HEALTH NEWS OF THE WEEK

WHO ISSUES GUIDANCE TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO HEARING CARE IN LOW- AND MIDDLE-INCOME SETTINGS
For World Hearing Day, marked on 3rd March, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released new technical guidance on hearing aid service delivery approaches for low- and middle-income settings. The guidance includes two approaches, one targeting adults and the other for children 5 years and over, and is accompanied by resources with tips for healthy ear care practices, use of hearing aids and how to support people living with hearing loss.

The release of the new guide coincided with World Hearing Day 2024 with the theme “Changing mindsets: Let’s make ear and hearing care a reality for all”. This theme highlights the importance of correcting misconceptions of hearing loss that are common among the general public and primary health providers.

PETS BRING PEOPLE BIG MENTAL HEALTH BOOST
According to a news release from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), which jointly funded a poll, more than two-thirds of respondents call their pet "a true friend," a "companion" and someone who "provide[s] unconditional love and support." The poll was conducted early last month with 2,200 respondents.

ONE IN EIGHT PEOPLE ARE NOW LIVING WITH OBESITY
A recent report from The Lancet reveals a startling statistic that more than a billion people worldwide are now classified as obese, posing significant health risks.

According to The Lancet’s official website on Sunday, March 3rd, the study highlighted a concerning trend, with obesity rates among adults more than doubling since 1990 and quadrupling among children and adolescents aged five to 19.

WORLD CANCER DAY: NIGERIAN HOSPITAL IDENTIFIES ‘UNDER-EXPLORED’ AREAS IN CARE MANAGEMENT
Breast cancer is now the leading cancer death in Nigeria, as liver cancer and prostate cancer follow closely, with a reported death rate of 72,000 annually. 

A multidisciplinary committee in charge of cancer care management at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, identified critical areas in the management of cancer cases that are either “under-explored or underdeveloped” in the country. The committee of diverse specialization was launched in 2021 to effectively manage Nigeria’s estimated 116,000 cancer patients and about 70,000 annual mortality.

CURRENT WEATHER CONDITION COULD WORSEN MENINGITIS OUTBREAK IN NIGERIA – NIMET WARNS
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), has warned that the prevailing weather conditions favour the prevalence of meningitis outbreak in Nigeria.

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Nigeria recorded a total of 303 confirmed cases and 190 deaths from Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) across 29 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between 2022 to 2023.

NCDC noted that the highest burden of CSM in Nigeria occurs in the “Meningitis Belt”, which includes all 19 states in the Northern region, the FCT, and some southern states such as Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, and Osun.