Research Articles in Medicine & Surgery

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    Child Survival Strategy
    (NUMSA International Journal of Medicine and Health Education, 2025-02-02) Isabella, Damilola Oluwademilade; Osaze-Ogedegbe, Adaora Radiance
    This paper examines child survival strategies, focusing on interventions designed to reduce morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age. It highlights UNICEF’s framework and the GOBIFFFETH approach, which includes growth monitoring, oral rehydration therapy, breastfeeding, immunization, female education, family planning, food fortification, environmental protection, essential drug provision, treatment of common ailments, and health education. The paper discusses national and global policies such as the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) and Integrated Community Case Management (ICCM), as well as the role of health systems, government, and community-based interventions in improving child survival outcomes. Challenges such as inadequate funding, limited healthcare access, socio-economic barriers, and political instability are also analyzed. The conclusion emphasizes that investing in child survival is a moral and developmental imperative, requiring collaboration across governments, health systems, and communities to secure sustainable progress in reducing under-five mortality.
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    Diarrhoeal Disease
    (NUMSA International Journal of Medicine and Health Education, 2025-02-02) Sule, Alhassan Rakiya; Adamu, Hamida
    Diarrhoea is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by the passage of frequent loose or watery stools, with significant implications for global health. While often self-limiting, severe diarrhoea can result in life-threatening dehydration, malnutrition, and impaired growth, particularly in children under five, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. This review explores the definition, mechanisms, aetiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of diarrhoeal disease. It highlights infectious and non-infectious causes, including viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens, as well as functional and systemic disorders. Management focuses on fluid and electrolyte replacement, nutritional support, and targeted therapies such as antibiotics, probiotics, and zinc supplementation. Preventive strategies, including water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions, rotavirus and cholera vaccination, breastfeeding, and community education, are emphasized as critical tools to reduce incidence and mortality. Special considerations for vulnerable groups, such as children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised patients, are discussed. Despite advances in prevention and treatment, diarrhoea remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, underscoring the need for integrated health strategies to break the cycle of infection, malnutrition, and death.
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    Diphtheria
    (NUMSA International Journal of Medicine and Health Education, 2025-02-02) Shehu, Ahmad Bala; Lawal, Sakinatu; Uhuo, Emmanuela
    Diphtheria is a highly contagious and potentially fatal infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets and, less commonly, contaminated fomites or skin contact. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, diphtheria persists as a global health challenge, especially in regions with poor vaccination coverage and disrupted healthcare systems. This review highlights the epidemiology, aetiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of diphtheria, with a particular focus on recent outbreaks in Nigeria and other conflict-affected regions. The diphtheria toxin plays a central role in disease progression, causing local airway obstruction and systemic complications such as myocarditis, neuritis, and renal failure. Treatment relies on the prompt administration of diphtheria antitoxin, antibiotic therapy, and supportive care. Prevention through immunization remains the cornerstone of control, yet challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, inadequate healthcare access, and limited availability of antitoxin complicate eradication efforts. Strengthening vaccination programs, enhancing surveillance, and addressing systemic barriers are essential for reducing the burden of diphtheria and preventing future outbreaks.
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    Ebola Virus
    (NUMSA International Journal of Medicine and Health Education, 2025-02-02) Lawal, Sakinatu; Oranwusi, Emmanuel; Ibrahim, Abdul-Azeez O.
    Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a highly lethal infectious disease caused by the Ebola virus, with mortality rates ranging from 25% to 90%. First identified in 1976, EVD has emerged as a major public health threat, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is transmitted through contact with infected animals and humans, with outbreaks often exacerbated by limited healthcare infrastructure. Nigeria experienced a notable outbreak in 2014, which highlighted the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in resource limited settings. This review explores the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of EVD, emphasizing Nigeria’s experience and response. It underscores the importance of surveillance, public awareness, supportive care, vaccination, and international collaboration in mitigating the impact of future outbreaks.
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    A Review of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Nigeria
    (NUMSA International Journal of Medicine and Health Education, 2025-02-02) Oranwusi, Emmanuel; Ibrahim, Abdul-Azeez O.
    Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a critical global health challenge, with Nigeria bearing one of the heaviest burdens in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART) and prevention strategies, approximately 1.9 million people in Nigeria are living with HIV as of 2020. The virus, transmitted primarily through unprotected sexual contact, mother-to-child transmission, and contaminated needles, progressively impairs the immune system, leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if untreated. This review examines the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HIV, with a particular focus on its impact in Nigeria. Persistent challenges such as stigma, limited access to ART, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic barriers continue to undermine effective control. Strengthening surveillance, expanding ART access, promoting public education, and achieving UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets are essential to mitigating the epidemic’s impact and advancing toward ending AIDS as a public health threat.
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    Breastfeeding
    (NUMSA International Journal of Medicine and Health Education, 2025-02-02) Franklin, Favour; Oranwusi, Emmanuel; Wunti, Maryam Jibrin
    This paper provides a comprehensive overview of breastfeeding, emphasizing its nutritional, emotional, psychological, and socio-economic importance for both mother and child. It highlights various breastfeeding positions, the nutritional and immunological benefits of breast milk, and the long-term health outcomes for infants and mothers. The study explores challenges associated with breastfeeding, including anatomical, physiological, and societal barriers, as well as the role of breast milk substitutes when necessary. Furthermore, it discusses the global perspective and initiatives by the WHO and UNICEF to promote exclusive breastfeeding through the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. The conclusion reinforces breastfeeding as a natural, cost-effective, and vital practice that requires societal support, education, and healthcare policies to ensure its sustainability and universal adoption.
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    A Review of Child Health
    (NUMSA International Journal of Medicine and Health Education, 2025-02-02) Wunti,Maryam Jibrin; Oranwusi, Emmanuel
    This paper provides an in-depth exploration of child health, highlighting the key determinants that influence physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development from birth through adolescence. It discusses biological, environmental, and socio-economic factors, while also addressing the importance of growth monitoring, nutrition, and developmental milestones. The paper reviews common childhood diseases, both infectious and non-communicable, as well as the role of immunization and preventive care in reducing morbidity and mortality. Further, it emphasizes the significance of mental health, environmental determinants, and child health in emergency situations. National and global health initiatives, including the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI), are examined as frameworks for improving child health outcomes. The conclusion underscores the need for investment, policy development, and community involvement to safeguard child health as a foundation for future societal well-being.
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    Cholera
    (NUMSA International Journal of Medicine and Health Education, 2025-02-02) Rakiya, Sule Alhassan; Eniola, Adejumo; Bassey, Imaobong; Agan, Grace Ripeh
    Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, transmitted primarily through contaminated water and food. This review provides a comprehensive overview of cholera, tracing its historical pandemics, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations. It highlights the global and local burden of cholera, with emphasis on recurrent outbreaks in Nigeria, where poor sanitation, flooding, and limited healthcare infrastructure exacerbate transmission and mortality. The discussion explores diagnostic methods, treatment strategies such as oral rehydration therapy, intravenous fluids, and antibiotics, alongside preventive measures including vaccination, improved water, sanitation, and hygiene practices. The paper further examines global efforts to combat cholera, notably the WHO’s “Ending Cholera: A Global Roadmap to 2030,” and outlines challenges such as climate change, vaccine shortages, and weak healthcare systems. Despite advances in treatment and prevention, cholera remains a major public health threat, necessitating coordinated interventions, strengthened surveillance, and sustained global commitment to reduce mortality and achieve long-term control.
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    Cord care among mothers of sub-urban Lewllem community of Jos South LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria
    (African Journal of Pharmaceutical Research & Development, 2018-02-02) Isah, H.O.; Bassi Amos Paul; Chima, G.
    Care of the cord is a known determinant of an infant’s well-being in neonatal life period, and when not according to standard frequently results in high prevalence of neonatal infections and complications, some fatal. This study sought to determine the practice of cord care among mothers of Lewllem Community of Jos South LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria. This was a community-based descriptive cross-sectional study among 300 women of reproductive age group 15-49 years with children less than 5 years of age. Substances commonly applied to cord of babies, reasons for cord care, respondents’ age, educational status and ANC attendance were determined. Along with tables and proportions, associations between respondents’ educational and age status and type of substances, reasons for cord care and duration for cord care with significant level at pV < 0.05 were determined. Methylated spirit (57.60%), Vaseline (39.22%), warm water salt solution (16.61%), plain warm water (9.54%) and herbs/native preparation (1.77%) were found in use with achieving the shrivel (drying) of the cord (50.33%), prevention of cord infection (28.33%), timely detachment of the cord (22.67%) and prevention of development of bad odor by cord (2.33%) as reasons for cord care. There was no statistical significant association between educational attainment and choice of the substances (pV = 0.1656), respondents’ age and reasons for cord care (pV = 0.9226), educational attainment and reasons for cord care (pV = 0.3006) and educational attainment and duration of cord care (pV = 1.0000). Presence of a health facility within study setting and 95.5% ANC attendance rate did not impact on respondents’ choices of appropriate substances and informed reasons for cord care. Quality of MCH services made available to pregnant mothers by the health facility, and skills of service providers will require review for remedial measures.
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    Countdown to 2015: Tracking Maternal and Child Health Intervention Targets Using Lot Quality Assurance Sampling in Bauchi State Nigeria
    (PLoS ONE, 2015-06-18) Dele Abegunde; Nosa Orobaton; Habib Sadauki; Bassi Amos Paul; Ibrahim A. Kabo; Masduq Abdulkarim
    Improving maternal and child health remains a top priority in Nigeria's Bauchi State in the northeastern region where the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) and infant mortality rate (IMR) are as high as 1540 per 100,000 live births and 78 per 1,000 live births respectively. In this study, we used the framework of the continuum of maternal and child care to evaluate the impact of interventions in Bauchi State focused on improved maternal and child health, and to ascertain progress towards the achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5.At baseline (2012) and then at follow-up (2013), we randomly sampled 340 households from 19 random locations in each of the 20 Local Government Areas (LGA) of Bauchi State in Northern Nigeria, using the Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) technique. Women residents in the households were interviewed about their own health and that of their children. Estimated LGA coverage of maternal and child health indicators were aggregated across the State. These values were then compared to the national figures, and the differences from 2012 to 2014 were calculated.For several of the indicators, a modest improvement from baseline was found. However, the indicators in the continuum of care neither reached the national average nor attained the 90% globally recommended coverage level. The majority of the LGA surveyed were classifiable as high priority, thus requiring intensified efforts and programmatic scale up.Intensive scale-up of programs and interventions is needed in Bauchi State, Northern Nigeria, to accelerate, consolidate and sustain the modest but significant achievements in the continuum of care, if MDGs 4 and 5 are to be achieved by the end of 2015. The intentional focus of LGAs as the unit of intervention ought to be considered a condition precedent for future investments. Priority should be given to the re-allocating resources to program areas and regions where coverage has been low. Finally, systematic considerations need to be given to the design of strategies that address the demand for health services.