Category: Health

NYSC Director bags award of Excellence from CYMS

Honour
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 26, 2024(NAN) The Committee of Youth Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS) has honoured Hajiya Walida Siddique, the Director, Corps Mobilisation (DCM) National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), with award of excellence performance in Public service.

Speaking during the award presentation, the Director-General of CYMS, Chief Obinna Nwaka on Wednesday in Abuja said that the DCM demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities to merit the recognition and award.

Nwaka said that the award was not meant to eulogise or massage the ego of the Director rather, CYMS was propelled by the desire to encourage her not to relent in efforts and do more.

The CYMS director general who appreciated the DCM for identifying with the group, describing her as a detribalised Nigerian adding that the Youth want those kind of people in public offices.

“We are here to honour the  Mama of Nigeria Youths”. And also to thank her for her mentorship and follow up.

“She didn’t know that she was nominated, we are here to thank her for standing by the Youth, because we believe that whoever that stands by the youth is standing by the CYMS and we appreciate her because she has also invested in the youths .

“If you are a mother, you have every opportunity to invest in youths, if you are a grandmother, it is an opportunity to invest in the youthful age of your grandchildren, if you are a youth, you have opportunity to invest in your youthful age.

“We have invested in our youthful age and that is why we are enjoying the dividend and one of the dividend is obvious.

“Thank you on behalf of Nigeria youths and this is a call of action for you to do more no matter who you are, no matter how poor or rich you are, you are useful in the society because even the rich needs the poor to help them

Nwaka charged Nigerian youths to be responsible people in the society as the government was doing their part.

This, he said was needed because “if we fail to be responsible, we will face the consequences of being irresponsible citizens in the society.

Nwaka said that CYMS would continue to recognise, identify and award people with proven character in both public and private sector.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CYMS team were Mr Kelechi Ugwumba, Director of Mobilisation, Hon. Taiye Agbaje, former house of assembly Lagos State Epe Constituency, Prince Boluwaji Kudus, Director Logistics, Ruth Elu, Head of Corpers and Volunteers among others.

CYMS held its National Conference on Thursday, June 6 where youths from different walks of life meet and discuss on peace and development of the nation with awards presented to exceptional and nominated persons.

Responding, Siddique described the award of excellence as the most cherished award adding that it had spurred her to doing more for the youths in Nigeria.

She promised to continually support the youths and the CYMS in carrying out their mandate as a youth organisation saddled with the responsibility of growth and development.

“I want to thank you and this award will spur me in doing more for the youth of this country. It has qualified me to be a volunteer to CYMS.

“Whatever you do, I’ll volunteer, let me know how it is going. We will identify with the youths and this makes us more of mentors.

“I will always say that in NYSC, we mentor the youth. We go along way to ensure they go out there to be good citizens of the nations.

“I want to tell you that this is much appreciated. I will always be there for the youths. It may interest you to know that I have passion for working with the youths, “she said.

In his goodwill message, Chief Eddy Megwa, Director Information and Public Relations, NYSC expressed joy for the recognition of the DCM.

Megwa urged Governors to do better with the kind of work the CYMS were doing.

“We are excited that you recognised one of our own. She is one of the unique personalities in the scheme and also fit into the vision of your organisation.

“I also learnt your organisation is made up of men and women of integrity and you are nurturing the younger ones, the youths to also key into that transparent and integrity aspect of their growth.

“This can help make this Nigeria a better place and that fuses into the vision of the scheme that we are running and trying to build this sense of responsibility and integrity among the youth.(NAN)

ICA/SH

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edited by Sadiya Hamza

Katsina Govt. inaugurates 500 capacity youth development centre

Youth
By Abbas Bamalli
Katsina, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Katsina State Government has inaugurated a 500 capacity remodeled Industrial Development Centre (IDC) for youths in the state.

Speaking at the event on Wednesday in Katsina, Gov. Dikko Radda, said the facility would serve as a centre for youth development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, which coincided with the World Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Day, witnessed the launch of the maiden edition of the Katsina SME Clinics and Fair.

According to the governor, the facility is a Public Private Partnership initiative between the State Government and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

“I would particularly like to express our deep appreciation to SMEDAN for providing the space and fostering a collaborative relationship towards the establishment of this Shared Facility Centre.

“The purpose of remodeling the IDC with a functional Shared Facility Centre is to reiterate our commitment to fostering an environment where MSMEs and local artisans can thrive.

“This centre has now been equipped with modern tools and machinery that are often beyond the financial reach of individual artisans.

“This will enable them to produce higher quality products more efficiently and compete effectively in the market,” the governor said.

He further said that the centre would also provide a platform for enhancing skills and knowledge by training and learning new techniques, and staying updated with industry trends.

He said that based on the report of their cluster mapping, the government intended to extend such a common facility to the remaining two senatorial districts in the state as soon as possible.

He said: “The remodeled IDC common facility centre is for tailoring, leather works, packaging, ICT and other crafts.

“This represents a significant step forward in our mission to empower our local artisans and boost the creative economy of the state towards attaining our broad socio-economic development objectives.

“Our administration has acknowledged the important role our artisans and craftsmen play in institutionalising the desired change needed to remove our youths off the streets.

“That is why we are not only investing heavily in building and upscaling their skills and capacity but providing shared facilities for them to optimise their productions.”

Speaking at the event through his Deputy Chief of Staff, Sen. Ibrahim Hassan-Hadejia, Vice President Kashim Shettima commended the efforts of the State Government for the initiative.

“It is indeed heartwarming to come across a state that understands the critical nature and impact of SMSMEs to the local economy and the positive impact that they have on job creation and value addition to the agricultural sector, which is the mainstay of Katsina and other neighbouring states.

“Of course, this is no surprise coming from a governor, whose tenure as SMEDAN Director-General, was the most impactful in terms of programme adaptation, suitability and innovation and heralded the advent of fit-for-purpose initiative.

“I had no doubt that Radda will bring the same focus on data acquisition and monitoring and evaluation that he embedded in SMEDAN to his projects in Katsina State,” Shettima said. (NAN)

AABS/ISHO/USO
Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Sam Oditah

Drugs
By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Umuahia, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has said that mass education is critical in empowering the people with the relevant information they need to resist drugs and substance abuse.

Otti said this on Wednesday during the celebration of this year’s United Nations Day Against Illicit Trafficking and Drug Abuse in Umuahia.

The theme of the celebration, organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), is
“The evidence is clear: Invest in prevention”.

The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Caleb Ajagba, described the theme of the event as apt.

According to him, understanding the effects, risks and consequences of drug use helps individuals make informed decisions and seek appropriate help when needed.

He said that the journey of life must be approached with the intention to excel.

Otti said that any youth that desired to succeed should set goals for themselves and be focused on their goals.

He, therefore, advised Abia youths to avoid drugs and bad influences to secure their future success and contribute to societal development.

In a speech, the Governor’s Wife, Priscilla, said that prevention remains the most effective strategy for tackling the challenge of drug abuse.

Represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Adaeze Emetu, Priscilla said that drug abuse and illicit trafficking could be defeated through initiatives that cut off illicit drugs supply channels.

She commended NDLEA for its commitment in the fight against illicit drug trafficking and consumption.

“You have led the fight with great courage, admirable professionalism and a genuine sense of service to the community,” she said.

Earlier, the State Commander of NDLEA, Mr Amos Adelanwa, said that drug abuse had become a global problem, which requires concerted effort from stakeholders to tackle.

“We have a problem of substance abuse in Abia going by the seizures recorded during our mop up in the communities.

“We receive a minimum of five applications from people seeking to bring their wards to our rehabilitation facility.

“The investment needed in this fight should come from society, supporting the agency to achieve a drug-free society,” Adelanwa said.

He urged parents to create time for their children and perform their parental duties with diligence.

He also called on all the stakeholders to support the agency, adding that patent medicine dealers should desist from selling psychotropic substances.

Speaking in an interview with NAN, a secondary school student, Daniel Ogbonna, said that the celebration had given him the opportunity to learn about the dangers of drug and substance abuse.

Ogbonna also said that he had become better informed about the guidelines to follow in living a healthy and drug-free life as a youth. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

INA/OIF/USO
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo

Healthcare

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

Awka, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, has called for more investment in healthcare to prevent disease outbreaks and improve life expectancy.

Obi made the call at the 6th Public Lecture of the Board of Fellows, Pharmaceuticals Society of Nigeria (PSN) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University NAU, Awka on Wednesday.

The lecture with the theme, “Access to Quality Medicines in an Opinion unstable Environment’’.

He said that catering for the health of the citizens should be one of the major priorities of government to drive desired development.

“The most critical measure and driver of development in any country is improved life expectancy which is health. That is the number one thing, because your health is your wealth.

“It is only when people are healthy that they can become productive.

“According to the measurement of life expectancy, Nigeria is number 157 over 190 countries measured. That means we are low, and this is because access to healthcare is low.

“Under the sustainable development goals, health is a fundamental human right, meaning that every human being must have access to healthcare known as health equity but the reverse is the case in Nigeria,” he said.

Obi decried the rising cost of essential drugs in the country, urging the Federal Government to partner with local pharmaceutical industries for the manufacturing of high quality drugs.

He said that many Nigerians had resorted to prayers whenever they fall sick to secure spiritual cure, than go to the hospital.

“Our government needs to increase budgetary allocation to health and invest more in healthcare. When we do that, outbreaks such as cholera will not emerge.

“There is need for Nigerian to have access to medical care especially the poor, this can be done by providing health insurance to all the citizens.

“There should be a deliberate policy by government to ensure local manufacturing of drugs and medicines in the country to avoid over-dependence on importation of drugs,” he said.

Also speaking, Dr Afam Obidike, Anambra state Commissioner for Health, said Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration acquired 5,000 hectres of land at Ogboji in Orumba South to build a Pharmaceutical Industrial City.

According to Obidike, the idea of the pharmaceutical industrial city is to change the known concept of importation and selling to manufacturing and exportation of drugs.

“It will be the biggest pharmaceutical distributors’ hub in West Africa,” he said.

Earlier in his address, Dr Joel Adagadzu, Chairman, Board of Fellows, PSN, said the recommendations from the lecture would help the leadership of PSN to continue the dialogue with government on finding equitable solutions to access to quality medicines for the teeming population. (NAN) www nannews.ng

LCO/OIF/MNA
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Maureen Atuonwu

FG launches comprehensive fistula care to address 400,000 backlog

Fistula

By Abujah Racheal

Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Federal Government has launched comprehensive obstetric fistula care, initially targeting the National Obstetric Fistula Centres in Katsina, Bauchi, Ebonyi and Edo states, and also addressing backlog of nearly 400,000 cases.

The programme which is to be implemented by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), will include saving lives, reducing physical and financial burden on women, and ensuring health for all Nigerians.

Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, disclosed this during the inauguration of the Fistula Free Programme Steering Committee under NHIA Intervention at a ministerial launch on Wednesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that obstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth injury that affects millions of young women, primarily in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

The condition, which leaves women unable to control their bladder and bowels, is caused by prolonged and obstructed labour where the baby’s head gets stuck in the birth canal, cutting off blood flow to the mother’s soft tissues and creating a hole between the bladder or rectum and the vagina.

Surgery is the only cure and untreated fistula can lead to constant incontinence, kidney damage, ulcers, frequent infections and inability to have children.

Pate, therefore, said that the comprehensive programme, set to begin in June, is to provide immediate medical interventions and long-term preventative measures in the country.

The minister added that the programme focused on preventing fistula by ensuring mothers received proper nourishment, supervision by skilled professionals during delivery, and access to emergency specialist care to avoid complications.

He noted that the initiative underscored the importance of community and societal involvement.

The minister said “empowering and educating girls to ensure they are ready for motherhood is a key aspect of the programme, requiring the support of community and political leaders and civil society.”

He explained that the key components of the programme include reducing the cost of access to treatment, surgical interventions, education, counselling and transportation of patients.

The initiative, he added, also highlights the dedication of health workers and  importance of training programmes for surgical skills.

“This issue has been present for a very long time, but we are finally taking significant steps to address it.

“The success of the initiative relies on the commitment of healthcare professionals and community support.

“With the right political backing and sustained efforts, this initiative aims to break the cycle of fistula and ultimately eliminate the problem in the country,” he stressed.

He noted that addressing the challenge would help the country to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal three, which entails ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.

In his presentation, Dr Kelechi Ohiri, the Director-General of National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), outlined a comprehensive strategy aimed at addressing the needs of women suffering from fistula, stressing the importance of financial access and systemic support for vulnerable populations.

Ohiri, who doubles as the president of the committee, also highlighted the alignment of the initiative with the Nigerian health sector’s strategic blueprint, particularly focusing on the intersection of poverty and vulnerability among women with obstetric fistula.

He described fistula survivors as “typically young, malnourished and from impoverished households, making them prime candidates for targeted intervention.

“The chronic nature of their condition is not due to its medical complexity but because they cannot afford treatment.

“The NHIA Fistula Free PProgramme aims to enhance financial access and care for these women.”

He explained a phased approach, starting with the National Obstetric Fistula Centres in Katsina, Bauchi, Ebonyi and Edo, and later expand to other hospitals capable of providing care to women living with the condition.

“The programme covers various aspects of treatment, from conservative management and surgical intervention to transportation, mental health counselling, and family planning.

“Moreover, beneficiaries will be enrolled in a social health insurance programme to ensure sustainable outcomes,” he added.

According to him, around two million women live with unrepaired obstetric fistula globally,  with Nigeria accounting for about 7.5 per cent of the number.

He praised the commitment of medical directors at the National Obstetric Fistula Centres and highlighted the collaborative efforts with state social health insurance agencies and private health insurance partners to manage and monitor the programme.

He also stressed the importance of data management and monitoring and evaluation to ensure high-quality care for beneficiaries of the programme.

He reaffirmed NHIA’s commitment to provide efficient services, ensuring that vulnerable women received the care they deserved without compromise.

Dr Halima Mukaddas, the Medical Director, National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Ningi, Bauchi State, said that fistula, a severe childbirth injury, has affected many women due to inadequate access to high-level medical services in the country.

While commending the minister, Mukaddas said that the success of the programme would offer women a path to healing, and a dream of becoming useful to society.

She said the consequences of obstetric fistula extend beyond the physical, with many women facing shame, isolation, social rejection and even accusations of witchcraft or promiscuity.

She said that the tragedy deepens as many grieve the loss of their babies while dealing with constant leakage, making it difficult for them to reintegrate into their communities.

Dr Kolawole Owoka, the Managing Director, United HealthCare, said that the NHIA fistula-free programme is poised to make substantial impact on maternal health in the country, offering hope and support to countless women across the nation.

Owoka underscored the critical issue of affordability and access to care for women suffering from childbirth-related complications, particularly obstetric fistula.

NAN reports that the membership of the steering committee include representatives from Federal Ministry of Health, Director-General of NHIA, Managing Director of National Obstetric Fistula Centres (NOFIC), Bauchi, Managing Director, United Healthcare Limited, and Third-Party Administrator.

Other members include: President, Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Nigeria (SOGON) —  Chair, Forum of Executive Secretaries, State Social Health Insurance Agencies (SSHIA, – CEO, EngenderHealth (Civil Society Organizations – CSO, Representative of Development Partners (TBC) and Director, Informal Sector (Secretary), NHIA.

Their responsibilities include providing strategic guidance and direction for the intervention, reviewing intervention progress and making recommendations for improvement, ensuring adherence to programme goals and desired outcomes.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

AIR/HA

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

NCWS advocates policies, community engagement against drug abuse

Drugs
By Justina Auta
Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), has advocated the implementation of policies and programmes to end drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the country.
The Acting National President of the council, Mrs Geraldine Ita-Etuk, made the call in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2024 theme for the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”
Ita-Etuk noted the effects of drug abuse, quoting the UNODC as saying that “over 35 million persons, globally suffer from drug use disorder, hence the need to urgently curb the menace”.
According to her, the National Council of Women Societies stands resolute in this commitment.
“We will continue to advocate for policies that support prevention, to champion educational initiatives, and to strengthen our communities.
“But we cannot do it alone. We need the support of government, businesses, educators, healthcare professionals, and every citizen.
“Together, we can build a society where prevention is prioritised, and where every individual has the opportunity to lead a healthy, fulfilling life,” she said.
Ita-Etuk who emphasised on the effects of drug abuse, urged the government and other stakeholders to invest more funds toward ending the menace and illicit trafficking of persons.
” Let us invest in prevention with unwavering determination. Let us work together to end the cycle of drug abuse and create a brighter, safer future for all,” she said. (NAN)
JAD/MAM/IAA
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Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Isaac Aregbesola

Officers from the 15 Field Engineering Regiment of Nigerian Army, Topo, Badagry, Lagos attending to residents of Badagry during the free medical services organised by the formation on Wednesday.

Nigeria recorded 75,000 new HIV infections in 2023 — NACA

Group seeks more campaign on menstrual hygiene in schools

Hygiene
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) A NGO, Improved Child Education in Africa, has called on wealthy individuals, charitable organisations and religious institutions to embark on aggressive advocacy campaigns in primary and secondary schools on menstrual hygiene and climate change .

Ms Queen Solomon, the Executive Director of the NGO gave the advice while distributing sanitary Pads and writing materials to Pupils of Government Junior Secondary School,(GJSS) Apo Legislative Quarters, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Solomon said the aim of the event was to enable girls have sound knowledge on how to live a better life, check outbreak of diseases and prevent unwanted pregnancies.

She said that most challenges facing girls in the society was how to manage themselves during menstrual period.

She also appealed to government to ensure functional infrastructure in all public schools.

The executive director pledged to carry the campaign to all schools across the country to compliment government’s effort at ensuring clean environment and improve girl child education in the country.

“We are here today to educate students on menstrual hygiene. Girls need to understand that good hygiene is necessary and paramount.

“We will continue to advocate for this and ensure all the six geopolitical zones in FCT is reached, “she said.

Speaking, the Head Girl of the School, Miss Rejoice Chukwuka- Charles said that the campaign provided ample opportunity for girls in the school to ask questions on best ways to manage themselves during the menstrual period.

She said “knowledge impacted on the girls will go a long way in encouraging and building a better future for the younger generation.

In her goodwill message, Mrs Rebecca Alaku, Chief Education Officer, Universal Basic Education Commission,(UBEC) said that provision of writing materials and the sanitary pads would encourage young girls and increase child enrollment in FCT schools.

Also, the Vice Principal Administration of the school, Mrs Felicia Gyaube expressed gratitude to the philanthropist for considering the school in her Pet Project.

Gyaube called on parents not to shy away from their responsibility of educating their girls on effective management of sanitary pads.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Founder, Ms Yracy Solomon is the 2023 Miss Heritage International winner.

The campaign also featured talks on the need to avoid violence especially fighting between Students of different schools.

Over 3,000 exercise books, 500 sanitary pads and other instructional materials were given to the pupils.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

ICA/SH

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edited by Sadiya Hamza