NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Prevention key to eliminating sickle cell disease — UniAbuja Acting VC
Health

Prevention key to eliminating sickle cell disease — UniAbuja Acting VC

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By Uche Bibilari

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, formerly UniAbuja, Prof. Patricia Lar, says prevention remains the key to eliminating Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in Nigeria.

Lar, represented by the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Titus Ibekwe, said on Tuesday in Abuja during a public lecture titled, “The Evolving Therapeutic Landscape in Sickle Cell Disease.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by the Yakubu Gowon University Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training (CESRTA) in collaboration with the College of Health Sciences (CHS).

According to Lar, prevention is crucial, particularly by paying close attention to the selection of life partners to avoid giving birth to children with SCD.

Lar added that seriously considering partner compatibility could reduce the disease to only carriers, discouraging marriages between incompatible partners.

“If we maintain this precautionary measure over time, we will be able to eliminate SCD or reduce it to a minimum worldwide,” she said.

She emphasised that common treatment for those living with the disease focused on adequate care to ensure a better quality of life.

Lar also highlighted new advances in treating SCD, including bone marrow transplants and gene therapy.

According to her, gene therapy aims to modify the gene so it functions like a normal gene rather than the sickle cell gene.

“This is where the future of SCD treatment lies,” Lar stated.

Guest Lecturer Maureen Achebe, Clinical Director of Hematology at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) and Associate Professor of Medicine and Global Equity at Harvard Medical School (HMS), said Nigeria carried the highest burden of SCD worldwide.

“Sub-Saharan Africa bears the burden of SCD. Every year, 300,000 babies are born with SCD in the region, with 150,000 in Nigeria alone,” she said.

Achebe warned that Nigeria’s fertility rate predicted the number would rise and highlighted a high under-five mortality rate of 50–80 per cent, with many children dying before their fifth birthday.

She stressed the importance of detecting SCD in newborns before symptoms appeared, advocating for newborn screening programmes.

“These babies look normal at birth. Newborn screening helps identify those with SCD early so they can receive care and therapy to live normal lives,” she explained.

Achebe noted that preventive measures such as vaccination, folic acid supplements, and protection against infections like pneumonia and malaria could significantly improve health outcomes.

She added that studies showed hydroxyurea given daily improved longevity for patients with SCD.

“Efforts are underway to reduce SCD mortality in children under five from significant levels to over 95 per cent survival into adulthood.”

Achebe acknowledged newer treatments such as bone marrow transplants and gene therapies were promising but expensive.

She advised that people should know their genotype and discuss this openly when choosing life partners.

Achebe also called for economic support from the Ministries of Health and Finance and stressed that newborn screening should be prioritised.

Dispelling myths, she affirmed that SCD was a scientifically inherited disease, not caused by witchcraft.

Similarly, Prof. Obiageli Nnodu, Director of CESRTA and Co-Chair of the 5th Global Congress on SCD, said the lecture aimed to share valuable information about SCD treatment with the public.

Nnodu explained that CESRTA, established in 2015, conducts clinical and translational research to bridge gaps in SCD knowledge, treatment, and care.

“We strive to find safer, more affordable remedies for SCD and have made significant progress over the last decade.

“CESRTA provides opportunities for skills development to improve care not only in Nigeria but globally.

“The centre has strong collaborations with national and international institutions,” she said.

She said that following the recent 5th Global Congress on SCD, the UniAbuja Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training (CESRTA) was upgraded to the National Centre of Excellence for SCD Research and Training.

Lar added that the upgrade was announced by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FRSC lauds FMC Abuja for taking action against alleged negligent staff members
Health

FRSC lauds FMC Abuja for taking action against alleged negligent staff members

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Response

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps,(FRSC), has commended the management of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jabi, Abuja for taking decisive action against staff alleged to have neglected an accident victim.

The FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed said this in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, (CPEO), Olusegun Ogungbemide on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the victim had been rescued from a crash scene within the nation’s capital by a good Samaritan and was taken to FMC Abuja for proper treatment.

Mohammed emphasised the imperatives of timely and adequate medical attention in reducing mortality rates and improving outcomes for crash victims.

He called on all healthcare providers to adopt a more proactive approach in responding to emergencies and saving lives of rescued crash victims.

He also condemned the several rejection of crash victims from FRSC operatives by hospitals.

He revealed that the National Road Traffic Regulations (2024) specifically frowns at hospitals that reject crash victims.

This, he said was with detailed provision of adequate punishment for negligence, or any form of misconduct that compromised established regulations on handling of crash victims.

“We urge healthcare providers to prioritise welfare of crash victims and uphold the highest standards of professionalism to save their lives,”he maintained.

The FRSC boss reiterated the Corps’ commitment to collaborate with healthcare providers and other stakeholders to enhance road safety and save lives.

“By working together, we can reduce incidences of crashes fatalities to the barest minimum, and improve response to emergencies,”he added.

The corps marshal commended the good Nigerian who single handedly carried out the rescue of the victim.

Mohammed called on citizens to emulate the sense of patriotism by promoting a culture of safety, discipline, and professionalism to make a difference and save more lives.

NAN reports that the FMC management said eight of its staff members—including four doctors, two nurses, and two attendants—are currently under investigation for alleged professional negligence.

The hospital management told newsmen that any staff member found guilty of dereliction of duty would be held accountable.

The hospital’s Head of Clinical Services, Bioku Muftau, confirmed that the accident victims allegedly abandoned by hospital personnel—featured in a viral video circulating on social media—have been treated and discharged.

Muftau said the patient with a head injury, who appeared in the video and drew widespread public concern, was stabilised and discharged the same day he arrived at the facility.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Family support key to dementia care
Health

Family support key to dementia care

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By Lilian U. Okoro

A Consultant Family Physician, Dr Matthias Kwenin, has identified family support, love and care as key to effective dementia management.

Kwenin, also Medical Director of Right Results Diagnostic Centre, stated this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.

He emphasised the family’s central role in providing consistent and effective care for people living with dementia.

According to him, the family is often the first point of contact and must ensure support, communication, respect, love and understanding are always present.

He noted that professional caregivers must show deep compassion, mutual love, and commitment in their work with dementia patients.

Kwenin said families must create a peaceful and loving environment to help reduce the negative effects dementia can have on relationships and home life.

He described the family as society’s foundation, stressing that love, support and care are vital in preventing and managing dementia effectively in Nigeria.

Kwenin explained that dementia causes emotional and physical harm to the patient and often disrupts the harmony and stability within the family.

“To improve dementia care, families must adopt practices rooted in love, compassion and understanding, fostering a positive environment for those affected.

“Families and caregivers must protect, inspire and nurture dementia patients to give them a chance to survive and manage their condition.

“Sometimes, dementia patients display frustrating behaviour, but it’s vital that families prioritise supportive care above all else,” Kwenin said.

In her contribution, Inclusion Advocate, Ms Busola Shogbamimu, urged public awareness and education for families, caregivers, law enforcement and wider society on dementia care.

Shogbamimu, Executive Director of MASC Care Home, lamented that many families are failing to play their necessary roles in supporting dementia patients.

She said cultural beliefs remain a significant barrier, as many still associate dementia with witchcraft, spiritual attacks or incantations.

Shogbamimu described dementia as a brain disorder that alters a person’s behaviour, social interaction and relationship with others.

“Dementia is a progressive disease that worsens over time. There’s no cure, but early intervention can slow its progression,” she explained.

She stressed the need for education across families, law enforcement, public and private sectors to improve dementia care nationwide.

“Beating elderly people or calling them witches due to dementia symptoms is wrong and harmful.

“Unusual behaviour, confusion or talking to oneself among the elderly may be signs they need care, not condemnation,” she added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Lassa fever: Vaccine produced by Nigerian shows high potency -virologist
Health

Lassa fever: Vaccine produced by Nigerian shows high potency -virologist

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By Abujah Racheal

Renowned virologist, Dr Simeon Agwale, has hinted that Lassa fever vaccine produced by a Nigerian has scaled through preclinical trials involving mice and non-human primates.

Agwale, the Chief Executive Officer of Innovative Biotech, disclosed this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Saturday in Abuja.

He said that this development has raised the hope for controlling the deadly viral disease.

NAN reports that Lassa fever is among the deadly viral diseases recorded in Nigeria.

Agwale said that the vaccine, Licensed from the University of Maryland by Medigen USA inc. demonstrated 100 per cent protection during trials.

“This vaccine by a Nigerian is the only one so far demonstrating efficacy against the Nigerian strain of the Lassa virus, which differs from the widely used Josiah strain originating from Sierra-leone.

“We have the exclusive license for the vaccine for use in Africa. We pay Royalties to Mdeigen USA Inc and that’s how the innovation ecosystem works.

“They did the foundational work, and we are building on it,” he said.

He explained that five out of five unvaccinated mice died after being challenged with the virus, while all vaccinated mice survived.

“Similar results were recorded in a non-human primate study, where all unvaccinated animals died on day 22, but all vaccinated ones survived.

“This is 100 per cent protection. It shows great promise and we hope to complete the Phase 1 clinical trials soon,” he added.

He also stated that the vaccine doses for clinical trials are being produced in the United States, under a technology transfer arrangement, pending the completion of Nigeria’s vaccine production facility.

“Beyond the vaccine’s success, the experts strongly criticised Nigeria’s outdated academic system, especially in postgraduate training and research.

“We spent millions sending lecturers abroad for postdoctoral trainings without results.

“Every postdoctoral position in the U.S. is funded already, so why send people with extra funds and no structure back home to apply their skills?” he queried.

He warned that unless Nigeria revamps its university curricula to focus on specific, market-relevant training like “vaccinology and drug development,” the country would continue to lag in science and innovation.

“We still run masters in Microbiology with nine courses per semester, what’s the purpose of that? We need focused programmes.

“A graduate in vaccinology should understand how vaccines are developed, tested and manufactured,” he said.

He urged universities to take ownership of research by generating funds through problem-solving innovations rather than relying solely on government support.

“We must build research centres and retain talent. Innovation must solve national issues, not just earn foreign degrees,” he said.

He said that collaboration with global partners and deployment of local capacity was critical to achieving health security and scientific self-reliance.

“This is not about being a local champion. You must compete with the best globally because health emergencies don’t wait,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu

Health experts emphasise need to adopt gene therapy for treatment of sickle cell diseases
Health

Health experts emphasise need to adopt gene therapy for treatment of sickle cell diseases

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By Franca Ofili
As the country has an estimated four million Nigerians living with sickle cell disease, health experts emphasise the need for Nigeria to adopt gene therapy for treatment of sickle cell disease.
Prof. Jennifer Adair, Co-founder, Global Gene Therapy Initiative, made the call during a news briefing at the 5th Global Sickle Cell Congress in Abuja.
According to her, gene therapy is a new curative treatment for sickle cell disease which uses the patient’s own bone marrow cells, negating the need for an unaffected donor.
She said that gene therapy was the use of genetic material to prevent, treat and cure disease.
“The transformative potential of gene therapy comes from its targeting of underlying causes of disease rather than treatment of symptoms.
“To date, no gene therapy clinical trial for sickle cell has taken place in Africa where the majority of patients are,” Adair said.
She said that the congress was necessary as Nigeria bore the largest proportion of patients living with sickle cell disease in the world.
“It is so important to us to let people of Nigeria, especially those warriors who live in the country, see the possibilities for curative therapies such as gene therapy and also bone marrow transplant as possibilities for a better future for themselves,” she said.
According to her, the two days congress focused on addressing the global burden of sickle cell disease, including discussions on gene therapy, bone marrow transplants, and other emerging treatments.
Also speaking, Dr Alexis Thompson, a Physician Scientist in the United States at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, said that some incremental steps have occurred in terms of improving outcomes for sickle cell disease.
Thompson said that for the last five to ten years, they saw opportunity to apply science in a way that would allow the patients to be their own donor.
“They will also conceivably have a long-term effect with controlling their sickle cell disease,” Thompson said.
According to her, they have done the trials for both of the approved products at her institution as well as some of the ones that are currently in clinical trial.
“It is a field that we are far from over in terms of looking at innovation, but what is most extraordinary is the transformation in children and adults’ lives by giving the opportunity to undergo gene therapy and other curative treatments.
Again, a patient treated for sickle cell disease by gene therapy, Mr Jimi Olaghere said that he had a comprehensive screening and care for sickle cell disease.
Olaghere said that as a result to find cure to the disease, he enrolled in a gene therapy trial.

“Before I was born, my mom did not have access to prenatal screening and fortunately, she was able to fly to the U.S. and get that prenatal screening done.

“That prenatal screening confirmed that I would have sickle cell disease, so my mother decided to give birth to me there.

“And fast forward to 35 years after being born, I got fortunate to participate in a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR-based) gene therapy that has completely changed my life.

“CRISPR-based gene therapy utilises CRISPR technology to precisely edit genes and correct genetic defects that cause diseases.
“So, I am excited to come home and show the community the impact of these gene therapies and just curative therapies across board,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Vivian Ihechu
Bill Gates urges Nigeria to continue momentum for polio eradication
Health

Bill Gates urges Nigeria to continue momentum for polio eradication

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By Oluwafunke Ishola

Bill Gates, Chair of Gates Foundation, has advised the Federal Government to continue its longstanding commitment to end polio transmission in the country.

Gates said this during a media roundtable with selected journalists on Wednesday in Lagos.

He emphasised that with the tightening of global funding, it’s more important than ever that Nigeria keeps up the momentum of polio eradication.

“Now is not the time to stop because unfortunately, the virus is still circulating, and we need stronger action—especially in Sokoto, Kano, Katsina, and Kebbi States.

“What is important now is that the government urgently continues its longstanding commitment alongside partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) and the heroic efforts of frontline health workers to end polio transmission.

“The emergence of variant polio cases remains a serious challenge and can fuel doubts about vaccine safety.

“That’s why we are supporting Nigerian-led and GPEI partners like UNICEF and WHO to engage affected communities directly, building trust through transparent communication, listening to concerns, and working with local leaders to dispel misinformation.

“That’s what we need to do more and the key to stopping outbreaks lies in rapid, high-quality response campaigns and closing immunity gaps,” Gates said.

He highlighted the importance of robust routine immunisation coverage to achieve and sustain a polio-free world, increasing population immunity and reducing the immediate and long-term risk of polio.

According to him, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is a key partner in this effort, financing the provision of the inactivated polio vaccine in lower-income countries.

“The world is in the final sprint to end this horrific disease and Nigeria is key to that success.

“With strong investments and partnerships, I am confident we will bring about a world where no child, faces the threat of polio,” he said.

Gates acknowledged Nigerian government’s efforts and progress, disclosing that polio detections in Nigeria reduced by about 40 per cent in Q1 2025 compared to the same time last year.

“We have also seen some useful improvements in the April immunisation campaign. These are positive outcomes from all the hard work the government and partners have been doing,” he said.

The philanthropist noted that Africa’s success in eradicating wild poliovirus is a major public health achievement made possible by strong government leadership, sustained surveillance, and effective partnerships.

“But we must understand that ongoing disease surveillance will play a vital role in detecting and rapidly responding to new outbreaks,” he said.

Polio (poliomyelitis) is an infectious disease caused by a virus which invades the nervous system and often causes irreversible paralysis.

It can strike at any age but mainly affects children under five.

There is no cure for polio as it can only be prevented through vaccination.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria eradicated wild polio in 2020, however, a resurgence saw Nigeria report 122 confirmed cases of circulating poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2) between January 2024 and March 10, 2025.

These cases primarily occurred in the northern states.

Transmission of cVPV2 has persisted, highlighting the ongoing challenge of eradicating polio in the country and the government considering new measures to tackle the outbreak.

Gates is on a visit to Nigeria and has met with President Bola Tinubu and engaged with federal and state leaders to discuss Nigeria’s primary health care reforms.

He is also participating in the Goalkeepers Nigeria event focused on Africa’s innovation future and meeting with local scientists and partners shaping Nigeria’s national AI strategy and scaling up health solutions. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

UNICEF, stakeholders seek improved funding for maternal, child healthcare
Health

UNICEF, stakeholders seek improved funding for maternal, child healthcare

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By Folasade Akpan

Health stakeholders have renewed calls for increased budgetary allocation and improved financing for maternal and child healthcare in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders made the call at a workshop in Abuja organised by Development Governance International (DGI) Consult, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Dr Gafar Alawode, the Chief Executive Officer of DGI Consult, stressed the need for urgent reforms in health financing to address long-standing deficiencies in maternal and child healthcare across the country.

He emphasised the need for sub-national governments to embrace data-driven strategies and translate financial commitments into measurable outcomes.

He said “the objectives of the workshop include disseminating key findings from public health expenditure analysis and advocating increased investment in priority areas.

“We also seek to share policy recommendations and secure stakeholders’ commitment to improved resource allocation.

“Stakeholders will chart a course of action for implementation of the policy recommendations and identify strategies to optimise public health financing, particularly Primary Healthcare (PHC) and Maternal Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH) at the state and local government levels.”

Dr Bukola Shittu-Muideen of DGI Consult presented findings from a recent expenditure review, where she identified systemic bottlenecks and proposed targeted interventions to enhance budget execution.

She urged state governments to adopt evidence-based approaches to resource planning and health strategy formulation.

UNICEF Health Specialist, Dr Sachin Bhokare, commended the collaborative efforts of stakeholders at the workshop, saying “this is about aligning our priorities to ensure no woman or child is left behind.

“It is also about linking sustained investments to tangible health outcomes and reduced maternal and child mortality rates.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that state ministries of health, state primary healthcare development agencies and local government ministries contributed to discussions, reflecting shared concern over persistent funding gaps in the health sector.

The delegates acknowledged the challenge of poor budget implementation and reaffirmed readiness to drive reforms, especially at local government levels where service delivery is most critical. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

NGO, logistics Coy partner to empower PWDs, fight hunger  
Health

NGO, logistics Coy partner to empower PWDs, fight hunger  

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By Lilian U. Okoro

As part of efforts to fight hunger, the Pukka Logistics and Support Service Ltd., in collaboration with the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), have distributed food items to no fewer than 240 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

The outreach to celebrate PWDs in Lagos, was part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the logistics company.

Mrs Florence Austin of CCD, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the event was to distribute rice and groundnut oil to 240 PWDs.

According to her, the PWDs include those with albinism, deafness, blindness, physical challenges, spinal cord injuries, and intellectual disabilities.

“We organised the event through cluster heads to ensure orderly distribution and also provided security due to past incidents.

“The event aims to honour children and PWDs, emphasising the importance of inclusion and support,” she said.

The Managing Director of Pukka Logistics,  Mrs Beulah Akingbelu-Banjo, said that the company had initiated an ambitious mission to combat food poverty while also championing the dignity of PWDs.

She said that the company’s latest initiative took a compassionate turn by partnering with the CCD to distribute food items to PWDs.

Addressing clusters of PWDs, she said: “Whether you are created with disabilities or it befell you, you are special. Your life matters.”

“You have a specific purpose in life, the reason and the essence why you are created, and disability or anything else cannot stop you.

“You can see a lot of people who got popular, who got into places they could never have been just by the virtue of the fact that they have  some disabilities.

`So, do not despair. It’s such a beautiful thing when people are not limited by their physical abilities anymore,” she said.

Akingbelu-Banjo said that the outreach was with support from British-Indian business partners Jai Mahtani and Sudeep Ramnani,

“Their goal extends beyond mere food distribution — it’s about restoring dignity, challenging perceptions, and proving that disability is not inability.’’

 

Pukka Logistics and Support Service Ltd., in collaboration with Center for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) distribute food items to PWDs in Lagos State.

 

Mr Anuoluwayinka  Isaac, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Association of the Blind and an entrepreneur, lauded the programme for providing food support to alleviate the effects of subsidy removal and hunger, especially significant during the festive period. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

EU to spend €10.4m on sustainable energy in Nigeria’s healthcare
Health

EU to spend €10.4m on sustainable energy in Nigeria’s healthcare

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By Tolu Aiyegbusi

The European Union (EU) says it will spend €10.4 million on Nigeria Solar for Health Project (NISHP) which aims to provide primary healthcare centres with reliable and sustainable solar energy solutions.

Inga Stephanowicz, Head of Section, Green & Digital Economy, EU, said this at the Project Developers Roundtable Workshop for NISHP in Abuja on Tuesday.

She said the project aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s healthcare sector by providing reliable energy to boost healthcare services and outcomes in Nigeria.

“This €10.4 million initiative, funded by the European Union, marks a milestone in the project’s implementation in Nigeria.

“ NISHP, an initiative funded by the EU, will provide 24-hour access to clean, efficient, and reliable energy to participating public healthcare facilities across the country.

“ It aims to improve the country’s healthcare system by providing solar power to public health facilities in participating states,’’ she said.

According to her, by working together with the Nigerian government, private sector entities, and local communities, the EU is supporting Nigeria’s development goals and promoting a brighter future for its citizens.

She said the beauty of the project was on its focus on sustainability, adding that it would provide adequate solar power supply to 45 healthcare facilities in selected states.

“ By collaborating with state government actors in a targeted electricity market and leveraging available counterpart funds, the project aims to electrify not only health centers but also SMEs, telecom towers, among others,’’ she said.

Nasiru Bello, Team Lead, NISHP, said by leveraging solar power, Nigeria could improve healthcare outcomes, increase access to electricity, and promote economic growth.

He said as the project progressed, it was crucial to monitor its impact and make adjustments as needed.

“ The NISHP is a step in the right direction towards a brighter, more sustainable future for Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

“ With continued support and effective implementation, this initiative can make a lasting difference in the lives of millions of Nigerians,’’ he said.

Bello said the NISHP highlighted EU’s commitment to sustainable development and partnership with Nigeria and would serve as a model for other renewable energy projects in Africa,

He also said the project’s impact extended healthcare as it would promote economic growth and community development.

This, he said, was by electrifying small and medium-sized enterprises and telecom towers near healthcare facilities.

Also speaking at the event, Tinyan Ogiehor, Stakeholders Engagement Expert, NISHP said the project’s potential impact could also be felt in rural areas where access to electricity was limited.

“By leveraging solar power, Nigeria can reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, mitigate climate change, and promote sustainable energy solutions

“ By providing reliable and sustainable solar energy solutions to primary healthcare centers, the project will enhance medical care, vaccine storage, and emergency services.’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop brought together key stakeholders, including state government officials, private sector entities, and technology service providers.

The project has been inaugurated in Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Ogun, Plateau, Enugu with other states set to participate. It will run from 2024 to 2027. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Infant Mortality: Over 4m children benefit from SARMAN Project–NIMR
Health

Infant Mortality: Over 4m children benefit from SARMAN Project–NIMR

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By Kemi Akintokun

The Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) says over 4 million children have benefited from its ongoing Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance Mass Administration of Azithromycin (SARMAAN) project targeted at reducing infant mortality in the country.

Prof. Oliver Ezechi, a Director of Research at the Clinical Sciences Department of NIMR, made the assertion on Tuesday during the institute’s Monthly Media Chat organised to inform the public on some of its research works.

Ezechi, who is the Team Lead of the research, said the first phase of SARMAAN was initiated in 2022 by the Federal Government.

According to him, it is on a recommendation from the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the need for mass administration of Azithromycin in countries with high infant mortality rate.

The director said the project was funded by the Gates Foundation in partnership with MDAs and other international development partners.

He said the first phase of the study was piloted in six states which are Kano, Jigawa Kebbi, Sokoto, Abia and Akwa Ibom.

He said that the success recorded from the project prompted the take up of  SARMAAN II in 11 States with high infant mortality.

Ezechi, a Professor of Maternal, Reproductive and Child Health, said the states earmarked for the SARMAAN II were Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Sokoto, Jigawa, Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, Kaduna and Borno.

He said the age limit had been expanded from one to 59 months unlike in SARMAAN I where the children between one to 11 months were administered Azithromycin.

He identified upper and lower respiratory infections, diarrhea and others as some of the leading cause of deaths in infants.

“SARMAAN 1 was a limited research we carried out that involved six states and the project showed that Azithromycin was safe for children and only less than two per cent of the children reported side effects common among children.

“Before we started, we measured the antimicrobial resistance level and obtain 4.1 per cent before introducing the drugs and ensured that we are not solving one problem and starting another one.

“The safety perimeters shows that the drug is very good and that is why SARMAAN is extended to children from one months to 59 months to enable us know the number of reduction in infant mortality.

“SARMAAN 1 was not powered to measure morbidity and mortality but we will be able to do that with SARMAAN 11 as the project progresses,” he said.

Speaking also, Dr Abideen Salako, a Consultant Paediatrician and Study Coordinator of the project, said findings in SARMAAN 1 showed that the mass administration of Azithromycin was safe and cost effective if integrated into existing child health programmes.

Salako explained that administration of the drug in the six pilot states did not worsen antimicrobial resistance in the children, noting that the doses were within six-month intervals

He noted that the project promoted effective collaborations and direct and indirect employment opportunities where the study was carried out.

Speaking on the challenges encountered, Dr Folahanmi Akinsolu, the Assistant Study Coordinator for the SARMAN Project, identified poor recognition of critical role of research, weak health system and shortages of skilled personnel as some of the challenges encountered.

Akinsolu, who is a Public Health Physician, called for the need to integrate research findings into policy to increase the potential of research outputs on health outcomes. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

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