Category: Health

Foundation, Ajinomoto Foods empower widows through cooking competition in Lagos

Participants with the prizes at the cooking competition on Saturday in Lagos.
Foundation, Ajinomoto Foods empower widows through cooking competition in Lagos
Widows
By Lilian U Okoro
Lagos, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Healing Heart Foundation, an NGO in collaboration with the Ajinomoto Foods Nig Ltd., has empowered some widows through a cooking competition, to enhance their living standard.
Mrs Sophy Mbanisi, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, made this known at the cooking competition exercise organised by the two bodies in commemoration of the 2024 International Widows Day (IWD) on Saturday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the IWD is celebrated annually on June 23 to explore some of the issues affecting widows around the world and what must be done to safeguard and advance their rights.
Mbanisi explained that the Foundation moved the IWD celebration to Saturday to enable it accommodate its monthly meeting, usually held on the last week of every month.
She said that the programme, which had became an annual event since its first edition in 2023, would run from the zonal level to the state and national level by the foundation.
Speaking on the objectives behind the project, Mbanisi said the programme aimed at challenging widows to achieve more in life to be able to fend for their families.
She added that the major objective of the programme was to empower widows with healthy cooking skills that would enable them sustain living despite the demise of their spouses.
According to her, many of the widows have a lot of hidden dreams that are lying dormant in them.
She said, “The cooking competition project, which started in 2023, is in partnership with Ajinomoto Foods Nigeria Ltd., who is the sole and major sponsor.
“It was conducted among the Foundation’s widows in its first edition last year, but this year, we are able to compete with another Foundation – the Ebere Otigba Foundation, Ajao Estate Lagos.
“The fact remains that many of these widows have a lot of hidden dreams and talents that are just lying unexplored in them.
“We want to see how we can revive some of their dreams and aspirations that were abandoned when their husbands died.
“So, we want to bring this healthy cooking competition among them because it will spur many of them that are good cooks and some of them that have the aspiration to run good restaurants or work as cooks in organisations.
“It will equally spur other widows that are out there to know that they can do more, even beyond cooking, to sustain themselves and their families after the demise of their husbands.’’
According to her, all the widows that participated in the programme went home with tangible gifts, adding that all the contestants in the cooking competition were given remarkable prizes to help them enhance their livelihood and businesses.

Speaking, Mrs Francisca Ikediashi, Corporate Communications Manager, Ajinomoto Foods Nig Ltd., said that the cooking competition aimed at adding value and enhancing the skills of the widows.
Ikediashi described the project as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, through which it gave back to the society.
She said that the company collaborated with the Healing Heart Foundation to share values with widows and other vulnerable in the society.
“Competition is the spice of life; that your husband is dead is not the end of life. As a widow, don’t be limited, you got a lot of potential in you; keep pushing until something happens.
“From the competition today, there are great cooks. So, what is limiting you; stand up and start doing something for your future and those of your children.
“There is joy in winning. The first prize winner got a 120litre refrigerator, which can help her if she wants to do any cold business.
“The second prize winner got a set of big cooking pot; she can start a cooking business with that and others were all given beautiful gifts – coolers and the likes.
“Learn to be empowered; whatever thing you have, manage it well and start doing something,” Ikediashi urged.
The President, Lagos State Caterers and Decorators Association, Mrs Olajumoke Abraham-Agbelusi, described the cooking competition as a ‘beautiful one’, as the contestants properly used the Ajinomoto seasonings to enhance the taste of their meals.
Abraham-Agbelusi, also the competition’s Chief Judge, said there was no excessive usage of the seasoning in the meals, that might cause any individual constipation, vomiting or stooling.
According to her, excessive usage of the Ajinomoto seasonings remains the reason why some people may complain about the taste of Ajinomoto seasonings.
“The reason some people complain about the taste of Ajinomoto seasonings is because they don’t know the right quantity to use at a given time.
“But, when a cook put the right quantity for the right recipe, you will know that Ajinomoto seasoning is a good product.
“Women cook in diverse ways, but, in the cooking competition, the contestants are able to use the seasoning in a right proportion to give a unique taste to the meals,” she said.
Mrs Onyekachi Imo, Winner of the cooking competition, appreciated the two bodies for organising the programme, saying it had enhanced her cooking skills.
According to her, the refrigerator prize she received will not only boost her living standard, but also enhance her business. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
LUC/COF
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Edited by Christiana Fadare
June 29, 2024
Foundation laments stigmatisation against women drug users, others
Drugs
By Sani Idris
Kaduna, June 29, 2024(NAN) Thinkers Children Foundation with support from YouthRISE Nigeria under the “We Are People” campaign, has urged people in communities to avoid stigmatising women and other ‘People Who Use Drugs (PWUD)’ in the society.
The foundation, made the call in a town hall engagement with relevant stakeholders in order to increase community support for PWUD with special focus on women on Saturday in Kaduna State,
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the engagement was part of activities lined up in commemoration of the 2024 World Drug Day which is held June 26 of every year.
The foundation emphasised the need for community support and acceptance, rather than condemnation, to help PWUD overcome their challenges.
The Programme Director of Thinkers Children Foundation, Mrs Itama Okhuelegbe, said the foundation tends to say no to stigmatisation with the theme “Evidence is clear: prevention is better than treatment”.
She added that the event, which aimed at sensitising the stakeholders, was to educate them on the fact that PWUD in the society among other people were also humans and needed not to be condemned.
Okhuelegbe, therefore, said PWUD need to be accepted and listened to, adding that most of them don’t trust people to talk to or don’t even have who to talk to.
According to her, women deal more with drugs due to situations that surround them like postpartum depression, among others where they feel the only way to help themselves is to go into drugs.
She lamented that a lot of girls were facing challenges which they can’t share with the feeling that using drugs is the only way to help them out.
Okhuelegbe said that many PWUD in the state don’t have knowledge on most of the centres supported by the Kaduna State Bureau for Substance Abuse (KADBUSA) where they could reach out to.
“Today, with this campaign, PWUD will know where to reach out to when they need who to talk to. Treatment is more expensive,” she said.
She thanked YouthRISE Nigeria for the support in mobilising people from the communities to talk about PWUD.
Also, the Director-General (DG) of KADBUSA, Joseph Ike, expressed the importance of being emphatic to PWUDs.
According to him, PWUD are people like everyone, so they should be treated with love and care.
Ike stressed that men and women are biologically different, saying women could be dependent on drugs within a shorter period than men.
He listed reasons for drug abuse to include: To feel good, feel better, so better and be a part of a group.
Ike said that there were limited resources for the people in need to recover, hence the government had provided 115 dropping centres at the early stage and created more rehabilitation centres in four local governments within the Kaduna metropolis.
He expressed the hope that people realise choices that were generally benefiting them.
On his part, the representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Benjamin Stephen, lamented the widespread drug abuse across the state.
He said that NDLEA operatives have been stationed in strategic places to apprehend offenders, especially those trafficking and taken to court and prosecuted, if found wanting.
Also, the representative of the State Ministry of Human Services and Social Development, Helen Saiza, commended the foundation for complementing the work of the state government in tackling the issue of drug abuse in the state.
She explained that drug abuse, being a social problem, affects households and communities.
Saiza urged that all hands must be on deck to tackle the issue so as to have a better community for all.
One of the stakeholders, the youth leader of Mando community, Mr Zakari Muhammad, stressed the importance of stakeholders engagement and the role of everybody in tackling the menace.
NAN reports that the event brought together stakeholders cutting across youths, women, political and religious leaders and commercial sex workers, among others.
They all agreed on the importance of empathy and support for PWUD, and commended the foundation for its efforts in tackling drug abuse in the state.
NAN reports that the event was aimed at increasing awareness and promoting evidence-based approaches to addressing drug abuse, with a focus on women.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
SA/ISHO/BRM
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Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Bashir Rabe Mani
June 29, 2024
Women council urges schools to prioritise drug abuse prevention
NCWS with the Principal and students of FSTC, Orozo

Drug
By Sarafina Christopher and Justina Auta
Abuja, June 29, 2024(NAN) The National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) has cautioned students against drug abuse and advised schools to prioritise prevention initiatives to combat the ugly trend.
The council gave the advice at an awareness campaign in Abuja to commemorate World Drug Day with the theme “The Evidence is Clear, Invest in Prevention.”
The campaign was held at Federal Science and Technical College(FSTC), Orozo.
Mrs Geraldine Etuk, acting National President, NCWS, said that schools played a vital role in shaping the attitude and behaviour of young individuals towards substance abuse.
She stressed that investing in prevention programmes within educational institutions was crucial to raising awareness, providing support and fostering a drug-free environment for students.
“As a society, we cannot afford to overlook the devastating consequences of drug abuse, especially among our youth.
“It is important that we take proactive measures to prevent and address this issue effectively,” she said.
Etuk also appealed to school administrators to collaborate with local authorities, healthcare professionals and community organisations to create a network of resources to address the multifaceted aspects of drug abuse.
Mr Nduka Augustine, Superintendent of Narcotics at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, FCT Command, utilised visual aids to showcase the adverse effects of various drugs.
Augustine said the visuals aimed to dissuade students from engaging in such harmful practices.
He advocated for the implementation of comprehensive drug prevention programmes encompassing education, counseling and support services for students at risk of substance abuse.
Mr Fayomi Ayo, the Principal of the school, expressed appreciation to the council for bringing the awareness campaign stating that prevention was key in the fight against drug abuse.
According to her, schools play a pivotal role in shaping a drug-free future for students.
Ayo added that by heeding advice and investing in effective prevention strategies, youths could be empowered to make informed decisions, steer clear of substance abuse and contribute to a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the council distributed sanitary and learning materials to the students.
The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is marked on June 26 annually.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

SAF/JDA/CJ/
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Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

June 29, 2024
Cholera: Enugu govt. launches campaign against open defecation

From L-R: Prof Sam Ugwu, Enugu State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Mr Pius Ezeugwu, Chairman House Committee on Environment and Climate Change, and Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Mr Mathew Abiah.
Campaign
By Alex Enebeli
Enugu, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Enugu State Government says it will launch a campaign to address the menace of open defecation and poor sanitation in the state to prevent the outbreak of cholera and other infectious diseases.
Prof Sam Ugwu, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, said this during the Commemoration of the “2024 National Environmental Sanitation Day”, in Enugu on Friday, with the theme: “Environmental Sanitation in the Era of Climate Change”.
Ugwu said that the campaign would include the monthly sanitation to promote environmental cleanliness in the state especially with the outbreak of cholera.
He said that the state government would construct and put in use permanent sewage disposal site at Nkwubor, and many other activities to ensure a clean and safe environment in Enugu.
The commissioner said that the ministry had engaged in environmental conservation, protection of its diversity, urban beautification, environmental health and safety.
On a climate change, he said that Nigeria’s inability in the past to firmly put into action a plan for the people, planet and prosperity as core development agenda, led to environmental degradation.
“It has also led to ecological disaster and depletion of our natural resources. The current administration in Enugu is empowering people and taking climate change action and protecting the environment,” Ugwu said.
In a remark, Mr Pius Ezeugwu, the Chairman, Enugu House of Assembly Committee on Environment and Climate Change, said that the importance of the event could not be overemphasised, as it dealt with climate change and sanitation.
Ezeugwu, a member representing Nsukka East Constituency, said that the state was among the five pilot states selected by a foreign organisation to plant palm trees, to address climate issues.
He, however, called on the people of the state to comply with the Environmental Protection Law recently passed by the State House of Assembly, to promote clean, healthy and climate friendly environment.
“We have taken a proactive measure in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to secure our environment,” Ezeugwu said.
Delivering lecture on Sanitation and Climate Change, Dr Isaiah Abonyi, Senior Lecturer, Department of Environmental Health Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, said that Nigerians needed to be sensitised on dangers of climate change.
Abonyi said that the pattern of rainfall, humidity and grass outlay showed that all was not well for the environment.
“We now experience environmental degradation, flooding and others,” he said.
The senior lecturer called for personal hygiene and environmental sanitation, to promote healthy living, as well as shunning illegal felling of trees.
Proffering solution, he said that waste should be well disposed or recycled, while environmental health workers should be supported to carry out the task of sensitisation.
Earlier in a welcome address, Mr Mathew Abiah, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, recalled that the Federal Government had on June 28, 2005, declared National Environmental Sanitation Day, to create awareness on proper hygiene practice for the prevention of communicable diseases.
Abiah said that poor sanitation was a major factor responsible for significant percentage of spreading of preventable communicable diseases in developing countries like Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AAE/FON/MNA
Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Maureen Atuonwu
June 29, 2024
Cholera: Lagos Council offers free medical screening, treatments to residents

Cholera: Lagos Council offers free medical screening, treatments to residents

Cholera

By Kazeem Akande
Lagos, June 28, 2024(NAN) As part of measures to curtail the spread of cholera in the state, the Ifelodun Local Council Development Area (LCDA) on Friday organised a free screening and presentation of drugs to residents with special ailments.
The Executive Chairman of the LCDA, Mr Olufemi Okeowo, was represented by Dr Japheth Olugbogi, the Medical Officer of Health at the LCDA.
In his remarks at the programme/public enlightenment, he appealed to residents to adhere strictly to all precautionary measures to curb cholera outbreak.
“Today, we shall be having free general medical check-up towards overcoming the cholera outbreak.
“This development, coupled with creating necessary awareness and public education on how to give proper hygiene, is the condition necessary to curb the insurgent of cholera,” he said.
Olugbogi said that the council chairman cherished the health of the residents which was why the programme was initiated and being financed every month by the council.
“This is why the residents troop out in their large numbers to benefit from the free healthcare as this administration is committed to providing both human and material resources to support the residents’ environmental health,” he said.
He added that the avenue was also used to create more awareness, informing the residents to patronise the Primary Health Centres (PHCs) any time the need arose.
According to him, PHC medical personnel are available to provide the best of service to the community.
Olugbogi advised parents and guardians to improve and imbibe the preventive measures to ensure safety of their children medically.
“We also task the teachers to strictly enforce pupils and students to wash their hands before and after eating, and after using the toilets.
“Presently, all hands must be on deck; the children should be trained to keep their environment clean, both at home and in the school”.
Mrs Yetunde Lawal, one of the beneficiaries, thanked the council chairman for the free screening and drugs given to them.
“This is a great opportunity for the residents and it really give us joy to be here for the screening and the free medical support.
“The high cost of drugs now cannot be overemphasised. That’s why majority of the residents are here to benefit from the medical gesture,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that hundreds of residents benefitted from the free medical support while other serious cases were referred to the General Hospital.(NAN)

AKA/VIV
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Edited by Vivian Ihechu
June 28, 2024
NAFDAC seals 2 sachet water factories in Imo
NAFDAC seals 2 sachet water factories in Imo
Water
By Peter Okolie
Owerri, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down two sachet water factories in Owerri for operating in unhygienic environments.
The agency further cautioned another factory during the routine inspection carried out on Friday in the Imo capital city.
The two affected factories included Elmabo Table Water and Sylchap Enterprise Table Water, while Giver Table Water was cautioned over minor issues.
In an interview with newsmen at the end of the enforcement, the Imo NAFDAC Coordinator, Mrs Mercy Ndukwe, said the factories were sealed for poor manufacturing practices.
Ndukwe said: “We have invited them all to visit NAFDAC office with their licences for verification.
“Looking at the factories we visited, the agency is not happy seeing the environment they were operating on.
“NAFDAC’s minimum requirement is four to five rooms for small scale operators to operate a water production facility.
“At the time we registered them, these rooms were available but today, most of the rooms have been converted to other uses, like living rooms and other businesses.”
The NAFDAC chief expressed concern that cholera and other diseases could breakout from such unhygienic environments, if not given proper attention.
Ndukwe recalled that the agency, about three weeks ago, directed the water association in the state to close all operations for two days for proper cleaning and sanitisation of factories to avert cholera outbreak.
“In spite of the directive, we are very sad to see the environment where they operate in to be unhygienic,” she said.
She cautioned other producers “to sit up and conduct self sanitisation of their premises.”
“They should ensure that those they leave their businesses to run adhere strictly to the directives of NAFDAC.
“Our aim is not to close down factories or push them out of business but to ensure that Nigerians consume wholesale and hygienic food and water,”
Ndukwe further said.
She expressed the willingness of the agency to organise free trainings for the operators of table water factories in the state on the best practices.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the enforcement was carried out by NAFDAC, in collaboration with the Imo House of Assembly Committee on Health and Environment as well as the state chapter of the Association of Table Water Producers (ATWAP).
The Vice Chairman of ATWAP, Mrs Joy Uwakwe, expressed the support of her association to the enforcement by the agency.
“The association is in support of ensuring that water sold to consumers are clean and treated for consumption for Imo residents.
“The most unfortunate thing that happened today is that the sealed factories are not members of ATWAP,” Uwakwe said .
Also, the chairman, Imo House of Assembly Taskforce on Health and Environment, Chief Odyssey Obioha, expressed concern that the test conducted for quality at the facilities showed that the water was not safe for drinking.
Obioha said that a similar test was conducted on different sachets of water at the Imo State House of Assembly where it was discovered that most of them were unsafe for consumption.
“The discovery necessitated the inspection of water production facilities in the state, in collaboration with NAFDAC and ATWAP.
“The outbreak of cholera in the country has become an issue and the State Government is determined to ensure that Imo is free from cholera,” Obioha said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
OPC/USO
Edited by Sam Oditah
June 28, 2024
Medics commit to promoting micro-nutrients intake in Kaduna

Medics commit to promoting micro-nutrients intake in Kaduna
Intake
By Sani Idris
Kaduna, June 28, 2023(NAN) Nutrition Focal Persons (NFPs) from the 23 Local Governments of Kaduna State have restated their commitment to promoting the intake of ‘Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS)’ and improving health outcomes of pregnant women.
They made the commitment at the end of a two-day orientation programme on MMS organised by the State Primary Health Care Board (SPHCB), with support from Alive & Thrive on Friday in Kaduna.
The sensitisation was also supported by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) MMS grantees; UNICEF, Nutrition International, Results for Development (R4D) and Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN).
One of the NFPs, Nafisa Yusuf of Makarfi LGA, said she would step down the training she received to pregnant women in her LG.
She said that the MMS, which contains 15 micro nutrients, could not be derived from normal diets.
“MMS improves the nutritional situation of pregnant women and prevents them from anaemia, eclampsia and heart failure.
”The orientation we have by Alive & Thrive will be a game-changer in our efforts to promote MMS,”Yusuf said.
On her part, the focal person of Jema’a LGA, Blessing Thomas, said that the orientation would be valuable in enhancing their capacity in promoting MMS intake and improving health outcomes.
She explained that they were hitherto only familiar with Iron Folic Acid Supplementation (IFAS), which they normally gave pregnant women during antenatal natal care.
Thomas, however, said they now have a better knowledge and better product to use (MMS), which is used to prevent anaemia, where IFAS was used for treatment.
She, therefore, said she would intensify efforts to promote the MMS through increased awareness at the communities in her LGA even before the products
were available.
Also, Mrs Ruth Samuel, NFP, Chikun LGA, stressed the importance of MMS in the maintenance of haemoglobin level of pregnant women and suppressing chances of anaemia.
She explained that MMS intake would be easy for the women, ” because it is a single tablet containing 15 nutrients, against IFAS which is two to three which the women take at once.
“IFAS is only used when there is low haemoglobin level (anaemia), where is it normal, then MMS plays a role in maintaining the haemoglobin level, protects the fetus, reduce mortality and mobility rate for pregnant women.”
Samuel said they would work tirelessly to ensure that every pregnant woman and child in their communities receive the necessary MMS for optimal health.
Equally, Tukur Muhammad, the NFP, Zaria LGA, said he would scale down the orientation he received to the health facilities at his LGA.
He added that, when the commodities became available, he would distribute them to all the facilities.
Muhammad underscored the importance of a behavioural change approach in convincing pregnant women to switch from IFAS to MMS.
He, however, expressed optimism that his LGA would accept MMS, stressing that it has no side effects.
Mrs Sarah Kwasu, the State Team Lead of Alive & Thrive, said she was thrilled to see the commitment of the NFPs to promoting MMS intake and improving health outcomes for pregnant women at the local level.
She said that the orientation programme was aimed at equipping the NFPs with the knowledge and skills necessary to champion MMS promotion in their respective LGAs.
Kwasu said, “We believe that our support, combined with the NFPs dedication, will lead to a significant impact on the health and well-being of mothers and children in Kaduna State.”
NAN reports that at the end of the orientation, the NFPs agreed on strategies to address the challenges and improve MMS coverage in the state.
NAN also reports that Alive & Thrive, which facilitated the orientation, is a global nutrition programme aimed at improving the health and well-being of mothers and children in developing countries.
The programme focuses on promoting optimal maternal and infant nutrition practices, including breastfeeding, appropriate complementary feeding and adequate micronutrient intake.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
SA/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 28, 2024
NGO launches medical outreach for 5,200 women, children in Niger
NGO launches medical outreach for 5,200 women, children in Niger
Medical
By Rita Iliya
Minna, June 28, 2024 (NAN) An NGO, D-8 Health and Social Protection Programme (D-8 HSP), has launched free medical outreach for 5,200 women and children in Niger.
Dr Ado Muhammad, Global Director of HSP, disclosed this at the launching of the 2024 medical mission and outreach in Minna on Friday.
The theme of the 2024 medical outreach was ‘Enhancing Community Health for Resilience in Niger, Kano, FCT, Enugu, Osun and Bauchi States’.
Muhammad said activities at the outreach were disease control, maternal health, providing nutritional needs for pregnant women, HIV/AIDS testing and counselling.
“This medical outreach is to provide services to support Bago-led administration in area of reform targeted at addressing malnutrition and deepening of universal health coverage,” he said.
The director said services such as hypertension, blood sugar checks, HIV, malaria testing, family planning and distribution of vitamin A supplements and deworming drugs would be provided.
Muhammad disclosed that the outreach was targeting 4,000 under-five children that would be administered vitamin A, Zinc/ORS, micronutrient powder and deworming drugs.
He added that 1,200 pregnant women would be administered multi-micronutrient supplements in the state.
Muhammad said the organisation also donated 400 delivery kits and bed sheets to Neonatal hospital to support the state’s maternal child health programme of the Gov. Umar Bago-led administration.
In his remarks, Dr Aminu Magaji, Managing Director of Neonatal Hospital in Minna, represented by Aliyu Chapa, described the outreach as timely and commended D-8 HSP for the intervention.
In his speech, Dr Ibrahim Dangana, Ministry forPrimary Healthcare Development Agency, thanked the organisation for the medical intervention and donations of medical items to support women and children.
Dangana, represented by Dr Abdullahi Imam, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, lauded the efforts of the state governor in addressing challenges in the health sector such as recruiting health workers and infrastructure development.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that D-8 HSP was established in 2018 to support member states to improve health services and uplift living standards of citizens by eliminating hunger, poverty and diseases in accordance with the UN SDGs 1, 2, and 3. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng
RIS/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 28, 2024
UNFPA trains staff of Borno College of Nursing on GBV, SRH response in emergencies
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UNFPA trains staff of Borno College of Nursing on GBV, SRH response in emergencies
Training
By Aminu Garko
Kano, June 28, 2024 ( NAN) United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has trained 30 staff of Borno College of Nursing and Midwifery on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) response in emergency situations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training, held in Kano, was to enhance the capacity of faculty staff to provide effective services in crisis-affected areas.
UNFPA’s Humanitarian Coordinator, Chris Sabun Macauley, emphasised the importance of targeting college personnel to impart knowledge to students.
He explained that the training would enhance healthcare service delivery in the northeast region, which has been affected by crisis for over 15 years.
“The training aims to achieve zero maternal death, zero GBV and address unmet reproductive health needs,” the coordinator said.
The Provost of the college, Rukayya Shettima, commended UNFPA for the training, saying the knowledge gained is of immense benefit to staff and students of the college.
She added that beneficiaries of the training would share their experiences with colleagues and students to achieve the set objectives.( NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AAG/HA
Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu
June 28, 2024
Army to offer free medical services to 500 Auchi indigents
Services
By George Edomwonyi
Auchi (Edo), June. 28, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (NASEME) says no fewer than 500 people will benefit from its free healthcare services.
The Commandant, NASEME, Maj.-Gen. Oladele Arogundade, stated this on Friday during the flag-off of the Maiden Medical Outreach in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo.
Arogundade said the free medical outreach affirmed the Chief of Army Staff’s commitment to improve civil military relations and to give back to its host community.
According to him, the programme is aimed at promoting the well-being of indigent persons at the grassroots by granting them easier access to free and quality healthcare.
“The free medical outreach exercise organised by NASEME is for the benefit of the good people of Auchi in particular, and the entire Etsako West Local Government Area.
“The Nigerian Army understands the importance of good health as it is necessary for improved productivity in all spheres of live,” he said.
Arogundade underscored the importance of health to the well being, saying that as physical security is important, health security is also important.
“We have realised that in as much as physical security is important, which we do our best to provide, health security is equally important for all round well being and productivity.
“A man that is not well cannot go to farm or market to do business,” he said.
The commandant disclosed that the school would partner with the council and the hospital management of Irrua Specialist Hospital for future medical outreach.
A medical consultant, Dr Sebastian Oiwho, said that the outreach to indigent people in key areas included general consultation, free eye examination, checking of high blood pressure, diabetes, malaria test as well as the distribution of free drugs.
“During the exercise, medical volunteers will carry out diagnosis, treatment and medical procedures while drugs and other medical consumables will also be given to patients free of charge.”
He said that the school would also focus on sensitising the people toward handling threats posed by deadly viral diseases to complement government efforts in preventing diseases.
He urged communities to imbibe personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness as preventive measures against an outbreak.
The Chairman of Etsako Local Government, Marvelous Zibiri, thanked NASEME for the gesture and urged people in the community to come out en mass to benefit from the free medical services.
“This is a great initiative and we appreciate NASEME for the outreach,” he said (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
GE/ADA
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
June 28, 2024