from mild to severe and typically appear 2 to 7 weeks after exposure to the virus. They may include:

Fatigue
Sudden nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the upper right side beneath the lower ribs (by your liver)
Clay-colored bowel movements
Loss of appetite
Low-grade fever
Dark urine
Joint pain
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Intense itching

These symptoms usually last less than two months, although some people can be ill for as long as six months. In children under age 6, hepatitis A often causes no symptoms.

Hepatitis A, while typically less severe than other forms of hepatitis, can still cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily life. Understanding the transmission routes, recognizing symptoms early, and practicing preventive measures are crucial in managing and reducing the spread of hepatitis A. Vaccination remains the most effective tool in preventing infection and ensuring public health safety. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, we can protect ourselves and our communities from this contagious disease.

Reference:

https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-a/about/index.html