Why Nigerians Are The Most Depressed People In Africa - WHO

From being some of the happiest people on earth, Nigerians have slumped to the rank of the most depressed in Africa. This was the conclusion contained in the latest figures released by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which show that Nigeria has 7,079,815 sufferers of depression, that is 3.9 per cent of the population.

Also, 4,894,557 Nigerians, that is 2.7 per cent of the population, suffer anxiety disorders. The country is closely followed by Ethiopia with 4,480,113 sufferers, that is 4.7 per cent of her population; Democratic Republic of Congo with 2,871,309 sufferers (3.8 per cent); South Africa with 2,402,230 sufferers (4.6 per cent); and Tanzania with 2,138,939 sufferers, that is 4.1 per cent. Seychelles has the lowest number of depressed persons with just 3,722 that is 4.0 per cent.

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease, according to WHO. Depression can lead to suicide, which is the second leading cause of death in 15 – 29-year- olds globally. Consequently, the condition can lead to more suicide cases in the country.

In the African region, close to 30 million people suffer from depression.

The global body gave the figures in a report released ahead of the World Health Day (WHD) today titled “Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates.”

WHD, celebrated on April 7 every year to mark the anniversary of the founding of WHO, provides a unique opportunity to mobilise action around a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world. The theme of 2017 World Health Day campaign is depression.

According to the WHO report, depressive disorders and anxiety disorders are two main diagnostic categories of common mental disorders that are highly prevalent in the population.

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.

The WHO noted that at a global level, over 300 million people are estimated to suffer from depression, equivalent to 4.4 per cent of the world’s population and nearly that number again suffers from a range of anxiety disorders. It, however, noted that since many people experience both conditions simultaneously (comorbidity), it is inappropriate to simply add these two figures together to arrive at a total for common mental disorders.

The WHO noted that the consequences of these disorders in terms of lost health are huge.

Depression is ranked by WHO as the single largest contributor to global disability (7.5 per cent of all years lived with disability in 2015); anxiety disorders are ranked 6th (3.4 per cent).

According to the global health agency, depression is also the major contributor to suicide deaths (about 800 000 per year).

Why are Nigerians most depressed in Africa? “The number of persons with common mental disorders globally is going up, particularly in lower-income countries, because the population is growing and more people are living to the age when depression and anxiety most commonly occurs,” the WHO explained.

Who is most likely to get depressed? “Although depression can and does affect people of all ages, from all walks of life, the risk of becoming depressed is increased by poverty, unemployment, life events such as the death of a loved one or a relationship break-up, physical illness and problems caused by alcohol and drug use,” the WHO noted.

To address the issues of depression and anxiety disorders, the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) has introduced LUTH-Suicide Research and Prevention Initiative (SURPIN) and its “ONE 1 MORE DAY” campaign aimed at reducing suicide deaths.

Consultant Psychiatrist and LUTH-SURPIN Coordinator, Dr. Raphael E. Ogbolu, told The Guardian yesterday: “SURPIN has hotlines (09080217555, 09034400009, 08111909909, 07013811143) through which members of the public seeking help can reach us. The main target groups are those at risk of suicide and are contemplating an attempt, those who have survived an attempted suicide and therefore may be in critical physical condition, and those who are bereaved by the suicide of a family member, because they themselves also then become at risk.”

According to the WHO, the health condition affects people of all ages, from all walks of life, in all countries. It causes mental anguish and impacts on people’s ability to carry out even the simplest everyday tasks, with sometimes devastating consequences for relationships with family and friends and the ability to earn a living. At worst, depression can lead to suicide, now the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds.

Yet, the condition can be prevented and treated. A better understanding of what depression is, and how it can be prevented and treated, will help reduce the stigma and lead to more people seeking help.

Read More

Meningitis: Why Nigerians Should Not Worry - Health Minister

The Honourable Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole has assured Nigerians that the Federal Ministry of Health under his purview would nip the outbreak of meningitis ravaging some states in the bud. He made this assertive conviction about the capability of the Federal government after his ministry issued public advisory warning to Nigerians after 328 deaths associated with Meningitis have been recorded since November 2016 when he spoke extensively on efforts employed and deployed so far to curtail the further spread of the epidemic.

In his words, "we have started working with all the affected states in specific areas of collaboration on massive awareness and sensitization, laboratory investigation and analysis, proper documentation and disease surveillance techniques through the National Centre for Disease Control and National Primary Health Care Development Authority (NPHCDA) who have been of tremendous support since the outbreak. We are in constant discussion with World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, E-health Africa and other international health agencies for supplies of vaccines and injections.

Through our initiatives, we have secured 500,000 doses of the meningococcal vaccines from WHO which will be used in Zamfara and Katsina states while additional 800,000 units from the British government .By next Tuesday, there will be a meeting with the International Review Group of The World Health Organization (WHO) where request for additional vaccines shall be approved, as part of practical and medically certified efforts to stem this ugly incidence.

Even with the tunnels of accomplishment made, we are not relenting on all the progress made, as we have been assured of millions of vaccine doses through other notable and international donor agencies. Unfortunately, Nigeria had always been bedevilled with the stereotype A in years past but this new strain of the bacterial disease, Meningitis Stereotype C which the vaccine is not commercially available in required quantities and can only be shipped to the country by WHO only if laboratory investigation confirms the existence of the strain type C.

Our ongoing spirited effort is geared to upscale through nationwide immunisation campaign while navigating the menace using a combination vaccine by conducting active case finding, strengthening surveillance, case detection, verification and communication management, performing lumbar puncture of suspect cases in a well coordinated atmosphere under NCDC. Our partners are already re-training physicians on the effective collection of cerebrospinal fluid for diagnosis.

We are equally advocating for prompt diagnosis and have issued directive to all Federal medical facilities and PHCs to treat all cases of meningitis free of charge. All Nigerians especially residents of Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Niger, Zamfara and Jigawa states are advised to seek early attention when discomforted with symptoms of Cerebro Spinal Meningitis (CSM) and avoid clogging together in unventilated and over-crowded rooms.

Read More

Meningitis: What Every Nigerian Should Know

The current outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis, CSM, in Nigeria is repetition of series of outbreaks mostly affecting States in the upper parts of the country which fall within the African Meningitis Belt. A child being immunised against mennigitis In a public advisory on the latest outbreak, the Federal Ministry of Health, explained that for the first time, the meningitis epidemic is being caused by Neisseria Meningitides type C rather than the known Meningitides Type A.. Nigeria has a long history of CSM epidemics. One of the worst occurred in 1996 when 109,580 cases and 11,717 deaths were recorded. In 2003, there were 4,130 cases and 401 deaths; 9,086 cases and 562 deaths in 2008, and 9,086 cases and 562 deaths recorded in 2009. The historical records and past experiences influenced health authorities in Africa (especially countries within the African Meningitis Belt), the World Health Organisation and Development Partners to roll out a strategic intervention for the effective prevention of such epidemics. As at Friday, March 31, 2017, there were 2,524 infections with 328 deaths recorded in 90 Local Government Areas in 16 States of the Federation. The affected States include Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Nassarawa , Jigawa, FCT, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe. Others are Kano, Osun, Cross Rivers, Lagos and Plateau. According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, CDC, bacterial meningitis is very serious and can be deadly. Death can occur in as little as a few hours, and even though most people recover from meningitis, however, permanent disabilities (such as brain damage, hearing loss, and learning disabilities) can result from the infection. Types of bacteria that can cause meningitis These include, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Group B Streptococcus, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae and Listeria monocytogenes. Causes and risk factors Common causes of bacterial meningitis vary by age group. People at increased risk for bacterial meningitis include babies compared to people in other age groups. However, people of any age can develop bacterial meningitis. People working with meningitis-causing pathogens, such as microbiologists are routinely exposed to meningitis-causing bacteria are at increased risk for meningitis. How it spreads Generally, the meningitis bacteria spread from one person to another although how people spread the germs often depends on the type of bacteria. It is also important to know that people can carry these bacteria in or on their bodies without being sick. These people are “carriers.” Most carriers never become sick, but can still spread the bacteria to others. People spread germs by coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others, who breathe in the bacteria. People spread Neisseria meningitidis by sharing respiratory or throat secretions (saliva or spit). This typically occurs during close (coughing or kissing) or lengthy (living in the same household) contact. Signs and symptoms Meningitis symptoms include sudden onset of fever, headache, and stiff neck. There are often other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, photophobia (increased sensitivity to light) and altered mental status (confusion). In newborns and babies, the meningitis symptoms of fever, headache, and neck stiffness may be absent or difficult to notice. The baby may be irritable, vomit, feed poorly, or appear to be slow or inactive. In young babies, doctors may also look for a bulging fontanelle (soft spot on infant’s head) or abnormal reflexes. If you think your baby or child has any of these symptoms, call the doctor right away. Symptoms of bacterial meningitis can appear quickly or over several days. Typically they develop within 3 to 7 days after exposure. Later symptoms of bacterial meningitis can be very serious (e.g., seizures, coma). Early diagnosis, treatment and isolation Diagnosis :Collection of samples of blood or cerebrospinal fluid (fluid near the spinal cord) for laboratory test. Treatment :Doctors treat bacterial meningitis with a number of antibiotics. It is important to start treatment as soon as possible. Prevention Tips: The most effective way to be protected against certain types of bacterial meningitis is to get vaccinated against the three types of bacteria that can cause meningitisIt is very important that all individuals should acquaint themselves with at least the basic knowledge/understanding of CSM and how it is transmitted and prevented. *Strictly adhere to the advice on protection *Promptly seek medical/health care as soon as CSM or CSM-like illness is suspected *All hospitals are to ensure that appropriate diagnoses are made including laboratory confirmation and immediate reporting through the surveillance system *Commence early treatment as soon as the diagnoses of CSM is made Restrict mingling with other people once one is diagnosed as a case of CSM *All Secondary and Tertiary Public Health Facilities should provide free treatment to all CSM Patients Prevention tips Avoidance of overcrowding, sleeping in well ventilated places, avoidance of close and prolonged contact with case/s and proper disposal of respiratory and throat secretions. Others include: Strict observance of hand hygiene and sneezing into Elbow joint/sleeves, reduction of hand shaking, kissing, sharing utensils or medical interventions such as mouth resuscitation; vaccination with relevant sero-type of the meningococcal vaccine and avoidance of self-medication.

Read More

Inadequate Sleep Increases Prostate Cancer Risk

Scientists have alerted that sleeping less than five hours a night could make a person twice as likely to develop prostate cancer. According to data published in ‘Cancer Epidemiology’, men younger than 65, who are not getting the recommended seven hours of sleep are raising their risk of the disease by 55 per cent.

Prostate cancer, also known as carcinoma of the prostate, is the development of cancer in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. Most prostate cancers are slow growing; however, some grow relatively quickly. The cancer cells may spread from the prostate to other parts of the body, particularly the bones and lymph nodes.

The study, conducted at the American Cancer Society in Atlanta, Georgia in the United States, examined data from two large, long-term cohort studies. The first study followed more than 407,000 men between 1950 and 1972, while the second followed more than 416,000 men from 1982 to 2012. All the men were cancer-free when the studies began. However, more than 1,500 men in the first study and more than 8,700 men in the second study died of prostate cancer during the follow-up periods.

Afterwards, the researchers studied the men’s sleeping patterns. During the first eight years of follow-up, men younger than 65 years old, who slept between three and five hours per night had a 55 per cent greater risk of dying from prostate cancer than those who slept seven hours per night. And six hours of sleep a night was linked to a 29 per cent higher risk of prostate cancer death compared to seven hours, as prescribed by the National Sleep Foundation.

Those who were age 65 or older showed no difference in the risk of death from prostate cancer, no matter how much sleep they got. Lead study author, Dr. Susan Gapstur and vice president of epidemiology at the American Cancer Society, said, “If confirmed in other studies, these findings would contribute to evidence suggesting the importance of obtaining adequate sleep for better health.” He added, however, that more research is needed to better understand the biologic mechanisms; so, sleep-deprived males shouldn’t be alarmed just yet. Still, the findings contribute to evidence that the body’s natural sleepwake cycle – called circadian rhythm – might play a role in prostate cancer development.

Not only does poor sleep turn off genes that protect against cancer growth, but past research has found that not getting enough shuteye can inhibit production of melatonin, a hormone that controls the sleep-wake cycle.
Low levels of melatonin can lead to an increase in genetic mutations, reduced DNA repair and a weakened immune system, according to Gapstur. And although the link between limited sleep and prostate cancer isn’t clear, Gapstur says a possibility is that the natural decline in night time melatonin levels as you age can reduce the relative impact of lack of sleep.

Read More

Meningitis Kills 328 in Nigeria

The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed that no fewer than 328 persons have died in the latest outbreak of meningitis in different parts of Nigeria. The Centre also confirmed that 2,524 suspected cases have been recorded.

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikezie Ihekweazu, listed the states most affected to include Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and Niger. 

The disease, he said, has spread to 16 out of the 36 states. At least five people have died in Federal Capital Territory (FCT). “We have about 2,524 cases across the country and exactly 131 of those have been confirmed, (laboratory confirmed) for meningitis and there have been 328 deaths,” he said. According to him, the outbreak started in Zamfara before it spread to other states. 

He however stated that the NCDC has been working very hard with the state government, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the Ministry of Health, as well as the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, to curb the menace and according to him, much progress has been made so far. 

Meanwhile, Mr Ihekweazu stated that there are a lot of things that individuals can do to protect themselves in the short term. 

He explained that bacterial meningitis affects the brain and the spinal cord and it is actually transmitted through person to person contact from sneezing, coughing, or even living in crowded conditions. 

He therefore advised that individuals should be mindful of their personal hygiene while also adding that if they cannot avoid overcrowding then they should ensure that their homes are well ventilated. Nigeria is expecting vaccine supply from the World Health Organisation and the United Kingdom.

Read More

Depression Leads To Illness,Disabilities

Ahead of the World Health Day (WHD) 2017 on Friday, April 7, 2017, depression has been identified as the leading cause of ill-health and disability worldwide with more than 300 million people now living with condition, an increase of more than 18 per cent between 2005 and 2015.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) in its latest estimates released over the weekend said lack of support for people with mental disorders, coupled with a fear of stigma, prevent many from accessing the treatment they need to live healthy, productive lives.
WHO also identified strong links between depression and other non-communicable disorders and diseases. It noted that depression increases the risk of substance use disorders and diseases such as diabetes and heart disease; the opposite is also true, meaning that people with these other conditions have a higher risk of depression.
According to the health organisation, depression is also an important risk factor for suicide, which claims hundreds of thousands of lives each year. It said increased investment is also needed because in many countries, there is no, or very little support available for people with mental health disorders.
Depression is a common mental illness characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that people normally enjoy, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities, for 14 days or longer.
In addition, people with depression normally have several of the following: a loss of energy; a change in appetite; sleeping more or less; anxiety; reduced concentration; indecisiveness; restlessness; feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness; and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
The high point in WHO’s year-long campaign, WHD, is “Depression: Let’s talk”. The overall goal of the campaign is that more people with depression, everywhere in the world, both seek and get help.
WHO Director-General, Dr. Margaret Chan, said: “These new figures are a wake-up call for all countries to re-think their approaches to mental health and to treat it with the urgency that it deserves.”
Director of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse at WHO, Dr. Shekhar Saxena, said one of the first steps is to address issues around prejudice and discrimination.
“The continuing stigma associated with mental illness was the reason why we decided to name our campaign depression: Let’s talk, “For someone living with depression, talking to a person they trust is often the first step towards treatment and recovery. A better understanding of depression and how it can be treated, while essential, is just the beginning. What needs to follow is sustained scale-up of mental health services accessible to everyone, even the most remote populations in the world,” Saxena said.

Read More