Experts push phytase as low-cost solution to Nigeria's nutrition crisis

 

By Admin

 

Scientists, nutrition experts, food regulators, researchers and development partners have identified phytase, a naturally occurring enzyme found in cereals, grains and other plant-based foods that limits the body's ability to absorb essential nutrients, as a practical way to improve the nutritional value of staple foods widely consumed across Nigeria.

This position which is seen as a potential game changer in Nigeria's fight against micronutrient malnutrition, emerged at a multi-stakeholder roundtable  in Lagos to examine the scientific evidence behind potential benefits of phytase and its possible role in improving nutritional value of staple foods such as bread, pap and sorghum-based products.

The discussions came amidst rising concerns about the combined effects of food insecurity, poverty and micronutrient deficiencies, and  centred on the long-standing nutrition challenge of ensuring that nutrients present in food are absorbed and utilised by the body.

Speaking at the meeting, Sight and Life Foundation's Africa Advisor, Dr. Mairo Mandara, explained that many staple foods in Nigeria contain essential nutrients such as iron, zinc and calcium, but the body's ability to absorb the nutrients is often limited by phytic acid, a naturally occurring compound  in grains and legumes.

“Phytase is an enzyme that helps address this problem by breaking phytic acid and releasing these nutrients, making them more available for absorption.

“We are sharing research findings generated so far and discussing how they can be used in the interest of Nigerians.

“The studies were conducted in Nigeria, including work involving bread, pap and sorghum products, additional studies have been recommended including cost analyses and further evaluations involving consumers and manufacturers,” she said.

Mandara said Nigerians have long benefited from traditional food-processing methods such as fermentation, which naturally reduce phytic acid levels.

“Foods such as fermented cereals, pap, masa and kunu-zaki already gain nutritional advantages through this process, including improved availability of vitamins, minerals and proteins.”

She said phytase could build on these existing practices and further enhance nutrient absorption in foods consumed daily by millions of people.

“Phytase adds only a fraction to production costs and should not place any burden on consumers. There are no safety concerns as phytase becomes inactive during cooking and processing, much like yeast used in bread making. By the time the food is consumed, the enzyme has already completed its function,” she said.

Noting that implementation would potentially begin soon, Mandara said “If adopted, phytase could improve the absorption of iron, calcium and zinc, while also enhancing protein digestibility.”

Also speaking, Kamaluddeen Babagana of the Department of Biochemistry, Bayero University Kano, said the use of phytase could complement Nigeria's existing food fortification programmes.

“Unlike conventional fortification,  phytase functions as a processing aid. It is introduced during manufacturing, performs its role by breaking down phytate and becomes inactive before the final product reaches consumers.”

On his part, Food Technology Manager at Sight and Life, Daniel Amanquah, said phytase  represents an important opportunity to address a major nutritional challenge associated with cereal-based diets.

He noted that the enzyme has already been recognised internationally and is being used in several countries, with no known adverse effects.

Although the initiative remains at the research and clinical evaluation stage, stakeholders at the meeting expressed optimism that phytase could eventually become an important addition to Nigeria's nutrition strategy.

Consumer acceptance studies have already been carried out and the formulation has been adjusted so that there is no noticeable difference in taste compared to conventional products.

Samuel Akinyode, State Coordinator of Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), said because of the enzyme's potential contribution to improving nutrition outcomes nationwide, but cautioned that public acceptance would require deliberate engagement and sustained awareness campaigns.

He recalled that food fortification initiatives and other food technologies initially faced public skepticism before gaining wider acceptance.

"People may not understand the science immediately, but they understand better health outcomes. The benefits must be communicated clearly," he said.

He said stakeholder consultations are already examining issues such as consumer preferences, market realities, implementation strategies and industry readiness.

Questions have also been raised about the possible impact on food prices, but Akinyode said information presented by researchers suggests that introducing phytase into food production would increase manufacturing costs by less than one per cent, making it unlikely to have any significant effect on retail prices.

New Endo champions emerge as winners of 10rh ESGN essay competition announced

By Admin 

For many  secondary school  students in Nigeria, the word "endometriosis" was unfamiliar just a few years ago.

Today, however, there are several champions of awareness of this medical condition that affects millions of women worldwide, yet remains poorly understood and frequently misdiagnosed.

During the unveiling of winners of the 2026 Endometriosis Support Group Nigeria (ESGN) essay competition, health advocates urged the students to use the knowledge gained from the contest to educate their peers and communities about endometriosis.

The competition, in its 10th year, focused on the topic "Challenges of Living with Endometriosis," and produced three standout winners: Princess Adewumi Boluwatigba of Methodist Girls High School, Yaba, emerged overall winner.

 Ashake Khabeerat Emmanuel of Canon James Pearse Anglican College, Gbagada, Lagos finished as first runner-up even as Sarah Falowo Titilope of Vetland Senior Grammar School, Agege, Lagos was second runner-up.

According to ESGN, the emergence of the winners represents academic achievement and the rise of a new generation of Endo advocates.

For the winners themselves,  what started as an essay-writing exercise evolved into a mission to challenge misconceptions, encourage conversations about menstrual health and help ensure that fewer women suffer in silence because of a lack of awareness.

They all agreed that the real victory was being in position to help spread awareness about endometriosis that often leaves women suffering for years before receiving a diagnosis.

Speaking during the event, ESGN founder and MD/CEO of  Nordica Fertility Centre, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, said the competition was designed to expose students to the important health issue while encouraging critical thinking and research.

"Many of you had probably never heard the word endometriosis before this competition, but by researching, learning and writing about it, you have contributed to raising awareness and expanding knowledge about the condition."

Ajayi said every participant had  contributed to the growing body of public knowledge about endometriosis by taking the time to understand and write about the disease.

"The earlier endometriosis is recognised, the better the chances of managing it effectively. The eye cannot see what the mind does not know, doctors must first be aware of endometriosis before they can identify it,” he said, noting that  awareness remains the most powerful tool in identifying the condition early.

The Clinic Manager, Nordica Lagos and ESGN Matron, Mrs Tola Ajayi said young people are uniquely positioned to lead awareness campaigns, particularly through social media platforms and peer-to-peer engagement.

"Charity begins at home. The first audience should be your own school community," she noted, stressing that educating young people remains critical because awareness can help girls recognise symptoms early and seek appropriate medical attention.

"A few years ago, endometriosis was a condition very few people talked about, today, awareness has improved, but we still need to focus on young girls and women, she said."

In the view of the Chief Operating Officer, Nordica Lagos, Dr. Tosin Adeniyi, the competition's most important achievement was the creation of a new crop of endometriosis champions equipped to take the message into classrooms, homes and communities across Nigeria.

Nigeria sets up N10 bn Ebola preparedness task force

By Admin

President Bola Tinubu has approved the creation of a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats, alongside the immediate release of ₦10 billion in emergency intervention funds.

In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency said the funding is aimed at strengthening the operational readiness of the National Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and supporting critical public health emergency response efforts nationwide.

The task force will be chaired by the President's Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. Its membership will comprise representatives of relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as state governments.

The decision comes amid renewed concerns over Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. It followed a high level stakeholders' meeting convened by the Chief of Staff to assess Nigeria's state of preparedness and develop strategies to prevent the virus from entering the country.

Among those who attended the meeting were officials of the Federal Ministry of Interior, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Lagos State Government.

President Tinubu also directed states that host international airports and major border corridors to submit their preparedness plans, funding requirements and intervention needs for coordinated implementation.

Measures approved by the government include intensified passenger screening at international airports, with enhanced temperature checks and crowd management protocols.

Authorities will also step up monitoring of passengers arriving on routes considered high risk, including flights operated by Air Uganda, RwandAir, Air Tanzania, TAAG Angola Airlines, Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines.

In addition, referral and isolation centres are to be activated immediately at the international airports in Lagos and Abuja, while similar arrangements will be extended to other airports across the country.

The government has further ordered the mandatory use of QR code based pre arrival health declaration systems for travellers arriving from, or transiting through, designated high risk countries.

As part of the preventive measures, airport departure halls, baggage handling areas, cargo facilities and other airport infrastructure will undergo routine disinfection.

The President also directed the task force to work closely with security, diplomatic and aviation authorities in reviewing possible flight regulations involving affected countries.

It will further consider the designation of specific airports or terminals for high risk flights to allow for more controlled screening and isolation procedures. The task force is also expected to examine flight scheduling options that could reduce contact between high risk passengers and other travellers.

The announcement represents Nigeria's most far reaching Ebola preparedness initiative since the country's successful containment of the 2014 outbreak, a response that relied heavily on an emergency operations centre and extensive contact tracing efforts

Mental disorders now No.1 cause of disability worldwide, says The Lancet

By Admin

Mental illness has officially become the world's leading cause of disability, surpassing cardiovascular disease, cancer, and musculoskeletal conditions. 

 According to the Global Burden of Disease 2023 study, more than 1.17 billion people—roughly one in seven people on Earth—were living with a mental health condition in 2023. Since 1990, the global burden of these disorders has surged by over 95.5 percent.

Anxiety and major depression are leading the quiet epidemic, which erodes quality of life over years and decades rather than claiming lives immediately.

The study, led by researchers at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) in collaboration with partners at the University of Queensland and published in The Lancet, identified that mental disorders disproportionately impact people aged 15–19 and women. 

It examined the prevalence and burden of mental disorders across both sexes, 25 age groups, 21 regions, and 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2023, making it the most comprehensive analysis of mental disorder burden to date.

The study assessed 12 mental disorders, with anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder (MDD) ranking 11th and 15th, respectively, in burden among 304 diseases and injuries worldwide. 

Mental disorders burden increased in every region of the world between 1990 and 2023.

In 2023, mental disorders accounted for 171 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) globally, placing these conditions as the fifth-leading cause of total disease burden.

 DALYs are a measure of overall health loss, combining years lived with disability and years of life lost due to premature death.

 Mental disorders accounted for more than 17 percent of all years lived with disability worldwide. This reflects the substantial and growing impact of mental disorders across populations. 

Recent increases have been driven largely by anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder. 

Since 2019, the age-standardized prevalence of major depressive disorder has risen by about 24  percent, while anxiety disorders have increased by more than 47 percent, both conditions peaking in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The rise in mental disorders is a global phenomenon fueled by social isolation, economic insecurity, pandemic aftereffects, and modern stressors. 

As health systems struggle to expand services proportionally, researchers warn that society can no longer ignore the immense toll of these non-fatal but deeply debilitating conditions.

Experimental skin patch holds promise of skin cancer therapy

 By Admin

Researchers have developed a heat-activated skin patch that could offer a new, noninvasive way to treat melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer.

The experimental treatment, described in the journal ACS Nano, uses a soft, stretchable patch that works much like a bandage. Once gently heated with a low-power laser, the patch releases copper ions designed to destroy melanoma cells beneath the skin while leaving surrounding healthy tissue largely unharmed.

Melanoma is usually treated through surgery because the cancer forms in the outer and middle layers of the skin. However, removing tumours without affecting nearby tissue can be difficult, especially when the cancer has started spreading.

A team of researchers led by Xin Li, Shi Chen, Meijia Gu and Ruquan Ye explored whether advances in nanotechnology could provide a safer and more targeted treatment option.

The scientists built the patch using laser-induced graphene, a porous carbon material created through laser etching. The tiny pores were filled with copper(II) oxide and then embedded into a flexible silicone polymer, producing a patch that is breathable, soft and chemically inactive until activated by heat.

According to the researchers, warming the patch to about 42 degrees Celsius, or 108 degrees Fahrenheit, causes it to release copper ions. These ions interact with the DNA of cancer cells and trigger oxidative stress, effectively killing the cells. 

The process is also believed to stimulate an immune response that could help prevent metastasis, the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.

Laboratory tests on cultured melanoma cells produced encouraging results. After the patch was activated with a low-power laser, most of the melanoma cells beneath it were destroyed, while the movement of surviving cancer cells slowed significantly.

The researchers then carried out a preliminary 10-day study using mice with melanoma. Patches were applied to the animals and activated with a laser on the first and fifth days of treatment.

By the end of the study, melanoma lesions had been reduced by 97 percent. Tissue analysis also showed that the cancer cells had not spread beyond the tumour area. Importantly, the researchers found no evidence that copper ions had accumulated in the animals’ blood or major organs, easing concerns about possible toxicity.

The research team said the findings suggest the technology could eventually become a safe, targeted and reusable treatment option for melanoma patients.

Although the results are still at an early stage and human trials have not yet begun, the researchers believe the patch could represent a significant step toward less invasive skin cancer therapies in the future.

Lagos tightens surveillance as Ebola spreads

 

By Admin

There is no immediate threat of Ebola in Lagos state in the wake of the ongoing outbreak in parts of Central and East Africa.

The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, who disclosed this in a statement, said Lagos remains on high alert and has activated its biosecurity and emergency response systems to detect and contain any possible outbreak.

 Abayomi said that no suspected or confirmed Ebola case has been recorded in Lagos State, even as the DRC is experiencing its 17th Ebola outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus.

He explained that the outbreak, which has so far claimed about 177 lives from nearly 700 suspected cases, is currently limited to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, noting that the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the situation as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to the difficult conditions affecting containment efforts in the impacted regions.

“The Lagos Biosecurity Bio-shield was built to protect and remains ready to respond to biological shocks. Preparedness for us is not a temporary reaction; it is a permanent culture embedded within our health system. The State's preparedness framework was first rigorously tested during the Ebola outbreak and significantly strengthened during the COVID-19 pandemic. It remains actively engaged in responding to recurrent public health challenges, such as Cholera, Diphtheria and Lassa Fever outbreaks", Abayomi said.

The commissioner explained that Lagos strengthened its disease response capacity after the 2014 Ebola outbreak and further improved its systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that the state continues to maintain active surveillance against infectious diseases including Lassa fever, cholera and diphtheria.

Abayomi said the Lagos State Incident Command System, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, remains fully operational to coordinate rapid emergency response efforts.

He also disclosed that the Lagos State Emergency Operations Centre is working round the clock through a network of epidemiologists and disease surveillance officers monitoring public health developments in real time.

The Lagos State Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba has also maintained preparedness through isolation facilities, intensive care units and infectious disease specialists, while the Biosafety Level-3 Laboratory and Biobank Facility within the hospital continues enhanced surveillance and testing operations for high-risk pathogens.

The commissioner said the state government is collaborating with Port Health Services, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and other agencies to strengthen monitoring at airports, land borders and seaports.

He added that passengers arriving from East and Central African countries are currently undergoing heightened health screening and surveillance.

Further, he said community health workers, community development associations and civil society groups have also been integrated into the state’s disease surveillance network to support early detection and reporting.

Emergency medical supplies including personal protective equipment, gloves and sanitizers have been strategically stocked across the state, while ambulance services remain on standby for rapid deployment. he noted.

“Our focus remains firmly on prevention, early detection, prompt reporting and swift multi-sectoral response. Lagos remains vigilant, organized and safe,” he said.

The state government advised residents, especially those returning from Congo or Uganda or those who recently had close contact with travelers from the affected countries, to seek medical guidance if they develop any symptoms or health concerns.

Residents were encouraged to contact emergency numbers 767 or 112, or reach the Director of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health at the Lagos State Ministry of Health on 08023169485 for assistance or information.

Commonwealth names Nigeria top country progressing in cervical cancer elimination

L-R: Chair, Commonwealth International Cervical Cancer Taskforce, Dr Miriam Mutebi; Ms Sofiat Akinola, Director, Health Policy & External Affairs, Roche Diagnostics; Health Adviser, Commonwealth Secretariat, Dr Janneth Mghamba; Acting Senior Director, Social Development Youth and Gender Directorate, Commonwealth Secretariat, Jennifer Namgyal; Chair of the CHCF,  Leslie Ramsammy, former Guyana Minister of Health and Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN Office in Geneva, during the launch of a new “Compendium of Case Studies on Cervical Cancer Elimination” by the Commonwealth Secretariat at the inaugural Commonwealth Health Coordination Forum that held in Geneva, Switzerland.

By Admin

Nigeria’s efforts to reduce cervical cancer cases have drawn attention at the Commonwealth level, with the country listed among 12 member nations making progress in vaccination, screening and treatment.

Nigeria was singled out for her nationwide rollout of the single dose HPV vaccine campaign introduced in October 2023 under the leadership of First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu. Officials at the meeting said nearly 17 million girls had been vaccinated by early 2026.

The recognition came during the launch of a new “Compendium of Case Studies on Cervical Cancer Elimination” by the Commonwealth Secretariat at the inaugural Commonwealth Health Coordination Forum that held in Geneva, Switzerland.

The activity was held ahead of the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA) under the theme “Shaping the Future of Cancer Across the Commonwealth”.

The new report, produced with support from member states and Roche Diagnostics, was presented before health ministers, policy experts and development partners concerned about the growing burden of cervical cancer across Commonwealth countries.

Across much of the developing world, cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths among women, largely because many cases are detected late and access to screening remains limited.

Discussions at the forum focused heavily on financing. Countries shared concerns over shrinking donor support and rising healthcare costs, while calling for stronger domestic funding mechanisms to sustain cancer prevention and treatment.

During a session on cancer financing co-chaired by the Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Prof. Usman Aliyu Malami, who represented the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, participants argued that cancer services must remain part of Universal Health Coverage despite economic pressures facing health systems.

Alongside the report, the Secretariat also introduced a Cervical Cancer Advocacy Toolkit aimed at helping First Ladies and spouses of Heads of Government drive awareness campaigns in their countries.

In a message contained in the foreword, Commonwealth Secretary General Shirley Botchwey said women’s health should occupy a more central place in public policy discussions across member states.

"First Ladies have a unique capacity to mobilise public attention, influence national dialogue, and inspire action on issues of profound social importance,” she said.

“This toolkit has been developed to support First Ladies, Spouses and partners of Heads of Government in leading informed, strategic, and impactful advocacy for cervical cancer elimination across Commonwealth countries.”

She said by placing women's health, equity, and dignity at the centre of national priorities, progress can be accelerated towards a future where no woman dies from a preventable disease.

Former Guyana Minister of Health and Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Leslie Ramsammy, who chaired  the forum,  said: "Our purpose today is to identify where Commonwealth co-operation can add practical value. This includes strengthening national cancer control plans, improving early detection and diagnosis, expanding access to treatment and palliative care, and improving data systems for better planning and accountability."

In the view of the Assistant Director-General, Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care, World Health Organisation, Dr Jeremy Farrar, "We need to address cancer initiatives in a continuum, by examining three strategic areas: promotion, prevention and treatment.

“The best way of connecting is to make sure that our health systems work for everybody in an equitable and accessible way. We have to reconnect our politics and our policies with communities and health.  This health forum could help us push that forward."

Discussions on cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and care were informed by the findings of the Lancet Oncology Commission on Cancer in the Commonwealth.

Chairman of the forum and former Guyanese Health Minister, Leslie Ramsammy, said the Commonwealth must focus less on broad declarations and more on practical support in areas such as diagnosis, treatment access, palliative care and health data systems.

Also speaking, Jeremy Farrar of the World Health Organisation said stronger health systems are essential if cancer prevention programmes are to succeed.

He said prevention, screening and treatment must work together rather than operate separately.

Countries highlighted for notable interventions included Australia, which combined HPV vaccination with organised screening and self collection methods, and Bangladesh, which carried out a large scale HPV vaccination campaign backed by digital tracking systems.

Kenya was recognised for using multi sector partnerships to implement its national cancer strategy, while Zambia was cited for integrating cervical cancer screening into HIV care services through a single visit screen and treat approach.

In a recorded message to delegates, President Mohamed Irfaan Ali urged deeper collaboration across the Commonwealth, saying no country could eliminate cervical cancer alone.

Recommendations from the forum are expected to feed into future Commonwealth health meetings as member states pursue the long term target of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat by 2050.