Learners and educators at LG Primary School, Adie Owe, Ado-Odo-Ota Local Government of Ogun State, have expressed their excitement at the inauguration of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities provided by Nestlé Nigeria PLC.

The facilities will serve no fewer than 500 individuals including educators, learners in the school and several families within the community.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the LG Primary School Adie Owe is a beneficiary of Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK).

N4HK is a school-based nutrition and health education program built on four pillars: Healthy Nutrition, Healthy Hydration, Physical Activity and Hygiene.

Nestlé recognises hygiene as a crucial component of the N4HK programme and affirming the difficulty of hygiene practice and education in the absence of basic water and sanitation facilities, Nestlé’s investment in water and sanitation facilities for beneficiary schools underscores its commitment to comprehensive health education, enhancing quality of life and building thriving communities.

Speaking at the event on Wednesday, Victoria Uwadoka, Nestlé Nigeria’s Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager, said: “We’re delighted that over 850 individuals, including their educators and learners and the families within this community will now have access to water and sanitation facilities.

“At Nestlé, we recognise the need to teach children about nutrition from an early age to enable them make healthier choices.

“We recognise that maintaining appropriate hygiene standards and practices which is one of the pillars of N4HK is very difficult in the absence of basic water and sanitation facilities.

“Nestlé For Healthier Kids’ addresses this means by promoting healthy nutrition and hydration, hygiene and active lifestyle

“Therefore, we have invested in providing access to water and sanitation facilities in the N4HK beneficiary schools.

“ In Ogun State alone, we have completed and commissioned facilities in ten schools, serving 4,000 learners and educators as well as members of the immediate communities.

“The commissioning today is very significant as it is one more achievement towards our resolve to make access to water a reality in every school within the N4HK program, in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG-6), – ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all,’’ she added.

Expressing her gratitude, Darasinmi Agunbiade, a primary 5 learner in the school, said, “I am very happy that we no longer have to endure long treks for water.

“ Previously, we only had one toilet, but now, with the separate facilities for girls and boys, practicing what we learn during the hygiene sessions in N4HK classes becomes much easier. Thank you Nestlé”.

The Traditional Leader (Baale) of Ketu Ade Iwoye, Chief  Clement Ogunbisi, in a welcome address, appreciated Nestlé for providing the sanitation facility and urged Nestlé to do more.

“ I hereby tender my appreciation letter to Nestlé. Thank you very much,” the Baale said.

The Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, was represented by Mrs Adedotun Ogunleye, Zonal Education Officer for Ado Odo Ota.

Arigbabu commended Nestlé for partnering the Ogun State Government on the provision of facilities for public schools.

“The sustained partnership with Nestlé Nigeria in promoting a conducive and sustainable environment for education is highly commendable.

“We appreciate the company for conceptualizing this noble idea of provision of water and sanitation facilities in schools, which is aimed at providing a healthier environment for the safety of our children”, he said.

Also, the Board Chairperson of Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Femi Majekodunmi, was represented by Honorable Isiaka Aderohunmu, Permanent Member 2, Ogun SUBEB.

He said: “It is gratifying to note that over the years, Nestlé, through her flagship program, Nestlé for Healthier Kids, has successfully implemented various developmental school programmes and projects across the 20 beneficiary schools in 4 local government areas of the state.

“This laudable gesture of donation of water and sanitation facilities would go a long way to boost the morale of learners and teachers and provide opportunity for the children to learn in a conducive environment”.

“I call on the School-based Management Committee (SBMC), Parents Teachers Association (PTA), teachers and learners to make good use of the facilities and make sure they are well secured and preserved”, he added.

NAN also reports that Nestlé Nigeria had earlier in February 2024, handed over a Water and Sanitation Facility at Wesley School 2, Sagamu, Ogun State to the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board and the community.

This brings  the total number of facilities the company has built across the country to twenty.

The absence, inadequacy, or mismanagement of water and sanitation services pose significant health risks, impeding human well-being and hindering social and economic development.

Recurrent instances of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) related illnesses among children contribute to school absenteeism and malnutrition.

As outlined in Goal 6 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring universal access to safe and affordable drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene remains a global imperative.

The World Bank estimates that 70 million Nigerians lack access to safe drinking water, and 114 million lack access to basic sanitation facilities.

The provision of WASH facilities is, therefore, in line with the fact that water, sanitation, and hygiene are fundamental human rights crucial for favorable outcomes in education, nutrition, health, livelihoods, and community socioeconomic development. (www.nannews.)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

By Uche Bibilari

The Federal Government on Tuesday reaffirmed its readiness to tackle Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and other Non-Communicable Diseases through several policies and strategic action plans.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, said this at the inauguration of a project aimed at strengthening the management of the disease through increased adoption of hydroxyurea in Nigeria.

Pate, represented by Dr Nse Akpan, Director, Porthealth Service, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, said the project was geared towards assessing the level of utilisation of Hydroxyurea drug among healthcare providers.

“The Hydroxyurea is an innovative drug that has been used in the developed world to prevent sickle cell morbidity, mortality and has proven to be a game changer in the management and control of SCD.

“Studies have shown that hydroxyurea helps to reduce the frequency of acute chest syndrome (pneumonia), in children and adults.

“It also helps to reduce the frequency and number of painful crises and prevent the occurrence of stroke.

“It also reduces the need for blood transfusions, number of visit to the hospital and hospital admissions, prevent damage to vital organs such as spleen, kidneys, lungs and brain,” he said.

Pate said that the drug was now produced in the country by Bond Chemical Industries Limited, an indigenous pharmaceutical company based in Lagos State.

He said that the ministry, through this indigenous company, had made donations of hydroxyurea to Sickle Cell Centre of Excellence in the six geo political zones.

Pate also said that the Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research &Training (CESRTA), University of Abuja, was included and the feedback were worthy of note.

He said the issue of myth and poor utilisation of hydroxyurea among health providers was still evident.

According to him, the SCD management programme will help to demystify some of thecmyth associated with the drug use for effective management of SCD in Nigeria.

“It is our earnest believe that the programme will achieve its set goals and target with the unwavering support of the Federal Government towards improving the health and wellbeing of people living with SCD,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja (UniAbuja), Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, said the five years grant would enable CESRTA to do more in the fight against the disease.

Na’Allah said that with the effort being put by the centre in research work, he was optimistic that one day there would be a permanent cure to the disease.

Prof. Obiageli Nnodu, Director, CESRTA, said that Nigeria had the highest prevalence of SCD in the world with an estimated 4.4 million patients.

Nnodu said that research findings over the years showed that majority of people in the Sub-saharan Africa were not receiving evidenced-based health such as new-born screening.

She said that there was also no health education, prophylaxis for infection, Transcranial Doppler (TCD) screening, Hydroxyurea Therapy (HUT) and blood transfusions when required.

According to her, HUT is recognised in national and international guidelines as a standard of care for patients with SCD with over 25 years of clinical evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of hydroxyurea for management of SCD.

She said the project would conduct the first large-scale implementation research study to assess the adoption of hydroxyurea in Nigeria using clinical sites.

Nnodu, however, said the primary objective of the programme was to evaluate the level of hydroxyurea adoption among healthcare providers using the task-sharing intervention.

She said Nigeria had a new-born screening project that was supported by American Society of Hematology.

Ndodu said that it was a consortium for new-born screening in seven countries with Nigeria as one of them.

The director said the new-born screening consortium in Nigeria was in FCT and Kaduna State, adding that FCT had screening centres in 24 Primary Health Centres.

“We have screened over 20,000 babies, we have identified 220 babies, and just about half of these babies are being care for by others are in the bush.

“Only 13 per cent of SCD patients are on hydroxyurea which is a disease modifying treatment, 54 per cent are taking blood which is not too safe.

“More babies with SCD survive when they are identified at birth than those identified in early childhood.

“When babies are identified through new-born screening, they should be enrolled into comprehensive care for proper follow up.

“Current standard requires that these babies be offered hydroxyurea treatment from nine months and not wait until they fall ill,” she said.

Ndodu, who said the project would help to provide treatment for 900 patients for five years, added that there was need for constant awareness in order to reduce the prevalence of SCD in Nigeria.

Dr Emmanuel Peprah, University of New York, Co-project Investigator, said that hydroxyurea was safe for use in Africa, adding that Nigeria was the only country in Africa that produced its own hydroxyurea.

Peprah said that by the end of the five year research project, they hoped to have administered hydroxyurea to over 30 per cent of patients with SCD.

He said the drug was efficient to patients not only in Nigeria, but in Sub-saharan Africa.

Miss Joanna Kelvin, a sickle cell warrior and a volunteer, said she had been on the drug and it had been very effective.

She called on the global world to proffer permanent cure for the disease that always try to define their lives as humans. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Abiemwense Moru

By Priscilla Osaje

Mr Abayomi Sarumi, the Programme Manager, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), has urged the Federal Government to come up with policies that will protect children against unhealthy ultra processed foods.

Sarumi gave the advice on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

According to him, government needs to set up policies that will not only expand access to healthy food, but these policies must also ensure that vulnerable groups, including children are protected against unhealthy ultra processed foods.

The CAPPA programme manager said that the growing fast paced lifestyle induced by the use of social media, westernisation of the Nigerian diet was a clear pointer to the gimmicks of the Ultra Processed Products (UPPs) industries.

According to him, both urbanisation and westernisation increase the consumption of foods that are high in salt, contain excessive sugar, loaded with industrially produced trans-fatty acids, and less of fruits and vegetables.

“These foods are less nutritive or non-nutritive, easy to make, and sold as a convenient meal that is beneficial to the body.

“From feedback gathered from engaging community members, it is clear that many in the communities are lured to these foods by the unrelenting adverts, false marketing, and deceptive messaging that accompanies these foods.

“They are offered as solutions to long cooking time, replacement for healthy and natural foods, and a symbol of good living.

“Due to the increasing economic downturn in the country, it is forgivable to hear people say that they can’t afford healthy foods.

“Surprisingly, this has always been the response of many. The popular chorus is ‘fruits are expensive’. The same goes for any food that is categorised as healthy,” expert said.

According to him, the misconception of how expensive healthy food is drives a lot of people away from focusing on what is nutritious for their body and health.

“This deliberate misconception has made it easier for the big food industries, especially UPPs, the opportunity to package their products as replacements to healthy foods.

“Many food additives are marketed and sold as ‘alternatives’ to vegetables which are cheaper, easier, and provides same value in nutrients.

“However, the real cost of consuming unhealthy diet is the treatment of lifelong diseases, especially non-communicable diseases, loss of productivity, fractioned social structure, and overburdened healthcare system.”

Sarumi said that government needs to put in place policies that will expand access to healthy foods, emphasising the need to educate Nigerians on the gains that will come with such policies.

“Across a range of food policy issues, governments must set up effective and mandatory regulations that will help to protect the people, improve the country’s health, and increase the country’s productivity.

“It is also critical for the government to decisively punish those who violate the laws. This punishment should include payment for health conditions linked to consumption of unhealthy diets like the ones found in the principle of Make Big Polluters Pay (MBPP).

“Clearly, the burden of diseases in Nigeria is alarming and to reverse this trend, the government of Nigeria must consciously put effective policies in place. The people must also begin to understand that there is no alternative to good health,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

By Justina Auta

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) on Tuesday in Abuja called for increased investment in HIV/AIDS intervention mechanism for young women in the country.

The Director-General, NACA, Dr Gambo Aliyu, made the call in a statement by the agency’s Head, Public Relations and Protocol, Toyin Aderibigbe, to mark the 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD).

According to him, six out of 10 people living with HIV in the country are females, hence, the need to invest in them.

Aliyu called for women’s empowerment, in line with this year’s theme of the IWD — “Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress”.

He said that the agency was committed towards advancing gender equality and addressing unique challenges faced by women living with HIV/AIDS.

He added that investing in women was not just a financial commitment.

“It is an investment in the sustainable progress of our societies.

“When we empower women, we create transformative effect that positively impacts families, communities, and the nation as a whole.”

The NACA boss, therefore, reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to empower women and girls, while  recognising their role in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

He said NACA would continue to promote inclusive policies, ensure access to comprehensive healthcare, foster education to empower women and make informed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health.

He added: “Through targeted interventions and community engagement, we strive to create an environment that protects and uplifts the dignity of every woman.”

Aliyu commended other stakeholders for advancing the rights of women and the global HIV/AIDS response.

He urged them to continue to work toward a future where every woman would be free from the burden of HIV/AIDS. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Bassey and Abiemwense Moru

By Naomi Sharang

The Ideal Women for Better Society (IWBS), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has appealed to the Federal Government to tackle the hardship being faced in Nigeria, ahead of the March 8 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration.

The President/Co-founder, IWBS, Mrs Juliet Anyata, said this in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday.

Anyata urged the government to take urgent action to address the root causes of hunger and hardship in the country.

“This includes addressing poverty, inequality, and conflict, as well as providing immediate humanitarian assistance to those in need.

“We disapprove of the current crisis worsened by previous economic instability, insecurity, and climate changes, leaving many Nigerians struggling to feed and meet their daily basic needs.

“Women and children are the most affected, facing widespread food insecurity, malnutrition, poverty, and even domestic violence.

“We cannot stand idly by while hunger kills the children and husbands become depressed.

“Many widows are already living on the streets because they can no longer afford house rents, looting and kidnapping are on the rise due to aggressive hunger,” she said.

She said that data from the World Food Programme indicated that over 20 million people in Nigeria were faced with severe food insecurity with millions of children at risk of malnutrition.

“The situation is particularly dire in conflict-affected areas where access to food and essential services is limited,” she said.

Also, the group’s secretary, Mrs Linda Ameh, called on the government to prioritise support for the most vulnerable people including children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. (NAN)

Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Ali Baba-Inuwa

By Justina Auta

The Federal Government is to introduce a $100m World Bank-funded Nigeria for Women project and President Bola Tinubu (P-BAT) Cares for Nigerian Women project, amongst others to economically empower women.

Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs, made this known while briefing newsmen after a solidarity walk with women groups as part of activities to mark the 2024 International Women’s Day celebration in Abuja.

She said the programmes are targeted at empowering women across the country and improving their productivity in whatever capacity they may find themselves.

“The president will officially be launching the P-BAT Cares for Nigerian Women alongside other programmes like the Nigeria for Women project and the Integrity Brigade which I want all of you to be part of.

“As a people, let us start realising who we are because this is the greatest nation in the whole of Africa.

“As members of the integrity brigade, you play a crucial role in helping us fight some of these challenges.

“Not just the media, the royal father’s and the religious leaders are also part of this Vanguard that the President will be launching.

“But the media is very important to me because it is only you that I can use to achieve our goals for this country,” she said.

She noted that most of the intervention programs in the form of loans aimed at empowering women, end up in the hands of few greedy persons.

The minister expressed worries that some of those she called greedy , approached donor organisations in the name of the vulnerable in Nigeria but end up pocketing the funds, rather than use it to assist the poor and vulnerable.

“They use terms like consultancy, advocacy, research and to get these monies but for how long should we allow this as Nigerians.

“I want you people, (the media), to join the integrity brigade, that the integrity brigade is to fight these ills.

“So, I am pleading that for the sake of our country we use this opportunity well to get things right,” she said.

According to her, the integrity brigade will aid in preventing misappropriation  and discourage counterproductive protests among women, with NGOs expected to play a pivotal role in disseminating information.

While calling on the media to closely monitor projects and programmes to ensure they reach their intended beneficiaries, the minister reiterated the government’s commitment to sustainability and women empowerment.

Also, Ene Obi, the former Country Director of ActionAid, Nigeria, and a gender activist, who represented women in the media, highlighted the media’s commitment to supporting initiatives beneficial to women. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Adeyemi Adeleye

Medvisit, the leading medical tourism company in Nigeria, has announced the introduction of international second opinion services to provide Nigerians with unparalleled access to world-class medical expertise and care.

The Operations Manager of Medvisit, Gbenga Olaniyi, on Monday said that the initiative was a significant advancement in accessible and accurate healthcare solutions for Nigerians.

According to him, people need the initiative when their diagnosis are unclear, when they have several medical problems, when they are not responding to treatment as expected, when their doctor says their condition is rare or life-threatening.

He added that people needed the initiative when they thought another treatment option might be available; when their doctor recommended surgery or a major procedure or when they have lost confidence in their doctor.

“Medvisit’s international second opinion service is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing Nigerians with unparalleled access to world-class medical expertise and care.

“With this service, individuals can now tap into a global network of board-certified specialists, ensuring timely and accurate evaluations of their medical conditions and treatment plans.

“Its medical experts are based in top hospitals in the U.S., UK, Europe, India, Israel, Egypt, UAE, and other leading healthcare destinations.

“We are thrilled to introduce our international second opinion service, which represents a significant milestone in our commitment to providing accessible and accurate healthcare solutions for Nigerians.

“By leveraging the expertise of top doctors from around the world, we aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed decisions about their health,” the manager said in a statement.

He said Medvisit’s decision to launch the service was driven by a commitment to address several critical challenges facing the healthcare sector in Nigeria.

According to him, Medvisit recognises the importance of ensuring Nigerians have access to the best possible medical expertise.

Olaniyi said that through initiative individuals could benefit from the knowledge and experience of leading doctors from around the globe, without the need for extensive travel.

On mitigating the risks of misdiagnosis, he said that misdiagnosis and improper treatment posed significant risks to patients’ health and well-being.

“By offering comprehensive evaluations and alternative perspectives on medical conditions, Medvisit aims to reduce such incidences and improve health outcomes for Nigerians.

“Seeking medical care abroad often entails significant financial expenses and logistical challenges.

“By providing precise diagnosis and treatment planning locally, Medvisit aims to minimise the necessity for Nigerians to travel abroad for medical treatment, thereby conserving valuable foreign exchange resources,” he added.

Speaking on the practicality of second opinions, Olaniyi recounted that a study by the Mayo Clinic-the number 1 hospital in America, reported that only 12 per cent of their second opinion patients left with a confirmation that the original diagnosis was accurate.

According to him, it means that nearly 90 per cent of patients left with a different or refined diagnosis.

He added: “Therefore, getting a second opinion is the practical way to find a doctor who can give you an alternate point of view on your diagnosis and treatment.

“Medvisit’s international second opinion service operates on a streamlined process, facilitated by a dedicated Care Team that handles all logistics, ensuring a hassle-free experience for patients.

“Leveraging advanced technology and a vast network of specialists, Medvisit guarantees personalized attention and tailored recommendations for each individual’s unique healthcare needs.”

“Known over the years for its dedication to facilitating access to superior healthcare solutions for individuals and focus on innovation, excellence and patient-centered care, Medvisit offers a comprehensive range of services.

“The services include medical travel coordination, concierge medicine, and now, international second opinion services,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) has emphasised the need for stakeholders and the general public to be armed with the knowledge of Cardio- Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to minimise fatalities caused by cardiac arrest.

The advice was given during a five-kilometre health walk to observe the NBCC Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Week on Saturday in Lagos.

Dr Yomi Jaiye, a representative of Cecy Health Consult Ltd., said that every 10 minutes, someone somewhere suffered a heart attack.

Jaiye quoted statistics which stated that 90 per cent of victims of heart attack or cardiac arrest died before getting to the hospital.

This, he said, informed the need for more people to become more knowledgeable about CPR, to engender greater chances of survival of those individuals.

“It is important to know that a slumped down person can be revived if the quick knowledge of CPR is applied on the patient.

“What is most important is to understand the effective way of carrying out the CPR.

“You start by exposing the chest, feel the chest for the bone in the middle, place your dominate hand there, place your other hand on the dominant hand, interlock and start the chest compression by pushing down.

“Normal heart beat rate is 60-90 bts per minute. Do the chest compression around the number of beats per minute while you wait for help or an automated external defibrillator and follow the prompt,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Ray Atelly, the President, NBCC, stressed the need for prioritisation of health, safety, and environmental protection in all aspects of our lives.

These pillars, he said, formed the foundation of well-being, ensuring not only the present prosperity but also safeguarding the future for generations to come.

Atelly stated that physical, mental, and emotional well-being were invaluable assets that must be nurtured and protected.

He noted that a healthy population was the bedrock of a thriving society, enabling individuals to pursue their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

“By investing in healthcare infrastructure, promoting preventive measures, and advocating equitable access to healthcare services, we encourage our members and non-members to lead fulfilling lives and fulfill their potential.

“Health, safety, and environmental stewardship are not mere buzzwords or obligations but are fundamental responsibilities that we owe to ourselves, our organisation, our communities, and our planet.

“Without vibrant health, robust safety measures, and a sustainable environment, our endeavours, no matter how grand inherently compromised,” he said.

He also advocated the imperativeness of environmental conservation and sustainability for environmental viability for future generations.

Atelly said that by embracing renewable energy sources, reducing emissions, conserving natural habitats, and promoting responsible consumption practices, saying we could mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and preserve the planet’s ecological balance.

Dr Ebere Njoku, the Director-General, NBCC, tasked the business community to adopt a more holistic approach to maintain general wellness beyond trade and business.

Njoku urged participants to embrace exercising to de-stress and engender a more balanced mental hygiene.

“We have to become more serious about managing mental wellbeing and take advantage of opportunities like this to exercise as it helps releases certain hormones that help the heart and mind.

“Growing a business should not be at the cost of your general, emotional and physical wellbeing.

“While keeping an eye on your business, you must also keep an eye on your health to fully enjoy your journey to getting to the peak of your business,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Auwalu Birnin Kudu/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Aderogba George

The 11th Biennial Conference of the Africa Christian Health Association Platform (ACHAP) commenced in Abuja, with the Christian Health Association of Nigeria (CHAN) playing host.

The event, titled “The Journey to Achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Africa: Experiences and Lessons from Faith Communities,” kicked off on February 26 and garnered support from several international organisations.

They include; CORUS International, Christian Connection for International Health (CCIH), IMA World Health, and Inter-Church Medical System.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the primary objective of the conference is to delve into the prevailing health issues affecting Africa.

The participants aim to formulate viable solutions while mapping out strategies to enhance healthcare services for the population.

Mr Daniel Speckhard, the President/Chief Executive Officer of CORUS International, emphasised the necessity of improving organisational capacities for Africa to successfully achieve UHC.

He highlighted the deployment of assessment tools to enable organisations to evaluate their performance objectively and address areas requiring improvement.

In discussions surrounding “North to South Collaboration and Its Role in Localisation,” Speckhard encouraged local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to collaborate closely.

He stressed the significance of overcoming challenges in the health sector and urged NGOs not to be deterred, emphasising that challenges are global and can be addressed collaboratively.

Sylvester Akande, the Health Finance Specialist for USAID Nigeria, took the stage to discuss “Enhancing Access and Coverage of UHC Through Localisation.”

He called upon African governments to take meaningful actions promptly to meet UHC goals by 2030.

Acknowledging local challenges with local solutions, Akande expressed USAID’s commitment to directing funding and decision-making towards local partners for effective UHC implementation.

The conference served as a pivotal platform for comprehensive discussions on healthcare challenges, fostering collaboration, and advocating for tangible actions to enhance access and coverage of UHC in Africa. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu