NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FG inaugurates SWAp initiative to strengthen health system
Health

FG inaugurates SWAp initiative to strengthen health system

118 total views today
By Franca Ofili

Prof. Muhammad Pate, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health, has announced the integration of the Sector-wide Approach (SWAp) initiative, a strategy to unify the health sector and enhance funding with key stakeholders’ involvement.

Pate said this in Abuja on Tuesday during the SWAp Strategic Engagement with stakeholders from North Central and South Western states, emphasising that the initiative would also yield measurable results.

According to Pate, the country has faced significant challenges, such as high maternal and child mortality rates, malaria, and other health issues.

“However, through the SWAp initiative’s quarterly performance reviews, the health sector has seen evidence-based reforms across various states.

“We’ve made the transition from a faith-based planning programme to evidence-based planning.

“If we sustain this approach, I believe we will see improvements in population health outcomes in the country,” Pate said.

He added that as part of the compact signed with all 36 states, a quarterly performance dialogue was held to collectively review progress and performance.

“The Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) is a development strategy where national governments lead partnerships with various stakeholders, including development partners, to support sector policies and programmes through shared systems and mechanisms.

“This strategic engagement ensures the active involvement and alignment of stakeholders, such as government agencies, donors, and other partners, in planning, implementing, and monitoring SWAp initiatives.”

Pate noted that data-driven findings from state reviews would help address specific challenges and track progress.

He also highlighted the importance of accountability in the primary health care system, noting that each state was required to report on how funds were being spent.

“Every quarter, the primary health care system handles at least 20 million contacts, totaling 80 million contacts per year.

“As the utilisation of the primary health care system increases in Nigeria, it is crucial that we ensure accountability and proper use of funds,” Pate explained.

Dr Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq, National Coordinator NHSRII/SWAp Coordination Office, acknowledged the minister’s efforts to improve performance and resource convergence in the health sector.

He emphasised that quarterly performance dialogues between states and the Ministry of Health were key to achieving tangible results.

“We focus on core health indicators and maternal/child survival, with a unified planning and reporting framework that promotes data-driven performance.

“When we say one plan, one budget, one report, and one conversation, it speaks to the aggregation of every state’s plans.

“The SWAp initiative is designed to address key health challenges, from skilled health attendants to routine immunisation and interventions that reduce maternal, neonatal, and under-five mortality,” Umar-Sadiq said.

Umar-Sadiq noted that while some states had red scores in the scorecards, discussions were underway to improve performance and bring the states to green.

According to him, the overarching goal is to improve health service delivery nationwide, ensuring that treatment is available for emergency cases, even at the primary health care level.

Dr Nicholas Baamlong, Commissioner for Health in Plateau State, lauded the “one plan, one budget, one voice” model, which ensured broad stakeholder involvement and prioritisation of health interventions at the state level.

Baamlong expressed his hope that by 2025, health budget implementation would reach at least 80 per cent, and that immunisation rates and malaria prevention efforts would see significant improvement.

Prof.  Michael Odimayo, Special Adviser on Health to the Ondo State Governor, applauded the National Health Reform Initiative for its role in aligning state-level planning with federal objectives.

Odimayo urged other states to follow Ondo’s example in supporting the federal government-driven health initiative, stressing the importance of collective commitment to improve Nigeria’s health system.

“This initiative is helping to upgrade the entire health sector in Nigeria.

“It’s time for other states to join and make a committed effort toward improving the health of the Nigerian populace,” Odimayo said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

NAFDAC seals Suleja warehouse over banned additives
Health

NAFDAC seals Suleja warehouse over banned additives

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By Aderogba George

NAFDAC on Tuesday sealed a Suleja warehouse owned by Alhaji Ahmed for illegally selling large quantities of monosodium glutamate (MSG), a food additive banned from bulk importation due to health risks.

Mr Kenneth Azikiwe, Director in charge of the FCT Directorate of NAFDAC, told journalists during the enforcement exercise that the sale of MSG in bulk had already been banned by the agency due to health concerns.

Azikiwe said the enforcement was carried out under the directive of NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard public health.

He said during the operation, the agency also confiscated various unregistered, adulterated, and counterfeit products from the Ibrahim Babangida International Market in Suleja.

“Some of the seized items included banned foreign spaghetti brands like Doga and Roca, and counterfeit toothpaste such as Bamboo Charcoal, Crogate, and Cloguide, all mimicking known brands like Colgate.”

Azikiwe noted that certain products were placed on hold for further investigation.

NAFDAC officer sealing bags of monosodium glutamate in a shop at IBB Market, Suleja, Niger State.

He explained that MSG, commonly known as “White Maggi” or used in Ajinomoto, was a sodium-based additive banned from bulk importation into Nigeria.

“While small, regulated quantities are allowed for reprocessing, bulk sales to unregulated vendors pose significant health risks.

“What we are seeing is bulk sales of MSG to illiterate traders who repackage it in plastic bags, often adding salt, and sell it in smaller quantities. It is also used to mask the spoilage of decaying food products,” Azikiwe said.

He warned that prolonged consumption of such repackaged additives could damage vital organs and contribute to the rise of chronic illnesses in the country.

Azikiwe urged the public to avoid buying unregistered or repackaged food additives and to always check for NAFDAC registration numbers for their safety.

Mr Embugushiki-Musa Godiya, an Intelligence and Enforcement Officer with NAFDAC, revealed that the total market value of the confiscated products was estimated at N47.5 million. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

UNFPA warns of global midwife shortage
Health

UNFPA warns of global midwife shortage

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By Folasade Akpan

The Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr Natalia Kanem, has raised alarm over a global shortage of nearly one million midwives.

Kanem made this known while marking the International Day of the Midwife, celebrated globally on May 5.

The 2025 theme, “Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis,” highlights the indispensable role midwives play in humanitarian and emergency settings around the world.

According to Kanem, midwives are capable of delivering up to 90 per cent of essential sexual, reproductive, maternal, and newborn health services, including family planning.

“They also support survivors of gender-based violence, which skyrockets during crises,” she added.

She noted that midwives often put themselves at great risk to reach women and girls in remote or crisis-affected communities.

However, in spite of their life-saving role, midwifery remains under-recognised, a challenge that worsens during emergencies.

Kanem said chronic underinvestment in midwifery had led to inadequate training, poor infrastructure, a lack of essential supplies, and low wages.

She warned that in humanitarian settings, women were twice as likely to die in childbirth, and deploying midwives in both humanitarian and national disaster responses was a cost-effective, life-saving strategy.

She further expressed concern over recent severe funding cuts to humanitarian aid, warning that they risked widening already significant gaps and having tragic consequences for women and girls in the world’s most vulnerable regions.

“Already, midwives are reporting rising death rates among women and newborns in conflict zones and fragile contexts, an ominous sign in places where more than 60 per cent of global maternal deaths occur,” she said.

Kanem stressed that midwives could prevent two-thirds of maternal and newborn deaths, while also delivering broad economic and social benefits, ranging from lower healthcare costs to a more productive workforce.

“Women and entire societies would be both less vulnerable to crisis and more equipped to recover from it,” she said.

She called on governments and donors to join UNFPA and its partners in the Midwifery Accelerator Initiative, which aimed to increase financial and programmatic investment in midwifery before more lives were lost.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the International Day of the Midwife was established in 1992 by the International Confederation of Midwives to celebrate and raise awareness of the midwifery profession. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

 

FG reaffirms 2030 goal to eliminate child AIDS
Health

FG reaffirms 2030 goal to eliminate child AIDS

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By Folasade Akpan

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminate AIDS in children by 2030.

Dr Adebobola Bashorun, National Coordinator of the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme (NASCP), made the pledge on Monday in Abuja during a stakeholders’ workshop on the Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children.

Bashorun highlighted that Nigeria had made significant progress over the past two decades in reducing the burden of HIV/AIDS among adults and children.

He attributed the progress to the support of global partners such as the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the Global Fund, and others.

“The difficult part of the race has been completed, and we have scaled up. We are not where we were 20 years ago.

“Now, we are closer to ending the epidemic, sustaining treatment, reducing new infections, and ensuring that everyone who needs treatment receives it,” he said.

He added that Nigeria was nearing 90 per cent treatment coverage for adults and was now focusing on achieving similar coverage for children.

To support this effort, Bashorun revealed that the Federal Government had approved 200 million dollars for the health sector to bridge the gap left by the suspension of USAID funding.

He also noted ongoing investments in logistics, human resources, and healthcare infrastructure, while emphasising the need to revise implementation strategies for efficiency.

“We now want models that can deliver more services with fewer resources. With the unlocking of the healthcare value chain, we can now quantify local content and enhance our approach.”

Bashorun also pointed out that Nigeria now had a robust national data reporting system, a major shift from the past reliance on external implementing partners.

Also speaking, Dr Modupe Elendu, the Prevention-of-Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) focal person at UNICEF, outlined the four pillars of the Global Alliance, which comprised 12 countries working to end AIDS in children.

“These pillars include ensuring no child with HIV is left behind, preventing mother-to-child transmission, universal testing for all pregnant women, strengthening PMTCT programmes, and addressing barriers to effective implementation.”

Elendu noted that, although challenges remained, progress was evident.

“We now have comprehensive data systems covering the entire country, a big step up from past dependency on external data sources,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop aims to review the implementation of the Global Alliance Plan, identify service delivery gaps for children and adolescents, and gather stakeholder input for global reporting.

It also seeks to strengthen coordination and maintain sustained stakeholder engagement.

Launched in Aug. 2022, the Global Alliance works to close critical gaps in HIV services for children and adolescents. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Infection control: Use of glove, never a substitute for hand hygiene – Experts
Health

Infection control: Use of glove, never a substitute for hand hygiene – Experts

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By Usman Aliyu

Medical experts on Monday in Benin reiterated that use of gloves was never a substitute for hand hygiene, calling for a proper hand washing culture among health professionals.

The experts made this known at an event to commemorate the 2025 World Hand Hygiene Day, with the theme “It might be gloves, but it’s always hand hygiene.”

They maintained that hand washing with soap and running water remained the most effective way to prevent healthcare-associated infections.

In his opening remark, Prof. Darlington Obaseki, Chief Medical Director of UBTH, explained that while gloves provided protection, hand hygiene was fundamental in preventing the spread of infections.

“Gloves provide protection, but hand hygiene is the fundamental aspect.

“If you don’t wash your hands properly with soap and running water and you just go and glove up, you are still at risk to our patients and to yourself,” he said.

Obaseki asserted that provision of basic amenities such as running water, light, and consumables like soap were already standard in the hospital.

He noted, however, that leaders in healthcare systems had a responsibility to ensure minimum standards for safe treatment, including enforcement of these standards.

The chief medical director also encouraged patients and their relatives to frequently wash their hands to reduce disease transmission.

In her keynote address, Dr Tochi Okwor, Coordinator, National Infection Prevention Control (IPC) Programme, said hand hygiene was not just a procedure, but a moral obligation and public health imperative.

Okwor, who is also the Coordinator, Nigeria Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Coordination Committee, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), highlighted the role of hand hygiene in health security and AMR response.

“Every opportunity to clean our hands is an opportunity to save a life. Gloves are not a substitute for clean hands and misuse can turn them from protective barriers to instruments of contamination,” she said.

She called for integrated stewardship that combines IPC, AMR containment, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and diagnostic stewardship as the new national standard.

In her lecture, Mrs Edith Uwugiaren of Northamptonshire Healthcare, UK, tackled the widespread misuse of gloves in Nigerian hospitals, particularly where gloves were used unnecessarily or across multiple patients.

“Gloves protect the wearer, not the patient. Using gloves incorrectly increases the risk of hospital-acquired infections and undermines infection control,” she said.

She likened improper glove use to “dancing without rhythm”, urging healthcare workers to match glove use to procedure type, much like dance steps match music beats.

Mrs Osagioduwa Oloru, Chief Environmental Health Officer of UBTH, in her lecture, educated healthcare personnel on proper disposal of used gloves to avert contamination of the environment.

In her speech, Dr Esohe Ogboghodo, Chair, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Committee, UBTH, said the hospital had made significant progress in reducing healthcare-associated infections, due to its commitment to infection prevention and control.

She said UBTH had implemented effective cleaning and disinfection protocols, health education, and linen management.

According to her, these efforts have yielded positive results, with a notable decrease in healthcare-associated infections. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

Stakeholders call for hand hygiene culture beyond annual events
Health

Stakeholders call for hand hygiene culture beyond annual events

127 total views today

By Abujah Racheal

To curb healthcare-associated infections and strengthen public health systems, IPC stakeholders and government officials urge that hand hygiene be institutionalised as a national culture, not merely observed as a symbolic annual event.

They made the call on Monday during a commemorative event marking World Hand Hygiene Day 2025, held at Maitama District Hospital in Abuja.

The event, themed, “It Might Be Gloves. It’s Always Hand Hygiene,” was organised by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) through its IPC Unit, in collaboration with the hospital.

Dr Abiodun Issa, Lead, IPC Programme at APIN Public Health Initiatives, stated that approximately 70 per cent of infections were transmitted via hands, underscoring the need for consistent hand hygiene across all levels of society.

“It’s only logical to improve our habits and stop the spread of infections through proper hand hygiene, not just in health facilities, but in homes and communities,” Issa said.

He also warned against the misuse of medical gloves, noting their environmental impact.

“It takes about 10 years for a glove to degrade. These things contribute to global warming,” he said.

Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), emphasised that hand hygiene should not be reduced to a once-a-year campaign.

“Hand hygiene and infection prevention must be ingrained as a continuous habit.

“Regular, unannounced audits and structured training are essential to build a robust culture of safety,” she said, adding that leadership support and the recognition of champions were key to long-term progress.

Mrs Hannatu Isaiq, Head of Nursing at Maitama District Hospital, described investing in IPC as a cost-saving measure.

“It protects patients, reduces healthcare expenses, and empowers healthcare workers to become positive change agents,” she said.

Mr Olusoji Charles, Assistant Chief Geologist with the WASH Response & Collaboration Unit at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, called hand hygiene “the simplest and most effective tool” for disease prevention.

“In no time, if anything happens, it spreads fast. That’s why personal responsibility and sustained collaboration are essential,” he warned.

Ms Oluwatoni Akinola, Antimicrobial Resistance & IPC Programme Officer at the Dr Ameyo Stella Adadevoh Health Trust (DRASA), echoed the sentiment: “Hand hygiene is a powerful, life-saving practice that must become second nature.

“It saves lives, builds trust, cuts costs, and strengthens our health system.”

From a regional perspective, Dr Aisha Farouq, IPC Programme Lead at the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFRENET), highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships.

“Hand hygiene is a cornerstone of healthcare. Our collaboration with NCDC is helping save lives and promote peace, health, and national growth,” she said.

Mrs Chidinma Ibe, Head of the IPC Programme at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), stressed the need for continued institutional support.

“Hand hygiene is fundamental to infection prevention.

“Our longstanding partnership with Maitama District Hospital is crucial for building capacity, strengthening IPC practices, and providing essential resources,” she noted.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that stakeholders reached a consensus: embedding hand hygiene into daily healthcare practice is essential to safeguarding health systems and preventing future disease outbreaks.

They emphasised that this must be supported by strong leadership, continuous training, and multi-sectoral collaboration to minimise environmental harm and ensure long-term impact.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) marks May 5 annually as World Hand Hygiene Day to raise global awareness about the importance of clean hands in preventing infections and protecting healthcare systems.

The event ended with a unified call to action for healthcare stakeholders to recommit to hand hygiene as a life-saving practice that must not be overlooked, regardless of gloves or other protective gear. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Abiemwense Moru

FG reiterates commitment to prioritise women’s health, well-being  
Health

FG reiterates commitment to prioritise women’s health, well-being  

110 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

By Oluwafunke Ishola

 

The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Women’s Health, Dr Adanna Steinacker, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to prioritise and improve the health and well-being of women across the country.

 

Steinacker said this on Saturday in Lagos during the Banking on Women’s Health Conference organised by Healthtracka, a digital health platform.

 

She assured Nigerian women that their health would no longer be a footnote but a front-page priority, emphasising her commitment to championing the advocacy through her office.

 

According to her, conversations that are critical to moving women’s health agenda forward are often silenced, stressing the need to share the stories openly to educate, support, and connect with other women.

 

“The absence of intentional storytelling has left too many women isolated in their pain.

 

“They followed us into adulthood, through illnesses, through birth stories, miscarriages, fertility challenges, postpartum complications, and now for some of us, into menopause.

 

 

“That discomfort has now become my purpose, to break the silence and to build a new culture, one where women’s health is spoken about loudly, boldly, and backed by action,” she said.

 

Steinacker highlighted the Women’s Health Media Hub, a digital-first platform designed to bridge the gender health information gap for Nigerian women as an initiative of her office.

 

“This platform will provide accessible, culturally attuned, evidence-based content so women across Nigeria can make informed decisions about their health,” she said.

 

She also highlighted the Healthy Women, Healthy Nations National Advocacy Campaign, a mobilisation platform comprising a series of sub-campaigns in all six geopolitical zones.

 

According to her, the initiative highlights specific health needs, elevates community-driven solutions, and sparks vital policy conversations from the grassroots to national impact, powered by the people.

 

She stressed the need for collaboration to amplify the work being done on women’s health, stressing that the boldest policy means nothing if it does not meet real people in real-time.

 

“So, to our investors and donors, the time to fund women’s health innovation is now. Not as charity, but as the smartest investment in our nation’s prosperity.

 

“When women are healthy, communities thrive, families prosper, and our nation blooms,” she said.

 

Steinacker commended the Founder of Healthtracka, Ifeoluwa Dare-Johnson, for innovations that promoted women’s health and well-being from at-home HPV kits to low-light AI and AI-powered menstrual health chatbots.

 

She said the innovative products are reaching thousands of Nigerian girls and changing healthcare delivery care and access.

 

“Dare-Johnson is proof that tech-powered, user-centred innovation is not just the future, it is already saving lives today. And it’s even more powerful when combined with community engagement,” she said.

 

Similarly, Rodio Diallo, Deputy-Director, Family Health, Gates Foundation, reaffirmed the foundation’s unwavering commitment to advancing women’s health in Nigeria.

 

Diallo said every day, preventable complications during pregnancy and childbirth claim the lives of women who are the backbone of their families and communities.

 

According to her, this reality underscores the imperative to act swiftly, decisively, and collaboratively.

 

She noted that the foundation is supporting the federal government through strategic lifesaving interventions and partnerships in strengthening primary health centres, family planning, improving maternal and newborn health outcomes, among others.

 

“By partnering with government agencies, local organisations, and community leaders, we aim to create a unified front against the challenges facing women’s health.

 

“Together, we can amplify our impact and drive systemic change.

 

“Our vision is clear. A Nigeria where every woman has access to the health care she needs, where maternal deaths are a rarity, and where women can thrive and contribute fully to their community.

 

“Achieving this vision demands our collective commitment, innovation, and resilience,” Diallo said.

 

Also, Prof. Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, said women constituted over 50 per cent of the country’s population.

 

Abayomi, represented by Dr Victoria Egunjobi, Director, Disease Control, at the ministry of health, said Lagos was committed to improving the health and well-being of women in the state.

 

The Founder of Healthtracka and Convener of the conference, Ifeoluwa Dare-Johnson, said that women’s health has been underdiagnosed and underfunded for long.

 

Dare-Johnson stressed that women’s health is not a personal issue but a national and economic issue.

 

She emphasised that the event represented a defining moment in the movement to centre women’s health in investment, innovation and policy conversations across Africa.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured the inauguration of the “State of Women’s Health in Nigeria Report.”

 

It is a first-of-its-kind, data-rich report that provides critical insights into the challenges and opportunities within Nigeria’s healthcare system for women. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Experts urge boost in women’s health research
Health

Experts urge boost in women’s health research

87 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Oluwafunke Ishola

 

A Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bosede Afolabi, has urged all tiers of government to intentionally increase funding for health research, especially for women.

 

 

 

 

 

Afolabi, Director of Clinical Trials, Research and Implementation Science (CCTRIS), University of Lagos, made the appeal at the ‘Banking on Women’s Health Conference’ in Lagos.

 

 

 

 

 

The event, held on Saturday, was organised by Healthtracka. Afolabi delivered a presentation titled, ‘The Future of Women’s Health Begins with Research.’

 

 

 

 

 

She stressed that the lack of funding in women’s health research represents a missed opportunity to strengthen healthcare services and outcomes for women.

 

 

 

 

 

Afolabi highlighted major diseases under-researched in women, in spite of their prevalence.

 

 

 

 

 

“Lung cancer, the top cancer in women, has under 15 per cent female-focused research.

 

 

 

 

 

“Alzheimer’s affects two-thirds of women, yet less than 12 per cent of related research centres on them,” she said.

 

 

 

 

 

She also noted that heart disease remains the leading killer of women, with sickle cell also under-researched, particularly in female patients.

 

 

 

 

 

Afolabi explained that clinical trials need significant financial backing. However, Nigeria allocates less than 0.2 per cent of its GDP to research.

 

 

 

 

 

She compared global investment: Europe allocates 27 per cent, Asia 31 per cent, and the United States, 37 per cent of GDP to research.

 

 

 

 

 

“The U.S. spends around $245 billion on medical research alone. That’s roughly equal to or more than Nigeria’s entire GDP,” she stated.

 

 

 

 

 

She described it as alarming that 90 per cent of Nigeria’s research funding still comes from international donors, rather than local commitment.

 

 

 

 

 

According to Afolabi, research is the foundation of evidence-based care. She urged non-partisan, focused investment in women’s health research at all government levels.

 

 

 

 

 

She stated that such investment is vital to improving women’s wellbeing and speeding up national economic growth and development.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr Modupe Elebute-Odunsi, Managing Director, Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre, also called for increased education to tackle stigma surrounding cancer diagnoses.

 

 

 

 

 

She made this appeal while speaking on ‘Taking Action: Cancer Screening Can’t Wait’ during the same conference.

 

 

 

 

 

Elebute-Odunsi said cancer is not a death sentence. Early screening and advances in treatment now offer patients much better outcomes.

 

 

 

 

 

She noted many Nigerians delay hospital visits. Early screening and accessible treatment are essential to boosting survival rates in the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Experts call for research, improved care for children with cancer
Health

Experts call for research, improved care for children with cancer

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By Justina Auta

Medical professionals have called for increased research and improved access to clinical services to ensure effective treatment outcomes for children suffering from cancer.

The call was made during the 2025 virtual “Dear Doctor” annual series, organised by the Okapi Children Cancer Foundation (OkapiCCF) on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event aims at raising public awareness of childhood cancer and addressing common questions about the disease.

Dr Ayodotun Olutola, Managing Director and CEO of the Centre for Clinical Care and Research, emphasised that research and clinical services were crucial to improving treatment outcomes for children with cancer.

He highlighted the importance of early diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care in ensuring better outcomes for the young patients.

He further stated that investing in these areas would enhance treatment success and provide hope to both children and their families.

Dr Adewumi Oyesakin, Senior Paediatric Consultant at the National Hospital, Abuja, delivered a presentation titled “Childhood Cancer 101 – Basics Everyone Should Know About Childhood Cancer,” explaining that childhood cancer typically affected children and adolescents.

Represented by Dr Juliet Okpala, Oyesakin identified leukemia, brain and spinal tumours, neuroblastoma, and Wilms tumour as some of the major cancers affecting children.

She also noted that cancer symptoms varied, but common signs, such as unexplained weight loss, fatigue, fever, persistent pain, and swollen lymph nodes, should prompt immediate consultation with healthcare professionals.

Early detection, she stressed, significantly improved treatment outcomes.

Dr Ifeoma Ezeukwu-Orogade, a Consultant Paediatric Haemato-Oncologist at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, highlighted the importance of advocacy and public awareness in the fight against childhood cancer.

She called for greater education of communities, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the challenges families face in accessing care for childhood cancer.

Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, President of the Nigerian Cancer Society, represented by Dr Tessy Ahmadu, reaffirmed the society’s commitment to prioritising childhood cancer care.

Omonisi said there were plans to establish a childhood cancer registry in Abuja to help improve care and treatment for affected children.

Susan Nyabate-Mageto, representing Childhood Cancer International, drew attention to the physical disabilities, mental health challenges, and ongoing care needs faced by childhood cancer survivors as they grow into adulthood.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Oluwakemi Adekanye, OkapiCCF Chief Volunteer and Founder, reiterated the organisation’s dedication to supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer.

She emphasised the need for awareness campaigns to reduce stigma, encourage early detection, and provide continuous support for survivors navigating their post-recovery health journey.

The session also featured inspiring stories from cancer survivors and their advocates, who expressed gratitude to the foundation for improving access to treatment.

Adekemi Oyewusi, a 25-year childhood cancer survivor, shared her personal journey and reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for better treatment options and support for children battling cancer.

NAN also reports that the 2025 edition of the “Dear Doctor” series focuses on educating the public about childhood cancer, its challenges, the importance of early diagnosis, advocacy, and ongoing support for affected families.

The event attracted more than 60 participants, including healthcare professionals, cancer survivors, patient advocates, and members of the general public, who engaged in an insightful discussion on childhood cancer. (NAN)(www.nannews.com)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Abiemwense Moru

 

Experts warn against kitchen knife sharing
Health

Experts warn against kitchen knife sharing

110 total views today

By Vivian Ihechu

In most households, a kitchen knife serves many functions — from cutting meat to vegetables, tubers, fruits, and even pastries, often with just one or two knives.

However, experts warn of dangers in using the same knife for raw meat or poultry and then for vegetables or foods that won’t be further cooked.

Dr Abraham Ajayi, of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), stressed this practice can cause cross-contamination and the spread of foodborne infections.

He noted that utensils like knives are a major route for transmitting pathogens, especially non-typhoidal salmonella, during food preparation in homes.

The World Health Organisation describes salmonellosis as a bacterial disease causing fever, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting.

Two strains, Salmonella Enteritidis and Typhimurium, account for most non-typhoidal salmonella cases reported globally, WHO states.

Ajayi, also from NIMR’s Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Department, explained why separate knives must be used for different food types.

He said people often ignore non-typhoidal strains, despite their role in gastroenteritis, mistaking symptoms like diarrhoea as minor issues.

“People self-medicate and only visit hospitals when symptoms become severe. Some salmonella strains are now more invasive than before,” Ajayi said.

He noted that food animals like poultry, sheep, and cattle in Nigeria have tested positive for such organisms.

“When the same knife is used, cross-contamination occurs. We must look critically at this,” Ajayi said.

He advised people to cook food properly and practise strict hygiene when preparing meals at home.

“Don’t use the same knife for poultry and vegetables eaten raw. That’s a key source of contamination,” he said.

Ajayi said non-typhoidal salmonella is endemic in Nigeria but under-reported due to poor surveillance systems.

He cited recent outbreaks abroad, including the U.S., where pet geckos were linked to salmonella transmission.

“In Nigeria, we lack comprehensive data. Most insights come from clinical studies, like one by Akinyemi,” he said.

He explained the infection is self-limiting for healthy people but dangerous for children, the elderly, and those with weak immunity.

“In such groups, it can lead to severe illness and even death,” Ajayi warned.

He revealed that some healthy food handlers in Nigeria were carriers of the non-typhoidal salmonella strain.

Ajayi called for increased funding and attention to study the local transmission of this infection.

Using separate, clean knives and cutting boards for raw meat and fresh produce can prevent serious foodborne illnesses, he stressed.  (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

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