Category: Health Care

OMUTHIYA: The Ministry of Health and Social Services Director in the Oshikoto Region, Joshua Nghipangelwa has encouraged community members to seek early treatment against the outbreak of malaria in the region.

Nghipangelwa said this in an interview with Nampa on Tuesday after he reported 256 malaria cases between January 2024 and 18 February 2024.

He said epidemic monitoring data indicates that the Oshikoto Region has surpassed epidemic thresholds, and is thus experiencing malaria outbreaks.

‘The regional rapid response team and the district response team have started to respond to the outbreak,’ said Nghipangelwa.

He added that the team has investigated most of the cases and visited the most affected areas for risk communication and community engagements and distribution of long-lasting insecticidal mosquito nets.

‘We have also started new methods to curb the increasing cases of malaria in the region by larviciding breeding sites and spraying of houses that reported cases,’ reported Nghipangelwa.

He fu
rther said they are testing and treating cases both at health facilities and also in the community, which is being done by community healthcare workers.

‘These cases are sporadic. The whole region is affected but the most affected constituency is Okankolo,’ Nghipangelwa said.

Nghipangelwa said the Onandjokwe District Hospital recorded the most cases with 92 and most of these cases emanated from the Okankolo Constituency, while Tsumeb Hospital has 84 cases and the Omuthiya District Hospital recorded 80 cases during the period of January 2024 up to 18 February 2024.

‘Everyone is at risk of getting malaria so no one is safe. Children and pregnant women used to be at risk in the past but nowadays everyone is at risk,’ said Nghipangelwa.

He also urged cattle herders and marginalised communities to wear clothes with long sleeves to protect themselves from mosquitoes.

He further encouraged residents of the Oshikoto Region to protect themselves from mosquito bites both while outside and inside their bedrooms.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

WINDHOEK: The Road Fund Administration (RFA) on Tuesday handed over an ambulance to the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund for use by the Divundu Emergency Centre in the Kavango East Region.

Receiving the donation, MVA Fund Chief Executive Officer Rosalia Hausiku said the distance between Kavango East and the Zambezi Region made it difficult for medics to attend to road accidents in time, hence the establishment of the emergency centre at Divundu about a year ago.

The emergency centre was equipped with a response vehicle which allowed medics to get to accident scenes, but it could not transport patients.

‘The new ambulance is expected to eliminate this challenge,’ Hausiku said.

Handing over the donation, RFA CEO Ali Ipinge said it is within the fund’s mandate to bring services closer to people.

‘We took it upon ourselves to partner with the MVA Fund to deliver this ambulance to help our citizens in the regions of Kavango East and Zambezi,’ he said.

The ambulance, which was converted into a 4×4 vehicle, i
s valued at N.dollars 1.3 million.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has commiserated with the family of late retired Maj.-Gen. Aderonke Kale, the first female Major General in the Nigerian Army who passed away on Wednesday in London.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Saturday in Abuja.

Lagbaja described the demise of Akale as a great loss to the Nigerian army, describing her as a shining veteran of the who exuded unequalled commitment, diligence and unquestionable loyalty to the army and the nation.

This qualities, according to Lagbaja, paved the way, as she steadily rose through the ranks to become the first female officer of the Nigerian army to attain the enviable height of Major General.

He added that her legacies in the selfless service to Nigeria and humanity would remain indelible in the hearts of many.

Lagbaja prayed for the repose of her soul and the fortitude for the family to bear the irreplaceable loss.

“Late Gen. Kale, renowned for reshaping the face of women and gender mainstreaming in the Nigerian military, was born into a family of professionals, her father was a pharmacist, and her mother a teacher.

“The late general had her primary education in Lagos and Zaria, and her post primary education in St. Anne’s School, Ibadan and Abeokuta Grammar School respectively.”

According to him, she opted to study Medicine and successfully gained admission into the University College, which later became University of Ibadan.

“After her graduation as a medical doctor, she proceeded to the University of London to specialize in Psychiatry.

“General Kale worked briefly in Britain and returned to Nigeria in the year 1971 to join the Nigerian Army in 1972.

“Her competence as a psychiatrist was recognized in 1973, when she qualified as a Consultant Psychiatrist and in 1982 she became Chief Consultant,” he said.

He said that in the course of her service from 1980 to 1985 her management acumen came to bear in her career, when she became the Commanding Officer of the Military Hospital Ibadan.

“She thus had the distinction of being the first woman to command a military hospital in Nigeria.

“In 1985 to 1987, she performed the same feat in the Military Hospital, Enugu, and from 1989 to 1990 in the Military Hospital, Benin.

“With such vital experience, she was elevated to the position of Deputy Commandant, Nigerian Army Medical Corps and School in 1991 till 1994,” he said.

According to him, in 1994, she became the first female officer to be promoted to the rank of Major General in the Nigerian Army and the West African sub-region.

“She finally attained the peak of her career, when she became the Commander of the Nigerian Army Medical Corps.

“First time in the history of the Nigerian Army, that a female officer was entrusted with the crucial responsibility of health care for all Nigerian Army personnel and their families,” he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The development of human health is majorly dependent on nutrition.

Good nutrition, alongside other healthy lifestyle habits, supports average growth, development, and ageing.

It helps people maintain healthy body weight, boosts the immune system, makes pregnancies safer, increases mental alertness, and lowers the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases.

For over 62 years, Nestlé has been part of the daily nutrition of millions of households in Nigeria, with focus on improving the nutritional value of their products.

This is by consistently using its research and development capabilities to unlock the power of food to enhance the wellbeing of individuals and families.

Recently, in Nigeria, it introduced the latest addition to its nutrition portfolio, NIDO Milk and Soya Instant Powder Mix.

This innovative product combines the double goodness of milk and soya, fortified with iron to provide consumers with an affordable, delicious and nutritious creamy milk and plant-based complement for beverages and cereals.

Fortification, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), is the practice of deliberately increasing the content of one or more micronutrients, vitamins and minerals, in a food or condiment to improve the nutritional quality of the food supply and provide a public health benefit with minimal risk to health.

The Nigeria food fortification programme aims at achieving public health goals – tackling “hidden hunger” or micronutrient deficiencies – which cause 10 per cent of global diseases, inhibit human development and perpetuate poverty and deprivation.

The Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) says preventable deficiencies of critical vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, D, iron, iodine, folic acid and zinc contribute globally to up to three million child deaths annually.

Micronutrient malnutrition has far-reaching effects on individuals and impedes the economic development of nations, hence Food Fortification becomes one of the most cost effective interventions for tackling micronutrient deficiencies globally.

The World Bank has calculated the return on investment in nutrition interventions as Twenty Five Naira to every Naira (N25:N1) with food fortification being one of the most cost effective interventions for tackling micronutrient deficiencies globally.

This is imperatives as it is estimated that nearly 25 million Nigerians are at risk of facing hunger between June and August 2023 if urgent action is not taken.

This is according to the October 2022 Cadre Harmonisé, a Government led and UN-supported food and nutrition analysis carried out twice a year.

And, this is a projected increase from the estimated 17 million people currently at risk of food insecurity, with factors including continued conflict, climate change, inflation and rising food prices as key drivers of this alarming trend.

In addition, the National Emergency Management Agency, says widespread flooding in the 2022 rainy season damaged more than 676,000 hectares of farmlands, which diminished harvests and increased the risk of food insecurity for families across the country.

The food security and nutrition situation across Nigeria is deeply concerning noted Mr Matthias Schmale, the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, UNICEF

Hence the United Nations urges the Government of Nigeria, the donor community, and public and private stakeholders to urgently commit resources and implement mitigation measures to save lives and prevent a potentially catastrophic food security and nutrition situation.

According to Ifeanyi Orabuche, the Category and Marketing Manager, Dairy, Nestlé Nigeria, NIDO Milk and Soya is Nestlé’s first affordable fortified dairy and plant blend in the Nigerian market.

This unique blend of filled milk and soya is a source of Iron and has other essential nutrients including Protein, Calcium, Vitamin C, and dietary fiber which supports digestion.

“NIDO Milk and Soya joins our portfolio of fortified products to help address the high rate of micronutrient deficiency, especially of Iron in the country.”

According to the Journal of Public Health in Africa, the prevalence of anemia among school age children in Nigeria is 71 per cent and among women, 47.3 per cent.

NIDO Milk and Soya Instant Powder Mix was developed by local experts in Nestlé’s RandD Center in Abidjan and is produced locally in Nigeria using 100 per cent locally sourced soya beans.

It is a result of Nestlé’s progress in product innovation and renovation to meet the growing consumer demand for affordable nutrition options that also create societal value.

“At Nestlé, our decisions are guided by our purpose of unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone today and for future generations.

“With this new product, we are helping to sustain a steady source of revenue to improve the livelihoods of the local farmers who supply the soya beans used in the production of NIDO Milk and Soya.

“This launch is part of Nestlé Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to offering affordable, wholesome and nutritious options for consumers across the country.

“This is while providing long term benefits that are good for individuals and families, good for communities and good for the planet,” says Victoria Uwadoka, the Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability lead at Nestlé Nigeria.

Laurent Alsteens, Global Category Head for Early Childhood Nutrition at Nestlé, said: “We continue to expand our offerings with nutritious, tasty products that complement the everyday diet of children and their families.

“Through combining the goodness of dairy and plant ingredients, we can deliver a new flavour experience with nutritional benefits.”

The introduction of NIDO Milk and Soya is yet one work by Nestlé, guided by a desire to contribute to nutritious and sustainable diets, to help protect, renew and restore natural resources, while helping strengthen communities and to operate responsibly.

It is about Creating Shared Value (CSV), which is at the heart of Nestlé’s purpose- to unlock the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Board of the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE Abuja) says the project is on track to successfully accomplish its mission of providing world class medical care.

The AMCE will also conduct innovative and groundbreaking research, facilitate development initiatives, and offer educational programmes in collaboration with esteemed international organisations

Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), made the assertion during the inaugural board meeting of AMCE in Cairo, Egypt, on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the AMCE Abuja, a landmark and visionary initiative by Afreximbank, entails the implementation and operationalisation of a 500-bed quaternary level medical facility.

The AMCE will offer a wide range of services and specialisations including oncology, cardiology, hematology, and general care capabilities.

It will also provide a full range of medical services, including diagnostics, treatment, nuclear medicine, surgery and post-surgical care.

It will operate in collaboration with the Kings College Hospital, London (KCH), leveraging KCH’s diagnostic, clinical and capacity building expertise to become a world class healthcare institution.

Through establishing both international and Pan-African partnerships, AMCE Abuja will ultimately become a prominent global reference and a leading destination for medical tourism in the region.

At the inaugural board meeting of the AMCE Abuja, the Board endorsed the appointment of Oramah as its Chairman and appointed Mr Amr Kamel as his alternate.

The appointment of Oramah reflects his significant contributions to and vision for the project, as well as his exemplary leadership qualities, which have led Afreximbank to remarkable growth.

Other members of the AMCE Abuja Board include Prof. Ghulam Mufti, Prof. Adedayo Onitilo, Dr Anwar Alhaq, Mr Emmanuel Assiak, Mr Brain Deaver and Dr Zahoor Khan.

Dr Aisha Umar; His Excellency, Namadi Sambo; Mr Amr Kamel, Ms Oluranti Doherty, Mr Olusola Babalola, and Dr Gloria Rowland are also members.

Speaking, Oramah said: “ I am delighted to chair this first meeting of the AMCE Board.

“This project is of great significance to our continent.

“With Africans being among the largest importers of medical services globally due to a lack of modern, affordable, and well-equipped medical facilities, technologies and personnel on the continent who especially deal with lifestyle diseases.

“This facility, with an initial capital investment of nearly USD 300 million, is by far, the single largest private healthcare investment both in Nigeria and on the continent.

“It will be the first of many facilities being considered across Africa and will serve as the headquarters for AMCE on the continent.”

At the meeting, the board also approved the proposal of the AMCE executives to organise a medical conference in the first quarter of 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria.

The conference will serve as a unique platform for African leaders, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to exchange insights, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities in the realms of medical and scientific fields.

This would be with the goal of increasing awareness and collaboration in the areas of research, innovation, and public health throughout the continent.

According to the board, the conference will align discussions and outcomes with the objectives of the African Union and the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), by supporting the healthcare goals outlined in “Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.”

Commenting, Brian Deaver, CEO of AMCE Abuja, said: “The AMCE initiative is a great step forward in addressing the continent’s healthcare needs.

“Its success will require strong leadership, commitment, and collaboration.

“The decisions taken at this first board meeting represent an integral step in ensuring that beyond these broad objectives, the AMCE can fulfil its mandate of delivering quality healthcare across Africa.

“And we are honored to have Professor Oramah as Chairman of the Board.”

NAN also reports that a significant focus of the AMCE Abuja will be to perform innovative and ground-breaking research, development and educational programmes.

This will be in partnership with leading global institutions such as the KCH, the Christies Manchester and University of Wisconsin, USA, in order to develop additional insights into diseases and treatment trends to improve the quality of care available in Nigeria and the West African region.

The facility will also provide first-class medical equipment and infrastructure that include PET CT scans, Cyclotrons that will produce nuclear isotopes.

Also, Linear Accelerators for radiotherapy, chemotherapy suites, fully equipped modular theatres, HTR/ HDR machines, among many others which are currently not available in sub-Saharan Africa in order to deliver superior quality of diagnostic and specialty services.

With the initial capital outlay for the first phase of the AMCE Abuja at nearly 300 million US dollars, the facility is by far, the single largest private healthcare investment in Nigeria.

This investment is set to rise to 700 million US dollars upon completion of the second phase of the project.

The construction of AMCE Abuja started in 2022, and it is projected to be completed and inaugurated in 2025. (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Government says it has made plans in a new policy plans for cancer survivors to be catered to adequately.

The Director-General, National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Dr Usman Aliyu, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

According to him, the plan is contained in one of the three cancer policies aimed at aiding cancer prevention and treatment in Nigeria the Federal Government will inaugurate soon.

He said that the institute has since its establishment in January, been working on the policies that are expected to ensure that cancer prevention, treatment and research into all cancer issues are put on the front burner.

“We have drafted our second National Strategic Cancer Control Plan. The first one that was ever drafted for the country was for 2018 to 2022 which has expired, but I’m happy to announce to you that the institute has drafted a new cancer plan.

“It is a five year plan that will span from 2023 to 2027 and that is all encompassing. The plan will be a leading guide to all the activities of cancer in the country and it cuts across the area of cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care and even survivorship for the first time.

“We are having this component of cancer survivorship in our plan for survivors, which is actually a neglected area.”

Aliyu also said that the institute has finalised work with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other partners to develop the nation’s first National Cervical Cancer Control plan 2023-2027.

He said that the plan would give direction on how the institute intends to follow in agenda of WHO in the elimination of cervical cancer by 2030.

He also said that being a research institute, research was a very strong component of NICRAT, but that it could not just dive into it without having an agenda.

“So we have drafted the first National Cancer Research Agenda 2024-2028 for the country that will give way and pave a direction for cancer research in Nigeria”, he said.

The D-G said that all the documents would be inaugurated during the 2023 International Cancer Week scheduled for Oct. 23 to 26 in Abuja, with the theme ‘Addressing Cancer Care Disparities through Research and Improved Access to Treatment’.

He said that the theme was aimed at addressing the disparity in cancer care as there were renewed calls by the oncologists globally to try and close the gaps.

“If you look at the disparities that we have in the areas of maybe the race, ethnicity and even tribal, it is gross, so the concept was coined out of what the global scientists are focusing on now.

“If you look at America, they are pumping a lot of resources in the area of cancer prevention, research and treatment but they are not getting the outcome they are expecting then they embarked on research.

“In 2022, we had almost 19.7 million new cases and more than 10 million deaths from cancer and there is a report that by the next few decades this is going to increase by 70 per cent.

“About 80 per cent of this number is going to emanate from Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC) or which is majorly Sub Saharan Africa.”

He added that it was a pointer to something being wrong which indicates the disparity in cancer care.

Aliyu also said that this informed the decision to begin to look into how to close that gap.

He said that the week would also feature interactive sessions and presentation on cancer registries, adding that cancer registries are the key to getting data on cancer.

“In the area of research, the Institute is already working on how to carry out a general cancer mapping for the country. This is important because we want to standardise the data that we have in the area.

“We mapped out all the cancers that we have using the cancer registries that we have, the research tools and even the individual hospitals that are not in the cancer registry.

“The data will be more robust and more reliable than just making an estimate based on other diseases or what our neighbours have to take decisions on Nigeria as well in other area of cancer.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria