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

By Stanley Nwanosike

Police in Enugu State on Monday sought the support of public-spirited individuals, groups, and organisations for the family of a police corporal whose wife was delivered of a set of triplets on March 21.

Helen, wife of Cpl. Kingsley Nnamani, serving in Nsukka Urban Division of the Nigeria Police Force, was successfully delivered of the three bouncing baby boys.

The new arrivals brought the number of the couple’s children to four as they had a two-year-old daughter before the new arrivals.

Leading the campaign for support, Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, noted that the delivery marked a recurring and amazing phenomenon in the police command in Enugu State.

Wife of a police sergeant similarly delivered a set of triplets in May 2023 at the Police Clinic, in Enugu.

“This leaves no doubt that police officers, men and women in Enugu State are fertile,’’ police spokesman in Enugu State, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, quoted Uzuegbu as having said.

The police commissioner described the great gifts as good omen for the police and for Enugu State in general and enjoined people of goodwill to support the corporal and his family. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Alli Hakeem

By Amen Gajira
The Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited in partnership with TotalEnergies Upstream Nigeria Limited has donated a maternal and child referral centre to Kwoi community in Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the facility is sited within the General Hospital, Kwoi.

Speaking at the inauguration and handover ceremony, Mathew Bouyer, Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies Upstream Nig., said the donation was in furtherance of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

The company’s Acting General Manager, CSR, Mrs Tonye Osifo, read out Bouyer’s speech to guests on his behalf via zoom.

He said the project, like others across the country, was borne out of the need to mitigate gaps in maternal and child health care, quality education, water and women and youth empowerment in line with related Sustainable Development Goals.

“In 2016, TotalEnergies undertook a strategy to deploy 84 significant infrastructure projects across Nigeria.

“This was done to mitigate gaps in qualitative and technical education, maternal and child health, access to clean water and women and youth empowernment in consonance with related SDGs.

“The commissioning of such projects has become a regular for us as a company and we have started unveiling another set of projects that are being completed,” he added.

According to him, the location of the project is carefully chosen for maximum impact, coming from a needs assessment carried out before the deployment.

In his remarks, Mr Bala Wunti, Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, said the facility was a testament to the power of collaboration in the oil and gas industry.

“Today’s event further illustrates our joint commitment to improving the quality of healthcare in Nigeria.

“As part of our commitment to the communities we serve, the oil and gas industry recognises its responsibility to support the Nigerian people in the social, economic, health and education sector of our people,” he said.

Wunti stated that the NNPC would consistently champion the implementation of sustainable community development projects that has direct impact on the lives of the citizens.

He implored the hospital management to ensure the sustainable use of the facility to impact the people positively.

He also thanked other partners; including SAPETRO, CNOOC and PRIME 30 who joined in providing the resources that made the delivery of the project possible.

Also speaking, Dr Danladi Maude, the Kpop Ham and paramount ruler of Jaba Chiefdom, appreciated the donors of the centre for bringing relief to the people of the area.

Maude prayed God to replenish their pockets and grant them the enablement to do more for the people of the area and other Nigerians at large.

On his part, the Medical Director of the General Hospital Kwoi, Dr Osita Achunike, noted that the project was timely as it would reduce Nigeria’s child and maternal mortality rate.

Achunike promised to ensure that the facility is put to good use in a sustainable manner.

NAN reports that the centre comprises a reception area, consultation room, pharmacy and storage, laboratory, nurses bay, theatre, mothers and children wards among others.(NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz