New Malaria Vaccine Offers 100 Per cent Protection In Clinical Trial

Scientists have discovered an effective vaccine that offers up to 100 per cent protection from malaria. German researchers at the University of Tübingen in collaboration with the biotech company, Sanaria Incorporated, have demonstrated in a clinical trial that a new vaccine for malaria called Sanaria PfSPZ-CVac has been up to 100 per cent effective when assessed at 10 weeks after last dose of vaccine.
With this discovery, Nigeria can save over 300,000 lives lost to malaria yearly and over N480 billion spent on the treatment and control of the parasite annually. The search for a vaccine has been going on for more than a century. An effective vaccine would make it easier to control malaria; vaccination campaigns could be conducted in severely affected areas to eliminate the pathogen. Such a vaccine could also help to stop the spread of resistance to the treatment, and to better protect travellers.
Details of the research results were published yesterday in the latest edition of the journal Nature. Tübingen University is a public research institution located in the city of Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg. It is one of Germany’s most famous universities in the areas of medicine, natural sciences, and the humanities.
Malaria is an ailment that is quite endemic in tropical Africa, especially in Nigeria. A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted on 551 participants from five local government areas in Kano State. Blood samples were collected and examined for the presence of Plasmodium species by rapid diagnostic test (RDT), Giemsa-stained thin and thick blood films, and PCR. Moreover, demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental information as well as KAP data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire.
A total of 334 (60.6 %) participants were found positive for Plasmodium falciparum. The prevalence differed significantly by age group (p < 0.01), but not by gender or location. A multivariate analysis showed that malaria was associated significantly with being aged 12 years or older, having a low household family income, not using insecticide treated nets (ITNs), and having no toilets in the house. Overall, 95.6 % of the respondents had prior knowledge about malaria, and 79.7, 87.6 and 95.7 % of them knew about the transmission, symptoms, and prevention of malaria, respectively. The majority (93.4 %) of the respondents considered malaria a serious disease. Although 79.5 % of the respondents had at least one ITN in their household, utilization rate of ITNs was 49.5 %. Significant associations between the respondents’ knowledge concerning malaria and their age, gender, education, and household monthly income were reported.
With the discovery of the new vaccine, experts say a new done is about to break for Nigerian and other tropical countries plagued by malaria. It is believed that this new era will reverse the high mortality associated with the disease.

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Beware: Dr. Kelly Nwogu Exploiting Disabled Persons In Fraudulent Media Philanthropy

By Dumbiri Frank Eboh

I wish to use this piece to draw the attention of the general public (and indeed that of donor agencies) to the nefarious and fraudulent activities of Dr. Kelly Nwogu, the MD/CEO of Blue Sea Estate.

Several physically challenged persons in Nigeria have had their public image violated by Kelly Nwogu who, posing as a philanthropist, use them as publicity stunts to deceive donor agencies. I am one of the victims of this dubious scheme.

I first got to know Dr. Kelly Nwogu on a radio show, ‘Better Naija’ ( a Wazobia FM radio program dedicated to people with disability ) in which he reeled out a list of lofty empowerment programmes which he said he was organizing for PWDs in Nigeria.

I was quite impressed because I belong to the school of thought that believes that it is better to empower PWDs than to give them alms in form of beggars along the streets. Little did I know that what I just heard was a pack of lies calculated to deceive the unsuspecting public.

I noticed however that he concluded by making a passionate appeal to both local and foreign donor agencies, whom he said should come and support him with funds as he alone ‘cannot do it alone.’ This appeal was to later become a norm in his subsequent media apperances on the issue.

I called into the show and informed him of a publication project which I had and which was still on the pipeline because there was no seed capital to kick start it. He said I should bring a formal proposal to his office which I did the next day(I even enclosed copies of the pilot edition of the publication in the proposal).

But I soon found out that the Kelly Nwogu I heard on the radio was different from the one I met in the office. Even though my proposal was accepted and acknowledged, they kept asking me to come almost every other week. When I got tired of going to his office and realized that he was not going to live up to his promise, I called it quit; and this article would not have been written but for something that happened on January 1 this year at the National Stadium.

Before them, Telly Blind (the anchor of the Better Naija Show) told me to come to Wazobia FM, so that I can meet Dr. Kelly Nwogu in his presence – since it was in his show that I met Dr. Nwogu. I went and Nwogu said I should make sure I came to an event at National Stadium on January 1 where he said the empowerment project will kick off.

That same day, Dr. Kelly Nwogu went on air to tell Nigerians that he was going to feed and empower 40, 000 (Forthy thousand) disabled Nigerians on January 1. According to him, not only would they be empowered, we will make sure that each of them go back home with one bag of rice. When I calculated how much it would take to give one bag of rice each to 40, 000 people, I knew it was unrealistic. And I was proved right because on the deed day, instead of the 40, 000 bags of rice, there was just three bags, which was shared one derica each to the few people that had access  to it. Some of these people transported themselves all the way from Ikorodu -  to get one derica of rice! But the media never knew about this neither did the general public nor the donor agencies whom Dr. Kelly Nwogu had appeal to, to support the project with funds.

When he came to the part of the event that had brought me to the venue (i.e. the empowerment segment) Dr. Nwogu called me and some other persons out to face the crowd and the retinue of media men. He introduced us as those he was empowering to start their business. He said he was bringing us out to face the crowd so that it will be on record because the funds would be disburst the next Friday so that we can start up our various businesses. As usual, he concluded by making his appeal to donor agencies.

I will also like to state here that not only was his wife Mrs Chidioke Nwogu around to witness this; So also were his Father and Mother who herself is a cripple. This makes it quite ridiculous that someone whose mother is a cripple, should be exploiting disabled persons. But he goes to show to what extent some people can go in taking advantage of situations for their selfish ends.

But the Friday that Dr. Nwogu said the money will be disburst, never came. He later shifted it to Saturday when he organized an event in his office in Ajah. That morning, he went on air on Wazobia FM to tell the whole world that he was empowering thousands of PWDs while also the opportunities to canvass for support from donor agencies. The media he brought to that event were hoodwinked and deceived by three sewing machines and three wheel chairs he displayed to them. When we went to him at the end of the event, he said we should send our account details to him the following Tuesday. This was contradictory to what he had earlier told us that morning that, for security reasons, we would be given cheques. I sent my account details but even though his P.A. (Madam Bisi) acknowledged receiving it, the funds never came. She kept postponing and postponing and the last time I spoke with her, she said Dr. Kelly Nwogu would get back to us “whenever he is ready” -  which could be tomorrow or in ten years time.

The media never got to know of this neither did the donor agencies he appealed to. As for me, I have decided to press charges because my public image has been violated; indeed I feel used as a publicity stunt for something that is not genuine. So also are several others who, unlike me, may not have the platform to speak out. Thus, the real essence of this article (which will be forwarded to leading National Dailies in Nigeria and abroad) as I earlier stated, is to actually alert the general public (especially local and foreign donor agencies) to be wary of Dr. Kelly Nwogu, the MD/CEO of Blue Sea Estate, and his many antics.

Dumbiri Frank Eboh is a visually challenged, Lagos based Journalist, writer and a former Publicity Secretary, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Lagos State chapter. He could be reached on ebogenius2@gmail.com

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Claims Of HIV Cure: Nigerian Senate Raises Hope For Prof Maduike's Vaccine

The Senate Committee on Primary Healthcare, Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases yesterday urged the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to authenticate the claim of Prof. Maduike Ezeibe of having a cure for HIV.
The Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa, made the call during the agency’s budget defence in Abuja.
Ezeibe, a researcher in Veterinary Medicine at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, was reported to have discovered cure for HIV/AIDS.
According to Ohuabunwa, it is not proper to dismiss Ezeibe’s claim without full verification.
He therefore urged the agency and other relevant bodies to subject the claim to scientific analyses in order to arrive at a definite decision.
The senator expressed reservations at the manner in which the National Agency for the Control of AIDS and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control dismissed the Ezeibe’s claim.
He said, “It is not a matter of his identity, he is a serving professor in a known institution, invite him if he had followed the scientific procedure.
“It will be a thing of pride that today a professor, a citizen of Nigeria is developing a cure, nothing is impossible even as he is a veterinary doctor.
“Coming out with a disclaimer immediately is not the right thing.”
However, Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr Faisal Shuaib, said they were satisfied with the stand taken by NACA and the Centre for Disease Control.
He said, “We are aware of the claim by the professor that he had found a cure for HIV/AIDS.
“Just like the Centre for Disease Control and NACA came out to issue a disclaimer that it is not correct, as an agency we align with the positions of these agencies that are based on scientific evidence.”
According to Shuaib, anyone announcing cure for any disease must follow some rigorous steps to test the findings.
He said, “That process has not being followed by the professor. It is strange.
“Based on the evidence that he has provided that he had treated 10 patients and when you look at the records he had presented, it falls short of what is expected in terms of rigour, in terms of what is acceptable.
“There are huge doubts whether the claims are true or not.
“We engaged the university and found out the information provided by the professor cannot be relied upon.
“By the information, I have, we found out that those persons were not cured. I don’t have direct engagement with the patients so I cannot hold brief for that investigation.”

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Improve Your brian Health With Cocumber

Cucumbers contain an anti-inflammatory flavonol called fisetin that appears to play an important role in brain health. In addition to improving your memory and protecting your nerve cells from age-related decline, fisetin has been found to prevent progressive memory and learning impairments in mice with Alzheimer's disease. Cucumbers contain polyphenols called lignans (pinoresinol, lariciresinol, and secoisolariciresinol), which may help to lower your risk of breast, uterine, ovarian, and prostate cancers.
Cucumbers may help to "cool" the inflammatory response in your body. And animal studies suggest that cucumber extract helps reduce unwanted inflammation, in part by inhibiting the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes (including cyclo-oxygenase 2, or COX-2). Cucumbers contain numerous antioxidants, including the well-known vitamin C and beta-carotene. They also contain antioxidant flavonoids, such as quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, and kaempferol, which provide additional benefits.
 Placing a cucumber slice on the roof of your mouth may help to rid your mouth of odor-causing bacteria. According to the principles of Ayurveda, eating cucumbers may also help to release excess heat in your stomach, which is said to be a primary cause of bad breath. Cucumbers contain multiple B vitamins, including vitamin B1, vitamin B5, and vitamin B7 (biotin). B vitamins are known to help ease feelings of anxiety and buffer some of the damaging effects of stress. 
Cucumbers are rich in two of the most basic elements needed for healthy digestion: water and fiber. If you struggle with acid reflux, you should know that drinking water can help suppress acute symptoms of acid reflux by temporarily raising stomach pH; it's possible that water-rich cucumbers may have a similar effect. Cucumber skins contain insoluble fiber, which helps add bulk to your stool. This helps food to move through your digestive tract more quickly for healthy elimination.
 Cucumbers are very low in calories, yet they make a filling snack (one cup of sliced cucumber contains just 16 calories). The soluble fiber in cucumbers dissolves into a gel-like texture in your gut, helping to slow down your digestion. This helps you to feel full longer and is one reason why fiber-rich foods may help with weight control.   Cucumbers contain potassium, which is associated with lower blood pressure levels. A proper balance of potassium both inside and outside your cells is crucial for your body to function properly. As an electrolyte, potassium is a positive charged ion that must maintain a certain concentration (about 30 times higher inside than outside your cells) in order to carry out its functions, which includes interacting with sodium to help control nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and heart function. 
There are many ways to enjoy cucumbers, such as fermented or raw in vinegar-based salads. If you're looking for something different, cucumbers make an ideal base for your vegetable juice due to their mild flavor and high water content. In fact, a simple juice of cucumber and celery is ideal for those new to juicing. From there you can work your way up to red leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, spinach, and escarole, along with parsley and cilantro. Juicing is actually an ideal way to consume cucumbers. When you drink fresh-made green juice, it is almost like receiving an intravenous infusion of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes because they go straight into your system without having to be broken down. When your body has an abundance of the nutrients it needs, and your pH is optimally balanced, you will feel energized and your immune system will get a boost. If you're wondering whether you should choose organic cucumbers over conventionally grown varieties, It is suggested that you choose organic. Cucumbers were ranked the 12th most contaminated food and the second in cancer risk due to their pesticide content, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Further, cucumbers are often waxed after harvest to withstand the long journey to market unscarred and to protect against the many hands that touch them. Therefore, it is better to chose organic Cucumbers than these other varieties.

Cucumbers belong to the same plant family as squash, pumpkin, and watermelon (the Cucurbitaceae family). Like watermelon, cucumbers are made up of mostly (95 percent) water, which means eating them on a hot day can help you stay hydrated. However, there's reason to eat cucumbers all year long. With vitamin K, B vitamins, copper, potassium, vitamin C, and manganese, cucumbers can help you to avoid nutrient deficiencies that are widespread among those eating typical diet.

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Why Boiled Fish Is Healthier Than Fried Fish

Baked or boiled fish is a better source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids than fried, salted or dried fish, according to a new study.
And adding low-sodium soy sauce or tofu to boiled or baked fish, will further enhance the benefits.
"It appears that boiling or baking fish with low-sodium soy sauce (shoyu) and tofu is beneficial, while eating fried, salted or dried fish is not. In fact, these methods of preparation may contribute to your risk. We did not directly compare boiled or baked fish vs. fried fish, but one can tell from the (risk) ratios, boiled or baked fish is in the protective direction but not fried fish," said Dr Lixin Meng at the University of Hawaii, lead researcher of the study.
The findings also suggest that the cardioprotective benefits vary by gender and ethnicity - perhaps because of the preparation methods, genetic susceptibility or hormonal factors.
Many studies have suggested that eating omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk of heart disease; however, little is known about which source is most beneficial.
In this study, researchers examined the source, type, amount and frequency of dietary omega-3 ingestion among gender and ethnic groups.
The study found that men who ate about 3.3 gm per day of omega-3 fatty acids had a 23% lower risk of cardiac death compared to those who ate 0.8 gm daily.
"Clearly, we are seeing that the higher the dietary omega-3 intake, the lower the risk of dying from heart disease among men," Meng said.
They also found that caucasian, Japanese-American and Latino men may be more likely to get the health benefits of fish than African-American or Hawaiian men, perhaps because of how their fish is prepared or genetic predisposition. However, experts say this position may not be true of Africans eating the fish in Africa and prepared in the African style.
Meng said that for women, the omega-3 effect was cardioprotective at each level of consumption but not consistently significant. Salted and dried fish was a risk factor in women.
"My guess is that, for women, eating omega-3s from shoyu and tofu that contain other active ingredients such as phytoestrogens, might have a stronger cardioprotective effect than eating just omega-3s," said Meng.
"Our findings can help educate people on how much fish to eat and how to cook it to prevent heart disease. Alternately, if it is verified that the interactions between fish consumption, risk factors and ethnicity are due to genetic susceptibility, the heart-disease prevention message can be personalized to ethnic groups, and future study could identify susceptibility at the genetic level," he said.

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Imported Poisonous Tomato Pastes Circulating In Nigerian Market - Audu Ogbehh

Eighty percent of tomato pastes imported into Nigeria are poisonous and not fit for human consumption, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh has said.
The minister made the disclosure during budget defence at the National Assembly yesterday.
He said laboratory tests conducted by the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) revealed that the imported pastes are harmful to human health.
Ogbeh who attributed the escalation of kidney, liver and cancer diseases in the country to consumption of poisonous preserved foods, said the Federal Government will soon ban the importation of tomato paste.
Even before now, it has been reported that some brands of tomato paste in the Nigerian market have been found to be contaminated with starch, sugar, citric acid and fibre that are all harmful for human consumption.According to investigators, the products were imported from China.
Like fermentation, the acidity of the products is not in the right quantity and therefore reduces the quality of the products.
Nigeria Natural Health Online learnt that the situation is causing much anxiety among the consuming public who believe that these products could have adverse effects on their health.
According to sources, these imported products are cheaper than the locally made tomato pastes.
Investigations revealed that these imported tomato pastes contain sugar, acid and other additives, which are thick and had better taste and colour.
According to a food specialist,  “The only ingredient we add in our processing is salt, which is to help preserve it.
These importers are flooding the markets with inferior goods. “Very soon, if care is not taken some of the local manufacturers would also start adding these dangerous additives to their products.
“The acids that are added to the paste are bad even if it does not harm consumers".
“The only additives which are permitted in tomato pastes are spices, vegetable products and salt but not sugar glucose or acid,” he added..
“We are also planning to meet the importers of tomato pastes in the country to address the issue.”
“Other countries do not allow the consumption of these products, so it is forbidding in this country," he said.
He therefore advised the public to be on the look out for such harmful products on the market.

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