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Tag: Health minister

  • Health minister affirms FG’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations

    Health minister affirms FG’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations

    The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and safeguarding the most vulnerable citizens, emphasising that its comprehensive health sector revitalization plans aim to improve population health outcomes while providing financial protection for those at risk.

    The commitment was reaffirmed by the coordinating minister for health and social welfare, Prof. Mohammed Pate, at the opening ceremony of the 65th National Council on Health (NCH) held in Maiduguri, Borno state, where he highlighted the administration’s focus on revitalizing the health sector and fostering collaboration between federal and state governments to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

    In a statement by the ministry’s deputy director of information and public relations, Alaba Balogun, the event, themed ‘Accelerating Pathways to Universal Health Coverage: Strategies for 2030 Success’, brought together Commissioners of Health from the 36 States, top management staff of the Ministry, development partners, and civil society organizations (CSOs) to deliberate on strategies for achieving UHC by 2030.

    Pate highlighted key achievements under the National Health Renewal Investment Initiative (NHRII), underscoring the Federal Government’s dedication to meeting citizens’ needs and promoting transparency in health governance.

    He said: “More than 8,000 primary health care centres in Nigeria had benefitted from the ₦46 billion released by the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

    “Furthermore, a testament to this partnership and collaborative efforts was the training of more than 43,000 frontline health workers out of the targets of 120,000 that was set, which is still ongoing.

    “We have expanded the medical relief program to provide targeted support to ensure that the poorest and most vulnerable access products when they need them.

    “The revitalization of primary health care has been underway, and more will be revitalized. I think we have visibility to almost 4,000 in collaboration with the States.”

    The coordinating minister also underscored the critical role of regulatory bodies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in safeguarding the safety and efficacy of health products and ensuring quality across the distribution system.

    To address affordability and accessibility challenges, the Minister noted that the Federal Government has expanded its medical relief program to support the poorest and most vulnerable populations.

    “On the affordability side, through the National Health Insurance Authority NHIA, the obstetric complication of Vesico Vaginal Fistula, we’ve had more than 1,000 women already being prepared for their obstetric fistula complications free of charge since that initiative was announced.

    “In addition, to reduce maternal mortality, we know that at least 30 primary health care centres and secondary facilities can offer similar services. These services are being provided by the NHIA and, more will be provided.

    “By the end of the year, we’ll have not less than 100 and they would have reimbursement for NHIA to offer these free services for emergencies for women when they face obstetric complications, including cesarean sections,” he added.

    The coordinating minister emphasised the importance of industrial harmony in the health sector, noting that maintaining peace and stability is crucial for the successful implementation of the government’s health plans.

    Recall that the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) is currently on a seven-day industrial action which began on Monday, November 18th, 2024 to end on Sunday, November 24th, 2024, over the failure of the Government to harmonise the retirement age of Medical Consultants to 70 years; address the current shortfall of critical manpower for training, research, and healthcare services in the country; and failure of the government to universally implement the CONMESS for Clinical Lecturers in all Nigerian Universities, which aims to mitigate the current shortfalls in their Emolument, Entry Level, and Pension contribution of her members, and other contentious issues.

    The minister, however, appealed to the various professional groups to place the people at the centre of attention, stressing, that the issues that they have are being resolved by this administration’s front end.

    While declaring the 65th National Council on Health open, Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum asserted that Borno state is deeply committed to realizing the goals outlined in the Abuja Declaration, which called on every State to allocate at least 15% of their annual budget to health.

    Read Also: Health minister: 68% of Nigerian doctors sought to work in UK

    He said the commitment of the state government is underscored by the approval for a pay rise for medical doctors in the state civil service, in parity with their counterparts in Federal public service.

    To this end, he directed the state Commissioner of Health to liaise with relevant government agencies to bridge gaps in payment between doctors working for the State and Federal governments.

     He described the NCH meeting as a forum to collaborate, brainstorm, and deliver on the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu towards actualizing the goal to save lives, reduce both physical and financial pain, and, produce health for all Nigerians.

    In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, while commending Governor Zulum for hosting the 65th NCH a year ago and, acknowledged and applauded him for his commitment to improving the welfare of the health workforce in Borno State.

  • GM food controversy: Health Minister summons NAFDAC, NBMA bosses

    GM food controversy: Health Minister summons NAFDAC, NBMA bosses

    … as FG moves to tighten regulations on GMOs

    Concerned about the recent public outcry regarding Genetically Modified (GM) foods in the country, the Federal government directed the establishment of a Technical Working Group (TWG) between the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

    Additionally, a secretariat will be established alongside developing Terms of Reference (TOR) for the TWG to underscore the seriousness of the issue.

    Furthermore, applicants for GM foods in the country must be referred to NBMA prior to processing by NAFDAC.

    While continuing collaboration on risk assessment and GM food labelling becomes a necessity, the enhancement of capacity building and training exchanges would also be routine, including joint efforts in Information Technology (IT) and Global Listing initiatives.

    These emerged from a meeting convened by the Minister of State for Health, Tunji Alausa on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, with NBMA and NAFDAC DGs, Yemisi Asagbra and D Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye respectively where he emphasized the importance of consistent communication among government agencies to alleviate public fears.

    The meeting was prompted by discordant views from the two federal regulatory agencies on GM foods in the country considering that on June 29, 2024, the NAFDAC DG allegedly cautioned on a national television magazine programme that GM foods in the country are not safe for consumption due to insufficient research and data.

    While she admitted that GMOs could be used for non-food crops such as timber, furniture, and rubber plantation, Adeyeye asserted that there was no evidence from her agency that it is safe for human consumption.

    She was quoted as saying, “In terms of GMOs, we do not think it is safe. We don’t think it is safe for our consumption (that is the position of NAFDAC).

    “First, a lot of research has not been done in terms of the safety of GMO products and the genetics of the seeds have been modified. Until we get very convincing data to show the safety for human consumption”.

    Reacting, in a letter dated 2 July, Asagbra claimed that it was completely misleading for the DG of NAFDAC to categorically state on national television that GMOs are not safe, having admitted that her agency has not carried out research, does not have the competency nor the mandate to carry out any study to determine GMOs’ safety.

    “Based on the foregoing, I earnestly call on the DG of NAFDAC to as a matter of urgency admit and recant this glaring gap in knowledge and position of the Federal Government of Nigeria in the regulation of the practices of modern biotechnology and handling of GMO related matters by NBMA in collaboration with other relevant Agencies in Nigeria,” Asagbra was quoted as saying.

    However, according to Alausa in a joint statement also signed by the two DGs on Monday, the meeting underscored the need for a collaborative approach to address safety concerns related to GM foods, referencing extensive scientific evidence supporting their safety.

    The meeting marked a significant step towards unified governance in food safety and public health in Nigeria while aiming to reinforce collaboration between the two agencies to ensure a unified message on food safety, the Minister noted.

    In her response, NBMA DG Asagbra affirmed that no GM food permits are issued without NAFDAC’s involvement, adding that there has always been a historical collaboration between NBMA and NAFDAC, including a Memorandum of Understanding established in 2017.

    Read Also: Health minister, perm sec get 72 hours to explain unaccounted $300m anti-malaria funds

    While appreciating the Minister for the meeting Asagbra called for enhanced cooperative efforts to ensure food safety.

    On her part, NAFDAC DG Adeyeye explained that her previous remarks on GM foods were misunderstood while emphasizing NAFDAC’s commitment to safety.

    She, however, reaffirmed the agency’s rigorous safety standards, adding that no GM foods will be approved without thorough scientific safety assessments.

    Both agencies committed to ensuring that scientific evidence guides their actions to fostering public trust in food safety regulations and that by working together, “We reaffirm our commitment to science, environmental protection and safeguarding the health of the nation”, they said in a joint statement also signed by the Minister on Monday.

  • 40% of cancer cases can be prevented in Nigeria — Health Minister

    Health Minister  Isaac Adewole has said 40 per cent of cancer cases can be prevented in Nigeria, if people can change their sedentary lifestyles.

    Speaking yesterday at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos where he had gone to inspect a  new cancer treatment centre at the hospital  said that cancer prevention could be achieved when people change their lifestyles, especially the way they move around, sleep, eat, what they drink and majorly, staying away from tobacco.

    He said government invested in the cancer treatment centre so that Nigerians could be treated in the country  instead of  travelling out for treatment.

    “Also, the best place to treat patients is when they are among their people and seeing their relations every day,” he said.

    “So, we are trying to achieve that and save people’s money because it will be cheaper than travelling outside.

    “We noticed that treatment is beyond the modalities that will offer.

    “Three modalities for cancer treatment are chemotheraphy, radiation and surgery because most cancer cases are always presented late.

    read also: Human resources, drugs, vaccines are critical – Adewole

    “Improving awareness on cancer treatment will make people to come early for treatment and reduce late presentation of cancer cases,” Adewole said.

    He also said that the plan was to replicate the centre in many health institutions across the country .

    “LUTH has a first class of Biomedical Centre which we planned to support other centres.

    “I know LUTH will manage the machine properly which means abandoned and broken equipment will be a thing of the past.

    “There will also be long time maintenance contract that will enable us to manage the cancer machine.

    “The cancer treatment centre is almost ready, so by February, this centre will start operation fully for the benefits of the patients,” Adewole said.

    According to the minister, apart from the Cancer Treatment Centre, Federal Ministry of Health had on Tuesday flagged off  the basic healthcare provision fund.

    “The main reason is to provide resource from the Federal down to all the state facilities and also to the local government level.

    “We will also be providing some free basic services to the people such as immunisation services, delivery services, tuberculosis services, checking of blood pressure, urine test and treatment of under five children.

    “We will also be partnering with the state governments by making sure that the state provides infrastructure, while the Federal Government provides money to maintain it.

  • Health Minister launches presidential campaign initiative

    Health Minister, Prof. Isaac Adewole is set to flag off a campaign initiative named Buhari Leekan‘Si, which is an operational political structure committed to the propagation of President Muhammadu Buhari’s achievements in the last 44months as president as a leverage for his reelection in the February 16th 2019 election, by encouraging participation in the electoral system in all the wards of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti and Lagos states, with extension to certain parts of Kwara and Kogi states.

    The minister is billed to meet with clerics, traditional leaders and professionals in all the major sectors who are key components of the Nigeria economy and registered associations of artisans across the states, to motivate and persuade them on the need to return President Buhari back to office and vote all other APC candidates in their respective states. Adewole said, “We have built on what we met  at the health ministry in November 2015. The Muhammadu Buhari administration has over the last 3 years conducted strategic repositioning of the nation’s health sector.

    “We have developed the National Health Policy 2016 and initiated an ambitious programme of revitalizing 10,000 Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) across 10,000 political wards across the country. We have also upgraded over 4000 PHCs in partnership with States governments and development partners. We are implementing the Save One Million Lives Initiative to facilitate rapid development of the Primary Health Care system. This will provide the opportunity for each State in Nigeria to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) individually.

    “The SOML-PforR’s is focused on improving primary healthcare and increasing insurance coverage, especially for the most vulnerable in society. Also, we have developed the Second National Strategic Health Development Plan (2018-2022) and re-established the National HIV Treatment and Prevention Programme. We are upgrading Cancer treatment facilities in eight tertiary health institutions. The Cancer Centre in National Hospital is fully functional and can treat up to 100 patients daily.”

     

  • MDCAN recognises Ebola heroine, Adadevoh, health minister, 18 others

    The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has given Dr. Amayo Stella Adadevoh a post-humous Star award for her selfless and heroic service to the country.

    The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaa Adewole, was also honoured for his efforts towards revitalisation of the dilapidated primary health care facilities across the country. The minister had targeted to upgrade 10,000 primary health care centres.

    It was at the MDCAN 2018 Public Lecture and Award, with the theme “Politics and Health: Implications of Nexus To The Nigerian Citizen,” in Abuja

    Adadevoh was the lead clinician treating Sawyer in the First Consultant Hospital, Lagos, when he was presented to that hospital.

    She, in defending the country, refused all entreaties to allow Mr. Sawyer, the Ebola patient leave the hospital to attend the Calabar conference.

    The grand-daughter of late Nigerian foremost politician, Herbert Marculay, was eventually diagnosed of the killer virus and died in the process.

    The MDCAN star award, which is the highest in the award category, was therefore in recognition of her strength of character and singular ultimate sacrifice to prevent the spread of Ebola virus in Nigeria in 2014.

    In his welcome remark, Prof. Ngim Ngim, MDCAN President, said the honour to Adadevoh was deliberate as she was yet to get the recognition that she deserved.

    He said, “The honour on late Stella was a deliberate decision as we believe that not enough have been done to appreciate her sacrifice and to immortalised her.”

    Ngim also called on the government to do the needful by giving the late Adadevoh the recognition she so much deserve for her heroic act.

    He stressed that for her patriotic act, the country would have been in a serious problem at that time; adding that a lot of people would have died in the process as it would have been very difficult to contain the spread of Ebola if she had not played her part very well.

    She paid the supreme price with her life to prevent the country from being plunged into serious calamity.

    Ngim who also spoke on the theme of the public lecture, urged medical practitioners to play active role in the politics. Stressing that there is no way the practice will address the health challenges without playing politics.

    The immediate past Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, on his part blamed some politicians for preventing the past government from honoring the late Adadevoh.

    The former minister who was the Chairman of the occasion revealed that the former President Goodluck Jonathan had concluded arrangement to name her along some other Nigerians as national heroes in recognition of their efforts in containing the outbreak of Ebola virus in country when he was advised against the move.

    He said: “At a time, I know how many hours I spent on the phone and laptop some time in 2014 with Dr. Rueben Abatan, who you know was the Chief  Spokesperson of Mr. President Jonathan,” he said.

    He added, “There are people who told Mr. President that this woman cannot be a national hero. Yes but sometimes people just write. Let me tell you it is part of what the guest speaker is going to tell us today on how health mixes with politics.”

    “So when someone becomes Mr. President, pity him because he does not take all the decisions but receives blames for what he did not say.”

    He, however, assured that he will expose those who went against announcing Adadevoh as a national hero in his book.

    Speaking on politics and health, he said even at the World Health Organisation politics goes on.

    “Let me just say that health will always be part of politics and politics part of health. Ministers’ are politicians,” he added.

    In his lecture, Prof. Akin Osibogun, who was the Guest Speaker, was of the opinion that the contribution of MDCAN may yet set the tone for the expected national debates ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    Former Chief Medical Director, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and public health expert, also revealed that about 70 million Nigerians live below poverty line.

    “The poor are more likely to be sick and when sick, least likely to access health services promptly. The cost of illness is not just the cost of treatment, but includes the cost of treatment-seeking activities such as transportation to the hospital.

    “Poverty remains a most important determinant of ill-health as it contributes significantly to increased exposure to disease-causing agents and also prevents access to health care services once disease has occurred,” he said.

    Other awardees are: Prof. Mohammed Borodo, Emeritus Prof. Umaru Shehu, a royal father, Prof. Itam Hogan Itam, and Prof. Mustapha Abudu Danesi.

    MDCAN also recognised it past leaders among who are Prof. Florencio Ike Iweze, Prof. Akitpye Olusegun Coker, Prof. Adenike Grange, Prof. Philip Abiodun, Prof. Edward Ejiro Emuveyan, Prof. Augustine Orhue, Prof. Geoffrey Onyemelukwe, Prof. Stanley Anyanwu, Dr. Wadzani Gashau, Prof. Suleiman Giwa, Dr. Lamidi Isah Audu, Prof. Owoidoho Udofia, Prof. Gadzama and Prof. Balarabe Sani Garko.

     

  • 1.6m Nigerians on HIV treatment, says Health minister

    ONE million, sixty-six thousand, two hundred and twenty-three (1,066,223) people living with human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in Nigeria have been placed on treatment, it was learnt yesterday.

    The figure, according to the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, includes 54,167 children.

    He noted that the  government is providing treatment services to about 60,000 people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Abia and Taraba states.

    Three million and two hundred people are estimated to be living with HIV/ AIDS in the country.

    The minister spoke yesterday in Abuja at the national stakeholders’ consensus meeting on the implementation of the one year roadmap of the National Treatment PMTCT Programme (NTPP).

    He said: “I inform you that since the beginning of the National HIV response about 1,066,223 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIVs), including 54,167 children (FMOH Dec 2017) have been placed on treatment with support from donors, development partners and Nigeria. Nigeria, through NACA, is currently providing treatment services to about 60,000 PLHIV in Abia and Taraba states.”

    Adewole, therefore, challenged the private sector, corporate organisations, multinational organisations and independent bodies to invest in HIV management and contribute toward a sustainable healthcare delivery.

    “As you all know, HIV is a condition that challenges us all. The cost of HIV management, including procurement of commodities, training programmes and strengthening of infrastructure is enormous, especially now that donor support is dwindling globally.

    “The ability to provide cost-effective and performance-based intervention is a key strategy for a more efficient HIV/AIDS service delivery at all levels in the country,” he stated.

    Adewole harped on the need for the country to take more responsibility in HIV response programme, if the citizens are to actualise the global year 2020 target of reaching 90% of people living with the disease.

    “As the global community moves towards year 2020 end game for reaching the 90-90-90 targets, it has become imperative that Nigeria takes on more responsibilities in its HIV response, particularly in her efforts to increase ownership, ensure sustainability of the HIV response and consolidate the gains of all her previous initiatives.”

    He explained that based on this,  Nigeria “with support from her partners developed a one year roadmap to galvanise the country’s HIV treatment efforts towards achieving the 90-90-90 targets by 2020 with clear government leadership and ownership as well as a focus on increasing the number of PLHIV on treatment”.

    “The programme is already up and running in 7+1 states which is termed the high burden states. The states are Abia, Taraba, Benue, Cross River, Nasarawa, Lagos, Kaduna and FCT. Presently, almost all the states mentioned above are implementing Fast-track Initiative, which covers the TEST and TREAT strategy. In order for us to achieve the mandate of NTPP programme, additional 50,000 new patients must to be placed on treatment yearly in line with the 90-90-90 Global Target,” he added.

    The minister also announced that the Federal Government is determined to ensure that the programme is successfully implemented.

  • Health Minister endorses carbetocin for PPH prevention

    The Nigeria Health Ministry has endorsed Ferring’s heat-stable formulation of carbetocin is as effective as the current standard of care, oxytocin, for the prevention of excessive bleeding, also known as postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), after vaginal birth.

    Results from the CHAMPION clinical trial, conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) as part of collaboration with Ferring and MSD for Mothers, were published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) last week.

    According to Nigeria Heath Minister, Professor Isaac Oyewole, speaking at a health forum on eradication of Polio, in Kano, the WHO recommended heat-stable formulation of carbetocin, is a welcome development, and capable of lowering incidence of death among Nigerian women during childbirth.

    “Given that PPH still account for 18 per cent of death during childbirth in Nigeria, it is a welcome development and we are ready to work with relevant bodies to propagate it.”

    Data obtained from the WHO has it that every year, 14 million women are affected by PPH. Although most deaths are preventable, PPH is the leading direct cause of maternal death worldwide,4 causing approximately 70,000 deaths per year.

    “This is an important step forwards in PPH prevention and these results pave the way for heat- stable carbetocin to potentially save the lives of thousands of women, especially in areas where cold-chain transport and storage is not feasible,” said Professor Klaus Dugi, Chief Medical Officer, Ferring Pharmaceuticals. “We will now work with the WHO and MSD for Mothers to make heat- stable carbetocin available in countries where it is needed most, protecting women and families around the world.”

    Researched and developed by Ferring as a solution to address unmet needs in women’s health, heat-stable carbetocin remains effective at high temperatures,5 addressing a significant limitation of oxytocin which must be stored and transported at 2 – 8°C.6,7 Studies in low- and lower-middle income countries have revealed degradation and loss of efficacy in oxytocin ampoules, which could be due to inadequate storage and distribution conditions.7,8 Data show that heat-stable carbetocin maintains effectiveness for at least three years at 30°C and six months at 40°C.5 Heat-stable carbetocin has the potential to save thousands of women’s lives in low- and lower-middle income countries, where 99% of PPH-related deaths occur2 and where the refrigeration of medicines can be difficult to achieve and maintain.6

    The CHAMPION trial was conducted by the WHO Department of Reproductive Health and Research including the UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), using Ferring’s heat-stable carbetocin, and funded by MSD for Mothers.1,6 Ferring will now seek registrations and manufacture heat-stable carbetocin. The parties will work together with the aim of making heat- stable carbetocin available at an affordable and sustainable price in the public sector of low- and lower-middle income countries that have a high burden of maternal mortality.

  • APC congratulates Health Minister at 64

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state of Osun has sent a message of goodwill and congratulations to the Federal Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole  on the occasion of his 64th birthday today. The party said its executive and members throughout the state were especially delighted to join in felicitating with the minister because of his sterling qualities as a strong, faithful and loyal party man whose respect for leadership is a model for others.

    “Since he was appointed Minister for Health, he has significantly demonstrated what party loyalty is all about.  He has not only successfully implemented party policies on health, he has also been active in promoting the APC in the state as well as at the Federal level. We are therefore comfortable to extol him as an example for others. He has been a good party man which makes him a dependable leader. Happy birthday to you Prof. Osun is very proud of you,” the party said.

  • One in every 11 Nigerian adults is diabetic, says health minister

    One in every 11 Nigerian adults is diabetic, says health minister

    MINISTER of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole has said one in every 11 adults has diabetes and up to half of these are not diagnosed.

    He spoke at a one-day Sanofi Diabetes Summit, themed: “Diabetes: New management trends towards improving outcomes”.

    Adewole, who was represented by the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Dr. Chris Bode, said less than 10 per cent of people diagnosed with diabetes meet the targets of metabolic control. He said: “Yearly, there are five million diabetes and diabetes-related deaths and every 10 seconds, a limb is amputated due to diabetes. In fact, diabetes is now the most common cause of lower extremity amputation.

    “Diabetes Mellitus is a non-communicable disease (NCD) with rising worldwide prevalence. From 100 million in 1994, there are now 415 million people affected and projections for the future put the prevalence in 2030 at 642 million, most of the increase are from Africa and Asia.

    “Presently, there are about 15 million diabetics in Africa and a quarter of this number resides in Nigeria,” said Prof. Adewole.

    The minister said diabetes is the first or second commonest cause of end stage renal disease in most centres worldwide and is one of the commonest causes of blindness.

    These people with diabetes, he said, often have shortened lifespan and 80 per cent of them die of cardiovascular complications ranging from stroke, myocardial infarction, heart or kidney failure to foot gangrene.

    “Unfortunately many of these lives are lost at the peak of their prime in the fifth or sixth decade of lives with the attendant devastating effect on the family unit or the nation as a whole.

    “For the survivors, diabetes remains one of the costliest conditions to treat; expenses for some of the complications running into millions of naira per patient suffering from kidney failure, stroke, foot gangrene, ischaemic heart disease and retinopathy.”

    He said government is working at ensuring the rising trend is halted.

    Prof. of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Lagos and Consultant Paediatric Endocrinologists, Lagos University Teaching Hospital Prof. Abiola Oduwole said teachers, who spend over 12 hours with pupils and students should call attention to any child who is fond of drinking water excessively or visits the toilet frequently, as she said, “those are early signs of diabetes”.

    Oduwole said: “And if caught early, can be professionally managed and reversed. That way, parents won’t have to spend N30, 000 or more managing this preventable disease.”

    She said government needs to enlighten workforce in primary health centres, secondary and alternative medicine personnel, as well as diabetes educator on signs and symptoms of diabetes to look out for in people, especially children when they come to health facilities.

  • Health minister: how we spent N4.3b drug fund for Northeast rehabilitation

    Almost 90 per cent of the N4.3 billion voted for drug purchase for victims of Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast was released to local pharmaceutical companies to manufacture drugs, Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has stated.

    He spoke at the opening of a two-day international conference by the Centre for Drug Discovery, Development and Production (CDDDP) of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan at the weekend.

    The centre is supported by the MacArthur Foundation.

    The Minister, who was represented by Director, Food and Drugs Services of the ministry, Mrs. Modupe Chukwuma, said the decision empowered local pharmaceutical companies and created jobs within the industry.

    He said the ministry took the decision not to patronize foreign drug manufacturers because of the belief empowering local companies will also ensure quality control of the drugs needed.

    She said the minister believes in the ability of local drug manufacturers to produce high quality drugs.

    Welcoming participants, the Director of the centre, Prof. Chinedum Babalola, posited that essential medicines save lives and improve health when available, affordable, of assured quality and properly used.

    Vice chancellor of UI, Prof. Idowu Olayinka,  hailed  NEPAD  for  selecting CDDDP as a regional centre of regulatory excellence through its African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization Programme.

    Acting Director General of the National Agency for Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mrs. Yetunde Oni, emphasised the needs  for  collaboration among stakeholders.

    This, she said, would ensure the various challenges to access to quality medicines are identified and addressed.

    She identified access to quality medicines as a key element in the healthcare arsenal and recognised several global and regional initiatives towards improving access to quality medicines in a sustainable manner.