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Category: Health

  • First Lady, others pay tribute to late Lau

    First Lady, others pay tribute to late Lau
    Tribute
    By Dorcas Jonah
    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Wife of the President, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, has advised women to enmolute the legacies of late Hajiya Lami Lau, the National President, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS).
    Tinubu, also the Grand Patron of NCWS said this in her letter of tribute at the seven-day Fidau prayer of the late NCWS president on Tuesday in Abuja.
    Represented by the wife of the Vice-President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, Tinubu said the death of the NCWS president was not only a great loss to her family and friends, but to the entire community of women.
    She said the late NCWS president had contributed her quota toward impacting, promoting, protecting and projecting the image of women across the nation.
     ”Late Lau had done her part, as a Muslim, I know that there is time for everything, and every living soul must taste   death.
    ”I would like to extend our sincere condolences to all the Nigerian women and to the immediate families,” she said.
    Earlier, the first National Vice-President of NCWS, Mrs Geraldine Etuk, described late Lau as  hope to women and a guardian for the voiceless
    Etuk said Lau would always be in her heart and consciousness, adding that her memories would remain forever.
    According to her, Lau was a leader whose presence was more than just commanding; it was transformative.
    ” She was a beacon of hope to women, a guardian for the voiceless, and a champion for all in need of her touch.
    ”Her unwavering dedication to the cause of women’s rights and social justice is likened to a steady flame in a darkened world,” she said.
    Etuk said Lau would always confront injustice fearlessly and stand as a shield for those who couldn’t fend for themselves.
    ”Lau led the Nigerian women with empathy and understanding. She listened to the unheard, lifted the downtrodden, and inspired countless souls to believe in a brighter tomorrow.
    ”To me, she wasn’t just the president of NCWS; she was a friend—a confidante in times of uncertainty, a mentor in moments of doubt.
    ” Together, we weathered storms and celebrated victories. The memories we shared, the laughter we echoed, and the tears we shed will forever be etched in my heart,” she added.
    Etuk, while  giving her farewell to her dear friend, mentor, and leader said Lau’s absence leaves a void that could never be filled.
    She said Lau’s legacy would endure, inspiring generations to come.
    ” Rest in peace, our rare gem, knowing that your light would forever illuminate our path,” she said.
    Also speaking, the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, said the late Lau was an excellent leader.
    She urged women to emulate the legacy of Lau to better the lives of Nigeria women.
    ”With a heavy heart, I am saying farewell to our mother and sister, I plead with everyone, let us emulate the good character of late Lau and  drop those you don’t like,” she said.
    Earlier,  the former Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, said the death of Lau was a painful moment for all Nigerian women.
    Tallen said this was a painful and trying moment for NCWS since this was the first time NCWS was losing a national president since its inception in 1958.
    ”Standing here to pay tribute to this great woman, Lau was a very committed president, full of zeal and committed to the betterment of the Nigeria women, we will surely miss her,” she said.
    Others at the event who paid tribute to the late Lau were the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, former NCWS National Presidents, NCWS national officers, NCWS State Presidents and a lot of affiliates.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    DE/BRM
    ==============
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • FG, USAID conduct 1,566 fistula repairs in 5 states

    Fistula

    By Justina Auta

    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with the US Agency for International Development (USAID), has conducted more than 1,566 fistula repairs from 2021 to date.

    The repairs were carried out in Bauchi, Ebonyi, Kebbi, and Sokoto states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, disclosed this at the end of a project learning and dissemination workshop for USAID-MOMENTUM Safe Surgery in Family Planning and Obstetrics (MSSFPO) project, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Kachollom, who was represented by Dr Binyerem Ukaire, Director, Family Health, also said that a fistula pricing model has been developed to improve access to services for survivors through the National Health Insurance Scheme.

    She added that the partnership equally ensured access to safe and surgical obstetric care across the project implementing facilities.

    She identified some of the services as caesarean delivery and peripartum hysterectomy, obstetric and iatrogenic fistula prevention care, female genital cutting prevention and management, as well as gender-based violence.

    “These have contributed to 1,566 fistula repairs feat at the project-supported facilities, including the training of many healthcare workers in surgical obstetrics prevention, treatment of fistula and prevention of female genital cutting.

    “This partnership and interventions in these critical areas is saving the lives of women and young girls as well as ensuring their wellbeing,” she said.

    Dr Kabiru Atta, Country Project Manager, USAID-MSSFPO, said that apart from the fistula care for over 1,566 clients, the project also ensured that 81 per cent of the clients received rehabilitation and reintegration care.

    To this end, Atta said that over 350 health workers across 48 hospitals were trained on fistula care and management, 60 on the management of complications of female genital mutilation.

    She added that 1.2 million people were reached with social and behaviour change messages.

    “Before the project came on board, one of the things we identified was that only 17 per cent of fistula clients were actually having access to rehabilitation and restoration services.

    “We were able to put in place systems or mechanisms to ensure that after the end of the project today, 81 per cent of fistula clients who now walk into the government hospitals to access service are actually receiving holistic fistula care services.

    “They are not only receiving surgeries, they are also receiving family planning and psychosocial counseling, therapy services, nutritional services, and psychosocial services among others to restore their dignity of life,” he said.

    The Project Manager commended all the states, especially Bauchi and Ebonyi for implementing some of the recommendations targeted at reducing maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity.

    On her part, Ms Suegatha Rennie of USAID, noted that the project has contributed significantly in the reduction of maternal and new-born mortality and morbidity.

    Rennie commended the implementing partners and other stakeholders for the overall success of the project recorded so far.

    She, however, said that despite these successes, inflation has continued to affect the cost of inputs for fistula surgery.

    “This requires increased investments by the government and all partners to ensure we eliminate fistula by 2030.” (NAN) (www.nannwws.ng)

    JAD/FDY

    =======

    Edited by Philip Yatai

  • Utomi inaugurates Cohorts of New Tribe to guide healthcare rebirth

    Inauguration

    By Esenvosa Izah

    Lagos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Health Care Cohort of the New Tribe, an initiative of political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, has been inaugurated.

    The inauguration took place virtually on Tuesday.

    The members of the cohort include Nigerian healthcare professionals across locations such as Los Angeles, California, Atlanta Georgia and Florida in the U.S., Sydney, and Saudi Arabia.

    Others are healthcare professionals in Kano, Abuja, Owerri, Lagos, Newcastle in the United Kingdom, and South Africa.

    Utomi said while inaugurating the initiative that it was aimed to  guide a rebirth of healthcare in Nigeria.

    He said that the rebirth  would be configured to help the citizens to take back and reshape the sector.

    “Our goal is to erect a moral tribe of citizens who speak and live personal integrity, hold high the dignity of the human person, and celebrate the work ethics and entrepreneurial creativity,” he said.

    Utomi added that such citizens would hold on to merit with inclusion as the essence of the social order in which the people would recognise that  “I am because we are”.

    The professor, who lauded the members, said that Nigerians had become a global tribe that could aggregate the good of the world in which they had thrived, in spite of constraints in their paths, into a new age for their people.

    “I feel  very proud this day; it is a time when your collective talents become the platform for showcasing the triumph of the human spirit.

    “This is so, as initiatives flowing from your genius and compassion, solve problems of both the affluent and the poor as they work to improve the quality of life within the challenges in our land, “ he said.

    According to him, member of the cohort will be the backbone of relevant debates and rational conversations.

    “Four co-chairs will steer the cohort.

    “Two physicians in Atlanta and California, who are men, and two, who are female in Abuja and Kano.

    “It is not by accident that you, the leadership  of the healthcare cohort, are the first to be armed with your brief to go out there and confound doubters with a moral compass that will produce outcomes the world will discuss for a long time.

    “The social sectors of healthcare and education have long been considered central to man’s escape from the slavery of misery, “ Utomi said. (NAN)
    EEI/IGO

    ========

    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • Int’l Day of Play: Play crucial to child’s development — UNICEF

    Development

    By Muhammad Nur Tijani

    Kano, June 11, 2024(NAN) The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has identified play as crucial to child’s development, and part of physical, emotional and cognitive growth.

    Mr Rahama Farah, the Chief, UNICEF Kano Field Office, said this on Tuesday at an event to commemorate the maiden edition of the International Day of Play (IDOP).

    The event was held at the Kwalli Special Primary School in Kano, organised in collaboration with the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

    Farah said this is the first time United Nations is celebrating the day around the world to recognise the rights of the child to play as enshrined in the international convention of the rights of a child.

    He explained that “play is very important as it helps in shaping the future of children.

    “Parents, community leaders and governments need to recognise and appreciate this day because we all know that play is part of children’s physical, emotional and cognitive growth.

    “We have come to recognise that play is not a waste of time but actually develops the child’s ability to grow and be happy, creative and be good person in future.

    “Weather it is for education, work, part of the society and participation – all of these elements are important to the development of a child”, he emphasised.

    The Kano State Commissioner for Education, Umar Doguwa, who was represented by the Deputy Director of NGOs, Yusuf Sani, thanked UNICEF for the support and collaboration to enhance learning in Kano schools.

    In a remark, Headmistress of the school, Mrs Hassana Aminu, who expressed happiness over the event, said that “a child understands whatever you are teaching him/her faster when it is done playfully.

    “This is a welcome development because play makes a child happy and interested in whatever he or she is being taught.”

    Aminu, therefore, restated the state government’s commitment to provide quality education to children.

    Some of the children who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) expressed  delight over the maiden edition of IDOP and thanked the state government and UNICEF for organising the event.(NAN)( www.nannews.ng)

    MNT/MAM/HA

    Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

     

  • Foundation decries poor health facilities in Ebonyi

     

    Facilities

    By Douglas Okoro

    Abakaliki, June 11, 2024 (NAN) A Non -governmental organisation in Ebonyi, Development Integrity Goal (DIG) Foundation has expressed worry over the poor condition of primary health centres in the state.

    called for renovation of Primary Healthcare Facilities in the state to meet the health care needs of the citizens.

    The foundation made the observation during the Health Sector Advocacy Alliance Roundtable for media and Civil Society Organisations organised by ‘Green-The-Red-Health Sector Cluster’ in collaboration with DIG.

    The workshop was implemented with support from the United Agency for International Development (USAID).

    Mr Oliver Ajah , Executive Director of DIG, said that out of the N9 billion budgeted for the health sector in the 2024 fiscal year, only N9 million had so far been released to the sector by the state government for the first quarter covering January, February and March.

    the result of USAID State2State 2020 report conducted in 171 Primary Healthcare Facilities by the state Ministry of Health indicated a poor state of public health facilities in the state.

    According to him, the report done in collaboration with Health Policy Plus showed that 96 per cent of the Primary Healthcare facilities needed various degrees of renovations.

    The report further noted that 46 per cent of the facilities had no fence, while 35 per cent has no forms of power supply with 47 per cent of them without alternative power supply.

    According to the group, only 40 per cent of the facilities has functional toilet, but no good waste management while 55 per cent has no sources of water supply in the facilities and described it as worrisome.

    The foundation explained that Ebonyi was yet to fulfill the 2001 Abuja declaration of allocating 15 per cent of its annual budget to health sector adding that only the Ebonyi Health Insurance Authority (EBSHIA) accessed a little percentage of its budget releases.

    “Ebonyi has never fulfilled the 2001 Abuja declaration of allocating 15 per cent budget to health, and budget releases for the sector.

    “For instance, ministry of health has less than one per cent annual capital budget release in 2022.

    “Ebonyi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EBSPHCDA) and other sister agencies/Institutions had zero per cent capital budget performances in 2022, and 2024 first quarter.

    “The healthcare facilities in the state also had challenges of inadequate manpower, some dilapidated and non-existence of some infrastructures among others.

    This results to high out-of-pocket expenditure for vulnerable groups coupled with poor healthcare services.

    “The result of USAID State2State baseline of 2020 also confirmed the 2019 baseline survey conducted in 171 Primary Healthcare Facilities by Ebonyi State Ministry of Health in collaboration with HP Plus.

    “However, it is worthy to note that the health sector budget performance in the last quarter of 2023 under this administration was very promising, but the drop in first quarter of 2024 is worrisome,” Ajah said.

    Participants at the workshop including; Mr Samson Nwafor, chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) among others in their separate speeches called on the state government to prioritise the health sector. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ODO/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

     

  • Egbin Power, Sahara Foundation donate ICU to Lagos hospital

     

    A section of the Intensive Care Unit at Ijede General Hospital, Ikorodu.
    A section of the Intensive Care Unit at Ijede General Hospital, Ikorodu.

     

    ICU

    By Lilian U. Okoro
    Lagos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Egbin Power Plc in collaboration with Sahara Group Foundation has donated a five-bedded Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to Ijede General Hospital, Ikorodu, to enhance healthcare service delivery in Lagos state.
    The Chief Executive Officer of Egbin Power Plc, Mr Mokhtar Bounour, made this known at the inauguration of the project on Tuesday in Lagos.
    Bounour described the project as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.
    According to him, the company will remain committed to community development.
    He said the company collaborated with Sahara Group Foundation to provide the ICU facility alongside other healthcare equipment to aid healthcare delivery services in Lagos state.
    “Egbin Power Plc recognises continuous engagement as a strategy that will provide ample opportunity for stakeholders to better understand and be a part of the decision-making processes, which will, in turn, provide Egbin with the needed support and cooperation.
    “The company has continued to proactively cater to the social needs of her prominent stakeholder categories and the host communities, through its CSR  initiatives.
    “Today, we are handing over a completed fully equipped ICU health facility to the Ijede General Hospital, Ikorodu to save lives and enhance healthcare service delivery within the area and beyond.
    “Therefore, I urge management of the hospital to take good care of the facility by ensuring its effective maintenance and always reach out to the company for support at any time,” Bounour said.
    Also speaking, Mrs Ejiro Gray, Director, Governance & Sustainability, Sahara Group Foundation, said the gesture was aimed to boost availability and access to quality healthcare services, which was grossly inadequate within Ijede locality.
    Gray lamented that lots of lives had  been lost due to lack of such facility and patients in critical emergency health conditions traveling far distances to access care.
    According to her, the ICU ward will not only cater for emergency and critical health conditions but also save and give hope to many lives.
    She said:  “At Sahara Group Foundation, we are committed to building sustainable society; one of the things that is critical to that initiative is ensuring that our healthcare system is supported.
    “Though, healthcare is not part of the primary focus of the foundation, it is a key part of the larger objective of building a sustainable society.
    “So, we identified key health institutions across the country that will benefit from the use of the state-of-heart medical equipment and structure from the commissioned COVID Isolation Centre in Abuja.
    “And Ijede General Hospital being the critical hospital in one of our operative locations is a beneficiary of that initiative.
    “So, we have donated a fully equipped ICU and other medical equipment to the hospital to enable it save lives and ensure that we are providing succour to  members of the community.
    “Before now, patients in critical health conditions used to go as far as Gbagada to access ICU services, imagine the logistics of moving critically ill patients to nearest ICU facility; a lot of lives would have been lost in the process.
    “So, rather than just donate the equipment, Egbin and Sahara Group have jointly equipped the ICU facility to handle both emergency and critical cases.”

    Dr Mobolaji Olukoya, Commissioner 1, Health Service Commission, Lagos State, described the gesture as a laudable project capable of transforming operation of the hospital to a higher level.
    Olukoya, thanked the company for its steadfast supports to the hospital which included providing it with uninterrupted power supply for the past five years.
    “What is going on here today is going save lives not only for the Ijede community, but also outside the community.
    “Thanks to the two groups for their donations and partnership with the hospital, which has added another feather to Ijede General Hospital,” Olukoya said.
    Earlier, the Acting Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Olumuyiwa Balogun, expressed excitement over existence of a state-of-the-heart health facility like ICU in the hospital.
    Balogun said  the facility would not only enhance performance of the hospital but also make work easier for the staff, saying that the donors of facility had  been critical stakeholders of the hospital for the past 10 years.
    “What we now have here is state-of-the-art health facility owned by not up to five hospitals across Lagos state.
    “Even some of our sister hospitals that have this facility, have like three-bedded ICU but here, we have up to five-bedded ICU, capable of reviving someone who had been in coma for weeks, so, am very happy,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    LUC/CHOM/JNC
    ==============
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

     

  • Lagos govt alerts on Cholera outbreak, records 5 deaths

    Cholera

    By Oluwafunke Ishola

    Lagos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government has called for heightened vigilance and adoption of precautionary measures as the state records cholera outbreak resulting in five fatalities.

    Prof. Akin Abayomi, the state Commissioner for Health, in a statement on Wednesday warned that the state had recorded an excess report of severe gastroenteritis cases in the last 48 hours.

    Speaking on the surveillance reports, Abayomi disclosed that cases of severe gastroenteritis have been reported in communities around Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu and Kosofe Local Government Area of the state.

    He noted that the outbreak resulted in about 60 hospital admissions, and five deaths recorded mainly from patients presenting late with extreme dehydration.

    “We have activated a statewide heightened surveillance and response.

    “The Ministry of Health Directorate of Environmental Health and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) have been alerted to investigate a possible water contamination source in the Lekki, Victoria Island axis.

    “We suspect a possible cholera outbreak; however, samples have been taken for confirmation,” he said.

    The commissioner noted that following recent rainfall, Lagos had witnessed a notable increase in cases of severe vomiting and watery stools, adding that urban slums and crowded areas with poor sanitation are particularly at risk.

    Abayomi explained that cholera is a highly contagious disease that causes severe diarrhea and can be life-threatening.

    He added that it posed a significant health burden in areas with poor water treatment and sanitation, and could impact the state.

    “Cholera spreads through direct transmission by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, and indirect transmission due to poor sanitation and lack of handwashing.

    “Symptoms of cholera include; severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, rapid dehydration, muscle cramps, fever and sometimes collapse,” he said.

    According to him, treatment options for cholera include dehydration, using Oral dehydration Salts (ORS) for mild to moderate dehydration.

    He noted that intravenous fluids are used for severely dehydrated patients, given only in medical facilities and supervised by medical personnel.

    “To prevent cholera, citizens are urged to ensure safe drinking water by boiling, chlorinating, or using bottled water, and avoiding ice products made from untreated water.

    “Maintaining proper sanitation by using toilets, safely disposing of faeces, and avoiding open defecation is crucial.

    “Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands with soap and clean water regularly, especially before eating, preparing food, and after using the toilet, is essential and following food safety guidelines,” Abayomi advised.

    He also advised residents to rely on the state Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and accredited local health facilities for guidance, advice, and updates on prevention, treatment, and management.

    The commissioner disclosed that suspected cases should be promptly reported via the following emergency hotlines: 08023169485, 08137412348, or by using helplines 767 or 112 to safeguard communities.

    Abayomi promised to keep the public informed and restated the state’s commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of its citizens.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that data from the NCDC showed that as of April 28, Nigeria had reported 815 suspected cholera cases and 14 deaths across 25 states. (NAN)

    AIO/OIF/FAA

    ============
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Folasade Adeniran

     

     

  • FCTA urges FG to criminalise sending children to buy tobacco

     

    Tobacco

    By Aderogba George

    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has called on the Federal Government to initiate a law that will prosecute  parents who send children on errands to buy tobacco related products.

    Dr Doris John, Director, Public Health Department, FCTA, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at a news conference to commemorate the 2024 World No Tobacco Day.

    World No Tobacco Day is celebrated annually on May 31.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the news conference was held after a road walk by officials of the department and students of Government Science Technical College (GSTC), Area 3, Garki, Abuja.

    The director said that the department decided to carry the students along in the road walk in tandem with the theme of the 2024 World No Tobacco Day “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference.”

    She warned parents who smoked before their children to stop.

    John condemned the attitude of sending children to buy tobacco related products and called for strict prosecution of such categories of parents.

    She also advocated that schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) should form “No Tobacco Club”, adding that it would help to reduce the menace of tobacco intake in the country.

    “Today marks a pivotal moment in our collective journey towards the control of tobacco use in our society especially among adolescents and youths both in and out of school.

    “There are 1.3 billion tobacco users worldwide and tobacco use in whatever form or level is harmful and kills more than half of the users if taken as intended by the tobacco manufacturers.

    “Tobacco kills around 8 million people every year (more than 7 million active smokers and over 1 million non-smokers exposed to second hand smoke); the life expectancy of smokers is at least ten years less than that of non-smokers.

    “The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced; killing over 8 million people a year around the world.

    “More than 7 million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while around 1.3 million are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke.

    “In Nigeria, more than 25, 000 children between 10 and 14 years are daily tobacco users, while the age of tobacco use initiation is between 13 and 15 years; secondary school and university studies show ‘shisha’ smoking rates between 3 to 7 per cent,” she said.

    The director regretted that the tobacco industry was actively focusing on children and youth to cultivate a new generation of customers, adding that studies had revealed that most smokers started before age of 18.

    In her remark, Dr Kumshida Balami, the FCT Coordinator for World Health Organisation (WHO), urged the children to join the movement to help in driving the campaign against tobacco intake; to get a world that was free of tobacco.

    Balami urged the students to shun tobacco even whenever they were approached with it.

    She added that such product could shorten their lives as a healthy life style was always the best. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AG/CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • FG, stakeholders re-commit to ending FGM in Nigeria by 2030

    FG, stakeholders re-commit to ending FGM in Nigeria by 2030

    FGM

    By Folasade Akpan

    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have re-committed to ending the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Nigeria by 2030.

    They made the commitment on Tuesday in Abuja at the Annual Technical Consultative Meeting of the UNFPA–UNICEF Joint Programme on Elimination of FGM.

    The meeting had “Delivering the Global Promise” as its theme.

    FGM is a practise that involves altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons.

    Emphasising Federal Government’s stance about the practice,  the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, said “the nation remains steadfast to its regional and international commitments to uphold the dignity of women and girls.”

    Represented by Dr John Ovuoraye, a Director in the ministry’s Health Department, Pate said “Federal Government undoubtedly sees FGM as a human rights violation.

    “FGM is a severe violation of the rights to health, security and physical integrity,  the right to be free from torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, right to freedom from discrimination and the right to life of women and girls.”

    Pate also said that FGM must be addressed for the attainment of SDG Five, especially target 5.1, aimed at ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls everywhere.

    He explained that “target 5:3 aims to eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and FGM, while target 5.6 is to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights.”

    He, however, said that over the years the country has recorded significant achievements, including a declining national FGM prevalence rate, implementation of the National Policy and Plan of Action for the Elimination of FGM in Nigeria (2021-2025).

    Also, the operationalisation of the National Protocol on the Management of Complications from FGM in Nigeria (2020), enactment of legislation both at the federal and state levels such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.

    The minister added that though there have been some achievements, Nigeria is still a long way off the mark.

    He noted that “the reduction of prevalence still means that Nigeria contributes about one-tenth of the 230 million women and girls FGM survivors globally, placing the country the highest with FGM burden in Africa.

    “We recognise that Nigeria must continue to play a critical role in the elimination of FGM to ensure global efforts are accelerated and goals achieved.

    “We commit to ensuring the catalytic role that the UNFPA-UNICEF joint programme since its inception in Nigeria in 2014 has played will be met with  sustained effort on our side.”

    The UN Regional Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Mohammed Fall, said no country can tackle FGM alone because it knows no boundaries, and transcends cultures, regions and generations.

    Represented by Dr Walter Mulombo, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative in Nigeria, Fall said “it is a global issue that demands collective attention.”

    According to him, there is a worrying trend that more girls in Nigeria and in many parts of Africa, are subjected to the practice at younger ages, many before their fifth birthdays.

    “This calls for increased investment in proven and evidence-based prevention focused strategies to curb the practice occurring in the first place, especially targeted at key decision makers at the household levels well before the birth of a child.”

    He, however, reiterated UN’s commitment to sustain the gains recorded and collaborate to eradicate the harmful practice.

    He said “as we gather here today, let us remember that our actions can have  profound impact on the lives of millions.

    “I call for strengthened international cooperation and renewed commitment from each one of us to join in efforts to end FGM globally through investments in data and evidence, increased funding, technical support, and awareness-raising efforts to accelerate our collective progress.

    “Furthermore, we, as UN agencies, remain steadfast in our commitment to ending the practice through collaborative efforts like the UN Joint Program on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

    “Our united stance and joint actions underscore our dedication to creating safe and equitable environment for every girl and woman in Nigeria.”

    Speaking about the significance of the meeting, UNICEF’s Chief of Child Protection, Mr Ibrahim Sesay, said that with over 110 participants from 17 countries, it is aimed at creating a platform to share information, best practices and learn from each other.

    It is also to ensure that global investment toward ending FGM is consolidated.

    He also said that it was very important to galvanise efforts from stakeholders to end the crisis.

    Essay said that in the case of Nigeria, there has been a decrease in terms of the prevalence of FGM of about three per cent over a period of eight to 10 years.

    “So, which means we really need to double our efforts if we are supposed to really achieve SDG pertaining to ending FGM and other harmful practices.

    “It is a very huge challenge, but it’s doable, because it has been proven that with significant investment, political commitment, the enforcement of the legal frameworks that we have is doable.”

    The three-day meeting, which opened on Tuesday, would end on Thursday. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FOF/HA

    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Oluremi Tinubu calls for joint action to eradicate FGM

    Oluremi Tinubu calls for joint action to eradicate FGM

    By Celine-Damilola Oyewole
    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (2024) The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has called for collective action by all for the eradication of Female Genital Multilation (FGM) in Nigeria by the year 2030.

    Mrs Tinubu made this call in Abuja on Tuesday at the 2024 Annual Global Technical Consultation of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and UNICEF joint programme on the elimination of FGM.

    The consultation had the theme “Delivering the Global Promise”.

    She said that FGM was recognised internationally as a human rights violation against girls and women because it involved altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons.

    “Globally, as at 2023, according to WHO, about 230 million girls and women have undergone some form of female genital mutilation and about 68 million girls are at risk of also experiencing this practice between 2015 and 2030.

    “Nigeria has the third highest burden of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and accounts for about one-tenth of FGM survivors in the world.

    “This indicates that Nigeria has a major role to play in “delivering the global promise” to end FGM by 2030.

    “Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) significantly harms women and girls in various ways. Physically, it causes pain, infections, urinary abnormalities, and complications during childbirth.

    “Emotionally, it leads to low self-esteem and feelings of betrayal; psychologically, it can result in post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression.

    “Over time, these adverse effects diminish women’s overall well-being, restrict their opportunities to exercise their rights, and hinder the realisation of their full potential.

    “Therefore, it is crucial to intensify advocacy efforts to eliminate this harmful practice.

    According to her, since 2008, the UNFPA and UNICEF have been leading the largest global programme on eliminating FGM globally.

    “Although, a lot of progress has been made with a decline in the prevalence from 25 per cent to 20 per cent among women, in spite of the achievement, there are still much more to be done and we all have important roles to play.

    “I charge us to collaborate with the wives of governors of the various states in Nigeria and other stakeholders to critically address this harmful practice,” Mrs Tinubu said.

    She recommended education enhancement and awareness through media campaigns, health outreaches, and community engagement to eliminate ignorance about harmful practices.

    “Second, we need to empower survivors by providing comprehensive medical, legal, and psychological services to help them regain their dignity.

    “Third, while significant legal strides have been made with the Child’s Rights Act 2003 and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act 2015, enforcement remains inconsistent.

    “Therefore, we must ensure that these laws are fully adopted, reported and enforced.

    “Lastly, we should foster partnerships by engaging with women groups, form alliances with young people, civil society, faith-based organisations and the government.

    “This collaboration will help mobilise resources, share best practices, and create a sustainable movement against gender-based violence and Female Genital Mutilation,” she said.

    Also, the Vice President (VP) Kashim Shettima, who was represented by Mrs Uju Rochas-Anwulah, Senior Adviser on Public Health, Office of the VP, said that it was important for the menace to be addressed from the grassroot levels.

    Shettima said: “The dignity of a Nigerian child is important, she has been granted this second ride by our constitution and each of us owns it to ourselves to join forces for her protection.

    “This gathering is a reminder to the society that we have not abandoned our station as the voices, eyes and conscience of this nation.

    “We must find a balance between culture and reality, a balance between the past and the present, that the change we desire is achievable through targeted virtues.

    “I am therefore ready to join you in eradicating FGM, however, the traditional rulers, community leaders and everyone has to be involved in this.”

    The vice-president further said that the Federal Government would provide healthcare centres and facilities to help FGM survivors. (NAN)www.nannews.ng
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    Edited by Christiana Fadare