The Nation Newspaper

Tag: pregnant women

  • 50,000 pregnant women undergo HIV test, counseling in Bayelsa

    The PACT Nigeria, an international NGO, on Friday said it has tested and counseled more than 50,000 pregnant women on HIV in Bayelsa State in the last four years.

    The NGO’s Country Director, Dr Amina Ahmed-Shehu, disclosed this in Yenagoa, during the official closing ceremony of a four-year programme of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PROMOT) of the HIV virus in the state.

    Ahmed-Shehu explained that the test and counseling were conducted at the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) facilities in the state.

    Ahmed-Shehu said the PROMOT Project, sponsored by Chevron Nigeria, started in September 2012 and ended in March.

    “During the PROMOT project, we worked with Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) to increase awareness of the effectiveness of PMTCT services through mentoring and support for HIV-positive pregnant women’’.

  • Zika virus: Med lab scientists urge screening of pregnant women

    Zika virus: Med lab scientists urge screening of pregnant women

    The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) has urged the government to as a matter of urgency institute a system for screening of Zika virus especially amongst pregnant women in Nigeria in the light of the information from WHO that Zika is rapidly spreading to other countries of the world

    In a 13-point communiqué issued at the end of the 193rd National Executive Council meeting/Annual Public Health Lecture of the association in Calabar, they also appreciated the steps taken so far by the Federal and State Governments in managing the spread of Lassa fever through mass awareness and supply of ribavirin to most centres.

    In the communiqué signed by the National President, Alh Toyosi Raheem, National Secretary, Dr Surajudeen Junaid and National Public Relations Officer, Adeyeye Tam Adetunji, they said recent commitments by government to establish Lassa diagnostic centres in 14 states of federation is a welcome development and hoped that it will not “go the way of other white elephant projects we have had in the past.”

    They also called on the government to ensure that Bio-Safety Level 4 laboratories are established in each geopolitical zone of the country to check the disease.

    The medical laboratory scientists also called on government at all levels to constitute active surveillance team that will ensure holistic surveillance at all times to detect early warning signs of disease outbreaks to avoid health emergencies that may impact gravely on innocent Nigerians.

    The communiqué read in part, “NEC commends the health professionals in Nigeria for rising to the occasion any time duty calls in spite of challenges of updated skills, outdated equipment and below standard facilities of diagnosis and treatment. NEC however reminds health professionals to ensure the proper and regular use of Personal Protective Equipment and world best practices in the discharge of their duties as they need to first remain alive to keep others alive in the face of dreaded epidemics.

    “NEC identifies with the government and people of Nigeria over the current upsurge in Lassa fever epidemic barely a year after the outbreak of Ebola virus disease which ravaged many African countries. NEC subsequently condoles the families of those who had lost their loved ones to the disease and called on the public to adhere strictly to the preventive measures of personal and environmental hygiene.

    “NEC noted the threat of neglected diseases such as spongiform enceplaloplthis and haemorrhagic fevers. NEC advised that the challenge must not be undermined by government, medical practitioners and indeed all stakeholders in view of the recent rise in the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and haemorrhagic fevers in Nigeria and the world over.

    “NEC also acknowledged that the challenge of public health is one of which the government and stakeholders must brace up to in the face of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.

    “NEC noted with utter dismay the inadequate diagnostic laboratories in Nigeria, a country of over 170 million people yet coping with few ill equipped diagnostic centres for public health emergencies.

    “NEC appealed to all states in the federation to create a directorate of medical laboratory services in their respective ministries in health, and to appoint the most senior medical laboratory scientist as a substantive director in the ministries of health and health management boards, as done in Nursing, Pharmaceutical, Clinical and other services. This will ensure conformance to quality management systems in all medical laboratories and the implementation of ISO 15189 standard for all medical laboratories.”

    They also commended the Federal Government for the fight against corruption and encouraged President Muhamadu Buhari to ensure all looted funds are recovered and ploughed back into programmes that would benefit the masses.

     

  • Zika virus: FG issues travel restirction to Latin America

    Zika virus: FG issues travel restirction to Latin America

    * Says No case of the virus in the country

    The Federal Government has issued a travel restriction to Latin America following the outbreak of Zika virus infection in the region.

    The travel restriction, especially by pregnant women will be on until situation improves, the government stated.

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised a global alert because the disease has affected about 23 countries in Americas especially in Latin America.

    At the moment, there is no cure or vaccine for Zika virus infection.

    Zika virus infection was first discovered in Brazil in 2014. The virus is transmitted by a bite of mosquito vector.

    The manifestation of Zika virus infection include: mild fever, rash (mostly maculo-papular), headaches, joint pain (arthralgia), muscle pain (myalgia), loss of weight (asthenia), and non-purulent conjunctivitis.

    The virus is also associated with higher risk of congenital malformations in newborn when pregnant women are affected. The diseases usually occur about three (3) to twelve (12) days after the mosquito vector bite.

    Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole who announced the travel advice, also called for closer monitoring and screening at various ports of entry, especially with recent travel history to Latin America.

    According to a press statement signed by Mrs. Boade Akinola, Director, Media and Public Relations, Ministry of Health, Prof. Adewole also directed Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) to include Zika virus diagnosis as part of ongoing effort to manage Lassa fever outbreak in the country.

    The  minister further assured Nigerian that there is no single case of Zika virus infection in the country and there is no need to panic, stressing that the Federal Ministry of Health will continue to monitor the situation and update Nigerians of any other developments.

  • What pregnant women should know before travelling

    What pregnant women should know before travelling

    Planning a trip while pregnant? Whether it is an essential family visit, a critical business trip or just mind-clearing ‘babymoon’, the idea of travelling when you are pregnant can be frightening. How do you manage a plane or a strange hotel room when it is hard to get comfortable in your own bed?

    The fact is, this period is one of the best times for you to get away and yourself as it is usually safe for women with low-risk pregnancies to travel as long as they prioritize their comfort and health while on the go.

    Before you start squeezing your over-sized maternity wear into your carry-on however, click on the picture below and hover over the red dots to see tips for taking a trip when you are expecting.

  • Top five travel tips for pregnant women

    Top five travel tips for pregnant women

    Planning a trip while pregnant? Whether it is an essential family visit, a critical business trip or just mind-clearing ‘babymoon’, the idea of travelling when you are pregnant can be frightening. How do you manage a plane or a strange hotel room when it is hard to get comfortable in your own bed?

    The fact is, this period is one of the best times for you to get away and yourself as it is usually safe for women with low-risk pregnancies to travel as long as they prioritize their comfort and health while on the go.

    Before you start squeezing your over-sized maternity wear into your carry-on however, read jovago.com tips for taking a trip when you are expecting.

    Time it right

    The best time to travel while pregnant is in the second trimester between 14 and 28 weeks – when medical emergencies related to pregnancy are least likely to occur and -for most women- morning sickness has lessened.

    It is also a time when many moms-to-be have the greatest amount of energy and still feel comfortable doing normal activities. However, regardless of how you feel, ensure you consult with your doctor before setting out as women with higher-risk pregnancies may be discouraged from traveling. Most airlines and transport companies require a note from your doctor if your expected due date (EDD) is within 30 days.

    Stay comfortable

    It is important to do all you can to stay comfortable throughout the trip. Most important is your clothing. When you are pregnant, your body does not regulate its temperature quite as well as usual, be sure to pack a variety of clothing for your trip, and dress in layers.

    Being able to easily put on or take off a cardigan or jacket will help keep you comfortable. Steer clear of strappy sandals; instead, choose soft fabric flats or slingbacks which are easy on the heels and comfortable for swollen feet than peep toes.

    Remove jewelry before flying, be sure to give your feet room to stretch and try to get an aisle seat that is close to the front of the plane as a seat will make boarding and disembarking easier. Other little things to make you more comfortable include propping a small pillow behind your back, wearing loose clothing and checking in online to lower your chances of having to stand in line for a prolonged period of time.

    Stay hydrated and eat wisely

    With the limited amount of food available on the road or flight, it is important to make sure you carry nutritious, protein-packed snacks to keep you going.

    Dried fruit, cereal bars, whole meal biscuits, mini-boxes of raisins and pre-cut carrots are other tasty, travel-friendly options to consider; this way you will always have something tasty on hand regardless of delays.

    Be extra careful with your choice of food, pick fruits and vegetables with thick skin, wash them well, and make sure that the water is potable. If you are not sure about the safety of the water, avoid raw vegetables and fruit that you cannot peel yourself. Also, it is especially important to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and nausea. Always carry a bottle with you and take sips throughout the day.

    Stay safe and healthy

    Pregnant or not, no one wants to be get sick when they are traveling. It is important to take certain precautions to reduce the risks of illness or an accident.

    Always wear your seatbelt in cars or airplanes, wash your hands often as your immune system is weaker during pregnancy and so you are more susceptible to bacterial and virus which cause infections and diseases on the road, pack a tube of hand sanitizer for when there is no sink or soap nearby. Ensure you get your flu vaccine, and ensure you bring your identification, travel insurance documents, medical or maternity notes and a list of important contacts.

    Finally, try your best to scale back your activities, use common sense and avoid anything strenuous.

    You are pregnant, embrace it!

    Let the world know you are pregnant, that way you can enjoy all the perks that come with it; including extra assistance with luggage, easy check-in and seat upgrade on your flight, extra pillows for your hotel room and many more.

    Accept offered seats and opened doors, and do not be afraid to enjoy offers of help as they all add to making your trip comfortable. Try not to get embarrassed as well when you find people addressing your bump rather than your face as many people generally mean well and are excited for you.

  • Photo: NEMA distribute kits to pregnant women

    Photo: NEMA distribute kits to pregnant women

    DIRECTOR-GENERAL, NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (NEMA), ALHAJI MUHAMMAD SIDI (R),PRESENTING DIGNITY KITS TO ONE OF THE PREGNANT IDPs WOMEN,MRS HABIBA MUHAMMAD, DURING THE PRESENTATION OF THE KITS TO 410 WOMEN IN BORNO ON WEDNESDAY WITH THEM ARE GOV.KASHIM SHETTIMA OF BORNO (2ND R) AND UN RESIDENT COORDINATOR AND UNDP RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE, MR DAOUDA TOURE
    DIRECTOR-GENERAL, NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (NEMA), ALHAJI MUHAMMAD SIDI (R),PRESENTING DIGNITY KITS TO ONE OF THE PREGNANT IDPs WOMEN,MRS HABIBA MUHAMMAD, DURING THE PRESENTATION OF THE KITS TO 410 WOMEN IN BORNO ON WEDNESDAY WITH THEM ARE GOV.KASHIM SHETTIMA OF BORNO (2ND R) AND UN RESIDENT COORDINATOR AND UNDP RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE, MR DAOUDA TOURE
    DIGNITY KITS PRESENTED TO 410 PREGNANT IDPs WOMEN BY THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (NEMA), ALHAJI MUHAMMAD SIDI IN BORNO STATE ON WEDNESDAY
    DIGNITY KITS PRESENTED TO 410 PREGNANT IDPs WOMEN BY THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (NEMA), ALHAJI MUHAMMAD SIDI IN BORNO STATE ON WEDNESDAY