WHO

SPEAK WEDNESDAY – Combating Cyberviolence Against Women

Gender, Mental Health, Speak Wednesday, WHO, Women, Women's Rights /

The widespread usage of the internet and the quick development of technology have had various positive effects on society. They have, however, also contributed to a worrying development: cyberviolence against women. Women’s safety, privacy, and wellbeing are seriously threatened by this type of online assault. This, the UN identified as a kind of gender-based violence that exacerbates existing inequities.

According to UN Women, cyberviolence against women takes various forms, such as sexual harassment, stalking, intimate image abuse, trolling, doxing, and misogynistic hate speech. Additionally, technology is used to facilitate other forms of violence, including intimate partner or domestic violence and trafficking. These digital tools enable abusers to monitor, track, threaten, and perpetrate violence, while traffickers exploit technology to profile, recruit, control, and exploit their victims. Reports by UN Women and the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women highlight the adverse impacts of cyberviolence, including psychological and emotional distress, fear, social isolation, and educational and professional consequences faced by victims.

Women at heightened risks of cyberviolence includes young women and girls, women in public life including women’s rights activists, women human rights defenders, women in politics, and women journalists.

Nigeria has taken significant steps to address cyberviolence against women through its legal system. The Cybercrime Act of 2015 criminalizes various forms of cyberviolence, including cyberstalking, cyberbullying, identity theft, and the distribution of sexually explicit materials without consent. This legislation plays a crucial role in protecting women from online abuse and provides a legal framework to prosecute perpetrators. Furthermore, legal frameworks like the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) recognizes cyberviolence as a form of violence against women. These legislative measures provide a foundation for protecting women from online abuse and prosecuting perpetrators.

Although Nigeria has made strides in addressing cyberviolence against women, stronger enforcement measures are required to guarantee that existing laws are implemented. 

Raising awareness and promoting legislative changes are essential components in the fight against cyberviolence against women, in addition to legal measures. Public campaigns, educational initiatives, and media outreach should emphasize raising awareness of the seriousness of the problem, encouraging appropriate online conduct, and creating an environment where women may feel respected and safe.

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

#SpeakWednesday #Cyberviolence #GenderBasedViolence #Women’sRights #GenderStereotype #GenderBias #GenderInequality

 

 

 

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MONDAY HEALTH BUSRT ON MEN’S HEALTH – CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

Health, Monday Health Burst, WHO /

Cardiovascular disease refers to a class of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels.

According to WHO in the year 2021, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year.

Risk Factors:

Men have unique risk factors for cardiovascular disease that may differ from those of women. Some common risk factors for men include:

  • Age: The risk of developing cardiovascular disease increases with age, particularly after the age of 45 for men.
  • High blood pressure: Men are more likely to develop high blood pressure compared to women, especially at a younger age.
  • High cholesterol: Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol (often referred to as “bad” cholesterol) and low levels of HDL cholesterol (often referred to as “good” cholesterol) can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in men.
  • Obesity: Excess body weight, especially around the waist, increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in men.
  • Smoking: Men who smoke or have a history of smoking have a higher risk of heart disease compared to nonsmokers.
  • Diabetes: Men with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, as diabetes can damage blood vessels and contribute to other risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of cardiovascular disease in men can be similar to those experienced by women. However, men are more likely to experience chest pain or discomfort as the primary symptom of a heart attack. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, pain radiating to the arm, jaw, or back, nausea, lightheadedness, and cold sweats. It is important to note that some men may experience “silent” heart attacks with minimal or no symptoms.

Prevention:

To reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, men can take several preventive measures, including:

  • Adopting a healthy lifestyle: Engage in regular physical activity, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products, and maintain a healthy weight.
  • Quitting smoking: If you smoke, seek assistance to quit, as this will significantly reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
  • Managing blood pressure and cholesterol: Regularly monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. If they are elevated, work with your healthcare provider to develop a plan to manage them effectively.
  • Controlling diabetes: If you have diabetes, follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations to manage your blood sugar levels and minimize the risk of cardiovascular complications.
  • Managing stress: Find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as exercising, practicing relaxation techniques, or engaging in hobbies and activities you enjoy.
  • Regular check-ups: Visit your healthcare provider for routine check-ups and screenings to assess your cardiovascular health and identify any potential issues early.

A healthcare expert should be consulted for tailored guidance and to go over any worries you may have about cardiovascular disease or your general health.

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.

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST – COMMON CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF ANEMIA

Health, Health Communication, Monday Health Burst, WHO /

Anemia is a condition characterized by a reduction in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. This can result in a decreased capacity of the blood to transport oxygen to the body’s tissues and organs. Anemia can manifest in different forms and symptoms and can be caused by various factors.

According to a 2023 report from the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) report, 55 percent of adolescent girls and women suffer from anemia in Nigeria.

Some common causes of anemia include:

Iron deficiency: This is the most common cause of anemia worldwide. It occurs when the body doesn’t have enough iron to produce adequate amounts of hemoglobin.

Vitamin deficiency: Lack of specific vitamins like vitamin B12 or folate can impair the production of healthy red blood cells.

Chronic diseases: Conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, or autoimmune disorders can interfere with the production of red blood cells.

Blood loss: Excessive bleeding from menstruation, trauma, surgery, or gastrointestinal conditions like ulcers or hemorrhoids can lead to anemia.

Inherited disorders: Certain genetic conditions like sickle cell anemia or thalassemia affect the structure or production of red blood cells.

The symptoms of anemia can vary depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. However, common symptoms include:

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale skin
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Headaches
  • Chest pain (in severe cases)

It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan if you suspect you have anemia or are experiencing related symptoms.

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.

 

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON ENDOMETRIAL CANCER

Health, Monday Health Burst, WHO, Women /

Endometrial cancer is a type of uterine cancer that affects the inner lining of the uterus.

As recorded by the World Cancer Research Fund International, endometrial cancer is the sixth most commonly occurring cancer in women and the fifteenth most common cancer overall, with four hundred and seventeen thousand new cases recorded in 2020.

Approximately 3 in 100 women will be diagnosed with uterine cancer at some point in their lives. More than 80 percent of people with uterine cancer survive for 5 years or longer after receiving the diagnosis according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

The symptoms of endometrial cancer include; vaginal bleeding after menopause, change in the length or heaviness of menstrual period, pelvic pain, and vaginal bleeding between periods or spotting.

Mayo clinic stated that doctors do not know the exact cause of endometrial cancer, but it occurs as a result of mutations in the DNA. This mutations lead to the growth of abnormal cells which unlike the healthy cells doesn’t die but accumulate to form tumor and later spread to other parts of the body.

Some of the factors known to increase the risk of having the cancer are; not bearing children, a late natural menopause ( after the age of 55), Tamoxifen- a hormone therapy, obesity, being tall, physical activity, and consumption of coffee (WCRI).

The treatment for endometrial cancer is majorly surgery to remove the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries depending on the cancer stage. Other treatment include radiation, hormone therapy and chemotherapy.

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.

#EndometrialCancer #UNFPA #WHO #NCI #MondayHealthBurst

 

                                                             

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING IN CHILDREN

Exclusive Breastfeeding, Monday Health Burst, WHO /

                                               

                                               

The impact of breast feeding on the growth of a child cannot be overstated. Breastfeeding is responsible for intimacy and bonding between mother and child. This intimacy and bond created during breastfeeding, can provide long lasting physical and psychological benefits. Research has shown that there is a connection between the breastfeeding experience of a child and the cognitive development later in life.

An assessment carried out by Bernard et al (2013), on the cognitive and motor development in 2 and 3 year old children showed that improved problem solving abilities in children were associated with prolonged duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Another study showed that there was a reduced risk of cognitive impairment among children when breastfed immediately after birth (Diepeveen et al., 2017).

According to WebMD, breastfeeding has a deep and lasting effect on the behaviour, mental health, thought and understanding in children. For instance, babies who are breastfed are likely to have stronger critical thinking and reasoning skills, better memory, early language ability, and enhanced motor skills.

Breastfeeding is encouraged to be practiced by every mother as its benefits extend to almost every area of a child’s growth, that is, physical, emotional, social and psychological growth.

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.

#Breastfeeding #UNFPA #WHO #ChildHealth #PsychologicalBenefitsofBreastfeeding #MondayHealthBurst

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Monday Health Burst on Benefits of Exclusive Breastfeeding to Babies

Monday Health Burst, WHO /

 

                                               

Breastfeeding is the act of feeding an infant breast milk from the breast. Exclusive and continued breastfeeding could help prevent 13% of death globally among children under five years old.

World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months and encourages continuing breastfeeding even after solid foods are introduced until the age of two. It is also recommended, that Children initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth.

The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding cannot be understated as it includes;

Brain development: A US study showed that toddlers and preschoolers who had been exclusively breastfeed for at least three months had brains with twenty to thirty percent more white matter which connects different regions of the brain and transmits signals between them than those who had no breast milk. Therefore, Infants who are breastfed exclusively are more likely to have higher intelligence quotient (IQ) than formula fed babies.

Life long benefits: Children who were breastfed are less likely to suffer from diseases such as leukaemia and lymphoma and tend to have better eyesight, and straighter teeth than those who had formula milk.
Breastfeeding also helps to lower baby’s risk of becoming obese or developing type 1 or type 2 diabetes as adult.

Exclusive breastfeeding is known to considerably decrease infant mortality on account of common childhood illness. It is one of the ways to minimize the chances of a baby getting diarrhoea, allergies, pneumonia and suffering from malnutrition.

Sadly, three in five babies are not breastfed in the first hour of life and two out of three infants are not exclusively breastfed for the recommended six months.

More awareness should be created on the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.
Support from family members and friends is vital in encouraging mothers to breastfeed their infants exclusively.

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.

#Breastfeeding #who #unfpa #unicef
#EducateandSupport
#BuildingBackBetter
# MondayHealthBurst

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WBW 2022

It’s World Breastfeeding Week!

Breast Care, Exclusive Breastfeeding, SDG, Special Events, WHO, World Breastfeeding Week /

Globally, 3 in 5 babies are not breastfed in the first hour of life – WHO. Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival. Breastmilk is the ideal food for infants. It is safe and contains antibodies which help protect against many common childhood illnesses.

 

#WBW2022 #WABA #worldbreastfeedweek2022 #SDGs

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MHB Viral Hepatitis

Viral Hepatitis – Overview

#ViralHepatitis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Monday Health Burst, PMTCT, Viral Hepatitis, WHO /

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a variety of infectious viruses and non-infectious agents leading to a range of health problems which could result in fatality. There are five main strains of the hepatitis virus, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E and they all cause liver disease. However, they differ in significant ways such as modes of transmission, severity of the illness, geographical distribution and prevention methods.

Viral hepatitis B and C leads to chronic disease in hundreds of millions of people and together are the most common cause of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer and viral hepatitis-related deaths.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), about 354 million people worldwide live with hepatitis B or C, and for most, testing and treatment remain beyond reach and in 2019, approximately 290 000 people died from hepatitis C.

Viral Hepatitis types are contacted through ingestion of contaminated food or water, unsafe contact with infected body fluids, receipt of contaminated blood or blood products, Mother-child transmission, sexual contact etc. Symptoms may be mild or severe at the onset of the infection.

Some types of hepatitis are preventable through vaccination while there is currently no effective vaccine against hepatitis C. Hepatitis if not treated with caution at the early stage will progress to cirrhosis and other chronic conditions of the liver.

WHO’s global hepatitis strategy, aims to reduce new hepatitis infections by 90% and deaths by 65% between 2016 and 2030.

 

 

#hepatitis #who #liverdiseases #livercirrhosis #mondayhealthburst #cfhi #unfpa #unicef

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY

Gender, Gender Equality, Speak Wednesday, WHO, Women, Women's Rights /
THE TERM GENDER EQUALITY (WHAT EXACTLY IS GENDER EQUALITY?)

According to United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), Gender equality is the equal valuing by society of the similarities and the differences of men and women, and the roles they play. It is based on women and men being full partners in the home, community, and society. Equality does not mean that women and men will become the same, but the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities will not depend on whether they are born male or female.

According to gender gap Africa, men earn an average of $140 more than women per month in Nigeria, which is the 17th largest gap in Africa. Presently, Nigeria has one of the lowest rates of female representation in parliament across Africa, and globally, it ranks 181st out of 193 countries. Out of 109 senators in Nigeria Senate and 360 House of Representatives members, there are only seven female senators and 20 female House of Representatives members in the National Assembly.

Gender equality implies that the interests, needs and priorities of women, men, girls and boys are taken into consideration, recognizing the diversity of different groups and that all human beings are free to develop their personal abilities and make choices without the limitations set by stereotypes and prejudices about gender roles. The landmark declaration adopted by the General Assembly on 10 December 1948 reaffirms that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” and “everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms… without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, birth…”

In practice, gender equality would mean educating more girls which would set them up for better job opportunities and income in the future; having more women participate in politics and given equal opportunity in decision making; having more women in the workplace and in leadership positions; and having more women make better choices concerning their sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Gender equality is a matter of human rights and it is considered as an indicator and a precondition for sustainable people-centred development. To achieve peaceful, healthier, and safe societies, with full human potential and sustainable development, gender equality is essential. More so, it has been shown that empowering women spurs productivity and economic growth which is beneficial to everyone.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias. Join us every Wednesday on all our social media platforms for more interesting episodes.

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY

Gender, Gender Based Violence, Health, Speak Wednesday, WHO, Women, Women Education, Women's Rights /

CHILD MARRIAGE – THE MAJOR CAUSE OF THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC VULNERABILITY OF WOMEN AND GIRLS

Child marriage is a widespread violation of human rights. It is an impediment to social and economic development, and it is rooted in gender inequality. The low value placed on girls and women brings about the act and acceptability of child marriage in societies where the practice is common. According to UNICEF, Child marriage refers to any formal marriage or informal union between a child under the age of 18 and an adult or another child. Child marriage is principally practiced in the rural and poor communities where young girls are regarded as economic burden and quickly married off to assuage household expenses.

Child marriage has been a common practice among many ethnic groups in the world including Nigeria. However, it has contributed to series of negative consequences both for young girls and the society in which they live. It is a violation of human rights in general and of girl’s rights in particular. For both women and girls, child marriage has profound physical, intellectual, psychological and emotional impacts.

Aside the emotional and mental distress, intolerance, school drop-out, Fistula diseases, early widowhood, frustration and hatred for the man accompanied with child marriage,  child marriage is inherently linked to low educational level, social isolation, severe health risks which results in increased gender inequality and vulnerability to poverty for girls, young women, families and the society at a large.

It is essential that efforts be aligned towards providing easy access for girls to entrepreneurial opportunities. In 2020, CFHI through Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) and Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (CCFN) funded projects empowered 453 women with non- interest loans to start or expand their businesses, thereby increasing their social economic capital while empowering them with financial literacy and accountability. CFHI did not only provide loans, but also provided 97 startup kits to adolescents who were trained in different skills including sewing, barbing, hair dressing, baking, furniture making, Computer, among others. Thirty-three (33) newly enrolled adolescents are still in training.

As we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science tomorrow, the promotion of girl education should be a priority for NGOs and the Government. This is an ideal solution to the issue of girl-child marriage.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of gender based violence and gender bias. Join us every Wednesday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.

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