The Nation Newspaper

Category: Health

  • Mastercard to boost Africa’s COVID-19 recovery efforts with $1.3b

    Mastercard to boost Africa’s COVID-19 recovery efforts with $1.3b

    By Adekunle Yusuf

    To save lives and preserve livelihoods of millions of people in Africa, MasterCard Foundation is deploying $1.3 billion over the next three years in partnership with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to hasten the economic recovery of the continent after COVID-19 crisis.

    The Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative, which will acquire vaccines for at least 50 million people and support the delivery of vaccinations to millions more across the continent, is intended to lay the groundwork for vaccine manufacturing in Africa through a focus on human capital development and the strengthening of Africa CDC.

    The above was one of the highlights of at a briefing on Tuesday, this week, where the MasterCard Foundation and Africa CDC announced a historic new partnership.

    “Ensuring equitable access and delivery of vaccines across Africa is urgent. This initiative is about valuing all lives and accelerating the economic recovery of the continent. In the process, this initiative will catalyse work opportunities in the health sector and beyond as part of our Young Africa Works strategy,” said Reeta Roy, the President and CEO of the MasterCard Foundation.

    The African Union’s goal, as set out in the African COVID-19 Vaccine Development and Access Strategy, is to vaccinate at least 60 per cent of its population – approximately 750 million people or the entire adult population of the continent – by the end of 2022. Sadly, less than two per cent of Africans have received at least one vaccine dose to date.

    The new deal builds on the efforts of the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access facility (COVAX), the COVID-19 African Vaccine Acquisition Task-Team (AVATT), and the global community to expand access to vaccines across Africa. The number of vaccines available to Africa represents a small portion of the global supply and the financial costs to purchase, deliver, and administer vaccines remain significant. The Africa CDC is calling on governments, global funders, the private sector, and others to help meet this goal.

    “Ensuring inclusivity in vaccine access, and building Africa’s capacity to manufacture its own vaccines, is not just good for the continent, it’s the only sustainable path out of the pandemic and into a health-secure future. This partnership with the MasterCard Foundation is a bold step towards establishing a New Public Health Order for Africa, and we welcome other actors to join this historic journey, said Dr. John Nkengasong, Director of the Africa CDC.

    Last year, Africa faced its first economic recession in 25 years due to the pandemic. The African Development Bank has warned that COVID-19 could reverse hard-won gains in poverty reduction over the past two decades and drive 39 million people into extreme poverty in 2021. Widespread vaccination is recognised as being critical to the economic recovery of African countries. The initiative builds on an earlier collaboration between the MasterCard Foundation and the Africa CDC to expand access to testing kits and enhance surveillance capacity in Africa. Through the Foundation’s support, the Africa CDC’s Partnership to Accelerate COVID-19 Testing (PACT) deployed nearly two million COVID-19 tests and more than 12,000 trained health care workers and rapid responders across Africa. In total, the PACT has enabled over 47 million COVID-19 tests across the continent.

    The MasterCard Foundation, a Canadian foundation that was created in 2006 when MasterCard became a public company, is one of the largest in the world with more than $39 billion in assets; Africa CDC is a specialised technical institution of the African Union, which strengthens the capacity and capability of Africa’s public health institutions as well as partnerships to detect and respond quickly and effectively to disease threats and outbreaks, based on data-driven interventions and programmes.

  • Sugar drinks: Lack of excise duties increasing diabetes, obesity, others – NASR

    Sugar drinks: Lack of excise duties increasing diabetes, obesity, others – NASR

    By Moses Emorinken, Abuja

    A coalition of civil society organizations under the aegis of the National Action on Sugar Reduction (NASR) has warned that the lack of excise duties on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) could lead to a spike in the already worsening occurrences of diabetes, obesity, tooth decay, cancer, stroke etc., across the country.

    It further noted that while the sugar drinks and beverages sector are enjoying freedom from excise duties, many more Nigerians, especially children, are consuming these drinks, thereby increasing their risk of obesity.

    It, therefore, urged the Federal government to place a 20 percent excise duty on sugar-sweetened beverages, popularly known as soft drinks across the country.

    Also noting that obesity and other related health conditions are increasingly becoming a problem across Africa and in Nigeria, it urged the government to implement the recommendation by the World Health Organization (WHO) – that a 20 percent tax should be placed on sugar drinks and beverages because it is not only a viable revenue sources for the government, but works as a disincentive to curb the consumption of unhealthy beverages.

    Speaking during a virtual interaction with journalists organised by Gatefield in partnership with the NASR on the dangers of SSB, a Co-Chair of the Coalition and the Managing Director of the Nigeria Health Watch, Vivian Ihekweazu, said: “SSB are unhealthy because its calories can get converted into fats in the body. It converts into fats, which leads to weight gain which contributes to obesity. Obesity is a strong risk factor for a lot of non-communicable diseases, including diabetes and some cardiovascular heart diseases, strokes, cancer etc.”

    She added that Nigeria is ranked fourth highest consumer of soft drinks in the world. 38.7 million liters of soft drinks are sold yearly in the country and contribute to non-communicable diseases.

    READ ALSO: Low sugar drinks are deadlier killer drinks

    A member of the coalition, Omei Bongos, in her remarks added: “Currently, there is no tax on sugar-sweetened beverages in Nigeria. As a matter of fact, the beverage industry does enjoy a bit of concession. At the moment, there is really no tax on sugar-sweetened beverages.

    “We know that when we purchase services in Nigeria there is VAT for services and purchases, but we are speaking of a specific excise tax as has been implemented in South Africa and other countries like Mexico, and some States in the United States of America. This specific excise tax is not present in Nigeria.”

    The NASR also advocates the inclusion of mandatory warning labels on sugar-sweetened beverages to inform the consumers of its contents and the associated risks in consuming these beverages.

    The coalition consists of Nigeria Health Watch, Diabetes Association of Nigeria, Nigeria Cancer Society, and the Nutrition Society of Nigeria.

  • Three benefits of trekking long distance

    Three benefits of trekking long distance

    By Chinyere Okoroafor

    Last weekend, popular musician Daddy Showkey walked from Ojodu to Ajegunle in Lagos possibly to keep fit.

    He showed that with determination, anyone can reach their fitness goal.

    Some people may see walking as no good workout form because it appears simple and the result takes a longer time. But long distance walking when done consistently is an impactful exercise and can be done for longer periods of time.

    Long distance walking is a suitable workout over running for many people with knee, ankle and back problems.

    It can help you reach your fitness and weight-loss goals.

    Immobility is unhealthy, chose walking sometimes over taking bikes or buses to distances that you can walk.

    Here are three key benefit of walking long distance:

    · It is effective yet gentle

    One of the valuable benefits of walking long distances is that it is a gentle form of exercise, yet is effective in maintaining health levels.

    For those who find vigorous activity a challenge, long distance walking is ideal. Whether you are from your bus stop home or any other distance, you can go at whatever pace you like.

    Also, the freedom to explore new places makes the whole thing interesting. If you’ve found yourself in a situation where you can’t take part in some form of exercise you love or you’re recovering from an injury, walking could be the perfect solution. Like swimming, it strengthens joints and muscles, easing tension.

    · It helps you live longer

    Walking at a fast pace for at least 30 minutes a day has been proven to drastically reduce your chance of developing heart disease, cancers and dementia in the future. It is also great for lower blood pressure! Getting into the habit of walking for a long time will not only be greatly beneficial for your short-term health but is likely to improve your overall health. But, you must keep the habit up.

    · It improves your mood and reduces stress

    Another benefit of long distance walking is that it can greatly improve your mental wellbeing. So much so that some most successful people in the world such as Steve Jobs and Beethoven were known for walking to increase productivity. So, why not follow in their footsteps? Walking releases endorphins which trigger positive feelings and thoughts. If you feel particularly anxious, lacking in motivation or unproductive, getting out into the fresh air walking is likely to give your attitude a boost.

  • 10 reasons you should never skip breakfast

    10 reasons you should never skip breakfast

    By Ekaete Bassey

    Do you eat breakfast regularly? Breakfast being the first meal of the day is the most important meal.

    One should not skip breakfast as it helps in breaking your overnight fast. If you forgo your breakfast you extend this fast which might impact your metabolism.

    Those who skip breakfast tend to eat more portions of food in the next meal. Consuming a healthy breakfast restores the glucose levels in the body and lowers stress levels.

    Multiple studies have shown the importance of eating breakfast, whether it’s to improve your energy levels or keep you from overeating later in the day.

    Consider these ten reasons why you should never skip breakfast and why it is so vital:

    · It improves metabolism

    When you wake up in the morning, your blood sugar level drops, so you need a nutrient-dense breakfast that can provide you energy to get through the day and kick-start your metabolism.

    To boost your metabolism, try to eat breakfast at least within 2 hours of waking up.

    · It boosts energy

    Starting your day with the right kinds of foods in the morning can help keep you feeling energised throughout the day.

    Foods rich in whole grains, protein, fiber, and good fats can help provide your body with energy that helps keep your body and brain energy levels sustained for the rest of the day.

    · It improves focus

    Eating a breakfast high in complex carbohydrates can help improve your alertness and focus for the rest of the day.

    This can be especially helpful if you’re one to fall into the afternoon slump, as complex carbohydrates keep you satiated and energised.

    · It improves memory

    Eating breakfast daily can help improve your cognitive functions, including memory.

    Studies have shown that children who eat breakfast everyday show better memory, increase concentration, improved test scores and less absences.

    · It aids better mood

    Everyone knows that food makes people happy. Eating a well-rounded breakfast especially puts people in better moods. Studies have shown that eating food early in the day leads people to be calmer and more level-headed.

    Getting to work on an empty stomach will leave you fatigued and you might end up being grumpy all day.

    If you find yourself struggling with your mood throughout the day, consider making the small addition of breakfast. The impact may just surprise you.

    READ ALSO: Man beats wife to death over breakfast argument

    · It lowers risk of diabetes

    According to various studies, missing breakfast regularly can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes as it may cause chronic insulin resistance.

    Without having breakfast, the insulin level can drop and then spike after lunch, which might increase the risk of type “2” diabetes.

    · It decreases inflammation in the body

    Skipping a meal in the morning after sleeping all night puts stress on the body. Doing this every day can lead to chronic stress and inflammation in the body.

    Inflammation is a normal reaction when your body is fighting an illness, but chronic inflammation can lead to unwanted symptoms. These can include swollen joints, stiffness, and even flu-like things like fever and chills.

    · It helps maintain healthy weight

    If you are looking to lose weight, don’t skip breakfast. Eating heavy breakfast can help you curb hunger throughout the day and ultimately reduce the risk of overeating and consuming more calories than needed.

    Starting the day with a nutritious breakfast can stimulate and motivate healthy choices throughout the entire day.

    Note: Skipping breakfast should be strictly avoided if you’re trying to lose weight.

    · It lowers risk of heart disease

    People who skip their morning meal are more likely to have clogged arteries.

    Skipping breakfast is linked to other harmful habits which can leads to hypertension, obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol which in turn increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes by 27%.

    · It decreases risk of developing certain kind of cancers

    Since skipping breakfast leaves you hungry and fatigued; overeating during the day is often the case.

    Eating quick and unhealthy meals might lead to metabolism impairment and hormonal imbalance which commonly lead to obesity.

    Being obese and overweight exposes you to increased risk of developing certain cancers.

  • Public health expert advocates community-centered model to expand primary care in underserved areas

    Public health expert advocates community-centered model to expand primary care in underserved areas

    The global healthcare landscape continues to grapple with profound inequities, particularly in communities where access to quality primary care remains a distant aspiration rather than a lived reality.

    In many low-income, rural, and marginalized urban populations, the shortage of primary care physicians has severely constrained healthcare delivery, leading to widening health disparities and poor outcomes. Against this backdrop, healthcare professionals and researchers are exploring innovative models that leverage nursing leadership and community engagement to bridge critical gaps in service delivery.

    Opeoluwa Oluwanifemi Ajayi, a dedicated public health expert and healthcare assistant based at Amazing Grace Adult Home in Akure, Nigeria, has emerged as a thoughtful advocate for transforming how primary care reaches vulnerable populations.

    Drawing on her extensive experience supporting adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and complex needs, Ajayi brings a grounded perspective to debates about workforce development and health equity. Her work has spanned community health needs assessments, strategic public health initiatives, and direct patient care—experiences that have shaped her understanding of the systemic barriers that prevent effective healthcare delivery in resource-limited settings.

    In a recently published paper co-authored with colleagues from Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and independent researchers in the United States, Ajayi presents a strategic workforce model aimed at expanding nurse-led primary care in underserved communities.

    The model addresses critical gaps in healthcare access, equity, and workforce shortages by focusing on developing a sustainable pipeline of qualified nurses through targeted recruitment, educational advancement, and financial incentives such as scholarships and loan forgiveness programs. Central to the proposed framework is the optimization of nursing roles, advocating for full practice authority for nurse practitioners and advanced practice nurses, supported by regulatory reforms that remove barriers to independent practice.

    Ajayi emphasizes that nurse-led models have emerged as effective, evidence-based approaches to improving health outcomes, particularly in medically underserved areas.

    She argues that nurses possess the necessary clinical skills, cultural competence, and community orientation to provide high-quality primary care services. The model she and her co-authors propose integrates competency-based training in key areas such as chronic disease management, mental health, geriatrics, and preventive care, alongside interprofessional collaboration to foster integrated, team-based care.

    A distinguishing feature of the framework is its attention to policy and regulatory enablers. Ajayi points to the need for equitable reimbursement structures and the integration of nurse-led services within insurance networks and health systems as crucial for long-term success.

    Infrastructure investments such as community-based clinics, mobile health units, and telehealth technologies are identified as essential tools to extend the reach of nurse-led services. The model also advocates for multisector partnerships among academic institutions, health organizations, and community groups to enhance program sustainability and responsiveness to local needs.

    Throughout her career, Ajayi has demonstrated a commitment to providing high standards of care and support for service users, in line with care and support plans and regulatory standards.

    Her work has involved identifying the needs and preferences of individuals, providing personal care, encouraging good communication and relationships, and promoting a variety of activities that enhance wellbeing. These experiences inform her conviction that meaningful improvements in health outcomes require not only systemic reforms but also the empowerment of communities to take ownership of their health.

    The strategic workforce model presents metrics for evaluating access, quality, cost-effectiveness, and workforce retention to ensure continuous improvement.

    By calling for coordinated action among policymakers, educators, and healthcare leaders, Ajayi and her colleagues highlight the essential role of nursing leadership in advancing health equity. Their work offers a comprehensive, scalable framework to strengthen nurse-led primary care in underserved communities, providing a pathway to improved, sustainable health outcomes for populations that have long been left behind.

  • FACT CHECK: Do COVID-19 vaccines hamper fertility in unmarried women?

    FACT CHECK: Do COVID-19 vaccines hamper fertility in unmarried women?

    By Adeola Ogunlade

    “I heard that COVID-19 vaccine affect the fertility of unmarried women and is something to really worry about especially for some of us who still want to give birth to children”.

    Titi Akosa, is asking the question, at a training workshop for people involved in the vaccine rollout in Lagos. She got the information from a women’s group on social media.

    Even though she works as a frontline worker for the Lagos health ministry, a false claim she fears would lead to vaccine hesitancy among unmarried women in the state.

    The Workshop focused on the First Phase of Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccination programme and was put together for civil societies and media practitioners by the Lagos Civil Society Coalition Against COVID-19.

    Records from the Lagos State the Ministry of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Analysis show that as at 22nd May, 2021, over 318, 000 people have been vaccinated so far, according to estimates. The number of female who came out to receive the vaccines are 158, 279 with males constituting 159, 637.

    To combat the novel COVID-19 virus that has ravaged the world in the last 16 months, the World Health Organisation (WHO) in December 2020 rolled out its first set of approved vaccines in parts of the world. As laudable and timely as the emergence of COVID-19 vaccines is, it has equally been undermined by so much misinformation among which is that it effects conception in women which is a concern for both unmarried women and married women who don’t yet have or plan to have more children. .

    How then did this misinformation originate and how widespread has it become?

    YANDEX fact checking tool shows different articles and pictures about the effect of the vaccines on women’s health. Different sources wrote for and against the claims with various pieces of evidence to buttress their positions.

    Wikepedia.com, noted that false claims have also been made that a vaccinated person can “shed” spike proteins, which allegedly causes menstrual irregularities or other harmful effects on the reproductive health of unvaccinated women who are in proximity to them. These claims have been cited by the Centner Academy, a private pre-school in Miami, Florida, USA which removed vaccinated teachers from its classrooms and has refused to hire vaccinated teachers in the future. It was also on the basis of this false claim that some businesses in the United States of America have banned customers who are vaccinated from entering their facilities.

    Further, a GMA Health Alert video posted on Yahoo.com by Dr. Sarah Humeen stated that some women have noticed temporary changes in their menstrual cycles after taking it COVID-19 vaccine, yet the evidence on the impact of COVID-19 on women’s reproductive health is far from definitive. . According to Dr. Humeen, “with nearly 30% of U.S. adults fully vaccinated, scientists and doctors still don’t know why — or even if — vaccines might impact menstruation. However, they’re listening to women’s experiences, and calling for more studies to unpack any potential link. And, experts agree these changes are likely to be temporary, and there is no reason for women to worry about fertility”.

    It should be noted  that the majority of the articles and pictures posted on the Yandex cite were from  medical personnel, governments and the country’s centre for diseases control explaining that the vaccine does not affect fertility in men and women.

    Using the Yandex search engine, it appears that the misinformation about the link between COVID-19 and infertility in women may have originated from an article by Lance D. Johnson in Naturalnews.com. The article published on December 10, 2020 quoted Dr. Michael Yeadon, former President of the pharmaceutical giant, Pfizer to have said that ‘Pfizer’s vaccine studies are based on FRAUD and puts lives in danger;  a claim reinforced (in same article?) by German lung specialist, Dr. Wolfang Wodarg.

    To prove their claims, the two doctors  filed an urgent application with the European Medicine Agency, the regulatory agency for biomedical practice and research in Europe warning in particular that while the BioNtech/Pfizer  vaccine’s efficacy toward spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 is a real measurement of immune reaction, it  will also cause autoimmune issues as well, including  the destruction of the female reproductive system.

    The BioNtech/Pfizer vaccine they argue will produce temporary antibodies to coronavirus by attacking the spike’s syncytin-homologous proteins.  By the 22nd of December, 2020, the petition written by the duo to the European Medicine Agency on beforeitsnews.com has been supported by at least 80,000 people across the world.

    In a response by the European Medicine Agency (EMA) published on its website on the 6th of January, 2021 stated that EMA has recommended the approval of additional manufacturing and filling lines at Pfizer’s vaccine manufacturing site in Puurs, Belgium. The recommendation by the Agency’s Committee for Human Medicines (CHMP) is expected to have a significant and immediate impact on the supply of Comirnaty, the COVID-19 vaccine developed by BioNTech and Pfizer, in the European Union.

    Based on the review of the data submitted by BioNTech Manufacturing GmbH, EMA’s decision reaffirms that the Puurs facility is capable of consistently producing high-quality vaccines and enables Pfizer/BioNTech to increase the volumes of vaccines produced at this site.

    Its stated further that the EU has a comprehensive safety monitoring and risk management (pharmacovigilance) system, which ensures measures are in place for: providing advice to minimise risk; reporting suspected side effects; conducting studies after authorisation; detecting any potential side effects; conducting rigorous scientific assessments of all safety data and introducing any necessary mitigating actions early on.

    As Titi Akosa noted earlier, there is growing concern within Nigeria’s medical and  public health community about the web of misinformation regarding the harmful effects of COVID-19 vaccines, in particular, its link to infertility in women.

    In an interview with this reporter, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr. Samuel Oluwatosin Adu, he explained that there is no conclusive medical evidence   he is aware of at this time that covid-19 vaccine adversely affects the reproductive health of any woman or man of reproductive age.

    He however noted that since COVID-19 vaccines have only been out for a few months, we cannot completely rule out any adverse effects which ongoing and future scientific studies may uncover. But at present, according to him, there is no evidence of direct correlation between Covid-19 vaccines and infertility; unlike with such Hematological disorders like blood clots where preliminary evidence exist with the administration of some vaccines but only in very small percentages of those who received the vaccine, many of which were traced to underlying medical conditions.

    As Dr. Adu  explained, “Infertility is the inability of a couple to conceive in regular penetrating capacity without any barrier within a year. So, we have not gotten to the one year mark that can cause infertility but there are other studies of hormonal profile of a woman who have gotten the vaccine. Are there abnormalities in their hormones? All these are still under study’.

    Going forward, Dr. Adu stressed the need for a comprehensive database of everyone who has received the vaccine to help track any adverse effects on them.

    According to him, “we should be documenting all of them so we can come with the right information. It is too early to say whether the vaccine affects people and how. Up until now, safety in fertility has been assured theoretically. There may be other side effects such as pain in the hand, swelling, headache, fever and the most dreaded is the blood clot.  The link between Covid-19 vaccine and infertility is rumour; there is no scientific data to support that.

    Yet, this has not stopped the rumour from spreading with anti-vaxxers often evading checks by prominent social media platforms to spread the misinformation. The list of possible side effects regularly communicated by health professionals to vaccine takers include fever, headache and sore arm for a day or two. Changes in menstrual cycle and side effects related to infertility are not included.

    In a tweet by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency COVID-19 Vaccination Update stated that the 1st and second dose — June 2nd 2021, in 36 States + the FCT. 1,961,883 eligible Nigerians have been vaccinated with first dose while 148,258 of Nigerians but whether this misinformation has affected young women’s participation of the vaccination programme remains unclear.

    In an effort to establish the impact of the misinformation on the link between Covid 19 vaccine and infertility, The Nation Newspaper, between May 15- 25, 2021, carried out a mini-survey of residents of parts Lagos State. The survey of 20 unmarried women sought to ascertain their understanding of COVID-19, their perception about COVID-19 vaccines, their willingness to take the vaccine and whether the rumour around the vaccines link with infertility in women would influence their decision to get the shot. The young women surveyed are between the ages of 18 to 35 years and were drawn from three local government Areas in Lagos State – Ketu, Bariga and Alimosho.

    According to the findings of the survey, when asked whether they are aware of the existence of covid-19, 19 ((95%) out of the 20 recipients responded that they are aware and that they got the information through various social media platforms. 1 (5%) among the recipient said that she does not believe it exists.

    17 People who make up 85% of the recipients of the survey said that they are aware that COVID19 vaccine exists. 3 (15%) persons answer that they are not aware that the vaccine exist.

    However, 10 (50%) out of the 20 recipients of this survey are not ready to be vaccinated even when the present covid-19 variants in India, Turkey and South Africa is worrisome globally.

    The survey also indicated that 16 (80%) out of the 20 recipients responded that they are not aware of the rumour that the Covid19 vaccine affect the fertility of women of reproductive age. Only 4 (20) responded that they are aware of the rumour.

    On whether the rumour about the covid19 vaccines having a negative effect on the fertility of unmarried women is an issue to look at as 10 (50%) out of 20 recipients says yes, “the rumour can affect their chances of taking the vaccine while 4 (20) persons said that it will not affect their chances of taking the vaccine. 5 persons (25%) of the recipients of this survey are unsure and from their response, other factors may influence their choice of whether or not to take the vaccine.

    It is clear the rumor is not the driving force of vaccine hesitancy among the women surveyed. It is evidence that although the women are aware of the existence of covid19 in Nigeria, they are not willing to receive the vaccine. I believe that a more comprehensive data survey among a sizeable number of young women on why they are not interested in receiving the vaccines is imperative. The problem might be lack of trust in the government, or there is a communication gap in the covid19 programme in Nigeria.

  • Fidvite talent contest kicks off

    Fidvite talent contest kicks off

    Fidson Healthcare Plc, one of the country’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturers, has floated a talent competition for children through its Fidvite brand, a multivitamin syrup that supports the healthy growth and development of children aged 2 to 10.

    The Fidvite talent competition, tagged My Child Can, seeks to celebrate children by asking parents to showcase their children’s talent and what they can do.

    The contest was announced during this year’s Children’s Day celebration, which Fidson hosted at the Police College Ground in Ikeja, in partnership with the Lagos State Government.

    The event, which was graced by 3,000 students and other stakeholders in the education sector, also had in attendance the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and other top government functionaries.

    Fidson explained further through its social media platform that the competition is another way of “appreciating the hope and happiness that children bring to our lives.”

    Any child within the age of two – 10  years with any form of mental, physical, or unique dexterity can participate in the competition, with submission of entries closing on June 8. Each participant stands the chance of winning up to N1 million, among other cash prizes and weekly consolation prizes.

    “To participate, parents are encouraged to visit www.fidvite.com/mychildcan www..com/mychildcan for detailed instructions and follow the conversation on various social media platforms using the hashtag #MyChildCan.”

  • Firms partner to boost black Africans’ skin care

    Firms partner to boost black Africans’ skin care

    By Robert Egbe

    HealthPlus group firm, CasaBella, has announced its partnership with BARE, a specialist skin care tech platform, to provide innovative solutions for quality skin care, particularly for black men and women. The firms said they will provide this service via virtual consultations and accurate product matching to skin type and conditions.

    They said CasaBella and BARE will enable the analysis and diagnosis of skin conditions. The partnership will also focus on providing unrivalled service by leveraging artificial intelligence and virtual consultations to provide truly personalised skin care.

    HealthPlus group’s Chief Transformation Officer, Chidi Okoro, said: “We will build customised profiles to help our beauty advisors accurately navigate skin types, products, and plans for any skin condition. This service will help customers take better care of their skin in a scientific and pocket-friendly manner.”

    BARE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abimbola-Kofoworola Oladeji, expressed excitement about the opportunity “to provide our customers with the right skincare solutions quickly and at competitive prices. The recommendation and fulfilment service will kick off in Lagos, but we look forward to increasing capacity across the country, in a short period of time”.

  • Fed Govt committed to improving healthcare delivery, says Mamora

    Fed Govt committed to improving healthcare delivery, says Mamora

    By Olaitan Ganiu

    Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora, has said the Federal Government has continued to ensure that the healthcare sector receives increased allocations, despite revenue constraint and demands from other competing sectors.

    Mamora said this during the inauguration of four projects, including out-patients clinic, molecular laboratory, students’ hotel, isolation ward at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Oshodi annex, Lagos.

    The minister, reiterating the commitment of the Federal Government toward improving healthcare delivery, said the projects would add value to healthcare service delivery in the country.

    “The Federal Government under the leadership of President Buhari, is aware of the importance of the mental health of Nigerians. It is important to mention that there has been a tremendous improvement and development of infrastructure in our healthcare institutions across the country.

    “The Buhari’s administration, despite revenue constraints and demands of other competing sectors, has continued to ensure that the health sector receives increased allocations. Health bills have been given priorities in our annual budget. I wish to emphasise that the improvement of the healthcare delivery and social wellbeing of Nigerians is on the front burner of this administration because we believe that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation.

    “The inauguration of these four projects is a demonstration of the commitment of the present administration of the President Muhammadu Buhari towards improving the healthcare in the country because we are committed to ensuring that Nigerians have access to quality healthcare at affordable costs.”

    Mamora also commended the management of the hospital for the projects and tasked them on adequate maintenance of the projects to enable them to serve for a long time.

    On her part, the Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Oluwayemi Ogun, lauded the Federal Government for its commitment to development of mental healthcare service delivery in the country. She said the projects would go a long way to enhance mental healthcare delivery in the country and also help to create more awareness about mental healthcare in Nigeria.

    “We appreciate the government for making the projects a success and we look forward to further support for more of these kinds in the future,” she said.

    The Chairman, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Dr. Babajide Bello, noted that sound facilities are central to effective healthcare delivery and retaining of health practitioners.

    Bello said that dilapidation of health facilities and lack of availability of needed equipment in the healthcare system contributed to the exodus of many healthcare practitioners to other countries in search of a better working environment.

  • Ehanire lauds telco for recognising frontline health workers

    Ehanire lauds telco for recognising frontline health workers

    Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, has lauded 9mobile for its support in the ongoing fight against COVID-19.

    He gave the commendation at the health workers’ recognition event organised by the telecoms company to celebrate frontline health workers at the National Hospital, Abuja, at the weekend.

    The minister, who was represented by the Director of Hospital Services, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Adebimpe Adebiyi, stated that the gesture by 9mobile to celebrate frontline health workers by recognising and rewarding the most outstanding health worker would go a long way to boost the morale of the recipient as well as other health workers.

    “The award recipient of today is just one of the many who are spread across the healthcare system doing their best wherever they find themselves, and the country and the health sector would always want more of them. I acknowledge 9mobile’s germane and enviable gesture.  It is a resourceful partnership that the Federal Ministry of Health highly cherishes,” he stated.

    Acknowledging the minister’s commendation, Director of Sales, 9mobile, Tosin Olulana, who represented the Acting Chief Executive Director of 9mobile, Juergen Peschel, reiterated the need to support the efforts of frontline health workers who constantly risk their lives to save others.

    “At 9mobile, we have kept a tab on the remarkable progress made so far in curbing the spread of the virus in the country, which is primarily due to the resilience and steadfastness of frontline workers that have helped to stem the ugly tide. This is our way of showing support and appreciating all their efforts in ensuring the safety of the rest of us.”

    For his part, the Chief Medical Director, National Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Jaf Momoh, who responded on behalf of the hospital management, remarked, “It is encouraging to know that organisations like 9mobile notice the efforts being made by health workers to give their best for the benefit of the society. We appreciate your team for deeming it fit to stop by to celebrate one of us; we are delighted about it. This will spur us to do more in the discharge of our duties.”

    The recipient of the award, Dr. Abussamad Ayinde, expressed his  appreciation to 9mobile for shinning the spotlight on the sacrifices being made by health workers like him.

    Ayinde, an alumnus of the University of Ibadan (UI), was awarded the most dedicated staff by the National Hospital Abuja during the 20th Anniversary of the hospital. He was given a certificate of commendation for volunteering to manage COVID-19 patients.

    “It gives me great joy to be recognised and appreciated for my little efforts in making society a better place for all. For me, this award and recognition is dedicated to all health workers in the country and particularly the management and staff of National Hospital Abuja for their encouragement and support. And to 9mobile, I am grateful for this honour done to me.”