By Abujah Racheal

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported one death and confirmed 15 new cases of lassa fever within one week across the country.

The NCDC said this in a situation report for week 13 published on its website on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents or contaminated persons.

Its symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, general body weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pains, chest pain, and, in severe cases, unexplainable bleeding from ears, eyes, nose, mouth and other body openings.

The NCDC noted a decrease in the number of confirmed cases from 25 cases in week 12 to 15 cases in the reporting week, although the number of suspected cases increased compared to the same period in 2023.

Cumulatively, from week one to 13, the country recorded 806 confirmed cases and 150 deaths, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.6 per cent, higher than the CFR for the same period in 2023 (17.5 per cent).

“Twenty-five states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 125 local government areas in 2024.

“Sixty-two per cent of all confirmed cases were recorded from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi, with Ondo State accounting for 24 per cent, Edo 22 per cent, and Bauchi 16 per cent,” it said.

According to the report, no health worker was infected in the reporting week, and individuals between the ages of 31 and 40 were predominantly affected by the infection.

The NCDC said the National Lassa Fever Multi-partner, Multi-sectoral Incident Management System had been activated to coordinate response at all levels at the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).

The NCDC highlighted some challenges in the fight against lassa fever, including the late presentation of cases leading to increased CFR and poor health-seeking behaviour.

It attributed the latter to the high cost of treatment and clinical management of lassa fever, as well as poor environmental sanitation and awareness in high-burden communities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Salif Atojoko

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By  Olarenwaju Akojede

Smart DNA, a leading DNA testing center in Nigeria, says it is bringing its trusted DNA testing services closer to vibrant communities and rapidly developing area, necessitating the opening of a new facility in the Lekki, Lagos.

According to it, this will to give improved services to the growing demand for DNA testing services in the Lekki, Ajah,  Epe areas, and surrounding communities.

Esther Ehimare, Client Experience Manager at Smart DNA, spoke to newsmen on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) test is a type of genetic testing used to study the DNA sequence for evaluating any genetic disorders or proving paternity for legal purposes.

It can also be done to trace the family history of the individual.

DNA  is basically is a genetic code carrying the information from both parents to their children.

Smart DNA, a leading DNA testing center based in Lagos, was formed in partnership with preeminent biotechnology companies and labs worldwide, offering reliable and accurate results while ensuring confidentiality and affordability for its clients.

Smart DNA’s expansion into Lekki is part of its ongoing effort to enhance its nationwide coverage and bring its cutting-edge DNA testing solutions closer to communities across Nigeria.

Ehimare said: We are thrilled to open our new office in Lekki, bringing our trusted DNA testing services closer to the vibrant communities of this rapidly developing area.

“This strategic expansion aligns with our mission to offer convenient, accurate, and confidential DNA testing solutions to individuals and families across Nigeria.”

She said that with its commitment to providing fully accredited DNA testing services in accordance with the highest international standards, Smart DNA’s expansion into Lekki underscored its dedication to making its comprehensive range of DNA tests more accessible to residents across Lagos and beyond.

“At the new Lekki office, clients can access Smart DNA’s full suite of DNA testing services, including: Paternity Testing, Maternity Testing, Sibling Testing, Grandparent Testing, Diagnostic, Wellness  and Disease Predisposition Testing’’.

According to her, Smart DNA takes pride in its commitment to simplicity, accuracy, confidentiality, and affordability.

Elizabeth Digia, Operation Head at Smart DNA, said: “With non-invasive sample collection methods, fast turnaround times, and competitive pricing, the company aims to provide a seamless and trustworthy DNA testing experience for its clients.

“We understand the importance of reliable DNA testing results and prioritise maintaining the highest standards of quality and privacy.

“Our new Lekki office will ensure that residents in the area have access to our top-notch services, delivered with the utmost care and professionalism.” (NAN)www.nannews.ng

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

By Carol V. Utulu

No fewer than 250 people have received free diabetes screening in Asaba, Delta, to celebrate the 2024 World Health Day.

Dr Peace Ighosewe, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Asaba Specialist Hospital, who led other management staff in organising the event, said the screening was part of efforts by the hospital to promote healthy living.

The World Health Day which was established on April 7, the founding date of the World Health Organisation (WHO) serves to raise awareness of global health issues and garner support for their resolution.

Ighosewe said that healthy living was key to good health for Nigerians.

She said there was need to create awareness on the importance of healthy living and that everyone had the right to access good health at an affordable cost.

“We are also engaging in a health walk and talk, to celebrate the 2024 World Health Day,” she said.

Ighosewe added that the event was also organised in line with the theme for this year’s World Health Day, which is: “Your Health, Your Right”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a cross-section of Asaba residents including the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, Mrs Veronica Abang-Gwam, participated in the diabetes screening at the hospital.

Ighosewe further added that the general public was sensitised on the need to exercise regularly, to help maintain physical fitness and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

“Eat a balanced diet which will provide essential nutrients for optimal health; go for routine medical checkups to allow for easy detection, timely intervention and management of any health issues.

“In line with the ‘MORE Agenda’ of Gov. Sherrif Oborevwori’s administration, the Asaba Specialist Hospital will continue to do its part, to empower members of the surrounding communities with the right information on the importance of prioritising healthy habits.

“These healthy habits can significantly improve their physical health, mental wellbeing and quality of life,” Ighosewe said.

Dr Dominic Uwadia, Consultant Family Physician and Head of Department, Family Medicine, Asaba Specialist Hospital, who also spoke at the event, said the hospital would continue to promote healthy living and disease prevention in the state.

Uwadia urged the people not to wait till they get ill before getting necessary medical attention.

Ms Faith Emetonjor, the Medical Laboratory Scientist of the hospital, also advised people to live a healthy life, nothing: “Your Health is Your Right”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu and Emmanuel Afonne

By Olanrewaju Akojede

Each woman in the health workforce is powerful and capable of transforming individual lives, communities, and nations when supported in her role, says Pathfinder, a global non-profit organisation.

According to Pathfinder, women health workers deliver care to approximately five billion people, mostly as nurses, midwives, and community health workers, contributing $3 trillion to globally health annually.

Dr Tabinda Sarosh, President, South Asia, Middle East, North Africa, Pathfinder and
Dr Amina Dorayi, Country Director, Nigeria, Pathfinder, made the assertion in an Op Ed in commemoration of World Health Worker Week 2024.

They said that in spite constituting 70 percent of the global health workforce, they often serve in low-status jobs, with little or no pay.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Health Worker Week, from April 1 to April 7, raises awareness about the importance of health workers and to engage even more people in advocacy.

It brings together advocates, health workers, practitioners, leaders, and communities around the world to call for greater funding and faster implementation of commitments to protect and support health workers.

The theme for 2024 is: “Safe and Supported: Invest in Health Workers”.

The Pathfinder representatives, also ahead of the Africa Health Workforce Investment Forum in May, called on governments and the global health sector to recognise the transformative contributions of women in the health workforce.

This would be by developing and implementing policies to ensure their protection, pay, and promotions.

They also said that men hold 75 per cent of health leadership roles and, on average, earn 28 per cent more than women.

“Investing in these women is a smart move, offering an estimated 9:1 return on investment and contributing to women’s economic empowerment.’’

On the immense potential of women in health, they said that women health workers played a dual role, improving health outcomes while advancing gender equality by serving as role models in societies where women’s participation is limited.

According to them, studies indicate that promoting gender equality within communities not only fosters economic growth but also enhances access to contraception and reduces child mortality

“Moreover, these workers significantly contribute to economic prosperity by serving as frontline caregivers in rural areas with inadequate health infrastructure, promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights, and investing in the health and education of their families’’.

According to them, the World Economic Forum predicts that by 2050, the climate crisis will result in 14.5 million more deaths and $12.5 trillion in economic losses, with an additional $1.1 trillion in costs to health systems.

“Women and children will bear the biggest burden.

“This highlights the urgent need for women health workers to play a crucial part as part of a broader multidisciplinary effort in educating communities, supporting the delivery of healthcare in challenging conditions.

“And advocating for policies that mitigate the health impacts of climate change.

“As most of the health workforce, they can respond to climate-induced health emergencies like the rise in infectious diseases, the effects of extreme heat on pregnant women, and the rise in waterborne disease’’.

To save  lives in Pakistan and Nigeria, Sarosh and Dorayi  asserted  that women health workers can help achieve universal health coverage, and foster stable, prosperous societies through global health security.

“This potential holds true everywhere.

“For example, Pakistan and Nigeria despite their unique cultures, politics, and economies, face similar challenges such as rapid urbanization, weak rural health care, high maternal and child mortality, extreme vulnerability to climate change, and gender inequalities.

Ensuring we protect, support, and invest in women health workers is a high-impact solution.

“Lady Health Workers and community midwives in Pakistan, through initiatives like this Pathfinder Programme,  provided critical support during the 2022 floods when a third of the country was under water.

“Lady Health Workers canvassed districts in Sindh Province, reaching communities with 20,000 dignity kits for safe pregnancies, and information on nutrition, hygiene, and health, easing the floods’ toll.

“Midwives delivered babies at birthing stations that replaced flooded health clinics.

“ Lady Health Workers also played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing vital information on infection prevention and supporting isolated women at risk with information on gender-based violence services.

“Since 1994, when the Lady Health Worker program began, Lady Health Workers have contributed to the number of fully vaccinated children nearly doubling.

“ They have helped to cut maternal and newborn deaths and increase family planning access’’.

According to them, similarly, Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs), nurses, and midwives in Nigeria—mostly women—have saved numerous lives, through programmes like  Saving Mothers Giving Life.

“ In Cross River state, CHEWs provided emergency obstetric and newborn care services in rural communities and referred complicated cases to higher-level health facilities.

“This led  to a 66 percent decrease in maternal mortality in supported health facilities over three years.

“In Akwa Ibom state, CHEWs learned how to offer clinical contraceptive methods—injectables and implants—at local health facilities.

“And within two years of the training, uptake of modern contraceptives doubled while the number of women with contraceptive implants tripled.’’

They said that to maximize this investment, there was need to  protect, pay, and promote women, formalising their roles within health system strategies, plans and budgets, and providing adequate training and mentorship from higher level providers.

“We must elevate women into leadership positions, ensuring they are involved in budget planning and on emergency response committees.

“We must support them with woman-friendly policies like maternity leave, childcare support, and protection against workplace harassment and discrimination.

“We must ensure they receive a fair wage. Without these investments, the power of women in the health workforce will be a missed opportunity’’. (NAN)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

By Felicia Imohimi

Prof. Titus Ibekwe, an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon, has urged all tiers of government to enforce the 2018 Ear and Hearing Care (EHC) Policy to combat huge disease burden associated with hearing loss.

Ibekwe made this call at the 44th inaugural lecture of UniAbuja in Abuja titled “Sound, Wind and Whisper: A Journey in Search for Harmony in Otorhinolaryngology.”

Ibekwe, the Inaugural Lecturer, is a Consultant Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) Surgeon at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital and Chairman-elect (2024) of International Advisory Board American Academy of Otorhinolaryngology.

He said enforcement of such policy could commence by making the environment safe against noise pollution, adding that such pollution could impair not only hearing but also affect the functions of other organs in the body.

“The enforcement of EHC policy will provide for hearing assistive devices especially hearing aids freely or supported by health insurance to every hearing-impaired child or adult.

“Awareness and effective public health programmes must be supported by government and global aid partners towards eradication of common diseases such as chronic supportive otitis media, meningitis, torch infections and Lassa fever.’’

The don also suggested that the quality of ante-natal, delivery and post-natal care must be matched with hearing screening of newborn babies in order to detect hearing defects of any form.

He emphasised that such screening would ensure the commencement of rehabilitation prior to discharge from hospital.

Ibekwe said implementation of such practice would ensure quality of life from conception through birth, life through death.

“Efforts through genetics against the transmission of deaf genes should be intensified.

“These actionable recommendations are tailored towards the achievement of serviceable ear, nose and throat; and holistic health care in the country, “he said.

Dr Tanko Sununu, Minister of State for Education, commended the lecturer for his laudable presentation and described his recommendation on noise pollution as actionable.

Sununu, who identified investment in prevention of noise pollution as far cheaper than investing in diagnosing and treatment of those with hearing impairment, said there is need for government do everything possible to implement EHC policy.

“The good news is that we have a president who has the commitment to right the wrong in addressing issues of education, health, agriculture, economy among others for the well-being of the citizens,” he said.

Also, Prof Abdul-Rasheed Na’allah, Vice Chancellor of the university, commended Ibekwe for his immense contributions to the development of ENT profession among others in the school.

Represented by Prof. Aisha Maikudi, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics in the university, Na’allah described Ibekwe as a beacon of academic excellence.

He said his commitment had left an indelible mark on both students and colleagues.

“His contributions have not only advanced the theoretical foundation of his discipline but an overall impact of world problems, demonstrating the rear ability to bridge the gap between academia and practical occupation.

“He is renowned for his unwavering dedication to teaching and mentorship; fostering an environment of intellectual curiosity,”he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Uchenna Eletuo

No fewer than 760 Lagos residents were on Wednesday screened for Tuberculosis (TB) free by the Archbishop John Kwao Aggey Foundation during a medical outreach.

The outreach, which took place at Obalende, Lagos, was attended by youths and the elderly, in commemoration of the first indigenous Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, John Aggrey.

Aggey was born on March 5, 1908, died on March 14, 1972 at 68 years, noted for his selfless service, simplicity and humanitarian works, especially to the poor.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the focus of the foundation is on youth empowerment, health, education and infrastructure.

During the outreach, participants were counselled, tested for sugar level, BP, hepatitis B and C, HIV, eye screening and provided with reading classes, while some with serious cases were referred to medical facilities.

The President of the foundation, Mr Albert Fadonougbo, said that Aggrey, during his life time, prioritised people’s health as social investment, especially for the less privileged.

Fadonougbo said that the outreach was targeted at the ordinary people to help them live better.

He explained that the choice to conduct the outreach in Obalende was because the late cleric lived there.

He added that “I am happy for the success of the outreach because it afforded many residents the opportunity to attend. We
saw transporters, market women, artisans and youths queue up for the exercise.

“The essence of the programme is to propagate what the late priest stood for and hope to extend the outreach to other areas in future.”

Mr Malachi Victor-Morira, the Vice President of the foundation, said late Aggrey’s missionary activities transcended Africa.

Victor-Morira in charge of the California, U.S. office of the foundation, added that the group would leverage on the cleric’s goodwill
to expand the outreach beyond Lagos and Nigeria.

A beneficiary, Mr Abdukreem Kosoko, thanked the organisers for the free eye examination and the free glasses he received.

Another beneficiary, Mrs Bisi Smith, screened for TB, also thanked the group, especially for the enlightenment on better ways to avoid and handle TB challenges.

NAN reports that the foundation partnered the state government for the provision of a mobile clinic with automated screening machine and medical team that attended to people.(NAN)(www.nannews,ng)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

By Blessing Odega

The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) has inaugurated a twin theatre suite at the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery.

Mr Andy Odeh, the General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to improving the nation’s healthcare infrastructure through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives across the six geopolitical zones.

He noted that the project addressed the long waitlist for surgical procedures due to limited theatres, offering state-of-the-art facilities to shorten waiting times.

The completed project includes two operating theatre suites, scrub rooms, preparation rooms, recovery room, conveniences, linen room, nurses station, and medical equipment.

Odeh emphasised the importance of protecting and utilising the facility efficiently for service delivery.

Dr Pokop Bupwatda, the Chief Medical Director of JUTH, lauded NLNG for the project’s impact on proactive healthcare service delivery, calling for further interventions to provide CT scans and MRI facilities.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, commended NLNG for selecting JUTH for the HSP project, anticipating improved healthcare quality and reduced patient waiting times.

He praised JUTH’s staff for their dedication despite challenges.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that JUTH’s project is one of the six projects of NLNG’s Hospital Support Programme, which commenced in January 2023. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Gabriel Yough