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Health

UNICEF ranking: Expert attributes high infant mortality to poor economy

UNICEF ranking: Expert attributes high infant mortality to poor economy
NAN-HG-3
Mortality
By Ibukun Emiola
Ibadan, Feb. 26, 2018 (NAN) Dr Adegoke Adeyemo, Chairman, Oyo State Hospital Management Board, says poor economic and health situations are responsible for UNICEF’s high ranking of infant mortality rate in Nigeria.
Adeyemo, a specialist in family medicine, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Monday.
He was reacting to Nigeria’s ranking as 11th globally by UNICEF among countries with the highest infant mortality rate.
“Many of our churches and mosques have to be told that their work is spiritual. They should face the spiritual aspect of it.
“If they want to provide medical care, (they should) provide it in the full sense of it like Catholics, Baptists and Muslims; they set up full hospitals with all the personnel.
“It is wrong for any small church to just decide to set up hospitals just to take delivery (of babies) and things like that.
“At the government level, the government has to improve the level of available income to each individual and also it has to spend that money appropriately on adequate types of food.
“All these are indications of the fact that there is poor health provision and secondly, the economic situation and the poor health education of the people,” said the expert.
He cited poor coordination of public health facilities and their availability to people as factors responsible for high infant mortality.
“The economic situation has also worsened because many people cannot afford proper and adequate diet,” he said.
Adeyemo said another reason responsible for the high rating is the regulation of the health sector.
“Running health facility without being regulated is detrimental to women and children’s health.
“People sell herbal concoctions ‘Agbo’ to pregnant women, some people set up maternity home who are not trained at all to deliver babies.
“The low level of education among our people on health also contributes to this infant mortality.
“When a child is sick people think it is spiritual, they don’t go to the hospital to access adequate medical care even when it is available because they have other alternatives which are not the best,” he said.
The chairman said constant education of the populace through the media would help to reduce infant mortality rate in the country.
He urged synergy among the three tiers of government in research, data collection and state of the art public health facilities as well as personnel to end infant mortality in the country.
Adeyemo also urged states to adopt the new health model in Oyo state with coordinated approach from local governments to community levels.
“When the community is involved, members will want to use the facility. In the state there is improvement in monitoring and provision of health facility.
“There has to be a uniformed policy analysis and when a policy is adopted it has to be monitored and followed.’’
He said government should provide security for the citizenry especially in the North East where there is unrest that increases infant mortality. (NAN)
IBK/LAB/MST
Edited by Lydia Beshel/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

Audio: Negative beliefs barrier to IVF patronage in Nigeria- expert

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IVF
By Ibukun Emiola
Ibadan, Feb. 22, 2018 (NAN) Dr Bukunmi Kolade, a gynaecologist and fertility expert has attributed low patronage of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) procedures to negative ethnic, cultural and religious beliefs.

Kolade made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Ibadan.

. Cue in Audio: (Kolade on In Vitro)

“IVF is a breakthrough in medical care in which we offer care to couples that have a challenge with conception.

“And basically what we do is we collect sperm from the man, we have the egg from the woman, put it together.

“When it starts developing, we have it back into the womb; so we need sperm from the man, egg from the woman and then we need a woman’s womb; these three things are fundamental to IVF.

“But you see, the idea of IVF suggests that the baby was conceived outside of the human body; that sends a lot of wrong signal to people.

“So the average African no matter how enlightened, the first reaction is that of aversion.”

. Cue out Audio.

He said the nomenclature ‘Test Tube Baby’ also gave people a wrong perception of the advanced medical innovation.

The fertility expert, therefore, canvassed for more enlightenment to help Nigerians understand the essence of IVF and clarify any ambiguity about its procedure. (NAN)
IBK/MUK/IS
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Edited by Magdalene Ukuedojor/Ismail Abdulaziz

Health

Expert harps on IVF fears

Expert harps on IVF fears
NAN-HG-2
IVF
By Ibukun Emiola
Ibadan, Feb. 22, 2018 (NAN) Dr Bukunmi Kolade, a gynaecologist and fertility expert, has advised Nigerians against fear of the unknown and access In Vitro fertilisation (IVF) as a fertility treatment.
Kolade gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the attitude of Nigerians towards IVF on Thursday in Ibadan.
According to him, the advanced medical assisted conception (IVF) or test tube baby has continued to face cultural, ethnic and religious setback.
He noted that the nomenclature “test tube baby’’ and the procedure also give people a wrong perception about the advanced medical innovation as well as send the signal of aversion.
“IVF is a breakthrough in medical care in which we offer care to couples that have a challenge with conception.
“And basically what we do is we collect sperm from the man, we have the egg from the woman, put it together.
“When it starts developing we have it back into the womb; so we need sperm from the man, egg from the woman and then we need a woman womb, these three things are fundamental to IVF.
“But you see, the idea of IVF suggests that the baby was conceived outside of the human body that sends a lot of wrong signal to people.
“So the average African no matter how enlightened, the average African, the first reaction is that of aversion,’’ he said.
The fertility expert however canvassed for more enlightenment and awareness to help Nigerians understand the essence and procedures of IVF.
“With the media and internet pumping out information that babies born through IVF are normal; that the only thing that makes the difference is that conception happens outside the womb, the more we pump out that information the more people will see it as a very good option of treatment to assist conception,” he said.
Kolade said about one out of five couples in Nigeria has a challenge with conception and out of this less than 30 per cent are aware or understand what is called IVF.
“In other words, out of the 30 per cent only a tiny percentage of people who needed this treatment actually access it.
“Many people laid the blame of not accessing IVF on its cost, some people claimed the babies are dummies,’’ said the expert.
However, Kolade said all these misinformation were not medically founded, saying “they are people’s impression about IVF”. (NAN)
IBK/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

Play active roles in 2019 polls, ex-CBN deputy governor urges youths

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Youths
By Ibukun Emiola
Ibadan, Feb. 20, 2018 (NAN) A former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) , Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, on Tuesday urged  Nigerian youths to play active roles  in the 2019 general elections.

Moghalu spoke  in Ibadan at the Kingsley Moghalu Youth Initiative Summit which focused on the relationship between good governance and youth participation.

According to him,  innovation and a robust world view are the elements the youths need to bring about transformation in Nigeria.

“Nigeria has about 60 million young population between the ages of 18-35 years; a potent force for development and transformation if harnessed,’’ he said.

Moghalu said Nigerian youths could  make their mark in  the 2019 elections by getting their permanent voter’s  card and ensuring that  they vote for  their  candidates  at the polls.

He challenged the youths to demonstrate a sense of strategic global vision, saying  this would  bring about change in the country.

“We must bring about generational change in Nigeria. Youths must understand the responsibility in their hands.

“ You have the chance to change the trajectory of this country, you can take the country in the direction of real progress or continue to recycle failed politicians.

“ Let us look for the real kind of candidates that can help make real progress in the country,’’ he said.

Moghalu also advocated for a N500 billion venture capital fund to  replace the N500 billion social intervention fund the Federal  Government was  currently deploying for some initiatives.

“It is money down the drain, an empire of waste and corruption which Nigerians are not really benefiting from.

“All over the world,  it is the private sector,  especially the small and medium scales enterprises,  that create jobs;  that is how our economy can prosper,” he said.

He also said Nigeria must  shift away from an  oil economy, arguing that the  real wealth and prosperity for the country would  come “ when we find men and women who invent things.’’

Moghalu further urged the government to stop paying lip  service to science and technology while  improving  its budgetary allocation on capital expenditure.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit  featured discussion segments between  entrepreneurs and youths from selected tertiary institutions in Ibadan. (NAN)
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(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

 

General news

Expert urges Nigeria to use GIS to realise SDG’s

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Development
By Ibukun Emiola
Ibadan, Feb. 15, 2018 (NAN) Prof. Akin Mabogunje, a geographer, says Nigeria should employ the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) to realise the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

NAN reports that Mabogunje, who is popularly known as the father of Geography in Africa, stated this at the launch of the GIS Academy in Ibadan.

He said, “GIS is a way to advance knowledge of where people live, their surroundings and environment. It is a form of Identity.

“We live in a three dimensional world, you have to be able to put X and Y axes together and what GIS has done is to help us understand where we are.

“And that is why GIS was important when we were dealing with Ebola, because it showed you where they were located.”

Mabogunje also called on the three-tiers of government to prioritise education by improving on the standard of the teachers.

“A lot of people who are handling our education sector are not qualified to be where they are.

“Subjects such as history and geography should be encouraged in schools as the younger generation are out of touch with the history of Nigeria and other things that make the country attractive to the outside world.’’

Also, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, University of Ibadan said GIS can be applied to solve diverse kinds of problems.

According to Adeyemo, GIS is also relevant to the achievement of the sustainable development goals. (NAN)
IBK/LAB/IS
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Edited by Lydia Beshel/Ismail Abdulaziz

General news

Audio: Physician warns of increased hypertension in older adults

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Hypertension
By Ibukun Emiola
Ibadan, Feb. 13, 2018 (NAN) Dr Olufemi Olowookere, a Consultant Family Physician and Geriatrician at the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, says there is an increase in hypertension prevalence in older adults in the country.

Olowookere, who disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Tuesday, said this is a risk factor for stroke and sudden death.

Cue-in audio

“There is a dramatic increase in hypertension prevalence with aging, so that is number one fact that you must know.

“So, it is not a function of whether you eat this or you don’t eat that; so if it is in a younger population you can be talking about maybe lifestyle and all those things.

“By the age of 70 years at least majority of them would have had hypertension, that’s number one fact.’’

Cue-out audio

He gave other risk factors of hypertension as the stiffening of arteries as a result of aging as well as diabetes and high cholesterol.

Olowookere advised older people to take the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) measures in addressing hypertension.

He said the DASH method entails weight reduction, good exercise, increase potassium and low sodium, reduction in alcohol intake as well as abstinence from smoking.

“The commonest problem that a lot of people present in the society is stroke; counselling is very important to stem the tide of its prevalence.” Olowookere said.

NAN recalls that the Rapid Response Initiative of the college showed that between 30 to 35 per cent of the elderly in Ibadan and Oyo areas of Oyo state were hypertensive. (NAN)
IBK/LAB/IS
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Edited by Lydia Beshel/Ismail Abdulaziz

Health

Hypertension prevalence rises in older adults – Expert

Hypertension prevalence rises in older adults – Expert
NAN-HG-7
Hypertension
By Ibukun Emiola
Ibadan, Feb. 13, 2018 (NAN) Dr Olufemi Olowookere, a consultant family physician and geriatrician with University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, says there is a dramatic increase in hypertension prevalence in older Nigerian adults.
Olowookere disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Tuesday.
He said there is prevalence of systolic hypertension in older adult.
“When hypertension develops, it is a risk factor for stroke and sudden death,’’ said the expert.
He blamed the prevalence of the disease in the country on imitation of western lifestyle especially diet.
“It’s been shown that there is a dramatic increase in hypertension prevalence with aging; so that is number one fact that you must know.
“It is not a function of whether you eat this or you don’t eat that; so if it is in a younger population you can be talking about some of the things that people do, may be lifestyle.
“But there is a dramatic increase that is number one of hypertension prevalence in the elderly; by the age of 70 years at least majority of them will have had hypertension,” Olowookere said.
He highlighted risk factors of hypertension in older adults to include stiffening of arteries as a result of aging, which increases the prevalence of systolic blood pressure.
According to him, others are people with metabolic disorder such as diabetes and high cholesterol in the body.
“Also half of the people over the age of 60 and about three quarter of the age of 70 will also develop it, so the prevalence will gradually increase as people grow older.
“People with hypertension are at the risk of developing cerebra vascular disease known as stroke.
“For some people you cannot say this is the cause that is known as primary hypertension,” Olowookere said.
However, the expert stated that lifestyle measures have worked effectively in the elderly.
He noted that Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) which entails weight reduction, good exercise, increase potassium and low sodium, reduction in alcohol intake as well as abstinence from smoking are working well in the treatment of hypertension in older adults.
“The commonest problem that a lot of people present in the society is stroke; counseling is very important to stem the tide of its prevalence,” Olowookere said.
NAN recalls that the Chief Medical Director UCH, Prof. Temitope Alonge, said “about 30 to 35 per cent of elderly in Ibadan and Oyo areas of Oyo State are hypertensive’’ according to the survey of the hospital’s Rapid Response Initiative.
Alonge spoke recently at the donation of ambulances to Tony Anenih Geriatric Centre, UCH, Ibadan. (NAN)
IBK/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

Audio:No single short term solution to fix economy—Presidential aide

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Economy
By Ibukun Emiola
Ibadan, Jan.30, 2018 (NAN) The Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr Adeyemi Dipeolu, says  there is no single short term  solution to promote economic development in the country.

Dipeolu stated this on Wednesday in Ibadan at a  seminar on the national economy organised by the Ibadan Business School of Government  and Public Policy.

He said focusing on the financial sector only may not  achieve the desired purpose as all sectors must be taken into consideration in the economic growth plan.

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“There is a simultaneous raft of things that must be done: giving skills to young people so that they can work at factories.

“Pushing technology, so that we can be at the cutting edge of global development; There is the while micro-economic issue; priorities in the micro economic sector; the boosting of revenue.’’

Cue out audio

Dipeolu further said that the present administration had evolved  the Economic Recovery Growth Plan (ERGP) which was  being implemented to take care of most of the challenges facing economy.

According to Dipeolu, ERGP has started to yield result as the  foreign reserves had risen to $40 billion pushing the country out of recession in 2017.

He highlighted other areas in which the country was making progress to include  bringing in over 800,000 new companies into the tax net and increasing  power generation as well as boosting  manufacturing as well as transportation.

In his lecture entitled,  “Transition from Bust to Boom- Fiscal, Financial and Infrastructure Option, ”  an economist, Dr Ayo Teriba,  said  some of the challenges  facing  the  economy include dearth of  finance for the private sector and inadequate  infrastructure.

“Nigeria does not have to be doing nothing in the face of the bust; there are things that Nigeria can do to unleash government revenue, unleash private financing and unlock infrastructure,’’ he said.

He urged  government to liberalise all sectors as well as create  joint ventures as was done  in the telecommunication sector  and downstream sector of the petroleum industry.

In his address at the seminar,  the Executive Vice Chairman of  the school,  Dr Tunde Olaopa, said the institution  is an independent think tank committed to raising the bar of reflection on how government could  work better through research and provision of innovative platform.

“The purpose is to deepen policy work while at once raising the bar of discourse of policy makers, public managers and development workers, ” he said.(NAN)
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(Edited by Dore Nyisom/Mufutau Ojo)

General news

How we are tackling fuel scarcity in Oyo, Osun–DPR

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DPR
By Ibukun Emiola
Ibadan, Jan. 25, 2018 (NAN) The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Ibadan says it is strengthening its regulatory and enforcement mechanisms in order to check erring fuel marketers as scarcity of the product bites harder across the country.

Mr Oluyemi Olaonipekun, DPR acting Operations Controller, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Thursday.

Olaonipekun  spoke against the backdrop of the acute shortage of the product in the last  three weeks.

He  said that the DPR in Ibadan had continued to pursue its regulatory and monitoring mandate  in Oyo and Osun in the face of the scarcity.

According to him, DPR teams go out to monitor the amount of fuel supplied as well as  ensure sale  at regulated price..

“So far, we have been able to cover Oyo and Osun states; there is no city or town in these two states that we have not visited in the last three or four weeks.

“We have gone as far as Iwere, Saki, Kisi, Okuku, Ife, Ilesha and not only once. We have visited them more than three to four times within four weeks.

“What we can do is to monitor whatever gets to all these locations and to ensure that it gets there; and that is what we have been doing and it is continuous,” he said.

He further said that two monitoring teams were out within Ibadan metropolis  on Thursday to  ensure that fuel was sold at control price.

“The DPR is on surveillance and we also act on complaints from the members of public,” he said.

Some motorists and commuters,  who spoke to NAN,  said getting fuel had been difficult in the last couple of weeks.

They said that it was usual to find long queues at stations selling at N145 per litre while those selling between N180 and N200 per litre had few customers.  (NAN)
IBK/MAS/OJO
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(Edited by Moses Solanke/Mufutau Ojo)

 

General news

Audio: Petrol: DPR will continue to ensure compliance to official price

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Filling stations
By Ibukun Emiola
Ibadan, Jan. 25, 2018 (NAN) The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) Ibadan says it will continue to monitor the sale of petroleum product across the state to ensure compliance to official price.

The acting Controller of DPR Ibadan, Mr Oluyemi Olaonipekun, stated this on Thursday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan.
… Cues in
“So far we have been able to cover Oyo and Osun states; there is no city or town in these two states that we have not visited in the last three or four weeks.

“We have gone as far as Iwere, Saki, Kisi, Okuku, Ife, Ilesha and not only once; we have visited them more than three to four times within four weeks.

“What we can do is to monitor whatever gets to all this locations and to ensure that it gets there; and that is what we have been doing and it is continuous.”

… Cue out
He added that the department would continue its regulatory and monitoring mandates as well as acts on complaints from the members of public.

Long queues are seen in stations were petrol is sold at N145 while there are fewer queues where it is sold at N180 to N200. (NAN)
IBK/MUK/IS
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Edited by Magdalene Ukuedojor/Ismail Abdulaziz