By Folasade Akpan

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Ms Kachollom Daju, says innovation is key to enhancing the availability, safety and effectiveness of blood transfusion in Nigeria.

She said this in Abuja, during the society’s 50th anniversary and Annual General and Scientific Meeting with the theme ‘Our Past, Our Present, Our Future’.

Daju was represented by Dr Kingsley Odiabara, Director, Medical Laboratory Services Division in the ministry.

According to her, advances in science and technology are opening new frontiers in blood transfusion, from improved compatibility testing to the development of artificial blood products.

“These innovations hold the key to enhancing the availability, safety and effectiveness of blood transfusion in Nigeria.

“However, it is important that safety of blood and blood products as well as their quality are addressed by this noble society.

“As we gather here today, let us commit ourselves to the noble goal of ensuring that every citizen who needs blood transfusion can access it with minimal cost, safely and without delay.

“Let us also acknowledge the importance of a strong blood donation culture and infrastructure, as blood donors are the lifeblood of our system.”

Daju said that blood transfusion has been a cornerstone of modern medicine and its impact on healthcare cannot be overstated.

She referred to it as a lifeline for countless patients, a testament to the power of science, and a tribute to the selflessness of blood donors.

While urging the society to work closely with the National Blood Transfusion Commission (NBTC), she enjoined it to go beyond the level of just reading films only.

She said the society should be talking about developing innovative concepts and developing products that would speak to the level of expertise available in Nigeria.

“We should move this society to the next level of technological development because the entire Africa is looking up to Nigeria,” she added.

The Chairman of the meeting, Dr Jafar Momoh, said that over the past 50 years, the society has been a beacon of excellence, pushing the boundaries of medical knowledge and technological advancement to enhance the quality of healthcare in Nigeria and beyond.

He added that the theme of the meeting was a call to action urging the society to harness the remarkable advancements in science and technology to propel the field forward.

“As we face global health challenges and witness the rapid evolution of medical knowledge, it is our responsibility to remain at the forefront of innovation, through local and international collaborations and adapting our practices to ensure the highest standard of patient care.

“Innovation, however, is not solely confined to the laboratory or the operating room. It extends to our approach to patient engagement, education and advocacy.

“Let us also reaffirm our commitment to raising public awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donation and its impact on saving lives.”

Momoh who is a former Chief Medical Director, National Hospital Abuja, said that each drop of blood donated represents a selfless act of kindness, a gift that knows no borders and transcends all differences.

The Director-General of the NBTC, Dr Omale Amedu, said that the commission was established to regulate, coordinate and ensure the availability of blood and blood products in Nigeria.

He also said that all efforts should be made to ensure that blood services in the country lives up to expectations.

He added that blood being life, it was central to every aspect of medicine.

“Whichever field you operate in medicine you need blood to keep your patient alive and therefore this society is one of the most critical societies in the health sector.

“So I want to challenge you. The commission is there and we have put in place for you 10 years basic plan which should be reviewed as needed.

“However, if you are not there to oil it and make it work, it will be one of those jamboree agencies that will live but not bright enough to achieve its objectives,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Aderogba George

The FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) on Thursday commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu for its plan to prioritise health insurance scheme for the benefits of Nigerians.

Dr Ahmed Danfulani, the director of the agency gave the commendation at an engagement with the media in Abuja to further create more awareness about the activities of the scheme.

He said the new administration had shown the desire to promote health insurance, saying this had featured prominently in most of the president’s public speeches.

Danfulani also said the president had made health insurance a key objective of the renewed hope agenda.

He however called on the president to sign the FCT Health Insurance Bill and create other documents to support the bill towards meeting up with the country’s target of Universal Health Coverage by 2030.

The director, who appreciated the media for standing by FHIS in terms of creating awareness for FCT residents on the benefits of health insurance, called on journalists to do more.

He said that the enrollees of health insurance in the FCT had increased largely due to the acceptability of the scheme.

“But I must tell you, we are not yet where we want to be. We expect more, regular and consistence information from the media to help us achieve our aim.

“The media still needs to do more on sensitisation for FHIS.

“The media should help us with awareness creation in the communities on the types of programme we have in the health insurance.

“Help us to tell FCT residents that health insurance is not only for civil servants, it is for everybody.

“Most of the poor we have already enrolled on the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) may not access the service if they are not informed. So, the media also needs to help us in this regard.

“It is not enough to only register, but also to access the services of FHIS,” Danfulani stressed.

The director disclosed that the agency had engaged some new staff, who would be trained on marketing strategies and reaching out to area council offices to engage with people one-on-one about health insurance scheme.

He added that the agency was also going to engage in town hall meetings to create more awareness about the scheme, all in the aim of bringing the services to the door steps of the poor masses.

Miss Onyeka Ojogwu, Health Finance Advisor, United States Agency for International Development Integrated Health Programme (USAID-IHP), also called on the media to help propagate the scheme by creating more awareness for the public.

According to her, USAID-IHP is one of the FHIS very close partners, and that the agency works closely with FHIS to provide technical support and to see how awareness and enrollment of people into the scheme can increase.

She particularly called on the media to increase the enlightenment campaign in the rural areas “where we have enough mother’s and children yet so ignorant of the service.”

Earlier, the Acting Secretary, Health and Human Services Secretariat (HHSS), Mr Malan Haruna, commended the media, saying that the 25 per cent success FHIS had recorded was largely due to the awareness created by the media.

According to him, the engagement with the media is vital to help break all the misconceptions about health insurance scheme in the FCT.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FHIS is leveraging on social media, drama production and jingles to further create more awareness about health insurance scheme. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

By Justina Auta

Dr Joshua Ibenu, a Public Health Expert, has advocated for the domestication of the Eye Health Policy to improve eye health care and reduce the number of persons with visual impairment in Nigeria.

Ibenu made the call at a two-day capacity building for media practitioners organised by Sightsavers Nigeria, Thursday in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

He noted challenges of the eye health system to include policy and implementation, governance structure, human resources for eye health, evidence generation, and service delivery access, including infrastructure, technology, financing, and cost.

“Until 2019, there was no policy on eye health, and it was launched in 2022. But now, we are talking about domestication in every state. At the state level, the government is meant to look at it and see and apply it to each state.

“Also, human resources for eye health are very important. You need professionals to provide eye services, but they are not enough.

“We are still struggling with the number of General Practitioners, not to mention ophthalmologists. People need to start prioritising eye care. People want to prioritise other things than eye care,” he said.

According to him, it is estimated that 1,130,000 individuals aged 40 or above are currently blind in Nigeria and the North West geo-political zone has the largest number of blind adults (28.6 per cent) being the zone with the largest population.

He further said that 2,700,000 adults aged 40 or above are estimated to have moderate visual impairment and an additional 400,000 adults are severely visually impaired.

“Thus, a total of 4.25 million adults aged 40 or above in Nigeria are visually impaired or blind,” he said.

The expert noted that if visual impairment is tackled, the world could save over $400bn annually.

“85 per cent of blindness are as a result of avoidable causes but people do not know this.

“Some preventable causes of blindness are glaucoma, cornea opacity, poor sleep, unlimited screen time, and harmful traditional practices.

” Meanwhile, if we tackle blindness, we will be able to improve our health status in the country.

“Some traditional harmful practices are applying breast milk, lizard feaces, scent leaves, among others,” he said.

He also lamented the inadequate number of ophthalmologists in the country to take care of eye and vision conditions in the country, which he said affects access to the eye health care system.

Earlier, Dr Sunday Isiyaku, the Country Director of Sightsavers Nigeria, advised Nigerians to engage in regular eye checks every six months to enhance eye care and early diagnosis of eye health issues that might lead to visual impairment.

”It is mandatory to screen your eyes every six months to enable early diagnosis of eye problems. And with that, they will be able to detect any problem and commence treatment where necessary to prevent it from deteriorating.

“Sightsavers’ vision is of a world where no one is blind from avoidable causes, and we are committed to supporting individuals with visual impairments to access the support they need,” he said.

On his part, Mr David Okorafor, Project Officer, Economic Empowerment, Social Inclusion Unit, Sightsavers, stressed the need to promote disability rights and ensure social inclusion for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

“An estimate of over one billion persons or 15 per cent of the global population have a disability and 80 per cent live in low or middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organisation,” he said.

He added that the organisation was focused on citizenship and political participation, economic empowerment, inclusive health, and promotion of the rights of women and girls with disabilities.

Similarly, Mrs Esther Bature, called for more advocacies to improve inclusion in every sector for PWDs.

“We believe our projects should outlive us and our advocacy is to hold the government accountable by influencing and domesticating policies and putting it in place,” she said.

She also revealed that the organisation was also advocating for the implementation of the Marakesh Treaty, Inclusive Data charter for planning and execution of interventions and programmes aimed at ameliorating the plights of PWDs. (NAN)

JAD/ USO

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Edited by Sam Oditah

By Justina Auta

Dr Sunday Isiyaku, Sightsavers Country Director, has advised Nigerians to go for regular eye check-up at least every six months for prevention visual impairment.

Isiyaku gave the advice on Thursday at a two-day media partners capacity meeting in Keffi, Nassarawa State.

He noted with concern the number of persons suffering from visual impairments in the country, stressing the need for the government and other stakeholders to collate data for accurate cases and medical solutions.

” It is mandatory to screen your eyes every six months to enable early diagnosis of eye problems.

” And with that, they will be able to detect any problem and receive treatment where necessary to prevent it from deteriorating,” he said.

According to him, the organisation recently donated a new health equipment to Kwara to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of eye care services and help improve early diagnosis of eye issues in local communities.

” In 2020 in Nigeria, there were an estimated 24 million people in

with vision losses and without concerted efforts, these numbers could increase.

” We are partnering with Kwara government to bolster eye care services in the region through provision of state-of-the-art tools that will support medical professionals to provide quality eye care services.

“The equipment includes diagnostic tools, surgical instruments and specialised technology to help with early detection, diagnosis and treatment of eye health issues,” he said.

Isiyaku highlighted the importance of good eye health, which he said creates a ripple effect across education, wellbeing, economics and health outcomes.

” Sightsavers’ vision is of a world where no one is blind from avoidable causes, and we are committed to supporting individuals with visual impairments to access the support they need,” he said.

Ms Palma Ileya, a media practitioner with Pilot Newspaper, said the media engagement had provided an avenue for journalists to interact and strategise on advocacy to improve eye health care in the country.

Mr Israel Shosimi, a reporter with Aso Radio and Television, said the engagement had also created awareness amongst journalists to hold policy makers, governments and other stakeholders accountable for actions that will promote health and wellbeing.

NAN reports that the media engagement draws participants from various media organisations. (NAN)

By Kevin Okunzuwa

The National Agency For Food And Drug Administration And Control (NAFDAC), has certified the use of GLUCOZIL for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that GLUCOZIL, a herbal drug, is produced by Edo Government-owned Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma.

NAFDAC’s approval of the drug for public use was announced in a statement by Otunba Mike Aladenika, AAU Head, Corporate Communication, Office of the Vice Chancellor.

The statement was made available to NAN on Thursday in Benin.

“Its bid to reclaim its enviable position among the comity of institutions, grounded in research and higher learning, has received the approval of NAFDAC, as well as the rights of production and patents of GLUCOZIL.”

Dr Jonathan Emeka Emordi,

Head, Department of Pharmacology, and Sub-Dean, Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, AAU, who produced the drug, said “GLUCOZIL is a natural product that is prepared for the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus.

“GLUCOZIL as a natural product, manufactured to cause a regeneration of the better cells that have been destroyed.

“If the product is used for a very long period, it will not only manage diabetes but cure it completely,” Emordi said.

According to Emordi, GLUCOZIL which can be used for the management, treatment and cure of diabetes, has bonus clinical indications for the treatment of BPH, commonly known as enlarged prostate.

“In my analysis of the product, it was discovered that it has the capacity to shrink the prostate so that surgical operations can be avoided.

“The product is scientifically tested, right dose confirmed, safety proven in both humans and animals.

” It is also capable of flushing the human system. Simply put, it is a detoxifier. It has strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities which makes it an immune booster.”

Commending Emordi, AAU acting VC, Prof. Sonnie Adagbonyin, said the management was happy with the feat achieved at the College of Medicine and the Department of Pharmacology.

“We are proud of the ranking of our scholars who are determined to excel, do us proud despite the various human and environmental challenges.

“Management is proud of Dr. Emordi and I enjoin other scholars to see his achievement as motivation for them to break new grounds, open new frontiers of knowledge and innovation for the further progress of this university. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

By Kemi Akintokun

The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has advocated implementation of National Food and Nutrition Policy for healthy developmental growth of children.

Mrs Oluyemi Kalesanwo, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry made the call on Wednesday in Lagos when the Civil Society of Scaling- up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) paid her a visit.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports National Food and Nutrition Policy is a document that provides the framework for addressing the problems of food and nutrition insecurity in Nigeria, from the individual, household, community and up to the national level.

The overall goal of the policy is to improve the nutritional status of all Nigerians, with particular emphasis on the most vulnerable groups, i.e., children, women, and the elderly.

Kalesanwo expressed concerns over lack of nationally approved nutritional food to be given to children.

She also tasked women on the importance of healthy eating to boost children immune system.

“The implemention of Nutritional policy at the National level will help eradicate food deficiencies among children and the entire family”.

“The ministry role in building resourceful women is directed at high productivity for formidable homes, cutting across all strata of the society.

“food nutrition is quite germane with the ministry and that is why we reach out women regular to ensure that mothers are well equipped to nurture their children and homes with the appropriate diet,” she said.

Earlier, Mr Sam Akinyode, the state Coordinator of CS-SUNN said the ministry had 100 per cent rating in the nutrition appraisal report in the second quarter of 2023.

Akinyode commended the ministry for its effort aimed at promoting nutritional value in the state.

He promised that the organisation would continue to collaborate with the ministry and others to achieve optimal nutrition in the state. (NAN)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/ Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Habibu Harisu

The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and Sokoto State Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to get 132, 000 children and adolescent girls back to school.

Speaking to newsmen after signing the document on Wednesday, Hajia A’ishatu Dantsoho, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, said the programme would cover the 23 local government areas of the state.

Dantsoho said that the partnership had six thematic areas, and eight local government areas were selected for the pilot programme to cover at least 5,000 Out-of-School children and adolescents girls under the first phase.

The Permanent Secretary said while the ministry would handle the adolescents girls programme, the Board of Arabic and Islamic Education would integrate Almajiri children into formal education.

According to her, children and girls within school age will be reintegrated back to the school system with the support of Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, and the State Primary Education Board.

Dantsoho added that adolescents girls would in addition to formal education, receive vocational training and business skills, and linked to health, livelihoods, hygiene, sanitation and other services.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary, Arabic and Islamic Education Board, Dr Altine Dandin-Mahe, said the landmark programme reduce the percentage of Out-of-School children in the state.

On his part, Mustapha Danjuma, UNICEF Deputy Field Officer said synergy is key to achieving progress in child protection.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dantsoho and Dandin-Mahe signed the document on behalf of their respective organisations while Danjuma signed for UNICEF. (NAN)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Aderogba George

The Nigeria Medical Association FCT Chapter, on Wednesday celebrated the Minister of State for Education, Dr Tanko-Yusuf Sununu, for excelling in the medical profession.

The association at a dinner organised in his honour described the minister, who is also a former Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Health Services as a man of many parts.

Dr Charles Ugwuanyi, Chairman of NMA in FCT, stated that Sununu deserved to be celebrated by the association for many reasons.

According to Ugwuanyi, some of the reasons is that he has excelled in the practice of medicine and also in transferring medical knowledge to younger doctors.

He said that Sununu had also excelled in the practice of politics, by rendering services to humanity starting from his own community.

“He has deployed his personal talents, treasures to propel services to humanity. This is one man who from his meagre resources organised free medical treatments to his people.

“He fought malnutrition in children, fought snake bites, fought maternal mortality with problems related to childbirth when he was given the capacity to serve in that situation.

“We as medical professionals draw inspiration from him, he is an inspirational leader and the message is that when you honour someone who has excelled in the medical industry, you are honouring yourself.

“This also means you are encouraging other professionals to toe the same line, the bottom line is service to humanity, ” he said.

Sununu while responding to newsmen about the event stated he was elated and full of emotions about the honour.

“You can see when I was delivering my speech, I couldn’t control my emotion, it has been a recurring experience whenever I am promoted, people rally around me,” he said.

He said that the celebration give him hope that people are somewhere praying for him to succeed and that they are also rejoicing with him.

He said that with the celebration, he would be giving more commitments to the service of humanity.

“I am giving my commitment to these people who are celebrating me and to the country at large.

“I am ready to put my best into President Bola Tinubu Administration for him to succeed,” he said.

Sununu assured that Nigerians should expect good transformation in the education sector, saying that he is someone who believes in quality saying that is what they intend to bring to education sector.

(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

By Ezra Musa

The Kaduna State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources has commenced anti-rabies vaccination campaign to curb the menace of rabies in the state.

Murtala Dabo, the commissioner in the ministry, made this known on Wednesday at the commencement of a five-day anti-rabies vaccination campaign in Kaduna.

According to him, the vaccination programme demonstrates the government’s resolve to eradicate rabies by increasing the availability and accessibility of anti-rabies vaccines in the state.

He said the vaccines would be distributed to the three senatorial districts of the state from where they would be taken to the 23 local governments areas.

“We have also improved our surveillance and reporting systems, to monitor the situation and to evaluate the impact of our collective interventions,” he said.

He said the programme is a clear reminder that rabies is still a serious threat that affects both animal and human populations.

Dabo said the state would always be in the forefront of the programme geared towards eradicating diseases through massive annual vaccination campaigns.

He called on all pet owners in the state to take advantage of the free vaccination to make Kaduna free from rabies.

Earlier in his welcome address, Dr Zakariya Pakachi, Director, Veterinary and Livestock Services, State Ministry of Agriculture, said the campaign is targeting 70 per cent dog population to achieve herd immunity.

He said rabies is one of the oldest communicable under-reported zoonotic diseases with dogs being responsible for 99 per cent of virus transmission to humans.

“Annually, hundreds of human deaths are recorded globally to which children between the age of 5 and 14 years are frequently victims,” he said.

However, he said rabies are preventable through vaccination, public awareness and responsible ownership.

Pakachi, therefore, urged all dog owners to support the campaign by bring their dogs for vaccination at the designated veterinary clinics in the state.(NAN)(nannews.ng)