Category: Health

Sustainability

By Kemi Akintokun

Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN) has called for partnership to ensure sustainability of sickle cell disorder programmes in the country.

This was contained in a communique developed by stakeholders following a symposium and news conference to commemorate the 2024 World Sickle Cell Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Sickle Cell Day is marked globally every June 19 to raise awareness about the disease.

The communique, which was read by Dr Annette Akinsete, National Director/CEO of SCFN, noted that government’s commitment was essential for Sickle Cell control in Nigeria, however, that government alone could not be saddled with the responsibility, but through partnerships.

“Sickle Cell Disorder should be declared as a national emergency to address challenges faced by warriors.

“There are advances in treatment and cure, new drugs; non-pharmacological aids for pain management; and Gene therapy must be made available to SCD patients through partnerships.

“Global partnerships as outlined in SDG No.17, partnership within Nigeria which involves Public-Private partnership, religious communities and others need to come together as one,” it said.

According to the communique, the foundation which was  established 30 years ago, is a non-government entity that is involved in all areas of sickle cell programmes; including advocacy; research; prevention; treatment; care; welfare and cure.

It said that the foundation had come up with the ‘Wait-List Initiative of SCFN’, to help solve the out of pocket expenses problem that persons with the disease suffer.

“This initiative will ensure treatment and care of warriors in a sustainable manner, in any part of Nigeria by enrolling in the Wait-List database.

”The treatment will comprise daily routine drugs, wound dressing for leg ulcers; hospital admission expenses; stroke requiring rehabilitation and others,” the communique said.

It called for more advocacy to educate Nigerians on the need to know their genotype and shun discrimination and stigmatisation against persons with SCD. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
KOA/FON/VIV

=====

Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Vivian Ihechu

Ogun Govt. vows to maintain hygienic meat handling practices

Hygiene

By Joy Akinsanya
Ijebu-Igbo (Ogun State), June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Ogun Government on Friday  vowed to ensure hygienic meat handling practices in abattoirs and enforce strict regulations to safeguard public health.

Mr Bolu Owotomo, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, made the pledge during a visit to resolve the issue arising from the sealing of Funmodara Slaughter Slab at Ijebu-Igbo by Veterinary Public Health Enforcement Team.

He said “this development is to boost consumers’ confidence in the meat industry and ensure a safe and healthy food supply chain.

“Our government is determined to improve sanitation and hygiene in the meat industry, and also guarantee the consumption of wholesome meat.”

He explained that the move was part of efforts to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases and ensure the safety of meat products in the state.

He warned abattoir operators to adhere to strict guidelines or face penalties.

While emphasising commitment to protecting the well-being of citizens, the commissioner urged butchers to support and cooperate with government, for improved services in the slaughter slabs.

The Director of Veterinary services, Dr Taiwo Jolaoso, also enjoined butchers to cooperate with veterinary officials and ensure only healthy animals were slaughtered for consumption.

Responding on behalf of the butchers, the Chairman of the Slab, Alhaji Musa Abesin, commended the commissioner for intervening and for ordering the re-opening of the abattoir.

He said “we really appreciate your presence and your prompt response on this issue, we also give you our promise to cooperate with government to improve the slabs.

“We are also appealing for rehabilitation of the road leading to the abattoir and provision of necessary amenities to make the abattoir conducive.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
IOJ/HA

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Cases of conflict-related sexual violence soar by 50% in 1 yar — UNFPA

Violence

By Folasade Akpan

Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) says cases of conflict-related sexual violence increased by 50 per cent between 2022 and 2023, amid surge in conflicts around the world.

The Executive Director of the fund, Dr Natalia Kanem, disclosed this in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by Mr Adewole Ajao, the Communication Analyst of UNFPA Nigeria Country Office in Abuja.

According to Kanem, women rarely start wars but often suffer most from them as they are driven from their homes, separated from their families, deprived of livelihoods and subjected to violence.

She added that “their bodies should never be battlegrounds, yet they become so when sexual violence is deliberately used during conflicts to further terrorise them and their communities.

“Women and girls are being assaulted, raped and forced into marriage and sexual slavery, they are left to cope with dire consequences that can last a lifetime, including post-traumatic stress, sexually transmitted infections, social stigma and isolation, physical injury and unwanted pregnancies.”

She added that most cases of sexual violence are perpetrated against women, and that one third involve girls, while women defending human rights and providing frontline services have been increasingly targeted.

She noted that sexual violence in conflicts is a war crime and one that silences voices pleading for peace.

“That silence only deepens when those who speak out against rampant violations receive little support.

“Tragically, the vast majority of conflict-related sexual violence cases will go unreported and fewer still will be prosecuted.

“A large share of perpetrators will remain free, perpetuating impunity.

“Survivors are too often left with scant resources to heal their bodies and minds, especially where deliberate attacks on health facilities have left communities bereft of life-saving services.”

She, however, said that hearing and healing survivors of sexual violence was essential to lasting peace

She recalled that in 2023, UNFPA provided safety to six million people in 50 countries affected by crisis, stressing that “together, we must do more. We must scale up services to meet the needs and safeguard the rights of more survivors.

“To do so, it is critical to close the vast funding gap that stands in the way of progress.

“Right now, less than 15 per cent of the funds needed for essential prevention and protection services are available to respond to Gender-Based Violence in crises.”

She said that women representation is required in peace and political processes before, during and after conflicts.

She explained that their leadership and meaningful participation could steer humanitarian decision making to reduce and ultimately end sexual violence in war.

This, she said, is a principle that UNFPA advocates and practices as a leading frontline responder to Gender-Based Violence in humanitarian settings.

“Lasting peace will only be possible when we silence guns instead of survivors of sexual violence, when we create a world where women and girls can speak out and live in dignity and safety.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

FOF/BEN/HA

Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Cholera

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
Ilorin, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Kwara Government has alerted healthcare surveillance teams across all the state’s 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) on preparations and preventive measures against any outbreak of cholera.

Mr Gbenga Falade, the Chief Press Secretary in the Kwara Ministry of Health, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Ilorin the Ministry had also commenced awareness campaign.

”This is through jingles on radio stations on the preventive measures against the disease and how people can protect themselves,” he said.

NAN reports that cases of severe gastro-enteritis have been reported in communities around Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu and Kosofe LGAs of Lagos State.

Falade explained that the state ministry has kept itself abreast of news and has taken proactive measures to stem any outbreak.

“The ministry will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of its citizens,” he said.

Also speaking on preventive measures, Prof. Tanimola Akande of the Department of Public Health, University of Ilorin, advised Nigerians on proper sanitation in the form of proper faecal waste disposal.

Akande, who is also a Consultant Public Health Physician with University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, (UITH), explained that other preventive measures includes food and water hygiene.

He described cholera as an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by vibrio cholerae.

According to him, it was a potentially life-threatening disease, primarily waterborne.

The expert stated that vaccination remained one of the most cost-effective measures in controlling cholera epidemic across the states.

“Vaccination is one of the cost-effective measures in the control of cholera epidemic.

“Cholera vaccination alone is not used for control of the epidemic of cholera,” he said.

Akande emphasised the need for preventive measures, including adequate food hygiene and water supply together with sanitation.

“There should also be an adequate surveillance system that can detect cases early and appropriate control measures, including treatment of cases.

“So, universities and research institutes should provide technical support to various levels of government in the investigation of epidemics and in controlling cholera epidemic.”

He advised government at all levels on the need to intensify efforts towards zero tolerance for open defecation.

According to him, all buildings should have functional toilets or ventilated and improved pit latrines.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

FATY/BEN/OLAL
=============

(Edited by Benson Ezugwu and Olawale Alabi)

Delta Govt. urges vulnerable persons to register for affordable health scheme

Health

By Clara Egbogota

Asaba, June 21, 2024 (NAN)Delta State Contributory Health Scheme (DSCHC) has urged vulnerable persons to register for the ongoing affordable health insurance scheme for a quality health care.

Dr Isaac Akpoveta, Director General of the scheme, made the appeal during the registration of 295 vulnerable persons on Friday in Asaba.

Akpoveta said that an indigent required N7,000 to register for the scheme to access quality health care in a health facility of his choice for a year.

According to the DG, the 295 persons being registered today are sponsored by his family because of the passion for better health care services to the people.

“With an insurance card, they will receive quality healthcare services from any facility of their choice for one year.

“With this, we have enrolled over two million residents of Delta State with over 7 million encounters since inception of the scheme about eight years ago,” he said.

He lauded the current administration for supporting the scheme, especially for maternal and children under five years old.

Akpoveta said that collective responsibility would strengthen community bond and create a supportive environment where everyone would feel valued.

Mr Ernest Ibuzor, Chairman, National Association of People Living with Disabilities, Delta State Chapter, commended the state government and the DG family for their efforts toward the indigent.

“They know that we need help and they came to our rescue. The state government and the Apoveta family have written their names in gold as far as health insurance is concerned.

“Health is wealth, if we are healthy, we can earn a living for ourselves but if we are not healthy, we  will be liabilities to others,” Ibuzor said.(NAN)(nannews.com.ng)

ECO/JI

Edited by Joe Idika
=======

UPTH

By Desmond Ejibas

Port Harcourt, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) has faulted reports that musician, Burna Boy, covered all medical bills for patients during a recent visit to the hospital.

The hospital clarified that the music icon only settled the bills of selected patients at the facility, contrary to claims of covering all outstanding bills.

Mrs Elabha Meni, the institution’s spokesperson, made the clarification in a statement released in Port Harcourt on Friday.

“We commend Burna Boy’s kindness in financially assisting select patients in our hospital to offset their bills during his visit on June 11.

“However, contrary to reports stating that all patients bills in UPTH were paid during the visit, only selected patients received cash gifts or donations.

“The hospital did not receive direct payments from the musician and his team on behalf of patients to support this worthy course of reducing healthcare cost,” Meni clarified.

Meni lauded the musician’s charitable act in helping those in need in the society. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

DES/MNA

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

===

Cholera: LP urges  Sanwo-Olu to stem spread

Cholera
By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Labour Party in Lagos State has urged Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intensify efforts at controlling the spread of cholera , especially to schools.

The State Publicity Secretary of the party, Mrs Olubunmi Odesanya, who made this plea in a statement on Friday in Lagos, said that the state government must work hard and give the epidemic the required emergency response.

Odesanya said: “Labour Party in Lagos State is calling to question the responsiveness of the state government to the current cholera epidemic in the state,  the scourge is fast spiralling

“LP Lagos State is upset that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu government has not accorded the problem the kind of  response it should.

“So  far ,the government has not done more than a mere issuance of advisory.

“Has the government looked into the remote and direct cause of the disease with a view to abate the spread of the dreaded disease?Time for action is now”,he said.

Odesanya said that the state must do everything possible to avoid needless deaths.

“The reported figure of deaths is over 40 and infection rate is about 400,” she said.

According to her, residents cannot afford an uncontrolled spread of the epidemic  as they are already grappling with many socio-economic problems.

Odesanya added: “The Labour Party in Lagos State has continued to watch with amazement the less-than-warm attitude and disposition of the state government to the issue.

“To us in the Labour Party, it seems the state government does not appreciate the threats posed by the continued spread of the disease.

“Rather than tackle this very serious matter frontally by activating the heath systems  to tame the scourge, the best the Sanwo-Olu -led government has been able to do is to issue an ineffectual advisory, which has not ,in anyway, curbed the spread of the  scourge .”

She urged the state government to ensure provision of clean and potable water to residents as a way to stop the spread of the epidemic.

The LP spokesperson said that the state must also take steps to ensure the environment is clean and safe.

“The festivities just ended and our children are back to school. The fear of our hapless children contacting cholera is there”,she said.

Odesanya said that the Labour Party commiserated with families of those who had lost their loved ones to the epidemic.

She prayed for full recovery of patients down with cholera

The publicity secretary urged residents to also adhere to good health and sanitary precautions to stay safe. (NAN) (www.nannws.ng)
AYO/BHB

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

Ultimate health recapitalises to N1bn

Recapitalisation

By Folasade Akpan

Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) In keeping with the provisions of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act 2022, Ultimate Health Management Services, a HMO, has recapitalised from N400 million to one billion Naira.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Angela Ajala, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja during the organisation’s 13th Annual General Meeting (AGM).

She said that the organisation went beyond the N750 million minimum requirements stipulated by NHIA, the regulatory body, for the sector.

She explained that the organisation was able to achieve that because it was progressive and futuristic in its ideas.

Ajala also said that the HMO was not only particular about the wellbeing of Nigerians in Nigeria but also expanding its horizons to cater to the members in diaspora.

“We believe that if they say N750 million, we can do a billion because we are not restricting ourselves to just Nigeria, we’re going beyond.

“So, we needed to expand our base and made sure that we have the capacity to take on the expansion.

“We are dealing with human lives, so the wellbeing of every Nigerian, irrespective of where they are, is very critical to what we do,” she said.

The Managing Director of the organisation, Dr Lekan Ewenla, said inflationary trends needed to be put into consideration for the upward review of premiums so that hospitals could continue to provide services.

“Health insurance is volume driven with provision for basic healthcare services to be covered and an amount attached to the services to be rendered.

“All of these parameters were put into consideration in developing the health insurance programme for Nigerians,” he said.

Ewenla said that the primary health services were meant to be managed at the primary level by the risk managers

He said that the recommendation was to be N550 per person per month in 2005 and an upward review by a recommended percentage within 24 months.

“This was to take care of the inflationary trend which was responsible for the upward review of N550 to N750 in 2014.”

Ewenla said that the review was not carried out in the stipulated two years, which would have been 2007 but was carried out in 2014 instead, which saw the rise of premium from N550 to N750.

“Now the last review that was done was in 2014, we all know the exchange rate today and we all know that the bulk of the medications that we use in this country are imported.

“So, hospitals that are our primary risk bearers no longer enjoy the scheme,”he said.

The MD added that his organisation was working with the regulatory agency to define the clusters available both in the formal and informal sectors of the nation.

He said this was to bring all Nigerians on board the scheme as stipulated in the Act.

“For example, we are looking at the youths of this country that are over 40 million in tertiary institutions across the nation. They will be mandated by the regulatory institutions.

“The organised private sector has partially complied.

“So, the next move is to bring those on the fringes on board.

“With time all the clusters would be brought on board.

“They all have associations and bodies that regulate them, which would make it easier once they are all sensitised about the benefits,’’Ewenla said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

FOF/CEO/AMM

=============

Edited by Chidi Opara and Abiemwense Moru

Drug

By Talatu Maiwada

Yola, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLE), Adamawa Command, says it has arrested no fewer than 454 suspected illicit drug traffickers/peddlers from June 2023 till date.

State Commander of NDLEA, Mr Samson Agboalu, disclosed this on Friday at a news conference to begin the commemoration of the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Drug Day with the theme: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention” is celebrated annually on June 26 globally.

Agboalu said that the arrest figure made by the agency reflected a 9.38 per cent decrease from the 501 arrests made in the previous year.

He noted that the drug seizures significantly increased, with a total of 4,732.128 kilo grammes of hard drugs confiscated.

”This is a 75 per cent increase from the 1,164.750 kg seized between June 2022 and June 2023.

“These seizures include a range of substances such as Cannabis Sativa, Methamphetamine (ice), Cocaine, Tramadol, Exol-5, Diazepam tablets, Codeine-based syrup, Rohypnol tablets, and Pentazocine injections.

“Our Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) efforts have also been fruitful, with 107 residential clients treated, counseled, and rehabilitated, and 222 trafficking clients receiving brief intervention counseling,” he said.

Speaking on prosecution efforts and forfeitures from June 2023 till date, he said 148 individuals were convicted, with notable increase from 115 convictions recorded between June 2022 and June 2023.

“The highest sentences handed down were between10 and five years imprisonment, with the least six months.

“Monetary forfeiture recorded an increase, with the sum of N851,153 forfeited to the Federal Government and deposited into the Treasury Single Account (TSA), compared to N729,480 in the previous year.”

The NDLEA commander called for the adoption of preventive measures as a strategic approach in addressing drug abuse in the state.

He said that it was imperative to invest in prevention through increased public education, collaboration with communities by ensuring youths have access to accurate information to discourage drug use.

“As we reflect on the theme, it is clear that investing in prevention is a strategic approach that promises long-term benefits and only effective way to address the root causes of drug abuse.

“Evidence has shown that prevention programmes can significantly reduce the initiation of drug use, thereby reducing the burden on law enforcement and the healthcare system.

“By focusing on education, awareness, and early intervention, we can protect our communities, particularly the youth, from the devastating effects of drug abuse,” he said.

Agboalu also emphasised the need for collaborative effort in the fight against the menace, in order to create a future where children could grow up in a safe, healthy, and drug-free communities.

NAN reports that the command has organised one-week activities in line with the commemoration of the  World Drug Day to raise awareness and promote preventive measures (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

TIM/DCO/ADA

==========

Edited by Deborah Coker/Deji Abdulwahab