HEALTH NEWS FROM THE HEALTH CITY

Patient with transplanted pig kidney discharged from hospital

The world’s first patient with a transplanted pig kidney, Rick Slayman, has left the hospital almost three weeks after the operation. This was announced by the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, on the social app, X. It was also added that he is recovering well and will continue his recovery at home with his family.

According to the hospital, 62-year old Rick had previously suffererd from a life-threatening kidney disease before receiving the genetically implanted organ on 16th March, 2024, through a procedure known as xenotransplantation. 

The procedure has been the subject of research for many years as pigs are considered suitable as donors, because their metabolism is similar to that of humans. However, the genetic makeup of the donor animals must be altered for their organs to be used.

NAFDAC arrests drug hawkers, seizes N50 million worth of products

The investigation and enforcement directorate of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), on a targeted raid on drug hawkers has arrested hawkers and seized drugs worth N50 million in Apapa, Lagos State. The seized products include aphrodisiacs and other illicit drugs.

The agency announced that the operation was part of its ongoing efforts to combat the distribution and sale of unauthorised pharmaceuticals in the country.

Vaccine: Gavi announces $250m grant to Nigeria as Tinubu urges greater collaboration with organisation

President Bola Tinubu has called on Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to collaborate with potential Nigerian vaccine manufacturers to ensure equitable access to life-saving vaccines for children and adults. He said this in a meeting with a delegation of GAVI led by its Chief Executive Officer, Sania Nishtar, at the State House.

President Tinubu also added that partnership on local vaccine production has become necessary owing to the challenges faced by developing countries, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious disease outbreaks.

World Water Day: Lagos govt unveils new WASH policy

The Lagos State Government has unveiled its new Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) policy, aimed at improving access to clean water and sanitation. The state government said the policy was in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Six.

The policy was presented during an event organised in commemoration of the 2024 World Water Day with the theme: “Water for Peace.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Lagos State WASH policy was developed by the State Government with technical support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).