Health

Over 18,000 People Test Positive for Hepatitis in Nasarawa

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A total of 18, 429 persons have tested positive for hepatitis B and C out of 181, 946 screened in Nasarawa.

Out of the number, 4,160 have been screened for Viraemia, while 2, 451 have tested positive and placed on treatment in the state.

Addressing Journalists in Lafia, state Commissioner for Health, Mr Ahmed Baba Yahaya said Nasarawa State has a high prevalence of the disease as compared to the National average.

According to the high burden of the people living with the dreaded disease, the state government with support from Clinton Health Access Initiative established the state viral hepatitis control programme, and create enabling policy environment to drive access to HBV/ HCV diagnostic and treatment services in the state.

Vanguard/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Health

Oyo Pensioners Join Health Insurance Scheme

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Members of Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, Oyo state chapter, have resolved to join the health insurance scheme of Oyo State Health Insurance Agency, OYSHIA.

The retirees made this known on Thursday during a congress held at NUP House, Agbarigo Onireke Ibadan.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary, Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA), Dr. Olusola Akande had enjoined the Pensioners who are earning less than five thousand naira to register for the scheme.

Dr Akande said, the beneficiaries of the scheme would be given fifty percent deductions on purchase of drugs and other health facilities.

Responding, the State Secretary of NUP, Oyo State Chapter, Comrade Olusegun Abatan, encouraged Pensioners to key into the scheme and the Union would seek their consent before deducting the subsidized fees from their monthly pensions.

Some of the Retirees said they were already benefitting from the scheme.

Olaolu Fawole

Health

Covid 19: Akwa Ibom Records 14 New Cases

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Akwa Ibom state government has raised the alarm over the resurgence of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic, noting that 14 persons already have been infected in the state.

The Commissioner for Health Prof Augustine Umoh who disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday in Uyo, advised the citizens and residents to ensure they observe the Covid 19 protocols particularly, regular washing of hands, use of facemasks and hand sanitisers social distancing as the mode of transmission has not changed.

 “We have about 14 active cases in the state. We are not surprised. What is important now is for us to get to the former tempo that assisted us to bring the number of patients down.

“As I speak, the 14 cases that we have now are on home isolation and monitoring. The process of contact tracing has recommenced.
The disease is still transmitted through personal contact, nasal passage, air.

“The facilities are ready, medicaments are in place while the contact tracing mechanism has been reactivated. The laboratory testing has helped us to know those who are positive for isolation.

“What we are doing now is public enlightenment to make sure that people come to terms with the fact that this is happening in Akwa Ibom state “.

Vanguard/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Health

Make drugs free to achieve WHO 2030 hepatitis elimination target – Expert

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To achieve the World Health Organization’s, WHO, 2030 target of elimination of hepatitis, there is a need for strong political will from the government and other stakeholders to help provide free drugs for Hepatitis patients. 

A Senior Registrar, Gastro/ Pathology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Osun, Uniosun, Doctor Yusuf Raheem stated this in an exclusive interview in Osogbo with Gold FM. 

Doctor Raheem described hepatitis as a viral infection that affects the liver primarily, which could be contacted through unprotected sex from multiple partners, sharp objects, improperly screened blood, mother to child transmission amongst others.

The medical practitioner noted that in some cases the symptoms of Hepatitis might not manifest. 

Doctor Raheem, who explained that based on a 2019 study by Nigeria HIV/AIDs Indicator and Impact Survey, the prevalence of hepatitis B is more t than Hepatitis C across the country, urged whoever possesses such signs and symptoms to visit a health care specialist. 

The theme for this year’s Hepatitis Day is “bringing care for hepatitis closer to you”

Mojisola Oladele

Health

SOGHIN Decries Non availability of Liver Transplantation Services

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The Society for Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Nigeria (SOGHIN) has expressed concern over the non-availability of Liver Transplantation services in Nigeria, lamenting that when accessible outside the country, the cost was prohibitive for an average Nigerian.

SOGHIN’s President, Professor Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo and Secretary-General, Professor Olusegun Alatishe, in a communiqué issued after the just concluded annual scientific conference of SOGHIN held in Kano, Kano State called for urgent intervention of the Federal Government so as to curb the worrisome trend.

It also called on the Federal Government to halt the exodus of highly skilled health professionals, including Gastroenterologists and Endoscopy Nurses, as well as trainees in the field of Hepatology.

Also, the society observed with dismay the dwindling state of priority given to the funding for the diagnosis, treatment and research on viral hepatitis in the country by respective Governments.

With the theme of the five-day scientific conference ‘Burden and Challenges of Managing Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder’, it also resolved that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and all public health authorities should continue to monitor the trend of COVID-19 cases in the country.

It called on the government to expedite action in the production of COVID-19 vaccines in Nigeria.

Furthermore, the society expressed worry over the worsening state of insecurity manifested by insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of armed attacks in the country.

Anthonia Akanji.

Health

Monkeypox outbreak now in 50 Countries – WHO

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The World Health Organisation has declared the monkeypox outbreak in more than 50 countries as a global health emergency.

The global health organisation noted that it activated its highest alert level for the growing monkeypox outbreak, making the virus a public health emergency of international concern.

Monkeypox, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control is a rare viral zoonotic infectious disease (infection transmitted from animals to humans) that is endemic in areas in and near tropical rainforests in Central and West Africa.

“It is caused by the monkeypox virus which belongs to the same Orthopoxvirus genus and Poxviridae family of viruses as the Variola virus (smallpox virus), the Vaccinia virus (used in smallpox vaccine for eradication programme), and the cowpox virus (used in earlier generations of smallpox vaccines) and some other viruses.

While addressing journalists, the WHO Director General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, noted that the decision to declare monkeypox as a global health emergency came as a result of the rise in cases of the virus.

“Although I am declaring a public health emergency of international concern, for the moment this is an outbreak that is concentrated among men who have sex with men, especially those with multiple sexual partners.

“That means that this is an outbreak that can be stopped with the right strategies in the right groups. We have an outbreak that has spread around the world rapidly, through new modes of transmission, about which we understand too little.

“For all of these reasons, I have decided that the global monkeypox outbreak represents a public health emergency of international concern,” Ghebreyesus said.

Globally, no fewer than 16,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported across more than 70 countries this year, and the number of confirmed infections rose 77% from late June through early July, according to WHO data.

Reports from Nigeria, according to the NCDC, confirmed 101 cases of monkeypox in 2022, its highest figure since 2017 when the disease re-emerged.

An ongoing outbreak of the viral disease was confirmed in May 2022, beginning with a cluster of cases found in the United Kingdom.From May 18 onwards, cases were reported from an increasing number of countries and regions, predominantly in Europe, but also in North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia.As of July 23, there have been a total of 17,186 confirmed cases.

Since the beginning of 2022, 72 deaths were reported, all in Africa.

Punch/Olaolu Fawole

Health

Covid-19: Ekiti Records 74 New Cases

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Ekiti State has recorded seventy four new COVID-19 cases in the state.

In a statement in Ado Ekiti, the State Commissioner for Health and Human services, Dr Oyebanji Filani explained that the new cases were recorded after the Eld- EL- KABIR celebration.

He noted that there was significant decline in the number of positive COVID-19 cases and low occupancy in the isolation centres before the Eid El Kabir celebration which occurred early this month.

Dr Filani appealed to all residents across Ekiti state to adhere strictly to the government’s public health and social measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

The Commissioner said the following measures should be observed to mitigate the spread of the virus, wearing of facemasks in public gatherings, maintaining hand hygiene through proper handwashing or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer, Social or physical distancing

Others are reporting at the nearest health facility when sick, getting tested and isolating if positive and adherence to Covid-19 measures by banks and other institutions.

Dr Filani said vaccination remains the most effective means of curbing the pandemic and encouraged all residents of the state to get vaccinated.

The Commissioner confirmed that three hundred and eighty four thousand, seven hundred and thirty (384,730) persons were fully vaccinated in the state.

Dr Filani said that the state government had trained and deployed over 80 mobile vaccination teams and 177 health facility-based teams across all Local Government Areas in the State.

He encouraged citizens to visit the vaccination centres to get their complete Covid-19 jabs.

Amos Ogunrinde

Health News

Health Benefits of Zobo Drink

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Zobo drink is made from dried red sepals of the Hibiscus Sabdariffa plant and is one of the most consumed beverages all over the world.

The Hibiscus Sabdariffa is also known as roselle is a species of flowering plant in the genus Hibiscus, native to Africa and most likely West Africa.

It is important to note that not all hibiscus plants are roselle but all roselle are hibiscus plants and the leaves, stem, and flowers of roselle plants are rich in essential minerals like calcium, magnesium and Iron.

The ruby red hibiscus  flower drink is known as Karkade in Egypt and Zoborodo in Hausa

Other names for Hibiscus Sabdariffa are Florida cranberry, red sorrel, Jamaican sorrel, and Rosella.

Zobo is referred to as the powerhouse of vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B1(thiamin), VitaminB2(Riboflavin), VitaminB9 (folic acid) and Vitamin C

Speaking on the nutritive and health benefits of roselle, Nutrition and Public Health Expert, Mrs Yetunde Adeseluka- Oladejo said the drink is high in anti-oxidants needed in the growth and repair of all body tissues and abundant in calcium, iron, phosphorus, niacin, fibre, fat and a whole lot of other amazing nutrients.

“Aside from its high Vitamin content zobo drink can be very useful in the management of diabetes as it’s been found to trigger a low to moderate blood sugar and should be a preferred choice for diabetic patients. It is also helpful in the fight against anaemia as it increases the packed cell volume of the body while helping   good functioning of the liver and the kidney”

Mrs Adeseluka-Oladejo however cautioned against excessive intake of Zobo as overuse may be detrimental to the body which could result in side effects such as stomach ache, nausea, painful urination, headache, and dizziness due to its effect on the blood pressure.

Nutrition and Public Health Expert, Mrs Yetunde Adeseluka- Oladejo

She also advised nursing mothers and pregnant women to keep away from this drink throughout the period of lactation and pregnancy to prevent harm to their children.

So, call it Zobo, Roselle or Rosella if you like. You can also tap into the goodies and richness embedded in this wonderful drink.

Anthonia Akanji

Health

Ferocious European Heat Waves Heads North

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Western Europe faces more sweltering temperatures on Tuesday as a ferocious heatwave heads north.

Report says, in France, and the UK, extreme heat warnings were issued while northern Spain recorded temperatures of 43C on Monday.

Wildfires in France, Portugal, Spain and Greece have forced thousands of people to evacuate their homes.

The UK is expected to see its hottest day ever and experts say parts of France face a “heat apocalypse”.

Several parts of France saw their hottest-ever days with the western city of Nantes recording 42C, the national weather office said.
Wildfires in recent days have forced more than 24,000 people to flee, with emergency shelters set up for evacuees.

Gironde, a popular tourist region in the southwest, has been hit particularly badly, with firefighters battling to control blazes which have destroyed over 15,000 hectares (37,066 acres) of land since last Tuesday.

“The idea that comes into my head is, it’s a monster,” Jean-Luc Gleyze, the president of the Gironde region said of the fires.

“It’s a monster like an octopus, and it’s growing and growing and growing in the front, in the back, on both sides. Because of the temperature, because of the wind, because of the lack of water in the air… it’s a monster and it’s very difficult to fight against it.”

The UK had one of its hottest days on record on Monday, with a high of 38.1C recorded in Suffolk, in eastern England. Forecasters say Tuesday could see a top of 40C, which would be the highest temperature ever recorded in the country.

There were severe travel disruptions with trains cancelled and flights at London’s Luton Airport suspended when part of the runway buckled under the searing heat.

On Monday, the Netherlands recorded its hottest day of the year so far. In the south-western town of Westdorpe, temperatures reached 33.6C.

And it is expected to be hotter on Tuesday, with temperatures forecast to top 39C in southern and central regions of the Netherlands.

Forecasters say the heatwave is heading north, with Belgium, Germany and Italy expected to see temperatures around 40C in the coming days.
In Spain and Portugal, more than 1,000 deaths have been attributed to the heat in recent days.

Temperatures in Portugal hit 47C on Thursday – a record for July. Most of the country has been placed under high fire danger by the national meteorological office IPMA.

Local media reports that 300 people from the northern Murça municipality have been evacuated due to the fire danger – authorities are anxious to avoid a repeat 2017, when 66 people were killed in wildfires.

BBC /Taiwo Akinola

Health

NCDC Records 880 Fresh COVID Cases 

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control NCDC reported 880 new cases of coronavirus on Saturday, raising the tally to 258,517 since the onset of the pandemic.

The figure is the highest number of weekly cases recorded since between January 17 and 23, when the cases reached 1,258 .

According to the agency’s latest update, the new COVID-19 cases were recorded in seven states and the federal capital territory, FCT, from July 2 to 8. 

Lagos, the epicentre of the disease, recorded the highest number with 750 cases, followed by the FCT with 48 positive samples and Rivers recorded 40 cases. 

Others are Delta with 21, Akwa Ibom with 11, Kano with five, Nasarawa with four and Plateau had one case. 

The agency said Abia, Kaduna and Sokoto states reported zero cases.

So far, Lagos accounts for the highest number of coronavirus cases with 101,391 positive samples, followed by FCT , 28,811, and Rivers, 16,866 .

Since the outbreak of the pandemic in 2020, a total of 250,388 patients have recovered from the virus, with 3,144 people losing their lives to the disease. 

Meanwhile, the NCDC has advised Nigerians to take necessary precautions during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations following the recent increase in COVID cases globally.

The NCDC said the number of weekly cases had increased globally for the third consecutive week.

Cable/Taiwo Akinola

Health

UCH Debunks Alleged N1000 Daily Electricity Charges from Patients

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The University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan has debunked claims that it collects N1000 from patients daily for electricity.
The refutal is contained in an E-signed Statement by the Institution’s Director of Administration, S.O Oladejo.
The Statement points out that the attention of the Management of the University College Hospital, Ibadan has been drawn to a publication in all sections of the media alleging that the Hospital charges N1,000.00 per patient daily for electricity.
It clarrifies that that the memo being referred in respect of the N1000 daily claim from patients for electricity, was only an internal memo which was never implemented after UCH Management had undertaken a thorough review from internal mechanisms for such issues, with subsequent withdrawal of the said memo.
UCH Management affirns in the Statement that at no point did the hospital charge electricity fee.
It states further that the UCH Management is not oblivious of the fact that the said publication could have negative effect on patients, assuring the public that the hospital shall continue to deliver effective and efficient healthcare to Nigerians irrespective of status.
The Statement categorically stresses that the University College Hospital, Ibadan does not turn back patients, and had on several occasions written off bills incurred by Indigent patients.
The Management of UCH in the Statement appealed to the public to ignore the said publication, assuring that the hospital’s doors are always open for people to cross check on activities.
PR/ Anthonia Akanji

Health

Improved welfare will check brain drain in health sector- NMA

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Nigeria Medical Association , NMA believes improved welfare for Doctors in the country will check brain drain in the health sector.

The Chairman NMA , South West Zone , Dr Oladayo Ogunlana gave the insight when he led executive members of the association to pay a condolence visit to governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in Akure over the June 5th Owo church attack.

While commending the governor for his immediate response to the needs of the victims and other interventions such as establishment of AMOTEKUN , Dr Ogunlana charged Mr Akeredolu to further encourage other south west governors to be more active where it concerns security.

Responding, Governor Akeredolu applauded NMA and other medical institutions for treating patients of Owo terror attack.

Governor Akeredolu also use the opportunity to re – echoed the need for community policing which he said was the antidote for the insecurity challenges in the country.

On brain drain,the governor said plans were underway to provide a better working environment for health workers in the state.

Isaac Afolabi

Health

12 African countries Report 1,782 Monkeypox Cases

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Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Friday disclosed that 12 African countries have so far reported 1,782 cases of monkeypox.

Acting Director of Africa CDC, Ahmed Ogwell, during a weekly briefing, said out of the 1,782 cases of monkeypox that had been reported in Africa, some 1,678 of them were suspected cases while 104 were confirmed cases.

He said the cases had been reported in both monkeypox endemic and non-endemic countries highlighting that Benin, Morocco and South Africa were the non-endemic African Union (AU) members reporting confirmed cases of the disease.

“Unfortunately, 73 deaths have been reported in the continent as a result of the monkeypox outbreak, bringing the case fatality rate of the disease to 4.1 per cent,” the acting director said

Ogwell said the Africa CDC was offering training to 20 health experts drawn from different parts of the continent in Nigeria to help them build the capacity of making a laboratory diagnosis for monkeypox in their respective countries.

He indicated that clinical laboratory confirmation for the disease had been slow across the continent adding that “the training is very important because it enhances the capacity of our member states to confirm suspected cases.’’

According to the acting director, the Africa CDC’s Institute for Pathogen Genomics is also working on sequencing samples of monkeypox so that it will be able to identify and document any variant that could occur in any AU member.

“We will continue to sequence samples of monkeypox just as we did for COVID-19 to ensure that we understand and know the kind of pathogen that we are dealing with in the continent,” he added.

However, in a recent report, WHO said Ethiopia, Guinea, Liberia, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Sudan and Uganda had reported suspected cases of mokeypox and they had no record of previous incidence.

The Nation/Olaolu Fawole

Health

Oyo Govt Partners NGO on Malaria Prevention Campaign

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In an effort to raise more awareness against the scourge of malaria in Oyo state a United States Agency, Breakthrough Action Nigeria in partnership with Oyo state ministry of health has taken campaign to schools.

The campaign which was organized in form of interschool essay competition was aimed at promoting the practise of positive malaria prevention behaviour in school children.

In an address, a health promotion officer, Oyo state ministry of health, Mrs Folasade Oladele said eradicating malaria in Nigeria is achievable if people can adhere to preventive measures.

Also speaking, Oyo state coordinator, Breakthrough Action Nigeria, Mrs Oluwatoyin Afachung said the competition was a new strategy to work with school children with a view to catch them young.

She Advised the students to build on their grammar by cultivating the habit of book reading.

In an opening address, Project coordinator, School Social and Behavioural change programme, Mrs Funlola Amosu said the pupils were targeted to become mobilisers for campaign against malaria.

In the junior category, Oguntade Semilore and Olawoye Iyanuoluwa both from Immanuel High School, Ibadan came first and second while adeniyi ajibola from Umani Alaga secondary school came third

In the Senior category, Olusola Abigail from Immanuel grammar School, clinched the first position, Adebayo Omotolani came second and oAbdulamid jamiu, Umani alaga high school came third.

Mosope Kehinde

Health

Osun Receives Kudos for Prioritizing Citizen’s Health

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The Federal government has lauded Osun state government for prioritizing the health of the people of the State.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire gave the commendation while speaking at the inauguration of multiple state-of-the-art health facilities in the State.

Mrs Adefulire joined Governor Oyetola in inaugurating 100-bed Mother and Child Hospital, 80-bed Multipurpose Hospital, Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurial Centre, Transit Home and Vocational Centre for Abused Women and Girls.

In his speech, Governor Oyetola said his government remained committed to the health and well-being of the people of the State. 

Inaugurating the projects in Iragbiji and Osogbo, Governor Oyetola lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for considering Osun as one of the beneficiary states of the projects.

The governor said the multi-billion-naira health facilities would in no doubt improve significantly, the quality of life of citizens of the State. 

In separate remarks, The Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi and the Atoaja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun commended the initiative saying the facilities would go a long way to complement the health interventions of the state government.

The projects were facilitated by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on the Sustainable Development Goals in partnership with the State.

Abiodun Adeoye

Health

Lagos Unveils Abortion Policy

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The Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Health has unveiled a policy document on safe termination of pregnancy.

The 40-page policy document, tagged “Lagos State Guidelines on Safe Termination of Pregnancy for Legal Indications”, sets out guidelines for safe termination of pregnancy within the ambit of the criminal law of Lagos State.

Presenting and launching the document at a stakeholders’ engagement, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, explained that therapeutic termination of pregnancy is permissible under the law in Lagos State.

He noted that the policy document was borne out of the need to provide evidence-based data and information for health workers in public and private sectors who have the requisite skills and training necessary to provide safe terminations to reduce preventable deaths.

A statement from the Lagos State Ministry of Health quoted Ogboye as saying, “In 2011, the Lagos State House of Assembly updated the criminal code, providing for abortion to save the life and protect the physical health of the woman.  While physical health is covered under the Lagos legal framework, services conforming to the law have not been available in Lagos State health sector.

“This document provides information on relevant laws applicable in Lagos State while providing standards and best practices with regards to legal indications, pre and post-procedure care, methods and monitoring. I must state here that this document has undergone wide consultation with relevant technical stakeholders within the legal and health service context in the State.”

Ogboye explained that the process to develop the guidelines commenced in 2018 with the Safe Engage project led by the Lagos Ministry of Health and hosted by the Society for Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Nigeria, with support from the Population Reference Bureau.

He added that stakeholders in the Stater health sector worked with key opinion leaders in Lagos and the South-West region to develop a tailored advocacy tool for terminations within the legal context.

He pointed out that the advocacy messages on the Safe Engage project focused on two immediate outcomes including ensuring that safe abortion services were available within legal indications in Lagos and domesticating the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, supporting women to terminate a pregnancy caused by rape or incest. Related News

“The guideline was intended to build the capacity of health professionals to identify pregnancies for which legal termination could be instituted.  Marie Stopes International in Nigeria in collaboration with the Population Reference Bureau proposed to support the State government to adapt the document.

He said, “To guide the implementation, one of the follow-up recommendations of the project was the adaptation of the National Standards and Guidelines for Safe Termination of Pregnancy within Legal Indications within the Lagos State context. The Federal Ministry of Health had developed and disseminated the national guidelines on safe termination of pregnancy which highlights the compendium of conditions and circumstances under which termination of pregnancy could be instituted.

The Permanent Secretary explained that the process for National guidelines adaptation included technical meetings to discuss sections of the law supporting safe abortion and conditions permitted within the legal framework to save the lives and the physical health of mothers; and validation meetings with the broader stakeholders to review the document.

“All that hand-work has culminated in today’s dissemination of the guidelines.  We hope this dissemination today will help guide health providers to provide this service within the ambit of the law,” Ogboye added.

Earlier in his remarks, the Country Director of a leading reproductive health organization, Marie Stopes International Organization Nigeria (MSION), Mr. Emmanuel Ajah stated that abortion in Nigeria is not illegal but restrictive. He pointed out that the advocacy messages on the Safe Engage project focused on two immediate outcomes including ensuring that safe abortion services were available within legal indications in Lagos and domesticating the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, supporting women to terminate a pregnancy caused by rape or incest.

The Permanent Secretary explained that the process for National guidelines adaptation included technical meetings to discuss sections of the law supporting safe abortion and conditions permitted within the legal framework to save the lives and the physical health of mothers; and validation meetings with the broader stakeholders to review the document.

“All that handwork has culminated in today’s dissemination of the guidelines.  We hope this dissemination today will help guide health providers to provide this service within the ambit of the law,” Ogboye added.

Earlier in his remarks, the Country Director of a leading reproductive health organization, Marie Stopes International Organization Nigeria (MSION), Mr. Emmanuel Ajah stated that abortion in Nigeria is not illegal but restrictive.

Ajah said significant numbers of health providers are unaware of the legal indications for safe termination of pregnancy.

“The domestication of this policy provides that needed guidance to healthcare providers on medical conditions in pregnancy that pose a high risk to the woman’s life and health if the pregnancy progresses to term, and on the standard management of abortion within the extent of the law in Lagos state” he stated.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

Health

Taraba Begins Mass Testing As 77 Confirmed HIV Positive

By Web News 581

Taraba State government has embarked on mass testing for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV, in the state.

This was disclosed by the Taraba AIDS Control Agency (TACA) during a weekly review meeting held in Jalingo, the state capital.

The agency revealed that the state has 36,396 people who are currently victims of HIV and are also receiving treatment.

According to TACA, the positive results of the 77 people were obtained from the 2,156 people tested across the 16 LGAs of the state last week.

The Director-General of the agency, Dr. Garba Danjuma while speaking at the meeting noted that the viruses are the key setback to the elimination of HIV worldwide.

He revealed that 20,200 of the victims that are currently receiving treatment are virally suppressed, while the results of 77 out of the 2,150 people tested last week turned positive.

Dr. Danjuma, however, assured residents that the agency in synergy with development partners would continue to create awareness for the public to reduce new infections across the state.

TACA Media Advocacy Team reports that the agency targets 2030 to ensure zero new infections of HIV in the state.

FRCNAbuja/Adetutu Adetule

Health

Police Launch Manhunt for Killers of Edo Catholic Priest

By Web News 626

Following the kidnap and killing of the Parish priest of St Michael Catholic Church, lkhabigbo, Etsako West local government area of Edo State, Rev Father Christopher Odia by his abductors, the Edo State Police Command says the command will fish out those responsible and make them face justice

This information is contained in a statement signed by the State Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Jennifer Iwegbu in Edo.

According to the statement, Police Tactical Teams Jattu Divisional Police operatives and the local Vigilante team, led by the Divisional Police Officer, were dispatched to the forest immediately after it received information about the incident.

Unfortunately, the kidnapped Rev Father Odia was killed by his abductors along with a hunter identified as Mr Nurudeen while the Superior firepower of the Police personnel who went on the trail of the kidnappers decimated one of them as other gang members escaped with various gunshot injuries.

Meanwhile, Edo State Commissioner of Police CP Abutu Yaro has commiserated with the Catholic community in Edo State and Nigeria, while urging the general public to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses as security strategies have been put in place to ensure the arrest of the fleeing gang members.

He further encouraged the good people of Edo state not to relent in providing the police with prompt and useful information.

FRCNAbuja/Adetutu Adetule

Health

Eschew Drug Abuse – Owoeye

By Web News 670

The need for collective cooperation between stakeholders to address the challenges posed by illicit drug abuse amongst the Youth, has again been stressed.

The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Timothy Owoeye made the call on his Twitter handle to mark this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and illicit Trafficking. 

Mr Owoeye stressed the need for more awareness for members of the public on the dangers inherent in drug abuse and to lay emphasis on safe guarding the future of the Nation.

While lauding the activities of The Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA in curbing the menace, the Speaker urged  personnel of the agency to intensify more on their duties.

The United Nations, UN, had set aside 26th June every year to campaign against Drug Abuse and illegal drug trade across the world. 


Mojisola Oladele

Health

Experts Deliberate on Measures to Address Rising Stroke Cases

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Stroke has remained a leading cause of disability, dementia, and death worldwide, particularly in Africa.

This was the submission of medical experts at a two-day African Stroke Leaders Summit Ibadan 2022 organized by the African Stroke Organization in partnership with Africa -UK Stroke Partnership project held at Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, University of Ibadan.

In a lecture, Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Professor Mayowa Owolabi said stroke had become a major burden in Africa, and remains the second leading cause of death, noting that stakeholders were poised to reduce not only stroke but other diseases that share risk factors associated with stroke.

In a presentation entitled Overview of the African -UK Stroke Partnership Project, Chair, African  Stroke Organization, AṢỌ, Dr. Rufus Akinyemi affirmed that years ago cardiology disease including stroke was the third cause of death in Africa, but in recent times reports indicated that the disease was now number one.

Dr. Akinyemi pointed out that poor health care infrastructure, and inadequate medical experts, among others, accounted for the increase in the number of stroke cases. 

He called on the government to provide necessary facilities in hospitals as well as enabling environment for health workers.

Dr. Akinyemi advised Nigerians to always go for routine medical checks for prompt detection of hypertension and stroke cases.

Earlier in an address of welcome, Chairman, ASO Professor Adesola Ogunniyi called for more collaboration among African countries to reduce the alarming cases of stroke. 

Professor Ogunniyi said the aim of the summit was to look at the three-point approach, policy research and innovation in order to reduce the burden of stroke on the continent, expressing that it could be achieved through collaboration.

Professor Ogunniyi added that findings of the summit would be utilized in tackling the scourge.

In a goodwill message, the Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, Professor Jessie Otegbayo, represented by Chairman Medical Advisory Committee UCH Ibadan, Dr. Abiodun Adeoye pledged that the institution would provide conducive environment for the treatment of stroke patients and would also help in creating awareness about it. 

Professor Otegbayo had already been providing a conducive environment in the area of capacity building, including training, and the institution had created a Department of Neurology to facilitate the engagement of more specialists, adding that UCH would have a very big stroke unit at the Extension Department.

He pledged that UCH would continue to support efforts to bring down the burden of stroke.

Also speaking, the President, of the African Academy of Neurology, Dr. Augustina Charway-Felli decried the inadequate number of neurologists in Africa compared to the population of countries in Africa.

 Dr. Charway -Felli noted that nearly fifty percent of the adult population above fifty in Africa had hypertension, with the majority not aware that they have it, noting that if this was not checked, it could lead to stroke.

She added that ninety-three percent are not controlled, thus their risk is kept at a high level of developing stroke. 

The theme of the two-day summit tagged Operationalizing a Road Map for Burden of Stroke in Africa : Vision 2030, had stakeholders from Egypt, Ghana, Benning republic Tanzania, and other African nations in attendance.

Fasilat Lawal

Health

Basic Health Care in Nigeria Requires N1Tn Yearly

By Web News 497

Nigeria requires about one Trillion naira every year for the provision of a basic minimum package of Health Services for its population.

Director and Secretary, Basic Health Care Provision Fund, Dr Chris Isokpunwu stated this at the bi-monthly Ministerial briefing of the Ministry of Health in Abuja.

Dr. Isokpunwu who said part of the funding will be made available through the National Health Act and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund noted that the Ministry has put systems in place to track the funds disbursed for proper accountability.

He explained that the data from the National Social Insurance Register, there were about eighty-six million poor and vulnerable Nigerians who mostly need healthcare, but only one point two Million persons were captured under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.

According to Director-General, Nigeria Center for Disease Control, NCDC, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, although Nigeria had so far recorded about 41 cases of monkeypox and over two thousand cases in 42 other countries, the disease was not yet a global threat.

He said Nigeria is one of the few countries that have the capability to test for the disease.

The Executive Secretary, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Faisal Shuaib represented by the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics Dr. Abdullahi Garba noted that only 19 percent of Nigerians were fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 Vaccine, a percentage too low to achieve the 70 percent vaccination target by the end of the year.

Dr. Shuaib also added that Nigeria has Eighty-Nine million doses of the COVID-19 Vaccines but is faced with low uptake by the eligible population.

FRCN Abuja/Adetutu Adetule

 

Health

Oko Residents Benefit from NYSC Free Medical Check

By Web News 500

Over one hundred people in Oko Oyo State have benefited from a free medical check facilitated by NYSC, Youth Corps Members in Oko.

The beneficiaries had the privilege of checking their blood pressure, medical consultation and drug prescription and dispensing.

Speaking, the leader of the corps members, Mr.Festus Olowogbade said the youth deemed it fit to give back to the society through the programme, saying they were concerned by the health status of the people of the host community, hence the need for the programme.

Mr.Olowobamise expressed delight over the exercise, maintaining that it was a success.

Some of the beneficiaries in an interaction with Radio Nigeria thanked the corps members for giving them the opportunity to know their health status.

Adedayo Adelowo

Health

Ogun Govt Takes Step to Address Sales of Contaminated Meats

By Web News 764

The Ogun State Government has introduced measures to combat illegal veterinary operations and enforce necessary rules to prevent the sales of contaminated meat to the people. 

The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Dotun Sorunke who made this known in Abeokuta said the government was concerned about the rise in the number of outlets offering illegal veterinary services in the state. 

Dr. Sorunke pointed out that the government had issued a 14 – day ultimatum compelling all providers of animal care services across the state to register with the department of veterinary services in the ministry before the 26th of this month or risk the closure of their businesses.

He explained that the directive would affect private veterinary practitioners, veterinary pharmaceutical outfits, slaughter slabs, live bird markets, and cattle markets in accordance with the Animal Disease Control Act of 2022. 

The Permanent Secretary emphasized that the government would also sanction distributors of fake animal drugs, operators of unhygienic slaughter slabs, and those engaging in the sales of contaminated meats capable of compromising the people’s health.

Olusegun Folarin

Health

Surgeons Break Grounds with New Device to Treat Heart Failure

By Web News 706

Nigerian US Based Dr Adedapo Oladiran is among the team of vascular surgeons at Albany Medical Health System led by Dr Clement Darling who successfully implanted the world’s first Food and Drug Administration-approved heart failure device to treat patients with heart failure who have had little or no success with other proven treatment options.

Dr Clement Darling and Dr Adedapo Oladiran, an international fellow studying abroad

The procedure took place at Albany Medical Center and was performed by Clement Darling, III, MD, Chief of the Division of Vascular Surgery. The patient was referred by electrophysiologist  Rizwan Alimohammad, MD, from Capital Cardiology Associates. Albany Med is the second institution to perform the procedure in New York State.

Barostim Baroreflex Activation Therapy consists of an implanted device that uses electrical pulses to stimulate the heart’s blood pressure sensors through an electrode that lies on the patient’s carotid artery in the neck. The electrical impulses that are sent from the neuromodulation device inform the brain of the heart’s condition, enabling the brain to improve the function of the heart by relaxing the blood vessels, thereby slowing the heart rate. Over time, the heart will regain strength, lessening the symptoms of heart failure, and enabling patients to return to normal activity. 

“This unique technology is customizable to meet each patient’s individual therapy needs and offers the potential to improve quality of life and reduce health risks associated with heart failure, including heart and kidney disease, stroke, and death,” said Dr Darling. “We are proud to bring heart failure patients in our region this life-changing therapy.”

Heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition in which the heart muscle is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs for blood and oxygen. Without effective treatment, most people with heart failure die within five years of being diagnosed. Patients also experience a poor quality of life.

Candidates for this procedure are patients who have symptoms of heart failure, including shortness of breath, fatigue and decreased tolerance for exercise, and have met other criteria.

Barostim, created by Minneapolis-based Medtech company CVRx, received FDA PMA approval in 2019 and is now commercially available to reduce the symptoms of heart failure for patients who are not indicated for cardiac resynchronization therapy and have a left ventricular ejection fraction of 35 per cent or less.

Albany Med/Olaitan Oye-Adeitan

Health

Expert Advocates Genotype Compatibility Test Before Marriage

By Web News 1239

Compatibility tests such as checking of genotype must be taken seriously and carried out before getting married to avoid resultant effects after the wedding.  

Founder of a Non-Governmental Organisation on care and support for people living with sickle cell, Professor Adeyinka Falusi stated this at a free medical outreach for sickle cell patients at the University College Hospital, UCH Ibadan.

Professor Falusi noted that Nigeria ranks first in the world on the prevalence chart of sickle cell disease thus advocating for the prevention of the disease which she said is far better than its management as the only way out which is bone marrow transplant is too expensive and of reach of many.

She noted that caring for people living with sickle cell Anemia had been quite challenging, saying “ at the top of the challenges is funding because the care of a person living with sickle cell anemia is very costly, they get to hospitals and they don’t have facilities needed for their care“

“Developed countries pay a huge amount to anyone who uses their precious time to assist people with ailments and Special needs”

Professor Falusi who is also a retired Professor of Hematology noted that her NGO which is a non-profit based, had empowered sickle cell patients and would not relent if she is assisted by kindhearted people and the government.

A participant, Mrs Kafayat Abiola who is a mother of a sickle cell patient enjoined people to patronize certified laboratories while carrying out the compatibility test as she is a victim of a wrong diagnosis.

Narrating her story Mrs Abiola said “ I’m a living victim of such wrong laboratory reading, I did my genotype test at a laboratory in Ibadan when I wanted to get married and  unfortunately I was given a wrong result that I’m AA but was later called back that I’m AS”

“My husband went for a test too and the result given to him said he’s AA so we decided to go on with our wedding but when we started having children our third child has SS genotype, meaning my husband was given wrong test result too”

A pharmacist with the University College Hospital, Mariam Lawal who is a sickle cell patient urged patients with the disease not to be deterred to attain any height in life.

Mrs Lawal who despite her health status is a trained pharmacist urged people living with the disease to adhere strictly to safe health practices such as using their drugs regularly, avoiding walking in rain and drinking cold things. 

Lilian Ibomor