The Nation Newspaper

Tag: treatment

  • Symptoms, treatment and prevention

    Malaria is a life-threatening mosquito-borne blood disease caused by a Plasmodium parasite. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of the Anopheles (female) mosquito.

    Once an infected mosquito bites a human, the parasites multiply in the host’s liver before infecting and destroying red blood cells.

    In some places, malaria can be treated and controlled with early diagnosis. However, some countries lack the resources to do this effectively. It was eliminated from the U.S. in the early 1950s, but between 1,500 and 2,000 cases still occur every year, mostly in those who have recently travelled to malaria-endemic areas.

    There are five parasite species that cause malaria in humans, and two of these species – P. falciparum and P. vivax – pose the greatest threat. The P. falciparum – the most prevalent malaria parasite in Africa, is responsible for most malaria-related deaths globally. P. vivax is the dominant malaria parasite in most countries outside of the sub-Saharan Africa.

  • Role of herbal medicine in infertility treatment

    Role of herbal medicine in infertility treatment

    The Managing Director of Health Forever Product Limited, Ikeja, Lagos, Otunba Olajuwon Okubena, answers the question.

    Question

    I am fertility challenged. I need a referral to a traditional healer worth his onion because my experience is basically hormonal imbalance and infection.

    Grace Idris, 27-year-old typist, Kogi.

     

    Readers of this Health Page may recall that several years ago, I wrote about the importance of infertility in the stability of marriage in this part of the world. I will reproduce part of the article and update it as the problems currently seem to be assuming a disturbing dimension.

    Mrs.  Aduke Collins (not real name) was visibly worried when narrating her story to me in my office. Her marriage seven years ago was opposed by her mother-in-law on account of  hailing from the South-western part of the country whereas her husband is from the other side of the Niger River.

    In her words: “I was hoping that the arrival of a baby would change the attitude of my parents-in-law but that was not to be. As the years rolled by without the sign of pregnancy, the pressure continued to mount. My husband was very co-operative and we moved round almost all the known gyneacologists in Lagos area.

    “Simultaneously, we joined a couple of  the Pentecostal churches available to tackle the problem from the spiritual angle and for years, we were hoping against hope. At one stage, we were tempted to visit native herbalists, a friend introduced me to the IVF solution and my husband did not hesitate to make available the huge amount of money demanded for this exercise but it was like the last straw that broke the camel’s back. My husband has now started listening to his mother and I suspect a new wife from the village is being arranged for him.”

    She started weeping profusely and it was difficult to console her. I allowed her to exhaust her emotional expression and gave her an appointment to visit me with her husband. I suggested that they bring along the results of all laboratory tests done in the last few years.

    On the appointed date, she came but was unaccompanied by the husband. Fortunately, she brought a load of laboratory reports which showed that she was having irregular menstrual flow, blocked fallopian tube and moderate infection of staphylococcus, while the husband had weak erection, premature ejaculation, and low sperm count.

    On further interrogation, it was revealed that the husband was almost losing interest in sexual activities on the excuse of pressure of work, stress of traffic jams and so on.

    Infertility is the inability of a couple to conceive after one year of unprotected sex. A third of the reasons is due to a male factor, another,   female factor while the remaining cases are due to “unexplainable factors”.

    For most couples, there will be several diagnoses of various conditions over time, treatments that do not improve the condition, not to mention the emotional and financial stress of simply moving from one solution to another. During this extremely difficult period, it is important not to lose focus while wading through all the available treatments on offer.

    In a recent article published in the USA NEWS titled: “Drug-Resistant Staphylococcus a widespread threat- dangerous infections occurring more often than previously believed”, study finds that “potentially deadly, drug-resistant Staphylococcus infections are more common, both in and out of hospitals, than experts once thought”.

    “Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are the top causes of skin and soft tissue infections among people in hospitals, and can result in severe and even fatal disease. In fact, MRSA infection account for almost 19, 000 deaths and more than 94,000 life-threatening illnesses each year in the United States.”

    If the US could raise the alarm about this infection, it is better imagined how every Nigerian walks into the pharmacy shops to buy antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription.

    We are much aware that a large percentage of infertility in this country is caused by the MRSA and over the years, we have developed a therapy that has succeeded in many cases.

    Some years ago, I had an encounter with Mr. Femi Kusa who was then the Editor-in-Chief of the rested The Comet Newspaper; he decided to do what he termed a  kitchen experiment with the new product we discovered.

    The result of his experiment was published in The Comet Newspaper sometime in 2001 under the title “Bye bye to staphylococcus, the unconquerable”. This was at a time when Health Forever Products Limited was developing the product called BENABIOTIC which was later packaged for sale and have since been used by Health Forever Clinic to reverse several cases of infertility. In the opening paragraphs of the article, Mr. Kusa stated that:

    “Believe me, this is not a joke! A herbal remedy may be on the way which, in only one month, could rid the body of all the colonies stacked up by staphylococcus over several years to inflict all those unbearable aches and remedy in all seriousness. Perhaps prematurely, to help open a health gate, but careful not to be a harbinger of false hope for all those hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people in this country who live under the siege of staphylococcus.

    This Editor worked me up into lifting this veil, I must confess, when he asked me once or twice last month what staphylococcus was all about, he had received letters from some readers making enquiries and had even published one or two of them. To be frank, I am aware staphylococcus defies several pharmaceutical remedies, except perhaps vancomycin.

    Even then, only rarely is vancomycin the staphylococcus waterloo. It walks away majestically free from all traps, causing destabilising internal heat, which may be confused with the hot flashes of menopausal hormonal imbalances; literally, it lives on the sperms in men, subjecting them to not only low sperm count, but taking away their libido as well and creating erectile dysfunction problems for them.

    For women, the monthly cycle is disarranged, if not disparaged, and they itch severely in the secret place. For men, occasional physical reminder that they still live with staph, as staphylococcus is also called, could be pinching inside the tip of their organs. Many sufferers speak of feeling of  “something walking up and down” in their bodies. This may very well be effects on internal tissue of the protein toxins secreted by these bacteria, against which the body fails to produce effective antibodies.

    The body would have been partly incapacitated by a weakened immune system, creating gaps in its defenses which the bacteria exploited to start with. And to worsen the situation, staphylococcus secretes enzymes which depopulate the fighter white blood cells.”

    An important issue raised by Mr. Kusa in his article was the impact of staphylococcus attack on the immune system. Many medical doctors have been prescribing Vitamin E which describes a family of eight antioxidants and one of these; alpha-tocopherol is the form that is actively maintained in the body. Vitamin E maintains the integrity of cell membranes in the body by neutralising free oxygen radicals which would otherwise disrupt this function leading to several diseases in the body.

    High concentrations of free radicals have been identified in a significant number of infertile men especially in cases where the cause is thought to be unexplained. Several studies have also established that the presence of these toxins affects the quality of the sperm in terms of its count, morphology and motility.

    This is the reason why vitamin E, an antioxidant, has long been prescribed because of its ability to neutralise these free radicals. However, Jobelyn has a clear advantage because it has been shown scientifically to have a significantly higher antioxidant capacity (3,123 using the ORAC value) than vitamin E.

    Free radicals have been implicated in conditions like endometriosis, polycystic ovarian disease, tubal factor infertility and unexplained infertility.

    The emphasis here is not to use Jobelyn to treat each condition in order to achieve a cure, but to re-balance the body by neutralising the free radicals that cause these conditions. This is because pregnancy is still often times achieved in the presence of these conditions.

    Staphylococcus and other bacteria infections

    Over the years, we have succeeded in treating infertility caused by different types of bacteria infection with our branded herbal product called Benabiotic which is usually combined with Jobelyn.  The main ingredient in Benabiotic is from a plant Anthocleista djalonensis (Loganiaceae)  (Yoruba Name – Sapo). The combination of this remedy with Jobelyn has eliminated Staphylococcus infection from patients within a period of three to five months.

    Anthocleista djalonensis (Loganiaceae)  Yoruba Name- Sapo

     

    Hormonal Imbalance in female infertility

    Recently, hormonal disturbances have been considered of great importance in the knowledge of causes and diagnosis of female infertility. What exactly does hormonal balance mean for our fertility health? What do hormones do anyway? Does hormonal balance really matter? Absolutely! If our hormone levels are not balanced, our health will suffer. We cannot live without hormones. Hormones deliver messages. Our cells are genetically programmed to only receive and respond to messages from certain hormones. Each cell in the body contains hormone receptor cites. Once a hormone fits into a cell’s receptor, it gives the cell instructions. This is similar to a key fitting in a lock. Hormones control our bodily processes. Hormones are coordinated by the endocrine system. Without proper endocrine function, our bodies cannot maintain proper hormonal balance.

    Hormone levels can be influenced by stress, fluid changes in the body, vitamin and mineral levels, infection, exposure to environmental toxins and the amount of body fat we have. Each endocrine gland plays a specific role in the ability of our body to maintain proper function. Each endocrine gland also communicates with the other in an amazing design. If one of the endocrine glands is not functioning properly, it may cause a broken link in communication with other endocrine glands or actions of the body, which may greatly impair fertility. Because the endocrine glands secrete hormones, and the hormones are messengers for actions within the body, if the gland is not functioning properly, hormonal imbalance occurs and the ability to reproduce may be impaired.

    In our clinic, we have researched into the folk medicine that is being used to take care of hormonal imbalance. The main herbal ingredient is a part of a plant called Morinda Lucida ( Yoruba name is ORUWO). We have used this herbal product to normalise hormonal imbalance which affects women in general. The remedy is a major component of our fibroid treatment. It shrinks the fibroid tumor thus improving the chances of pregnancy for infertile women. It assists in the treatment of ovarian cysts and also helps in breast cancer that has the implication of excessive estrogen. So also, it helps in resolving the problems associated with goiter.

    Morinda Lucida ( Yoruba Name – Oruwo)

    Couples intending to achieve pregnancy ought to maximise their chance by meticulously preparing their bodies. Ensuring good nutrition, avoiding alcohol and smoking, preventing sexually transmitted diseases are some basic ways of maximising fertility. However, this must be supplemented by simply ensuring that the reproductive system is working at its best by fortifying the body with natural substances such as antioxidants that rid the body of toxins that have been implicated in most of the causes of infertility.

    Jobelyn occupies a unique and remarkable position in the world of the combination of food and medicine. Laboratory analysis from the reputable GMP Laboratory of USA confirmed that Jobelyn contains Carbohydrates, Protein, Dietary Fibre, Iron which could be classified as food. In addition, it contains other nutrients which could be classified as medicine/food/amino acids and these include selenium, manganese, potassium, zinc, calcium, vitamins like A, B12, C, Omegas 3, 6 and 9, calcium and more. It is a well-known fact that doctors now prescribe multivitamins in addition to drugs. Jobelyn is rich in vitamins and other essential fatty acids and amino acids which are by far superior to the synthetic ones in the market and this is a compelling reason why doctors should prescribe it.

    Otunba Okubena can be contacted on: okubena@health-forever.com

  • Cancer of Endometrium: Prevention and treatment

    Generally speaking, all cancers are bad. However, few cancers if any can be so stealthy as much as cancer of the womb lining (endometrium) and that of the ovary. Like all cancers, if caught early, the danger posed by cancer of the endometrium and that of the ovary can be nipped in the bud. Cancer of the endometrium can also be called cancer of the womb. This cancer is very common for several reasons.

    What are the risk factors or reasons for cancer of the endometrium?

    Most commonly, this cancer affects women who are in very late stage of their reproductive years or past their reproductive era. That is not to say, that it may not occur in other age group. It certainly could depending on the circumstances. Since menopause occurs in women who are in their late forties or fifties, cancer of the womb are most frequent in this age range.

    Women without children of their own who had never used the womb to carry pregnancies are at risk. In fact, the fewer the number of pregnancies the woman carried, the more the risk, the evidence appears to suggest.

    Furthermore, women who are frequently menstruating, without say a break occasioned by pregnancies or medication that help to cease menstrual period, are at increasing risk of this cancer. This cancer is even more dangerous in a case whereby the hormones that is called estrogen operates alone without opposition from the hormone that is called progesterone even though the woman requires these two hormones for balance.

    From the foregoing, it’s clear that the later a woman reaches her menopause, the more she is exposed to estrogen for long, the higher the risk of cancer of the endometrium in the woman.

    Being obese is a bad risk for cancer of the endometrium. This is so because of the link between obesity and the hormone that I referred to above. A new study of late had shown that exercise (being likely to reduce obesity) do helps to prevent both cancers of endometrium and cancer of the breast alike.

    In the meantime, if a woman suffers from cancer of the breast and she is treated with the drug called tamoxifen, such woman risks suffering cancer of the endometrium as part of the side effects of the drug of tamoxifen.

    Though  it appears to be a rarity in Nigeria, women that smokes cigarette bears a higher danger of suffering from cancer of the endometrium.

    Women that had suffered or at risk of cancer of the colon, breast and ovary (especially if such produces estrogen) may be a victim of cancer of the endometrium.

    While none of us chooses our family at birth, some women are at risk of this cancer simply because of the accident of birth or inheritance that they had from their family.

    Other risk is actually being a black woman (with the high estrogen that it brings because of our exposure to the sun and because of our gene).

    What to look for: Irregular bleeding in a woman who is in menopause or sudden bleeding from the vagina in a women especially if she had reached 45 years and above, should first and foremost suspect likely cancer of the endometrium as the cause of her bleeding until proven otherwise.

    What to do: Do not delay. Do not think that your “period has returned” after a break or that you are still “fertile and able to bear children” simply because of vaginal bleeding that resembled your earlier menstrual periods. Danger may be lurking. Go immediately to a competent medical doctor or preferably a gyneacologist for full evaluation. The assessment may include taking a sample of the womb lining (endometrial biopsy/sampling), ultrasound scan of the womb area amongst others.

    Treatment: Working with the medical team, you both will decide what direction and treatment that is suitable for you. Such treatments may include surgery to remove the womb and ovaries if the cancer is early and had not spread to other organs. For a certainty, chemotherapy will play a central role in the entire treatment process.

    Prevention: The key is vigilance. Check your family history if you carry a risk of any type of cancer. Act to minimise the risk by possibly keeping a vigilant watch on the organ in question or simply have it removed if possible. As I advised above, any abnormal bleeding should be pursued with vigour until fully and satisfactorily resolved. There is no vaccination for cancer of the endometrium. Doing regular and structured exercise may also help.

    Using family planning method such as oral contraceptive and vaginal implant (hormone iUCD) do help to minimise the risk. It may sound silly, but it saves lives to have children and reasonable number of children too that you may take care of. In any event, should an unexpected bleeding occur, the wise thing is to have the incident thoroughly assessed. Prevention is cheaper, much cheaper than treatment.

  • Cancer of Cervix: Prevention and treatment

    Cervix is the thick muscular support at the neck of the womb. The purpose of the cervix is to support the pregnancy from early loss. Containing a channel at its centre, to a large extent, the cervix also controls what goes into the womb: Such as sperm migration into the womb.

    Cancer of the Cervix

    Cancer of the cervix is amongst the commonest cancer in women and the cancer is killing several women annually, yet cancer of the cervix is preventable.  Unlike breast cancer that is commoner in those who are over 40’s, cervical cancer can hit anyone who is sexually active.  Thus, to some extent, cancer of the cervix can be regarded as sexually transmitted disease.

    Cancer of the uterine cervix is one of the leading causes of cancer death among women worldwide: Second only to cancer of the breast. The estimated new cancer cervix cases per year are 500,000 of which 79% occur in the developing countries including Nigeria. Cancer of cervix occupies either the top rank or second among cancers in women in the developing countries, whereas in the affluent countries cancer cervix does not even find a place in the top 5 leading cancers in women.

     

    Causes

    Close to 70-90% percent of cervical cancer is caused by viral infection called human papilloma virus. This is sexually transmissible from the sexual partners. Thus, multiple sexual partners is a risk. Direct cigarette smoking or indirect smoke inhalation from smokers is a risk factor

     

    Signs and Symptoms of Cancer of  Cervix

    The sufferer may not know of the disease until it’s too late.  There may be bleeding during sexual intercourse. There may be vaginal discharge. In advanced cases, pain may occur in lower abdomen. Swelling of the abdomen may occur.  Other organs may be involved such as lung, liver and brain in the individuals where the disease has spread. Weight loss and anaemia may present itself.  To diagnose, CTScan, MRI Scan, Ultrasound and biopsy may be required in addition to pelvic examination.

     

    Prevention

    • Teenage girls (and boys) can now be vaccinated against human papilloma virus from the age of 13 to under 26.
    • 3-yearly cervical cancer screening (Pap-Smear) is highly recommended in any girl who is sexually active. During this period, a detection of any abnormality in the cervix can be corrected and treated by the doctor. Thereafter a repeat or more frequent screening can be recommended if necessary.
    • Sexual abstinence, use of barrier protection (condom) are likely to prevent occurrence of cancer of the cervix.
    • Sticking to a faithful partner while not a 100 per cent guarantee, will reduce the chance of developing cancer of the cervix.

     

    Treatment

    Surgery to remove the womb or cervix (Hysterectomy) or cervix alone can be considered. Cold or heat treatment of suspicious cancer cells is another step.  In advanced cases, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are other options.

     

    Psychotherapy

    Life can be challenging for cancer patients and not the least, breast and cervical cancer sufferers: they will need clinical and religious counselling in holistic approach and family support to see the patient through the illness.

  • US medical team offers free treatment in Ogun

    A team of medical practitioners from the United States is on a medical mission to Ogun State.

    The team headed by Musbau Kasumu, an indigene of Ayepe- Odogbolu Local Government of state, is screening, treating and conducting surgeries on residents  of Ayepe, Odogbolu   and  the  neighbouring communities

    The team consists of general practitioners, ophthalmologists, surgeons, orthopaedics, mental health specialists, family nurse practitioner, and an intensive unit registered nurse.

    The professionals have been using their yearly  holidays to prosecute the medical programme  in these communities free in the past 10 years.

    Speaking on the  challenges  o f  the programme, Kasumu  said: ’The challenges we face mostly are government cooperation, manpower, and equipment, some of our drugs and equipment are intercepted by the authority even when we have permission to bring them into the country’ Kasumu, a family health registered nurse, lamented

    ‘’The General Hospital in Ayepe, the venue of the treatment, is on the outskirts of the town. It  is in a dilapidated state, no equipment, no workers, ’’Kasumu lamented further.

    A  beneficiary  of  the yearly   medical programme, simply identified  as Alhaja  Adebayo said: ‘’ We wait patiently every year expecting Kasumu family to come home and treat us, we can’t use because they don’t have drugs, equipment and no workers to care for us; we travel to Ijebu-Ode and Shamu for treatment’. Kasumu said that he is inspired by the passion he has for people to have quality health care.

    He added: “Caring for people defines my existence as a provider in the United States, and it drives the passion that I have for human wellbeing as a whole.

  • Adewole advises healers on cancer treatment

    Adewole advises healers on cancer treatment

    Do you have a cure for cancer? If yes,  contact the Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja. The ministry is ready to engage natural health practitioners and explore traditional medicine and alternative treatments in cancer treatment.

    Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole made the appeal at a seminar at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). The seminar was organised by his ministry to address the rising cases of cancer across the country.

    Speaking on the topic: ‘’Cancer in Nigeria: Screening, diagnosis, treatment and data collection’’, with ‘’Building a team of policy makers, providers and users of healthcare’’ as sub-theme, Adewole said only research would enhance the understanding of cancer and help find and develop better effective treatments, adding that only a global search for answers will help us get to find a cure this disease.

    He said: “There are no parts or organs of the body that cancer cannot attack- except three – nails, teeth and hair. It is crucial to remember that cancer is not one disease – it is more than 200. All are different, unique diseases, which require different approaches for treatment. Treatments that work for some cancers don’t work for others and sometimes those treatments simply stop working.  Thanks to decades of research, survival from cancer has doubled in the last 40 years.”

    He identified breast cancer, cervical cancer and ovarian cancer as the commonest among women while prostrate, liver, colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, colon cancer or rectal cancer, which is cancer (a growth, lump, tumor) of the colon and the rectum (CRC) and connective/soft tissue as rampant among men.

    Adewole said: “Just as in the global world, great researchers and sponsors are encouraged, we, also at the Ministry of Health, are saying, if we believe a project can make a difference in the fight against cancer, then we will award a grant to make it happen. We are not interested in national borders or any kind of geographical bias, just the most promising proposals. And that’s the very reason we are asking for the brightest and best practitioners from around the nation to bring their work to us.”

    He said cancer treatment is not only about drugs, but also about getting the diagnosis right. “But cancer also needs to be diagnosed, and treatment needs monitoring – so there are huge efforts underway to improve and speed up cancer diagnosis and to find ways to monitor the success – or failure – of treatment. For example, almost every week, we see a new paper that finds a new potential biomarker to detect cancer, and all of these need to be followed up in larger research studies. Our ultimate goal is seeing no life cut short by cancer, and we are exploring all fronts to ensure that,” Adewole said.

    He continued: “Understanding what causes cancer, who gets it, and why, is a huge area of research. For example, we know that our diet is very important in determining our risk of cancer; yet, we are still very much in the dark as to how. Huge studies are going on across the world looking at how diet and other lifestyle choices can affect our risk of the disease. And answer will emerge someday.

    ‘’The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises traditional medicine (TM) and we will not jettison that. So, anybody that has an answer to the disease should contact the cancer unit of the Ministry. Contact person is David Atuwo- 08033113070, email- datuwo@yahoo.com. Or twit me @IsaacFAdewole, @fmohnigeria or @akinolaboade.”

    To forestall cases of cancer, the Minister appealed to Nigerians to stop lifestyles that promote the disease, especially smoking – primary or secondary.

    “The most common risk factors for cancer include aging, tobacco, sun exposure, radiation exposure, chemicals and other substances, some viruses and bacteria, certain hormones, family history of cancer, alcohol, poor diet, lack of physical activity, or being overweight,” he said.

    Dr. Bola Oyeledun of Centre for Integrated Health Programmes (CIHP) Nigeria, who spoke on: ‘’Cancer epidemiology in Nigeria: Where we were … and getting to where we need be’’, said all hands should be on deck to ensure that Nigeria eradicate the disease.

    “We are doing all to capture the rate but there are so many unreported cases that just die off. There are three types of cancer registries. Population-based cancer registries monitor new cases within well-defined populations over periods of time and have been recognised as useful sources of information on the incidence, prevalence and mortality from cancer in various populations worldwide. The data they generate is particularly useful for cancer prevention, early detection, determination of cancer rates and trends, research and evaluation of cancer control efforts. Hospital-based cancer registries, on the other hand, collect data about diagnosis and treatment of cancer within a hospital or group of hospitals. They are, therefore, suitable for comparison of cancer care infrastructure (personnel, resources and logistics) and treatment outcomes. The third type of cancer registries are special cancer registries that are devoted either to specific cancers or groups of cancers, e.g. pediatric cancer registries, gastric cancer registries, etc. Such registries are valuable for research and public, patients and professional educational purposes.”

    She said: “Cancer registration in Nigeria experienced significant setbacks in early 70s and 80s due to the economic and political challenges then. Data from the Ibadan Cancer Registry was no longer accepted for inclusion in Cancer inventory (CIV) and no new population-based Cancer Registry data of sufficient quality was generated. There was, therefore, no reliable source of information on cancer incidence, prevalence and mortality in the country during this period. Information about epidemiology of cancer were published as case series from clinical, pathology and autopsy records, which were often hospital-based, incomplete and reflected the resources and specialties available at the specific institutions. These sources of information were limited and could not provide information on cancer incidence, often over-represented cancers that were easy to diagnose, were biased by the resources at the specific institution and interests of the personnel reporting the data.”

    She said: “One-third of deaths from cancer are due to the five leading behavioural and dietary risks -tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, obesity, pollution. Vaccination against cancer causing infections could prevent 1.1 million cases per year (e.g. HPV, Hep B vaccinations). Only 14 percent of people in need of palliative care  receive it. Less than 30 percent of low-income countries reported that treatment services are available compared to more than 90 percent of high-income countries. Only one in five low- and middle-income countries have the necessary data to drive cancer policy.

    “Rising cancer incidence will strain limited heath care resources. To appropriately fund prevention, early diagnosis, curative and palliative care needs detailed knowledge of the burden of disease. Deaths due to communicable, maternal and neonatal causes   are decreasing globally while Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) are rising.

    The medic said there are more international policies, such as the World Global Action Plan for the control of NCD 2013-2020, which have been integrated into SDGs  to address the gaps.  She said prevention and treatment of chronic infections, such as Hepatitis B and C, would reduce the incidence of liver cancers, adding that HPV vaccination would reduce cervical cancer incidence.

    On the way forward, she suggested evidence based-programming, high quality and functional regional cancer registries, cancer awareness and strategic behaviour change communication,, citing #BeseenGetScreened #Gettreatedintime.

    She said: ‘’Functional policies and guidelines on NCCP and tertiary health institutions need to be further strengthened, Private sector involvement and active participation in the prevention, diagnosis, management and end-of-life care (for profit and non-profit). And, importantly, the political commitment to make this happen is desired.”

  • Six couples to get free IVF treatment

    Six couples to get free IVF treatment

    It was a moment of joy. The atmosphere was filled with feelings of accomplishment and fulfilment. Men and women gathered at the headquarters of Nordica Fertility Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos, to listen to the announcement of the winners of free IVF fertility treatment.

    The Free Treatment Cycles programme is an initiative of the Fertility Treatment Support Foundation (FTSF). It is part of its Fertility Awareness Advocacy Initiative (FAAI). The initiative is supported by star comedian, Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, a.k.a Ali Baba.

    The recipients are expected to receive the free IVF treatment cycle at the centre.

    The Medical Director, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, announced the six couples who won. According to him, “the six fertility-challenged couples went through a stringent process of selection and eventually emerged winners.”

    They are: Mr. and Mrs. Okon Eshiet; Mr. and Mrs Humphrey Oghomienor,Mr.and Mrs. Celestine Udoji, Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Anioye; Mr. and Mrs. Ebi Pax-Harry and Mr. and Mrs. Musibau Akande.

    Giving further insights into how this year’s winners emerged, Ajayi said: “The sponsored free treatment option has been on-going for a while by the FTSF and has continued to receive support from individuals. Ali Baba’s involvement was due to his concern at the number of couples who are fertility challenged during one of his visits and encounter with some of the couples at our corporate headquarters here in Lagos.”

    Ajayi said: ”It all started following a visit by Alibaba to this office and for the first time he realised the gravity of the situation faced by infertile couples and the challenge of affordability of treatment. Ali Baba in all seriousness was moved by the fact that many of those who sought help could not afford the cost of treatment cycles.  And so we got talking. He then suggested as part of his Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), he would like to sponsor some couples. That was how an agreement was struck about partnership with FTSF. After thorough screening of potential couples, we arrived at the six who have qualified by all standards and can be treated. Among the criteria for selection is that there are no contra indications for IVF.

    “I believe the criteria for selection of the eventual winners are thorough, the six couples are likely to become parents with God’s permission,” he said.

    According to him, “We are trying to look for the patients that would accept the treatment options and also have the best chances for success. Nordica Fertility Centre is responsible for the screening exercise.’

    On lessons drawn from the effort, Dr Ajayi said: “What we are beginning to see is that a lot of Nigerians are not exposed to good health facilities, so when they first come up, a lot of things are thrown at us that we probably do not see every day and when they come up we then have to make recommendations to those concerned about what to do first. We see cases of diabetes, hypertension, fibroid and obesity.

    “We needed to sort those health concerns out first. So, instead of being confined to 10, we can do 15, but somebody has to pay for the screening which costs about N200,000 per person. We had to make Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos, our technical partner, to be responsible for the screening in order to take more people that we can work with.”

    The Clinic Manager, Mrs Tola Ajayi said, “It is gladdening that six couples emerged  as winners. And very soon, they will have their families completedbecause that is what we do at Nordica Fertility Centre.”

    One of the winners, Mrs Chika Udorji who is in her late 40s, described the gesture as wonderful and humane even as she encouraged infertile couples to be supportive of one another and never to give up trying.

    Other recipients, Mrs and Mrs Oghomienor expressed their gratitude to the sponsors.

    Mr  Oghomienor said couples who are fertility challenged should stay strong and never give up hope of having their own children.

    Mrs Oghomienor who  is in her late 20s said, “I am looking forward to carrying my children. All these while I have enjoyed my husband’s support in the face of humiliation,discouragement and provocations from very close ones. Now, I am on my way to make my husband happy.”

  • ‘Why holistic health treatment is better’

    ‘Why holistic health treatment is better’

    •Father Adodo launches new book

    Traditional Medicine (TM) and Alternative Complementary Medicine (CAM) experts have restated the need for holistic treatment, saying it is the best way to go in healthcare.

    According to them, holistic healing touches the whole person –  body, mind, spirit and emotions.

    They spoke at the launch of the Director of Pax Herbal Clinic and Research Laboratories, Fr. Anselm Adodo’s new book, entitled: “Integral Community Enterprise in Africa” in Ikeja, Lagos.

    According to them, modern medicine has evolved into more discoveries of new drugs and  forms of treatment to cure diseases. These are the conventional methods to give relief and to cure illness that are applied to most people.

    However, another kind of treatment has given rise to a more realistic approach to cure illness – the holistic way which is a kind of treatment that would go back to the basic roots of the cause of the illness and the person’s whole being as an important part of this treatment.

    Fr Adodo said holistic treatment is an approach rather than a treatment. It treats more the lifestyles of the person and identifies the imbalances which may cause some negative effects to his health,, he said.

    “It focuses on the root cause of the disease and the goal is to eliminate the disease by encouraging the person to strive for wholeness and healthy living. The benefits of holistic treatments are: Quicker relief for pain, improvement of over-all general health,  understanding the need for a well-balanced lifestyle, awareness of keeping environment safe and healthy, use of more natural resources- natural herbs and medicines. And the application of more natural methods to cure illness, such as proper nutrition, exercise, detoxification and other natural non-invasive treatments.

    “That is why I am advocating that Africa needs a new model of development, is the summary of my book; that is, Communitalism as an Alternative to Capitalism. That is the reason I wrote the book. I was inspired to write the book because of my desire to make a change, no matter how small, in the society,”Fr Adodo said.

    He said communitalism is thinking African to solve Africa problems. Seeing community problems through an African eye and proferring solutions that is at home to the indigenes.

    “It is a new theory and it is deliberate. It challenges capitalism. It is about researching African problems and bringing about solutions to enterprises, education, health etc, with African eyes based on nature, communities models, and not following eurocentric models that has not worked for us,” Fr Adodo said.

    Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Emma Egwu, a member of the House of Representatives, thanked Fr. Adodo for sharing his knowledge and documenting same in a book form. He urged all Nigerians to cultivate a culture of reading and appreciating ideas rather than focusing on materials things.

    Former consultant, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Prof Joseph Okogun,  described the book as ambitious and revolutionary, adding that it offers refreshing and positive insight into a more integral way of business management, enterprise and community development as well as holistic healing in Africa.

    Okugun, a Emeritus professor of chemistry, said through extensive fieldwork spanning 20 years, the author goes beyond mere polemics to demonstrate that there is an alternative to capitalism in Africa, and in the world.

    In her remarks, wife of former  Lagos State governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola, praised Fr. Adodo and the management of Paxherbals for charting new frontiers in herbal medicine and touching the lives of many Nigerians.

    She urged Fr. Adodo to un relent in his research and vision to transform the society.

    Book reviewer of the day, Dr. Reuben Abati, a former Special adviser to president Goodluck Jonathan, described the book as of significant scholarly insight and interest.

    He said: ‘’It seems to me that  Adodo’s most compelling argument is that the world needs a new model of development, and that new model may not come from the centre, but from the periphery.  The problem however with that periphery, is that the leaders and the people themselves seem to have bought into the inferiorisation project, into one way of seeing the world, a kind of slave mentality co-optation which violates the people’s identity and pushes them willy-nilly into an identity and self-authentication crisis.

    ‘’This predominance of an emerging unitarist view of reality robs the world of the advantages of inclusiveness, also of a broad range of useful knowledge.  We live then, in a divided world that is in urgent need of transformation, innovation and a new paradigm of thinking. This transformation would require new modes of doing, of action, of being, of learning and understanding.’’

    Other dignitaries at the book launch were The Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Most. Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins; former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Prof. Maurie Iwu; Director-General, Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, Prof. Babatunde Salako, and President of Nigerian Council of physicians of Natural Medicine, Archbishop Magnus Atilade.

  • Local supplement to reshape medical treatment

    Local supplement to reshape medical treatment

    Dr Michael Nnaji, a medical doctor at the University Teaching Hospital, Charité in Berlin, Germany, writes on the potential of locally-made herbal supplements to change how diseases are treated.

    Let me start by giving you a straight answer. Yes, Jobelyn can help in your condition, and more. An example is that of Fola Adebisi (not real name), who is 46 and was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes by her family physician. Adebisi, a widow and school teacher, lives in Western Nigeria and earns just enough to keep herself and her family of six children financially afloat.

    Symptoms have been ongoing probably for years, beginning with poor vision, tingling sensations in her limbs and excessive urinating. But she had ignored the symptoms due to her inability to afford the medical bills. Her medical records also showed that she suffered from rheumatism, for which she self-medicated with over-the-counter aspirin or ibuprofen. Beyond that, her complete blood count showed that she has anaemia, probably as a result of her chronic ailments as well as several bouts of malaria she suffered.

    Now, Adebisi is in a quandary– should she spend all her available income and savings in pursuing expensive, orthodox medical care? What about the upkeep of her family? The diabetic condition, her doctor warned, “will not go by itself” without proper treatment. Enter Jobelyn, a.k.a Sorghum bicolor, the herbal formulation being touted as remedy for countless medical conditions, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, stroke and cancer.

    Well, the herb is not quite new, but only enjoying a renaissance,  owing largely to the fact that modern alternatives are prohibitively expensive. Sorghum bicolor has been used for centuries in Africa and North America for treating and preventing sundry medical ailments.

    The key expressions in understanding the underlying mechanism of Jobelyn’s action are “antioxidant effect”, “free radicals” and “oxidative damage”, believed to be at the root of numerous disease entities. Free radicals are thought to be by-products of oxidative metabolism (ie, processes involving oxygen). They are perceived to be the excess oxygen species that are surplus to requirement, following some metabolic processes.

    However, these free radicals turn out to be “too much of a good thing” as they appear, paradoxically, to be the drivers of inflammation which, in turn, has been implicated in the genesis of several disease states, including asthma, chronic lung disease, autoimmune diseases including type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, etc; as well as oncogenesis (the onset of cancer). Although inflammation is the body’s intelligent in-built mechanism of fighting disease, these can all get out of hand and go awry. Which is where Jobelyn comes in.

    Jobelyn has been shown to have a very high Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) as compared with other agents that are known to possess free-radical “scavenging properties”.

    Owing to its medicinal potential, Sorghum bicolor has been studied intensively by scientists both in test tubes and humans. Results have shown that the active ingredients revealed potent COX-2 inhibitory powers. The COX-2 or cyclooxygenase enzyme is one that is involved in chronic inflammation and pain as witnessed in rheumatism.

    The drawback with orthodox treatment options with so-called non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is that they sometimes have “off-target” effects such as causing stomach ulcer and bleeding as well as acute kidney failure, and may exacerbate latent heart disease. Taken according to recommendation, Sorghum bicolour, owing to its rather “modulatory” effects, doesn’t seem to show these deleterious effects.

    Furthermore, this herbal formulation contains three amino acids (the building blocks of proteins), which have been proven to protect red blood cells (the carriers of oxygen in mammals) that do not possess a nucleus of their own and therefore, cannot produce proteins. This may help to explain why the red cells have a lifespan of only 120 days. In sickle-cell anaemia, this lifespan is even shortened, leading to the “crises” (cardio-respiratory and circulatory problems above all) that plague such patients time and again. Sorghum bicolor seems to offer protection against these crises.

    In immuno-suppressed states, where white blood cells that help in fighting infection are known to be depleted, Jobelyn, at least, in a small number of patients, has been shown to boost the levels of these cells (so called T-Lymphocytes). Sequel to this, a role has been proposed for it in the treatment as varied as HIV/AIDS and other disease conditions where the immune system could do with some help.

    In  cardiovascular health, or lack thereof, free radicals have been implicated in arteriosclerosis (severe thickening and hardening of the artery walls). Anti-oxidants such as Jobelyn do not only slow down this process, but help in preventing the breakdown of nitric oxide, which helps in smooth muscle relaxation of blood vessels. It is also interesting to note that the same mechanism is involved in the action of the block-buster drug, used in the treatment of impotency in men.

    Meanwhile, free radicals have been implicated in at least 60 diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases, the leading causes of death worldwide. Jobelyn and other antioxidant products with proven efficacy, one might surmise, lead to the enhancement of cell function, which is essential to not only the aforementioned cellular processes, but to the elimination of toxic wastes via the kidneys, liver and thereby maintain good health.

    So, who would want to bet against Jobelyn being effective against myriad ailments that the manufacturer claims?

    The uniqueness of Jobelyn  is its “naturalness”. The formulation has, according to the manufacturer’s pamphlet, been based on the herb in its whole form. In so doing, it goes on to say, “the body can then utilise the full undiminished balance of ingredients provided by nature. Herbal remedies are more effective and tolerable that their orthodox alternatives”. Not to mention more affordable.

    Made and marketed by Health Forever, based in Lagos, Nigeria, the firm also has a range of medicinal products in its stable. But Jobelyn seems to be the brightest star in its firmament. The marketing catalogue refers to very positive results from laboratories in Germany and the United States (US). Some of its promised effects are no doubt overstated and one cannot discount the effect of countless other conditions that are effectively the origin of diseases, especially in low-resource settings.

    For starters, Jobelyn or any antioxidant drug, for that matter, will not run on an empty stomach. Malnutrition, poor sanitary conditions and low socio-economic status remain the bane of good health in Africa and much of the Third World.

    However, this should not detract or distract from the promises that Jobelyn has shown, especially in preliminary clinical studies. The formulation catalogue is awash with references to peer-reviewed journal publications that have testified to its  health-promoting effects.

    According to Health Forever Managing Director, Otunba Olajuwon Okubena, plans are under way to partner Nigerian health agencies to conduct multi-centre clinical trials, the “gold standard of clinical research”. Meanwhile, the drug has since been approved for marketing by National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

    According to scientific data made available in journal publications, it appears good: no teratogenic (harmful effects to the embryo) have been noticed so far; although there are mild sedative effects at higher dosages (important for people who drive or operate heavy machinery).

    For Adebisi and millions of others, including the inquirer, suffering from some of the chronic medical conditions outlined above, hope seems to be on the way.

  • Ondo gets cancer treatment centre

    Ondo State government has approved the establishment of a breast cancer treatment centre for women.

    At the launch of the state chapter of the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), in Akure, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu said his administration would prevent untimely deaths among breast cancer patients.

    BRECAN founder, who is also the governor’s wife, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, urged governors to allocate funds through the Ministry of Health to prevent breast cancer.

    She said timely awareness and regular breast check would prevent the disease.

    Mrs. Akeredolu said breast cancer was rampant among women between the ages of 18 and 20, advising women above 40 to go for regular check-up.

    She said women needed sensitisation and awareness on the control of the disease, which she added prompted the formation of the association.

    The governor’s wife noted that the treatment of the disease was no longer expensive, especially at the early stage, but lamented that hospitals lacked specialists to handle it, while facilities for its treatment were inadequate.

    The National President of the association, Mrs. Juliet Ogbuogu, enjoined the governor to sensitise the House of Assembly to make laws on the control of breast cancer.