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Category: Health

  • Cholera: Obaseki Douses Tension, Says Situation Under Control

    Cholera: Obaseki Douses Tension, Says Situation Under Control

     

    Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting

    The Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has doused the tension currently being experienced by the citizens following the confirmation of eight suspected cases of Cholera out of the 16 references, saying that the government will do all in its powers to curtail its spread.

    It assured that it was on top of the situation with support from the World Health Organisation (WHO) staff in the state, all those affected were under close monitoring including all those they have come in contact with.

    The government also disclosed that 226 cases of Lassa fever out of over 2,300 suspected ones have been recorded and that out of the 226, 36 deaths have been recorded so far this year.

    The Director Public Health, Ministry of Health, Dr. Ojeifo Stephenson, gave the update and said the state government was prepared for any emergency.

    Surrounded by officials of the WHO led by its State Coordinator, Dr. Eyo Nora, Dr. Ojiefoh said “Nobody should panic, the state is doing everything to address the situation of any disease outbreak in the state because if you want to talk of any state that is prepared to respond to emergency, Edo State is one, Edo is ready for any outbreak and it is ready to address them as they come

    “On Thursday last week, we got an alert that there are some suspected cases of Cholera seen and on admission at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, we quickly mobilized our men in collaboration with the WHO team to go and investigate and see the condition of the patients and know what exactly to do as quickly as possible.

    “Sixteen patients were admitted at the UBTH. We ran an RDT (Rapid Diagnostic Test) for all of them. RDT is not a confirmatory test positive while eight were not reactive the other eight were positive to it. Then the next line is for us to collect sample from those eight that were reactive to the rapid diagnosis test, and that sample was sent to the National Reference Lab in Abuja for confirmatory test, until that result comes out from there and say it is positive, we won’t say that we have any positive cholera case in Edo state.

    “The good news is that from Thursday till now, all the patients have been discharged in UBTH except one still in the ward.”

    Dr. Ojiefoh announced that the surveillance system has been activated for contact tracing and line listing and identified all those that the patients have had contact with and also carried out community enlightenment to know what they took before the incidents, adding “We are happy about that but we urge the public to continue to maintain hygiene and clean environment and once you have a suspected case, go to the hospital immediately.”

    On Lassa fever, he said the state government was mobilizing to eradicate the causative rats to ensure Edo State is Lassa fever free.

  • WHO Needs $87.4m To Checkmate Outbreak Monkey Pox

    Lucky Obukohwo Reporting

     

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that it would need a mouth tearing $87.4 million to checkmate the spread of Monkey Pox (Mpox).

    It said the money would be used in the next six months to partner nations and other stakeholders with the view of looking for possible solutions to the rising scourge.

    WHO said in a statement on Tuesday that the fund will be used to carry out important actions described in the worldwide Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, SPRP, which was announced on August 26.

    According to WHO, “the SPRP is a comprehensive framework developed by WHO to guide global response to Mpox, emphasizing surveillance, research, equitable access to medical countermeasures and community empowerment.

    “Following the declaration of a global emergency on Aug. 14, WHO needs 87.4 million dollars over six months, September 2024 to February 2025, to work with countries, partners and other stakeholders to stop the current outbreak of Mpox.

    “The required fund will be used across WHO headquarters, regional and country offices, to enable coordination of the responses, provide technical assistance, run operations and deliver medical supplies.”

    WHO further urged donors to rapidly support the whole Mpox response to avoid future spread and safeguard individuals at risk.

  • Lagos Cholera Death Toll Hits 21 As Cases Rise To 401

    Lucky Obukohwo Reporting 

     

     

    The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, has raised the alarm on the rise and the number of deaths recorded since the outbreak of Cholera in the state just as he said it has climbed to 401 with 21 fatalities.

    The statement noted that Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa recorded the highest numbers.

    This was disclosed in a statement on Thursday signed by the Director of Public Affairs at the state Ministry of Health, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo.

    “Following the last update on the cholera outbreak in Lagos, which reported 350 suspected cases and 15 fatalities, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, revealed that the total number of cholera cases has increased to 401 across Lagos, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa recording the highest numbers.

    Dr. Ogunyemi revealed this today while providing an update on the outbreak after meeting with members of the Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre. She added that the death toll has also risen to 21, an increase of six from the previously reported 15 fatalities,” the statement partly read.

    According to Ogunyemi, the rise in cases was anticipated following the Ileya festivities, during which large gatherings occurred.

    She, however, noted that suspected cases are subsiding across Local Government Areas, particularly in previously affected LGAs due to the state government’s interventions and surveillance efforts.

    The Special Adviser stated that the government, through the Ministry of Health and other sister agencies, is maintaining rigorous surveillance, is monitoring the situation to curb the spread.

    “The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Environment and its agency, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, continues to collect samples of water sources, food, and beverages to identify the source of contamination. We have also intensified our surveillance activities in communities, particularly in affected local government areas, to address the situation head-on.

    “We are also working with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education as well as the Ministry of Tertiary Education to ensure all precautions are taken in our schools to protect children and scholars as they return. Residents must, however, remain vigilant, practice good hand hygiene, and participate in community sanitation activities to stop the spread of cholera,” she stated.

    She advised that citizens should seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as watery diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise, and fever, stressing that cholera treatment is provided free of charge at all public health facilities.

    While noting that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to ensuring that residents of Lagos receive quality and affordable health care, the Special Adviser extended the gratitude of the State Government to local, national, and international partners—including the United Nations Children’s Fund, the World Health Organisation, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the Nigerian Institute for Medical Research, Red Cross, and others—for their support in combating the outbreak.

  • NAFDAC Implements Traceability Tech to Combat Substandard Drugs Amid Soaring Costs

    To stop dishonest individuals from exploiting the current expensive medication situation in the country, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) revealed plans to use traceability technology to monitor the drug supply chain, preventing the production and distribution of low-quality medicines.

    NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made this announcement during a webinar hosted by The Cable Newspaper, focused on tackling medication costs.

    She warned potential makers of substandard drugs that the agency is vigilant and conducts regular inspections, even of local manufacturers.

    “Our work is 24/7 in terms of regulation and control of SF medicines. We do unannounced inspections of local manufacturers. Since, February 16 and 17 this year we went after the Open Drug marketers because some of the unscrupulous manufacturers or importers use the open market as a haven for substandard falsified medicines.

    “We will be using Traceability technology to monitor the supply chain,” a statement on Sunday by Sayo Akintola, NAFDAC’s Resident Media Consultant quoted Adeyeye as saying.

    Adeyeye emphasized that NAFDAC is at the forefront in Africa and second globally in utilizing Track and Trace technology. She assured Nigerians that efforts are underway, in collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry, to reduce medication prices, with a focus on rejuvenating local pharmaceutical production.

    She explained that the devaluation of the Naira significantly contributes to the high cost of local production, as importing raw materials and equipment becomes more expensive. Adeyeye also outlined policy changes aimed at promoting local manufacturing, such as restricting the importation of certain drugs.

    Additionally, she mentioned initiatives to encourage local production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), highlighting ongoing efforts by companies like EMZOR and Fidson. However, Adeyeye stressed the need for strengthened regulations to support local API manufacturing.

    “I told the industry operators that we need to start making some APIs locally and that has resulted in EMZOR almost completing their facilities in Shagamu. They are going to be making four anti-malaria APIs sulfadoxime, Pyrimethamine, Artemether and Lumefantrine. The Fidson consortium is also planning manufacturing some APIs. The DG said the initiative was aimed at reducing the cost of drugs eventually.

    “But we cannot start manufacturing locally without strengthening the regulations because we have never regulated local manufacturing of APIs,” Adeyeye said.

  • “Vaccine Humanity’s Greatest Achievements” – Says WHO

    The World Health Organization (WHO) says that the global vaccine drives of the second half of the 20th century are one of humanity’s greatest achievements.

    Immunization campaigns WHO said have enabled us to eradicate smallpox, nearly defeat polio, and ensure more children survive and thrive than ever before.

    WHO office made the claim in a statement shared on its website announcing world immunization week 2024.

    For instance, it said this year World Immunization Week will celebrate 50 years of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI).

    Also, “EPI recognizes our collective efforts to save and improve countless lives from vaccine-preventable diseases.”

    Additionally, WHO has called on countries to ramp up investments in immunization programmes to protect the next generations.

    “In just 5 decades we went from a world where the death of a child was something many parents feared, to a world where every child if vaccinated has a chance to survive and thrive.”

    Again it said that at its inception in 1974, the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) focused on protecting all children against 6 childhood illnesses.

    This number however, has grown to 13 universally recommended vaccines across the lifecourse and 17 additional vaccines with context dependent recommendations.

    The Essential Programme on Immunization encompasses the expansion of vaccination programme across the life course.

    Moreso, In the last few years during the pandemic, progress on immunization slipped.

    While more than 4 million children were vaccinated globally in 2022 compared to 2021, there were still 20 million children who missed out on one or more of their vaccines.

    It observed that growing conflicts, economic downturns, and a rise in vaccine hesitancy are some of the threats to efforts to reach these children.

    As a result, the world is seeing sudden outbreaks of diphtheria and measles diseases that, until now, we’d had nearly in hand.

    While global vaccine coverage is good with 4 out of 5 kids fully covered we have more to do.

    “We can make it possible for everyone to benefit from the life-saving power of vaccines,” WHO assured.

    ‘Let’s make this possible by ensuring vaccines are high on the priority list for governments in all countries.”

    Meanwhile, other ways identified include advocating for vaccines to be an integral part of the planning and investment of health care across the life course.

    Making sure vaccination programmes are adequately financed and resourced in all countries.

    Accelerating research and innovation that advances access to, and support for, vaccines.

    Speaking out on the impact of locally, nationally and vaccinations globally.

  • 5 Points Guidelines For HBV Prevention, Care, Treatment You Must Know

    World Health Organization (WHO) has released new Guidelines on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis B (HBV) infection.

    The guidelines were made Public at the 2024 Asian Pacific Conference for the Study of Liver Disease (APASL) in Kyoto, Japan.

    WHO’s office announced the new guidelines in a statement shared on social media on March 29, 2024.

    Moreover, it says these guidelines provide a substantial simplification and expansion of eligibility for treatment to overcome barriers in access to HBV testing and treatment.

    For instance, it added that more than 250 million people live with chronic hepatitis B infection, leading to increasing deaths each year.

    It further explained that most of the global burden of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) was due to mother-to-child transmission at or shortly after birth.

    Meanwhile, WHO’s Global health sector strategy sets actions and targets to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030.

    Moreso , this will happen by driving new infections and deaths down to half a million each globally – a reduction of 90% and 65%, respectively.

    The report said considerable progress has been made towards eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HBV through universal infant HBV immunization, including the timely hepatitis B birth dose.

    However, hepatitis B birth-dose coverage is only 45% globally, with less than 20% coverage in the WHO African Region.

    “For people with CHB infection, antiviral treatment is highly effective,” report says.

    “It can improve survival and reduce progression of liver disease and the development of liver cancer.”

    Nevertheless, major testing and treatment gaps remain.

    The 2024 guidelines prioritize simplified treatment criteria for adults and adolescents.

    Also, expanded eligibility for antiviral prophylaxis for pregnant women to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HBV.

    Additionally, the guidelines focus on enhancing HBV diagnostics through point-of-care viral load testing.

    While addressing diagnosis of Delta coinfection-a major cause of HBV-related morbidity and mortality.

    It also using testing protocols, and approaches to delivering high-quality HBV services.

    Overview

    HBV infection is a major public health problem and cause of chronic liver disease.

    The new guidelines provide updated evidence-based recommendations on the priority HBV-related topics from the 2015 WHO Guidelines.

    Especially, for the care and treatment of persons diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B infection and the 2017 WHO Guidelines on hepatitis B and C testing.

    These priority areas include: expanded treatment eligibility, and inclusion of adolescents.

    Alternative antiviral therapy regimens.

    Expanded eligibility for antiviral prophylaxis among pregnant women to prevent mother-to-child transmission.

    HBV diagnostics – use of point-of-care (POC) DNA assays and reflex HBV DNA testing.

    Testing for hepatitis delta coinfection; and approaches to promote delivery of high-quality HBV services.

    Strategies to promote adherence to long-term antiviral therapy and retention in care.

    Meanwhile, these guidelines also update existing chapters without new recommendations.

    For instance, those on treatment monitoring and surveillance for liver cancer.

  • Edo Primary Healthcare Agency Joined “We can end TB” Campaign on World Tuberculosis Day

     

    Joel Osaigbovo Aluge Reporting

    Benin City

    The Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) and partners celebrate World Tuberculosis Day and create more awareness about the global epidemic.

    Edo Primary Healthcare Agency Celebrates World Tuberculosis Day

    The World Tuberculosis Day which is annually celebrated with this year’s theme: “Yes! We can end TB”, is aimed at advocating for the end of Tuberculosis while educating the general public on precautionary steps that can be taken to prevent the disease and advisory steps for patients to continually empower them towards taking their medications seriously.

    In Edo State, EDSPHCDA notes that a high population of residents in Edo are aware of the debilitating nature of Tuberculosis (TB) which sets a high level of awareness and recognition.

    However, despite the level of awareness, there still seem to be a comprehensive gap towards TB with many having stereotyped misinformation/ misconceptions about the disease.

    Tuberculosis is a deadly disease caused by a bacterium called mycobacterium tuberculosis which can be contracted when an infected person sneezes, spits or coughs. It is air borne.

    Persons living with this disease are mostly stigmatized which can lead to partial or total isolation of the patient from its society, as well as delayed treatment, and once treatment is delayed, the effects can be fatal.

    The EDSPHCDA urges members of the public to adopt preventive measures such as covering the mouth while coughing, wearing nose mask, washing the hands regularly, while patients with TB should endeavor to seek medical support swiftly after diagnosis.

    The Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) is calling on healthcare workers, political party, traditional and religious leaders, civil society, media, communities and everyone to join the global community to stand in unity to end Tuberculosis and save lives.

  • C’River Govt Announces Free HealthCare Services To Children, Pregnant Women, Aged

    The Cross River State Governmment says it is currently running a free health care services to children under the age of five, pregnant women and elderly persons above 70 years.

    Cross River State Governor Sen Bassey Edet Otu, announced this at the launching ceremony and dissemination of Cross River State Viral Hepatitis Strategic Plan, 2024-2026, in Calabar.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, said they need people’s support to sustain the programme in a manner that will be accessible to the vulnerable in the society.

    He appealed to the international organization to come to their aid for improved healthcare delivery to it citizenry.

    While reiterated his determination in ensuring that viral hepatitis is totally eradicated Dr Ayuk, said prevalence rate in Cross River is 8.9.

    Meanwhile, In a concerted effort Cross River State Government in collaboration with health development partners have unveiled a 3-year thematic plan to tackle the disease in the state.

    Accordingly, the work plan has become a veritable tool in thematically fashioning out ways of tackling the menace.

    Also, adopts a workable strategy of preventing the spread of the disease with utmost dispatched.

    “There’s needed leadership that the people’s first governor has provided,” said Dr Ayuk.

    Also, “what we require now is full participation from partners and relevant Stakeholders to enable us implement the policy plan,” he added.

    Nevertheless, “Let us also build our conscious effort towards preventive determinants.”

    Moreover, “asking ourselves what we can do now in ensuring that hepatitis does not manifest in any form along the health line in the state.”

    “Let me state here that Viral Hepatitis is a challenge that must be addressed appropriately.”

    Ayuk said It was for this reason that the government rolled out healthcare plans.

    Furthermore, he promised to restructure “Health Insurance Scheme to carter for the healthcare needs of our people,” he said.

    In addition, “we cannot have a comprehensive healthcare delivery without an insurance scheme in place especially at primary level,” he explained.

    He stressed the need for more funding from donor agencies to enable the state build the needed capacities of healthcare delivery personnel.

    In particular, “the state is challenged with paucity of funds,” the Governor said.

    He assured to release “Whatever appropriated for health sector in the 2024 budget.”

    However, he warned managers of funds to ensure that they utilize them effectively and efficiently.

    Meanwhile, Dr Victor Adepoju, of Jhpiego Nigeria, said two people die of viral hepatitis every second globally.

    During the launch of a strategic plan, he announced that his organization will be glad to work with the state in ensuring the implementation of the strategic plan to the later.

    “Let me assure you of our dedication, commitment and hope that this document will not just remain the way others used to be.”

    Dr Adepoju, said they are going to personalize it, and work assiduously in ensuring that they have a state that is free of viral hepatitis.

    Others who spoke during the launching included Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Ekpo Ekpo Bassey and State Director, World Health Organization, Dr. Yewande Olatunde.

    They highlighted the purpose of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations.

    For instance, they said it focused in ensuring that the citizenry benefits from quality, accessible, affordable health care services.

    “We will work with you in ensuring the full implementation of the plan for the wellbeing of the people of the state,” they added.

    The Director General Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Vivian Otu, observed ways to totally eliminate the disease from the society.

    She said they include sensitizing the populace on the dangers associated with the disease and raising funds.

    Meanwhile, Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Cross River State Chapter, Doctor Felix Archibong, recalled how they lost their secretary to hepatitis 12 years ago.

    Afterward, he noted that hepatitis is not a respecter of anybody.

    Therefore, he pledged, to eliminate hepatitis from the state by being at the forefront.

  • World Kidney Day 2024: Experts Recommend Ways to Prevent Kidney Diseases

    Felicia Udeji, Reporting

    Edo State, Nigeria

    Second Thursday in the month of March is observed as World Kidney Day. This year, the day falls on March 14. It is an occasion to raise awareness about the importance of our kidneys to overall health. On this day, healthcare professionals and nephrologists inform people about how to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney diseases and health problems associated with it. Each year, health campaigns are organised by individuals and organisations to help raise awareness about Chronic Kidney Disease or CKD.

    World Kidney Day was first observed in the year 2006 and the theme was ‘Are your kidneys okay?’

    In a meeting of the World Kidney Day Steering Committee in September 2023, the theme of WKD 2024 was decided as ‘Kidney Health for All – Advancing Equitable Access to Care and Optimal Medication Practice’.

    In recent years, medical advances have significantly slowed CKD progression and reduced complications. But disparities persist in accessing these advancements. The theme has been decided keeping this in view.

    As we celebrate World Kidney Day today, remember that you can prevent kidney diseases. Remember the kidney is a very vital organ that removes wastes and extra fluid from your body. Your kidneys also remove acid that is produced by the cells of your body and maintain a healthy balance of water, salts, and minerals—such as sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium—in your blood.

    Kidney Stones also known as renal stones is another most common type of kidney disease. It causes blockage in the urine causing pain during urination, urinating blood, and very smelly urine.

    These are some of the things you can do to prevent kidney disease.

    •  Drink plenty of water- stay dehydrated
    • If you are overweight, try as much as possible to lose weight in a healthy way like exercise.
    • Avoid eating too much salt or raw salt.
    • stop smoking if you do. It is a big cause of kidney stones.
    • If you have diabetes, try as much as possible to stay in your blood sugar range.
    • Ensure you do regular kidney checkups so as to know the state of your kidney.

  • Foundation Trains 21 Students On Goal-Setting, Menstrual Hygiene In Calabar

    No fewer than 21 Mediatrix Development Foundation (MDF) students ambassadors have been trained and presented with certificates of participation.

    The training held at MDF’s Head Office in Calabar, Cross River State, south south Nigeria.

    The three days of training for 21 students ambassadors from selected schools within Calabar, Commemorate the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024.

    In addition, the MDF held the training to accelerate progress and innovative inclusion.

    Such as informed decision-making through her School-Based Intervention Program.

    For instance, they drew participants from Government Girls Secondary School, Big Qua; Government Secondary School, Akai Effa; Government Secondary School, State Housing.

    Other schools include Estate Secondary School, Ikot Mbo; Eastern Secondary Commercial School; and West African Peoples Institute (WAPI).

    Moreover, the objective of training program for selected MDF School Club Ambassadors increased basic knowledge on their general wellbeing.

    For example, the curriculum of training covered areas in Goal-Setting, Decision-Making, Self-Esteem, Negotiation & Refusal Skills.

    Other related curriculum include Career Development, Personal and Menstrual Hygiene and School-Related Gender-Based Violence.

    Also added in curriculum were Sexual and Reproductive Health, human papillomavirus, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Cultism, Drug & Substance Abuse.

    Meanwhile, the Executive Director of MDF, Mr Olamide Onifade who led the training highlighted skills needed to cope with the challenges facing young and adolescent school children.

    Onifade said that the subjects will place them on advantage in their life journeys.

    “See yourselves as opportune to attend the impactful training,” he said. “The topics not found in your regular school curriculum.”

    Furthermore, “the training would nurture in you a sense of empowerment, equipping you with confidence and knowledge as you progress.”

    Nevertheless, the students ambassadors made various presentations on the theme, “Investing in Women” and the importance of women in society.

    They advocated improve policy on child protection in schools especially for the girl-child.

    While observing the training has increased their knowledge, also pledged to transfer the knowledge to other members of their schools and communities.

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