By Rukayat Moisemhe

Health experts have advocated the inclusion of walk as part of activities to improve life span, mitigate health challenges and enhance overall well-being for increased productivity and economic development.

They spoke at a Walkathon on Saturday in Lagos organised by Waka Community International Foundation, Q-Life Family Clinic and Health Emergency Initiative to honour the memory of Dr Ade Alakija.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Alakija was the Chairman of the Lagos State Health Management Agency, former Medical Director of Q-life Family Clinic and pioneer member, Waka Community International Foundation.

Lawrence Mba, Founder, Waka Community International Foundation, described walking as the oldest and safest form of physical exercise which was non-discriminatory on grounds of age, gender, level of physical fitness or location.

Mba said the collaborative event used to immortalise the memories of the late Alakija who was a fitness enthusiast, aimed to contribute to the wellness and health of Nigerians and residents of Nigeria.

He persuaded the general public to take personal responsibility for their wellness by walking, eating right, hydrating well and getting enough quality sleep.

“Nigerians are encouraged to walk a minimum of thirty minutes daily and to eat healthy in small portions, drink lots of water and get adequate sleep so they will be fitter, leaner, healthier and ultimately happier.

“Walking; the oldest and safest form of physical exercise is a low impact exercise and so is gentle on the knees and ankles.

“Walking also has many benefits such as helping maintain a healthy weight and helping lose unwanted and undesirable fat.

“It helps prevent or manage various conditions including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer and type 2 diabetes and also helps improve cardiovascular fitness.

“This event being held in honour of Ade Alakija is to help build consciousness about the importance of health which is the ultimate wealth and we remain committed to building a community of people that are healthy,” Mba said

Dr Olayinka Olowolu, the Medical Director, Q-Life Family Clinic, said the walkathon was to promote wellness, in honour of Alakija who was passionate about exercising and impacting the lives of people.

“At Q-Life, we are your partner in promoting your health as we focus on not just the curative but the preventive care of healthy living.

“As Nigerians and humans all over the world, we can take steps to ensure that we are in good health and not wait until we are ill by engaging in physical active, a proper nutrition and by avoiding things that can negatively impact one’s health.

“If you walk up to 150 minutes weekly, it is enough to have a positive impact on your health,” he said.

Mr Paschal Achunine, the Executive Director, Health Emergency Initiative, said the event was to raise awareness about healthy living, keeping a good life style and addressing emergency situations via the application of first aid and Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

He emphasised the need for joint efforts to save the lives of accident victims which he stated accounted for about 40 per cent of deaths in the country.

“We aim to raise awareness to provide access to health care for Nigerians and as this initiative saves lives, we can all work together to save lives together too,” he said.

Alero Alakija, daughter of the late Alakija and a medical practitioner, pledged to continue educating the general public on the benefits of walking via the walkathon in honour of her late father.

NAN also reports that the event featured health checks, CPR and First Aid demonstrations by professional first responders, driven by the conviction that a healthy Nigeria is a wealthy Nigeria.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Amen Gajira

The Health Records Officers Registration Board of Nigeria (HRORBN), has inducted the first set of 29 Health Information Management (HIM) officers, trained by the Federal School of Statistics, Manchok, Kaduna State.

The Registrar of the board, Alhaji Babagana Mustapha, who administered the Oath in Manchok on Saturday, welcomed the graduates to the HIM profession.

Mustapha, who was represented by Mr Umar Sani, Coordinator, Northwest Zonal Office, Kaduna, enjoined the inductees to adhere to the oath and ethics of the profession.

He urged the HIM officers to be good ambassadors of the profession and avoid any act capable of bringing the profession into disrepute.

“As you are aware, you are not just inductees but ambassadors of health information management anywhere you might find yourself.

“I urge you to use the knowledge you have acquired to bring to bear the desired and needed change in the health care service delivery,” he said.

The registrar described the inductees as partners in progress, particularly in curbing the menace of quackery in the health information management profession.

In his remarks, the acting Rector of the institution, Mr Jumbo Daniel, said that the inductees graduated during the 2022 and 2023 academic session.

Describing the graduates as custodians of vital health care data, Daniel emphasised their critical role in improving patient health outcomes, confidentiality, and maintaining the integrity of healthcare information systems.

“You will agree with me that the role of health information management professionals is indispensable.

“They are the custodians of health statistics, ensuring its accuracy, confidentiality and accessibility to those who need it most,” he added.

He implored the inductees to take advantage of any opportunity for professional development, stressing that the field of health information management was dynamic and evolving. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

By Justina Auta

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), an international NGO, on Saturday, called on governments at all levels to prioritise prevention and treatment level of Tuberculosis (TB) to meet the 2030 global target of eliminating the disease in Nigeria.

The Advocacy and Marketing Manager, AHF, Nigeria, Mr Steve Aborisade, made the call in a statement, in commemoration of the 2024 World TB Day, with a theme, “Yes! we can end TB.”

Aborisade described TB as one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases and leading cause of death for people living with HIV, yet 100 per cent preventable and treatable.

According to him, AHF Nigeria, in partnership with other stakeholders, will sensitise the public on prevention and free TB treatment in FCT, Benue, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Kogi and Nasarawa states.

“We will be honouring the millions of lives lost to TB, while urging leaders at all levels of government to prioritise TB prevention and treatment efforts.

“Through dedicated radio awareness efforts, AHF Nigeria with officials from the office of TB focal persons in these states shall be educating the public on TB prevention and creating awareness about the availability of free TB treatment across Nigeria.

“Through this effort, all the TB Directly observed Therapy (DOT) centres across AHF Nigeria states of operations shall be popularised.

“This will enable people to be aware of where to seek help for TB treatment and be knowledgeable about identifying cases and referring them to care and treatment.”

Dr. Echey Ijezie, AHF Nigeria Country Programme Director, stressed the need for awareness creation and access to HIV and TB testing.

“It is important for stakeholders to create greater awareness about TB and ensure that people get tested for it and HIV.

“TB is treatable while the treatment is quite accessible and free across Nigeria.

“It is in this regard that AHF Nigeria is happy to contribute to the existing efforts of the Nigerian TB programme.

“Through awareness creation and driving greater community involvement and participation through the strategic engagement of community-based organizations (CBOs) and their civil society (CSOs) counterparts.”

According to the World Health Organisation, TB claimed 1.3 million lives in 2022, including 167,000 people living with HIV, with an estimated nearly 11 million people falling ill to TB worldwide.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World TB Day is observed annually on March 24 to renew commitment, inspire, and take action to end TB globally. (NAN)

Edited by Gabriel Yough

By Victor Okoye

A health expert, Dr Folasade Momoh, says oral healthcare is a key indicator to the overall well-being and quality of life of every human being.

Momoh, who is the Executive Director, Centre for School Health Education and Environmental Hygiene (CSHEEH), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), made the remarks on Friday in Abuja.

She spoke during a sensitisation programme at Pilot Science Primary School, Gwagwalada, Abuja, to mark the 2024 World Oral Health Day (WOHD), where she emphasised the need for good oral health and hygiene.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for this year’s World Oral Health day is “A Happy Mouth Is A Happy Body”.

The day is annually marked on March 20 to raise awareness about oral health and hygiene, mouth diseases, as well as care and treatment options.

Momoh said that the theme explained the connection between oral health and the overall well-being of the body, hence the need to adopt good oral hygiene practices to avoid falling sick.

“it is a known fact that oral health contributes to overall well-being, and it is the journey towards good health begins from a clean mouth.

“So, to enjoy a healthier and happier life, we all must make oral health a priority by brushing our teeth daily (at least twice), and maintaining good hygiene

“Not just to prevent dental caries and gum diseases, but also to reduce the risk of chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and cancers.”

She said that the objective of coming to the school to mark the World Oral Health Day was to afford pupils the opportunity to receive adequate information on oral health, essential for good academic performance.

She thanked FCT UBEB for giving CSHEEH the approval to use the school.

The Executive Chairman of FCT UBEB, Dr Alhassan Sule, represented by Baba Aboki, Deputy Director, School Health and Sports, also thanked CSHEEH for the sensitistion.

He called for increased collaboration among stakeholders to promote oral health and hygiene.

Dr Ibrahim Yusuf, the Head Teacher of the school, said that the importance of oral health and hygiene among children of school age can never be over emphasised.

He said” what is being demonstrated here today, if put into actions, would help to save thousands of children.

Highlights of the event were presentations by dental experts and practical demonstrations on ways to effectively brush the teeth and maintain good oral hygiene.

A dental screening was also conducted for the pupils, while they received oral cleaning materials (tooth brushes and tooth pastes) to enable them practice and maintain what they were taught. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

By Abujah Racheal

The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI) says  MenFive® is poised to revolutionise meningitis prevention efforts in Africa.

Ms Cassandra Quintanilla, Senior Programme Manager, Vaccine Implementation at Gavi (Meningitis programme lead), said this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), on Monday in Abuja.

NAN reports that MenFive® is approved by WHO for use in individuals one through 85 years of age and will initially be available for use in reactive vaccine campaigns for meningitis outbreaks.

Quintanilla said that unlike its predecessors, MenFive® boasts the remarkable advantage of remaining stable outside of the cold chain for up to 12 weeks, making it a game-changer for regions with limited refrigeration resources.

She said that this innovation promised greater flexibility in vaccine delivery, particularly in remote areas where maintaining a cold chain is challenging.

“The MenFive vaccine, prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO) after extensive clinical trials, targets the five main serogroups of meningococcal meningitis prevalent in Africa, including serogroup X, previously unprotected by available vaccines.

“Its efficacy and safety have been demonstrated through comprehensive studies conducted across different countries, including Mali, India, the US, and the Gambia,” she said.

She said that one of MenFive’s key features was  its suitability for use in a controlled temperature chain (CTC), which had been well-received by healthcare workers for its ability to streamline vaccine distribution and reduce logistical burdens.

Additionally, she said it was multidose vial configuration facilitates easier storage and transportation, ensuring a more efficient supply of doses.

“Gavi, along with its partners such as WHO, UNICEF, and local health authorities, prioritizes the allocation of MenFive based on epidemiological data and risk assessments, ensuring equitable distribution to high-risk populations.

“The introduction of MenFive aligns with broader efforts to transition from reactive vaccination to preventive immunisation strategies, paving the way for sustained protection against meningitis outbreaks,” she said.

According to her, as part of a comprehensive approach to address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, Gavi collaborates with various stakeholders to promote public awareness and build trust in vaccines, crucial for maximizing MenFive’s impact.

Ultimately, she said that the introduction of MenFive® represents a significant step toward achieving the global goal of defeating Meningitis by 2030, offering hope for a future where meningitis outbreaks were effectively controlled and prevented.

NAN reports that Nigeria has received one million doses of MenFive vaccine, a meningitis vaccine, from the Gavi-funded global stockpile.

Meningitis is an infection of the brain and spinal cord-surrounding membranes known as the meninges.

Gavi said Nigeria is the first country to receive the new vaccine, adding that the shipment delivered by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

Gavi said the vaccine was developed through a 13-year collaboration between PATH and Serum Institute of India, with support from the UK government’s foreign, commonwealth and development office. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

By Reporters

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged stakeholders to intensify efforts in tackling the systemic challenges hindering the achievement of universal health coverage.

Dr Ijeoma Agbo, UNICEF Health Specialist, made this plea during a two-day media dialogue held in Ibadan.

The event, themed “Changing the Narrative on Child Mortality through Health Insurance,” was organised by UNICEF in partnership with the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme (OYSHIA).

Agbo, addressing the gathering on “Access to Health Insurance as a Way to Achieve Universal Health Coverage for all in Nigeria,” emphasised the financial protection health insurance provides by alleviating the burden of out-of-pocket expenses for individuals and families.

Highlighting the role of health insurance in ensuring equitable distribution of healthcare resources, Agbo stressed its importance in guaranteeing quality healthcare services for all, regardless of socio-economic status or geographic location.

She proposed that state governments allocate a portion of their consolidated revenue to health insurance schemes to cover premiums for the economically disadvantaged.

Agbo advocated for increased investment in primary healthcare systems and the inclusion of essential health services in benefit packages to make healthcare more accessible and affordable to all.

She underscored that health insurance broadens access to a comprehensive range of healthcare services, from preventive to rehabilitative, leading to early detection and treatment of illnesses.

Agbo called on government agencies, healthcare providers, civil society organisations, the private sector, communities, and the media to work together to achieve universal healthcare.

She identified inadequate funding, limited awareness about health insurance, infrastructural gaps in healthcare, among other challenges, as impediments to the success of health insurance initiatives.

Blessing Ejiofor, UNICEF Communication Officer, emphasised the crucial role of health insurance in ensuring timely healthcare for children, urging journalists to advocate actively through their platforms to bridge the gaps in health insurance coverage for vulnerable populations.

Dr Olusola Akande, Executive Secretary of OYSHIA, reiterated the state government’s commitment to enrolling all residents in the health insurance scheme.

He noted that health insurance was the most effective means to reach the vulnerable and urged residents to take advantage of the affordable healthcare insurance provided by the state.

Akande disclosed that the state government had allocated over N1 billion to the scheme.

According to him, the premium package for the health insurance is N13,500 and that is what the rich, poor, including the vulnerable pay annually to enjoy the health service package.

Akande, while noting that health insurance scheme is mandatory, said the state government is enforcing its compliance.

“What we are pursuing is to get as many people as possible on the health insurance and leaving no one behind, including the poor, the rich, the rural and urban dwellers. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Victor Adeoti/Tayo Ikujuni