The Nation Newspaper

Category: Health

  • FG moves closer to hospital equipment manufacturing

    FG moves closer to hospital equipment manufacturing

    The federal government is advancing plans to assemble hospital equipment locally by signing two critical letters of intent with Siemens Healthineers, its Nigerian partner Tanit Medical Engineering, and Abbott Laboratories GmbH, it emerged on Sunday.

    The development aims to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported healthcare equipment and strengthen the nation’s healthcare system. 

    The partnerships are designed to unlock the healthcare value chain by fostering local production and enhancing access to quality medical services.

    Key objectives include the assembly of ultrasound systems, improved medical training for Nigerian healthcare professionals, and increased self-sufficiency within the national healthcare system. 

    The initiative also seeks to ensure access to high-quality, locally manufactured diagnostic solutions, marking a significant step toward transforming healthcare delivery in Nigeria and building capacity to meet growing demands.

    Read Also: Embrace Ghana’s democratic example, Tinubu urges ECOWAS leaders

    In a statement by the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun on Sunday, Abdu Mukhtar, representing the Nigerian government as the National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), signed the agreement, with Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, in attendance.

    Pate, while Mukhtar and his team for their dedication to attracting investors to Nigeria, reiterated that the Executive Order provides valuable incentives for those investing in the nation’s health sector.

    In his remarks, Mukhtar underscored that the agreement reflects PVAC’s commitment to decreasing reliance on imports and enhancing future access to medical devices.

    “This MoU embodies our shared vision for advancing healthcare, enhancing access, improving outcomes, and unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s healthcare value chain.

    “The MOU outlines the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery through public-private partnerships.

    “We encourage everyone to support this initiative and work together to turn this vision into a reality”.

    Kevin Massoudi, Vice President and Head of Public Sector Engagement for Siemens Healthineers in the Middle East and Africa, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to enhancing diagnostic services in Nigeria, acknowledging the nation’s key role as a leader in health innovation across Africa.

    Similarly, Rabah El Menshawy, Vice President of EMEA & Global Accounts at Abbott Laboratories GmbH, lauded the MOU as a testament to the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose bold initiatives are shaping a brighter future for Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

    “This commitment ensures that Nigerians can access high-quality diagnostic solutions, proudly produced here in Nigeria. We are inspired by this vision and are honoured to partner in its realization, he said.

    “Our collaboration is focused on supporting Nigeria’s ambitious goal of ending HIV infections by 2030, an objective that aligns with our company’s mission to promote health equity and empower individuals to lead healthier, fuller lives.

    “Through this MoU, Abbott aims to enhance healthcare delivery in Nigeria by improving access to quality diagnostics, thereby contributing to the overall health and well-being of the Nigerian people.

    “This initiative equally represents an opportunity to contribute to Nigeria’s economy. We believe that local production of rapid diagnostic tests will create employment opportunities and build local capacity through training and knowledge transfer,” he said. 

  • Cervical cancer: Nordica Fertility Centre gifts FCT first detection machine 

    Cervical cancer: Nordica Fertility Centre gifts FCT first detection machine 

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has acquired its first colposcopy machine, marking a significant step in combating cervical cancer and improving health outcomes in the region, it emerged on Sunday.  

    According to the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dolapo Fasawe, the importance of the machine cannot be overemphasized considering that cervical cancer is a major health concern in Nigeria being the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women aged 15-44 years. 

    The colposcopy machine was donated to the FCT by Nordica Fertility Centre, Abuja, according to a statement on Sunday by the Media Aide to the Mandate Secretary, Bola Ajao.

    Noting that in 2020, Nigeria recorded 12,000 new cases and 8,000 deaths, Fasawe underscored the urgency of addressing this issue, adding that the donation is a significant step to combat early detection and treatment in the FCT.

    Highlighting the importance of the donation during the commissioning of the equipment at the Wuse General Hospital, Fasawe said, “This is the first colposcopy centre in the FCT general hospitals and will also serve as a referral centre for all public and private hospitals within the FCT.

    “It provides an opportunity to ‘see and treat’ early changes in the cervix, helping to prevent cervical cancer.”

    While she noted that cervical cancer has a pre-malignant phase lasting 10-15 years, which offers a critical window for early detection and treatment, the Mandate Secretary encouraged women of reproductive age to undergo regular screenings to prevent unnecessary deaths.

    The available screening methods, she said, include the Papanicolaou (Pap) smear and the more advanced colposcopy procedure, which is particularly useful for women with abnormal Pap smear results, unusual vaginal bleeding, abnormal cervical lesions, or Postcoital bleeding.

    According to her, the colposcopy suite allows healthcare providers to detect and treat lesions early, perform biopsies of suspicious areas, and offer timely interventions to women who might otherwise be lost to follow-up.

    She commended the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his dedication to improving healthcare through various initiatives, including advocacy for HPV vaccination to reduce the disease’s burden and protect women’s health

    Fasawe, however, commended Nordica Fertility Centre for the donation while calling on other partners and organizations to support the government in building a more effective healthcare system.

    In his remarks, the Medical Director of Wuse General Hospital, Oluseyi Ashaolu also urged 

    women within the reproductive age group to take advantage of the facility, adding that colposcopy is a safe and effective method for detecting abnormal cell growth in the cervix, vagina, and vulva. 

    He also announced that to encourage the use of the facility, the Health Services and Environment Secretariat of the FCTA has approved free colposcopy services for all female staff of FCT general hospitals until January 2025.

    According to him, the procedures would be conducted by specialists in gynecologic oncology, and patients with abnormal findings would receive appropriate treatments, including thermal ablation, Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP), or definitive surgeries as necessary.

  • FCT overshoots health insurance 2024 enrollment target 

    FCT overshoots health insurance 2024 enrollment target 

    The Mandate Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Adedolapo Fasawe, has emphasized the critical strides and ongoing challenges in strengthening the healthcare system within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). 

    This is as the FCT beat 35 States to emerge as runner-up for “Best Performing and Most Improved State” at the 2nd Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge.

    Fasawe, while attributing the success to the strategic leadership of the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the daily dedication of healthcare providers in Primary Health Care (PHC) centers across the territory, revealed that the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) has exceeded its enrollment targets for 2024, set by the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES).

    Represented by the Permanent Secretary of HSES, Baba-Gana Adam, the Mandate Secretary revealed that FHIS was tasked with enrolling 100,000 participants over four years, with an annual target of 25,000 enrollees but between January and November 2024, it surpassed the goal, enrolling 36,000 individuals, 11,000 above the annual target, with numbers still rising.

    She underscored the importance of UHC, stating, “The goal of UHC is to ensure no one is left behind, particularly the poor and vulnerable.”  

    Fasawe attributed the achievement to the legal framework and proactive measures introduced by the current administration. 

    She commended the leadership of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, noting his intervention in settling outstanding payments owed to Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and healthcare facilities. 

    “This administration has cleared all backlogs. Meetings have been held with HMOs and facilities, and as of December 2024, we have approved payments for the first quarter of 2025. We are now moving forward to deliver the Minister’s promises,” she said.

    The Acting Director of FHIS, Salamatu Belgore, presented a UHC Day Call to Action letter to Dr. Fasawe for delivery to the FCT Minister, stressing that healthcare is a fundamental right. 

    She highlighted worsening global financial protection, with 2 billion people facing financial hardship and 1.3 billion pushed into poverty by health expenses.  

    Belgore called for a legal framework for the FCT Health Insurance Agency, investments in digital innovations, improved public health infrastructure, and solutions to human resource gaps to enhance healthcare delivery.

    She also called for equity funding from the FCT Consolidated Revenue Fund to support the enrollment of poor and vulnerable populations.

    The awareness road walk, which began at the Federal Secretariat and concluded at the FCT Administration Secretariat, included the distribution of UHC flyers and sensitization materials to the public.

    In a similar development, the FCT Primary Health Care (PHC) system emerged as runner-up for “Best Performing and Most Improved State” at the 2nd Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge Gala held in Abuja. 

    Read Also: Barau to Wike at 57: your commitment to FCT development remarkable

    The FCT received a $400,000 cash incentive for its achievements in advancing UHC, marking significant progress since the challenge’s launch by the Nigeria Governors Forum in 2022.

    Chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was represented by a former Minister of FCT Alh. Aliyu Madibbo, the event recognized FCT’s innovative strides in strengthening PHC. 

    The Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Kwara state Alh. AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq, who was represented by the Governor of Anambra state Prof. Charles Soludo as well as the representative of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Ali Pate, among others were present at the ceremony.

    “This award underscores the strategic leadership of the FCT Minister in investing in healthcare and the credible services carried out daily in Primary Health Care centers across the territory,” Fasawe noted, adding that more improvements are on the way.  

    Represented by the acting Executive Secretary of FCT Primary Health Care Board, Ruqqaya Wamako, the Mandate Secretary highlighted the effective utilization of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), which has led to significant improvements in key health indicators that include increased antenatal coverage, a rise in the proportion of women using modern contraceptive methods, and higher rates of women delivering with skilled birth attendants. 

    She credited the successes to targeted approaches aimed at creating awareness and educating vulnerable women about the importance of accessing quality healthcare services within their communities.  

    While celebrating the progress, Fasawe expressed gratitude to the management and staff of the Secretariat, as well as partners like the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the World Health Organization (WHO). 

    However, she stressed the need for intensified efforts to fulfill the commitment to strengthening and improving PHC systems across Nigeria.  

    “Our collective goal is to ensure that every resident, especially women and vulnerable populations, has access to quality healthcare within their proximity,” she said, urging all stakeholders to maintain the momentum in addressing the challenges within the healthcare sector.

  • How quality healthcare can fasttrack 2030 UHC target, by public health experts 

    How quality healthcare can fasttrack 2030 UHC target, by public health experts 

    Experts have emphasizing the critical need for quality healthcare as a cornerstone for achieving UHC in Nigeria. 

    According to the experts, the importance of inclusivity, collaboration, and practical solutions that prioritize the health needs of Nigerians as essential for achieving UHC in the country cannot be overemphasized.

    The experts and stakeholders spoke in Abuja on Friday during the 2024 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day commemoration, organized by the Nigeria UHC Forum.

    The event brought together policymakers, healthcare professionals, development partners, and civil society, including the Director General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Kelechi Ohiri; Yobe State Commissioner for Health, Mohammed Gana; Nasarawa State Commissioner for Health, Gaza Gwamna; and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) LHSS Project Chief of Party, Bolanle Olusola-Faleye to discuss challenges and strategies for improving healthcare delivery

    Others are PharmAccess Country Director, Njide Ndili; Senior Health Specialist at the World Bank, Olumide Okunola; and Managing Partner of DGI Consult and Co-Convener of the Nigeria UHC Forum, Gafar Alawode, among others.

    In her opening remarks, the Convener of the Nigeria UHC Forum, Chief Moji Makanjuola, highlighted the need for a unified approach involving both public and private sectors. 

    She stressed that practical, people-centered solutions are essential for advancing UHC. 

    The Director General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Ohiri, emphasized the critical role of quality healthcare in building trust and improving health outcomes. 

    He called for political will and evidence-based planning to drive reforms, while commending partnerships like those with PharmAccess to standardize care delivery.

    Country Director of PharmAccess, Ndili, in her presentation stressed the unsustainability of UHC efforts without a focus on quality care. 

    She shared the transformation of FMC Ebute Metta through targeted investments in infrastructure, skilled personnel, and clinical protocols, which increased patient visits from 70,000 in 2018 to over 211,000 in 2022. 

    This improvement also led to a significant boost in revenue, illustrating how quality care strengthens both health outcomes and financial sustainability.

    “When we advocate for Universal Health Coverage (UHC), we often focus on access, but quality is of the utmost importance,” she stressed, noting that while increasing access is crucial, without ensuring quality, UHC efforts will be unsustainable.

    “Quality healthcare hinges on a combination of skilled personnel, proper equipment, and established clinical protocols. 

    “This focus on quality has not only enhanced health outcomes but also significantly boosted patient trust, leading to an increase of unique patients at FMC Ebute Metta from 70,000 in 2018 to over 211,000 in 2022. 

    “It also translated to over 2000% increase in annual revenue. This growth illustrates that high-quality care not only improves health outcomes but also strengthens the financial sustainability of healthcare facilities,” Ndili said.

    The Special Adviser to the President on Health, Salma Ibrahim Anas, commended the Forum’s efforts and reiterated the Federal government’s commitment to achieving UHC. 

    Represented by Umar Yakasai, she emphasized the importance of partnerships between the government and civil society to ensure accountability and address gaps in healthcare delivery. 

    A panel discussion further explored barriers such as inadequate infrastructure, funding gaps, and workforce shortages, with panelists calling for stronger public-private partnerships and better resource allocation.

    With a call to action for stakeholders to prioritize quality improvement and equity in healthcare access, the participants agreed that achieving UHC in Nigeria requires innovative solutions, strengthened primary healthcare delivery, and sustained collaboration among all sectors.

  • Investment in PHC will bring down health inequalities in Nigeria – Uche Amaonwu

    Investment in PHC will bring down health inequalities in Nigeria – Uche Amaonwu

    Supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge is designed to recognise exceptional leadership in the delivery of PHC services across Nigeria. Bolaji Ogundele spoke to the Interim Country Director, Uche Amaonwu on the sidelines at the award night.

    What inspired the PHC leadership challenge?

    The PHCLeadership Challenge is really a partnership between the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Nigeria Governors Forum, the Federal Minister of Health, UNICEF, and it’s really to recognize exceptional leadership from state governors around improving primary health care outcomes in each of their states.

    So, that’s the focus of it, because making gains in primary health care is very dependent on leadership that is committed, so we decided that maybe we’ll get together and actually have an award to recognize those people who are doing well and have it as a way to motivate others to do better than before.

    We are here for the second edition of the challenge, from reports, what has the experience been like after the first one, have there been improvements?

    I think the first one was a learning experience where we really tried to balance between understanding states that have done well and why they’ve done well and it was almost like a way of setting the baseline to say, let’s recognize a couple of states based on how they’ve performed. 

    But through that first one, we learned a lot, which is that your real performance in PHC is a blend between putting the right processes in place to make sure it can perform and actually seeing performance come out of the other end and you almost need to recognize both, because sometimes without those processes in place, you might not get the real results right.

    So, we took those learnings from the first one and brought them to the second one. What is different from the second one is that it coincides with a time when we’ve actually just received results from the Nigerian Demographic Health Survey-which is a five-year survey-where we actually see how states have performed in terms of key health metrics.

    That’s the difference in this one and now this one takes some of that new data into account, to  say, not only have states shown commitment to be able to improve PHC outcomes, but we also want to recognize states that have actually shown some of those improvements in outcomes. So I think this is an improvement on the first one.

    Can you describe the foundation’s perspective on the outcomes from the PHC leadership challenge since its introduction in 2019?

    I think what we’ve seen isan increased amount of interest by state governors to actually take Primary Health Care seriously. Some of it is because of the challenge fund, where we’rerewarding people for doing the right things. But I’m hoping it’s beyond that, I’m hoping that the governors have recognized that this is a signature and important thing to do.

    If you don’t have healthy population, then it’s very difficult to have a population, as a community, that’s thriving. But we are happy to see that states continue to take it a little more serious. We’ve seen an increased number of states that are increasing the percentage of money they put towards primary health care. 

    We are seeing states showing commitment in hiring the right health workforce to be able to deliver against those outcomes, and we are seeing states who are committing money to put together the supplies to be able to help people that come to the primary healthcare clinic.So, these are the things we want to see more of and we will continuously recognize states that are doing that.

    How do you think this challenge can help close the health inequalities across the country?

    Why the focus on primary health care makes sense is because the evidence has shown that about 80% or 90% of the diseases or the health problems that affect the population are things that can actually be addressed at the primary healthcare centre. I know a lot of Nigerians like going to hospital when they have a headache and things like that, but the reality is that a lot of those things can be treated at primary healthcare clinic.

    The reason that people wait to see a doctor is because historically, those primary health care facilities have not been strong. So the goal of this challenge is to shed the light on that and say, look, you have a network of clinics around Nigeria, if you just do what it takes to be able to make sure they are functioning properly and they are well equipped, and they have nurses when you come there, then you start seeing some of these outcomes,and it’s possible, because we have seen states that have put in the hard work, we’ve actually seen the results show up there.

    I think, coming back to that 80% – 90%  of health problems  and the PHC is the place people go to address the problems, then encouraging states to really invest in this platform is really going to help bring down a lot of inequalities you talked about, whether it’s malaria- Nigeria has the highest burden of malaria in the world- or whether it’s women who die at childbirth, again Nigeria is the highest, but investments in this platform will help move the needle on those things.

  • FG intensifies efforts to reverse $23m pharmaceutical starch imports 

    FG intensifies efforts to reverse $23m pharmaceutical starch imports 

    The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to producing pharmaceutical-grade starch locally, a critical ingredient for solid medicine production. 

    Nigeria does not produce pharmaceutical starch as the initiative seeks to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports, which currently costs the country $23 million annually, and bolster economic growth.  

    According to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigeria requires 600,000 metric tonnes (MT) of starch annually but produces only 24,000 MT, accounting for just 4% of the national demand. 

    The remaining 96% is imported from countries such as Turkey, the Netherlands, Egypt, India, and China.  

    Prof. Martins Emeje, Director General of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), highlighted the necessity of the Cassava Value Addition Initiative (CVAI) during a virtual stakeholder engagement meeting hosted by the agency on Friday.

    The meeting served as a platform to involve key players in cassava cultivation, processing, and utilization, emphasizing the project’s national importance. 

    Leveraging Nigeria’s status as the world’s largest cassava producer, the Cassava Value Addition Initiative (CVAI) seeks to manufacture pharmaceutical-grade starch locally, the DG declared, adding that it aims to curtail foreign exchange losses, address critical healthcare needs, and stimulate economic growth by creating jobs. 

    According to him,  pharmaceutical components including the imported pharmaceutical starch, ultimately reflected in the price of medicine places an undue burden on consumers, a challenge the CVAI intends to tackle.

    Emeje emphasized that the groundbreaking project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s vision to foster innovation, self-reliance, and value addition across the agricultural and healthcare sectors. 

    Recognizing potential resistance from some industry players considering the volume of pharmaceuticals starch import involved, the DG outlined a multi-faceted approach to overcome the challenges.  

    To address opposition driven by profit motives or status quo preferences, the NNMDA will rely on robust scientific research, public engagement, and strategic collaborations with local and international partners, he said. 

    He also revealed plans to work closely with private-sector stakeholders and international organizations, ensuring compliance with health regulations and addressing anti-competitive practices.  

    “We will actively communicate the initiative’s benefits, empower local communities, and demonstrate tangible improvements to win public and industry support,” he said.  

    The DG also underscored the importance of stakeholder collaboration to streamline resources and ensure effective implementation. 

    In addition, he said a comprehensive database is being developed to coordinate activities across the value chain, from cassava farming to industrial processing.  

    As part of the initiative, he said specific farmers will be trained to cultivate cassava for pharmaceutical purposes, adding that the approach distinguishes between cassava grown for food, industrial starch, and medicinal purposes. 

    “For this project, we will designate certain farmers as centers of excellence for cassava farming dedicated solely to medicinal uses.  

    “These farmers will receive specialized training to produce cassava specifically for pharmaceutical applications, a critical step in achieving the goal of replacing imported pharmaceutical excipients with locally produced alternatives,” he stressed.  

    Read Also: Pharmaceutical firm gives drugs to states with cholera

    He reiterated the NNMDA’s commitment to ensuring that all 774 local governments in Nigeria benefit from the initiative, emphasising that plans are underway to establish natural medicine development centers and research farms nationwide are on course. 

    “Each farm will cultivate medicinal plants, including cassava, tailored to the specific health needs of the local community. 

    “This localized approach aims to develop indigenous raw materials into products that address regional healthcare challenges while fostering economic growth,” 

    The DG further noted that the initiative extends beyond cassava starch to explore other indigenous health practices and resources, including traditional medicine and its role in improving well-being. 

    “We are studying all varieties of healthcare delivery that connect with the culture of the people. Our responsibility is to develop these methods to a level where they are more useful to our people and beneficial to the nation,” he noted.  

    Joy Ayemere of the Industrial Development Department at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment recognized the significance of developing the cassava starch industry. 

    She emphasized the importance of collaboration among government agencies and stakeholders to address challenges and avoid redundant efforts. 

    “We are committed to working together to expand and strengthen this sector,” she said.  

    An official of the Industrial Cassava Stakeholders Association of Nigeria (ICSAN), Segun Ladele, expressed support for the initiative, noting that members are already involved in cassava processing, including starch and flour production. 

    He acknowledged the growing demand for cassava and the challenges it presents but expressed confidence in the country’s ability to meet it with sufficient investment and collaboration. 

    “We support indigenous initiatives addressing local needs and are ready to contribute expertise and resources to this effort. Our members are listening and eager to engage further,” he said.  

    Ladele also advocated for legislative backing for the initiative to encourage investment while curbing imports. 

    Josephine Fasekun, a Scaling Promoter of Excellence in Agronomy project at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), highlighted the importance of capacity building for farmers, particularly in cultivating cassava for medicinal use. 

    She noted that the initiative aligns with IITA’s work across Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, and beyond.  

    Other participants expressed support for the initiative, pledging full participation to ensure its success for the ultimate benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians.

  • Prostate enlargement treatment gets a boost with new medications

    Prostate enlargement treatment gets a boost with new medications

    Relief for men experiencing the challenges of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or prostate enlargement, has arrived with the introduction of Flowel and Flowel Plus by Superior Pharmaceuticals Limited. These innovative products have been endorsed by experts as effective solutions for managing BPH symptoms and improving quality of life. Flowel is designed to stop frequent urination, providing both daytime and night-time relief, while Flowel Plus targets the root cause by shrinking the size of the prostate gland. Together, they address key concerns such as reducing the urgency to urinate, enhancing urine flow, and preventing complications associated with prostate enlargement.

    Speaking at the 29th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Association of Urological Surgeons of Nigeria in Enugu, Ike Okeke, Managing Director of Superior Pharmaceuticals, highlighted the proven efficacy of the products. He stated that Flowel and Flowel Plus offer a comprehensive approach to alleviating BPH symptoms and ensuring better patient outcomes. He said, “Both drugs remove the social stigma of clinical signs of prostate enlargement, increase confidence in the man and prevent the need for surgery in some patients. Most urologists and general practice doctors rely on Flowel and Flowel plus to take care of their patients. Flowel and Flowel plus are the most prescribed BPH drugs in the market currently indicating the confidence the doctors have in our brand. Flowel and Flowel Plus are not indicated for the treatment of prostate cancer.”

    He added, “Enlarged prostate or BPH is a medical condition in men 45 yrs and above whereby the prostate gland is enlarged, thereby limiting free flow of urine. It is characterized by frequent urination, urgency of urination and waking up at night to urinate 3 to 4 times a night. In weddings and important occasions, such men are always in and out of rest rooms urinating. Flowel stops the frequent urination while Flowel Plus shrinks the size of the prostate gland, thereby allowing free flow of urine. If prostate enlargement is left untreated, it will lead to high blood pressure, kidney failure and stoppage of urine flow, a medical emergency that can lead to death.”

    Read Also: Prostate enlargement treatment gets a boost with new medication

    Okeke assured that Flowel and Flowel Plus, the newly introduced solution for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), is produced in India under stringent quality standards in a US FDA-inspected facility. Dispelling myths surrounding BPH, Okeke emphasised that the condition is not a death sentence and is 100% curable if detected early. He clarified that while BPH and prostate cancer may exhibit similar symptoms, they are distinct conditions, with BPH being a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.

    “BPH is manageable and treatable, especially with early detection,” Okeke said, reinforcing the importance of timely diagnosis and intervention. Flowel and Flowel Plus have been designed to not only alleviate the symptoms but also address the underlying condition, offering hope and relief to men affected by prostate enlargement. “It is a chronic disease of aging. If you are a man and you live long enough, you will get it. Herbs and vitamins will not help with BPH once established. You can live a full life with BPH if it is well managed. BPH is not a death sentence. Prostate cancer is 100% curable if discovered early enough. Taking out the prostate gland by surgery or radiation or chemotherapy early enough in the initial phase of prostate cancer will resolve most issues and lead to a full life.

    “However, because our people do not take prostate health seriously and do not do annual check-ups, prostate cancer develops unchecked until it begins to show up as BPH or worse. By the time prostate cancer is diagnosed in our health institutions, the patient is at stage 3 or stage 4. At this stage it requires more money and expensive medication to initiate and continue therapy. The 10 yr survival rate for such patients is very low,” the pharmacist said.

    Endorsing the products, a Consultant Urologist at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, Dr Okwudili Calistus Amu, said Flowel and Flowel Plus are known for their effectiveness. “Flowel (Tamsulosin) and Flowel Plus (Tamsulosin combined with Dutasteride) are excellent options for treating prostate conditions. Many of our patients have reported positive results after using these products. In fact, some go ahead to purchase the medications on their own after seeing the benefits first-hand,” the expert said.

  • Expert calls for genomic technology to improve disease diagnosis

    Expert calls for genomic technology to improve disease diagnosis

    A pharmaceutical microbiologist at the University of Ibadan, Professor Iruka Okeke, has emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria to adopt genomic technology in its Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) surveillance system to improve diagnostic precision and disease management.

    In an interview with The Nation, Okeke highlighted the challenges of traditional culture-based testing, noting that many healthcare facilities in Nigeria lack the resources needed to accurately diagnose illnesses such as diarrhoea, sepsis, and typhoid fever.

    These diseases, she warned, will continue to claim thousands of lives annually unless health systems are equipped to detect and address them effectively.

    “Traditional diagnostic methods are slow, costly, and often inaccurate, leaving healthcare professionals without the critical information they need to respond effectively,” Okeke said.

    Okeke highlighted the transformative impact of genomic technology, which enables faster and more precise identification of bacterial pathogens.

    The innovation has allowed Nigeria to establish a cost-effective national reference laboratory capable of validating pathogens, accelerating interventions, and driving advancements in vaccine development.

    “With genomics, we can analyze pathogens in detail, track their evolution, and understand their resistance patterns. This helps us not only in treatment but also in preventing the spread of infections,” she explained.

    Okeke expressed concern about the rising threat of antibiotic resistance, caused by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. 

    Read Also: Society set to stem respiratory diseases

    “We now have antibiotics, but we cannot guarantee their effectiveness anymore. This is why adopting innovative solutions like genomics is critical,” she stated.

    Addressing typhoid fever, Okeke underscored the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains and called for the adoption of conjugate vaccines. Similarly, she described how genomic sequencing could revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of neonatal sepsis, a leading cause of death in newborns.

    “Genomic sequencing gives us the ability to diagnose neonatal sepsis within a day or two, rather than the current four to five days. This can be the difference between life and death for vulnerable newborns,” Okeke said.

    Her work with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has been instrumental in establishing a national AMR surveillance framework. Through sentinel laboratories, patient samples are collected and analyzed, with findings validated and centralized for outbreak monitoring and disease management.

    “This system bridges a critical gap in healthcare by equipping professionals with actionable data to combat resistant infections,” she said.

    As part of her commitment to sustainable healthcare improvements, Okeke prioritizes training young African scientists in genomic techniques. She believes this will nurture a new generation of public health and microbiology experts capable of advancing disease surveillance and management across the continent.

    Okeke, a Calestous Juma Science Leadership Fellow, is also developing advanced sequencing tools to create rapid diagnostic methods for low-resource settings. These tools, she explained, hold promise for faster and more reliable pathogen detection directly from clinical samples such as blood, stool, and urine.

    “Genomics is not just a technology; it is a tool for saving lives and shaping the future of healthcare in Africa,” she concluded.

  • 19.2 million Nigerians enroll in health insurance – NHIA

    19.2 million Nigerians enroll in health insurance – NHIA

    A total of 19.2 million Nigerians have enrolled in health insurance at both national and state levels, reflecting a 14% increase from the previous figure of 16.7 million, the Director General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Kelechi Ohiri, has said.  

    The milestone is seen as a significant step toward expanding healthcare access across the country as the agency highlighted its target to achieve a further 20% increase in enrollment by 2025.  

    However, he expressed concern over the fragmented health insurance system, which includes 83 private insurers and 37 State health insurance agencies, describing it as a challenge to creating a unified and efficient healthcare framework for Nigerians.

    Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday at the agency’s end-of-the-year briefing, the DG commended the agency’s achievements in healthcare reform, crediting its success to collaboration with state health insurance schemes and stakeholders. 

    He highlighted key initiatives such as the Fistula Care Program, which offers free treatment for women with obstetric fistula, and the Saving One Million Lives (SIGOP) program, designed to reduce maternal deaths by eliminating financial barriers during emergencies.  

    “When women face life-threatening obstetric complications, financial constraints must not hinder their survival. We waive costs to ensure immediate care and subsequent enrollment into health insurance,” the DG said.  

    He noted that the agency expanded access to Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) services in over 100 facilities nationwide.

    The DG, however, expressed concerns about Nigeria’s fragmented health insurance system, which comprises 83 private insurers and 37 State health insurance agencies. 

    He emphasized the need to rebuild public trust, enforce regulatory compliance, and enhance awareness to boost enrollment, saying, “Trust is crucial. Nigerians need to know that being insured guarantees access to care”.  

    To address rising medical costs, he said the NHIA increased capitation rates by 60% and professional fees by 40%, adding that actuarial studies are ongoing to ensure premiums align with industry standards. 

    He also disclosed that the agency has set ambitious targets for 2025, including a 20% increase in enrollment, expanded access to Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) services in over 100 facilities nationwide, and collaborations with the National Pension Commission (PenCom) to provide health insurance for retirees.  

    Furthermore, he revealed plans to launch a fully digital platform for enrollment, claims submission, and complaint management to enhance efficiency and user experience. 

    According to him, the NHIA has signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with 11 hospitals and partnered with organizations such as the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the African Center for Population Health Policy to sustain progress. 

    The DG reiterated the agency’s commitment to creating a system where every Nigerian, regardless of socioeconomic status, has access to quality healthcare. 

    “We are not just building a scheme; we are redefining healthcare delivery in Nigeria,” he said.

    In his remarks, Habib Abdulhameed, Acting Director of Enforcement, disclosed that the NHIA received 2,591 complaints between January and October 2024. 

    Of these, 1,678 were against healthcare providers, while 913 were directed at the NHIA itself, he said.

    According to him, the agency achieved an 82% resolution rate for complaints, which he attributed to a decentralized complaint handling system operating at the state level.  

    He further credited the success to a robust monitoring and evaluation framework that tracks complaints and ensures prompt resolution. 

    He said in 2024, the NHIA sanctioned several healthcare providers for non-compliance, including warnings, fines, and suspensions, including a total of 100 healthcare providers that faced sanctions, with 97 cases resolved.

  • Experts advocate community action, strong political will to end TB

    Experts advocate community action, strong political will to end TB

    Public health experts have emphasized the critical role of community-driven efforts and the government’s strong political will in achieving the 2030 goal of eliminating tuberculosis (TB) as a public health threat.

    This was highlighted on Wednesday in Abuja during the TB Affected Community and Civil Society Dialogue at the ongoing National TB Conference.  

    The session convened grantees of the Challenge Facility for Civil Society under the Stop TB Partnership to exchange experiences and strategies.  

    Representatives from Stop TB Partnership, Geneva also participated, aligning with their global board meeting held in Nigeria.

    This emerged in Abuja on Wednesday at the TB Affected Community and Civil Society Dialogue during the ongoing National TB Conference.

    The session brought together grantees of the Challenge Facility for Civil Society from the Stop TB Partnership to share experiences and strategies. 

    Representatives from Stop TB Partnership Geneva also attended, coinciding with their global board meeting in Nigeria. 

    Ibrahim Umoru, the National Coordinator of the African Coalition on Tuberculosis in Nigeria, described the gathering as a platform for learning and collaboration. 

    “This is about sharing experiences and building on the value that civil society organizations bring to the TB response,” he explained.

    Umoru, who chaired the Community Connect initiative that organized the Community sessions of the Conference, underscored the critical role of grassroots engagement in TB response.

    “TB is not just a hospital issue; it’s a community issue. When someone has TB, they come from a home, a family, and a community. Addressing it requires a strong community component,” he said.

    When asked about achieving the goal of ending TB by 2030, Umoru emphasized the need for resources and commitment, pointing out Nigeria’s resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic as evidence of what can be achieved. 

    “Despite the pandemic, Nigeria exceeded its TB response targets by 15%. With the right diagnostics, resources, and support, we can achieve the 2030 goal,” he said.

    He also praised contributions from government and private sector partners, citing the First Lady’s organization, which recently donated one billion to the TB response. 

    “If major corporations and individuals prioritized TB as they do other causes, we could transform the fight against the disease,” Umoru noted, calling for broader involvement and realignment of priorities.

    On her part, Deborah Ike, the Executive Director of the Debriche Health Development Centre (DHDC), outlined the challenges Nigeria faces in its fight against TB while emphasizing the importance of overcoming barriers to meet the 2030 target for TB eradication.  

    “There’s still a gap in awareness creation, and much more needs to be done. Stigma and discrimination remain major barriers. Even though testing and treatment are free in Nigeria, many still die because they’re afraid to access these services,” Ike said. 

    She explained that stigma takes many forms, including self-stigma and fear of discrimination from health facilities or communities, saying, “Some people avoid seeking treatment because they fear being judged. 

    “Others have lost jobs due to TB, which not only worsens their economic situation but can also lead to further psychological and physical decline.”  

    Ike stressed the critical need for information dissemination to combat stigma, saying, “It’s important to share that a person on treatment can no longer spread the disease. 

    “This knowledge will reduce fear, encourage treatment, and help cut the chain of transmission.” 

    She also highlighted funding as a major obstacle, with a significant portion of Nigeria’s TB response reliant on international donors. 

    “Only about 20% of the funding is domestic, leaving a massive gap. Many transformative interventions remain uncovered due to a lack of resources,” she said.  

    She, however, expressed optimism about the possibility of achieving the goal with increased political will and funding, noting, “We have seen encouraging support, including a N1 billion contribution from the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative. But we need more than talk, we need action, policies, and integration.”  

    She also called on the private sector to step up its corporate social responsibility efforts, “Investing in TB is investing in health system strengthening. Everyone needs to play their part to end this disease,” Ike noted.