By Abujah Racheal

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) says it is set to roll out the second phase of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in 21 states.

The phase one covered Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, FCT, Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ogun, Ondo and Taraba.

Dr Rufai Garba, Director, Disease Control and Immunization, NPHCDA, said this in Abuja on Friday during a one-day sensitisation meeting with Women Religious Groups, including the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).

HPV vaccine is designed to protect against infections by certain strains of HPV, which can lead to various health issues, including genital warts cervical and anal and oropharyngeal cancers.

The vaccine is most effective when administered before individuals become sexually active, typically recommended for preteens around ages 11 or 12, but it can be given as early as age 9 and up to age 26.

It is part of public health efforts to reduce the prevalence of HPV-related diseases.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there have been pushback by anti-vaccine elements who discourage parents from consenting to the vaccine being administered on their daughters.

Garba said second phase implementation of vaccine would  cover Anambra, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara.

He expressed optimism about the public’s cooperation in the face of significant resistance the initial phase received from anti-vaccine groups.

“These groups disseminated misinformation, including quality videos aimed at discouraging vaccination, he said.

In spite of these challenges, he said, the country had adequate vaccine supplies and has begun distribution to states, with the rollout scheduled to start on May 27, 2024.

He said the importance of pre-emptive public sensitisation to checkmate misinformation, drawing lessons from past experiences with polio vaccines resistance.

He said that the government was committed to robust and urged newsmen to help ensure accurate information reached the public.

He said that every 9 to 14 years old girl deserved protection, adding that the HPV vaccine shields them from common strains of HPV that could lead to cervical cancer.

The NPHCDA in collaboration with Girl Effect Nigeria organised the one-day sensitisation meeting.

Participants also included the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) and Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT).

Others were women wings of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and Nigeria Interfaith Action Association (NIFAA). (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Uche Anunne

By Oluwafunke Ishola

The Nigerian Heart Foundation (NHF) has appealed to the Federal Government to urgently address the socioeconomic factors behind the non-compliance to anti-hypertensive medicines and regular hypertension screening among citizens.

Prof. Basden Onwubere, Chairman of the NHF Hypertension Committee, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos in commemoration of World Hypertension Day.

World Hypertension Day, celebrated annually on May 17, seeks to promote increased awareness of high blood pressure and accuracy in blood pressure measurement, especially in low to middle income countries.

The theme for the 2024 celebration is “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.”

According to the World Health Organisation, hypertension (high blood pressure) is when the pressure in one’s blood vessels is too high (140/90 mmHg or higher).

The health agency said hypertension, if left untreated, could lead to severe health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

Onwubere lamented that hypertension continues to increase among the citizens, putting the prevalence at over 40 per cent of the adult population.

He said urgent action was required to improve diagnosis, treatment, and control rates to reduce the burden of hypertension in the country.

According to him, only 30 per cent of hypertensive patients are aware of their status, worsening morbidity and mortality from the devastating impact of the disease.

“We encourage individuals to monitor their blood pressure regularly but it’s unfortunate that the price of the blood pressure monitor is above the reach of an average Nigerian.

“Before, you could get it for N10,000, but now, the cheapest cost is from N35,000 upward. How many Nigerians can afford to own one.

“Also, the anti-hypertensive medicines are unaffordable for many patients leading to non-compliance of prescription dosage,” he said.

Onwubere attributed volatility in foreign exchange, inflation, and high cost of production as some factors driving the challenges, urging the government to urgently put measures in place to ensure Nigerians have access to treatment.

He emphasised that it was critical to empower people to accurately measure their blood pressure (or have it measured for them), take control of their health, and embrace lifestyle changes.

According to Onwubere,   hypertension often goes undetected due to its asymptomatic nature, making it imperative for individuals to undergo regular blood pressure screenings.

He advised lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet, quitting tobacco, and weight control as some measure that could assist lower blood pressure. (NAN)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

By Kemi Akintokun

Prof. Babatunde Salako, the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), has urged Nigerians to pay attention to their health to prevent hypertension.

Salako, who described hypertension as a silent killer, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Friday that regular screening was key to preventing or managing the disease.

He added that individuals within the age range of 45 to 60 years were at high risk of having hypertension , including individuals with family history of hypertension.

He said:” If you don’t want to die young or live the rest of your life with stroke, it is very important to pay attention to your health.

“Hypertension is a silent killer that doesn’t give any symptoms like malaria.

“It increases bit by bit until it bursts an artery which results to stroke, cardiac arrest, kidney failure or even death.

“It is common in older adult but we are beginning to see young people having it and it also grows with age.

“Ages 45 to 60 years are very dangerous ages because a lot of people die within that range.

“You must pay due attention to your health by going for regular screening and taking your prescribed drugs”.

Speaking also, Dr Danladi Nmadu, a Consultant Physician/Nephrologist, said hypertension is blood pressure that puts an individual at increased risk of having cardiovascular events.

According to Nmadu, who works at the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta, the cardiovascular events cause damage to the heart, brain and the kidney.

“Hypertension is a blood pressure that is elevated and this can increase the risk of cardiovascular event.

“A lot of individuals think hypertension is over flogged and that is why many Nigerians are working about with elevated blood pressure and are not aware.

“It is important for Nigerians to check their blood pressure regularly to prevent cardiovascular events that will put them at risk,” he said.

He noted that young people with hypertension should get their thyroid and kidney check, attributing the diseases to being a major cause of hypertension in young people.

The consultant, however, advised Nigerians to check their blood pressure regularly and shun unhealthy lifestyle to prevent hypertension. (NAN)www.nannews.ng

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

By Abujah Racheal

The Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has commended Nigeria’s progress in routine immunisation.

The Director-General of the centre, Dr Jean Kaseya, made the commendation on Friday in Abuja during the handover of Cold Chain Equipment (CCE) donated to Nigeria by Africa CDC, in collaboration with Mastercard Foundation under the Saving Lives and Livelihoods Initiative.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the cold chain equipment include cold boxes, vaccine carriers and insulated boxes, essential in the transportation of vaccines.

Active cold chain system require regular energy supply, while passive cold chain system depends on continuous cold sources like water ice, dry ice, or gel packs.

Kaseya said that the donation, valued at over 3.5 million dollars, aims to enhance Nigeria’s immunisation system, a crucial step in maintaining public health and combating infectious diseases.

He emphasised that the equipment would help to position Nigeria as leading nation in immunisation and public health.

He added that “it is not a dream. We can do that because it’s a reality. And, as you see, the donation is related to COVID-19.

“But today, we can say that COVID is over. We still have some cases though, but it’s not the pandemic that we had before.”

He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s direction after discussions with key health officials, including the two ministers of health.

He said that the support provided by the Africa CDC and the Mastercard Foundation demonstrates their commitment to strengthening healthcare systems in Africa.

He also underlined the importance of collaboration in addressing global health challenges and ensuring vaccine equity for Africa.

Dr Rownak Khan, the acting Representative of UNICEF in Nigeria, said the Cold Chain Equipment is essential in preserving vaccines and maintaining  temperature-sensitive medical supplies.

Khan noted that the addition of freezers and refrigerators would enable states to store a wider range of vaccines, including those requiring ultra-low temperatures.

She added that “this expansion of cold chain storage is essential and will enable states to offer more comprehensive vaccination programmes.”

Dr Muyi Aina, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), received the equipment on behalf of Nigeria, saying “the support from Africa CDC aligns with Nigeria’s goal to have readily available life-saving vaccines and strengthened cold chain capacity.

“This donation aims to enhance vaccine storage capacity and extend outreach to more communities in the country.”

He highlighted the importance of vaccines in disease prevention and control and the role of Africa CDC’s leadership.

Aina said a thorough assessment was conducted to identify gaps in cold chain facilities, ensuring the new equipment would be allocated effectively to maximise impact.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)  has sealed over five shops that deal on cosmetic products within the cosmetic section of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex (LITFC).

NAFDAC enforcement officials sealed the shops for stocking and selling “Dr. Teal’s”  brand of a range of cosmetics product, and samples of the cosmetics  brand were seized on Wednesday.

Mr Ishidi Sunday, Chief Regulatory Officer of NAFDAC Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, addressed newsmen in Lagos during the raid.

“We’re here today on this operation in respect of the complaint we received in the office on alleged faking or counterfeiting of Dr. Teal’s range of cosmetic products from the registered trademark owner and the market authorisation holder.

“Technically, any regulated product that does not have NAFDAC registration number is considered fake.

As it is, any product that is not registered, we cannot vouch for the quality and safety of the use of this product by the general public.

“Since it is our mandate as an agency to safeguard the health of Nigerians and ensure that all regulated products are safe and of good quality, we’re here on this operation; we can only confirm its safety of use through laboratory analyses.

“The shops will be unsealed after administering our necessary stipulated sanctions; we have sanctions for sale, manufacture or distribution of unregistered products.’’

He said that necessary sanctions would be given to violators.

“Our focus was primarily on Dr. Teal’s.

“Therefore, in order to avoid distractions, we’re considering the exigencies and the number of shops we have to visit, we focused mainly on the product in question.

“We evacuated three unregistered products; shower gel, oil, and lotion.

“With the guide of a few contracted men known as ‘the pointers’, the enforcement team was able to locate two of the suspected shops: shop 158 and shop 159 at the Excellent Line, though their owners were not met on the ground.’’

Also, another shop called Cubana Stores (Global Venture)  located at Phil Halmark Plaza, opposite ‘Kano Plaza building was sealed for stocking and selling the Moisturising Body and Bath range of the alleged unregistered Dr. Teal’s brand of cosmetic product to the public.

An invitation letter to NAFDAC office was issued to the owners of the shops.

Cubana Stores owner, however, claimed to be  unaware of the allegation of non-registration of the product and led the team to the “Perfect Trust’’, located at.the Kano Plaza building, where he said he bought it from.

However, the enforcement team of NAFDAC could not seal the shop because receipt  and evidence of purchase payment from Perfect Trust was presented by Cubana Stores owner to confirm transaction.

At Okas Global Link Ltd, another suspected cosmetics shop alleged to be a distributor of the declared unregistered Dr. Teal’s products, the enforcement team confiscated more than 200 cartons of various range of  the brand.

“There are a lot of health challenges associated with  the use of fake cosmetic products, depending on the bleaching agents or the active ingredients in that particular cosmetic.

“Take for instance, if a cosmetic product contains mercury  which is a bleaching agent, the person will develop freckles—red-dark patches on the skin, that will eventually lead to skin cancer.

“Some of them, like hydroquinone, NAFDAC allows only certain percentage; but when it is in excess, it becomes a threat to the skin.

“You know, skin toning has to do with inhibiting the enzyme that produces melanin that gives us natural pigmentation.

“So, what the compound does is inhibit the activities of these enzymes that convert phenylalanine, which is a precursor to melanin that gives us skin pigment, from being active, leading to toning or bleaching of the skin.

“We have administrative penalty for sales of unregistered products, according to our stipulated tariff, or prosecute violators.

“The retailers as well as the suppliers are all violators; no one is allowed to sell unregistered products,’’ Sunday said. (NAN)www.nannews.ng

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

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