By Aderogba George

Dr Kefas Zawaya, a presidential aspirant of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), has vowed to lead an inclusive government if elected in the association’s upcoming election on May 5.

Zawaya made this commitment during an interactive session with NMA-FCT members in Abuja.

He urged members nationwide to foster unity within their chapters to enable the incoming National Executive Council (NEC) to fulfill the association’s objectives.

Zawaya, a former Chairman of the Gombe Chapter of the association, emphasised his participation in various struggles for the NMA’s welfare at both federal and state levels.

He pledged to engage with the government in constructive dialogue to address key issues affecting medical professionals.

Meanwhile, the NMA Presidency has been zoned to the northeast, with the election scheduled for the Annual Delegates Meeting/Annual General Meeting in Calabar between May 5 and May 12, marking the end of Dr Uche Ojinmah’s tenure as National President since 2022.

Zawaya further outlined his vision for an inclusive NEC, with representation from diverse demographics including young men and women.

He stressed the need for a review of the NMA constitution and voting patterns to ensure fairness and equity.

Additionally, he noted the importance of renewing practicing licenses to combat quackery in the medical profession.

Zawaya also pledged to prioritise issues that would generate revenue for the NMA and uphold its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations.

Another presidential aspirant, Prof. Bala Audu, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Science, Azare, Bauchi state, presented his manifesto, highlighting his extensive experience and contributions to the medical profession.

He emphasised the need for a strong team to address challenges and improve healthcare quality across Nigeria.

Audu pledged to advocate for increased residency training opportunities for doctors nationwide and to mitigate factors contributing to the “Japa syndrome” in the medical field.

He also promised to engage with the government to enhance doctors’ remuneration and introduce new allowances.

Both aspirants expressed their readiness to collaborate with NMA members to achieve their shared goals of advancing the medical profession in Nigeria. (NAN)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

By Justina Auta

The National Food Consumption and Micronutrient Survey (NFCMS) shows that 33 per cent of Nigerian children under five years suffer stunted growth.

Nebeolisa Anako, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP), disclosed this at the opening of a two-day National Launch of the NFCMS report on Monday in Abuja.

The NFCMS is a collaborative effort of federal ministries of health and social welfare, budget and economic planning, agriculture and food security, as well as development partners, led by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

Anako said the survey is to get a reliable database for food consumption patterns that will serve as a source of information for addressing chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and to improve food systems to deliver healthy diets to Nigerians.

He noted that adequate and proper nutrition is necessary for human capital development, hence the report will comprehensively assess the dietary habits and nutritional status of Nigerians.

He added that, “the National Food Consumption and Micronutrient Survey of 2021 shows the prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight among children under five years as 33.3 per cent, 11.6 per cent and 25.3 per cent respectively.

“However, malnutrition is influenced by a host of underlying factors related to poverty, including poor diet, food insecurity, poor water, sanitation, and health services.

“These find their roots in factors that can vary from conflict to climate change; from scarce natural resources to high and volatile food prices; from poor governance to demographic growth.

“This is a huge burden and calls for deliberate efforts to address,” he said.

Dr Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi, the Director and Head of Nutrition Department, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, said the survey was conducted using Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI).

Bako-Aiyegbusi added that the survey targeted non-pregnant women of reproductive age between 15 and 49 years old, children between six and 59 months old and pregnant women between 15 and 49 years.

She added that non-pregnant adolescent girls between 10 to 14 years were also captured from the six geopolitical zones, with a sample size of 14,820 and 38 enumeration areas.

“The report provides information for evidence-based policy and programmatic decisions for national supplementation, fortification, sensitisation of appropriate nutrient consumption and other key nutrition interventions to achieve food and nutrition security in Nigeria.

“Also, it will provide important sub-national insights on micronutrients issues, which enable more advanced programming, addressing unique characteristics of the different subgroups of our population,” she said.

Ms Cristian Munduate, UNICEF’s Country Representative, represented by Chizoba Edemba, Nutrition Specialist, said: “the launch of this report is an important milestone. It is not the end, but the beginning of a new and important next step.

“The utilisation of the data and insights to inform policies and programming is important. Today is an exciting step toward achieving that journey.”

Similarly, Dr Walter Mulombo, Nigeria’s Country Representative, World Health Organisation (WHO), noted that women and children were more vulnerable to malnutrition due to increased physiological and nutrient needs required to support foetal and child growth.

“Nutrition deprivation during early lives impairs growth and development, leading to poor school performance, reduced productivity, and loss of earnings in later life for adults.

“Consequently, the first 1000 days of life, from conception to a child’s second year is a critical window of opportunity to effectively prevent malnutrition.

“Adolescence is identified as a stage where we can actually make up for lost malnutrition.

“Many of these deficiencies are preventable through nutrition education, consumption of a healthy diet containing diverse foods, as well as effective food fortification and supplementation,” she said.

Other highlights of the event were panel discussions on Food Security and WASH, as well as Policy, Implementation and Recommendations. (NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

By Oluwafunke Ishola

A global healthcare company, Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co. Inc., has introduced Salonpas, an innovative solution for pain management to Nigerians.

Mr Taro Hiramatsu, Executive Officer of the company made the disclosure in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

Hiramatsu said Salonpas would make a positive difference in the lives of Nigerians dealing with back, leg, knee, shoulder or knee pain, as it did successfully in other parts of the world.

He noted that the product introduced in Japan in 1934, had gained acceptance globally, to become the number one over-the-counter topical analgesics in the patch category.

He said, “We are thrilled to bring Salonpas to Nigeria and to introduce our range of pain relief products to the Nigerian market.

“We understand that Nigerians are active and hardworking, and pain can slow them down. Salonpas provides quick and reliable pain relief solutions.

“Our mission is to promote “TE-A-TE” Culture Worldwide. We highly value the culture, which is a practice of compassion for others and our expansion to Nigeria.

“We are committed to serving our customers with the same level of excellence, efficacy, and compassionate treatment that Salonpas is known for worldwide.”

According to him, the Nigerian authorities have certified Salonpas Pain Relieving Patch 10’s, Salonpas Pain Relief Patch 5’s and Salonpas Jet Spray, for sale and distribution in the country.

Also, Mr Hiroki Nunotani, Managing Director, Hisamitsu UK Limited, said Salonpas was committed to providing effective and long-lasting high-quality products, using only the best components, and adhering to strict manufacturing standards.

According to him, Salonpas is an over-the-counter (OTC) topical analgesic solution tailored for athletes, professionals, the elderly or anyone seeking relief from daily pain and stiffness.

“Our products are well-known for their advanced formulas that combine traditional medicinal approaches with modern technology, delivering targeted relief for muscle aches, joint pain, backaches, strains, and sprains.

“Whether it’s the Salonpas Pain Relief Patch or the Salonpas Jet Spray, each product is designed to address specific pain issues and enhance overall well-being.

“As Salonpas makes its debut in Nigeria, consumers can look forward to discovering a range of products that prioritise quality, efficacy, and convenience.

“Our products are backed by years of research, development, and consumer satisfaction, making them a go-to choice for individuals seeking fast and long-lasting pain relief,” he said.

Similarly, Prof. Cyril Usifoh, President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, said Salonpas’ introduction would strengthen healthcare delivery in the country.

“With the launch in Nigeria, individuals will have access to another trusted brand that has been a household name in many countries for over 90 years.

“Through their transparent mechanism, Histamitsu has found strong partnership in Nigeria.

“I am happy that it is in Nigeria right now. ‘Salonpas – just patch it’ would solve the pains of Nigerians. We should rally around and encourage the company,” he said.

Also, Dr Chibuzo Opara, Chief Executive Officer, DrugStoc, said the company would ensure quality-oriented distribution in the country.

He assured patients, and healthcare providers of ease of access to the product. (NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

==========
Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

By Aderogba George

The Centre For Initiative and Development (CFID), a Taraba-based NGO, has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Health to provide free Hepatitis screening for pregnant women in 10 states.

Dr Danjuma Adda, a former President of World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA) who is also the Executive Director of the organisation, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday.

Adda spoke to NAN on the sideline of the 2024 Biennial Conference of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) of Nigeria.

He listed the states for the free hepatitis screening for pregnant women to include Lagos, Kano, Katsina, Delta, Taraba, Plateau, Nasarawa, Zamfara, Imo and Kaduna.

NAN reports that the centre was able to screen and give free treatment on Hepatitis B and C to no fewer than 500 Nigerians at the NCWS programme.

Meanwhile, Adda said that the screening and treatment would also be given to spouses and other household members in the 10 states, and would be conducted in 22 hospitals across Nigeria.

The executive director said that the project would also involve  relinking people diagnosed with hepatitis B and C into care.

According to him, the implementation of the project would run within 13 months and is titled “Partnerships to provide viral hepatitis, triple elimination and relinking undiagnosed untreated individuals to care in Nigeria”.

Adda said that one of the objectives of the project is to provide free Hepatitis B testing for 120,000 pregnant women in antenatal care across these states.

“This project will be done in collaboration with the NCWS (a women group) and advisory partners like Clinton Health Access Initiatives (CHAI), Hepatitis B Foundation, World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA) and other global partners.

“Partners/husbands, and the household of the women who are tested positive to Hepatitis B are to be tested as well and vaccinated,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

By Aderogba George

Dr Ogugua Osi-Ogbu, a Consultant Physician and Geriatrician, National Hospital, Abuja, has cautioned against discrimination of the elderly in the society.

The medical practitioner said this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), at an event organised for the elderly in Abuja.

NAN reports that the event was organised by Axios Senior Citizens Foundation (ASCF), an NGO working for the care of the elderly, to commemorate the 2024 Intergenerational Week, celebrated annually between April 24 and May 1.

Osi-Ogbu said that rather than discriminate against the aging group, there should be a deliberate policy framework to guarantee their protection, adding that the older people must have a say.

She called on the elderly not to let other people make decisions for them, but ensure they got the respect they deserved.

“My general advice when we talk about aging is to be mindful of what we say to them, we are in a society where people talk negative about the aging group.

“They say things to them like, ‘your time has gone’, ‘why worrying about them’, ‘why give attention to them’.

“All these are  discriminatory and prejudicial. Everyone has a right as far as one is alive, you have a right to freedom of expression, quality healthcare and even employment, if you so desire.

“This set of people must not be discriminated against on the basis of age, so the rights of older persons must be preserved, at the community, family and even institutional level, there must be a deliberate policy framework to protect them,” she stressed.

Osi-Ogbu said older people faced several challenges, such as the eyes, like glaucoma and cataract, while advising people to always carry out regular medical checks once they have attained 40 years of age.

She said that glaucoma was a condition caused when the pressure of the eyes was higher than normal and could result in blindness, adding that it can be avoided when it is detected early, even cataract also.

According to her, being blind should not be part of age related challenges.

She added that there were other diseases that could also make older people go blind, saying that access to healthcare would help to avoid old age diseases.

She also taught participants at the event how to prevent hearing loss in old age, saying it was another common thing that was seen in older people.

The medical practitioner called on people to avoid exposing themselves to noisy environment, adding that excessive noise pollution could damage hearing.

She also revealed that the World Health Organisation (WHO) now had its focus on healthy aging, saying that there is an increase in aging all over the world.

NAN reports that in 2020, population aged 60 plus years for Nigeria was 9,300.86 thousand persons.

Between 1971 and 2020, population aged 60 plus years of Nigeria grew substantially from 2,755.97 to 9,300.86 thousand persons, rising at an increasing annual rate that reached a maximum of 3.15 per cent in 1981 and then decreased to 2.79 per cent in 2020.

Osi-Ogbu said that it is predicted that by 2050, there would be approximately 30 million older people, who are aged 60 and above, the plan is to ensure that they are healthy and stronger, with sound eyes, ears, and able to walk.

She advised the public not to neglect older people with joint issues ‘’degenerating joint diseases’’, saying that it is also a common challenge with old age.

She said that such degenerating joint diseases affect the neck, the lower back, the knees, the hips, all these can affect walking or the ability to move as it used to be before.

The medical practitioner said that people with these challenges get to a point where they require assistance to walk, either with a cane or cane frame, depending on how severe the issue is.

She said that we must provide the devices for these categories of elderly with joint challenges, to overcome their impairment, live longer and contribute their quota.

Earlier, Mrs Murjanatu Habibu, the founder of ASCF, stated that the global intergenerational week was aimed at bridging the gap between generations, creating a world where wisdom met with innovation.

Represented by Alhaji Aliyu Shiru, President, ASCF, she said that it was a week where experience met with curiosity, and where the voices of every age group were heard and valued.

“At ASCF, our focus and theme for 2024 is bringing intergenerational connections. Therefore, this celebration is important to the foundation.,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki and Ifeyinwa Omowole

By Adeyemi Adeleye

The Centre for Citizens with Disability (CCD) on Thursday called on the three tiers of governments to intensify efforts at removing barriers of discriminations against People With Disabilities (PWDs) in politics and justice system.

The CCD’s Programme Officer, Mrs Christiana Njoku, made the call in Lagos at a two-day programme for PWDs, entitled “Capacity Building Workshop For Aspiring Politicians with Disabilities”.

The forum was organised in partnership with VOICE Nigeria.

Njoku called for the implementation of the rights of PWDs to  political inclusivity.

“PWDs are aware of their rights to participate in politics, but not as much as they ought to—hence, the reason why CCD organises the training to create more awareness, advocates and encourages them.

“We call on the government to address the barriers of discrimination that PWDs face during electioneering,” Njoku said.

According to her, the aim of the workshop is to equip aspiring politicians with disabilities with the essential leadership information and skills required to participate and excel in politics and governance.

“This programme is one of the activities of a project on enhancing access to justice, political participation and governance in Lagos State.

“Before now, we’ve engaged relevant stakeholders including The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), INEC and Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to create awareness.

“Just recently, before this programme, we trained LASIEC officers; we built their capacity on how they can help to enhance equal voting access for PWDs,” Njoku said.

Speaking, Tolani Ojuri, a PWD with Albinism, who is the State Chairman of Albinism Association of Nigeria, said that more ought to be done to encourage PWD in politics and justice system.

Ojuri said: “Aside being a dirty game, it is more challenging for persons with disabilities to participate in politics due to the societal and environmental barriers they face on the long run.

“I believe that this workshop will definitely enlighten PWDs and improve their capacity to ably participate in politics and governance with their able-bodied counterparts.”

According to him, INEC and other electoral bodies are well aware of PWDs, and much awareness has been ongoing to provide assistive devices.

He listed some of the assistive devices to include magnifying glasses, braille and other things to help PWDs exercise their voting rights.

Ojuri said: “Now, the awareness is for PWDs to participate as both electorate and as candidates for political offices.

“With this workshop, we’re putting more emphasis on PWDs taking part in the political process at the party level, coming out as candidate.

“It is not necessary that a PWD comes out to run as a candidate, but having PWDs getting involved in the political process—in the areas of advocacy, party participation and in the various levels of governance.”

He called on INEC and other stakeholders in the political space to pay more attention to this.

“It is not just making provisions for PWDs on election day; there’s so much to be done in accommodating PWDs in the political space,” he said.

Ojuri advised PWDs to become more active participants in politics, saying the political space was open for them just like their able-bodied counterparts.

Mr Afolabi Kayode, a visually impaired PWD, who represented PWDs in Alimosho Local Government Area (Ward F), said that the training should be a continuous programme to keep enlightening PWDs on their rights of political participation.

Reiterating that PWDs had been segregated from politics, Kayode, who described himself as an APC card carry member, said his aspiration was to become a Special Adviser for PWDs in his local government.

He urged PWDs to carry themselves with high esteem and express themselves at political meetings and rallies.

Speaking, Mr Temitope Agbabiaka, a Physically challenged Councillor, Representing Apena, in Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and who is physically challenged, urged PWDs to participate in politics.

According to him, there is much more for the PWDs to do to gain access into the political space.

Agbabiaka said: “I happen to be the chairman of PWDs in my ward, and the Secretary General of the National Association. of PWD—physical disability in Lagos State.

“On my part, I have been doing what I could do as a councilor to motivate our people to take active participation in politics.

“However, considering the total participation of PWDs in politics, we’re still far behind.

“So, we need more awareness and also to encourage the government to implement the rights of PWDs to participate in politics.”

The councillor, who noted that APC had been encouraging physical disability cluster, however, said”the blind and the deaf are far behind in political participation”.

“Whoever wears the shoes knows where they pinch. I would like to implore the government or the ruling party to establish offices of Special Assistant or Special Adviser on Disability Matters in all local government offices.

“Let these offices be held by a PWD so that our challenges can be taken there.

“I believe this will surely encourage PWDs to participate more in politics,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Vivian Ihechu