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Category: Health

  • Identify Alzheimer’s disease, take responsibility, care-givers enjoin citizens

    Disease
    By Esenvosa Izah
    Lagos, June 21, 2022 (NAN) Some care-givers and advocates of people living with dementia have called on Nigerians to take responsibility for identifying and advising people with Alzheimer’s disease to seek prompt medical attention.

    They made the call at a symposium on Alzheimer’s disease and Brain Awareness, organised by a non-governmental organisation, Christainment Health Awareness Foundation on Friday in Lagos.

    The founder of the organisation, Mrs Claudette Bemigho-Amorighoye, said that her experience with family member affected by dementia prompted the need to create awareness around the disease.

    “As a care-giver, I knew it was not easy to get diagnosis, identify and recognise the disease, but eventually, we got there and being able to manage it has gone a long way to helping every family member stay calm.

    “So, we are trying to get many people, through this campaign, to be able to identify, get their loved ones checked immediately and be able to manage it as much as possible; dementia has no cure, but it can be managed,” she said.

    Also, a guest speaker, Dr Oluwatoni Adeyemi, the Senior Special Assistant on Health to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, said that managing Alzheimer’s disease involved a multidisciplinary task.

    She said that the country’s demographic population was changing and a study carried out at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, showed that there were many cases annually.

    “Managing Alzheimer’s disease is not just a doctor’s responsibility; it is multidisciplinary and so, there are many people that come together to give a holistic treatment,” she said.

    The doctor said that although there was dearth of geriatric doctors in the state, however, the state was training more doctors to specialise in providing care for the elderly.

    “We found out that there is need for the elderly care because we are having an ageing population; in the past we had a culture where we supported each other.

    “However, with the advent of the japa syndrome (moving of people to other countries for socio-economic benefits) many young people are leaving; we need care givers and elderly homes to cater for the elderlies,” she said.

    Also, a 70-year-old participant, Ms Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, said that there was need to demystify Alzheimer’s diseases to enable more people to become aware of the symptoms and take urgent steps to address it.

    “We need to pay more attention to the signs and also be prepared because it is obvious that the more active you are, the more intellectually engaged you are.

    “I urge everybody to see it as his or her responsibility to educate others; spread the information,” she said.

    In her remarks, the wife of Ooni of Ife, Queen Ronke Ogunwusi, who also lauded the programmes, said that stigma was a huge challenge that must be addressed to change people’s attitude towards the disease.

    “Events such as this educate us more about the dangers, signs, what to look out for and how to manage it,” she said.

    Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life.

    Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, according to medical experts.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    EEI/KAY
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    Edited by Kayode Olaitan

  • Cholera fatal but preventable – Physicians

     

    Cholera

    By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

    Ibadan, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Family Physicians have emphasised that cholera, though fatal, was preventable if government at all levels and relevant stakeholders would do the needful.

    They spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Ibadan.

    Speaking with NAN, Dr Francis Sanwo, the Medical Director of Our Lady of Apostle Catholic Hospital, Oluyoro, Oke Offa, Ibadan, said that cholera is an easily treatable disease if handled promptly.

    “Majority of people can be treated successfully for cholera through prompt administration of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS).

    “The WHO/UNICEF ORS standard is for a sachet of ORS to be dissolved in one litre (L) of clean water while adult patients may require up to six  litres of ORS to treat moderate dehydration on the first day”.

    The family physician advised that rapid access to treatment was essential during a cholera outbreak while oral rehydration should be available in communities, in addition to larger treatment centres that could provide intravenous fluids and 24 hour care.

    “With early and proper treatment, the case fatality rate should remain below one per cent.

    “Zinc is an important adjunctive therapy for children under five, which also reduces the duration of diarrhoea and may prevent future episodes of other causes of acute watery diarrhoea.

    “Provision of safe water and sanitation is critical to prevent and control the transmission of cholera, a multifaceted approach is key to control cholera, and to reduce deaths.

    “A combination of surveillance, water, sanitation and hygiene(environmental and personal), social mobilisation, treatment, and oral cholera vaccines are used.”

    This, he added, should involve governments at various levels, communities, families and personal hygiene.

    Sanwo advised people to always wash their hands with soap and water frequently, especially after using the toilet and before and after handling food.

    He urged individuals to drink only safe water, including bottled water or water they had boiled or disinfected by themselves.

    “Use bottled water even to brush your teeth. Don’t add ice to your drinks unless you made it yourself using safe water. Eat food that’s completely cooked and hot and avoid street vendor food, if possible.

    “Take fruits and vegetables that you can peel yourself, such as bananas, oranges and avocados.

    “Community engagement means that people and communities are part of the process of developing and implementing programmes.

    “Local culture practices and beliefs are central to promoting actions such as the adoption of protective hygiene measures such as handwashing with soap, safe preparation and storage of food and safe disposal of the feaces.

    “Funeral practices for individuals who die from cholera should be well handled to prevent infection among attendees,” he said.

    Also, according to Dr Olufemi Okedare, Oyo State Chairman of Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria (SOFPON), cholera is a bacteria disease of which the bacteria contaminates food or water and when taken, leads to gastroenteritis.

    This diarrhoea and vomiting, he adds, leads to loss of fluids and electrolytes leading to dehydration, shock and kidney failure and eventually death.

    According to him, Cholera is preventable by provision of clean potable water and cultural hygienic practices including people watching the water and food they take.

    “Wash hands frequently  and get treated promptly when infected.

    “Salt and sugar solution drinking even before getting to hospital;  emergency response by government when there is epidemic like this, having a ward for cholera  for urgent rehydration and treatment were all paramount,” Okedare said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    CC/VIV

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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Ogun doctors threaten strike over poor working conditions

    Strike

     

    By Yetunde Fatungase

     

    Abeokuta, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ogun chapter, says it will go on strike over poor working conditions at the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum issued to the state government.

    The association’s chairman, Dr Kunle Ashimi, said at a news conference in Abeokuta on Friday that the ultimatum, issued on June 7, would expire on Thursday.

    According to Ashimi, members will have no choice but to embark on strike unless the government addresses their concerns.

    He mentioned the non-payment of the reviewed CONMESS salary scale and failure to recruit new doctors as some of the issues requiring government attention.

    He noted that despite ongoing discussions with relevant government officials, there had only been verbal assurances without official commitments.

    He, therefore, urged the citizens of Ogun to call on the government to take necessary steps to prevent the looming strike, which would disrupt healthcare services across the state.

    “The State Executive Council of NMA Ogun issued a 21-day ultimatum to the state government on June 7, which will elapse on June 27.

    “This indicated that industrial harmony may not be guaranteed after this date as the pressure of work on the few doctors holding forth is yielding dire consequences.

    “Ongoing conversations with relevant government officers only came with verbal assurances but no official commitment yet.

    “Concerned affiliates of NMA Ogun have been engaging the government on the need to commence the payment of the reviewed CONMESS salary scale for doctors in the state in order to motivate and retain those who have not left and to attract new ones.

    “We use this opportunity to call on well-meaning citizens of Ogun state to impress upon the Ogun government to do the needful to avert any industrial action,” Ashimi said.

    The NMA chief said Babcock University Teaching Hospital witnessed a monthly electricity bill surge between N80 million and N100 million to N300 million.

    He called for concessions to be given to health institutions to prevent increased costs from being passed onto patients, potentially making healthcare inaccessible for many.

    “While we appreciate the zeal of the government to develop the energy sector, we appeal strongly that concessions be given to health institutions.

    “These humongous tariffs will eventually be passed on to our poor patients, thereby driving them further away from access to appropriate healthcare services,” he said

    On the Cholera outbreak, Ashimi said there were ongoing sensitisation programmes by the association in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and various media organisations.

    He stressed the importance of preventive measures and provided contact numbers as released by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, to report suspected cholera cases.

    He said the cases would be treated free of charge at designated facilities.

    “We use this opportunity to appeal to our people to imbibe preventive measures for the prevention of the spread of Cholera.

    “This includes avoiding open defecation, avoiding indiscriminate refuse dumping, washing hands regularly, washing fruits and vegetables well before consuming and treating water before consuming it, either by boiling or treating it with chemical purifying agents.

    “We advocate that where there is no wherewithal to do this, two drops of plain household bleach in a litre of water can be a good alternative.

    “We also implore schools to monitor food, fruit and snack vendors around the schools to ensure that they practice proper hygiene.

    “As well, schools should reintroduce handwashing stations like it was done during the COVID-19 period,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.com)

    YAF/MAS

    Edited by Moses Solanke

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  • Paediatrician wants parents to watch out for cancer signs in children

    Cancer

    By Joy Odigie

    Benin, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Dr Magdalene Odunvbun, a Paediatric oncologist, has urged parents and guardians to watch out for early signs of cancer in children and seek prompt medical examination and treatment.

    Odunvbun, a paediatrician at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, gave the advice on Friday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin.

    She said “our greatest challenge in cancer management in children is that by the time they come for treatment, they come very late.

    “The disease would have spread to other parts of the body and the percentage of care has become very low; what should have had a 90 per cent rate of cure, becomes five percent.

    “Parents should not wait for an abnormal growth of cancers in their children’s bodies to grow very big before seeking appropriate care.

    “Parents should also stop using native treatment for tumors, this is because by the time they present to the hospital, they would have exhausted all their money without a cure.”

    According to her, children do have cancers just like adults. Cancers develop in body cells which are present in both adults and children.

    “Cancer simply means uncontrolled multiplication of body cells. The common sites of cancer in children are the eyes, the kidney, blood and the lymph nodes.

    “For eye cancer, the early signs include a speck in the child’s eye that looks like a cataract; a tumor growing in the retina.

    “In some children, early signs of cancers include growth appearing in certain parts of the body; it can be on the neck, stomach. It can be anywhere.

    “Once you see any abnormal growth anywhere in your child’s body, let the child be taken to the hospital for examination.

    ‘For blood cancer, the child starts having repeated shortage of blood. By the time a child has received blood transfusion for two times within a short period, the child should be assessed in the hospital.

    “Blood cancer in children can also be present in the child’s body, always getting hot and you are always treating the child for fever; let the child be assessed in the hospital,” she said.

    She lamented lack of financial support for cancer treatment in children, urging government and non government actors to assist the victims.

    “Parents do not receive government support for treatment. Often, they abandon the treatment because they cannot afford it, even when the child is close to being cured.

    “Due to the lack of funds to continue treatment, the cancer often returns after being abandoned.

    “In the developed world, eight out of every 10 children with cancer are cured, but in Nigeria, only two out of ten may be cured.

    “In developed countries, the government covers the cost of treating children through health insurance, so, parents are not paying out of pocket. This ensures timely treatment and better compliance,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OOJ/ADA

    Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

     

  • Chairman wants Church to preach against GBV

    Chairman wants Church to preach against GBV

    GBV
    By Joy Mbachi
    Nibo (Anambra State), June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Church has been called upon to dwell more on teaching and talking to followers on the need to shun any form of Gender-Based Violence against women and girls.

    Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu, the Chairman, Post Primary Schools Service Commission in Anambra,
    made the call while delivering a paper at the 38th Awka Diocesan Women’s Conference (ADWOC) holding at Holy Trinity Anglican Church Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ikediugwu spoke on “Gender-Based Violence Against Women: The Role of the Church” at the conference which opened on Friday.

    Describing violence as any act that injures the emotional or physical wellbeing of a woman or girl-child, she listed some of the acts to include early marriage, battering, abusive words, undue control, among others.

    Ikediugwu, a professor in Education Management and Policy Department, Faculty of Education,  Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, said “such acts inhibit women freedom of choice either in marriage, friendship or right to spend her own money.

    “Some husbands forcefully take over their wives’ salaries and spend at will, while some parents force their daughters to marry men they do not love, either to cement old-time friendship or for material gains.”

    She said such acts must be discouraged to enable women and girls to exercise their rights and achieve their goals.

    She also listed the use of internet, peer group and cultural beliefs as some factors that contribute to certain types of violence in the society.

    Earlier in a homily, Vicar of the hosting Church, Emmanuel Ajakor, urged women to pay attention to presentations during the conference “so that you can learn new things that will enable you become good builders of the family as a unit of societal development.”

    Dr Chioma Ibezim, the Conference President, Mother’s Union, Women’s Guild, Girls Guild, Province of the Niger and Diocese of Awka, urged the women to listen to the teachings of the conference for great development of the church and society at large.

    NAN reports that the conference was declared open by Rev. Alexander Ibezim, the Archbishop of  Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger.

    The conference will feature motivational talks and thanksgiving on Sunday, June 23.(NAN)(www.nannews,ng)

    JOY/HA
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    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

     

  • Cholera outbreak: A’Ibom Govt. sets precautionary measures  

    Cholera outbreak: A’Ibom Govt. sets precautionary measures
    Cholera
    By Isaiah Eka
    Uyo, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Akwa Ibom Government says it has initiated precautionary measures to prevent outbreak of cholera in the state.
    The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Augustine Umoh, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo on Friday.
    Umoh said that the state government has commenced sensitisation of residents in all the 31 Local Government Areas of the state on the need to maintain personal and environmental hygiene.
    He said that besides that the state government has stocked primary health centres in the state with adequate drugs in case of an outbreak of cholera.
    “For now, there is no reported case of cholera outbreak in the state.
    “We have commenced sensitisation of residents to maintain hygiene both personal and environmental.
    “Residents during this period are advised to boil water before drinking, wash their hands with soap and clean water regularly, especially after use of toilet and before eating, wash fruits and other food items before eating,” Umoh advised.
    The commissioner added that the state government has reactivated all emergency operations centres across the state to handle any outbreak.
    He said that the government would continue to monitor and ensure surveillance, especially in the border communities.
    Umoh advised residents to take salt sugar solution in case of diarrhoea and report to the nearest health centre for prompt action.
    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, in a recent report, said between Jan. 1 and June 11, it recorded over 1,141 suspected cases with over 65 confirmed and 30 deaths in 96 local government areas in 30 states. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    IE/BEKl/AOS
    ============
    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Bayo Sekoni

  • Anambra: FG trains 60 health workers on maternal, infant nutrition

    Workers

    By Franca Ofili

    Awka, June 21, 2024(NAN) The Federal Government has begun the training of no fewer than 60 health workers on nutrition to enhance optimal maternal, infant and young child nutrition communication.

    Mrs Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi, Director and Head of Nutrition Division, Federal Ministry of Health, spoke during the exercise on Thursday in Awka, Anambra.

    Bako-Aiyegbusi was represented by Mr Ajibola Babatunde, Team lead from the ministry.

    She said that the eight-day capacity building exercise for health workers was to enhance optimal Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) in the country.

    According to her, the training is aimed at increasing quality and cost-effective nutrition services for pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls and children under five years of age.

    The project, funded by the World Bank at the tune of 232 million dollars in partnership with the Federal Government, is implementing a five-year nutrition programme tagged “Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria.”

    Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi said the project was to increase quality and cost-effective nutrition services for pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls, and children under five years of age.

    She said that the objective of MIYCM course was to provide basic training on maternal Infant and Young Child Nutrition for those who care for mothers and young children (0-59 months)

    According to her, the training will provide participants up to date information on MIYCN best practices based on its policy, strategy and guidelines.

    She said MIYCN course would also help to maximise the impacts on child growth and micronutrient status by focusing on maternal nutrition, delivery practices, and improved infant and young child feeding.

    According to her, nutrition is in the front burner because people are bothered about the poor indices of nutrition in the country.

    She identified poor knowledge as the cause of poor nutrition in the country.

    “We have realised that the key thing that is leading to the poor indices of nutrition is poor knowledge of individual households in the communities on healthy feeding practices.

    “The training is targeted at increasing the skill and knowledge of health workers and volunteers on information to educate people on what they should do in order to have good nutrition practice,” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    FNO/CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

     

     

  • FG, AHF advocate strong sexual education among youths

    FG, AHF advocate strong sexual education among youths

    Advocacy

    By Justina Auta

    Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria, and others have advocated for a strong sexual education among youths to enhance health outcomes and protection from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and violence.

    They made the call at an event organised by AHF Nigeria to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the African Child (IDAC), on Thursday in Abuja.

    Kemi Gbadamosi, Director of Policy, Advocacy and Marketing, AHF Africa Bureau, said CSE would address the increasing new infection rates of HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies amongst youths.

    “Part of the reason we see this spike in infection rates amongst young people is lack of access to the right information, sexual reproductive health services, information and tools like CSE.

    “Research tells us that access to age appropriate education helps to reduce HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, delay when young people begin to have sex and reduce cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and promote gender equality.”

    Gbadamosi explained that the organisation engaged parents and youths on the benefits of sexual education, which contravened popular opinions that it promotes promiscuity.

    “Contrary to popular opinions, a lot of parents, leaders say sexual education promotes promiscuity, but research tells us that when young people have access to age appropriate CSE, it stops them from being promiscuous.

    “It protects them, builds their self esteem and are able to make better decisions and more informed choices.

    “It also helps them to recognise when issues of violence and sexual harassment about to happen, so that they can protect themselves.

    “We have always got a pushback from parents, community leaders because they believe that whenever you say Comprehensive Sexual Education(CSE), you are talking about sex.

    “That is why engagement such as this also requires parents in the discussion to know the benefits.”

    Also, AHF Nigeria Country Programme Director, Dr Echey Ijezie, said: “it is important to discuss CSE because research has shown that CSEs improve health outcomes, empower youths and adolescents.

    “It helps them to make informed choices and not contract HIV and other STIs, and also reduce the risks of unwanted pregnancies.”

    Mrs Mariam Shu’aibu, Assistant Director, Child Development, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, said that issues on child marriage, HIV are issues that the ministry was advocating against.

    Njideka Ogbuke, Assistant Director, Education Support Department, Federal Ministry of Information, said equipping youths with the right information would reduce tendency of negative influence from social media and pornographic contents.

    Mrs Maria Okhilua, Director, Monitory and Evaluation, representing the Secretary, FCT Education Board, stressed the need to collaborate with policy makers, school administrators to ensure implementation of CSE.

    Miss Isabel Anani, Stand with Girl Initiative and UNICEF Young Influencer, said: “Young people should never feel the need to be peer pressured to do something.

    “Because it is a reoccurring trend when you see things happen, you want to follow the crowd.

    “But you have to sit back and think, how it will affect your future. There is a need to have inner dialogue and evaluate your priority,” she said. (NAN)

    JAD/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Breastfeeding: Organisation advocates 6 months maternity leave in Benue

    Breastfeeding

    By Nicholas Dechi

    Makurdi, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), has called on the Benue Government to approve the extension of maternity leave from three to six months to enable nursing mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies.

     

    Dr Terfa Kene, a board member of CS-SUNN made the call during advocacy visits to the State Head of Service, Dr Moses Ode and the Commissioner for Education, Dr Frederick Ikyaan, on Wednesday in Makurdi.

     

    He noted that six months was the recommended period for mothers to exclusively breast feed their babies, hence the need for the extension of maternity leave from three to six months.

     

    Kene said that such a long period of exclusive breastfeeding could enhance the bond between mothers and their infants.

     

    He pointed out that breastfeeding mothers in other states were already enjoying the privilege, and it would do the state a lot of good if it followed suit.

     

    Meanwhile, the Head of Service (HoS), Ode, commended CS-SUNN for taking up the responsibility of advocating for nutrition, adding that his office would do its best to give the advocacy necessary support.

     

    He pledged to collaborate with CS-SUNN to enable it to achieve its set objectives.

     

    Ode promised to intimate Gov. Hyacinth Alia on the gains that would accrue to the state if it gave nutrition the desired attention.

     

    Also, the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr Ikyaan, said that all the issues raised by the organisation bordered on the advancement of humanity, hence, the ministry would subscribe to them.

     

    Earlier, Mrs Rachel Ityonzughul, the State Coordinator, CS-SUNN, disclosed that seven states had already approved six months maternity leave for breastfeeding mothers, stating that two other states were also awaiting approval.

     

    Ityonzughul called for the creation of the Department of Nutrition in ministries, adding that budgetary provisions should be adequately made for nutrition.

     

    She advised the Ministry of Education to encourage students to take up career in nutrition.

     

    Mr Moses Levah, the Permanent Secretary (PS), Budget and Economic Planning Commission and his counterpart in Service Welfare, Mr Terna Ayu, commended CS-SUNN for their efforts in nutrition advocacy.

    The duo expressed optimism that the six months maternity leave would become a reality in Benue.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    DND/FON/IU

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    Edited by Florence Onuegbu / Isaac Ukpoju

  • WHO warns against falsified medicines for diabetes treatment, weight loss

     

    WHO warns against falsified medicines for diabetes treatment, weight loss

    Medicine

    By Franca Ofili

    Abuja, June, 20, 2024 (NAN) The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a medical product alert on falsified semaglutides, the type of medicines that are used for treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity in some countries.

    WHO made this known on Thursday in a statement.

    It said that the alert addressed three falsified batches of product of semaglutide class of medicines (of specific brand Ozempic).

    It said the medicines have been detected in Brazil in October 2023, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in October 2023, and the United States of America in December 2023.

    “WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS), has been observing increased reports on falsified semaglutide products in all geographical regions since 2022.

    “This is the first official notice issued by WHO after confirmation of some of the reports,” it said.

    Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Essential Medicines and Health Products, said that WHO advised healthcare professionals, regulatory authorities and the public to be aware of these falsified batches of medicines.

    Nakatani called on stakeholders to stop any usage of suspicious medicines and report to relevant authorities.

    “The semaglutides, including the specific brand product that has been falsified, are prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes in order to lower their blood sugar levels.

    “Semaglutides also reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.

    “Most semaglutide products must be injected under the skin on a weekly basis but they are also available as tablets taken by mouth daily,” she said.

    According to her, these medicines are shown to suppress appetite in addition to lowering blood sugar levels, and therefore are being increasingly prescribed for weight loss in some countries.

    She said that WHO has been observing increased demand for these medicines as well as reports on falsification.

    “These falsified products could have harmful effects to people’s health; if the products don’t have the necessary raw components, falsified medicines can lead to health complications resulting from unmanaged blood glucose levels or weight.

    “In other cases, another undeclared active ingredient may be contained in the injection device, for example,  insulin, leading to an unpredictable range of health risks or complications,” she said.

    Nakatani said that semaglutides were not part of WHO-recommended treatments for diabetes management due to their current high cost.

    She said that the cost barrier made these products unsuitable for a public health approach, which aimed to ensure the widest possible access to medicines at the population level.

    According to her, it also strikes a balance between the best-established standard of care and what is feasible on a large scale in resource-limited settings.

    “Also, there are more affordable treatments available for diabetes, with similar effects to those of semaglutides on blood sugar and cardiovascular risk,” she said.

    According to her, WHO is currently working on a rapid advice guideline on possible use of GLP-1 RAs, including semaglutides, for treatment of obesity in adults and as part of a more comprehensive model of care.

    “The term GLP-1 RAs stands for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, which include semaglutides, for a class of medicines used for diabetes treatment to lower blood sugar and support weight loss.

    “To protect themselves from falsified medicines and their harmful effects, patients who are using these products can take actions such as buying medicines with prescriptions from licensed physicians and avoid buying medicines from unfamiliar or unverified sources, such as those that may be found online.

    “People should always check packaging and expiry dates of medicines when they buy them, and use the products as prescribed

    “In the case of injectable semaglutides, patients should ensure they are stored in the refrigerator. All notifications on falsified medicines can be sent to WHO via rapidalert@who.int,” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FNO/AMM
    ===========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru