Chioma Umeha

Rubella epidemic during pregnancy increase risk of autism – Mbakwe By Chioma Umeha Mrs. Helen Mbakwe, is the President, Keera Autism Foundation, (KAF) in Lagos. In this interview with CHIOMA UMEHA (HEALTH EDITOR) Mbakwe, also a lawyer, who has a daughter living with autism, x-rays challenges of parents and children with the condition. Excerpts:  Mrs. Helen Mbakwe, is the President, Keera Autism Foundation, (KAF) in Lagos. Give the overview of autism?   Autism is a developmental disorder of the brain. It affects children that are less than three years. It is characterised by a problem with social interaction, impairment in verbal and nonverbal communication and a pattern of repetitive behaviour with narrow, restricted interests. Autism is classified as one of a group of disorders known as the pervasive development disorders (PDD) by the American Psychiatric Association. In addition, PDD include Asperger syndrome, which is a childhood disintegrative disorder. This grou

WHO certification: No report of new guinea worm infection yet By: Chioma Umeha “We are staring history in the face as the public health system of Nigeria is about to make a bold statement of eradicating Guinea worm disease in Nigeria after many years–over two decades of hard fought battle against Guinea worm, we have now succeeded in defeating it.” Thus quipped General Yakubu Gowon, former Head of State, on the verge of the struggle against eradication of guinea worm infection in Nigeria. This remarks of Gowon may come true barely 17 days from today if there is no report of fresh guinea worm infection in the country.  This is because Nigeria will be officially certified free of the disease by the World Health Organization (WHO), this month. Precisely, the International Certification Team (ICT) for Guinea Worm disease eradication, from the world health body will be in the country between June 24 and July 14, to assess her for certification. Nigeria was the most guinea-worm-ende

Coping with watery eyes By Chioma Umeha Tears are essential to the performance and health of the eyes. They keep the surface of the eye moist, help with distribution of nutrients and protective cells, and wash away particles and foreign objects. Watery eyes however, send a different message, especially when accompanied by itching, redness, discharge or puffiness around the eyelids. These signs may indicate an allergic reaction, but they could also be caused by clogged tear ducts, blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid follicles), airborne irritants like chemicals, cigarette smoke, smog – even aging. Watery, itchy eyes may result in temporary blurriness, but seldom are they a medical emergency or threat to your eyesight. A health professional is usually needed only if the tearing is prolonged and bothersome.  Glaucoma Here are four of the most common conditions that may cause watery eyes, according to John Hopkin Health Alerts:  •   Allergic conjunctivitis: For millio

Over 110m Nigerians don’t use toilets ‘Reduction saves children’s lives, protects environment’ By: Chioma Umeha Studies have shown that 90 per cent of diarrhea cases in children under five are related to unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene, and reduction in open defecation can significantly reduce the incidences of diarrhea. A new release from United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has established a synergy between sanitation, children’s health and protection of the environment. The statement which was to mark the World Environment Day linked sanitation to the health of children and protection of the environment.  Open defecation causes contamination to water bodies, and is a serious threat to public health, especially during flooding. “We know that by improving sanitation, we can improve child survival as well as the environment,” the UNICEF release said. Research has also shown that it is possible to improve the sanitation situation in the country, especially in rura

…Students killing dims Nigeria’s future By: Chioma Umeha & Toyin Adebayo The United Nations Children’s  Fund (UNICEF) has condemned the cruel attack, Monday, on the Government Science Technical School, Potiskum in Yobe State, which killed dozens of children and injured many more.  Bemoaning, UNICEF said: “These repeated and relentless attacks on children and schools are attacks on the future of Nigeria, a country that already has the largest number of children out of school in the world. “We call on those with the responsibility and power to bring the perpetrators of this cruel act to justice and to uphold their responsibilities to protect children.” It is recalled that a suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber, disguised in school uniform, killed 47 students in northeast Monday, prompting US and UN condemnation of one of the worst attacks against schools with a so-called Western curriculum. The explosion ripped through the all-boys school, just as students gather

Natural ways to treat diarrhoea By: Chioma Umeha Diarrhoea refers to frequent intestinal evacuations of loose and watery stools. It is part of the body’s defence mechanism in getting rid of toxins or poisons out of the body. This medical condition is usually manifested with stomach pain and gas. It may signify an existing problem around the gastrointestinal tract or can be an indication of an underlying disease such as irritable bowel syndrome, dysentery, or ulcerative colitis. Occurrence of diarrhoea can be stopped through taking over-the-counter medications, but it may also interfere with the body’s natural way of draining the toxins out. Here are natural remedies that can to reduce the discomforting effects of diarrhoea without halting the immune system’s normal defence. Natural Fruit Juice Drink lots of clear sterilized water to replenish loss fluids, prevent dehydration and to provide ample amounts of electrolytes needed by the body. Stay away from caffeinated and al

Public-private partnership to end malaria scourge By: Chioma Umeha That Malaria has been an endemic disease plaguing the entire sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, definitely will not make headline news now. However, its impact is significant enough to be currently viewed as a global health issue. Concerned stakeholders continue to intensify efforts through more innovative ways to lower malaria prevalence across Nigeria. In view of this, Ogun State Government and Reckitt Benckiser’s Mortein insecticide brand have teamed up to combat the scourge in Ogun state. CHIOMA UMEHA (HEALTH EDITOR) writes. Officials of the Ogun State and Reckitt Benckiser As concerned stakeholders intensify efforts to lower malaria prevalence across countries especially in Africa, more innovative ways to strengthen the global campaign against malaria are also unfolding. One of such innovations is the strategic alliance between the Ogun State Government and Reckitt Benckiser’s Mortein insectici

Tomorrow is the Global Day of Action for Access to Safe and Legal Abortion. Many girls and women are still going through trauma as victims of rape and incest in Nigeria today. The case of the over 200 Chibok girls abducted last April is unimaginable. Yet, they cannot access the right to safe and legal abortion if they have been abused and are pregnant because of restrictions posed by the 1861 Abortion Law. But, experts have advocated that a total health package recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) should be offered to victims of sexual violence, including the abducted girls when they are released. CHIOMA UMEHA (HEALTH EDITOR) writes. L-R: Toyin Aboh, Appolonia Adeyemi, all members of Network of Reproductive Health Journalists in Nigeria (NRHJN) Dr. Nihinlola Mabogunje, Country Director of Ipas in Nigeria and Yinka Shokunbi, National Secretary, NRHJN, during a meeting of the group in Lagos, last weekend. Since the beginning of this week, the media hav