Diseases & Conditions

Dental caries, commonly known as tooth decay or cavities, is one of the most widespread chronic diseases globally and in Nigeria, resulting from the gradual destruction of tooth structure by acids produced by bacteria feeding on sugars in the mouth. It can affect people of all ages, from young children with their first teeth to adults, and if left untreated, can progress from minor discomfort to severe pain, infection, and tooth loss.

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious mental health condition characterised by persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, and a range of emotional and physical symptoms that significantly impair a person's ability to function at work, in school, and in relationships. Depression is not a sign of weakness or laziness — it is a medical condition with biological, psychological, and social causes that responds to treatment. In Nigeria, depression is widespread but severely underdiagnosed and undertreated, largely due to stigma, limited mental health services, and the tendency to attribute mental illness to spiritual causes. The World Health Organization estimates that depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by elevated blood glucose (blood sugar) levels resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Type 2 diabetes — the most common form, accounting for over 90% of cases — is a growing epidemic in Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa, driven largely by urbanisation, dietary change, and physical inactivity. Type 1 diabetes results from the immune system destroying insulin-producing cells in the pancreas and requires lifelong insulin therapy. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy. All forms of diabetes can lead to serious complications if not well managed, but with proper treatment and lifestyle adjustment, people with diabetes can live long and healthy lives.

Dysmenorrhoea refers to pain during menstruation, most often felt as cramping in the lower abdomen, and is one of the most common gynaecological complaints among women of reproductive age. It is classified as primary dysmenorrhoea, which is not caused by another condition and usually begins soon after periods start in adolescence, or secondary dysmenorrhoea, which develops later in life and is caused by an underlying condition such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids. Mild period pain is extremely common and often manageable at home, but pain severe enough to disrupt school, work, or daily life is not something to simply endure, and can be effectively treated once properly evaluated.