Health News Of The Week

Malaria vaccine rolled out for the first time in Nigeria.
Nigeria has begun rolling out the R21/Matrix-M vaccine against malaria, which is the first of its kind available in the country. As the nation with the highest malaria deaths globally, the vaccine aims to protect children aged 5 to 15 months.  The vaccine said to be 75% effective, is being launched in Bayelsa and Kebbi before expanding to other parts of the country next year. 
(BBC News, 2nd 2024)

Lagos Advocates Stronger Smoking Enforcement
The Lagos State Safety Commission (LSC) and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) have launched an advocacy campaign to enforce the ban on smoking in public spaces. LSC Director-General Mr Lanre Mojola emphasized the health risks of indoor smoking, including lung cancer and second-hand smoke dangers. As the festive season approaches, Mojola called for compliance with the Law from businesses and patrons, focusing initially on education and awareness. 
(NewsCentral, 2nd December 2024)

UN Boss urges Stakeholders to take right steps to end AIDS
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in his message for World AIDS Day, emphasized that ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 is possible if global leaders overcome healthcare challenges and uphold human rights. He also warned against discriminatory laws that stigmatize vulnerable groups, stressing that the fight against AIDS can be won when everyone can access necessary services without fear. (EnvironewsNigeria, 2nd December 2924)

Impacts of Maternal Mortality
Maternal mortality is a critical issue, with a WHO report highlighting that in 2020, there was a maternity-related death nearly every two minutes, totaling around 800 preventable deaths daily, predominantly in Africa. Nigeria is off track to meet the goal of reducing maternal deaths to below 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. As Vivianne Ihekweazu from Nigeria Health Watch emphasizes, maternal mortality is a collective concern, and investing in maternal health is essential for a future with negligible maternal deaths. 
(Nigeria Health Watch, 30th November 2024)