Health

Alarming Rate Of Unsafe Sex Among Youths In Edo, A Call For Action

Published

4 years ago

June 7, 2021

By Joseph Ebitibi Kanjo

Speaking recently at a Round Table Discussion with media practitioners in Edo State, Cynthia Adeseiye, Adolescent Health Desk Officer, Edo State Ministry of Health, gave a shocking revelation. Adeseiye, while speaking at the event titled ‘Family Planning and Adolescent and Youth Reproductive Health Information on Edo Media Space; Way Forward,’ gave a worrisome statistics of 72.2% of adolescent and youth being exposed to sex at the early age of 15 and 19 in the state.

As worrisome as this figure may be to any well-meaning person in the state, particularly parents, the Desk Officer gave a further explicit breakdown of the figure in sex categories.

According to her, a survey carried out by Edo SEEFOR shows that 10.4% of male are exposed to sex at the tender age of 14, while 17.1% female are exposed to the same act at this same age. More so, data presented by the health practitioner reveals that, unlike the early age of 14, the male folks are more exposed to sex from ages 15 to 19. A critical look at the info-graphic given, 75.6% male goes into sex at ages between 15 and 19 while the female sex debut at the same age was pegged at 72.2% in the data.

More so, the info-graphic presented by the health practitioner at the event shows that 46% girls remain sexually active after their debut resulting to about 66.60% unwanted pregnancy among these girls. According to the Desk Officer, of this 66.60% with unwanted pregnancy, 50% end up committing unsafe abortion. This they do probably just to hide their shame.

This worrisome situation has been attributed to many factors such as reduced awareness among adolescents and youths on the different family planning methods, otherwise known as contraceptive, available to them.

While some may not be aware of such contraceptives, few are aware. In as much as they cannot be prevented absolutely from having sex, it behoves on stakeholders concerned to guide these youths and adolescents on safe sex so as not to truncate their future, but unfortunately the awareness campaign on safe sex and the use of contraceptive is low in the state according to research. Or is it right to say the awareness is there but those concerned are not aware or do not bother to know?

For instance, data given at the event show Edo adolescents and youths (female) have a very low exposure to information on safe sex cum contraceptives usage, unfortunately, they wallow in the act (sex). The info-graphic presented shows only 17.2% adolescents from ages 15 to 19 get information on available contraceptive, the uses and the different methods available via radio in the state while a lower percentage of 15.4 get theirs from television stations.

As regards government hospitals, 14.3% adolescents get information on the use of contraceptive from these hospitals while 41.7% get their information on safe sex from community health practitioners. But the most worrisome, which should be a major concern to stakeholders, is that these girls depend on unreliable sources for information on contraceptive and uses.

This is because, according to the information, chemist has the highest patronage on contraceptive from these girls followed by friends in the street. In the info-graphic, 42.9 of the young girls in the state are being enlightened by their friends on contraceptive while 68.4% of these girls at adolescent get such information from a chemist.

This is a worrisome situation. They could be misinformed and misled by their friends on the use of contraceptive. More so, the chemists these girls get information from on different contraceptives and uses are not, most often, handled by core professionals, particularly the front-end persons.

This portends danger. Stakeholders must rise to their responsibility of creating awareness on available contraceptives and uses. Government, the media and other stakeholders must be involved on the awareness campaign on life planning for the youths and family planning for families in the state.

Call For Action

Emphasizing on this, Dr. David Odiko, Director Primary Health Care, Edo state ministry of health as a result solicited media practitioners’ partnership in promoting family planning in their different media organisations so as to reach a larger population. He further appealed for more collaboration and partnership, adding “I hope it will continue,” in appreciation of the collaboration so far from the media.

“We are hoping that we will be given space in your medium to talk, not just on reproductive health but health in general so that people can be safer and that is when we can be sure the economy is better for everyone,” he said.

Mrs.Patricia Osazuwa, Reproductive Health Coordinator, state ministry of health, also implored stakeholders in the media to be more committed to promoting information on family planning, adult and youth reproductive health, just as she called for more effective collaboration across media space and stakeholders.

“Promote Family Planning and Adolescent and Youth Reproductive Health information on the media space. Join and participate in the existing media advocacy group,” she said.

She attributed the high mortality rate and unwanted pregnancy cum abortion in the society to low campaign on the needed information for the people concerned.

Benefits Attached To Family Planning

Speaking on the numerous benefits attached to family planning, Mrs. Osazuwa said a woman into family planning will not be scared of unwanted pregnancy and have time to support her husband in the home. This will reduce the burden on men to take care of their families.

She said family planning reduces stress, anxiety and thinking on the man while the woman has time to rest and regain her body before another pregnancy.

“She is able to breastfeed her child longer and spend more time with the children,” she added.

She continues, “Family planning reduces unwanted pregnancy and abortion among youths. It reduces death among children and mothers and allows proper distribution of available resources.”

Health

LASG FLags Off Polio Outbreak Response Campaign

Published

6 months ago

January 20, 2025

Editor

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, has launched the 2025 Polio Outbreak Response Campaign, reaffirming its commitment to eradicating polio and safeguarding the health of its children.

The ceremony, held at the Simpson Primary Healthcare Centre, was led by the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs. Widad Jumoke Mustafa, a member of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO).

In her address, the First Lady emphasised the state government’s proactive measures to keep Lagos polio-free, highlighting the critical importance of the campaign in preventing the debilitating effects of poliomyelitis, which can result in paralysis or death.

The First Lady also called on parents, community leaders, and stakeholders to support the campaign by ensuring eligible children are vaccinated.

Targeting children aged 0-59 months, vaccination teams will administer the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) to prevent virus transmission.

Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser on Health, expressed gratitude to Lagosians for their continued cooperation in the fight against polio. While appreciating all healthcare workers and partners for their services, Mrs. Ogunyemi encouraged parents to present their children and wards for the exercise.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government, Mrs. Omolola Rashidat Essien opined that Immunization is key in ensuring that children are kept safe from polio and other vaccine preventable diseases.

Dr. Abimbola Bowale, the Supervising Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, who also spoke at the event, underscored the life-saving importance of immunization.

“All children aged 0-59 months need multiple doses of the polio vaccine to ensure full protection. Any child missed represents a potential risk for the poliovirus to spread. The vaccine is safe, effective, and crucial in keeping our communities polio-free,” he stated.

Dr. Bowale also outlined several strategies to ensure the success of the campaign, including fixed post teams stationed at primary healthcare centres and public health facilities, house-to-house visits, and a transit strategy to reach special locations such as places of worship, schools, motor parks, and other public venues.

The event concluded with Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu officially launched the campaign, marking a renewed effort to maintain Lagos State’s polio-free status.

Headline

Lagos Cholera Cases Rise To 421

Published

1 year ago

June 22, 2024

Editor

The Lagos state suspected cholera cases have risen to 421.

The Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi disclosed this on his Instagram handle @profakinabayomi on Saturday.

“As of June 20, 2024, an additional four suspected cholera cases have been reported, as illustrated in the accompanying graph,” he wrote.

He noted that the Emergency Operations Centre in collaboration with all relevant partners is actively engaged in contact tracing, community-based surveillance, awareness campaigns, sample testing, and ensuring that confirmed cholera cases receive appropriate medical treatment.

On Friday, the commissioner confirmed 35 cases out of the 417 suspected cases and 24 deaths across 20 Local Government Areas in the state.

The cases were reported from Agege, Badagry, Ikeja, Mushin, Ajeromi-Ifelofun, Epe, Ikorodu, Ojo, Alimosho, and Eti-Osa.

Others were Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Amuwo-Odofin, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos Island, Shomolu, Apapa, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos mainland, and Surulere.

Cholera is a food and water-borne disease caused by ingesting the bacteria— Vibrio cholerae — in contaminated water and food. Cholera can cause severe acute watery diarrhoea, and the severe forms of the disease can kill within hours if left untreated.

In Nigeria, cholera is an endemic and seasonal disease, occurring annually mostly during the rainy season and more frequently in areas with poor sanitation.

The World Health Organisation on Thursday announced a spike in cholera in several regions of the world, with almost 195,000 cases and over 1,900 deaths reported in 24 countries since the start of 2024.

WHO said the Eastern Mediterranean Region reported the highest number of cases, followed by the African Region, the Region of the Americas, the Southeast Asia Region, and the European Region.

The global health body, however, noted that there are no reported cases in the Western Region, according to its bulletin released on Wednesday.

It said it exhausted its global stockpile of Oral Cholera Vaccines by March but was able to exceed “the emergency target of five million doses in early June for the first time in 2024.”

Health

AUTISM: What You Need To Know

Published

1 year ago

April 6, 2024

Editor

By Silver Yeibake

Autism, commonly known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. Autism is referred to as a spectrum condition since it can manifest in a variety of symptoms and abilities. While the actual cause of autism is unknown, evidence suggests that genetic and environmental factors interact to influence its development.

The risk factors include a sibling with autism, advanced age of parents, exposure to certain air pollutants and pesticides before birth, extreme prematurity, mothers with diabetes, immune system disorders or obesity, any difficulty with delivery leading to deprivation of oxygen to the baby’s brain, fever during pregnancy, lack of certain vitamins minerals during pregnancy, and certain genetic conditions, such as Down, fragile X, and Rett syndromes.

“Risk factors can not on their own cause a disease. However, they can increase the likelihood of that disease in a person.”

It is important to know that contrary to trending claims online, there is no scientific or medical evidence that vaccines or consumption of sugar are risk factors for autism.

Autism is defined by difficulties in social interaction and communication. Individuals with autism may struggle to grasp social cues, maintain eye contact, and engage in typical back-and-forth conversations. Some people may also engage in meaningless, repetitive actions, such as hand-flapping or rocking, and have strong interests in specific areas.

It is essential to remember that autism is a lifelong diagnosis, but with early intervention and adequate care, people with autism can live fulfilling lives.
Autism treatment frequently includes behavioral therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills training. Each individual with autism is unique, thus interventions should be tailored to meet their personal needs and strengths.

In spite of the difficulties that autism can cause, many people with autism possess unique talents and abilities. Some people may succeed in fields such as music, art, mathematics, or programming, thus it is important for society to acknowledge and honor the qualities and achievements of people with autism.

In summary, autism is a complicated and diverse disorder that affects individuals in various ways. By raising autism knowledge, understanding, and acceptance, we can build a more inclusive society in which people with autism can thrive and attain their full potential.

Dr. Yeibake, Weriwoyingipre Silver.
Senior Registrar,
Faculty Of Pediatrics,
WACP