NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Patients from US, others throng Nigeria hospitals – Shettima

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says patients from the United States (US) and other countries are thronging Nigeria hospitals to seek affordable and high-quality kidney transplants.

Shettima said this on Thursday, during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Association of Nephrology at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, ahead of the association’s 37th Scientific Conference.

According to the Vice-President, Nigeria is witnessing a surge in reverse medical tourism.

Shettima attributed the choice of Nigeria for treatment, to affordability and high-quality expertise within the country’s medical community.

He stressed the need for further investments in specialised medical education to sustain this progress.

“There is reverse medical tourism these days fundamentally because of the level of care at some of our hospitals.

” Recently, 13 patients from the United States came to Nigeria for kidney transplants at Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, because it is much cheaper here.

“They received the same level of expertise available anywhere in the world,” Shettima said.

The Vice-President commended Dr Olalekan Olatise, Chief Medical Director of Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, for his contributions to kidney care.

Shettima described Olatise as “a very decent man who is highly altruistic” in his efforts to assist humanity.

The Vice-President, however, noted the financial strain on patients, many of whom he said, sold their houses or rely on government support to afford the transplants.

“While getting a kidney transplant is a significant challenge, life after a transplant presents even more difficulties.

“Many patients struggle with the cost of post-transplant care, including immunosuppressants, which are essential to maintaining their health,” he said.

The Vice-President recalled healthcare initiatives he had embarked on during his tenure as Governor of Borno, as well as the success of ongoing free maternal care programmes he introduced.

“At a hospital in my neighborhood, we provide a bag of rice and beans to every new mother.

” They record about 30 births daily, more than even the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).

” Over 4,000 deliveries have been recorded in less than eight months, with all medical expenses covered, including caesarean sections,” Shettima said.

The Vice-President reiterated the need for Nigeria to build its medical workforce, noting that when he was in Borno as Governor, he took 60 female students to study Medicine in Sudan.

“About 58 of them completed their education and passed the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) licensing exams.

” Most of them are now in their medical residency programmes. The beauty of training women in medicine is that they are more likely to stay back and serve their communities.

“We must make deliberate and targeted investments in specialised healthcare education in this country,” the Vice President said.

Earlier, Dr Olatise said that the conference with the theme, “Revolutionising Kidney Care in Nigeria: Evidence-Based Innovations,” will take place in Abuja from Feb.19 to Feb. 21.

Olatise, who is the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 37th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the association, announced plans to honour Shettima with the Kidney Champion Award.

This, according to him, is in recognition of his advocacy and direct support for kidney patients, including funding immunosuppressants and proposing the establishment of a specialised laboratory for post-transplant care.

“We have noticed the role the Vice President is playing in looking after kidney patients in the country.

” He has been involved in purchasing immunosuppressants, providing post-transplant care, and even considering setting up a lab to monitor calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) levels for kidney patients.

” This award is a recognition of his commitment,” Olatise said.

Other members of the delegation included Secretary of LOC, Dr Adegboyega Faponle, and the association’s Treasurer, Dr Manmak Mamven. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Shettima rallies support for climate-resilient communities

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By Okeoghene Akubuike
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says collective action is key to building climate-resilient communities as a solution to Africa’s Climate Future.
Shettima said this in his keynote address titled: “Securing Africa’s Green Future: Leading the Global Climate Change Agenda” at the 2nd Edition of the Africa Climate Forum 2024 in Abuja on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum was organised by the Global Centre for Law, Business and Economy (GCLBE) and has the theme; “Africa’s Climate Future: Pathways from Dependence to Leadership.”
The vice-president, represented by Rukaiya El-Rufai, the Special Adviser to the President on National Economic Council and Climate Change, said Africa also needed to protect its ecosystems and sustainable practices.
“This occasion reflects both the urgency of our moment and the opportunities that lie ahead.
“It reminds us to redefine our role, not as passive recipients of climate impacts but as proactive leaders charting the cause for a sustainable and resilient Africa.
“Today’s gathering presents a grand opportunity to remind ourselves of the direction we are heading and the future we aspire to shape.
“As we deliberate here today, I want us to all recognise that any solution for Africa’s climate future must begin with protecting our ecosystems and sustainable practices and building climate resilient communities.
“The brunt of climate change that Africa faces can only be mitigated if we stand together.
He said the interventions that would be implemented during the forum would secure a greener future through social innovation and also serve as a springboard into global leadership of climate action.
Shettima said Nigeria had taken steps to address climate change with the Climate Change Act of 2021 and the establishment of the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and the Green Economic Solutions.
According to him, Nigeria has established a committee for the carbon market activation plan, positioning us at the forefront of creating a robust carbon market projected to be worth 2.5 billion dollars.
“However, in spite of these interventions, none of our efforts will yield optimal outcomes unless we collectively agree that climate change is not a topic for ideal debate but a manifest threat to our existence.
“So I reiterate today an open call across our dear continent, all governments, Civil Society Organisations, the private sector and the development committee to join hands.
“Only through a unified front can we create an all-inclusive approach to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and delivering lasting social impact.
“ Let us seize this moment to draw up evidence-based action plans that will be financed,” he said.
Prof. George Nwangwu, the Director-General, GCLBE, said  the theme of the conference could not be more timely, as the continent stood at a crossroads of a global climate crisis.
“Africa is faced with a unique opportunity, a moment where we can transform from being a continent that bears the disproportionate burden of climate impacts to one that leads in climate solutions and innovation.
“Our discussions over the next two days will be focused on the many
pathways available to Africa.
“We will explore how Africa can build resilience, tap into its immense renewable energy potential, and forge new partnerships that prioritise both sustainable development and climate action.
“From the Sahel to Southern Africa, from our coastal regions to the heart of the continent, Africa’s diverse ecosystems, people, and resources offer unique opportunities for growth and innovation.”
Nwangwu listed the topics that would be discussed during the forum to include the role of sub-nationals, climate finance, technology and innovation, energy access, sustainable agriculture, and gender inclusion in climate solutions.
“This forum is not just about discussions; it is about action, it is about sharing knowledge, forging partnerships, and committing to concrete steps that will propel Africa forward.
“It is about moving Africa toward a future where we are not just dependent on external aid or solutions but are leaders, innovators, and drivers of global climate change strategies.”
NAN reports that the Africa Climate Forum is an initiative of the GCLBE, an elite research centre and policy think-tank that works in the development space using an interdisciplinary lens.
The aim of the Africa Climate Forum is to manage the phenomenon of climate change while advancing Africa’s development goals. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams
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