NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Health minister, Offor call for increased sensitisation against polio

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By Muhyideen Jimoh
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate and Sir Emeka Offor, a philanthropist, have called for increased immunisation awareness to totally eradicate polio in Nigeria.
The minister made the call on Thursday in Abuja at a symbolic polio immunisation event organised by the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF) to mark the 2024 World Polio Day (WPD).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Polio Day is annually commemorated on Oct. 24 to raise awareness about the devastating impact of polio.
The theme for 2024 global observance is “A Global Mission to Reach Every Child” which focuses on the continued efforts to ensure all children are vaccinated against polio, particularly in regions where the virus remains a threat.
Pate, therefore, stressed the need for vigilance and sustained collective campaign, especially in the rural areas to avoid a resurgence of any variant in the country.
He commended the giant strides of the SEOF in its bid to eliminate polio in Nigeria, while calling on other stakeholders to emulate the foundation.
He said “Sir Emeka Offor has done so much in the fight to eradicate polio in Nigeria.
“I am happy with him and I pray he continues in this efforts, I can see women and their children, their faces here  demonstrate that all is well with them.”
Sir Emeka Offor at the polio immunisation event organized by his foundation (SEOF)
Earlier, Offor, who is also the Rotary International Polio Ambassador to Nigeria, said his foundation would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the polio virus is banished from Nigeria.
“Notwithstanding, these efforts and enormous resources so far committed, the job is not finished.
“With two countries of Pakistan  Afghanistan yet to reach the finish line, there is still the danger of this scourge in the world. This demands our renewed commitment and innovative approaches,” he said.
Sir Emeka Offor and Prof. Ali Pate at the event.
In his remarks, Mike Ukachi,  Pioneer District Governor of 9127 Rotary International Nigeria, said as spearheading partner in the fight against polio, his team had been on ground with vaccines in this regard.
“We are not going to keep quiet because these little ones you are seeing here were not vaccinated when we declared that we are polio-free in Nigeria.
“So, we will continue routine vaccination until this polio is finally stamped out of Nigeria,” he said.
Also at the occasion, Mrs Adaora Offor, charged stakeholders to expand their scope of awareness and ensure a holistic approach in the fight against polio.
In the same vein, Mr Adetokunbo Kayode, former Minister of Tourism and Culture, urged the Federal Government to make it mandatory for all Nigerian children to undergo polio immunisation.
“Poverty must be fought everywhere for our children and kicking away polio is kicking away poverty.
“Polio is like a death sentence in Africa,” he said.
The United  Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recently declared that in spite of Nigeria’s success in the fight against polio, about 2.3 million Nigerian children are yet to receive routine immunisation (zero dose).(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

NAN MD advocates fitness, health for media practitioners

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By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, has advised media practitioners to engage in regular exercise and sporting activities to maintain physical fitness and enhance mental alertness.

Ali gave this advice in Abuja on Thursday during a meeting with members of the NAN Social Calendar Committee.

The committee briefed him about the agency’s inaugural fitness walk and jogging exercise scheduled for Saturday, October 26.

Ali noted the importance of regular medical check-ups for media workers, including monitoring vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate.

He said those in the media often work under pressure chasing news and may forget to check their health status.

“Understanding one’s health is essential for peace of mind and identifying areas for improvement.

“To address this, we established this committee to promote quarterly fitness and exercise walks. Every quarter, all agency staff will gather at the corporate headquarters for a two- to three-hour walk, followed by some exercises.

“This initiative will encourage physical health, raise awareness about health status, and promote team bonding, a team that exercises together achieves together and fosters greater understanding”.

Ali added that seeing colleagues and superiors engaged in enjoyable activities like walking can bring additional benefits.

He reiterated the health advantages of regular walking, especially for those of a certain age.

Ali also announced plans for a week-long inter-departmental competition to foster team building and family cohesion among staff.

He tasked the committee with making this proposal a reality, as it would help the agency evaluate its activities and bridge any existing communication gaps.

He also encouraged the head of the NAN Lagos office and the 12 zonal managers to organise the quarterly fitness exercises in their locations, and invited headquarters staff to bring their spouses to the Saturday event.

“This inaugural fitness walk and jogging exercise is expected to enhance team building and bonding.

“We aim to create a cohesive team that works together and supports one another. Before the year ends, we hope to organise a week-long competition.

“Although there are only a couple of months left in the year, we want to unwind and bond as a family,” Ali stated.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Mrs Dorcas Jonah, informed the MD about the upcoming walk and jogging exercise.

Jonah, an Assistant Editor-in-Chief, noted that after the committee’s inauguration two months ago, it proposed bi-weekly sporting activities for staff.

She thanked Ali for approving the initiative and attending the kickoff event, which has revived sporting activities at NAN.

“This initiative is designed to help staff stay fit and unwind. We want to show our partners and the public that the News Agency of Nigeria is not just about news writing; we can engage in other activities as well.

“As the saying goes, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. We aim to demonstrate that we are a capable team committed to exercise, maintaining a healthy work environment, and working together effectively.

“Regular exercise will help us think better and stay energetic,” she said.

The occasion ended with the presentation of tracksuits for the exercise by the committee to the managing director and other directors of the agency. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Nasarawa public health legal assessment tool excites NCDC, RTSL 

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By Angela Atabo/Aderogba George

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), an NGO, have lauded the Nasarawa State Government for embracing the public health legal assessment system tool.

This commendation was made at a four-day workshop in Nasarawa, aimed at bolstering the state’s public health legal framework to effectively respond to public health emergencies.

Amira Abubakar, Assistant Legal Adviser at NCDC, noted that the workshop united key government stakeholders, legal experts, and public health professionals to assess the state’s existing public health laws.

The workshop is part of the Public Health Legal Reform Project, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Health, Nasarawa State, Orixine Consulting, and RTSL.

Abubakar highlighted that NCDC, the developer of the assessment tool, was leading the evaluation to enhance Nasarawa’s public health laws.

“This move is crucial, as insufficient funding has weakened the state’s health system, with only 64 per cent of the population having access to health facilities.

“The state’s health sector is also vulnerable to environmental sanitation issues, posing threats to health and environmental conditions.

“The adoption of the public health legal assessment system tool demonstrates Nasarawa State’s commitment to prioritising health, which is part of its 13-point agenda.

“”This is by strengthening its public health legal framework, the state aims to better respond to emergencies and improve the overall well-being of its citizens.”

Mr Emem Udoh, Senior Legal Advisor at Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), stated that the global health organisation was committed to enhancing health security through financial and technical support for the workshop.

Udoh expressed pride in RTSL’s partnership with Nasarawa State, anticipating the positive impact of the reform on the state’s health security.

“Nasarawa State is leading the way in utilising this innovative tool to identify gaps, weaknesses, and opportunities for strengthening its public health laws,” Udoh noted.

“The assessment will provide a critical analysis of how well the current legal framework meets the state’s health security needs.”

Arome Audu, Executive Director of Orixine Consulting, expressed pride in collaborating with partners to make Nasarawa State the pioneer in conducting the workshop, utilising the newly approved NCDC subnational legal assessment tools.

Prof. Abdulkarim Kana, Commissioner for Justice, Nasarawa State, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to establishing the state as a model of public health security through a strengthened legal framework.

Represented by Alhassan Sabo, Director, Public Defender, Ministry of Justice, Kana commended Gov. Abdullahi Sule for his maximum cooperation in achieving the project’s purpose.

Gaza Shekwonugaza, Commissioner of Health, Nasarawa State, represented by Dr Danjuma Oyinaka, Director, Department of Planning, Research and Statistics, Nasarawa State Ministry of Health, noted that adopting the public health tool marked the beginning of a journey towards a more resilient public health system.

“This initiative aligns with the Nasarawa State Government’s agenda, addressing current challenges and ensuring the state’s preparedness for future health threats.”(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Over 2.8bn people can’t afford healthy diets – FAO

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By Busayo Onijala

More than 2.8 billion people in the world cannot afford healthy diets, the Director-General of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Qu Dongyu, has said.

Dongyu made this known during the 2024 World Food Day global ceremony with the theme: “Right to ‘Foods’ for a Better Life and a Better Future”.

‘Foods’, in the theme stands for diversity, nutrition, affordability and safety.

Dongyu said that malnutrition in its various forms existed in all countries and socio-economic classes.

He added that even in high-income economies, people were choosing convenient and unhealthy foods.

The FAO director-general attributed the problems to challenges in agri-food systems where nutritious and diverse foods needed for healthy diets were insufficient and unaffordable.

According to him, food security translates to food availability, accessibility and affordability.

“With 730 million people facing hunger, it is clear that there is still much work to be done, and FAO’s mandate to ensure food security for all is as valid as ever.

“This World Food Day, I am calling on all to renew their commitments to building more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems that can nourish the world,” he said.

Dongyu said that immediate action must be taken to ensure the integrated ‘Four Betters’.

“For better production and better nutrition, governments should enable healthy diets for everyone by incentivising production and sale of more nutritious foods.

“They should also promote their consumption in a healthy way.

“For a better environment, we need to produce more with less; we need more quantity with more diverse foods with less agricultural inputs and less negative impacts on the environment.

“We need to produce enough diverse foods, while preserving biodiversity and protecting the planet,” he said.

Dongyu said that, for a better life, innovation such as information technology, Artificial Intelligence, biotechnology and digital agriculture were needed.

He also said to support governments, the private sector would need to shift from unhealthy foods and make a greater diversity of safe and nutritious foods available, affordable and appealing.

“They need to be our allies in addressing this global challenge. Governments cannot do it alone.

 “We cannot build peaceful communities without addressing hunger and malnutrition,” he said.

He said that the younger generation had a vital role to play, adding that a food secure future without malnutrition was a human right.

Dongyu called for renewal of commitments to building efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems that would guarantee the right to good foods for all. (NAN) www.nannews.ng 

Edited by Chidi Opara/Ijeoma Popoola 

Expert wants communities to prioritise adolescent mental health

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By Okeoghene Akubuike

A Clinical psychologist, Dr Adedotun Ajiboye, has urged communities nationwide to prioritise adolescent mental health.

Ajiboye, who works with the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Abuja.

He said that the advocacy was necessary as one in five adolescents experienced mental health disorders.

Ajiboye, who spoke against the backdrop of the International Adolescent Health Week, said data revealed that 31.9 per cent of adolescents had anxiety disorders while 14.3 per cent suffered depression.

He added that 17. 2 per cent of high school students had suicidal thoughts/attempts.

Ajiboye said some risk factors included family history of mental health disorders, social media and technology overuse and peer pressure and bullying.

Other risk factors, he said, were academic stress and expectations, trauma caused by abuse, neglect, or loss, social isolation and loneliness as well as substance abuse.

Ajiboye said changes in mood, appetite or sleep patterns, social withdrawal or avoidance, decreased interest in activities, difficulty concentrating or completing tasks and increased irritability or aggression were warning signs to look out for in adolescents.

“Adolescence (ages 10-19) is a critical phase of rapid physical, emotional and social changes.

“Mental health during this period significantly impacts their future well-being and development.

“Adolescent mental health requires attention, support and proactive measures.

“Support and intervention could be in the form of family therapy and support, cognitive-behavioural therapy and school-based intervention in the form of counselling and accommodation.’’

The expert added other forms of support and intervention to include medication management, peer support groups and online resources and hotlines.

Ajiboye listed some strategies for the promotion and prevention of adolescents’ mental health issues to include open communication and emotional expression and fostering relationships and social connections.

Others, he said, were promoting healthy coping mechanisms such as exercises and mindfulness, monitoring and limiting technology use and providing mental health education and awareness, especially in schools.

“By acknowledging risk factors, recognising warning signs, and providing effective interventions, we can promote healthy development and well-being of our adolescents.

“We need to educate ourselves and others about adolescent mental health, encourage open conversations and empathy and support mental health initiatives and resources.

“We need to also advocate for policy changes and increased funding and prioritise adolescent mental health in our community.

“It is also important to emphasise the importance of early intervention and treatment.”

Ajiboye said there was need to highlight the role of parents, educators and healthcare providers in supporting adolescent mental health.

“They all have a role to play in providing examples of successful mental health programmes and initiatives while discussing the intersection of mental health with other adolescent issues such as bullying and substance abuse.

“They need to also offer guidance on navigating mental health resources and services,” he said.

NAN reports that International Adolescent Health Week (IAHW) is celebrated annually to work towards improving the health and well-being of over one billion adolescents across the globe.

The mission of the week, which runs from Oct. 7 to Oct. 13, is to inspire adolescents and their communities to advocate for a successful transition into adulthood.

The 2024 IAHW theme is “Thriving not Just Surviving: Building Adolescents’ Resilience.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijoke Okoronkwo

Chamber advocates stronger business relations, healthy living

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By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) has emphasised the importance of promoting stronger business relations alongside health and wellness in personal and professional spheres.

Mr Uwamai Igein, Chairman Nigerian-British Golf, said this at a news conference on Wednesday in Lagos.

The conference was to announce the chamber’s upcoming Nigerian-British Golf Tournament.

Igein said NBCC recognised that strong business relationships were founded not only on economic exchange but also on shared values that bound partners, stakeholders and innovators.

He stressed the importance of health and fitness in business success, noting that the fast-paced, high-stakes world of business required business operators to be at their peak in every area of life, including physical health.

He noted that regular exercise had been proven to improve not just physical fitness but also mental clarity, creativity, focus and resilience, all of which, he said, were critical components of business success.

Igein added that golf fostered the attributes, describing it is a game that required strategy, precision and endurance.

“It demands discipline and focus, as each swing, each shot, and each decision must be made with care.

“In many ways, golf mirrors the very qualities required to excel in business which are foresight, precision, patience, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

“It teaches us that in business, as in sports, success is rarely achieved through short cuts but through careful planning, execution, and endurance,” he said.

Igein added that beyond the metaphorical lessons, the physical benefits of exercise could not be overlooked.

He noted that stress, long hours of work and sedentary lifestyles had become common in the business world.

These, he said, could lead to burnout, poor decision-making, and eventually decrease in productivity.

According to him, exercising regularly strengthens bodies and mental fortitude, and enhances cognitive function while sharpening memory and improving ability to concentrate.

“These benefits are particularly important in today’s rapidly-evolving business environment, where agility, creativity and critical thinking are more important than ever before.

“By staying fit and active, we give ourselves the mental edge needed to thrive in a competitive marketplace.

“For NBCC members and our partners in the UK, I believe that promoting health and wellness through sports like golf is a powerful message.

“It is a statement that success in business should never come at the expense of personal health, but rather, that personal health should be a key driver of professional success,” he said.

Igein added that while the golf tournament slated for Nov. 8 at the Ikeja Golf Club emphasised health and wellness, it was equally about fostering stronger business ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

According to him, the Nigerian-British golf tournament offers a unique platform where business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from both nations can engage, network and collaborate in a relaxed but stimulating environment.

He said the tournament would serve as an excellent opportunity for business leaders from Nigeria and United Kingdom to strengthen relationships, explore opportunities for trade, and discuss how to mutually benefit from the vast economic potential existing between the two nations.(NAN)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Boosting resilient health systems to contain Mpox, disease outbreaks

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By Vivian Ihechu

According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is over 194 per cent increase this 2024 in Mpox outbreak compared to the same time in 2023.

Since January 2024 till September, a total of 32,407 cases of Mpox , of which 6,441 were confirmed and 840 deaths, have been reported.

Of these, Central Africa Region accounts for 90 per cent of all cases reported.

The Africa CDC notes that the cases of Mpox are steadily increasing across all affected countries, with gaps and challenges in surveillance, contact tracing and follow-up; and data quality.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes Mpox as an infectious disease that can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle ache, back pain and low energy.

Previously known as monkeypox, Mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus.

There are two distinct clades of the virus: clade I (with subclades Ia and Ib) and clade II (with subclades IIa and IIb).

A global outbreak of clade IIb began in 2022 and continues to this day.

There are also rising outbreaks of clades Ia and Ib affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries in Africa, and as of August 2024, clade Ib has also been detected beyond Africa.

At present, Mpox continues to be a threat with an upsurge of cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries caused by clades Ia and Ib, thereby, raising concern.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, Dr Bannet Ndyanabangi, Vice President of Global Programmes at VillageReach, highlighted some of the steps that African nations could take to boost resilience in their health systems.

In the face of the current Mpox outbreak,  he said it was important  to have in place, health systems that respond to the needs and preferences of underreached communities.

According to him, strong, resilient health systems can adapt to shocks, emergencies and reach hard-to-reach communities.

He said that community engagement to contain the outbreak was necessary to ensure no one was left behind, particularly those at risk.

This, he said, should prioritise access to testing, fair and equitable access to vaccines, and establishing agreements with manufacturers to ensure timely delivery during emergencies.

NAN reports that VillageReach transforms health care delivery to reach everyone, so that each person has the health care needed to thrive.

It develops solutions that improve equity and access to primary health care with the work increasing access to quality health care for 70 million people in sub-Saharan Africa.

“Mpox is another wake-up call.

“The pandemic has highlighted the need for equitable distribution of vaccines; we need to look at future responses, prioritising fair access and ensuring it is not sidelined in global health strategies.

“ We need to increase vaccine uptake where available.

“ We need to do contact tracing and then care for those affected,’’ he said.

Ndyanabangi highlighted the importance of digital supply chain management as well as training healthcare workers and supply chain managers to improve incident management.

According to him, there is need for Africa to initiate its own local manufacturing.

He mentioned that to reduce dependency on international supply chains, African countries like Nigeria could spearhead local manufacturing of vaccines and essential items, based on the country’s vast capacity and resources.

“We need to initiate and support local manufacturing of vaccines, Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs), and other medical supplies to reduce dependency on international supply chains.

“Let us start with looking at really ensuring that countries can produce the PPEs, the vaccines and their testing kits.

“So, local production is what we need to look at in the medium term, that is, local manufacturing of these critical supplies.

“Before you talk of the supply chain, you need to know where to get the supplies. So, we need to accelerate local manufacturing.

“Countries like Nigeria can do this. They have the capacity and the resources. This will reduce dependency on international supply chains, reduce challenges that we observe and thereby setup sufficiency.’’

Ndyanabangi also recommended public-private partnerships to optimise the distribution of essential goods and vaccines, and foster collaborations between government and private sector.

“This usually facilitates bigger response during health emergencies.’’

He told NAN, that it was also important to adopt digital supply chain management, as utilising technology would enhance supply chain efficiency.

He said that training and capacity building are also critical.

He also noted that surveillance as well as research and development are important in containing the Mpox outbreak.

“Finally, surveillance. You need a good surveillance system to track and understand the spread of the outbreak, so that the response is better targeted.

“Research, we need Africa investing in research and development, and support for our researchers,’’ he said.

NAN reports that WHO and all entities are collaborating to stem Mpox outbreak, which Africa CDC declared as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security on Aug. 13.

Dr Abdou Gueye, Regional Emergency Director, World Health Organisation Africa Region (WHO AFRO),  had earlier shared with NAN, WHO’s field efforts since the declaration of the mpox outbreak.

According to him, the WHO has been working effectively and collaborating with all entities to stem the public health emergency.

He also emphasised the importance of early detection, robust health systems, and community engagement.

Gueye told NAN that some of WHO’s efforts included supporting diagnostic capabilities, treatment guidelines, and community engagement across African countries.

He said that WHO was also working to make sure that all manufacturers that could produce vaccine, diagnostic and therapeutic were being put in touch with those who could fund it.(NAN)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

 

 

 

 

Mental healthcare crucial in peace building – U. S. Institute

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By Diana Omueza

The United States Institute of Peace (USIP), has emphasised the vital role of mental healthcare in fostering resilient and peaceful societies.

Dr Chris Kwaja, USIP’s Country Director, made the emphasis in Abuja, at the National Dialogue on Integrating Mental Health and Psycho-social Support into Peace building.

The dialogue was organised by the African Centre of USIP in partnership with the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Kaduna (FNPH).

Kwaja said addressing psychological and social needs was essential for building sustainable peace, particularly in communities affected by insurgency.

He stressed that mental health was not solely an individual concern but a community issue impacting overall stability and peace.

“Effective mental healthcare and psycho-social support are necessary for promoting social cohesion, non-violent conflict resolution, and peace building.”

Dr Aishatu Armiya’u, Medical Director of FNPH, highlighted Nigeria’s prolonged struggles with violence, conflicts, and humanitarian crises.

She urged the government to prioritise citizens’ emotional and psychological wellbeing to ensure resilience, social cohesion, and sustainable peace.

Dr Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, pledged support for integrating mental health into peace building, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s renewed hope agenda.

Mr Alex Egbona, Chairman of the Committee on Specialty Healthcare, House of Representatives, advocated for declaring a state of emergency on mental health, citing its epidemic proportions in Nigeria.

Egbona, represented by Mr Tordue Nyitse, Clerk of the committee, urged stakeholders to address mental health issues and close policy gaps in the Mental Health Act. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Infertility: Breaking silence on stigma, healthcare gaps

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By Abujah Racheal, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

In the quiet corners of African villages, women carry a hidden pain. While many are celebrated for bringing life into the world, those who are unable to conceive are often left in the shadows.

For women like Mrs Chollom Pam, infertility is not just a medical condition; it is a societal verdict that comes with emotional trauma, isolation and rejection.

“Every day, I was reminded of my failure as a woman. Friends who once supported will gradually pulled out; even within my marriage, the tension is constant,” says visibly emotional Pam.

In West Africa, where motherhood is often equated with womanhood, infertility is a silent epidemic that leaves many women grappling with feelings of inadequacy and social rejection.

In Mali, Mrs. Fatouma Amadou faced years of ostracisation by her in-laws after multiple failed attempts to bear children.

“They see me as less of a person, as if my worth is tied to my ability to have children,’’ Amadou groaned.

Her husband, Mr Oumar Amadou, said, “The pressure isn’t just on my wife. As a man, I also feel the weight of society’s expectations’’.

This pressure extends beyond individual families. Across West Africa, cultural beliefs deeply rooted in gender stereotypes that often place the blame for infertility solely on women, in spite of research showing that male infertility accounts for nearly 50 per cent of cases.

“Infertility is often viewed as a curse or punishment from the gods,’’ explained sociologist, Mr Seydou Traoré of Mali.

Traoré said that this perception drives many women, especially in rural areas, to seek spiritual solutions rather than medical care.

For Mrs Sophia Ampadu, a 40-year old woman from Eastern Region, Ghana, the journey to acceptance and healing was long and arduous.

Ampadu said that after years of struggling with infertility, she finally sought medical help.

“In spite of financial challenges, she and her husband were able to undergo vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment.

“Unfortunately, the first IVF cycle was unsuccessful. The disappointment was crushing, but I refused to give up. With the support of my husband and a supportive community, I persevered and underwent a second IVF cycle,’’ she narrated.

To her immense joy, the second IVF cycle was successful. She became pregnant and gave birth to a healthy baby girl.

She said that the experience transformed her life, filling her with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Her story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

In spite of immense challenges, she was able to overcome infertility stigma, navigate the complexities of healthcare, and ultimately achieve her dream of becoming a mother.

Traditional healers, such as Chief Ogundele Adeoye, a Nigerian, continued to play a significant role in treating fertility issues.

Adeoye said that while they offer centuries-old herbal remedies, their presence perpetuates the belief that infertility is solely a woman’s issue.

“Many couples come to us when modern medicine fails. But we cannot ignore the wisdom passed down by our ancestors,’’ he said.

This reliance on traditional methods, while part of the cultural fabric, often delays proper medical interventions.

As a result, many women suffer in silence, facing social isolation and even physical violence while access to modern fertility treatments is limited, observers note.

Dr Adanna Eze, a fertility specialist in Nigeria, highlighted the stark disparities, saying: “While IVF is available in some urban centres, the cost is prohibitive for most people.

“In rural areas, access to even basic fertility care is virtually non-existent’’.

Eze said that this gap is particularly troubling given that untreated infectious diseases, such as Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), account for up to 85 per cent of infertility cases in Africa.

“Without proper healthcare infrastructure, many women are left untreated, further deepening the crisis’’, she said.

According to a 2020 meta-analysis, infertility affects 49.91 per cent of couples in Africa, with West Africa contributing 41.57 per cent of this figure.

In spite of these staggering numbers, infertility remains a taboo subject, shrouded in stigma and shame.

Fortunately, efforts to address this issue are gaining momentum.

The Merck Foundation’s “More Than a Mother’’ campaign is one of the leading initiatives aimed at empowering infertile women.

Through education, awareness, and access to healthcare, the programme challenges the stigma around infertility.

“Our goal is to provide training for fertility specialists and embryologists across Africa, the efforts go beyond medical solutions, we must shift societal perceptions; this is not just a woman’s problem.

“The twin campaign, More Than a Father, aims to raise awareness about male infertility, emphasising the shared responsibility between men and women in the journey to parenthood,’’ said Dr Rasha Kelej, the Chief Executive officer of the Merck Foundation.

Sen. Ipalibo Banigo, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, is pushing for a bill to improve reproductive healthcare access for all women, especially those dealing with infertility.

“Infertility is a silent epidemic in our communities. We must make reproductive healthcare more accessible, particularly for low-income families,’’ Banigo explained.

Yet, barriers remain. Funding shortages, lack of trained healthcare professionals, and deep-rooted cultural beliefs continue to hinder progress, according to observers.

But while the journey is long, hope remains. Advocacy groups such as the African Infertility Support Network, says it is providing counselling and legal support to affected women.

“Infertility is not just a medical issue; it is a societal one,’’ says Ms. Maryam Ogebe, an advocacy officer.

“We are working to include men in the conversation and educate communities about the true causes of infertility,’’ Ogebe said.

Fertility experts like Dr Ibrahim Danladi, a reproductive health researcher, called for a cultural shift in how infertility is perceived.

“Our healthcare systems must prioritise both male and female infertility. Policy changes are essential to ensure that fertility treatments are accessible to everyone,’’ Danladi said.

Experts note further that infertility in West Africa is more than a medical condition; it is a deeply ingrained cultural challenge.

They note that for women like Mrs Pam and Mrs Amadou, it brings a painful collision between personal hopes and societal expectations.

But with growing advocacy, medical interventions, and societal awareness, there is hope for change

Tackling this issue requires a holistic approach; improving healthcare access, reducing stigma, and implementing policies that support all couples.

Only then can West Africa begin to heal the silent wounds left by infertility, they observe.(NANFeatures)

**If used, please, credit the writer as well as News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

NAFDAC sensitises healthcare providers to falsified medical products

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By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Oyo, has begun sensitisation of healthcare providers about substandard and falsified medical products.

At the event on Wednesday in Ibadan, Mrs Roseline Ajayi, South-West Director of the agency, said the programme was in line with its mandate to regulate and control activities surrounding regulated products.

“Our concern today has to do with drugs. There has been survey conducted globally and locally under the current administration of Prof. Adeyeye.

“A survey was conducted in 2020, and prevalent of substandard and falsified products was determined. Since then, the concern has been to bring the rate low.

“Having high prevalence of substandard and falsified products means that some of the patients might die as a result of therapeutic failure, which will compromise our mandate.

“One of the strategies being used is aggressive sensitisation of different stakeholders as being done today,” she said.

The director said that NAFDAC was engaging especially people in distribution of healthcare products such as drugs.

“We have shown them what we discovered on the field and how they can identify substandard products.

“The sensitisation will not end here. We also have advocacy visit to traditional rulers, churches, mosques.

“We have many of the pharmacists that are involved in the distribution of medicines, to enlighten them on what to look out for.

“We want to see how we can bring this incidence to the barest minimum,” she said.

Ajayi remarked that substandard and falsified products might be cheap but could cause danger.

She added that patronising quacks because of cheap prices was like postponing the evil day.

“This is because they will still spend that money and even more later to get the right product.

“If a product does not carry the manufacturer’s name, know that the product is not registered by NAFDAC.

“The NAFDAC registration number is the agency’s pronouncement and endorsement on a product.

“If the manufacturer’s address is not there, once the product carries the address of a marketer without that of the manufacturer, it is an indication that it is fake.

“Also, having spelling errors on the product is an indication that it is fake. Original products have scratch places where one can check the authenticity of the product.

“We are sensitising distributors so that they can always know if a product is substandard or not,” Ajayi said.

Also, Mr Adebayo Gbadamosi, the Chairman of Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Oyo State Branch, urged Nigerians to always patronise only registered pharmacists to get quality drugs.

“Even at the registered pharmacists stores, still check the manufacturing and expiry dates as well as the batch numbers before swallowing any drug.

“People should desist from taking or combining antibiotics because it can affect the liver or kidney, people should always get experts’ advice before taking drugs,” Gbadamosi said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

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