The Nation Newspaper

Category: Health

  • Public health pharmacist advocates for increased commitment to fight against antibiotic resistance

    Public health pharmacist advocates for increased commitment to fight against antibiotic resistance

    As antibiotic resistance rises globally, Nigeria faces an urgent public health crisis. Dr. Cordia Ogbeta, a clinical pharmacist and founder of Showcare Pharmacy, has emerged as one of the country’s most vocal advocates for antimicrobial stewardship, a coordinated effort to slow the misuse and overuse of antibiotics.

    In many parts of the country, antibiotics are still widely accessible without prescriptions. From rural communities to peri-urban neighborhoods, people often self-medicate, share leftover pills, or buy incomplete doses from informal vendors. These practices fuel bacterial evolution and resistance. “When you can purchase antibiotics without professional guidance, the threat of creating superbugs multiplies,” Dr. Ogbeta warns.

    At Showcare, Dr. Ogbeta has implemented a comprehensive antimicrobial stewardship program. His team enforces a strict prescription-first policy, screens all antibiotic requests, and offers counseling on when antibiotics are and are not needed. These strategies have reduced inappropriate antibiotic use by 30 percent across Showcare outlets.

    Dr. Ogbeta’s stewardship model also includes digital tools. Patient records help track antibiotic use and flag repeat prescriptions, while anonymized data supports health authorities in policy-making. He partners with local leaders, youth groups, and women’s associations to conduct health talks and workshops on the dangers of antibiotic misuse.

    In one instance, a patient attempted to purchase antibiotics for muscle pain. Rather than dispensing the medication, staff provided safer alternatives and explained why antibiotics wouldn’t help. These interactions, while small, prevent misuse and reinforce public trust in pharmacists as guardians of health.

    The stakes are high. The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control reported a 25 percent increase in drug-resistant infections, including those that no longer respond to common first-line treatments. If left unchecked, antibiotic resistance could lead to longer hospital stays, higher costs, and increased mortality.

    “Antibiotics are life-saving tools that must be protected,” says Dr. Ogbeta. “If we don’t act now, routine infections could become untreatable, and modern medicine as we know it could regress.”

    Dr. Ogbeta’s work is setting a national standard. His model offers a practical, scalable path for reducing resistance while strengthening public health from the ground up.

  • Leading Nigerian Health Informatics: Afolabi’s breakthrough in hospital management systems

    Leading Nigerian Health Informatics: Afolabi’s breakthrough in hospital management systems

    • By Larry Anwansedo

    Nigeria’s health informatics landscape faces significant challenges, including fragmented data systems, limited infrastructure, and the pressing need for solutions that address the country’s diverse healthcare demands.

    Dr. Adekunle Oluseyi Afolabi has played a key role in the development of health informatics in Nigeria, particularly in the areas of hospital management systems and healthcare technology. His work has contributed to the early foundations of digital solutions designed to address the specific needs of Nigerian healthcare institutions.

    Since the early 2000s, Dr. Afolabi has played a central role in developing indigenous healthcare software systems. His leadership in designing and implementing the Made in Nigeria Primary Healthcare and Hospital Information System (MINPHIS) marked a notable achievement as Nigeria’s first homegrown hospital information system.

    MINPHIS has helped in improving hospital operations by enhancing patient data management, appointment scheduling, and medical history tracking. This system was successfully deployed at prominent healthcare centres, including Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital and Azare Medical Center, where it significantly reduced administrative time and improved patient throughput.

    Reflecting on this accomplishment, Afolabi remarked, “Integrating innovative technology with a deep understanding of local healthcare practices is essential. MINPHIS is a testament to the impact indigenous solutions can have in transforming hospital services in Nigeria.”

    Beyond system development, his academic efforts include his doctoral research, which focuses on real-time healthcare recommendations for aged and chronically ill patients. His many peer-reviewed publications demonstrate a sustained commitment to advancing healthcare informatics through evidence-based approaches.

    Dr. Afolabi is widely recognized for his commitment to culturally informed digital solutions in healthcare. His work consistently emphasises tailoring technology to local needs, particularly through the development and refinement of indigenous health information systems.

    This dedication highlights his broader vision of making technology relevant and impactful for Nigerian healthcare institutions.

    Internationally, Dr. Afolabi’s expertise was recognized when he was invited to participate in the prestigious 4th Heidelberg Laureate Forum for Young Researchers and Scientists, cementing his reputation as a leading figure at the convergence of technology and healthcare.

    Speaking on this honour, he noted, “Being part of the Heidelberg Laureate Forum was a profound experience, connecting me with the global forefront of research and innovation. It reinforced my commitment to advancing technologies that improve healthcare outcomes in Nigeria and beyond.”

    His journey from early programming to healthcare research exemplifies a visionary commitment to improving health outcomes through digital innovation tailored to Nigeria’s unique context.

  • The Currency of Trust: Lessons from a Therapy Ward for the Financial Sector

    The Currency of Trust: Lessons from a Therapy Ward for the Financial Sector

    Trust is not built on promises; it is built on predictable, reliable action. This is a lesson Feyikemi Akinyelure learns intimately as Head of Occupational Therapy at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba. A patient’s fragile faith in the system can determine whether they continue life-saving rehabilitation or succumb to the isolation of their condition.

    In behavioral healthcare, trust is the first ingredient of healing. It’s fragile. It’s built not in grand gestures, but in the mundane details: a therapist who shows up on time, a treatment plan that is followed consistently, a clear and honest explanation for a setback, Akinyelure states. That consistency is everything. When we launch new initiatives, like our sensory integration program, its success hinged on the trust we’d already built that we will deliver on this new promise of better care.

    She draws a direct and powerful parallel to the financial sector’s current challenges. Financial customers are no different; their trust is broken by unresolved transactions and opaque processes, just as a patient’s trust is broken by operational failures. Her experience supervising 54 non-therapist echoes through her thoughts and work ethics. “if one link in that chain fails, either a missed note or a lost file, the patient’s entire experience and their trust in us erode”, she says..

    For Akinyelure, building trust isn’t a slogan; it’s a design principle. She champions this by creating clear, patient-centric care pathways in her department, ensuring every team member understands their role and every outcome is measured. This commitment to transparency extends to publishing research studies because she believes that openly acknowledging and learning from failure is what truly builds lasting credibility. In her view, owning a mistake and its solution is far more powerful than any marketing claim.

    She also warns against systems that prioritize automation over empathy, a lesson learned from direct patient care. Patients forgive mistakes when they feel heard and see a genuine effort to make things right. We train our entire team, clinical and non-clinical, on this principle. When people are under stress, whether financial or medical, the response must convey competence, urgency, and respect.

    Ultimately, Akinyelure believes that trust is the ultimate currency. In healthcare, it’s the currency of healing. In finance, it’s the currency of growth. It doesn’t grow from headlines; it grows in the details, in every kept appointment, every resolved dispute, and every transparent explanation. Over time, those small wins compound into credibility. And that is the most valuable capital any institution can hold.

  • Aisha Isa leads ethical opioid reform in Nigeria’s public hospitals

    Aisha Isa leads ethical opioid reform in Nigeria’s public hospitals

    In Nigeria’s public hospitals, the management of pain has become one of the most overlooked aspects of healthcare. Patients undergoing cancer treatment, recovering from major surgery, or facing terminal illness are often left in avoidable agony, not because medicine cannot help, but because access to effective pain relief is blocked.

    One of the voices drawing national attention to this crisis is Aisha Isa, a public health researcher and clinical associate in the American Cancer Society’s Treat the Pain initiative at the National Hospital in Abuja. From her work alongside clinicians, Isa has described the lack of access to opioids as “a silent emergency that continues to deny patients dignity in their most vulnerable moments.”

    The statistics reflect the gravity of the problem. According to Human Rights Watch and Treat the Pain, Nigeria receives only 0.2 percent of the morphine equivalent opioids required to meet its medical needs. Meanwhile, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reports that 14.4 percent of Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64 used drugs in the past year, nearly three times the global average.

    “This contradiction is heartbreaking,” Isa explained. “Inside hospitals, patients who desperately need morphine after surgery are denied access. Yet outside, tramadol, codeine, and other opioids are being misused widely. Patients are trapped in the middle of a broken system.”

    Her testimony is not theoretical. Isa recalls a patient recovering from abdominal surgery who rated his pain as “eight out of ten” on a standard pain scale. Despite his obvious distress, he was prescribed only paracetamol and a low dose of tramadol. “That experience stayed with me,” she said. “It reflects a larger systemic failure, not an isolated case.”

    Experts agree that morphine remains one of the most effective and affordable treatments for moderate to severe pain. Yet in Nigeria, fear of addiction often outweighs clinical judgment, leading many providers to avoid prescribing it altogether. Isa and other advocates argue that this hesitation undermines the ethical responsibility of healthcare professionals to relieve suffering.

    Her call is for Nigeria to adopt an ethical and evidence based opioid framework, one that ensures access for patients with genuine need while safeguarding against misuse. Such a framework would require opioid stewardship programs within hospitals, emphasizing rational prescribing, regular audit, and interprofessional collaboration between pharmacists, physicians, and nurses. It would also require provider education, standardized prescribing protocols, tighter supply chain oversight, and public awareness campaigns.

    Isa believes that opioid stewardship should be integrated into every level of Nigeria’s healthcare system, from medical education to hospital governance, ensuring that opioids are prescribed appropriately, monitored effectively, and used responsibly to balance compassion with control.

    There are proven models that Nigeria can follow. Uganda’s national morphine program, which empowers trained nurses to administer pain relief across both rural and urban communities, has been praised internationally for balancing access with safety. “Nigeria can adapt this model and save countless patients from needless suffering,” Isa noted.

    For Isa, the issue is not only about medicine but about justice. “A health system that allows patients to suffer in silence is not fulfilling its duty,” she told The Nation. “Relief should not be a privilege. It should be the standard.”

    Her call for reform reflects a broader truth: that pain management is a measure of humanity in healthcare. As Nigeria continues to expand its health system, Isa and other advocates insist that closing the pain gap must be a national priority. The knowledge, the tools, and the urgency already exist; what is needed now is the political will to act.

  • Nigerian Scientist, Dr. Arome Odiba, wins prestigious ASEAN talented young scientist fellowship

    Nigerian Scientist, Dr. Arome Odiba, wins prestigious ASEAN talented young scientist fellowship

    An academic in molecular biology and genetics, Dr. Arome Solomon Odiba, has been awarded the prestigious ASEAN Talented Young Scientist Guangxi Program (ATYSP) Fellowship for 2018, becoming the first Nigerian recipient of this highly competitive international honor.

    The award, administered by the Department of Science and Technology of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China, recognizes outstanding researchers from ASEAN member states and Belt and Road countries who have demonstrated exceptional scientific achievement and potential for global impact. Dr. Odiba’s fellowship will support his cutting-edge research in DNA Repair, Meiosis, and Anti-Aging Studies at the renowned Guangxi Academy of Sciences during the 2019–2020 period.

    According to a representative  from the Department of Science and Technology of Guangxi Zhuang when contacted by our correspondent via email, “the ATYSP Fellowship aims to assemble the best minds and foster high-level scientific collaboration between China and young innovators worldwide”. Candidates are rigorously selected based on their scientific integrity, technical expertise, and demonstrated contributions to their fields. The program provides recipients with substantial living and research subsidies, alongside the esteemed designation of “ATYSP Fellow.”

    Dr. Odiba’s selection stands out not only because of the program’s intense competitiveness but also because of his unique research focus. His work addresses some of the most pressing global biomedical challenges, including genomic stability, age-related diseases, and therapeutic innovation. As molecular biology becomes increasingly central to breakthroughs in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology, Dr. Odiba’s leadership in these critical areas marks a significant milestone for Nigerian and African scientific excellence on the world stage.

    Read Also: Nigeria deserves high standard ICC – Wike

    Speaking on his achievement, Dr. Odiba remarked: “It is a tremendous honor to represent Nigeria through this award. The ATYSP Fellowship offers a valuable platform to deepen my research and contribute meaningfully to the global scientific community. I am committed to advancing knowledge in DNA repair mechanisms and aging, areas that hold immense potential for transformative healthcare solutions worldwide.”

    The ATYSP Fellowship is widely recognized across Asia and participating Belt and Road nations as a major award for emerging scientific talents. By winning this honor, Dr. Odiba joins a distinguished circle of researchers acknowledged for their exceptional promise and dedication to advancing science.

    Professor Benjamin Ozumba, Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria, Nsukka,  notes that the significance of Dr. Odiba’s award transcends personal achievement. It symbolizes Nigeria’s growing influence in global scientific research and highlights the importance of investing in young talents capable of driving scientific innovation across borders.

    Dr. Odiba’s future research, supported by the ATYSP Fellowship, is expected to yield insights that could eventually influence therapeutic strategies for cancer, aging-related disorders, and genomic medicine—a domain of increasing relevance as the world’s aging population continues to rise.

    This achievement not only affirms Dr. Odiba’s status as one of Nigeria’s foremost young scientists but also sets a powerful example for the next generation of African researchers aspiring to global leadership in science and technology.

  • How Saheed Olanrewaju Aro is changing disability policy and practice in Lagos

    How Saheed Olanrewaju Aro is changing disability policy and practice in Lagos

    Saheed Olanrewaju Aro has stood tall since reporting for duty at the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, his posting to the Special Children Centre Department quickly became the start of a quietly determined campaign to recast how the state responds to children living with lifelong disabilities.

    As Assistant to the Project Director on Special Duties, Aro applied planning, research and program development skills to the twin burdens of social stigma and a fractured response system for persons with disabilities.

    Aro contributed through numerous ways and notably, the conceptualization of a structured program that addressed both perception and practice. He built a multi-layered intervention centered on a public awareness framework designed to educate families, schools and communities about disability inclusion, rights and early support.

    Far from palliative messaging, the framework aimed to shift public perception from pity and marginalization to understanding, acceptance and empowerment. Simultaneously, he designed a system-based mechanism for identifying the social, educational and developmental challenges faced by children with disabilities, insisting on early detection, documentation and clear referral pathways that would allow for targeted interventions and better service delivery.

    Practical in tone and ambitious in reach, the program that emerged from Aro’s work was grounded in evidence and aligned to existing state policies on youth development, education and social welfare. His approach emphasized stakeholder collaboration and data-driven identification of needs, proposing a model that could be scaled across departments and local government areas. The planning he supported wove implementation planning into the design, anticipating the realities of policy cycles and resource constraints while preserving a focus on sustainability.

    The conceptual framework Aro developed carried the promise of transforming how the Ministry approaches disability inclusion and child welfare. By embedding early detection and referral processes within a broader public education effort, the proposal offered a practical route toward more responsive and inclusive services for vulnerable children. Its emphasis on documentation and referral pathways also provided a clear operational blueprint for practitioners and policymakers seeking to translate intentions into measurable outcomes.

    Ultimately, Saheed Olanrewaju Aro’s work stood as a meaningful example of public service that marries compassion with systems thinking. In reinforcing the value of policy-informed programming, his program concept contributed to the Lagos State Government’s broader objectives of social inclusion, equity and human development and offered a durable model for others committed to building a more inclusive society.

  • Scientists caution on air quality indices, health impacts in Ilorin

    Scientists caution on air quality indices, health impacts in Ilorin

    Two leading Nigerian environmental scientists, Raimi Morufu Olalekan and Stephen Olalekan Awogbami, have raised concern on the air quality in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria following a comprehensive scientific assessment of airborne pollutants and their health implications.

    Their study, which was published in the Scientific Research and Impact Journal, represents one of the most detailed analyses of urban air pollution in North-Central Nigeria. The research evaluated levels of particulate matter (PM₂. ₅ and PM₁₀), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, and combustible gases (LEL) across 24 locations in Ilorin metropolis.

    According to Raimi, a seasoned environmentalist from Niger Delta University’s Department of Community Medicine, “Our findings show that while particulate matter levels were within national and WHO standards, the concentrations of volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde in some industrial zones exceeded acceptable thresholds. These pollutants pose serious respiratory and cardiovascular risks, especially for children, pregnant women, and the elderly.”

    The study’s results revealed that VOCs and formaldehyde reached levels categorized as “very unhealthy” and “hazardous”, while oxygen levels in certain zones were lower than WHO recommendations. These conditions, the researchers warn, could aggravate asthma, heart disease, and lung cancer, and contribute to long-term neurodegenerative illnesses.

    Stephen Awogbami, an environmental toxicologist  from Ekiti State College of Health Sciences and Technology, stressed that “The interplay of industrial emissions and urban activities in Ilorin contributes to an unhealthy air quality index that requires urgent mitigation. Without proactive intervention, residents could face an increase in respiratory and non-communicable diseases.”

    The research places Nigeria within the broader global context of air pollution challenges, aligning with OECD projections that air pollution may cause up to 9 million deaths annually by 2060. The scientists emphasized that Ilorin’s growing industrial activities, vehicular emissions, and lack of adequate air quality monitoring are major contributors to rising pollution levels.

     Awogbami explained that poor air quality is not only an environmental concern but also a public health emergency, noting that “Reducing air pollution saves lives, improves pregnancy outcomes, and enhances community productivity.” He urged state and federal governments to invest in continuous air quality monitoring, renewable energy transition, and stricter industrial emission regulations.

    The authors therefore call on the Kwara State Ministry of Environment to collaborate with national environmental agencies to establish a comprehensive Air Quality Management (AQM) framework for the region.

    Furthermore, the scientists advocate for public awareness campaigns, particularly in vulnerable communities, to inform citizens about the health risks of prolonged exposure to polluted air. They suggest that schools, hospitals, and residential areas should be strategically located away from high-pollution zones.

    The scientists concluded that while Ilorin’s current particulate levels may seem acceptable, the long-term cumulative exposure to industrial pollutants could result in severe health outcomes if not addressed. They called for multi-sectoral collaboration among government agencies, industries, and academia to safeguard public health and ensure environmental justice for all residents. In their words: “Clean air is a fundamental human right. Protecting it is protecting life itself.”

  • Olugbenga Oyewole: A Pillar of excellence in Lagos medical community

    Olugbenga Oyewole: A Pillar of excellence in Lagos medical community

    In the ever-evolving field of healthcare, few individuals shine as brightly as Dr. Oyewole, a distinguished medical professional whose dedication and expertise have significantly impacted the medical field in Lagos State. 

    With over two decades of service, Dr. Oyewole’s journey from a Medical Officer at Shigun Hospital and Maternity in February 2000 to Chief Consultant Anatomic Pathologist at the Lagos State General Hospital Marina is a testament to his commitment to excellence and patient care.

    Dr. Oyewole’s career began at a time when the medical system in Lagos was undergoing various challenges, including resource constraints and a burgeoning population. 

    Recognizing the need for skilled healthcare professionals, he immersed himself in his work, focusing on improving patient outcomes through diligent practice and continuous learning. His early experiences shaped his approach to medicine, fostering a deep understanding of the complexities of healthcare delivery.

    In 2015, Dr. Oyewole’s expertise was recognized when he was appointed as a Consultant Pathologist for the state government. This role allowed him to influence medical practices and policies significantly, enhancing diagnostic services and patient care standards across Lagos State. His leadership and vision were instrumental in introducing innovative practices in pathology, making essential services more accessible to the public.

    The following year, Dr. Oyewole transitioned to the Lagos State General Hospital, where he continued to excel. As a senior medical doctor, he has been pivotal in implementing strategies to improve hospital operations, patient care, and staff training. His focus on team collaboration and mentorship has fostered a culture of excellence within the medical staff, ensuring that emerging healthcare professionals receive the guidance they need to thrive in their careers.

    Dr. Oyewole’s impact extends beyond administrative roles. As a senior morbid histopathologist, he has contributed significantly to advancements in diagnostic pathology, particularly in the early detection and management of diseases. 

    His work has been vital in guiding clinical decisions, ultimately improving patient outcomes and saving lives. His colleagues and patients alike commend his meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication to accuracy in diagnostics.

    In addition to his clinical and administrative responsibilities, Dr. Oyewole is an active participant in public health initiatives. He often engages in community outreach programs, raising awareness about health issues and preventive care. His belief in the importance of health education resonates deeply within the communities he serves, empowering individuals to take charge of their health and well-being.

    Moreover, Dr. Oyewole has not shied away from sharing his knowledge through various platforms. He frequently speaks at medical conferences and contributes to medical journals, reinforcing his commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. His passion for teaching inspires many young medical professionals to pursue careers in pathology and related fields.

    As a highly reputable medical officer within the Lagos State health services, Dr. Oyewole’s contributions have not only elevated his career but have also transformed the healthcare landscape in Lagos. 

    His dedication, expertise, and compassionate approach to medicine serve as a model for healthcare professionals everywhere. As he continues to rise in prominence, one thing is certain: Dr. Oyewole’s legacy will have a lasting impact on the health of the people of Lagos State and beyond.

  • Expert calls for stronger health education, community outreach

    Expert calls for stronger health education, community outreach

    As Nigeria continues to grapple with persistent public health challenges, particularly inadequate healthcare access in rural communities, a physiologist and health educator has emphasized the urgent need for robust health awareness and preventive care strategies.

    Chibuzor Ukonu, a staff member at Nyanya General Hospital in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, with an extensive experience in public health services, highlights the critical role of community-based health interventions and their impact on improving healthcare access, disease prevention, and health education in underserved populations.

    Ukonu, who has played key roles in health education programs within the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and surrounding satellite towns, believes that effective public health strategies must prioritize prevention over treatment.

    “In Nigeria, many health issues, including hypertension, diabetes, and infectious diseases, can be mitigated through proactive health education,” Ukonu stated. “Comprehensive community health education programs, awareness campaigns, and early screening initiatives should be at the forefront of our healthcare policies.”

    She stressed that public health education should be a fundamental component of the country’s healthcare system rather than an afterthought. Drawing comparisons to developed nations, Ukonu pointed out that strong public health models prioritize disease prevention as the first line of defense.

    “Nigeria must shift from a reactive to a proactive approach. Prevention is always more effective and cost-efficient than cure,” she added.

    Drawing from her experience at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, where she has been actively involved in health education, Ukonu noted that countries with strong community health systems tend to achieve better health outcomes. She urged the Nigerian government and health sector stakeholders to invest in grassroots health education programs that empower individuals with knowledge about disease prevention, proper nutrition, and lifestyle modifications—particularly in rural areas where primary healthcare services are limited.

    Read Also: Akufo-Addo urges Nigerian elite to lead West Africa, drive continental unity

    Beyond government intervention, Ukonu emphasized the importance of collaboration between healthcare professionals, non-governmental organizations, and local communities to ensure that health education reaches the most vulnerable populations.

    “Public health is not just about hospitals and treatments—it’s about preventing illness before it happens,” she said. “By strengthening community outreach and education programs, we can reduce pressure on our healthcare system and improve overall well-being.”

    She also underscored the role of technology in expanding health education, advocating for digital health campaigns to reach a wider audience.

    “With the rise of social media and mobile technology, we have the tools to educate millions of Nigerians on healthy living and disease prevention,” she explained. She further recommended citizen-centered health education programs that train community leaders and other trusted figures, as many rural residents rely on them for basic health information.

    While acknowledging some progress, Ukonu stressed that more work remains. She urged policymakers to prioritize health education funding, arguing that investments in community health initiatives yield long-term economic and social benefits.

    “A healthier population means a more productive workforce and lower healthcare costs—it’s a win-win situation,” she remarked.

    With her extensive background in physiology, Ukonu remains committed to bridging the gap between research and real-world healthcare solutions. She continues to advocate for innovative strategies that can transform public health education in Nigeria and beyond.