Category: Health

Alcohol
By Franca Ofili
Abuja, June, 25, 2024(NAN) The  World Health Organisation (WHO) report says that 2.6 million deaths per year were attributable to alcohol consumption, accounting for 4.7 per cent of all deaths.

WHO, in a statement on Tuesday, said that alcohol consumption also accounted for 0.6 million deaths to psychoactive drug use.

According to it, notably, 2 million of alcohol and 0.4 million of drug-attributable deaths were among men.

“WHO’s Global status report on alcohol and health and treatment of substance use disorders provides a comprehensive update based on 2019 data on the public health impact of alcohol

“It also shows drug use and situation with alcohol consumption and treatment of substance use disorders worldwide.

” The report shows that an estimated 400 million people lived with alcohol and drug use disorders globally.

” Of this, 209 million people lived with alcohol dependence,” it said.

Dr Tedros  Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said that substance use severely harmed individual health, increasing the risk of chronic diseases, mental health conditions, and tragically resulting in millions of preventable deaths every year.

“It places a heavy burden on families and communities, increasing exposure to accidents, injuries, and violence.

“To build a healthier, more equitable society, we must urgently commit to bold actions that reduce the negative health and social consequences of alcohol consumption and make treatment for substance use disorders accessible and affordable,” Ghebreyesus said.

According to him, the report highlights the urgent need to accelerate actions globally towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target by 2030 by reducing alcohol and drug consumption and improving access to quality treatment for substance use disorders.

Ghebreyesus said that the report highlighted that in spite of some reduction in the alcohol-related death rates since 2010, the overall number of deaths due to alcohol consumption remained unacceptably high.

He said that it amounted to 2.6 million in 2019, with the highest numbers in the European Region and the African region.

“The death rates due to alcohol consumption per litre of alcohol consumed are highest in low-income countries and lowest in high-income countries.

“Of all deaths attributable to alcohol in 2019, an estimated 1.6 million deaths were from noncommunicable diseases, including 474,000 deaths from cardiovascular diseases and 401,000 from cancer,” he said.

The WHO boss said that some 724,000 deaths were due to injuries, such as those from traffic crashes, self-harm and interpersonal violence. Another 284 000 deaths were linked to communicable diseases.

“For example, alcohol consumption has been shown to increase the risk of HIV transmission resulting from an increased risk of unprotected sex and by increasing the risk of TB infection and mortality by suppressing a wide range of immune responses.

“The highest proportion of 13 per cent of alcohol-attributable deaths in 2019 were among young people aged 23 years to 39 years.

“Total alcohol per capita consumption in the world population decreased slightly from 5.7 litres in 2010 to 5.5 litres in 2019,” he said.

According to him, the highest levels of per capita consumption in 2019 were observed in the WHO European Region (9.2 litres) and the Region of Americas (7.5 litres).

Ghebreyesus said that the level of alcohol consumption per capita among drinkers amounts on average to 27 grams of pure alcohol per day, roughly equivalent to two glasses of wine, two bottles of beer (33cl) or two servings of spirits (4cl).

He said that the level and frequency of drinking was associated with increased risks of numerous health conditions and associated mortality and disability.

“In 2019, 38 per cent of current drinkers had engaged in heavy episodic drinking, defined as consuming at least 60g of pure alcohol on one or more occasions in the preceding month.

“Roughly equivalent to 4 or 5 glasses of wine, bottles of beer or servings of spirits. Continuous heavy drinking was highly prevalent among men.

“Globally, 23.5 per cent of all 15–19-year-olds were current drinkers.

“Rates of current drinking were highest among 15–19-year-olds in the European region (45.9 per cent) followed by the Americas (43.9 per cent),” he said.

Ghebreyesus said that the  effective treatment options for substance use disorders existed but treatment coverage remained incredibly low.

He said that the proportion of people in contact with substance use treatment services ranged from less than one per cent to no more than 35 per cent  in 2019, in countries providing this data.

Ghebreyesus said that most of the 145 countries that reported data did not have a specific budget line or data on governmental expenditures for treatment of substance use disorders.

He said that  although mutual help and peer support groups were useful resources for people with substance use disorders, almost half of responding countries reported that they did not offer such support groups for substance use disorders.

“Stigma, discrimination and misconceptions about the efficacy of treatment contribute to these critical gaps in treatment provision, as well as the continued low prioritization of substance use disorders by health and development agencies,” he said.

According to him, to accelerate progress towards achievement of SDG target and reduce the health and social burden attributable to substance use, governments and partners need to intensify actions in eight strategic areas.

“The  areas are increase awareness through a coordinated global advocacy campaign, strengthen prevention and treatment capacity of health and social care systems, scale up training of health professionals and re-commit to the implementation of the Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022-2030 with a focus on the SAFER package.

” Others are accelerate international efforts on capacity-building and knowledge transfer, engage civil society organizations, professional associations and people with lived experience.

“Improve multi-level monitoring systems and corresponding research capacity; and scale up resource mobilization, allocation, and innovative funding mechanisms to strengthen capacity of health and social systems,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FNO/MNA

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
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Health

By Maureen Ojinaka

Enugu, June 25, 2024(NAN) The United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) says it is targeting over one million children in the first round of the 2024 Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week for various health intervention Programme.

Dr Ngozi Onuorah, UNICEF Nutritional Specialist, Enugu Field Office disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing on a one day public awareness creation for the first round of the health week.

The nutrition expert said the exercise would be done with the Enugu State Government through the state Ministry of Health.

Onuorah said that 996, 160 children would be targeted particularly for Vitamin A and 840,000 children would be targeted for deworming.

According to her, Vitamin A has the potential to prevent all causes of child mortality by 26 per cent.

“We will use the Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week to increase the number of children that receive Vitamin A and to ensure that no child is left untouched.

“Also, to increase the number of children that receive routine immunizations,” she said.

She said that the weeklong event was aimed at increasing the level of services that were provided to increase indices of health and nutrition intervention in the state.

“Over 63 per cent of the children in Enugu State have been denied of appropriate eating practices, exclusive breastfeeding; these children are from 6 months to 59 months.

“Only 37 per cent of them received minimum acceptable diets,” she said.

Earlier, the Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ikechukwu Obi, called on everyone to take part in the optimize intervention that would be given to them in their various healthcare facilities in their communities.

He said that there was no volatile area in the state, adding that there were healthcare workers, who were working in those Healthcare facilities.

“The healthcare workers in all the health facilities in the 17 Local Government Areas in the state have been trained to come and do this optimize services.

“The commodities that will be used for the optimize healthcare week have been collected and taken to the health facilities in the 17 LGAs,” he said.

The commissioner urged children and mothers to go to their various healthcare facilities in their communities and partake in the intervention that the government had joined its partners to make available.

The Executive Secretary, Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, said that the nutrition status of Enugu had not been encouraging as study of 2018 by the nation’s Nutritional body showed.

She said that any investment in nutrition was a right step in the right direction, stressing that Nutrition provided key elements that helped the child to fight all killer infections and diseases.

“We are going to use this one week to carry out an outreach in all the nook and crannies of the state, and will provide vitamin A to the children during the week.

“They will also provide deworming drugs to the children,” she said.

She said that Anaemia was also a big health problem as it was a nutritional deficiency in women.

The programme is going to be conducted in all the 17 LGAS of the state free of charge, urging mothers to endeavour to take their children to health facilities in their communities. (NAN)

OJI/MNA

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Nutrition

By Philip Yatai

Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it is committed to improving Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) to ensure optimal growth and development of children in the nation’s capital.

Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environmental Secretariat, FCTA, gave the commitment at the ongoing 7-day training of trainers on MIYCN, in Abuja.

Fasawe, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Babagana Adam, said that the training of 60 trainers from different sectors became necessary to mobilise relevant stakeholders to promote exclusive breastfeeding and age-appropriate complementary feeding.

She also stressed the need to ensure optimal feeding of young children using nutrition-rich locally available food sources, towards building a healthy and productive population for sustainable development.

Fasawa called on the participants, who were expected to step down the knowledge with other stakeholders to be agents for change and advocate for improved nutrition within their respective communities.

She said that the trainees would be expected to train wider stakeholders, including healthcare providers, caregivers, and policymakers.

According to her, addressing malnutrition requires a multisectoral approach, through cost-effective interventions that will yield desired results.

“There is a need for concerted and aggressive efforts to change the disturbing nutrition indices of women and children in the FCT.

“We will not relent but strive more to achieve our expected goal as enshrined in the FCT Policy on Food and Nutrition,” Fasawa said.

The mandate secretary thanked the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for organising the training and the World Bank-supported Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria project for funding the training.

This, according to her, is a demonstration of a collective commitment of all stakeholders towards improving the nutrition status of women, children and young persons in the FCT.

The Executive Secretary, FCT Primary Health Care Board, Dr Mohammed Yakubu, said the essence of the training of trainers was to improve the knowledge of stakeholders on MIYCN.

He said that the goal was to equip healthcare workers with the needed knowledge and skills on how to improve the nutritional status of mothers, infants, and young children especially those in difficult circumstances. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

FDY/BRM

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Cholera

By Philip Yatai

Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Dr Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCT), has called on the FCT Primary Health Care Board to put precautionary measures in place against cholera.

Mahmoud, who made the call during the 190th FCT Joint Account Allocation Committee meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, expressed concern over reported cases of cholera outbreak in some states of the country.

She also expressed delight that no case of cholera haad been reported in the nation’s capital.

She, however, said that as the seat of government, all necessary measures should be put in place to ensure that the disease did find its way into the FCT.

”I am indeed delighted that no case of the cholera epidemic has been reported in any of our primary healthcare centres across the six area councils in the FCT.

”However, that does not give us room to relax because this is the seat of government.

”The FCT Primary Health Care Board should put in place measures to guard against any outbreak of the disease.

”By now, I was expecting the board to commence radio jingles in different major languages and sensitisation programmes in our schools, markets, mosques and churches.

”We should not give room for the outbreak before we start a fire brigade approach. That will not be acceptable,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

FDY/DOE

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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

Widows

By Philip Yatai

Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has reiterated its commitment to ending negligence, torture and stigmatisation of widows in the territory.

Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, gave the assurance in Abuja on Tuesday, at an event organised to commemorate the 2024 International Widows Day.

The theme of the event – “Accelerating the Achievement of Gender Equality”, was geared towards strengthening widow’s land and property rights.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FCTA Women Secretariat also distributed food items, wrappers, detergents and cash to no fewer than 300 widows.

The food items included cooking oil, rice, and semovita.

Benjamins-Laniyi said that the Women Affairs Secretariat was a deliberate and strategic hub, established to take care of all vulnerable people, including the widows.

“Today, we rise with one voice to say “no” to negligence, torture and stigmatisation of widows in the Federal Capital Territory and Nigeria at large.

“We assured that the current administration is committed to ending violence against widows and their children, and promoting poverty alleviation, education and other support to widows.

“The FCT Administration under the watch of the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, is poised to identify vulnerable people in our society with a view to alleviate their suffering,” she said.

The gesture, according to her, is in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, who is bent on giving hope to the hopeless, and putting smiles on the faces of the vulnerable.

“Losing a dear husband is a traumatic experience that no sane woman would want to have.

“Widowhood is caused by so many factors including disease, poverty, war, accident, negligence and sometimes hatred, which always culminates in the death of a dear husband.

“For many women around the world, the devastating loss of a husband is always characterised by negligence and long-term fight for their basic rights and dignity,” she said.

She argued that widows have historically been left unsupported in the various spectrums of the society.

She added that experiences from different cultural backgrounds shows that widows were often denied inheritance rights, while others had their property grabbed after the death of a husband.

“This in the long run, usually leads to extreme stigma and discrimination.

“It is, therefore, important to note that empowering widows to support themselves and their families also means addressing social stigmas that create exclusion, discrimination or harmful practices,” the mandate secretary said.

The Permanent Secretary in the secretariat, Alh. Kolawale Adetoyi, explained that the palliative support was a means to appreciate and show respect for widows.

Adetoyi said that the FCTA would continue to empower and uplift widows to overcome the obstacles they faced.

“We will continue to give them the necessary support to thrive and together, we can create an equitable society for all,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Mary Peter, who lost her husband 18 years ago, thanked the FCTA and the First Lady for the food support.

The widow, a resident of Kado Fish Market, described the support as lifesaving.

Mrs Salamatu Jibrin, another widow, physically challenged and mother of six, also appreciated the FCTA for the support, saying “this will go a long way in feeding my children. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

FDY/IU

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Edited by Isaac Ukpoju

Transform oncology care in Nigeria,  FG urges prospective resident doctors 

Oncology

By Abujah Racheal

Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN)The Federal Government  has called on prospective residents of the National Postgraduate Medical College (NPMC), and stakeholders in healthcare education, to shape the future of oncology care in Nigeria.

The Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, made the appeal on Tuesday in Abuja, when Dr Modupe Elebute-Odunsi, Co-Founder and CEO of Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre, and her team paid him a courtesy visit.

Alausa, who was represented by Dr Lolade Adeyemi, his Special Adviser on Research and Innovation,  congratulated Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre & Specialist Hospital on their accreditation by the National Postgraduate Medical College (NPMC).

The minister said that this initiative aimed to foster a new generation of specialists who would  contribute to improved patient outcomes and the overall advancement of medical education.

“The collaboration between the Federal Government  and the  centre marks a significant step forward in addressing the growing need for specialised oncology care in Nigeria.

“With the increasing incidence of cancer, it is crucial to develop a robust healthcare system equipped with skilled professionals dedicated to oncology,” he said.

He said that the  programme offered an unparalleled opportunity for healthcare residents to gain advanced training and expertise in oncology.

“By participating in this initiative, residents will not only enhance their skills but also play a vital role in transforming the landscape of cancer care in Nigeria.

“Stakeholders in healthcare education are invited to support and contribute to this initiative, by ensuring its success and sustainability.

“Together, we can make a lasting impact on oncology care in Nigeria, improving patient outcomes and advance medical education for future generations,” he said.

Earlier, Elebute-Odunsi, expressed her joy at being the first private hospital in the country to achieve this accolade in the field of oncology.

She announced the launch of a Postgraduate Clinical and Radiation Oncology Training Programme aimed at increasing the number of Oncology specialists within the country.

“This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 17, focusing on capacity building.

“Gratitude is extended to the Minister of State for Health, Alausa, for his pivotal role in integrating the private sector into post-graduate training initiatives.

“Appreciation is also given to Prof. Wasiu Lanre Adeyemo, Chief Medical Director of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), and Prof. Fatiu  Arogundade, College Registrar of the National Postgraduate College of Nigeria, for their support in achieving accreditation,” she said.

According to her, the partnership with LUTH ensures a high standard of training, bridging gaps and upholding excellence.

She said that Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre aimed  to craft a curriculum that meets international benchmarks, providing comprehensive cancer care and professional development for new oncologists.

She, however, said that prospective residents and stakeholders were encouraged to monitor the hospital’s website for updates on the selection criteria and application process.

“Join us in shaping the future of oncology care in Nigeria and beyond,” she said.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

AIR/KAE /VIV

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Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Vivian Ihechu

Cholera: FG in talks with Gavi over  vaccine shortage

Cholera

By Abujah Racheal

Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN)The Federal Government has initiated discussions with the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi) to secure additional supplies of cholera vaccines.

Dr Jide Idris, Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), confirmed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Tuesday in Abuja.

NAN reports that Nigeria is grappling with a cholera outbreak amidst a global shortage of vaccines.

Idris noted that, recognising the urgent need for vaccines, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has entered into discussions with Gavi.

“Gavi, a global health partnership, plays a pivotal role in improving access to vaccines in low-income countries.

“Through these negotiations, Nigeria aims to secure an emergency supply of cholera vaccines to curb the outbreak.

“At present, cholera vaccines are not stocked in our public facilities, though they are available in limited quantities in the private sector.

“But vaccines alone are not the only preventative measures we have at the moment; we must also ensure environmental cleanliness and proper hand hygiene,” he explained.

He highlighted that globally, the demand for cholera vaccines has surged, leading to  severe shortage.

“This limited supply has strained efforts to control outbreaks in endemic regions, including Nigeria.

“Cholera, an acute diarrheal disease caused by ingestion of contaminated water or food, remains a persistent health threat in Nigeria.

“The outbreak has significantly impacted several states, leading to numerous deaths and overwhelming healthcare facilities.

“Poor sanitation, inadequate clean water supply, and limited healthcare infrastructure have exacerbated  spread of the disease,” Idris explained.

In response to the crisis, he said the  NCDC has intensified its public health campaigns, emphasising hygiene practices and the importance of clean water.

“However, these measures alone are insufficient without adequate vaccination coverage. The shortage of vaccines has hampered mass immunisation campaigns, crucial for preventing  spread of cholera.

“The situation in Nigeria underscores broader issues of global health equity and preparedness. It highlights the necessity for increased investment in vaccine production and distribution infrastructure,” he stated.

Additionally, he called for stronger international collaboration to ensure that life-saving vaccines reached the most vulnerable populations in a timely manner.

In response to the escalating cholera outbreak in 31 states of the federation, he said the NCDC has activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to coordinate national efforts to combat the disease.

“The cholera outbreak is characterised by a case fatality rate of 3.5 per cent,  significantly higher than the national expected average of one per cent,  underscoring  severity of the situation,” he said.

He said that Lagos accounted for the highest number of deaths with 29, followed by Rivers with eight, Abia and Delta with four each, Katsina with three, Bayelsa with two, and Kano, Nasarawa, and Cross River with one each.

“This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for a coordinated response to prevent further escalation of the crisis.

“Sixteen states accounted for 90 per cent  of the confirmed cases, with Lagos being the epicenter of the outbreak.

“Lagos state, having the highest number of cases, has received significant focus, with ongoing support and resources directed to manage the outbreak effectively,” he disclosed.

The states affected by cholera include Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross Rivers, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, the FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Zamfara.

He said that a  dynamic risk assessment conducted in May  by experts from various fields, including health, environment, agriculture, and water resources, underscored the multifaceted nature of cholera prevention and control.

“It is clear that an integrated approach is necessary to address the complex factors contributing to spread of cholera.

“Efforts should focus on improving water and sanitation infrastructure, promoting hygiene practices, and ensuring access to clean drinking water and safe food.

“Additionally, strengthening surveillance systems, enhancing healthcare delivery, and mobilising community engagement are critical steps we are using to manage and mitigate the outbreak,” he said.

As Nigeria continued to navigate this challenging period, he said  the resilience and collective action of all stakeholders would be crucial in overcoming the  epidemic and safeguarding the health and well-being of communities.

NAN reports  that since January 2023, there had  been 82 million doses requested from 15 countries, almost double the 46 million doses produced over the same period.

The global stockpile was depleted until early March 2024,  and currently has 3.2 million doses, far short of the five-dose goal.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

AIR/CHOM/SH

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Sadiya Hamza