Navigating Nigeria's Health Landscape: Population Growth and Its Health Implications.

This comprehensive analysis examines the multifaceted impacts of population growth on public health in Nigeria. Drawing parallels with Omran's epidemiological transition model (that focuses on the intricate means that patterns of health and illness are changing, as well as the relationships that exist between these patterns and the sociological, demographic, and economic factors that influence them) and referencing experiences from Chile and Ceylon. The study highlights a substantial rise in Nigeria's population causing a double burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases, leading to higher morbidity, and mortality rates, increased healthcare costs, decreased productivity, and health inequalities, posing significant challenges to the country's healthcare system. Furthermore, the correlation between low education levels and health outcomes underscores the importance of addressing systemic deficiencies in Nigeria's educational sector. The article emphasizes the urgent need for strategic interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of population growth on health. Recommendations include revitalizing primary healthcare centers, fostering public-private partnerships to enhance healthcare accessibility, leveraging technological advancements like telemedicine, and promoting initiatives to improve nutrition and environmental sustainability. Moreover, prioritizing education on reproductive health and family planning emerges as a crucial strategy to manage population growth sustainably. In conclusion, the article underscores the imperative for collaborative efforts across sectors to navigate Nigeria's evolving health landscape amidst increasing population growth. By implementing targeted policies and interventions, Nigeria can strive toward achieving universal health coverage, enhancing health outcomes, and ultimately raising the standard of living for its populace.

Digital health and health equity: How digital health can address healthcare disparities and improve access to quality care in Africa.

The healthcare industry is constantly evolving to bridge the inequality gap and provide precision care to its diverse population. One of these approaches is the integration of digital health tools into healthcare delivery. Significant milestones such as reduced maternal mortality, rising and rapidly proliferating health tech start-ups, and the use of drones and smart devices for remote health service delivery, among others, have been reported. However, limited access to family planning, migration of health professionals, climate change, gender inequity, increased urbanization, and poor integration of private health firms into healthcare delivery rubrics continue to impair the attainment of universal health coverage and health equity. Health policy development for an integrated health system without stigma, addressing inequalities of all forms, should be implemented. Telehealth promotion, increased access to infrastructure, international collaborations, and investment in health interventions should be continuously advocated to upscale the current health landscape and achieve health equity.

Prevalence of Rotavirus antigen in children with gastroenteritis in Auchi Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria.

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of rotavirus infection among children in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria, and its association with selected demographic factors. Rotavirus infections are a major cause of viral gastroenteritis in children globally, and despite the availability of vaccines, they continue to pose a significant health burden. Methods: The study population consisted of 200 children aged 2-15 years, with data collected through a questionnaire and stool samples analysed using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits (Abbexa, UK) following the manufacturer's instructions. Results: The overall prevalence of rotavirus infection was found to be 6%, which was relatively low compared to previous studies in Nigeria and other countries. The study revealed that children in the age group of 6-10 years had the highest prevalence of rotavirus infection, while the prevalence was lower among nursery and secondary school children. There was no significant association between any of the participant's demographic factors and rotavirus infection. However, living in rural areas was associated with a higher risk of rotavirus infection compared to semi-urban and urban areas. Conclusions: The study emphasizes the importance of rotavirus vaccination, promoting good hygiene practices, and raising awareness among parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Further investigation is needed to explore additional risk factors and improve understanding of rotavirus infection in this population.

Seroprevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and associated risk factors among HIV positive women in North Central Nigeria.

Introduction: Chlamydia trachomatis infection is among the STDs that are known to increase the risk of HIV infection. The present study aims to determine the seroprevalence of C. trachomatis among HIV positive women in Ilorin and Offa, Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. Methods: Serum samples from 400 HIV positive women attending the HAART Clinic in Offa and the Ilorin General Hospital in Kwara State, Nigeria, were screened using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), utilizing the immunocomb Chlamydia IgG test kit (Calbiotech, El Cajon, CA, USA) to check for the existence of anti-C. trachomatis antibodies. Result: Anti-C. trachomatis antibodies were present in 92 (23.0%) of the 400 HIV positive women samples. There was a higher prevalence among the age group 36-40 years. Hence, age groupings were statistically and significantly associated (p=0.001) with the seroprevalence of C. trachomatis among HIV positive women. Married HIV positive women (60.9%) had the highest prevalence of C. trachomatis, with a statistically significant association (p=0.001). There was a statistically significant association between the number of sexual partner(s) (p=0.001) and the seroprevalence of C. trachomatis among HIV positive women. Conclusions: The high frequency confirms the necessity for comprehensive sexual education among young adults and routine testing for anti-C. trachomatis. It reflects the endemicity of the infection in Ilorin and Offa Kwara State, Nigeria.

Synergistic fight against future pandemics: Lessons from previous pandemics.

The history of pandemics spans centuries and has had a profound impact on human health, societies, and economies. Pandemics have caused fear, panic, and significant morbidity and mortality rates throughout history. From the Athenian Plague in 430 BC to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, infectious diseases have posed a continuous threat to global health systems. The transition from hunter-gatherer societies to agrarian communities, increased trade and interaction between humans and animals, urbanization, travel rates, and the impact of a growing human population have all contributed to the emergence and spread of infectious diseases. Climate change and changes in land use further affect the transmission of pathogens and the distribution of disease-carrying vectors. Lessons from previous pandemics include the importance of early diagnosis and response, global cooperation and collaboration, strengthened healthcare systems, preparedness planning, public health education and communication, research and development, and adaptability and flexibility in response strategies. These lessons emphasize the significance of timely identification, swift action, sharing information and resources, investing in healthcare infrastructure, preparedness planning, effective communication, research advancements, and the ability to adapt measures as pandemics evolve. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the need for a collaborative and coordinated global response to future pandemics. Governments, international bodies, healthcare organizations, and individuals could learn from the lessons of the past and apply them effectively to combat and mitigate the impact of future outbreaks. By prioritizing all the recommendations stated, the world can synergistically protect public health and minimize the devastating consequences of pandemics.

Healthcare workers and monkeypox: The case for risk mitigation.

Potentially more at risk of contracting the monkeypox virus are healthcare workers. Most healthcare workers come into direct contact with the disease's infected people, which can spread directly and indirectly. Healthcare professionals must contact patients with the disease and any infected objects or fluids to effectively manage the disease, which further increases the risk of transmission. It is crucial to put safety measures in place and protect healthcare workers. To stop the spread of the monkeypox virus, countries must develop the necessary safeguards and countermeasures. In this emergency, healthcare systems must be strengthened. All healthcare systems should offer staff sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) and facilitate risk assessment among those with a high risk of exposure. Any suspected case of monkeypox requires caution on the part of healthcare professionals. They must abide by infection control safety rules and protective measures.