All Posts in "Health"

NNPC Foundation Targets 3,000 Beneficiaries In New Free Cancer Screening Campaign

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC Ltd) through NNPC Foundation, its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, is set to launch a free cancer screening campaign to address Nigeria’s rising cancer cases.

 

 

 

The campaign tagged, “Cancer Awareness and ZSX Screening” will provide, not just free cancer screening to indigent Nigerians, but also health education, workshops, and consultations with healthcare professionals aimed at empowering individuals to recognize early symptoms, adopt preventive health measures, and better understand the importance of regular screenings.

 

 

 

Olufemi Soneye,the company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer,conveyed this in a statement on Tuesday.

 

 

 

The campaign which will be organised in collaboration with local health authorities and expert healthcare providers is targeted at reaching about 3,000 individuals across the six geo-political zones with screening centres in Kaduna, Rivers, Ondo, Benue, Imo, and Gombe,the statement said.

 

 

 

The initiative will focus on breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, offering critical early detection support for at-risk populations.

 

 

 

Explaining the objectives of the campaign,the Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, said: “The fight against cancer requires a collective effort and a commitment to ensuring accessible healthcare. This campaign is about more than just screening; it’s about saving lives, building awareness, and creating pathways to preventive care for Nigerians who need it most.

 

 

 

“In a country of over 200 million people, too many still lack access to the early detection tools that could make a life-saving difference. NNPC Foundation is dedicated to addressing this critical gap by bringing cancer screenings directly to communities. Early detection is crucial to improving survival rates, and this campaign is a vital step towards that goal.”

 

 

Cancer remains one of the most formidable health challenges in Nigeria, with over 79,000 cancer-related deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The most common cancers affecting Nigerian men include prostate and liver cancer, while women are predominantly impacted by breast and cervical cancers.

 

 

The campaign seeks to counter the trend of late-stage diagnoses, which occur frequently due to limited access to screening facilities, cultural stigmas, and insufficient awareness.

 

 

This initiative follows the success of a screening drive in February 2024, where over 200 Abuja residents received free breast, cervical, and prostate cancer screenings.

 

 

 

These free cancer screening campaigns reflect NNPC Ltd.’s broader mission to promote health equity and enhance the well-being of Nigerians across the country through its Foundation.

 

 

Online Editor by — October 30, 2024 in Health 0
WHO Urges Renewed Action Against Polio In Africa

         Mohammed Shosanya
The World Health Organization’s Regional Director, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti,has emphasized the need for a renewed commitment to eradicate Polio in Africa,saying the continent is on the cusp of a major milestone in the fight against the virus.
In her World Polio Day 2024 message, Dr. Moeti celebrated significant progress, including Madagascar’s one-year streak without detecting circulating variant poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) and the successful containment of the wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) outbreak in Southern Africa.
She cautioned that challenges persist in regions like the Lake Chad Basin and Sahel, where circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) remains a threat.
To overcome these hurdles, she emphasized the importance of strong political commitment, enhanced surveillance, and high-quality vaccination campaigns.
Dr. Moeti stressed that success requires sustained efforts and vigilance, stating, “Our success is not just Africa’s it is the world’s. Together, we can attain a polio-free future.”
 She urged governments, partners,and communities to recommit to eradicating polio and supporting frontline health workers.
Online Editor by — October 24, 2024 in Health 0
Stop Begging Our Officials To Release Seized Fake Products,NAFDAC Warns S/East Elite

         Mohammed Shosanya
The National Agency For Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has expressed dismay over the activities of some elites who approached the agency to release some seized  products.
Director of NAFDAC in the zone,Mr Martins Iluyomade,who disclosed this while briefing journalists on the operational successes recorded by the agency since one year that he assumed office,decried mob action on his operatives who went after a banned hard drug recently in one of the Southeastern states.
He said the agency is currently investigating an unregistered firm that deals on herbal products, stating that most of the products have expired.
He explained that under their law, any unregistered product remains fake and urged people to only patronize registered products.
He warned those who have been impersonating NAFDAC to retrace their steps,reminding them that the issue of drug regulation remains under the exclusive list.
He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to reduce circulation of banned and fake drugs in the Southeast zone.
He noted that on assumption of office, he commenced work with a press briefing to announce his arrival in the zone.
He commended security agencies in the zone especially the police and the army for partnering with the agency in various operations they carried out in the zone within the year under review.
He disclosed that the agency carried out many operations with the army and the police in Onitsha and other places in the zone since he assumed office.
“We need the collaboration of everybody in the Southeast to reduce the circulation of the banned products” he added
Online Editor by — October 16, 2024 in Health 0
Access Holdings Steps Up Sickle Cell Awareness 

  Mohammed Shosanya

Employees of Access Holdings Plc,have donated 159 pints of blood as part of an initiative to commemorate Sickle Cell Awareness Month.

The donation drive,which saw over 200 employees participate, was executed in partnership with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service and the Boat Foundation/Life Bank.

This contribution will directly support sickle cell champions, who often require urgent blood transfusions due to life-threatening complications from the disease,a statement said.

Amaechi Okobi, Chief Communications Officer at Access Holdings PLC, spoke on the significance of the initiative, stating, “Every pint of blood donated represents hope and survival for someone living with sickle cells. We are incredibly proud of our staff who volunteered and our partners who made this possible. Access Holdings is committed to championing causes that change lives and create lasting impact.”

Besides,Access Bank, the flagship subsidiary of Access Holdings, hosted a webinar, featuring a distinguished panel of speakers, including Prof. Ebele Uche, Professor of Haematology at the Lagos State University College of Medicine; Dr. Bodunrin Osikomaiya, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service; Dr. Sola Adebekun, Executive Secretary of the Temitayo Awosika Help Foundation, and Ms. Judith Ojonugwa Mathew, a sickle cell champion.

The webinar focused on raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals living with sickle cell and emphasised the importance of regular blood donations in managing the disorder.

The panellists shared insights on healthcare gaps, the need for increased blood supply, and the impact of public-private partnerships in supporting sickle cell patients. 

The event also included personal stories from sickle cell champions, highlighting their daily struggles and the importance of timely interventions like blood transfusions.

Access Holdings’ involvement in this campaign underscores its dedication to advancing healthcare initiatives that benefit vulnerable communities. 

Online Editor by — October 10, 2024 in Health 0
Cholera:Oyo Confirms 27 Cases,Records One Death

         Mohammed Shosanya
The Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwasherimi Ajetumobi,says 245 suspected cases of the dreaded cholera disease was reported between January 1 to October 7, 2024 with 23 cases confirmed while only one death was recorded during the period.
The Commissioner disclosed that the only death recorded was a patient brought from Lagos,adding that nine  patients currently on admission at the Infectious Disease Center, Olodo, Ibadan are responding to treatment and will soon be discharged.
She disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the Governor’s Office Press Conference Room, at the end of the weekly Executive Council Meeting on Tuesday.
She said a request for approval of the sum of N 210, 243 million state counterpart fund for the support of the net campaign next year was examined at the meeting.
She said: ”As part of the activities towards the net campaign, there are some things that we need to do and that is the reason for the request. The United States Agency for International Development USAID, initiative has procured a total of 5,670, 644 nets for the state and the state is expected to pay a counterpart fund of N 210, 243million”.
Online Editor by — October 8, 2024 in Health 0
Malaria Treatment:FG Bans Monotherapy Drugs 

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The use of mono therapy for malaria treatment remains prohibited in the country,the National Malaria Elimination Program ( NMEP) of the federal ministry of health has said.

 

 

 

Program officer of NMEP, Wudi Natasha Tanko,who stated this during a media chart organized by the organization in Abuja,said monotherapy refers to the use of only one antimalarial medicine to treat malaria such as artesunate and artemeter injection, chloroquine and sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (SP).

 

 

 

She said, ” monotherapies are not recommended for treatment of uncomplicated malaria and cannot cure. Chloroquine and SP are failed drugs with 39% and 56% efficacy respectively. Artesunate and artemeter injection have very short half live. They attack malaria parasite fast but do not sustain in the body to mop up residual parasites.

“Use of mono therapies for uncomplicated malaria is abuse.”

 

 

 

 

 

According to her,dangers of the use of mono therapies is incomplete cure, increased disease severity and development of drug resistance.

 

 

 

She stated that Artemisinin-based combination therapies ( ACTs) are the recommended treatments for uncomplicated malaria. She added that ACTs are medicines consisting of an artemisinin derivative and another schizonticidal antimalarial medicine.

 

 

 

She also said malaria cannot be diagnosed based on clinical (signs and symptoms) assessment alone , adding that diagnosis requires testing confirmation of a clinical suspicion.

 

 

 

She said: ”Case management intervention through prompt diagnosis and treatment with recommended antimalarial is pivotal for reduction of malaria burden.”

 

Online Editor by — October 5, 2024 in Health 0
NNPC/Seplat Medical Outreach Programme Restores Vision In Imo

 

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

 

The NNPC Ltd/ Seplat Energy Joint Venture (JV) partnership has conducted a medical outreach, providing free eye health services to individuals with visual impairments in Ohaji/Egbema community of Imo State.

 

 

Through its “Eye Can See” programme, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the JV dispensed more than 10,000 reading glasses and successfully performed 639 eye surgeries, including cataract removals, for host community members who otherwise had limited access to such vital medical services, a statement signed by Olufemi Soneye,Chief Corporate Communications Officer,said.

 

 

 

 

The “Eye Can See” programme, which commenced in 2017, has been a beacon of hope in the eastern asset of the NNPC upstream investments, positively impacting over 20,000 people to date.

 

 

Speaking during the event,Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC’s Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Bala Wunti, represented by Dr. Obinna Otuu, Manager, JV Asset B emphasized the significance of the initiative to NNPC Ltd’s corporate mission of enriching the lives of Nigerians.

 

 

Wunti stated that the NNPC Ltd takes pride in being more than just an energy provider.

 

 

“We are a partner in progress, dedicated to making sustainable contributions to the communities that support us,” he added.

 

 

 

 

According to him, the “Eye Can See” initiative reflects “our belief that corporate structures can and should play a vital role in societal development.”

 

 

He noted that the programme goes beyond immediate medical care by educating individuals on lifestyle choices to prevent conditions like hypertension and diabetes, which can lead to permanent vision loss.

 

 

Expressing his appreciation for the support of the local government, beneficiaries, and NNPC Ltd’s partners, Wunti observed that together with Seplat, the National Oil Company is paving the way for a brighter future where access to essential health services is possible for all.

 

 

 

“This project is not just about restoring vision; it is about giving people hope and the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives. This year’s outreach in Ohaji/Egbema is a testament to the ongoing commitment of NNPC and Seplat to improve the quality of life in their host communities,” he affirmed.

 

 

 

 

 

The “Eye Can See” initiative has had a profound impact on the communities it serves. By providing free eye screenings, surgeries, reading glasses, and health education, the programme has transformed lives and restored hope to many who had been suffering from visual impairments.

 

 

 

 

Online Editor by — October 4, 2024 in Health 0
6575 People Benefit From SNEPCo Vision First Plus Programme In Bariga LCDA

Mohammed Shosanya

No fewer than 6575 people benefitted from an eyecare outreach held in Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, August 26—30, as part of the Vision First Plus programme of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo).

Beneficiaries from within and outside the LCDA received a wide-range of medical services including eye screening, surgeries, medication, and eyeglasses on the latest campaign to bring healthcare to the doorsteps of communities across Nigeria, a statement said.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, SNEPCo Managing Director, Elohor Aiboni, said the outreach was a key investment in maintaining healthy vision which is an important but often neglected aspect of life.

Represented by Managing Counsel Upstream Nigeria, SNEPCo, Lara Taiwo-Ogunbodede, Aiboni commended the collaboration which resulted in the outreach, the third in Lagos since the Vision First Plus initiative was launched in the state two years ago.

She said:“Our sight, a crucial connection to our surroundings, safeguards us from danger, sharpens our minds, and unlocks the doors to learning, economic opportunities, and independence, hence we consider this intervention as crucial.”

In a speech read by Bunmi Lawson, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Bala Wunti, said: “From the smiles of individuals who can see clearly for the first time in years, to the stories of renewed hope and confidence, Vision First has truly become a beacon of light for many. This year, as we continue our journey, our mission remains unchanged: to ensure that no one is left in the dark due to preventable or correctable vision issues.”

The Executive Director and Chairman, Kolmarg Eyesight Foundation, Professor Olukorede Adenuga stressed the need for “regular eye examination as one gets older in order to prevent avoidable loss of vision.”

The Chairman of Bariga LCDA, Alabi Kolade, described the vision outreach as a timely intervention at a time that vision impairment is found to affect the quality of life of adult populations, lower people’s the rates of employment and increase their rates of depression and anxiety. “Sight is life, and it’s for this reason that we cannot thank NNPC-SNEPCo and the partners enough for this opportunity, indeed on our doorstep.”

Giving a breakdown of the programme performance, Aiboni said that out of 1787 people screened for various eye conditions, 1,696 received prescription glasses and medication while 233 had successful cataract and pterygium procedures.

Another 1212 people were treated for ailments.

Permanent secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Olusegun Ogboye, who was represented by Adeniran Ifeyemi, A deputy director in the Ministry of Health, commended NNPC, SNEPCo, and their co-venture partners for the initiative.

The focus on eyecare comes against the background of a report in the National Eye Health Policy 2019 to the effect that blindness in three out of four people in Nigeria is preventable. The Vision First Plus programme aims to combat avoidable visual impairment by reaching patients early for diagnosis and treatment.

Over the years, the social investment programmes of NNPC, SNEPCo and co-venture partners have improved lives in internally displaced camps in Northeast Nigeria and rebuilt infrastructure in hospitals and educational institutions. In addition, the initiative has led to award of scholarships and donation of cancer treatment

admin by — September 5, 2024 in Health 0
Family Planning: UNFPA Seeks Accelerated Domestic Funding

Mohammed Shosanya

The United Nations Fund for Population (UNFPA), Nigeria Country Office has advocated the need for accelerated domestic funding in order to meet the Global Family Planning Commitments

It described family planning commodity as a key deliverable to achieving Nigeria ‘s family planning target of 27% MCPR by 2030,adding that the target might not be realized unless Nigeria meets up with her commitment by end of August 2024.

The UNFPA Programme Associate, Adegbotolu Oladipo,stated this while giving an overview of the National Basket Fund and the State based financing Tracker at a 3-day technical workshop on the development of Bauchi State based financing Tracker for family planning services organized by the Bauchi State ministry of health, State Primary Health Care Development Board with support from UNFPA held in Jo’s, Plateau State.

He said that for four years,Nigeria has not disbursed funds for the procurement of FP commodities in the National Basketball Fund, despite making a commitment of $4 million yearly contribution.

“In 2022-2023 Nigeria did not benefit from UNFPA supplies partnership matching fund of approximately 1.5million US Dollars yearly and is in the verge of missing 2024 match fund of 2million dollars”.

“Also for 2024, Nigeria did not receive from the second tranche of commodities worth 6 million dollars from UNFPA partnership of 347.709 million dollars.”

” There is potential of losing the third tranche approval if the commitment is not full fill by end of August 2024,” he said

He maintained that in 2024, the total commitment to FP is put at 40.755.218.40 million dollars out of which UNFPA made a commitment of 8.7 million dollars and has so far allotted 10.1 million .

He noted that the funding gap for 2024 stands at 24 million dollars and this accounts for the stock out of family planning commodities

Impact of the funding gap,he said, is estimated to lead to over 800.000 unintended pregnancy, 10.280 maternal deaths and some 340 unsafe abortions.

He urged Bauchi State government to make provisions for funds for the procurement of FP commodities.

He said,states like Lagos, Ogun, Delta,and of recent Adamawa and Rivers have made contributions for the procurement of commodities for their states.

He stated that an average cost of FP commodity per woman stands at 3.2 dollars, noting that the return on each dollar is is 69.3 dollars.

Bauchi State Commissioner of Health, Dr Adamu Sambo represented by Director Medical Services, Dr Suleiman Abubakar said that the financing tracker will help government monitor FP funds.

Executive Chairman, State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed pointed out the need for health related MDAs to unbundle their sources of funding.

admin by — September 3, 2024 in Health 0
Nigeria Must Strengthen Healthcare Regulatory Institutions-NESG

Nigeria Must Strengthen Healthcare Regulatory Institutions-NESG

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has advocated the need to strengthen healthcare regulatory bodies in Nigeria.

The group gave the advice at a pre-summit webinar in preparation for the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit (#NES30),with the theme, “Strengthening Healthcare Regulatory Bodies in Nigeria”.

At the summit,gathered experts and stakeholders discussed the challenges within Nigeria’s healthcare regulatory framework as well as develop actionable recommendations for enhancing regulatory capacity to ensure effective healthcare regulation across the country.

Speaking,Dr. Oyebanji Filani, Ekiti State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, and Steering Committee member of NESG’s Health Policy Commission (HPC), emphasised the crucial role of a strong healthcare system in national development.

He spoke on the significant impact that well-resourced regulatory bodies can have on public safety, investor confidence, and overall healthcare quality in Nigeria.

According to him,addressing current challenges urgently is essential to fostering an environment conducive to healthcare development, which in turn supports socio-economic advancement.

In his keynote address,Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, National Coordinator of the Unlocking Healthcare Value-Chain Initiative, noted that healthcare currently contributes 3-4% of Nigeria’s GDP, a stark contrast to 17% in the United States and 15-20% in Europe.

He emphasized the necessity of a robust healthcare system for national stability and competitiveness.

He also outlined the government’s ongoing healthcare reform plan, anchored on four pillars such as effective governance, improved population health outcomes, unlocking the healthcare value chain, and enhancing health security, particularly in pandemic preparedness.

He said the plan,which covers 2022-2026, includes cross-cutting themes such as regulation, financing, and digitalisation.

He further discussed the Presidential Initiative to unlock the healthcare value chain, launched in October 2023.

He explained that,the initiative involves 20 key regulatory agencies and five ministries and aims to increase local pharmaceutical production, reduce medical tourism,and attract investment.

Significant achievements, according to him, include a presidential executive order removing duties on machinery and materials for medical product manufacturing and the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to support research and development platforms for vaccine production and to strengthen regulatory bodies.

The stakeholders at the event highlighted the challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare regulatory bodies, such as limited budgets, insufficient staffing, and outdated laws.

These issues,they said,hinder thorough inspections, compliance enforcement, and the overall effectiveness of regulatory oversight, posing risks to patient safety.

The National Health Policy (2016) also pointed out the absence of an institutional framework to regulate quality and standards, and the lack of robust enforcement mechanisms that allows unqualified individuals to practice medicine illegally.

At the panel discussions,
Dr. Victor Gbenro, Deputy Registrar, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), underscored the role of MDCN in regulating medical education and upholding standards in medical training and practice across Nigeria.

She also addressed resource gaps that hinder the council’s ability to double the number of medical graduates.

Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC),emphasised the importance of local pharmaceutical manufacturing.

She stated that manufacturing 70% of pharmaceuticals locally and importing 30% would allow for better monitoring and adherence to good manufacturing practices.

She assured that NAFDAC would continue to conduct routine and targeted inspections to ensure these standards are met.

Ms. Modupeola Ogundimu, Director, Lagos Zone, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), pointed out the challenges facing health insurance in Nigeria and opportunities for improving the regulatory environment to promote Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

She also discussed the impact of recent economic hardships on health insurance and the steps needed to strengthen the NHIA’s regulatory mandate.

Dr. Ajibike Oyewumi,Healthcare Quality Specialist, IFC, emphasised the importance of enhancing regulatory capacity through training, technology adoption, and establishing strong public-private partnerships.

She also noted the critical role of national health insurance in providing funding to ensure access to quality healthcare.

Dr. Abiola Idowu, Executive Secretary, Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA): highlighted HEFAMAA’s mission to enforce healthcare facility standards and accreditation in Nigeria.

She emphasized the need for increased investment in technology, training, and collaboration with stakeholders to improve transparency and public engagement in healthcare regulation.

Dr. Ameer El Telwany, CEO, Egypt Healthcare Authority (represented by Ms. Nermeen Ashour), shared insights on the reforms and system changes implemented by the Egypt healthcare system.

The webinar event underscored the importance of strengthening healthcare regulatory bodies to ensure a transparent and well-regulated healthcare sector in Nigeria.

The NESG affirmed that improved regulatory frameworks are essential for attracting domestic and foreign investment, enhancing the global competitiveness of African healthcare industries, and fostering regional integration and trade in healthcare products and services.

admin by — August 22, 2024 in Health 0