The Nation Newspaper

Category: Health

  • African health authorities, industry leaders brainstorm on pharma regulations, innovations

    African health authorities, industry leaders brainstorm on pharma regulations, innovations

    Prominent healthcare authorities and industry specialists came together for AfriSummit 2024 during a vital four-day hybrid event dedicated to advancing pharmaceutical and medical device regulations along with interactive training in eCTD and Pharmacovigilance, all to achieve a healthier Africa. 

    Set at the Grand Nile Tower, the summit attracted more than 300+ delegates and featured over 80 thought leaders from regulatory, legal, manufacturing, and distribution sectors.

    The Egyptian Drug Authority, which was one of the main authorities present at AfriSummit 2024, had Dr. Rasha Ziada, the EDA Chairman Assistant for Professional Development and Capacity Building Affairs, conduct the opening. 

    She said: “Achievement of WHO maturity Level 3 is not just a milestone but a responsibility on us, we are responsible in supporting other African countries to reach the same level.” 

    Ziada added: “As a regulatory authority, our mission extends beyond safeguarding and overseeing the use of medicines at the national level; it also reaches across Africa.”

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    AfriSummit 2024 highlighted innovative approaches to drug trials and approvals, enriched by workshops like eCTD Training and Pharmacovigilance. 

    Dr. Mona Al Moussli, Chairman of AfriSummit, stated: “This year’s AfriSummit was truly extravagant, featuring a remarkable participation of industry leaders. Their insightful presentations underscored the crucial need for harmonization in regulatory practices across Africa, paving the way for a more integrated healthcare landscape.”

    Key dignitaries presented their regulatory insights, underscoring the event’s importance in enhancing compliance and improving healthcare standards.

    Dr. Najiba Al Shezawy, Co-Chairman of AfriSummit, expressed her gratitude for the participation of various African authorities this year, stating: “We deeply appreciate the contributions of all participating African NRAs, whose insights and engagement are crucial for strengthening our regulatory frameworks and fostering collaboration across the continent.”

    Attendees actively engaged in comprehensive roundtable discussions with representatives from key healthcare authorities, fostering an environment of collaboration, which aimed at addressing the regulatory challenges and opportunities facing the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.

    The summit affirmed its status as the leading annual gathering for the regulatory affairs in pharmaceutical, medical device and healthcare sectors across Africa which are experiencing significant growth.

  • Experts propose all-inclusive approach, legal framework to combat drug abuse

    Experts propose all-inclusive approach, legal framework to combat drug abuse

    Experts in Nigeria are increasingly concerned about the country’s rising drug abuse rates, urging the Federal Government to adopt a public health-centred approach. 

    This proposed strategy prioritizes reducing drug use while establishing a supportive legal framework to empower health interventions.

    With roughly 14.4 percent of the population or about 14.3 million Nigerians, affected by drug use, public health experts argued that a comprehensive legal structure is critical for the Federal Ministry of Health to address this crisis effectively. 

    At a one-day media sensitization workshop in Abuja, themed ‘Public Health Approach to Drug Control Response in Nigeria’ and organized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in partnership with Youth Rise Nigeria, experts advocated for treating drug dependency as a health issue rather than a criminal offence. 

    They stressed that many individuals struggling with drug dependency are dealing with health-related challenges.

    The workshop highlighted the urgent need for a health-oriented approach to tackle what experts now view as a national drug dependency epidemic and the crucial role of the media in shaping public perception and reaction to drug abuse. 

    Chukwuma Anyaike, the Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health, argued that a public health approach is crucial for controlling drug issues in Nigeria. 

    He noted that existing supply-focused measures have limited access to treatment and prevention services, which has led to increased rates of HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis among people who inject drugs.

    Anyaike called for a multidisciplinary approach integrating public health, legal, and social welfare frameworks and urged Nigeria to align with international standards such as the World Health Organization’s guidelines, the 2016 UN General Assembly Special Session on Drugs UNGASS), and the African Union (AU) Plan of Action to improve its response to drug abuse.

    “This approach includes preventing drug use, providing treatment and care for individuals with substance use disorders, implementing harm reduction strategies, and ensuring access to controlled medications,” Anyaike explained.

    Echoing these sentiments, Nonso Maduka, a Consultant with Youth Rise Nigeria, stressed the need for legislation that would facilitate a health-centered response to drug control. 

    Maduka argued that a supportive legal framework would help provide better resources and care for individuals, families, and communities affected by drug dependency, shifting away from the current punitive focus.

    “Unfortunately, we have an unbalanced approach that targets mainly supply reduction, and the health sector lacks the legal authority to address demand, prevention, treatment, and harm reduction,” Maduka noted. 

    He highlighted that Nigeria’s current drug laws treat drug use as a criminal issue, which restricts health interventions and puts more strain on affected communities. 

    A public health perspective, he noted, could help curb drug dependency and reduce associated health risks like HIV and hepatitis.

    Maduka also emphasized the importance of empowering local health initiatives and granting States authority to address drug challenges in their communities. 

    A health-focused legal framework, he noted, would allow targeted responses, including treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care. 

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    Such a framework, according to him, would create a balanced approach that not only reduces drug abuse but also mitigates its harmful effects, ultimately supporting a healthier future for the nation.

    “If you want to solve it, it must be driven by evidence,” Maduka added, calling for an evidence-based approach that balances criminal justice with health-focused interventions, which includes drug demand reduction, harm reduction, and access to necessary medications. 

    “Understanding underlying causes, such as pain management needs and rural challenges, is essential for developing compassionate and comprehensive responses,” he added.

    Oluwafisayo Alao, the Executive Director of Youth Rise Nigeria, underscored the crucial role of the media in changing public perceptions around drug dependency, saying, “The way we approach substance use in Nigeria impacts the lives of millions of people.

    “This media partnership is a vital step toward a compassionate, health-focused response. By creating a framework that prioritizes health over punishment, we aim to protect individuals, families, and communities”.

  • Six reasons you should wash your bedsheets regularly

    Six reasons you should wash your bedsheets regularly

    It is very important to wash your bedsheets regularly. Based on recommendation, it is expected to wash your it at least once in a week as it is very essential for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene.

    Using a bedsheet for a very long time without washing can cause variety of health issues, here are some reasons why you should ensure the use of a clean bedsheets regularly;

    The bedsheets harbor dust mite that can cause skin irritation.

    The usage of a clean bedsheet can improve the quality of your sleep, improve your sleeping patterns and make you wake up feeling refreshed and relaxed.

    Washing your bedsheets regularly can also make you detect bed bugs on time. Bed bugs are deadly and they spread very fast, but if you wash regularly, it will be easy for you to detect it on time and prevent it from spreading in such cases.

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    Bedsheets absorb sweat and body oils which creates the environment for bacteria that can cause skin breakouts and also trigger skin inflammation like eczema, ringworm and so on.

    Humans shed skin cells which accumulate on the bedsheets, and if these dead skin cells remain on the bed for long, it can have adverse effects on the human body.

    It also causes allergies, skin infections and acne because it harbors germs and viruses.

    To prevent all of these, ensure you regularly wash your bedsheets so as maintain a clean and infection free environment for sleeping and also to preserve the fabric.

  • Body, Ondo govt train health workers

    Body, Ondo govt train health workers

    The Restoration of the Dignity of Womanhood (ROWDOW), in collaboration with Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, has trained health workers in the administration of Vitamin A, Albendazole and Micronutrients to nursing mothers and children.

    Over 300 nursing mothers received gifts such as baby diapers, detergents and food items for regularly taking vitamins supplements.

     Chief Executive Officer of ROTDOW, Mrs. Olabisi Omolona, said the partnership her organisation entered with Vitamin Angels to transform lives of mothers and children with consistent supply of essential nutrients had yielded good results.

    She said regular supply of the life-saving commodities helped to strengthen the state’s routine immunisation programme as well as provide support during Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week in the state.

    She said the vitamin interventions had helped to reduce maternal mortality rates, increase ante natal clinic attendance, reduce reliance on traditional birth attendant, as well as improve local economy from the donated commodities worth millions of naira.

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    Omolona said: “We started partnering with Vitamins Angels in 2018 and since then they have been supplying us with drugs we gave to children in Ondo State.

    We have also been training health workers on how to administer the drugs.”

    Ondo Deputy Director, Nutrition, Dr. Adejuwon Kike, said the training and retraining of health workers were necessary to keep them abreast of new discovery.

    “It is good to train and retrain because there is always a new thing. There are new things that they don’t know.

    ‘’The vitamins help keep eyesight good and build immunity in children. When a child is dewormed, the body will be able to develop and the child will grow well.” 

    Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Deaconess Lola Fagbemi, represented by Mr. Ibukun Akindele, thanked ROTDOW for ensuring maternal and child health.

    She said the government remained committed to improved health care for women and children. Representatives of Vitamin Angels, Oluwatoyin Adebayor, said the supplied Vitamin A supplement and deworming tablets commodities and Multiple Micronutrients supplements aimed to improve maternal health outcome and nutrition outcome for children.

  • Health risk associated with prolonged sitting

    Health risk associated with prolonged sitting

    Most people are not aware of the fact that sitting still for too long can be very dangerous to their health. This is very common with people who have comfortable office spaces and those who have their personal work spaces at home.

    It is very important to at least move your body or take a walk and not just sit down in the same position for a long time because the effect it has on the body system can be very deadly.

    Here are some dangers and health risks associated with prolonged sitting that you might not have heard of;

    ➡️It can cause blood to pool in your legs and feet which can lead to further medical problems like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). This is also known as blood clot.

    ➡️It can also have adverse effects on your mental health. Based on research, people who sit for too long have higher risk of having anxiety and depression.

    ➡️It also has effects on the heart. Sitting for too long can lead to cardiovascular diseases.

    ➡️It can slow down the metabolism process which makes it hard for the body to break down fat, thus, leading to obesity.

    ➡️It also makes it hard for the body to regulate blood pressure and blood sugar.

    ➡️It leads to back pain because it stresses your spine and other joints in the body.

    ➡️It also affects the shoulder, the neck and the hip.

  • Healthaid Charity holds immediate life support training

    Healthaid Charity holds immediate life support training

    In a concerted effort to improve emergency response skills among healthcare professionals in Nigeria, Healthaid Charity, a project under NaijAid UK, has successfully completed its Immediate Life Support Training for frontline healthcare workers in Lagos.

    The training, which hosted sixty nurses, physiotherapists and healthcare practitioners, emphasised quick and efficient emergency response techniques, focusing on critical life-saving skills such as patient assessment and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

    NaijAid hopes this initiative will contribute significantly toward building a more resilient healthcare system.

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    The training’s keynote address was delivered by NaijAid’s CEO and Founding Trustee, Lanre Nehan-Babalola, who underscored the training’s transformative potential.

    “Immediate Life Support goes beyond theory; it can mean the difference between life and death in critical situations,” she said.

    The initiative, she noted, not only equips healthcare professionals with skills but builds a “community of practice—a united front against health crises.”

    NaijAid’s Chairman, Dr. Kayode Babalola, added that the training’s objective is to empower nurses and other healthcare personnel to recognise early signs of patient deterioration, noting the need for a centralised emergency system in Nigeria to enhance response times.

    Currently, emergency services in Nigeria often depend on privately owned ambulances, a structure that Dr. Babalola says is not sustainable.

    “A centralised service would drastically improve our emergency response, but for now, we’re focusing on empowering professionals at the frontlines,” he explained.

    The hands-on training was led by UK-based anaesthetist, Dr. Folake Dawodu, who tailored the curriculum to suit Nigeria’s healthcare system.

    “We’re not introducing completely new concepts,” Dawodu explained, “but helping healthcare workers use available resources more effectively.”

    He highlighted how small structural adjustments can make a big difference in emergency care, reflecting the urgent need for system-wide improvements in Nigeria.

    This sentiment was echoed by facilitators like Olayemi Abisogun, a specialist anaesthetist from London, who noted the strong foundational skills of the Nigerian participants.

    The training, a collaborative effort with the Lagos State Ministry of Health, included the support of key figures like Director of Nursing Services at the Ministry, Alausa Ikeja, Dorcas Shonibare, who stressed that tools like AEDs should become part of everyday practice, from teaching student nurses to equipping professionals.

  • Isolo GH marks one year of MD/CEO, unveils psychiatry unit

    Isolo GH marks one year of MD/CEO, unveils psychiatry unit

    Isolo General Hospital, Isolo, Lagos October 24, 2024, marked the one year in office of its Medical Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Saliu Olugbenga Oseni.

    It also chose the occasion to unveil its brand new Psychiatry Department, with consulting rooms, male and female ward admission, the first among general hospitals in Lagos; and a private ward.

    Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Wale Adegbite, who represented the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Service Commission, Dr. (Chief) Benjamin Ademuyiwa Eniayewun, who unveiled the Psychiatry Department, commended the MD/CEO for his good works in just one year, stating that the achievements were there for all to see. Were it not so, he argued, the staff of the hospital would not have deemed it fit to celebrate him after just one year in office.

    The hospital Public Affairs Officer, Patricia Mordi, described the MD/CEO as ‘Mr Talk and Do’, stating that the changes he has brought to the hospital in just one year are unprecedented. She also seized the occasion to unveil a photo panorama, which captured major completed and ongoing projects being prosecuted by Dr. Oseni, appealing to the Lagos Health Authorities not to transfer him away from the hospital just yet.

    Delivering his address, Dr. Oseni thanked the Health Service Commissioner, Dr. Mrs Atinuke Onayiga and all commission members, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. (Chief) Benjamin Ademuyiwa Eniayewun; directors from the Health Service Commission; Dr Taiwo Hassan MD/CEO, Ikorodu General Hospital, who he described as a ‘supportive’ personal friend; and the whole Isolo General Hospital management and staff members, for the success so far achieved.

    Above all, he thanked the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for the ongoing renovations in the hospital, even as he prayed for their speedy completion.

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    Reflecting on the past one year, Dr. Oseni outlined deliveries in the areas of power, office/health equipment, refurbishment and extension of facilities to impact more people and deliver better service; creation of new units, such as the Psychiatry Department and a functional Dermatology Unit, and improved staff welfare, including Sallah and Christmas packages in cash and kind and free medical services to staff within the facility on health concerns not covered by insurance.

    Notably, he listed the purchase of purchase of 40 desktops, 2 ipad and 25 laptops; refurbishment/repair of a 500kva generator, an abandoned 30kva generator, provision of 40 ceiling fans to replace on functional ones at the MCC and other wards, repair and reuse of condemned ceiling fans, provision of 20 rechargeable wall fans for new emergency rooms, call rooms and other key areas. This is not forgetting the full equipping of the newly renovated emergency room with inverter ACs, rechargeable fans, beds, couches and trolleys.

    He also listed 10kva solar inverters for the Emergency Room, the GOPD; 5kva inverter for the laboratory; replacement of the inverter batteries at server room with 7.5 kva with 7.5kwatts lithium batteries; facilitation of the 50kva inverter donated to the MCC; a brand new x-ray to replace a condemned one, replacement of ACs at the Dental Department, provision of CPAO machine for the Pediatric Department; and the refurbishment and upgrading of the Electronic Medical Report EMR to fibre-optic network.

    Other notable achievements, as recounted in Oseni’s speech, are the newly renovated eye clinic with ACs and equipment for better service delivery, equipping of the Physiotherapy Departments, creation of a second theatre suite, recovery room and high dependency unit at the MCC, extension of the male ward with 8 beds and additional waiting area for laboratory alongside phlebotomy room and pay point space.

    Oseni stated that most of the achievements were made possible because the hospital management was able to improve the IGR, even as he maintained that capital budget remain its major challenge in its effort to keep improving infrastructure.

  • Abuja Fertility Centre celebrates 12 years of innovative healthcare 

    Abuja Fertility Centre celebrates 12 years of innovative healthcare 

    …set to introduce more advanced medical technologies 

    The Abuja Nordica Fertility Centre has reaffirmed its dedication to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) through innovative and affordable services. 

    The centre, known for its pioneering role in fertility and reproductive health, underscored its commitment by partnering with the FCT administration to donate cancer screening equipment, an initiative aimed at supporting the government’s mission to tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and strengthen the nation’s healthcare system.

    In a teleconference held ahead of Nordica’s 12th anniversary in Abuja, the Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO), Abayomi Ajayi highlighted the center’s impact over the past decade, sharing details of the advanced medical solutions introduced to meet the needs of fertility patients in the region.

    He said: “Since arriving in Abuja, we’ve introduced many innovations since we started in 2003. Whatever is available out there, (abroad), we aim to bring into Nigeria, and we’ve largely succeeded. 

    “For example, we were the first to use a specific regimen to stimulate patients, making the process more comfortable and reducing almost to zero the chance of hyperstimulation, a serious risk in IVF that can be life-threatening. 

    “I can confidently say that in the past 10 years, no patient in our clinic has been admitted for hyperstimulation, thanks to our methods.

    “We’ve also seen from our studies that male infertility is a major issue. 

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    “This led us to focus on treating male infertility by implementing advanced techniques like intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI), making us the first to do so in Nigeria, along with physiological intracytoplasmic sperm injection (PICSI).

    “We were also the first to perform non-invasive pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) in Nigeria, enabling us to test embryos without taking a biopsy, and we’re still the only licensed clinic in Nigeria for this procedure. 

    “The High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) technology was recently introduced to Abuja, which enables us to provide an option to treat fibroids without surgery, minimizing risks and recovery time.

    “Since July, the Abuja centre has treated 20 to 23 patients using HIFU, a testimony to the acceptability of the technology in the North Central region.

    “These are some of the contributions we’re proud to have made to the industry, all of which Abuja residents and across the country are enjoying”

    Explaining why the Abuja Nordica milestone was being celebrated, the MD said: “The celebration also marks Nordica’s resilience in an economic landscape that has seen private healthcare facilities in Nigeria facing significant challenges. 

    “Over the past decade, many private health centers in Nigeria have been forced to close due to economic pressures. Yet, Nordica Abuja has stood strong, sustained by our commitment to quality healthcare”.

    According to him, the economic realities have not gone unnoticed by Nordica’s leadership, considering maintaining advanced services, like those available at Nordica, which requires substantial investment, often financed through loans. 

    “The rising inflation and the dollar exchange rate impacting operational costs notwithstanding, Nordica’s team appreciates the importance of supporting quality healthcare in a challenging environment. 

    “We are not a government organization, our ability to deliver these services despite financial constraints is part of why this anniversary is so meaningful.

    “Abuja Nordica Fertility Centre’s 12-year milestone demonstrates our dedication to innovative healthcare services in Abuja. 

    “We deserve kudos and encouragement for contributing to the health sector’s betterment.”

    Emphasizing that the Abuja facility remains dedicated to its corporate social responsibility to the FCT, Ajayi revealed that in line with its commitment to quality healthcare in the FCT and the region, Nordica is in advanced stages of introducing new advanced medical technologies at its Abuja facility.

    “Nordica has also donated equipment for cancer screening to enhance healthcare resources available to the broader community. 

    “Being in the FCT, the nation’s capital makes these developments significant. This collaboration, along with our achievements, reflects our dedication to advancing healthcare access in Abuja,” he added.

  • UCH JOHESU suspends strike

    UCH JOHESU suspends strike

    The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan,
    has suspended the strike it embarked on Oct. 25.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workers resumed work on Friday morning.

    The seven-day nationwide warning industrial action embarked upon by the unions was to press home their demands of
    adjustment of Consolidated Health Salary Structure as was done with the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure since
    Jan. 2, 2014 and implementation of consultant cadre for pharmacists in federal health institutions.

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    Others are upward review in the retirement age from 60 to 65 years for health workers and 70 years for consultants, and
    payment of outstanding salaries of JOHESU members in professional regulatory councils.

    The UCH JOHESU Chairman, Mr Oladayo Olabampe, told NAN that the strike was suspended as directed by the national body.

    He explained that “the suspension followed an MoU signed between JOHESU national leadership and Federal Government.

    “The Federal Government asked for a maximum of six weeks counting from Oct. 31, to meet our demands.

    “Based on the MoU signed, the JOHESU National Executive Council met and resolved that the strike be suspended on Friday
    nationwide.”

    According to him, JOHESU UCH is obeying the order, and workers have resumed work.

    Olabampe said that if the demands were not met after the six weeks, they would embark on an indefinite strike.

    (NAN)

  • Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye council boss commissions Mushin hospital block

    Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye council boss commissions Mushin hospital block

    The Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Rasaq Olusola Ajala, has commissioned a newly renovated block at General Hospital, Mushin, Lagos. 

    Ajala restated his administration’s determination and commitment to improving qualitative health care to residents in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye. 

    Ajala said: “My affection and dedication to use people’s resources for their general well-being, remains of paramount importance. We decided to invest in healthcare infrastructure so that our people in Odi-Olowo can start to benefit.

    “Odi-Olowo used to be part of Mushin, this is the only General Hospital for people to come to. We understand the facility is under that state government, but in partnership with the state govt. We have been able to make this happen because those who will benefit are from the local council. 

    “I’ll continue to be at the service of the people till the last minute, and we’ll continue to cover different areas.”

    Ajala further disclosed that efforts are ongoing by the state government to further give the hospital a beautiful facelift.

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    The Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr. Oluyemi Taiwo, noted that the General Hospital is committed to the delivery of accessible and competitive healthcare services to its clients and entire community. 

    Reeling out achievements under her leadership, Dr. Taiwo disclosed that an eye clinic was opened on September 1. The hospital also conducted its first successful surgery on October 17th. 

    She said: “When I resumed some months ago, I engaged all stakeholders, and I was received well. The chairman also received me well, he promised and now, he has fulfilled.

    “The chairman is someone that is particular about the well-being of his community. He came along with his team and they resolved to help with the renovation of the block in the hospital. With this renovation, the Eye clinic and general surgery department unit was birthed. 

    “We also look forward to expanding our services before the end of the year, with a lot of adaptability. We are also leveraging technological know-how that will help the hospital grow.”