NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Foreign

Sierra Leonean news agency boss urges public health sovereignty promotion

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By Mark Longyen

The Managing Director of the Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA), Mrs Lolo Thompson-Oguamah, has urged African news agencies to leverage their platforms to achieve public health sovereignty in their countries.

 

She stated this on Wednesday in Rabat, the Moroccan capital, at the 8th General Assembly of the Atlantic Federation of African Press Agencies (FAAPA), with the theme: “Health Sovereignty in Africa”.

 

Thompson-Oguamah, Sierra Leone’s Media Lead in Risk Communication and Social Mobilisation during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ebola Virus Emergency Preparedness Plan, underscored the important role of the media in safeguarding health sovereignty.

 

According to her, health sovereignty is not just about providing resources but also about empowering people with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions for their well-being.

 

She said that her experiences during the pandemics served as clear testimonies to the indispensable role of the media in strengthening health systems, shaping public narratives, and saving lives.

 

“The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities across Africa, not only in healthcare systems but also in our information ecosystems.

 

“In Sierra Leone, the dual crises of Ebola and COVID-19 highlighted the urgent need for sovereign health systems tailored to our unique challenges.

 

“Weak health infrastructure, compounded by misinformation and disinformation, magnified the impact of the two health crises, resulting in unnecessary loss of lives and a slower recovery process,” she said.

 

Thompson-Oguamah noted that the pandemics highlighted the fact that many people in Sierra Leone died because of insufficient information, stressing that the media’s role in helping to close the glaring gaps cannot be overemphasised.

 

The SLENA boss also emphasised that timely, accurate, and culturally sensitive communication form the cornerstone of crisis management.

 

“The media’s role extends beyond information dissemination. We are catalysts for public understanding, trust, and action.

 

“By embracing this responsibility, we can help build a future where every African enjoys the dignity of informed health decisions.

 

“Health sovereignty begins with information sovereignty. By empowering our people with accurate, reliable information, we enable them to take ownership of their health and futures,” she said.

 

Thompson-Oguamah further noted that health sovereignty requires a multi-faceted approach to succeed.

 

This, she said, required investing in specialised training skilled journalists capable of interpreting epidemiological data and navigating ethical reporting dimensions.

 

She also urged the African news agencies to leverage digital platforms to amplify accurate information and combat disinformation because they offer unparalleled opportunities.

 

“Social media campaigns, mobile outreach programmes, and visual aids are instrumental in our efforts,” she said.

 

She urged them to engage in gender-inclusive communication by mainstreaming gender into all their programmes and harness women’s leadership that would foster resilience and improve outcomes.

 

The SLENA MD added that partnerships among the media and health sectors as well as community leaders are critical to achieving public health sovereignty.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Malam Ali M. Ali, is among the African News Agencies’ chiefs attending the General Assembly.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

Health

Menstruations: Stakeholders to empower women, provide health solutions

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By Ahmed Dantala

Her pride, other stakeholders in menstrual wellness have decided to empower women with confidence and freedom from stigma or period poverty.

 

They said this at a launch of a menstrual wellness app, “her pride: the pride of every girl”, on Saturday, in Abuja.

 

The event with the theme “empowering menstrual wellness: healthy cycle, healthy lives”.

 

Ms Anjolaoluwa Odunaike, product manager and team lead, her pride app, said women should be proud of their period and feel free to discuss it even among the male gender.

 

Odunaike however encouraged everyone to learn about menstrual health and be conversant with discussions that have to do with menstruation.

 

“In today’s world, a lot of ladies have menstrual health related issues and are usually shy or ashamed to talk about it.

 

“So, with Her pride, we are giving women the space, the opportunity, especially in Nigeria.

 

“It’s a community for women in Nigeria to be able to talk about their issues, their problems and empowered as the problems are being solved and not necessarily have to hide it anymore.

 

“In Nigeria here today, we have a lot of ladies who are used to the norms of waiting for their menstrual supprises to come, but with her pride, you can easily get notification about when your period will come, you are not necessarily surprised, you are ready for it.

 

Ms Lois Amele, Executive Director, Good tides Philippian Mission Foundation, expressed her readiness to collaborate and also urged the government to emulate the initiative by also partnering with the organisation.

 

“We would like to partner with this organisation

 

“I would say this is an opportunity where the government will have to come in and partner with this organisation and donate particularly to this organisation.

 

” They are not only assisting the people in the rural environment, but they are also doing a lot with the urban environment.

 

“So, I would say that, minister of women affairs, women affairs secretariat and every government bodies, we need to come together and push what is going down here in her pride.

 

Ms AbdulKareem Silifat, a corp member and participant at the event, said she grew up in a Muslim home as a lady, and that she could not really discuss anything about menstruation when the male gender were at home.

 

“Sometimes we are really feeling pains, they are there sending us to buy things or do things.

 

” Am really happy that there are people out there that really care about menstrual circles and are willing to take it a bit further and also educate people about it.”

 

The highlight of the event was the official launch of the “Her Pride App”.

 

NAN reports that, Her pride app is a platform that helps women track their menstrual period, mood and cycle flow.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Economy/Business

Fake products trigger health, economic crises – Expert

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By Chinenye Offor

Dr Emeka Offor, former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, has described Nigeria’s counterfeit goods crisis as both an economic challenge and a public health emergency requiring urgent action.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja, Offor revealed the dangers posed by the influx of counterfeit and substandard products into local and national markets.

He said these products have severe consequences for consumers and threaten the country’s economic stability.

He noted that drastic proposals, such as feeding counterfeiters their own products, might seem extreme, but stressed that penalties for such crimes must match their severity.

Offor identified cities like Aba as epicentres of this crisis, which he said undermines public health and hinders national development.

“According to the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), counterfeit goods account for 40 per cent of products in the Nigerian market, causing annual economic losses exceeding 20 billion dollars.

“The health sector is also reeling from the surge in fake drugs. NAFDAC reports that approximately 17 per cent of pharmaceutical products in circulation are counterfeit, putting millions of lives at risk,” he said.

Offor emphasised the tragic human toll of counterfeit goods, citing hospitals overwhelmed with cases of poisoning and organ failure linked to fake medications.

He shared the story of a woman who unknowingly consumed counterfeit drugs for a chronic condition, leading to severe complications requiring emergency care.

“Substandard electrical products have caused devastating fires, destroying homes and businesses.

“Fake building materials have led to building collapses, and counterfeit auto parts have resulted in fatal road accidents,” he added.

He warned that the crisis poses a dire threat to legitimate manufacturers, with companies like Nigerian Breweries and Unilever reporting revenue losses due to fake versions of their products.

“These counterfeits, often sold at lower prices, make it nearly impossible for legitimate businesses to compete.

“Many companies have shut down, resulting in job losses, reduced tax revenues, and diminished foreign investment,” he said.

Offor also pointed to the influx of cheap, substandard imports, particularly from China, often entering Nigeria through porous borders and corrupt customs practices.

“The World Bank estimates that Nigeria loses about 15 per cent of its potential GDP growth annually due to counterfeit products and related illegal trade,” he said.

The healthcare system, he added, bears the brunt of the counterfeit crisis, with hospitals treating increasing numbers of patients affected by toxic cosmetics, fake drugs, and other counterfeit goods.

While agencies such as NAFDAC and SON have intensified their efforts, Offor noted that their resources remain insufficient.

“In 2023, NAFDAC reportedly destroyed counterfeit goods worth ₦4 billion, but he said this represents only a fraction of the problem. Corruption continues to undermine regulatory enforcement”.

Offor called for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to tackling the counterfeit crisis.

“Only through joint efforts by the government, industry, and consumers can Nigeria stem the tide of counterfeit products and protect its economy and public health,” he said.

He stressed the need for judicial reforms to ensure swift prosecution of offenders, with severe penalties such as long prison sentences for counterfeiters.

He also emphasised the role of technology in combating the issue.

“The government must increase funding for regulatory bodies, provide modern technology for detecting counterfeit products, and expand enforcement powers.

“A national product verification system using QR codes or blockchain technology could allow consumers to verify the authenticity of products.

“Manufacturers should also invest in anti-counterfeiting measures such as holographic labels and track-and-trace systems,” he said.

Offor noted the importance of public education, urging consumers to be aware of the risks associated with counterfeit goods and how to identify them.

He also called for strengthened border controls and better collaboration with neighbouring countries to reduce the influx of fake products.

“Trade associations should establish quality certification programmes, and the government should incentivise local manufacturers to adopt international quality standards.

“Enhanced surveillance technology and regional cooperation will also be key to addressing the crisis,” he said.

Offor urged all stakeholders to take decisive action to safeguard Nigeria’s economy and public health from the dangers posed by counterfeit goods. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Health

‘Prioritise health and safety this festive season’– NACA

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By Justina Auta

Dr Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), has called on Nigerians to prioritise their health by knowing their HIV status, especially as the holiday season approaches.

In a statement on Sunday in Abuja, Ilori urged Nigerians to make use of the free and confidential HIV testing services available across the country.

She stated that while HIV remains a significant public health issue, advancements in testing and treatment have made it manageable and no longer a death sentence.

“Early diagnosis ensures access to life-saving medication and improves the chances of living a healthier and longer life.

“We understand that the festive season comes with increased social activities. While celebrating, let us remember the importance of safe practices.

“Use protection during sexual activities, and for those who choose abstinence, continue to uphold it as the safest option,” she said.

Ilori also noted that ignorance is no longer an excuse, given the widespread availability of HIV testing and education, which provide individuals with the tools to make informed choices.

She reaffirmed NACA’s commitment to reducing HIV transmission and achieving an AIDS-free Nigeria.

“This festive season, give yourself the gift of health by visiting the nearest health facility or community testing centre to know your HIV status.

“Let us work together to create a healthier, happier Nigeria,” she said.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Economy/Business

FG pledges to strengthen healthcare system

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By Nana Musa

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Mr Adeyemi Adeniran, Chief Executive Officer of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), made this statement on Wednesday during the launch of the National Health Facility Survey (NHFS) Report 2023 in Abuja.

Adeniran stated that the NHFS 2023 builds on the 2016 and 2019 surveys, using improved tools to assess service availability and health facilities’ readiness to deliver essential services.

“This latest report includes several improvements, particularly in data collection methods from selected health facilities nationwide.

“These enhancements provide a comprehensive framework for assessing service availability and evaluating the readiness of facilities to deliver effective healthcare,” Adeniran said.

He noted the inclusion of Service Delivery Indicators (SDIs) developed in collaboration with the World Bank and the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), which focus on primary healthcare delivery.

According to Adeniran, the SDIs promote accountability, enhance governance, and enable targeted interventions for better healthcare outcomes.

He acknowledged the persistent challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare system, including inadequate funding, outdated infrastructure, and a shortage of skilled personnel.

“Many Nigerians still face difficulties accessing quality healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Despite various reforms and investments by the government and development partners, significant challenges remain,” Adeniran said.

He listed issues such as infant mortality rates of 63 per 1,000 live births (as per the latest National Health and Demographic Survey) and widespread shortages of essential medicines.

“These ongoing issues hinder the provision of equitable healthcare to all Nigerians, especially in underserved areas,” he added.

Adeniran also noted the growing migration of healthcare professionals to countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom in pursuit of better salaries, working conditions, and career prospects.

This trend, he said, has further strained the healthcare system by exacerbating the shortage of skilled workers.

He emphasised the importance of the NHFS report in addressing these challenges, describing it as an essential resource for policymakers and healthcare administrators.

“The data in this report provides an insightful analysis of the current state of health facilities and offers evidence-based recommendations for informed decision-making.

“By leveraging this information, we can implement targeted interventions to address urgent issues, especially at the primary healthcare level,” he stated.

Prof. Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, described the event as a pivotal moment for the country’s health sector.

Represented by the Minister of State, Dr Iziaq Salako, Pate highlighted the survey’s significance, stating that the findings offer invaluable insights into the preparedness and capacity of health facilities to deliver essential services.

“This survey used the WHO’s Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA) tool and the World Bank’s SDI to evaluate the performance of over 3,000 public health facilities nationwide,” Pate said.

He noted that the findings shine a light on the strengths and gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in primary and secondary facilities, which serve the majority of the population.

“These insights are crucial for shaping policies and interventions that will improve healthcare outcomes for all Nigerians,” Pate added.

The report, he said, serves as a guide for future investments and targeted efforts to address service delivery gaps, improve healthcare infrastructure, and enhance the overall quality of care.

“By using this data strategically, we can focus our resources on areas where they are most needed, ensuring better healthcare services for all Nigerians, regardless of location or socio-economic status,” he concluded. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Foreign

U.S. strengthening healthcare, transparency, human rights in Nigeria —Envoy

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By Mark Longyen

Amb. Richard Mills, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, says his country is working to strengthen healthcare, transparency, and human rights in Nigeria, stressing that the nation requires progress in key areas. 

Mills, who made this known in a statement issued by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria on Monday in Abuja, said that the U.S. remained Nigeria’s steadfast partner in these critical areas of their bilateral relations for national development. 

The envoy noted that towards this end, yearly in December, the U.S. marks three international observances that are at the heart of the U.S.-Nigeria partnership.

He listed the celebrations as the World AIDS Day; International Anti-Corruption Day; and Human Rights Day. 

According to him, these commemorations, while distinct, underscore the simple truth that these issues are accorded top priorities in the partnership between the two nations.

“For two decades, the United States has stood with Nigeria in the fight against HIV/AIDS under the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

“The U.S. government has invested more than 8.3 billion dollars in Nigeria’s health sector and provided life-saving anti-retroviral treatment to more than 1.5 million people.

“These numbers represent improved life expectancy and quality of life for these Nigerians and their families,” he said.

Amb. Mills said that during his recent visit to clinics across Nigeria, he had met dedicated healthcare workers who delivered HIV prevention, treatment, and care, supported by U.S. resources.

He said that such interventions had done more than save lives, adding that using HIV as an entry point, Nigeria’s health system had  greatly benefited.

“As Nigeria’s health system is strengthened, this important work will be led by government and engagement with the private sector to sustain the gains,” the ambassador emphasised.

He recalled that such commitment was reinforced during the recent visit to Nigeria of Dr John Nkengasong, U.S. Department of State’s Global AIDS Coordinator and Senior Bureau Official for Global Health Security and Diplomacy.

The envoy said that Nkengasong held discussions with Nigerian health officials focusing on how the Nigerian Government would sustain the HIV health programs with strengthened Nigerian leadership and local ownership.

Speaking on transparency as a critical element of good governance, Mills said that positive health outcomes depended on good governance. 

“When medical supplies are diverted, when healthcare workers go unpaid, when facilities buy dangerous, counterfeit medications or lack resources due to mismanaged funds, it costs lives.

“This is why the United States supports numerous initiatives, not only in the health sector, to enhance transparency and accountability in Nigeria. 

“Our programmes work directly with government agencies and civil society organisations to strengthen fiscal responsibility with the goal of the state ensuring resources reach their intended beneficiaries,” he said.

On strengthening human rights, Ambassador Mills said that the success of the aforementioned efforts rested on respect for human rights and civic engagement. 

He said that this often happened when members of marginalised communities faced discrimination in accessing healthcare; when citizens feared reporting corruption; and when vulnerable populations could not advocate for their needs. 

“Through our partnership with Nigeria, we promote the rights of every person to access essential services and enjoy fundamental freedoms without fear or discrimination.

“Our human rights programming has empowered civil society organisations to advocate for marginalised communities, leading to better access to health services. 

“Our health system investments have created platforms for transparency that benefit all sectors.  

“Nigerians are both more frequently refusing to pay bribes and reporting bribe seekers to investigative journalists and rule of law authorities — a shift in norms is beginning to take root and must continue,” he said. 

The ambassador further said that the U.S. Embassy was ready to support Nigerian voices pressing the fight against corruption in Nigeria. 

Mills said that the U.S. was inspired by the dedication of Nigerian government officials, civil society leaders, healthcare workers, and citizens to build a stronger nation.

“Together, we can continue to advance the interconnected goals of better health outcomes, good governance, and human rights for all Nigerians. 

“Challenges remain, but the work we’ve done together shows what could be possible on a larger scale across these crucial domains.

“The United States continues to stand with the Nigerian people as they carry out this essential work with their elected government,” he added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)


Edited by Sadiya Hamza 

Health

Traditional foods healthy for diabetes management – Endocrinologist

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By Vivian Ihechu

Prof. Olufemi Fasanmade, a Consultant Endocrinologist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos,
asserts that most traditional foods are considered healthy for diabetes management, hence healthy for people with the condition.

The consultant spoke on Thursday during a virtual media roundtable organised by Novo Nordisk, a multinational pharmaceutical company, to commemorate 2024
World Diabetes Day.

Fasanmade, a Professor of Medicine at College of Medicine, University of Lagos, also dispelled certain myths around diabetes diet such as “eating garri is not suitable for people with diabetes”.

He said “most traditional foods are healthy for persons with diabetes, like vegetable soup and beans.

“All our traditional foods are actually protective, but some groups and people are trying to tell patients that they should not take garri.

“Our garri is even better than wheat.

“The only thing that may be wrong is that the person with diabetes must not take the usual size. You can take garri, eba, but it must be the size of your fist.

“Even bread, persons with diabetes can eat it, but the best type of bread is the whole wheat bread, unsweetened whole wheat bread, taken in moderate quantity.”

He added that persons with diabetes can also take snacks and cereals. They can take granola. They can take some nuts, walnuts, cashew, almond nuts.

“ They can take some fruits, watermelon, Pawpaw, carrots, garden, eggs, all of these are good enough things for the person that has diabetes to snack on.’’

However, the endocrinologist recommended consultation with a registered nutritionist or dietician for personalised dietary advice, including calorie intake.

Fasanmade also emphasised the importance of avoiding refined carbohydrates, sugar, soft drinks, smoking and alcohol for individuals with diabetes as part of healthy diet plan.

He further explained that “the first thing to do is to avoid every form of refined carbohydrate, and by refined carbohydrate, I mean avoid every soft drink.

“Avoid sugars, whether white sugar or brown sugar. Avoid sugar cane, avoid fructose and anything that contains plenty sugar. That’s the first step.

“Other things to avoid are smoking and alcohol, and most importantly, note that the best way to get a diet plan is by seeing a registered nutritionist or a dietician
to get personalised diet plan.”

He also emphasised the importance of regular blood sugar and blood pressure monitoring, as well as exercise.

According to him, the quality of life depends on balanced lifestyle, diet, exercise and medication adherence.

He alerted that substandard medications posed risks, leading to severe health complications, and advised the purchase of NAFDAC-approved drugs, proper storage
and reporting any issues.

Fasanmade urged citizens to know their numbers and take their medications, adding that “to the people, I will say, know your numbers.

“First of all, do you have diabetes? Check how well controlled you are?.

“Thirdly, if the medications are too expensive for you to afford, discuss with your healthcare professional so that they can devise a means to
tailor your medication according to your pocket.

“This is more ideal than skipping medication,” Fasanmade said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Health

UNICEF, journalists move to strengthen  health, education reportage

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By Sani Idris-Abdulrahman

UNICEF has brainstormed with journalists from Kaduna State, Nasarawa, Niger and Kwara on bolstering reportage of health and education issues.

This was in an effort to expand media buy-in at all levels to strengthen terms of engagement to promote reporting and broadcasting of health and education programmes,

UNICEF’s priority areas of intervention for the four states are; reducing the number of zero-dose children, which falls under health, and reducing the number of out-of-school children, which falls under education.

At a dialogue session in Zaria, Kaduna State, Dr Sule Meleh, a Health Specialist with UNICEF, tasked the media to actively participate in creating awareness on the issues.

According to him, this is  through news and programme contents with a view to reducing maternal and infant mortality in Nigeria.

Meleh said the essence of media dialogue was to bring journalists together to brainstorm on issues of maternal and infants’ mortality.

Similarly, it was to identify the major challenges confronting pregnant women ranging from antenatal to postnatal at the facilities and look at possible ways of addressing the issues.

He said that the media were good partners that could help UNICEF spell out some of its interventions on health and education to the public.

This is for them to key into considering the indices of maternal mortality and infants’ death in 2023 cut across the states.

Meleh explained that bringing journalists onboard would go a long way in linking the population with the available services as provided by UNICEF and other NGOs.

He assured more collaboration with journalists to achieve the target objectives.

Similarly, the Kaduna State Education Officer, Primary Health Care Development Agency, Isa Yusha’u, said media practitioners can reach millions of people through their news reportage and programmes contents.

He believed that the discussions would impact positively on improving maternal, newborn and child health across the four states.

Also, Bala Dada, the Education Officer, UNICEF, Kaduna Field Office, said the engagement was to give them information about the programmes UNICEF run along with the government.

He said UNICEF works directly with the state government to focus on the interventions and priorities of the state.

Dada explained what the state governments were focusing on currently which UNICEF was greatly interested in.

He said, ”This is because of the interest they have about out-of-school children and Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN).”

Dada lamented that recent data showed  an upsurge of out-of-school children.

He said: “In Kaduna, Nasarawa, Niger and Kwara  we work with government partners and other education sector players to roll out interventions to reduce the upsurge.

“This engagement with the media across the states is to let them know what exactly we are doing and how we are doing it and what we are trying to achieve.”

The specialist emphasised the need for coordination between what development partners and government were doing.

“We all need to have proper data, we need to know exactly where the out-of-school children are located in our communities.

”When we do this, all the interventions by development partners and the government will be more targeted and better results will be seen,”he said.

Hadiza Muhammad, UNICEF’s Communication/Advocacy/Partnerships Officer, Kaduna Field Office, said the two- day dialogue would add value to the lives of the people particularly women and children in the four states and Nigeria as whole.

Salisu Lawal, the Director, Planning, Kaduna State Ministry of Education, said the media engagement was timely, adding that the educational sector has a myriad of problems that could be reduced heavily by the media.

Describing the media as critical stakeholders in awareness creation, he said they were also critical in influencing government policies.

Lamenting the state’s high burden of out-of-school children, Lawal said Kaduna was the first state that accessed the Islamic Development Bank’s loan to address the issues.

“Kaduna State has serious concerns about the issues, but it can’t address it all without critical stakeholders.

‘They include the media, school based management committees and the parents teachers association, CSOs among others.

“The programme, intended to return 200,000 out-of-school children back to school has already started.

”It is going to construct more schools, renovate structures and also improve the school management across the state,”Lawal said.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that a paper titled “Digital Reports and Use of Social Media”, was presented by the Managing Director of Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC), Mr Ahmed Maiyaki.

He stressed the need to apply innovation and advancement in carrying out their responsibility amidst the
social media era where citizen journalists can write and post without adhering to ethics.

Also, Dr Murjanatu Abba from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, took the participants through a practical session on development of storylines/media action plan for health and education programs.

The journalists from the four states commended UNICEF for the dialogue.

They pledged their commitment towards ensuring that the essence of the engagement is achieved in their respective states.

They called on their respective states’ governments’ officials especially Public Relations Officers in MDAs to be open and avail information when needed by the journalists.

”Access to information also aids journalists’ work.We are committed to upholding the ethics of journalism and protecting our sources when the need arises,” they added. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Education , Health

Public health: Don urges adoption of traditional Nigerian diets

346 total views today

By Emmanuel Afonne

Elkenah Ndie, a professor at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Abuja, has called for the adoption of Nigerian diets as part of measures to promote nutrition in public health.

Ndie made the call on Thursday in Abuja while presenting the 30th Inaugural Lecture of the university, themed, “Nursing Science: An Applied Science Care for All.’’

The don, who lectures in the university’s Faculty of Health Sciences, said the call became necessary to highlight the grave impact of poverty and income inequality on food accessibility.

“There is a need for robust nutritional education to improve dietary choices, especially among vulnerable populations.’’

Presenting the lecture at the NOUN headquarters in Abuja, Ndie revealed that his research focused on the availability, accessibility and quality of food, particularly in rural areas.

He highlighted the importance of food security and urged policymakers to address the systemic barriers, to improve national health outcomes.

“There is the connection between drivers’ health and road safety; many commercial drivers in Nigeria suffer from health issues such as hypertension and high blood sugar; this is worsened by poor dietary habits and substance abuse.

“Many drivers miss meals, rely on alcohol or drugs to stay awake and lack access to regular health check-ups,” Ndie said.

He emphasised the significant risks the behaviour posed to road safety and called for the establishment of workplace clinics for transport companies to address the challenges.

Ndie also recommended a mandatory nutritional education for drivers and a stricter enforcement of drug and alcohol testing policies as part of measures to address the challenges.

The lecturer, who emphasised the important role of nurses in addressing public health challenges, including malnutrition, infectious diseases and chronic illnesses, called for the collaboration of healthcare professionals, policymakers and community members, to improve health outcomes.

Ndie challenged the misconception of nursing as a “female profession.”

According to him, the nurturing qualities of nurses transcend gender, making them essential contributors to patient care and public health.

Speaking earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi Peters, commended the inaugural lecturer for his groundbreaking contributions to the field.

He described the lecture’s theme as a critical exploration of care’s transformative power in health and society.

Peters, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Chinedu Mafiana, said nurses had become the backbone of healthcare systems.

“The work of nurses goes beyond medical interventions to fostering holistic well-being; their impact is felt in every aspect of our lives,” Peters said.

He commended the organisers and reaffirmed NOUN’s commitment to advancing excellence in education and health sciences.

The vice-chancellor also congratulated the Faculty of Health Sciences and advocated for a continued innovation and dedication to improving lives through care and education. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Health

Expert seeks telemedicine hub to boost healthcare access

223 total views today

By Martha Agas

A medical expert, Damian Avar, has urged the Federal Government to establish a telemedicine hub, similar to India’s, to improve healthcare accessibility in underserved regions.

Avar made the call at a panel discussion at the 2024 Media for Development conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

He emphasised that the move would help address the challenges faced by pregnant women in accessing healthcare services, thereby reducing maternal mortality.

Avar highlighted the importance of establishing the hub, particularly in light of the inadequate manpower in the health sector, largely caused by brain drain.

He explained that India’s national telemedicine hub served as a model, integrating telemedicine facilities into existing primary healthcare centres in rural areas.

Avar, founder of Doctors Hub Nigeria, identified delays causing maternal mortality, including patient failure to seek help, environmental factors like bad roads, and lack of vehicles to convey pregnant women to health centres.

He noted that his organisation leveraged digital technology to address inefficiencies in the health value chain, particularly the disproportionate doctor-to-patient ratio.

“The organisation has focused its services on addressing pregnancy-related matters, recording 3,000 women who engaged its services with zero mortality”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference, organised by the Centre for Innovation and Development (CJID), aims to promote inclusive and sustainable development in Africa through media and technology.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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