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Sustaining global development goals in Nigerian construction industry

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Sustaining global development goals in Nigerian construction industry

The theme of the recent International Conference organised by the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) in Abuja “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Nigerian Construction Industry: Challenges and the Way Forward’’, suggests an indication of the Federal Government’s interest in following the global development trend in all aspects of life.

Professor Danladi Matawal
Director General of Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), Professor Danladi Matawal

In his presentation during the conference, Prof. Danladi Matawal, the Director-General of NBRRI, said that SDGs remained as an effective direction to creating environment conducive for global community.

According to him, SDGs address significant development that Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) failed to do in environmental degradation, inequality, weak institutional capacity and unsustainable consumption behaviour in society.

“In a sense, SDGs can be said to be concise, easy to communicate and action-oriented, which are the advantages over MDGs.

“The goals may also be described as universal, integrated, interlinked, inseparable, planet-sensitive and centered on people,’’ he said.

He said that the government would ensure the provision of smart cities and sustainable communities, design and construction of infrastructure and renewable energy technology.

He also said that a scheme — Sustainable Built Environment (SBE) — would be central to the delivery of policies for sustainable development.

He further explained that the scheme would adopt environment-friendly design, procurement, construction methods and management practices toward efficient buildings and infrastructure.

Matawal said that the SDGs, which reflected a global agenda toward socio-economic development, were indicated in government’s plan for economic development, social inclusion and environmental sustainability.

According to him, the increasing determination of society to achieve sustainable development for all has been an influential factor for government’s assent to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

“The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which comprise 17 goals, 169 targets and about 100 indicators represent a new direction for the global community,’’ he said.

Matawal observed that the new global development goals for the next 12 years aimed at improving prosperity and wellbeing by addressing the present economic, social and environmental challenges in the society.

“These transformational goals are universally applicable to all countries and tackle the challenges of eliminating extreme poverty, safeguarding environmental sustainability while achieving economic and social wellbeing.

“It also considers different realities, capacities and levels of development of various countries,’’ he said.

Matawal argued that Nigeria ought to key into the rest of the world for innovative, simple, cheap and user-friendly solutions to develop the nation’s building environment.

Expressing the government’s readiness in sustaining SDGs, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, the Minister of Science and Technology, said that the present administration was committed and determined to rebuild nation’s infrastructure, particularly in housing and roads to meet SDGs.

According to him, a good network of roads is vital in the transportation of men, women, children and goods from one part of the country to another.

“We need decent houses for our citizens, the rich and the poor, the old and the young, to live in; we also need houses for our schools, hospitals, offices, markets to mention a few.

“We need roads connecting our numerous cities, our rural areas and those leading from urban to rural areas, to our farms, homes and places of relaxation and entertainment.

“This is very important in getting Nigerians to know the various parts of the country and help them to promote national unity and stability,’’ he said.

He said that such development would open areas of business through the utilisation of local materials for the construction of roads, houses and creation of wealth for individuals and the nation.

Onu also explained that the conference would showcase enormous achievements made by researchers in NIBRRI, noting that the ministry had planned to help the institute to become one of the best in the world.

“Recently NIBRRI protected its intellectual property right by securing a patent for its laminated bamboo board.

“This product utilises wastes bamboo during construction; this is one of the wastes-to-wealth initiative of the institute.

“This product is durable and termite-resistant which serves as a heat insulation, its strength is comparable with those of structural timber product like plywood and provides aesthetics to the interior of a building,’’ Onu said.

But Prof. Kabiru Bala, Chairman, Council of Registered Building of Nigeria, pleaded with the Federal Government to adequately address challenges facing construction industry to meet world standard

He said that such effort would further spur the relevant stakeholders to work toward meeting the desired development in construction industry.

He listed challenges facing Nigerian construction industry to include unethical practice, poor productivity and profitability, shortage of qualified workers and inconsistent prices of building materials, among others.

“The net consequences of these are high incidences of infrastructural failure and collapse arising from lack of adherence to specification.

“The use of foreign codes and standards without consideration for local situations and environmental peculiarities of a project should be discontinued.

“The adoption of the National Building Code of 2006 is gradually gaining grounds and should be promoted to enhance the development of sustainable construction in Nigeria,’’ he said.

He, therefore, advised that the construction industry should be harmonised and conducted in accordance with the relevant laws and standards guiding quality management of buildings and infrastructure development process with the active participation of key stakeholders.

The United Nations (UN) believes that the adoption of the SDGs marks a crucial moment for the global development agenda.

It also holds the belief that the new SDGs and the broader sustainability agenda address significantly the unsustainable consumption behaviour in the society.

By Gabriel Agbeja, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Flooding: NEMA warns against dumping of refuse in water ways

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Flooding: NEMA warns against dumping of refuse in water ways

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Kano Operations Office has warned residents of Jigawa and Katsina states, especially those living in flood-prone areas, to desist from dumping refuse in water ways.

refuse disposal
Inadequate refuse disposal and unsavoury habit lead to clogged drainage channels that contribute to flooding

The warning is in a statement signed by the agency’s Head of Operations, Malam Nura Abdullahi in Kano on Tuesday, July 31, 2018.

He stated that the advice was necessary to avoid another major flood following the recent flood disaster which wreaked havoc on many communities in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.

He added that “we find it necessary to issue this warning because some residents are in the habit of dumping refuse in drains, which can cause flooding.”

The head of operations also warned residents of the two states, being under the jurisdiction of his office, against erecting structures in flood-prone areas.

Abdullahi noted that the agency would continue to partner with other agencies such as the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), National Orientation Agency (NOA) and media organisations in the two states to sensitise communities about the importance of clearing the drains.

He said mitigation of flood disasters could only be effected through increased awareness and compliance to town planning regulations and due regards to environmental sanitation among citizens.

He added that “disaster management is everyone’s business: we must all play our roles in creating resilient communities.”

By Ramatu Garba

ADB launches ‘Strategy 2030’ in response to Asia-Pacific region’s changing needs

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ADB launches ‘Strategy 2030’ in response to Asia-Pacific region’s changing needs

The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Board of Directors has approved a new long-term corporate strategy, “Strategy 2030”, that sets out the institution’s broad vision and strategic response to the evolving needs of Asia and the Pacific.

Takehiko Nakao
ADB President, Takehiko Nakao

“Asia and the Pacific has made great progress over the last half century in poverty reduction and economic growth, but there are unfinished development agendas,” said ADB President, Mr. Takehiko Nakao. “Under Strategy 2030, we will combine finance, knowledge, and partnerships to sustain our efforts to eradicate extreme poverty and expand our vision towards a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable region.”

ADB’s aspirations are aligned with major global commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the Financing for Development agenda, the Paris Agreement on climate change, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Given the size of Asia and the Pacific, achieving such commitments will depend critically on the region’s success.

Strategy 2030, according to the ADB, recognises that the ambitious global development agenda must be tailored to specific local circumstances.  The body says it will strengthen its country-focused approach, promote the use of innovative technologies, and deliver integrated interventions that combine expertise across a range of sectors and themes and through a mix of public and private sector operations.

It further stresses that it will continue to prioritise support for the region’s poorest and most vulnerable countries by applying differentiated approaches to meet the diverse needs of various groups of countries: fragile and conflict-affected situations, small island developing states, low-income and lower middle-income countries, and upper middle-income countries. Across these country groups, ADB discloses that it will also prioritise support for lagging areas and pockets of poverty and fragility.

Infrastructure investments – particularly those that are green, sustainable, inclusive, and resilient – will remain a key priority, says the ADB, adding that it will likewise expand operations in social sectors, such as education, health, and social protection.

The bank points out that it will focus on seven operational priorities: (i) addressing remaining poverty and reducing inequalities; (ii) accelerating progress in gender equality; (iii) tackling climate change, building climate and disaster resilience, and enhancing environmental sustainability; (iv) making cities more livable; (v) promoting rural development and food security; (vi) strengthening governance and institutional capacity; and (vii) fostering regional cooperation and integration.

At least 75% of the number of ADB’s committed operations (on a three-year rolling average, including sovereign and nonsovereign operations) will promote gender equality by 2030, the organisation discloses, pointing out that it will ensure that 75% of the number of its committed operations (on a three-year rolling average, including sovereign and nonsovereign operations) will be supporting climate change mitigation and adaptation by 2030. Climate finance from its own resources will reach $80 billion for the period 2019 to 2030. A new corporate results framework – expected to be ready in mid-2019 – will include more targets for ADB’s other operational priorities.

To support the seven operational priorities under Strategy 2030, ADB says it will expand and diversify its private sector operations to reach one-third of ADB operations in number by 2024.

“We will expand our private sector operations in new and frontier markets, such as fragile and conflict-affected situations and small island developing states. We will also support more public-private partnerships,” said Mr. Nakao.

He adds that ADB’s private sector operations will help improve environmental, social, and governance standards; provide financing that is not available from the market at reasonable terms; improve project design and development outcomes; and mitigate perceived risks. In addition to innovative infrastructure, they will increase support for agribusiness, and support social sectors such as health and education through private ventures, he contends.

ADB further notes that it will continue to be a reliable financier and catalyser of finance. “A key measure of our success will be the volume and quality of additional resources we mobilise on top of our own financing,” Mr. Nakao adds, pointing out that ADB targets a substantial increase in long-term cofinancing by 2030, with every $1 in financing for its private sector operations matched by $2.50 in long-term cofinancing.

The institution will also work closely with its developing member countries to produce the most relevant knowledge products and services, albeit by proactively engaging in research, providing high-quality policy advice, strengthening countries’ institutional capacity, and expanding knowledge partnerships.

Nakao adds: “As it strives to be stronger, better, and faster, ADB will pursue a dramatic modernisation of its business processes by taking advantage of available technology. It will expand its products and instruments, strengthen human resources, and accelerate its digital transformation. ADB is committed to diversity in the workforce, including promoting gender balance and a respectful work environment for all. ADB will institute a ‘One ADB’ approach, bringing together knowledge and expertise across the organisation. It will collaborate with civil society organizations in designing, implementing, and monitoring projects.

“In preparing Strategy 2030, extensive consultations were carried out with a wide and representative group of stakeholders across ADB’s membership, leading development experts, and civil society organisations.

“ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region. In 2017, ADB operations totaled $32.2 billion, including $11.9 billion in cofinancing.”

World Rangers Day: 107 rangers died in line of duty, says conservator-general

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World Rangers Day: 107 rangers died in line of duty, says conservator-general

Conservator-General, National Parks Service (NPS), Alhaji Ibrahim Goni, says 107 rangers lost their lives worldwide in the line of duty between July 31, 2017 and July 31, 2018.

Park Rangers
Park rangers on parade during the 2018 World Rangers Day celebration in Abuja

Goni disclosed this while delivering the speech of the President of the International Rangers Federation (IRF) at the 2018 World International Day or World Rangers Day celebration in Abuja on Tuesday, July 31.

He said that the natural world was under immense pressure through the loss of species, habitat destruction, climate change, and environmental crime issues.

“These challenges need urgent attention and the many solutions to the problems varied and are complex, therefore rangers must play critical frontline role in defending our natural heritage, now and always into the future.’’

The Conservator-General assured that the service was working tirelessly to strengthen and equip its officers for effective park patrols.

He noted that the service had obsolete and low calibre firearms and ammunition and required, as an immediate measure, light arms and ammunition for effective park operations.

“We are working in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, the Directorate of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force in fighting insurgency, banditry and cattle rustling in the park.

“This will help reduce the constant conflicts between the park staff and cattle grazers in the park because of the lack of designated cattle routes and functional grazing reserves, which had led to death of many staff and others getting maimed.

“We will rehabilitate access roads to ease park surveillance and anti-poaching patrol to boost wildlife viewing, and enhance park monitoring and evaluation,’’ he said.

Dr Okeyoyin Okedeji, Assistant Conservator-General, Ecological Resource Management of the service, gave a roll call of the fallen heroes.

“We lost 107 rangers worldwide: Africa, 63; Nigeria, three; and a total of 29 officers died in active service since the inception of the National Park,’’ he said.

In his good will message, Dr Rufus Ebegba, Director General, National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), congratulated the rangers who risked their lives to protect the environment.

“I give you my gallant salute for preserving and conserving our natural resources.

“I also congratulate the Conservator-General for what he has been doing in reviving the National Park to meet the international standard and wish that rangers are properly kited and well armed for law enforcement.

“Our country is very dangerous when it comes to enforcing the law, people lose their lives trying to protect the law,’’ he said.

Mr Jonah Moses, one of the rangers, thanked the Conservator-General for the training given to the rangers to be able to carry out their jobs effectively.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Service in conjunction with Health is Wealth for life sustainability in Africa as part of the world rangers celebration, held a Medical Outreach programme on Malaria Testing and Treatment in three Park Headquarters Neighbouring Communities.

The communities are Kuchigoro, Karemajiji and Ruga all in the Federal Capital Territory.

By Ebere Agozie

Government insists on strict implementation of Abuja Master Plan

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Government insists on strict implementation of Abuja Master Plan

The Minister, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Bello, has insisted on the strict implementation of Abuja Master Plan to avoid congestion being experienced in Lagos.

Abuja
Abuja

Bello said this at the ongoing two-day retreat for members of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Board on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 in Abuja.

The minister, who chaired the 7th FCDA Board, warned members against deviating from the original Abuja Master Plan, saying that it would affect development of the city.

He urged them to bring in their wealth of experience to bear on the assignment and to leave indelible footprints.

According to him, there is need to present a reputable capital city for the future generations, built on the legacies of hard work, commitments and dedication to nation-building.

Bello, who was represented by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr Christian Ohaa, told the 10-member board that the retreat could not have come at a more auspicious time than now.

“The FCDA is entrusted with the mission of building a world-class city with standard infrastructure on quality service delivery, which no doubt placed huge responsibilities on your shoulders.

“The board is expected to set out broad-based policy guidelines, key performance indicators, technical services, support to actualise the goals of the building a first-class city comparable to the best in the world,’’ he said.

By Kabir Muhammad

World Rangers Day: Threats to Gashaka-Gumti National Park, by conservator

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World Rangers Day: Threats to Gashaka-Gumti National Park, by conservator

The Park Conservator, Gashaka-Gumti National Park in Taraba State, Mr Yuhanna Saidu, has identified increasing environmental problems and illegal human activities as some of the major threats to the continued survival of the park.

Gashaka-Gumti-National-Park
The Gashaka Gumti National Park

Saidu spoke on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at an event to commemorate the World Rangers Day in Serti, headquarters of Gashaka Local Government Area of the state.

“Gashaka-Gumti National Park has had its fair share of human pressure on the park resources ranging from activities of poachers, illegal grazing, mining, fishing, farming and logging.

“More disturbing is the current spate of desperation for illegal logging of Rosewood, commonly called Madrid.

“Rosewood is a valuable timber used for many purposes, such as forage for livestock, medicine, dyes for cloths and luxury furniture.

“It is unfortunate that in Nigeria today, Taraba happens to be the last point where Rosewood is found, and logging is intense.

“These activities, if not quickly checked, will result in dire environmental consequences not only within the immediate area, but also the nation at large,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Rangers Day was first commemorated on July 31, 1992, by the UK based International Rangers Federation (IRF).

It is to commemorate rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work rangers do in protecting the planet’s natural resources and cultural heritage.

The forum encourages park rangers and park wardens across the world to share their successes and failures.

In his goodwill message at the occasion, the Lamido of Gashaka Emirate, Alhaji Zubairu Hamman-Gabdo, commended the resolve of the Rangers in the protection of the park and its resources.

Hamman-Gabdo also expressed confidence with the theme of this year’s celebration which is: “I stand with World Rangers: Protecting Wildlife and Wild Places.”

“This clarion call must continue to support the work of the rangers and assist in drumming the message of conservation far and wide, so that collectively we can make a difference,” he said.

According to him, the media must also do more in publicising the activities of Gashaka-Gumti National Park, which is the largest in West Africa.

NAN reports that the event attracted the presence of the Commanding Officer of the 20 Model Mechanised Battalion, Serti, Lt Col. Sani Adamu, and officers of other security outfits in the area.

Families of some fallen rangers of the park, who died in the course of duty were also honoured at the occasion.

By Saidu Adamu

Government, Ogun to revive abandoned Ota water scheme

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Government, Ogun to revive abandoned Ota water scheme

The Federal Government and the Ogun government on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the continuation and completion of the abandoned Ota Regional Water Supply Project.

Suleiman Adamu
Suleiman Adamu, Minister of Water Resources

The ceremony, which took place at Arobieye- Iju in Ado-Odo/Ota council area of the state, also saw the signing of an agreement for Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH).

Minister of Water Resources, Mr Sulaiman Adamu, noted in his address at the event that the water project which commenced in 1988 had suffered delays due to neglect by previous administrations.

He also attributed the delay to lack of approval for right of ways for the water transmission pipeline by the Ogun government.

The minister explained that the Federal Government had spent about N811 million on the project.

He added that the project would have the capacity to deliver about 15 million litres of portable water per day to residents of Ota and Ijoko and environs when completed.

“This MoU, which is in accordance with the spirit of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration of providing critical infrastructure for the good of Nigerians, will enable the two governments to work together towards speedy execution and completion of the commercially viable project,” he said.

Adamu said that the PEWASH agreement was meant to accelerate access to water supply, sanitation and hygiene in all the rural areas of the state, adding that Ogun was the first state where such agreement was signed.

The minister urged the state government to devote adequate resources to fulfil all its obligations in the MoU for the water project and the PEWASH agreement.

“I wish to assure you that with the signing of these instruments today, we shall commence all activities on our part for faithful execution of activities,” he said.

The state governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, in his address, described the development as a testimony to the commitment of the state government to seek ways of making life more comfortable for the residents of Ogun.

He noted that the water scheme would improve the living standard of the Ota residents and attract more investors into the communities for increased revenue generation.

Amosun explained that the state government had continued to collaborate with development partners such as UNICEF to pool resources to achieve improved water supply and Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in its rural communities.

He urged the residents of Ota and environs to take ownership of the water scheme after rehabilitation and the entire people of the state to embrace the PEWASH programme.

“Let me assure our people of Ogun that even as we approach the expiration of the tenure of our administration, we do not intend to take our foot off the pedal.

“Our people can expect more legacy projects by our administration till the last day, last hour and even last minute of our tenure,” he said.

Mr Sola Lawal, the Board Chairman of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (ORBDA), pledged total support for the success of the project.

By Olawale Jokotoye

Agip may grow Niger Delta investments due to improved security

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Agip may grow Niger Delta investments due to improved security

The Chief Operating Officer, Upstream, Eni, Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), Mr Antonio Vella, says the company is considering doubling investments in the Niger Delta region due to improved security.

Antonio Vella
Chief Operating Officer, Upstream, Eni, Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), Antonio Vella

Vella said this on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 in Abuja in a statement issued by the Spokesman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr Ndu Ughamadu.

According to him, the improved security situation in the Niger Delta has rubbed off positively on the operations of international oil companies operating in the region.

Commending the Federal Government and NNPC, he said the prevailing peace and security in the region had increased investors’ confidence in Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

He said NAOC was considering doubling its investment in the country.

“The steps the Group managing director has taken have greatly improved security in our area of operations.

“That is very important to us as it has given us confidence to come back strongly and raise oil and gas production and that is what we are doing.

“We are increasing our budget in Nigeria because we have confidence in Dr Baru and the entire system,’’ Vella said.

He said that NAOC was redoubling efforts on the ongoing expansion of the Okpai Independent Power and the Zabazaba Projects to achieve early completion because of the improved operating environment.

According to him, the Okpai IPP expansion will be completed by the second quarter of 2019 and will raise the power generating capacity of the plant by more than 50 per cent.

The statement quoted Baru as saying “the management is focused on making the operating environment safe and conducive for more investors to come in’’.

He expressed optimism that the increase in production achieved by Agip would boost the nation’s chances of meeting production and reserve targets.

By Yetunde Bada

Zamfara battles desertification, plants 24,000 trees

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Zamfara battles desertification, plants 24,000 trees

The Zamfara State Government has planted 24,000 trees in some of its Local Government Areas as part of a campaign against desertification across the state.

Burkina Faso tree planting
Combating desertification: Planting some 20,000 trees to create living hedges in Burkina Faso

Special Adviser to the State Governor on Directorate of Afforestation, Malam Mansur Khalifa-Kaura, disclosed this on Monday, July 30, 2018 in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gusau.

Khalifa-Kaura said that the campaign was part of the state government`s commitment to fight desert encroachment and other environmental challenges in the state.

“In the first phase, we planted 14,000 trees across the state, 1,000 trees were planted in one-kilometre distance in each of the 14 local government which cost the state government N10 million.

“In the second phase, we planted 10,000 trees in six selected local government areas in the state, in each of the selected LGAs we planted over 1,600 trees in two kilometres distance along the road side”

“This phase also cost the state another N10 million, making a total of N20 million for the whole projects,” he said.

He listed the six selected local government areas to include Bakura, Birnin-Magaji, Talata-Mafara, Shinkafi, Kaura-Namoda and Zurmi.

According to him, apart from combating desertification, the trees would also help in beautifying the environment. The state government, he added, would ensure the trees are protected.

He advised the people against indiscriminate tree falling to stop desertification and erosion challenges.

He, however, appealed to people of the state to assist the state government in the maintenance and protection of the trees.

Researchers link dangerous foodborne pathogen to centipedes

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Researchers link dangerous foodborne pathogen to centipedes

A dangerous foodborne parasite typically found in snails and other mollusks was detected in two patients in a Chinese hospital and traced to their consumption of raw wild centipedes, according to a new case report published on Monday, July 30, 2018 by the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

Centipede
Centipede

Researchers from the Southern Medical University and Zhujiang Hospital in Guangzhou said it’s the first time the Angiostrongylus cantonensis parasite – often called rat lungworm for its preference for the pulmonary arteries of rats – has been detected in centipedes. Centipedes are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, though usually in a dried or powder form, which does not transmit the parasite.

“We don’t typically hear of people eating raw centipedes, but apparently these two patients believed that raw centipedes would be good for their health,” said Lingli Lu, a co-author of the report who works in the Department of Neurology in Zhujiang Hospital. “Instead it made them sick.”

Mild infections with A. cantonensis may resolve on their own. But the parasite can penetrate the brain and spinal cord, which can lead to meningitis – an infection of the fluid around the brain – and, in rare instances, paralysis and death.

According to the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, A. cantonensis is mainly found in China and Southeast Asia, and infections usually have been linked to consumption of raw or undercooked snails. The parasite also has been detected in Africa, the Caribbean, Hawaii, and, more recently, in Louisiana and South Florida. In Louisiana, it has been found in the invasive apple snail, a freshwater snail native to South America that is sometimes consumed as food. In South Florida, the parasite has been found in the invasive giant African land snail.

 

Why centipedes are sold in agricultural markets
While this is the first time the parasite has been found in centipedes, centipedes themselves are occasionally sold in the Chinese agricultural markets or routinely sold in traditional Chinese medicine pharmacies due to their perceived medicinal properties. Dried or crushed centipedes have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including whooping cough, tetanus and cardiovascular diseases. Also, today, extracts made from the centipede are being assessed for their potential to fight cancer and to serve as a potent pain killer. But rarely are raw wild centipedes consumed to treat ailments. Lingli said the patients that are the focus of her study, a 78-year-old woman and her 46-year-old son, came from the rural countryside where a rumor was circulating that consuming raw centipedes also offered potential health benefits.

 

The path to diagnosis
According to the report, the woman arrived at the hospital complaining of a headache, drowsiness and cognitive impairment that had lasted for weeks. Subsequent examination and testing indicated symptoms of meningitis. And when tests ruled out viral or bacterial causes, the physicians probed her cerebrospinal fluid for other potential issues and discovered the increased number of eosinophils – a type of white blood cell – and antibodies to A. cantonensis in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood.

The report notes that “further questions about the patient’s history showed that she had eaten centipedes without cooking them on several occasions.”

Meanwhile, a few weeks later, her son came to the hospital complaining of a “mild headache that had lasted for more than 20 days.” He revealed to physicians that he, too, had consumed raw centipedes. Tests of his cerebrospinal fluid and blood detected elevated eosinophil levels and antibodies for the A. cantonensis parasite.

Both mother and son were cured after treatment with a 21-day course of the anti-parasitic drug albendazole and a two-week course of the steroid dexamethasone to address inflammation that arises as the parasites die.

 

The role of centipedes in rat lungworm transmission
To learn more about the potential of centipedes to serve as hosts for A. cantonensis, the researchers purchased 20 centipedes from the agricultural market where the patients had acquired their centipedes. The immature, or larvae, form of A. cantonensis was detected in seven of them.

The researchers then tested the capacity of centipedes to serve as intermediate hosts for A. cantonensis by infecting 20 centipedes with the parasite. However, the centipedes subsequently died. Lingli said the results could indicate that, while centipedes can be temporary hosts, we can’t be sure they are able to serve as intermediate hosts, a classification that indicates an ability to carry and spread the parasite over a long period of time. Regardless, the researchers concluded that centipedes may still “act as a competent host” for transmitting the parasite to humans.

“This study shows why it’s important to have physician scientists who can both treat patients and identify and investigate unusual cases that may have broader implications for public health,” said ASTMH President Regina Rabinovich, MD. “The researchers not only found the source of infection in the laboratory, they did the work to show the wild centipedes that were in supply at the farmers’ market could have been a viable source of transmission.”

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