health
FG counters Oyakhilome’s salt claims, urges Nigerians to follow medical advice
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has cautioned Nigerians to avoid excessive salt consumption, refuting Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s claims discouraging adherence to medical advice on salt intake.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has cautioned Nigerians to avoid excessive salt consumption, refuting Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s claims discouraging adherence to medical advice on salt intake
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has issued a strong warning to Nigerians regarding excessive salt consumption, directly addressing claims made in a viral video by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.
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In the video, the president and founder of Loveworld Incorporated (Christ Embassy) allegedly discouraged Africans from limiting salt intake, suggesting it was a deliberate tactic to boost sales of sodium-based medications.
Responding to the cleric’s assertions, the ministry’s Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Laba Balogun, emphasized on Wednesday that while sodium, a key component of salt, is essential for bodily functions, it must be consumed in moderation, aligning with established medical guidelines.
The ministry’s official statement firmly countered the misinformation: “The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has observed a widely circulated video in which a respected religious leader discourages Nigerians from heeding medical advice on salt consumption.
While we deeply respect the important role of faith and religious leaders in our society, it is crucial to correct misinformation that poses a risk to public health.”
The statement clarified the role of salt and sodium in the body: “Salt is not the enemy. Salt contains sodium, an essential mineral that supports vital body functions such as nerve activity, muscle movement, and fluid balance.
However, the concern lies in excessive consumption, not in salt itself. In line with global best practices, the World Health Organisation and the Nigerian Government recommend a maximum of 5 grams of salt per day (about one teaspoonful). Going beyond this threshold increases the risk of preventable disease and death.”
The ministry highlighted the alarming rate of excessive salt intake in Nigeria: “Research shows that most Nigerians consume more than double the recommended daily sodium intake.
This excessive intake is a major contributor to high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease—non-communicable conditions that continue to claim thousands of lives annually.”
To combat this growing health crisis, the ministry outlined its national strategy: “To address this growing health crisis, the Ministry is implementing a comprehensive national sodium reduction strategy.
“While we deeply respect the important role of faith and religious leaders in our society, it is crucial to correct misinformation that poses a risk to public health,” stated the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
This includes the launch of the National Sodium Reduction Guidelines, which aim to reduce sodium content across all food categories—from processed and packaged foods to meals prepared at home or sold in restaurants and by street vendors.
This initiative mandates food manufacturers, regulators, and the public to lower sodium intake without compromising quality and nutrition.”
The ministry directly addressed the credibility of medical professionals: “We wish to state clearly: Doctors do not lie. Nigeria’s health professionals are trained to offer evidence-based guidance rooted in decades of scientific research and patient care.
The presence of regulated sodium compounds in certain medications is not equivalent to dietary salt (sodium chloride) and is safe when prescribed appropriately.”
The statement concluded by emphasizing the potential for collaboration between faith and science for public well-being: “The ministry reaffirmed that faith and science are not at odds—they can and should work together for the well-being of our people.
We therefore urge Nigerians to seek accurate health advice from qualified medical professionals and to join hands with the Ministry in reducing the burden of preventable diseases.”
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The UK is testing five-day breast cancer radiotherapy in a major trial that could reduce hospital visits and treatment costs for patients
The United Kingdom has launched a major clinical trial involving more than 1,000 participants to determine whether breast cancer radiotherapy can be shortened from three weeks to five days without compromising its effectiveness in preventing the disease from returning.
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The government-funded FAST-Forward Boost trial, being conducted at 39 hospitals across the UK, will investigate whether a shorter course of radiotherapy combined with an additional targeted dose, known as a boost, can provide effective treatment for patients following breast cancer surgery.
The UK Department of Health and Social Care announced the development on Friday, October 30, describing the study as part of efforts to improve cancer treatment and make care more convenient for patients.
Led by the Institute of Cancer Research in London and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, the study aims to recruit 4,830 participants by 2028.
Those enrolled will be followed up for five years, with results expected in 2033.
If the approach proves successful, it could reduce the number of hospital visits required by patients, potentially saving them 10 journeys compared with the existing three-week treatment schedule.
The department said the shorter schedule could also reduce transport expenses and the time patients spend away from work and family.
It could additionally ease pressure on the National Health Service by freeing up radiotherapy capacity for other patients.
Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper said the trial reflected the country’s efforts to use medical research to improve cancer care.
“This trial shows how the UK is using our world beating research capabilities to pursue huge improvements and transformations in cancer treatment for patients,” she said.
Why the radiotherapy trial matters
Radiotherapy uses carefully targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells or prevent them from growing.
For many people with breast cancer, it is recommended after surgery to reduce the risk of the disease returning in the treated area.
A treatment boost involves delivering an additional dose of radiation to the area considered to have a higher risk of recurrence, usually the site where the tumour was removed.
The FAST-Forward Boost trial is examining how this additional treatment can be incorporated into a shorter schedule.
Reducing treatment from three weeks to five days could make a considerable difference to patients who must travel regularly to hospitals.
The impact may be particularly significant for people living far from specialist cancer centres, those with limited transport options and patients balancing treatment with employment or family responsibilities.
However, the trial is designed to establish whether the shorter approach is effective and safe for the patients being studied. Its results will be important in determining whether the treatment schedule can become a wider option in clinical practice.
UK expands breast cancer screening efforts
The announcement comes as the British government intensifies efforts to improve breast cancer screening, encourage early diagnosis and strengthen support for patients.
The Department of Health and Social Care said screening uptake among women receiving their first invitation had risen to 63.6 per cent, its highest level in a decade.
Despite the improvement, around four in 10 women invited for their first screening appointment still do not attend.
The government is also working with the National Institute for Health and Care Research and NHS England on studies examining how artificial intelligence could support the analysis of mammograms.
The technology is being explored as a way to assist the assessment of breast screening images, although its role and effectiveness must be established through appropriate research and clinical evaluation.
In addition, the government has partnered with breast cancer charity Breast Cancer Now for three years to help women recognise symptoms, find reliable information and access support after treatment.
Together, the initiatives reflect a broader approach to breast cancer care, combining screening, research into treatment improvements and support for people living with the disease.
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For now, the five-day radiotherapy approach remains under investigation. With final results not expected until 2033, the FAST-Forward Boost trial will need to establish whether reducing treatment time can deliver comparable cancer control while maintaining patient safety.
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