Category: Health

Mental health

By Olajide Idowu

Osogbo, June 20, 2024 (NAN) A Clinical Psychiatrist and a lecturer Dr Olanrewaju Ibigbami, has called for the teaching of mental health literacy in primary and secondary schools to solve mental challenges of young adolescents.

Ibigbami made the call on the sideline of a stakeholders’ dissemination meeting and mental health literacy training for school counsellors in Osun.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was organised by ‘The Mehlit Project’ in Osogbo on Wednesday.

Ibigbami said there were ways students with mental health challenges could be spotted in schools stating, “once a student is noticed not doing well academically,it could be a sign of a mental health challenge.”

According to him, it is not only those mentally ill walking on the streets that have mental health challenge.

He, however, listed some of the signs of mental health challenge in young people especially the students to include; not sleeping properly, not eating well, eating too much and getting unnecessarily afraid or unnecessarily sad.

Also, unusually happy, being hyper active, staying alone, stealing and having destructive behaviour in school.

Ibigbami said that through ‘The Mehlit Project’, school counsellors were trained on mental health literacy in order to detect the mental health challenges their students exhibit and to stop the situation from getting to the level of crisis.

“The Mehlit project is a mental health literacy training programme for school counsellors in Osun, supported by the Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON) and the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH).

“We have been able to train over 100 school counsellors.

“We already have data from 81 of them who responded to the test we did and It showed that the training actually improved their counseling self efficacy.

“Also, mental health literacy with regards to understanding what mental health problems are and how to manage them among the young people who are in secondary schools.

“We have also been able to work with the Counseling Society of Nigeria, to develop a template for us to scale up this training so that more counsellors in the state and beyond Osun can actually receive a similar training,” he said

Dr Olayinka Oderinde, a mental health practitioner and Special Adviser to Gov. Ademola Adeleke, on Special Needs, who chaired the programme, stated that the mental health literacy training commenced in September 2023.

Oderinde said the focus of the project was to train educated school counsellors on mental health and how they can be of help to young adolescents having mental health challenges.

She said the training has, however, equipped the participants to identify a child that has a mental health problem, what to do and where to refer a student where it was beyond their capacity.

She said that steps were being taken to ensure that all the schools in the state have counsellors that would be included in the mental health literacy programme (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

ID/MAM/BRM

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Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Bashir Rabe Mani

Picture showing some patients at the  free healthcare services provided by a former Acting Vice Chancellor of Imo State University (IMSU), Prof. Peter Akah, at Umunyem-Umuebele Village in Okporo Community, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo on Wednesday.

Healthcare
By Peter Okolie
Orlu (Imo), June 19, 2024 (NAN) A former Acting Vice Chancellor, Imo State University, Prof. Peter Akah, on Wednesday, organised free healthcare services to at least 1,000 natives of Okporo Community in Orlu Local Government Area of the state.

Akah, a professor of Pharmacology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, who hails from the community, also inaugurated a Clinic in the area.

In a speech at the event, he said that the project was initiated to address the health challenges of the vulnerable members of Umunyem-Umuebele
Village in Okporo Community, mainly the aged, women and children.

He expressed concern over the “alarming rate of deaths in his community” because the villagers could not afford medical treatment.

“Things have been hard generally. Sincerely, if I had 20 calls in a day, 18 of them ask for money to buy drugs, not even food.

“I know how much it is to pay for consultancy, let alone hospital bills and I can imagine what people in the village go through,” Akah said.

According to him, many of the villagers are moving around with high level of malaria and typhoid, prostate cancer, diabetes and partial stroke without proper medical attention.

“We discovered numerous cases of ulcer because people can no longer feed or are rationing their foods,” he said.

Akah said that the outreach also offered free HIV and COVID-19 tests for those who wished to be screened, while drugs were given to those diagnosed with different aliments.

“I felt the need to give back to my community by providing somewhere they can get access to healthcare effectively,” he said.

Reacting to the development, the President of the town’s union, Chief John Egolu, thanked Akah for the kind gesture, especially in establishing a clinic in the area.

“A visit to the facility shows that there are beds and full theatre for surgery and there is a promise that more equipment would be brought, subsequently.

“This vision of our dear son, Prof. Akah, is that which will in no small measure help our people, especially by getting healthcare services closer to them,” Egolu, represented by Mr Chinemerem Iyiagu, said.

Also, a 67-year-old stroke patient, Mr Charles Okechukwu, while thanking Akah for the gesture, described him as “God sent to help the less privileged in the community.”

“We have never seen this type of medical care in our village,” he further said.

Another stroke patient, Mr Thomas Mbagwu, 75, who said that he had been down with the ailment for over four years, expressed delight over the medical mission.

He prayed God to grant Akah long life and good health to sustain the gesture in the community.

Another beneficiary of the health mission, Mrs Fidelia Ibemike, 89, said the health facility had brought healthcare services closer to the people.

Ibemike said that the facility would reduce the sufferings usually encountered in traveling to other communities for medical treatment.

According to her, many aged persons have died in their homes in this community because they lacked the money to seek medical attention. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

OPC/OIF/USO
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Sam Oditah

Cholera Outbreak: Ogun announces preventive measures in schools

Cholera

By Abiodun Lawal

Abeokuta, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Ogun Government has directed school heads to ensure good health and safety of all learners and staff to prevent the spread of cholera within the school communities.

Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, gave the directive in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Wednesday.

Arigbabu noted that preventive measures had been put in place to control the spread of the disease in schools in the state.

According to him, the measures take effect from Wednesday, as schools resume from the mid-term break and the Eid el-kabir holiday.

He listed some of the measures to include comprehensive health talks on cholera prevention, information on symptoms, transmission routes, proper hand hygiene and safe drinking water practices.

Other measures, he added, are to ensure availability of clean water and soap for hand washing in school premises, encourage regular hand washing, especially before eating and after using the restroom.”

He also directed school heads to promote the use of hand sanitisers with at least 60 per cent alcohol content as support to hand washing.

There should also be regular inspection and maintenance of water sources within school premises to ensure they are safe for drinking, the commissioner also directed.

“Monitor closely the food vendors and ensure that they collect letters from health facilities, certifying their fitness for the job,” he added.

He explained that there would be Designate Health Officers in schools to monitor learners and staff for any symptoms of cholera (like frequent watery stooling, vomiting, etc).

He also directed school heads to report any suspected cases immediately to the nearest Health Care Centre and to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

“By adhering strictly to these preventive measures and maintaining high level of vigilance, we can collectively safeguard our health and wellbeing during this critical period,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

LKA/HA

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Genetics

By Oluwakemi  Oladipo

Lagos, June 19,2024 (NAN) A  Professor of Human Genetics and Bioinformatics, Idowu Taiwo,  has called on governments to establish genetic centres for pre-marital and marital counselling in many parts of Nigeria.

“In one of our population genetic studies, the frequency of carriers of sickle cell genotype is 25 per cent among the Yorubas in Lagos State.

“The result revealed the importance of a rigorous awareness campaigns and proper genetic counselling regarding sickle cell disorder in Nigeria,” Taiwo, a lecturer at the University of Lagos, said.

The professor, who teaches at the university’s Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, made the call  at the 18th Inaugural Lecture of the university on Wednesday.

The  inaugural lecture  had the theme: “Principalities and Powers or the Gene: Which is to Blame”.

He said that intending couples would need to be aware of their odds of giving birth to a baby affected by a genetic condition.

“An informed couple is a better prepared couple.

“Government should legislate for a compulsory newborn screening programmes to ensure that doctors test for not less than 10 genetic disorders when every baby is born.

“Many of the genetic conditions, if detected early, can be prevented or ameliorated,” Taiwo said.

According to him, genes are the units of inheritance located in chromosomes.

“Genes and chromosomes are made of DNA; so, a mutation of changes that adversely affects DNA may result in severe genetic disorder or even untimely death.

“Every individual including identical twins, has a unique DNA identity.

“This attribute of DNA explains its usefulness in paternity testing, personal identification and criminal justice system,” Taiwo added.

He emphasised that the quality of life of a child regarding health and susceptibility to genetic diseases was determined largely by the genetic quality of the mother’s egg and the father’s fertilising sperm cell.

“The genesis of adult onset chronic diseases originated through fetal adaptations to undernourishment.

“Genetic diseases can be broadly classified into two main groups,  namely; chromosomes and genic,” he said.

He noted that genetic diseases were not curable except by gene manipulation such as genetic engineering and genome editing.

“The majority of genetic conditions that are wrongly attributed to evil forces are actually due to genetic abnormalities.

“Out of ignorance, people usually visit the wrong places instead of seeking proper genetic and medical attention.

“Chances of survival worsen with increasing delay in seeking appropriate attention,” he said.

Taiwo urged that  a course in forensic DNA should be made compulsory for law students.

“Forensic DNA evidence is taking a centre stage in personal identification and criminal legal system of many advanced countries,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OKG/DE/IGO

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Ijeoma Popoola

Sickle Cell Day: FG to integrate care, services into maternal, child healthcare

Sickle Cell

By Folasade Akpan

Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government says it will integrate Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) care and services into maternal and child health to improve early identification of cases.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at a media conference to commemorate the 2024 World Sickle Cell Day (WSCD) with the theme “Hope Through Progress: Advancing Care Globally.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that sickle cell is a group of disorders that cause red blood cells to become misshapen and break down.

NAN also reports that the World Sickle Cell Day is annually commemorated on June 19 to raise awareness about the disease and the need for urgent action.

The global observance day is also to draw attention to the challenges faced by individuals and families affected by SCD.

The health minister, who was represented by the ministry’s Director of Public Health, Dr Chukwuma Anyaike, said the integration was targeted at both primary and secondary levels of healthcare in the country.

According to him, the integration will improve early detection of cases and enrollment into the comprehensive care for SCD.

He also said that plans were underway to deploy newly validated, efficient and cost-effective Point of Care screening methods that would identify SCD in new-borns, and in other age groups, as first line screening method for SCD at different levels of care.

He listed other measures to reduce the burden of the disease as: revitalisation and re-positioning of the six SCD centres for improved SCD service delivery and access to care for those living with the disease.

Pate said SCD is the most prevalent genetic disease in the WHO African Region, and that in many countries of the region including Nigeria, 10 to 40 per cent of the population carry the sickle-cell gene, resulting in estimated SCD prevalence of at least two per cent.

He said “the situation in the region also indicates that national policies and strategic action plans are inadequate, while appropriate facilities and trained personnel are scarce.

“In Nigeria, SCD contributes significantly to both child and adult morbidity and mortality.

“Nigeria stands out as the most SCD endemic country in Africa and globally, ahead of India and Democratic Republic of Congo, with an annual infant death of 100,000, representing eight per cent of infant mortality.”

The minister added that those that managed to survive, do suffer end-organs damage, which not only shorten their lifespan, but also affects their quality of life.

He also said it is one disorder that may negatively undermine the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) one, three and four.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative, Dr Walter Mulombo, said that among the more than 120 million people affected globally by SCD, an estimated 66 per cent live in Africa.

He also said that “an average of 1,000 children are born every day with SCD, making it the most prevalent genetically-acquired disease in the African region.”

Mulombo, who was represented by Dr Kelius Msyamboza, said about 6.4 per cent of under-five mortality in Africa is attributed to SCD, with a 26 per cent increase in deaths from 2000 to 2019.

He, however, said in response to the situation, the organisation developed a strategy to tackle the disease in the WHO African Region, adopted by member states during the 66th Regional Committee for Africa.

Mulombo said the strategy provided a set of public health interventions to reduce the disease burden through improved awareness, prevention and early detection.

According to him, early diagnosis in new-borns through point-of-care screening allows early treatment that can save lives, alleviate symptoms and reduce suffering from pains.

“As for adults with SCD, regular checks are crucial to monitor signs of organ damage, early detection and effective management, he advised.

He disclosed that Nigeria had been selected as one of the 20 priority countries to implement the PEN-Plus intervention.

On her part,  Prof. Obiageli Nnodu, the Director, Centre of Excellence for SCD Research and Training, University of Abuja (CERSTA), said the centre was carrying out conventional screening of new-borns in 25 Primary Health Care (PHC) centres in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

She added that the centre had screened 22,000 babies in the FCT and 12,000 in Kaduna State, while 344 babies had been identified, while efforts were underway to follow them up.

Nnodu added that infrastructure was built to support a national SCD disease registry, and that capacity had been built to support the immediate role-out of universal new born screening.

She explained that though the barriers to screening had been addressed, the centre was still encountering other barriers to enrollment of detected babies.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

FOF/HA

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Health

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

Awka, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Wife of Anambra Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, says Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD) remains one of the most largely neglected health challenge in the society.

Soludo, Founder of Healthy Living Initiative, made the assertion on Wednesday to commemorate the World Sickle Cell Day marked on June 19 annually.

She said there was the need to raise awareness about the disorder and deliberate on the challenges faced by persons living with sickle cell disorder.

“Today, as we join the global community to mark the World Sickle Cell Day, it is essential to note that sickle cell disease remains the most neglected health challenge in our society today.

“We need to think of what we have been able to do or what more we can do to help them through the whole journey.

“We have a responsibility to care for and support these special people, whether in our homes, workplaces, and larger communities,” she said.

Soludo advocated increased campaign on genotype education and provision of basic platforms for persons living with sickle cell disorder to succeed in their own ambitions.

She also urged Nigerians to stop stigmatising persons with sickle cell disorder as it was not their making to live in such health condition

“Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo will intensify public enlightenment on sickle cell disorder and how it can be prevented.

”The initiative will as well support persons living with the disorder to ensure a healthy living,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

LCO/DE/VIV

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Vivian Ihechu

Failure to implement nutrition policies may cost Benue over N29bn

Nutrition

By Nicholas Dechi

Makurdi, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Benue State Government may use ₦29,271,692 on treatment of malnourished children yearly, if it fails to implement nutrition policies.

The Programme Officer, Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), Mr Ambrose Evnoesor, stated this on Wednesday in Makurdi, during a meeting on implementation of six months Maternity Leave with pay for women of reproductive age in Benue.

Evnoesor said that lack of good nutrition remained a leading cause of death, stunted growth, poor development and diminished productivity in adulthood.

He said according to the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, 21 per cent of children under-five in Benue are stunted, 23 per cent are underweight and 13.6 per cent are wasted.

He expressed worry over the lack of a Strategic Plan of Action for Nutrition (SPAN), to provide a multi-sectoral approach to tackling the problem of malnutrition among women and children.

He however, commended Benue government for improving on its budgetary allocation for Nutrition activities.

Evnoesor therefore, urged the government to implement the six months maternity leave for nursing mothers to enable them take adequate care of their children’s nutritional needs.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Budget and Economic Planning Commission, Dr Jerome Andohol, acknowledged the significance of the policy in promoting gender equality, supporting mothers and ensuring the well-being of children.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the commission, Mr Moses Levah, Andohol, said he was excited to explore ways in which the commission and CS-SUUN could work together to make the policy a success.

He further commended CS-SUNN, UNICEF and other partners, for supporting the state government in recognising the importance of the policy.

A Member of the Benue State House of Assembly and Chairman Standing Committee on Health, Mr Thomas Dugeri, called for full implementation of budgetary allocations, not only for nutrition, but other health sectors.

According to Dugeri, the state assembly is monitoring and ensuring implementation of the budget for the overall good of the state.

He emphasised the need for the state to approve the policy document on nutrition because of its importance. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

DND/DOR
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Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

By Abiodun Azi

Lagos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Rotary Club Ogba, in partnership with Rotary Foundation, has commissioned its District’s  Grant  Project by donating a Bubble Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (bcPAP) system to the Pediatric Unit of Airbase Hospital, Ikeja.

The event which held on Wednesday was part of the club’s commitment to supporting humanitarian causes.

Chief Babajide Awesu, President, Rotary Club Ogba, said that the donation was a testament to the club’s dedication to supporting lives.

Awesu said that the club was proud to make a difference in the lives of others, and that the equipment would undoubtedly save many young lives.

He said this was not the first time the club had supported the hospital, having previously donated essential equipment which had been effectively utilised.

Group Capt. Adebayo Bello, representative of the Commander of the 661 Nigeria Air Force Hospital, expressed his gratitude for the donation.

He said that the bcPAP system was worth millions of naira and exactly what the pediatric unit needed at this time.

“This equipment will greatly enhance our ability to provide quality care to our young patients, and we are deeply grateful to the Rotary Club Ogba for their generosity,” Bello said.

Also, Dr Eden Igbage, a Consultant Pediatrician, expressed her joy and appreciation for the support.

Igbage said that the donation was a timely intervention for the hospital.

“We are thrilled to have partners like the Rotary Club Ogba who share our commitment to providing excellent healthcare services,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bcPAP system is designed to aid the respiratory system of babies, and its donation is a significant boost to the hospital’s pediatric unit.

The Rotary Club has a long history of engaging in projects that support human life, with numerous initiatives undertaken regularly in schools, villages, and hospitals to promote human development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

AGE/OIF/VIV

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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Vivian Ihechu