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Health

NGO task govts, stakeholders on menstrual hygiene in schools

NGO task govts, stakeholders on menstrual hygiene in schools
Hygiene
By Mohammed Ahmed Kaigama
Bauchi, June 30, 2018 (NAN) WaterAid Nigeria, an NGO, has called on governments and stakeholders to provide water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in schools to improve girls’ menstrual hygiene.
‎Miss Wandoo Akosu, the WaterAid Nigeria, Bauchi State Programme Officer, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Bauchi.
“WaterAid is calling on governments, relevant stakeholders and philanthropist to support the mobilising of resources to facilitate infrastructure improvements in water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in schools.
“This will provide safe and private spaces for school girls to manage their periods hygienically,’’ Akosu said.
According to her, menstrual hygiene management is a human rights issue that matters to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The SDGs include goals on health, education, gender equality, water and sanitation, economic growth, sustainable consumption and production patterns,’’ the programme lead said.
‎Akosu stressed the need for government to put in place curriculum reforms that would ensure continuing education of school girls on how to manage their menstruation safely.
‎She added that the support got from stakeholders would assist in building the capacity of school teachers and other gatekeepers to provide quality and comprehensive education.
‎The WaterAid official disclosed that nearly half of schools in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria do not have basic toilets.
“That makes girls who are menstruating to risk embarrassment and shame during this time, and sadly, some may decide not to attend school,” Akosu said.
She said that safe, private toilets for girls in schools, combined with private places to wash could boost their school enrolment.
“Therefore, proper menstrual hygiene management for women and girls requires inclusive water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in schools and public places.
“It also includes provision of protection materials at affordable rates; behavioural change and communication as well as review of existing policies to address this important issue,’’ the programme lead said.
NAN reports that UNESCO estimates that one in 10 adolescent girls in Africa miss school during their menstruation and eventually drop out.
The estimates also reveal that a lack of guidance, facilities and materials for girls to manage their periods at school affects their health, their education and their self-esteem.
Girls who face shame, fear and confusion around periods have this exacerbated when there is no clean source of water, soap or safe, private girls’ toilet with space to wash in, it noted. (NAN)‎
MAK/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Health official cautions residents against diarrhoea

Kaura LGC cautions residents against diarrhoea
NAN-HG-5
Hygiene
By Moses Kolo
Kafanchan (Kaduna State), Feb. 6, 2018 (NAN) The Kaura Local Government Council of Kaduna State on Tuesday advised residents to observe personal hygiene to prevent outbreak of diarrhoea.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that two children reportedly died while 82 were admitted following an outbreak of diarrhoea in parts of neighbouring Jema’a Local Government Area.
Mrs Rehab Kurmi, the Director, Primary Health Care, Kaura local council, gave the advice in an interview with NAN in Kaura.
Kurmi, however, said no case of the disease had been recorded in Kaura so far.
The health official, therefore, urged residents to safeguard their health by observing personal hygiene.
Kurmi said that the Monitoring and Evaluation team of the local government would continue to sensitise people on the importance of keeping clean environment.
“The Health Department has organised its surveillance team to take precautionary measures, especially at border communities to ensure the disease does not spread to the local government area,’’ she said. (NAN)
MGK/AOM/MST
Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Expert recommends oral hygiene against tooth ailments

Expert recommends oral hygiene against tooth ailments
NAN-HG-10
Tooth
By Amina Ahmed
Bauchi, Jan. 12, 2018 (NAN) Dr Sunny Akhigbe, the Head of Dental Surgery, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital (ATBU-TH), has recommended that improved oral hygiene would reduce the burden of tooth problems among all ages.
Akhigbe said this on Friday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi.
He said that tooth diseases were preventable and treatable; adding that tooth problems has no genetic history.
According to him, both soft and hard tissues of the teeth can be affected with various diseases.
“Brushing twice a day will help a lot, because the leftover food settles in the tooth and the bacteria acts on it after which the end product becomes acid.
“The teeth and gums can be affected with diseases such as the dental caries and Gingivitis and they are all preventable and treatable.
“These diseases lead to bleeding in some cases or swollen of the gum due to the activities of the bacteria on the left over food around the teeth.
“Each of the teeth stands on its’ own; removal is not the first stage rather affected tooth can be refill from temporary to permanent stage after which it can reach the last stage of removal if there is no improvement on the side of the treatment.
“There is also spelling and polishing which is done to remove dirt around teeth and gums.
“Removing one tooth does not affect the other, rather the activity that prompts for the removal of the tooth will also apply to others which they become also affected by the disease,’’ he said.
He advised the general public to be cautious of substances to be used while experiencing various tooth problems.
Besides, he recommended that adults should visit dental clinic twice in year while children should visit dentists three times in a year. (NAN)
AE/COO/MST
Edited by Cecilia Odey/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Environment

Sanitation: Group urges Benue, Cross River to pay counterpart funds

NAN-AE-3
Payment
By Tosin Kolade
Abuja, June 2, 2017 (NAN) The National Task Group on Sanitation has advised the Benue and Cross River Governments to speedily pay up their counterpart funds to scale up sanitation and hygiene in their states.

 

The Group’s Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Awe, gave the advice on Friday in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, at the end of a meeting of sanitation stakeholders.

 

He said that the Global Sanitation Fund, sponsors of the Rural Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion in Nigeria (RUSHPIN) programme, had threatened to withdraw funding by September, if the two states failed to pay up.

 

Awe reiterated that the organisation warned that if Benue and Cross River failed to meet the demand, it would stop funding the programme in the states.

 

He said that it was saddening to note that the two states failed to pay the counterpart funds for the upgrade of the programme.

 

He, therefore, urged states, which were interested in sanitation and hygiene, to show more interest in the RUSHPIN programme, with a view to enhancing the wellbeing of their citizens.

 

Awe, who is also the Director, Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, noted that the lack of water and sanitation facilities could hinder the people’s economy, health and productivity.

 

He reminded Benue and Cross River state governments that the payment of the counterpart funds would spur the scaling up of the RUSHPIN programme in their states, while reducing disease prevalence among the citizens.

 

NAN recalls that the RUSHPIN Programme Manager, Mr Nanpet Chuktu, said that within four years of programme implementation, 1,859 community members had been reached with hygiene messages.

 

Chuktu said that more than 600,000 people now lived in open defecation-free communities in six local government areas in Benue and Cross River.

 

He said that the agency used the Community Led-Total Sanitation (CLTS) model to encourage the communities to build and use toilets, while adopting behavioural change as a means of promoting hygienic habits.

 

NAN also recalls that when the Federal Government signed the Memorandum of Understanding with GSF in 2014, the design was for the global body to provide 5 million U.S. dollars for the project implementation.

 

He said that for the programme to be implemented in Benue and Cross River, the states were expected to commit 2.2 million dollars each towards the project, while incorporating addition three local government areas into its coverage.

 

According to the Global Open Defecation index, Nigeria ranks fifth as regards countries practising open defecation, while 868,000 children die or experience stunted growth annually as a result of open defecation.

 

Since 2014 till date, the two state governments have repeatedly pledged to pay the counterpart funds but no money has, however, been paid so far. (NAN)
TAK/MOL/OOK
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi and Dayo Komolafe

Health

Malaria: Paediatrician harps on personal hygiene

Malaria: Paediatrician harps on personal hygiene

NAN-H-46

Hygiene

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

Abuja, April 20, 2017 (NAN) Dr Kunle Otuneye, a Consultant Paediatrician at the National Hospital, Abuja, on Thursday advised Nigerians to maintain personal hygiene to curb malaria as the rainy season sets in.

Otuneye gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja ahead of this year’s World Malaria Day with the theme “End Malaria for Good”.

According to him, environmental hygiene which includes discarding stagnant water was effective in preventing the breeding of mosquitoes.

“Malaria is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in childhood and pregnant women.

“Malaria is endemic throughout the tropics, including Nigeria. It is, fortunately, an entirely preventable and treatable mosquito-borne illness.

“Malaria is a major public health problem in Nigeria where it accounts for more cases and deaths than any other country in the world,’’ he said.

Otuneye said in 2013, global estimates show that an estimated 453,000 children died before their fifth birthday due to malaria, more than 95 per cent of whom are African children.

He said usual symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headache, sweats, fatigue, nausea and vomiting.

“Severe clinical features such as cerebral malaria, low-blood-sugar-level, anaemia, liver or kidney failure occur mostly in children, pregnant women and those who are non-immuned in the environment,’’ he said.

Otuneye said prevention of malaria was possible through the use of insecticide treated nets for children less than five years of age and pregnant women.

He also said the continuous use of residual insecticides and topical repellent at home prevent malaria.

“Early recognition of symptoms, diagnosis and treatment with artemisinin combination therapy as well as intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant women are preventive measures.

“Ideally, availability and use of malaria vaccines, which is in the pipeline, will be a welcomed addition to the fight against malaria,’’ Otuneye said.

However, he advised Nigerians to avoid self-medication in the treatment of malaria and other illnesses as it could be dangerous to their health.

The World Malaria Day (WMD) is an international observance commemorated every year on April 25.

WMD is an occasion to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria prevention and control.

This year’s global theme for World Malaria Day is `End Malaria for Good’.

In the lead-up to April 25, WHO is shining a spotlight on prevention, a critical strategy for reducing the toll of a disease that continues to kill more than 400, 000 people annually.

Since 2000, malaria prevention has played an important role in reducing cases and deaths, primarily through the scale up of insecticide-treated nets and indoor spraying with insecticides. (NAN)

OEO/ASS/MST

Edited by Saidu Adamu/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Oral Health Day: Dentist harps on proper hygiene

Oral Health Day: Dentist harps on proper hygiene

NAN-HG-5

Health

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

Abuja, March 20, 2017 (NAN) Dr Adebayo Onisarotu, a Dentist with the General Hospital, Gbagada, Lagos, on Monday advised Nigerians to ensure proper hygiene of their oral health to avoid challenges.

Onisarotu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone in Abuja that some illnesses manifest in the mouth.

“There are some diseases that manifest in the mouth like those with High Blood Pressure and Diabetes, which is rampant.

“Some just feel is tooth issues they have, but when you carry out some examinations, one will find out that the person have some health challenges which are already affecting the gums and teeth,’’ he said.

Onisarotu said irregular maintenance of teeth could result to gum diseases later in life.

He urged Nigerians to cultivate the habit of brushing their teeth twice daily to prevent gum diseases later in life.

According to him, gum disease is often silent, in which symptoms may not appear until an advanced stage of the disease.

He explained that gum diseases were common among adults, but could be avoided if the intake of sugary foods and drink are minimal.

According to him, gum disease or gingivitis is the inflammation of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth and is most common as a result of poor dental hygiene.

“Gingivitis is a common condition and varies widely in severity; it is characterised by red, swollen gums that bleed easily when teeth are brushed or flossed.

“Gum disease is mostly caused by improper oral hygiene, which allows bacteria in plaque and calculus to remain on the teeth and infect the gums,’’ Onisarotu said.

He said the warning signs of gum disease include gums that were receding or pulling away from the teeth, causing the teeth to look longer than before.

“Other symptoms could be red, swollen or tender gums in your mouth, bleeding while brushing, flossing or eating hard food,’’ said the expert.

NAN reports that Oral Health is celebrated every March 20.

It is an international day to celebrate the benefits of health mouth and to promote worldwide awareness of issues around oral health and hygiene. (NAN) OEO/KOLE/MST

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Environment

WSSCC calls for global action on girls’ hygiene

NAN-AE-7
Hygiene
By Tosin Kolade
Abuja, March 9, 2017 (NAN)The Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) has called for global action to tackle challenges facing girls in public places in their efforts to manage menstrual hygiene.

 

Dr Chris Williams, the Executive Director of WSSCC, said in a statement on Thursday that women and girls in Central and West Africa lacked access to clean water, private spaces for managing their menstruation.

 

He called on countries in the two regions to provide critical information on socio-cultural taboos on menstrual hygiene.

 

He said that this would aid efforts to tackle the consequences associated with the taboos.

 

“Few people talk about how menstruation can be managed with dignity and safety.

 

“As a result, women and girls often choose to limit their cultural, educational, social and economic activities while menstruating; missing school, work and play.

 

“Member states must break this silence; articulating menstrual needs in policies, budgets, programmes and monitoring systems,’’ he said.

 

Williams called on the global community to empower women and girls by guaranteeing safe menstrual hygiene management.

 

He said that menstruation was an indicator of female health and vitality, adding that sexual and reproductive health advocacies and programmes must ensure knowledge, safe conditions and dignity.

 

Williams said there was also the need for the citizens, media, schools and colleges, health practitioners and parents to talk about menstruation management in order to replace shame with pride.

 

“Safe spaces for changing, cleaning and washing and drying at home, school, the market and workplace must be ensured for women and girls everywhere.

 

“This means changing the design, construction and maintenance of water, sanitation and hygiene facilities to serve a human lifecycle by age, gender and physical ability.

 

“Half of humanity is female. Women and girls menstruate, as this enables them to have babies and reproduce humanity itself; the silence, taboos, and stigma linked to menstruation violate a host of human rights.

 

“It is time for the global community to break its silence on menstruation so that women and girls can discuss the topic without fear and get the information they need about their natural, physical cycle,’’ he said.

 

Williams said that the government at all levels could introduce policies that would ensure that girls and women had separate or private toilet facilities in schools and at workplace.

 

He said that such access could also include availability of essential products like cloths, pads and menstrual cups, as well as the means to dispose of and clean them properly.

 

Williams said that national and community leaders must speak out to change the people’s attitudes and customs which inhibited menstruating women and girls from achieving their full potential.

 

Besides, the executive director called on all stakeholders to promote sanitation and hygiene issues, saying that they were the drivers of health, social and economic development around the world.

 

“An environment that lacks sanitation and clean water is an environment where achieving other development goals is an impossible dream; the time to act is now,’’ he added. (NAN)
TAK/JEY/OOK
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Edited by Johnson Eyiangho and Dayo Komolafe

General news

Physician advises residents on personal, environmental hygiene

 

NAN-HG-15

Hygiene

By Temitope Salami
Ijebu-Ode (Ogun), Feb. 15, 2017 (NAN) A physician, Dr Wellington Ogunsanya, has urged residents of Ijebu-Ode to maintain personal and environmental hygiene as a preventive measure against communicable diseases.

Ogunsanya, who is the Medical Director, Olu-Ola Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, gave this advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun.

He said personal hygiene and clean environment should be given the deserved priority by residents by preventing the occurrence or outbreak of diseases associated with sanitary conditions.

Ogunsanya, who is also a consultant surgeon, said safeguarding and maintaining public health, was imperative to prevent disease outbreaks and epidemics.

He highlighted food safety as an area that had been ignored and underestimated despite its importance to the overall well-being of the populace.

“Food safety is an aspect of nutrition that has been ignored or underestimated; It is about food being free from contamination in the production cycle from inception till it gets to its end-users.

“These include, harvesting of crops, rearing of animals, processing, storage and distribution.

“That the food could easily get contaminated through this processes underscores the need for government to  ensure that food safety ethics are imbibed by all,” he said.

The medical practitioner said that government must encourage, regulate and enforce food safety regulations among stakeholders by taking drastic measures.

“Stakeholders such as food vendors, can be sensitised and trained regularly on the ways to properly handle foods,” he said.

He also warned against drinking unwholesome sachet water, saying not all of them were authorised or passed through standard purification procedures as generally believed.

Ogunsanya urged the people to continue to imbibe the habit of sanitary practices such as  hands washing after visiting the toilets and before eating.

“Everyone has a responsibility to support government’s efforts to ensure good health for all and to make our nation’s environment clean and safe,” he added. (NAN)
TDS/DE/YEMI

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Yemi Idris-Aduloju

General news

Quarantine Office advocates national consciousness on food hygiene

Quarantine Office advocates national consciousness on food hygiene

NAN-H-63

Hygiene

By Esenvosa Izah and Omowunmi Alake

Lagos, Feb. 7, 2017 (NAN) The Coordinating Director, National Agricultural Quarantine Service, Mr Vincent Isegbe, has urged Nigerians to develop a national consciousness for basic food hygiene.

Isegbe made the call at the 1st Nigerian Food Safety and Investment Forum, organised by the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), on Tuesday in Lagos.

According to him, this will ensure food safety in the country and facilitate international trade.

The director said that stakeholders and necessary regulatory bodies should set national regulatory standards for proper implementation that would meet international standards.

“Locally, we need to address the local hygiene; that is why Nigerians still buy food from the road side; foods that are exposed to dust and all manner of contamination.

“So, by the time we are talking about export certification, there is a big challenge, because the exporters do not want to comply with rules put in place.

“We need to apply the necessary requirements and also know what is expected of us, nationally and internationally.

“Such that as a nation, we can export good agricultural produce as well as ensure food safety,” he said.

Mrs Yetunde Oni, the acting Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), also charged manufacturers of foods to package healthy products in the interest of the nation’s economy.

Oni reminded them that unwholesome foods were responsible for the rejection of their products globally.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) also reports that the forum part of the UNIDO-EU-FGN food safety capacity building programme for the government of Nigeria. (NAN)

EEI/AOI/VIV/MST

Edited by Vivian Ihechu/Muhammad Suleiman Tola