The Nation Newspaper

Category: Health

  • Joe Ajaero, Yahaya Bello, bedroom horrors of father of six

    Joe Ajaero, Yahaya Bello, bedroom horrors of father of six

    I have just been acquainted with a father of six who flees from the bedroom to the bathroom almost every night, his wings dropped and his spirit depressed because his doctors appear unable to help him. You may wonder: What have Labour Leader Joe Ajaero and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello got to do with nightly failure of Romeo and Juliet affairs in another man’s bedroom? It is all about stress in the Nigerian economy which is making almost everything, everywhere, comatose.

    When doctors cannot readily tell the cause of a medical problem, they say it is Psychosomatic (in the mind) and of Idiopathic (unknown) origin. My new acquaintance said he had been told this for months and wondered if two proprietary plant medicines he read about in one of my Facebook posts (@ johnolufemi kusa) could be of any help to him. These medicines have exciting names. I am not going to dwell on them today beyond saying that they are Long Jack and re-fire. Long Jack appears designed for overcoming limping and Re-Fire for reloading of the rifle for another fire work.

    About two weeks ago, a woman in her 50s had a stroke which defied all the popular trappings of hypertension, blood clots, calcifications in the brain, atherosclerosis, diabetes etc. Just about then, a father of six, four of them of his gender, said he had lost so much steam he seriously felt concerned for his marriage. He has not hung his boots, but his libido was on the canvass, his turgidity virtually gone and he despaired a lot in the bedroom. Even when he managed to try to prove he had not become a cold fish, he soon discovered to his dismay his body was merely responding to urinary urgency.

    Once he was done with voiding in the small room, he was flat out. This man said, that being unable to help him so far, his hospital visits have begun to bore his doctors. This may very well be one of those psychosomatic problems doctors say have idiopathic origins when they cannot track them beyond the mind.

    For understandable reasons, I have played down the language and anxiety of this man, and I have begun a conversation with him. As many men face similar sexual tribulations in the bedroom, I will share some of our discussion here, before I move on to what I said I suspected may be the outset of a new season of psychosomatic diseases in the making. Can our friend be under stress…psychological, financial, environmental (air pollution, noise etc), food poisoning (additives, heavy metals, estrogen from poultry egg, chicken and cow milk), bedroom terrorism (when a  dis-satisfied wife  bravely strikes the sharp edge of the  knife with her knuckles) etc?

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    We cannot avoid stressors and their triggers.  A marriage may not be a bed of roses that is made in Heaven. House rent, like school fees or feeding allowance, may be a problem. One’s job may constantly be on the line. What of the upkeep of old parents, of other family obligations? How well are the children fairing educationally? Is Madam a nagging wife? Literally speaking, there are a thousand and one obstacles a man must overcome everyday when he is on his feet before he retires to the bedroom at night, especially if the couple shares one room. There may be nothing wrong coming under stress once in a while, and for short periods. Mother Nature had provisions for that. Different organs make and pour what we may call anti-stress chemicals into the blood circulation that are right for the occasion. 

    Additionally, our bodies are wired with two major  nervous systems which originate in the brain  from about 100 billion nerves cells called neurons.The first is the Central Nervous System (CNS). The second is the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS, which comprises the neurons and the  spinal cord, controls our voluntary actions, such as sitting, talking, standing, running, boxing, walking etc.The peripheral system branches from the spinal cord into all tissues and organs, bringing signals or messages from the brain and taking feedback from them to the brain. This system subdivides into the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PSNS). Together, they form the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), which is parallel to the CNS. None of us would be alive or able to do anything without our nerves.

    Many of us know little about the ANS. It deals with activities we cannot control such as digestion, breathing, detoxification, immunity, libido and sexual response etc. As stated earlier, the ANS sub divides into the (a) SNS and (b) PSNS. The latter two are crucial for overcoming the havoc of stress. The SNS really sympathises with us. When we are terrorised, it provides us with the  “Fight or Flight” fuel  or energy, and courage. We confront a  gun-man if we have the guts, or flee from him. The SNS shuts down digestion, urination, libido, causes anorexia nervosa (an eating disorder), while its quickens the heart and enlarges blood vessels to supply the muscles with more blood, glucose and oxygen for “fight or flight”. In the bedroom, we can admit inadequacies and, like a man, face the consequences. One woman’s poison is another’s meat. There will always be someone whose standards we surpass.

    Mother Nature does not intend the SNS to be at work for too long in any condition, otherwise some havoc may arise.  Do the Police stay on perpetually in a household they came to free from armed robbers? The SNS is expected to soon give way to the PSNS. This is the cleaner of the rubbish outcomes of a “war”. Unfortunately for many persons, the SNS stays on at work for too long, causing damage. One organ we should always pity and rescue from the stressors is the Adrenal Gland. There are two of them. One is located at the top of each kidney. The Yoruba say Ohun to ba oju ba imu (That which affects the eye, affects the nose).  Among others reasons, the  adrenals exist for removing stress from the system. Thus, they produce stress hormones for this purpose. In their work, they are like the shock absorbers of a motor vehicle. When the vehicle is driven over bumpy roads for too long, the shock absorbers wear out or are damaged.

    Similarly, the adrenals may become overworked, weakened, fatigued and burnt out. In this situation, the brain decides whether to let the ravaging go on and kill the system or to call in reinforcement for the adrenals so the system can go on living. The brain always decides on the side of life. It mobilises Sex Hormonesfrom the genitalia for conversion into stress hormones to save the adrenals and ours live.

    This saves the system from further ravaging via stress, but leaves the genitalia without Libido, Turgidity – two important elements of all of male sexual virility. What happens to men in this regard also happens to women. How to use diet and nutritional plant medicines to overcome the loss of sex hormones and other causes of the libido challenge will be our next conversation.

    Other triggers

     Our friend is now aware he has to tackle stress and other triggers or causes of erectile dysfunction (ED), which may include hormonal imbalance, heavy metal toxicity, blood circulation blockages between the heart and the penil shaft, and nervous system redundancy, among others.  Regarding hormonal imbalance or low levels of testosterone, the male hormone, some men have more of the female hormone, estrogen and prolactin, in their bodies than their wives or spouses have in theirs. This may be because they are under- producing testosterone from inadequate dietary or nutritional support for their testes or because they eat more of foods produced with agricultural estrogen inputs such as poultry eggs, chickens, cow milk or cheese. The feed of the chickens is fortified with estrogen to make them lay eggs almost every day by over stimulating their ovaries. This is unnatural.  The same is done to cows for their milk. The estrogen enters the egg, chicken flesh and the milk and the cow meat. Even women who consume much of such stuff may easily become estrogenated, that is suffer from hormonal imbalance, period pains, pre-menstrual syndrome and infertility.

    The bodies of many of us are laden with heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and cadmium from food, water and air. We do not use nutrition to remove them. Omo ina ni a n ran si ina, the Yoruba say (it is the child of the fire we send after fire). Heavy metal poisoning may cause cancer. It may also impair nerve function.  If a man sees a nude woman beside him, and the eyes dutifully tell the brain and the brain sends out the relevant messages for necessary action, what would happen if the hormones and the nerves cannot perform their functions? Their involvement is critical to success in the four-stage response to resolution. Even if the heart beats faster with excitement and pumps out more blood to fill the penile shaft and  cause erection and turgidity with staying power, but the blood vessels are blocked and gradually shut down on the way due to inadequate nerve flow, isn’t all the effort a waste of time? All these and more were discussed with our friend. In later conversations when he would be advised of dietary and other measures that should make him overcome the challenges, the foregoing should help his condition. So will a discussion of the The Second Chakra and yet another quantum energy medicine support.

    Ajaero, Labour, Yahaya Bello and the rest of us

    This subhead is an offshoot of the headline above. What business do Joe Ajaero and Yahaya Bello have in the bedroom travails of a father of six?

    Actually, that was the question in my mind until I remembered how political stress almost mangled the brain of an airline passenger heading from Lagos to Abuja just before May 19, last year. Like someone in stupor, he rose from his sit, yelling at other passengers: “What are you people doing here when Tinubu is about to  be sworn in as President?” Even today, it is apparent that many persons still cannot accept that Tinubu became the President of Nigeria, in which case they may be undergoing psychosomatic affliction from an unrelenting SNS.The 2023 general elections were about the hottest and most dangerous in Nigeria’s history from  several parameters. We barely had respite in the first year after inauguration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President. It would appear, that, from now on, the stage is being set for the General Elections campaigns of 2027 even  if the electoral umpire has not flagged it off. 

    Joe Ajaero

    There is no doubt, any more, that he is gunning for President, Vice President or Governor if he misses the President. His weapon is the firestorm economy and the belief of many workers that they need a mountainous salary driving in bus loads to get by.  They do not wish to learn from the lessons of Nigerian history that more money does not necessarily solve money problems. Accordingly, Joe Ajaero is pressuring the Federal Government to pay the least paid worker N615,000 every month. That is a whole lot in a minimum wage basket. I guess everyone knows the least paid worker in Nigeria is the Messengers (Office Assistant/Janitor/Cleaner). Karl Marx may have been right when he said Religion is the opium of the masses.

    Today, I guess he would say Money is the opium of the masses. Is religion not merely their access road to miracles, which would bring money? If the messenger and cleaner earn N615,000 every month, how much will a General Manger or a Director or the Chairman agree to earn?

    The poor are likely to flock after castles that are built in the air for them as Paradise on Earth.  Joe Ajaero has told us of how a family of four persons, for example, can hardly survive on N615,000 a month as Living Wage for the least paid worker.  He made serious blunder, though in his analysis which many persons who should stop  and correct him have let go, and this is what I wish to do.

    Minimum wage

    This wage is for the secondary school leaver who is employed as a cleaner, messenger or clerk. He has no family. He is aged between 18 and 20 and looking forward to higher education. He is, therefore, like a bird of passage in a work place, who is just looking for something to do so that he or she is not idle – the idle hand is the devil’s workshop

    In 1969, I came out of Higher School Certificate (HSC) in one year of a two-year programme. In  January of 1970, I took a book seller’s job with Odusote Book Store on  Herbert Macaulay Street, Ebute- Metta, Lagos, on the minimum wage of 16 Nigerian Pounds a month.  In March 1971, the following year, I took a trainee Sub- Editor’s job with the Daily Times on 36 pounds a month.  The university Arts graduate earned 60 pounds and the Science graduate 72 pounds.

    In 1973, the Naira replaced the Pound as Nigeria’s currency.   In 1974, the oil boom brought Nigeria’s minimum wage to N60 a month. I do not remember how much I earned then, but life was so good that, on my savings, I sent myself to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka for three years. Some of my colleagues were business inclined and made more money from side hustle. I groomed my professional skills to earn more than the university graduates. I graduated from the university in 1977 and earned N180 a month in National Youth Service.  From this, I sent N5 home every month to each of six persons, kept myself and bought shares in some  Nigerian companies. When I was building my house from my gratuity in the latter part of the first decade of 2020, I sold half the shares of one company for N1.5 million to raise money for the roof.

     Back to the daily…

    By December 1982 when I resigned my job as Deputy Production Editor, my annual salary was N7,000 and my  housing allowance was N4,500. As Assistant Editor of The Guardian newspaper, one month later in January in 1983, my annual salary rose to N11,000 and the housing to  N7,500. I bought a plot of land immediately from the difference. The fresh or greenhorn university graduate was on N4,274 yearly pay.  Money wise, Nigeria was a more peaceful country in those days.

    I tell this story to expose one serious flaw in Joe Ajaero minimum wage campaign. 

    •Youngsters who have just left school and are living with their parents, being fed by them and clothed  by them, are the Minimum Wage persons. Their jobs are messengers and cleaners. They have no serious skills to offer. They have responsibilities over no one. The minimum wage is sometimes too much for them that they have substantial savings from it. At Odusote Book store, I opened a saving account with the then Cooperative Bank of Western Nigeria.

    •A married man with four children who is on minimum wage is a Sluggard in the race of life. This type of man must be over 35 years.  He must have begun work at about age 20. How did he spend 15 years stagnant without acquiring skills that would help him to move on and upward? Did I not upscale my book seller skills within one year? Would I have been able to earn higher, save money and send myself to the university if I didn’t? There are many Nigerians whose stories are more fascinating than mine.

    Joe Ajaero should teach stagnant members of the NLC how to upscale their life rather than asking society to stuff their pocket with humongous salaries. His minimum wage dream will cause job losses, terrible inflation, loss of foreign investment, social mayhem, stress, and many a bedroom problem.

    Yahaya Bello

    He is 48 and an embarrassment to the campaigners for young persons to take over the country. An institution of state accused him of stealing money when he was a Governor of Kogi State and invited him for questioning. Rather than oblige investigation of his records, Yahaya Bello went into hiding and had to be declared a wanted man. Now, he is indirectly trying to say  President  Tinubu wishes to get him out of the way of 2027 polls. Fighting back, he says Labour Party’s Peter Obi won the Presidential election in Kogi State but he, as Governor, rigged it in favour of Bola Tinubu.

    Yahaya Bello should know this is volatile statement for which he may go to jail if he has no proof beyond reasonable doubt because his conduct is capable of disturbing public peace and releasing many stressors into an already delicate polity.

  • Adamawa women battle shortage of family planning commodities

    Adamawa women battle shortage of family planning commodities

    Women of child-bearing age in Adamawa State are grappling with what they require to bear their children in reasonable safety: family planning commodities.

    When accessed and used, family planning commodies which include implants, injectables, contraceptive pills, vaginal rings and condoms make it possible for the woman to get pregnant and have a child only when it is safe for her and the child, which translates to Safe Motherhood, an increasingly popular concept.

    A family planning system strenthening platform, The Challenge Initiative (TCI), which works with the government of Adamawa and some other states to improve access to family planning services and commodities, attributed shortfall in commodities around Adamawa to increasing awareness that it and other platforms have created.

    “Inadequate family planning commodities has been a perennial issue in Adamawa State,” said the TCI state programme manager, Mr Yusuf Godiya.

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    Explaining the growing need for family planning commodities, he said in an interview with our correspondent, “It became more of an issue over time because more and more people are becoming aware of need for family planning services and are seeking the commodities. So the demand side is high and the supply side is not meeting up.”

    He describes this as worrisome because it affects efforts to boost family planning generally and and the particular need for safe motherhood.

    “Safe Motherhood ensures that the pregnant mother has all the support she needs for Safe delivery, for healthy motherhood, and a healthy child,” TCI’s Yusuf Godiya said, adding, “We don’t want to lose any woman because of maternal issues.”

    He stressed the point that Family Planning is a major contributor to reduction of maternal mortality, and that any woman provided with family planning services will avoid high risk pregnancy and for short get pregnant only when the time is best for it, thus being in a position to space her children as her health and other conditions may require.

    Restating the fact of shortage of family planning commodities in Adamawa State, Mr Godiya said the state government which has done much to reposition the health sector, needs to make more investments on family planning commodities.

    He said this is necessary because although the commodities may be obtained from pharmacies, pharmacy shops may not be in some remote areas and where they are available, they may be too expensive for many of those needing the commodities.

    “It’s better for the government to acquire the commodities and make them freely available to all who need them irrespective of location or financial capacity,” he said.

  • Nigeria, Africa CDC sign agreement to host West Africa Regional Collaborating Centre

    Nigeria, Africa CDC sign agreement to host West Africa Regional Collaborating Centre

    Nigeria and the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have signed the West Africa Regional Collaborating Centre (RCC) Hosting Agreement, it emerged on Saturday.

    With the agreement, Nigeria will host the Centre for the West African region.

    The RCC of the Africa CDC is expected to support the execution of the strategic work plan that will result in “Africa CDC without walls’ which will support the continent at the point of need, rather than from a centralized, distant location.

    The agreement signals a significant collaborative milestone in the efforts to enhance health security across the African continent with a vision to protect the continent from health threats closer to reality.

    The signing ceremony conducted by Jean Kaseya, the Director General of Africa CDC, and Professor Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Works was held on Friday during the 25th Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Assembly of Health Ministers in Abuja.

    According to Keseya, the strategic importance of RCCs in decentralizing What’s Your Vanessa health support and resources across Africa remains critical in health interventions towards making healthcare delivery more accessible and efficient.

    Noting that the establishment of the West Africa RCC was a testament to the proactive leadership and Nigeria’s commitment to regional health, Keseya said, “The RCCs are designed to support Africa CDC’s strategic work plan, reinforcing health security from a decentralized point of need”.

    On his part, while noting that the agreement was a critical opportunity to enhance the region’s health, Pate emphasized that the hosting of the RCC by Nigeria underscored its dedication to strengthening continental health frameworks and responding robustly to health emergencies.

    According to him, the day’s event was the culmination of Keseya’s 2023 visit to Nigeria where the discussion was opened about a collaborative effort aimed at bringing Africa CDC’s vision of a continent protected from health threats closer to reality.

    However, the establishment of the Africa CDC was endorsed at the 24th Ordinary Session in January 2015 (Assembly/AU/Dec.554(XXIV)), with a request for practical modalities for its operationalization.

    The Regional RCC will focus on five key areas outlined by the Africa CDC, including enhancing Disease Surveillance and Early Warning Systems; Improving the ability of health systems to detect, monitor, and respond to disease outbreaks through advanced surveillance technologies, data analytics, and healthcare worker training.

    In addition, it will aim to Build Resilient Health Systems; Develop robust healthcare infrastructures to manage diseases, improve access to essential services, expand immunization, and ensure sufficient medical supplies and personnel.

    This is in addition to promoting Research and Innovation( Support scientific research and innovation to tackle health threats in Africa by encouraging collaborations among research institutions, academia, and the private sector to create new diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines.

    Also, strengthening Regional Collaboration and Coordination; Enhance cooperation among African countries to harmonize health policies, share best practices, and coordinate responses during health emergencies through regional networks and joint training exercises.

    Community Engagement and Health Promotion; Empower communities to participate in disease prevention through health education, communication, and interventions that promote healthy behaviors and address misinformation.

    By concentrating on these areas, the Africa CDC aims to safeguard health, strengthen health systems, and contribute to the overall development and prosperity of Nigeria, West Africa, and the continent.

    In a similar development, as part of its efforts to build public health capacity, Expertise France, with support from the Agence Française de Développement, has committed €4.5 million to the RHPH West Africa project for the West African sub-region.

    The Human Resources in Public Health (HRPH) project, to be implemented by the West African Health Organization (WAHO), aims to reduce gender inequalities and mortality during health crises in French-speaking ECOWAS countries by 2030.

    Addressing gender issues which is a primary objective of the HRPH strengthening project has two specific objectives: establishing robust and resilient RHSP development policies in West Africa that cater to the needs of sub-regional organizations and French-speaking ECOWAS countries concerning ISS/One Health/Gender.

    In addition, the project aims to enhance training for public health professionals in French-speaking ECOWAS countries on IHS/One Health/Gender, in line with World Health Organization (WHO) quality standards, by providing increased support to the NPHIs in the target countries.

    Currently, Benin, Guinea, and Togo are benefiting from this phase of the 4 year-project before expansion to other countries depending on the availability of funding from partners.

    While launching the project on behalf of the French government during the ongoing 25th Ordinary Meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Assembly of Health Ministers in Abuja, Jean-Francoois Hasperue, the Charge d’Affaires, Nigerian French Embassy, said the project was a perfect illustration of the key priorities of the French Global Health strategy that was launched in October last year: health security through a One Health Approach

    He said: “The shortage of health workforce is a global issue but is nowhere more felt than in Africa. By 2030, the projected global shortage is about 10 million health workers (WHO).

    “This is why France has made it as number 1 priority of its global Health strategy. The project is a new testimony of our willingness to support the efforts of regional institutions in their essential mandate

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    “It emphasizes France’s priority to support the development of quality human resources to support resilient and strong health systems for the benefit of the West African people.

    “As you all know, threats linked to environmental degradation (climate change, biodiversity loss, microbial resistance, pollution etc.) affect all countries in the world with a rising frequency and severity. We not only need to build resilient health systems but also strong systems for health”.

    Xavier Muron, Country Director Nigeria, Agence Francaise De Development (ADF) noted that the COVID-19 pandemic shed a brutal light on the weaknesses caused by the lack of investments in health systems.

    For that, he said that was the reason ADF, the second largest agency in Europe had to be involved because “There is a crucial need to support the development of resilient health systems, able to anticipate, prepare and respond to public health emergencies.”

  • Pro skin aesthetic clinic unveiled in Lagos

    Pro skin aesthetic clinic unveiled in Lagos

    Pro Skin Aesthetic Clinic, Lagos’s premier destination for timeless beauty solutions, has unveiled its state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge treatments.

    Nestled in the heart of Lagos, the event showcased the clinic’s commitment to delivering unparalleled beauty experiences both inside and out.

    The evening commenced with an exclusive tour of Pro Skin’s luxurious facilities, revealing innovative treatment rooms equipped with the latest advancements in skincare technology. Guests were captivated by the clinic’s serene ambience, designed to provide a tranquil retreat for rejuvenation and self-care.

    Adding to the allure of the evening was a delectable spread curated by Kaly, tantalizing guests’ taste buds with an array of gourmet delights. From savoury hors d’oeuvres to decadent desserts, the culinary experience complemented the sophistication of the event.

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    Celebrating the intersection of beauty and glamour, the event welcomed esteemed guests from the world of entertainment and skincare enthusiasts alike. A-list celebrities including Kate Henshaw, Nancy Isime, Tolani Baj, Moet Abebe, Anita Brows, and Denrele Edun graced the occasion, lending their star power to the festivities.

    Beauty and skincare enthusiasts gathered to witness the unveiling of Pro Skin’s transformative treatments, each designed to enhance natural radiance and promote long-lasting results. As the evening unfolded, guests revelled in the opportunity to connect with industry experts and explore personalized beauty solutions tailored to their unique needs.

    Pro Skin Aesthetic clinic reaffirmed its commitment to delivering timeless beauty inside and out, setting a new standard for excellence in the skincare industry. With a dedication to innovation, expertise, and unparalleled service, Pro Skin invites individuals to embark on a journey to rediscover their true beauty potential.

  • Aliko Dangote Foundation highlights role of faith leaders

    Aliko Dangote Foundation highlights role of faith leaders

    The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has underscored the pivotal role of religious and traditional institutions in tackling the pressing issues of malnutrition and hunger within Nigeria.

    Speaking at an event organised by the National Council on Nutrition and the World Bank-Assisted Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria Project, Mrs. Zouera Youssoufou, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Aliko Dangote Foundation, emphasised the significance of faith-based groups in the national agenda for improving nutrition and human capital development in Nigeria.

    During the high-level dialogue on nutrition at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, themed ‘Faith Leaders as Catalysts for Enhanced Human Capital Through Nutrition,’ Mrs. Youssoufou highlighted that nutrition goes beyond mere sustenance; it is about nurturing the body, mind, and spirit. She emphasized that adequate nutrition forms the cornerstone of human capital development.

    Youssoufou painted a grim picture of the situation in Nigeria, where malnutrition significantly hampers the nation’s progress. She pointed out that children are particularly vulnerable, suffering from stunted growth, cognitive impairments, and increased susceptibility to diseases due to inadequate nutrition.

    She stressed that malnutrition’s consequences extend beyond physical health to affect educational achievements, economic productivity, and overall well-being. Urgent and concerted action from all sectors of society is imperative to address this crisis.

    Youssoufou highlighted the unique position of faith leaders, with their grassroots reach and influence, in driving positive change in nutrition.

    She said their teachings on compassion, justice, and stewardship can inspire individuals to prioritize good nutrition, support vulnerable populations, and advocate for policies promoting food security.

    By leveraging the collective power of faith communities, Mrs. Youssoufou proposed fostering a culture of health and wellness that values nutritious diets, breastfeeding, and access to essential nutrients. She suggested educational programs, awareness campaigns, and community engagement to empower individuals to make informed dietary choices.

    Moreover, she emphasized the role of faith leaders as advocates for policy changes to address systemic barriers to good nutrition, such as food insecurity and inequitable access to healthcare services.

    She added that by advocating for greater investment in nutrition-sensitive programs, they can create an enabling environment for improving health outcomes nationwide.

    The dialogue aimed to facilitate the sharing of insights, best practices, and innovative solutions among faith leaders to drive progress in nutrition and human capital enhancement in Nigeria.

    It called for unity transcending religious divides to work towards a healthier, more prosperous nation.

    The host of the event, Vice President Kashim Shettima, stressed the indispensable role of faith and traditional leaders in improving nutrition within their communities.

    “Your influence is indispensable. We believe that, regardless of the quality of ideas we bring to the table, our efforts will fall short without your participation and endorsement,” he said.

    The VP stressed that Nigeria’s future readiness hinges not just on food abundance but on the nourishing quality of its food supply.

    “We must proclaim to the world that our commitment to producing food of unparalleled richness is not rhetoric,” Shettima declared, noting that “this gathering is a solemn pledge to safeguard our well-being and preserve the legacy of generations yet to come,” he added.

    He restated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to prioritizing nutrition as part of Nigeria’s food security drive.

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    Earlier, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, said malnutrition and related challenges have over the years negatively impacted human capital development, requiring accelerated interventions.

    The Minister described the efforts and interventions of the National Economic Council (chaired by the Vice President) and the engagement with faith-based leaders as testimonies that Nigeria has the institutional mechanism to combat hunger and malnutrition with their associated challenges.

    On his part, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, said the engagement with faith-based leaders was not just a dialogue but a clarion call for action to address one of society’s most disturbing challenges.

    Prof. Pate called on religious and traditional leaders in Nigeria to leverage their network and influence in society to support the government in combating hunger and malnutrition, describing faith-based leaders as the backbone of their communities, hence their importance in improving the nutritional outcomes in their various domains.

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Dr. Daniel Okoh, pledged the commitment of their communities and congregations to the efforts to combat hunger and malnutrition in the country, stating that their presence at the event underscored their loyalty to the campaign.

  • Rotary International marks family health days, organises medical outreach in Sokoto

    Rotary International marks family health days, organises medical outreach in Sokoto

    The Rotary International in Sokoto State flagged off “The Rotary Family Health Days” for 2024 on Thursday, May 2.

    The event will consist of a 3-day medical outreach programme aimed at helping patients with various ailments to access free medical services.

    The programme is being held in the Yar’ Akija community, located in the Sokoto South local government area.

    Speaking at the Yar’ Akija PHC venue of the outreach, the Sokoto state  Rotary International Field Coordinator, Hauwa Muhammad  Awwal, said the initiative was to step up commitment to the course of encouraging the society to imbibe the culture of accessing health facilities to know their status as well access free medical services provided by Rotary International.

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    “Many people don’t consider checking their health status important. They will always sit at home not minding their status. We are out to encourage them to be doing that regularly. This is free of charge and we all know that health is wealth. We want the community and society to take it seriously,” she stressed.

    She explained that the programme is focused on patients with HIV, Malaria, Diabetes, eye problems, and Hypertension in the community.

    “The outreach is open to all community members irrespective of age and gender. The activity is being supported with the active participation of Sokoto state government medical staff, UNICEF, and relevant stakeholders in the health sector in the state,” she said.

    According to the Rotarian, patients were given drugs after going through medical tests to identify their ailment.

    “We give them anti-malaria drugs, Vitamin C, Paracetamol, treated mosquito nets for pregnant women and tablets for children, and eye drops or glasses where necessary.

    “We refer those with HIV positive to the appropriate facility for further management,” Hauwa said while commending the turnout of the community members to access the free medical services.

    Meanwhile, the beneficiary of the gesture, Zara’u Abubakar expressed gratitude and appreciation to Rotary International for the free humanitarian medical services saying, “I don’t know how to thank the organisation without which I couldn’t access it because I cannot afford the medication.”

    Also, a beneficiary, Zainab Mohammed who was given a treated mosquito net, acknowledged the gesture by Rotary International.

    She said: “This is my first time knowing this body their coming to our community has sensitized us on the importance of accessing health facilities from time to time to know our health status. I will make sure that this net is used regularly.”

  • Senator Ayogu Eze, the Flagship and the River of Life

    Senator Ayogu Eze, the Flagship and the River of Life

    In the chat rooms of the FLAGSHIP OF THE NIGERIAN PRESS, we are still bidding bye to Senator Ayogu Eze, 66, who has just been taken away by vicissitudes of the River  of Life The “river of life” is another name for human  blood circulation. It is a river that must ceaselessly flow, not too light or too thick, and without impediments or cataracts. It is a “river” naturally well equipped with substances, including water, which dissolves or nutralises other substances likely to make the blood too thin or too thick or form blockages or cataract. If the blood is too thin, it leaks out of blood vessels. This may be causing tiredness. We may not know what is going on until the gums in the mouth begin to bleed when we brush the teeth, or when we run some laboratory blood tests. When the blood is too thick, we may experience pain and aches and even heart problem and stroke, which may also occur when the blood is too thin. Therefore, blood circulation must always be on a neutral or even gear.  We are informed Senator Ayogu Eze had a stroke!

    A “flagship” is the leader in commerce, marine carnival or battle. The “Flagship of the Nigerian Press” is the nickname of The Guardian newspaper which it earned right on the starting block at its debut in January, 1983, overwhelming other newspapers it met in the trade. Ayogu Eze, as he then was, was one of the young men and women who brought this glory to Rutam House, home of The Guardian Newspaper. To be on board, the Flagship of The Nigerian Press of our days, a reporter had not only to have sound academic qualifications of which Second Class Upper University Degree, or Upper Credit Polytechnic Higher National Diploma (HND) were the barest minimum. The reporter had to  be, also, reportorially picturesque, be monothematic, avoiding meaningless verbiage. The reporter should link the event to its past species and project it to the future in both astute back-grounding and interpretative writing. Additionally, he or she must have a long nose for news, and be an investigator. Ayogu Eze was all of these. So were the likes of Goddy Nnadi, who could have a file on the table of the Education Minister surreptitiously delivered to him at home in the evening and returned to the Minister’s desk before work began next day, or Jullyette Ukabiala, who could walk past security around President Ibrahim Babangida on a parade ground just to obtain confirmation of some assumptions in her copy, or Etim Etim, who made the Central Bank of Nigeria headquarters in Lagos a leaking basket, not just a basket, or Jide Ogundele who rattled the banks to submission or Shaibu Adinoyi-Ojo who discovered the smuggling in of 53 suit cases of money at the Lagos Airport during the change of currency under the military government of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari. I cannot forget, also, Oseni Yusuf, a.k.a Zoom Lens, who brought to us the live picture stories of those 53 suit cases and of the faces of the men in military uniform and Agbada who helped money crooks  defeat a government plan. This is an excellent photo news by all standards against the background of Africa’s tightest airport security.  Of them all, only Adinoyi-Ojo has departed.

    The departure from the flesh of Senator Ayogu Eze was, for me, the third transition in one week of persons who were close and dear to me in one way or the other. Only last Thursday, March 25, this column reported the surprising exit of “Auntie Nurse” (Mrs Inemesit Ekanem), aged 51, through a chest pain from which she did not recover. Just about then from my village came the news that our oldest paternal auntie, Mummy Idowu Adebola (nee Ogunnowo) left us at the age of 90. These events reminded me of The Law of Motion, which prevents stagnation in creation. Everything must keep moving, opening one cycle after another and closing them, including the cycle of birth on earth which terminates in the death of the physical  body and birth of the soul into the world that is beyond the comprehension  of our physical senses.

    Every day I hear about The Guardian Newspaper or of persons who helped to form its formidable link of friends and work men,  I remember the admonition that wherever we are, and whatever we do must suppor the purpose of our existence. So, what did Ayogu Eze (as he then was) and persons like me come to fulfill at The Guardian Newspaper? For many persons, the answers would be relative. For me, it was for both personal and group development, ending in the flowering and fruiting of the individual. The name of the newspaper, The Guardian suggest the answer. It  was to be The Guardian of its society and, beyond it, of mankind. To understand this guardianship, we must proceed with the question: WHAT IS MAN? since it is man that  the Guardian was meant to guide.  If we succeed in finding the right answer for this question, we would recognise that man exists and he is proceeding from one point to another in his existence. Man therefore needs guardians in order not to miss his goal.  What does it mean to be a guardian of this man?  I do not wish to elongate this aspect of the purpose of man’s existence as regards the story of The Guardian Newspaper when it made its debut on the news stand in 1983, for not all members of its staff knew what attracted them  to Rutam House. Simply, a job had to be done for which they carried deep within them ability to perform. Only later may the spiritual bandage over our eyes, which separates the past from the present and the present from the future give way to permit conscious understanding of where they were and why they were there. They had to have been inwardly homogenous with the mission for them to be aboard  The  Flagship, going by the adamantine laws of Nature, including THE LAW OF  ATTRACTION OF HOMOGENOUS SPECIES which in every day speech we mention as  “birds of a feather flock together”, attracted kindred souls.  What was important was  for  THE  GUARDIAN to have  a rotating  top of goal-conscious leaders who drove the gears of other machinery below it towards the end goal.  I was privileged like every-one else to belong  to this great Flagship family. So was Ayogu Eze. Oyinlade Bonuola  was the first Editor. I succeeded him. Dr Stanley Macebuh, though not a Journalist, was our boss. Bonuola and I hid in the trenches and fired arrows into the society. The arrows were the greenhorn reporters we were incubating in-house, who pursued the goal beyond The Guardian. Our mission was three-fold, aimed at the body, soul and spirit of the readers and humanitiesl.  First, we had to develop an editorial product which, in language, content and quality, was second to none. Having captured the market, we were to turn society’s gaze to higher realms, that is to lofty  goals.

    Ayogu Eze was one of the vibrant stars of the flagship. He worked with Mr. Ted Iwere, founding Features Editor. Mr. Iwere, passed the baton to Mr. Tommy  Odenwingie, he  to African American Mrs. Harriet Lawrence, the wife of a well-known Nigerian journalist from Edo State.

    The Features Desks of those days were designed to wage war on weekly news magazines published on Mondays…Newswatch, Tell and Newbreed. They were merely amplifying our news breaks, pretending with high sounding prose to be giving the market something newer and better. They made more money every week from tiny investment in four publications a month. They made much more money than The Guardian made in one whole month and lured to themselves our brilliant staff, thereby piling on us the pressure of training and retraining of new staff.  Chief Chris Okolie was Chief Executive Officer of Newbreed Magazine. He was son-in-law of the Ibru family and was on the Board of Directors of The Guardian Press Limited, owners of The Guardian Newspaper. He recognised that the market battle was  instalmentally  killing Newbreed. Mr.  Chuks Okuwa, former Editor of the Nigerian Observer in Benin had just been removed from office by military Governor Tunde Ogbeha and gone to work at Newbreed, from where, without resigning his appointment, he came to work as Production Editor at The Guardian. As Secretary-General of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mr. Onyema Ugochukwu, NGE President, and I had met Governor Ogbeha in Benin to request a review of the termination of the appointment of Mr. Okuwa. The mission failed.  Mr. Okolie asked Mr. Alex Ibru, Publisher of The Guardian, to fire Mr. Okuwa.  Mr Ibru was in a fix. His sister was Okolie’s wife. He expected me to show understanding. I could not fire Okuwa who did nothing wrong. That would be contrary to spiritual ideals we were struggling to propagate. I had to be a diplomat. I got the Night Editor, Baba Mac Alabi, now of blessed memory, and  Mr Razaak Adedigba, Chief Sub Editor, to accompany me to the home of Chris Okolie one evening during the Christian Lenten season.  Mr. Okolie welcomed us warmly. When he later learned of our mission, he was wild with anger. Baba Alabi, a Moslem, was the first to prostrate, begging for mercy for Mr. Okuwa. All of us followed. I was Secretary-General of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) then. How would I explain to the Guild that I fired a fellow member who did his job right only because I was under pressure to save my job from the matrimonial problems of my bosses?

    Mr. Okolie agreed to let go if Mr. Okuwa would admit guilt in writing and apologise. He did. Mr. Okolie requested that I help train Newbreed staff like Guardian Features Desk staff.  For the sake of peace, I agreed. So, most weekends, he and some of his staff came to my house where we discussed and planned the Newbreed cover stories for one or two weeks ahead. As part of the compromise, The Guardian  kept out of these areas.

    Ayogu Eze was a critical element in these features fireworks. So were Tommy Odemwigwe, Abel Oshevire, Felix Abugu and  Mike Asuquo.  What was so special about the strategy of this team? They belonged to what Editor Oyelade Bonuola called the INSIGHT TEAM. He missed industry plums such as Onyeama Ugochukwu and Dele Alake, now a Minister. The  News Magazines merely popped up on Mondays to feature or opinionate on exclusive stories which any newspaper broke during the week. The Guardian was the leading EXCLUSIVES newspaper. Some of these stories which Seun Ogunseitan has been trying to bring back to our memory through WIKIPEDIA are (1) Olusegun Obasanjo’s failed bid to become United Nations Secretary-General (2) General Ibrahim Babangida’s formation of two political parties out of about 28 applications i.e the SDP and NRC (3) The 53 currency suit cases scandal (4) The American toxic waste dump discovered by Seun Ogunseitan. Once the exclusive story was broken,  Ayogu Eze and his colleagues  dug up “the news behind the news”. In today’s Dollar embattlement with the Naira, they would have told us which Nigerian was hoarding how much Dollars? They would have gone  into the Dollar business, stripped it bare by working with  the lords of the manor, learning the game  and playing it with them as investigative journalists. They would have been in the forests, filing  reports from there, telling us who and who were behind insecurity and for what purpose. What would they not have told us?

    Thus, every day, The Guardian Features Desk made nonsense of cover stories the  magazines were planning, and hence weakened them in the market.

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    I noticed Ayogu Eze was showing more interest in events in Enugu State of today and I am not surprised that he became the Senator who represented Enugu North constituency. All good things, like the bad ones, have an end. This is in the lawfulness of THE LAW OF THE CYCLE. Nightfall must give way to daylight, rainfall to sunshine, war to peace, work to rest, death on earth to birth in the beyond, death in the beyond to life on earth. Thus Ayogu Eze had to leave The Guardian someday and start a new career in the political minefields, for which work in The Guardian had adequately prepared him. The trigger was a training programme in Germany by INTER NATIONS. The Guardian was so good that three of its editorial staff were honoured with this programme. They were Ayogu Eze, Wole Agunbiade and Niyi Obaremi. Incidentally, they were the three persons who had become custodians of The Guardian’s news writing style developed by and restricted for some years to Lade Bonuola and Femi Kusa. Femi succeeded Lade Bonuola as Editor. All three told the Management of their intent to travel. The Management appealed that they go in turns under a company-brokered agreement with the sponsors.  They declined and went. It was a dare the management knew would cause other dares if it buckled.  Our hearts were in our mouths. It was like the structures of a beautiful house was going to give way. Razak Adedigba, Chief Sub Editor, and Gbenga Omotosho, Senior Sub Editor, now Commissioner for Information in Lagos State for five years, were handed the batons. I hid my face somewhere when they mounted the saddle, expecting a rough day and perhaps several night-outs as well in the office. To my shock, however, there were no dents anywhere in the work process, either in home style quality or deadline schedules. It was the beginning of a new era in newsroom quality management. On their return, Ayogu Eze went into politics, Wole Agunbiade to Chevron and Niyi Obaremi  to IGI. This was the Law of Motion at work. One door opens as one closes! Mr Gbenga Omotosho (as he then was), would become editor of GUARDIAN EXPRESS, The Guardian’s afternoon newspaper from where  he became Editor of The Comet newspaper and , later, Editor of The Nation Newspaper from where he became the Commissioner for Information. I did not know  Senator Ayogu Eze had a stroke. Our skin hides a whole world of events going on inside our bodies. Elevated blood pressure (hypertension) may have foreshadowed a stroke. Hypertension itself may have been foreshadowed by atherosclerosis (hardening of the blood vessels), caused by Calcium deposits on their soft muscles, hardening them, or by atherosclerosis, (blockages in the blood vessel system by fat and other plaque). Important organs such as the liver, pancreas, spleen and the kidneys may have been getting blocked and hardening as well.

    We cannot rule out constipation either. It is not for nothing that it is said that DEATH BEGINS SLOWLY BUT SURELY IN THE INSTESTINE. Simply because they move their bowels at least once a day many persons believe they are not constipated. They may have a rethink if they realise that the transit time of any food in the intestine should not exceed 24 hours. Eating three “square “meals in one day should warrant three expulsions each day.  Sometimes, it may be a question of the tendency of the blood to easily clot. Diet may help, instead of  prescriptions such as Hesperidin, Aspirin and Warfarin, if it is rich in turmeric, garlic, cranberry, cayenne, orange peel, Lecithin, soyabeans, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Selenium,  Black pepper, Ginko biloba, Gotu Kola, Vida Max a proprietary extract of tomato which in eight clinical studies guaranteed freedom from blood clot for 12 running hours per dosage.

    Constipating foods should be avoided.  Digestion aiding foods are important for bowel health. One of them is PAWPAW LEAF.  It has all the enzymes required for the digestion of all the classes of food.  .  The leaf and the seeds, have a rich supply of an enzyme named PAPAIN. This is a chemical cousin of PEPSIN, the enzyme produced by the stomach to digest protein. Pawpaw fruit has less papain.The stem and the unripe fruit are papain-rich.   Another proprietary product called BETAINE-HCL is worth trying, too. So is the APPLE CIDER VINEGAR brand by BRAGGS (WITH MOTHER). Diatomaceous Earth (DE) DIATOM for short is equally good. However, it has to be the “food grade”, never the “pet grade” which would be harmful. It loosens the stool. We cannot forget MAGNESIUM, whether oil or capsule or powder. Nor can we ignore fiber food supplements. Orange peel pops up again in my mind, as Banana peel, plantain peel grated and cooked with the unripe fruit as plantain porridge. Psyllium husk is always at my beck and call when it comes to proprietaries.

    Good bye Senator Ayogu Eze. You cared for your health. You remembered your friends, low or high in the Flagship under the trustee chairmanship of Fred Ohahawa. All shall remember you always. May you awaken to joyful life as you continue your journey home to the luminous garden of Paradise…Aaamen.

  • NLCC tasks government to remove financial obstacles in cancer treatment

    NLCC tasks government to remove financial obstacles in cancer treatment

    Amid the vibrant ambience of Lagos, a congregation of dedicated professionals marked a significant milestone in the battle against cancer yesterday. It was the second NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre (NLCC) Brachytherapy Summit, where esteemed guests from the medical fraternity united with a common goal: to enhance access to life-saving brachytherapy services.

    Dr. Lilian Ekpo, the NLCC Centre Director, took centre stage, exuding warmth and determination. With a gracious smile, she extended a heartfelt welcome to all present, expressing her gratitude for their attendance and shared commitment to enhancing access to brachytherapy services. Reflecting on the inaugural summit held the previous year, Dr. Ekpo emphasised its role as a catalyst for collaboration and knowledge sharing. The theme of this year’s summit, “Enhancing Access to Brachytherapy Services in LMICs: Overcoming the Barriers,” underscored the urgent need to address financial toxicity in cancer care, a significant obstacle for many patients.

    As the challenges of cervical cancer treatment persist, particularly in rural communities where financial constraints and healthcare professional shortages prevail, the importance of democratising knowledge among medical experts cannot be overstated. Dr. Ekpo underscored this imperative, emphasising the need to enhance the quality of treatment, especially in lower and middle-income regions. “We understand that the burden of cancer is increasing globally. Unfortunately, this increase is disproportionately affecting low and middle-income countries like us. Hence, it is crucial to enhance the quality of treatment, which is the focus of this summit.”

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    Brachytherapy, a core modality of cervical cancer treatment, was highlighted as essential in managing the disease. Dr. Ekpo stressed the significance of discussions to improve the quality of care for cervical cancer patients, given the prominence of the disease in Nigeria. NLCC, with its state-of-the-art 3D brachytherapy facility, emphasises the importance of training and collaboration among healthcare providers. “We believe we can conquer cancer through teamwork. Our goal is to spread knowledge and expertise across the country so that patients can receive quality care without having to travel far.”

    Addressing the critical issue of financial toxicity in cancer care, Dr. Ekpo emphasised its global impact, particularly in lower-middle-income countries. She called for government intervention and support to alleviate the financial burden on cancer patients, expressing hope that increased investments in cancer care would improve access to treatment without causing significant financial harm. Dr. Ekpo concluded with optimism about the future of brachytherapy, emphasising dedication, innovation, and collaboration in ensuring access to effective cancer treatment.

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, reiterated the government’s commitment to providing social services, including cancer care, to all citizens, especially the vulnerable. He highlighted the Ilera Eko supplementary benefits package, which covers cancer care and other essential health services for residents of Lagos State. Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, representing the commissioner, outlined the coverage provided by the Ilera-Eko health plan, emphasising the importance of expanding coverage and reducing the cost of cancer drugs to ensure accessibility for all residents. Dr. Zamba underscored the government’s dedication to providing quality healthcare to all Lagos residents.

  • Experts urge Fed Govt to enact law making sickle cell genotype testing mandatory for new-borns

    Experts urge Fed Govt to enact law making sickle cell genotype testing mandatory for new-borns

    Dr. Ngozika Orjioke, a Nigerian-American critical care and pulmonary care physician, and co-founder of CMG Global Foundation in Atlanta, USA, is advocating for legislative action mandating sickle cell genotype testing for new-borns in Nigeria. Speaking at a ceremony in Lagos where CMG Global Foundation donated Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound (TCD) equipment to The Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria, Dr. Orjioke emphasised the importance of early detection and improved management of sickle cell disease.

    The foundation, established by four Atlanta-based physicians – Dr. Akinloye Makanjuola, Dr. Alawode Oladele, Dr. Victor Okeh and Dr Orjioke – aims to enhance healthcare in Nigeria through partnerships with governmental and private entities. They focus on leveraging existing resources to address healthcare disparities, especially in communities lacking adequate access to medical services. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound equipment, donated to detect and prevent stroke in children with sickle cell disorder, highlights CMG Global Foundation’s commitment to tackling health challenges.

    Dr. Orjioke underscores the foundation’s collaboration with Atlanta-Lagos Sister Cities projects and the Sickle Cell Foundation in Georgia to reshape the narrative of sickle cell disease in Nigeria. Their vision extends to making TCD widely accessible across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with plans for centralised training through a partnership with Sky Vascular, a US-based organisation. By advocating for legislative change and fostering partnerships, CMG Global Foundation endeavours to significantly impac t sickle cell disease management and improve healthcare accessibility in Nigeria. CMG Global Foundation has announced plans to extend its impact beyond the initial donation of Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound equipment and training. In the coming months, the foundation said it will continue its efforts by donating additional equipment and providing training to healthcare facilities across Nigeria.

    Expressing gratitude for the donation, Dr. Annette Akinsete, CEO of the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria, highlighted the significant progress made by the foundation since its establishment in 1994. Initially focused on advocating for the prevention of sickle cell disease, particularly among prospective couples, the foundation has since expanded its scope to encompass treatment and management, with a focus on achieving a cure. Dr. Akinsete’s acknowledgment underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between organisations like CMG Global Foundation and the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria in addressing healthcare challenges and advancing medical care in Nigeria. “ Yes we can now cure sickle cell disorder in children 100 percent because we have bone marrow transplant centre, which is domiciled in the Lagos University Teaching Hospital(LUTH) just across the road being a facility that requires 24-hour care just like an ICU,” Dr. Akinsete explained.

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    Dr. Akinsete emphasised Nigeria’s significant burden of sickle cell disorder, dubbing the nation as the “global headquarters” of the condition. With over 40 million Nigerians carrying the sickle cell disorder gene (Hb As) and approximately 150,000 children born annually with sickle cell anaemia (Hb SS), the prevalence of the disease is staggering. Tragically, many of these children succumb to the illness before reaching the age of five, primarily due to limited access to early diagnosis and appropriate care. Despite the grim statistics, Dr. Akinsete stressed that sickle cell disorder is no longer a death sentence. With early diagnosis and proper management, the disease can be effectively controlled and even cured, offering hope to affected individuals and their families. She urged intending couples to avail themselves of the medical facilities and expertise provided by the Sickle Cell Foundation for pre-marital genotype testing, retesting and counselling. By taking proactive measures, couples can avoid the emotional and financial toll associated with having children affected by sickle cell disorder, she advised.

    Dr. Akinsete called upon religious bodies, traditional leaders and opinion influencers to join the Sickle Cell Foundation in advocating for widespread pre-marital genotype testing and counselling. By raising awareness and promoting preventive measures, including informed family planning decisions, these influential stakeholders can play a pivotal role in reducing the incidence of sickle cell disorder in Nigeria. Through collective action and community support, the nation can take significant strides towards mitigating the impact of this debilitating condition and ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

  • Overcoming hurdles toward malaria vaccine deployment

    Overcoming hurdles toward malaria vaccine deployment

    Malaria remains a persistent and devastating public health challenge in Nigeria, with the country bearing one of the heaviest burdens of the disease globally. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nigeria accounted for approximately 27per cent of the estimated 229 million malaria cases worldwide in 2019. Despite extensive efforts to combat the disease through vector control measures and the use of antimalarial drugs, malaria continues to exert a significant toll on the health and well-being of Nigerians, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children under five and pregnant women.

    In recent years, there has been growing interest and investment in the development of malaria vaccines as a complementary tool to existing control strategies. One vaccine that has garnered considerable attention is the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine, also known as Mosquirix. Developed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in partnership with the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI), RTS,S is the world’s first malaria vaccine to reach phase III clinical trials. The RTS,S vaccine targets the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, which is the most deadly species of malaria parasite prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. It works by stimulating the body’s immune system to produce antibodies against the parasite, thereby reducing the risk of infection and severe disease. Clinical trials of RTS,S have demonstrated partial protection against malaria in young children, making it a potentially valuable tool in the fight against the disease.

    In Nigeria, where malaria poses a significant public health challenge, the introduction of a malaria vaccine could have far-reaching implications for disease control and prevention. Malaria exerts a profound socio-economic burden on Nigeria, affecting productivity, healthcare costs, and overall quality of life. Children under the age of five and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the disease, with malaria contributing to high rates of morbidity and mortality in these demographic groups. Despite the widespread distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets and the availability of antimalarial drugs, the disease remains endemic in many parts of the country, with recurring outbreaks and high transmission rates during the rainy season.

    Traditional malaria control measures, such as insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying, have played a crucial role in reducing malaria morbidity and mortality. However, these interventions have limitations, including insecticide resistance among mosquito vectors and challenges in reaching remote and underserved populations. In this context, the development and deployment of a malaria vaccine offer a promising new approach to complement existing control strategies and accelerate progress towards malaria elimination in Nigeria.

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    The RTS,S/AS01 vaccine has been in development for over three decades and has undergone extensive clinical testing to assess its safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity. Phase III clinical trials conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, have shown that RTS,S can provide partial protection against malaria in young children, reducing the risk of severe malaria by approximately 30-50%. Despite these promising results, the RTS,S vaccine has faced challenges in achieving the level of efficacy needed for widespread implementation. The vaccine’s protective efficacy wanes over time, requiring additional booster doses to maintain immunity. Furthermore, the vaccine’s efficacy varies depending on factors such as age, malaria transmission intensity, and the presence of pr e-existing immunity. In Nigeria, where malaria transmission rates vary widely across different regions, the effectiveness of the RTS,S vaccine may vary accordingly. Therefore, targeted deployment strategies tailored to local epidemiological conditions will be essential for maximizing the impact of the vaccine in reducing malaria burden.

    The introduction of a malaria vaccine in Nigeria presents a promising yet complex endeavor, fraught with logistical and operational hurdles. To ensure widespread access, particularly in underserved rural areas, bolstering health systems, expanding immunization infrastructure, and addressing barriers to vaccine delivery are paramount. Domestic investment and ownership, alongside sustained funding and political commitment, are imperative for the long-term sustainability of malaria vaccine programs, complementing international support.