Category: Health

  • Lagos to set up medical varsity 

    Lagos to set up medical varsity 

    Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has unfolded plans to establish a university of medical sciences.

    He said the move will fulfil the vision of expansion of medical personnel and facilities in the state.

    Sanwo-Olu spoke at the Lagos West Senatorial Town Hall Meeting, where he tendered his stewardship and laid out plans for more people-oriented projects. 

    Professional medical programmes that will be studied in the proposed university include all branches of medicine, pharmacy and pharmacology, and medical and health support courses. 

    Read Also: Japa: Lagos to build 1500-capacity medical varsity

    Sanwo-Olu was silent on where the institution will be sited, although he hinted that it would take up soon.

    The governor said plans are also on to ensure that the institution meets accreditation criteria highlighted by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

    Already, Lagos has three universities-Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, University of Education, Ijanikin and Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu.

    Sanwo-Olu said his administration will continue to defend the heath sector with improved funding, and supply of personnel and other facilities. 

  • FG tackles HIV, malaria, tuberculosis with global fund’s $933m

    FG tackles HIV, malaria, tuberculosis with global fund’s $933m

    The federal government on Wednesday, January 24, took a step further in its determination to reinvigorate Nigeria’s healthcare service delivery with the disbursement of Global Fund’s $933m to its relevant agencies to tackle human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome HIV/AIDS), Malaria, and Tuberculosis.

    The fund is expected to be unutilized by the implementing agencies between 2024-2026.

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Ali Pate while disbursing the funds said the Global Fund resources aim to boost the country’s effects of meeting the global 95 95, 95 by 2025, for notable improvement in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

    Project 95-95-95 was set by the United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) aiming to achieve the treatment target of 95% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 95% of diagnosed individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95% of those on ART achieving viral suppression by 2025.

    According to the Ministry’s Director Information, Patricia Deworitshe, the Minister assured the international community that the funds would be judiciously applied.

    It reads: “The Coordinating Minister of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has launched the Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) 2024-2026 implementation period in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.

    “Speaking at the official launch of Global Fund for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria recently held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, the Minister stated that the allocated resources of USD 933million to Nigeria for the 2024-2026 implementation period will help mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

    Pate added: “In approving the sector-wide programme, the president essentially directed that the health outcomes of Nigerians should be better than what it is and that we should all collaborate, Federal Government with state government alongside development partners,” assuring that the resources donated would be used judiciously.

    “He presented the Global Fund grant to recipients which includes: the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, $10,663,394.00 (HIV/AIDS). National AIDS and STDs Control Programme (NASCP)-FMOH, $30,038,555.00 (HIV/AIDS)

    “National Tuberculosis, Leprosy & Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP)-FMOH, $122,390,772.00 (Tuberculosis)

    “Institute for Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), $340,095,438.00 (HIV/TB (C-Grant). National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP)-FMOH, $80,877,025.00 (Malaria) Catholic Relief Services (CRS), $315, 933,900.00 (Malaria).

    “National Tuberculosis, Leprosy & Buruli Ulcer Control Programme- FMOH, $42,557,406.00 (RSSH). Lagos State Ministry of Health, 4,100,440.00 (RSSH). According to Pate, the expected results which all the principal recipients are committing to, is to achieve 95 95, 95 by 2025, notable improvement in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.

    “He noted the commitment of the Federal Government in advancing improvement in the health of the population along the four pillars which are evidenced in governance, promoting transparency and accountability, focusing on the population health outcomes, fixing the primary health care system, improving maternal and child health through which we will reduce mother to child transmission, fixing infrastructure, unlocking the healthcare value chain and health security, in terms of laboratory infrastructure, building the public health workforce, the surveillance systems and dealing with infectious disease.

    “He urged the Global Fund and the principal recipients to patronize local manufacturers to unlock the value chain stating that there should be trust amongst the key players while States should be diligent in the use of funds meant to help the poorest of vulnerable population of the country.

    “Appreciating the efforts of Global Funds, Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) Nigeria, and other development partners, he mentioned that strategies are in place to enable citizens to see the humongous resources that are coming into Nigeria, and what they are being used for and whether they’re responding to their needs, and to bring up any issues that stand in the way of execution”

    “According to the Minister of State, the resources will facilitate the strengthening of our health system in preparedness for any future pandemics.

    “Good health is core to harnessing Nigeria’s greatest asset, its human capital, as documented in Mr. President’s agenda, this is at the heart of our relentless efforts to ensure that all Nigerians are on the path to having access to improved quality health services and without financial hardship”, he adduced.

    Read Also: Cameroon to introduce malaria vaccine Jan.22

    “The significantly increased allocation of federal government’s budget to health and social sectors in the proposed 2024 appropriation, demonstrates unprecedented political will, and certainly goes a long way in starting to address the financial gaps that have so far limited Nigeria from achieving an efficient, equitable and quality health system.

    “Chairman House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (ATM) Hon. Amobi Ogah in his goodwill message assured of the Committee’s resolve to oversight every fund that has been budgeted for the fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in the country to ensure that every kobo spent is accounted for.

    “Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Health, Daju Kachollom said the increase in the HIV, TB, and malaria grants in Cycle 7, will further address the critical service coverage gaps among pregnant women, children, key populations, and adolescents”.

  • Pope Francis, same sex couple, distorted souls

    Pope Francis, same sex couple, distorted souls

    We human beings grow up to know or learn that we are girls and boys or women and men and to naturally fall, easily settle into the respective gender activities. Hermaphrodite are rare among our species of creatures, and are still seen by science and medicine as design errors in the marvelous workshop of nature. Sex change still baffles many of us. So is  the idea that a man would  walk another man down the aisle to the altar as his wife,and a woman would do the same with a fellow woman as her husband.There is another oddity many of  us see less … a person we see outwardly as a man but, inwardly,is a woman or a man who outwardly inhibits the body of a woman. Between them are many cases of persons whose physical bodies are just beginning to  change their forms from  those of the spirit  beings who inhabit them. The normal situation is for the spirit being and its unseen bodies, called the soul,  and its  physical body, to have the same form. All these cases belong to the phenomenon known in spiritual parlance as Distorted Souls. They may very  well also be called Abnormal or Disfigured Souls because they are no longer the  human beings they originally vowed to eternally be at the start of their wandering through creation!

    Quite naturally, I will be asked for evidence of  this  statement. For now, I would suggest we calmly come along. This is  a serious phenomenon which,like Stigmata,, has rocked  Christianity and confused the Church. Recently, Pope  Francis sided with the Distorted Souls when he said Catholic Priests could bless the  ” unions” of same-sex couples. A fastidious, young and single Catholic woman who spoke with me soon after, asked: What is now left  of  our faith as  Christians?

    “A lot more”, I answered,unsure if she understood what  I meant or  where I was  heading.

    I am a Christian, and do not take my Christianity bearing from the interpretation of God’s willl from the personal belief of a Christian leader or directive or that of a group of them. Each individual is on the earth to discover this WILL through serious inner struggles and, prior to coming here, was equipped,  as an intrinsic part of his or her make-up, with the ability of intuitive perception to  perceive the power of God and to obey it. Whoever is unable to do this, but relies solely on ready made opinions of other persons which are often incorrect or false perceptions, is  like a  person  who abandons his healthy limbs and walks on borrowed crutches.

    Before I proceed, please permit that I mention in brief the question of Stigmata which, like that of women in men’s bodies,men in women’s bodies, sex changes or same  sex marriages, all of which belong to the phenomenon of Distorted Souls, have troubled genuine Christianity for a long time now.

    STIGMATA

    During Easter seasons, the unusual  happens to some persons. They may bleed from the wound marks of JESUS which led as He hung on the Cross of crucification. Some of these stigmatised persons hear voices which speak to them in a language they do not understand. Some are  flogged by unseen persons. These phenomenon collectively are called STIGMATA and the persons who bear or express them STIGMATISTS.

    The wound marks may be on the head, like those caused on the Head of Jesus by the crown of thorns derisively forced on it to deride Him as a false King of the Jews. There are, also,bleeding and painful wound marks in the palms through which nails were driven into the wood. The lower abdomen tells its own story. It was here that a spear was plunged to confirm to Roman authorities that Jesus was stone dead and it was , therefore,pointless to break  His bones to make assurance doubly sure to obviate all possibilities of His Resurrection. Finally, there are pains from wounds and bleeding  on the feet which were crossed at the ankles and nailed through into the wood. Language specialists of our time say the voices stigmatists  hear resemble the language of the Golgotha  region of those days where the Crucifixtion took place. What about the whipping, always experienced by the stigmatist  in Owerri,eastern Nigeria, before he was flown to the Vatican?  Certainly, Jesus was flogged all through the walk from the court of Pontius Pilate to the execution area, especially when, out of exhaustion from carrying the Cross, He fell or collapsed.

    So far, Christianity does not understand these phenomena and has made of them what it would. After long and sometimes torturing debates which often ended in voting and  a show of hands, the debaters conclude that Stigmatists  were blessed human beings who are specially chosen to bear the wound marks of Jesus. From their countries, the stigmatists are taken to Rome where they become tourist attractions and fuel the tourism purse of the Vatican. Christians throng the sites to behold them, to physically touch the stigmatists,  to kneel or to prostate before them, writhing their hands in prayer to the Most High God for His Blessings upon them because they are privileged to make their ways to these “specially blessed  human beings”. It does not matter to the pilgrimage that , even as they do,  the stigmatists are in serious pains and beseeching the Almighty Creator to relieve them of their vicissitudes and the pains. At some point of their suffering, the notion of the Church that they are “holy” men no longer is enough to sustain their faith. Also, it doesn’t make sense to the multitude that these pains worsen with attempts  to medicate them. These are Christians who can hardly understand what is going on around them, having  become lame in spirit, letting their spiritual limbs atrophy from disuse and reliance on the crutches offered to them in the ready made opinions of other persons. It is doubtful if such persons would be alive in spirit to  understand the phenomena of women inhabiting men’s bodies, men inhabiting women’s bodies, sex changes, how this has led to same sex marriages, the absence  of proper illumination of this subject which now obliges Catholic priests to bless marriages the majority of mankind recoil from.

    THE KEY

    If we wish to open any door, we would insert the right key into the key hole and turn it aright. Equally, we need to apply the right methods to access phenomena which appear to be within locked closets. The right methods in this case are the appropriate conceptions which must  be understood aright. Two of them are (1) The Law of the Cycle and (2) Forgiveness.

    On the cross, Jesus forgave His assailants. However, Christians make the mistake of believing that they have nothing to account for once their sins have been forgiven.  Yes, the Crucification  sins has been forgiven,  what about the  PROPENSITIES which gave  rise to the sins. The propensity is the inner spring or  fountain from which the sin arose. This has to be expunged  by the sinner.  No  one else  can do this for him or her. It is the impact of the propensity, that is the sin, that can be forgiven. Even in this, the sinner must repudiate  misdeed. The thief on the right side of Jesus on the  cross came to this recognition, but the  one on the left side did not. He even reviled Jesus. In the revelations which accompany expanded spiritual knowledge to the earth at that time promised by Jesus and anchored  in our time  on earth, is now recognised that this thief returned to the rarth in the last century as a woman that time and as a stigmatist named Therese Newman of Konnerieuth. Why did he return, and as a woman? The answer is  in the LAW OF THE CYCLE, one of the laws under which  the universe is  governed. Every event has a beginning and must have an end. This is the opening and closing of cycles. Breathing, for example, is a cycle. Inhalation opens the cycle while  exhalation closes it. Food intake opens a cycle which waste evacuation closes by  returning content from the soil to the soil. Water intake follows this law.Ditto  evaporation and rainfall, blood circulation from the heart and back to  the heart, birth and death.  Even Jesus told us He was going to re-unite with the Father from whose Abode He came. Thus,  the cycle of the murder of Jesus must close, with every participant who had been unable to discard  the propensity or personally recognised  culpability in the  dastardly event offered perhaps at last opportunity to free himself or herself from it. This opportunity is provided  in the present Cosmic Age known as the Aquarian  Age. A cosmic Age is about 2,160 years in the Gregorian Calendar. Incidentally, the present Aquarian Age tallies with the COSMIC Turning Point in which Solar-system and galaxies join the universe to close its own cycle of revolution around its power centre. Thereafter, will begin what theologists has forewarned would happen… THE FINAL JUDGEMENT. Just before then,  all those men and women who laid  dirty hands  on the earthly life of Jesus would have a final opportunity to recognise their misdeed, repent, purge themselves of  all similar propensities to be free of them. The matter concerns not only those of us who were on the front lines, shouting ” Crucify Him”, those who flogged Him and the executioners who nailed  Him to the Cross.  I used to be filled with revulsion for the man who  plunge a spear  into His side untill I discovered he did  it in love, to prevent the authorities from ordering the breaking of the bones of Jesus as definite proof of His death. There  were others like Pontius Pilate who  was warned three  times by  his wife to free Jesus, but feared for his job as Roman Governor over conquered  Judea because he did not wish to offend the Emperor in Rome. There are many of us who have been distorting His teachings and instituting Church dogmas which have been leading many  weak souls astray. Today, we stand before another seaming mystery, the GENDERS and their exact purpose for their creation and existence. Right before what,right or wrong, we should regard as the Presence of the Holiness of God, that is the Altar, a Priest whose is said to stand  in His Power to dispense His Blessings to His Creatures who beseech Him for them, is commanded by an earthly authority to not turn away from a distortion of the teaching  of that very WILL, under the influence of  LUCIFER, the  only real ANTI CHRIST or fighter against Christ.

    Read Also: Pope Francis calls for peace in warring nations, denounces weapons industry

    WOMAN AND MAN

    We did not create ourselves or our world. Above  our home in the universe are the worlds of PARADISE and those of Angels. There are female and male angels. In all the realms of paradise, female and male beings, are  everywhere. On earth, our transient home, woman and man are self- evident species. So, what is this phenomenon all about, and why is there  a distortion of it on earth?

    ONE-OFF  FREE RESOLVE

    As in the womb where our physical beings once lay unconscious, we existed unconsciously  as unconscious Spirit seed germs in some higher realm. At a particular point in this trajectory, we had to decide in which of Creation two types of activities we would consciously  engage. Once taken, the decision cannot be reversed. An attempt to do so, consciously or otherwise, amounts to a DISTORTION. There are two activities…

    • Active or Positive, and

    •  Passive or Negative

    Negative in this sense is not meant in the derogatory sense.

    The active  or Positive is the COARSE Activity which the rugged make physical body espouses. Passive or Negative is the fine or delicate activity which the female  human body represents. These body types characterise the nature of the inner Being, the Human Spirit, which forms them. The woman is the stronger of the two.  Her passive or Negative Activity make her more sensitive to far more readily and easily receive guidance from the Power or Will of the Almighty Creator, and Pass it on to her counterpart, man,whose chief calling is in coarser or physical engagements, for  which reason his physical body is cast in appropriate coarse form. Woman is the DECIDING FACTOR in all things and Man, therefore, the IMPLEMENTOR or executioner of this decisions.  That is THE WILL OF GOD. Accordingly, Woman bore the human spirit seed germs to the earth, and will lead them  back home to paradise. So, on earth, woman had to bear her offsprings in her womb and feed the infants with milk from her breasts. Lucifer, the  fallen Arch Angel, knew of this arrangements. To disarrange them, he seduced, attacked and dragged woman away from her High Task, led her through male thinking and activities, and the imitation of man to lose her DELICATENESS and to become COARSE like man. Evidence of movement towards this goal or attainment of it is sometimes evident in NARROWED HIPS, apart from an onset of other male  characteristic.

    Once made, the choice of one-off activity cannot be annulled. It is eternal. The effects of an activity shift in either the Female Spirit or the Male Spirit is what is observable in the soul and in the PHYSICAL BODY.  Womanly menamd manly women  have DISTORTED SOULS. In the Household of God, that is Creation, they are  USELESS entities, we are told, and, as we are also informed in the enlarged spiritual knowledge given to us at this time, they would be swept away in the MILLENNIUM when the free will of humanity will be subsumed by the WILL of the Almighty Creator.

    For now on Earth, perhaps the only value earth-bound thinking can ascribe to distorted souls is the possibility of procreation.  Even then, what can they procreate  but human beings of the same nature under THE LAW OF ATTRACTION OF HOMOGENEOUS SPECIES? This Law, in the unflinching Justic of this wonderful Creation, brings distorted souls together in several ramifications. A woman incarnated in a male body, will be attracted in marriage to a man in a female body. Women and Men in various degrees of the distortion of their souls and physical bodies, even where the bodies have not manifestly shown any real signs, will also find one another out. Birds of a  feather flock together.

    POPE FRANCIS

    When upon becoming  Pope he promised to re-write the Bible, I thought Pope Francis would correct the errors in several dogmas. He would, instead,  bow under pressure like some of his predecessors. One of these was Pope Justinian who was forced by Emperor Nero to erase the knowledge of re-incarnation from Church  teachings. Nero disliked this teaching and called a Bishops conference to annul it. The Bishops refused. Some boycotted the meeting. Nero drafted a minority communique and asked Pope Justinian  to sign it. The Pope refused. Nero put him under house arrest for two weeks and threatened to depose him. Pope Justinian capitulated. Since then, the Church says there is nothing like re-incarnation. Christians interested in these events may research them on-line.

    Pope Francis on December 17, 2023, one month and  one week ago, bowed to a new Euro-American culture of same sex  blessings  which opposes the scriptural conception of Adam and Eve( opposite sex ) marriage. However, he says, he gave only. ” Pastoral” approval. This means Priest can use their discretion to bless the ” unions” of same  sex couples outside Church officialdom. His backers say same  sex couples are creatures of  God  who desire His Blessings which should not  be denied them. We are also invited to not be judgemental, but to show  “understanding”, “kindness”, Patience”, “compassion” and lots more.

    In  human  beings with  DISTORTED SOULS, the human SPIRIT is not distorted. The distortion is in the none- physical bodies of the spirit which, together with the spirit,is known as the soul, and in the physical body in varying degrees. What causes the distortion is the movement of the spirit from its original activity to another activity. This  aberration affects only garments of  the  Spirit,THE SOUL  and the PHYSICAL EARTHLY BODY tangible to earthly sensory organs. Thus, we may have  female Spirit in male souls expressing male characteristics in female physical bodies or male physical bodies, depending on the degree to which the physical body had been altered. If the spirit recognises his or her blunder and reverses the wrong  volition, distortion of the soul and physical bodies is correctable,in the present or future incarnations.

    Genuine male spirits abhor no meaningful relationships with DISTORTED female  souls and vice versa. Women in danger of distorting their souls are to be found in public life, among military paratroopers, as boxers, wrestlers, footballers, academia, soldiering etc. Spiritually, the distortion of their souls has deprived humanity of their link to higher power.

    If, today, Catholic Priests treat same sex couple with compassion, kindness and patience, will generation to come not believe that same sex marriages are  acceptable to God?

  • FG firms up health sector research

    FG firms up health sector research

    The Federal government (FG) on Tuesday inaugurated the National Health Research Ethics Committee in its bid to reposition the nation’s health research ecosystem for global competitiveness.

    Nevertheless, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa affirmed that the government is not opposed to traditional medicine, highlighting the presence of a dedicated department within the Ministry specifically for traditional and complementary medicine.

    Alausa, while inaugurating the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) in Abuja on Tuesday affirmed that the government is not averse to traditional medicine considering that there is a full-fledged department in the Ministry dedicated to traditional and complementary medicine.

    “We take traditional medicine seriously, they are part of the entire fabric of our healthcare delivery system

    “Why they are not represented on the Committee was because of the dictates of the National Health Act, 2014 that prescribed the members of this Committee,” he said.

    According to him, notwithstanding, the Committee will work closely with the department on traditional and complementary medicine at the Ministry and other stakeholders while carrying out its job.

    On NHREC, Alausa said the Committee will serve as the ombudsman to regulate health research and ensure that it meets all ethical criteria as part of the Ministry of Health’s four-point agenda towards maintaining a high level of governance and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to enshrine the rule of Law to the highest degree in our country.

    He said the health of Nigerians and the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a priority of the government which was the reason behind the various innovative steps taken to reinvigorate the nation’s health sector.

    He said: “The establishment of the National Health Research Ethics Committee reflects our unwavering dedication to fostering a healthcare system that is rooted in integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct.

    “The ethical dimensions of health research cannot be overstated, Alausa stressed, “In our pursuit of scientific advancements and medical breakthroughs, we must ensure that the rights, dignity, and well-being of research participants are protected.

    “As we inaugurate this committee, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering an environment that encourages groundbreaking research while upholding the highest ethical standards”.

    According to him, the inauguration of the Committee has a global health innovations dimension to it, saying, “The committee’s role is not merely to provide oversight: it is an enabler of innovation and progress in the healthcare research sector.

    “It will provide guidance to researchers, instil public trust, and ensure that our nation remains at the forefront of health research on the continent”.

    He also noted that in the face of global challenges, including pandemics, emerging diseases, and evolving healthcare needs, the government’s commitment to research and ethics becomes even more paramount.

    “The National Health Research Ethics Committee will play a crucial role in guiding us through these challenges, ensuring that our responses are rooted in scientific rigour, compassion, and a deep sense of social responsibility.

    “As we embark on this journey, let us remember that the impact of our work extends far beyond the confines of research laboratories and academic institutions.

    “It directly influences the health and well-being of every Nigerian. It is a testament to our dedication to leaving no one behind in our quest for a healthier, more prosperous nation”, Alausa noted.

    He challenged the Committee to strengthen the research capacity of the National Agency for Food Administration and Control (NAFDAC) by working closely with it.

    He said the agency has the potential to unlock the nation’s health research capabilities to become globally competitive and boost the nation’s economy while becoming a global reference point.

    To the Committee, he said, “Your expertise, commitment, and ethical stewardship will be the guiding force in our pursuit of a healthier and more equitable Nigeria”.

    In his acceptance remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Richard Adegbola noted that the inauguration of the Committee was not a giant leap forward toward progress and prosperity for the country.

    He said the essence of the Committee becomes more critical when ethical consideration is at stake as witnessed during the last coronavirus pandemic.

    According to him, the inauguration of the Committee underscores the importance of the health of Nigerians to the government

    He assured that the Committee will strive to be alive to its responsibilities while ensuring that the industry adheres to ethical standards as legally prescribed.

    Among other responsibilities, the 3-year tenured Committee as spelled out in the National Health Act 2014 includes setting the norms and standards for researching humans and animals, including clinical trials.

    Read Also: FG, States, LGAs share N1.127tr for December 2023

    The Committee will also determine the extent of health research to be carried out by public and private health authorities.

    In addition, adjudicate complaints about the functioning of State/Local health research ethics committees and hear any complaint by a researcher who believes that he/she has been discriminated against by any of the health research ethics committees.

    It will also register and audit the activities of State/Local health research ethics committees as well as refer to the relevant statutory health regulatory bodies, matters involving the violation or potential violation of an ethical or professional rule by a healthcare provider.

    It will also recommend to the appropriate regulatory bodies such disciplinary action as may be prescribed or permissible by law against any person found to violate any norm standard, or guideline, set for the conduct of research under the Act.

  • Health coalition seeks U.S. support for AIDS relief, others

    Health coalition seeks U.S. support for AIDS relief, others

    As United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken embarks on a diplomatic visit to Africa, the Health Sector Reform Coalition (HSRC) in Nigeria calls on American government to continue its leading role in tackling healthcare challenges in Africa through successful initiatives such as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and support for the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI).

    PEPFAR, one of the most impactful foreign policy initiatives by the United States in Africa, has been instrumental in combating the HIV/AIDS pandemic, with over $7 billion invested in ensuring that almost 2 million Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS have comprehensive access to quality HIV prevention, care, and treatment services.

    The United States leadership in GAVI, through direct financial contributions, governance, and technical assistance, has significantly improved health outcomes in several African countries. Since 2020, GAVI has been at the forefront of efforts to improve access to new and under-used vaccines in 40 African countries, reaching more than 360 million African children and preventing more than 8 million future deaths.

    Read Also; Tinubu directs expansion of student loans programme

    America’s support for GAVI will also ensure that the new Malaria Vaccine helps Africans combat this disease that disproportionately affects several African countries.

    The HSRC coordinator, Chika Offor, said: “The transformative power of initiatives like PEPFAR and GAVI is evident in the progress made in improving healthcare across Africa. The support of the U.S. in strengthening health systems has been a driving force in the fight against diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria. While celebrating these achievements, we also want to emphasise the need for continued funding for PEPFAR and increased backing for GAVI.

    “Their sustained financial support will strengthen the progress made so far and play a key role in further advancing healthcare outcomes throughout the continent. We urge the United States government to collaborate with African governments and other stakeholders to sustain these initiatives that are directly impacting millions of African lives.”

  • FG tasks medical women professionals on UHC, cervical cancer

    FG tasks medical women professionals on UHC, cervical cancer

    The Federal government (FG) has reiterated the importance of the involvement of women medical professionals in the achievement of its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the eradication of cervical cancer targets in the country.

    Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, emphasized that the active participation of female medical professionals is crucial for realizing the objectives outlined in Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the recently endorsed Health Renewal Compact by the Federal, State Governments, and development partners.

    During a meeting in Abuja on Friday, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate conveyed this message while engaging with Dr Esther Nwadiinibi, Dr Esther Nwadiinibi, President of the Medical Women International Association (MWIA) and the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), and Nigerian chapter executives, led by the National President, Prof. Rosemary Ogu in Abuja on Friday.

    Acknowledging the government’s aim to shift from a focus on medical treatment to prevention, the Minister underscored the planned collaboration with MWAN, highlighting its pivotal role in dispelling prevalent misconceptions about HPV vaccines.

    Accordingly, Pate reiterated the government’s dedication to implementing the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal and Investment Program through the Compact. 

    While restating the government’s commitment to executing the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal and Investment Program through the Compact, he urged MWAN to utilize its influential platform to drive solutions towards achieving universal health coverage for all Nigerians, highlighting the importance of strengthened partnerships in this endeavour.

    “As we make progress in the implementation of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal and Investment Program through the Compact, we count on your strong voice and influence to drive solutions towards universal health coverage for all Nigerians through our strengthened partnerships”, he said.

    Accordingly,  the goals articulated for the health sector were to save lives reduce the physical and financial burden and produce health care for Nigerians, which he said requires all, he noted. 

    He also commended the group for its commitment to collaborate with the Federal Government in the second phase rollout of Human papillomavirus (HPV) in 21 States.

    Dr Esther Nwadiinibi, President of the Medical Women International Association (MWIA), shared her plans to organize an African Women in Medicine, Health & Wellness conference in Nigeria. 

    Read Also: FG reviews guidelines for recruitment into Correctional Services, others

    She sought support from the Federal Government for the success of the conference.

    On her part, Prof. Rosemary Ogu, the National President of MWAN, informed the Minister about the association’s efforts in promoting, sensitizing, and adopting health facilities for breast and cervical cancer.

    She expressed excitement about the free Cervical Cancer HPV vaccination for girls launched by the Federal government while expressing MWAN’s readiness to be fully involved in the next phase launched in the remaining states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    “We are particularly excited that the federal government has launched the free Cervical Cancer HPV vaccination for girls. We look forward to the next phase to be launched in the remaining states and hope we are fully involved. MWAN is ready in all the states of the federation and FCT”, Ogu added

  • Seven types of foods people with stomach ulcers must avoid

    Seven types of foods people with stomach ulcers must avoid

    Like everything in life, some things should be avoided.

    Individuals with stomach ulcers – which can be caused by long-term use of certain medications or an infection caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) that requires antibiotics for treatment – often need to avoid foods that can irritate the stomach lining or increase stomach acid production.

    However, following a diet or avoiding certain foods and/or drinks can help reduce the pain and irritation associated with these sores on the lining of the stomach, esophagus, or small intestine.

    Here’s a list of foods and drinks that ulcer patients should generally avoid:

    Fizzy drinks

    Like soft drinks, any drink that makes a ‘hissing sound’ when opened is called a fizzy drink and should be avoided by people who have stomach ulcers. 

    A soft drink including canned drinks contains dissolved carbon dioxide and the space above the soft drink is filled with carbon dioxide at more than twice the atmospheric pressure which results in the hissing sound you hear due to the gas escaping into air.

    Fizzy drinks also known as carbonated drinks can lead to bloating and may contribute to acid reflux.

    Spicy food

    Spices such as chilli powder, black pepper and any hot peppers can irritate the lining of the stomach which is why spicy food in general should be avoided.

    3. Citrus fruits

    Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are acidic which can make the ulcers worse hence why it should be avoided.

    4. Tomatoes and Tomato-based Products

    Tomatoes are acidic, and foods like tomato sauce and ketchup can be problematic for ulcer patients.

    5. Coffee and Caffeine

    Caffeine can stimulate acid production, so coffee and caffeinated beverages may need to be limited.

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    6. Chocolate

    If you have stomach ulcers, you should avoid chocolates as they contain substances that can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the oesophagus.

    7. Alcohol

    Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining and increase the production of stomach acid.

    It’s important to note that individual tolerances of individuals with stomach ulcers can vary and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s always best for individuals with ulcers to develop a personalized plan based on their specific needs and tolerances to know what they can take and what they cannot.

  • Fubara’s wife urges mothers to embrace exclusive breastfeeding

    Fubara’s wife urges mothers to embrace exclusive breastfeeding

    The wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, has called on mothers to embrace exclusive breastfeeding and to be alert to detect signs of malnutrition in their children.

    She said maintaining such vigilance would help them to seek appropriate medical attention to address identified issues that could threaten the health of their children.

    Lady Fubara spoke on Friday when she officially opened the Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (I.M.A.M) sites, organised by the state Ministry of Health and located at the Kelsey Harrison Hospital, Mile 1 Diobu in Port Harcourt.

    She told the mothers that it was important for them to follow every recommended medical tip provided to care for their children diagnosed with malnutrition.

    Read Also: Rivers Assembly threatens to shun Fubara’s correspondences

    She said: “Just as you have been told, exclusive breastfeeding is very important. I know that there are important antibodies in breast milk that are vital to the child, which cannot be got from many foods. Once the child gets them, it will be easy to fight against diseases. Take every other medical advice to you seriously.”

    Mrs. Fubara was bestowed with the Nutrition Champion of the State at the event for her commitment and support towards the eradication of incidences of malnutrition.

    In her address, Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh said the I.M.A.M sites were six in number and would cater for children under the age of five, who had been diagnosed with Malnutrition.

    She explained that the sites would assist in fostering appropriate management and treatment of malnutrition with a variety of other long-term interventions like nutrition education, infant and young child feeding, and food security.

  • Lassa fever: NCDC activates response efforts against rising cases

    Lassa fever: NCDC activates response efforts against rising cases

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has activated the national multisectoral Emergency Operations Centre for Lassa Fever (LF-EOC) due to the rapidly increasing cases of Lassa fever in the country.

    According to NCDC Director General, Ifedayo Adetifa in a statement on Thursday, as of January 7, 2023, there were 29 confirmed cases, with eight fatalities and a 27.6% case fatality rate, in comparison, on January 7, 2024, there were 53 confirmed cases, six fatalities, and an 11.3% case fatality rate, as shown by a Situation report

    He said the report indicated that in 2023, six states were affected, as opposed to nine in 2023 while the number of affected Local Government Areas increased from 13 in 2023 to 27 in 2024.

    Affected states so far include Ondo (13), Edo (13), Bauchi (11), Benue (6), Taraba (6), and 1 each from Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, and Plateau States, he added.

    Adetifa said the LF-EOC activation resulted from a risk assessment conducted by subject matter experts from relevant Ministries, Departments, Agencies, stakeholders, and major partners.

    According to him, the outcome of the risk assessment placed the country at “High Risk” of increased risk of Lassa fever transmission and impact due to the increased number of states reporting cases.

    In 2023, a rise in the number of cases was reported from week 49 and associated healthcare workers infection over three weeks, he noted, saying, “This upsurge indicated an early peak into the high transmission season nationally, although, this is usually seen from January to May annually.

    “Cumulatively, 9155 suspected cases, 1270 confirmed cases and 227 deaths; Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 17.9% were reported for 2023 (across 28 states and 124 LGAs).

    “The zones of impact of Lassa fever have been increasing across the country with risk of international exposures”.

    He added that high case fatality in confirmed cases; the low index of suspicion among healthcare workers; healthcare worker infections and deaths; and continued attrition of essential healthcare made it imperative for the agency to be proactive in tackling the disease.

    “Although we have more confirmed than week 1 of 2023, the current CFR of 11.6% is lower than that for the same reporting week of 2023 (CFR of 27.6%). 

    “Prior to the activation of EOC, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOH & SW) through the NCDC had taken several steps in preparation for the Lassa fever season which include issuing alert letters to States to guide state-level preparedness, readiness, and response activities for Lassa fever, among other steps.

    “The LF-EOC activation will coordinate a national response particularly across affected states to help minimise suffering, reduce mortality, interrupt disease transmission, and address socioeconomic complications caused by Lassa fever using a one health approach. 

    “This national response requires all of the government and all of the people’s participation along with the support of partners and other stakeholders.

    Read Also: Lassa fever: NCDC directs healthcare workers to take standard IPC measures

    “While the NCDC has the mandate to lead the prevention, preparedness, and response to public health emergencies, this is done in collaboration and with the support of States who also have to develop and implement evidence-driven outbreak response plans for their territories.

    “Members of the public have a collective responsibility to maintain personal and environmental hygiene as well as food hygiene in the fight against Lassa fever.

    “We urgently urge the public and healthcare workers to remain vigilant.

    “Early detection and immediate presentation at health facilities significantly increase survival chances.

    “The NCDC remains dedicated to safeguarding the health of Nigerians and is actively working towards reducing the fatality rate to a single digit”, Adetifa added.

  • Tip for 2024 food supplements treasure trove

    Tip for 2024 food supplements treasure trove

    For 30 years, a true friend and ally for radiant health.

    The headline above, SOGHURM BICOLOR, 2024 TRILLION DOLLAR BEAUTIFUL BRIDE, is all about JOBELYN,  the Nigerian herbal blood formula which has weathered 30 long years of intensive labouratory and clinical research to earn a well deserved entry in the Cancer Drug dictionary of the prestigious National  Cancer Institute of the United States. This should make proud Nigerian Traditional Medicine (NTM) and encourage doctors’ and patients’ interest in Jobelyn.

    I am priviledged to have been associated with Jobelyn in its 30 year history, from the unveiling in 1993 and the first newspaper report in 1994 through the various laboratory and clinical studies, including presentations at some Alternative Medicine conferences in Africa, and recommend that you read the news report mentioned above and also make Jobelyn a prime food supplement in your Herbal Medicine Box at home or in the office in 2024. 

    Read Also: Tinubu approves three resolutions to reduce pharmaceutical costs, bridge brain drain in health sector

    Studies in Nigerian and foreign universities have shown jobelyn to support several therapies such as in HIV/AIDS, psychiatry, Anaemia, cancer, neuro degenerative diseases, post surgical conditions, arthritis, diabetes, inflammation etc. 

    American labouratory and university studies found Nigerian soghurm bicolor variety from which jobelyn is made to be the richest sources of two compounds in 3 DEOXYANTOCYANIDINS which are targeted to be the corner stones of the food of pharmaceutical industries of the future. These compounds are well endowed with four functions which are believed to be Erasers of all disease conditions…1) Anti inflammatory 2) Anti oxidant 3) Immune modulation and 4) chemo prevention

    The December 14, 2023 report in The Nation newspaper, SOGHURM BICOLOR, 2024 TRILLION DOLLAR BEAUTIFUL BRIDE, projects why, in 2024, plant medicine consumers world wide should find Jobelyn a wonderful friend and ally to make their health robust and radiant.