The Nation Newspaper

Category: Health

70% of COVID-19 equipment lying waste, says Global Fund

After an investment of over $272m in combating coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from 2020, an estimated 70 percent of oxygen equipment procured to help mitigate the effects of the are yet to be deployed for medical service, it emerged at the weekend.

According to Global Fund, most of the oxygen equipment (Oxygen concentrators) which are meant to help strengthen Nigeria‘s health system have been allegedly kept under lock and key at the various medical stores across the states.

An oxygen concentrator is used to support patients in experiencing difficulty breathing and admitted to hospital intensive care units.

The Coordinator of Country Coordinating Mechanism of the Global Fund, Ibrahim Tajudeen, who spoke at an Advocacy-focused Media Dissemination meeting of the Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN) in Abuja, lamented that the country seems not to have to maximize the investments made by Nigeria since 2020.

Noting that though efforts of civil society to enhance access to improved health services in the country’s health facilities are progressing well, he expressed concern over the neglect and abandonment of the equipment delivered to the States, which he said is deeply disappointing.

According to him, the purpose of procuring the equipment was to strengthen the healthcare system and reduce the financial burden on citizens by minimizing out-of-pocket medical expenses.

He said: “While it is important to state that we have made significant progress in terms of strengthening the health system across the 36 states and the FCT, unfortunately, the findings and information at our disposal revealed that this investment towards pandemic preparedness response has not been fully optimized.

“And at this stage, we need to sensitize the government entity, the civil society and the general public on the need for us to put these instruments into use.

“For example, the oxygen equipment procured through Global Fund resources as at the last count, conservatively 70 percent of these equipment are still under lock and key at various State central medical stores or teaching hospital medical stores.”

A representative of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare revealed that Nigeria received grants of over $272 million in COVID-related funding for the period of 2020 to 2025 for pandemic preparedness.

She explained that the grant was specifically designated for pandemic preparedness and response, arising from the COVID-19 crisis, to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic, support the provision of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria services and prepare the country for future health emergencies.

She further highlighted that the disruption of health services at the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak prompted efforts to strengthen the healthcare system, including the establishment of laboratories and provision of oxygen equipment.

On his part, the National Coordinator of ACOMIN, Ayo Ipinmoye, pointed out that lack of adequate security for the healthcare facilities is greatly affecting the operations of the hospitals especially those located in the rural areas.

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Suggesting the active involvement of communities in securing both hospital facilities and health workers, Ipinmoye emphasized that ACOMIN has identified various challenges impeding the ability of health facilities to deliver optimal care during the implementation of community-led monitoring activities.

According to him, lack of essential resources, including medical equipment, medicines, staff shortages, inadequate security, deteriorating infrastructure, broken equipment, unreliable power supply, and poorly maintained water and sanitation systems, have all significantly reduced the efficiency and quality of healthcare services at most Primary Health Centres, severely affecting staff morale.

He said there have been numerous reported cases of hospital equipment theft and attacks on health workers due to poor security at health facilities, noting that the absence of physical barriers, security personnel, and safety measures poses risks to both patients and staff, especially in high-risk areas.

He said that without adequate security, healthcare facilities remain vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and violence, Ipinmoye posited that communities can secure the facilities by establishing neighbourhood watch programme, hiring security personnel to protect health workers and raising funds to install security infrastructure.

October 14, 2024
Nigeria unveils strategic blueprint to address health sector’s challenges

The Federal Government has announced a strategic plan to overhaul the nation’s health sector.

The government said this would be achieved through the National Health Sector Renewal Initiative (NHSRII) and the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint 2024-2027 aimed at addressing long-standing systemic challenges.

The National Coordinator of the Sector-Wide Coordinating Office – T Programme Management Unit (SCO-PMU), Dr. Muntaqa Sadiq, announced this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja.

Sadiq said the new framework was designed to tackle critical issues plaguing the healthcare system, including inadequate infrastructure, shortage of healthcare professionals, and poor financing.

“This follows a series of alarming reports highlighting how far Nigeria falls short of global standards in healthcare provision.

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“Even more troubling is that 50 per cent of x-ray machines in government hospitals are not functioning, and Nigeria has only 23.3 doctors per 100,000 people. This is far below the WHO guideline of 100 doctors per 100,000,” he said.

Sadiq said the government was addressing these structural and systemic challenges head-on.

The SCO-PMU national coordinator promised that NHSRII would leverage partnerships with the private sector and development partners to close these gaps and improve health outcomes for all Nigerians.

According to him, at the heart of the NHSRII is the SWAp, a management framework.

“It is aimed at improving coordination across federal, state, and local governments, as well as engaging with development partners and the private sector,” Sadiq said.

The SCO-PMU national coordinator explained that the SWAp focused on ensuring “One Plan, One Budget, One Report, and One Conversation” to create a cohesive system where all stakeholders align their efforts to meet shared health priorities.

He added that the plan’s comprehensive strategy would ensure that no sector is left behind in achieving the nation’s healthcare goals.

“Key actions under the initiative include expanding Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and ensuring at least one Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) facility per local government area (LGA).

“The blueprint also aims to address the fragmented and inefficient health supply chains, which have resulted in 41 per cent stock-out rates for family planning commodities.

“By integrating and streamlining procurement systems, we expect to see a significant reduction in stock-outs and a more reliable supply of essential medicines,” he said.

Sadiq said human resources for health were being prioritised in the blueprint while focusing on addressing the acute shortage of medical personnel.

“The blueprint includes plans to improve training for healthcare workers through digital solutions and expand partnerships with the private sector to increase the production of healthcare professionals.

“Additionally, the initiative is set to tackle poor healthcare infrastructure, rehabilitate 17,600 PHCs and ensure the climate readiness of health facilities, thanks in part to a 1.57 billion dollar facility from the World Bank.

“A portion of these funds will be used to equip healthcare centres with solar energy solutions and other climate-resilient infrastructure, particularly in rural areas,” he said.

He said that the NHSRII recognised the crucial role of the private sector in strengthening the healthcare system.

According to him, private sector actors are expected to help expand digital health services, improve data reporting, and bolster the local production of pharmaceuticals.

“The private sector will play an instrumental role in actualising our goals for the health sector.

“From training healthcare workers to producing critical supplies like vaccines and medications, their participation will drive the necessary changes,” he said.

The national coordinator said the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint 2024-2027 outlined 13 priority areas, including improving maternal, newborn, and child health; accelerating immunisation programmes, and reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Besides federal efforts, the national coordinator said state governments have committed to implementing policy actions that complement these national strategies.

“This includes their participation in the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), which allocates one per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund towards primary healthcare services.

“Together, we are committed to building a resilient, effective, and sustainable health system that works for all Nigerians,” he said.

October 14, 2024
Six things to know about Addison’s disease

Addison’s disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, is a rare but serious condition. It happens when the adrenal glands, located above the kidneys, don’t make enough important hormones, like cortisol and aldosterone. These hormones are needed to control stress, energy, and blood pressure.

Recently, popular American TikTok star Taylor Rousseau sadly passed away due to complications from Addison’s disease. Her tragic death has brought more attention to this uncommon condition, which can be life-threatening if not properly treated.

Here are six things to know about the Addison’s disease:

1. Addison’s disease, also known as adrenal insufficiency, is a rare condition that happens when the body doesn’t produce enough important hormones.

2. Individuals with Addison’s disease often crave salty foods. This happens because their bodies have low sodium levels due to a lack of certain hormones. The adrenal glands, which produce hormones that help balance salt and water, aren’t working properly, leading to the unusual craving for salt.

3. Addison’s disease if left unattended to can be fatal

4. People with Addison’s disease often feel dizzy when they stand up. This happens because the condition causes low blood pressure

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5. One of the most common signs of Addison’s disease is extreme fatigue. People with this condition often feel constantly tired, even after getting plenty of rest. This is because their bodies don’t make enough hormones that help manage energy and stress, leading to ongoing exhaustion.

6. Individuals with Addison’s disease might notice darkened patches of skin. This occurs because their bodies produce too much of a hormone called ACTH. This hormone can cause the skin to darken, particularly in areas like scars, elbows, and knuckles. This change in skin color is a common symptom of the disease.

October 11, 2024
UNFIA, NANTMP sign MoU to promote traditional medicine

The United Nations Federation of International ASTRO Africa (UNFIA) has formalised a groundbreaking partnership with the National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP) to advance traditional medicine and foster global collaboration.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the UNFIA office in Abuja between UNFIA’s Africa Resident Coordinator, Professor Olumuyiwa Babalola and NANTMP’s National President, Dr. Shaba Maikudi.

NABTMP, with over 500,000 practitioners, is poised to make a global impact through this alliance.

This collaboration sets the stage for traditional African medicine to gain international recognition.

As part of the agreement, both organizations will work to promote, preserve and elevate traditional medicine while creating a comprehensive database that will connect NABTMP practitioners with a global audience.

Babalola emphasised the importance of the partnership in bridging the gap between traditional African medicine and the world.

He said: “This is a transformative step forward in ensuring that the rich knowledge of African medicine is shared and appreciated on a global scale.”

Maikudi stated: “Our practitioners will now have access to opportunities for international recognition, learning, and collaboration.”

Dr. Maikudi also highlighted that NANTMP represents a wide variety of practitioners, including members of the Traditional Raw Materials Association, Traditional Birth Attendants, Faith Healers, and Islamic Prophetic Medicine Practitioners, all of whom will benefit from this partnership.

These diverse groups under the NANTMP umbrella, he said, will be better positioned to share their expertise on a global platform.

Traditional African medicine has long been at the heart of healthcare in many communities. Yet, despite its proven efficacy, practitioners have faced challenges such as limited formal recognition and restricted access to global platforms.

Read Also: ‘African traditional medicine going global’

Through this MoU, both organizations will address these issues by creating exchange programs that allow traditional medicine practitioners to share their knowledge, learn from global experts, and gain access to certification programs that enhance their credibility.

A key feature of the partnership is the development of a digital platform that will serve as a global database for NANTMP members, ensuring that their expertise is accessible to researchers, institutions, and practitioners around the world. This database is expected to revolutionize the way traditional medicine practitioners connect and collaborate across borders.

Also the partnership includes plans for a UNFIA National Conference, set to take place soon which will further amplify the role of traditional medicine in global healthcare discussions.

This event is expected to draw experts, practitioners, and stakeholders from around the world.

October 11, 2024
WHO decries workplace depression, anxiety-induced $1 trillion, 12 billing workdays loss

The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the staggering economic and human cost of workplace-related mental health issues, with global losses reaching $1 trillion and 12 billion workdays annually due to depression and anxiety.

According to the WHO, mental health challenges in the workplace are driven by factors such as discrimination, poor working conditions, inadequate pay, harassment, bullying, and lack of control over job responsibilities.

Emphasising that the workplace itself can be a major source of stress, affecting both physical and mental health, the WHO called for an urgent reassessment of work environments and their impact on employee well-being.

The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, in her message on Thursday, emphasized the relevance of this year’s World Mental Health Day theme, ‘Healthy Minds at Work, Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace’, where she highlighted the challenges faced by workers, particularly the most vulnerable groups, and stressed the urgent need to address these issues.

World Mental Health Day is commemorated yearly on October 10th to raise awareness of mental health issues worldwide as well as mobilize efforts to support mental well-being.

In marking World Mental Health Day, Matshidiso Moeti emphasized that this year’s theme, ‘It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace, highlights the significant impact work has on our lives and underscores the urgent need to address mental health in professional environments.

She said: “A healthy work environment not only provides structure and purpose but also fosters social connections, giving individuals a sense of personal value and identity.

“However, workplaces can also be significant sources of stress, negatively affecting both physical and mental health.

“Factors such as discrimination, poor working conditions, being underpaid or undervalued, harassment, bullying, and lack of control can all contribute to mental health challenges at work.

“Certain workers, such as those in health and emergency services, low-paid or insecure jobs, and casual labour, are particularly vulnerable due to limited support, job security, and legal protections.

“On the flip side, poor mental health can lead to reduced productivity, absenteeism, and higher staff turnover.

“Depression and anxiety result in the loss of approximately 12 billion workdays globally each year, costing the global economy around $1 trillion.

“Additionally, people with severe mental health conditions are often excluded from employment or face inequality and stigma in the workplace.

“Despite these challenges, only 8 of the 47 countries in the WHO African Region reported having mental health promotion programs in workplaces by 2020, and only 3 had active collaborations between mental health services and labour departments.

“Urgent action is needed to protect, promote, and support mental health in the workplace. WHO, through its guidelines on mental health at work and in collaboration with the International Labor Organization, recommends key actions for governments, employers, and other stakeholders”.

To address the issue, she said the government to review and implement employment and health policies that ensure parity between mental and physical health in collaboration with workers’ organizations; and align employment laws with international human rights treaties to prevent discrimination against workers with mental health conditions; establish pathways between health, social, and employment services to facilitate supported employment and return-to-work programs; and build capacity in primary care, occupational health, and mental health services to address mental health conditions at work.

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In addition, the WHO chief also urged employers to incorporate mental health as a core component of occupational safety and health systems; develop specific mental health policies and programs based on WHO recommendations, including training for managers and workers; equip managers to identify and address stressors, support their teams, and manage their stress; and offer reasonable accommodations to support workers with mental health conditions.

However, workers were also advised to prioritize their mental health, learn stress management techniques, strive for a balanced lifestyle recognize signs when mental health is declining, and seek support from trusted individuals, colleagues, or health professionals.

“As we celebrate World Mental Health Day, let’s commit to investing in mental health in the workplace because investing in people is the best investment any organization can make.

“A mentally healthy workforce is engaged, innovative, motivated, and productive, contributing to the success of any organization,” Moeti admonished.

October 10, 2024
5% health insurance enrollment hinders human capital development, institute tells FG

The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) has cautioned that health insurance coverage of less than five percent of Nigeria’s over 200 million population is not a positive indicator of the nation’s human capital development.

Describing the low enrollment level as alarming, the Continental Research Institute noted that 27 years after the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was launched to shield households from the financial burden of out-of-pocket health payments, less than five percent of the country’s population have enrolled.

These findings were contained in a research report on Thursday in Abuja at the AERC and Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) policy dialogue on human capital to a development project in Nigeria, themed, “Leveraging Economic Development Through Human Capital In Nigeria: The Roles of Foreign Direct Investment and Health”.

In his presentation on the theme of the dialogue, Dr. Terrence Kairiza of Bindura University of Science Education, Zimbabwe noted that despite being mandatory for formal workers in both public and private sectors, the NHIS has only managed to cover less than five percent of Nigerians by 2022.

Lamenting that the growth of the country was inconsistent with its human capital potential, the AERC scholar emphasised that Nigeria as the most populous country in Africa has a vast pool of potential human capital of over 200 million people with over one-third of them comprising the youths has vast potential to take advantage of the import of human capital in the development nexus

He said indications are that human capital could be developed by external means through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and internal channels such as investments in health and education.

“Nigeria’s health insurance coverage remains alarmingly low, with less than 5 percent of its 208 million population having any form of health insurance.

“Uptake varies across states but is largely concentrated in major business hubs. The uptake of insurance is also higher for the formal sector versus the informal sector and for men versus women.

“Private health insurance, particularly employer-based insurance, is the most prominent type of health insurance among Nigerians. Nigeria’s overall health insurance uptake pattern mirrors the private health insurance uptake across States.

“Employer-based insurance accounted for 94 percent of private health insurance uptake across Nigerian States as of 2018.”

Commending government efforts at making health insurance compulsory for all citizens, the Zimbabwe University Economics lecturer however noted that the results have been modest, especially for informal sector workers and women.

Kairiza then suggested that to boost uptake, policies should tackle both the supply and demand sides of health insurance.

According to him policies on the supply side should focus on offering subsidies to informal sector workers and women to reduce premium costs, developing low-cost, limited-benefit insurance products, and creating online platforms for insurance enrollment and management.

Read Also: Aiyedatiwa flags off Health Insurance Scheme for informal sector, private workers

Adding the demand-side policies should concentrate on educating informal sector workers about health insurance benefits, streamlining enrollment processes, and encouraging group insurance for informal sector associations.

Kairiza however expressed optimism that Nigeria’s human capital could be strengthened through external Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and internal health and education.

He said Nigeria, as one of the highest recipients of FDI in Africa was well positioned to leverage the benefits of human capital to improve development outcomes.

The Executive Secretary of NISER, Prof. Antonia Simbini said the policy dialogue was to share preliminary research findings and policy implications of the research output on the human capital development project in Nigeria.

She maintained that it was critical to have a stakeholder engagement to share the findings and allow comments before the research is published.

October 10, 2024
FG urges private sector to follow FIRST E&P, Healthy Heart Foundation’s N2.6b open-heart surgery initiative for indigent Nigerians

The federal government has urged the private sector and well-meaning Nigerians to increase their support for providing quality and accessible healthcare services, especially for the most vulnerable citizens.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, highlighted the importance of this support, noting the government’s limitations due to competing demands on resources, which may affect the full implementation of its healthcare revitalization plans.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday at the launch of a N2.6 billion partnership between FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited (FIRST E&P) and the Healthy Heart Foundation, aimed at offering open-heart surgeries and advanced cardiovascular care to 360 underprivileged Nigerians, Pate stressed that the initiative exemplifies the impact private sector partnerships can have in advancing the government’s healthcare goals. He called on other corporate bodies and individuals to follow suit.

The collaboration will provide a range of cardiovascular treatments, including open-heart surgeries, minimally invasive procedures such as Percutaneous Cardiac Interventions (Coronary Angiograms and Angioplasties), and device insertions like Pacemakers, Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT), and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD).

The Healthy Heart Foundation will oversee the selection and confirmation of beneficiaries, while FIRST Cardiology Consultants will carry out the cardiovascular related procedures.

Emphasizing the immeasurable and lasting impact of the intervention on the nation’s efforts to improve citizens’ well-being, Pate said, “We are deeply grateful for this remarkable partnership between FIRST E&P and the Healthy Heart Foundation, which highlights the power of cross-sector collaboration.

“This initiative provides access to quality cardiac care for Nigerians at a critical time, addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases.

“It is partnerships like these that will help us improve health outcomes, expand access to essential services, and ultimately save lives”.

In his opening remarks, Henry Odein Ajumogobia, Chairman of FIRST Exploration and Production (FIRST E&P), an independent oil exploration company, emphasized that as a responsible and responsive organization, the board recognizes the healthcare burden on vulnerable Nigerians.

Affirming the determination of the oil form to contribute meaningfully to addressing this issue in alignment with the government’s plans, the former Minister said: “Of the thousands of Nigerians that require heart surgery annually, only about 200 surgeries are carried out each year.

“At FIRST E&P, we are deeply committed to the well-being of our people, the prosperity of our communities, the preservation of the environment, and maintaining the highest standards of governance.

“We are pleased to provide funding to help bridge the gap in healthcare and provide critical care to those who need it most.

“Partnerships work best when the commitment is shared, and the expertise is complementary. This is exactly the case here, with partners who are deeply committed to creating social impact.”

He said that the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts have benefited 180 individuals through eight medical missions since 2018, with open-heart surgeries beginning in 2021, the N2.6 billion grant, Ajumogobia noted that the new grant marks an expansion of their partnership with the Healthy Heart Foundation.

On his part, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, Managing Director of FIRST E&P, noted that partnership was reflected in the organization’s social development initiatives, that focus on education, health, and enterprise development and job creation.

“By supporting programs like this, we ensure that our contributions in the energy sector are matched by efforts to improve lives,” he added.

He disclosed that the partnership is open to renewal to sustain the initiative.

Adeyemi Johnson, MD/CEO of First Cardiology Consultants and Co-founder of the Healthy Heart Foundation, also echoed the same sentiment, saying the collaboration marks the dawn of a new era of hope for those in need.

“Our partnership with the Healthy Heart Foundation aligns perfectly with the broader mission of FIRST E&P, which goes beyond energy development to include a strong commitment to the well-being of our communities”.

On the reason behind the Foundation’s focus on providing open-heart surgeries and advanced cardiovascular care, Johnson explained that he and his partner, both specialist cardiologists based overseas, identified the significant gap in the care sector in Nigeria.

According to him, the realization motivated them to relocate home to offer the same world-class services available abroad, particularly to benefit indigent Nigerians who might otherwise not have access to such care.

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He said: “I came back in 2008, at that time, most of the cases of heart attacks were foreigners with only a few Nigerians, today, more Nigerians are coming down with heart attacks, heart failure, and cardiac arrest.

“The incidence of heart disease is increasing dramatically, due to hypertension, we have the highest burden of hypertension in the world

“There is now an epidemic of disabilities, mostly driven by poor lifestyle choices, and environmental stress, right now, even people in their ’40s are coming down with heart attacks, including women.

“Things are changing rapidly and heart disease is now a major problem but the government cannot do everything, the private sector has to assist the government to address the high burden of the disease in the country.”

October 10, 2024
FG, HFN, PharmAccess explore healthcare transformation strategies

The federal government is ramping up its collaboration with the private sector to revitalise the nation’s health sector, recognizing it as the most viable and effective approach to achieving the key objectives of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), according to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate.

Pate emphasised that public-private partnerships are crucial in addressing Nigeria’s healthcare challenges, particularly in overcoming issues such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to essential services, and the shortage of healthcare professionals.

The minister spoke in Abuja on Wednesday during a national dialogue on collaborative implementation of the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) in healthcare organized and facilitated by Health Federation of Nigeria (HFN) and PharmAccess.

The policy dialogue that had in attendance government officials, healthcare leaders, and international experts was aimed at fostering public-private collaboration.

The participants also included the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, Chairman of the House Committee on Health Institutions, Hon. Amos Magaji; Director of Digital Transformations for Health (DTH) Lab, Prof. Ilona Kickbusch; President of the UNITE Parliamentarians Network for Global Health and CEO of HealthAI, Ricardo Baptista Leite; Director of Health Systems at PharmAccess Amsterdam, Kwasi Boahene; the Country Director of PharmAccess Nigeria, Njide Ndili; representatives of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON); among others sector stakeholders.

Calling for cooperative efforts between the government and private stakeholders to foster innovation, reduce costs, and enhance healthcare delivery—crucial elements for achieving UHC, Pate said, “Public-private partnerships are essential to realizing the health sector we aspire to”.

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In his keynote address, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Alausa emphasized the government’s multi-pillar strategy to reform the healthcare sector, highlighting the necessity of utilizing accurate health data to inform policy decisions.

Emphasising the role of digital health solutions and data analytics in streamlining healthcare delivery while advocating for a unified approach to healthcare governance, Alausa, said, “We must leverage technology and data analytics to improve health outcomes across the nation,”

In his presentation, Ricardo Baptista Leite, while discussing the future of healthcare with a focus on better outcomes, quality of life, and well-being for all, highlighted the need for a shift in the approach to healthcare, stressing the importance of embracing artificial intelligence, effective policies, and impactful investments.

Emphasizing adequate and sustainable funding of such systems, Leite called for a more proactive, preventive approach, noting that the nation’s current health systems function more like ‘disease systems,’ as they are reactive, responding mainly to disease outbreaks and illness.

In her goodwill message, Director of Digital Transformations for Health (DTH) Lab, Prof. Ilona Kickbusch, also advocated for a comprehensive approach to digital transformation that emphasizes youth engagement, addresses the digital divide, promotes mental health, and ensures robust governance to protect health and well-being in the digital era.

Saying that digital technology is not only a tool for enhancing healthcare delivery but also a new determinant of health, Kickbusch called for a reimagining of public health and universal health coverage, particularly in light of the digital divide and its implications for mental health.

She also stressed the need to involve young people in shaping Nigeria’s digital health landscape, given that over half of the Nigerian population is under 19.

She said mental health, health insurance, and sexual and reproductive health are critical priorities for youth, while stressing that investment in digital health literacy for young Nigerians is crucial in addition to solidarity-based approach to data governance to prevent digital practices that could harm health.

In her welcome address, the President of HFN, Pamela Ajayi, emphasized the need for a policy dialogue of this nature to address pressing healthcare challenges.

“This dialogue provides an essential platform for the private sector to engage with policymakers,” she noted, highlighting the significance of the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) in ensuring that development efforts align with national priorities.

The dialogue featured three panels, each focused on addressing key healthcare challenges facing the country and offering practical solutions to navigate the pressing issues.

October 10, 2024
HIV prevention drug supply in Africa to triple by 2025

ViiV Healthcare, a company specialising in HIV treatment and prevention, yesterday announced that it will provide at least two million doses of its long-acting cabotegravir (CAB LA) for HIV prevention in low- and middle-income countries between 2025 and 2026.

This announcement was made at the HIV Research for Prevention Conference (HIVR4P2024) in Lima, Peru.

The commitment is a major step forward, as the company plans to triple its supply compared to 2024.

CAB LA is an injectable medication used for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and ViiV aims to increase its availability in regions most affected by HIV, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, where healthcare access is often limited.

At the conference, ViiV Healthcare’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Deborah Waterhouse, highlighted the importance of long-acting PrEP, describing it as a “game-changer” for HIV prevention.

She emphasised that CAB LA is a crucial option for groups most affected by HIV, particularly young women and girls in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“CAB LA provides a crucial option for populations disproportionately affected by HIV, including young women and girls in Sub-Saharan Africa.”

Waterhouse also stressed the company’s commitment to working with global, regional, and local partners to ensure that people have access to this essential preventive treatment.

Despite the availability of PrEP, HIV remains a major global challenge, with approximately 1.3 million new infections in 2023 alone.

Current prevention methods, such as daily pills, are not always practical or accessible, especially in low-resource areas. ViiV Healthcare’s long-acting injectable provides a more convenient solution, as it eliminates the need for daily doses, making it easier for people to maintain protection against HIV.

The U.S. FDA first approved CAB LA for PrEP in 2021 under the brand name “Apretude.” Since then, ViiV has focused on getting approval for the drug in countries with high HIV rates, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Over half of the approvals have been in this region, and nearly 80% have been in low- and middle-income countries.

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The HIV treatment and prevention firm is offering the long-acting cabotegravir (CAB LA) at a not-for-profit price in low-income countries to make it more accessible.

They have already started making it available in countries like Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and Ukraine. By the end of 2024, they plan to have introduced the drug in 14 countries, most of which are in Sub-Saharan Africa.

To further reduce costs and increase availability, ViiV is working with the Medicines Patent Pool, an organization that helps make affordable versions of essential medicines. They signed a licensing agreement in 2022 to allow other companies to produce generic versions of CAB LA. ViiV is helping these companies with technology and expertise to speed up the process.

Long-acting PrEP like CAB LA is a game-changer for people at high risk of HIV infection, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, where young women and girls face a high risk.

The injectable option offers a more convenient and discreet way to prevent HIV, which can fit better into people’s lives and increase the chances of staying protected.

ViiV Healthcare is ramping up its supply of an important HIV prevention drug to help reduce infections in the places that need it most, with a focus on affordability and accessibility.

October 10, 2024
FG urges private sector to follow FIRST E&P, Healthy Heart Foundation’s N2.6b open-heart surgery initiative for indigent Nigerians

The federal government has urged the private sector and well-meaning Nigerians to increase their support for providing quality and accessible healthcare services, especially for the most vulnerable citizens.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, highlighted the importance of this support, noting the government’s limitations due to competing demands on resources, which may affect the full implementation of its healthcare revitalization plans.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday at the launch of a N2.6 billion partnership between FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited (FIRST E&P) and the Healthy Heart Foundation, aimed at offering open-heart surgeries and advanced cardiovascular care to 360 underprivileged Nigerians, Pate stressed that the initiative exemplifies the impact private sector partnerships can have in advancing the government’s healthcare goals. He called on other corporate bodies and individuals to follow suit.

The collaboration will provide a range of cardiovascular treatments, including open-heart surgeries, minimally invasive procedures such as Percutaneous Cardiac Interventions (Coronary Angiograms and Angioplasties), and device insertions like Pacemakers, Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT), and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD).

The Healthy Heart Foundation will oversee the selection and confirmation of beneficiaries, while FIRST Cardiology Consultants will carry out the cardiovascular related procedures.

Emphasizing the immeasurable and lasting impact of the intervention on the nation’s efforts to improve citizens’ well-being, Pate said, “We are deeply grateful for this remarkable partnership between FIRST E&P and the Healthy Heart Foundation, which highlights the power of cross-sector collaboration.

“This initiative provides access to quality cardiac care for Nigerians at a critical time, addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases.

“It is partnerships like these that will help us improve health outcomes, expand access to essential services, and ultimately save lives”.

In his opening remarks, Henry Odein Ajumogobia, Chairman of FIRST Exploration and Production (FIRST E&P), an independent oil exploration company, emphasized that as a responsible and responsive organization, the board recognizes the healthcare burden on vulnerable Nigerians.

Affirming the determination of the oil form to contribute meaningfully to addressing this issue in alignment with the government’s plans, the former Minister said: “Of the thousands of Nigerians that require heart surgery annually, only about 200 surgeries are carried out each year.

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“At FIRST E&P, we are deeply committed to the well-being of our people, the prosperity of our communities, the preservation of the environment, and maintaining the highest standards of governance.

“We are pleased to provide funding to help bridge the gap in healthcare and provide critical care to those who need it most.

“Partnerships work best when the commitment is shared, and the expertise is complementary. This is exactly the case here, with partners who are deeply committed to creating social impact.”

He said that the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts have benefited 180 individuals through eight medical missions since 2018, with open-heart surgeries beginning in 2021, the N2.6 billion grant, Ajumogobia noted that the new grant marks an expansion of their partnership with the Healthy Heart Foundation.

On his part, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, Managing Director of FIRST E&P, noted that partnership was reflected in the organization’s social development initiatives, that focus on education, health, and enterprise development and job creation.

“By supporting programs like this, we ensure that our contributions in the energy sector are matched by efforts to improve lives,” he added.

He disclosed that the partnership is open to renewal to sustain the initiative.

Adeyemi Johnson, MD/CEO of First Cardiology Consultants and Co-founder of the Healthy Heart Foundation, also echoed the same sentiment, saying the collaboration marks the dawn of a new era of hope for those in need.

“Our partnership with the Healthy Heart Foundation aligns perfectly with the broader mission of FIRST E&P, which goes beyond energy development to include a strong commitment to the well-being of our communities”.

On the reason behind the Foundation’s focus on providing open-heart surgeries and advanced cardiovascular care, Johnson explained that he and his partner, both specialist cardiologists based overseas, identified the significant gap in the care sector in Nigeria.

According to him, the realization motivated them to relocate home to offer the same world-class services available abroad, particularly to benefit indigent Nigerians who might otherwise not have access to such care.

He said: “I came back in 2008, at that time, most of the cases of heart attacks were foreigners with only few Nigerians, today, more Nigerians are coming down with heart attacks, heart failure, and cardiac arrest.

“The incidence of heart disease is increasing dramatically, due to hypertension, we have the highest burden of hypertension in the world

“There is now an epidemic of disabilities, mostly driven by poor lifestyle choices, and environmental stress, right now, even people in their ’40s are coming down with heart attacks, including women.

“Things are changing rapidly and heart disease is now a major problem but the government cannot do everything, the private sector has to assist the government to address the high burden of the disease in the country.”

October 10, 2024