Vitamin B12 is one of the 13 essential vitamins our bodies need to work properly. As a result, it’s common to see it everywhere — from cereal boxes to your favourite energy drinks. It’s also available as a supplement and included in most daily multivitamins. Key takeaways: Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin. It’s mainly found in animal products, and most people get the recommended amount (about 2.4 mcg daily) from their diet. If your vitamin B12 levels are low, your healthcare provider may recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) supplement or prescription form of vitamin B12. A common dose of OTC vitamin B12…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
Vitamin D supplements are linked to many health benefits, including decreasing the chance of heart disease, supporting immune function, and aiding weight loss. New research suggests that calcium and vitamin D supplements may have a high blood pressure-lowering effect, particularly for older adults with overweight or obesity. However, the study indicates that taking more than recommended and exceeding the daily dose of vitamin D does not create any additional benefits. New research published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society suggests that vitamin D supplements may help lower blood pressure in older adults with obesity, and taking more than the daily recommended dose does not provide any…
A cutting-edge methane tracking system has proven its value in identifying major leaks, but global action to address these emissions is lagging, according to a new report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Over the past two years, the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) issued 1,200 notifications to governments and companies, yet only 15—just 1%—prompted action. The findings, published in An Eye on Methane: Invisible but Not Unseen, underscore the urgency of addressing the emissions, which are over 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2) in driving near-term global warming. As the second-largest contributor to anthropogenic climate change,…
Global measles cases spiked by 20% in 2023, reaching over 10.3 million compared to nine million in 2022, according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Released on Thursday, the “2024 WHO-CDC Measles Report and the State of Measles Vaccination in Lower-income Countries” also showed that while cases increased, measles deaths declined by 8% to 107,500 from 116,800 in 2022. The report reveals that measles outbreaks affected 57 countries in 2023, highlighting ongoing challenges in vaccine coverage. In African countries, however, resilience efforts boosted vaccine coverage by two…
For victims of torture and their families, the United Nations (UN) Committee Against Torture’s review brings a moment of hope—and, perhaps, a chance to be heard. From October 28 to November 22, the committee has been holding hearings on the state of human rights and government accountability in six countries, including Namibia and Cameroon. This review isn’t just another check-in; it’s a public reckoning for these nations, where survivors and advocates alike hope their stories will finally spark change. The committee has engaged in dialogue with government representatives, NGOs, and human rights defenders, but it’s the voices of ordinary people—those…
For the people of Sokoto, disasters have always been more than just statistics; they are personal stories of families, homes, and dreams lost. This Thursday, however, brings a glimmer of hope as the Disaster Management Platform (DMP) of the USAID-supported “Enhancing Coordination System for Disaster Response in Nigeria (ECODiN)” will be inaugurated in the state. By Abdallah el-Kurebe The launch of the platform marks a new era in safeguarding Sokoto’s communities against the devastating impacts of natural and man-made disasters, from floods to droughts, offering tangible support and resources for those at risk. The DMP, designed with the community’s needs…
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has joined forces with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to advance health impact investment, with a landmark US$10 million grant aimed at strengthening primary health care and health systems resilience. The grant was officially announced at the COP29 Climate Change Conference held in Baku on November 12, 2024. This contribution is part of a larger global effort to build climate- and crisis-resilient health systems, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and underserved communities. Through the newly launched Health Impact Investment Platform (HIIP), IsDB, WHO, and their MDB partners…
The Nigeria Union of Agriculture and Allied Employees (NUAAE) has elected Obafemi Oyenubi as its new National President, marking a significant step toward unity and stability within the organization. This election follows a successful reconciliation of internal factions, facilitated by veteran union members. The newly elected national leadership includes Benco Hameed Ademola as Deputy National President I, Aniedi Abasi Ekpo as Deputy National President II, and Segun Victor Alemeru as National Treasurer. Other key officers include Kabiru Haruna Mafara (North West), Ayodeji Frances (South West), Buhari Dame Tanimu (North East), Nwagu Christopher (South East), Joseph Sunday Asaolu (North Central), and…
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or illness, but not all inflammation is the same. Blood tests like CRP Quantitative (CRP Quant) and CRP Cardiac (hs-CRP) help doctors identify and monitor inflammation, yet they serve different purposes. Understanding these tests can provide insights into your health, especially if you’re concerned about chronic inflammation or cardiovascular disease.What Is CRP?C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Elevated levels of CRP in your blood indicate that your body is fighting something—whether it’s an infection, injury, or a chronic condition. However, the sensitivity and focus of CRP testing vary, depending…
A lot of people are saying “corruption”. Sorry, that’s not an explanation that’s an observation. There is a reason why there is a lot of corruption in Africa and it has everything to do with Western foreign aid and economic interventionism in the various states of Africa. Before mentioning the two causes let’s dispel the myth that it was due to colonialism. There have been about 40 years since the vast majority of Africa was decolonized. To compare, 40 years after the liberation of the United States as colonies, they were a serious world economic power and growing at a REAL…