By Hawau Sulyman/Justina Auta

Some medical experts have called for the adoption of urgent preventive measures to safeguard public health and reduce the risk of waterborne typhoid fever transmission in communities.

They raised these concerns in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

Dr Bayo Ogundeyi of Lugbe Primary Health Care Centre, noted that typhoid was common in communities lacking proper Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities.

Ogundeyi identified some of the symptoms to include prolonged fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, headache, and general body weakness.

According to him, prevention through access to clean drinking water, hand hygiene, and safe food handling is necessary to curtail the disease and its health implications.

“Treatment is typically with prescribed antibiotics, alongside adequate hydration to prevent complications,” he added.

Also, Dr Kingsley Akhamie, a Family Physician at Nisa Premier Hospital, said that typhoid fever cases were more prevalent during the rainy season, when contamination of water sources was more likely.

“Patients often come in with fatigue, fluctuating temperatures, and digestive issues,” he said.

Akhamie stressed the need for regular public enlightenment on the effects of typhoid fever, as well as improved access to WASH facilities, regular water purification practices, and food safety.

“Beyond antibiotics, we sometimes admit patients with complications like intestinal perforation,” he said.

On his part, Dr Tosin Ogunyemi of Lugbe Health Post also raised similar concerns, saying many residents, especially children, fell ill due to poor sanitation and contaminated water.

“We advise people to boil drinking water or use water purification tablets, as well as practice proper handwashing techniques,” he said.

Meanwhile, some residents in the FCT have appealed to the government and philanthropists to improve access to healthcare services, provide WASH facilities, and conduct regular sensitisation campaigns, especially in underserved communities.

Mrs Joy Musa of Kabusa community said, “Most times, we rely on rainwater during the rainy season or go to nearby streams to get water, whenever we have no money to buy from the borehole.”

According to her, this has contributed immensely to ill health and other challenges affecting people at the community level.

Similarly, Mr Danjuma Ali, another FCT resident, said improved access to healthcare services would promote public health and ensure people received treatment for any illnesses. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Folasade Akpan

Dr Adesida Adewumi, a Consultant Family Physician and Public Health Specialist, says societal expectations continue to complicate the layered health challenges men face across physical, mental, spiritual, and social dimensions.

Adewumi made the observation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, in commemoration of Father’s Day.

NAN reports that Father’s Day is observed every year on the third Sunday of June and is dedicated to honouring fathers, fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society.

According to Adewumi, men between the ages of 20 and 60 are the most affected by these multilayered health issues, which are often intensified by silence around vulnerability and poor health-seeking behaviour.

He said physical health problems such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases were widespread and often tied to obesity and sedentary lifestyles.

“Sexual health issues like erectile dysfunction and low testosterone are common among men.

“There’s also an increasing concern with substance abuse and sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and insomnia,” he said.

On mental health, Adewumi highlighted the prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, and burnout, especially from work, financial strain, and family responsibilities.

He noted that addiction often served as a coping mechanism.

“Men are more likely to die by suicide due to their use of more lethal means and a general reluctance to seek help,” he added.

Spiritually, he said many men grappled with a lack of meaning or purpose, particularly during midlife crises or career stagnation, while disconnection from faith communities and lingering guilt or shame further exacerbated their struggles.

He noted that social health also presented challenges, including relationship breakdowns, career-induced isolation, and pressures associated with fatherhood, particularly the societal demand to be both a provider and an emotionally present parent.

“These intersecting issues, such as the pressure to perform, long work hours, financial insecurity, and poor work-life balance, ultimately take a toll on men’s overall well-being,” Adewumi said.

To mitigate these health challenges, the physician advised that men should adopt healthier lifestyles, starting with a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables.

He also recommended engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly.

He emphasised the importance of routine health screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancer, as well as regular sexual health check-ups and open conversations with healthcare providers.

“Men should avoid harmful substances by limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, and steering clear of recreational drugs.

“At work, they should prioritise safety by using protective gear and ergonomic setups,” he advised.

He further recommended financial literacy programmes, career counselling, flexible work arrangements, and the promotion of male mentorship in schools and workplaces.

“Men need to be trained in effective communication skills. This includes learning emotional vocabulary and active listening.

“They also need to be involved in parenting because active fatherhood improves bonds and boosts self-worth,” he said.

Adewumi stressed that long-term well-being for men depended on proactive health education, routine medical care, strong community connections, and supportive environments both at home and in the workplace. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Abiemwense Moru