The Efficacy Of Blood Transfusion In Lagos May No Longer Be Guaranteed If JOHESU's Strike Is Allowed To Go On, Lab Directors Warn Sanwo-Olu

 The Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors (GMLD), Lagos State chapter, has called on the Lagos State Government to urgently intervene in the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).

The appeal was made in a statement signed on Wednesday by the chairman, Adekoya Abimbola Julius, and the secretary general, Dr Leo Aniakor.

In the statement, the guild said the strike has begun to affect healthcare delivery across the state, particularly laboratory services critical to patient care.

“The withdrawal of services at screening centres has significantly constrained critical laboratory testing required for safe blood transfusion and effective patient management,” the guild said.

It warned that the disruption is already causing delays in diagnosis and treatment, adding that such delays pose serious risks to lives.

“These disruptions are causing avoidable delays in diagnosis and treatment, thereby placing the health and lives of Lagos residents at serious risk,” the statement added.

The guild also expressed concern that investments made by the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee could be undermined if the strike continues.

It said, “The notable progress and investments made by the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee in strengthening safe and reliable blood services may be eroded if the industrial action persists.”

Calling for dialogue, the guild stressed that no Lagos resident should suffer preventable illness or death over issues that can be resolved through negotiation.

“No resident of Lagos State should suffer preventable illness or loss of life over matters that are ultimately resolvable through dialogue and negotiation,” it said.

The guild urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to use his office to facilitate engagement among all parties and bring the strike to a peaceful end.

The appeal comes amid the decision by JOHESU and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations to continue their ongoing indefinite strike.

The unions had earlier vowed not to suspend the industrial action unless the Federal Government addresses their demands, particularly the implementation of the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure.

In an interview with journalists, National Secretary of the unions, Martin Egbanubi, said the strike would continue, insisting that the government had failed to act despite meetings held since the action began.

“For now, we have resolved to continue the strike. We met with the government twice since the commencement of the strike, and nothing has changed,” Egbanubi said.

He added that the unions would not accept intimidation or sanctions against their members, stressing that the delay in implementing the adjusted CONHESS since 2022 remains the core issue.

Egbanubi also accused successive administrations of failing to address salary disparities among health workers, noting that the unions had narrowed their demands to the implementation of the adjusted salary structure.

JOHESU, which commenced the nationwide strike on November 15, 2025, represents several unions, including the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, and other health sector staff associations.

 

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Senate Orders Emergency Response As Lead Poisoning Hits Lagos, Ogun

The Senate has directed urgent medical and environmental intervention in Ogijo, a community straddling Lagos and Ogun states, following reports of widespread lead poisoning linked to battery recycling factories.

Lawmakers summoned the Ministers of Environment, Health, Solid Minerals, Labour and Employment, together with the Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), to provide updates on the crisis. The Senate described the situation as a public health emergency, citing evidence of contamination from toxic emissions affecting children, women and factory workers.

Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, who sponsored the motion alongside Senator Gbenga Daniel, warned that contamination levels in Ogijo had reached “186 times the internationally accepted safety limits.”

He said residents had reported symptoms including headaches, seizures and memory loss, consistent with long-term lead exposure.

“Children are dying slowly. Families have lived for years under poisonous smoke and dust,” Abiru told the chamber.

He noted that independent investigations had confirmed severe poisoning through blood tests and soil sampling, adding that processed lead from Ogijo had entered global supply chains. While acknowledging the closure of seven recycling factories and suspension of lead exports by the Federal Government, Abiru insisted that “exposure in the community continues to be extreme and unacceptable.”

The Senate resolved that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) should deploy medical teams to conduct toxicology screening, blood-lead testing and treatment. It also directed the Federal Ministry of Environment and NESREA to carry out remediation of soil, groundwater and household dust. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was tasked with providing relief and temporary relocation for affected families, as well as establishing a National Lead Poisoning Response and Remediation Office.

Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, recalled a similar incident in Akwa Ibom State in the 1980s, where lead contamination from a battery plant had shortened life expectancy.

“A lot of communities have suffered and died from here. We had a battery industry in my place in the 1980s. And then suddenly, we recorded a lot of deaths from the small river, because these things were just seeping into the river; it was very close to the river, and people were drinking from that same river, taking their baths from there and all sorts of things.

“And eventually, life expectancy in that community was not up to 40 years. So, of course, you know, in a rural community, people did not know that this was from lead poisoning.”

The motion was adopted by voice vote, and the Committee on Legislative Compliance was instructed to ensure full implementation of the resolutions within two months.

 

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Packaged Water In Lagos, Oyo And Osun Polluted With Toxic Chemicals - New Study

A study by Dr Otitoju Beulah, a member of the African Centre of Excellence for Water and Environmental Research and a researcher at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, has raised fresh concerns about the quality of drinking water available to Nigerian households.

The study, with samples taken from major and minor waterbodies in Osun, Oyo and Lagos states, indicated alarmingly high concentrations of industrial pollutants and pharmaceutical residues in both surface and groundwater sources, with levels spiking during the rainy season.

Otitoju made her research findings known in a statement.

The research, she noted, revealed the presence of these pollutants in rivers, streams, wells, boreholes, tap water, as well as in packaged water.

Otitoju’s research pointed out that infants and toddlers are particularly vulnerable, facing higher risks of non-carcinogenic effects when consuming water from these contaminated sources.

Her findings further indicated that while the pollutants pose risks to adults, infants and toddlers face significantly higher vulnerability due to their lower body weight and higher water intake relative to their size.

“My recent study, published in international journals, shed light on pollutants that most people have never heard of but may be consuming daily. One such study examined dihydroxybenzenes, compounds like catechol and hydroquinone, commonly linked to industrial pollutants and pharmaceutical waste,” she said.

“My team’s fieldwork across major and minor waterbodies in Osun, Oyo, and Lagos States indicated alarmingly high concentrations of these chemicals in both surface and groundwater sources, with levels spiking during the rainy season. These sources include but are not limited to rivers, streams, springs, wells, boreholes, tap water and most shockingly, packaged water.

“These compounds don’t just threaten human health. They also negatively affect aquatic life, impacting the natural order of ecosystems that people depend on for food and livelihood.”

Beyond chemical contamination, the study also highlighted the impact of Nigeria’s poor waste management system on bacterial pollution.

Beulah linked the problem to rapid urbanisation, inadequate regulation and limited public awareness about proper waste disposal practices.

She noted that the absence of strong regulatory enforcement allows harmful effluents to seep into water sources that communities rely on for drinking and cooking.

She advocated affordable water treatment solutions for families to protect themselves, including agricultural-waste filters, modified sand filters and solar disinfection units.

These methods, she stated, offer practical, low-cost options suited to local conditions.

 

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160 Thousand Lagosians Living With HIV - LASCA

The Lagos State government has revealed that there are about 160,000 residents living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

The Chief Executive Officer of Lagos State Aids Control Agency (LASCA), Dr Folakemi Animashaun, disclosed this during a press conference to mark 2025 World Aids Day, themed “Overcoming Disruptions: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response”.

Animashaun acknowledged the steadfast leadership of the governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose vision and commitment, she said, have continued to guide the state’s health initiatives.

“His unwavering support strengthens both our health systems and community networks, ensuring that every effort to prevent, detect, and treat HIV is empowered and sustained,” she said.

She noted that the theme resonates deeply with the shared experience in Lagos, reflecting both the challenges and the resilience of the communities.

“In 2025, while our hospitals and treatment centres continued to provide uninterrupted care, our community structures—the heartbeat of Lagos State’s HIV response—faced significant challenges due to the Stop Work Order by the US government. These pauses in community activities slowed essential interventions,

limiting access to testing, counselling, and psychosocial support in several communities. Many residents, particularly adolescents, key populations, and individuals in hard-to-reach areas, experienced delays in accessing services that are often a lifeline for early detection and care.

“These interruptions underscored a fundamental truth: the strength of any health response is measured not only by what happens within clinics but also by the reach, trust, and continuity of community engagement. When these connections falter, the opportunities for early diagnosis, timely treatment, and prevention education are reduced, and the most vulnerable populations feel the impact first.

“Yet, even in the face of these challenges, the resilience and dedication of our community networks shone brightly. Peer educators, support groups, youth advocates, faith-based partners, community structures, and civil society organisations quickly adapted, slowly re-establishing outreach activities, maintaining communication with clients, and ensuring that those newly diagnosed were linked to care without delay. Their unwavering commitment has allowed Lagos to regain lost momentum, restoring trust, reconnecting with individuals who had fallen out of care, and demonstrating that community-driven action is essential to sustaining the HIV response.

“As of January to September 2025, Lagos State currently has an estimated 160,000 residents living with HIV, of whom 147,466 persons are on antiretroviral treatment. During this reporting period, a total of 222,415 tests were conducted. Compared to the same period last year, this represents about 28.9 per cent of last year’s testing, highlighting the significant impact of the stop-order directive on HIV testing services. This reinforces the need to sustain engagement, early testing, and strong community support remain critical.

“Our ongoing Statewide Community HIV Testing Campaign, which began on Tuesday, 18th November 2025, is already demonstrating remarkable impact across Lagos State. To date, a total of 9,943 residents have been tested, including 3,402 males and 6,541 females, with a positivity yield of 2.0 per cent. Those who tested positive were linked to care. This campaign highlights the power of sustained, community-driven outreach. Young adults aged 20–35 are leading turnout, reflecting effective engagement of populations at higher risk of transmission. Women are showing strong participation, particularly in Ikorodu, Badagry, Ojo, and Mushin, demonstrating the success of market-based and community-cluster strategies. Positive cases have been identified across multiple LGAs, confirming that HIV remains a disease of public health concern in the state.

“These early results also reinforce a critical message: when communities are mobilised, tested, and supported, we can identify cases early, link individuals to treatment, and strengthen prevention efforts. The resilience and dedication of our community networks have ensured that even after prior interruptions, Lagos is regaining momentum, reaching more residents, and safeguarding the health of the state’s most vulnerable populations.

“As part of this year’s World AIDS Day agenda, LSACA has organised a series of activities designed not only to commemorate the day but also to inspire, inform, and actively engage Lagosians in the HIV and AIDS response. Each event is carefully planned to foster awareness, early detection, and strengthened community resilience. HIV awareness and prevention efforts are being strengthened through religious leaders, market women, in-school platforms, and social media initiatives targeting youth.”

Animashaun stated that the ongoing statewide HIV Testing Campaign remains the central activity of the commemoration.

“It ensures that residents across all LGAs and LCDAs know their HIV status, supports early diagnosis, facilitates timely linkage to care, and sustains treatment adherence. This campaign reaches communities where health and social support are most needed.

The Jumat Service on Friday, 28th November, provides an opportunity to engage Muslim communities, highlighting the role of faith in promoting compassion, support, and health-seeking behaviours. Religious leaders will encourage congregants to embrace testing, reduce stigma, and care for those living with HIV.

“The novelty football match on Saturday, 29th November, uses sport as a platform for education and engagement. This fun and inclusive activity brings together residents from diverse backgrounds, offering a chance to share prevention messages, encourage testing, and foster social cohesion.

“The church service on Sunday, 30th November, engages Christian communities in reflection and solidarity. It emphasises the principles of care, inclusion, and community support, inspiring congregants to contribute to sustaining the HIV response while promoting messages of hope and compassion.

“The awareness walk and empowerment programme on Monday, 1st December, reaches residents directly in their communities, reinforcing stigma-free messaging, educating about prevention and treatment, and empowering women and youth to take active roles in safeguarding community health.”

She said the World AIDS Day Symposium on Tuesday, 2nd December, will bring together stakeholders, partners, health professionals, and community leaders for knowledge-sharing, dialogue, and innovation.

“It underscores the importance of collaboration across all sectors and faith communities in overcoming disruptions and sustaining the HIV response in Lagos State.”

 

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Chemical Preservatives Now Used On Moi Moi Sold In Nigerian High Brow Shopping Malls

Now consider this scenario. You see a lovely pack of moi moi on the shelf of a shopping mall. You buy it and take it home for the purpose of consuming it but after eating a portion of it, you realize you have lost appetite and cannot finish the entire pack. You leave it on top of the sink in the kitchen and go to sleep. 

Next morning and you are about to dispose of the remnant moi moi when you suddenly discover that it has not shown any sign of decay even though it has been exposed since the previous evening. In fact, when you take it up to your nose and smell, it smells the same way it was when you bought it the previous day.

Now curious, you decide to leave it in the kitchen till evening. However, when you come back in the evening, the story is the same: the moi moi has not shown any sign of decay. And it stays that way for one, two, and three whole days before you begin to notice small signs of decay.

The above situation is not fictional. It was the experience of Mr Kofi Bartels , a popular radio presenter with Nigeria Info 99.3 FM. You could feel the shock in Mr Kofi’s voice as he narrated his ordeal in the course of one of his programmes. And if you think his experience is a case in isolation, then you will need to think again. A lady, who gave her name as Linda, told Natural Health Africa that she bought a wrap of moi moi from a shopping mall in Port Harcourt and felt very uneasy after eating it. She felt like she had developed constipation. She was surprised when she went to the toilet the next morning and saw that everything came out the same way it had gone in.

“It was as if no digestion took place; the whole thing came out the same way I had eaten it. I had to examine it with the aid of a torchlight because the issue gave me a sleepless night and I was wondering if I had been poisoned even though nobody else but me touched that moi moi,” she said.

What Is Moi Moi?

Moi moi is a protein-rich, steamed bean pudding that is a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as iron, folate, and potassium. A 100g serving contains approximately 108-155 calories, 6.5-13g of protein, 2-3g of fat, and 16-24g of carbohydrates. The exact nutritional value varies based on the ingredients and preparation, such as the amount of oil and other additions like fish, eggs, or meat. 

Moi moi is a healthy food due to its high content of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals from its main ingredient, beans. It supports muscle growth, aids digestion, and can help manage weight because it is low in fat and high in fiber. Its preparation as a steamed dish is also a healthier alternative to fried foods, and it is naturally gluten-free.  

Naturally, moi moi that is left unprotected and unrefrigerated will begin to show signs of decay and spoilage when left overnight. This is often manifested in the taste, smell, and texture, making it undesirable or even unsafe for consumption. So, when such a pack of moi moi stays for up to 72 hours before beginning to exhibit these manifestations, then something must be wrong somewhere. But before we look into why this particular moi moi could not decay, let’s first look at the process of food spoilage and what causes food to decay.

How Bacteria Causes Food Spoilage 

Bacteria and other microorganisms spoil food by breaking down its chemical composition for nutrients, which creates unwanted byproducts. This activity alters the food's taste, smell, and texture. 

Microorganisms consume the proteins, carbohydrates, and fats in food through enzymatic action and metabolic processes, leading to characteristic signs of decay. 

In the case of moi moi and other byproducts of beans, Bacteria secrete enzymes that break down proteins and amino acids. This process, known as putrefaction, produces foul-smelling compounds such as ammonia, amines, and sulfur-containing substances, leading to the rotten odor associated with spoiled moi moi.

It now becomes clear that if moi moi refuses to decay after a long period of time, something must have been introduced to prevent these bacteria from acting on it. And this takes us to another level of the conversation.

How Chemical Preservatives Prevent Food Spoilage 

Chemical preservatives stop food spoilage by inhibiting or killing microorganisms and preventing oxidation, which causes rancidity. They work by creating an environment that is hostile to microbes and by slowing down the chemical reactions that lead to spoilage, thereby extending the food's shelf life. 

Preservatives like benzoic acid, sorbic acid, and nisin can stop the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds, or destroy them altogether, thereby extending the moi moi’s shelf life and making it look just as fresh as when it was cooked. Bottomline? Producers of this kind of moi moi do so to extend the shelf life of the food, and this they do by adding harmful preservatives for that purpose. But what is the health implication for the consumer. If moi moi cannot decay more than two days after it has been exposed, what is the guarantee that it would not affect the health of the consumer negatively.

How Dangerous Are Food Preservatives To Human Health? 

The danger of food preservatives to human health varies, with some being linked to adverse effects like allergic reactions and asthma, while others are associated with more serious conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease with long-term consumption. Some preservatives, such as sulfites, can trigger allergic reactions, while others like nitrites and some artificial dyes and emulsifiers have been linked to cancer, behavioral issues in children, and other chronic health problems.

Foods laced with preservatives do not digest easily and can disrupt the digestive process. Instead of speeding up digestion, the additives in these foods can cause inflammation and alter the gut microbiome, which can lead to digestive discomfort. 

Preservatives And Digestion Problems

• Harmful to gut bacteria: Many preservatives are antimicrobial, meaning they are designed to kill microorganisms like bacteria, yeast, and fungi to extend shelf life. This can disrupt the balance of your gut microbiome by killing off beneficial bacteria necessary for proper digestion.

• Trigger inflammation: Preservatives like sodium benzoate and certain emulsifiers can trigger inflammation and irritation in the gastrointestinal tract. Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

• Inhibit enzymes: Preservatives can suppress the release of digestive enzymes, which slows down the digestion process. This can cause food to sit in the stomach for longer than it should, leading to indigestion and bloating.

• Hinder nutrient absorption: An altered microbiome and inhibited digestive enzymes can prevent your body from properly absorbing nutrients from food. This means that even seemingly "balanced" processed foods can lead to nutrient deficiencies.

• Contribute to constipation: Processed foods often lack fiber, an essential nutrient that helps regulate bowel movements. Combined with the effects of preservatives, this can lead to constipation. 

Conclusion 

Moi moi laced with preservatives is for the purpose of protecting the business of the producer at the expense of the health of the innocent consumer. So, when next you see that lovely pack of moi moi displayed on the shelf of a shopping mall, please ask questions before you pick it up.

                

Culled From Natural Health Africa  

 

 

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Lagos Launches Digital Birth Registration For Children

The Lagos State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, the National Population Commission, NPC, and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, has launched E-Birth Registration Initiative to ensure that every child born in the state is officially captured in the national database.

The initiative was launched as part of efforts to strengthen child protection and improve planning through accurate data collection.

Speaking at the event, Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his administration’s strong support for child registration and digital data systems.

She said birth registration is more than paperwork, describing it as an important tool for giving every child a legal identity and access to essential services such as healthcare and education.

Lafoucriere said “Without a birth certificate, a child cannot access healthcare properly, cannot enroll in school, and cannot get social services. They are invisible. And we know what happens to invisible children,”

She noted that Lagos State currently leads the country with about 94% of children under five already registered, but added that more effort is needed to reach children in informal unreachable and communities.

According to her, UNICEF is supporting the registration of 3.69 million children under one year across 15 states, with Lagos targeting 545,000 children this year.

She urged government agencies, local councils, traditional and religious leaders, the media, and civil society groups to work together to ensure every child is registered.

“Today is not just a launch; it is about accountability. Every stakeholder must play their part so that no child is left out,” she said.

In his address, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the E-birth registration will make it easier to capture children’s data from birth and link it with their National Identification Number (NIN).

“Every child from zero to 12 months must be registered under the National Population Commission. With the E-registration, their data will be collected right from birth, and that is the way forward,” the governor stated.

Sanwo-Olu said accurate population data would help government plan better for healthcare, education, and development.

“Government can use this data to plan, to support development, and to know where each and every one of us lives. That is why all local government chairmen are here to take this message to their communities,” he added.

The governor commended UNICEF, NPC, ALGON, and other partners for their collaboration, stressing that the new digital system will make Lagos the first state in the country to achieve complete birth registration coverage.

 

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Sonwo-Olu Flags Off Unilag Medical Research Centre

 

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Depression: Woman Falls Into 60-Foot Well In Ikorodu

A 32-year-old woman has been hospitalised after falling into a 60-foot well in the Agric Road, Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State, reportedly as a result of depression.

The Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, disclosed this in a statement.

According to Adeseye, the agency had received a distress call in the early hours of Wednesday about the incident.

She noted that preliminary findings showed that the victim had wandered into the area before falling into the well.

Accompanying video of the incident showed the moment firefighters descended into the well and rescued the woman, who had sustained injuries to her head with visible blood stains.

She added that upon arrival at the scene of the incident, firefighters immediately conducted a rescue operation and rescued the lady alive.

Adeseye stated, “A distress call was received regarding a reportedly depressed female adult, approximately 32 years old, who accidentally fell into an uncovered well about 60 feet deep.

“The victim was said to have wandered from a nearby building before the incident occurred while she was sitting on the edge of the well.

“Upon arrival, the rescue crew immediately commenced operations and successfully rescued the victim alive. She was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention.”

The LSFRS boss noted that the cause of the accidental fall was attributed to a depressed condition.

“The probable cause was an accidental fall resulting from a depressed condition,” Adeseye concluded.

Depression and associated mental health issues have been attributed to the worsening economic conditions, which have continued to put pressure on many individuals.

PUNCH Healthwise reported in April 2024 that there had been a disturbing rise in mental health-related incidents in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.

Similarly, it reported in September 2024 that the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, recorded a patient admission increase by almost 100 per cent in 2023, with experts linking the surge to economic hardship, unemployment, and social instability.

Experts have urged the government to intensify awareness campaigns and establish more community-based mental health centres, stressing that untreated depression often leads to tragic incidents like suicide attempts and self-harm.

 

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Pregnancy With Sickle Cell: What Couples Should Know - Prof Bosede Afolabi

In this interview with Sade Oguntola, Professor Bosede Afolabi, the Director of the Centre for Clinical Trials, Research, and Implementation Science at the University of Lagos, College of Medicine, and Head of the Experimental and Maternal Medicine Unit at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), discusses the information that women with sickle cell disease and their partners should be aware of in order to have safe pregnancies.

CAN women with sickle cell get pregnant? Does it carry any risk?

 Women with sickle cell disease, preferably referred to as sickle cell warriors, can get pregnant. In the few available studies, they do appear to have a higher risk of miscarriage. Also, from the studies that my team and I did, it appears that their ovarian reserve is lower, age for age, than their haemoglobin AA counterparts. However, they can and do get pregnant. And we look after a lot of pregnant women with sickle cell disease in the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where I work.

Can they have healthy pregnancies, therefore?

They can have healthy pregnancies. However, at least two-thirds of them have complicated pregnancies. Pregnancy, unfortunately, is a situation where they have more frequent crises and more frequent complications, including acute chest syndrome. In pregnancy, they are more likely to have hypertensive diseases of pregnancy like preeclampsia, low birth weight babies and many other issues. They also have a higher likelihood of dying from childbirth, unfortunately. So yes, some pregnancies can be healthy; at least a third of sickle cell warriors in our environment tend to go through pregnancy easily or fairly easily. But a majority of them do have complications during pregnancy.

What are the challenges their babies are likely to face?

Their babies are more likely to be small in weight for their age at birth. They’re more likely to have growth restriction during pregnancy, which means their growth is not as optimal as babies of women who don’t have sickle cell disease. And also, they’re more likely to be born preterm. And finally, because of all these things, their babies do have a higher incidence of stillbirth and death, either during pregnancy or immediately after birth.

 How does sickle cell affect pregnancy and childbirth generally?

  Generally, it affects their pregnancy by causing them to have more frequent crises and more infections, including malaria. They stand a higher risk of having preterm delivery, ending up in a caesarean section, even though they can have normal vaginal deliveries, and a host of other complications. We prefer them, if possible, to have normal deliveries because it is less stressful on their bodies in total.

 However, sometimes, because some of them have had what we call avascular necrosis of the hip, they sometimes have difficulty with their gait and managing the position for a vaginal birth. Some of them have some other reasons, like preeclampsia or severe crises earlier than the ideal time for childbirth, in which case they may not be able to dilate quickly enough to have a normal delivery, and we may need to deliver them quickly. So, for some of these reasons, whether obstetric (i.e., pregnancy-related) or due to the sickle cell itself, we sometimes have to deliver them by caesarean section. But the ideal, if everything goes well, is to deliver them vaginally, and yes, they can push.

 What we try to do is to reduce the pain that they have during labour so that they are more comfortable. And when it comes to the second stage, that is, the time when they’re supposed to push, we also try to reduce their pain as much as possible and sometimes even assist them with the pushing by using instrumental delivery, i.e., forceps or vacuum, to help pull the baby out. Sickle cell definitely affects their pregnancy quite significantly.

They talk about painless childbirth; can they have pain-free labour?

  An epidural is preferable if it’s available in a centre. In my centre – the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), for example – we try to ensure that women going for vaginal delivery who have sickle cell disease have an epidural in labour so that they can deliver as pain-free as possible and smoothly. So yes, that’s the best for them if they are going for vaginal delivery so that the stress of the pain and duration of the labour will not trigger them into having more crises and more problems.

How will their sickle cell treatment plan change during pregnancy to ensure they have healthy babies, free of congenital malformations?

We do want to ensure that they are on the right medication, especially in the first three months of pregnancy. Some pregnant women with sickle cell disease have been on hydroxyurea, which is a drug that helps reduce crises. And when they get pregnant, we say that they should stop. However, it is a good thing to check if hydroxyurea affects babies in that way.

 Animal studies have been done that show that hydroxyurea can cause problems in the unborn foetus. However, these animal studies used doses of hydroxyurea that are 10 to 100 times higher than what human beings use. We know that hydroxyurea really helps these women. So, in the guideline that WHO just released, which I was privileged to be the chair of, we decided that we should consider recommencing hydroxyurea after the first trimester (first three months of pregnancy) in somebody who has been using it before, while making sure to balance the benefits versus the risks. This relates especially to women that the drug has helped in the past by helping to reduce their frequency of crises.

 The reason for this consideration is also because there was no increase in abnormalities with the offspring of women who were taking it during their pregnancies in other observational studies that examined this. Even though we are not 100% sure about it, as proper trials have not been carried out, it’s also important that the mother herself is well enough to be able to carry a pregnancy safely. So, sometimes, when you balance the benefits of avoiding severe crises, which can occasionally lead to the death of the mother from crisis-related complications, it may sometimes be advisable to prescribe hydroxyurea after laying all the cards on the table for the woman and her partner.

 Apart from that, all the other drugs that they may have been on before getting pregnant, like antibiotics that are not safe in pregnancy, may also need to be stopped or changed to other ones that are compatible with early pregnancy. Generally, in all pregnancies, we’re always very mindful of the foetus, but we must remember that the mother is also very important, and for the foetus to be well, the mother also has to be well. So it’s important not to say, Let’s cancel a particular drug. Instead, let’s find an alternative to it. If you don’t find an alternative, then you need to treat the mother. It’s very important. She can have other children. She has to be alive to be able to look after children and to bear children.

What are the signs of sickle cell crisis in pregnancy?

 It is like a sickle cell crisis even when you’re not pregnant. It is that you have the very painful bone pains, pains that are difficult to describe till you experience them. You’re suddenly feeling severe pain in different places. You find it difficult to breathe; you’re feeling uncomfortable, and you are feeling very unwell. It’s important, and that’s why, my warriors, I always say to them, You must drink water. You must have water with you everywhere so that you are not dehydrated. You must make sure you are not too cold or too hot at any given time. Anytime you have any small ache, complaint, pain, or feeling of unwellness, don’t wait like you would when you’re not pregnant. Come straight to the hospital to complain because things can change for the worse very quickly. We want to treat any complications as soon as they arise instead of having to wait.

In the case of sickle cell patients or women with sickle cell, when are they supposed to start antenatal?

 They need to start early. I would say as early as two months.

We talk about preconception care; is it helpful for them to be “cleared” before getting pregnant?

 Pre-conception care is very important for them. There are certain things that one has to check for. Sickle cell warriors sometimes have something we call pulmonary hypertension, which is raised blood pressure in the lung area. It is important to check for it even before the pregnancy. Some of them have sickle cell nephropathy, so they need kidney checks. Also, it’s important to check the eyes and the haemoglobin level. It’s important to know how many transfusions they’ve had in the past and if they have crises frequently so that you know how to modify their treatment and how frequently you have to see them. All these things are important. Before pregnancy, they should also be on folic acid and malaria prevention medicine before they get pregnant.

Are they fit to seek care in a primary health care centre?

 You cannot afford to register at a primary health facility if you are a sickle cell warrior, as it is a high-risk pregnancy condition. A tertiary centre would be ideal. They can, however, register for prenatal treatment at a general hospital in the absence of an accessible tertiary centre, which can then refer them to one, if necessary.

 The need for blood transfusion is common. Intravenous fluids and oxygen therapy are frequently required. Multidisciplinary care is required, including treatment from pulmonologists (respiratory doctors), microbiologists, infectious disease specialists, haematologists, and others. You cannot find all these specialists in a PHC and not even in some general hospitals, which is why we advise them as much as possible that, at the very least, they should register for antenatal care in a general hospital and, preferably, a tertiary centre. The PHCs do not have the resources to look after sickle cell warriors in pregnancy.

What are your parting words for their partners?

 Their partners need to know that these women are very special, and they must help look after their health and care about them. Don’t try and get them to have too many children. I always advise at the very most two children. After two, have some permanent, irreversible contraception like tying your tubes or your husband having a vasectomy, or at least a long-acting contraception like the levonorgestrel intrauterine system implants or the progesterone-only pills. Those progesterone-only family planning methods are good for them, as it has been demonstrated that these can lessen the amount of blood lost during menstruation. In general, the most important thing is that their partners be there for them constantly, make sure they accompany them to the hospital, make sure they get prompt care when they feel unwell, take special care of them, and—most importantly—make sure they limit their family size.

Culled from the Tribune Newspaper 

 

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Nurses Embark On 7-Day Strike Nationwide

Healthcare services across Nigeria face major disruption from today (Wednesday) as 25,000 nurses, under the umbrella of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Federal Health Institutions Sector, embark on a seven-day nationwide warning strike.

The action, which began at midnight, followed the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued by NANNM to the federal government.

This is coming amid the faceoff between doctors and the government over welfare and other issues.

Speaking with newsmen on Monday, the National Chairman of NANNM-FHI, Morakinyo Rilwan, said the strike would involve a total withdrawal of services across all federal health institutions.

“The 15-day ultimatum ends by Tuesday, July 29, 2025, by midnight, and the warning strike commences on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 12.01am.

“The action would include 74 federal hospitals – teaching hospitals, federal medical centres, specialist hospitals like orthopaedic, neuro-psychiatric, and eye centres, as well as all general hospitals and primary healthcare centres in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and 774 local government areas.

“Private hospitals are not included. This is because for now the private practitioner nurses are not spread over Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, the strike was in response to issues which include poor remuneration, staff shortages, unpaid allowances, and unsafe working conditions.

On July 14, 2025, the union issued a 15-day ultimatum to the federal government, demanding immediate intervention to prevent a total healthcare shutdown.

Rilwan noted that despite the ultimatum, the federal government had not initiated any negotiations.

Rilwan said the strike became necessary after the federal government and the Federal Ministry of Health failed to respond meaningfully to its July 14 ultimatum.

“Since the 15-day ultimatum was given, there has been no invitation by the federal government or federal ministry of health. So, it is imminent that the strike will take place and it is going to be a total of seven days in all federal institutions, secondary and primary health care in Nigeria,” he said.

He said the decision was aimed at drawing urgent attention to the critical issues affecting nurses nationwide.

“The strike is a follow-up to the ultimatum given to the federal government through the federal ministry of health on the 14th July 2025 and this is as a result of our unmet demands,” he said.

The organisation’s demands include gazetting of the nurses scheme of service approved by the NCE in 2016 in Minna, Niger State, implementation of the National Industrial Arbitration Court (NIC) judgment of January 27, 2012, upward review of professional allowance for nurses and midwives, and employment of nursing personnel and adequate provision of health facility equipment.

Other demands include creation of a department of nursing in the federal ministry of health, inclusion of nurses in the headship of the health policy-making body, a fair representation by the association on the board and membership in federal health institutions, centralisation of internship posting for graduate nurses, and consultancy for nurses and midwives.

The association is also demanding the withdrawal of the content of the recently released circular on revised allowances for health workers (Nurses).

Rilwan said: “We want the government to employ more nurses because of the Japa syndrome. Those of us on ground working are not ready to travel out. The workload on us is too much, that’s why we want the government to employ more nurses.

“But the government is actually embarking on this propaganda that there are no nurses in Nigeria, we have enough nurses in Nigeria. In fact, the majority of them are working in private hospitals where they are being paid peanuts and we want the government to employ them so that the work load on us will be reduced.

“For now, based on the data collected from the association, we have about 10,000 nurses that are unemployed.

“Talking about our shift allowance which presently the circular on ground actually stipulated 30 percent basic, what we have been receiving since 2009 is about 8.6 percent as against 30 percent of our basic, so we want this to be implemented. We want a 200 percent increment over all allowances including allowances to nurses and call duty allowance.

“We want nurses to be included in policy making. As the largest health professional in the health sector, we hardly participate where decisions on the health system are being taken.”

Asked the last time nurses went on strike, he said: “Nurses alone have not gone on any strike in Nigeria for the past 40 years. Nurses went on strike last in 1984 and then some consensus was reached that made them suspend the strike at that time.

“We’ve been appealing to the government not to let us reach the situation where we are going to go on strike but the government has remained adamant. After the seven days warning strike, if nothing tangible comes from the government, we are going to give a 21-day  ultimatum according to labour law before we embark on an indefinite strike.

“The government is not serious because they don’t consider the masses. They can easily travel abroad so they don’t bother what happens to the poor masses, that is why they are being insensitive.”

Rilwan, who described the warning strike as a “total shutdown”, said there would be no services, including emergencies.

“There will not be emergency services, the strike is a total shutdown, and there will be no skeletal services,” he said.

He listed the services to be affected to include operating theatres; Intensive Care Units (ICUs), labour wards; anaesthesia; accident and emergency; and general outpatient clinics.

Others are special care baby units; all specialty clinics (for example ophthalmic, dialysis, orthopedic, neuropsychiatric, antenatal, oncology clinic, fertility clinic, etc); all in-patient admission wards; and central sterile supply units.

The NANNM’s seven-day warning strike coincided with the ongoing three-day warning strike embarked upon by doctors in Lagos under the Medical Guild, which started on Monday.

“It is high time they started to consider the masses. I just can’t imagine what would happen in hospitals affected from Wednesday when there is an emergency. Private hospitals are quite expensive,” a nurse said.

Another medical practitioner, Adeniyi Kolawole, also corroborated this stance.

He said: “The government has no reason whatsoever not to heed to the demands of the nurses. Anyway, it’s not surprising as top government officials through tax payers’ money travel abroad for treatment when need be.

“It’s going to be disastrous if the government let this happen. Many of these nurses cannot even afford the food they eat, the clothes they wear, or the medicine they need.”

While urging the government to take decisive action, a practicing nurse, Oyekanmi Blessing, said: “Our only crime is staying in Nigeria to care for Nigerians. My colleagues serving as nurses in Saudi Arabia are treated with respect, honour and dignity.”

 

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LASTMA To Carry Out Psychiatric Test On 18 Drivers For Driving Against Traffic

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says it will commence mandatory and comprehensive psychiatric evaluations for 18 drivers recently arrested for driving against traffic.

In a statement, Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA director of public affairs, said the directive from the Lagos state government is a “strategic effort to curb the menace of one-way traffic violations” in the state.

Olalekan Bakare-Oki, general manager of LASTMA, said the psychiatric tests aim to protect the public from “dangerously reckless” road users.

The agency said it has finalised prosecutorial frameworks for the immediate arraignment of the 18 vehicle owners  apprehended for “wilfully driving against traffic flow”.

“In a strategic effort to curb the menace of one-way traffic violations in Lagos, the Lagos state government has directed the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to ensure that 18 motorists apprehended for brazenly driving against traffic flow (one-way) undergo mandatory psychiatric evaluation,” the statement reads.

“This directive is part of a multi-faceted approach to restore road discipline, ensure public safety, and maintain order on Lagos roads.

“The Lagos state government views this measure as a preventive and restorative step, rather than a punitive one, aimed at rehabilitating errant drivers and deterring potential violators.

“As part of their prosecution, each offender will be required to undergo a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to assess their cognitive fitness and behavioural disposition.”

Bakare-Oki said that the initiative reflects global best practices in advanced traffic psychology and behavioural enforcement.

“The deployment of psychiatric testing serves as both a corrective instrument and a deterrent to those who may be tempted to emulate such hazardous behaviour,” he said.

“This measure is more than just a traffic enforcement initiative; it is a moral and civic imperative, reflecting the Lagos state government’s vision to promote responsible motoring, safeguard human life, and maintain order on our roads.”

The LASTMA manager added that despite sustained public sensitisation, some drivers continue to act with impunity, causing crashes, traffic congestion and road damage.

Bakare-Oki reiterated that the Lagos government is determined to enforce traffic laws in order to prevent further loss of lives and ensure public safety.

 

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Medical Services Grounded As Lagos Doctors Embark On Warning Strike

Medical services were disrupted across several public hospitals in Lagos on Monday as doctors under the state government’s employment commenced a three-day warning strike to protest salary deductions and unpaid arrears.

At the Orthopaedic Clinic of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), four patients sat quietly in the waiting area after scheduled appointments were cancelled due to the strike.

One of the patients, a middle-aged woman with rheumatism who declined to give her name, said her pain had worsened and she had looked forward to the consultation.

“I have severe pain in my legs and was hoping the doctor would help today. But they’ve postponed my appointment to 4 August,” she said, looking distressed.

“Now I have to manage with just the medicine. You shouldn’t have met me; I should have gone home, but my leg is aching. It feels like a hook, I can’t walk properly.”

The union, which represents doctors employed by the Lagos State Government, is protesting what it describes as “illegal and disrespectful” deductions from July salaries and unpaid 12-month arrears under the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

Despite appeals by the Lagos government to shelve the action, the strike commenced early Monday, affecting services across LASUTH and other hospitals in the state.

It was observed that while some departments, such as physiotherapy, were attending to patients, most clinics were limiting care to only admitted patients.

New patients were not being allowed in, and appointments were being rescheduled.

A patient named Bolu Alao, seen outside the Medical Emergency Unit, confirmed that no new patients were being taken in. “They just told us to come back later,” she said.

Another woman, who had accompanied her elderly mother to the orthopaedic department, was informed that her mother’s appointment had also been cancelled due to the strike.

At the General Hospital in Ifako-Ijaiye, a woman who identified herself as Mrs Kasali shared a personal story of negligence involving her sister-in-law.

Although unrelated to the current strike, she used the opportunity to express frustration with the healthcare services.

She said her sister-in-law laboured for two days at the hospital, and was eventually moved for a Caesarean section, and later referred to a private facility where she died after complications.

The family, she added, was now being told to pay a balance of N120,000 before they could take custody of the child.

“They are still holding the baby. We’ve already spent over a million. It’s heartbreaking,” she said.

An elderly woman, Victoria Bolatito, was seen waiting at the Traige and Oxygen centre, but expressed uncertainty about whether she would be attended to.

In a statement posted on its X account, the Medical Guild said the warning strike followed repeated breaches by the government in honouring previous agreements.

“We are prepared to escalate our measures if the government does not respond swiftly. The welfare of our members and the integrity of the health system are at stake,” an official of the Guild said.

The union has warned that failure to meet its demands could lead to an indefinite strike after a 21-day ultimatum that will follow the warning action.

In a message to its members, it urged full compliance and warned that sanctions would be applied for non-compliance.

“Our monitoring and strike enforcement team will be on patrol to ensure adherence,” the message read.

The Lagos state government, in a statement, said it was concerned about the issues raised and was engaging with the Medical Guild through an existing conciliation committee.

“Meetings have been held, and documents submitted by the Guild are being carefully reviewed in line with existing policies and fiscal regulations,” the statement signed by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, said.

   

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Lagos Intensifies HIV Prevention Efforts With Inclusive Outreach To Hearing, Visually Impaired Persons

In a determined move to promote inclusive healthcare and curb the spread and stigma associated with HIV and AIDS, the Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), has organised a two-day sensitisation campaign specifically targeted at persons with hearing and visual impairments.

The sensitisation outreach, which was held from July 22 to 23, 2025, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa-Ikeja, underscores LSACA’s commitment to adopting inclusive strategies in HIV prevention, public awareness, and stigma reduction among vulnerable and often overlooked populations.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s dedication to ensuring that no one is left behind in the management and control of HIV and AIDS in the state.

“Inclusion is not an act of charity; it is an act of justice,” Dr. Animashaun stated, commending the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for its unwavering commitment to equity and social justice under the THEMES Plus development agenda.

She further emphasised that people with disabilities, particularly the hearing and visually impaired, often face systemic barriers in accessing health information and services, increasing their risk of HIV infection and exposure to stigma.

Dr. Animashaun explained that the outreach was thoughtfully designed to educate participants on practical HIV prevention methods, address stigma and discrimination, and ensure that HIV-related messaging is fully accessible to those with hearing and visual impairments.

“This programme is not just about sharing information,” she said. “It is about empowering a community to become active participants and advocates in the HIV response. We are committed to achieving zero new infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths in Lagos State. Reaching people with disabilities is essential to this goal”, she said.

Reiterating the inclusive governance approach of the present administration, Dr. Animashaun revealed that the state government has translated key Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials into braille and has provided sign language interpreters to ensure effective dissemination of vital HIV prevention and management information.

She concluded by assuring the public that LSACA remains resolute in its mission to expand access to life-saving HIV services, strengthen health systems, and ensure that no individual or community is left behind in the state’s ongoing HIV and AIDS response.

 

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Lascohet Students Emerge Champions At Southwest Environmental Health Quiz Competition

Students of Lagos State College of Health Technology (LASCOHET), School of Environmental Health and Public Health Technology, recently displayed a high level of academic brilliance and excellence at the just-concluded Academic Quiz Competition held at the Southwest Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria (EHOAN) Scientific Conference and Workshop in Osogbo, Osun State.

The College, represented by Miss. Habibat Omolara Owoyemi and Mr. Godwin Okudili Paul stole the show with a perfect score, answering all questions correctly and maintaining a comfortable lead throughout the competition before finally emerging as the overall winners in the competition.

The academic contest, which featured top-performing Colleges of Health Technology from across the six Southwest States of Nigeria, served as a platform to discuss emerging issues in public health and promote excellence in environmental health practice.

Speaking on the students' performance at the competition, the Provost of the College, Prof. Raheem Akewushola said that the victory not only reaffirmed LASCOHET’s reputation as a pacesetter in Environmental Health Education but also underscores the academic rigour and excellence for which the Institution is known.

He expressed immense pride in the students' performance, describing it as a “well-deserved win” and a testament to the quality of training and mentorship provided by the School of Environmental Health and Public Health Technology.

“This is more than just a win; it is proof that LASCOHET is not only first, but also the best”, said an official of the college. “We are proud of our students for making Lagos proud.” 

While congratulating the champions and the entire LASCOHET Community, the Provost maintained that LASCOHET continues to fly the flag of Lagos State high in academic and professional circles, reinforcing its mission of building a healthier society through quality Health Education and training.

 

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Lascon To Commence Online Cas Registration For 2025/2026 Session

The Lagos State College of Nursing (LASCON), Igando, has officially announced the registration for its Computer Assisted Screening (CAS) for admission into the 2025/2026 academic session.

According to the Provost, Dr. (Mrs) Ayodeji Ogunmuyiwa, qualified candidates can access necessary registration information through the College website as the application starts Tuesday, 15th July, and ends Tuesday 26th August 2025.

The screening exercise has been scheduled to be held on Saturday,13th September, 2025, at the College premises, and candidates will be tested purely on the use of English, mathematics, and science-related subjects.

The Provost affirmed that the admission process into LASCON will be transparent and based on merit according to the performance of candidates. Applicants are advised to carefully fill in the required information and print out the photo card as the only access to the screening.

 

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