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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON SICKLE CELL OVERVIEW: TYPES AND SYMPTOMS

Monday Health Burst, WHO / cfhinitiative

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is one of the most common inherited blood disorders, affecting millions of people worldwide, particularly in Africa, including Nigeria. It occurs when the body produces abnormal hemoglobin known as hemoglobin S which causes red blood cells to become rigid, sticky, and shaped like a sickle instead of being round and flexible. These sickle shaped cells can block blood flow, leading to pain and other complications.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 7.74 million people were living with sickle-cell disease globally, with 515,000 new births recorded, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa, which accounts for nearly 80% of global cases. Sickle-cell disease also contributes significantly to child mortality, causing 81,100 under-5 deaths in 2021, ranking as the 12th leading cause of death in this age group when considering the total mortality burden.

Types of Sickle Cell Disease

There are several forms of SCD, depending on the type of abnormal hemoglobin inherited:

HbSS (Sickle Cell Anemia): The most severe type, inherited when a person receives two sickle cell genes, one from each parent.
HbSC: Occurs when a person inherits one sickle cell gene and one gene for abnormal hemoglobin C. This type is usually less severe than HbSS but can still cause complications.
HbS Beta Thalassemia: Results from inheriting one sickle cell gene and one beta thalassemia gene. Severity depends on the form of thalassemia inherited.
Other rare types: Variations occur when the sickle cell gene is combined with other unusual hemoglobin mutations.

Common Symptoms of Sickle Cell Disease

The symptoms of SCD often begin in early childhood and may vary in severity from person to person. They include:

Anemia: Caused by the rapid breakdown of sickle cells, leading to fatigue and weakness.
Pain Episodes (Crises): Sudden episodes of severe pain in the chest, abdomen, joints, or bones when sickle cells block blood flow.
Swelling: Especially in the hands and feet, due to poor circulation of blood caused by blocked blood vessels.
Frequent Infections: Sickle cells can damage the spleen, making individuals more prone to infections.
Delayed Growth and Puberty: Due to a lack of oxygen and nutrients reaching body tissues.
Vision Problems: Blocked blood vessels in the eye can lead to sight issues over time.

Prompt diagnosis and comprehensive care are pivotal in enhancing the lives of those with SCD, involving pain management, blood transfusions, medications, and, in severe cases, bone marrow or stem cell transplantation. Raising awareness and promoting early intervention are essential steps towards alleviating the burden of this disease on affected individuals and their families.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of basic health concern. Join us every Monday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.

Reference

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sickle-cell-disease

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF GBV ON MOTHER-INFANT ATTACHMENT

Speak Wednesday, WHO / cfhinitiative

She held her baby with trembling hands. Not from fear of motherhood, but from fear of a man. A man she once trusted. A man who turned her body into a battlefield.
This is not fiction. This is the everyday, hushed reality of thousands of Nigerian women living with the trauma of gender-based violence (GBV) and the invisible heartbreak it causes their children before they even learn how to speak.

When Violence Enters the Womb
In many Nigerian cultures, a pregnant woman is treated with care and reverence. But behind closed doors, some women are being battered while their unborn babies kick helplessly in the womb. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 3 women globally experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime and many of them are pregnant when it happens.
What happens when a baby’s first experience of the world is stress? What happens when a mother carries both her child and her trauma?
Research shows that when a pregnant woman is abused, her body floods with stress hormones like cortisol. These chemicals don’t stay with her, they cross the placenta and reach the baby, altering the way the child’s brain develops. That child may be born with a heightened sensitivity to stress, and a brain wired for fear.

The Silent Wound: Attachment and Survival
In healthy conditions, a mother and her infant develop a secure attachment, a bond of trust and comfort that shapes the child’s emotional foundation for life. But when a mother is surviving GBV, her own emotional resources are depleted. She may be physically present but emotionally unreachable. She’s in survival mode.
This isn’t a question of love. These mothers love their babies with every fibre of their being. But trauma changes the brain. A woman dealing with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression caused by abuse may struggle to read her baby’s cues. She might flinch at a cry. She might freeze during breastfeeding. Her touch may lack the warmth she desperately wants to give.
This emotional disconnect is called disrupted attachment, and it’s not the mother’s fault. It’s the consequence of living in fear. UNICEF link GBV to insecure mother-infant attachments, which increase the risk of behavioural problems, anxiety, and poor emotional regulation in children.

Breaking the Silence, Healing the Bond
This is not just a woman’s issue. This is a society issue. A society where women are unsafe is a society where childhoods are fractured before they begin. It is time to protect mothers so they can nurture, not just survive.

What We Must Do:
• Create safe reporting systems for pregnant women and mothers experiencing GBV.
• Train healthcare workers to screen for abuse during prenatal visits and provide trauma-informed care.
• Educate communities to stop victim-blaming and start protecting.
• Support shelters and psychosocial support services for survivors and their children.
• Involve men. This is not a woman’s fight alone. The cycle can’t break without male accountability.
Break the silence. Protect the mother. Save the child.
Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias
#SpeakWednesday #EndGBV #CFHI #MotherhoodInNigeria #MentalHealthMatters #BreakTheCycle #ProtectMothers #TraumaHealing #AttachmentMatters #SayNoToViolence
References
• WHO: Violence Against Women
• APA: How Maternal Stress Affects Babies
• UNICEF: Why Secure Attachment Matters

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON HEPATITIS B: SYMPTOMS, AND CAUSES

Monday Health Burst, WHO / cfhinitiative

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic diseases. Having chronic hepatitis B raises your risk of getting liver cancer, liver failure, or cirrhosis, which permanently scars the liver.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 254 million people were living with chronic Hepatitis B infection as of 2022, with approximately 1.2 million new cases occurring annually.

SYMPTOMS
Hepatitis B may occasionally go undetected without any obvious signs. This is common among children.Acute hepatitis B symptoms can start to show about 1 to 4 months after contact with the virus. Some of these symptoms include:
• Weakness and exhaustion
• Appetite loss
• Vomiting
• Jaundice
• Clay-colored stool
• The aching in one’s joints

CAUSES:
According to MayoClinic, the causes of Hepatitis B include:
• Sexual contact: It is possible to contract hepatitis B if one engages in unprotected sexual activity with an infected individual. The virus can be transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, semen, or vaginal secretions.
• Sharing of needles/Accidental needle sticks: HBV easily spreads through needles and syringes contaminated with infected blood. Sharing IV drug paraphernalia puts one at high risk of hepatitis B.
• Mother to child: Pregnant women infected with HBV can pass the virus to their babies during childbirth. However, the newborn can be vaccinated to avoid getting infected in almost all cases. It is advisable to discuss with a healthcare provider the option of getting tested for hepatitis B if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of basic health concern. Join us every Monday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.

References:

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON OVERVIEW OF HEPATITIS- DEFINITION, TYPES, AND CAUSES OF HEPATITIS

WHO / cfhinitiative

Your liver is one of your body’s hardest-working organs, filtering toxins, processing nutrients, and supporting overall health. Yet, hepatitis an inflammation of the liver threatens its function and often progresses without early warning signs.

The Main Types of Hepatitis:

Hepatitis A: Spread through contaminated food or water. Usually short-term and preventable with a vaccine.
Hepatitis B: Passed through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child at birth. Can become chronic and cause serious liver disease. A safe vaccine offers strong protection.
Hepatitis C: Often silent at first, it spreads mainly through blood and can lead to chronic liver damage. No vaccine exists yet, but effective treatments can cure it.
Hepatitis D: Only occurs alongside hepatitis B and makes the disease more severe. Preventable through hepatitis B vaccination.
Hepatitis E: Typically found in areas with poor sanitation, spread through contaminated water. Usually resolves on its own but can be risky during pregnancy.

Other Causes of Hepatitis Include:

Excessive alcohol consumption
Certain medications or toxins
Autoimmune conditions

Hepatitis often goes unnoticed until significant liver damage has occurred. Early testing, safe lifestyle choices, and vaccination where available are vital for prevention and protection.

Protect your liver, stay informed, practice good hygiene, avoid risky behaviors, and seek medical advice for screening or vaccination. Your liver deserves the best care.

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA (BPH)

WHO / cfhinitiative

The prostate is a small guardian stationed just below the bladder. When you are young, it’s no bigger than a walnut. But as you age, the prostate can grow and that is where Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) comes in.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia simply means your prostate is enlarging. It is not cancer; it’s just your prostate showing signs of age.

Why does it grow?

BPH is the body’s natural response to aging, especially after 50. Changing hormone levels such as lower testosterone and relatively more estrogen signal the prostate to grow bigger.

The trouble begins when this larger prostate starts pressing on the urethra (the tube that carries urine out), making urination harder.

How do you know BPH is knocking?

Common signs include:

You just urinated but feel the need to go again.
You wake up at night to urinate (nocturia)
Difficulty starting urination or weak flow.
Feeling your bladder isn’t fully empty.
Dribbling at the end of urination

Who gets BPH?

BPH is common in:

Men over 50
Men with a family history of BPH
Those with conditions like diabetes or obesity

How is BPH managed?

For mild cases:

Reduce evening drinks.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Try double-voiding (urinate, pause, and try again)

For moderate cases:

Medications to relax or shrink the prostate.

For severe cases:

Small procedures or surgery (such as TURP, which trims excess prostate tissue)

Your prostate is part of your aging journey. When it causes trouble, don’t suffer in silence. Talk to your doctor. Early help leads to a better quality of life.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) to tackle issues of basic health concerns. Join us every Monday for more health-related articles on all our social media platforms.

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON PROTECTING HER CHILDHOOD: CONFRONTING EARLY MARRIAGE AS GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

Gender Based Violence, Speak Wednesday, WHO / cfhinitiative

In many communities across Nigeria, a girl’s childhood can end not with graduation or celebration, but with a wedding. Sometimes at 15, sometimes even younger. She doesn’t throw a bouquet; she throws away her dreams. The practice is often justified by culture, tradition, or economic necessity, but beneath these explanations lies a truth that must be acknowledged: early marriage is a form of gender-based violence.

Nigeria ranks third globally in the number of child brides. Over 22 million girls in the country were married before the age of 18, according to UNICEF. In some states in the North-East and North-West, the prevalence is even higher, driven by poverty, insecurity, and deeply entrenched gender inequality. These are not just statistics; they are lives interrupted, girlhoods lost, and futures compromised.

Early marriage is violence because it robs girls of choice, education, health, and safety. Once married, a girl is often forced to drop out of school, denying her the opportunity to learn, grow, and earn. She faces increased risks of sexual violence, early pregnancy complications, and lifelong poverty. These are not isolated consequences; they are systemic outcomes rooted in a society that undervalues girls and normalizes their silence.

In many cases, families see early marriage as a survival strategy. When there is no food on the table and no access to social protection, marrying off a daughter can feel like the only option. Cultural and religious pressures further normalize the practice, and in the absence of strong law enforcement, the rights of girls are often overlooked. Nigeria’s Child Rights Act, passed in 2003, sets the legal age of marriage at 18, but enforcement remains uneven. As of 2024, several states have yet to domesticate the Act, leaving millions of girls unprotected.

Ending early marriage requires more than laws on paper; it demands a shift in narrative and a real investment in girls. We must name early marriage for what it is: a violation of human rights and a gender-based harm. Protecting Nigerian girls means enforcing laws, holding perpetrators accountable, and ensuring every girl has access to safe, quality education and health care. It also means addressing the root causes—poverty, gender inequality, and lack of opportunity that make early marriage appear acceptable or inevitable.

Equally important is the need to amplify the voices of girls themselves. Their insights, hopes, and fears must shape the policies and programs meant to protect them. Girls in Nigeria are not voiceless; they are often unheard. When we listen, we begin to understand not just what is being taken from them, but what is possible when we choose to protect them.

To protect the future of Nigerian girls, we must stop framing early marriage as an issue of culture or custom. It is a crisis of rights, equity, and justice. We must act with urgency, empathy, and resolve.

Because she’s not a bride. She’s a child.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

#SpeakWednesday#EndChildMarriage#SheIsNotABride#NigerianGirlsDeserveBetter#ChildNotBride#GenderJusticeNow#ProtectTheGirlChild#GirlsNotWives#StopGBV

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON HEALTH RISKS OF TOBACCO USE

Drugs, WHO / cfhinitiative

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing over 8 million people a year around the world. Tobacco use poses severe health risks not only to users but also to those exposed to second-hand smoke. Despite global efforts to reduce its consumption, tobacco remains a leading cause of preventable diseases and premature death.

Understanding the dangers of tobacco is crucial to protecting public health. Below are some of the major health risks associated with its use:

Lung and Respiratory Diseases

Tobacco damages lung tissue and airways, increasing the risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. It also worsens asthma and makes the lungs more susceptible to infections like pneumonia and tuberculosis.

Cancer

Tobacco is a major cause of multiple types of cancer, including those of the lung, mouth, throat, oesophagus, pancreas, bladder, kidney, and cervix. This is due to the carcinogenic substances in tobacco products and smoke,

Cardiovascular Damage

Tobacco use increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. It narrows blood vessels, raises blood pressure, and reduces oxygen supply to vital organs.

Reproductive and Prenatal Health Risks

Tobacco harms reproductive health. It can cause infertility in both men and women. In pregnant women, it increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight, and premature delivery.

Oral Health Issues

Users of tobacco face an increased risk of gum disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and oral cancer. It also causes persistent bad breath and delayed healing after dental procedures.

Harm from Second-hand Smoke

Second-hand smoke puts non-smokers at risk of serious health issues, including heart disease, lung cancer, asthma, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in infants. Children exposed to smoke are more likely to suffer respiratory infections and developmental delays.

Tobacco use remains a significant threat to global health. The good news is that quitting tobacco has immediate and long-term health benefits. Through public awareness, supportive policies, and community engagement, we can reduce tobacco-related harm and move toward a healthier, tobacco-free future.

Reference:
World Health Organization. Tobacco. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tobacco (Accessed May 2025).

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON ADDRESSING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE: A HEALTH IMPERATIVE

Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality, Girl Education, WHO / cfhinitiative

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is not merely a social injustice; it is a profound public health crisis that demands immediate and sustained attention. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 1 in 3 women worldwide have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner or non-partner sexual violence, or both.

The Health Consequences of GBV

The repercussions of GBV extend far beyond immediate physical injuries. Survivors often face long-term health issues, including chronic pain, gastrointestinal disorders, and sexually transmitted infections. Mental health is also severely impacted, with increased risks of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal tendencies. WHO emphasizes that GBV has significant and long-lasting impacts on physical and mental health, including injury, unintended pregnancy, pregnancy complications, sexually transmitted infections, HIV, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and even death.

GBV as a Barrier to Gender Equality

GBV perpetuates gender inequalities, hindering women’s and girls’ access to education, economic opportunities, and political participation. It reinforces societal norms that devalue females, creating an environment where discrimination and violence are tolerated.

The Role of the Health Sector

Healthcare providers are often the first point of contact for survivors. Therefore, the health sector plays a crucial role in identifying and supporting victims. This includes providing medical care, psychological support, and referrals to legal and social services. Training healthcare workers to recognize signs of abuse and respond appropriately is essential.

Policy and Legal Frameworks

Furthermore, robust legal frameworks are vital in combating GBV. Nigeria’s Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act is a step in the right direction, but effective implementation and enforcement are critical. Policies must be backed by adequate resources and political will to ensure survivors receive justice and perpetrators are held accountable.

Conclusion

GBV is a multifaceted issue that demands a comprehensive response. Recognizing it as a health imperative underscores the urgency of coordinated action across sectors. Community leaders, educators, and religious institutions must be involved in challenging harmful gender norms and promoting respectful relationships. Educational programs that focus on gender equality and non-violent conflict resolution can foster a culture of respect and safety.

By prioritizing survivor-centred care, engaging communities, and strengthening legal systems, we can move towards a society where women and girls live free from violence and discrimination.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

#SpeakWednesday #GBV #GenderBasedViolence #EndGBV #ViolenceAgainstWomen #DomesticViolence #EqualityForAll #GenderEquality #GenderBias

References:

World Health Organization. “Violence against women.” WHO
World Health Organization. “Gender-based violence is a public health issue.” WHO
World Health Organization. “Strengthening health sector response to violence against women.” WHO
International IDEA. “Funding and Oversight for VAPP Implementation.” International IDEA

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON THE ROLE OF IMMUNIZATION IN PROTECTING PREGNANT WOMEN

Monday Health Burst, WHO / cfhinitiative

Immunization plays a critical role in safeguarding the health of pregnant women and their unborn babies. During pregnancy, physiological changes in a woman’s immune system make her more vulnerable to certain infections, which can result in serious health complications for both mother and child. Vaccines provide a proven, effective line of defense by preventing these diseases and promoting safer pregnancies and deliveries¹.

Beyond protecting the mother, immunization offers a crucial benefit to the unborn baby. Antibodies produced by the mother in response to vaccines are passed on to the fetus, offering early-life protection until the baby is old enough to receive their own vaccinations. This is especially important for diseases like tetanus, influenza, and pertussis (whooping cough), which can be life-threatening for newborns².

As part of its commitment to improving maternal and child health, the Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) has consistently championed immunization through community-based efforts. In 2022, CFHI marked World Immunization Week by partnering with the Idu Primary Health Care facility to provide vaccines to over 30 children in the Angwan Shahu community of Karimo, Abuja. This outreach was a direct response to barriers such as overcrowded health centers and limited transportation, which often prevent caregivers from accessing routine immunization services for their children.

Building on that momentum, in 2023 CFHI collaborated with the Primary Healthcare Center in Angwan Guragu, Karonmajiji. This event integrated community sensitization with the delivery of essential vaccines and reached over 50 individuals, including children and adults. These initiatives not only increased vaccine coverage but also reinforced public trust in immunization as a safe and necessary part of preventive healthcare.

Health stakeholders must continue to strengthen immunization systems, expand awareness, and eliminate barriers to access. Empowering women with accurate information and accessible services ensures they can make informed decisions to protect themselves and their children—laying the foundation for healthier families and communities.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Pregnancy and Vaccination. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pregnancy
World Health Organization. (2020). Vaccines in Pregnancy: Protecting Mother and Child. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/vaccines-in-pregnancy

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON PREVENTING UTIs: WHY TOILET HYGIENE MATTERS

Monday Health Burst, WHO / cfhinitiative

Preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) begins with understanding the importance of toilet hygiene. UTIs, a common health issue affecting millions globally, occur when harmful bacteria enter the urinary system, causing discomfort, pain, and potentially severe complications like kidney infections. Poor toilet hygiene is a leading cause of UTIs, as it can introduce bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), from the digestive tract into the urinary system. Practices like improper wiping or neglecting to wash hands after using the restroom significantly increase the risk of infection.

To reduce the likelihood of UTIs, it’s essential to adopt proper hygiene practices. Wiping from front to back prevents bacteria from the anal area from reaching the urethra, while thorough handwashing eliminates germs that could spread to other surfaces or the body. Keeping the genital area clean and dry is equally important since damp environments encourage bacterial growth. Regularly cleaning toilets, whether at home or in public spaces, also minimizes exposure to harmful bacteria. Avoiding the habit of holding urine is crucial, as regular urination flushes out bacteria, preventing them from multiplying.

Staying hydrated is another vital aspect of UTI prevention. Drinking plenty of water helps dilute urine and flush out bacteria, promoting frequent urination that naturally cleanses the urinary tract. This practice, combined with good hygiene, creates a strong defense against infections.

Women, due to their shorter urethras, are more prone to UTIs, making toilet hygiene even more critical. Specific measures, such as avoiding harsh soaps and wearing breathable cotton underwear, help reduce irritation and bacterial growth.

In 2020, CFHI commemorated World Toilet Day in Saburi Community, Abuja, where over 55 community members were sensitized on the dangers of open defecation, the importance of proper hygiene practices, the need to promote climate action, and the benefits of embracing effective waste disposal methods. This impactful initiative highlighted CFHI’s dedication to improving sanitation, fostering healthier living conditions, and driving environmental sustainability within the community.

Toilet hygiene, when paired with good hydration and regular urination habits, serves as a powerful tool in preventing UTIs and promoting overall urinary tract health. By maintaining these simple yet effective practices, individuals can protect their health and avoid the discomfort of infections. Prevention is always better than cure, and prioritizing hygiene is a step toward long-term well-being.

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