Poverty and malnutrition fuel preventable childhood diseases in Nigeria despite available vaccines
via Punch Nigeria9 min read
Poverty and malnutrition are contributing to a rise in preventable diseases among Nigerian children, despite the availability of free vaccines and a slight decline in severe acute malnutrition cases. The 2025 Joint Health Sector Report by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare indicates increasing instances of malaria, diarrhea, and pneumonia, particularly among children under five. Malnutrition weakens children's immune systems, making them more susceptible to fatal outcomes from these illnesses. For example, Batula, a 20-month-old from Borno State, was diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition after her family initially sought traditional healing for her symptoms. Similarly, Maryam Sherif's two-year-old son died of malaria due to lack of access to treatment in a displacement camp. Malaria alone accounted for over 9.5 million cases among children under five in 2025, an increase from 9.1 million in 2024. Diarrheal diseases and acute respiratory infections also saw increases. The report highlights that while some conditions like diphtheria show improvement, the overall burden of childhood disease is rising. Health experts emphasize that these illnesses are preventable and often deadly if untreated, with factors like poor nutrition, lack of vaccination, unsafe water, and delayed access to care contributing to vulnerability. Measles cases also rose, reflecting ongoing immunization gaps. The World Health Organization recommends routine immunization, which is estimated t
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadAllegations have emerged against Nigerian Army soldiers in Osogbo, Osun State, following claims of an invasion of student hostels at Osun State University. A female student, identified as Ademola, reported that soldiers assaulted students, stole mobile phones and valuables, and attempted sexual assault. Further claims include female students being stripped naked and forced to dance. The Vice-Chancellor of UNIOSUN, Odunayo Adebooye, confirmed the invasion and stated the university has petitioned the Nigerian Army, urging the Federal Government to dismiss any officers found guilty. The Army Commandant has reportedly ordered an inquiry. These incidents follow a pattern of alleged military misconduct, including the killing of a National Youth Service Corps member in Abuja in April, the death of a 13-year-old in Akwa Ibom in January, and an assault on Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company headquarters in Lagos last year. Human rights organizations like Action on Armed Violence and Amnesty International have documented numerous civilian casualties and deaths in military custody, highlighting systemic issues. The article calls for decisive action from President Bola Tinubu, including swift prosecution for soldiers who abuse authority and accountability for commanders, alongside a re-evaluation of the military's domestic role to strengthen civilian control and uphold democratic principles.
Nephrologists indicate that people born with one kidney can lead healthy lives but face increased risks of kidney complications if they are obese or maintain unhealthy lifestyles. Factors such as excess body weight, poor diet, physical inactivity, herbal remedies, and painkiller abuse can strain the single kidney, potentially accelerating damage and increasing the risk of chronic kidney disease. Renal agenesis, where an individual is born with one kidney, affects an estimated one in 2,000 babies globally each year. Consultant paediatric nephrologist Dr. Debo Ademola noted that while many born with one kidney live normally, some may develop health issues later, especially if the remaining kidney has abnormalities or if prolonged hyperfiltration due to compensation leads to damage. He emphasized that obesity and poor lifestyle habits are particularly risky. Professor of Medicine Nephrology Jacob Awobusuyi added that individuals with one kidney are more prone to hypertension and kidney failure compared to those with two kidneys, and women with the condition should prioritize early antenatal care during pregnancy. Experts recommend regular medical check-ups, avoiding kidney-damaging substances like excessive non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and unverified herbal preparations, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, adequate hydration, and being cautious with contact sports to preserve kidney function.
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu's recent comments encouraging women to engage in small businesses like selling akara, roasting corn, or frying kuli-kuli have sparked widespread discussion in Nigeria. Her remarks, made after a meeting of state first ladies, were intended to offer practical encouragement during hard times, suggesting that starting such businesses does not require significant capital. This follows a similar public reaction to her husband, President Bola Tinubu, who in 2021 suggested recruiting 50 million youths into the army and feeding them with cassava and corn, a statement that was later clarified to five million. Critics argue that the First Lady's suggestions, much like her husband's 'agbado' moment, highlight a perceived disconnect between the elite and the economic realities faced by many Nigerians. Journalist Blessing Mosugu emphasized that the core issue is not the dignity of such labor but the scale of opportunity available to educated young Nigerians, questioning if these businesses can address significant financial needs like school fees or provide meaningful employment for graduates. Meanwhile, the Presidency is also dealing with the case of Adeniyi Adeyemi Mathew, who allegedly operated a fictitious body called the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council from the Federal Secretariat for over a year. Adeyemi is facing an eight-count charge for conspiracy, forgery, and impersonation, with his next court appearance scheduled for July 27.