Crunch Times News

By Otobong-Gabriel 

The Guild of Optometric has urged the Federal Government to grant special waivers to local manufacturers and importers of eye care resources.

According to the Guild, the special waivers will help reduce the cost of eye care resources, making them more affordable and accessible to Nigerians.

The President, Dr Adesuwa Agbontaen, FNCO, FNOA and Secretary, Dr. Chigozirim Nwosu, FNOA of the Guild, disclosed this in a communique Signed and issued to newsmen  at the 3rd annual national conference and business expo of the Guild of Optometric Directors of Nigeria, (GOODON) With the theme, “the Business of Eye Care Today: Maximizing Efficiency and Profitabilty, stressed that the waivers will also encourage local production of eye care resources.

The Guild believes that providing special waivers will help reduce the cost of eye care resources, making them more affordable and accessible to the general public.

Agbontaen said the theme, “the Business of Eye Care Today: Maximizing Efficiency and Profitabilty”, reflects our drive towards continuously improving high standards in quality service delivery while also ensuring that our services will be there for the long haul. 

President of the Guild of Optometric urged the government to consider their request for special waivers, saying by doing so, they can ensure that eye care resources are available to those who need them most.

According to him, government and its agencies must, as a matter of emergency, ensure that eye care resources are given special waivers both for local manufacturers and imported ones, in order to help make them readily available for the uses of consumers of eye care in Nigeria.

"All government agencies and parastatals must explore the hands of partnership being extended to them by GOODON, in order to help drive eye care service efficiency to all the reaches of the country urging all eye care providers in Nigeria to must at all time abide by the regulations of the relevant government agencies, and must show distinction in both product and services, in order to maintain efficiency towards service delivery to Nigerians".

The GOODON therefore urged its members to must ensure that they acquaint themselves with the latest advances in eye care service delivery, and publicly display their GOODON emblem at strategic locations within their practice locations, in order to help guide the public in seeking services from qualified and competent personnel, helping them avoid falling prey to quacks and avoidable blindness.

"GOODON shall continue to be focused on promoting quality eye care delivery, and shall support all well-thought-out plans and projects of government and other stakeholders geared towards delivery quality, efficient and accessible eye care services to Nigerians".

The Guild resolved that it has become imperative for all stakeholders to bring their best foot forward in helping private eye care providers stay efficient and sustainable.

He informed that the Guild of Optometric Directors of Nigeria (GOODON) is the national association representing directors of private optometric clinics across Nigeria who, by virtue of their key position in the Nigerian eye care ecosystem, strive to advance standards of eye care service delivery through active support for improvement in regulations and standards, professional and business development and sustainability, and charting new paths for further public eye health care development.

"We, the members of the Guild converged, from all across Nigeria, in Abuja for our 3rd Annual National Conference and Business Expo, bringing together esteemed directors, notable speakers, exhibitors, guests and other stakeholders under one roof for a two-day all-encompassing session. 

The Guild  held her AGM where several resolutions were reached. A new National Executive Council was constituted after a free and fair election. The new team is led by Dr Adesuwa Agbontaen (President) and has other members including Dr Justice Nzerem (Vice President), Dr Chigozirim Nwosu (Secretary), Dr Chijioke Okeke (Assistant Secretary), Dr Cletus Ogoh (Financial Secretary), Dr Chinwe Osele (Treasurer) and Dr Theresa Onyia (PRO)".

By Isaiah Isaac

The Rotary Club of Abuja High-Rise in partnership with Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN) has taken its medical outreach program to the New Kuchingoro IDP Camp, providing essential healthcare services to the internally displaced persons residing there. 

Mariam Ahmed Abdullah, President of the Rotary Club of Abuja High-Rise disclosed this yesterday in Abuja that this effort is part of the Rotary Club's commitment to serving humanity and addressing the needs of vulnerable communities.

He explained, the Rotary Club of Abuja High-Rise's medical outreach program aligns with the organization's focus areas, including disease prevention and treatment, health and wellness, community development, by providing medical services to the IDP camp, the Rotary Club aims to improve the health and well-being of the residents, particularly children and women.

Services Provided includes free medical consultations and treatment for residents, Polio immunizations for children aged 0-5, Health awareness and education on disease prevention, free eye testing, malaria screening and treatment, HIV testing and counselling, hepatitis B and C, diabetes and glucose level screening, hypertension screening, tuberculosis screening, vitamin A administration, deworming of children, cervical/breast/prostrate Cancer screening , distribution of sanitary pads for girls and dental care

She stressed that Rotary Club's efforts demonstrate its dedication to serving humanity and making a positive impact in the community. 

"We're honored to be here in Kuchingoro, New Kuchingoro IDP Camp, our adopted community. This is our second visit this year, and we're excited to implement our Rotary Family Health Days program, including polio vaccination for children aged 0-5.

"Our presence here is driven by the community's pressing needs. During our previous visits and need assessment, we identified significant gaps in basic amenities and health services. The environment is vulnerable to polio outbreaks, and with over 70 families and numerous children, that's what helps us to recognized the urgency to act.

"Our goal is to provide essential healthcare services, promote awareness, and support this underserved community. We're proud to share the goodwill of Rotary and make a positive impact."

"Our promise to the world's children is a polio-free future. Rotary's goal extends beyond Nigeria, striving for zero polio cases globally. Recent outbreaks in other countries underscore the need for continued efforts.

We cannot coexist with polio; it must be eradicated. Our motto has evolved from 'Keep it at Zero' to 'End Polio Now.' This is Rotary's desire, and as Rotarians, our joy lies in nurturing healthy children within thriving communities.

Our priority is ensuring every child's future is healthy, regardless of their community. We're committed to going beyond polio eradication, fostering holistic well-being for generations to come."

Polio cannot be tolerated; it must be eliminated. Our mission has progressed from containment to total eradication, reflected in our updated motto: 'End Polio Now.'

Our core objective remains: raising healthy children within vibrant communities. We prioritize their well-being, striving for a brighter future beyond polio."

Speaking, Senior Program Officer, Maternal and Child Health, FCT Region at the Institute of Human virology, Helen Lutong explained the institute collaborated with Rotary Organization for Health Interventions and to provide comprehensive health services, focusing on HIV testing and counseling, Cervical and breast cancer screening awareness.

She informed that as a seasoned partner of the Institute of Human Virology, our organization has extensive experience in these interventions, saying when testing for HIV, maintaining confidentiality is crucial. To address this challenge, we utilize a mobile testing unit with private segments, allowing for discreet counseling and discussion.

Ruth David 42 years old, volunteers worker of IDP Camp, Kuchingoro extend her heartfelt gratitude to the Rotary Club for their unwavering dedication and medical outreach efforts, saying the club prompt response to the community's health needs, particularly the medical emergency involving women, has been a lifesaver. The community has faced numerous challenges, and their intervention has brought much-needed relief.

"Your commitment to addressing the root causes of diseases in the community is truly commendable. The people of Kuchingoro will never take your kindness for granted. Thank you for being a beacon of hope and providing essential healthcare services to those who need it most."

Regina Tgere-Adyara, Chair of the Rotary Family Healthcare, "Today, we're here to demonstrate our love and care for the Kuchingoro community, focusing on health, a precious aspect of life that money can't buy. As part of our Rotary Club's adoption of this community, we're providing: HIV testing and counseling, polio vaccination and healthcare services, eye care, including glasses for those in need, medical support and medication, mosquito nets for mothers and children and school fees, clothing, and supplies for children

"Our goal isn't just to meet targets; it's to show genuine love and care. We go above and beyond to support this community's well-being, regardless of numbers."

By Blessing Bature

A fast growing Pharmaceutical industry,  Shodan Pharmaceuticals has introduced Sitfine toilet seat sanitizer, a product designed to ensure hygiene and safety in the Nigerian public and private restrooms.

The Chairman, Shodan Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Seun Tola Shosanya, made this known in a press briefing on Monday, that his organisation is passionate about contributing to the growth of the Nigerian economy by championing locally-made products.

He said despite the numerous challenges involved in producing in Nigeria, the organization remain dedicated to supporting local industries and reducing dependency on imports.

According to him, Shodan Pharmaceuticals Ltd. was established in 2023 with a clear vision to provide quality healthcare products to the masses, and has since been committed to improving the health and well-being of Nigerians by offering innovative and effective products that meet the highest standards of quality and safety.

Expressing confidence on the product Shosanya said Sit Fine is clinically tested and approved by NAFDAC as toilet seat sanitizer spray in the form of a quick-drying aerosol that protects against 99.99% of germs on the toilet seats.

Also, Mr Daniel Okeoma, Vice President of Excid Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd said, "using a toilet seat sanitizer spray like Sitfine is an effective way to maintain personal hygiene and protect yourself from germs and bacteria when using restrooms, adding that the product gives maximum protection against germs and bacteria, neutralizes every bad smell and odour in the restroom and gives it a better fragrance".

He informed that under the leadership of our esteemed chairman, Mr. Seun Tola Shosanya, Shodan Pharmaceuticals is poised for growth. We are driven by a desire to innovate and adapt to the evolving needs of our community.

By Blessing Bature 

In an effort to fullfil its avowed commitment to improve reproductive health and  child care services within its adopted community of Jahi 2, the rotary club of Abuja ministers hill has taken essential services to pregnant women of the community to ensure safe and sound delivery of their children. 

The president,  rotary club of Abuja ministers Hill,... said it was imperative that they pay attention to the pregnant women and the children that are yet to be born by providing essential services to them through health talk about reproductive health and nutrition which is very important for the child to grow, commission light and provide refrigerator to preserve eye spack, donates vaccine and mosquito net.

According to him, this is done to ensure that when people come to this primary health care, they will have access, and there will be light and essential services they will need.

"Today, we are vaccinating about 50 children and attending to about 200 hundred women by distributing mosquito net to them.

This is essential because mosquito is what lead to maternal mortality,  so providing these items to them, help them to sleep in good condition so that they don't have mosquito disturbing their health."

Adding that within the case of the year, they have  visited other communities of need and also  provided the services they need, and then, Jahi 2 is its adopted community, they're starting there in this community.

He therefore called for partnership, to enable rotary to reach out to communities, "we know this communities, we work with them and provide humanitarian services to them so we encourage Non governmental organization and well meaning Nigerians in and outside Nigeria who want to give back to humanity to reach out to any rotary club even rotary club of Abuja ministers hill and we can partner with you. We have line up a lot of activities during the rotary year starting with maternal and child health, followed by education, economic empowerment for women, training for youths, diseases and prevention, peace building, wash environment and many others.

Speaking, the officer in charge of the primary health care Jahi 2 facility, Idongesit George Akpan commended Rotary club of Abuja ministers hill haven done a lots to this community, even the other facility that she had work, we benefited a lot both with the training of staffs, reaching the less previledged in their houses, through house to house sensitization and on this, rotary club ministers hill have been doing good work to ensure we have necessary equipment needed in the facility for people to come.

Initially, women like to deliver in the house while some go to other primary health care to receive treatment but now, with the help of rotary club for making possible to even reach out to them in their houses, make them to start visiting the facility for treatment.

Also speaking, Acting program officer, planning monitoring evaluation,  Abuja Municipal Area council health department, Mr Goodnews Appolos said  the  gesture done by the rotary club of Abuja ministers hill was  laudable  and they have been supporting communities and supporting government especially with public health initiative .

And with their nutrition intervention that they provided, the community will benefit because it will improve the nutrition status of both the mothers and the babies and the essential drugs that they have provided for pregnant mothers, this are supplement they recommended for them like SP for prevention for malaria in pregnancy, this are some of the indices also the highest causes of maternal mortality, once the red blood cells are infected, it mean both the pregnant mother and the child will have other opportunistic infection.

So with their intervention here today will improve the quality of the health care services that will be available to the community.

Otobong Gabriel 

As the world marked the 2024 World Hepatitis Day,  the Rotary Club of Abuja Asokoro Diamond (RCAAD) has taken sensitization and awareness campaign on the dangers of Hepatitis disease to the Jiwa Gwalada Community of the Federal Capital Territory. The campaign emphasised the need to take action against Hepatitis by getting tested and vaccinated. The testing also establishes the foundation for treatment of those who tested positive. 

The President,  Rotary Club of Abuja Asokoro Diamond,  Rotarian Daniel Agbofode, said that the campaign, which took place on Saturday, July 27, 2024, was leveraged to provide essential health services to expectant mothers to ensure the safety and safe delivery of their unborn babies.

During the programme, expectant mothers were enlightened on the need for exclusive breastfeeding and the  importance of early antenatal,  prenatal, and postnatal for women. The club donated mosquito nets and delivery kits, sanitary pads and diapers for children, liquid soap , bleach, buckets, and bowls to the mothers and expecting mothers. It also served for the deworming of children.

Rotarian Adeleke Shola Ayanronke, the immediate past president and Club Project Director, stressed that early detection was key in the fight against Hepatitis. Hence, testing for Hepatitis was very important in preventing the disease. She called on everyone to always try to ascertain their status on time.

Also speaking, the Assistant Governor supervising the club, Rotarian Chinelo Audrey Ofoegbunam  charged the community on the importance of hepatitis prevention and called prompt action. 

The past president of the club and current Assistant Governor, Rotarian Adeleke Stephen Adedapo, and other members of the Club were also present during the twin-project implementation in the community.

By Margaret Aladeselu, Nguvu Collective Change Leader

Period poverty affects many girls and women from low-income families in Nigeria. While economic challenges often take precedence over social issues, the silent struggle of period poverty remains largely unacknowledged. In fact, many people are not even aware of what period poverty is. Simply put, it refers to the inability of menstruators to afford sanitary products, which impedes their ability to manage their menstrual health with dignity and ease.

Period poverty affects millions of girls and women in Nigeria, particularly those from low-income and marginalised communities. In 2022, recognising the need for change, I took the initiative to launch a petition and lead a campaign on menstrual hygiene in Nigeria, urging tax exemption on sanitary products and access to indispensable menstrual hygiene provisions for every woman, with the aim of finding sustainable solutions for countless young women in Nigeria, who experience inadequate access to essential menstrual hygiene resources due to financial constraints. The potential impact of this campaign is significant: it would not only alleviate the financial burden on menstruators but also foster greater accessibility to sanitary pads and tampons for young girls and women across the nation. 

The recent economic downturn has significantly worsened the alarming situation of individuals living in poverty. The rising costs of living, coupled with the depreciation of currency values, have rendered basic necessities, such as sanitary pads, increasingly unaffordable for many, resulting in a sharp increase in period poverty. As a result, the number of girls who can no longer afford sanitary products has likely doubled, making menstrual hygiene a luxury that many low-income families can no longer afford. 

To address this issue, I co-founded Period Padi, an NGO dedicated to ending period poverty one girl at a time, and we organised an outreach program to provide free menstrual products to school girls from low-income families. Our goal is to reach at least 1,000 girls by the end of the year. During our first outreach program, we had the opportunity to speak with some of the girls and understand their perspectives on menstrual health. Unfortunately, their responses were not encouraging. Many of them expressed a sense of resignation, with some admitting to using rags or toilet paper in the absence of sanitary pads. The free pads we provided, although in small quantities, were a huge relief for them.

However, addressing period poverty goes beyond simply distributing free pads; it depends on policymakers taking action to prioritise the well-being of menstruators and removing taxes on sanitary products. Unfortunately, many people don't realise how big of an issue this is for millions of girls in Nigeria. But for me, it's personal. I see these girls struggling every day, with their families barely able to afford food, let alone menstrual products. It's time we all recognise the urgency of this problem and work together to find solutions.

As we reflect on World Menstrual Health Day, let us not only acknowledge the stark realities of period poverty but also commit to concerted action. By prioritising menstrual health as a fundamental human right, we can catalyse transformative change and pave the way for a more equitable and dignified future for all Nigerian girls and women.

By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja

In an effort to address poor maternal health outcome, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, NANNM,  Kuje branch has concluded a two day medical outreach in Kuje Area council, provided medical services to Pegi and Sabo villages of Kuje area council FCT to promote a healthy birth in the remote communities. This activity was carried out to celebrate the nurses working in Kuje general hospital for the year 2023.

Chairman of the association, Comrade Adeyemi  Joy said the exercise was predicated to provide information needed for the women to make an informed choices about the appropriate settings for them  to give birth.

Adeyemi added that the Association also rendered services such as malaria test and treatment, HIV testing and counselling, routine drugs and counselling for pregnant mothers, diapers and vitamin A for babies, worm expeller and vitamin A and C for older children, sanitary pads for teenagers  and young women, toilet rolls and mosquito nets were given to everyone, glucose and blood pressure checks, and referral where necessary to the hospital.

According to her, a couple who is thinking of having a baby should seek a doctor or other health care practitioner advice if the women is suffering from any medical condition.

Usually, pregnancy is very safe. However, some disorders can become severe during pregnancy. Also, for some couples, the risk of having a baby with a hereditary disorder is increased.

As soon as a couple is thinking of having a baby, the woman should start taking a multivitamin that contains folic acid once a day.

She said, the Association also distributed some multivitamins and other drugs to pregnant women around the communities, adding that the services of a midwife is always needed around a pregnant woman and not only at the point of delivery, because the midwife is able to provide evidenced informed care in any setting, the woman is then free to make that decision based on her own needs and vision for her birth.

While reiterating the Association's commitment to continue to deliver health services to the poor and  less privileged residents of the communities, she appreciated the contributions of AIDS Healthcare Foundation and the management of the hospital for given them the opportunity to serve humanity.

By Blessing Bature 

In a bid to strengthen menstrual health education of a girl child, a non-governmental organizations, Development Initiative for Youth Excellence, Progress and Stability Has called on the federal and state government to make free sanitary pads available for students in secondary schools.

The Organization Founder, Amb Courage Chigere made the call in a fundraising event for ScholHerShip and Menstrual Hygiene Project tag the girl child initiative 

Courage said if condoms can be made free which the users have choose, pads should also been made available which the users do not have chooses while urging government to ensure a girl child has all she needs to have Hygienic menstrual circle.

She stressed that girls should have access to sanitary pads in the school to maintain their menstrual hygiene and health, saying her foundation is committed to supporting the girl child to enable her to amplify her voice in society and take her rightful position even as she described them as future leaders.

She explained that as human beings, we face challenges that, if left unaddressed, can unravel the very fabric of our society, adding such critical issues that plague our society is issues that affect the very essence of our future such as inadequate access to quality education and the lack of proper menstrual hygiene among our young girls.

According to her, the girl child, often the bearer of dreams, hopes, and aspirations is caught in the vicious cycle of poverty and limited opportunities. Imagine a young girl, brimming with potential but hindered by the lack of proper education.

She said thinking about the indignity and challenges young girls faces due to inadequate menstrual hygiene, knowing that many women and girls in Nigeria struggle to obtain period products monthly, society see menstrual circle as taboo and stigma in this 21st century, saying this basic biological process, which should be a natural, normalised part of life, becomes a source of shame and impediment to these girls.

She said No girl should ever miss her education because of something as natural as her menstrual cycle.

"we are not helpless spectators. DIYEPS, through its initiatives, SchoolHership and End Period Poverty, has taken up the mantle to bring about change. We believe that every girl child deserves access to quality education and the right to manage her menstrual health with dignity. We believe that by empowering these young girls, we are shaping a future where their dreams are valid and achievable".

As a foundation, we ensure no child is out of school because of menstrual hygiene, we do mentorship, teach them how to make renewable Sanitary pads which is a way of providing skill acquisition because that way, they can make them and sell to others.

She asked NGOs to join hands, stand shoulder to shoulder with these young girls, and to be the change-makers they desperately need. 

71% of countries in the World Health Organisation’s, WHO’s, African Region have a stand-alone mental health policy or plan, but only 14% have fully implemented it, Blessing Otobong-Gabriel 

In Nigeria, integration of mental health into primary care has been a stumbling block to the implementation of the 1991 National Mental Health Policy, 2013 Policy on Mental Health Services Delivery and the National Mental, Neurological and Substance Use Programme and Action Plan.

On Tuesday, the Rotary Clubs of Abuja in partnership with University of Abuja Teaching Hospital and with the Support of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, took sensitisation to Gwagwalada model markets to sensitise people on the importance of mental health. 

They also advocated inclusive mental health as an important component of all policies and practices of the government reduce the burden of mental health problems that will help people realise their rights as an important component of health. 

Speaking on behalf of the Clubs, President, Rotary Clubs of Abuja Gwagwalada, Rotarian Ayodele Steven said the President of Rotary International for the year 2023-2024 challenged the Clubs to take seriously the issues of mental health, so they took it as an international awakening which is one of the focal points of things the Clubs are expected to do at clubs even in their district level.

He said that so many things can lead to mental health challenges like poverty, spousal challenges, school fees, drunkenness, drugs abuse and many others so with all this, urging people to get help when necessary.

"Today we are creating awareness to let people know that this challenges they faced or are having is not a end to itself because if care is not taking, it will lead to high blood pressure, hypertension and more so whatever you think it is, please go to hospital thats why university of Abuja teaching hospital is partnering with rotary club to sensitise the public to let them know that they can get help,l without self medication which will eventually encompound the whole problems. 

Rotarian Steve noted that government at all levels have done their best to put a lot of machinery in place so rotary club of Abuja Gwagwalada is complimenting the effort of the government, he said.

Also, an Expert, Consultant Psychiatrist, University of Abuja Teaching Hospitals, Gwagwalada, Dr Muftau Mohammed said the World mental health day is celebrated every year and the theme of the year is making mental health a universal human rights.

He informed that mental health are universal and the World Health Organization says 1 out of 4 people is at the risk of developing mental health problems in their life time and that's a huge burden. 

He also noted, "when we look at the population of Nigeria about 2 billion people and that equivalent to about 15 million people in Nigeria developing a mental health problems at some point in their lives. So we talked about many factors about the burden of mental health challenges which was shared in recent research they conducted in Kaduna in the North Western part of Nigeria that shows that 1 out of 3 in secondary schools students have considered ending their own lives and a lot of factors were considered increasing the risk which includes bullying in the school system, depression Among others are some of the risks factors. 

He advocated inclusive mental health as an important component of all policies and practices of the government, saying government should have sort of mental health concentration to reduce the burden of mental health problems also to help people realise their rights as an important component of health. 

"We do know that one of the impediments to access to care is the financial resource and one important aspect of that is stigma and discrimination to having mental health challenge many people have mental health challenges from the burden have described, that showed that its very common and accessing care is often a challenge due to stigma.

He therefore encouraged people with mental health to strive to see how they can use their connection within the society reduce the stigma burden of the mental health challenges, they should also seek support from people.

"Government should make all efforts to implement the provisions of the recently passed mental health Act that can really go a long way in protecting and promoting the health people with mental health challenges to fully have access to evidence based high quality care to everyone. 

Also, Dr yusuf Khadijat, past District polio Chair, District 9125 who double as the president rotary club of Abuja the qrandfaither said one of the role of rotary club is to create hope to the ward to reduce mental stress, doing that, you are reducing mental sickness to the World.

According to her, mental health can be dealt with in a very simple way that means whatever you don't have solutions to should not be a problem, whatever you can not change try to leave with it positively and surround your self with people who loves you because if you leave positively with your problems, you are not likely to have mental health issues.

She encouraged parents not to leave anything excessive in life but they should do things in moderation so that even if they don't turn out well, they are emotionally balanced. 

She explained that poverty is the poverty of the mind, you can see someone who will cry just because he or she drinks garri but you can see another person drinking garri and groundnut and be happy the same food given you different paspective so is left to you to take anything with joy or sadness.

She encouraged that even though Poverty is there, hardship is there just because the country is not economically stable but people can make do with what they have, she said. 

By Blessing Bature 

The National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, has again concluded plans to embark on a five-day warning strike action from 8:00 am on Wednesday 17th May 2023 to Sunday,  21st May 2023.

The President, of NARD, Orji Emeka Innocent disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja, saying after the national executive Council of NARD meeting on the 15th of May 2023, another meeting was convened to review the progress made and action taken by the government to address the issues raised in the two-week ultimatum issued which expired on Saturday, 13th of May, 2023.

The President said the association observed rather unfortunately, that till the expiration of the two-week ultimatum, the Government has neither reached out to the Association nor made any significant moves at resolving the issues raised. a situation they considered as embarrassing for a nation touted as the “Giant of Africa”.

The Association frowned at this development and wondered how the Government could claim to have the interest of the Nigerian citizens at heart and still neglect such a well-publicized ultimatum.

Recall the association has earlier issued an ultimatum to the Federal Government to demand the Immediate massive recruitment of clinical staff in the hospitals and the abolishment of the bureaucratic limitations to the immediate replacement of Doctors and Nurses who leave the system.

They also demanded immediate infrastructural development in our hospitals with the subsequent allocation of at least 15% of the budgetary provisions to health in line with the Abuja declaration of 2001, Immediate payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) in line with the agreements reached at the stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Federal Ministry of Health at the conference room of the Honourable Minister of State for Health on the 15th of February 2023, increment in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, CONMESS, to the tune of 200% of the gross salary of Doctors in addition to the allowances included in the letter written by NARD to the Honourable Minister of Health on the 7th of July 2022 for the review of CONMESS. 

The demand also includes the commencement of payment of all salary and other arrears owed our members including 2014, 2015 and 2016 salary arrears as well as arrears of the consequential adjustment of the minimum wage, Immediate withdrawal and jettisoning of the ill-conceived bill by Hon. Ganiyu Johnson seeking to enslave young Nigerian Doctors, Immediate implementation of CONMESS, domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act (MRTA), and review of hazard allowance by all the State Governments as well as Private Tertiary Health Institutions where Residency Training is done.

He said it is regrettably observed that most of the issues raised had been contained in previous ultimatums issued to Government last year but still extended to the present time despite the refusal of the Government to act on them. NEC wondered how we got to this point as a nation and hoped this dangerous trend is reversed as quickly as possible.

He hinted that after a long deliberation on the observations made, they have resolved to: Embark on a five-day warning strike action from 8:00 am on Wednesday, 17th May 2023 to Sunday, 21st May 2023. Work resumes by 8:00 am on Monday, 22nd May 2023.

He called on the Federal Government to address the issues raised before the May 29th handover date as further industrial harmony cannot be guaranteed after the warning strike should the issues be left unresolved.

"Review progress made during and after the strike at the Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) of NARD slated to hold in the next two weeks and decide the next line of action, He said.

He appreciated the efforts made by the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chairman of, the House Committee on Healthcare Services, Hon. Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu, and all stakeholders in Government who have shown interest in resolving these challenges. 

Blessing Bature, Abuja 

The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has said that Indomie noodles have been banned from being imported into the country for many years.

The NAFDAC DG, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye in a statement noted that It is one of the foods on the government prohibition list. It is not allowed in Nigeria, and therefore not registered  by NAFDAC.

"NAFDAC started investigating and responding immediately to the news of recalled Indomie noodles by Taiwan and Malaysia authorities.

Accordingtoher, May 2, 2023, NAFDAC’s Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Directorate will  randomly sample Indomie noodles (including the seasoning) from the production facilities while Post Marketing Surveillance Directorate samples from the markets. The compound of interest is ethylene oxide, so the Director, Food Lab Services Directorate has been engaged. He is working on the methodology for the analysis. 

"What we are doing is an extra caution to ensure that the product is not smuggled in, and if so, our post marketing surveillance would detect it. We also want to be sure that the spices used for the Indomie and other noodles in Nigeria are tested. That is what NAFDAC Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, FSAN, and Post Marketing Surveillance, PMS, are doing this week at the production facilities and in the market, respectively.

 He assured that the public will be duly updated with the outcomes of the investigation. 

Blessing Bature, Abuja 

In order to improve the healthcare system in Nigeria, a Non-governmental organisation under the ages of Abiodun Essiet Initiative for girls has stressed the need for policies and strategies that would improve funding for the sector.

Founder of the NGO, Abiodun Essiet who disclosed this during the two years' memorial lecture of Brig. Dr. Victor Udoeka Essiet who died as a result of poor facilities health care in hospital.

Narrating her ordeal, she said when the husband was ill, he was taken to four different hospitals including general hospitals, but he was turned back because those hospitals had no bed space, and barely had proper equipment and facilities like oxypen to manage the situation.

According to her, it is the experience of millions of people in Nigeria on a daily basis and the health condition of the patient usually get worse or even lose their lives in the process of commuting from one hospital to another.

She said the Nigeria health system has performed woefully against all vital health indices, trailing behind many African countries despite its enormous potentials, saying In 2005, the pervading global inequality in access to healthcare prompted the World Health Assembly to pronounce a resolution on Universal Health Coverage.

"UCH rests on two essential bedrocks: equitable access to quality healthcare and protection from financial risk. The prevailing poor health indices and extreme poverty in the sub-Sahara African region, especially in Nigeria, have been attributed to inequality in access and financial protection in healthcare utilization. 

"The Nigerian government expenditure on health is less than nearly those of any country in the World. Even after committing to the Abuja Declaration of 15% budgetary allocation to health, both past and present administrations are yet to implement it. The situation is worse in the states and local government. This reflects the value the government places on health and it is the most significant challenge faced in achieving efficient and effective health service delivery in Nigeria", she said.

Also speaking, Former Director-General Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Program, who is currently Chief of Medicine, Defence Medical Centre Abuja, Maj Gen (rtd) Dr. AE Life AJEMBA said Gross underfunding is a serious social cankerworm devouring the fabrics of the Nigerian health institutions. As a result of the lean budgetary allocation to the health sector, the Nigerian health system is below the World Health Organisation Standard of 15% of the total budget.

He noted that the poor health financing results in weak and obsolete infrastructure in the hospitals, congestion of patients to access health care because of limited human resources, poor supply of water, wards congestion, irregular supply of electricity, we ak telemedicine facility and recruitment, training and retraining or state of hospitals etc.

He recommended that the NHIS should be strengthened through the policy reform to embrace fund pooling/risk-sharing, subsidisation for the poor and the vulnerable, compulsory/ mandatory enrolment, and non-fragmentation of NHIS.

World Cancer Day: Project PINK BLUE Tasks Gov’t On Research Funding, Cervical Cancer Elimination

Progress Godfrey, Abuja

Project PINK BLUE, a non-governmental organisation, has called on government to take action to eliminate cervical cancer by investing in research and vaccines among others.

The Programs Coordinator of Project PINK BLUE, Ms Gloria Okwu made this appeal during an interview with journalists in Abuja on Saturday as part of activities marking World Cancer Day 2023 with the theme: “Close the Care Gap: Uniting our Voices and Taking Action.”

Ms Okwu called on government to make affordable and accessible, vaccines for cervical cancer which would help prevent the deadly health condition.

She worried that despite the mortality rate recorded, government was yet to make policies to strengthen research and close the care cap. She, therefore, called on government to improve on its commitments.

She said, “ We have two messages for today, the most important one is for government to take action in eliminating cervical cancer. There is a vaccine for cervical cancer - we want the government to make it accessible and affordable so that people can vaccinate their children. At least this cancer is preventable, let us prevent it and deal with the others that we don't have control over. Secondly, it is for government to start funding cancer research. 

“An act was passed in 2017 to establish the national cancer research and treatment institute. The cancer institute would have been able to bring together all cancer efforts in one place, like managing cancer research, diagnosis, and treatment. The act has not been gazetted. If that act was in operation, maybe we would be having a more streamlined cancer operation. Every effort would be pointing towards impact. 

“We are asking government to gazette this act, we are asking government to provide vaccines and fund research; let us have Nigerians carry out research on Nigerians on what drugs we should use to reduce the rate of cancer deaths in Nigeria.”

She stated that the aim of this year’s commemoration was to create awareness for people in Abuja and its environs as well as to conduct free screening for cervical cancer, portrait cancer and breast cancer; “these are the 3 major cancers in Nigeria.

According to her, besides the cancer screening, “we are here to provide the basic screenings like blood pressure, blood sugar and BMI. After the basic screenings, if we notice any abnormalities, we do follow-up with the patients until we are sure. If it's cancer, then we navigate it to the appropriate health centres.”

The organisation as part of this year’s activities, had a 5 kilometre walk tagged “choke cancer”, during which it educated people on the importance of early detection through screening, among other.

Speaking further, Gloria Orji, the President, Network of People Impacted by Cancer in Nigeria (NEPICIN), advocated for the prompt and full implementation of the cancer treatment fund.

She said Nigeria suffers as cancer deaths increased yearly, due to lack of treatment.

On the “partial” implementation of the funds, Ms Orji said only about 400 patients have so far benefited from the fund according to the information she received.

“The last time I received information about the fund, I was told about 400 patients have benefited which is still a drop in the ocean. We have about N1 billion yet to be accessed.

“We plead for this fund to be released to support cancer patients and help them survive the killer disease,” she said.

NISA Premier Holds Awareness Campaign As World Marks Cancer Day 2023

...Urges Gov’t Intervention As Brain Drain Deepens

By Progress Godfrey, Abuja

To commemorate World Cancer Day 2023, NISA Premier Hospital has engaged on an awareness campaign. 

The Chief Executive Officer of the Hospital, Dr Ibrahim Wada, lamented the ravaging effects of brain drain in the health sector while calling on government to intervene.

Wada who was represented by a Urological Surgeon, Dr Nabasu Ezra, made this call on Saturday in Abuja while addressing newsmen on the importance of awareness. This year's commemoration was themed: “close the care gap”

According to data from the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, 2,000 doctors left the country in 2022, in search of greener pictures.

Wada stressed the need for government to strengthen its efforts through collaboration with relevant stakeholders. He stated that the current situation in the medical sector was a call for concern as it was impacting the quality of care.

He said, “It is absolutely important that the world set out today to remember specific conditions. We are highlighting cancer today, to inform and remind people of the importance of screening ourselves so that we can treat them early and do something in terms of care.

“Awareness is important because when it (cancer) starts, nobody knows. When it starts, it may not start with symptoms, so people need to be aware so they can come for a check-up.

“The impact of brain drain in the health sector is grievous. It is something that we all know. The number of doctors keeps reducing every day and it means that if you were supposed to be in a queue for 30 minutes to see two doctors and only one doctor is available, the waiting time doubles. 

“It also affects the quality of care. In some instances, you see doctors in specific specialties leaving without replacement. So government needs to look at this and know how to collaborate with various specialties and groups to reverse this trend.”

Wada highlighted the efforts of the hospital in ensuring that doctors who leave are replaced, as it aims to close every care gap. 

“Our goal is to see that we care for the patient the best way we can. So as people are going, there is an effort to replace whoever is going even though there is a competition in the market in replacing specialties, ” he added.

He urged the media to take the awareness to the nooks and crannies to ensure that rural dwellers understand the importance of early screening and detection.

TETFund: Nigerian Researchers Handover COVID-19 DNA Vaccine Candidate for  trial

By Ngozi Nwankwo

Nigerian researchers engaged in the Tertiary Education Trust Fund-sponsored Vaccine Development Mega Research Project at Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, have successfully handed over the Covid-19 DNA vaccine candidate for preclinical trials in Nigeria.

The academics, in a symbolic handover of the vaccine candidate in Sokoto for trial, said despite the numerous challenges faced during the procurement of some of the consumables, equipment and reagents from abroad, within 11 months of the receipt of the first tranche of TETFund grant, the vaccine was ready.

Speaking at the “Presentation of Milestone on the TETFund-sponsored Vaccine Development Mega Research Project,” Vice Chancellor of Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, Prof Lawal Suleman Bilbis, said the handing over of a vaccine candidate for trials goes a long way to showcase the ability of indigenous scientists to solve the nation's problems using home-grown resources and facilities.

Bilbis also said the “milestone portrays our expertise in the application of state-of-the art technologies to rapidly develop vaccine candidates against any emerging or re-emerging Infectious diseases in Nigeria.”

He assured that the nation is very close to reaping the benefits of the investment and confidence bestowed upon us, adding that they will converge in the next few months to celebrate the successful completion of this project.

“Let me at this juncture Inform the Executive Secretary that through the support of TETFUND, researchers in this University have been able to work on many other high-impact projects that are already yielding promising results.

“As I speak, we have successfully designed and constructed a recombinant DNA vaccine targeting all the lineages of Lassa virus circulating in Nigeria, using a TETFUND National Research Fund (NRF) grant. Additionally, TETFUND Covid-19 Special Intervention Research Grant has supported our study on the innovative approach to rapidly identify potential therapeutics for COVID-19.

“The study identified 7 orthodox medicines for repurposing and 2 herbal medicines with significant inhibitory activities against the virus that causes COVID-19. Indeed, there are many more TETFund-supported projects, too numerous to mention, which are helping our researchers to showcase their talents and skills, while at the same time, assisting to solve the nation's problems. We remain extremely grateful to TETFUND for its support,” he said.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc Sonny Echono, commended the efforts and output by Usman Danfodio University in terms of research and Development, adding that the University has succeeded in accessing over 35 NRF grants over the years, placing it among the best performing Institutions in accessing the National Research Fund, NRF.

Echono appealed to Nigerian researchers not to relent on the overarching goal of delivering a homemade Covid-19 vaccine.

The TETFund boss also disclosed that the mega research project is one out of four projects supported by the fund at a total sum of N1,250,000,000.

He said the aim of the research is to “strengthen collaborative research by promoting decentralized cooperation involving clusters of researchers from different institutions to consolidate problem-solving research and promote Innovation in Nigeria.”

According to him, TETFund has been making concerted efforts to identify more innovative ways of using government and donor funding in research programmes and projects for maximum developmental impact.

“This Project has shown that collaboration among stakeholders, each adding value from their area of specialization to address issues of national priority will achieve the desired goals towards national development and tackling of developmental challenges.

“It also indicates to us that we are moving in the right direction, as one of the mandates of the Fund's R&D department is to promote multi- disciplinary research that will increase stakeholders' participation in developmental matters,” he said.

On the success so far recorded by the research group, he said “Few months ago, President Muhammadu Buhari welcomed the CEO of Biotech, the patent holder for mRNA COVID-19 vaccine who had come to interact with Nigerian biomedical scientists and officials of the Federal Ministry of Health on the possibility of supporting mRNA vaccine production in the country.

“It gladdened my heart to be informed that the Vaccine development consortium sponsored by TETFund, under the Mega research project intervention was selected by the Honorable Minister of Health to interact with the BioNtech officials where they showcased their on-going vaccine development projects at the State House.

“As a result of their fruitful engagements. BioNtech expressed its immediate readiness to establish research partnership with Nigeria, in the area of strengthening local vaccine manufacturing in the country and the entire continent.

“Thus, the country leveraged on the existing Mega Research funded vaccine development consortium to gain the confidence of BioNtech in establishing a hub for mRNA vaccine manufacture in Nigeria.

…destroys Tramadol worth N95b

Blessing Bature, Abuja 

Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, has warned that excessive fasting could cause kidney and liver damage.

She stated this at a media Parley to announced the destruction of five 40 feet containers of unregistered pharmaceuticals including Tramadol worth of 95 billion naira. The destruction was carried out in Benin Republic four years after they were intercepted.

Prof. Adeyeye, Urged Nigerians to ensure they conduct their religious obligation of fasting with common sense so that they do not endanger their liver, kidney and other vital body organs.

“We are a religious country, Muslims and Christians. We fast a lot and is part of the kidney problem. 

According to her, "for the body to have monostatic balance, the water level in the body must be enough to make your organs to function. Some people will fast for over 20 days without drinking much water, the kidney is being punished.

"If you put chemical in it, it dripples in an exponential manner to damage the kidney because the kidney does not have water to dilute. That is what all of us should know. I fast, but I fast with common sense".

“We have to fast with common sense, if not we will pay it with our kidney,” she said.  

Responding to a question on the effort of NAFDAC to totally eradicate fake and substandard products in the country, Prof. Adeyeye said: “All over the world, we have substandard medicines, all we are doing is to bring it to minimal level so that if 10 people take medicines, 9.9 should be good medicine.”

She further advised Nigerians against buying drugs from hawkers and corner medicine stores.

‘Do not buy medicines from hawkers, do not buy medicines from corner stores, buy medicines from pharmacists. Fake medicines cannot be totally eradicated. We can eradicate one class of medicines but not all. That is why we have regulatory agencies so that they can control the level of substandard products in the country.”

Speaking on the destruction of the Tramadol worth 9.5 billion naira, the NAFDAC Director General said that the destruction which took place in Cotonou, Benin Republic is the first of such magnitude in the history of NAFDAC.

She explained that staff of Port Inspection Directorate (PID) of the agency travelled “to Cotonou where the destruction exercise of the five containers took place on December 21 and 22, 2022.

“This international landmark achievement (that had never been recorded in the history of the two countries and NAFDAC) did not come without the unflinching efforts of the staff of Ports Inspection Directorate in Apapa and Seme Border,” she said.  

By Blessing Bature, Abuja 

 

Based on the report of diphtheria cases in Lagos and Kano, The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has started surveillance monitoring in Osun and Yobe States, where cases are now being picked up.

The NCDC Director General, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, disclosed this on Friday in a public health advisory amidst the disease outbreak in the country.

The agency said there had been laboratory-confirmed and clinically suspected cases, and the body is working with ministries of health and partners to enhance surveillance and response to the outbreak.

Diphtheria is a severe bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium species that affects the nose, throat, and, sometimes, the skin.

“In severe cases, a thick grey or white patch appears on the tonsils and at the back of the throat associated with difficulty breathing.”

It was said that children and adults who have not received a single dose of the pentavalent vaccine are at high risk, aslo people who live in a crowdy environment and are not in well-sanitised areas and who are at higher risk are the healthcare workers exposed to suspected/confirmed cases of the disease.

Diphtheria spreads quickly through direct contact with infected people, coughing or sneezing, and contact with contaminated clothing and objects.

Signs and symptoms start after two to 10 days of exposure to the bacteria. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, cough, red eyes (conjunctivitis), runny nose, and neck swelling.

“In severe cases, a thick grey or white patch appears on the tonsils and at the back of the throat associated with difficulty breathing.”

It said the Nigeria childhood immunisation schedule recommends three doses of pentavalent vaccine for children in the sixth to, 10th, and 14th weeks of life.

The NCDC also advised healthcare workers to take note of signs and symptoms suggestive of diphtheria to isolate themselves and notify the local government area, state disease surveillance officer, or the NCDC toll-free line (6232).

Close contacts with a confirmed case of diphtheria should be given antibiotics prophylaxis and started on diphtheria antitoxin treatment when noticed.

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Blessing Bature, Abuja

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, worried over the surge in cases of COVID-19 in China and other countries in recent time. 

The Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa disclosed this on Wednesday that before the recent case increase in China, the USA, the UK and other countries, genomic surveillance has shown that the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant and its lineages continue to dominate in recorded infections worldwide. 

He said however that the rise in the new Omicron sub-lineages XBB.1.5 in the UK and the US, and BF.7 in China raises concern as it may spread faster than older Omicron sub-lineages (e.g., XBB or BQ) and that they are responsible in part for current increases in cases, hospitalisations, and deaths.

Adetifa noted that, the sublineage seen with cases in China, B.5.2.1 and BF.7 are responsible for the surge in China and does not appear to be increasing unusually in other countries.

According to him, NCDC will continues to strengthen genomic surveillance of the COVID-19 virus in Nigeria. Since the detection of the Omicron variant in December 2021, its sub-lineage (BQ.1/BQ.1.1) has been dominant in Nigeria. None of these dominant sub-lineages in Nigeria that are also circulating elsewhere has been associated with any increases in case numbers, admissions, or deaths locally.

He said the sub-lineages partly responsible for the current increase in COVID-19 cases in other countries i.e., XBB.1.5 and BF.7 have not yet been detected in the country but B.5.2.1 has been seen here since July 2022 and the others are most likely here already. BF.7 and XBB have also been circulating in South Africa since October 2022 but without any accompanying increase in cases, severe illness, or deaths".

"Regardless of COVID-19 variants in different parts of the world, severe disease, admissions and deaths disproportionately affect the unvaccinated and those with established risk factors i.e., older people, people with co-morbidities and the immunocompromised. The most important action for Nigerians to take is to get 

vaccinated against COVID-19, as the vaccine is the most important intervention for preventing severe disease, hospitalisation, and death". 

"Though the COVID-19 protocols and restrictions have been eased, people at high risk for severe COVID-19 are advised to continue to adhere to the recommended nonpharmaceutical intervention (NPIs) such as the use of face masks, good hand and respiratory hygiene and avoidance of crowded spaces".

He said COVID-19 has and continues to follow a different epidemiological course in Nigeria and most of Africa.

"Other Omicron sub-lineages that were associated with increases in cases, admissions and deaths elsewhere did not cause the same in Nigeria as confirmed by our genomics surveillance. This is because the population is significantly protected from a combination of natural immunity and vaccination with vaccines with a high impact on hospitalisation, and deaths. In hindsight, country-targeted travel restrictions including requests for PCR-negative tests from incoming travelers had little or no effect on preventing global and national circulation of omicron since the emergence of this variant and its relatives with their shorter incubation period".

"The NCDC will continue to pay close attention to the ongoing COVID-19 situation in other countries and gather additional surveillance data to inform actions. We are reviewing the situation again this week. At this next review and if deemed necessary, a range of actions, not limited to enhanced surveillance of travelers at airports, may be decided on and implemented.