Health News Of The Week

Diphtheria: Lagos confirms 14 cases at King’s College
Lagos State Government has confirmed 14 diphtheria cases among pupils at King’s College Annex, Victoria Island, Lagos, with one reported death. Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, confirmed the cases during a visit to the school yesterday. He was accompanied by the Special Adviser to the governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, and other top government officials. The visit was aimed at assessing the situation and implementing measures to contain the spread of the disease. The delegation, which included the Permanent Secretary of Lagos Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, and Director of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, Dr. Ismail Abdus-Salam, inspected key facilities.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/thenationonlineng.net/diphtheria-lagos-confirms-14-cases-at-kings-college/amp/

CLIMATE ANXIETY; MENTAL HEALTH EXPERTS' ADVICE ON COPING WITH WORRIES ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE.
Climate change is impacting almost every aspect of a child’s health and well-being. Direct exposure to climate events, as well as indirect exposure through news and social media about subjects like environmental devastation and government inaction, can further increase stress leading to anxiety, depression and a lack of hope for the future. The world is failing to protect children from climate change, but parents and caregivers can play an important role in helping their children navigate the realities of a changing world.

https://www.unicef.org/parenting/mental-health/climate-anxiety

WHO HIGHLIGHTS TOP CAUSES OF MATERNAL DEATHS, URGES BETTER HEALTHCARE
The World Health Organisation, WHO, has reported that hemorrhage, severe bleeding, and hypertensive disorders like preeclampsia are the leading causes of maternal deaths worldwide. In a statement released on March 8, WHO reported that, according to a new study, these conditions were responsible for around 80,000 fatalities in 2020, the most recent year for which estimates are available. The study also found that these conditions accounted for an additional 50,000 fatalities in the same year. The report emphasises that many women still lack access to lifesaving treatments and effective care during and after pregnancy and childbirth.

https://dailynigerian.com/who-highlights-top-causes-of-maternal-deaths-urges-better-healthcare/

NCDC ISSUED A PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY ON LASSA FEVER
On the 5th of March 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. (NCDC) was notified of a confirmed case of Lassa fever by the Ondo State Ministry of Health, in a 31yr old physician managed at a private health facility in Ondo State after returning from a trip abroad (UK). The patient departed Nigeria 19/02/2025 and returned 27/02/2025. Samples were taken late on Friday, 28/02/2025 on a suspicion of Lassa fever, but the patient unfortunately passed away in the early hours of Saturday, 01/03/2025. The laboratory investigation returned a result was Lassa Fever positive on PCR on Tuesday 04/03/2025. The patient was said to have visited his fiancée in Edo state, as well as family and friends before traveling.

https://ncdc.gov.ng/themes/common/docs/protocols/360_1741614804.pdf