By Justina Auta

The Federal Government on Thursday, unveiled mobile courts and new guidelines for hotels, schools, and others to ensure speedy access to justice for cases of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).

Mobile courts  are courts that can be easily moved from one place to another to adjudicate disputes and administer justice.

Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs, during a partnership meeting in Abuja with other key stakeholders noted the alarming cases of SGBV, child abuse, child labour, harmful practices and prison congestion in the country.

Kennedy-Ohanenye, decried cases of exposure to alcohol and even death in hotels, bullying and sexual molestation in schools as well as refusal to treat gunshot patients without police reports,  said the enactment of the mobile courts would curtail such menace.

According to her, the implementation of the mobile court will usher in guidelines for new operational methods for all hotels, hospitals, schools and NGOs, which include signs prohibiting actions that encourage GBV.

She explained that some signs are to be posted in strategic areas of hotels,schools, hospitals and other places with a toll free number for people to report violations.

“The implementation of the mobile court will usher in guidelines for new operational methods for all hotels, hospitals both private and public, private and public schools and NGOs.

“All hotels should display posters of no under aged girls or children allowed for lodging in hotels.

“All primary and secondary schools should display sign posts and there must be a sitting  teacher in every classroom for both primary and secondary.

“There must be four teachers on duty who will always be outside watching the children play during breaks.

There must be a sitting cleaner staff at the entrance of the toilet corridors to monitor what goes on.

“No hospital should reject any emergency patient. At least immediate first aid should be administered for restoration or resuscitation of life,” she said.

The minister added that the objectives of the mobile courts include increase in speed deployment and dispensation of justice; enhancement of speed and efficiency in case trials; and eliminating harmful practices.

Others include: reduction of child labour,out of school children and underage as househelps; reduce child abuse and the use of babies to beg for alms amongst; several others.

Also speaking, Eze  Anyanwu, the National President, Nigeria Hotel Association assured the government of their commitment towards ensuring the implementation of the guidelines to address cases of GBV.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other stakeholders at the meeting include representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Education, medical facilities, hotel owners, NGOs, CSOs, among others. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Justina Auta

The Federal Government, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria, and others have advocated for a comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) among youths to enhance health outcomes and protection from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and violence.

They made the call at an event organised by AHF Nigeria to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the African Child (IDAC), on Thursday in Abuja.

Kemi Gbadamosi, Director of Policy, Advocacy and Marketing, AHF Africa Bureau, said CSE would address the increasing new infection rates of HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies amongst youths.

“Part of the reason we see this spike in infection rates amongst young people is lack of access to the right information, sexual reproductive health services, information and tools like CSE.

“Research tells us that access to age appropriate education helps to reduce HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, delay when young people begin to have sex and reduce cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and promote gender equality.”

Gbadamosi explained that the organisation engaged parents and youths on the benefits of sexual education to contravene popular opinions that it promotes promiscuity.

“Contrary to popular opinions, a lot of parents, leaders say sexual education promotes promiscuity, but research tells us that when young people have access to age appropriate CSE, it stops them from being promiscuous.

“It protects them, builds their self esteem and they are able to make better decisions and more informed choices.

“It also helps them to recognise when issues of violence and sexual harassment about to happen, so that they can protect themselves.

“We have always got pushback from parents, community leaders because they believe that whenever you say Comprehensive Sexual Education(CSE), you are talking about sex.

“That is why engagement such as this also requires parents in the discussion to know the benefits.”

Also, AHF Nigeria Country Programme Director, Dr Echey Ijezie, said: “it is important to discuss CSE because research has shown that CSEs improve health outcomes, empower youths and adolescents.

“It helps them to make informed choices and not contract HIV and other STIs, and also reduce the risks of unwanted pregnancies.”

Mrs Mariam Shu’aibu, Assistant Director, Child Development, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, said that issues on child marriage, HIV are issues that the ministry was advocating against.

Njideka Ogbuke, Assistant Director, Education Support Department, Federal Ministry of Information, said equipping youths with the right information would reduce the tendency of negative influence from social media and pornographic contents.

Mrs Maria Okhilua, Director, Monitory and Evaluation, representing the Secretary, FCT Education Board, stressed the need to collaborate with policy makers, school administrators to ensure implementation of CSE.

Miss Isabel Anani, Stand with Girl Initiative and UNICEF Young Influencer, said: “Young people should never feel the need to be peer pressured to do something.

“Because it is a recurring trend when you see things happen, you want to follow the crowd.

“But you have to sit back and think, how it will affect your future. There is a need to have inner dialogue and evaluate your priority,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Franca Ofili

The Federal Government has begun the training of no fewer than 60 health workers on nutrition to enhance optimal maternal, infant and young child nutrition communication.

Mrs Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi, Director and Head of Nutrition Division, Federal Ministry of Health, spoke during the exercise on Thursday in Awka, Anambra.

Bako-Aiyegbusi was represented by Mr Ajibola Babatunde, Team lead from the ministry.

She said that the eight-day capacity building exercise for health workers was to enhance optimal Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) in the country.

According to her, the training is aimed at increasing quality and cost-effective nutrition services for pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls and children under five years of age.

The project, funded by the World Bank at the tune of 232 million dollars in partnership with the Federal Government, is implementing a five-year nutrition programme tagged “Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria.”

Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi said the project was to increase quality and cost-effective nutrition services for pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls, and children under five years of age.

She said that the objective of MIYCM course was to provide basic training on maternal Infant and Young Child Nutrition for those who care for mothers and young children (0-59 months)

According to her, the training will provide participants up to date information on MIYCN best practices based on its policy, strategy and guidelines.

She said MIYCN course would also help to maximise the impacts on child growth and micronutrient status by focusing on maternal nutrition, delivery practices, and improved infant and young child feeding.

According to her, nutrition is in the front burner because people are bothered about the poor indices of nutrition in the country.

She identified poor knowledge as the cause of poor nutrition in the country.

“We have realised that the key thing that is leading to the poor indices of nutrition is poor knowledge of individual households in the communities on healthy feeding practices.

“The training is targeted at increasing the skill and knowledge of health workers and volunteers on information to educate people on what they should do in order to have good nutrition practice,” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Carol V. Utulu

The management of Government Specialist Hospital, Asaba has announced plans to set up a 24-hour Walk-in Blood Donor Unit in the hospital.

The Chief Medical Director of the hospital (CMD), Dr Peace Ighosewe made this known on Thursday in Asaba during a blood drive campaign organised by the hospital in commemoration of the 2024 World Blood Donor Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the plan is part of the hospital’s campaign to create more awareness about the importance of blood donation.

Ighosewe said that the management of the hospital would make the blood drive campaign a frequent exercise due to the increase in demand for blood donation by patients in the hospital.

The medical director further said that the hospital would provide easy access for willing donors and ensure the timely availability of blood for patients in need.

She noted that it had become imperative to have a walk-in blood donor unit in the hospital due to the increasing demand by people willing to donate blood.

On the blood donor campaign, Ighosewe said she was greatly impressed with the turnout of donors who thronged the hospital to make voluntary blood donations as a result of the blood drive.

She revealed that staff of the hospital, from doctors to nurses as well as members of the cleaning and security units, came out to donate in support of the lifesaving cause.

The medical director expressed gratitude to the Delta State Government for providing an enabling environment for their work.

“I also commend the State Ministry of Health, led by Dr Joseph Onojaeme, for the support and commitment to the success of the blood drive.

“I commend my dedicated team of Medical Laboratory Scientists, led by the HOD, Faith Emetonjor, for the exceptional work in planning and executing the project.

“My appreciation also goes to members of the management team and organising committee and all the 46 amazing donors, particularly donors who are staff of the hospital,” Ighosewe said.

According to the CMD, the hospital is poised to revolutionise blood donation and patient care in the state, with the planned setting up of a blood donor unit.

Faith Emetonjor, the Head, Medical Laboratory Science Department of the hospital who spoke to newsmen at the event, said the blood drive was organised to celebrate old donors and encourage new people to donate.

Emetonjor reassured donors that comprehensive medical checks have been put in place to ensure their safety and blood products, with two functional blood banks.

She announced the availability of a refrigerated centrifuge in the facility, to ensure proper storage and utilisation of the units of blood donated.

A blood donor, Mr Emeka Nwangwu, a businessman who was at the event, said he felt morally obligated to donate blood.

“I brought my daughter to the hospital for immunisation unknowing to me that today is World Blood Donor Day.

“However, on getting here and seeing the blood drive, I felt it was part of my responsibility to volunteer and help save lives by donating to this cause,” he said.

Nwangwu called on Nigerians to come forward and donate blood to patients in need to save lives.

A staff of the Asaba Specialist Hospital, Mr Chukwuebuka Obidike who was one of the 46 donors, told NAN in an interview that he had been a regular donor.

“I am a frequent donor and I have been doing this for a while now. When I saw the announcement for a blood drive I decided to come and donate,” he said.

NAN reports that the Asaba Specialist Hospital is dedicated to making blood donation a quarterly moral responsibility, thereby encouraging everyone to participate. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

=========
Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

By Joshua Olomu

Move Against Cancer Africa (MACA), a volunteer-based NGO has called for increased awareness to ensure early detection and treatment of kidney cancer.

MACA champions campaigns and education on cancer-related issues across Africa,

Mr Caleb Egwuenu, Project Officer of MACA, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the 2024 Work Kidney Cancer Day (WKCD).

NAN reports that every year, the World Kidney Cancer Day is observed in June to raise awareness about the disease, its causes, symptoms, and available treatments, and this year’s WKCD is June 20.

According to Egwuenu, adequate awareness on cancer-related issues, including risks, treatment, survivorship, palliative care, and prevention, was important in combating the scourge.

“To mark this year’s World Kidney Cancer Day, the International Kidney Cancer Coalition (IKCC) and its affiliates, including Move Against Cancer Africa, have chosen a theme: “We need to listen.”

“It is an important reminder to listen to our body and educate ourselves about kidney cancer, its symptoms, the steps we can take to reduce our risk and support those affected by the disease.”

“Note that there are no obvious symptoms of kidney cancer, but when there are symptoms, they can include blood in the urine, a lump or swelling in your back, under your ribs, or in your neck.

“Other possible symptoms include pain between your ribs and waist that does not go away, loss of appetite or loss of weight, consistent tiredness or no energy, persistent fever or excessive sweating , including at night.

“This is why routine checkups are very crucial, and healthcare professionals are advised to listen to their patients.

“Patients should have the right to be heard, and If you feel you are not being listened to, seek a second opinion for symptoms that do not improve”.

“Patients with kidney cancer, are advised to listen to healthcare professionals who provide them with advice and support, and have open conversations to ensure access to enough information for informed health decisions,” he said.

According to Egwuenu, open communication between a patient and a healthcare provider is needed in handling cancer-related issues to ensure shared Decision-Making (SDM).

He added that early detection of kidney cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes and, therefore, called for regular health check-ups and screenings, especially for individuals with a family history of kidney cancer or other risk factors.

He noted that adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, managing high blood pressure, and avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals, can reduce the risk of kidney cancer.

“By raising awareness and promoting early detection and treatment, we can strive towards better outcomes for individuals battling kidney cancer,” he said.(NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Peter Okolie

Prof. Peter Akah, a professor of Pharmacology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has organised a free healthcare services to over 1,000 residents of Okporo Community in Orlu Local Government Area of the state.

Akah, former acting Vice Chancellor, Imo State University, who hails from the community, also inaugurated a Clinic in the area.

He said that the project was initiated to address the health challenges of the vulnerable members of Umunyem-Umuebele Village in Okporo Community, especially the aged, women and children.

“Sincerely, if I had 20 calls in a day, 18 of them ask for money to buy drugs, not even food. I know how much it is to pay for consultancy, let alone hospital bills and I can imagine what people in the village go through,” Akah said.

According to him, many of the villagers are moving around with malaria and typhoid, prostate cancer, ulcer, diabetes and partial stroke without proper medical attention.

Reacting to the development, the President of the town’s union, Chief John Egolu, thanked Akah for the health outreach and establishment of a clinic in the area.

“A visit to the facility shows that there are beds and full theatre for surgery and there is a promise that more equipment would be brought, subsequently.

“This vision of our dear son, Prof. Akah, is that which will in no small measure help our people, especially by getting healthcare services closer to them,” he said.

A 67-year-old stroke patient, Mr Charles Okechukwu, said the gesture was “God sent to help the less privileged in the community. We have never seen this type of medical care in our village.”

Another beneficiary of the health mission, Mrs Fidelia Ibemike, 89, said the health facility had brought healthcare services closer to the people.

Ibemike said that the facility would reduce the sufferings usually encountered in traveling to other communities for medical treatment.

She said that many aged persons have died in their homes because they lacked the money to seek medical attention.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Sam Oditah

By Folasade Akpan

The Federal Government says it will integrate Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) care and services into maternal and child health to improve early identification of cases.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at a media conference to commemorate the 2024 World Sickle Cell Day (WSCD) with the theme “Hope Through Progress: Advancing Care Globally.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that sickle cell is a group of disorders that cause red blood cells to become misshapen and break down.

With sickle cell disease, an inherited group of disorders, red blood cells contort into a sickle shape and die early, leaving a shortage of healthy red blood cells (sickle cell anaemia), blocking blood flow and causing pain (sickle cell crisis).

NAN also reports that the World Sickle Cell Day is annually commemorated on June 19 to raise awareness about the disease and the need for urgent action.

The global observance day is also to draw attention to the challenges faced by individuals and families affected by SCD.

The health minister, who was represented by the ministry’s Director of Public Health, Dr Chukwuma Anyaike, said the integration was targeted at both primary and secondary levels of healthcare in the country.

According to him, the integration will improve early detection of cases and enrollment into the comprehensive care for SCD.

He also said that plans were underway to deploy newly validated, efficient and cost-effective Point of Care screening methods that would identify SCD in new-borns, and in other age groups, as a first line screening method for SCD at different levels of care.

He listed other measures to reduce the burden of the disease as: revitalisation and re-positioning of the six SCD centres for improved SCD service delivery and access to care for those living with the disease.

Pate said SCD is the most prevalent genetic disease in the WHO African Region, and that in many countries of the region including Nigeria, 10 to 40 per cent of the population carry the sickle-cell gene, resulting in estimated SCD prevalence of at least two per cent.

He said “the situation in the region also indicates that national policies and strategic action plans are inadequate, while appropriate facilities and trained personnel are scarce.

“In Nigeria, SCD contributes significantly to both child and adult morbidity and mortality.

“Nigeria stands out as the most SCD endemic country in Africa and globally, ahead of India and Democratic Republic of Congo, with an annual infant death of 100,000, representing eight per cent of infant mortality.”

The minister added that those that managed to survive, do suffer end-organs damage, which not only shortens their lifespan, but also affects their quality of life.

He also said it is one disorder that may negatively undermine the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) one, three and four.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative, Dr Walter Mulombo, said that among the more than 120 million people affected globally by SCD, an estimated 66 per cent live in Africa.

He also said that “an average of 1,000 children are born every day with SCD, making it the most prevalent genetically-acquired disease in the African region.”

Mulombo, who was represented by Dr Kelius Msyamboza, said about 6.4 per cent of under-five mortality in Africa is attributed to SCD, with a 26 per cent increase in deaths from 2000 to 2019.

He, however, said in response to the situation, the organisation developed a strategy to tackle the disease in the WHO African Region, adopted by member states during the 66th Regional Committee for Africa.

Mulombo said the strategy provided a set of public health interventions to reduce the disease burden through improved awareness, prevention and early detection.

According to him, early diagnosis in new-borns through point-of-care screening allows early treatment that can save lives, alleviate symptoms and reduce suffering from pain.

“As for adults with SCD, regular checks are crucial to monitor signs of organ damage, early detection and effective management, he advised.

He disclosed that Nigeria had been selected as one of the 20 priority countries to implement the PEN-Plus intervention.

On her part,  Prof. Obiageli Nnodu, the Director, Centre of Excellence for SCD Research and Training, University of Abuja (CERSTA), said the centre was carrying out conventional screening of new-borns in 25 Primary Health Care (PHC) centres in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

She added that the centre had screened 22,000 babies in the FCT and 12,000 in Kaduna State, while 344 babies had been identified, while efforts were underway to follow them up.

Nnodu added that infrastructure was built to support a national SCD disease registry, and that capacity had been built to support the immediate roll-out of universal newborn screening.

She explained that though the barriers to screening had been addressed, the centre was still encountering other barriers to enrollment of detected babies.(NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu