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Category: Health

  • Sickle cell, worst of all health disorders – Group

    Mrs Aisha Edward-Maduagwu, National Co-ordinator, Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder

    Sickle cell, worst of all health disorders – Group

    Sickle Cell

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

    Awka, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Aisha Edward-Maduagwu, National Co-ordinator, Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder says that sickle cell is the worst of all health disorders.

    Edward-Maduagwu made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka, to mark World Sickle Cell Day.

    World Sickle Cell Day is observed every June 19, to raise awareness about sickle cell disease and highlight the challenges that patients and their caregivers face.

    The theme of this year’s commemoration is ‘Hope Through Progress: Advancing Care Globally’.

    She described sickle cell disease as a genetic disorder in which the red blood cells were shaped abnormally, thereby affecting blood flow, causing pain and tissue damage in the body.

    She said: “Sickle Cell is the most serious and worst disorder out of all the health disorders but it is sad that it is not getting adequate attention in our society.

    “How come more attention is given to cancer patients than sickle cell whereas we go through the same pains?

    “Our government and the society at large need to pay adequate attention to sickle cell disease.

    “This is because the patients go through pain and spend so much to stay alive or survive the pains inflicted in them by others,” she said.

    Edward-Maduagwu lamented the rate of stigma in the society as persons living with sickle cell disorder were seen as not marriageable, not adoptable and not employable.

    “The society is mean and insensitive to the plight of persons living with sickle cell. They are intellectually and academically sound, but no job opportunities for them.

    “Our organisation will continue to educate the public on the adverse effects of genotype incompatibilities, and ensure that people get tested for genotype, especially intending marriage couples,” she said.

    She commended Gov. Chukwuma Soludo and his wife, for free enrolment of 71 persons living with sickle cell into the state’s health insurance scheme, to reduce the burden of medical bills on patients and their families.

    She urged well-meaning individuals and the government to donate a permanent and central sickle cell centre in Anambra.

    “We are appealing for support to acquire a centre for moral, psychological and emotional management as well as rehabilitation of vulnerable sickle cell patients,” she said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    LCO/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

     

  • CSO urges FG to include poor, unemployed in national health insurance scheme

     

    CSO urges FG to include poor, unemployed in national health insurance scheme
    Tuberculosis
    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu
    Awka, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Civil Society for the Eradication of Tuberculosis in Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to include the poor, less privileged and unemployed in the National Health Insurance scheme.
    Mrs Ifeyinwa Unachukwu, the society’s Coordinator in Anambra state, made the call at a news conference on AIDs, Tuberculosis and Malaria (ATM Network project), on Wednesday in Awka.
    The project is for Community-Based Organisations implementing COVID-19 Response Mechanism (C19RM) in Awka.
    Unachukwu said that including vulnerable groups in the scheme would reduce the burden of diseases and drive universal health coverage in the country .
    She said the poor, less privileged and unemployed were usually vulnerable to diseases due to their inability to pay for the high cost of drugs and treatments and often lack  access to healthcare services.
    “Many Nigerians cannot afford the out-of-pocket payment for healthcare services and this has made them vulnerable to illness and disease.
    “The inclusion of these vulnerable groups will increase their health-seeking behavior and access to quality healthcare, which will help reduce disease burden in the country,” the coordinator said.
    Unachukwu said that the project was aimed at increasing services in AIDs, TB and Malaria treatments in preparedness for future pandemics and epidemics.
    She called on Anambra state government to invest in disease control, eradication, and other evidence-based intervention programmes to boost healthcare delivery in the state.
    Also speaking, Prof. Dennis Aribodo, South-East Zonal Coordinator, Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition, called on the state government to make treatment of AIDs, Tuberculosis and Malaria free.
    According to him, making the treatment of these diseases free, especially Malaria, would not only assist in poverty reduction, but eliminate the disease from the state.
    “In that way, you are leaving families with more resources to address other needs.
    “That is one of the ways countries like Algeria eliminated Malaria in 2020. I’m sure Anambra can achieve that also,” he said
    Earlier, Mr Onyekachi Ololo, Programme Officer,TB Network project in Anambra, urged government to fund disease control and elimination to drive sustainability.
    According to Ololo, dependency on donors has had negative impacts and it is not sustainable.(NAN) www.nannews.ng
    LCO/AOS
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    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

     

  • Cholera: Lagos issues health advisory to parents, schools

    Schools

    By Oluwafunke Ishola
    Lagos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government has called for adherence to precautionary measures to ensure children’s safety amid the cholera outbreak as schools resume from the mid-term and Sallah break.
    The government in an advisory issued on Monday to parents, guardians, and school authorities urged all to adhere to safety guidelines to ensure the health and safety of children.
    It called for daily health checks and monitoring of a child’s health for symptoms such as passage of frequent watery stool with or without vomiting.
    The government appealed to parents to keep their children at home if they exhibit any signs of illness and seek medical advice.
    The state called for hand hygiene by ensuring a child carries a hand sanitizer and encouraging frequent hand washing with soap and water, especially before meals and after using the restroom.
    It advised schools to ensure that all school food handlers follow strict hygiene practices to prevent contamination and spread of cholera.
    “Ensure that Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) are available at school clinics or bays to manage dehydration cases promptly.
    “Schools should notify the emergency hotlines immediately in case of any health emergency or suspected cholera cases,” it said.
    The government appealed to parents to stay in touch with their children’s school for updates on health guidelines and report any health concerns to the school promptly.
    “Together, we can create a safe and healthy environment for our children as they return to their educational activities.
    “Stay safe and vigilant,” the government advised.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lagos state on June 11 alerted residents to the outbreak of cholera in the state.
    The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, had disclosed that laboratory tests confirmed that the outbreak was due to cholera with the identified strain being highly aggressive and contagious, with potential for widespread transmission.
    Abayomi disclosed that 350 suspected cases of cholera were reported in 29 wards across multiple local government areas in the state.
    According to him, there are 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities attributed to severe dehydration caused by delayed presentation at health facilities.
    NAN reports that the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) had called for extensive measures to protect school children against the cholera outbreak in the country.
    UNICEF said cholera “critically affects” children and the young population, noting that efforts should be made to protect them.
    The agency called for efforts to prevent disruption in the academic calendar over the spread of the disease. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AIO/JNC
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    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Sickle Cell: Prevention remains most effective management – Physician

    Sickle Cell

    By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

    Ibadan, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Dr Folajimi Senjobi, a Family Physician at the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, says prevention remains the most effective form of sickle cell disease management.

    Senjobi, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Ibadan, as the world marks Sickle Cell Day.

    The family physician said that the general advocacy for prevention of the disease was for people with genotype AS, AC, SC, or SS to get married to and or procreate with partners with genotype AA.

    “If the problem is taken care of at the primary levels, then, fewer incidences of sickle cell diseases will occur.

    “We need to pay attention to the following: regulation compliance with care, risk management for the disease, health crises management in our facilities.

    “Prevention remains the most effective form of the disease management.
    Know your genotype and that of your partner before you agree to get married,” Senjobi said.

    He noted that sickle cell disease continue to be a ‘Big Bull’ yet often overlooked by global health concern.

    Senjobi said that the disease was affecting millions of people worldwide, especially in the malaria endemic regions of the world.

    According to him, the day is observed annually to raise awareness about this condition to mitigate against it.

    Senjobi explained that Sickle cell disease is a genetically acquired blood disorder caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin `A’ gene, leading to the production of abnormal blood hemoglobin ‘S’.

    This, he added, resulted in rigidity of the red blood cells that could obstruct blood flow.

    “Symptoms include severe pain episodes (sickle cell crises), low blood levels, fatigue, swelling in the hands and feet, frequent and recurring infections, delayed wound healing and delayed growth in children.

    “Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications, including pain relief medications, blood transfusions, and hydroxyurea to reduce crises.

    “In severe cases, a bone marrow transplant may offer a cure,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    CC/DE/IU

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    Edited by Dorcas Jonah/ Isaac Ukpoju

  • FG tasks civil servants on improved service delivery

    FG tasks civil servants on improved service delivery

    Service-delivery

    By Maureen Okon

    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has urged civil servants to remain diligent and value-oriented in the execution of their official duties.

    Gabriel Aduda, Permanent Secretary in the ministry gave the charge when Ali Seidu, Chairman of the Union Executive and staff of  the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside some members of staff, visited him in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit was in appreciation of Aduda’s impactful role during his tenure as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, from December 2020 to October 2022.

    Aduda said that the civil service was the engine room of government adding that, it was their responsibility as civil servants to ensure effective service delivery to Nigerians.

    He further said that the civil service was crucial in actualising the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu-led Administration.

    He, therefore, urged civil servants to always give their best in their service to humanity.

    “Always put in your best at every opportunity you are given to serve. You may never have a second chance to make a first impression, so always put your best foot forward.

    “Never relent in supporting your subordinates and superiors,’’ he advised.

    Aduda reaffirmed the government’s commitment to capacity development for workers; enhance efficiency and productivity for effective service delivery in the public sector, in line with global standards.

    Responding, Seidu the union chairman expressed gratitude to the permanent secretary for his contributions to staff career progression and capacity building at the foreign ministry.

    He acknowledged Aduda’s efforts in facilitating the conversion of staff from the Executive Cadre to Officer Cadre.

    Seidu said that the knowledge and opportunities gained from these initiatives would be utilised to achieve the goals and objectives of the federal government.

    NAN reports that the high point of the event was the presentation of a customised, handcrafted thank-you card by the group. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ETIM/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Cholera: Expert recommends intensified hygiene practices for schools

    Cholera

    By Tosin Kolade
    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) In response to suspected and confirmed reports of cholera outbreaks in some parts of Nigeria, a sanitation expert has called for improved hygiene practices in schools.

    Mr Benson Attah, the National Coordinator, Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.

    He said that school management authourities need to immediately increase their level of alertness and intensify cholera awareness.

    He urged local government councils with reported outbreaks to disseminate hygiene messages to pupils and students in affected areas.

    Attah advised students to share the messages with their families, neighbours, and communities to ensure widespread awareness and preventive action.

    “This outbreak should serve as an early warning to the councils and states yet unaffected,” Attah said.

    He underscored the necessity for proactive measures even in regions not currently experiencing outbreaks.

    “The recommended hygiene practices include; regular hand washing with safe, clean water and soap, especially before eating.

    “We must all practice food safety by washing fruits and vegetables with salt and water, followed by thorough rinsing and ensuring that all cooking and eating utensils are cleaned with soap and water.

    “Another issue is insect and rodent prevention through preventing flies and other insects from contacting food and keeping rodents out of homes, particularly kitchens and food storage areas”.

    The national coordinator noted the importance of water safety, saying drinking only potable or boiled water should be encouraged at all times.

    Attah said that school management authorities must immediately increase their alertness and cholera awareness efforts to mitigate the spread of the disease.

    He urged everyone to maintain a high level of hygiene at home, in schools, on buses, and in other public places to prevent further outbreaks.

    “The level of seriousness and commitment to hygiene practices must be heightened across all affected and unaffected areas, collective responsibility is essential in combating the cholera outbreak.

    Attah also advised everyone to avoid buying and eating street food in areas with reported cholera cases, saying clothes and bedding should be soaked in soap, boiled water, and disinfectants, or bleach.

    He said floors, walls, toilets, and bathrooms should be washed with disinfectants or bleach where cholera patients stayed or were treated.

    “Everyone should drink boiled or potable water, additionally, people should adopt regular hand washing with safe water and soap or use hand sanitizer.”

    NAN quotes the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention as saying ` as of 11 June 2024, 1,141 suspected cholera cases had been recorded across 30 states in Nigeria since January 2024.’’

    The 10 states that recorded 90 per cent of the cases are mostly located in the South (Bayelsa—over 400 cases, Lagos, Abia, Cross River, Delta, Imo States), with some situated further north (Katsina, Nasarawa, Zamfara States). (NAN)

    TAK/EEE

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    Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

     

     

  • Group partners Bauchi Govt to improve healthcare outcomes 

    Healthcare

    By Ahmed Kaigama

    Bauchi, June 19, 2024 (NAN) A consortium, Health System Strengthening Cluster, says it is collaborating with Bauchi State Government to improve healthcare outcomes in the state.

     

    The Cluster Team Lead, Hajiya Asmau Yahaya, said this during an advocacy visit to the state Ministries of Health, Budget, Economic Planning, Multilateral Coordination and the Primary Health Care Board on Wednesday in Bauchi.

     

    Yahaya said that the group was working on a project – Improved Quality Healthcare Service Delivery through Integrated Supportive Supervision (ISS), to improve healthcare outcomes in the state.

     

    She said that the partnership was to strengthen the state’s ISS with a view to improving healthcare services budget lines.

     

    She advocated for the creation of an ISS technical working group and the establishment of a private sector engagement unit in primary healthcare centres in three urban local government areas of the state.

     

    Yahaya said that the consortium comprised six Civil Society Organisations across the country vis: Life Transformation for Africa (LIFT4AFRICA), Council for Affirmative Action (COFA), and She Alert Care Foundation.

     

    Others, she said, are the Bauchi State Network of Civil Societies (BASNEC), Women with Integrity and Development Initiative (WDIDI) and Better Life Restoration Initiative (BERI).

     

    Speaking, Mr Stephen Wudelwe, a member of the consortium, solicited the support of the ministry of budget for an adequate allocation of funds in the health sector.

     

    In his remarks, Dr Adamu Sambo, the State Commissioner for Health, called for more community engagements to enable people have access to quality healthcare services across the state.

     

    He said that communities have a vital role to play in ensuring improved healthcare service delivery.

     

    Sambo assured of the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with the partners to assist the government in improving the healthcare outcomes in the state.

     

    Also, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, Chairman, Primary Health Care Development Board, pledged to work with the group to improve healthcare delivery.

     

    Alh. Jibrin Yusuf, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Planning, appreciated the consortium for the initiative to improve health care services in the state

     

    He urged the group to advocate budget increment and releases from the line ministries for easy allocation of funds. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MAK/CEO/IU

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    Edited by Chidi Opara / Isaac Ukpoju

  • No confirmed cases of cholera in Osun – Official

    Cholera
    By Victor Adeoti
    Osogbo, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Osun Government says there are no confirmed cases of cholera outbreak in the state.
    This was disclosed by the Director of Public Health in the state Ministry of Health, Dr Akeem Bello, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Osogbo.
    Bello, however, said that all the primary healthcare centres in the state had been put on alert in case of any outbreak of the disease.
    “Presently, we have yet to record any outbreak of cholera in the state,” he said.
    The director, however, stated that since last week when news about the outbreak of the disease had filtered in from Lagos, all the primary healthcare centres across the state had been put on standby in case of any outbreak.
    “We are on top of the situation, and government is doing everything possible to ensure that in case of any outbreak, we can quickly curtail it,” he said.
    Bello also said that an Emergency Operation Centre on cholera would be activated to prevent the spread of the disease in schools in case of any outbreak.
    He also said that a surveillance team from the epidemiology department would be monitoring the situation in the state to contain the spread or outbreak of the disease.
    “An emergency operation centre (EOC) will be activated any moment from now.
    “Officials from the Ministry of Education and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) are members of the EOC and are well-informed about the cholera outbreak in Lagos,” he said.
    Bello also said that government had placed jingles in some radio stations to sensitise residents of the state on the causes and prevention of cholera.
    NAN reports that cholera is a highly-infectious disease caused by vibrio cholera, characterised by diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration, abdominal cramps and fever.
    NAN also reports that if left untreated, cholera can lead to severe dehydration, shock and even death within hours.
    However, prompt treatment with oral rehydration therapy (ORT) or intravenous fluids can effectively manage the disease.
    Cholera is typically spread through contaminated food, water, poor sanitation and hygiene as well as close contact with infected individuals.
    It can be prevented by proper hand washing, safe drinking water, proper food handling and storage and avoiding close contact with infected individuals, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    VE/NNO/WAS
    Edited by Nick Nicholas and ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Group seeks funding to enhance supportive learning environment for children

    Education
    By Ibukun Emiola
    Ibadan, June 19, 2024 (NAN) A non-governmental organisation (NGO), YouthInvolve, has called on government to provide funding to enhance supportive learning environment for children in schools.

    The Lead YouthInvolve, Mr Moses Solanke, made the call during a rally to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the African Child at St. Leo’s Catholic Primary Schools I and II, Orita Challenge, Ibadan, on Wednesday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for this year’s Day of the African Child is “Education for All Children in Africa: The Time is Now.”

    Solanke stated that an African child was usually viewed from a one-sided lens as an unfortunate child, in poverty and needs, adding however, that “an African child is a bright child full of promises.

    “He is a child let down by his elders and leaders because they rarely give him the opportunity to explore the gifts it has within.

    “Our children are doing well across the world, not only in Africa, to let you know that we have it if only we have the right environment.”

    He urged governments at all levels to put actions into their words on revamping education and invest more, especially in primary education.

    According to him, government can start this by recruiting teachers and provide infrastructure for the basic level.

    Solanke called on Catholic Church, the original owner of St. Leo’s Catholic Primary School, Orita Challenge, Ibadan, before it was taken over by government and the school’s alumni to provide it with supportive learning environment.

    “Though Catholic Church owned the school before it was taken over by government, the church should still be interested in the school as it still bears its name,” Solanke said.

    Head Teachers of schools I and II, Mrs Oluyemi Adesokan and Mrs Mary Owadasa respectively, identified dilapidated fence as one of the greatest challenges of the school.

    They said that the dilapidated fence had opened the school to hoodlums who defecate and urinate on the classrooms, while residents of the area too usually dumped their waste within the premises.

    Adesokan called on kind-hearted individuals to assist the school, adding that government had been doing so much in the education sector and would need support.

    NAN reports that the group distributed bags to the indigent pupils of the school.

    Two of the beneficiaries, Victoria Ibe and Folahan Olajire, expressed appreciation to the group for the gesture, saying it would further help them in their studies. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    IBK/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Cholera: NCDC urges state govts to ensure access to safe water, basic sanitation

    Cholera: NCDC urges state govts to ensure access to safe water, basic sanitation

    Cholera

    By Abujah Racheal

    Abuja, June 19, 2024(NAN) The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has urged state governments to prioritise actions that ensure access to and use of safe water, basic sanitation, and proper hygiene practices in communities.

    The call is contained in a comprehensive advisory released to the public, healthcare workers, and state governments on mitigating the spread of cholera.

    The centre reported a total of 1,141 suspected cases of cholera, with 65 confirmed cases and 30 deaths across 96 local government areas in 30 states from Jan. 1 to June 11.

    The NCDC highlighted that 10 states—Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa and Lagos—account for 90 per cent of the cholera burden in the country.

    The centre explained that cholera is a food and water-borne disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, ingested through contaminated water and food.

    Water contamination usually results from the faeces of infected individuals, occurring during water collection, transportation, or storage at home. Food can also be contaminated by unclean hands during preparation or consumption.

    At-risk populations, the centre said, include those with limited access to clean water, poor sanitation and hygiene, consumers of potentially contaminated food or fruits without proper washing and cooking, and healthcare workers providing direct patient care without standard precautions.

    The centre noted that symptoms of cholera include acute, profuse, painless watery diarrhoea (rice water stools), sudden onset vomiting, and may be accompanied by nausea and fever.

    Severe cases can lead to death within hours due to dehydration from massive fluid loss.

    However, NCDC stressed that most infected individuals (about 80%) may show mild symptoms or be asymptomatic.

    NCDC cautioned that the best prevention against cholera includes ensuring access to safe drinking water, proper sanitation and waste disposal, and adopting appropriate hygiene practices, including regular handwashing.

    It advised avoiding raw fruits and vegetables, food from street vendors, and raw or undercooked seafood.

    “Protect cooked food and boiled water from contamination by flies and unsanitary handling.

    “Leftover food should be reheated thoroughly before consumption,” he said.

    The agency said that persons experiencing diarrhoea should avoid preparing or serving food or hauling water for others to prevent the spread of infection.

    “ Avoid open defecation and indiscriminate dumping of refuse. Proper disposal of waste and regular clearing of sewage are essential.

    “Anyone experiencing sudden watery diarrhoea should seek immediate medical attention and refrain from self-medication,” he said.

    It said that Nigerians should always practice standard safety precautions, such as wearing gloves when handling patients or providing care to ill individuals.

    The public health agency said that people should Intensify efforts to promptly report suspected cholera cases to facilitate timely intervention.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that according to the World Health Organisation(WHO), cholera is a food and water-borne disease, caused by the ingestion of the organism Vibrio Cholerae in contaminated water and food. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    AIR/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza