cfhinitiative

Did you know?

• Trypanosomiasis also known as “sleeping sickness” is caused by parasites of genus Trypanosoma
• They are transmitted to humans by infected tsetse flies.
• 663 cases were reported in the year 2020. (WHO)
• There is no vaccine or drug for prophylaxis against African trypanosomiasis. (CDC)
• Diagnosis and treatment of the disease is complex and requires specifically skilled staff.

The foundation of human rights principles is discrimination. Gender ideology and patriarchal interests have been the foundation of the discrimination against women that is deeply ingrained in our culture and societal norms.

Despite modernization, there are still a large number of cultural practices that discriminate against women and restrict their ability to exercise their human rights. These practices are still in use today and are supported by a sizable portion of the population. They include;
• Female genital mutilation
• Child marriage
• Forced marriage
• Virginity testing
• Harmful widowhood practices e.g, ritual cleansing, confinement, forceful shaving of hair, etc.
• Legalized wife battery, by a husband for the purpose of correcting his wife in the North recognized as lawful. ~ Section 55(1)(d) of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria.
• Female disinheritance

Women’s civil, economic, social, and fundamental rights are directly impacted by this marginalization of women on a cultural and societal level. International treaties like the Convention on the Political Rights of Women and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, both of which Nigeria ratified, have addressed these issues.

We can create a society devoid of discrimination against women by enhancing the legal protection of women, raising awareness, and empowering women.

Women are humans, and their rights are human rights too.

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

#SpeakWednesday #Women’sRights #HumanRights #GenderStereotype #GenderBias #GenderInequality

 

 

                                                                                         

 

 

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium called Corynebacterium species that affects the nose, throat and sometimes, skin of an individual.

According to World Health Organization, In 2021, a total of 8,639 cases of diphtheria were reported worldwide.

Diphtheria may lead to paralysis, heart failure, or breathing difficulties. In some cases, it might even be lethal (Medical news).

According to Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the onset of signs and symptoms usually starts after 2 – 10 of exposure to the bacteria.

Symptoms

. In severe cases, a thick grey or white patch appears on the tonsils and/or at the back throat associated with difficulty breathing.

. Hoarseness and a painful throat

. Neck glands that are swollen (lymph nodes)

. Nasal discharge

. Fever

. Tiredness

. Red eyes (Conjunctivitis)

Some persons who contract diphtheria-causing germs simply experience a mild sickness or have no outward signs and symptoms at all.

Diphtheria germs typically pass from person to person through respiratory droplets such as those from coughing or sneezing. Additionally, contact with infected open sores or ulcers might make someone ill. Those who are more susceptible to illness include:

. People who live with the patient.

.People who have had frequent, close contact with the patient in the past.

. People who have been directly exposed to secretions from the patient’s suspected infection site, such as their mouth or skin (Center for Disease Control and Prevention).

Following the recent outbreak of Diphtheria in Nigeria, Parents should ensure that their children are fully vaccinated against diphtheria with three (3) doses of the pentavalent vaccine as recommended in the childhood immunization schedule and all healthcare workers with higher exposure to cases of diphtheria should be vaccinated against diphtheria.

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE!

#MondayHealthBurst #diphteria #SymptomsandCauses

 

                                                                   

The Nigerian federal law, Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act VAAP which was passed to address violence against women defines domestic violence as any act perpetrated on any person in a domestic relationship where such act causes harm or may cause imminent harm to the safety, and health, or well-being of any person. 

 

This violation of human rights can take many forms, including physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. Women are more likely than men to be victims of domestic violence. Women who experience intimate partner violence have more health needs and seek health services more frequently than the general population, and their use of these services rises as the frequency and severity of violence increases. ~ Black MC

According to World Health Organization, the health consequences of domestic violence on women can be immediate, acute, long-lasting or chronic, and the common ones include;

Physical Effects

• Acute or immediate physical injuries, such as bruises, lacerations, punctures, burns and bites, as well as fractures and broken bones or teeth
• More serious injuries, which can lead to disabilities
• Long term health problems and poor health status
• Death

Additionally, women who experience domestic violence are more prone to develop mental illnesses like post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, sleeping problems, and occasionally even suicidal thoughts.

In order to lessen domestic violence in our society, it is advised that victims of domestic abuse come forward or report the abuse to the appropriate authorities for assistance.

Domestic violence is unacceptable. Say no to domestic violence.

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

#SpeakWednesday #GBV #SayNoToDomesticViolence #Women’srights #genderequality #genderbias

 

                                         

According to Human Papillomavirus Information Centre in 2021, about 12,075 Nigerian women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 7,968 die from the disease yearly.

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

Human papillomaviruses (HPV), an incredibly prevalent virus spread through sexual contact, are associated with 99% of cervical cancer occurrences.
Although the majority of HPV infections are self-limiting and symptomless, persistent infections can lead to cervical cancer in females.

Early-stage cervical cancer has no symptoms, but when it progresses, one may experience the following:

* Vaginal bleeding following sex, during menstruation, or after menopause.

* Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have an offensive odor.

* Pelvic pain or discomfort during sexual activity.

Although the exact cause of cervical cancer is unknown, HPV is undoubtedly a factor.(Mayo Clinic). Majority of HPV-positive people do not go on to develop cancer, and this indicates that in addition to genetics, your environment and lifestyle choices are also a determining factor.

Some of the risk factors are; having many sexual partners, early sexual activity, a weakened immune system, smoking, exposure to miscarriage, prevention drug and other sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV.

Regular screenings are recommended for early detection. Finally, governments are urged to ensure vaccine equity and the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem.

 

#MondayHealthBurst #Cervicalcancer #WeCanEndCervicalCancer

                                                                                                                                     

Girls’ Education: A Waste of Money?

Educating a female child in school was once thought to be a waste of money—this is an outdated mindset.
This was also supported by the prevailing notion that women’s education ends in the kitchen. However, in today’s world, this mindset is still attainable in some places.

First and foremost, every child has the fundamental right to education, regardless of their gender, age, sex, or religious affiliation.

The advancement of women in society has shown that educating a girl benefits both the girl and society as a whole, contrary to the misogynistic, unfounded, illogical, and counter-productive, belief that doing so is a waste of money.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), investing in girl’s education transforms communities, nations, and the entire world at large. Girls who receive education are more likely to lead a healthy, fulfilling lives and are less likely to marry young. They create better future for themselves and their families, earn higher incomes and take part in decisions that directly affect them. Education for girls boosts economies and lowers inequality. It helps create more secure, resilient societies where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential, including boys and men.

In his 2012 address to the UN General Assembly, President Obama said, “the future must not belong to those who bully women. It must be shaped by girls who go to school and those who stand for a world where our daughters can live their dreams just like our sons”

“Educate a girl, educate a nation”
Educate your girl child today!

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.
#SpeakWednesday #GirlChild #Girlchildeducation #genderequality #genderbias …

SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON GIRLS EDUCATION: A WASTE OF MONEYRead More »

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. ADHD symptoms can appear as early as between the ages of 3 and 6 and can continue through adolescence and adulthood. Symptoms of ADHD can be mistaken for emotional or disciplinary problems or missed entirely in quiet, well-behaved children. Adults with undiagnosed ADHD may have a history of poor academic performance, problems at work, or difficult or failed relationships.
It is normal for children to have trouble focusing and behaving at one time or another. However, children with ADHD do not just grow out of these behaviors. A child with ADHD might: daydream a lot; forget or lose things a lot; squirm or fidget; talk too much; make careless mistakes or take unnecessary risks; avoid tasks needing extended mental effort; have trouble taking turns or have difficulty getting along with others which can lead to academic failure and judgment by other children and adults; the tendency to have more accidents and injuries of all kinds; the tendency to have low self-esteem; increased risk of alcohol and drug abuse and other delinquent behavior.
There are 3 subtypes of ADHD: Predominantly inattentive (Majority of its symptoms fall under inattention); predominantly hyperactive/impulsive (Majority of its symptoms are hyperactive and impulsive) and combined (This is the combination of inattentive symptoms and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms).
Among the cause(s) and risk factors for ADHD, current research shows that genetics plays an important role. However, other factors include: Brain injury, exposure to environmental toxins during pregnancy, such as high levels of lead found mainly in paint and pipes in older buildings at a young age, premature delivery and low birth weight. Also, studies show that ADHD is more common in males than females. Females with ADHD are more likely to have problems primarily with inattention.
Diagnosis of ADHD requires a comprehensive evaluation by a licensed clinician, such as a pediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD. Research shows that, ADHD is best treated with a combination of behavior therapy and medication. For preschool-aged children (4-5 years of age) with ADHD, behavior therapy, particularly training for parents, is recommended as the first line of treatment before medication is tried.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of basic health concern. Join us every Monday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.

 

                                                                           

According to Centre for Disease Control (CDC), PrEP is the medicine people at risk for HIV take to prevent getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV.

PrEP is advisable if one tests negative for HIV, yet has had unprotected sex (oral or vaginal) in the past 6 months with a sexual partner who is living with HIV/AIDs; had unprotected sex (oral or vaginal) in the past 6 months without consistently using condom; had unprotected sex (oral or vaginal) in the past 6 months and have been diagnosed with an STD; shares needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs used by someone who is HIV positive; and someone who has been prescribed PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) and report continued risk behaviour, or have used multiple courses of PEP.

According to research, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%, reduces the risk of getting HIV from injection drug use by at least 74%. However, PrEP is less effective when not taken as prescribed.

Aside HIV, there are other sexually transmitted diseases. Since PrEP only protects against HIV, condom use is still important for the protection against other STDs. Condom use is also important to help prevent HIV if PrEP is not taken as prescribed. Anyone considering PrEP should consult a doctor. Let’s stop HIV together.

#MondayHealthBurst #HIVAIDSPrevention #HealthForAll #PrEP @cdcgov @who @PEPFAR

 

                                                                                             

On today’s Monday Health Burst, find out some HIV/AIDS common myths and facts. This topic is of great importance to the ending of AIDS because false myths arise due to lack of facts or having inaccurate information.

Myth 1: HIV can be cured.

Fact: There’s no cure yet for HIV, but antiretroviral treatment

Myth 2: I can get HIV by being around people who are HIV-positive.

Fact: HIV is not spread through touch, tears, sweat, saliva, or urine

Myth 3: Mosquitoes spread HIV.

Fact: Several studies show that mosquitoes do not spread HIV, even in areas with lots of mosquitoes and cases of HIV.

Myth 4: I don’t need to worry about getting HIV. Drugs will keep me well.

Fact: Antiretroviral drugs (ART) improve the lives of many people who have HIV and help them live longer. But many of these drugs are expensive and have serious side effects. Prevention is cheaper and easier than managing a lifelong condition and the problems it brings.

Myth 5: I am HIV-positive. My life is over.

Fact: ART allows people with HIV or AIDS live longer, normal, and productive lives when taken correctly and in time. One may live as long as s/he would have without the virus.

Myth 6: Now that I have HIV, I can’t have kids.

Fact: When pregnant, a doctor will prescribe HIV drugs to protect the mother and baby. The baby may also be given medication after birth. This will help protect the baby from being infected with the virus.

Myth 7: HIV is a spiritual curse.

Fact: HIV is not a spiritual curse, it is a disease contracted via unprotected sex, sharing of infected sharp objects, blood transfusion, exchange.

 

#FalseMythsAndFacts #WorldAIDSDay #HIVandAIDS #Equalize #MondayHealthBurst                         

                                                                                                                                                         

Over 1.7 billion people still do not have basic sanitation services, such as private toilets or latrines,(World Health Organization).

Basic sanitation is the availability of facilities for the safe disposal of human waste (feces and urine), as well as the capacity to maintain hygienic conditions through services including garbage collection, industrial/hazardous waste management, and wastewater treatment and disposal.

For one’s health, survival, and development, sanitation and hygiene are essential. Many nations struggle to provide proper sanitation for their entire populace, putting individuals at risk for illnesses connected to unclean water, poor sanitation, and unhygienic conditions, (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Poor sanitation is associated with the spread of typhoid, cholera, dysentery, intestinal worm infections, and polio, all of which are diarrheal illnesses.
Diarrhoea remains a major killer but is largely preventable. Better water, sanitation, and hygiene could prevent the deaths of 297 000 children aged under 5 years each year (WHO).

A WHO study in 2012 calculated that for every US$ 1.00 invested in sanitation, there was a return of US$ 5.50 in lower health costs, more productivity and fewer premature deaths.

The most harmful human excreta to a person’s health are their feces. Accordingly, the Center for Family Health Initiative observed World Toilet Day, during which more than 55 community members were educated about the negative effects of open defecation, poor hygiene, the necessity of promoting climate action, and the importance of adopting proper waste disposal techniques.

 

#MondayHealthBurst #Sanitation #Health #MakingtheInvisibleVisible #WorldToiletDay