The Nation Newspaper

Category: Health

  • FG working hard to address escalating costs of pharmaceutical products – Minister

    FG working hard to address escalating costs of pharmaceutical products – Minister

    The Co-ordinating minister of health and social welfare, Ali Pate has disclosed that the Federal Government is working hard to address the escalating costs of pharmaceutical products.

    Pate noted that the Tinubu administration is committed to removing all the constraints on the importation raw materials needed for local manufacturing of drugs.

    The minister spoke at a webinar, “Addressing the escalating costs of medicines”, organised by TheCable to mark its 10th anniversary.

    He lamented that the forex devaluation also affected manufacturers’ ability to buy raw materials and equipment which led to the rising cost of drugs in the country.

    Pate noted that other factors such as power supply, technical know-how, technology, the supply chain and the regulatory landscape were also responsible for the escalating costs of pharmaceutical products.

    He said: “For us in Nigeria, we have been playing catch up for 20 years. If we had built an industrial base to manufacture active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and pharmaceuticals, we probably would have much less impact from the global increase in the price of APIs and the supply chains.

    “This means many fund healthcare out of pocket. Many of us will be thrown into poverty if met with catastrophic health challenges like cancer and kidney failure because we don’t have a viable insurance platform.”

    Pate noted that President Bola Tinubu has directed that the ministry should work in collaboration with the private sector to find a solution.

    “We have had engagements with the pharmaceutical consultative forum and we are finalising an instrument from the government that will affect the fiscal policy constraints on the import of raw materials and manufacturing equipment,” the minister said.

    “We are inviting several actors with the technology to partner with our local manufacturers so we have an industrial base as well. We have a viable market and we need to make a head start in that direction.”

    Also speaking, the president of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Uche Ojinmah said the federal government should set up a health sector development bank to encourage local pharmaceutical companies.

    Read Also: Soludo, Ali Pate, former UK Minister, to speak at PEEF international confab

    The NMA president noted that setting up a health sector development bank would help the local pharmaceutical industry to thrive.

    He said the federal government must also ensure a reduction in importation tariffs on drugs to attract foreign investors.

    “Nigeria needs to urgently declare a state of emergency, especially the pharmaceutical sector. Nigeria should go full blast in supporting the local manufacturing sector in the pharmaceutical industry with the full regulation of NAFDAC

    “Nigeria should inaugurate a health sector development bank that will have different facilities for all the health care contributors and stakeholders, such that they can go to this bank fulfil the conditions which should not be as stringent as the one in CBN.

    “It will encourage pharmaceutical companies to go into production of drugs we need today like antibiotics, anti-hypertensives and anti-diabetes.

    “We must understand the role the health care industry plays in attracting investors. Nigerians are going deeper into poverty as a result of purchasing healthcare as about 70 per cent of Nigerians rely on out-of-pocket expenditures, which in turn implies worsening insecurity.

    “Our policymakers should stop telling us about plans and start rolling out these programmes before it becomes too late, and frustrates medical doctors.”

  • Coalition introduces innovative bus campaign against sugary drinks

    Coalition introduces innovative bus campaign against sugary drinks

    The National Action on Sugar Reduction (NASR) has launched a branded bus campaign in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to raise awareness about the health risks associated with consuming sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and the need for increased taxes on the products.

    The campaign features buses wrapped in eye-catching imagery depicting individuals struggling with diabetes, highlighting the direct link between sugary drink consumption and health challenges.

    Through creative messaging and community engagement, the coalition aims to capture public attention and mobilize support for higher SSB taxes, persisting in its efforts to drive home the importance of this public health issue.

    Given the alarming situation whereby the country is grappling with an estimated 11.2 million Nigerians living with type 2 diabetes and a rising incidence of heart disease, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose a significant threat, accounting for one in three deaths in the country, the coalition noted that the country’s policymakers cannot afford to be complacent about the dangers posed by SSBs to its large population.

    According to Omei Bongos Ikwue, the spokesperson for the NASR coalition in a statement on Wednesday, the campaign seeks to raise public awareness of the health risks associated with SSB consumption, mobilize support for increasing the sugary drinks tax, and promote healthier lifestyles.

    She also noted that the campaign’s public engagement component features volunteer-led activities designed to educate communities about the harmful effects of sugary drinks, particularly their link to diseases like diabetes, and inspire individuals to make informed choices.

    The NASR coalition highlights that research has demonstrated that reducing sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption can prevent the onset of diseases like type 2 diabetes.

    Gloria Okwu, a NASR coalition member, while highlighting the essence of the innovation said, “Our objective with this campaign is to enlighten the public about the perils of excessive SSB consumption and advocate for policies that promote healthier alternatives.\

    Read Also: Group faults report on sugary drinks tax

    “With an estimated 11.2 million Nigerians living with type 2 diabetes and a rising incidence of heart disease, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for one in three deaths in the country.

    “Implementing higher taxes on sugary drinks will undoubtedly save and safeguard lives.”

    According to the NASR coalition, research has shown that reducing SSB consumption can prevent the onset of diseases like type 2 diabetes.

    Moreover, the coalition points out that many countries have successfully reduced SSB consumption by introducing taxes that discourage their purchase and consumption, leading to a decline in related health issues.

    As part of the campaign, the coalition offered complimentary bus rides to the public along Maraba, Nyanyan, and other routes in Abuja, to further amplify their message and engage the community in this important public health initiative.

  • NACA marks Workers’ Day, laments stigma in workplaces

    NACA marks Workers’ Day, laments stigma in workplaces

    Aligning with the international celebration of Workers’ Day, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering work environments that are inclusive, discrimination-free, and stigma-free, promoting a supportive and equitable workplace for all.

    May 1 is a tribute to workers worldwide, with the 2024 theme centred on ‘Social Justice and Decent Work for All’.

    Temitope Ilori, the Director General (DG) of NACA, who noted that the significance of this year’s theme should resonate with every employer of labour in the country, highlighted the pressing need for equitable and inclusive work environments.

    In a statement by the agency’s Head of Public Relations and Protocol, Toyin Aderibigbe on Wednesday, the DG emphasised how stigma undermines the well-being and productivity of affected individuals while perpetuating misinformation and fear among the workforce.

    Lamenting that despite strides made, stigma against individuals living with HIV/AIDS persists within Nigerian workplaces, the DG noted, “Regrettably, stigma remains a formidable obstacle for those living with HIV/AIDS in Nigerian workplaces”.

    Read Also: NACA empowers youth corpers with social media skills, tools

    According to the DG, who noted that stigma erodes trust, obstructs access to crucial support services, and ultimately hinders national efforts to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS, NACA recognises workplaces as pivotal in fostering acceptance, understanding, and support for employees living with HIV/AIDS.

    Considering this, she emphasised the need for employers, trade unions, government agencies, and civil society organisations to work together to develop and enforce comprehensive workplace policies that protect and support all employees.

    In addition, employers were implored to adopt non-discriminatory practices, safeguard medical information confidentiality, and facilitate access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care services.

    The DG, however, affirmed NACA’s unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights and dignity of individuals living with HIV/AIDS, ready to support stakeholders in fostering more inclusive workplaces.

    “Let’s join hands in crafting a future where every worker receives dignity, respect, and compassion, irrespective of their HIV status,” she noted.

  • NACA empowers youth corpers with social media skills, tools

    NACA empowers youth corpers with social media skills, tools

    As part of its efforts to achieve the goal of ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has commenced the enlistment of the members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with social media skills and tools.

    This initiative aims to not only prepare them for life’s socioeconomic challenges after the national service period but also to empower them to become advocates for HIV/AIDS awareness.

    The agency highlighted the importance of this step, stating that it is crucial for the country’s commitment to achieving the 2030 elimination target for HIV/AIDS, identifying youth corps members as essential in reaching out to the Nigerian youth demographic about HIV/AIDS.

    In line with this objective, the agency held a workshop in Abuja on Tuesday, aimed at equipping some youth corps members and selected interns with the skills and tools needed to effectively convey relevant HIV/AIDS awareness messages and content on social media platforms to their peers.

    In her opening remarks, Temitope Ilori, the Director General of NACA, emphasized the significance of social media in communication, advocacy, and community engagement.

    Presented by Toyin Aderibigbe, the agency’s Head of Public Relations and Protocol, the DG underscored NACA’s dedication to leveraging social media to amplify its message, share crucial information, and foster meaningful discussions on HIV/AIDS-related matters.

    According to her, the workshop symbolizes NACA’s continuous endeavor to involve youth in combating HIV/AIDS and harnessing the potential of social media for impactful advocacy.

    She said: “As we gather here, we recognize the tremendous potential that lies within this room. You, the vibrant and digitally savvy youths, represent a generation that is intimately familiar with the language of social media – a language that holds the key to reaching and engaging large audience like never before.

    “In our increasingly digital world, social media has emerged as a powerful tool for communication, advocacy, and community engagement. Its reach knows no bounds, transcending geographical barriers and connecting us to individuals from diverse backgrounds.

    “For us at NACA, utilizing the power of social media is a necessity. Whether it’s raising awareness about prevention methods, combating stigma and discrimination, or promoting access to testing and treatment services, social media provides us with a platform to make a tangible impact”.

    The workshop focused on crafting content that prompts tangible social behavior change, aligning seamlessly with NACA’s goals.

    Read Also: HIV/AIDS: NACA to tackle mother-to-child transmission frontally

    Upon the workshop’s conclusion, participants acquired the tools and knowledge necessary to craft compelling content that engages communities and motivates action.

    On assuming the role of voluntary advocates for NACA’s initiatives, participants were encouraged to convey NACA’s message with confidence and zeal, using their social media platforms to actively engage and influence others.

    While commending the dedication of the participants to community service and their openness to adopting innovative engagement approaches, she also appreciated them for their commitment to combatting HIV/AIDS and encouraged them to seize every opportunity to effect change, one post, one share, and one action at a time.

  • HIV/AIDS: NACA, UCH, Col of Medicine Ibadan partner on research, grants, others

    HIV/AIDS: NACA, UCH, Col of Medicine Ibadan partner on research, grants, others

    In line with the ongoing efforts to eradicate HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 in Nigeria, it was revealed on Tuesday that the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the University College Hospital (UCH), and the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (UI), will collaborate in various areas such as research, grants, and scaling up.

    Temitope Ilori, the Director General (DG) of NACA, underscored the importance of this partnership, particularly as Nigeria continues to face significant challenges with the disease, even as the global target date approaches.

    She emphasized the necessity of preparing for the aftermath of the target date, highlighting the importance of being proactive, adding that the collaboration with UCH and the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (UI) where HIV/AIDS research originated in Nigeria, will aid in this preparation.

    During her visit to the College of Medicine, UI, Ilori stated that her field trip to Ibadan, to conduct a fact-finding assessment of the current situation to determine what actions were required moving forward.

    According to the DG, who was an alumna of the College, this could only be accomplished through personalized interactions with individuals living with the disease, caregivers, assessments of facilities, and collaboration with critical stakeholders.

    She said: “The field trip is about interactions with all our stakeholders one-on-one to have their responses to what the government and its partners have been providing towards addressing their issues.

    “Also, we deemed it necessary to seek further collaboration with key stakeholders as we march towards the elimination of the disease as a public health threat.

    “The College of Medicine has supported the HIV programme very strongly. It is on record that a lot of our very distinguished scholars have done outstanding research on treatment and other issues concerning HIV/AIDS.

    “So, we are here to learn more and and to see how best we can collaborate being the national agency responsible for the mutlisectoral collaboration and coordination of HIV/AIDS responses and we are committed to doing this ridiculously.

    “This partnership becomes more pertinent when we know that as we speak, Nigeria, unfortunately has the highest global burden of children born with HIV/AIDS, so, we really need to work very hard at prevention mother-to-child-transmission of the disease and that’s why it is one of our priorities areas”.

    In response, Prof. Olayinka Omigbodun, the first female Provost of the College since the inception of the College in 1948, expressed her enthusiasm about the potential partnership.

    The Provost highlighted the College’s history of producing trailblazers in the field of HIV/AIDS, including Prof. Babatunde Oshotimehin, Prof. Isaac Adewole and Prof. David Tam West, among several others, who have served the nation in various capacities.

    She emphasized that the College is open to collaboration due to its research capabilities and access to grants that could benefit the agency.

    Additionally, she mentioned the College’s global exposure, which could provide valuable resources for mentorship and other areas where the agency might need assistance.

    Earlier, Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UCH, also expressed the hospital’s readiness to collaborate with the agency.

    Read Also: HIV/AIDS: NACA to tackle mother-to-child transmission frontally

    He highlighted the ongoing global efforts to reduce disease prevalence but emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant, especially with the potential withdrawal of donor funds and Nigeria’s persistent challenge of mother-to-child transmission.

    The CMD however suggested that the DG should explore the feasibility of introducing modern personalized HIV/AIDS testing kits similar to home pregnancy tests, noting that such kits could enhance detection rates by enabling individuals to test themselves at home, potentially increasing voluntary testing rates.

    Furthermore, he urged the DG to consider strategies for reducing the cost of HIV/AIDS treatment, noting that the current free treatment model may not be sustainable in the long term.

    Lowering treatment costs, he emphasized, would significantly impact disease prevalence rates.

  • HIV/AIDS: NACA to tackle mother-to-child transmission frontally

    HIV/AIDS: NACA to tackle mother-to-child transmission frontally

    The Federal government has pledged to tackle head-on the issue of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, aligning with the global goal to eliminate the disease as an epidemic in the country by 2030.

    According to Temitope Ilori, the Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Nigeria still grapples with the highest burden of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, despite concerted efforts by the government and its partners.

    During her first official field tour since assuming office in a meeting in Ibadan with Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Adewumi Ajetumobi, Ilori emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, highlighting its potential to impede the progress Nigeria has achieved in combating the disease.

    To combat this, Ilori urged pregnant women to utilize healthcare facilities across the country staffed with trained personnel to receive necessary care and medication.

    To achieve this goal, she urged pregnant women to utilize healthcare facilities nationwide staffed with trained personnel for comprehensive care and medication.

    Additionally, she highlighted the agency’s forward-thinking approach, emphasizing a Sustainable Agenda aimed at ensuring the country’s ownership of efforts in the event of donor fatigue or withdrawal while revealing collaborative strategies with government at sub-national levels.

    “In the area of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMCT), it is unfortunate that Nigeria still has the highest burden of children born with HIV AIDS and therefore this is a key priority area where we want to work more assiduously.

    “This is to ensure that our mothers and our women are educated and informed that they should visit health centres when they are pregnant; health centres where they have trained personnel to take the delivery because most of the transmission takes place perinatally.

    “So we’re going to increase our advocacy, sensitization and awareness on this to ensure that women seek help in the centre where they will have access to trained caregivers and medications to have low viral loads or virally suppressed which will naturally eliminate transmission to the unborn children.

    “So this is a key area we want to look at. And I’m happy that you (Oyo State) are already at the state level, engaging traditional birth attendants

    “We’re going to reach out not only to the health workers, we are even going to mission homes, our religious leaders, traditional leaders, the birth attendants will not be left behind.

    “We therefore call on everybody to come on board and try to stem the tide of HIV AIDS and meet the target that says by 2030, HIV AIDS should no longer be a public health threat and to eliminate the epidemic”.

    While outlining the need for concerted efforts at addressing the issue, Ilori, however, commended Oyo State, through the activities of Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OySACA) with the assurance of NACA’s financial and technical assistance.

    She noted that the State’s Sustainability plan through its Alignment 2.0, mirrors NACA’s Sustainability agenda, an initiative that involves the development of a new business model to ensure ownership of sustainability using government resources, recognizing that partners may withdraw support eventually.

    She said: “On the national response which you are very familiar with, I know Oyo State has domesticated the political declaration that talks about 95-95-95, whereby 95% of the general population should be tested and know their status and 95% of these people should be on medication and treatment while 95% of them should have viral suppression.

    “It is very important that we know the people assessing health, how easy for the vulnerable people in the custodial centres, the key population, sex workers, people using drugs, men having sex with men, these are people we need to reach out to in the national response because research has shown us that the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is naturally higher within these key population and if we do not tackle them, then obviously we’ve not addressed national response very squarely.

    “We’re doing very well as a nation, in achieving this target and with what the Permanent Secretary said concerning Oyo State figures, I think they’re also trying to meet up with this global target.

    “It is commendable that Oyo State has the Gender and Stigmatization law in place, working with other relevant agencies with lots of discrimination agenda in the gender issues in the area of HIV AIDS”.

    In her remarks, the State Health Commissioner, Ajetumobi, emphasized that Oyo State is actively pursuing its Sustainability plan which includes conducting community awareness campaigns and involving religious leaders to encourage people to take responsibility for their health instead of solely relying on government intervention.

  • World Malaria Day: The Life Projects hosts medical outreach for Nigeria Police Force

    World Malaria Day: The Life Projects hosts medical outreach for Nigeria Police Force

    The Life Projects, a non-governmental organization committed to healthcare initiatives, has commemorated World Malaria Day 2024 with a remarkable medical outreach program for the officers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force in Ogun State Command.

     The event, held on 25th April, marked a significant effort in bolstering public health and well-being within the law enforcement community.

    The highlight of the outreach was the provision of free medical services, including essential medications such as antimalarials, antihypertensives, and analgesics, catering to the diverse healthcare needs of the participants. The generous donation of these medications to the police medical services further exemplified The Life Projects’ dedication to supporting healthcare infrastructure and access to vital treatments.

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    The event garnered exceptional participation with a robust turnout reflecting the community’s appreciation for accessible healthcare services. The team from The Life Projects was warmly welcomed by the esteemed Commissioner of Police, underscoring the collaborative effort between public and private sectors in promoting health equity and disease prevention.

    Pastor Jide Jinadu, founder of The Life Projects, expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic response and emphasized the organization’s ongoing commitment to fostering a healthier society. “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to serve the Nigeria Police Force in Ogun State on World Malaria Day. Our mission is to ensure that healthcare remains a fundamental right for all, and events like these reaffirm our dedication to that cause,” remarked Pastor Jinadu

    The success of this medical outreach underscores the importance of strategic partnerships and community engagement in addressing healthcare challenges. The Life Projects looks forward to continuing its impactful initiatives and contributing to improved health outcomes for communities across Nigeria.

  • Unite to combat malaria – NiMSA urges Nigerians

    Unite to combat malaria – NiMSA urges Nigerians

    The Nigerian Medical Students’ Association (NiMSA), southwest region, has urged communities across the country to unite to combat the scourge of malaria and other diseases.

    The regional director of medical outreach of NiMSA, Edobor Faith stated this at the medical outreach organised by the group in partnership with the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) in Lagos state, Mobihealth and Rotaract 9110.

    The programme held at the RCCG, Chapel of Solution, Lagos Province 8, Region 2, Mushin, Lagos, was organised to commemorate the year 2024 World Malaria Day, themed: Health, Equity, Gender and Human Rights.

    Speaking on the intervention, she said: “Through medical outreaches, we extend care to those most vulnerable, bridging gaps in healthcare access and knowledge.

    This medical outreach is carried out all over the southwest states. It cut across 15 medical schools participating in terms of carrying out enlightenment campaigns, tests including malaria, HIV, blood sugar tests and distribution of insecticide nets and menstrual pads to female participants.

    Every test administered, every bed net distributed, and every piece of advice imparted is a step towards a malaria-free world. Together, through collective action and compassion, we can turn the tide against malaria, ensuring healthier futures for generations to come.

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    At this point, I must commend the interventions of our donors and partners. I commend the president of MWAN, our host, Pastor of RCCG, Pastor Foluso Oyesiku, NiMSA regional coordinator, Southwest, Damilola Oriji, Rotaract District 9110 and my colleagues and local officers of NiMSA across the Southwest. Without you, all this wouldn’t have been possible.“ 

    President of MWAN in Lagos, Dr Funmi Ige urged the government to make quality healthcare accessible to Nigerians.

    Every Nigerian regardless of gender and social status, according to her, deserves unhindered access to quality healthcare.

    Speaking on the significance of the programme, Ige said that Nigeria and indeed, Africa are malaria-endemic zones which is why the government at all levels should pay more attention to curbing the spread of the disease.

    She said: “To commemorate this year’s World Malaria Day, we are screening 300 patients for Malaria, HIV, HBP, and Blood sugar and also enlightening them on preventive measures and how to live a healthy lifestyle.

    A lot can be done to curb the spread of malaria and also reduce the number of casualties from the disease. As we know, we are in the malaria endemic zone in Nigeria and Africa. This means that malaria is peculiar to our areas therefore the fight against malaria is a continuous one.

    The government is trying its best to curb the spread of the disease. At MWAN, we are complementing this effort. We are interested in the well-being of the populace both women and children. So, we do health enlightenment and education concerning malaria and other diseases to let Nigerians know how to prevent it and when it thus happens, what they should do to get tested.

    She said: “In this outreach, we are testing and distributing drugs and insecticide-treated nets free of cost courtesy of our partnering pharmaceutical organisations. We are extending the test to Hepatitis B for interested participants. We are calling on well-meaning Nigerians to support this cause so that we can reach out to more Nigerians.  

    “We are saying that Nigerians have a right to access healthcare regardless of gender therefore we are calling on the State and federal Governments to prioritise the wellness of all Nigerians. Every Nigerian should have the right to quality healthcare.”

    The Medical Director of Rotaract District 9110, Bola Owate urged the government to operate a more sustainable healthcare system and prioritise the prevention of diseases.

    He said: “At Rotaract, we are contributing our quota to reducing the burden of malaria as well as providing relief care possible.

    We are not only focusing on malaria. Our focus is also on other diseases like cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Today, we are screening for malaria with free drugs insecticide-treated net to be distributed to patients.

    Under this, my message to the government and Nigerians is to prioritise the prevention of disease. Using malaria as a prototype, the Nigerian government has invested a lot of resources in the prevention of malaria and even in healthcare, the burden of malaria is on the increase. There is a saying that an average Nigeria is one disease away from poverty thus we cannot continue to operate a health system that is not sustainable.

    We need to prioritise prevention, preventive practices and policies. Many communities across the countries have poor sanitary hygiene and environmental policies; this has increased the burden of malaria and other cardiovascular diseases. The government needs to invest in healthcare infrastructure to curb communicable and non-communicable diseases.”

    Representative of Mobihealth and medical laboratory scientist, Dennis Nima disclosed that several new cases of malaria and high blood pressure were discovered.

    According to him, many patients also tested positive for fasting blood sugar.

    He said: “There are many cases of these and prescriptions have been given to them. The government should provide quality healthcare for the people and also try as much as possible to eradicate poverty because poverty also plays a huge role in the spread of malaria.”

    He advised patients to keep their environment clean to prevent malaria.

  • Omolara Oluseun Juba: Championing Aged Care and Safety on the Global Stage

    Omolara Oluseun Juba: Championing Aged Care and Safety on the Global Stage

    Nigerian-born occupational health expert, Omolara Oluseun Juba, is making waves, merging academic excellence, research, and hands-on caregiving to drive impactful change.

    Juba, who is also a safety specialist, is redefining aged care through her work in policy, research, and community advocacy, leaving a lasting imprint on the global healthcare sector.

    Born with a passion for service and excellence, Omolara Oluseun Juba began her academic journey at Ekiti State University, Nigeria, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance.

    Her path to becoming a recognised authority in health and safety began in Qatar, where she cultivated a deep sense of responsibility toward the vulnerable. This drive led her to Cardiff Metropolitan University, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Occupational Safety, Health, and Wellbeing. However, her quest for knowledge did not stop there.

    Armed with over 20 certifications covering Dementia Awareness, Mental Health, Autism Understanding, Infection Control, and First Aid, she has positioned herself as a multidisciplinary force in elderly care. Her professional journey spans continents—from Qatar, where she served as a Health and Safety Advisor, to the United Kingdom, where she currently works in the Healthcare sector.

    Her role is more than a job; it’s a calling. Whether advising on workplace safety or providing direct care to aged adults, Juba’s work is deeply personal, rooted in the belief that every elderly person deserves dignity, security, and high-quality care.

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    Juba’s impact extends beyond the bedside into the realm of research and academia. In 2022, her groundbreaking study on “Evaluating the Impact of Public Policy on the Adoption and Effectiveness of Community-Based Care for Aged Adults” gained significant traction and was cited by many scholars in her field. The following year, her comparative analysis of “The Influence of Family Involvement on the Quality of Care for Aged Adults” earned numerous numbers of citations, proving the practical relevance of her work.

    Her recent contributions in 2024 include peer-reviewed articles and co-authoring a book chapter, further solidifying her thought leadership in the field. For Juba, research is not just about publications—it is about influencing real-world policies that improve elderly care systems globally.
    Beyond academia, Juba is an advocate for grassroots change.

    She founded the Adult-Prime Safety Health and Wellbeing Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting aged adults and caregivers. Although still awaiting formal registration with Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission, the foundation has already made a tangible impact, providing health-monitoring devices to 30 elderly individuals and training five caregivers in best practices for safety and elderly care.

    “Our mission is to ensure that no aged adult is left behind, regardless of bureaucratic processes,” Juba states. “Every life we touch and every caregiver we equip brings us closer to a world where dignity and safety in care are universal.”

    Her philanthropic efforts underscore her deep commitment to bridging gaps in elderly care, particularly in resource-limited settings. Through training programs and awareness campaigns, she is empowering caregivers with the skills needed to provide quality care while ensuring the elderly live healthier, more dignified lives.

    Despite her global footprint, Juba remains deeply connected to her Nigerian roots. Her experiences in Qatar and the UK have reinforced the urgent need for improved elderly care systems in Africa. As she continues to build partnerships and expand her foundation’s reach across the globe, her goal is clear: to transform aged care in Nigeria and beyond.

    Omolara Oluseun Juba is more than an occupational health expert—she is a visionary, a researcher, an occupational safety and health professional and an advocate for change. Whether through research, frontline caregiving, or philanthropy, her work is shaping the future of elderly care, proving that compassion, expertise, and relentless drive can indeed make a global impact.

  • SCFN receives machines for preventing stroke in children with SCD

    SCFN receives machines for preventing stroke in children with SCD

    The Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN) has received three Trans-Cranial Doppler (TCD) scan machines from the Covenant Medical Group (CMG) Global Foundation in collaboration with the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) and the Rotary Club of Lekki Phase 1.

    The scan machines are special equipment that helps in the prevention of stroke among children with Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD).

    During the handover of the machines at the foundation’s clinic Idi-Araba, Lagos, the National Director of SCFN, Dr. Annette Akinsete, who expressed gratitude said the equipment detects early signs of stroke risk in children aged two to 16 who have sickle cell disease.

    She highlighted the critical role of this technology, emphasizing that strokes in children can lead to devastating consequences for both the affected child and their family dynamics.

    She said: “The TCD scan is a non-invasive procedure that involves placing a probe gently on the child’s temple to examine blood flow velocity in major brain blood vessels. Its assessment helps identify children at high risk of stroke, enabling timely intervention with treatments like hydroxyurea or blood transfusions to prevent stroke occurrence.”

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    Dr. Akinsete stress the importance of early detection and prevention, noting that strokes in children with SCD can be avoided with appropriate medical care.

    “At SCF, we aim to make this scan a routine procedure for all children with sickle cell disease within the specified age range, ensuring that those at risk receive timely intervention to safeguard their health and well-being,” she said.

    She also shed light on the pressing challenges posed by sickle cell disease in Nigeria and the critical role of the foundation in combating this health crisis.

    “Nigeria has a staggering prevalence of sickle cell disease in Nigeria, with an estimated 150,000 babies born each year with the condition. Tragically, over 100,000 of these infants do not survive past the age of five. This is Nigeria’s grim status as the global epicenter of sickle cell disorder.”

    Despite Nigeria’s disproportionately high burden of the disease, Dr. Akinsete highlighted the historical lack of research and initiatives within the country compared to developed nations like the United States.

    She said that there is an urgent need for Nigeria to take a leading role in sickle cell research and advocacy to address this crisis effectively.

    Speaking on the sideline, CMG representative, Critical Care and Pulmonary Care Physician in the United States of America, Dr Ngozi said CMG foundation aims to establish a network of quality healthcare facilities that adhere to international standards of care, regardless of patients’ financial status.

    The vision, she said extends beyond critical care to capacity-building initiatives, such as training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and enhancing healthcare professionals’ skills across specialties.

    The foundation’s recent initiative involves addressing the lack of transcranial Doppler (TCD) units in Nigeria, crucial for assessing stroke risk in children with sickle cell disease.

    The goal is to distribute these units across all geopolitical zones to ensure early detection and prevention of strokes in at-risk children.

    The initiative underscores the power of collaborative partnerships in healthcare, with CMG, ANPA, and Rotary Club coming together to support the SCFN’s mission. Such collaborations are vital in advancing medical care and improving outcomes for patients with sickle cell disease, ultimately making a positive impact on the community’s health.