The Nation Newspaper

Category: Health

  • Nigeria galvanizes ECOWAS to combat region’s health challenges 

    Nigeria galvanizes ECOWAS to combat region’s health challenges 

    Nigeria has taken the lead in mobilizing the West African sub-region to address persistent health challenges, including maternal and child health, infectious diseases, and the emerging threat of non-communicable diseases. 

    Chris lsokpunwu, Chairman of the Health Experts Committee of the West African Health Organization (WAHO), emphasized Nigeria’s crucial role due to its status as the largest and most populous country in the region, which brings unique perspectives and challenges. 

    lsokpunwu spoke in Abuja on Tuesday during the Health Experts meeting at the ongoing 25th Ordinary Meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Assembly of Health Ministers, where he outlined Nigeria’s efforts to comprehensively tackle health challenges for sustainable solutions and the health security of its citizens.

    lsokpunwu, who is also the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, suggested that other member countries could replicate the Nigerian model for the benefit of their populations, saying, “Nigeria, as one of the largest and most populous countries in the region, offers unique perspectives and challenges. 

    “With a diverse landscape and a significant portion of the population residing in rural areas, we face the ongoing task of ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services across all communities.

    “Our nation’s commitment to health is unwavering. This is evident in our National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative which is designed to reduce physical and financial pains and produce health for all Nigerians. 

    “National Health Insurance Scheme is being reorganized aimed at expanding coverage and red out-of-pocketpocket expenses for healthcare. 

    “However, we recognize that there is still much work to be done, particularly in addressing persistent issues such as maternal and child health, infectious diseases, and the emerging threat of non-communicable diseases.

    “Today, as we convene to discuss strategies and forge partnerships, let us reaffirm our dedication to the health and well-being of every individual in our region. 

    “Together, through collaboration, innovation, and shared resources, we can overcome challenges, strengthen health systems, and build a brighter, healthier future for all West Africans”.

    Earlier,  Melchior Athanase Joël Aissi, the Director General of WAHO, highlighted the increasing urgency in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the next five years. 

    He noted the progress made and the effectiveness of mechanisms and approaches to strengthen and enhance the impact of actions, aiming for the expected long-term results.

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    “Indeed, in order to achieve the required quality in the provision of care, quality human resources for health must be available, apply and respect the norms and standards of quality established for care in all its forms,” he noted.

    However, the DG urged the experts to conduct a thorough analysis and propose tangible solutions to align with the WHO recommendation of breastfeeding up to the age of 6 months. 

    He emphasized the significance of this directive, citing breastfeeding as one of the most potent methods for maintaining health and guaranteeing child survival.

  • FCT seeks partnerships to reposition, expand over 300 PHCs for 4 million residents

    FCT seeks partnerships to reposition, expand over 300 PHCs for 4 million residents

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) aims to forge partnerships to improve and broaden its network of about 300 Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs), which cater to over 4 million residents, it emerged on Monday.

    Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat of the FCTA highlighted the pressing need for partnerships with both local and international development organizations, given the condition of many of the PHCs.

    Despite the commendable efforts of the FCT administration in healthcare delivery, such as ensuring drug availability in all PHCs and offering free enrollment for pregnant women in the FCT insurance scheme, Fasawe stressed the importance of collaborations to bolster the expansion, infrastructure, logistics, and personnel of the Territory’s healthcare system.

    She pointed to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Integrated Health Program (IHP) as a model for such partnership-driven initiatives.

    Fasawe, spoke in Abuja on Monday during the USAID IHP dissemination and close-out ceremony where she emphasized the necessity of partnerships to improve health service delivery in the FCT, saying, “Well, the truth is, we have over 300 PHCs in the FCT, for a population of about 4.3 million.

    “It is not that surprising that some of the PHCs are not manned. There is a dearth of human resource in health, globally.

    “So what we have tried to do is, with this administration, we are transferring skills and training community health workers to man those PHCs. We do have a lot of infrastructure in the FCT. However, it’s unfortunate that we do not have enough human resource to man those places.

    “But with this kind of project and programs by USAID IHP, we have been supported to train community people to give out the basics.

    “And in terms of drugs, we are strengthening our drug-revolving system. We will make sure that at no point in time would you go to a PHC and they will tell you there are no drugs in stock.

    “As we talk currently, we have drugs in almost all the PHCs that people access.

    “At times we put medication there, we put people there, and they expire. So also we kind of look at health-seeking habits, we look at the topography before sharing our scarce human resource to man those places.

    Expressing a blend of sentiments regarding the conclusion of the IHP, the Mandate Secretary underscored the importance of other development partners mirroring the USAID IHP’s approach, saying, “The truth is, the program talks about improving, which is a continuous thing. We haven’t gotten it right quite yet.

    “If I had my way, I would ask this program to stay and continue to work with us hand-in-hand to improve and make our health indices in FCT one of the best in the country.

    “What we have gotten with IHP over the past four years is they have been able to help us strengthen the system.

    “For example, explaining to us, healthcare seekers and healthcare givers the importance of two-way referral. Now, due to this intervention, we have been able to almost perfect our referral system.

    “When you go to the primary healthcare centre, you are documented electronically and you can be referred.

    “We have about 60 sets of close user group telephones that were donated to us through this project.

    “Now, our two-way referral system is very smooth. Before a patient is taken from one spot to the other, somebody is expecting her or him at the other end.

    “And also regarding maternal mortality, which is something that we have zero tolerance for in this administration.

    “No woman, no woman at all, should die of childbirth complications. IHP and this project have helped us very much to look at low-hanging fruits, how can we reduce maternal mortality, through education, and advocacy, by sensitizing, and finally, the FCT has made health insurance free for pregnant women that reside here.

    “Not only indigent but reside within the FCT. Come to our nearest health facility, if you are pregnant, register for health insurance. And your delivery and that baby for the first year of its life will be taken care of, free of charge”.

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    Earlier in her remarks, Frances Adewumi, the USAID IHP FCT State Director, mentioned that the winding down program encompassed interventions in 162 PHCs.

    These interventions covered areas such as data management, finance management, monitoring and evaluation, logistics, infrastructure provision, and training.

    Adewumi highlighted the importance of mapping out a strategy to sustain and replicate the IHP interventions in other health facilities within the Territory that did not benefit from the program.

    The managers and health workers in the health facilities that benefited from the IHP expressed gratitude and conveyed their intention to utilize the knowledge acquired during the five-year program to ensure the continuity of the interventions.

  • LSTM partners Wellbeing Foundation Africa to strengthen doctors’ obstetric training

    LSTM partners Wellbeing Foundation Africa to strengthen doctors’ obstetric training

    The Emergency Obstetrics and Quality of Care (EmOC&QoC) Unit of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) has announced its collaboration with Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) to enhance emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC) in Nigeria.

    The project is funded through the Global Health Workforce Programme, which is funded by the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and managed by Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET) for the benefit of the UK and partner country health sectors.

    The partnership is aimed at bolstering the capacity of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) to deliver Advanced Obstetrics and Surgical Skills training to resident doctors. The project will establish two centres of excellence in northern and southern Nigeria where the training course will be delivered.

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    The principal investigator of the project and lead of the LSTM’s EmOC&QoC Unit, Prof Charles Ameh, points out – “Our Unit has extensive experience in delivering maternal and newborn health capacity strengthening interventions in Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa. This project offers us the opportunity to further expand our impact in Nigeria in tackling the high maternal and newborn deaths by training local doctors in life-saving skills for care of pregnant women and their newborn babies.”

    Her Excellency Mrs. Toyin Ojora Saraki, Founder-President of Wellbeing Foundation Africa, expressed her organisation’s commitment to the project, stating, “We are honoured to partner with LSTM and THET in this endeavour. Improving access to quality EmONC services is essential for reducing maternal and newborn mortality rates in Nigeria. Through this collaboration, we aim to equip healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to save lives.

    “This week, 30 lead faculty members are being trained as trainers at the centre of excellence in Lagos, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to ensure continuity and sustainability.

    “The training initiative marks a significant milestone in LSTM’s ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare systems in Nigeria and beyond. By harnessing the power of partnerships and innovation, LSTM and WBFA are paving the way for improved maternal and newborn health outcomes in the region.”

  • Nigeria has 400 psychiatrists ‑ Experts

    Nigeria has 400 psychiatrists ‑ Experts

    Experts in healthcare delivery have decried the dearth of psychiatrists in Nigeria.

    Quoting the World Health Organization (WHO), the experts revealed that Nigeria with over 200 million people has just 400 psychiatrists.

    The professionals said this in Ilorin, Kwara State at an event organized by Yolly Initiative.

    The theme of the event is: ‘Breaking barriers: Transforming mental health care in Nigeria.’

    In a remark, Kwara State Health Commissioner Dr Amina El-Imam acknowledged the urgent need to address the various mental health issues and challenges in Nigeria.

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    Represented by Director, Medical Services and Training in the ministry, Dr Musiliyu A Odunaiya, the commissioner underlined the government’s commitment to addressing mental health challenges in Nigeria.

     Citing statistics, Dr.  El-Imam revealed that one in five adults in the United States (US) and one in six in the United Kingdom (UK), face mental health issues.

    She added that “in Nigeria, one in eight persons is battling with some form of mental health conditions such as anxiety, panic disorders, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.”

    She outlined the state government’s initiatives for mental health support, adding that they include training and retraining of healthcare professionals and conducting community outreach programmes.

  • Firm gets full HMO accreditation from NHIA

    Firm gets full HMO accreditation from NHIA

    The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has granted full accreditation to ALLY Healthcare, a Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) and subsidiary of the BAS Group.

    The Founder and CEO, BAS Group, Abdulateef Hussein said this in a statement on Thursday.

    Hussein said the accreditation demonstrated the dedication of the organisation providing high-quality healthcare services to its enrollees while maintaining the highest levels of professionalism and compliance.

    He said the high – quality healthcare services would start with enrollees from the North Central and expand to the rest of the country.

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    The statement said: “As a subsidiary of the BAS Group, ALLY Healthcare is part of an ecosystem dedicated to supporting individuals and businesses in achieving success in their everyday endeavours. By integrating healthcare solutions into the broader offerings of the BAS Group, we aim to provide comprehensive support to our customers, ensuring their well-being and prosperity.

    “Since our inception at BAS Group, we’ve transitioned from offering general and life insurance products from subsidiaries like BAS Insurance Brokers to aspiring to become renowned healthcare providers with Ally Healthcare known for excellence. Our journey is a true statement to success being possible with laser focus execution and the commitment of a loyal team taking steps to where they envision themselves.

    “Come join us as we mark this significant milestone, mirroring our successes in Insurance, Capital, Microfinance, and beyond. Our ambition for this year? To extend health insurance coverage to 10,000 individuals. If you are a SME employer, you have to prioritise your employees’ health. I mean, the numbers are not smiling from; 195 million Nigerians living and having no form of health insurance down a projected 10 percent annual increase in the cost healthcare.

    “That’s why the BAS Group is focused on developing a range of products that empower people to attain real success. We invest in insurance, financing, technology, cloud computing, and more, all with the goal of cultivating an environment that supports both personal and business advancement.”

    Also, the COO of BAS Group, Adnan Kayode said: “On the other hand you can tell we are intentional with the choices of business we undertake and invest in. We have embodied the mantra in our subconscious that we are building an ecosystem of product and service that brings success to SME and individuals.”

    He added: “Looking ahead, ALLY Healthcare remains committed to innovation and excellence in healthcare delivery. We are dedicated to leveraging technology and data-driven insights to enhance the accessibility, affordability, and quality of healthcare for all our members.

    “Our forecast for the future includes continued expansion of our network, introduction of new healthcare solutions, onboard more customers, with further investment in our people and infrastructure to better serve the evolving needs of our members of our community at large.”

  • Corporate accountability accuses U.S. firm of continuous investments in cigarettes

    Corporate accountability accuses U.S. firm of continuous investments in cigarettes

    …doubts the company’s rebranding efforts

    A non-governmental organisation, Corporate Accountability, has accused Philip Morris International (PMI), makers of Marlboro of their continuous investments in cigarettes.

    The NGO doubted the company’s purported rebranding efforts.

    This was at the annual shareholders’ meeting in Stamford, Connecticut, United States of America.

    At the event, discrepancies emerged between PMI’s public statements and its financial realities, dating back to declarations made by company executives over the past decades.

    In 1954, a PMI executive claimed an unwavering commitment to consumer welfare, saying, “If we had any thought or knowledge that in any way we were selling a product harmful to consumers, we would stop business tomorrow.”

    This sentiment also echoed in 1972 when another PMI executive said: “If our product is harmful, we’ll stop making it.”

    However, PMI’s 2023 annual report took a different tone, proclaiming, “We don’t need to imagine a future without cigarettes. We are delivering one.”

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    Despite these assurances, financial data presented to shareholders painted a starkly different picture. Cigarettes continue to form a substantial part of PMI’s revenue stream, accounting for nearly two-thirds (63.5%) of its total net revenues.

    In a statement made available to The Nation by the media head for Corporate Accountability, Renée Slajda on May 8, PMI commands a notable 24% share of the international cigarette market, with its flagship brand Marlboro witnessing a steady increase in market share from 9.2% to 9.8% over the last decade.

    Moreover, PMI persists in its investments in cigarette production, exemplified by the construction of a new cigarette factory in Tanzania.

    Tobacco Campaign Director at Corporate Accountability, Mr Daniel Dorado minced no words in his criticisms of PMI’s actions, accusing the company of decades-long deception and manipulation for financial gain.

    Despite growing awareness of the dangers of cigarettes, PMI allegedly continues to prioritize profit over public health, marketing cigarettes, and other harmful tobacco and nicotine products.

    Challenged on the inconsistency between PMI’s increasing reliance on Marlboro sales and its stated goal of moving away from cigarettes, company executives remained resolute in their intention to maintain their market share in the cigarette industry.

    Additionally, advocates highlighted PMI’s failure to uphold promises, particularly regarding the marketing of traditional cigarettes in countries where it has introduced alternative tobacco products. Concerns were also raised about PMI’s alleged targeting of children, particularly in developing regions.

    Dorado emphasized the urgency of preventing corporations like PMI from perpetuating tobacco addiction, calling for accountability and decisive action to protect future generations from the harms of tobacco and nicotine products.

  • Expert recommends microbiology as solution to global food security challenge

    Expert recommends microbiology as solution to global food security challenge

    Professor Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji from Edo State University has urged Nigeria to prioritise investment in research, infrastructure, and training. 

    The don also sought collaborative efforts in microbiology to address the challenges facing food production due to farmland loss and climate change.

    He made this known to newsmen on Thursday, May 9, while speaking as a guest lecturer during the 2024 International Conference Organized by Glorious Vision University (Formerly Samuel Adegboyega University), Ogwa, Edo State.

    According to him, employing advanced technologies and using natural resources like helpful microbes can help solve these problems.

    He said Microbes can improve agriculture, waste management, water purification, renewable energy, and public health.

    The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations had earlier informed that the world’s population is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050, and to feed these many people, food production needs to increase by 60%.

    The Microbiology Professor therefore noted that there is a need to increase the production of safe, quality, nutritious, and healthy food that could feed the ever-increasing population, as well as search for sustainable solutions that could make the environment a healthier planet.

    The conference which was held at John Babatope’s hall of the University had the theme, “Environmental Sustainability, Economic Development, and Conflict Resolution”.

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    However, Professor, Adetunji, while speaking on the topic “Next-Generation Microbiological Techniques for Circular Economy and Realization of Sustainable Development Goal”, said: “There is a need to identify major innovations that could boost the global economy.

    “Moreover, there is a need for universities, industries, and research institutes to resolve some of these highlighted challenges. Some of the major challenges that need to be tackled by mankind include, how will agriculture undergo a significant transformation to feed the ever-increasing population. 

    “The issue of climatic changes, especially in the developing world, Health challenges and hazards as a result of exposure to agrochemicals, High rates of environmental pollution and anthropogenic activities, and Higher levels of industrialization resulting in increased discharge of waste from agriculture, industries, and households, among many others.

    “Therefore, there is a need to increase the production of safe, quality, nutritious, and healthy food that could feed the ever-increasing population, as well as search for sustainable solutions that could make the environment a healthier planet.

    “Also, the constant loss of arable lands, which has become a threat to global biodiversity and ecosystems, is a result of various anthropogenic activities.

    “Additionally, the issue of climate change has imposed dangers on agricultural productivity, especially from biotic and abiotic stressors such as temperature-limited environments like high altitudes or seasonally hot regions. Given the aforementioned, there is a need to adopt sustainable advanced, and modern technologies that can boost and improve food production rates and mitigate the higher level of environmental challenges.

    “One of the cheapest means of enhancing food production sustainability is to explore several unexplored natural resources, including beneficial microorganisms, especially their biological control attributes, to improve crop production, health, tolerance to stress, resistance to pests and diseases, support nutrient uptake and availability, and boost biodiversity. The fact that most rural dwellers and farmers, especially from developing countries, as well as the high demand for safe and pesticide-free food, has led to the demand for alternatives to biological control methods.”

    While charging students to collaborate with other fields of study not considering their major, he also called on Universities to collaborate with industries and theoretical knowledge, for research and education in sustainable practices like product design, waste reduction, and recycling.

    Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Conference, Dr. Kingsley Enerijiofi, said the importance of conflict resolution remains the bedrock of co-existence which provide a basis for sustainable living and development for the overall good of man.

    Also in the same light, The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ezekiel Asemah, also welcomed the participants and declared the conference open. He thanked the Chairman and members of the committee for organizing the conference. He also set up a committee on research collaboration in other to help students collaborate with industries and theoretical knowledge in their walks of life for research and education in sustainable practices like product design, waste reduction, and recycling.

  • End HIV 2030: FG commits to accelerated decline of new infections, transmission prevention

    End HIV 2030: FG commits to accelerated decline of new infections, transmission prevention

    The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to comprehensively tackle the HIV epidemic by expanding its collaboration with local and global development partners and bolstering sub-national mechanisms.

    According to Temitope Ilori, Director-General (DG) of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the government is resolute in its pursuit of the 95-95-95 targets aimed at ending AIDS by 2030.

    The declaration comes as a coalition of youth and adolescent groups living with the disease called for their inclusion in government programs and plans to address issues related to infection, care, spread, and prevention of HIV/AIDS.

    Ilori spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the closing ceremony of the maiden 2024 Nigeria HIV Prevention Conference, themed “Accelerating HIV Prevention to End AIDS through Innovations and Community Engagement,” organized by NACA.

    The DG emphasized the essence of inclusivity in combating the disease, saying, “As an agency, we are ready and poised to provide leadership to drive an accelerated decline in new HIV infections.

    “We are going to strengthen our multisectoral engagement starting from the State level through our State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA) to deliver their mandate and ensure sustainability at the grassroots.

    “We are poised to foster community engagements, participation, and leadership to keep with the global AIDS strategy.”

    Additionally, she hinted that the conference will become a regular event, with plans to expand its reach to the State level, thereby facilitating greater engagement with local communities and grassroots.

    “I think by then, we will have a bigger success story. We are also going to strengthen our data to make sure that we get it right,” she added.

    The Country Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Leo Zekeng, commended Nigeria and NACA for their efforts, expressing confidence that Nigeria is on track to meet global targets if it addresses critical areas highlighted by the conference, including funding, data gathering, multisectoral engagement, and the involvement of key populations and youth in driving programmes and plans aimed at addressing the issue.

    He stressed the importance of monitoring State-level activities and empowering them to fulfill their mandates.

    Moreover, Zekeng emphasized the need to empower states through technological deployment to access support from development partners, enhancing their capacity to drive progress.

    “I strongly believe that it is possible for us to reduce new infections, I strongly believe that by working together, we can end HIV/AIDS in this beautiful country, Nigeria,” he added.

    Funmi Adesanya, Country Coordinator of the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), stressed that policymakers must take decisive action by implementing the conference’s outcomes.

    To achieve the global goal of ending HIV/AIDS, she emphasized the crucial need for policymakers to involve youths, adolescents, and key populations living with the disease in the design and implementation of programs and policies aimed at eliminating the disease in Nigeria.

    Additionally, she encouraged youths and other participants to continue raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, promoting a collective effort to combat the disease.

    Elizabeth Talatu, speaking on behalf of the 170 youths and adolescents who signed the communique on behalf of their groups, called for inclusive programs and policies to achieve the 95-95-95 targets and end AIDS by 2030.

    Stressing that young people are eager to support sustained multisectoral efforts for HIV prevention, and urged for their meaningful involvement in the design and implementation of these initiatives, Talatu said, “We recognize that collaboration and partnerships across sectors are key in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

    “To this end, we call for the active involvement and engagement of multiple sectors, including health, education, youth and sports development, budget and planning, women’s affairs, and others alike in the integration of HIV prevention interventions in programs targeting adolescents and young people.”

    The youths also called for the meaningful engagement of adolescents and young people living with HIV, including key populations in inter-ministerial task forces and technical working groups responsible for the coordination of multisectoral collaboration, resource mobilization, and implementation of HIV prevention programs.

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    They equally called for support for the effective implementation of comprehensive sexuality education and the strengthening of the in-school Family Life and HIV Education Program in Nigeria, saying, “We affirm the importance of integrating sustainable HIV prevention strategies and recognize the urgent need for comprehensive and enduring solutions. We call for the meaningful youth engagement of adolescents and young people in all their diversities in designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating HIV prevention strategies and interventions through established technical working groups and mechanisms.”

    They also called for the integration of HIV prevention into existing health and development programs targeting adolescents and young people, including sexual reproductive health and rights, economic empowerment, mental health, sexual and gender-based violence, and education.

    “We call for a multi-stakeholder approach to the development of mobile health applications and online platforms for HIV education, self-testing, adherence support, and virtual counseling services tailored to the needs and preferences of adolescent and young people living with HIV, including key populations.

    “We stress the need for ensuring the health and rights of key populations (KP) living with HIV as a cornerstone of our HIV prevention agenda by prioritizing comprehensive care, empowerment, and advocacy for KP communities” she added.

  • Marcelle Ruth Hospital, Leadway join forces to redefine cancer care

    Marcelle Ruth Hospital, Leadway join forces to redefine cancer care

    For too long, the healthcare sector in Nigeria has grappled with neglect and insufficient resources, leaving countless citizens to endure needless suffering and hardship. Recognising the urgency of revitalising the healthcare landscape, Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre & Specialist Hospital, a one-stop comprehensive healthcare centre offering the highest standards of diagnostic and treatment facilities in Victoria Island, Lagos, has partnered Leadway Health, a leading provider of medical and health insurance in Nigeria, to redefine cancer care in the country. According to the two leading institutions, this ground-breaking collaboration aims to address the pressing healthcare challenges facing Nigeria, make high-quality healthcare affordable and accessible to all.

    “At Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre & Specialist Hospital, we take great pride in our reputation as the premier institution for cancer care in Nigeria,” says Bolaji Odunsi, Chairman of Marcelle Ruth. “But we also recognise that the healthcare industry in our beloved country has been neglected for far too long. That’s why we’re thrilled to partner with Leadway Health to pioneer a new standard of excellence in cancer treatment and care. With cutting-edge technology, a dedicated team of experts and a steadfast commitment to excellence, we have set the standard for compassionate and comprehensive healthcare solutions.

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    “Regrettably, years of neglect have left the healthcare industry in a deplorable state in our beloved country, Nigeria, and this has caused untold suffering and hardship to citizens. The revitalisation of the healthcare sector cannot be left to the government and the private sector has to play its part. The issue is not one of demand for medical care, but an inability to pay and our insurance product is designed to address this by making it more affordable and taking the worry out of unexpected expenses caused by illness. Crucially though, what our insurance product does is to provide a mechanism through annual health checks for the early detection of chronic conditions which can have long lasting impact, if not addressed early,” he added.

    As a leading provider of medical and health insurance, Leadway Health said it understands the critical importance of ensuring that all Nigerians have access to high-quality, affordable care. Through partnership with Marcelle Ruth, Leadway Health said it aims to provide comprehensive health insurance coverage to Nigerians, including coverage for cancer treatment and care. “Our partnership with Marcelle Ruth represents a significant step forward in our mission to make high-quality healthcare accessible to all Nigerians,” says Dr. Olatokunbo Alli, Chief Executive Officer of Leadway Health.

    “Together, we are pioneering a new standard of excellence in cancer treatment, one that is characterised by compassion, innovation, and affordability. In Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre & Specialist Hospital, we see a beacon of hope and an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals who are in need of support and even those who seek to take preventive measures by investing in quality care for the future. Marcelle Ruth’s reputation as the premier institution for cancer treatment and care in Nigeria precedes it, and we are proud to partner with them on this noble endeavour of providing comprehensive health insurance to Nigerians.”

    One of the key components of the partnership between Marcelle Ruth and Leadway Health is the introduction of comprehensive health insurance coverage. This coverage will include benefits such as telemedicine and teleconsultation, hospitalisation benefits, maternity care, immunisations and coverage for major diseases, including cancer.

    “Comprehensive health insurance coverage is essential for ensuring that all Nigerians have access to the care they need, when they need it,” says Dr. Alli. “Through our partnership with Marcelle Ruth, we are committed to providing Nigerians with peace of mind, knowing that they have access to top-tier medical services at an affordable rate.”

    In addition to providing comprehensive health insurance coverage, Marcelle Ruth and Leadway Health are also committed to raising awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention of cancer. “Early detection saves lives. That’s why it’s so important for everyone to undergo regular screenings and check-ups,” says Odunsi.

    To achieve this goal, Marcelle Ruth and Leadway Health are planning to launch a series of public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives aimed at promoting early detection and prevention of cancer. These initiatives will include community outreach programmes, educational seminars, and free cancer screenings for underserved communities. “We believe that by working together, we can make a tangible impact in the fight against cancer,” says Dr. Olatokunbo Alli. “Through our partnership with Marcelle Ruth, we are committed to providing hope, healing, and support to all those affected by cancer, and to building a healthier, more resilient society for future generations.”

  • Fertility counsellor urges women battling with infertility to embrace surrogacy

    Fertility counsellor urges women battling with infertility to embrace surrogacy

    In a country where infertility ravages many homes, Olaronke Thaddeus is more than just a fertility counsellor; she is a beacon of hope for women battling the storms of infertility. With her warm smile and compassionate demeanour, she has helped countless individuals navigate the tumultuous waters of reproductive challenges. But her mission extends far beyond the confines of her counselling office; she is on a quest to break the culture of silence surrounding surrogacy in Nigeria and offer a lifeline to those in need.

    As the founder of the Meet Surrogate Mothers Agency in Lagos, Thaddeus has witnessed first-hand the deep emotional turmoil that infertility could inflict upon couples. Many of them have tried every possible avenue to conceive, only to be met with disappointment time and time again. But in the face of adversity, Thaddeus sees an opportunity for a different kind of journey to parenthood – one that involves the selfless act of surrogacy. Her agency, initially established as a donor agency in 2014, has expanded to include surrogacy services a year later. She recognised that there is a pressing need for such services in Nigeria, where the topic of surrogacy is often shrouded in stigma and misconceptions. “I am determined to change that narrative, to educate and empower women to embrace surrogacy without guilt or shame,” she said.

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    Through her years of experience as a fertility counsellor and her dedication to continuous learning, Thaddeus has become a trusted source of knowledge and support for women across the country. She has attended foreign courses and conferences on reproductive medicine, equipping herself with the latest advancements in the field. But perhaps her most impactful contributions came through her online platform – a website and YouTube channel where she shared valuable insights on fertility issues and provided a safe space for women to seek guidance and support.

    On a warm afternoon yesterday in Lagos, she sat in her office, surrounded by shelves lined with books on reproductive health and family building. She had just finished a counselling session with a couple struggling with infertility, offering them words of encouragement and a glimmer of hope. As they left her office, gratitude etched upon their faces, Thaddeus couldn’t help but feel a sense of fulfillment in her work. But her mission is far from over. With each passing day, she encountered more women battling the emotional turmoil of infertility, their dreams of motherhood seemingly slipping further out of reach. It is for them that she continues to advocate for surrogacy – a pathway to parenthood that offers a ray of hope amid the darkness.

    “Surrogacy, in its essence, is a reproductive arrangement whereby a woman agrees to carry a pregnancy for another individual or couple, often referred to as intended parents. This altruistic act of carrying and delivering a child on behalf of someone else opens doors to parenthood for those facing infertility, medical complications, or other barriers to conception. At its core, the purpose of surrogacy is to provide a solution to fertility challenges and empower individuals or couples to realise their dreams of having a child. Whether due to medical conditions, genetic factors, or personal circumstances, many women find themselves unable to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term. Surrogacy offers them a lifeline, a chance to experience the joys of parenthood despite the hurdles they may face.

    “One of the primary benefits of surrogacy is its ability to provide a sense of fulfillment and completeness to individuals or couples longing for a child of their own. For those struggling with infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss, surrogacy offers a glimmer of hope in what may otherwise feel like a bleak landscape. Through the selfless act of a surrogate, intended parents can embark on the journey of parenthood with renewed optimism and gratitude.

    “Furthermore, surrogacy allows for a degree of genetic connection and involvement that other forms of assisted reproductive technology may not afford. In gestational surrogacy, where the surrogate carries an embryo created using the intended parents’ genetic material, there is still a profound sense of genetic continuity and connection. Moreover, surrogacy offers a level of control and involvement in the pregnancy and birth process that may be lacking in other forms of family building,” she explained.

    In her efforts to raise awareness about surrogacy, Thaddeus has organised workshops and seminars, inviting experts from around the world to share their knowledge and experiences. Yesterday, she spoke passionately about the benefits of surrogacy – the sense of fulfillment it can bring, the opportunity for genetic connection, and the level of control and involvement it affords intended parents. But perhaps her most impactful initiative is the offer of free in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment to couples who couldn’t afford it. Thaddeus believes that financial barriers should never stand in the way of someone’s dream of starting a family. And so, she works tirelessly to secure funding and resources, ensuring that every couple have access to the care and support they need.

    As word of her generosity spreads, Thaddeus said she regularly finds herself inundated with inquiries from hopeful couples across the country. Each story touches her heart in its own unique way – the couples struggling with unexplained infertility, the many women with bouts of miscarriages longing to experience the joys of motherhood, the couples yearning to build a family of their own. But amid the joy and triumph of each success story, Thaddeus never loses sight of the challenges ahead. “Surrogacy is still a relatively new concept in Nigeria, and there are many obstacles to overcome – legal, cultural, and ethical,” she admitted. Yet, she remains undeterred in her mission, knowing that the journey to parenthood is worth every obstacle faced.