Keyword: Nigeria

ABSTRACT: Microbial biofilms represent a growing yet often overlooked public health concern, particularly in resource-limited settings where they exacerbate the burden of persistent infections and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In Nigeria, fragile healthcare infrastructure, poor funding, and a continuous loss of skilled medical professionals compound the difficulty of managing biofilm-associated infections. These microbial communities, embedded in self-produced extracellular matrices, exhibit remarkable resistance to antimicrobials and host immune defenses, leading to chronic and recurrent infections that further strain an already overstretched health system. This review synthesizes evidence published between 2010 and 2025 to examine the burden, challenges, and opportunities surrounding biofilm control in Nigeria. Literature was systematically retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, complemented by reports from WHO and the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control. Findings indicate that biofilms not only complicate clinical treatment outcomes but also persist in environmental reservoirs, particularly water systems, serving as hidden amplifiers of resistance and infection transmission. To address these challenges, the review explores low-cost and context-appropriate strategies such as harnessing Nigeria’s biodiversity for the discovery of plant-derived antibiofilm compounds, implementing decentralized engineering solutions for water treatment, and promoting community-based infection prevention initiatives. It further emphasizes the importance of local innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and policy support within a One Health framework that integrates human, animal, and environmental health. By spotlighting the Nigerian experience, this review calls for urgent investment and global attention to biofilm-related infections in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).

ABSTRACT: Background: Cancer is a public health challenge in Nigeria, with cases rising in recent times. Research shows that dietary patterns play a substantial yet underestimated role in cancer incidence and death. Some Nigerian diets, which feature high consumption of red and processed meats, deep-fried foods, and the use of plastic bags when preparing, have been identified as culprits in the increased exposure to dietary carcinogens and elevation of cancer risk. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains possess cancer-protective properties; however, their intake remains inadequate in combating diet-related cancers.
Aim: This review examines the relationship between diet and cancer in Nigeria, focusing on the current cancer burden of Nigeria, carcinogenic risks linked to food preparation, and preventive nutritional strategies.
Methods: Information was sourced from PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate, alongside reports from global health agencies. Search terms included “diet,” “cancer,” “Nigeria,” “food,” “carcinogens,” and “prevention.” Only articles written in English language and that met predefined inclusion criteria were included.
Results: Evidence suggests that the consumption of carcinogens formed through traditional cooking methods increases the risk of cancer. Notable concerns include barbecue-style cooking, repeated use of cooking oils, and heavy metal contamination in local alcoholic beverages. Protective effects were observed in diets rich in fruits and vegetables.
Conclusion: Dietary practices in Nigeria significantly shape cancer risk. Targeted interventions promoting nutrition education, protective food intake, and safer cooking methods are essential to reduce carcinogen exposure and lower the national cancer burden.