Category: Health

Drugs
By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
Ilorin, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Hon. Amos Magaji, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Health Institutions, has advised Nigerians to always seek medical advice from experts before taking drugs for ailments.

Magaji made the call while speaking with newsmen, on the sidelines of the Committee’s visit to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) on its oversight function.

He said that there was an increase in cases of renal and liver problems in the country, adding that the cause of this had been attributed to indiscriminate consumption of unrecommended drugs by the people.

“Many Nigerians are used to taking different types of drugs including “Agbo” (local herbs) and other drugs not prescribed by medical experts without thinking of their effects.

“This is why cases of renal and liver diseases are becoming rampant among our people.

“Nigerians should desist from taking unprescribed drugs, they should seek medical advice from experts before they take drugs, when they are sick,” he said.

The lawmaker also cautioned against taking drugs that are very cheap which are bought from roadside health vendors, adding that they should take prescriptions from experts and renowned pharmacies in the country.

He observed that though people are complaining of high cost of drugs in the country, but it was better to take expensive drugs than to take cheap drugs that could send one to an early grave.

The health committee chairman also advised Nigerians to always do periodic health checks to know their health status, saying that they should not wait until the time that they are sick before conducting health checks.

He also urged them to do the checks either in hospital or at approved laboratories.

Magaji said: “People should develop the culture of periodic health checks. They should not wait until the time they are sick before going to the hospital.

“They should go to the Radiology Department to know the condition of their body system. This will also assist doctors to know their health status when they get to the hospital.”

According to Magaji, health for all is possible if certain things are done for the nation’s health facilities, and government takes action to improve the performance of the National Health insurance Scheme.

“The government should increase capitation of the National Health Insurance. As at present, the National Health Insurance covers below 20 percent of the people.

“It should be increased to about 80%, because you cannot have health for all if people are still paying from their pocket,” he said.

Magaji said that from the oversight function conducted at UITH, the committee discovered that the capital component given to the hospital in the 2022/2023 budget was too low.

He noted that the hospital’s budget for capital projects was below N1 billion as against the recurrent of N14 billion.

According to him, with this oversight function, the committee’s assessment is that the capital allocation for the hospital is too low.

“If we want to reverse the medical tourism in this country, we have to develop infrastructure and replace key equipment in our hospitals and there should be change of attitude of our medical professionals,” he said.

He said that the committee would work towards increasing capital budgetary allocation to health institutions in the 2025 budget.

In his comments, Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf, the Chief Medical Director of UITH, appreciated the committee for its visit, stating that the committee should ensure that medical tourism was reduced to the minimum.

Yusuf said that the health committee met with the management of the hospital and offered useful advice.

He explained that some challenges facing the hospital included poor power supply, high cost of diesel and shortage of funds. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FATY/COF
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Edited by Christiana Fadare

Forum offers free medical outreach to vulnerable citizens in Kogi

Outreach

By Stephen Adeleye

Lokoja, June 17, 2024 (NAN) The House Officers Forum (HO forum), Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja (FTHL), has offered free medical services to no fewer 100 indigent people of Adankolo market in Lokoja, Kogi State.

The forum also enlightened the community on some health conditions, the right use of medications, how to take care of their health, as well as personal hygiene to prevent transmittable diseases.

The Chief Medical Director of FTHL, Dr Olatunde Alabi, during the outreach programme, commended the forum for the initiative to invest their time and resources in helping the less privileged.

Alabi, who was represented by the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), FTHL, Dr Ojochide Ebune, expressed the FTHL management’s total support for the HO forum on the initiative.

He stressed that the gesture would go a long way to improve the health of the beneficiaries who could not afford basic healthcare services due to financial constraints amidst the economic pressure.

The CMD encouraged the community to mobilise their people to take advantage of the free healthcare services as well as other subsequent medical outreaches.

He urged the people to pay adequate attention to their health especially regular screening, exercise, watch what they eat, drink, reduce stress and ensure adequate rest.

“A healthy person is a productive, resource and useful person. Prevention is better than cure; health is wealth. If you take care of your health, it is cheaper than cure,” he said.

The CMD further assured the populace of the commitment of management of FTHL to continue to ensure quality delivery of healthcare services to people of the state.

He stressed that the institution remained the most equipped, effective, accessible and affordable tertiary health institution in the state.

Also speaking, Dr Kenneth Nwafor, House Officer’s Representative, FTHL, said the medical outreach was part of activities to mark the HO Forum 2024 Week as a give back project to the society.

Nwafor noted that the HO forum with the support of FTHL management had on Friday, sensitised the public on benefits of blood donation to commemorate the “World Blood Donor Day (WBDD)” 2024, marked every June 14.

He said the medical outreach was to sensitise the people on their health challenges and how to avoid some bad practices.

He added that it was also to raise awareness on chronic health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, among others.

Nwafor said that the people would also be screened and given free drugs such as antihypertensives, antidiabetic, pain reliefs, among others.

He further said that others who needed urgent medical attention would be referred to medical facilities.

Nwafor appreciated the management of FTHL for their approval and full support for the initiative, stressing the need to continually encourage and support such project on regular basis.

“I am really impressed with the turnout of the people for the medical outreach because it actually surpassed our target of 100 beneficiaries.

“We are grateful to the management of FTHL for their support to ensure the success of the programme,” Nwafor said.

Earlier in her sensitisation lecture, Dr Damilola Daniel, FTHL House Officer, advised the people to engage in regular exercise, avoid salty foods, self meditation and herbal concussion.

Also, a 75-year-old community leader, Alhaji Isah Abdullahi, thanked the HO forum and the management of FTHL for bringing the medical outreach to Adankolo rural communities.

“We thank the doctors and the hospital for treating our people and giving us free drugs,” Abdullahi said.

Some of the beneficiaries, Rekiyat Ibrahim, Hasiya Isa, Salman Ismaila and Samuel Ariyo, all expressed their gratitude to the HO forum for the gesture toward improving their health and wellbeing. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

ASA/FAK/VIV

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Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi/Vivian Ihechu

Cholera bacteria transmitted through faeces- Expert cautions public

Cholera

By Abujah Racheal

Abuja, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Dr Gabriel Adakole, a public health expert, has cautioned members of the public against Cholera bacteria which is passed through faeces.

Adakole told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday that the disease is spread by eating food or drinking water contaminated by the faeces of an infected person.

NAN reports that Cholera is a severe diarrhea illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

The disease remains a significant health challenge, especially in regions with inadequate sanitation and clean water access.

Understanding the transmission mechanism of cholera is crucial in curbing its spread and implementing effective prevention measures.

The public health expert said that the primary route of cholera transmission was through the consumption of food or water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person.

“The bacteria can survive in the environment for extended periods, making it easier for the disease to spread in areas lacking proper sanitation and hygiene.

“When a person ingests contaminated water or food, the bacteria colonise the intestines, leading to the rapid onset of symptoms,” he said.

Adakole said that cholera would be more prevalent in underdeveloped states where infrastructure for clean water and sewage disposal was insufficient.

“In these states, the lack of access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation facilities creates an environment conducive to the spread of cholera.

“Natural disasters, conflicts and overcrowded living conditions can exacerbate the situation, leading to outbreaks that can affect thousands of people,” he said.

He further said that preventing cholera required a multifaceted approach.

According to him, states should ensure access to clean drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities which is vital.

“This involves building and maintaining infrastructure for safe water supply and proper sewage disposal, and educating communities on the importance of handwashing with soap and safe food handling practices.

“Cholera vaccines can provide temporary protection and are particularly useful during outbreaks or for people travelling to high-risk areas.

“Early diagnosis and treatment of cholera with oral rehydration salts (ORS) and, in severe cases, intravenous fluids and antibiotics, can save lives and limit the spread of the disease,” he advised.

He said that it was time for the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and relevant agencies, including various non-governmental organisations (NGOs), to assist affected states to combat cholera.

“These efforts should include providing emergency relief during outbreaks, supporting infrastructure projects, and conducting vaccination campaigns.

“However, the persistent challenges of poverty, political instability, and climate change continue to hamper progress,” he stressed.

He also said that cholera remained a serious threat in many parts of the world including Nigeria, primarily due to the lack of clean water and adequate sanitation.

“Addressing these fundamental issues is key to preventing the spread of cholera and improving public health outcomes globally,” he said.

NAN reports that Lagos State government recently confirmed a cholera outbreak, with the highly aggressive strain identified.

The epicenter is Lagos Island, with 106 cases, followed by other Local Government Areas.

Out of 350 suspected cases, 17 are confirmed, and 15 deaths have occurred.

The state, supported by NCDC, World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, and local NGOs, is enhancing public health campaigns, especially with the Sallah celebrations.

Suspected cases receive free treatment. Cholera spreads through contaminated food and water, and severe cases can cause rapid death due to dehydration.

In 2022, there were 473,000 cholera cases reported globally, with numbers rising in 2023. Africa has the highest numbers.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

AIR/AMM

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Cholera

By Oluwafunke Ishola 

Lagos, June 17, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, says Lagos Island has the highest number of suspected cholera cases with 106 cases out of the 350 suspected cases in the state. 

Abayomi made the disclosure on Monday through his official X account @profakinabayomi while giving an update of the state’s cholera outbreak. 

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

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

Abayomi disclosed that laboratory tests have confirmed that the outbreak was due to cholera with the identified strain being highly aggressive and contagious, with potential for widespread dissemination.

Speaking on the morbidity and mortality, Abayomi disclosed that 350 suspected cases of cholera were reported in 29 wards across multiple local government areas (LGAs) 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.

The commissioner further said that geographical distribution of suspected cases by LGAs revealed that Lagos Island was the epicentre of the outbreak with 106 cases; followed by Kosofe 49; Eti-Osa 38; Lagos mainland 30 and Ojo 17.

Other LGAs affected are Ikorodu 16; Kosofe 16; Shomolu 11, Surulere has nine; Apapa -eight; Mushin-eight; Ifako Ijaiye -eight; Mushin -five; Alimosho -four; Ajeromi Ifelodun -four; Oshodi-Isolo -three; Ikeja three; Ibeju Lekki -two; Badagry -two; and Amuwo-Odofin -one.

“Through community-based case finding and contact tracing, we have observed that the number of cases has peaked and is now significantly declining,” he said. 

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

According to him, suspected cases are receiving free treatment at the state’s public health facilities, in line with public health response protocols.

Abayomi said that the state was receiving support from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and International partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF. 

He added that local non-governmental organisations are actively involved in raising awareness and conducting community-based surveillance efforts.

On cholera causes and transmission, Abayomi disclosed that cholera is caused by contaminated water and food and transmission common in areas with inadequate water treatment, poor sanitation, and insufficient hygiene.

He said that common symptoms include severe diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, thirst and muscle cramps. 

“Symptoms can appear within a few hours to five days after infection,” he warned. 

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

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

Speaking on treatment, Abayomi stressed that immediate action on rehydration was key, adding that oral rehydration salts (ORS) are crucial. 

He added that medical treatment would be required for severe cases that may require intravenous fluids and antibiotics.

Abayomi advised the public to seek prompt medical help if symptoms occur and report any suspected cases to health hotlines: 08023169485 08137412348, or call 767 or 112. (NAN)

AIO/VIV

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu

FMC

By Shedrack Frank

Yenagoa, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Dr James Omietimi,  Chief Medical Director,  Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa in Bayelsa, says the major challenge confronting and still lingering in the health facility is the  ‘Japa’ syndrome.

Omietimi disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  on Monday in Yenagoa.

According to him, the Japa syndrome has impacted negatively on our healthcare delivery system in Nigeria today.

NAN reports that the new CMD has worked with the hospital for over 25 years as staff before his appointment few months ago.

He highlighted some of the challenges faced due to the departure of health professionals seeking better opportunities abroad and also the rate at which health professionals were being kidnapped in the country.

“This Japa movement has been a major challenge, not only for us here in FMC Yenagoa but most of the hospitals across Nigeria as a country.

“Most of our doctors, nurses, pharmacists and lab scientists are leaving Nigeria for greener pastures abroad and at an  alarming rate.

“This movement has led to understaffing here and big workload on  the remaining medical professionals,” he said.

The CMD stated also other  aspects included poor remuneration, lack of security for personnel and infrastructure development.

He called for retirement age for medical health workers to increase from 60 to 65, or even 70 years, as it was done in other professions like university lectures and judges.

Omietimi reassured the general public of the hospital’s commitment to  providing medical services, in spite shortage of clinical personnel.

He said the FMC had grown from what it used to be then, and has still remained one of the best hospitals in Bayelsa that served the people better.

According to him, government hospitals are not always funded like the private hospitals.

He urged  the Bayelsa Government led by Gov. Douye Diri, to open doors for partnerships in the state’s medical sector and not  only when there were major problems.  (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

FS/CHOM/VIV

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Vivian Ihechu

WHO

By Abujah Racheal

Abuja, June 17, 2024 (NAN) A Nigerian Scientist, Prof.  Oyewale Tomori, has expressed disappointment over Nigeria’s continuous exclusion from the role of Regional Director for the World Health Organisation (WHO) African Region.

Tomori, a renowned Nigerian Virologist, expressed his concern in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

NAN reports that the document “CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE NOMINATION OF THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR” outlines guidelines established during the Sixty-eighth session of the Regional Committee for Africa in Dakar, Senegal, held from Aug. 27 to Aug.  31 August 2018.

Its purpose is to enhance the transparency fairness, and credibility of the process for nominating the Regional Director of (WHO) for the African Region.

The Code builds upon existing rules and procedures, particularly Rule 52 of the Regional Committee’s Rules of Procedure, and incorporates principles such as fairness, equity, transparency, and non-discrimination.

It addresses specific aspects of the nomination process, including the submission of proposals, electoral campaigns, and the conduct of member-states’ and candidates.

The Code emphasises ethical conduct, mutual respect, and the avoidance of conflicts of interest among candidates.

Key provisions include the standardisation of curriculum vitae submissions, restrictions on campaign activities, and guidelines for maintaining confidentiality during the nomination meetings.

The adoption of this Code aims to harmonise practices across WHO regional committees and uphold the integrity of the nomination process for regional directors in the African Region.

Tomori said that in spite having highly qualified candidates,  Nigeria had never held this influential position in the WHO.

According to him, it is a worrisome trend that also undermines and limits the career progression and aspirations  of citizens in the organisation.

He attributed this to a lack of governmental support, especially from the Coordinating Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Nigeria.

He alleged that the ministry often showed bias in favour of candidates from specific tribes rather than supporting the most qualified individuals.

He said that this persistent geopolitical favoritism and calculated negligence have frustrated capable Nigerian candidates.

“This pattern of internal opposition has resulted in Nigeria’s absence from a significant role in global health leadership, undermining the country’s potential contributions to WHO Africa’s mission,” he said.

NAN reports that the names of the candidates for the election of the next Regional Director for the WHO African Region were sent by WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to the relevant Member States on June 14.

The candidates include Dr N’da Konan Michel Yao, proposed by Côte d’Ivoire and  Dr Boureima Hama Sambo, proposed by Niger Republic.

Others are Dr Richard Mihigo, proposed by Rwanda, Dr Ibrahima Socé Fall, proposed by Senegal and Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile, proposed by Tanzania.

Meanwhile, the African Regional Committee of  WHO will vote to nominate the next Regional Director in a closed meeting during its 74th session from Aug. 26 to Aug. 30 in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.

The nomination will then be submitted for appointment by the 156th session of the WHO Executive Board, which takes place in January 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.

The newly appointed Regional Director is expected to assume office on  Feb. 1,  2025, for a five-year term and be eligible for reappointment for one additional term.

The Regional Director is appointed by the WHO Executive Board in agreement with the WHO Regional Committee for Africa.

Any member-state of the region may propose one or more candidates for the position.

The Regional Director is elected by secret ballot at a private meeting of the Regional Committee NAN) www.nannews.ng

AIR/KAE/VIV

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Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Vivian Ihechu

Cholera
By Oluwafunke Ishola

Lagos, June 16, 2024 (NAN) A Consultant Gastroenterologist, Dr Mbang Kooffreh-Ada, says adequate access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) remains the sustainable solution to reducing the transmission of cholera cases and deaths in the country.

Kooffreh-Ada, who works at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

A gastroenterologist is a medical practitioner, who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and related organs, NAN reports.

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

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

Kooffreh-Ada, however, warned that, “medical interventions alone won’t solve the underlying issues leading to cholera outbreaks”, stressing that cholera is an indicator of inequity and lack of social development.

She stressed the need for the government at all levels to prioritise access to potable water for citizens through the establishment of water boards to supply clean and hygiene pipe borne water to homes.

“We’re in the middle of the rainy season and you have a lot of runoff water from the heavy downpour, which can contaminate water sources, especially in communities where they practice is defecation.

“Many households do not have access to clean pipe borne public water supply from water boards in each of the states where water engineers chlorinate and purify the water.

“Creating a functioning water board in all states would be an avenue to nip this particular problem in the bud,” she said.

The gastroenterologist stressed that open defecation and indiscriminate sewage disposal should be discouraged and laws to punish defaulters put in place to serve as a deterrent to would-be offenders.

She noted that seepage could percolate down and contaminate underground water, thus appealing to borehole engineers to dig deep to prevent contamination of underground water sources.

Kooffreh-Ada noted that fecal-oral transmission was the main driving force behind cholera in most communities, advising the public to boil water to boiling points to kill the pathogens before drinking or cooking with it.

“Some people actually use human waste as manure; so, I always tell my patients that if you are going to prepare meals, especially with vegetables or fruits, make sure you wash them very well under running water.

“If you’re cooking them, you cook to the point where the organism can possibly be killed,” she advised.

The gastroenterologist emphasised that cholera could be easily treated through prompt administration of oral rehydration solution (ORS) or preparing the salt and sugar solution to help the person.

She said that the WHO/UNICEF’s ORS standard sachet should be dissolved in one litre of clean water for children, while adult patients might require up to six litres of ORS to treat moderate dehydration on the first day.

Kooffreh-Ada noted that severely dehydrated patients were required to take the rapid administration of intravenous fluids and appropriate antibiotics under the supervision of healthcare professionals to reduce diarrhea duration and dehydration.

She advised the public to promptly report all cholera cases at nearby health facilities for proper supervision and management to improve patient’s survival.

The gastroenterologist stressed that primary healthcare centres should be adequately equipped, especially with IV infusions, antibiotics and medical personnel to cater for patients with cholera.

She stressed the need for citizens to embrace frequent handwashing, improve hygiene in their homes, and environment to prevent infection with cholera.

NAN reports that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), on June 12, hinted of increasing cholera cases nationwide, with recorded 30 deaths and 65 confirmed cases of cholera.

NCDC said the cases were reported from 96 local government areas(LGAs) in 30 states between January and June 11, 2024.

The agency disclosed that 10 states contributed 90 per cent to the burden of cholera listing the states to include Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa and Lagos.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, on June 11, alerted residents of the state of cholera outbreak resulting in five fatalities and 60 hospitalisation in four LGAs of the state.

Abayomi disclosed that fatalities recorded were from patients with severe gastroenteritis presented late at health facilities with extreme dehydration.

He called for heightened vigilance and adoption of precautionary measures, disclosing that the state had activated a statewide heightened surveillance and response to check the transmission of the disease. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

AIO/KOO/VIV
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Vivian Ihechu