The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has reaffirmed its critical role in promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights across West and Central Africa, tackling challenges such as maternal mortality, unmet family planning needs, gender-based violence (GBV), and the vulnerabilities of women and girls in humanitarian crises. Alian Akpadji, UNFPA Resident Representative for West and Central Africa, speaking on behalf of Regional Director Sennen Hounton during the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri, highlighted the region’s fragile health systems and the need for strengthened interventions to ensure sustainable development and human rights. Key areas of UNFPA’s work 1.…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a serious lung condition that makes it harder to breathe over time. It is slow, progressive, and often goes unnoticed until significant lung damage has already occurred. Millions of people worldwide have it, yet many don’t realize it until the symptoms become severe. What is COPD? It is a long-term disease that affects the lungs, making it difficult to push air in and out. It includes two main conditions: Chronic bronchitis: The airways become swollen and produce too much mucus, making breathing difficult. Emphysema: The tiny air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) get damaged,…
In many Nigerian homes, animal-based foods, including a glass of milk in the morning, a plate of steaming suya in the evening, or a simple boiled egg as a quick snack is common. But beyond their taste and convenience, these foods carry immense nutritional and economic value. A professor of Animal Science Bashir Muhammad Fagge, who is an expert in animal product processing, sheds light on how Nigeria can make them even better—fortified, modified, and optimized for health and national development. By Abdallah el-Kurebe The science behind everyday foods Think of milk, meat, and eggs as nature’s powerhouse foods. They…
Endometriosis: More common than you think! Here are some key facts about endometriosis: ● Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other parts of the body, causing “menstruation” outside the uterus. ● The pain is real and can feel like “knife-cutting” at times. It’s not “just bad cramps.” ● We need more awareness. Women suffering from endometriosis deserve to be heard and supported. Endometriosis is a commonly misunderstood condition that often leads to misdiagnosis. In some cases, patients are even incorrectly told they may have cancer. It affects approximately 1 in 10 women, primarily…
Nigeria’s electronic payment ecosystem has hit a historic milestone, surpassing N1.07 quadrillion in transactions in 2024—the first time e-payments in the country have crossed the quadrillion mark. In dollar terms, this amounts to approximately $702.6 billion, based on the official exchange rate of N1,535/$1 as of December 31, 2024. According to data from the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), transactions conducted via the NIBSS Instant Payment (NIP) platform grew by 79.6% compared to N600 trillion in 2023. Throughout the year, electronic payment activity maintained a steady rise, peaking in December 2024, when Nigerians spent a record-breaking N115.1 trillion via e-payment…
Microsoft and OpenAI are investigating whether DeepSeek, a fast-growing Chinese AI startup, may have accessed OpenAI’s proprietary technology without authorization. According to a Bloomberg report citing sources familiar with the matter, Microsoft security researchers detected unusual activity in late 2024, where individuals suspected to be linked to DeepSeek extracted a significant amount of data through OpenAI’s application programming interface (API). This API allows developers to integrate OpenAI’s advanced AI models into their own applications via a paid license. Microsoft, OpenAI’s biggest investor and technology partner, flagged the activity to OpenAI, prompting an internal review. “If confirmed, such actions could violate…
Over the weekend, Chinese AI company DeepSeek launched an AI chat app featuring a “reasoning” AI model on par with OpenAI’s o1, causing a stir in the U.S. tech industry as it surged to the top of Apple’s App Store. Based in Hangzhou, China, DeepSeek specializes in generative AI models and AI integration. Its first products to make a significant impact in the U.S. market include the GPT-4-like DeepSeek-V3 and R1, an advanced “reasoning model.” Much like ChatGPT, DeepSeek-V3 and R1 swiftly respond to natural-language prompts. NVIDIA and Microsoft saw a drop in stock prices on Monday after the highly…
As of 2022, about 1.9 million people have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Past studies show that lifestyle modifications, such as eating a healthy diet, can prevent bowel cancer. A new study has found that consuming foods and drinks rich in calcium correlates with a lowered risk for colorectal cancer. Researchers also further solidified the known risk of alcohol and red and processed meats consumption with higher colorectal cancer risk. In 2022, about 1.9 million people around the world received a diagnosis of colorectal cancer, making it the third most common type of cancerTrusted Source globally. Also known as bowel cancer, this type of cancer…
Experts are interested in finding simple interventions that contribute to weight loss. One recent report highlights that drinking carbonated or sparkling water may contribute to weight loss by increasing red blood cell uptake and glucose metabolism. The physiological process is similar to what occurs in hemodialysis — the filtering of the body’s blood. Consuming sparkling water to help with weight loss should be examined alongside other factors, such as the risk of consumption and other strategies for weight loss. Carbonated water or sparkling water is water that contains carbon dioxide (CO2). It’s more commonly called sparkling water, and experts are interested…
Making the right choices regarding birth control methods is an issue for some women and their spouses. Here, you will learn the various types and the various side effects associated with each method What are contraceptives? Contraceptives are drugs, tools, or methods designed to prevent pregnancy. They achieve this by interfering with ovulation, fertilization, or implantation. They come in various forms to suit individual needs. Types of birth control methods 1• Barrier methods These physically block sperm from reaching the egg. -Condoms: Protects by covering the penis or lining the vagina. -Diaphragms: This is a dome-shaped cup inserted into the…