Nigeria Health Watch
Five-year-old Fatima was brought to the clinic by her parents. She was tired and weak with her head properly covered in clothes. When unwrapped, there was a massive darkened area on the left side of her face involving her cheek, nose and the lower eyelid with a horrible odour pervading the whole clinic. Fatima has […]
By Thelma Chioma Thomas and Onyinye Oranezi (Lead Writers) Pathfinder International started in Nigeria in 1965 when Dr. Clarence Gamble and his wife Sarah Gamble came to Nigeria in the hopes of laying a foundation for his work. Fifty-five years later, their journey has transformed lives and led to significant changes in Nigeria’s sexual and […]
If there is a lesson that COVID-19 has taught stakeholders about public health misinformation in Nigeria and probably elsewhere, it is that a sentiment-laden blend of distrust and religion, and a number of traditional beliefs could get people who are expected to know better, to jettison commonsense, temporarily or permanently, and consider or fully embrace […]
By Chibuike Alagboso and Patience Adejo (Lead Writers) “I don’t believe there’s COVID-19.” “I can’t be infected by COVID-19 because I’m young and have a strong immune system.” “I follow the safety guidelines by NCDC such as wearing of face masks and frequent hand washing with soap and water because I believe they will protect […]
Every year from August 1–7, Nigeria joins over 170 countries globally to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week. This is one of the greatest outreach vehicles for the promotion of optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices. The event, formally endorsed by the 1990 WHO Innocenti Declaration and policymakers across the globe, reaffirms commitment to breastfeeding […]
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in partnership with the Ministry of Health has been leading the response against COVID-19 with the support of other stakeholders. As of 9th August 2020, Nigeria had recorded 46,577 confirmed cases, 33,186 discharged cases, and 945 deaths from COVID-19. Government agencies are implementing different facets of the response with the Presidential […]
Two hundred and nineteen (219) – That is the number of lives lost to Lassa fever between January and June 2020, according to the latest data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Nigeria has been experiencing a yearly outbreak of the viral haemorrhagic fever since it was first identified in Borno state in […]
By Dr. Obehioye Aimiosior (Guest Writer) Amaka’s husband died from COVID-19. It was a rainy Tuesday afternoon and she was still dealing with the reality of not being there during his last moments. It was barely five days after his death when she received her COVID-19 result. She was dealing with the overwhelming sadness that […]
Editor’s Note: On Monday, July 13, 2020, Nigeria’s health community was saddened by the news of the passing of Professor Lovett Lawson, Chairman, Board of Directors, Zankli Medical Centre, Abuja. Lawson, a professor of infectious diseases and a passionate advocate for Nigeria’s Tuberculosis community, was 72, and was the Patron of the Stop TB Partnership […]
By Atinuke Akande-Alegbe and Vivianne Ihekweazu (Lead writers) Since the first confirmed case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Nigeria on the 27th of February, 2020, the political, economic and health establishment has focused on the response. It was clear that Nigeria like the rest of the African continent was about to face a major […]
“Waves keep coming, that’s the one thing you can count on in life” — Gerry Lopez Following the easing of the lockdown restrictions, it is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has created the perfect storm that runs the risk of worsening many of the already poor health indicators in Nigeria. From transport restrictions, to anxiety among health care […]
By Mike Lawal (Guest Writer) She was only nine years old when she walked into the consultation room with her outraged mother, a neighbour and a police officer. With eyes filled with tears, her mother muttered, “My daughter was raped yesterday”. Her daughter was sexually assaulted by a close relative, and the police needed a […]
By Atinuke Akande-Alegbe and Dara Ajala-Damisa (Lead Writers) As part of efforts to improve Nigeria’s nutrition statistics, a National Strategic Plan of Action for Nutrition (NSPAN) was devised for implementation between 2014 and 2019. It is a follow-on to other strategic documents including Vision 20:2020 and the National Strategic Health Development Plan for 2009 to […]