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Category: Health

  • Joint annual health review is not targeted at anyone, Minister clarifies 

    Joint annual health review is not targeted at anyone, Minister clarifies 

    The upcoming 2024 Joint Annual Health Review is not aimed at any specific individual or agency within the Ministry of Health and Social Development, according to Coordinating Minister Prof. Ali Pate.

    Instead, the forum, scheduled for November 6-8, 2024, will bring together agency leaders within the Ministry, State Governors, Health Commissioners, and development partners to engage in a comprehensive discussion on advancing Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

    The Federal Government has invested significantly in the health sector, allocating nearly ₦38 billion to the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) over the past nine months to strengthen primary healthcare services.

    Additionally, in partnership with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), the Federal Government has launched efforts to establish six cancer centers of excellence across the six geopolitical zones, with two centers anticipated for completion by 2025.

    During a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Pate emphasized that the review aims to evaluate the transformative efforts initiated by the government as the health sector faces critical challenges.

    “We’re not here to judge anyone, this review is about co-creating solutions and improving healthcare across every region,” he said.

    Rather, he explained that the forum will serve as an opportunity to assess Nigeria’s healthcare progress, focusing on maternal and child health, access to primary care, and efforts against diseases like HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.

    According to him, insights from recent surveys, including feedback from over 2,600 Nigerians on healthcare quality, will help guide ongoing reforms, making the review essential. 

    He highlighted the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (HSRII), a comprehensive plan to strengthen health governance, improve service delivery, and enhance infrastructure, as a key area to evaluate for its impact on the sector.

    “Since the signing of a compact agreement witnessed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we have laid the groundwork for a healthcare system that serves all Nigerians. 

    “This approach emphasizes accountability and effective resource management across Federal, State, and Local governments,” he noted

    The Minister also highlighted specific challenges facing the sector, including Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rates, saying, “Our data shows 172 local government areas account for half of the maternal deaths in the country. 

    Read Also: FG to review upward payments to hospitals for health insurance

    “Targeting these areas with the best interventions will help us make tangible progress.

    “The government has also implemented systems to track healthcare delivery outcomes, enabling more data-driven decision-making.

    “With baseline data in place, we can now reliably measure improvement, helping us track the impact of these reforms and ensuring accountability”.

    He, however, assured that the Ministry is focused on expanding Nigeria’s healthcare workforce, improving medical infrastructure, and addressing funding gaps, adding that the HSRII would inform Nigeria’s first-ever State of Health Report, a document that promises to highlight the country’s health priorities and guide funding allocations.

    “With a renewed focus on governance, equitable healthcare access, and citizen engagement, this is not just about policy it’s about serving every Nigerian, regardless of where they live,” he said.

  • Why cancer no longer a death sentence, by Pate

    Why cancer no longer a death sentence, by Pate

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, says cancer is no longer a death sentence, saying that advances in technology has aided treatment and care for patients. The minister made the assertion at the opening ceremony of the 2024 International Cancer Week (ICW) in Abuja. The week has the theme: ‘Accelerating Nigeria’s Path to Comprehensive Cancer Control: Innovation, Access and Partnership.’ According to Pate, due to genomics, advances in the technology of developing interventions and precision medicine, there is the possibility that an increasing number of cancers would be curable.

    He, however, said that it was not over yet, adding that even with technological advancements, cancer now stood as the fastest growing Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) in Nigeria. “We don’t have the luxury of waiting until more people have cancer to deal with it. We don’t have the resources, the infrastructure, and the equipment. As we celebrate the Cancer Week, we have to reflect on what we can do on the prevention side, the screening side, on treatment, rehabilitation, the research and development side,” he said.

    He reiterated the Federal Government’s committed to ensuring that the transformation being embarked on to turn the tide was built on sound science, research and development. The minister added that President Bola Tinubu, early in the year, approved the establishment of six major cancer infrastructure and equipment to ease the burden on patients. “Two of those six will be commissioned by May 2025 and the rest will follow, we’re also expanding the diagnostic centres and rebuilding the oncology workforce across the spectrum,” he said.

    He urged Nigerians to focus on taking steps to prevent the disease by getting screened regularly. The occasion also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) and Roche Products Limited on the ‘Nigeria Breast Cancer Ambition.’

    Read Also: Pate delivers medical outreach to 3,000 Bauchi residents

    Speaking about the MoU, the General Manager of Roche, Dr Ladi Hameed, said that the MOU would strengthen diagnostic capabilities. “By the end of 2025, we’ll have six centres with immunohistochemistry diagnostic tools, allowing tailored treatments for specific cancer types. This is essential, as the era of one-size-fits-all treatment for cancer is behind us. Genomic testing is now capable of informing patients precisely about their cancer type and corresponding treatment.”

    He said that the MoU also placed a strong emphasis on cancer prevention through routine screening for early detection, adding that “awareness and accurate diagnosis are key. By the end of 2025, we will have at least six centres that have immunohistochemistry diagnosis that can tell a breast cancer patient what exact type of cancer she has. There is genomic testing that can tell a patient what type of cancer he or she has and what drugs are needed.”

    The Director-General of NICRAT, Prof. Usman Aliyu, said that the aim of ICW was to foster the adoption of innovative technologies in cancer care and promote comprehensive training for health professionals. “It will also aid in advocating for the expansion and modernisation of cancer care facilities and encourage the implementation of comprehensive programmes to support cancer survivors,” he said.

  • Caring Habitat calls for establishment of more rehab hospitals

    Caring Habitat calls for establishment of more rehab hospitals

    The healthcare value chain in Nigeria has received a significant boost with the official commissioning of Caring Habitat, the first post-hospital care facility in the country, located in Lekki, Lagos. This innovative establishment caters to patients who are too ill to return home but not sick enough to remain in a hospital setting, effectively filling a critical gap in the healthcare continuum.

    At the opening event recently, Dr. Olaolu Odemuyiwa, the Chief Medical Director of Caring Habitat, emphasised the facility’s role as a transitional space. He described it as a “halfway house” that bridges the gap between acute hospital care and home life. “Our mission is to transition individuals from dependent to independent living in the shortest possible time,” Dr. Odemuyiwa stated. This mission is particularly crucial as it allows hospitals to free up beds for critically ill patients while Caring Habitat supports patients in their recovery process, facilitating their eventual return to independent living.

    Dr. Odemuyiwa highlighted the pressing need for more rehabilitation facilities across Nigeria. He called on state governments to establish additional rehabilitation hospitals and urged the Federal Government to create at least one facility in each geopolitical zone. Such expansions would provide essential support for individuals recovering from chronic illnesses, thereby helping them reintegrate into productive lives. The vision is not just to treat illness but to restore functionality and independence, ultimately benefiting society and the economy.

    Caring Habitat is a 40-room, state-of-the-art skilled nursing and rehabilitation centre, strategically situated in the serene and secure Metro Homes Estate in Abraham Adesanya, Lagos. The facility offers a comprehensive range of services, including physical rehabilitation for conditions such as stroke, catastrophic illnesses, post-operative recovery, frailty, debility, and arthritis. In addition, it manages chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, chronic pain, and dementia, reflecting a holistic approach to patient care. Dr. Odemuyiwa, who returned to Nigeria after 30 years of medical practice in Atlanta, Georgia, underscored the importance of this facility not just as a healthcare provider, but as a beacon of hope for many Nigerians seeking better health outcomes. His return to Nigeria signifies a growing trend among healthcare professionals in the diaspora who are eager to contribute to the improvement of their home country’s healthcare system.

    The opening event also featured notable guests, including Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, the Secretary to the Ogun State Government, who emphasised the necessity of initiatives like Caring Habitat at a time when the Nigerian populace is increasingly demanding superior healthcare services. He articulated the critical role of collaboration between the government and private sector in enhancing the nation’s health outcomes, ultimately leading to a healthier and more productive population capable of driving economic growth.

    Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Director-General of the Nigeria Diaspora Commission, also attended the event and called on Nigerians living abroad to follow Dr. Odemuyiwa’s example by returning home to contribute to national development across various sectors. Her plea highlighted the potential for collective effort in fostering inclusive growth and economic prosperity.

    Read Also: NMA seeks end to salary disparity between Doctors in class, hospitals

    Moreover, Mrs. Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, discussed the collaboration between the state government and private healthcare facilities. She pointed out that Lagos State’s public hospitals can accommodate only 30 per cent of patient care needs, leaving 60 per cent of the population to seek services in private hospitals, while the remaining 10 per cent utilise other means for their healthcare. This statistic underscores the critical role that facilities like Caring Habitat play in alleviating pressure on public healthcare services and bridging gaps in healthcare infrastructure.

    The establishment of Caring Habitat represents a significant stride towards enhancing healthcare delivery in Nigeria. By offering specialised post-hospital care, it not only addresses the immediate needs of patients recovering from illness but also contributes to the overall improvement of the healthcare system. As more rehabilitation facilities emerge, they will provide essential support to those grappling with the aftermath of serious health challenges. The launch of Caring Habitat marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, demonstrating a commitment to innovative care solutions. With ongoing collaboration between government and private sectors, along with the active involvement of healthcare professionals returning from abroad, stakeholders are of the belief that there is a promising pathway toward improved health outcomes and a stronger, more resilient healthcare system. The efforts made today will undoubtedly shape the future of healthcare in Nigeria, fostering a healthier population ready to contribute to the nation’s progress, stakeholders said.

  • Fed Govt partners GSK to enhance local drug production

    Fed Govt partners GSK to enhance local drug production

    The Federal Government is taking significant steps to establish a self-sustaining healthcare system through a strategic partnership with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), a global leader in pharmaceuticals. This collaboration aims to bolster local drug production and reduce the nation’s reliance on imported medical supplies. Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, announced this initiative via his official X account from Abuja, underscoring its alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Presidential Initiative toward unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC).

    The PVAC initiative is designed to transform Nigeria into a hub for the manufacturing of high-quality health products. By prioritising local production of essential pharmaceuticals, the government seeks not only to secure the healthcare needs of its citizens but also to enhance the nation’s overall health security. Minister Pate emphasised that GSK’s investment in localised production represents a crucial milestone in Nigeria’s quest for a robust healthcare system, one that effectively addresses the needs of its rapidly growing population.

    In discussions with GSK, Pate expressed the government’s commitment to enhancing local production capabilities. He stated, “GSK’s commitment to investing in Nigeria’s health sector through localised production marks a significant step toward achieving our health security objectives.” This partnership dovetails with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), a comprehensive strategy aimed at building a resilient healthcare infrastructure capable of meeting the demands of the Nigerian populace. The PVAC framework is not just about reducing import dependency; it also aims to fortify the nation’s economic resilience and generate employment within the healthcare sector. By fostering such collaborations, the Nigerian government is working to ensure that high-quality healthcare is accessible to all citizens, in line with President Tinubu’s ambitious vision under PVAC.

    Furthermore, the partnership with GSK extends beyond merely addressing internal healthcare needs. It positions Nigeria as a potential leader in the African healthcare industry. Minister Pate noted that increased local production could allow Nigeria to tap into regional markets, potentially establishing the country as a key supplier of essential medications across the continent. This vision underscores the broader ambition of transforming Nigeria into a major player in the global pharmaceutical landscape.

    Read Also: Save the Children, GSK launch $1m project to tackle barriers against children immunization in Nigeria, Ethiopia

    In support of this initiative, GSK’s Vice President and Head of General Medicines for Europe, Mr. Kunle Oyelana, reiterated the company’s commitment to shared goals, including the development of a localised production facility tailored to meet the demand for essential medicines in Nigeria and neighbouring countries. This partnership signals a progressive move toward achieving greater health independence and resilience in the face of global health challenges.

    Minister Pate also acknowledged the vital role of Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, the Coordinator of the PVAC, in executing President Tinubu’s mandate. He praised Dr. Mukhtar’s leadership, stating, “Dr. Mukhtar’s relentless efforts inspire confidence that our joint sacrifices will soon yield a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous Nigeria.” This acknowledgment highlights the collaborative spirit essential for the success of such transformative initiatives. GSK leverages its expertise in science, technology, and talent to advance disease prevention and treatment, specialising in vaccines, specialties, and general medicines. The company focuses on four core areas: infectious diseases, HIV, respiratory and immunology, and oncology. Through its “Ahead Together” strategy, GSK emphasises early intervention, aiming to prevent and alter the course of diseases while supporting healthcare systems globally.

  • NASoW urges Tinubu to inaugurate Nigerian Council for Social Work

    NASoW urges Tinubu to inaugurate Nigerian Council for Social Work

    …describes delays as threat to profession’s integrity

    The Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW) has expressed concern that delays in establishing and inaugurating the Nigerian Council for Social Work are weakening the effectiveness of the social work profession in the country.

    In an open letter signed by NASoW’s National President, Alhaji Mashood Mustapha, the association appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently form and inaugurate the council. 

    The letter, titled “Open Letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the Urgent Need to Constitute the Nigerian Council for Social Work,” was submitted at Aso Villa in Abuja and shared with journalists by the association’s national public relations officer, Musliudeen Adebayo.

    In the letter, Mustapha emphasized that social workers are troubled by the ongoing delay, which has left the profession without essential oversight and regulation, thus compromising its integrity and effectiveness.

    He urged President Tinubu to address these issues promptly and to ensure that the Council is comprised solely of qualified professionals, in accordance with the established legal framework, to safeguard the profession’s standards.

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    He said that it is essential that the council, as a government agency, be led by qualified professional social workers who possess the expertise and understanding required for its governance, adding that NASoW members are committed to upholding the integrity of the profession. 

    The letter reads: “Open Letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the Urgent Need to Constitute the Nigerian 

    “Your Excellency, on behalf of the entire membership of the Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW), the umbrella organization for all social workers in Nigeria, I extend our warmest greetings and express our trust in your leadership. NASoW is the sole national body for professional social workers in Nigeria and it is affiliated with the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), the global governing body for our profession.

    “Social work plays a critical role in addressing complex social issues, fostering welfare, and ensuring societal well-being. To achieve these objectives effectively, the profession and its practitioners must operate within a regulated framework. Recognizing this need, the Nigerian Council for Social Work (Establishment) Act, 2022 was signed into law by your predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari, in December 2022. 

    “This Act mandates the creation of the Nigerian Council for Social Work, an essential regulatory body that will uphold the standards of our profession in line with global best practices. Regrettably, despite the passage,  this council is yet to be constituted and inaugurated.

    “The Nigeria Association of Social Workers is concerned by this delay, which has left the profession without necessary oversight and regulation, risking its integrity and effectiveness.

    “It is essential that the council, as a government agency, be led by qualified professional social workers who possess the expertise and understanding required for its governance. Such leadership is critical to ensure that the council’s actions and policies reflect the values and standards of the profession.

    “Before leaving office, former President Buhari directed that the council should be under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. However, the council was not constituted prior to his departure, and subsequent developments have added to our concerns. Dr. Betta Edu started  the process very well shortly after her appointment, but her suspension occurred when preparation was at an advanced stage for the Constitution.

    “To our dismay, in the middle  of the process by Dr Beta Edu, some staff in the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the Ministry that kicked against the Nigerian Council for Social Work Bill in 2017 because many of their staff were not trained social workers, wrongly  again advised the former Minister, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye to move forward with the council’s constitution in a manner that did not follow established protocols. 

    “The Minister has since left her position, yet the same staff in the ministry appear intent on reconstituting the council through the newly appointed Minister for Women Affairs forgetting that that the  ministry has no correlation at all with Nigerian Council for Social Work.

    “It has come to our notice, that staff of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs  out of mischief put undue pressure on the National Council for Women’s Societies (NCWS) at the 24th National Council Meeting on Women Affairs held  on Monday 28th of October, Tuesday  29th of October, and Wednesday  29th of October 2024 in Jos, Plateau State through a memo to influence this process in favour of the Ministry of Women Affairs, which is totally out of the mandate of the Women’s Council in a deliberate attempt to cause confusion  and disaffection  among the two new Ministers in the two ministries for their pecuniary interests when it is even very clear that the NCWS has no power under the law to take such executive decision. Such actions not only undermine the profession but violate its standards. As the saying goes, “One cannot shave someone’s head in  his absence.”

    “In light of these circumstances, we humbly appeal to Your Excellency to intervene and prevent any further misdirection by the Ministry of Women Affairs regarding the constitution of this council by allowing  the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to complete the simple process in line with the Act.

    Social work is both an academic discipline and a practice-based profession that must not be commercialized or misrepresented.

    “Mr. President, we respectfully request that you leverage your esteemed office to address these irregularities and ensure that only qualified professionals, in line with the legal framework, are entrusted with this important task.

    “NASoW members are committed to upholding the integrity of our profession. We appeal to Your Excellency to expedite action on the constitution and inauguration of the Nigerian Council for Social Work. Delays in this process risk undermining the effectiveness and credibility of social work in Nigeria. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.”

  • Nigeria explores global forum for food, medicine security 

    Nigeria explores global forum for food, medicine security 

    Plans have been finalised for Nigeria’s participation at the 2024 Africa Agriculture Dialogue (AAD) set to hold during this year’s World Food Prize in Des Moines, Iowa, USA, on October 30th, 2024, at the Iowa Events Center, it emerged on Wednesday.

    The event seeks to build a coalition for Africa’s agribusiness ecosystem and address food security challenges.

    The event would provide an opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its commitment to food security and agribusiness development on the global stage, Director-General and Chief Executive Office of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Obi Adigwe, said.

    According to him, the event which is starting on October 30th, 2024, will bring together high-level stakeholders to build a coalition for Africa’s agribusiness ecosystem.

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    Convened by the Novo Modo Company, owners of the AgroAfrica Magazine Brand, AAD seeks to address the pressing issues of food insecurity, climate change, and economic uncertainty. 

    Adigwe, who is also the AAD Chairman for Advocacy and Engagement, expressed optimism for a contextual outcome in this year’s gathering, to make sustainable linkages between food and medicines security.

    The event will also provide a platform for multi-sectoral partners to chart a pathway towards resilience and shared prosperity in Africa’s agribusiness ecosystem, he added.

  • FG reiterates support for sugared beverages tax 

    FG reiterates support for sugared beverages tax 

    The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its support for the sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) tax as an effective measure to tackle the costly health challenges linked to excessive consumption of sugary drinks, impacting both individuals and the nation.

    At the 2024 National Conference on SSB Tax and Health Financing held in Abuja on Tuesday, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, underscored the health risks linked to the widespread availability and excessive consumption of sugary drinks.

    At the conference that was organized by the Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), the Minister lamented that over 3.6 million people are estimated to have diabetes in Nigeria, with half of those cases undiagnosed. 

    “Projections indicate this number could reach 5 million by 2030, with the cost of treating diabetes expected to exceed ₦1,000,000 per person by that time,” he said. 

    Represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kacholom, the Minister noted the government recognizes that a higher SSB tax could serve as both a deterrent to SSB consumption and a source of revenue for healthcare, he noted, saying, “The goal of the SSB tax is to reduce the consumption of these unhealthy beverages, ultimately preventing obesity and its related diseases. 

    “In 2021, Nigeria joined over 100 countries that have introduced taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages. 

    “This tax, embedded in the Finance Act of 2021, levies a ₦10 tax on each litre of all non-alcoholic, sweetened, and carbonated drinks.As we look to the future, we must view the SSB tax as a cornerstone of our strategy to improve public health and healthcare financing. 

    “By discouraging the consumption of sugar-laden beverages, we aim to reduce the prevalence of obesity and diabetes, and in turn, alleviate the financial burden on our healthcare system. 

    “This tax serves as a deterrent and generates essential revenue that can be reinvested into healthcare initiatives, particularly preventive measures and the treatment of non-communicable diseases.

    “Our vision is a Nigeria where healthier choices are accessible and affordable for all citizens. We aspire to create an environment where nutritious alternatives are readily available, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their diet and overall health. 

    “To achieve this, we must strengthen our collaboration with stakeholders, including the food and beverage industry, healthcare providers, and civil society organizations, to promote healthier lifestyles and ensure the sustainability of our health systems”.

    Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA, noted that the urgent public health crisis driven by sugar-sweetened beverages has led to a surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. 

    Given the direct link between these illnesses and excessive SSB consumption, he urged the government to raise the SSB tax from the current 10% to 20% per liter, saying, “These illnesses, previously rare, now account for nearly 30% of deaths in Nigeria, with cardiovascular diseases alone responsible for 11% of fatalities.

    “Health experts report that in the past 20 years, cases of cardiovascular disease have exploded by 150 percent in Nigeria. Yet we know this  is no accident. 

    “This surge is directly tied to  unhealthy lifestyles including the over  consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods. SSBs, in particular, popularly known as soft drinks offer no nutritional value but have taken over our food shelves. 

    “This is not because we asked for it, but because the industry and big food corporations have chosen to prioritise profit over public health, exploiting loopholes in our food  policies and regulations to push their products, evade accountability and determine our health outcomes. 

    “The consequences of this abnormality are not just countless Nigerians suffering under the weight of nutrition-related diseases, but families also burdened with soaring out-of-pocket health care expenses, especially in these hard economic times.  

    “The strain these pressures place on our health, economic, and social systems is considerable. Nigeria’s consumption of over 40 million litres of SSBs contributes to an estimated $2.37 billion  annually in societal costs for managing obesity and overweight issues, with informal care costs exceeding N58 million”. 

    Given this, he said the government must be proactive about SSBs tax, “I As a nation, we must find sustainable ways to control these avoidable diseases, alleviate the mounting expenses they impose, and bolster our healthcare infrastructure and social systems to withstand the burden of these diseases. 

    “This urgency is precisely why the theme of this year’s conference has been thoughtfully chosen to encourage us to rethink the potential of “health tax as a recipe for improved healthcare financing.” 

    Read Also: NASR coalition intensifies sugary drinks tax hike with PSA

    “The current SSB tax, set at N10 per liter, falls short of the World Health Organization’s recommended 20% of retail prices, rendering it ineffective against inflation. 

    “CAPPA’s recent study, conducted with the Centre for the Study of Economies of Africa, suggests that an increase to ₦130 per liter, or 50% of retail price, would significantly curb consumption and provide much-needed revenue for healthcare initiatives,” he added.

    While calling for a comprehensive approach, including stronger regulation and a legal framework for earmarking SSB tax revenue for public health programs, Oluwafemi stressed the need to resist industry interference, as large beverage corporations often prioritize profit over public well-being, using deceptive advertising and lobbying to weaken health policies.

    In her keynote address titled ‘NCD Epidemic in Africa: Innovative Healthcare Financing and the Quest for Effective SSB Tax’, Evelyn Thshela, Research Director and Health Economist at SAMRC/WITS Centre for Health Economics and Decision in South Africa, emphasized that an increased SSB tax must be transparently managed, properly allocated, and earn public support to be effective.

  • African leaders must sustain demand for equity in WHO Pandemic Agreement

    African leaders must sustain demand for equity in WHO Pandemic Agreement

    As part of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Save Our Society (SOS) campaign, leading up to the next round of World Health Organization Pandemic Agreement negotiations on Nov. 4-15, AHF urges the continent’s leaders to seize the opportunity to shape Africa’s future in global health security by demanding an equitable agreement that works for all nations, particularly those in the Global South.

    The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep inequalities, with 85% of African countries unable to vaccinate their populations while wealthier nations hoarded vaccines. The upcoming Pandemic Agreement talks are Africa’s chance to ensure these disparities are never repeated.

    “For a Pandemic Agreement to truly serve Africa’s needs, leaders across the continent must demand equity at its core, including ensuring fair and timely access to vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments through the establishment of regional manufacturing hubs and binding commitments on technology transfer across Africa,” said Dr. Echey Ijezie, AHF Nigeria Country Program Director.

    “The pandemic has shown us that the health of one nation affects the health of all. Africans cannot wait for handouts in times of crisis, as was the case with COVID-19 and what is currently happening with insufficient access to vaccines in response to the Mpox outbreak. We must demand the tools, knowledge, and capacity to protect ourselves and ensure no country is left behind.”

    African nations must be able to secure the knowledge and resources necessary to produce vaccines and other critical health commodities independently, reducing reliance on external suppliers and empowering the continent to respond to future pandemics with greater resilience.

    Sustainable financing is another vital component that African leaders must push for to support pandemic preparedness and health infrastructure. Because voluntary contributions have proven insufficient – guaranteed, binding financial support is essential to strengthen Africa’s health systems and safeguard against future crises.

    Africa’s leaders have an essential opportunity to influence the final terms of the WHO Pandemic Agreement. By standing firm on these issues—equity, regional production, technology transfer, and sustainable financing—African nations can secure a fairer and more resilient future for the continent. The time to act is now.

    For emphasis, the below are AHF’s key asks:

    •              Regional Production Capacity: Concrete mechanisms to facilitate the local production of vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics in the Global South. This requires a binding roadmap for the transfer of knowledge, technology, and long-term sustainable financing, as outlined in Articles 9, 10, and 11 of the draft agreement.

    •              Technology Transfer: Enforceable provisions that ensure technology transfer is not restricted to voluntary and mutually agreed terms, but allows low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) the same flexibilities that rich nations like the United States have to use non-voluntary means and ancillary measures to address public health emergencies and other crises.

    •              Sustainable Financing: The agreement must secure long-term, binding financial commitments from high-income countries to support pandemic preparedness and response in LMICs. Voluntary contributions alone will not suffice, as outlined in Article 20.

    •              Civil Society Participation: Effective global health governance now recognizes the crucial role of civil society and other non-state actors in decision-making processes. Embracing a governance model that includes their meaningful participation can enhance legitimacy, bolster accountability, and transform the global health security architecture into a more equitable and effective system to better prevent, prepare for, and respond to global health threats.

  • Pate delivers medical outreach to 3,000 Bauchi residents

    Pate delivers medical outreach to 3,000 Bauchi residents

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ali Pate, has launched a three-day medical outreach through his Chigari Foundation, targeting  3,000 underprivileged residents in Bauchi State.

    Speaking during the outreach  over the weekend, Dr. Ashiru Abubakar, Technical Assistant to the Minister, noted that around 100 pediatric and gynecological consultations and surgeries, both minor and major, would be provided. 

    He added that the Foundation will perform about 30 cataract extractions, offer reading glasses to over 50 people as resources permit, and provide free consultations, medications, and radiological investigations.

    Abubakar explained that the initiative is a partnership involving the Minister, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and other professional associations.

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    “All involved share the Minister’s vision and are pleased to volunteer their time and expertise to provide free healthcare to the large population in Bauchi metropolis,” he said.

    “Currently, surgeries are underway at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, with the hospital management dedicating a space to cater to these underserved individuals.”

    “The outreach will provide additional services, including dental consultations, day procedures, ultrasound, obstetrics consultations, general outpatient services, laboratory tests, nutritional counseling, and pharmaceutical assistance.”

  • How to reverse brain drain in health sector, by NMA

    How to reverse brain drain in health sector, by NMA

    • Union seeks holistic approach to sector’s challenges

    The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called for a holistic approach from government at all levels to tackle brain drain and other challenges in the nation’s health sector.

    The chairman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the association, Dr. Emeka-Malachy Ayogu, said this yesterday in Abuja while addressing reporters on the upcoming FCT NMA Physicians’ Week.

    Ayogu said providing an enabling environment for the workers in the sector to effectively discharge their responsibilities was key to fixing the challenges.

    The NMA chairman said the association was saddened by the challenges in the sectors, including brain drain, inadequate working tools, and poor remuneration.

    He said among other activities lined up for the Physicians Week, which started on Sunday with a thanksgiving service, was a conference where experts would proffer in-depth solution to the challenges.

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    Ayogu explained that the theme for the conference: Ensuring Universal Applicability in Remuneration: A Panacea to Talent Retention in the Healthcare Industry, was apt in view of the current state of the health sector.

    The chairman said the chapter had mobilised a lot of experts, knowing fully well that there were contemporary issues that needed to be addressed in the health sector.

    He said the conference would look at how doctors could be treated fairly, equitably and ensure inclusivity and be able to enjoy competitive wages and salaries among their peers.

    “The physicians’ week is meant to recognise the dedication, compassion and expertise of our members. We will use the opportunity to honour ourselves and the noble profession.

    “It is an event that is usually carried out every year by NMA in all the chapters, including FCT. The week is packed with impactful activities, which include going to the orphanage.”

    “The impression is to give back to the society. We are going to engage in a medical outreach. It is designed to expand medical access to those who are less privileged.

    “We are also going to undertake sporting activities to take care of the wellbeing the doctors and promoting the spirit of team work,” Ayogu said.