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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Educating a female child in school was once thought to be a waste of money—this is an outdated mindset.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 

                                                                                                                                                                         

“I could barely walk after the cut. My mother and the old woman who helped to hold me down during the process tried to help me up but I collapsed. I almost bled to death”.
~ FGM Survivor

Today’s speak Wednesday addresses how FGM threatens the health of women and girls.

According to World Health Organization, female genital mutilation comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The practice is mostly carried out by traditional practitioners. In several settings, there is evidence suggesting a heightened involvement of healthcare providers in performing FGM due to the belief that the procedure is safer when medicalized.

The fact that there are no health benefits of FGM, but harm cannot be overemphasized.

WHO is of the view that victims of FGM face the immediate risk of haemorrhage, severe pain, fever, genital tissue swelling, infections e.g., tetanus, genital tissue swelling, urinary problems, wound healing problems, shock, and death.

Girls and women who undergo FGM face a heightened risk of accumulated life-long health challenges which may not be detected on time after the cut due to their ignorance of the consequences of the act.

Equally, the long-term complications include urinary problems, vaginal problems, menstrual problems, scar tissue and keloid, sexual problems increased risk of childbirth complications etc.
It is pertinent to note that all forms/types of FGM can result in either immediate or long-term health complications, and a victim can suffer more than one complication.
To this degree, research has undoubtedly proved that FGM is only associated with endangering the well-being of women and girls whose effects could be suffered in a lifetime.

There is therefore an urgent need to increase the advocacy to end FGM, enlighten the entire populace about the health complications of FGM and provide free medical care for women and girls living with FGM.

In commemoration of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM 2022, the Centre for Family Health Initiative visited St. Theresa Catholic Church, Amurie Omanze in Isu LGA of Imo State to educate over 60 women on the dangers of FGM and on how to achieve zero records of FGM in the community.

International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.
#SpeakWednesday #FGM #SayNoToFGM #Women’sRights #Humanrights #RightToGoodHealth

 

                                                                                                                                                         

In Nigeria, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy among men and a hospital prevalence of 182.5 per 100,000 male admissions was recorded in 2010 in Osun State(Enemugwem, R.A., Eze, B.A., Ejike, U. et al.).

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate. Males have a little gland called the prostate that resembles a walnut that secretes seminal fluid, which feeds and carries sperm.
According to the American Cancer Society(ACS), there will be around 34,500 new instances of prostate cancer and about 268,490 deaths from the disease in the United States in 2022.

In it’s early stage, prostate cancer may not show any symptoms, but may result in indications and symptoms like: difficulty urinating, a weaker stream of pee, blood in the urine, blood in the semen, bone pain, weight loss without attempting, and erectile dysfunction when the cancer becomes advanced (Mayo Clinic).

Options for treating prostate cancer rely on a number of variables, including how quickly the disease is developing, if it has spread, your general health, and the potential advantages or disadvantages of the treatment. Some of the treatment options include; surgery to remove the prostate, radiation therapy, freezing or heating prostate tissue, and hormone therapy.

Around 1 in 8 males will receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer at some point in their life. However, only 1 in 41 of these will die as a result. This is because treatment is effective, especially in the early stages. Routine screening enables doctors to detect many cases of prostate cancer before they spread.(ACS).

Individuals and organizations are encouraged to create awareness on the need for routine check-ups to prevent advanced stage of prostate cancer.

 

#MondayHealthBurst #MensHealth #ProstateCancer #MensDay  #InternationaMensDay2022

 

                         

 

The three main types of diabetes according to International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and World Health Organization (WHO) are;

• Type 1 diabetes: Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age, but occurs most frequently in children and adolescents. It is believed to be an autoimmune condition. This means your immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the beta cells in your pancreas that produce insulin.

• Type 2 diabetes is more common in adults and accounts for around 90% of all diabetes cases (IDF). It starts as insulin resistance. This means your body cannot use insulin efficiently. That stimulates your pancreas to produce more insulin until it can no longer keep up with demand. Insulin production decreases, which leads to high blood sugar.

• Gestational diabetes (GDM) is due to insulin-blocking hormones produced during pregnancy. GDM usually disappears after pregnancy but women affected and their children are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

The treatment for diabetes is dependent on the type and how well your blood glucose levels are controlled, and any other underlying medical disorders you may have. ~ Cleveland Clinic.

For Type 1 diabetes, you must take insulin everyday, since insulin production by the pancreas has ceased while, medications for diabetes and diseases that are risk factors for diabetes, insulin, dietary and lifestyle modifications like decreasing weight, choosing nutritious foods and increasing your physical activity level are all possible treatment for type 2 diabetes.

For Gestational diabetes, if your glucose level is not too high, changing your diet and engaging in regular activity may be your primary treatment for Gestational diabetes. Doctors may begin medication or insulin administration if the target objective is still not achieved or if your blood glucose level is too high.

A basic diabetes screening via a simple blood sugar test can alert you to indicators of diabetes before the disease begins. CFHI in collaboration with HSDF, screened over 50,000 people for diabetes in Imo State, Nigeria.

Get screened today!

#MondayHealthBurst#AccessToDiabetesEducation#DiabetesDay
#WorldDiabetesDay
#WorldDiabetesDay2022

 

                                                                                                                                   

The trade of people for the purpose of forced labour, sexual slavery, or commercial sexual exploitation for the trafficker or others is referred to as human trafficking by the United Nations.

Although human trafficking is a violation of human rights that affects people of all genders, the U.S. Department of State reported that women and girls make up the majority of those who have been found to have been trafficked for both commercial sex and labour.

This can also be supported by the findings of the United Nation that stated that women and Girls represent 65 percent of all trafficking victims globally. While more than 90 percent of detected female victims are trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

The Nigerian government in 2022 identified 521 sex trafficking victims. Out of them, 158 were children, all girls, and the rest were women. As much as this is a global issue, it varies from country to country.

There are many factors that causes human trafficking. Among them are armed conflict, social and cultural practices, economic deprivation, gender discrimination, lack of education, lack of respect for human rights, poverty, etc. However, the root cause of human trafficking is traffickers.

Human trafficking is one of the most damaging hazards and injustices that women and girls face especially in crises ridden areas. Victims of human trafficking experience high rates of physical and sexual violence, including homicide, torture, psychological abuse, horrific work and living conditions, mental health problems e.g., depression, PSTD, etc. – American Psychological Association.

Government, private citizens, and other stakeholders are urged to take aggressive action to curb the occurrence of this gendered crime that preys on women and girls.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.
#SpeakWednesday #HumanTrafficking #WomenTrafficking #ChildTrafficking #HumanRight #GenderBias #GenderInequality