Health - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Lifestyle medicine experts proffer solutions to combat chronic diseases

Folashade Adeniran
Nov, Sat, 2024

Health

Lifestyle medicine experts proffer solutions to combat chronic diseases

437 total views today

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

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

Philip Daniel Yatai
Nov, Fri, 2024

Health

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

637 total views today

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

Abayomi, Osibogun, Obafunwa underscore importance of research

Vivian Ihechu
Nov, Fri, 2024

Health

Abayomi, Osibogun, Obafunwa underscore importance of research

446 total views today

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

460 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

500 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

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

Folashade Adeniran
Nov, Wed, 2024

Health

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

489 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

NOA takes campaign against gender-based violence to Abuja communities

Philip Daniel Yatai
Nov, Tue, 2024

Health

NOA takes campaign against gender-based violence to Abuja communities

489 total views today

By Angela Atabo

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), has taken the campaign against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) to communities in the FCT, Abuja.

Mrs Theresa Maduekwe, Director, Public Enlightenment and Mass Mobilisation of the agency, disclosed this on Tuesday when she visited Mr Joseph Narayi, the Chief of Karu, Abuja.

According to Maduekwe, NOA was leveraging on its wide reach to address the menace of GBV.

“NOA is bringing the fight against gender-based violence to the heart of communities across Nigeria.

“This is part of activities to celebrate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

“The aim is to spark conversations and raise awareness for a violence-free Nigeria.

The activity will run between Nov. 25 and Dec. 10,”she said.

Maduekwe described GBV as a crime, adding that it discourages love for others.

“Violence whether against children, men or women, either in the home, school, on the streets or even in the marketplace is not good,”he added.

The director called on Nigerians to rise against GBV, adding that such a move would encourage progress and growth in the society.

She said that NOA had lined up activities to commemorate the 16 days of activism against GBV, adding that NOA would engage traditional and religious leaders in the campaign.

“The activities will strengthen the knowledge base of parents, guardians, and caregivers in rural communities on the need to invest in children to ensure a better future and protect them from GBV,”she explained.

Responding, Narayi thanked NOA for the initiative, particularly in creating awareness on other critical national issues.

Narayi said that before now cases of GBV were not under-reported in the community due to the inability of victims to speak out.

“I am willing to work with NOA to address GBV, I will support you to continuously spread the message against GBV,”he promised.

Narayi called on parents and guardians to always cater for their wards and correct behaviour that may likely lead them to promoting GBV.(NAN)

Edited by Polycarp Auta

Centre wants public civic places in Ikorodu accessible to PWDs

Vivian Ihechu
Nov, Mon, 2024

Gender , General News , Health

Centre wants public civic places in Ikorodu accessible to PWDs

550 total views today

By Lilian U. Okoro

The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has canvassed for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) to be given their fundamental civil rights to access public civic spaces within the Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The Programme Assistant of CCD, Tosin Aniramu, made the call at an advocacy programme titled: “One-Day Grassroot Awareness On Free Civic Space For PWDs In Ikorodu”, in Lagos.

Aniramu said the advocacy was as a result of denial of PWDs access to public civic spaces including banks, hospitals, schools, religious centres etc within Ikorodu area of Lagos.

According to her, the programme is in line with CCD’s statutory responsibility and commitment to advocate and promote the lots of PWDs in Nigeria.

Delivering a presentation entitled: “Introduction To Disability And Disability Rights”, Aniramu sensitised participants on the Concept of Disability Clusters, Models of Disability and Disabilities Rights.

She emphasised that PWDs had the fundamental rights to access civic spaces not only at Ikorodu, but also in other parts of the country.

Quoting statistics, Aniramu said that about 16 per cent of the world’s population (1.3 billion persons) lived with one form of disability or the other, and about 29 million Nigerians had one disability or the other as at 2018.

According to her, the World Bank disability growth rate in Nigeria is increasing, owing to consistent conflict, violence, accidents and poor healthcare system.

She, however, said that the best model of disability was the ‘Human Right Model’ which emphasises the dignity of persons with disabilities and their human, political, economic, social and cultural rights.

She said, “The ‘Religious Model’ regards disability as a punishment from God due to sins of the individual or the family.

“The ‘Medical Model’ regards disability as curable and avoidable, while the ‘Charity Model’ describes PWDs as victims of circumstance who are suffering tragic situations and as such should be pitted as they need special services and institutions.

“Unfortunately, on a daily basis, the rights of PWDs are infringed upon by many factors, including ‘Attitudinal Barriers’ stemming from discrimination and stigmatisation, lack of social acceptance, poor parental and guardian attitude.

“Perceptions and beliefs about PWDs; ‘institutional barrier, as lack of implementation and enforcement of legal frameworks, bureaucracy and corruption, low budget allocation for social welfare and low level of awareness on disability inclusion”.

Aniramu said for successful inclusivity of PWDs, the CSOs and media should lobby for inclusive budgeting as well as track budget utilisation and mainstream disability activities, saying that processes and operations should be disability-inclusive.

She also called for more advocacy to influence social change as well as strict enforcement of relevant legal framework and creating more awareness and report violation of PWDs rights.

Aniramu, therefore, recommended using the UN Approved Disability-Inclusive Terminologies when referring or addressing the PWDs. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Niger vaccinates 444,658 girls against HPV

Ismail Abdulaziz
Nov, Thu, 2024

Health

Niger vaccinates 444,658 girls against HPV

512 total views today

By Rita Iliya

Niger state Ministry of Primary Healthcare has vaccinated no fewer than 444,658 girls against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) during its vaccination campaign.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state inaugurated a campaign on inoculations of more than 500,000 girls against HVP, the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Mr Daniel Jiya, Director, Food and Drugs and Project Manager of the State Emergency Routine Immunisation Coordination Centre (SERICC), disclosed this during the vaccination review meeting in Minna on Wednesday.

He said this achievement had placed Niger State third in Nigeria’s HPV vaccination drive.

“The targeted demographic was girls aged 9-14, chosen because they have reached early adulthood,” he said.

Jiya disclosed that cervical cancer claims 8,000 lives annually in Nigeria, accounting for 95 per cent of deaths among women.

He said HPV vaccine has been proven safe and effective in preventing cervical cancer.

He said the objectives of the meeting was to review HPV vaccine progress, foster collaboration between stakeholders, and address challenges in vaccine delivery.

He emphasised that immunisation was the safest and most cost-effective way to tackle diseases, calling on all to spread the word and ensure children get vaccinated.

Other objectives was to review progress, foster collaboration, address challenges by identifying and mitigating obstacles in vaccine service delivery and strengthen stakeholder involvement.

He, however, said part of the challenges encountered during the campaign was low uptake of the vaccine due to misconceptions and limited awareness

In her goodwill message, Gerida Birukila, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Kaduna, commended stakeholders for their efforts and urged continued awareness creation to reach areas not reached during the campaign.

Also, Andrea Okeke-Ewewi, representative of Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), commended the efforts in ensuring that over 400,000 eligible girls were vaccinated during the vaccination campaign in Niger state. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Hardship: Expert advises Nigerians to guard mental health

Muhyideen Jimoh
Nov, Sun, 2024

Economy/Business , Health

Hardship: Expert advises Nigerians to guard mental health

518 total views today

Okeoghene Akubuike

A clinical Psychologist, Dr Adedotun Ajiboye has advised Nigerians to guard their mental health amid the present economic challenges being experienced in the country.

Ajiboye, who works with the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado- Ekiti gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.

He said that the economic hardship could significantly affect mental health, increase stress, anxiety, and depression.

Ajiboye, however, said it was important for people to recognise the impact of economic hardship on their mental health.

For instance, he explained that economic hardship could lead to financial stress such as reduced income, debt, and uncertainty, which he said could trigger feelings of being overwhelmed.

According to him, economic hardship can lead to emotional turmoil, which can cause anxiety, depression, irritability, and mood swings.

“Economic hardship can also lead to social isolation, this is when people withdraw from social connections due to shame or embarrassment.

“Economic hardship could also cause physical symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, and digestive issues.”

He proffered some strategies for maintaining good mental health during economic hardship which include practicing self-care, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques.

“Acknowledge your emotions, and ensure you avoid denial or suppression of your emotions.

“Also, express yourself in a journal, talk to trusted friends/family members , or engage in creative activities.

“Practice self-compassion such as treating yourself with kindness and understanding, while regular meditation and mindfulness can help reduce stress.

“Gratitude is also important, reflecting on positive aspects of life.”

He said people should exercise regularly because it helps to improve a person’s mood, adding that eating healthy and establishing a consistent sleep schedule was important.

Ajiboye said another strategy was for people to stay connected with their community and loved ones and seek support from professionals.

“It is important for people to maintain relationships and join support groups. Also, get involved in your community by volunteering and participating in local initiatives.

“Also, share your concerns with friends, family, or mental health professionals through therapy and counselling.

“There are online communities people can join for support, online therapy platforms and mental health hotlines for convenient access to mental health services.”

He said that adopting practical coping mechanisms was another strategy people could use to maintain good mental health during economic challenges.

“Budgeting is very important, people need to create a realistic budget, allocating essentials first.

“Debt management should be adopted by negotiating payment plans and considering credit counseling.”

Ajiboye said that those searching for jobs should update their skills, network, and explore new opportunities.

“ Also, utilise your resources such as leveraging on community resources like food banks or seeking financial assistance.

He said people should learn to manage their time properly by prioritising tasks and setting achievable goals.

“Economic hardship can challenge mental health, but proactive strategies can mitigate its impact.

He said while acknowledging emotions, seeking support, and prioritising self-care, individuals could navigate financial difficulties while maintaining mental well-being.

“Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength,” he said (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams