Health
“Vaccines are effective and safe” – WHO
The World Health Organisation’s country representative to Nigeria, Dr. Walter Mulombo, on October 18, 2024, stated that vaccines are effective and harmless.
Reports states that Dr. Mulombo disclosed this during a two-day course training for journalists on capacity building in Abuja.
This training concentrated on improving knowledge of some global health issues and improving health reporting abilities.
He stated that WHO undergoes a thorough evaluation of a vaccine’s effectiveness prior to approving it.
Remember that the introduction of the malaria vaccine into routine immunization would soon begin in Nigeria.
In October 2023, the nation also included the Human Papilloma Virus single-dose vaccination to its regular immunization schedule.
“I want to say that vaccines are safe, and vaccines are effective.
“Before WHO gives the green light to distribute any vaccine, it goes through a very rigorous process by a body called the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Vaccines and Immunisation.
“They review all the evidence.
“The malaria vaccine that they have here is because that body created it.
“It was the same for HPV, like the others.
“If you need more information, we are the source of that information.
“If you need more evidence, we are the source of the evidence.
“So feel free, don’t be afraid to debunk misinformation.
“Access to universal vaccination is a human right.
“A mother dying while giving birth is a human rights violation because nobody should die as a result of giving birth.
“A child missing a vaccination is a human rights violation.
“Misinformation spread without verification is a human rights violation because we are preventing communities from getting access to the tools they need to survive.
“And by doing so, we contribute to the high maternal mortality ratio and child mortality ratio”, he added.
The WHO country official emphasized that Nigeria must go past pilot initiatives.
He pointed that the country should concentrate on providing extensive, high-quality healthcare services.
He urged communities and the government to work together to address the urgent issues confronting the health sector.
The WHO representative reiterated that the vaccines are effective and safe, as reported.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
Cervical, anal, oropharyngeal, penile, vulvar, and vaginal cancers, as well as genital warts, can all be prevented with the help of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
The vaccine provides protection from disease-causing HPV types, specifically types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises routine HPV immunization for those between the ages of 11 and 12.
However, according to reports, it can be administered as early as age 9.
Additionally, the vaccine is advised for all those who have not had all recommended vaccinations up until the age of 26.
In order to decide if vaccination is appropriate for them, adults between the ages of 27 and 45 may also talk about their risks with their medical team.
What is the required number of doses?
Depending on age, different doses are needed.
Individuals under the age of 15 can get two doses spaced 6–12 months apart, but those beyond 15 need three doses spaced 6 months apart.
Is the HPV vaccine safe?
Numerous studies have confirmed the vaccine to be safe, although modest side effects like discomfort, swelling, or redness at the injection site are frequent.
Malaria vaccine
Malaria vaccines have revolutionized the fight against this fatal illness.
The RTS, S, and R21 vaccinations are the two that the WHO recommends.
These vaccines are intended to protect children who live in regions with moderate to high transmission of P. falciparum malaria.
Key Benefits of Malaria Vaccines
– Reduced Malaria Cases: It has been demonstrated that both vaccinations cut the number of malaria cases by more than half in the first year following immunization.
– Reduced Hospitalizations: It has been shown that the RTS,S vaccination significantly lowers hospitalizations for severe malaria.
– Increased Access to Prevention: More than 90% of children now have greater access to at least one malaria prevention strategy, such as a malaria vaccine or an insecticide-treated net, thanks to the immunizations.
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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarm over the circulation of fake Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachets in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 22, 2025, the agency explained that the counterfeit milk is packaged to look like the discontinued Cowbell “Our Milk,” but it is unauthorised and unsafe for consumption.
NAFDAC clarified that Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the authentic manufacturer, stopped producing Cowbell “Our Milk” in September 2023.
The product was replaced with Cowbell “Our Creamy Goodness.” Despite this, fake versions of the old product have found their way into Nigerian markets.
Picture of Fake cowbell milk.
The counterfeit sachets bear the brand name, NAFDAC registration number, and familiar packaging design, making them difficult for unsuspecting buyers to identify as fake.
Health Dangers of Fake Cowbell Milk
NAFDAC warned that the consumption of these counterfeit products poses serious health risks.
Fake milk could contain toxic chemicals, harmful additives, or diluted ingredients that endanger human health.
Infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are the most vulnerable. Possible dangers include:
- Foodborne illnesses
- Allergic reactions
- Organ damage
- Long-term health complications
- In extreme cases, death
Counterfeit Product Details
- Product Name: Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet
- Purported Manufacturer: Promasidor Nigeria Ltd
- Production Date: 04/2025
- Expiry Date: 12/2028
Picture of original cowbell milk.
NAFDAC Issues Strong Warning
The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing the counterfeit milk.
Healthcare professionals, distributors, and consumers have been advised to report suspicious sales of substandard or fake products immediately.
Reports can be made through:
The nearest NAFDAC office
Toll-free line: 0800-162-3322
Email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng
NAFDAC also called on traders and retailers to stop selling the fake sachets.
The agency assured the public that strict enforcement measures are being taken to remove the counterfeit products from circulation.
This is not the first time Nigerians have faced risks from fake food and beverages.
Experts warn that counterfeit consumables are becoming more sophisticated, often making them difficult to spot.
Consumers are advised to always check product details, expiry dates, and packaging changes announced by manufacturers.
By highlighting the dangers and raising awareness, NAFDAC says it hopes to protect Nigerians from avoidable health crises linked to fake milk products
Men planning to father children have been strongly advised to marry and start a family before turning 40.
Medical experts warn that delayed fatherhood increases the risk of weak sperm and genetic disorders in children.
In an exclusive interview with PUNCH Healthwise, the President of the Nigerian Association of Urological Surgeons, Professor Nuhu Dakum, explained that male fertility sharply declines with age.
He stressed that sperm quality begins to deteriorate after 40, leaving children more vulnerable to inherited health conditions.
According to him, “Sperm quality reduces with age. The count, motility, and morphology are all affected. There is also an increase in DNA damage, which predisposes babies to genetic diseases.”
Why Men Over 40 Face Higher Risks
Professor Dakum revealed that several factors contribute to poor sperm quality as men grow older.
These include natural biological changes, smoking, alcohol abuse, poor nutrition, and exposure to toxins at work or in the environment.
He emphasized that while sperm decline can vary from man to man, the drop becomes significant around 40.
This means men who delay starting families until middle age could struggle with infertility and pass on genetic risks.
The concern gained fresh attention after a viral post on X (formerly Twitter) sparked a heated debate.
The post claimed that older men produce weak sperm that increases the chances of children developing genetic mutations such as autism, Down syndrome, schizophrenia, and dwarfism.
Medical experts say these claims have some truth.
The Texas Fertility Centre has confirmed that sperm quality and quantity decline with age, leading to age-related male infertility.
Similarly, Healthline, a trusted medical portal, reports that men over 50 experience a significant drop in sperm quality, with sperm count and unhealthy lifestyle habits playing key roles in the decline.
Healthy Living Can Improve Sperm Strength
Professor Dakum, however, clarified that older men can still father healthy children if they maintain good sperm health.
He stressed that healthy living benefits both general well-being and sperm quality.
He said, “There may not be much to prevent if the man is already old, but living healthy improves general health and sperm health.
Options like embryo genetic selection or sperm DNA testing can reduce risks, though these are costly and not widely available. Donor sperm is also an option for couples facing such challenges.”
What This Means for Nigerian Men
The warning is clear: delaying fatherhood comes with health risks for both fathers and children.
Men who prioritize career or wealth before family may unknowingly endanger their future children’s health.
Medical experts now urge Nigerian men to plan early, get married before 40, and adopt a healthier lifestyle to protect their fertility.
With infertility cases rising in Nigeria, the advice serves as a wake-up call.
Alcohol consumption, smoking, poor diets, and late marriages are becoming common among Nigerian men. But experts insist that fertility should not be left to chance.
Starting a family earlier in life, avoiding harmful habits, eating well, and reducing exposure to toxins remain the most effective ways to preserve fertility.
For men who are already older, fertility specialists recommend medical consultations, sperm analysis, and lifestyle changes.
Genetic testing may also help reduce risks when planning for children.
Conclusion
Professor Dakum’s advice highlights an often-overlooked issue in male health. Sperm quality is not permanent, and time works against men just as it does against women.
Nigerian men now face a crucial decision: delay marriage and risk weak sperm, or act early and secure a healthier future for their children.
President Bola Tinubu has approved a major reduction in the cost of kidney dialysis in federal hospitals. The price has dropped from ₦50,000 to ₦12,000.
This move comes as part of his administration’s push to make healthcare more affordable for ordinary Nigerians.
The announcement came on Monday through Daniel Bwala, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Information.
He revealed the development in a post on his official X, formerly Twitter handle.
According to him, the subsidy already covers several federal medical centres and teaching hospitals across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Bwala explained that this policy has started running in major health institutions, ensuring that kidney patients now pay less for treatment.
He also noted that more hospitals will join the scheme before the year ends, giving broader access to citizens.
Currently, patients can access the reduced dialysis service at these hospitals:
1. Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ebute-Metta, Lagos
2. Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja
3. University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State
4. Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri, Imo State
5. University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Maiduguri, Borno State
6. Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun State
7. Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos
8. Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Azare, Bauchi State
9. University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State
10. University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar, Cross River State.
More hospitals will be added as the program expands, Bwala confirmed. He stressed that Tinubu’s decision reflects his promise to put citizens’ welfare first.
By cutting costs, the government wants to ease the financial pain that families face while battling chronic illnesses.
Furthermore, this step is not an isolated policy. It fits into the Tinubu administration’s wider healthcare reforms.
Alongside dialysis subsidies, the government is rolling out oncology and diagnostic facilities to improve cancer and disease detection.
In addition, about 120,000 frontline health workers will undergo retraining to boost the quality of care across the country.
The President has also redesigned the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to make primary healthcare more accessible in rural and urban areas.
Another key reform is the approval of free Caesarean sections for vulnerable pregnant women in federal hospitals, further showing the government’s focus on saving lives.
With these reforms, Tinubu aims to rebuild trust in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The reduction in dialysis cost, in particular, gives hope to thousands of kidney patients who have long struggled with overwhelming medical bills.
Featured
Nigerian scientist Dr. Samuel Achilefu invents infrared goggles to detect cancer cells in real time
DDM News
(DDM) – Nigerian-born scientist Dr. Samuel Achilefu has developed groundbreaking infrared goggles that allow surgeons to see cancer cells while operating.
The revolutionary technology makes cancer cells glow in real time, enabling surgeons to identify and remove tumors with higher accuracy.
Before this invention, doctors struggled to confirm complete tumor removal during surgery and often relied on lab results afterward.
Dr. Achilefu’s fluorescence-guided goggles eliminate that delay, improving precision and significantly reducing patient trauma.
The innovation also reduces the likelihood of repeat operations, giving patients a better chance at faster recovery.
DDM gathered that Dr. Achilefu, a distinguished radiologist, has published more than 300 scientific papers.
He also holds over 70 medical patents in the United States, cementing his place among the world’s leading innovators in medical science.
Born in Obingwa, Abia State, Nigeria, his academic journey took him across continents.
He earned a PhD in molecular physical and materials chemistry before completing postdoctoral training at Oxford University, focusing on oxygen transport systems.
Today, his work blends chemistry, engineering, and medicine to transform cancer treatment globally.
Surgeons using his device no longer have to rely solely on touch or sight to trace tumors.
Instead, the glowing effect of cancer cells under infrared light allows for precise cutting with minimal risk.
Medical experts say this innovation could revolutionize cancer surgeries worldwide.
Dr. Achilefu’s achievements are celebrated not only in the U.S. but across Africa, where he remains a source of inspiration.
He has received international awards for innovation, including recognition for improving global healthcare outcomes.
His invention underscores the power of African excellence in science and technology.
#TheAfricanDream continues to spotlight innovators shaping the world from humble beginnings.
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(DDM) — Waking up to find a wet pillow can be uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing.
While occasional nighttime drooling may be caused by simple factors like sleeping positions or temporary nasal congestion, persistent drooling during sleep could indicate deeper health concerns.
Medical experts told DDM that chronic drooling, medically referred to as sialorrhea, should not be ignored, as it may be an early warning sign of certain medical issues.
One possible cause is sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can lead to mouth breathing and increased saliva flow.
Another is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, irritating the throat and triggering excessive saliva production.
Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, or the aftermath of a stroke can also impair muscle control, making it harder to swallow saliva during sleep.
Allergies and sinus infections are another common trigger, as blocked nasal passages force individuals to breathe through their mouths, increasing drooling.
Dental issues, including misaligned teeth or oral infections, may contribute by affecting jaw alignment and swallowing patterns.
Lastly, certain medications, especially those with side effects that increase saliva production or relax muscles, can worsen nighttime drooling.
Health professionals recommend that anyone experiencing persistent drooling during sleep should seek medical evaluation to rule out serious conditions and find targeted solutions.
Possible treatments may include lifestyle adjustments, medication changes, dental corrections, or therapies to improve muscle control.
DDM gathered that, in some cases, treating the underlying condition, such as managing GERD or addressing allergies, can significantly reduce nighttime drooling.
Ignoring the symptom may lead to complications, including skin irritation, disrupted sleep, and social discomfort.
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