Category: Health

Group, UNFPA task stakeholders on prevention, justice for GBV survivors

Violence

By Ibrahim Kado

Michika (Adamawa) June 28, 2024 (NAN) Chabash Development and Health Initiative in collaboration with American University of Nigeria, tasked stakeholders to double effort in preventing and responding to Gender Based Violence (GBV) and improve justice for survivors.

Jamaima Msheliza, Executive Director of Chabash made the call at the advocacy engagement and media dialogue with key stakeholders to champion GBV prevention and response in Michika Local Government Area, on Friday.

Msheliza, who was represented by Joy Adamu, GBV project manager said the engagement was with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

According to her, GBV is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations.

She added that one in three women have experienced physical, sexual or intimate -partner violence, while some are victims of trafficking and social norms such as Female Genital Mutilation.

“It is therefore imperative that we all as change makers join hands and our voices together to fight the menace of GBV in our communities.

“This should be done through raising awareness and policies on how to improve access to justice for GBV survivors,” he said.

Insp. Joseph Ayuba of Michika division, advised the participants to always report GBV case to police and other security agencies for further action.

According to him, the action will help in improving access to justice for survivors and to serve as deterrent to others.

Ayuba Audu, District Head of Vi community, appreciated the contribution of the partners and other stakeholders in the fight against GBV in the area.

He promised that as traditional leaders, they would continue to sensitise their people to understand that GBV is a crime and might lead the offenders to prison.

Mary Luka, Women leader of Vivoca community, assured participants of redoubling effort on creating awareness among women, especially during religious gathering, schools and other places for more people to be educated on GBV.(NAN) (www.nannews.g)

IMK/AMM

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

SFH supports govt’s plan to curb spread of cholera- Official

Cholera

By Folasade Akpan

Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) Society for Family Health (SFH), says it is supporting government at all levels in its efforts to curb the spread of cholera in Nigeria through its SFH ACCESS programme.

The Managing Director of SFH ACCESS, Dennis Aizobu, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that cholera, a severe diarrheal illness caused by consuming contaminated water, has claimed numerous lives and continues to pose a significant public health threat.

Aizobu said that the organisation’s support was in light of the recent cholera outbreak, adding that SFH ACCESS was committed to playing a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of the public health crisis.

“Access to clean and safe water is a fundamental human right, and in these times of crisis, it is essential to act swiftly and effectively,”

“We are fully committed to supporting the fight against cholera and ensuring that everyone has access to safe drinking water and health products.

He said that the mission of the programme was to ensure the healthy lives and well-being of communities, and in this critical time, it was supporting stakeholders with proactive solution measures to support affected areas and prevent the further spread of cholera.

According to him, the organisation has prioritised the distribution of Point of Use water treatment solution such as Waterguard Tank Disinfectant,Waterguard Plus and Procter and Gamble water purifier to  ensure safe and clean water.

He also said that the products were made available at subsidised rates to communities most at risk, ensuring that everyone has access to safe drinking water.

“In the last two weeks, our Point of Use water treatment solutions have treated over 50 million litres of water.

“These are mainly in the most affected states and other parts of the country. We are also ramping up production to meet the need of Nigerians in addressing this public health challenge,” he said.

Aizobu also said that SFH ACCESS was actively engaged in an extensive public awareness campaign to educate communities on the importance of using clean water and maintaining hygiene.

He also said that through various media channels, the organisation provides crucial information on how to use the water treatment products effectively and the best practices for preventing cholera.

“Our campaign also includes demonstrations to ensure comprehensive understanding.

“We are partnering with government, local health authorities, Non Governmentral Organisations and Civil Society Organisations to ensure a coordinated response through community awareness and sensitisation.

“By working together, we can reach more people and provide the necessary resources and support to those in need.

“This collaboration aims to strengthen local health systems and improve response times,” he added.

To enhance community engagement and support, Aizobu said the organisation’s teams were on ground in the most affected areas, conducting community engagement sessions to demonstrate the proper use of the solutions.

He also said that SFH was also providing support to healthcare workers including Primary Health care Centers, pharmacies and drug stores to enhance their efforts in controlling the outbreak.

“SFH ACCESS is committed to monitoring the situation closely and evaluating the effectiveness of our interventions.

“We will continue to adapt our strategies as needed to ensure maximum impact and will provide regular updates on our progress.

“This continuous feedback loop allows us to respond dynamically to the evolving situation.”

NAN reports that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued a public health alert, urging citizens to take necessary precautions.

According to the NCDC, 10 states: Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa and Lagos bear 90 per cent of the burden in the country, with 579 and 25 cases recorded in Lagos and Ogun states respectively and a current death toll of 53. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

FOF/EAL

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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Lagos to convert general hospital to eye centre

Retina
By Oluwafunke Ishola

Lagos, June 28,  2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, says the state government will designate one of its general hospitals as a centre for ophthalmic specialty to improve care for patients with eye conditions.

Abayomi said this during the 4th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Africa Retina Society on Thursday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was themed, “Upscaling Retinal Services in a Resource-Constrained Economy.”

Abayomi said the centre would provide a world-class diagnostic, medical, surgical and ophthalmic services in Lagos and Nigeria.

He stressed that the state would prioritise eye health, noting that the state was working on developing screening capacity of all its primary healthcare facilities to detect eye diseases early.

“The conditions that affect the eyes very much reflect the conditions of the community in which you live. HIV, for example, was a major problem in South Africa, and I certainly experienced the impact of HIV on our day-to-day medicine and practice.

“Here in Nigeria, we have other things. We have hypertension, diabetes, sickle cell, and lots of trauma. These are the kinds of things that we see in our clinics here in Lagos and in Nigeria.

“We need to be able to understand how these prevailing conditions really affect us,” he said.

The commissioner further said that efforts are ongoing to promote eye screening, especially in schools, starting with the training of teachers to detect students exhibiting challenges with their vision.

He added that the state would leverage the social health insurance to screen, detect and treat eye diseases as patients presents at health facilities.

The commissioner further said the state would strengthen public awareness and understanding on eye health, especially glaucoma and visual acuity.

Abayomi disclosed that the state through its Ministry of Health had forged a partnership with the Chagoury Group
to develop a specialist eye hospital in Lagos to boost access to eye services.

He acknowledged that ophthalmology was equipment-intensive, stressing that government would pay attention to that and human resources to enable practitioners make appropriate diagnosis, and treatment to reverse medical tourism.

Earlier, Prof. Linda Visser, Head, Division of Ophthalmology Stellenbosch University, South Africa, called on policy makers to formulate policies that would integrate eye screening into diabetes care from the primary healthcare level, noting that cases of diabetic retinopathy was on the increase among Africans.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a chronic progressive disease of the retinal capillaries (small blood vessels) associated with prolonged raised blood glucose levels in people with diabetes.

Visser cited data from International Diabetes Foundation that showed that 537 million adults aged 20 to 79 years are living with diabetes globally, a number that was predicted to reach 1.3 billion in 50 years.

“The high prevalence of type 2 diabetes continues to rise worldwide and is particularly rapid in low- and middle income countries.

“Most of these countries have limited availability and affordability of healthcare services for screening and treating diabetes-related complications, such as retinopathy, to prevent vision loss,”

According to her, all persons with diabetes are at risk of developing DR, however, those with poor blood glucose and blood pressure management and hyperlipidaemia are most at risk.

Visser, Past President, Vitreoretinal Society of South Africa, emphasised that early detection would lead to timely treatment of DR, which could prevent 95 per cent of vision impairment and blindness.

Also, Dr Asiwome Seneadza, Chairman, Africa Retina Society, said that the theme was timely and critical as efforts are made to navigate the complexities and challenges in delivering advanced retinal care across the continent.

Seneadza said, “That’s why we are advocating for improved diabetes care and regular retinal screening made available and accessible for every individual living with diabetes,” he said.

Similarly, Prof. Bassey Fiebai, Chairman, Vitreo Retinal Society of Nigeria, said the meeting was critical to proffering solutions to the challenge of offering standard retina care, improving outcomes and reducing visual loss from retina related disorders among low to medium income countries.

Fiebai said that the government plays a critical role in providing funding, training of personnel, provision of equipment to improve screening, detection and treatment of retinopathy disease.

The professor noted that retina specialists are few in Nigeria, placing the figure at about 100, stressing that it was inadequate to cater to the teeming population who require eye care.

“Right now in the country, we have just a little over 100 retina specialists. And we know that the population of Nigeria is about 230 million.

“So we’re looking at a situation in which one retina specialist is supposed to cater for 2.3 million people. How does anyone cope?” she queried.

NAN reports that the Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Africa Retina Society which began on June 26 to June 28, had participants from various African countries brainstorm on enhancing retinal care. (NAN)

AIO/VIV

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Family
By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

Ilorin, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Hajia Mariam Balogun, the Ilorin East Local Government Area Family Planning (FP) Supervisor, has submitted that more people are recorded accessing family planning consumables in the area.

Balogun stated this on Thursday, during an investigative field trip by Media Advocacy Group on FP in Kwara, at the Okelele Primary Health Care Centre in Ilorin.

According to her, the centre, in the last six months, has recorded about 300 people who came to access family planning methods on child spacing.

She said that the number was increasing  daily, as more people were becoming aware of the merits of the methods.

Balogun stated that with the help of The Challenge Initiative, Nigeria (TCI), the FP consumables were given free of charge.

The supervisor observed that some parents brought their wards to receive counseling and consumables to guard against unwanted pregnancies.

Balogun listed some of the contraceptive methods to include male condom, implant, injectables, Intra Uterine Device, oral contraception pills, tubal ligation and vasectomy.

She advised parents to protect their adolescent wards against sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy.

Balogun  observed that there were still misconceptions and lack of knowledge by some people regarding family planning.

She said that most of the misconceptions were due to heresy in the grapevine.

The official said that though it was safe to use family planning methods, some people could develop side effects, but they could be easily handled in the clinic.

Also speaking, Mrs Memunat Isiaka, the Community Mobiliser on family planning in Okelele Primary Healthcare Centre, emphasised the importance of enlightening the public on the practice.

She said that they used megaphone and door-to-door awareness campaigns to local communities to engage with them on various messages.

According to her, this has yielded great results as people are increasingly becoming interested in family planning in Kwara.

Isiaka warned that those who use family planning methods should avoid indiscriminate sexual practices and stick to one partner. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FATY/SOA

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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

FG approves disbursement of N12.9bn through BHCPF

Disbursement

By Abujah Racheal

Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government on Thursday approved the disbursement of N12, 911 billion through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

The amount represent 2023 fund for one quarter, to be utilised in the third quarter of 2024.

This is according to the 2020 BHCPF guideline, pending the review of the new guideline.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this at the 7th meeting of the BHCPF Ministerial Oversight Committee on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in March 2024, the Nigerian government authorised the disbursement of N25 billion through the BHCPF across the states of the federation

The allocated funds were earmarked for direct facility financing and workforce incentives across states.

Available data from the BHCPF and the Africa Health Budget Network shows that from 2019 to 2022, funds disbursed through BHCPF summed up to an estimated N89 billion.

Only 7,250 out of the 35,514 Primary Healthcare Centres in the country are currently benefiting from the BHCPF, according to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

Pate said that in line with Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Initiative and President Bola Tinubu’s approval for a Sector-Wide Approach, urgent comprehensive reforms were being undertaken to improve BHCPF.

“A sub-committee set up by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare during the 5th Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) meeting in late 2023, is leading these reforms.

“Key developments include: Ongoing review of the BHCPF Guideline, with proposed reforms for the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) already approved in March 2024.

“A thorough assessment has revealed significant flaws in the implementation of BHCPF, prompting all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to commit to immediate corrective measures.

“The MOC has approved the release of ₦25 billion to key health agencies to prevent disruption of services, while awaiting the new guideline by the third quarter of 2024,” he explained.

He said that these reforms aimed to better align resources and improve health outcomes, such as increased antenatal coverage, skilled-birth attendance, immunisation rates, and overall health insurance coverage in Nigeria.

Dr Muyi Aina, Executive Director, NPHCDA, said that two memos were submitted and approved by the MOC.

“The first memo, jointly presented by the NCDC Gateway and EMT Gateway, outlined proposed reforms.

“These reforms focus on programmatic improvements at both state and national levels, as well as fiduciary interventions to ensure proper resource utilisation.

“The second memo focused on the disbursement of N12.9 billion across all states for the third quarter, following a previous approval and disbursement of N25 billion for the first two quarters,” he said.

Aina said that these reforms and disbursements were part of ongoing efforts to implement the Sector-Wide Approach and government reforms, aimed at improving coordination and resource efficiency across various gateways.

He stressed on the need to improve the quality of primary health centres across states, utilising resources from both state funding and external sources like World Bank loans.

“We have conducted assessments with the National Health Insurance Authority and states to identify facility gaps and prioritise improvements.

“The focus now is on working closely with each state to sequence the refurbishment of these facilities, starting with those most urgently in need of support,” he said.

Also speaking, the Director General, NHIA, Dr Kelechi Ohiri, said that the meeting was to ensure visibility into how funds were utilised, promoting openness about the allocation and expenditure of resources.

Ohiri said that it was an atmosphere to hold stakeholders responsible for their actions and decisions regarding fund usage, involving peer review and scrutiny from various sectors including government, empowerers, and civil society.

“Serving as a platform to address challenges and constraints in implementing healthcare initiatives, aiming for collective resolution and proactive steps forward,” he said.

He said that these elements underscored the importance of effective governance and collaboration in achieving the goals of BHCPF.

He disclosed that approximately 2.7 million Nigerians were now insured under this initiative, ensuring they have access to a minimum package of healthcare services at primary healthcare centres without out-of-pocket expenses.

“We are working with the NPHCDA to improve healthcare quality in facilities, making sure services remain affordable and covered under health insurance.

“The initiative has spurred states to contribute their resources, with 25 states funding their own health insurance programmes to support the poor and vulnerable, expanding coverage beyond federal efforts,” he disclosed.

He said that since the last 6th MOC, additional states have begun implementing their health insurance funds, accrediting multiple facilities to provide comprehensive care at the primary healthcare level.

He said that these achievements highlight the programme’s impact in enhancing healthcare access and affordability across Nigeria, driven by collaborative efforts between federal and state entities.

NAN reports that the federal government established the BHCPF in 2014, under Section 11 of the National Health Act, to provide funding to improve access to primary health care.

BHCPF was designed to be financed from not less than one per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) of the federal government and other sources, including donors’ contributions.

The Fund provides a Basic Minimum Package of Health (BMPHS) aimed at increasing the fiscal space for health, strengthening the national health system, particularly at the PHC level, and ensuring access to healthcare for all.(NAN) www.nannews.ng)

AIR/DE/AMM

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Abiemwense Moru

Nutrition

By Franca Ofili

Awka, June 27, 2024(NAN)The Federal Government has concluded the  training of  no fewer than 60 Anambra health workers on nutrition to enhance optimal maternal, infant and young child nutrition communication.

Mrs Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi, Director, Head of Nutrition Division, Federal Ministry of Health, spoke at the closing of the eight-day training on Thursday in Awka, Anambra.

According to her, the training is in eight states with no fewer than 480 participants.

Bako-Aiyegbusi said that the eight-day capacity building exercise for health workers was to enhance optimal Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) in the country.

She said the training was aimed at increasing quality and cost-effective nutrition services for pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls and children under five years of age.

“The project, funded by the World Bank at the tune of 232 million dollars in partnership with the Federal Government, is implementing a five-year nutrition programme tagged “Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN).”

Bako-Aiyegbusi said the project was to increase quality and cost-effective nutrition services for pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls, and children under five years of age.

She said that the objective of MIYCM course was to provide basic training on maternal Infant and Young Child Nutrition for those who care for mothers and young children (0-59 months)

According to her, the training will provide participants up to date information on MIYCN best practices based on its policy, strategy and guidelines.

She said MIYCN course would also help to maximise the impacts on child growth and micronutrient status by focusing on maternal nutrition, delivery practices, and improved infant and young child feeding.

According to her, nutrition is in the front burner because people are bothered about the poor indices of nutrition in the country.

She identified poor knowledge as the cause of poor nutrition in the country.

“We have realised that the key thing that is leading to the poor indices of nutrition is poor knowledge of individual households in the communities on healthy feeding practices.

“More than 40 per cent do not have adequate knowledge to prepare a delicious meal for their families especially for the infants.’’

According to her, most families do not know how to prepare foods to meet the nutritional values.

“Most people over cook their food making the nutritional value useless; we are not supposed to cook food until the whole ingredients gets over cooked.’’

She advised the participants to practice what they learnt.

The director appreciated the state team for their support to carryout successful training on nutrition and urged them to start planning for the step down training at the primary facilities.

According to her, the Federal Government will support two more trainings with 120 service providers from the secondary facilities.

“Thereafter, we will want the state to be supported by their respective partners to do step down at the primary level.

“In addition with support from the partners, the Federal Government will support the state to train health workers from selected basic health care designated centres, ” she said.

Mrs Chisom Uchem, Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, said that the participants were well equipped with information on nutrition for infants and young children.

Uchem advised the male participants to ensure that they educated their fellow men to assist their women in ensuring that their children were properly fed to get the proper nutrition needed.

“I am happy that men are among the participants so I urged you to be ambassador of nutrition in the state,” she said.

Also, Mrs Uzoamaka Eviken, State Nutrition Officer, thanked the Federal Government for the training.

Eviken said that fund had been a big challenge for such trainings and Federal Government made it possible.

She said that the training would go a long ways as the participants had gotten enough knowledge of child nutrition.

“With this knowledge, every one of us will pass it to our homes, facilities and schools,” Eviken said.

More so, Dr Uliagbafusii Placid, Director, Disease Control and Immunisation, Anambra, who spoke on behalf of the participants, said that the training came at the right time as the state faced the challenges of malnutrition.

“This training came at the right time as the state has faced with the challenges of malnutrition.

“We have learnt that we can use locally made products to feed our children well especially the in the first 1000 days of birth.

“We will get to the grassroots to educate them as we now know that there are better ways our people can cater for their children to be healthy,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

FNO/CJ/

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Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo