WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HEPATITIS

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. The condition can be self-limiting or can progress to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis in the world but other infections, toxic substances (e.g. alcohol, certain drugs), and autoimmune diseases can also cause hepatitis.

There are 5 main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. These 5 types are of greatest concern because of the burden of illness and death they cause and the potential for outbreaks and epidemic spread. In particular, types B and C lead to chronic disease in hundreds of millions of people and, together, are the most common cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer.

Hepatitis A and E are typically caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B, C and D usually occur as a result of parental contact with infected body fluids. Common modes of transmission for these viruses include receipt of contaminated blood or blood products, invasive medical procedures using contaminated equipment and for hepatitis B transmission from mother to baby at birth, from family member to child, and also by sexual contact.

Acute infection may occur with limited or no symptoms, or may include symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pai

TYPES OF HEPATITIS VIRUSES:

Hepatitis A virus (HAV): is present in the faeces of infected persons and is most often transmitted through consumption of contaminated water or food. Certain sex practices can also spread HAV. Infections are in many cases mild, with most people making a full recovery and remaining immune from further HAV infections. However, HAV infections can also be severe and life threatening. Most people in areas of the world with poor sanitation have been infected with this virus. Safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent HAV.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted through exposure to infected blood, semen, and other body fluids. HBV can be transmitted from infected mothers to infants at the time of birth or from family member to infant in early childhood. Transmission may also occur through transfusions of HBV-contaminated blood and blood products, contaminated injections during medical procedures, and through injection drug use. HBV also poses a risk to healthcare workers who sustain accidental needle stick injuries while caring for infected-HBV patients. Safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent HBV.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is mostly transmitted through exposure to infected blood. This may happen through transfusions of HCV-contaminated blood and blood products, contaminated injections during medical procedures, and through injection drug use. Sexual transmission is also possible, but is much less common. There is no vaccine for HCV.

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infections occur only in those who are infected with HBV. The dual infection of HDV and HBV can result in a more serious disease and worse outcome. Hepatitis B vaccines provide protection from HDV infection.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is mostly transmitted through consumption of contaminated water or food. HEV is a common cause of hepatitis outbreaks in developing parts of the world and is increasingly recognized as an important cause of disease in developed countries. Safe and effective vaccines to prevent HEV infection have been developed but are not widely available.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF HEPATITIS:

If you have forms of hepatitis that are usually chronic (hepatitis B and C), you may not have symptoms in the beginning. Symptoms may not occur until liver damage occurs.

Signs and symptoms of acute hepatitis appear quickly. They include:

·         fatigue

·         flu-like symptoms

·         dark urine

·         pale stool

·         abdominal pain

·         loss of appetite

·         unexplained weight loss

·         yellow skin and eyes, which may be signs of jaundice

Since chronic hepatitis develops slowly, these signs and symptoms may be too subtle to notice.

DIAGNOSIS:

Physical Exam: During a physical examination, your doctor may press down gently on your abdomen to see if there’s pain or tenderness. Your doctor may also feel to see if your liver is enlarged. If your skin or eyes are yellow, your doctor will note this during the exam.

Liver Biopsy: A liver biopsy is an invasive procedure that involves the doctor taking a sample of tissue from your liver. This is a closed procedure. In other words, it can be done through the skin with a needle and doesn’t require surgery. This test allows your doctor to determine if an infection or inflammation is present or if liver damage has occurred.

Liver Function Tests: Liver function tests use blood samples to determine how efficiently the liver works. These tests check how the liver clears blood waste, protein, and enzymes. High liver enzyme levels may indicate that the liver is stressed or damaged.

Ultrasound: An abdominal ultrasound uses ultrasound waves to create an image of the organs within the abdomen. This test will reveal fluid in the abdomen, an enlarged liver, or liver damage.

TIPS OF PREVENTION:

Hygiene: Practicing good hygiene is one key way to avoid contracting hepatitis. If you’re traveling to a developing country, you should avoid:

·         drinking local water

·         ice

·         seafood

·         raw fruit and vegetables

Hepatitis contracted through contaminated blood can be prevented by:

·         not sharing drug needles

·         not sharing razors

·         not using someone else’s toothbrush

·         not touching spilled blood

Vaccines: The utilization of vaccines is a second key to preventing hepatitis. Vaccinations are available to prevent the development of hepatitis A and B. Experts are currently developing vaccines against hepatitis C, D, and E.

EGG PLANT (GARDEN EGG)

The eggplant, also known as aubergine, garden egg, guinea squash, melongene, and brinjal, is usually distinguishable by its signature egg-like shape and vibrant purple color

The garden egg is a very good source of dietary fiber, potassium, manganese, copper and thiamin (vitamin B1). It is also a good source of vitamin B6, folate, magnesium and niacin.
Eggplant also contains phytonutrients such as nasunin and
chlorogenic acid. Garden Eggs are one of the healthiest food you can eat. Being a member of the vegetable family, it contains nutrients that include better carotene, vitamins B6 E and foliate, calcium, iron, magnesium fiber and many essential vitamins and minerals. They come in two shades, the cream and green colour
There are so many health benefits of Garden eggs that make them exceptional for our body.

AIDS WEIGHT LOSS:
Nutritionists recommend it as a perfect food option for those interested in losing weight because of its high fiber content. It fills up the tummy quickly, and this subsequently reduces consumption of other high calories options. When it comes to weight loss, the green garden eggs works better.

LOWERS  CALORIES: 

The fiber content in the eggplant also helps to lower cholesterol levels in the human body, protecting the heart in the process.

LOWERS BLOOD SUGAR: 

It is a great dietary option for diabetic patients because of its ability to reduce glucose absorption in the body and lower blood sugar levels. It also possesses low soluble carbohydrates, which assist in this regard.

AIDS DIGESTION: 

It improves digestive system, beneficial for constipation and ruling out bloating totally.

HELPS IN VISION: 

The cream-colour flesh has a pleasantly
bitter taste (due to the presence of small
amounts of nicotinoid alkaloids) and spongy consistency for protection from poor vision due to glaucoma.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES:
This natural fruit is rich in vitamin! Garden egg provides the body with both soluble
vitamin and water soluble vitamins; they are rich in thiamin (vitamin B1) required for normal growth and proper functioning of the heart and Nervous system, Niacin (Vitamin B6) needed for cellular respiration Garden egg has the power of reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke and heart diseases.

ANTI-CANCER
Polyphenols in eggplant have been shown to exhibit anti-cancer effects. Anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid function as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. They protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and, in turn, prevent tumor growth and the invasion and spread of cancer cells. They also stimulate detoxifying enzymes within cells and promote cancer cell death.

Endeavor to add Garden egg in your diet for a healthier life.

NECROTIZING FASCIITIS (FLESH EATING BACTERIA)

WHAT IS NECROTIZING FASCIITIS?

Necrotizing fasciitis is an infection caused by bacteria. It can destroy skin, fat, and the tissue covering the muscles within a very short time.

The disease sometimes is called flesh-eating bacteria. When it occurs on the genitals, it is called Fournier gangrene.

Necrotizing fasciitis is very rare but serious. About 1 out of 4 people who get this infection die from it.1 Many people who get necrotizing fasciitis are in good health before they get the infection.

YOUR RISK OF GETTING THIS INFECTION IS HIGHER IF YOU:

Have a weak immune system.

Have chronic health problems such as diabetes, cancer, or liver or kidney disease.

Have cuts in your skin, including surgical wounds.

Recently had chickenpox or other viral infections that cause a rash.

Use steroid medicines, which can lower the body's resistance to infection.

WHAT CAUSES NECROTIZING FASCIITIS?

Necrotizing fasciitis is caused by several kinds of bacteria. Some of these bacteria also cause infections such as strep throat and impetigo. Usually the infections caused by these bacteria are mild. But in rare cases they can cause a more dangerous infection.

You can get necrotizing fasciitis when bacteria enter a wound, such as from an insect bite, a burn, or a cut. You can also get it in:

Wounds that come in contact with ocean water, raw saltwater fish, or raw oysters, including injuries from handling sea animals such as crabs.

An intestinal surgery site, or in tumors or gunshot injuries in the intestines.

A muscle strain or bruise, even if there is no break in the skin.

The bacteria that cause necrotizing fasciitis can be passed from person to person through close contact, such as touching the wound of the infected person. But this rarely happens unless the person who is exposed to the bacteria has an open wound, chickenpox, or an impaired immune system.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

The symptoms often start suddenly after an injury. You may need medical care right away if you have pain that gets better over 24 to 36 hours and then suddenly gets worse. The pain may be much worse than you would expect from the size of the wound or injury. You may also have:

Skin that is red, swollen, and hot to the touch.
A fever and chills.
Nausea and vomiting.
Diarrhea.

The infection may spread rapidly. It quickly can become life-threatening. You may go into shock and have damage to skin, fat, and the tissue covering the muscles. (This damage is called gangrene.) Necrotizing fasciitis can lead to organ failure and death.

DIAGNOSIS?

The doctor will diagnose your infection based on how suddenly your symptoms started and how quickly the infection is spreading. The infected tissue may be tested for bacteria. You also may need X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI to look for injury to your organs or to find out how much the infection has spread.

TREATMENT

Early treatment of necrotizing fasciitis is critical. The sooner treatment begins, the more likely you will recover from the infection and avoid serious complications, such as limb amputation or death. You may be treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) at the hospital.

Treatment may include:

Surgery that removes infected tissue and fluids to stop the spread of infection. Surgery is almost always needed. Most people need several surgeries to control the infection. Removing limbs (amputation) or organs may be done to save the person's life, depending on how severe the infection is and where it has spread.
Medicines (such as antibiotics). These kill the bacteria causing the infection.
Procedures to treat complications such as shock, breathing problems, and organ failure.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Necrotizing fasciitis is very rare. Bacteria that cause the disease usually don't cause infection unless they enter the body through a cut or other break in the skin.

If you have been in close contact with someone who has necrotizing fasciitis, your doctor may give you an antibiotic to help reduce your chances of getting the infection. If you notice any symptoms of infection (such as pain, swelling, redness, or fever) after you've been in close contact with someone who has necrotizing fasciitis, see your doctor right away.

To help prevent any kind of infection, wash your hands often. And always keep cuts, scrapes, burns, sores, and bites clean. Good hygiene is a key to be safe.

WHAT IS URETHRITIS?

Urethritis is a condition in which the urethra, or the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body, becomes inflamed and irritated. Semen also passes through the male urethra. Urethritis typically causes pain while urinating and an increased urge to urinate. The primary cause of urethritis is usually infection by bacteria.

Urethritis affects people of all ages. Both males and females can develop the condition. However, females have a greater chance of developing the condition than males.

SYMPTOMS OF URETHRITIS?

Men:

Males with urethritis may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

* a burning sensation while urinating
* itching or burning near the opening of the penis
* the presence of blood in the semen or urine
* discharge from the penis

Women:

Some symptoms of urethritis in women include:

* a more frequent urge to urinate
* discomfort during urination
* pain in the abdominal area
* a high body temperature
* chills
* a more urgent need to urinate
* an abnormal discharge from the vagina

People who have urethritis may also not have any noticeable symptoms. This is especially true for women. In men, symptoms may be silent if the urethritis developed as a result of chlamydia or occasionally trichomoniasis infection.

For this reason, it’s important to undergo testing if you may have been infected with an STI.

WHAT CAUSES URETHRITIS?

Generally, most cases of urethritis are the result of a bacteria or virus. The same bacteria that can cause bladder and kidney infections can also infect the lining of the urethra. Bacteria found naturally in the genital area may also cause urethritis if they enter the urinary tract. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), bacteria associated with urethritis include:

Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Chlamydia trachomatis
Mycoplasma genitalium

Pathogens are the biological agents that cause illness. The same pathogens that cause sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also cause urethritis. These include the bacteria that cause gonorrhea and chlamydia and the parasite that causes trichomoniasis.

There are also viruses that can lead to the development of urethritis. These include the human papillomavirus (HPV), the herpes simplex virus, and the cytomegalovirus.

DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms. They’ll likely also examine the genital area to make a diagnosis.

They may order tests to analyze a urine sample or a swab taken from the urethra or vaginal area. If the doctor suspects a specific STI, there will likely be a test.

TREATMENT

Treatment for urethritis typically includes a course of either antibiotics or antiviral medication. Some common treatments for urethritis include:

tetracycline
doxycycline
erythromycin
ofloxacin
If an STI caused the infection, it’s vital that all sexual partners undergo testing and treatment if necessary. This prevents the spread of the STI and reinfection.

COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH URETHRITIS?

Medication can often treat urethritis quickly. If the infection goes untreated, however, the effects can be lasting and quite serious. For example, the infection may spread to other parts of the urinary tract, including the ureters, kidneys, and bladder.

In addition, the STIs that frequently cause the condition can damage the reproductive system over time. They can even lead to infertility. For these reasons, you should speak with a doctor as soon as possible if you notice any symptoms of urethritis.

PREVENTION

Many of the bacteria that cause urethritis can pass to another person through sexual contact. Because of this, practicing safe sex is an important preventive measure. The tips below can help reduce your risk:

* Avoid having intercourse with multiple partners.
* Use condoms every time you have sex.
* Get tested regularly.
* Protect others. If you find out you have an STI, inform others who are also at risk of an infection.
* Aside from safer sex practices, there are other ways to promote good urinary tract health. This can lower your risk of urethritis and some other conditions that affect this part of the body. Drink plenty of fluids and make sure to urinate shortly after intercourse.
* Avoid acidic foods. Also, avoid exposure to spermicides, particularly if you already know they irritate your urethra.

GOOD NUTRITION: A KEY ROLE TO HIV/AIDS MANAGEMENT

 Good nutrition plays a key role in the health and wellness of all individuals. It is an essential building block for development and improving global welfare. Eating the right type and amount of food in the right proportion can help prevent, care and slow down the progression of HIV among individuals affected.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HIV/AIDS AND NUTRITION

Nutrition and HIV/AIDS are greatly linked. HIV/AIDS can contribute to malnutrition as a result of immune impairment and this worsens the effect of the infection leading to a more rapid progression of the disease. Thus, malnutrition contributes to HIV disease progression. A victim who is malnourished is more at risk as the disease will progress faster to AIDS because of body weakness and the body being unable to fight opportunistic infections.

On the other hand, a well nourished victim, has a stronger immune system for coping with the infection and fighting illness. Improved nutritional status of affected victims helps strengthen the immune system, thereby reducing the incidence of infections, preventing weight loss/lean body mass and delaying the progression of the disease.

HIV/AIDS is one of the crises that have affected human health and threatened social and economic development. As the infection rate increases around the world especially in countries with large rural populations, the pandemic creates a deadly cycle by having a negative impact on food/nutrition security. HIV/AIDS has rural/urban dimensions, affects both poor and rich, though the poor are most severely exposed. It is not gender- neutral, as it affects both sexes leaving women at more risk by affecting them physiologically, economically and culturally.

NUTRITION BENEFITS TO A HIV/AIDS VICTIM

·  Nutrition is an entry point for assisting affected communities to cope with the epidemic particularly as part of an integrated approach to household food insecurity, health and care.

· Nutrition care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS is an important way to reduce human suffering and regenerate societies damaged by the epidemic
Nutrition helps to ease burden of the disease and alleviate the overall negative impact of malnutrition among victims.

· Adequate dietary intake enhances the therapeutic effect of medicines, boosts the immune system (by helping to fight diseases, opportunistic infections and maintain body weight), delays the progression of HIV infection to AIDS and increases longevity.

· Good nutrition makes HIV treatment with the  ARV more effective.

EFFECT OF NUTRITION ON HIV/AIDS

· Good nutrition delays the progression of the disease

· It improves the antiretroviral treatment and makes it works faster

· Reduces viral load: a malnourished victim also suffers micronutrient deficiency which increases the viral load by enabling HIV to replicate faster and this also increases the transmission mode.

EFFECT OF HIV/AIDS ON NUTRITION

HIV on the other hand has its own effect on nutrition. it does this by affecting the nutritional status and by causing

· Reductions in dietary intake

· Increased energy requirements

· Increased nutrient mal-absorption and loss

· Complex metabolic alteration that leads to weight loss and wasting

NUTRITIONAL ASSISTANCE

Considering the strong link between HIV/AIDS and nutrition, nutritional assistance is seen as an important part to the response of people living with this disease. The assistance takes form of

Nutritional assessment: it helps HIV positive victims receive appropriate treatment, care and support even in the poorest settings

Nutritional counselling: victims should be counselled on
Healthy eating

· Achieving a healthy body weight
Managing lipid abnormalities

· Managing dietary complications related to ARV treatment

· Managing symptoms that may affect food intake

· Appropriate use of herbal and/ nutritional supplements

Food security: HIV/AIDS precipitate and exacerbate food and nutrition insecurity especially with individuals with worsening poverty. HIV/AIDS strikes the household’s most productive members first which leads to immediate strain on the family’s ability to work, feed and provide care. Family members without food or income may migrate in search of work, thereby increasing their chances of contracting HIV and bringing it back home. Importance of food security becomes more fundamental as the causes and consequences of HIV/AIDS epidemics become clearer.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Screening and nutritional status assessment of dietary intake should be included routinely in HIV treatment and care for adults and children.

Government organizations should integrate quality working nutrition assessment and counseling into the health care services for all individuals and this should include provision for therapeutic and supplementary feeding when appropriate along with other type of support.

Government should develop national nutrition strategies to guide the scale-up of nutrition services with the national HIV/AIDS broader health programmes

Facilities equipped to address the household economic and food security issues that are relevant to the well-being and resilience of individuals and families should be provided

By Ihuoma Pearl. 

Bsc, Mph

WHY CYCLING IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH.

To be fit and healthy you need to be physically active. Regular physical activity can help protect you from serious diseases such as obesity, heart disease, cancer, mental illness, diabetes and arthritis. Riding your bicycle regularly is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle.

Cycling is a healthy, low-impact exercise that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from young children to older adults. It is also fun, cheap and good for the environment.

Riding to work or the shops is one of the most time-efficient ways to combine regular exercise with your everyday routine. An estimated one billion people ride bicycles every day – for transport, recreation and sport.

CYCLING FOR HEALTH AND FITNESS

It only takes two to four hours a week to achieve a general improvement to your health. Cycling is:

Low impact – it causes less strain and injuries than most other forms of exercise.

A good muscle workout – cycling uses all of the major muscle groups as you pedal.

Easy – unlike some other sports, cycling does not require high levels of physical skill. Most people know how to ride a bike and, once you learn, you don’t forget.

Good for strength and stamina – cycling increases stamina, strength and aerobic fitness.

As intense as you want – cycling can be done at very low intensity to begin with, if recovering from injury or illness, but can be built up to a demanding physical workout.

A fun way to get fit – the adventure and buzz you get from coasting down hills and being outdoors means you are more likely to continue to cycle regularly, compared to other physical activities that keep you indoors or require special times or places.

Time-efficient – as a mode of transport, cycling replaces sedentary (sitting) time spent driving motor vehicles or using trams, trains or buses with healthy exercise.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF REGULAR CYCLING

Cycling is mainly an aerobic activity, which means that your heart, blood vessels and lungs all get a workout. You will breathe deeper, perspire and experience increased body temperature, which will improve your overall fitness level.

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF REGULAR CYCLING INCLUDE:

* increased cardiovascular fitness
* increased muscle strength and flexibility
* improved joint mobility
* decreased stress levels
* improved posture and coordination
* strengthened bones
* decreased body fat levels
* prevention or management of disease
* reduced anxiety and depression.

Cycling can improve both physical and mental health, and can reduce the chances of experiencing many health problems.
Obesity and weight control

Cycling is a good way to control or reduce weight, as it raises your metabolic rate, builds muscle and burns body fat. If you’re trying to lose weight, cycling must be combined with a healthy eating plan. Cycling is a comfortable form of exercise and you can change the time and intensity – it can be built up slowly and varied to suit you.

Research suggests you should be burning at least 8,400 kilojoules (about 2,000 calories) a week through exercise. Steady cycling burns about 1,200 kilojoules (about 300 calories) per hour.

If you cycle twice a day, the kilojoules burnt soon add up. British research shows that a half-hour bike ride every day will burn nearly five kilograms of fat over a year.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND CYCLING

Cardiovascular diseases include stroke, high blood pressure and heart attack. Regular cycling stimulates and improves your heart, lungs and circulation, reducing your risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Cycling strengthens your heart muscles, lowers resting pulse and reduces blood fat levels. Research also shows that people who cycle to work have two to three times less exposure to pollution than car commuters, so their lung function is improved. A Danish study conducted over 14 years with 30,000 people aged 20 to 93 years found that regular cycling protected people from heart disease.

CANCER AND CYCLING

Many researchers have studied the relationship between exercise and cancer, especially colon and breast cancer. Research has shown that if you cycle, the chance of bowel cancer is reduced. Some evidence suggests that regular cycling reduces the risk of breast cancer.

DIABETES AND CYCLING

The rate of type 2 diabetes is increasing and is a serious public health concern. Lack of physical activity is thought to be a major reason why people develop this condition. Large-scale research in Finland found that people who cycled for more than 30 minutes per day had a 40 per cent lower risk of developing diabetes.
Bone injuries, arthritis and cycling

Cycling improves strength, balance and coordination. It may also help to prevent falls and fractures. Riding a bike is an ideal form of exercise if you have osteoarthritis, because it is a low-impact exercise that places little stress on joints.

Cycling does not specifically help osteoporosis (bone-thinning disease) because it is not a weight-bearing exercise.
Mental illness and cycling

Mental health conditions such as depression, stress and anxiety can be reduced by regular bike riding. This is due to the effects of the exercise itself and because of the enjoyment that riding a bike can bring.

Pick up a form of exercise and keep fit, but if you usually have a tight schedule, make cycling that keeping fit means. It's economy friendly and requires no unique qualities.

HIDDEN HUNGER

Hidden hunger is a type of malnutrition which is also known as micronutrient deficiency.
It is a major public health problem found in most developing countries.
It is called hidden hunger because it does not elicit the hunger in the affected individual,
thereby making the individual to look alright but suffering extremely negative impact on
health and well being. It affects infants, children, adults, adolescents and expectant
mothers. Children may turn out stunted and most times suffer frequent illness
1 out of 3 people suffer from hidden hunger mostly from developing countries thereby
exposing them to higher risk to infections, birth defects and impaired development.
Sufferers of this type of malnutrition consume diets that are micronutrient deficient. They
habitually consume large amounts of staple foods crops, high in calories (e.g. cassava,
maize, wheat and rice) but lack sufficient micronutrients.
Affected victims are often too poor to understand or afford balanced /nutritious diet.

CAUSES:

Common cause of hidden hunger is poor diet. Diets based mostly on stable crops such
as maize, wheat, rice and cassava that provides large amount of energy but relatively
lack essential vitamins and minerals, (vit A, zinc, iron and iodine) always result in hidden
hunger. Impaired absorption due to infections or parasites can also lead to hidden
hunger

EFFECT OF HIDDEN HUNGER

Hidden hunger leads to mental impairment, poor health, and low productivity which
affect children by preventing them from achieving the full development needed in their
physical, intellectual and social potential.
It has adverse effect on the society at large by posing devastating threats to health,
education, economic growth especially in developing countries.

KEY MICRONUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES AND THEIR EFFECTS

IODINE DEFICIENCY: it affects 780 million people worldwide. The clearest symptom is a
swelling of the thyroid gland called goiter. But the most serious impact is on the brain,
which cannot develop properly without iodine. It is associated with severe mental
retardation and physical stunting in infants.

VITAMIN A DEFICIENCY: vitamin A deficiency weakens the immune systems of a large
proportion of under-fives in poor countries, thereby increasing their vulnerability to
disease. A deficiency in vit A increases the risk of dying from diarrhea, measles and
malaria, affects pregnant women, and also a leading cause of child blindness across
developing countries.

ZINC DEFICIENCY: contributes to growth failure and weakened immunity in young
children. It is linked to a higher risk of diarrhea and pneumonia, stunting and frequent
infections

IRON DEFICIENCY: this is the most prevalent form of malnutrition worldwide, affecting
millions of people. Iron forms the molecules that carry oxygen in the blood, so
symptoms of a deficiency include tiredness and lethargy. Lack of iron in large segments
of the population severely damages a country's productivity. Iron deficiency also
impedes cognitive development and low energy, affecting 40-60 percent of children
aged 6-24 months in developing countries. It also leads to anemia, low birth weight, high
maternal mortality and premature births.

SOLUTIONS TO ERADICATING HIDDEN HUNGER

Dietary diversity:

Dietary diversity should be encouraged and practiced as it ensures a healthy diet that
contains a balanced and adequate combination of macronutrients, micronutrients and
other food-based substances like dietary fiber.

Food fortification:

Food fortification adds trace amount of micronutrients to staple foods during processing
and also helps in achieving recommended levels of micronutrients.

Biofortification:

This involves breeding foods crops, using conventional or transgenic method to
increase their micronutrients content. It can provide steady and safe source of certain
micronutrients for people not reached by other interventions as it targets mostly rural
areas

Vitamin A supplementation:

This improves child survival by reducing high risk of child mortality and also reduces
incidence of diarrhea.

THE WAY FORWARD

There should be actions aimed at improving monitory and public education about the
importance of consuming iodized salts and these activities should be focused mainly on
infants, children, adolescents and pregnant women.
Dietary diversity should be promoted by involving in food-based strategies like home
gardening, food preparation and storage/preservation method and educating people on
better infant and young child feeding practices
Easy access to consumers in the rural areas should be provided as to reduce the gap in
accessing fortified foods among rural and urban consumers
There should be actions to educate, improve and monitor biofortification as it can help
to close the micronutrient deficiency gap.
Vitamin A supplements should be provided an targeted at the vulnerable populations
like pregnant women and under 5 children.
Social protection that gives poor people access to nutritious foods and shields them
from price spike should be provided.

By Ihuoma Pearl
BS.c, MPH.