Health

By Muhammad Sulaiman

A recent study conducted by the University of Otago has found that using electronic devices in bed, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, is linked to poorer sleep quality. The research indicates that individuals who engage in screen time while in bed experience delayed sleep onset and reduced overall sleep duration.

Dr. Bradley Brosnan, the lead author of the study, emphasized that while screen time before bed had little impact on sleep, usage once in bed significantly impaired sleep quality. The study observed that 99% of participants used screens in the two hours before bed, with more than half continuing this usage once in bed, leading to an average delay of 30 minutes in falling asleep.

Health experts warn that poor sleep can have serious long-term effects on mental and physical well-being, including increased risks of anxiety, depression, obesity, and heart disease.

Dr. Amina Bello, a sleep researcher at the National Institute of Sleep Research, who was not involved in the study, commented on the findings: “This research reinforces the importance of creating a tech-free bedtime routine. Even just 30 minutes without screens before bed can make a significant difference.”

The study recommends setting screen curfews, charging devices outside the bedroom, and engaging in relaxing activities like reading or meditation before bed to promote healthier sleep habits.

By Lawal Dahiru Mamman

Some Nigerians with the wrong intention to mock believe that sick individuals, particularly those living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Africa, especially Nigeria, are now an “endangered species” due to the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO).

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, marking his return to the White House after defeating the Democratic candidate in a fierce election battle. As the world looked on to see how he would start fulfilling his promise to make “America great again,” he wasted no time signing executive orders that sent shockwaves around the globe.

One of his most controversial directives came just days into his presidency: the announcement of the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, an organization of which it had been a founding member since 1948. This move was not entirely unexpected, as Trump had previously attempted to exit the WHO in 2020 before his decision was overturned by President Joe Biden in 2021.

To the delight of his supporters and the disappointment of his critics, Trump successfully achieved the withdrawal in early 2025. In February, he made further decisions, including cutting funding to certain organizations such as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

WHO leadership bemoaned the decision for obvious reasons. According to financing data, the U.S. contributed an estimated $988 million between January and November 2024, marking approximately 14% of WHO’s $6.9 billion budget. The organization further noted that U.S. funding provides the backbone for many large-scale emergency operations to combat diseases globally.

Citing an example, the WHO stated, “U.S. funding covers 95% of the WHO’s tuberculosis program in Europe, along with 60% of the agency’s TB efforts in Africa, the Western Pacific, and headquarters in Geneva.”

The African Union (AU) also expressed deep concern over the development as events continued to unfold. In a statement, AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat emphasized the crucial role the U.S. has played in shaping global health standards over the past seven decades. He noted that the U.S. was a key supporter in establishing the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), which works closely with WHO to tackle global health challenges, including those on the African continent.

This concern, coupled with comments such as those in the opening paragraph of this piece, should not be taken at face value or dismissed as mere press statements. It warrants careful consideration. Although the latter’s comment may be seen as a reaction to unfolding events or an attempt to mock Nigeria and Africa jokingly, more is at stake if the lives of millions of Africans solely depend on that funding.

Dead Aid: Why Aid Is Not Working and How There Is a Better Way for Africa, a 2009 book written by Zambian economist Dambisa Moyo, comes to mind. It earnestly challenged the traditional approach to foreign aid in Africa.

Moyo argues that foreign aid has failed to lift Africa out of poverty and has instead fostered a culture of dependency, corruption, and stagnation. She claims that aid has weakened Africa’s incentive to develop its own economic and political systems. Consequently, it has hindered the growth of Africa’s health sector.

It is a universal truth that no nation can survive in isolation; however, countries should be able to provide for their basic survival needs. The concern raised by the AU may validate Moyo’s hypothesis, as Africa remains dependent on aid from foreign entities like the WHO, despite having a continent-wide centre for disease control.

In 2001, African leaders signed the Abuja Declaration, promising to increase budgetary allocation for health, eradicate HIV/AIDS, and strengthen the health sector through improved infrastructure, human resources, and access to essential medicines.

Two decades later, we are lamenting a single nation’s withdrawal from the WHO because we have failed to uphold the promises we made to ourselves. What will happen if other “powerful” countries choose to leave? Will our already poor health metrics deteriorate? This should serve as a wake-up call.

All hope is not lost, as some progress has been made. In Nigeria, there was a breakthrough in November 2024. Doctors at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), in collaboration with the Sickle Cell Foundation, successfully carried out a bone marrow transplant on two patients. This procedure once thought impossible in Nigeria, was described as “a significant step forward in the treatment of sickle cell disease—the first of its kind in West Africa.”

Also, in February 2025, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) joined the ranks of medical facilities that have successfully performed kidney transplants.

Nigeria can build upon and enhance these developments, attracting patients from other regions for treatment. This influx will generate revenue and may elevate us to a point where we no longer depend on funding from external organizations.

Nigeria and other African nations can leverage their existing resources to generate revenue while investing further in research to discover cures or treatments for diseases for which we have traditionally relied on palliatives.

Lawal Dahiru Mamman writes from Abuja and can be reached at dahirulawal90@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A recent analysis of how medical professionals are spread across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has uncovered some striking differences in the number of doctors available to meet the needs of the country’s growing population.

Leading the pack is Lagos, the nation’s bustling commercial center, boasting an impressive 7,385 doctors. Following closely is the FCT with 4,453 doctors, and then Rivers, which has 2,194 doctors.

Other notable states include Enugu with 2,070 doctors, Oyo with 1,996, and Edo with 1,777, all of which highlight the correlation between urbanization and the demand for healthcare services.

These areas tend to attract more healthcare workers, drawn by the opportunities in metropolitan settings.

However, the report also sheds light on a troubling disparity in healthcare professional availability across different states.

While southern and southwestern states generally enjoy a better doctor-to-population ratio, the northern and northeastern regions are facing a significant shortage of medical personnel.

Taraba, situated in northeastern Nigeria, has the fewest doctors, with only 201, which raises serious concerns about the challenges of providing adequate healthcare in that area.

Other states like Yobe (275 doctors), Adamawa (280 doctors), and Kebbi (273 doctors) further illustrate how the distribution of medical staff is heavily tilted towards more urbanized and economically prosperous regions.

Among the states with lower doctor counts, Zamfara (267 doctors), Jigawa (255 doctors), and Gombe (485 doctors) also highlight a significant gap in healthcare access.

This uneven distribution means that many areas in Nigeria, especially in the north and rural regions, are struggling to deliver quality healthcare services to their communities.

In contrast, southern states like Akwa Ibom (888 doctors) and Abia (829 doctors) show a more favorable situation, underscoring the ongoing challenges in achieving equitable healthcare access across the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kano State government has honored Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba for his exceptional contributions to the state’s development.

Dr. Magashi, who serves as the Technical Adviser to the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Disabled, as well as the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, is also the Chair of the AMG Foundation.

His efforts have been instrumental in advancing initiatives that support women and other vulnerable groups.

During the International Women’s Day celebration at the Kano State Government House on Monday, March 17, 2025, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and Disabled, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi Sani, presented him with an Award of Excellence.

The recognition shows his dedication to improving the well-being of Kano State residents, particularly in the areas of health, humanitarian services, and poverty alleviation.

While presenting the award, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi Sani stated:

“Dr. Magashi has decades-long dedication to public service and commitment to improving the lives of Kano’s underserved communities. He led several reforms in the health sector leading to the establishment of so many agencies, notably PHIMA, KHETFUND KUSH, KNCDC to mention but few.”

She further acknowledged his role in shaping policies, saying:

“His strategic insights and leadership were also vital as Chairman of the health transition committee, where he collaborated closely with His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf to craft a transformative agenda for Kano State’s healthcare.”

Additionally, she presented his contributions to governance:

“He also led the technical committee which supported H.E. Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf to develop his campaign blueprint in 2022.”

Dr. Magashi’s recognition underscores his commitment to public service and his lasting impact on health and social welfare initiatives in Kano State.

By Maimuna Katuka Aliyu

Maternal mortality, the death of a woman during pregnancy or childbirth, remains a cruel and devastating reality. Despite advancements in medicine, millions of women, especially in low- and middle-income countries, face preventable deaths due to systemic failures and societal neglect.

Why Mothers Die

Several factors contribute to maternal mortality, often worsened by inadequate healthcare infrastructure and socio-economic challenges:

1. Severe Bleeding: Postpartum hemorrhage is the leading cause, especially in areas without skilled birth attendants.

2. Infections: Poor hygiene and lack of proper care lead to life-threatening infections after childbirth.

3. Pre-eclampsia and Eclampsia: High blood pressure during pregnancy causes fatal complications when untreated.

4. Unsafe Abortions: A significant number of deaths stem from unregulated and unsafe abortion practices.

5. Underlying Health Issues: Chronic conditions like malaria, HIV/AIDS, and anemia exacerbate pregnancy risks.

In rural areas, the situation is even grimmer. Women often avoid hospitals due to cultural taboos, ignorance, or financial constraints. Many endure days of labor at home, resorting to harmful traditional concoctions instead of seeking professional care. Poor infrastructure and untrained healthcare providers further complicate the situation, leaving mothers vulnerable to preventable deaths.

When it comes to Post-natal care, there isn’t any attention given to the mother after birth on what she eats and how she feels. Mostly, women undergo pain and tear of different degrees and suffer in pain.

Most women suffering from Eclampsia that are brought to the hospital who don’t go for antenatal care, health officials won’t know exactly what is wrong with them, so if she’s having headache, they either prescribe bordrex or sudrex in a chemist for you to take, if its malaria, they haven’t run any tests on you too confirm, they’ll prescribe paracetamol for you to take. Before you know it, she doesn’t have any blood in her body. Lastly, she’ll be rushed to the hospital breathing heavily, and before you get donors to supply blood to her, it might be too late.

People tend to give birth without control, good health, or good food to eat, which also makes the uterus suffer a lot.

The Four Deadly Delays

Maternal mortality is worsened by four critical delays that often seal a woman’s fate:

1. Delay in Seeking Care: Cultural beliefs, ignorance, and financial struggles hinder timely decisions to seek help.2. Delay in Reaching a Facility: Poor roads, lack of transportation, and distance to hospitals mean many women never make it in time.

3. Delay in Receiving Care: Bureaucratic processes, understaffed hospitals, and unskilled personnel result in deadly delays once women reach healthcare facilities.

4. Delay in Referral: When facilities cannot handle emergencies, referral systems are often inefficient, leading to further loss of life.

Ripple Effects of Maternal Death

The death of a mother devastates families and communities. Children without mothers face a higher risk of malnutrition, poor education, and even death. Economically, families are burdened by healthcare costs and the loss of a primary caregiver.

A Call to Action

Addressing maternal mortality requires collective effort:

1. Healthcare Access: Build well-equipped facilities in rural areas and train more skilled birth attendants.

2. Education: Empower communities with knowledge about maternal health and safe childbirth practices.

3. Family Planning: Provide accessible contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancies and reduce unsafe abortions.

4. Government Intervention: Strengthen healthcare systems, remove financial barriers, and implement maternal health policies.

Last Line

Maternal mortality is more than a health statistic; it is a tragic indictment of societal failure. No woman should die giving life. Tackling the root causes, improving healthcare systems, and fostering awareness can save countless lives. The time to act is now—because every mother matters.

By Uzair Adam

The Kebbi State Government has confirmed the death of 26 people following a suspected outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis in three local government areas—Aliero, Gwandu, and Jega.

Addressing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Musa Ismaila, said the outbreak had led to an unusual rise in cases, with symptoms including fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and sensitivity to light.

“In week seven, we recorded a surge in cases, prompting investigations. A total of 248 suspected cases were identified, and 11 samples were sent to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja for confirmation. While two samples—one from Jega and another from Gwandu—tested negative, results for nine others are still pending,” he said.

The commissioner provided a breakdown of fatalities, stating that Gwandu recorded 15 deaths, Jega had six, Aliero reported four, while one person died in Argungu.

He further disclosed that advocacy efforts had been carried out in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

To contain the outbreak, the state government has allocated N30 million for the purchase of drugs and other medical supplies. Isolation centers have been set up in the affected areas, and essential medical commodities have been distributed to support treatment efforts.

Ismaila urged the public to adhere to health guidelines and report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility for prompt intervention.

By Uzair Adam

The federal government has announced plans to integrate 28,000 health workers into Nigeria’s healthcare system after their salaries were blocked by a policy under U.S. President Donald Trump.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television, noting Nigeria’s commitment to reducing reliance on foreign aid.

Pate acknowledged the significant support of the U.S. government in Nigeria’s health sector, particularly in combating HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.

However, he stressed that Nigeria aims to take full ownership of its healthcare system. “There are health workers, 28,000 of them, who have been paid through U.S. government support.

While we appreciate this, these workers are Nigerians, and we must transition them into our system,” he said.

Trump had issued an executive order that paused funding for HIV treatment in developing countries, affecting the operations of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Despite the funding suspension, the U.S. government later approved a waiver allowing continued treatment for people living with HIV.

Meanwhile, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently allocated N4.5 billion for HIV treatment packs to support affected Nigerians.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

His Royal Highness, the Emir of Dass, Alhaji Usman Bilyaminu Othman, alongside New Incentives All Babies Are Equal (NI-ABAE), has launched the All-Babies Livelihood Grant program to enhance routine immunisation rates. The initiative provides ₦5,000 to caregivers who complete their child’s vaccination schedule.

The launch, held at the town’s Primary Health Care Center (PHCC) in Dass, was organised by the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board (BSPHCDB). Esteemed guests included local government officials, WHO representatives, and community leaders.

Umar Faruq Abubakar, Head of Administration of Dass LGA, hailed the program as a crucial advancement in healthcare. Dan Asabe Abdullahi, State Director of Public Health, emphasized its importance amid economic challenges. He noted, “If sustained, this program will help reduce childhood deaths from preventable diseases.”

Under the initiative, caregivers will receive ₦1,000 for each of the six immunisation visits, totaling ₦6,000, plus an additional ₦5,000 upon schedule completion, amounting to ₦11,000, the NI-ABAE Stakeholder Relations Director, Nura Muhammad, highlighted the program’s potential benefits.

The Emir called the grant a timely intervention, addressing transportation barriers that hinder healthcare access. He urged caregivers to prioritise completing immunisation schedules and assured traditional leaders’ support in promoting community health.

In his closing remarks, the Emir expressed gratitude to NI-ABAE and partners for their commitment to improving immunisation efforts in Bauchi State.

By Saifullahi Attahir

If there was ever anything that gave me goosebumps and immense pleasure, it was being surrounded by intellectuals and mature minds absorbing facts and figures about governance, economics, public health, policymaking, national security, and international relations. In such situations I easily lose myself, forgetting almost all other things.

Even at medical school, my best lectures were those with frequent digressions, whereby the lecturer would discuss the pathogenesis of diseases for 30 minutes and later sidetrack into discussing politics, governance, or other life issues. I always enjoyed classes led by Prof. Sagir Gumel, Dr. Murtala Abubakar, Dr. Rasheed Wemimo, Dr. Aliyu Mai Goro, and co. During such lectures, I often observed some of my colleagues disappointment for such deviation. I rather casually show indifference, for I was eternally grateful for such discussions due to the stimulatory effect they had on my mind.

After such classes, I sometimes followed up with the lecturer, not to ask about a medical concept I did not grasp, but to ask for further explanation on policy making, project execution, budgetary expenditures, why African countries are left behind, and similar pressing issues.

In situations where I can’t catch up with the lecturer, I jotted down the questions for further deliberation.

One of the manifest feature I know about my greediness was at reading books. I can open five different books in a day. I lack such discipline to finish up one before another. I can start reading ‘Mein Kampf’ by Adolf Hitler, and halfway through 300 pages, I would pick up ‘My Life’ by Sir Ahmadu Bello, and would have to concurrently read both until the end.

I often scolded myself for such an attitude, but I can’t help myself. The only way to practice such discipline was to at least read two different books in a day. Such was a triumph in my practice of self-discipline. This was apart from my conventional medical textbooks.

To some of my friends, I was called an accidental medical doctor, but actually it was a perfect fate guided by the merciful Lord that I’m studying medicine. For it was only medicine that makes reading books easier for you. Although time is precious in this profession, but one finds it easier to do anything you are passionate about. The daily interaction we have with people at their most vulnerable state was another psychostimulant. Seeing humans suffering from disease conditions is heartachy. Some of the causes are mere ignorance, poverty, superstitions, and limited resources.

The contribution one can give couldn’t be limited to just prescribing drugs or surgical procedures that end up affecting one person. It’s much better to involve one self in to position that may bring possible change to the whole society even in form of orientation.

What also motivated me more was how I wasn’t the first to traverse this similar path. Bibliophiles were common among medical students and medical professionals.

At international level, the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dr. Mahathir Muhammad, was a physician. Most of the current economic development of Malaysia was attributed to him. The South American revolutionary figure Che Guevara was a physician. Atul Gawande was an endocrinologist, health policy analyst, adviser to former President Obama, campaign volunteer to former President Bill Clinton, and adviser to USAID/WHO on health policies.

Frantz Fanon was another physician, psychiatrist, racial discrimination activist, and political writer. Dr. Zakir Naik was a renowned Islamic scholar, comparative religion expert, and physician.

At the national level, Prof. Usman Yusuf is a haematologist, former NHIS DG, and currently a political activist. Dr. Aminu Abdullahi Taura was a psychiatrist and former SSG to the Jigawa state government. Dr. Nuraddeen Muhammad was a psychiatrist and former cabinet minister to President Goodluck Jonathan.

During ward rounds and clinics, my mind often wanders to enquire not just about the diagnosis but the actual cause of the disease condition; why would a 17-year-old multiparous young lady develop peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM)? Why would a 5-year-old child develop severe anaemia from a mosquito bite? Why would a 25-year-old friend of mine develop chronic kidney disease, and his family would have to sell all their belongings for his treatment? Why are our Accident and Emergency units filled with road traffic accident cases? Was it bad road conditions or lack of adherence to traffic laws and orders?

Why are African countries still battling with 19th century diseases like Tuberculosis, filariasis, and malarial infections? Why issues of fighting cervical cancer and vaccination campaigns are treated with contempt in our societies? Why access to basic primary healthcare in Nigeria was still a luxury 50 years after Alma Ata declaration? The questions are never-ending.

Answers to these questions could be found not in the conventional medical textbooks like Robbins/Cotrand, Davidson, or Sabiston. Answers to these questions are there on our faces. Answers to these questions are tied to the very fabric of our social life, our public institutions, our culture, and our life perspectives.

In order to make any significant contribution towards the betterment of this kind of society, it would be quite easier as an insider rather than an outsider. You can’t bring any positive outcome by just talking or commenting. It was rightly stated that a cat in gloves catches no mice.

The real players in a game are always better than the spectators. A player deserves accolades despite his shortcomings, frequent falls, and inability to deliver as planned theoretically. For the player has seen it all, because so many things in public life are not as they appear. It’s only when you are there that the reality becomes visible. This is the reason why many leaders who have goodwill and enjoy public support appear to have lost track or contributed insignificantly when elected or appointed into office.

But despite all these challenges, one can’t decline to do something good just because something bad might happen. The risk is worth it.

Saifullahi Attahir wrote from Federal University Dutse. He can be reached via; saifullahiattahir93@gmail.com

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Benue State Government has disclosed that three individuals have died in the past week due to suspected cases of Lassa fever, with 12 suspected cases currently under investigation.

Dr. Yanmar Ortese, the state’s Commissioner for Health and Human Services, made this known on Wednesday.

According to Dr. Ortese, all the incidents were recorded in Okpokwu Local Government Area within a one-week period.

He stated, “No confirmed cases yet,” explaining that 12 samples had been collected from individuals who had close contact with the deceased.

He further added that the results of the tests would determine the nature of the cases.

The Commissioner assured the public that the ministry’s emergency operations unit promptly took action by isolating those affected as a precautionary measure.

The situation remains under close monitoring while awaiting test results to confirm whether the deaths and suspected cases are indeed due to Lassa fever.