Author: Racheal Abujah

 USAID’s largest health programme celebrates transition 

Health

By Abujah Racheal

Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Breakthrough Action Nigeria, with investments exceeding $100 million (about N1.5 billion), remains USAID’s most significant social and behaviour change programme in Nigeria.

The Project Director, Dr Shittu-Abdu Aguye,  gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja. 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Breakthrough Action Nigeria is a USAID -funded Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) project.

It is designed to increase the practice of priority health behaviours in the areas of malaria and tuberculosis control, maternal, newborn, and child health; and family planning/reproductive health.

The project works closely with federal and state ministries of health and other USAID implementing partners.

Aguye said that the substantial investment of the project had fuelled initiatives driving tangible improvements in health outcomes nationwide.

The transition event, held in Abuja on Wednesday, brought together representatives of governments,  donors, media organisations, and programme champions to celebrate the project’s accomplishments.

 The project  showcased its multifaceted approach incorporating mass media campaigns, community engagements and innovative social media strategies.

Aguye emphasised the collaborative efforts that led to the project’s success.

“With USAID’s support, we have had the privilege to enhance the health and well-being of people across Nigeria.

“Together, we have saved and improved the lives of millions of mothers, fathers, children and babies across Nigeria,” he said 

According to him, the project marked a pivotal transition on Wednesday as it will be transferring its efforts and outcomes to Nigerian Government agencies and community organisations.

He said  that the projecf would leave behind a legacy of impact, setting the stage for continued progress in Nigeria’s journey toward improving the health and well-being of its citizens. 

Social and behaviour change identifies what individuals and communities believe and how they behave.

Identifying these enables  development of innovative strategies which will enable the citizens  to adopt healthier behaviours and access vital health services.

Since it started in Nigeria, the project used a multi-faceted approach, including mass media, community outreach, and user-driven social media campaigns – to inspire long-lasting change.

Among countless other findings, Breakthrough Action found that women who participated in community activities were more likely to practice multiple preventive behaviours compared to women who did not participate.

The behaviours include  at least four ante-natal visits,  exclusive breastfeeding, dieting and receiving preventive malaria medication at least three times during pregnancy. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

AIR/KOO /IGO 

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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Ijeoma Popoola

FG emphasises importance of social norms,  behaviour change for national health

Health

By Abujah Racheal

Abuja, June 5, 2024(NAN)The Federal Government has highlighted the crucial role of shifting social norms and behavioural change in maintaining the nation’s health.

Prof. Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, said this at Breakthrough ACTION Nigeria Learning and  Transition event with the theme  “Celebrating Successes, Consolidating Learning, and Transitioning for Sustainability”.

 The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Breakthrough ACTION has been USAID’s global flagship Social and Behavior Change Project for the past seven years.

In Nigeria, the project worked to improve the practice of priority health behaviors across multiple programme areas.

The areas include maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH), family planning (FP), nutrition, malaria, tuberculosis, COVID-19 and priority zoonotic diseases (PZDs).

Pate,who was represented by Dr Binyerem Ukaire, Director of Family Health, Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), congratulated Breakthrough Action Nigeria (BA-N) for their innovative contributions to health communication and social behavior change.

The minister noted that Breakthrough Action Nigeria’s efforts had been instrumental in reaching millions of Nigerians, fostering healthier practices, and empowering communities with vital health knowledge.

“Social and behavior change for the right healthy behavior is critical to achieving our health goals and targets.

“This focus on behavior change is particularly significant for the Federal Ministry of Health and the Department of Family Health, he said.

He praised BA-N’s impact in areas such as disease prevention, reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health, and nutrition.

“By promoting healthier lifestyles, BA-N’s initiatives have made significant strides in improving health outcomes,” he said.

He underscored that the Ministry of Health remained committed to enhancing the health of every Nigerian and that the collaborative efforts with BA-N  demonstrated the power of synergy in achieving national health goals.

He acknowledged the importance of the event, not only as a celebration of successes but also, as a platform to reflect on future strategies.

“The insights and learnings shared will help shape more effective and sustainable health interventions moving forward,” he said.

He expressed sincere gratitude to BA-N, partners, stakeholders, and frontline health workers for their dedication and hard work.

“Your contributions are invaluable and deeply appreciated,” he said, extending his best wishes for a fruitful and enlightening event.

He expressed hope that the National Learning and Transition event would serve as a catalyst for continued innovation, collaboration, and progress in the mission to improve health outcomes for all Nigerians.

NAN reports that Breakthrough ACTION Nigeria Learning and Transition Health indices in Nigeria have been driven by many factors.

The public health approach, social and behavior change identifies what individuals and communities believe and how they behave, then develops innovative strategies so they can adopt healthier behaviors and access vital health services.

Since it started working in Nigeria, the project used a multifaceted approach–including mass media, community outreach, and user-driven social media campaigns-to inspire long-lasting change.

These efforts resulted in positive changes across several health areas including reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health, nutrition and malaria, tuberculosis and COVID-19 vaccine uptake.

Among countless other findings, Breakthrough ACTION found that women who participated in community activities were significantly more likely to practice multiple preventive behaviors compared  to women who did not participate.

These include at least four antenatal visits during pregnancy, delivering the safety of a health facility, exclusive breastfeeding, consuming diverse diet, and receiving preventive malaria medication at least three times during pregnancy.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

AIR/VIV

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Health

By Abujah Racheal

Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Dr Binyerem Ukaire, Director of Family Health at the Federal Ministry of Health, has said that continuous education and behavior change are needed to improve public health outcomes.

Ukaire said this on Wednesday in Abuja, at Breakthrough ACTION Nigeria Learning and Transition event with the theme – “Celebrating Successes, Consolidating Learning, and Transitioning for Sustainability”.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Breakthrough Action has been USAID’s global flagship social and behaviour change project for the past seven years.

In Nigeria, the project has worked to improve the practice of priority health behaviours across multiple programme areas including – Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH), family planning, nutrition, malaria, tuberculosis, COVID-19 and priority zoonotic diseases.

Highlighting the collaborative efforts between Breakthrough  Action and the Federal Ministry of Health, she called for sustained initiatives to enhance reproductive, maternal, newborn, child health, and nutrition services across the country.

“Changing people’s behaviours, practices, and attitudes is indeed challenging, but it is achievable through serious efforts to improve their knowledge.

“Everyone aspires to be healthy, and often, the barriers to achieving this are rooted in ignorance,” she said.

She said that Breakthrough Action had made significant strides in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, including training health officers at federal and state levels to ensure sustainability of health projects.

“These efforts are crucial for achieving both national health targets and global goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage,” she said.

She stressed the importance of individuals taking responsibility for their health.

“Governments at all levels can provide support, but ultimately, individuals play a critical role in maintaining their health.

“It is essential for Nigerians to adopt healthy behaviours, take charge of their health, and reap the benefits,” she said.

The director praised the advocacy work done to educate government leaders at various levels, the development of information, education and communication materials, and the use of media to spread health messages.

“States must take ownership of these health initiatives to ensure the continuous improvement of public health,” she urged.

Furthermore, she called for ongoing education and consistent messaging to influence and reinforce positive health behaviors.

“We must continue to educate our people, encourage them to embrace the right behaviours and avoid conflicting messages from cultural or religious sources.

“It is vital to evaluate health messages and recognise their benefits for our well-being,” she said.

She reiterated the importance of sustained efforts in health education and behaviour change, supported by both government initiatives and individual responsibility as essential for improving public health and achieving long-term health goals in Nigeria.

NAN reports that Breakthrough Action Nigeria Learning and Transition health indices in Nigeria have been driven by many factors.

Since it started working in Nigeria, the project uses  multi-faceted approach,  including mass media, community outreach, and user-driven social media campaigns, to inspire long-lasting change. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

AIR/IGO 

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Initiatives

By Abujah Racheal

Abuja, June 5, 2024(NAN) The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) says  its health initiatives have reached over 17 million Nigerians, including 7.8 million children under the age of five and 600,000 pregnant women.

This was highlighted at a Breakthrough Action Nigeria Project’s Learning and Transition event showcasing the project’s significant contributions to improving health outcomes across the country.

Ms Suegatha Kai Rennie, Director of Health Population & Nutrition, USAID Mission in Nigeria, gave the figures  at the event with the theme: Celebrating Successes, Consolidating Learning, and Transitioning for Sustainability.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Breakthrough Action has been USAID’s global flagship social and behaviour change project for the past seven  years.

In Nigeria,  the project has worked to improve the practice of priority health behaviours across multiple programme areas.

The areas include Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH), family planning, nutrition, malaria, tuberculosis, COVID-19 and priority zoonotic diseases.

Kai Rennie said that Breakthrough Action Nigeria Project, funded by USAID and led by the Johns Hopkins University Center for Communications Programmes,  focused on Social Behaviour Change (SBC).

This, the official said,  was to enhance MNCH, nutrition and reproductive health, as well as improve malaria and tuberculosis treatment outcomes.

She said that since its inception in 2017, the project had implemented a variety of successful health campaigns such as Albishirin-Ku, Ji-de-Ki-Ji, and Mama Put Fever Care.

“These campaigns have demonstrated remarkable success.

“A behavioural survey conducted in 2022 revealed that women exposed to these campaigns were more likely to engage in health-seeking behaviours such as malaria testing and treatment, family planning, and seeking antenatal care.

“The data indicates that exposure to SBC messages significantly increases the likelihood of adopting health-positive behaviours,” she said.

She said that in addition to reaching millions with critical health information, USAID’s initiatives had strengthened community health structures by training over 2,400 community volunteers.

She said that these volunteers, equipped with skills to mobilise communities, deliver health messages, and manage referrals, became essential assets in the Community Health Influencers and Promoters programme.

The event also underscored the importance of sustaining the efforts beyond the current funding cycle.

Kai Rennie said that USAID was  committed to partnering with the Nigerian Government to continue improving health outcomes through innovative and effective SBC programmes.

“This collaboration aims to ensure that the progress made in health behaviours and service demand continues to grow beyond the project’s duration,” she said.

NAN reports that the event was attended by  representatives of the Nigerian Government, development partners and the academia.

The event also  highlighted the project’s innovative approaches and successes. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

AIR/CHOM/IGO 

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Ijeoma Popoola

FG initiates training to promote active, healthy behaviour

Training

By Abujah Racheal

Abuja,  June 5, 2024(NAN) The Federal Government has announced the commencement of training aimed at cultivating master trainers to champion active and healthy behaviours across communities nationwide.

Dr Bako Ladi-Aiyegbusi, the Director, Nutrition Department, Federal Ministry of Health, made the announcement during Breakthrough ACTION Nigeria Learning and  Transition event with the theme “Celebrating Successes, Consolidating Learning, and Transitioning for Sustainability” on Wednesday in Abuja. 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Breakthrough ACTION has been USAID’s global flagship Social and Behaviour change project in the past seven years.

In Nigeria, the project has worked to improve the practice of priority health behaviours across multiple programme areas including – Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) and Family Planning (FP).

Other areas are nutrition, malaria, tuberculosis, COVID-19 and Priority Zoonotic Diseases (PZDs).

Ladi-Aiyegbusi said that with the rising concern over public health challenges, the initiative underscored government’s commitment to proactive measures in addressing lifestyle-related illnesses and promoting overall wellness.

“The training is designed to equip selected individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively advocate for and facilitate behaviour change in communities.

“Through a comprehensive curriculum covering topics such as nutrition, physical activity, mental health and preventive healthcare, master trainers will be empowered to lead initiatives that promote healthy living and disease prevention.

“By engaging local populations and leveraging culturally relevant approaches, they will serve as catalysts for positive lifestyle changes, inspiring others to adopt habits conducive to optimal health outcomes,” she said.

She said that the endeavour aligned with global efforts to combat Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and underscores the importance of preventive healthcare strategies. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

AIR/HA 

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

HPV

By Abujah Racheal

Abuja, June 2, 2024(NAN) A Consultant Paediatrician, Prof.  Ayebo Sadoh, has addressed several misconceptions on the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, and cautioned members of the public against being misinformed. 

Sadoh, a Professor of Paediatrics at the School of Medicine, University of Benin, debunked the numerous false claims in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), in Abuja on Sunday. 

“The vaccines are important and safe. They are safe for use,” she declared. 

NAN reports that the World Health Organisation describes HPV as a common sexually transmitted infection which can affect the skin, genital area and throat.

It also said that almost all sexually active people will be infected at some point in their lives, usually without symptoms, adding that in most cases, the immune system clears HPV from the body.

Persistent infection with high-risk HPV can cause abnormal cells to develop, which go on to become cancer.

It also said that Prophylactic vaccination against HPV and screening and treatment of pre-cancer lessons are effective strategies to prevent cervical cancer and are very cost-effective.

Cervical cancer can be cured if diagnosed at an early stage and treated promptly, it added.

The world health body said that countries around the world are working to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer in the coming decades, with an agreed set of three targets to be met by 2030

“Contrary to the claims being circulated, there are over 100 strains of HPV, not just 11. The vaccine targets four main strains – 6, 11, 16, and 18 – these include the strains most commonly associated with cervical cancer.

“Specifically, strains 16 and 18 are responsible for approximately 70 per cent of cervical cancer cases.

“The bivalent vaccine, containing strains 16 and 18, also offers cross-protection against strains 31, 33, and 45, potentially preventing up to 80 per cent of cervical cancer cases,” she said.

Addressing concerns about the vaccine’s safety, she stated that the notion of the vaccine being harmful to everyone who took it was “baseless”.

“If this was true, millions of people worldwide, who have received the vaccine, would be ill or dead.

“Vaccines, including the HPV vaccine, undergo rigorous testing and evaluation before being approved for use,” she said.

She also refuted the claim that the HPV vaccine was not beneficial.

She highlighted that no drug, especially vaccines administered to healthy individuals, would be licensed without proven efficacy.

Regarding reports of court cases in the U.S, she pointed out that merely going to court does not establish causality.

“While some studies have suggested associations between the vaccine and certain side effects, these have not been corroborated by long-term studies involving large cohorts of vaccinated individuals,” she explained. 

The paediatrician further explained that the AstraZeneca vaccine was not withdrawn due to side effects, but because better alternatives became available.

She added that many Nigerians, who received the AstraZeneca vaccine, did so without adverse effects.

On the issue of vaccines being a business, she acknowledged that, but highlighted the life-saving benefits of vaccines, which save approximately four million lives annually.

“Contrary to claims that the HPV vaccination is mandated, I want to assure everyone that it is not,” she added.

She also countered allegations that government had not invested in PAP smear tests, pointing out  that women were currently being offered free cervical cancer screenings at health centers as part of a broader campaign.

She criticised the video spreading false claims, describing it as “an attempt at national sabotage motivated by antivax sentiments”.

She questioned the timing and intentions of those spreading fear and misinformation, urging the public to trust the consultative processes that preceded the vaccine’s introduction.

NAN recalls that the federal government has successfully rolled out the first phase of the HPV vaccine in Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Jigawa and Kano.

Also covered were Kebbi, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ogun, Ondo and Taraba States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Available statistics reveal that over five million girls have been reached. 

The second phase of the HPV vaccination campaign was launched in 21 states across Nigeria on May 27th, 2024.

The implementation covers Anambra, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo and Kaduna.

Other states being covered include Katsina, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

AIR/ETS 

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