Health

Trafficking: UN Women To Collaborate With Nigeria Governments In Curbing Menace

Published

4 years ago

November 23, 2019

Editor

Based on need for gender-responsiveness interventions to address forced migration and trafficking, United Nations (UN) Women in collaboration with the governments of Nigeria and Italy is implementing a pilot intervention in Edo and Lagos states, with a potential of upscaling to other parts of the country.

A cross section of panel discussants at the launching

Comfort Lamptey, UN Women coordinator disclosed this in Benin City at the formal launching of the Project on ‘Preventing Forced Migration and Trafficking of Women & Girls in Nigeria.’

She said the project launched was to both recognise and build on the efforts of the Nigerian government in addressing trafficking and irregular migration, promising to build on mechanisms and structures set up at state level, including the Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking and NGO Taskforce on Trafficking.

“The project being launched today both recognizes and builds on the efforts of the Nigerian government to address trafficking and irregular migration. Here in Edo State, it will build on mechanisms and structures set up at the State level, including the Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking and the NGO Taskforce on Trafficking.

Participants at the launching

“Nigeria presents itself simultaneously as country of origin, transit and destination for all streams of migration and trafficking. Beyond irregular migration, Nigeria also experiences significant trafficking”, she added.

According to the Coordinator, UN Women is working to support government of Nigeria’s developmental and humanitarian priorities and frameworks, adding that these are anchored in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

She further said the Goals hold that states collective interest and the most vulnerable people and populations are not left behind by economic, social and environmental progress.

“Out of the 17 SDGs, trafficking in persons is specifically mentioned in three targets under three goals: Goal 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and 16 (Peace Justice and Strong Institutions).The project we are launching today is therefore situated within broader efforts to support accelerated progress and realization of the SDGs”, she added.

Panel of discussants at the launching

Lamptey lamented that women and children constitute majority of those trafficked to Europe as well as being irregular migrants to other African destinations and the Middle East, adding that such irregular migration is being facilitated through agents, family acquaintances, etc.

She noted, “Women and children constitute the majority of those trafficked to Europe, as well as being irregular migrants to other African destinations and the Middle East. While there are dynamic shifts over time, the main sites of forced documented and undocumented migration and trafficking include Edo State, the Delta and some Northern states.

“As most of you know, the trafficking and irregular migration of women and girls in Nigeria is facilitated either formally through agents, or informally through family and acquaintances. Criminal gangs and networks operating are also increasingly involved in trafficking.

“Women and girls are primarily working in or trafficked into sectors like domestic work, the sex sector and farms, which further exposes them to a range of other violations, including various forms of gender-based violence.”

Lamptey further lamented that in spite of efforts being made by government and individual bodies, potential for women’s organizations to support efforts aimed at preventing and addressing the effects of forced migration and trafficking remain under-utilized.

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Health

HEALTH CORNER: Indian Hemp Benefits, Risk In Its Consumption

Published

2 weeks ago

September 9, 2023

Editor

Indian hemp, also known as Cannabis, Igbo or Marijuana, is a controversial substance with potential health risks and benefits. The effects of Indian hemp can vary depending on the individual, the method of consumption, and the dosage. Listed below are some of the potential risks and benefits:

A. Risks:

1. Addiction Potential: Indian hemp contains compounds, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), that can be addictive for some individuals. Regular and heavy use of Indian hemp can lead to dependency, making it difficult to quit.

2. Impaired Cognitive Function: Heavy and prolonged use of Indian hemp can affect memory, attention, and cognitive abilities, particularly in young individuals whose brains are still developing.

3. Mental Health Concerns: Some studies suggest that heavy cannabis use, especially in those with a predisposition to mental health conditions, may increase the risk of developing or exacerbating mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis (referred to by the medically untrained as madness).

4. Respiratory Issues: Smoking Indian hemp can lead to respiratory problems, similar to those associated with tobacco smoking, such as chronic bronchitis and lung damage.

B. Potential Benefits:

1. Pain Relief: Some individuals use Indian hemp to alleviate chronic pain, including pain associated with conditions such as arthritis or multiple sclerosis. Certain components of cannabis have analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.

2. Nausea and Vomiting: Indian hemp can be used to alleviate symptoms of nausea and vomiting, particularly in individuals undergoing chemotherapy or those with conditions such as HIV/AIDS.

3. Appetite Stimulation: In cases of certain medical conditions where appetite has been compromised, Indian hemp can help stimulate appetite.

4. Epilepsy: Evidence suggests that a specific cannabis-derived medication called Epidiolex can be effective in treating certain forms of epilepsy in children.

5. Reduction of anxiety: A chemical found in hemp works by lowering autonomic and emotional reactions to stress and interfering with the consolidation and extinction of frightened memories, that has been linked to anxiety disorders, autistic spectrum disorder, psychosis, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Please note that the use of Indian hemp for medical purposes should be done under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional. Additionally, the legal status of Indian hemp varies globally and within different jurisdictions, so it is important to adhere to local laws and regulations.

Overall, the use of Indian hemp should be approached cautiously, and individuals considering its use should weigh the potential risks and benefits and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Dr. Yeibake, Weriwoyingipre Silver is a Senior Registrar, Paediatrics, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.

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Health

HEALTH CORNER: What You Need Know About Chlamydia Infection, Prevention

Published

2 weeks ago

September 8, 2023

Editor

By Silver Yeibake

Chlamydia infection is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is one of the most prevalent STIs worldwide and can affect both men and women. In 2020 alone, the WHO estimated 129 million new infections worldwide, making it the most common STI.

Chlamydia is primarily transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also be passed from a mother to her newborn during childbirth. Many people with chlamydia may not experience any symptoms, which increases the risk of unknowingly spreading the infection.

When symptoms do occur, they can vary between men and women. In men, symptoms may include a burning sensation while urinating, discharge from the penis, and swollen or painful testicles. Women may experience abnormal vaginal discharge, painful urination, and pelvic pain. Chlamydia can also infect the rectum and throat, leading to symptoms such as rectal pain, discharge, or a sore throat.

If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can cause infertility or increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. In men, untreated chlamydia can lead to epididymitis, a painful condition that can affect fertility. Chlamydia also increases the risk of contracting or spreading HIV.

Fortunately, chlamydia can be easily diagnosed through a simple urine test or a swab from the affected area, such as the cervix, urethra, rectum, or throat. It can be treated effectively with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional. It is important to complete the full course of medication to ensure the infection is properly cleared.

To prevent chlamydia and other STIs, practicing safe sex is crucial. This includes using condoms correctly and consistently, getting regular STI screenings, discussing sexual health with partners, and considering mutual monogamy or maintaining a long-term mutually monogamous relationship.

If any STI is suspected, it is important to seek medical attention for properevaluation, diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, informing sexual partners so they can also get tested and receive treatment if necessary is essential to prevent further spread of the infection.

Dr. Yeibake, Weriwoyingipre Silver is a Senior Registrar, Paediatrics, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State

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Health

LP Unable To Prove Claims Of Over-Voting, Presidential Tribunal Rules [Live

Published

2 weeks ago

September 6, 2023

Editor

The Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT) is set to deliver judgement today. Security is already beefed up ahead of the verdict.

Nigerians from all walks of life are waiting eagerly to witness the televised live proceedings from the Tribunal venue at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) are challenging President Bola Tinubu’s declaration as the winner of the 2023 presidential election.

04:37 pm: The petitioners have failed to establish their allegations of overvoting and voter suppression, the court ruled.

4:03 pm: The court is highlighting issues of corruption which Obi claimed were recorded in the elections. They include vote suppression, inflation of results, and over-voting.

But Just Tsammani said some paragraphs relating to these claims have been struck out earlier due to their vague and generic nature.

3:41 pm: The PEPT ruled that Obi failed to establish that INEC intentionally refused to quickly upload polling unit results to IReV so as to alter the results in Tinubu’s favour.

“The petitioner made the allegation of non-compliance a substantial part of their case. By the provisions of Section 135(2) of the Electoral Act, they are required to show how such noncompliance substantially affected them. If they fail to show the same, the petition fails,” the court ruled.

3:12 pm: According to the PEPT, INEC regulations and the Electoral Act give room for manual collation of results. It said electronic transmission is optional at best.

3:08 pm: The court added that the only device that must be used by INEC for elections is the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS)

It noted that there’s no regulation showing BVAS must be used to electronically transmit results from polling units.

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