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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.
 
The fact that there are no health benefits of FGM, but harm cannot be overemphasized.
 
World Health Organization states that FGM victims run the immediate risk of haemorrhage, excruciating pain, fever, genital tissue swelling, infections like tetanus, urinary problems, problems with wound healing, shock, and death.

Due to their lack of knowledge about the effects of the act, girls and women who undergo FGM run a higher risk of developing accumulated life-long health issues that may not be discovered right away after the cut.

The long-term side effects also include a higher risk of complications during childbirth, as well as urinary, vaginal, menstrual, and scar tissue issues. 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 extent, research has unquestionably demonstrated that FGM is only connected to endangering the well-being of women and girls, with consequences that may last a lifetime.
Therefore, it is urgent to step up efforts to end FGM, educate the general public about the health effects of FGM, and provide medical care for women and girls who have undergone FGM.

CFHI through the US Consulate General Small Grant Programme, helped to lessen discriminatory practices in Ngor Okpala community of Imo State. Ten community dialogues were held as part of the Operation-Know-Your-Right Campaign to educate community members about harmful widowhood practices, child marriage, gender preference, land disinheritance, and FGM. Following the conclusion of these dialogues, a community charter was created and signed by the paramount traditional ruler as well as representatives from the villages that make up the town.

CFHI will continue to advocate for the abolition of FGM and all other harmful practices.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.
 
#SpeakWednesday # FGM #EndFGM #WomenHealth #WomenRights #GenderStereotype #GenderBias #GenderInequality

 

                                                                                               

According to Global Cancer Observatory, Nigeria had a record of 124, 815 new cases of cancer and 78,899 number of deaths associated with cancer in 2020.

Cancer is a hereditary disease, which means that genetic abnormalities that affect how our cells function—particularly how they grow and divide cause the cancer.

Cancer-causing genetic alterations may occur because of mistakes that happen during cell division, environmental toxins including cigarette smoke’s compounds and the sun’s Ultraviolet radiation that destroy DNA. (National Cancer Institute).

Cells multiply erratically as a result of cancer. Tumors, immune system deterioration, and other potentially lethal conditions might result from this.

There are numerous causes of cancer, some of which can be avoided.

Risk factors for cancer, in addition to smoking, include:

* Excessive alcohol use
* Additional body weight
* Inactivity and poor nutrition

Other cancer-causing factors cannot be avoided. Age is currently the most important unavoidable risk factor.

There are about 100 types of cancer according to National Cancer Institute;

* Lung Cancer
* Breast Cancer
* Bladder Cancer
* Colon and Rectal Cancer
* Endometrial Cancer
* Prostate Cancer
* Kidney Cancer
* Liver Cancer etc.

In 2020, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast and cervical cancers were responsible for most cancer-related deaths in Nigeria.

Treatment for cancer can be inform of Chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, stem cell transplant, and surgery. Regular screenings are recommended for early detection.

In line with this year’s theme “Close the Care Gap”, CFHI recommends that all relevant stakeholders should address the barriers to Cancer diagnosis and treatment in Nigeria.

#MondayHealthBurst #CancerOverview  #CloseTheCareGap #WorldCancerDay

 

                                             

What is female genital mutilation (FGM)?

FGM can be described as the practice of the partial or total removal of the external genitals’ organs in young girls and women. It is mostly performed on young girls between infancy and adolescence, and occasionally on adult women. ~ World Health Organization

This procedure is carried out by a religious leader, elder or an amateur medical practitioner using a razor or a sharp glass.

There are four types of FGM as established by World health organization.

Type 1: is the partial or total removal of the clitoris glans (the external and visible part of the clitoris, which is a sensitive part of the female genitals), and/or the prepuce/clitoral hood (the fold of skin surrounding the clitoris glans).

Type 2: is the partial or total removal of the clitoris glans and the labia minora (the inner fold of the vulva), with or without removal of the labia majora (the outer folds of skin of the vulva).

Type 3: also known as infibulation, is the narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the labia minora, or labia majora, sometimes through stitching, with or without removal of the clitoral prepuce/clitoral hood and glans.

Type 4: this includes all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, e.g, pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterizing the genital area.

FGM HAS NO HEALTH BENEFITS, ONLY HARM!

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

#SpeakWednesday #GBV #FemaleGenitalMutilation #FGM #Women’srights #genderequality #genderbias

 

                                                       

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.