News Agency of Nigeria
FG reiterates commitment to confront quackery in health sector
Health

FG reiterates commitment to confront quackery in health sector

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Quackery

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to confront quackery in the health sector in order to address misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.

Dr Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, made this known in Abuja during the presentation of accreditation certificates to deserving medical laboratories.

Salako said that he would work with the security personnel to ensure the objective was achieved and for Nigerians to have confidence in legitimate healthcare providers.

“One of my priorities as a minister of state is to totally confront quackery in the health sector.

“To achieve this, I will need the services of the security personnel to ensure adherence,” he said.

According to him, laboratory bodies like the Medical Laboratory Service Council are essential in achieving this objective.

He charged the council to roll out all their assets and deploy technology to ensure that quackery was eliminated from the profession.

The minister congratulated the eight laboratories for their outstanding achievement and urged other laboratories in the country to emulate them by improving their infrastructure, manpower base, and processes.

“Accurate and reliable laboratory diagnostics, as we know, is the cornerstone of modern medicine.

“They enable early detection of diseases, guide appropriate treatment decisions, and contribute significantly to improving patient outcomes.

“The ISO re-accreditation of National External Quality Assessment Laboratory will undoubtedly enhance the quality and reliability of laboratory results leading to better patient care, reduced treatment errors, and improved public health outcomes,” he said

He said that the ministry would continue to prioritise medical laboratory science to ensure Nigerians have access to qualitative health care services.

In his welcome address, the Registrar of the council, Prof. Tosan Erhabor, said that the re-accreditation of the National External Quality Assessment Laboratory (NEQAL) by the South African National Accreditation Service (SANAS) to ISO 17043 was a remarkable achievement for the council.

He said it was also a triumph for every Nigerian whose health and well-being depend on the reliability of the medical diagnostics system.

He called on the minister to make a decisive government pronouncement mandating the participation of all government and private hospitals, private laboratories, to key into MLSCN Accreditation Service and MLSCN External Quality Assurance Proficiency Test EQA/PT Scheme.

“This policy will ensure that every laboratory in Nigeria will adhere to the rigorous standards.

In his remark, Dr Walter Kazadi, World Health Organisation W(HO) Representative and Head of Mission, said that accredited medical laboratories are vital to the healthcare system.

Kazadi, represented by Mr Jubril Kareem, a staff in the organisation, said that they play a critical role in ensuring reliable and accurate diagnosis, guiding treatment decisions, and providing data for effective disease surveillance.

He said it also signifies compliance with international standards, ensuring the highest quality of laboratory services.

According to him, the accreditation of these laboratories serves as an inspiration for others to strive for excellence.

“I encourage all laboratory professionals to remain committed to upholding the standards achieved through these accreditations and to continue contributing to the overall health and well-being of the nation,” Kazadi said.(NAN)
Edited by Yakubu Uba

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Sierra Leonean news agency boss urges public health sovereignty promotion
Foreign

Sierra Leonean news agency boss urges public health sovereignty promotion

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By Mark Longyen

The Managing Director of the Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA), Mrs Lolo Thompson-Oguamah, has urged African news agencies to leverage their platforms to achieve public health sovereignty in their countries.

 

She stated this on Wednesday in Rabat, the Moroccan capital, at the 8th General Assembly of the Atlantic Federation of African Press Agencies (FAAPA), with the theme: “Health Sovereignty in Africa”.

 

Thompson-Oguamah, Sierra Leone’s Media Lead in Risk Communication and Social Mobilisation during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ebola Virus Emergency Preparedness Plan, underscored the important role of the media in safeguarding health sovereignty.

 

According to her, health sovereignty is not just about providing resources but also about empowering people with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions for their well-being.

 

She said that her experiences during the pandemics served as clear testimonies to the indispensable role of the media in strengthening health systems, shaping public narratives, and saving lives.

 

“The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities across Africa, not only in healthcare systems but also in our information ecosystems.

 

“In Sierra Leone, the dual crises of Ebola and COVID-19 highlighted the urgent need for sovereign health systems tailored to our unique challenges.

 

“Weak health infrastructure, compounded by misinformation and disinformation, magnified the impact of the two health crises, resulting in unnecessary loss of lives and a slower recovery process,” she said.

 

Thompson-Oguamah noted that the pandemics highlighted the fact that many people in Sierra Leone died because of insufficient information, stressing that the media’s role in helping to close the glaring gaps cannot be overemphasised.

 

The SLENA boss also emphasised that timely, accurate, and culturally sensitive communication form the cornerstone of crisis management.

 

“The media’s role extends beyond information dissemination. We are catalysts for public understanding, trust, and action.

 

“By embracing this responsibility, we can help build a future where every African enjoys the dignity of informed health decisions.

 

“Health sovereignty begins with information sovereignty. By empowering our people with accurate, reliable information, we enable them to take ownership of their health and futures,” she said.

 

Thompson-Oguamah further noted that health sovereignty requires a multi-faceted approach to succeed.

 

This, she said, required investing in specialised training skilled journalists capable of interpreting epidemiological data and navigating ethical reporting dimensions.

 

She also urged the African news agencies to leverage digital platforms to amplify accurate information and combat disinformation because they offer unparalleled opportunities.

 

“Social media campaigns, mobile outreach programmes, and visual aids are instrumental in our efforts,” she said.

 

She urged them to engage in gender-inclusive communication by mainstreaming gender into all their programmes and harness women’s leadership that would foster resilience and improve outcomes.

 

The SLENA MD added that partnerships among the media and health sectors as well as community leaders are critical to achieving public health sovereignty.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Malam Ali M. Ali, is among the African News Agencies’ chiefs attending the General Assembly.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

Japa syndrome: ABUTH recruits 518 medical workers
Health

Japa syndrome: ABUTH recruits 518 medical workers

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By Mustapha Yauri

The Ahmadu Bello University Teaching University (ABUTH), Zaria, says it has concluded arrangements to engage 518 health professionals, to mitigate the impact of medical brain drain and enhance healthcare service delivery.

Prof. Ahmed Umdagas, Chief Medical Director of the hospital, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Zaria.

He said the hospital has a shortage of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health workers caused by the migration of healthcare professionals abroad, known as ‘Japa syndrome’.

Umdagas said the hospital had received over 7,500 applications at the expiration of the vacancy advertisement, while it got approval to recruit only 518 workers.

“We have completed the exercise and by the first quarter of 2025, the hospital will have additional 518 staff towards improving the human resources for health in the hospital.

“We believe that injecting this cohort of staff would greatly strengthen health outcomes in the facility,’’ he said.

On manpower development, Umdagas said the hospital trained 460 staff both local and overseas, geared towards improving health outcomes, adding that such training would improved in 2025.

According to Umdagas, the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has trained staff members on better ways to improve patient care, adding that the facility was working towards strengthening partnership with key stakeholders to enhance health outcomes.

He said the hospital was collaborating with the University of Miami, USA, on the treatment of ovarian cancer, under which a research initiative would be conducted on 70 patients globally.

“Of the 70 patients ABUTH would assess 20 patients, 10 would be done at Bahamas and the remaining 40 would be assessed at the University of Miami’’. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Yusuf enrolls 300,000 vulnerable Kano residents into ”AbbaCare”
Health

Yusuf enrolls 300,000 vulnerable Kano residents into ”AbbaCare”

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By Aminu Garko

Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has launched the Abba Care Initiative with the enrollment of over 300,000 individuals in a free health insurance scheme.

The initiative, according to his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, is aimed at enhancing healthcare access for the state’s most vulnerable populations.

He listed the beneficiaries to include pregnant women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, inmates in correctional facilities and individuals living with sickle cell anemia.

Bature said the initiative was fully funded and managed by the Kano State Contributory Health Management Agency (KCHMA).

He said that it was designed to ensure that marginalised groups access free quality healthcare services in designated facilities across the state.

According to Bature, the Governor described the programme as a cornerstone of his administration’s vision for inclusive governance.

He said the governor reaffirmed his commitment to the health and wellbeing of Kano’s underprivileged residents.

“This bold initiative marks a significant step towards achieving universal healthcare coverage and improving the quality of life for the people of Kano State,” he added.( NAN (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

FG pledges to strengthen healthcare system
Economy/Business

FG pledges to strengthen healthcare system

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By Nana Musa

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Mr Adeyemi Adeniran, Chief Executive Officer of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), made this statement on Wednesday during the launch of the National Health Facility Survey (NHFS) Report 2023 in Abuja.

Adeniran stated that the NHFS 2023 builds on the 2016 and 2019 surveys, using improved tools to assess service availability and health facilities’ readiness to deliver essential services.

“This latest report includes several improvements, particularly in data collection methods from selected health facilities nationwide.

“These enhancements provide a comprehensive framework for assessing service availability and evaluating the readiness of facilities to deliver effective healthcare,” Adeniran said.

He noted the inclusion of Service Delivery Indicators (SDIs) developed in collaboration with the World Bank and the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), which focus on primary healthcare delivery.

According to Adeniran, the SDIs promote accountability, enhance governance, and enable targeted interventions for better healthcare outcomes.

He acknowledged the persistent challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare system, including inadequate funding, outdated infrastructure, and a shortage of skilled personnel.

“Many Nigerians still face difficulties accessing quality healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Despite various reforms and investments by the government and development partners, significant challenges remain,” Adeniran said.

He listed issues such as infant mortality rates of 63 per 1,000 live births (as per the latest National Health and Demographic Survey) and widespread shortages of essential medicines.

“These ongoing issues hinder the provision of equitable healthcare to all Nigerians, especially in underserved areas,” he added.

Adeniran also noted the growing migration of healthcare professionals to countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom in pursuit of better salaries, working conditions, and career prospects.

This trend, he said, has further strained the healthcare system by exacerbating the shortage of skilled workers.

He emphasised the importance of the NHFS report in addressing these challenges, describing it as an essential resource for policymakers and healthcare administrators.

“The data in this report provides an insightful analysis of the current state of health facilities and offers evidence-based recommendations for informed decision-making.

“By leveraging this information, we can implement targeted interventions to address urgent issues, especially at the primary healthcare level,” he stated.

Prof. Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, described the event as a pivotal moment for the country’s health sector.

Represented by the Minister of State, Dr Iziaq Salako, Pate highlighted the survey’s significance, stating that the findings offer invaluable insights into the preparedness and capacity of health facilities to deliver essential services.

“This survey used the WHO’s Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA) tool and the World Bank’s SDI to evaluate the performance of over 3,000 public health facilities nationwide,” Pate said.

He noted that the findings shine a light on the strengths and gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in primary and secondary facilities, which serve the majority of the population.

“These insights are crucial for shaping policies and interventions that will improve healthcare outcomes for all Nigerians,” Pate added.

The report, he said, serves as a guide for future investments and targeted efforts to address service delivery gaps, improve healthcare infrastructure, and enhance the overall quality of care.

“By using this data strategically, we can focus our resources on areas where they are most needed, ensuring better healthcare services for all Nigerians, regardless of location or socio-economic status,” he concluded. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

UNICEF, journalists move to strengthen  health, education reportage
Health

UNICEF, journalists move to strengthen  health, education reportage

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By Sani Idris-Abdulrahman

UNICEF has brainstormed with journalists from Kaduna State, Nasarawa, Niger and Kwara on bolstering reportage of health and education issues.

This was in an effort to expand media buy-in at all levels to strengthen terms of engagement to promote reporting and broadcasting of health and education programmes,

UNICEF’s priority areas of intervention for the four states are; reducing the number of zero-dose children, which falls under health, and reducing the number of out-of-school children, which falls under education.

At a dialogue session in Zaria, Kaduna State, Dr Sule Meleh, a Health Specialist with UNICEF, tasked the media to actively participate in creating awareness on the issues.

According to him, this is  through news and programme contents with a view to reducing maternal and infant mortality in Nigeria.

Meleh said the essence of media dialogue was to bring journalists together to brainstorm on issues of maternal and infants’ mortality.

Similarly, it was to identify the major challenges confronting pregnant women ranging from antenatal to postnatal at the facilities and look at possible ways of addressing the issues.

He said that the media were good partners that could help UNICEF spell out some of its interventions on health and education to the public.

This is for them to key into considering the indices of maternal mortality and infants’ death in 2023 cut across the states.

Meleh explained that bringing journalists onboard would go a long way in linking the population with the available services as provided by UNICEF and other NGOs.

He assured more collaboration with journalists to achieve the target objectives.

Similarly, the Kaduna State Education Officer, Primary Health Care Development Agency, Isa Yusha’u, said media practitioners can reach millions of people through their news reportage and programmes contents.

He believed that the discussions would impact positively on improving maternal, newborn and child health across the four states.

Also, Bala Dada, the Education Officer, UNICEF, Kaduna Field Office, said the engagement was to give them information about the programmes UNICEF run along with the government.

He said UNICEF works directly with the state government to focus on the interventions and priorities of the state.

Dada explained what the state governments were focusing on currently which UNICEF was greatly interested in.

He said, ”This is because of the interest they have about out-of-school children and Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN).”

Dada lamented that recent data showed  an upsurge of out-of-school children.

He said: “In Kaduna, Nasarawa, Niger and Kwara  we work with government partners and other education sector players to roll out interventions to reduce the upsurge.

“This engagement with the media across the states is to let them know what exactly we are doing and how we are doing it and what we are trying to achieve.”

The specialist emphasised the need for coordination between what development partners and government were doing.

“We all need to have proper data, we need to know exactly where the out-of-school children are located in our communities.

”When we do this, all the interventions by development partners and the government will be more targeted and better results will be seen,”he said.

Hadiza Muhammad, UNICEF’s Communication/Advocacy/Partnerships Officer, Kaduna Field Office, said the two- day dialogue would add value to the lives of the people particularly women and children in the four states and Nigeria as whole.

Salisu Lawal, the Director, Planning, Kaduna State Ministry of Education, said the media engagement was timely, adding that the educational sector has a myriad of problems that could be reduced heavily by the media.

Describing the media as critical stakeholders in awareness creation, he said they were also critical in influencing government policies.

Lamenting the state’s high burden of out-of-school children, Lawal said Kaduna was the first state that accessed the Islamic Development Bank’s loan to address the issues.

“Kaduna State has serious concerns about the issues, but it can’t address it all without critical stakeholders.

‘They include the media, school based management committees and the parents teachers association, CSOs among others.

“The programme, intended to return 200,000 out-of-school children back to school has already started.

”It is going to construct more schools, renovate structures and also improve the school management across the state,”Lawal said.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that a paper titled “Digital Reports and Use of Social Media”, was presented by the Managing Director of Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC), Mr Ahmed Maiyaki.

He stressed the need to apply innovation and advancement in carrying out their responsibility amidst the
social media era where citizen journalists can write and post without adhering to ethics.

Also, Dr Murjanatu Abba from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, took the participants through a practical session on development of storylines/media action plan for health and education programs.

The journalists from the four states commended UNICEF for the dialogue.

They pledged their commitment towards ensuring that the essence of the engagement is achieved in their respective states.

They called on their respective states’ governments’ officials especially Public Relations Officers in MDAs to be open and avail information when needed by the journalists.

”Access to information also aids journalists’ work.We are committed to upholding the ethics of journalism and protecting our sources when the need arises,” they added. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Waka community urges advocacy on men’s health
Health

Waka community urges advocacy on men’s health

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By Rukayat Moisemhe

Waka Community International Foundation and Novo Health Africa on Saturday emphasised the importance of improving awareness and building better consciousness on male reproductive health concerns.

These concerns, according to Mr Lorenz Mba, Founder, Waka Community International Foundation, include breast, prostrate and testicular cancers and erectile dysfunction.

Mba made the call at the foundation’s event with theme:” Waka for Men’s Health- Breast, Prostrate and Testicular Cancer,” in Lagos.

He noted that many men died from these diseases because of their inability to speak up or lack of understanding of early detection.

This, he said, necessitated the walk event.

He noted that prostate cancer; a genetic disease, common to men from 40 years, was the second leading cause of cancer death among men of colour.

He said testicular cancer and prostate cancer were both types of cancer that affect the male reproductive system.

Mba, however, said that they differ in some ways with testicular cancer easier to identify via self-examination.

He stated that men’s health was often not talked about due to cultural issues and more, meanwhile fathers, brothers, sons, friends and associates were dying in silence and from preventable causes.

“It is the need to change this narrative that these complications are both physical and mental.

“As part of bringing the issue of men’s health to the front burner, we are organising two talks by medical experts and two Wakathons in Lagos and in Jos respectively on Nov. 16 and 23.

“Research has shown that keeping fit, staying healthy and exercising helps even when patients are fighting some cancers such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer.

“Let us stop being silent when people are dying from preventable causes such as prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

“Do not stay silent; do it for yourself and for those you care about and remember, it’s OK not to be OK,” he said.

Dr Dorothy Jeff-Nnamani, the Managing Director, Novo Health Africa, stated the importance of creating awareness on preventive healthcare for men.

Jeff-Nnamani stressed that men from their 40’s must get annual medical checks for testicular, breast and prostrate cancers and engage in walks for life, fitness, emotional and mental well-being.

“You know, when we are younger, we are almost like invincible and at that young age, people feel they cannot get sick but the older you become, the more you have body, physiological and hormonal changes.

“So, it is important that men from 30 years should inculcate the habit of an annual medical check because these days we are seeing very young people have testicular cancer and testicular tumours.

“Things like Prostrate Specific Antigen (PSA) which helps to check whether that your prostrate is enlarge as a man is very important,” she said.

She also urged government to support the fitness drive of its citizens by providing better infrastructure and environment like security, sanitation and proper lightening of the road for people walking.

Also, retired Rear Admiral Chris Ezekobe, said while prostate cancer was a silent killer, its early detection was very key to saving lives and encouraged every man to go for the PSA tests annually.

Ezekobe noted the linkages between good health and exercise, saying it has been scientifically proven that the more you exercise, the less the likelihood of prostate cancer.

He urged the youthful population to engage in one form of sport or the other, depending on age and capacity to reduce susceptibility to many kinds of diseases.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Waka Community International Foundation is a not-for-profit wellness and health foundation that started three years ago in Nigeria.

The foundation with a primary objective to build a global community of leaner, fitter, healthier and ultimately happier people through walking, currently has over 55,000 members worldwide across 47 countries.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Nigeria commemorates maiden National Health Promotion Day
Health

Nigeria commemorates maiden National Health Promotion Day

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By Folasade Akpan

The Federal Government on Tuesday in Abuja commemorated the maiden National Health Promotion Day (HPD).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the HPD aims to promote healthy living among Nigerians, and has ‘Health Promotion: The Catalyst for Sustainable Health and Wellbeing of Nigerians’ as its theme.

The Federal Ministry of Health developed the National Health Promotion Policy in 2006 to strengthen the health promotion capacity of the National Health System to deliver healthcare that is promotive, protective, preventive, restorative and rehabilitative to every citizen.

At the HPD commemoration, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, emphasised the significance of the day, saying “this day serves as a pivotal milestone for Nigeria and sets an example for other countries globally.”

He added that the commemoration came about as a collaborative decision made during the National Council on Health in November 2023 to establish a dedicated day for health promotion.

According to him, the goal is to save lives, alleviate both physical and financial burden, and ensure access to health for all citizens.

Pate noted the increasing prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes and cancer as urgent health challenges, most of which are preventable.

He stressed the critical need for public awareness and education to mitigate the health issues, noting that “to combat NCDs, the Federal Government, in collaboration with states, unveiled the ‘Know Your Numbers’ campaign.

“The 10 Million Project, a nationwide campaign, encourages citizens to monitor their blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels regularly, aimed at tracking potential health issues before they escalate.”

The minister, therefore, urged Nigerians to engage in personal health management, advocating for regular health check-ups, healthy lifestyle choices, and mental health awareness.

He added that “by promoting health and preventing diseases, we not only enhance individual well-being, but also reduce the strain on our healthcare system.”

Dr Alex Chimbaru, the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Deputy Country Representative to Nigeria, said health promotion is essential, as it enables people to increase control over their own health.

He said “it covers a wide range of social and environmental interventions designed to benefit and protect individual people’s health and quality of life by addressing and preventing the root causes of ill health, not just focusing on treatment and cure.”

The Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Dr Ejike Oji, said that the burden of healthcare costs on families underscores the need for preventive approaches to diseases.

This, he said, would reduce disease prevalence and improve wellbeing.

NAN also reports that the HPD marks the beginning of renewed focus on public health in Nigeria, aiming to foster a culture of wellness and prevention that can serve as a model for other nations in the future. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

NAN MD advocates fitness, health for media practitioners
General News , Health

NAN MD advocates fitness, health for media practitioners

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By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, has advised media practitioners to engage in regular exercise and sporting activities to maintain physical fitness and enhance mental alertness.

Ali gave this advice in Abuja on Thursday during a meeting with members of the NAN Social Calendar Committee.

The committee briefed him about the agency’s inaugural fitness walk and jogging exercise scheduled for Saturday, October 26.

Ali noted the importance of regular medical check-ups for media workers, including monitoring vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate.

He said those in the media often work under pressure chasing news and may forget to check their health status.

“Understanding one’s health is essential for peace of mind and identifying areas for improvement.

“To address this, we established this committee to promote quarterly fitness and exercise walks. Every quarter, all agency staff will gather at the corporate headquarters for a two- to three-hour walk, followed by some exercises.

“This initiative will encourage physical health, raise awareness about health status, and promote team bonding, a team that exercises together achieves together and fosters greater understanding”.

Ali added that seeing colleagues and superiors engaged in enjoyable activities like walking can bring additional benefits.

He reiterated the health advantages of regular walking, especially for those of a certain age.

Ali also announced plans for a week-long inter-departmental competition to foster team building and family cohesion among staff.

He tasked the committee with making this proposal a reality, as it would help the agency evaluate its activities and bridge any existing communication gaps.

He also encouraged the head of the NAN Lagos office and the 12 zonal managers to organise the quarterly fitness exercises in their locations, and invited headquarters staff to bring their spouses to the Saturday event.

“This inaugural fitness walk and jogging exercise is expected to enhance team building and bonding.

“We aim to create a cohesive team that works together and supports one another. Before the year ends, we hope to organise a week-long competition.

“Although there are only a couple of months left in the year, we want to unwind and bond as a family,” Ali stated.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Mrs Dorcas Jonah, informed the MD about the upcoming walk and jogging exercise.

Jonah, an Assistant Editor-in-Chief, noted that after the committee’s inauguration two months ago, it proposed bi-weekly sporting activities for staff.

She thanked Ali for approving the initiative and attending the kickoff event, which has revived sporting activities at NAN.

“This initiative is designed to help staff stay fit and unwind. We want to show our partners and the public that the News Agency of Nigeria is not just about news writing; we can engage in other activities as well.

“As the saying goes, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. We aim to demonstrate that we are a capable team committed to exercise, maintaining a healthy work environment, and working together effectively.

“Regular exercise will help us think better and stay energetic,” she said.

The occasion ended with the presentation of tracksuits for the exercise by the committee to the managing director and other directors of the agency. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

DEPOWA sensitises, distributes sanitary pads to girls
Defence/Security

DEPOWA sensitises, distributes sanitary pads to girls

859 total views today

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence and Police Officer’s Wives Association (DEPOWA) on Monday sensitised girls of adolescent age to menstrual health hygiene and distributed sanitary pads at the Junior Secondary School Dei-Dei in Abuja.

The President of DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Musa, said the event ‘Menstrual Health, Hygiene management and Reusable Pad-making training’ was organised to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child 2024.

Musa said the initiative was informed by the need to support girls and help them reach their full potential.

She said the association also introduced the making and use of reusable pad to the students to ease the burden of buying disposable types.

“We celebrate the potential, resilience and strength of girls worldwide.

“We recognise the obstacles they face from gender based violence, limited access to education and healthcare, but most importantly, we affirm our commitment to creating a world where girls can strive.

“Therefore, as part of the commitment towards empowering girls to end period poverty in public schools in the FCT, we are here today for the menstrual health and hygiene management and reusable pad-making training for all our lovely schoolgirls here today,” she said.

Musa added that the initiative was in line with her vision to see women and girls become productive contributors to family and society driven by a deep sense of values and hard working spirit.

She commended the girls for their enthusiasm towards learning how to help themselves in taking care of their menstrual health.

She, therefore, urged the students to be committed and learn, assuring them that their dreams were valid and their future were bright.

“You are change makers. You are the leaders of tomorrow,” she added.

The facilitator, Ms Amara Ezediniru, said the occasion was driven by the desire to end “period poverty” among girls.

She said that some girls often miss classes due to period of menstrual flow and inability to access sanitary pads.

“We were told that girls are uncomfortable coming to school during their monthly flow and how some of them even miss classes because they don’t have who to help them take care of their menstrual situation.

“We were told that the children here, a lot of them are from non-privileged homes and that is why we have come to identify with you.

“This is because every girl child is important to us not just to give you pads, but we want to teach you about menstrual hygiene.

“We also want to teach you how to make reusable sanitary pads so that you can make for yourself and use them.

“Then you won’t have to miss school and you won’t have to be disadvantaged,” she said.

The Principal of the School, Mr Abdullahi Lakuza, commended DEPOWA for the sensitisation and donation to the school girls, appealing to the association to assist the school in other areas of needs.

“We have been crying of so many things, but our mother is here to help us, not just about your menstrual period, but I’m sure she can even do much more,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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