Category: Health

Employment

By Sunday John

Lafia, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Dr Hassan Ikrama, Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH)  Lafia, says the hospital has employed 28 medical doctors to address manpower shortage at the facility.

Ikrama made the disclosure to newsmen on Monday in Lafia.

He explained that the employment became imperative to fill vacancies at the hospital in order to strengthen their capacity to deliver quality healthcare services.

The CMD noted that the country’s health sector was being threatened by so many challenges including brain drain since  COVID-19 struck.

“Due to the havoc wreaked by COVID-19, many nations opened their borders to healthcare workers especially doctors from other climes.

“As a result, doctors across the country including our facility had left to take jobs overseas,” he added.

Ikrama appreciated Gov. Abdullahi Sule for the approval to replace all those who left  in order to maintain high standard of healthcare services.

He said that plans were ongoing to employ more doctors to cater to the needs in the various departments of the hospital.

The CMD, therefore, assured members of the public of the hospital’s determination to continue to offer quality healthcare services to the people. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

SDJ/IU

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Edited by Isaac Ukpoju

Cholera
By Oluwafunke Ishola
Lagos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, says fatalities from the state’s cholera outbreak have risen to 29 deaths and 579 suspected cases across multiple local government areas in the state.

Abayomi announced this during a state multiagency news conference and update on cholera outbreak on Monday in Lagos.

The commissioner also announced laboratory confirmation of 43 cases, noting that Lagos Island, Kosofe and Eti Osa, recorded the highest numbers of infections.

“Most of these deaths were caused by patients presenting very late at a stage where we could not resuscitate them because they had severe dehydration, and many patients were actually brought in dead.

“Out of all the samples we were able to collect, we were able to identify vebrio cholera.

“So, this is indeed a confirmed case of the cholera outbreak by a subtype O1 that is known to us to be very contagious and to cause significant sickness in those that contract it.

“Many children came down with cholera, many students, lots of traders, and artisans, those were the predominant cases and these we suspect are people that are in crowded areas,” he said.

He said that the state recorded severe cases that led to fatalities due to severe dehydration, while some were resuscitated at the Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba.

“Some of these cases their kidneys had shut down from the severe dehydration and at that facility, we had access to renal dialysis; so, we were able to wake the kidneys back up with renal dialysis and rehydrate them.

“Those are the kinds of cases that we still have on admission because they were very, very severe. We were able to rescue them from dying,” he said.

The commissioner further said that 30 patients were left on admission as of June 23, noting that the cases were declining in the state.

Speaking on the distribution of cases based on visitation to health facilities, Abayomi said that 209 visited general hospitals; 193 primary healthcare centres; 152 private hospitals, military/police hospital 14, eight tertiary hospitals and 12 unknown health centres.

Abayomi advised citizens to seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise and fever.

He stressed that immediate action on rehydration was key to survival, adding that oral rehydration salts (ORS) should be promptly introduced.

The commissioner added that treatment for cholera was provided free of charge at all public health facilities in the state.

On prevention measures, Abayomi advised citizens to drink safe water that’s boiled, treated, or bottled and eat food that’s thoroughly cooked and hot, and avoid raw foods.

He advised citizens to maintain high hygiene by washing hands with soap and clean water regularly and using proper sanitation facilities and disposing of waste properly.

The commissioner stressed that the state was intensifying its public health prevention campaigns to prevent a resurgence.

Abayomi reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring that residents of the state receive quality and affordable health care.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

Cholera can cause severe acute watery diarrhea and the severe forms of the disease can kill within hours if left untreated.

The health agency confirmed a cumulative death of 194, 897 deaths and 1,932 cases globally as a result of cholera outbreak in 24 countries. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AIO/VIV
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Edited by Vivian Ihechu

IWD: 800 widows benefit from LASG N40m welfare package

Widow
By Kemi Akintokun
Lagos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) No fewer than 800 widows on Monday received 50,000 cash gift from the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), in commemoration of the 2024 International Widows Day (IWD).

Mrs Bolaji Dada, the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, disclosed this at a media parley organised by the ministry to mark the day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the day is annually celebrated on June 23 across the globe to raise awareness about violation of human rights that widows suffer following the death of their spouses.

The theme of this year’s global observance is ”Widows for Peace through Democracy”.

The commissioner noted that the challenges faced by widows are enormous and grievous,
adding that it could only be rectified through access to decent living and justice for the oppressed, among others.

She reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State Government in advocating and protecting the rights of widows toward attaining best international human rights practices, which emphasises equality of all persons.

According to her, Lagos State as a centre of excellence, joined the developed world to make provisions for laws geared toward protecting widows from discrimination, stigmatisation and violence.

She added that “all agents of socialisation must, in fact, be effectively engaged to secure a society free from discrimination against widows.

“It is in recognition of this that WAPA has been strategic in ensuring that some of these laws that require states to educate their populace toward changing negative societal norms and cultural practices are promulgated.

“The agenda of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for social inclusion to leave no one behind has endeared him to graciously approve funds to support widows yearly with cash gifts for inclusive governance.”

Dada disclosed that widows accounted for 10 per cent of the more than 70,000 women empowered by the ministry through various skills in the state.

She explained that beneficiaries of the cash gifts were selected from various NGOs, faith-based groups, widows from Lagos State Social Register (LASSR), and vulnerable widows from the ministry’s register.

She urged individuals that maltreat and victimise widows to desist from such evil act.

Mrs Olufunke Shyllon, the Director of Women Affairs in the ministry, commended the Lagos State Government “for its unwavering support to vulnerable women in the state.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

KOA/DCO/HA
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Edited by Deborah Coker/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

NGO pledges partnership with pharmaceutical firms to assist vulnerable Nigerians

Partnership

By Diana Omueza

Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Hope Everyday Foundation, an NGO, says it is seeking partnership with Emzor Pharmaceuticals and other pharmaceutical companies to provide medical aid to underprivileged Nigerians.

Dr Nkechi Akinwale, Executive Director of the foundation said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

Akinwale who spoke shortly after official inauguration of her NGO, said that the foundation is planning to hold a medical outreach to some hard to reach communities within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

“Today is actually the official inauguration of the foundation, however we have been carrying out medical outreaches since the foundation was founded in March 24.

“Hope Everyday foundation was founded out of the passion and the desire to provide free medical services to those who are unable to access or afford medical services due to finance or location.

“Our drive is to give hope to the hopeless, by rendering comprehensive medical services, from doctor’s consultations, to laboratory services, free medications, medical referrals, counseling and awareness campaigns among others.

“Our intends to partner with pharmaceutical companies like Emzor in order to access bulk, subsidised and authentic medications for our next outreach and future events,’’ she said.

Akinwale said that since inception of the foundation, it had held three medical outreaches and offered all medical services freely to at least 159 persons in Tukpechi Community in Kuje Area Council of Abuja.

She said that the foundation was able to achieve success in all the outreaches already held because of the support from some medical NGOs.

She however said that more support was needed especially in the area of providing medications for treatment of Malaria, Peptic Ulcer, Typhoid fever and others.

Akinwale called for contributions and donations of medical items including food and clothing items for the nursing mothers and babies.

“In all our outreaches we discovered that food supply and clothing especially for nursing mothers with children who are most vulnerable to malaria are very important.

“So we need support to provide mosquito nets for pregnant women, clothes for children within the ages of zero to 36 months, as well as clothes for mothers,’’ she said.

She appealed to privileged Nigerians to extend help to the vulnerable group, adding that it is the only part of humanitarian act that lasts long in the hearts of people.(NAN)

DOM/FEO/EAL

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Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Ekemini Ladejobi

Plateau has no recorded case of cholera–Official

Cholera

By Blessing Odega

Jos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Dr Cletus Shurkuk, Plateau’s Commissioner for Health, says the state has not recorded any case of cholera.

Shurkuk, in a statement on Monday, said that
in spite of the ongoing outbreak in 30 other states in Nigeria, the state was yet to record any case, as the two suspected cases reported tested negative for cholera.

The commissioner defined cholera as an acute diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which could lead to severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and even death if left untreated.

He said the disease was transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food and water, and could spread rapidly in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene.

Shurkuk urged the public to inculcate the act of hand washing with soap and water, or alcohol based sanitisers.

He further cautioned the public to ensure they boiled their water before drinking, if it was not from a safe source.

He also urged the public to wash their fruits and vegetables thoroughly with salt and clean water before consumption.

Shurkuk further cautioned the public to desist from the act of open defecation and ensure they maintained good environmental sanitation practices.

He advised anyone with symptoms suggestive of cholera to visit the nearest health facility for prompt treatment.

Shurkuk said that the ministry had robust epidemiological surveillance systems in place, to monitor for any signs of infectious disease outbreaks, including cholera.

“The Ministry of Health is prepared to handle potential outbreaks as preventive measures, including water quality monitoring and community education on hygiene practices, are continuously enforced to prevent the spread of waterborne and other priority diseases.

“Our routine health checks and sanitation measures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens,”he assured.

He said the ministry was working closely with primary healthcare providers, community leaders, and international health organisations to maintain a high standard of public health preparedness to respond promptly to any disease outbreak and prevent further spread.

He urged the public to remain calm and avoid any form of panic.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

UBO/AMM

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Stakeholders call for increased investment in RMNCAEH+N 

Investment
By Abujah Racheal
Abuja, June 24, 2024(NAN) Stakeholders have called for increased investment and improved accountability and transparency in the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent, Elderly Health and Nutrition (RMNCAEH+N) sector.

They made the call during a workshop organised by the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) on Monday in Abuja, saying increased investment would enhance maternal and child health outcomes in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop brought together diverse group of participants, including representatives from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the media, youth and government officials.

The primary objectives are to present the draft Nigeria RMNCAEH+N Strategy, review and build consensus on indicators for RMNCAEH+N Accountability Scorecard, and develop a scoring sheet.

The Coordinator of AHBN, Dr Aminu Magashi, stressed the critical need for robust investment in RMNCAEH+N services to ensure comprehensive healthcare for all demographics, including mental health services, sexual and reproductive health services and nutrition interventions.

Magashi also highlighted the urgent need for increased budgetary allocation to the RMNCAEH+N sector.

He said “investment in maternal and child health is not just a health issue, it is of economic and social value.

“Adequate funding will enable us to achieve universal access to vital health services and improve outcomes for women, children and adolescents across Nigeria.”

Mr Olympus Adebanjo, a Youth Advocate, who expressed concern and commitment to advocacy for greater accountability, said “we need to hold leaders accountable for every Naira spent on health.

“Transparent reporting and effective use of resources are essential to achieving health goals.”

The CSOs Representative, Mrs Chika Offor, who is also the Executive Director of Vaccine Network for Disease Control, called for unified approach to tackling health challenges.

She said “collaboration among stakeholders, government, CSOs, the media and youths is crucial.

“We must work together to ensure that health investments are not only increased but are also efficiently and transparently managed.”

On her part, Ms Racheal Abujah, the representative of Association of Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHEJ), said that the call to action from the workshop was apt.

Abujah, who is also the Vice President of ANHEJ, said that greater investment in RMNCAEH+N and improved accountability mechanisms are indispensable to advancing Nigeria’s health agenda and achieving sustainable health outcomes for all.

She stressed the importance of governance and leadership in driving accountability and transparency in the health sector.

NAN recalls that during the plenary sessions, stakeholders discussed the development of indicators that would ensure better tracking and reporting of health investments and outcomes.

These indicators cover budgetary allocation, governance, leadership and overall accountability and transparency.

The workshop concluded with a consensus on key indicators for the RMNCAEH+N Accountability Scorecard, which will serve as vital tool for monitoring and evaluation process in the sector.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

AIR/KAE/HA
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Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Cholera

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, has tasked principals of Federal Unity Colleges (FUCs) to put in place necessary measures to curtail the outbreak of cholera disease.

Sununu was speaking in Abuja on Monday at an interactive session with all Principals of Federal Unity Colleges (FUCs).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the country is currently experiencing a significant cholera outbreak, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reporting over 1,528 suspected cases in 31 states.

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

The Minister urged the Principals to tackle the spread of the disease in their various schools and as well detect early signs of the outbreak.

“The country is challenged with cholera outbreak and it is the responsibility of all principals to put in place necessary measures to detect early signs.

“This is to ensure that it does not get to our schools. Any issue must be communicated to the ministry, so that our schools will be protected.

“It is a collective effort to ensure hygiene in our schools as this will help the government to curtail the outbreak,” he said.

Sununu also charged the principals to ensure professionalisation in the teaching profession, by ensuring all teachers within their domain get certification from TRCN.

According to him, many staff of the federal government colleges have not regularised their certificate.

He, therefore, called on the principals to encourage their teachers to renew their annual practicing licences, noting that they would be termed as quacks for failing to do so.

Also speaking, Dr Idowu Akinbamijo, Principal, Federal, Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC), Ilesa, said there were moves to secure the colleges.

Akinbamijo said measure had been taken to secure the schools in terms of security of lives and properties as well as the health situations.

She canvassed for the employment of more teachers, especially in critical trade subjects’ areas.

“We cannot afford an outbreak of any such in our colleges. So all principals are giving the matching orders and we are all set.

“Our staffs need to be increased, we are seriously lacking critical subject areas and we need teachers that can do this.

“This is something that will go far beyond the ministry; it has to do with the teacher production methods.

“More students have to be admitted into the colleges of education and universities to be trained as teachers and more of them should be deployed to teach and not finding their ways in other profession,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannnew.ng)

FAK/AMM

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FG advocates diaspora engagement in health sector

Health
By Abujah Racheal
Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Federal Government has urged Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) to prioritise the dual responsibilities doctors bear in serving their host countries and contributing to the transformation of Nigeria’s healthcare system.

The Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, made the call at a recent gathering to showcase the unity and dedication of Nigerian medical professionals residing abroad.

The information is in a statement signed by the minister, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

Alausa listed challenges faced by Nigeria’s health sector to include inadequate funding, brain drain and insufficient health insurance coverage, and detailed a strategic 4-point agenda aimed at addressing the issues.

He stated that “this agenda focuses on improving governance structures, health outcomes, unlocking healthcare value and ensuring health security for all Nigerians.

“Significant progress has been made under this agenda within the past year, including doubling enrollment in medical fields, increasing nursing school enrollment and streamlining clinical trial approvals.

“The establishment of University of Allied Health Sciences in Enugu and efforts to strengthen regulatory agencies underscores the commitment to building a robust healthcare system.”

He emphasised the role of Nigerian physicians in the diaspora and urged them to leverage on their expertise in advanced medical technology, research and patient care to support healthcare improvements in Nigeria.

He added that “collaborative initiatives such as medical education partnerships, manpower synergy with tertiary hospitals and the adoption of primary healthcare centres are key areas of potential cooperation.”

He urged the ANPA members to participate in the Healthcare Professionals in the Diaspora (HPD) Engagement Programme, aimed at fostering sustainable contributions to Nigeria’s health sector.

He expressed confidence in the support of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in prioritising healthcare and involving Nigerian health professionals globally.

The minister also announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ANPA and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) in the pursuit of accreditation of Nigeria’s undergraduate medical education by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME).

He said that “with the MoU, the country is closer to stabilising and improving the skill set and capacity of the healthcare workforce.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

AIR/HA
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Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu