Health - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Tosin Kolade
Dec, Tue, 2024

Health

FG hosts candlelight memorial for HIV/AIDS victims

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By Justina Auta

The Federal Government, in partnership with stakeholders, hosted a candlelight memorial to honour those lost to HIV/AIDS-related causes.

Dr Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), on Monday stated that the event aimed to raise awareness about the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT).

It is targeted at strengthening community and national dedication to eradicating AIDS.

“We want to ensure a generation free of HIV and achieve the global target of ending HIV as an epidemic by 2030.

“This gathering is both a commemoration and a tribute to those we’ve lost in the battle against HIV,” she said.

Ilori expressed concern over the estimated 15,000 children who died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2023, calling the figure alarming.

“This is deeply troubling, but together, we can reverse this trend and create a brighter future”.

She stressed the importance of ending stigma against people living with HIV, urging them to access care, adhere to treatment, and continue medication to suppress their viral load.

She also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending the epidemic, noting increased domestic resource mobilisation and funding for HIV/AIDS programmes.

Mr Abdulkadir Ibrahim, National Coordinator of the Network of People Living with HIV in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), noted the need to celebrate individuals and organisations dedicated to combating the epidemic.

Represented by Nicholas Ugbenyen, NEPWHAN’s National Secretary, Ibrahim advocated for policy changes, increased funding, and innovative approaches to eliminate HIV in children and end AIDS by 2030.

“We call on all stakeholders to support policies and funding that prioritise prevention and treatment of HIV in children.

“Sustainable practices, community advocacy, and grassroots engagement are essential to addressing the epidemic and ensuring children’s voices are heard”.

He further emphasised the need for accessible PMTCT services, including antenatal care, testing, and treatment for pregnant women living with HIV, to prevent the transmission of the virus to their children.

Dr Esther Hindi, National Coordinator of the Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASHWAN), pledged to continue raising awareness about PMTCT efforts across the country.

Other stakeholders, including Ms Funmi Adesanya from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and Dr Leo Zekeng, UNAIDS Country Director, also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Nigeria’s fight to end AIDS. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Abienwense Moru

Philip Daniel Yatai
Dec, Mon, 2024

Health

World AIDS Day: FCT places 61,384 people, children on treatment

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory has successfully placed 61,384 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) on treatment.

Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, FCT Administration, stated this in Abuja on Monday, at a press conference to commemorate the 2024 World AIDS Day.

Fasawe said that the day, with the theme, “Take the Right Path: Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV Among Children”, calls for renewed focus on addressing pediatric HIV and safeguarding the rights of everyone affected by the disease.

She described the World AIDS Day, commemorated every Dec. 1 as a day to unite efforts, increase awareness, support those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, and honour the memory of those we have lost.

Represented by the Director-General, Hospital Management Board, Dr Olubenga Bello, the mandate secretary, said that figure represents 223 per cent of the projected number of PLHIV.

Fasawe said that the number included those migrating from neighboring states.

She added that of the 61,384 people placed on treatment, 1,048 were children, representing 3.8 per cent and receiving life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART).

She said that FCT, with an estimated population of 6.95 million had a HIV prevalence rate of 1.4 per cent, a little over the national figure of 1.3 per cent.

She said that the FCTA was currently expanding and strengthening HIV Services in the FCT.

“Our health sector response has been strengthened by a comprehensive network of 122 service delivery points, offering antiretrovirals across the six Area Councils in the FCT.

“Also, there are 285 other conventional spoke sites and 37 unconventional sites, which provide decentralised community-based care to ensure services reach even the most remote populations.

“The FCT’s decentralised model ensures that no one is left behind, enabling communities to access quality care and support close to home,” he said.

The mandate secretary further said that to address pediatric HIV, the FCT has deployed unique interventions, such as mentor mothers who serve as linkage escorts for pregnant women, guiding them through care pathways.

She added that FCT also trained unconventional caregivers, such as traditional birth attendants on the importance of facility-births, prophylaxis, and early infant diagnosis with samples taken within 72 hours of life.

According to her, community initiatives like the Mothers’ Love Party and the AP3 Initiative also enhance support for Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV programmes.

“We also expanded access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention, ensuring that individuals without HIV remain free of the disease.”

Fasawe attributed the successes being recorded to strong partnership and collaborations.

She identified the partners as the National AIDS and STI Control Programme and National Agency for the Control of Aids.

Others, she said, were implementing partners such as the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Mothers2Mothers, the Association for Reproductive and Family Health, and YouthRISE.

“Together, we have prioritised key populations, women, children, and vulnerable groups, ensuring that every person diagnosed with HIV receives the care, dignity, and support they deserve.

“The FCT AIDS, STI, and Viral Hepatitis Control Programme and the FCT Agency for the Control of AIDS’ leadership in integrating services across the territory have made significant strides in addressing the needs of the FCT population.

“From scaling up PMTCT services to expanding pediatric care and decentralising service delivery, these efforts continue to drive the FCT’s progress in meeting and exceeding national targets.

“While we celebrate these achievements, the work is far from complete. Nigeria’s high burden of pediatric HIV demands sustained efforts to identify cases, link individuals to care, and prevent new infections,” he said.

The mandate secretary, who commended the support of the partners, reaffirmed FCTA’s commitment to ending stigma and discrimination, which remained significant barriers to care.

She also said that the FCTA would intensify efforts to reach the unreached, protect vulnerable populations, and ensure that every child, woman, and man living with HIV had access to quality care and support.

Fasawe said that activities would be rounded up on Tuesday with a road walk from Government Secondary School, Garki, to Old Parade Ground, Garki Area 10. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Ismail Abdulaziz
Nov, Sat, 2024

Health

NAFDAC alerts Nigerians on fake anti-malaria drug

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By Aderogba George

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has notified the public of the sale of counterfeit combiart (Artemether Lumefantrine 20/120mg) Dispersible Tablet in Nigeria.

The notification is in a public alert marked: No. 043/2024, issued on NAFDAC website, disclosing the date of manufacturing of the drug to be Feb. 2023 and June 2023.

It equally gave the expiring date of the drug as May 2026 and June 2026, as well as a Batch No: 7225119 with NAFDAC Reg No: A11-0299.

The agency equally gave the manufacturer name and address as Strides Arcolab Limited, 36/7, Suragajakkanahalli, Indlavadi Cross, Anekal Taluk, Bangalore- 562 106, India.

NAFDAC, in the alert, said that all its zonal directors and state coordinators had been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the counterfeit products within the zones and states.

It advised importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain and avoid importation, distribution, sale, and usage of the counterfeit product.

It said that all medical products must be obtained from authorised/licenced suppliers and that products’ authenticity and physical condition must be carefully checked.

The alert also advised healthcare professionals and consumers to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard and falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office.

It urged Nigerians to call NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or report any suspicion event via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.

“Healthcare professionals and patients are similarly encouraged to report adverse or side effects related to the use of medicinal products or devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website www.nafdac.gov.ng.,” it said

It advised Nigerians to reports any adverse effects via the Med-safety application available for download on android and IOS stores or via e-mail on pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.n.

NAFDAC promised that the notice would be uploaded to the WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS). (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Joe Idika

Muhyideen Jimoh
Nov, Sat, 2024

Education , Health

Public health: Don urges adoption of traditional Nigerian diets

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By Emmanuel Afonne

Elkenah Ndie, a professor at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Abuja, has called for the adoption of Nigerian diets as part of measures to promote nutrition in public health.

Ndie made the call on Thursday in Abuja while presenting the 30th Inaugural Lecture of the university, themed, “Nursing Science: An Applied Science Care for All.’’

The don, who lectures in the university’s Faculty of Health Sciences, said the call became necessary to highlight the grave impact of poverty and income inequality on food accessibility.

“There is a need for robust nutritional education to improve dietary choices, especially among vulnerable populations.’’

Presenting the lecture at the NOUN headquarters in Abuja, Ndie revealed that his research focused on the availability, accessibility and quality of food, particularly in rural areas.

He highlighted the importance of food security and urged policymakers to address the systemic barriers, to improve national health outcomes.

“There is the connection between drivers’ health and road safety; many commercial drivers in Nigeria suffer from health issues such as hypertension and high blood sugar; this is worsened by poor dietary habits and substance abuse.

“Many drivers miss meals, rely on alcohol or drugs to stay awake and lack access to regular health check-ups,” Ndie said.

He emphasised the significant risks the behaviour posed to road safety and called for the establishment of workplace clinics for transport companies to address the challenges.

Ndie also recommended a mandatory nutritional education for drivers and a stricter enforcement of drug and alcohol testing policies as part of measures to address the challenges.

The lecturer, who emphasised the important role of nurses in addressing public health challenges, including malnutrition, infectious diseases and chronic illnesses, called for the collaboration of healthcare professionals, policymakers and community members, to improve health outcomes.

Ndie challenged the misconception of nursing as a “female profession.”

According to him, the nurturing qualities of nurses transcend gender, making them essential contributors to patient care and public health.

Speaking earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi Peters, commended the inaugural lecturer for his groundbreaking contributions to the field.

He described the lecture’s theme as a critical exploration of care’s transformative power in health and society.

Peters, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Chinedu Mafiana, said nurses had become the backbone of healthcare systems.

“The work of nurses goes beyond medical interventions to fostering holistic well-being; their impact is felt in every aspect of our lives,” Peters said.

He commended the organisers and reaffirmed NOUN’s commitment to advancing excellence in education and health sciences.

The vice-chancellor also congratulated the Faculty of Health Sciences and advocated for a continued innovation and dedication to improving lives through care and education. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Folashade Adeniran
Nov, Sat, 2024

Health

Lifestyle medicine experts proffer solutions to combat chronic diseases

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By Joan Odafe

Some lifestyle medicine practitioners have called for a shift of focus from disease management to preventive care and vibrant living in order to reduce the number of people suffering from chronic diseases.

The experts proffered the solutions during the Opening Ceremony of the 6th Annual International Scientific Conference of the Society of Lifestyle Medicine of Nigeria (SOLONg) on Friday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference, which will hold from Nov. 28 to Nov. 30, was with the theme, “Transforming Healthcare Systems in Africa: Sustainable Lifestyle Medicine Strategies”.

The President of SOLONg, Dr Moyosore Makinde, said that the theme was apt in addressing Africa’s healthcare landscape.

Makinde, a Consultant Family Physician, said that the continent’s health sector was overwhelmed by chronic diseases including hypertension, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and depressive disorders.

She said that unhealthy behaviours, which included poor nutrition, fiscal inactivity, sleep deprivation, substance abuse, unabated stress and toxic relationships, were causes of these conditions.

“The solution lies in lifestyle medicine.

“It is a transformative approach, which is poised to prevent, to treat, as well as reverse the chronic conditions that we see.

“Lifestyle medicine represents the future of healthcare, empowering individuals to reclaim their health and their well-being,” she said.

She urged institutions, particularly governments, institutional leaders, health maintenance organisations, among others, to integrate lifestyle medicine into school curriculum, and structured lifestyle intervention programmes.

“Teaching it even in primary schools, to universities and postgraduate colleges, ensuring a new generation of healthcare leaders are equipped to transform the landscape and improve health outcomes in Africa,” she said.

The President, World Lifestyle Medicine Organisation, Dr Ifeoma Monye, said that the surge in chronic lifestyle-related conditions, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases, was evident that traditional approaches to healthcare were no longer enough.

Monye, who is also a Consultant Family Physician, said that lifestyle medicine was not a new field, rather a revolution in the approach to health, well-being, prevention and management of chronic diseases.

She said that the application of the six pillars of lifestyle medicine, with the acronym ‘DREAMS’, were key strategies to a healthier, happier and longer life.

“Simply put, the DREAMS application represents our diet, relationships, exercise, avoidance of harmful substances, mental health and stress management, not forgetting regular medical check-ups,” she said.

Also, Chief Medical Director (CMD), Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, said that enough knowledge of lifestyle medicine, the prevention of chronic diseases would be easier and effective for health practitioners.

Fabamwo was represented by the Directorate of Clinical Services and Training, LASUTH, Dr Lydia Aborishade.

He urged medical professionals to focus more on educating their patients on useful information about diet, exercise, stress management, healthy interactions, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Philip Daniel Yatai
Nov, Fri, 2024

Health

16 LGAs benefit from World Bank’s nutrition project in Katsina

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By Diana Omueza

The African Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF) says three million persons in 16 Local Government Areas in Katsina State have benefitted from the World Bank Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) project.

Dr Arome Salifu, Executive Director of AYGF, said this at the Katsina ANRIN stakeholders engagement and project close out ceremony in Abuja.

Salifu said that the foundation was the implementing partner of the World Bank-funded tripartite project that has impacted no fewer than three million Katsina indigenes and residents.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project is between the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Katsina State Government through the State Ministry of Health.

“The AYGF implemented the ANRIN project across 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Katsina, where we were able to deploy essential nutritional services across the LGAs

“The project targeted children under five years of age, lactating and nursing mothers as well as expectant mothers.

“Cumulatively, we were able to deliver the services to well over 1.7 million beneficiaries in 16 LGAs and over 4.5 million services within one and a half year,” he said.

Salifu said that the medical packages distributed included folic acid, vitamin A, albendazole, and micronutrient powder.

He said that counselling services were also provided to the critical targets in the state

He commended Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, the state’s ministry of health, the commissioner, the project implementation unit and other stakeholders for the success of the project.

Mr Musa Adamu, Katsina State Commissioner of Health, lauded the impact of the project in addressing the socio-economic aspect of the lives of Katsina people.

According to Adamu, with the effect of global warming, environmental degradation, and climate change on communities, this kind of stakeholders’ engagement is needed to proffer proactive measures.

He said that the state government remained committed to building a secured future for the people.

“The most important aspect of the government is people. This project concentrated on building the next generation because we need to have a very healthy generation coming on board,” he said.

Dr Umar Bello, the Project Coordinator, said that the project targeted prevention of malnutrition among children under five, pregnant women and lactating mothers. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Vivian Ihechu
Nov, Fri, 2024

Health

Abayomi, Osibogun, Obafunwa underscore importance of research

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By Vivian Ihechu

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has underscored the importance of research in national development, saying “it is crucial for the development of any country across various disciplines.”

Abayomi spoke on Thursday in Lagos at the 14^th Edition of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) International Conference on Health Advances, Innovation, and Research.

The commissioner said that any country that focuses on research aims to improve citizens’ lives, making them more comfortable and profitable.

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi

He highlighted the role of research in protecting citizens and the economy during crises like COVID-19, emphasising the role of researchers in providing data that informed policy decisions.

“Research is the heartbeat of any country’s development in whatever discipline you think of, whether it’s medicine, whether it’s agriculture, engineering, or social sciences.

“A country that pays attention to research is a country that is planning to develop, is planning to make life easier, more comfortable and more profitable for its citizens.

“So, we here, we’re talking about the field of medicine. Health is wealth.’’

The commissioner recounted how Lagos and the Federal Government were able to jointly shield Nigerians and Lagos residents during a time of tremendous global shock and threat- COVID-19, “and yet our economy didn’t take a dive’’.

“We recorded some deaths, but nothing near what happened around the world.

“It was as a result of the activity of institutes like NIMR, LASUTH, LUTH, working very closely with the Ministry of Health and with the governor being the incident commander.

“He understood the importance of putting resources behind research to understand what COVID-19 is likely to do to our citizens and likely to do to the economy.

“Any country or any government that fails to appreciate the importance of research is planning to fail as a government’’.

Abayomi also underscored the significance of appointing distinguished academics to lead research institutions and the strategic placement of NIMR in Lagos.

“So, when we appoint doyens of medical academia to institutes like this, like the Director-General of NIMR, It shows that the president is serious about driving the agenda of research for the Quaternary Research Institute of this country’’.

Commending the ongoing conference, Abayomi said, it was pivotal for the bio economy and stressed the need for increased government funding for research to address local problems, with a cautious approach to resource allocation.

Also speaking, the Keynote Speaker, Prof. Akin Osibogun, underscored the importance of research in implementing cost-effective health interventions and decision-making

Osibogun, of the Department of Community Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, LUTH, Idi-Araba, made a presentation on “Challenges and Prospects of Medical Research in Nigeria’’.

He outlined different research methods, including observational and interventional studies, and their roles in providing reliable evidence.

Osibogun also touched on the importance of having clear objectives and specific questions in research to focus efforts effectively is emphasised.

His presentation highlighted the importance of collaboration and international partnerships in research, as well as the need for ethical guidelines and responsible use of data in research.

The community health expert also noted the importance of evidence-based decision-making in public health policies, stressing that research was important in addressing global health challenges and providing reliable data for policy formulation.

He advocated the need for increased and continued funding and support for research.

Also, Prof. John Obafunwa,Director‐General/CEO, NIMR, said the conference would be a platform for evidence-based policy decision to strengthen health systems, foster health security, and facilitate exchange of innovative research ideas for national and regional health advancement.

He said there was need to explore areas of partnership between NIMR and the Lagos State government, including infectious diseases, public health concerns, vaccine production, and genomic studies.

Obafunwa reiterated that NIMR would continue to uphold her mandate through research into health problems that would translate into policy and contribute positively to changing the narratives of the public health landscape in the country, region and globally.

He commended the organising committee and various departments for their efforts in successfully organising the conference, highlighting the collaboration and sleepless nights involved.

He also acknowledged the various funders, supporters and partners. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni

Tosin Kolade
Nov, Thu, 2024

Health

Expert seeks telemedicine hub to boost healthcare access

157 total views today

By Martha Agas

A medical expert, Damian Avar, has urged the Federal Government to establish a telemedicine hub, similar to India’s, to improve healthcare accessibility in underserved regions.

Avar made the call at a panel discussion at the 2024 Media for Development conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

He emphasised that the move would help address the challenges faced by pregnant women in accessing healthcare services, thereby reducing maternal mortality.

Avar highlighted the importance of establishing the hub, particularly in light of the inadequate manpower in the health sector, largely caused by brain drain.

He explained that India’s national telemedicine hub served as a model, integrating telemedicine facilities into existing primary healthcare centres in rural areas.

Avar, founder of Doctors Hub Nigeria, identified delays causing maternal mortality, including patient failure to seek help, environmental factors like bad roads, and lack of vehicles to convey pregnant women to health centres.

He noted that his organisation leveraged digital technology to address inefficiencies in the health value chain, particularly the disproportionate doctor-to-patient ratio.

“The organisation has focused its services on addressing pregnancy-related matters, recording 3,000 women who engaged its services with zero mortality”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference, organised by the Centre for Innovation and Development (CJID), aims to promote inclusive and sustainable development in Africa through media and technology.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Vivian Ihechu
Nov, Wed, 2024

Health

Pharma company seeks NASS’ approval of Health Development Bank Bill

145 total views today

Health

By Adeyemi Adeleye

A pharmaceutical company, ST.RACHEAL’S Pharma, has called on the National Assembly (NASS) to accelerate the enactment of a bill for an act to establish the Health Development Bank of Nigeria.

The Chairman of the company, Akinjide Adeosun, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, to mark the 2024 World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW), in Lagos.

Adeosun said that it had become overdue to provide medium and long term credit facilities to health institutions in Nigeria.

He said that this would hasten industrialisation, manufacturing, boost medicine security, with the attendant massive creation of jobs.

According to him, the enactment of the bill HB.1879 of the Specialised Bank into law, with hopeful single digit lending rate, will lead to a reduction of the cost of doing business for the pharmaceutical value chains.

He said that the bill would enhance the process of doing business for the pharmaceutical value chains, be it in the upstream (onshore and offshore manufacturing, Research & Development); midstream (wholesale) and the downstream (retail).

The chairman said that it would also control the increasing antibiotics resistance exacerbated by the worsening economic condition.

He said that the floating of the Nigerian naira, removal of fuel subsidy, exorbitant energy cost, high lending rate and spiralling inflation had made medicines to become luxurious, unaffordable and unavailable to many.

Adeosun said that this might make sub-optimal dosing of antibiotics to increase eventually, leading to high morbidity and mortality of the citizenry.

“The current situation of a full dose of antibiotics costing N20,000.00 is unacceptable and inimical to the health of the nation.

“The establishment of a Health Bank has a twin benefit of reducing patients’ deaths and increasing the life expectancy of pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria

“Antimicrobial Resistance (AMAR) is of global concern and poses great risk of morbidity and mortality in the middle and low income countries,” he said.

According to him, the burden of poverty and environmental conditions such as lack of potable water and sanitation, contribute to the continuous spread of microbes and resistant ones in the environment, especially in low income countries, like Nigeria.

He recounted that it was reported in 2017 that the treatment of healthcare associated infections had increased two to 20 times over the years.

Adeosun added that the Antibiotics used in hospitalised patients ranged from 65 per cent to 79 per cent which was higher than most countries.

“Not finishing the course of antimicrobials, due to non-affordability, also increases the risk of the bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics,” he said.

Adeosun said that ST.RACHEAL’S Pharma was in unison with the WAAW 2024 theme: “Educate, Advocate and Act Now”.

According to him, AMR is a threat to humans, animals, plants and the environment.

He called on all stakeholders, including pharmacists; medical doctors; veterinary doctors; botanists; microbiologists; nurses; laboratory scientists; health administrators and environmentalists in the public and private sectors to work together.

The chairman said that efforts must be made to build partnerships and forge a common approach to halt antimicrobial resistance, thereby contributing to the improvement of life expectancy of Nigerians.

“Health is a sine qua non to national development, only a healthy people can enjoy a prosperous economy,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ST. RACHEAL’S Pharma is a Nigerian pharmaceutical company with African headquarters in Lekki 1 Peninsula, Lagos, Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Vivian Ihechu

Folashade Adeniran
Nov, Wed, 2024

Health

NGO urges Lagos govt to leverage MMS for anaemia prevention, control

169 total views today

By Oluwafunke Ishola

Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition (CS-SUNN) has urged the Lagos State Government to leverage the Child Nutrition Fund, to procure multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS).

Its Executive Secretary, Sunday Okoronkwo, said procurement of MMS would enable the government to make it accessible to all pregnant women for the prevention and treatment of anaemia.

Okoronkwo said this during CS-SUNN Media Engagement on Improved Reportage of MMS for Anaemia Prevention and Control, on Tuesday in Lagos.

Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) is a catalytic financing match mechanism by UNICEF that enables governments to double their investments in essential nutrition commodities, including MMS, for the prevention and treatment of anaemia.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), anaemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the haemoglobin concentration within them is lower than normal.

Anaemia may be caused by several factors, including nutrient deficiencies through inadequate absorption of nutrients, infections (e.g. malaria, parasitic infections, tuberculosis, HIV), inflammation, and gynaecological and obstetric conditions, among others.

Anaemia is a critical global public health problem that particularly affects young children, menstruating adolescent girls and women, and pregnant and postpartum women.

It is a common cause of ill health or death in mothers and their babies, especially in Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where more than four out of ten pregnant women have the condition.

Okoronkwo said a sizable proportion of pregnant women in Lagos are anaemic, urging the state government to urgently address it by focusing on maternal and child malnutrition.

“Now is the time for Lagos State to take bold action through strategic investments in MMS to drastically reduce anaemia rates, improve pregnancy outcomes, and give the next generation in this state a healthier start in life,” Okoronkwo said.

According to him, the state can harness the unique co-financing mechanism to double its investments in nutrition commodities like MMS and other interventions.

Okoronkwo stressed the need for the state to strengthen the integration of MMS into Antenatal Care Protocols in health facilities, ensuring that every pregnant woman receives comprehensive micronutrient support.

He called for the training of healthcare providers to effectively deliver MMS and educate mothers on the importance of the intervention.

“Establishing robust systems for monitoring MMS distribution to prevent stockouts and ensure that supplies are consistently available in both rural and urban healthcare facilities is key,” he said.

Okoronkwo said CS-SUNN would enhance the capacity of civil society organisations to effectively track and monitor MMS coverage, uptake, and adherence among pregnant women.

He added that this would enhance data availability and support evidence-based advocacy for improved maternal nutrition.

Similarly, Mrs Lilian Okafor, Communication Officer, CS-SUNN, said MMS would improve Nigeria’s maternal nutrition outcomes, reduce the number of infants born with low birth weight and prevent long-lasting human capital losses.

According to Okafor,the media plays a critical role in disseminating and ensuring visibility for MMS, urging the media to continue to raise public awareness about the benefits of MMS, especially in preventing anaemia and improving maternal outcomes.

Also, Mrs Olawumi Ajayi, State Coordinator, FHI 360 Alive and Thrive, said collaborative efforts of all key stakeholders were critical to deepening the uptake of MMS among pregnant women.

Commenting, Dr Adetoke Adekitan, Nutrition Programme Officer, Lagos State Primary HealthCare Board, said Lagos state had keyed into the Child Nutrition Fund by paying its 2024 matching fund.

Adekitan noted that efforts are ongoing to increase the state’s allocation for nutrition funding, noting that the funding would assist in the procurement of MMS, among other interventions.

According to her, MMS is given to pregnant women free of charge at the state health facilities, saying it’s a safe and cost-effective intervention that will help improve maternal health outcomes in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that MMS are a daily dose of 15 vitamins and minerals that can help pregnant women meet their required nutritional needs.

WHO recommends taking MMS daily during pregnancy and it can be taken as a tablet, capsule, powder, or liquid.

Following the WHO’s updated nutritional recommendation and guidelines in 2021, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare approved the use of MMS during pregnancy.

The ministry did this through its updated National Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Micronutrient Deficiencies in Nigeria. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu