The sole objective of this paper was to investigate the poverty implications of COVID-19 on Nigerians, relative to the effectiveness of the government’s social protection programs in mitigating the socioeconomic strain caused by the pandemic. The paper used documentary analysis to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Nigerians’ socioeconomic lives and the government’s policy response to the situation. The review found that COVID-19 exacerbated the existing poverty in Nigeria, and most of the government policy programs were not effective in mitigating the effects. We concluded that government policy responses to the socioeconomic strain caused by the pandemic were ineffective due to the pre-existing poor performance of social protection programs in Nigeria before the onset of COVID-19. As the world prepares for future pandemics, we recommend that the Nigerian government overhaul the existing social protection programs on poverty alleviation in Nigeria by addressing all gaps and looking for effective and strategic ways such programs can achieve desirable results.

Background: Internet use has become pervasive in the society and has facilitated unrestricted access to sexual images and videos. Studies have discussed the social and psychological issues associated with this behaviour, especially among youths. However, there is paucity of studies on the prevalence of internet pornography viewing in Nigeria, the socio-demographic determinants of the behaviour, and its psycho-social effects on Nigerian youths. This study examined pornography viewing, socio-demographic determinants of the behaviour, and mental health of viewers. Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey design and a multistage sampling technique. The study was conducted among undergraduate students of two tertiary institutions in Ogun State Nigeria. Three hundred and fifty (350) copies of questionnaires were administered. Data were collected on internet utilization, prevalence of pornography viewing, and mental health of viewers. Data were analysed through descriptive statistics for categorical data and chi-square test of independence. Basic ethical principles were adhered to. Results: The prevalence rate of internet pornography viewing was 82.93%. There were significant relationships between gender, marital status and pornography viewing (p<0.05) as pornography viewing was higher among males (80%) than females (32%) and higher among engaged (68%), single (65%) than married (18.5%). Majority of the respondents (60%) complained about their mental health. Conclusion: Internet pornography utilization is endemic among youths in Ogun state Nigeria as both males and females patronize internet pornography sites. Pornography viewing also has mental health implication on youths in Ogun State Nigeria. The findings of this study suggest the need for public sensitization among youths about the risks associated pornography viewing.

The recent outbreak of COVID-19 resulted in high fatality rates globally and huge socio-economic consequences. Vaccine development was considered as the most effective and fastest means to reduce the risks associated with the disease. All hands were on deck for effective vaccine development which resulted in several countries including African countries participating in the vaccine solidarity trial. At the heat of the pandemic in 2021, Africa with a population of 1.4 billion had 134.5 million supplies of COVID-19 vaccines. The United States in contrast with a population of 332 million had over 375 million doses of the vaccine. This was one of the factors that hindered most African countries from meeting up with the World Health Organization (WHO) target of 40% fully vaccinated individuals by December 2021. Even in some African countries where there were early and good supplies, there was vaccine wastage due to near to expire vaccines supplied to such countries which resulted in misconception and rejection of the vaccines among the public. This paper discussed the politics of COVID-19 vaccine production and distribution with its effects on Africa using documentary analysis. The paper also suggests strategic bold steps needed to be taken by African countries to decolonize public health response within the continent in preparation for future pandemics.

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Medical tourism is thriving in Nigeria among both elites and non-elites with over $1 billion annual expenditure on medical tourism. Inadequate healthcare infrastructure caused by economic problems, corruption and low budgetary allocation to the country’s health sector, and lack of trust in the country's healthcare systems to handle complex medical procedures have contributed to this trend. This article discusses the trend of medical tourism in Nigeria and the associated medical, legal, and social issues in medical tourism generally, relying on relevant literature. The paper concludes that medical tourism is not inherently dangerous; however, unequal economic and power status may influence the quality of hospitals where patients receive treatment and the quality of treatment received. This unequal power and economic status may also determine justice in cases of substandard treatment in foreign hospitals. The study recommends that the Nigerian government should improve healthcare systems in the country to reverse the trend of medical tourism and to reduce the financial burden that medical tourism exerts on average Nigerians who need a high level of care but cannot access it in their country. It is also recommended that a regulatory framework that ensures protection from substandard hospitals and justice for Nigerians who fall victim to substandard care abroad must be put in place by the Nigerian government. Relevant health stakeholders should also continue to sensitize the public about the complications that may be associated with some medical procedures sought outside Nigeria especially cosmetic surgery which may result in follow-up challenges.