Integration of medicinal plants into the traditional system of medicine for the treatment of cancer in Sokoto State, Nigeria.

This study was designed to explore and record various medicinal plants integrated into the traditional system of medicine for the treatment of cancer. The traditional system of medicine is a routine practiced among the indigenous ethnic groups of Sokoto state. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed and used for data collection around the selected Local Government Areas. A substantial number of plant species were identified, recorded, and collected for preservation. Data collected for each specie was analysed to assess its frequent use among the medicinal plants. A total of 67 species belonging to 31 families have been identified and recorded. Out of the 473 frequency of citation (FC), Acacia nilotica was the most frequently cited specie (32 FC, 64% FC, 0.6 RFC), followed by Guiera senegalensis (27 FC, 54% FC, 0.5 RFC), Erythrina sigmoidea (17 FC, 34% FC, 0.3 RFC), and subsequently Combretum camporum (15 FC, 30% FC, 0.3 RFC). The most common parts of the plants used include the barks (55.2%), the roots (53.2%), and the leaves (41.8%). Additionally, decoction (74.6%), powdered form (49.3%), and maceration (46.3%) are the most frequently used mode of preparation. The historical knowledge of a traditional system of medicine practiced by the native traditional healers of Sokoto for the treatment of cancer has been documented. The present study further provides a baseline for future pharmacological investigations into the beneficial effects of such medicinal plants for the treatment of cancer.

Exploring the options for alternative means of livelihood for Blind street beggars in Sokoto, Nigeria.

AIM: To explore the readiness of and the options for alternative means of livelihood for Blind Street beggars in Sokoto, Nigeria, with a view to achieving the millennium development goals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a Local Government Area (LGA), in Sokoto State over a 6 weeks period (May/June, 2009). Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ethical Committee of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. A list of blind persons in these areas was obtained from the local traditional head of the blind (Sarkin Makafi) who gave the general consent for the study and also assisted in mobilizing the subjects. Blind subjects who consented were examined and included in the study. Data were collected with a semistructured questionnaire. The desire for occupational change and the preferred alternative means of sustenance were explored. Data obtained were coded, analyzed, and summarized in form of frequency tables. RESULTS: A total of 216 (94.7%) subjects were examined out of the 228 subjects that were enumerated. However, only 202 of the registered persons that were actually found to be blind on ophthalmic examination were included in the analysis. Majority of the subjects, 201 (99.5%), wanted alternative means of livelihood. About half of the subjects, 100 (49.8%), wanted to be established in farming or trading. CONCLUSION: Most respondents expressed readiness for alternative means of livelihood.

Trichiasis Surgical Coverage in Three Local Government Areas of Sokoto state; Nigeria

Background: Community-based lid surgery for trachomatous trichiasis (TT) is provided in 8 local government areas (LGAs) of Sokoto state since 2003 as part of a trachoma control programme. This study aims to assess the impact of community-based lid surgery on the magnitude of TT in 3 LGAs of Sokoto state. Materials and Methods: A population-based survey was conducted in persons aged 15 years and above. A stratified multistage cluster sampling with probability proportional to size was used. Trachoma was assessed using the WHO simplified grading system. Results: Despite high (13) refusals; 72of the minimum sample size was examined. The prevalence of blindness ranged from 1.3to 2.5in the LGAs while the prevalence of TT in persons aged 15 years and above was 2in the Silame; 2.7in the Wamakko and 5.6in the Kware LGAs; respectively. The prevalence of TT in females 15 years and above was 1.1in the Silame; 4in the Wamakko and 6.3in the Kware LGAs; respectively. The trichiasis surgical coverage is 9.5in the Kware and 12.5in the other LGAs respectively. The minimum number of TT lid surgery required to achieve the elimination level is 873 in the Silame LGA; 2611 in the Wamakko LGA and 4672 in the Kware LGA. Conclusion: The burden of TT is high in the study communities while the trichiasis surgical coverage is low. There is a need to strengthen the control programme to meet up with existing need