Health
Veterinarians seek recognition in COVID-19 pandemic fight
The Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) has asked for recognition to collaborate with other medical personnel in the fight against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.
The association made the appeal in Benin on Wednesday when its leadership paid a courtesy visit on the former national president, Dr Clement Alile, ahead of the association’s national convention slated for Benin from October 25 to 29.
The Ag. national president, Dr Ibrahim Ado, who stated this, expressed regret that being experts in animals and its diseases, the association had not been carried along in the efforts to combat the pandemic.
Ado, who also bemoaned government’s indifference to veterinary doctors, noted that with its over 9,000-member strength, they were still doing enough to deliver on their mandate.
“Veterinarians are noble professionals that stand out among others, sadly in the country, our roles as veterinarians are not duly recognised by the government.
“However, we are making conscious efforts to let the public know who we are and what we do. We are pushing hard to see things are done the way they should be and our roles are not being neglected.
“If you take a look at the current pandemic, the COVID-19 pandemic, we have veterinarians that are experts on COVID as far back as 40 to 50 years. But the people are just knowing of it with this pandemic.
“All the theory of the current pandemic is that it came from animals and we are the authority in diseases of animals.
“So, if we should be brought into the fold, so that we can all collaborate and save humanity together,” he said.
On his part, Alile who served as the President of NVMA from 1983 to 1985, noted that the policy thrust of the government, among others, had not served to encourage veterinarians.
Alile, who was also a former Secretary to the Edo government, however, said that as a disciplined body, the members must continue to do their best to lift humanity.
“Veterinary doctors are very responsible and disciplined people who will rather take these challenges as they come and attend to them,” he said.
While justifying incessant strikes, especially by medical professionals, the septuagenarian urged the government not to always renege on agreements with unions or associations.
“If government enters into any agreement, it must keep its own side of the agreement, this is where the problem always arises from,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the October convention, Dr Michael Ehizokhale, has announced the theme for the 57th annual convention in Edo as: “The veterinarian and global health security.”
He said that the convention would have as its chairman, Chief David Edibiri, while Gov. Godwin Obaseki and Chief Gabriel Igbinedion would serve as Special Guest and Special Guest of Honour, respectively. (NAN)
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to reducing maternal and child mortality through improved health interventions and grassroots engagement.
Speaking during a meeting with traditional rulers in Jalingo, Taraba State, she emphasized the administration’s focus on strengthening healthcare—particularly among women and youth—by targeting preventable diseases and improving service delivery.
“We are here to encourage frontline health workers by providing incentives and recognizing their efforts,” Tinubu stated. “When well-supported, we believe maternal and infant mortality rates will decline significantly.”
She underscored the crucial role traditional institutions play in community mobilization, urging monarchs to help raise awareness of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s ongoing health programs.
The First Lady also drew attention to the need for action on HIV/AIDS, especially mother-to-child transmission, which she described as persistently high. “Treatment for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis is available and free. We need to get this message to the people, and traditional leaders are key to that,” she added.
Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, echoed her sentiments, highlighting the government’s frontline healthcare efforts.
“In the North East alone, 8,500 frontline health workers have been trained—1,300 from Taraba. Over 1,000 health facilities receive quarterly funding from the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, including 170 in Taraba,” he said.
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, and First Lady Agyin Kefas, commended the federal interventions and noted they align with the state’s developmental priorities.
As part of her visit, Mrs. Tinubu donated 10,000 professional kits to midwives across the six North East states and presented a ₦50 million cheque to empower 1,000 women in Taraba.
Researchers have discovered that chewing gum releases hundreds of tiny plastic fragments directly into the mouth, raising concerns about microplastic exposure.
A study by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) found that a single gram of gum can release an average of 100 microplastic particles, with some brands shedding over 600.
Lead researcher Sanjay Mohanty emphasized that while no direct evidence links microplastics to health risks, the study highlights another way these tiny pollutants enter the body.
People who chew around 180 pieces of gum annually could ingest approximately 30,000 microplastic fragments. However, Mohanty noted that bottled water and other sources contribute significantly more to microplastic intake.
As the world marks International Women’s Day, 4 Communities by Communities (4CbyC) is highlighting the resilience of women battling cervical cancer. Through personal narratives, the organization aims to raise awareness about the disease, stressing the importance of early detection, vaccination, and community-driven healthcare solutions.
For Ene, the impact of cervical cancer became deeply personal following the loss of her aunt, Evelyn, and the declining health of her mother. Living in Awo-Kajola, their family’s once-vibrant evenings were shattered by grief. Fearing a tragic pattern, Ene sought answers at the One-Stop Shop for Health, where she met a clinician, Funke.
Funke’s explanation changed everything: cervical cancer was not a curse but a preventable disease. Testing confirmed Ene’s worst fears—her mother had Stage 3 cervical cancer. However, hope remained. Funke assured Ene that she and her sister, Blessing, could receive the HPV vaccine, preventing future cases.
Similarly, Jennifer’s story underscores the urgency of awareness and healthcare access. Misdiagnosed for years, her cervical cancer advanced unchecked, and by the time she received proper care, it was too late. Financial constraints and limited healthcare resources delayed her treatment, leading to her passing in 2020.
To prevent more cases like Jennifer’s, organizations like the SaliHoe Foundation are stepping in, offering free cervical cancer screenings, vaccinations, and education. Campaigns such as “Know Her, Save Her” are using digital platforms to spread life-saving information, while FemmeHealth connects women with screening and treatment options.
Directors of 4CbyC—Prof. Juliet Iwelunmor, Prof. Joe Tuckler, and Prof. Oliver Ezechi—emphasize the need for continued advocacy, early detection, and accessible healthcare.
“The fight against cervical cancer is not just about health; it’s about breaking down the barriers of stigma, access, and education,” they said. “Through collective action, we can create a world where no woman dies from a preventable cancer.”
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