Bacteriological Profile of Palm Oil Sale Sites in Selected Markets in Kaduna State, Nigeria

The bacteriological profile of palm oil sale sites in selected markets in Kaduna state, Nigeria were evaluated using standard techniques by collecting a (60) soil samples. Aside from bacteriological profile, pH, moisture content, temperature and lipase activity analyzed. The soil samples had pH that ranged from acidic to neutral (3.0-8.00) which indicates the presence of hydrolytic enzymes. Microorganisms isolated from soil samples palm oil sale sites were screened from their lipase producing ability. A total of (10) ten bacteria belonging to the genera Bacillus, Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, Streptobacillus, Micrococcus, Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas. The lipolytic activity of the bacteria when screened on solid agar ranged for 1.1 to 3.2cm, 2.3-3.7cm, 2.3-6.7cm at 24, 48 and 72hours respectively while that of fungal species ranged from 0.6 to12cm, 0.3-1.5cm and 1.1-1. 7cm at 3,7,14 days of incubation respectively. Exo-enzyme was produced from the various species screened for lipolytic activities. The study shows that Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma spp. had high potential

Drug shortage crisis in Sudan in times of COVID-19

Sudan is witnessing severe drugs, medicines, and medical supplies shortages, which present a major impediment to the provision of emergency healthcare services. Drug insecurity in Sudan is as a result of several accumulated factors, primarily due to worsening economic condition, inappropriate pricing policy, privatization of the pharmaceutical sector, poor manufacturing and weak weak weregulatory system. These could threaten patient health through replacement of highly efficacious medicines with less effective alternatives and by impacting the scheduling of urgent medical operations and procedures. Drug and medicine shortages are of catastrophic impact especially amid the current epidemic of COVID-19 where these are salient needs. Efforts should be quickly directed to ensure immediate access to pharmaceutical products and other essential health commodities. Effective policies on drug importation, production, pricing, and distribution should be established to avoid the consequences of an impending crisis

Experience of people living with leprosy at leprosy settlements in Nigeria

Background Although Nigeria achieved the national leprosy elimination target of less than 1/10,000 population in 1998, factors such as culture, behavioural patterns and social determinants, among others, continue to contribute to an increase in leprosy cases and a poor state of living for individuals with leprosy in Nigeria. This study delves into the experiences of individuals residing in leprosy settlements in Nigeria. Methods This study employed a community‐based cross‐sectional design, utilizing a concurrent mixed‐methods approach for comprehensive data collection. Questionnaires, focus groups and interviews are conducted simultaneously. The research involves participants from seven leprosy communities across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones and Federal Capital Territory. Qualitative methods, including 14 focus group discussions and 6 key informant interviews, are complemented by quantitative questionnaires, engaging residents, leaders and nongovernmental organization (NGO) representatives. Respondents comprised 35 leprosy patients, 21 family members, 7 community leaders, 7 settlement officers and 2 organizational heads involved in leprosy control. Results The results indicate significant access to healthcare (93.7%) and interest in self‐care practices (95.2%), with a considerable proportion (74.6%) receiving free healthcare. Interview data underscore the limited government support, with NGOs and partners assuming a more substantial role. Qualitative insights from persons living with leprosy highlight financial struggles, stigmatization and substandard living conditions in settlements, exacerbated by limited government funding. This reliance on private and NGOs is further compounded by declining funding, hindering individuals’ ability to start businesses and provide self‐care. Conclusion This study underscores the pressing need for increased government support, funding and better living conditions for individuals affected by leprosy in Nigeria. It highlights the significance of education, awareness campaigns and human rights promotion to combat stigma and enhance the quality of life for those living with leprosy. Moreover, the study advocates for the reintegration of affected individuals into their communities to foster societal inclusion and well‐being

A national survey of the antibiotic use, self-medication practices, and knowledge of antibiotic resistance among graduates of tertiary institutions in Nigeria

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global public health concern that was directly responsible for 1.27 million deaths and indirectly associated with 4.95 million deaths in 2019. Antibiotic resistance (ABR) occurs naturally, but its prevalence has been accelerated broadly due to antibiotic misuse and overuse, poor infection control practices, and availability of substandard and falsified medicines. Objectives: To assess antibiotic use and knowledge of ABR among graduates of tertiary education in Nigeria and evaluate if tertiary education, academic background (science, social sciences, or the arts) and years post-graduation significantly impact antibiotic use and awareness of antibiotic resistance. Result: Despite having tertiary education, 47.7 % of respondents self-medicate with antibiotics, 54.9 % of respondents don't carry out laboratory investigations before using antibiotics, and 70.1 % reduce or stop taking antibiotics on feeling better. Inconvenience, limited access to doctors and financial constraint were the most common reasons for self-medication. Academic background, age, gender and years post-graduation had no statistically significant effect on self-medication practices (p-value>0.05). Inappropriate antibiotic use for viral-infections like sore throat, cold and flu, and diarrhoea was reported in 50.2, 42.6 and 40.2 % of respondents, respectively. Amoxicillin (54.2 %), metronidazole (48.2 %), and ciprofloxacin (45.6 %) were the most used antibiotics. Pharmacists were the most consulted health professionals before antibiotics were used, and the internet is the most common source of information on antibiotic resistance. Most-respondents, 85.5 %, correctly identified that antibiotic misuse contributes to ABR. Conclusion: The increased knowledge and awareness of ABR among respondents did not translate into proper antibiotic use, emphasizing the need for more stringent regulations on antibiotic dispensing and prescribing. Health sector reforms focused on utilizing technology like telemedicine to improve convenient access to health care, and multiple health insurance schemes to reduce out-of-pocket spending should be prioritized to improve health equity and universal health coverage (UHC)