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Category: Health

  • Child labour: Survivors narrate ordeals, urge law enforcement

     

     

    Labour

    By Oluwatope Lawanson

    Lagos, June 30, 2024 (NAN) Driven by necessity and desperation as well as ignorance,  many families have turned to child labour.

    According to the National Bureau of Statistics and the Nigeria Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey’s report,  there are estimated 8.7 million child labourers in Nigeria.

    The International Labour Organisation also reports that 160 million children aged five to seven worldwide are in child labour and about 79 million perform hazardous works that place their mental health, emotional health, safety and development at risk.

    On Sunday, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) spoke with some people who suffered but survived  child labour.

    Rose, an indigene of Burutu Local Government Area of Delta, shared her experiences as a victim of child labour in the past.

    “I am from a polygamous home.  My father had seven wives and 49 children with little resources to take care of us and no luxury of love and affection.

    “At a very young age, we were sent to live with relatives we believed had the resources to give us a better future.

    “My mother sent me to Warri to live with her elder sister who l regard as my grandma but she later sent me to Benin to live with my old cousin, at age six.

    “This was where my woes of child abuse and child labour began. At that young age, l must wake up as early as 4.30 a. m.

    “I was saddled with the responsibility of house chores, taking care of her two kids, and her dogs before going late to school, ” she said.

    Rose is today the Founder of Real Life Issues with Rosey’, an initiative borne out of childhood experiences, especially child labour/abuse.

    She narrated that she experienced several forms of child/physical abuse.

    “There was no day l did not have scars on my body, and l usually cried until I  slept.

    “I was called unprintable names, my results from school were seized and I was made to believe l could not amount to anything in life.

    “I later summoned courage and moved out of my cousin’s house and came to Lagos with my grandmother’s son,” she narrated.

    Rose later got admission into the University of Lagos to study Public Administration.

    She regretted that due to the trauma she experienced as a victim of child labour/abuse, she lacked self confidence, and low self esteem.

    According to her,  child abuse leads to anger and frustration.

    “You feel everybody does not like you, which makes you angry, leading to violence and defending yourself against nothing.

    “It leaves one broken, not believing in oneself.

    “In the university, l struggled with low self esteem, felt intimidated, and was not bold enough to mingle or relate with my mates.”

     

    She advised parents to take  good care of their children and avoid giving  them out to relatives or others.

    She urged that if any parents must  send their children to live with relatives or strangers, they must ensure regular communication with the children for effective monitoring.

    Rose also urged governments to strengthen  child labour laws, increase enforcement, and hold perpetrators accountable.

    She advised victims of child labour/abuse to speak up.

    On her part, Miss Yetunde Ojelade, an indigene of Ogun, described her child labour experience as  terrible.

    “My mother gave birth to two girls but due to irreconcilable differences with her partner, he chased us out.

    “At my young age, l lived with family friends who pretended to help while I was working for them, but I experienced sexual harassment on different occasions, ” she said.

    She told NAN that  later, God  helped her to connect with another family where she stayed afterwards.

    “It has been bliss for the past seven years l have been with this family as they see me as one of them,” he said.

    Yetunde advised victims of child labour to speak up, adding that they should seek help and be hopeful of a better future.

    Also speaking with NAN, Mr Andrew Adaji, Group Project Manager  of Devatop Centre for Africa Development, an anti-human trafficking and human rights organisation, urged  governments to strengthen enforcement of laws and implementation of policies protecting children against exploitation.

    He also called on governments, organisations and individuals to intensify efforts in ending child labour and ensuring children’s rights to education, health and a safe environment.

    “The should ensure children’s rights are protected and provide access to quality education, vocational training, and empower children to develop skills and pursue their passions,” he urged. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    LAW/IGO
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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Expert urges intervention of professionals to contain spread of Cholera

    Expert urges intervention of professionals to contain spread of Cholera

    Cholera
    Opeyemi Gbemiro
    Ado-Ekiti, June 30, 2024 (NAN) An expert in development strategies, Mr Micheal Ale, has advised the Federal and State Governments to urgently engage professionals in finding immediate solution to the cholera outbreak in parts of the country.

    Ale, who is the Founder, Global Initiative for Nigeria Development, an NGO, gave the advice in a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti and made available to newsmen on Sunday.

    According to him, apparent lapses in development plans and strategies, particularly resulting in poor access to portable, safe water, heavy flooding and the lack of post-epidemic surveillance, among other factors, is largely responsible for the outbreak of the disease.

    He said, as an expert, he was moved by the deadly health hazards, which the epidemic had posed to many lowly placed Nigerians, and more of possible negative consequences, if drastic actions were not taken in record time.

    “Nigeria is prone to a variety of factors that lead to recurring cholera outbreaks.

    “These include the lack of access to potable (safe to drink) water.

    “Safe water is needed to maintain good hygiene practices.

    “Other factors are the lack of continued surveillance, even after the outbreak had ended, flooding, poverty (although currently cholera treatment is free in all government facilities).

    “The rest are the lack of health facilities and infrastructure for water supply and waste disposal, illiteracy and conflict, leading to overcrowded conditions for displaced people,” Ale said.

    He said that beyond inviting professionals for intervention, “Government at all levels must realise that prevention against future occurrence would always depend on the volume of access to clean water, sanitation, proper waste disposal, personal hygiene, food safety practices, community engagement and awareness campaigns on how to prevent cholera infection.

    “Nearly more than half of Nigeria’s population do not have access to basic water supply.

    “This is partly because of the loopholes in the law.

    “The bitter truth is that government alone cannot supply Nigerians, safe water.

    “Government should involve the private sector players in their planning and intervention to achieve result,” Ale said.

    He also said: “Aside administering vaccines to persons in highly endemic area, it’s important that Government invites private  practitioners in the drilling of boreholes to immediately undertake professional drilling in areas, where water is scarce.

    “Cholera outbreak is a sign of underfunding of the water sector in Nigeria, perhaps the funding was misappropriated.

    “This needs to be looked into proactively.

    “Because of it’s endemic nature, Water Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) experts all over the world will readily be available to render pro bono service in areas of great concern, once called upon.

    “The WASH Practitioners Without Border should also form part of the emergency interventions and they will be expected to help in supervising and drilling of boreholes as well as assist in properly sanitising contaminated boreholes.”

    Ale also created public enlightenment on the causes and prevention of cholera through his organisation’s awareness campaign.

    He warned against errors, capable of making the epidemic to spread.

    He said: “Contaminated water and not filtering and boiling unsafe water before drinking, or drinking sachet water that is not treated, can cause cholera.

    “It also spreads when an infected persons defecate outside, and contaminated faeces are washed into the water system that people drink from.

    Ale further warned against indiscriminate dumping of refuse and irregular disposal of sewage, enabling flies to carry the bacteria to water or food.

    He advised against overcrowded conditions, such as internally displaced persons’ camps, refugees and prisons, with no access to safe water.

    He said that food handlers, who prepare drinks, such as tigernut or zobo, with contaminated water, can also spread cholera too.

    “The Lagos State Government recently mentioned these local drinks, as suspected sources of the latest outbreak.

    “Nonetheless, it is still an embarrassment to the government to have cholera in 2024, meaning Nigerians should expect other related water-borne diseases.

    “Cholera is a sign of poverty, which is identified with low life style.

    “The 1991 rate was high, due to very poor sanitation and hygiene strategies.

    “Little or no surveillance was in place, and there was no community engagement or education on the dangers of the disease.

    “This situation must not be allowed to repeat itself,” Ale said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

    OPA/ARIS
    Edited by Idowu Ariwodola

     

     

  • Septuagenarian distributes food to tackle malnutrition among Bauchi children

    Septuagenarian distributes food to tackle malnutrition among Bauchi children

    Malnutrition
    By Amina Ahmed
    Azare (Bauchi State), June 30, 2024 (NAN) A 75-year-old volunteer in Bauchi State, Hajiya Uwani Umar, has started producing and distributing therapeutic food to families with malnourished children in Azare, Katagum Local Government Area.

    Umar told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Azare on Sunday that the food comprised local grains, such as groundnut, soy beans, wheat and millet, among other items.

    She said that the food was packaged to feed babies for three to four days.

    “I started using this food about 12 years ago when I adopted an abandoned child and had to nurture her.

    “You cannot simply take your eyes off the children because it has become a public concern.

    “So, I realised that the locally homemade tom brown food is nutritious and good for child development.

    “I also started creating awareness among families and friends on how to mix the grains in the last 12 years, introducing the same to women in remote communities, including Bulkachuwa and environs,” Umar said.

    According to her, primary health facilities refer women to her for training on how to prepare the infant meal.

    “I was in Bulkachuwa Community with the consent of the community leader, where the mothers were assembled to collect the commodity.

    “From the interaction with mothers of most of the malnourished babies, they do not access and complete  immunisation.

    “There were mothers that refuse to access uptake of child spacing, therefore, getting pregnant, while breastfeeding without visiting facility for counselling,” Umar said.

    She called for male engagement at all levels to immediately change the notion among households.

    “Male engagement is core for them to take action and rescue the future of these babies from stunted growth and wasting,” she further said. (NAN)(wwwnannews.ng)

    AE/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

     

     

  • Ensure no drug trafficker escapes justice—Yusuf tells Justice ministry

    Ensure no drug trafficker escapes justice—Yusuf tells Justice ministry

    Drugs

    By Aminu Garko

    Kano, June 30,2024( NAN) Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has directed the office of the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to block legal loopholes exploited by drug traffickers to escape justice.

    Yusuf spoke during a visit to the Kano Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA) on Sunday.

    He said it was unfortunate that some drug traffickers seek and obtain court orders for the release of their confiscated illicit goods.

    Yusuf questioned the integrity of judges who sanction such requests saying their actions have severe implications for the society.

    He stressed the need for collaboration between the judiciary and the executive arms of government to protect the state from the dangers of drug trafficking.

    The governor commended KAROTA’s efforts at helping relevant authorities to arrest illicit drug dealers.

    He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to combating drug smuggling and pledged support to agencies fighting drug trafficking and abuse. (NAN)  (www.nannews.ng)

    AAG/KUA

    ========

  • Katsina records 118 suspected cholera cases, zero-cases in Kaduna, Kano 

    Katsina records 118 suspected cholera cases, zero-cases in Kaduna, Kano
    Cholera
    By Bashir Rabe Mani
    Kaduna, June 30, 2024 (NAN)  As Nigeria grapples with a surging  cholera outbreak, available data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) showed that no fewer than 31 states have so far recorded 528 confirmed cases.
    Out of these cases, 53  deaths have been recorded in no fewer than 117 local governments across the country.
    However, the three tiers of government and their partners have been employing proactive measures to tame the outbreak and prevent it from spreading.
    President Bola Tinubu had since approved the establishment of a multi-sectoral cabinet committee on the control of the epidemic headed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate.
    In Katsina, the state government said it has recorded 118 suspected cholera cases out of which two were confirmed, disclosing that it was putting in place proactive measures to curtail the possible outbreak of the disease.
    The Director of Epidemiology, state Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Kabir Suleiman, stated this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Katsina.
    Suleiman explained that cholera was an ailment caused by bacteria, which was detected with acute diarrhea.
    “Based on our records, around March, this year, we had an outbreak of cholera in Kusada local government. There were 68 suspected cases where we have two confirmed cases with one death.
    “The situation was effectively managed by the government together with the development partners,” he said.
    Suleiman added that recently, about 118 suspected cholera samples were taken for laboratory tests.
    According to him, all the cases were negative, adding, “So, for now, we don’t have new cholera cases. But the state is fully prepared for any emergency.
    “Basically, we can coordinate any outbreak that can affect the state at any point in time.”
    The director said the state, together with some of the development partners, have the required equipment to fight against the disease.
    “We have all the needed equipment to treat such outbreaks. We have maintained our system at alert, where we are now at alert mode.
    “Rapid Response Teams, including surveillance and notifications officers have already been trained on proper detection and management of such diseases.
    “In terms of prevention and control, we are taking measures to curtail the spread of the disease to other places in the state,” Suleiman said
    He further said that the agency has produced jingles to sensitise the residents on the causes of the disease, treatment and preventative measures.
    The director further revealed that the government engaged about 3, 000 ‘Volunteer Community Mobilizers (VCMs)’ who visit house-to-house to sensitise women on the importance of maintaining personal hygiene.
    Suleiman also said that the government had established ‘Oral Rehydration Points’ at the 34 Comprehensive Health Centres (CHCs) for admission and treatment of cholera cases.
    “We also have a normal routine surveillance system that is working throughout the day in order to effectively fight against outbreak of emergencies like cholera,” he said.
    Suleiman added that the government was also building 102 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in the state to enhance healthcare services at the rural areas across the state.
    He. therefore,urged the people in the state to continue to imbibe the habit of personal hygiene and environmental sanitation, as part of the plausible measures to avert diseases’ outbreak.
    Meanwhile, in Kaduna, the State Primary Health Care Board (SPHCB) said that there was no any reported case of cholera in the state in spite of it being recorded in neighboring states.
    The Incident Manager (IM) of the board, Dr Abdullahi Musa, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna.
    Musa, who doubles as the board’s ‘Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO),’ therefore said the state was alert and prepared in the advent of any emergency to curtail it in a short time.
    He disclosed that the state had reactivated its rapid response team which consists of a team of experts that were competent and capable of responding to any form of outbreak or public health emergency.
    Musa also said they were able to identify some of designated health facilities at the local government levels that would serve as treatment centres in case of the outbreak of cholera in the state.
    He equally said they have identified some selected facilities that can diagnose the case of cholera, adding, “This are facilities that have laboratories for diagnosing cases of cholera.”
    Speaking on the area of surveillance, the DSNO said they were able to sensitise many personnel on how to identify cases of cholera.
    Stressing the importance of surveillance, Musa said they have Surveillance Officers, the DSNO’s at the LG level, other Surveillance Officers at facilities level and community informants.
    “We were able to sensitise them so they could be informed on the current outbreak of cholera in some states, and should be able to pick up cases on time before it spread, when it eventually comes to the state,”he said.
    Speaking on area of media engagement, Musa said they were airing jingles and having programmes in order to sensitise the public about the outbreak of cholera in the country and various ways it could be contacted, its signs and symptoms and prevention.
    He added that the government was also supporting them in areas of water purification by procuring chlorine to chlorinate sources of water.
    Musa added, “Currently, we have marked all the waves in the state.  Over 260,000 waves were marked out and about to start chlorination so as to purify sources of water for the public.”
    He urged the public to take any suspected case to the hospital, restating the state’s readiness to respond to the cholera outbreak without spreading it to other places in the advent of an emergency.
    Also in Kano State, the state government said it has not recorded any case of cholera.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) had earlier listed Kano among the states battling the disease.
    The Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran, said this while fielding questions from newsmen in Kano.
    Labaran, however, said that findings so far revealed that there was no cholera outbreak in the state.
    “We don’t have a single case as of now. We have seen some reports in the media but we can categorically tell you that there is none,” he said.
    The commissioner explained that the state government had unveiled proactive measures to safeguard the people against the cholera outbreak in the state.
    Labaran said, “As a government, we have taken necessary measures, including alerting our Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) committee two weeks ago when the disease broke out in Lagos.
    “The committee, comprising health practitioners, surveillance and notification officers, health educators, and ward volunteers, is tasked with reporting any strange disease or pandemic and taking prompt measures to halt its spread.
    “The state has launched a sensitisation campaign to educate people, particularly in rural areas, on how to protect themselves.
    “We have launched public campaigns to raise awareness and promote proactive measures within communities, focusing on personal and environmental hygiene, and avoiding the consumption of unsafe water.”
    He further said that the state government had procured drugs to combat the disease in the event of an outbreak.
    The commissioner also urged the communities to promptly report any malfunctioning public water facilities to the nearest officials for immediate repairs, ensuring access to clean water throughout the state.
    Similarly, the Director-General, Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC), Prof.  Muhammad Abbas, has called on the people in the state to take cholera with the seriousness it deserves due to its fatal consequences in the society.
    Abbas strongly advised the residents to take proactive measures to set the state free from the dreaded disease.
    The director-general  explained that the commonest identified symptoms of cholera were diarrhea, vomiting and rapid dehydration, advising, ”whoever is spotted with any or all of the symptoms should be rushed to the nearest health facility.
    ”The people must take timely actions to avert cholera outbreak in the state through frequent washing of hands with soap and water, drinking safe water and avoiding contaminated sources of water including rainwater.”
    The rest, said he, include avoiding close contact with the people showing symptoms of cholera, storing food appropriately and washing hands before and after using toilets.
    Abbas further emphasized that the people should develop the habit of staying safe with good hygiene as additional protection against cholera through use of proper toilets and hygienic disposal of wastes.
    According to him, all foods should be thoroughly cooked and safely stored, raw and cooked seafood should be avoided while fruits and vegetables must be adequately washed with clean water before use.
    The director-general also assured the people of the state that the agency was up and doing, through the fullest support of the ministry, to focus on any public disease that may cause havoc to their socio-economic well-being. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    By Reporters
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Why NASS supports privatisation of teaching hospitals- Committee Chairman

    Why NASS supports privatisation of teaching hospitals- Committee Chairman

    Privatisation

    By Mustapha Yauri

    Zaria (Kaduna State) June 30, 2024 (NAN) The House of Representative says it will support the campaign for the privatisation and commercialisation of the federal teaching hospitals, to enhance efficiency and better healthcare delivery.

    Mr Amos Magaji, Chairman House Committee on Health, and member representing Zangon Kataf/Jaba, Federal Constituency in Kaduna State, disclosed this to newsmen on Saturday evening, after the committee’s oversight visit to Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria.

    Magaji said the House of Representatives would support the initiative to strengthen service delivery, adding that the Federal Government should also take a critical look into health insurance, and increase its capitation before venturing into such a project.

    He added that the health insurance should capture senior citizens age 70 years and above into the scheme because with good capitation from health insurance, people will be able to pay their bills when the hospitals were commercialised.

    “At the moment there is a huge burden of out of pocket expenses on health; and so if you privatise or commercialise the National Teaching Hospital, it is similar to giving Nigerians death sentences,’’ Magaji said.

    The chairman said governance was for the people, and as such, policies of the government should have a human face and tally with the aspirations of people.

    On the visit to ABUTH, Magaji expressed the committee’s dissatisfaction over the number of personnel of the hospital, noting that the prestigious tertiary health facility with 1000-bed capacity, should have adequate workers to man the facility.

    The chairman pledged the committee’s commitment to ensuring all grey areas in the health sector were tackled, in the overall interests of all Nigerians.

    “The oversight visit to the hospital was not to find fault or witch-hunt anybody, but to assist the facility in its business of delivering quality and affordable healthcare services to Nigerians.

    Earlier, Prof Hamid Umdagas, Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, told the committee that dearth of manpower and electricity supply, were the major challenges of the hospital.

    Umdagas said that the hospital, which had six satellite stations, 40 clinical and non-clinical departments, was barely managing with only 2,805 personnel as at June 27.

    According to him, the “Japa’’ syndrome was hitting hard on the facility’s human resources, as some of its health facility just simply disappeared, while a few had retired. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AM/DOR
    =======

    Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

  • Cholera: Water safety threatened by improper refuse disposal, open defecation – NCDC

    Cholera: Water safety threatened by improper refuse disposal, open defecation –NCDC

    Cholera

    By Abujah Racheal

    Abuja, June 30, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has expressed concern over growing threat to water safety in the country, which triggers outbreak of water-borne diseases, including cholera.

    Its Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, expressed worry in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, stressing that improper refuse disposal and open defecation practices are endangering the quality of water sources used for drinking and for personal use.

    The centre announced an outbreak of cholera, a severe diarrheal illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which has spread to more than 30 states of the federation.

    The centre also reports that as of June 24, 2024, there were 1,528 suspected cholera cases, 65 confirmed cases and 53 deaths across 107 local government areas in 31 states, reflecting a case fatality rate of 3.5 per cent since the beginning of the year.

    The most affected states include Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa and Lagos.

    The NCDC boss, therefore, urged Nigerians to adopt safe sanitation practices and called on state governments to enforce stricter waste management regulations, saying “unsafe practices lead to contamination of water bodies.

    “We must take responsibility to ensure the safety of our water. Proper waste disposal and elimination of open defecation are crucial in this direction.

    “There is also the need for public education and awareness about the importance of hygiene and proper sanitation practices amid rising concerns about the spread of diseases such as cholera and typhoid, which thrive in unsanitary conditions.”

    He explained that as the rainy season sets in, the risk of water contamination may be heightened, hence the need for communities to take immediate action.

    “We need collective efforts to protect our water sources and ensure the health and well-being of all Nigerians,” he  said.

    He listed measures taken to curtail the disease to include efforts made by the multi-sectoral National Cholera Technical Working Group, led by NCDC, comprising federal ministries of environment and water resources, and National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

    He said “World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and other partners have been providing support to affected states.

    “The support includes risk communication, active case search, laboratory diagnosis, case management, provision of response commodities, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions, and dissemination of cholera awareness jingles in both English and local languages.

    “President Bola Tinubu had also directed the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to establish a committee to oversee the cholera emergency operation centre operated by the NCDC.

    “This committee will include members from the ministries of health, finance, water resources, environment, youth, aviation and education.

    “The initiative aims to reduce open defecation with support from state governments.”

    Idris said the NCDC activated the emergency operation centre to address the outbreak.

    He, however, stressed the urgent need for improved sanitation practices and access to clean water to combat the outbreak.

    Meanwhile, Lagos State accounts for the highest number of the cholera deaths with 29, followed by Rivers with eight, Abia and Delta with four each, Katsina with three, Bayelsa with two, while Kano, Nasarawa and Cross River recorded one each.

    The alarming trend highlights the urgent need for coordinated response to prevent further escalation of the crisis, especially in affected states.(NAN) www.nannews.ng).

    AIR/ISHO/HA

    Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • NAFDAC commends Tinubu for signing executive order to transform health sector 

    Order
    By Aderogba George
    Abuja, Julne 29, 2024 (NAN) The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commended President Bola Tinubu for recently signing an Executive Order (EO) to transformed the country’s health sector.
    The commendation is in a statement by the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, issued to newsmen in Abuja on Saturday.
    Adeyeye stated that the reform and transformation agenda to make NAFDAC a well-functioning, strong and stable regulatory organisation started when she assumed office six years ago.
    She added that the effort she put into transforming NAFDAC has started paying off, “part of which is what paved the way to signing of the Executive Order to make Nigeria to manufacture its own drugs.”
    The Executive Order, she said, includes several measures such as Zero Tariff and Excise Duties which exempts specified pharmaceutical machinery, equipment, goods and accessories, as well as reduce production costs and make healthcare products affordable.
    She noted that “the Executive Order also gives special waivers on pharmaceutical inputs like Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and other essential raw materials, including those for Long-lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) and Rapid Diagnostic kits.”
    She added that all these products would benefit from zero tariff, excise duties and Value Added Tax (VAT), as well as low prices of essential medicines and medical supplies.
    Adeyeye explained that the Executive Order would also shape and establish framework contracts and volume to guarantee and stabilise local manufacturing of medical products.
    According to her, it will also help in regulatory harmonisation, expedient approvals, develop harmonised implementation framework to guide regulatory agencies in streamlining approval processes.
    She stated that the order would help in implementation and compliance, where agencies like Nigeria Customs Service, NAFDAC, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) would ensure swift implementation.
    Adeyeye said “the waivers and exemptions are valid for two years. The order is vital to the success of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and will encourage local manufacturing, create jobs, stimulate economic growth and reduce dependence on imports.
    “It will ensure reliable supply of essential healthcare products, enhance quality and innovation, strengthen health aystems by address underinvestment and regulatory challenges.
    “The Executive Order will improve service delivery and health outcomes, and enhance resilience to future health crises.”
    The NAFDAC boss noted that the President’s Executive Order underscores the administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s health sector.
    According to her, the Executive Order aligns with the broader objectives of the NHSRII and the Presidential Initiative on Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) approved in October 2023.
    She emphasised that by addressing core challenges and providing clear path for improvement, the Executive Order would set the stage for sustainable and high-quality healthcare system for Nigerians. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AG/BEKl/HA
    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • NGO offers healthcare services to persons with albinism in Edo

     

    Medical professionals attending to some persons with albinism during the free skin and eye care services organised by the Initiative for Advancement of the Albinism Cause (INAAC) in Benin on Saturday

    Care

    By Usman Aliyu

    Benin, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Initiative for Advancement of the Albinism Cause (INAAC) on Saturday offered free skin and eye care services to more than 100 persons with albinism in Edo.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the free healthcare service was organised to commemorate the 2024 International Albinism Awareness Day.

    In her address, Founder and Executive Director of the initiative, Miss Joy Odigie, said the event was planned to bring the community together in a significant and impactful way.

    According to her, the 2024 International Albinism Awareness Day has the theme, “10 Years of Collective Progress” and celebrates the shared commitment and relentless efforts over the past decade to improve the lives of persons with albinism.

    The initiative, Odigie said, started to subsidise skin cancer surgeries for persons with albinism due to the increasing burden effect of the disease.

    “Climate change has led to rising temperatures and heat waves, negatively affecting the skin of people with albinism in Nigeria.

    “We are now recording increasing cases of skin tumors and cancers, especially among rural dwellers and poor persons with albinism who lack access to sunscreen lotions, skin checks, and services,” Odigie said.

    She said that since the NGO introduced the skin cancer surgeries’ subsidy two years ago, about four individuals had benefited, with four more waiting in line.

    “We partner with a hospital in Benin to run the subsidised skin tumors and cancer surgeries.

    “The hospital offers a 20 per cent to 30 per cent discount to patients, while the NGO covers an additional 30 per cent to 40 per cent of the remaining medical bills,” she said.

    The founder, however, announced a plan to launch skin and eye trust foundation for persons with albinism to provide critical resources to address their unique challenges.

    A Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) expert attending to a child with albinism

    According to her, these challenges range from low vision to skin cancers with the aim of enhancing quality life for this vulnerable set of people.

    “However, for this fund to be successful, we need the support of government and non-governmental actors, organisations and other partners.

    “Your contributions and involvement will be vital in ensuring that this fund can make a meaningful impact.

    “Your support and commitment exemplify the spirit of community and solidarity that drives our mission,” said Odigie.

    Taking the beneficiaries on tips for healthy life, Dr Aisha Sokunbi warned them against exposure to sunlight which could damage their skin.

    Sokunbi, a Dermatologist, urged governments and well-meaning individuals to always help reduce the burden on this group due to their skin type.

    NAN reports that the services also include ear checks and treatment as well as blood pressure check, among the aged ones. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AUO/COF

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    Edited by Christiana Fadare

  • FG, UNICEF, others push for enhancement of social protection

    FG, UNICEF, others push for enhancement of social protection

    Protection

    By Funmilayo Adeyemi

    Abuja, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and development partners, have emphasised the critical need to strengthen the social protection system to address growing poverty.

    This is contained in a communiqué jointly endorsed by UNICEF Representative, Ms. Cristian Munduate, EU Ambassador in Nigeria, Ms. Samuela Isopi, and Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of The Economy, Mr Wale Edun.

    The communiqué was issued in Abuja on Saturday at the end of the 3rd Edition of the Social Protection Cross Learning Summit.

    According to the communiqué, Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, faces significant challenges in human capital development, and deprivations in health, education, nutrition, water, hygiene, sanitation, and child protection.

    It noted that the situation underscored the urgency for comprehensive and effective social protection strategies.

    “In response to these challenges, the federal government introduced a cash transfer programme, providing N25,000 over a three-month period to poor and vulnerable households.

    “This initiative aims to alleviate immediate economic pressures and mitigate the socio-economic impact of recent economic reforms.

    “Our goal is to create a comprehensive support network that addresses the multifaceted needs of children and families, ultimately leading to improved outcomes in health, education, and overall well-being.

    “We must work together to bridge gaps and strengthen coordination,” the communiqué said

    Earlier in an address, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Edun, emphasised the importance of integrated social protection systems.

    Edun said the government was committed to ensure access to social protection for all and remove the barriers that people face in accessing these services.

    “As a result, the government is engaged to implement with the support from relevant stakeholders, including the Social Protection Development Partner Group, the agreed action points from the summit,” he said.

    Also, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Munduate, on behalf of the Social Protection Development Partners Group, said that social protection was crucial in realising the rights of every child.

    She said that Child-sensitive social protection was key to ensure that every child reached his or her full potential.

    “There is a need to ensure stronger linkages between social protection and essential social services with focus on health, education, and nutrition.

    “In of spite advancements, social protection coverage remains low, with only seven per cent of children covered.

    “Coordination mechanisms are weak, leading to fragmentation and inefficiency.

    “Therefore, the summit aims to generate actionable insights and foster collaboration among key players to enhance coverage, coordination, and financing of social protection interventions,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FAK/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru