By Folashade Akpan

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has urged African countries to identify and preserve the knowledge of traditional medicine and employ it in cancer treatment.

Dr Ahmad Sengendo, the organisation’s Assistant Secretary General for Economic Affairs, Science and Technology, made the call on Thursday in Abuja at the High Level Regional Seminar on Promoting Cancer Awareness and Advocay Programmes in OIC Member States.

The third edition of the OIC High-Level Regional Seminar which started on Wednesday, has “Innovative Approaches to Cancer and Early detection” as its theme.

It was hosted by the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu.

According to Sengendo, there is need to identify and preserve available indigenous knowledge and plant species available in Africa and to use them in the treatment of cancer.

This, he said, would go a long way in helping the continent to manage the scourge of the disease and lift Africa, which is part of Low-Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) mostly affected by the disease.

Dr Walter Mulombo, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative, said “it is hightime Africa starts taking cancer seriously, as well as other killer diseases such as AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis.”

According to him, early detection is crucial to the fight against the scourge.

He added that “cancer is preventable and 40 per cent of cancer deaths can be forestalled through early detection.

“The current situation demands deliberate and coordinated action and according to available statistics, the statistics is expected to rise by 21.4 million and an estimated 13.2 million people will die of the disease by 2030.

“More than half of OIC member states are LMICs, the burden caused by cancer both to the nation, human resource, financial capacity and infrastructure is beyond what is available in the national budget.”

He, however, urged organisations to complement government efforts in fighting cancer.

On his part, Rafael Grossi, Director-General of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said cancer could be prevented or even treated with the right tools.

According to him, the most compelling argument which should be addressed holistically is that people are dying of curable cancers in Africa,  which should not be so.

He narrated that “where I work, almost no woman dies of breast cancer, and this is something that is within our reach, we have the technology, we have the capacity to change this, we are not in front of an unsolvable problem or something that may require a lot of money to solve.

“Sometimes it is about having a radiotherapy unit in a small town or having  access to something physical so that we can heal people.”

He, however, said that the agency was not about policies but about giving out the necessary technology, training doctors, oncologists and radiotherapists and providing equipment so that they can provide the needed services to the people.

“This is what we are going to do. Some countries are already requesting for assistance and many of them members of the OIC.

“About half of them have shown seriousness of the situation that we have in front of us”, he added.

On his part, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Tunji Alausa, said that the seminar aims to promote cancer awareness, advocacy and access to and the affordability of cancer treatment.

He said it was designed to improve the capacity of technical partners as they support governments and institutions.

According to him, the First Lady’s gesture is a testament to uncommon commitment and people-oriented leadership of President Bola Tinubu, who  demonstrated rare zeal to transform the health sector, especially cancer care, through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He appreciated the African First Ladies of the OIC Member States for championing awareness creation and early detection.

Alausa added that the resolutions and statements made by the first ladies would prompt various governments and International Partners to swing into action to create an enabling environment for overall cancer care in the sub-region.

“This will go a long way in increasing advocacy which will improve funding for cancer care at national and international levels,” he added.

Highlight of the event was the Abuja Cancer Declaration of the first ladies of OIC African Member States on Promoting Cancer Awareness and Advocacy Programmes.

The member states committed to investing more resources in addressing the risk factors associated with cancer and encourage the participation of civil society and communities in fostering partnerships for dissemination of accurate information about cancer.

They also committed to integrating cancer prevention into primary healthcare systems and promoting greater public awareness about the importance of cancer prevention measures.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that present at the event were the first lady of Turkiye, Mrs Emine Erdogan, the first lady of The Gambia, Mrs Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, the first lady of Sierra Leone, Mrs Fatima Bio and other foreign delegates. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

By Justina Auta

Stakeholders in health, gender and environment sectors have advocated for the integration of women and girls with disabilities in climate change policies, programmes and disaster management initiatives.

The stakeholders made the call in Abuja at a one-day Stakeholders Meeting organised by the Network of Women with Disabilities (NWD) with support from the Disability Rights Fund.

Mrs Lois Auta, Project Lead and Executive Director, NWD, said that climate change affected women and girls with disabilities, especially in the areas of biodiversity, food insecurity, health, economy, water sanitation and hygiene.

“Our legal frameworks should encapsulate issues of women with disabilities and the impact of climate change.

“We need to include them in the planning; we should empower, engage and employ women with disabilities in all our jobs and training opportunities.

“Also, in the Conference of Parties (COP28), we did not see enough representation of women with disabilities.

“We want to see women with disabilities in steering committees and all other platforms on climate change.

“We want the five per cent reservations for women with disabilities in COP29, which the plans have already started,” she said.

On his part, Mr Akintude Akinmolayen, Executive Director, Climate Actors Innovations and Sustainability, stressed the importance of prioritising the needs of women with disabilities in various disaster scenarios and climate change impacts.

“Climate change affects everybody but PWDs are affected more especially in the area of access to facilities and when there is a climate disaster, it aggravates and worsens the problem.

“These are the areas that should be looked into to ensure that they are also supported, prepared and the response strategy for them to be able to cope, adjust to the crisis whenever it comes to them.”

Akinmolayen, who also consults for NWD, urged the government to include PWDs in policies and early warning systems.

Also, Mr James Lalu, Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWDs), reiterated the agency’s commitment towards promoting inclusion and ensuring the rights of PWDs were upheld.

Lalu, represented by Ms Akinbola Olanike, Head, Women and Gender Unit, said NCPWDs collaborated with others on ensuring their inclusion in climate change policies and access to aid during flooding or climate change impacts.

Also, Hajiya Fatima Kasim, Special Duties Department, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), said the agency prioritised PWDs and vulnerable groups when distributing relief items during any climate change impacts like flooding.

Comfort Omokore, Assistant Chief Planning Officer, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), said the commission was committed towards supporting and implementing policies and programmes for PWDs.

Other highlights of the day included panel discussion on integrating disability inclusive approaches into climate change related planning and disaster risk reduction. (NAN)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Abujah Racheal

APIN Public Health Initiatives, an NGO, says there is need to create awareness on the link between HIV and hypertension.

Dr Abiodun Isah, Technical Officer, Clinical Services, APIN, spoke with newsmen on Thursday in Abuja in commemoration of the World 2024 World Hypertension Day.

Isah highlighted the increased risk of non-communicable disease complications associated with HIV.

He said there was need to integrate HIV and non-communicable disease services to improve care for those living with HIV.

According to him, early detection and proactive management will mitigate the adverse health outcomes of hypertension and HIV/AIDS.

“Regular blood pressure monitoring is a critical component of HIV management because of the impact of factors like diet and lifestyle on blood pressure levels.’’

Isah said that as Nigeria battled with the dual burden of HIV/AIDS and hypertension, the integration of care for both conditions emerged as a pressing need.

He highlighted the importance of expanding access to healthcare services for the effective management of chronic diseases, acknowledging the limitations of a healthcare system primarily structured for acute infections.

“With a significant number of people living with HIV in APIN’s care experiencing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) such as hypertension, diabetes, renal diseases, cervical cancer, and mental health issues, we are  strengthening the HIV-NCD service integration programme.

“Currently supporting 308,497 active people living with HIV across 423 health facilities in Nigeria, APIN aims to address the interconnected health challenges faced by this population.’’

Isah said the impact of HIV infection on the cardiovascular system underscored its potential to heighten susceptibility to hypertension-induced end-organ damage, including cerebrovascular accidents (stroke), nephropathy (kidney damage) and myocardial infarction.

He said there was significant risk factor associated with hypertension among people living with HIV and how it could contribute to challenges in HIV drug therapy, adherence, morbidity and mortality.

“Despite advancements in HIV treatment, disparities persist in monitoring and managing cardiovascular risk factors among individuals with HIV.

“Challenges to adequate care include fragmented healthcare systems, limited awareness of cardiovascular risks, and prevailing socio-economic factors.’’

He said that APIN was committed to continuously monitoring and evaluating the integration of HIV and NCD services to ensure the delivery of high-quality care.

“As APIN expands its HIV-NCD integration programme across supported health facilities and states in Nigeria, individuals living with HIV can expect improved access to comprehensive care that prioritises their overall well-being.

“This initiative demonstrates APIN’s dedication to promoting health equity and enhancing the quality of life for people living with HIV in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Hypertension Day is observed on May 17 annually.

The theme for this year’s commemoration is “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!’’(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Franca Ofili

The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare says addressing public health challenges
requires a multi-sectoral approach that recognises the intricate interplay between various determinants of health.

Dr Binyerem Ukaire, the Director and Head, Family Health Department in the ministry, said this in Abuja during a two-day
National Health Promotion Stakeholders workshop.

Ukaire, who was represented by Mrs Chinyere Ogbonna, the Deputy Director, Health Promotion Department of Family Health,
said the workshop was to review and refine the National Health Promotion Coordination Framework.

According to her, it is a critical aspect of public health that enables people to increase control over their health and its determinants.

She said “the purpose of the workshop is to develop a framework, identify gaps and develop strategies to enhance effectiveness.”

She explained that “health promotion efforts cannot be siloed within the healthcare sector alone; instead, it must engage multiple
sectors such as education, environment, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), as well as
nutrition.

She said that such would create supportive environment that foster health and well-being.

“This integrated approach acknowledges the role this sector plays in influencing individual and community health outcomes.

“It is about empowering communities, improving health literacy, and creating supportive environments for healthy living,” she said.

The director said Nigeria faced numerous health challenges, including communicable and non-communicable diseases,
maternal and child health issues, and lifestyle-related conditions.

According to her, addressing these challenges require a well-coordinated and robust framework to tackle.

“Therefore, the development of the National Health Promotion Coordination Framework (NHPCF) is a process of establishing
strategic approach toward the prevention of public health issues in Nigeria.

“Building the foundation to drive health promotion in effective multi-sectoral partnership and coordinated action, engaging
stakeholders in advancing the nation’s health agenda as well as harnessing resources.

“It is important to mention that the ministry has given a strategic focus and direction, carefully presented in the strategic blueprint.

“On this backdrop, the ministry, in collaboration with key stakeholders, must provide policy enabling environment for
successful implemention of this strategic blueprint,” she said.

During his representation, Mr William Anyebe, the Executive Coordinator, Treeshade Associate Nigeria Ltd, said that the specific
objective of the framework was to facilitate efficient coordination and harmonisation.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FNO/HA
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Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

By Lilian U. Okoro

By Ahmed Ubandoma

The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has appealed to the National Assembly to pass the Bill for the establishment of Disability Trust Fund before it.

The Executive Secretary, Dr James Lalu, made the appeal at a two-day sensitisation of stakeholders on Disability Accessibility Regulations, in Abuja on Wednesday.

The event was organised by the NCPWD, in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme.

Lalu explained that the fund, if established, would enable the commission to implement disability-inclusive programmes and interventions to leave no one behind.

He added that the fund would also enable the commission to support states that were yet to domesticate the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (prohibition) Act, 2018, to do so.

He also said that the Act, if domesticated across the states, would also make provisions for the Disability Trust Fund at the state level.

This, according to him, will encourage the states to implement their peculiar disability inclusive programmes, especially the enforcement of disability accessibility regulations.

“Most of the states have domesticated the disability law. Some even established agencies for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), but ensuring disability inclusion and accessibility for PwDs is capital intensive.

“In fact, some states have established disability institutions, but our interest in the disability trust fund is to raise funds to support states that are yet to domesticate the Act to do so,” he said.

In her remarks, Ms Brisca Aaron, the Executive Secretary, Bauchi State Agency for the Disabled Persons, pointed out that the state had already domesticated the disability prohibition act.

Aaron added that the state government had equally implemented the five percent employment quota for PwDs and commenced enforcement of the accessibility law.

According to her, the law was designed to ensures PwDs’ access to public infrastructure in the state.

Also speaking, Mr Monu El-Dad, Chairman, Abia State Commission for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, reiterated the state government’s commitment to strengthen partnerships with stakeholders to advance the course of PwDs in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

Edited by Philip Yatai

By Taiye Olayemi

The Patriots for the Promotion of Black Culture Foundation (PPBCF) has urged government at all levels to encourage the development of traditional medicine for local use and export.

Prince Ayinla Oniru, founder,PPBCF, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.

Oniru said that every part of Nigeria is blessed with herbs to cure numerous ailments.

According to him, traditional medicine is an aspect of African cultural heritage that must be developed for global acceptance.

He noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which sought to bolster the economy by prioritising Universal Health Coverage aimed at adequately tackling Nigeria’s health challenges, had not been achieved.

Oniru emphasised the need for the Federal Government to take giant steps to invest in training local herb sellers.

He advised Nigeria’s traditional herb experts to engage in constant research to enable them standardise their expertise and align with international best practices.

“To develop traditional herbal medicine for local use and commercialisation, collaborations between modern medical practitioners and traditional medicine is quite important.

“African herbs are our heritage and we have not been able to tap from its enormous potential.

“As a traditionalist, I can tell you that we are yet to tap from our huge herbal resources, there are many local leaves, sticks that are of immense health benefit which Africans are unconscious of.

“We have herbs capable of curing fibroid, asthma, arthritis and many other ailments but our government have a lot to do to open this space up.

“If the space is opened up, then we can generate the needed revenue from herbal medicine as a country,” he said.

Oniru noted that the greatest setback for the growth of herbal medicine was faith-based as many believe herbs contain some fetish substances.

The founder, who said this perspective was not true, however, cautioned local herb sellers to desist from cutting corners and extorting their clients.

He said that they should rather make deliberate efforts to minimise cost of these herbs to encourage patronage.

The traditionalist also said that people’s inordinate consumption of sweet substances keeps them in bondage of health challenges.

He, however, advised Nigerians to minimise consumption of sugary drinks to stay safe. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Folasade Adeniran

By Franca Ofili

Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, FCT-HES Mandate Secretary, said on Monday that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has strengthened its health system as patients are now documented electronically.

Fasawe said this in Abuja during a two-day Area Council Dissemination meeting on United States Agency for International Development – Integrated Health Programme (USAID IHP) project in the FCT.

According to her, the five years USAID IHP expanded technical support to Nigeria is designed to champion reduction in child and maternal morbidity and mortality in FCT.

“Due to the intervention of IHP, we have almost perfected our referral system; when people go to the primary healthcare centres, they will be documented electronically and can be referred without stress.

“We have more than 60 sets of closed user telephones donated to us through the project.

“Now our two referral system is very smooth because, before a patient is taking from one spot to the other, somebody will be excepting the person at the other end,” she said.

On maternal mortality, Fasawe said that the present administration had zero tolerance for it.

According to her, IHP has helped in ensuring that no woman dies due to childbirth complications.

“The project helped us to look at low hanging fruits and the only way to reduce maternal mortality is by education, advocacy and sensitisation,” she said.

Fasawe said that FCT had made health insurance free for pregnant women that resident in the territory.

“If you are pregnant, register for health insurance, and your delivery as well as the baby, for the first year of the child will be taken care of,” she said.

Fasawe said that the territory was faced with death of Human Resources in health system and as such was transferring skills and training community health workers to mount those primary health centres.

“We have a lot of infrastructure in the FCT but we don’t have enough human resource to man the places.

“The project has supported us to train community people to give out the basics

“In terms of drugs, we are strengthening our drugs revolving system and we will make sure that at no point in time you go to any primary healthcare centres, they will tell you there are no drugs.

“We have drugs in almost all the centres that people access,” she said.

Dr Yakubu Mohammed, Ag. Executive Secretary, FCT Primary Health Care, said that the objective of the project was to strengthen health systems supporting Primary Health Care (PHC) services.

Mohammed said that it would also improve access to primary health care services and increase quality of PHC.

“This will help to implement priority PHC interventions, to strengthen the health leadership and ward-level health systems as well as strengthen engagement with the government.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that USAID IHP is USAID’s expanded technical support to Nigeria to rapidly scale-up proven reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health, nutrition and malaria (RMNCH+NM) interventions.

It targets improved access to and increased quality of primary health care service delivery.

IHP interventions had presence in Ebonyi, Bauchi, Kebbi, Sokoto states, as well as the FCT and supports health policies and systems at the federal level. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne