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Health

NYSC offers health outreach to 4,000 rural dwellers in Katsina State 

NYSC offers health outreach to 4,000 rural dwellers in Katsina State 

NAN-H-42
NYSC
By Zubairu Idris
Katsina, May 19, 2017 (NAN) No fewer than 4,000 rural people have benefited from the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) programme in Katsina State.

Mr Okpo John, the NYSC Coordinator in the state, disclosed this on Friday in Katsina while presenting wheel chairs to some physically challenged persons.

He said that the programme was aimed at mobilising corps members medical personnel to provide health intervention to rural dwellers.

According to him, the intervention will be through diagnosis, treatment, referral and proper prevention mechanism to enhance health status of people.

“We mobilise our corps members to those local government areas that have health challenges to render free services to rural dwellers on quarterly basis,’’ he said.

The coordinator said that NYSC also impacted positively on people of the state through Community Development Services (CDS) particularly in the areas of education and environmental sanitation.

Other areas are health, bridges construction, campaign against drug abuse and road safety.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the NYSC scheme was introduced in 1973 for graduates of tertiary institutions to foster national unity in the country.

The scheme also assists to move the country forward via CDS undertaken by corps members in their host communities.

In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the governor on Youth Development, Alhaji Ibrahim Khalil, commended the NYSC for donating the wheel chairs and for initiating the health outreach programme.

He said that the state government also introduced a number of policies and programmes aimed at improving the living condition of its people.

Malama Umma Daura, one of the beneficiaries of the wheel chairs, commended NYSC for the gesture and assured that the beneficiaries would make best use of the wheelchairs donated to them. (NAN)
ZI/KOLE/MST
Edited by Remi Koleoso/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Only 171 out of 808 public health facilities provide FP services in Nasarawa – NGO

Only 171 out of 808 public health facilities provide FP services in Nasarawa – NGOs

NAN-HG-5
Facilities
By Awayi Kuje
Lafia, May 10, 2017 (NAN) Pathfinder International Nigeria and Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health (PACFaH), NGOs, have said that only 171 out of 808 public health facilities were providing Family Planning (FP) services in Nasarawa State.

Dr Yemi Osanyin, Pathfinder Consultant, made this known on Wednesday in Lafia during a one-day dissemination of the findings of Family Planning Situation Analysis in the state, organised by the group in collaboration with the state government.

He explained that the aim of the workshop was to present a draft report on the FP situation in the state with the view of encouraging women and girls to embrace FP programmes, considering its enormous benefits.

Osanyin identified ignorance/lack of knowledge, cultural and religious beliefs, funding, political will and inaccessibility as the major factors affecting FP, hence the need for the partnership.

“The NGO entered into partnership with Nasarawa state government on family planning to reduce maternal mortality in the state.

“Only 171 out of 808 public health facilities (21%) in the state are providing Family Planning services and mostly short term methods as only 66 of 292 private health facilities are providing family planning services actively,’’ he said.

Osanyin urged the state government to give FP programmes the needed priority through adequate funding, and ensure that FP contraceptives and other services are available in public facilities.

“What we are doing today is to disseminate findings of the Family Planning Situation Analysis in Nasarawa state, that is a cost implementation plan of the state, how do we support women to have safe delivery and to know when the next pregnancy will come.

“Because the importance of family planning cannot be over-emphasised, it strengthens the health of the woman directly and the man indirectly as it enables the woman rests adequately in-between pregnancies and child delivery, and makes significant contributions to reduced maternal mortality.

“It enables the couple prepare adequately for next pregnancy and children, and enables sexually active women and girls to protect themselves from unwanted pregnancies.

“There is the need to remove barriers in access by women and girls and to redouble efforts in the procurement of family planning contraceptive commodities for effective service delivery,” he said.

Also speaking, Mrs Aanu Rotimi, of PACFaH also urged women to embrace FP programmes, as it would stop women and girls from having unwanted pregnancy.

Rotimi also called on the state government to take full ownership by giving FP programmes the necessary supports in term of funding and financing.

She restated the commitment of the organisations to continue to educate women and the people on the need to embrace FP in the interest of their health and for the overall development of the country.

Dr Madawa Absalom, the Director, state Primary Health Care Development Agency, had earlier said that the state government has invested so much in the health sector to better the health of people of the state.

Absalom also said that the state government was ready to partner with any organisation to improve on the health status of its citizenry, since a healthy nation is a wealthy nation.

The workshop was attended by the State House of Assembly Committee members on Health, and health experts, among other stakeholders and policy makers in the state. (NAN)

AKW/OIF/MST

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

FG tasks Nigerian doctors in Diaspora on health sector

FG tasks Nigerian doctors in Diaspora on health sector, hospital

NAN-HG-11

Health

By Isaac Aregbesola

Abuja, April 25, 2017 (NAN) The Federal Government on Tuesday challenged the Nigerian medical doctors in the Diaspora to use their knowledge and expertise to develop the nation’s health sector.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, gave the task when the Association of Nigerian Physicians in America (ANPA) visited her in Abuja.

The association was led by its President, Dr Johnson Adeyanju.

The presidential aide also challenged the Diaspora working in the health sector to build a world class hospital in the country as it was done by their counterparts in Ethiopia.

“Nigeria is blessed with human and natural resources and we commend you for what you have been doing.

“However, it is quiet frustrating that we have your kind of calibre of Nigerian medical doctors in the Diaspora and we are having challenges in our health sector.

“We believe that by working with you through the ministry of health we can make a lot of difference, we believe that we can make more impact,” she said.

She said that the present administration had developed an initiative whereby Nigerian doctors in the Diaspora could render assistance in the nation’s health sector at their spare time.

The aide also enjoined them to develop a concrete medical mission that could have permanent structures whereby they could attend to patients.

“It is our thinking that medical missions that visit the country can translate into something concrete, just like Ethiopia that built a world class hospital by 250 of its doctors in Diaspora.

“With Nigerian doctors in the Diaspora constituting 70 per cent of the black doctors in America, we want to throw the challenge back to you that you can do the same thing.

“This medical mission can be properly coordinated that hospital can be built in every zone to enable you see patients and then you go back, but the challenge now is how can we get structure.

“So I think we can work with you to have this medical mission structure in Nigeria, we cannot have you and not feel your impact, we are glad you are here,” she said.

Adeyanju had earlier said that ANPA was the largest association of the Nigeria medical practitioners in the Diaspora and had been in existence for more than 20 years.

He said that the mission of the association was to enhance the nation’s health sector through partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and office of the presidential aide on Diaspora.

He said the group was concerned about the health of Nigerians which explained the decision of the group to embark on medical mission to the country.

Adeyanju, who noted that the group was able to see over 400 Nigerian patients, said they were willing to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure better life for Nigerians.

He also said that the group was on a surgical mission to Nigeria, with three mission teams working on various health issues.

In a related development, the SSA also received a delegation of the Centre for Integrated Health Programme (Cihp) led by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Bolanle Oyeledun.

Dabiri-Erewa assured the leading implementation partner that the government was willing to ensure the success of the non-governmental agency.

Oyeledun said Cihp had over 120,000 patients on free HIV/AIDS treatment in the last six years.

Besides, she said the group has been able to prevent about 100,000 `mother-to-child transmission of the virus.

Cihp, she said, was also working in the area of skill transfer; stressing that the group want to see how to evolve a training programme to equip the capacity of health workers in the country. (NAN)

IAA/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

World Malaria Day: Kano Govt to establish 484 apex health facilities

World Malaria Day: Kano Govt to establish 484 apex health facilities

NAN-HG-4

Facilities

Kano, April 25, 2017 (NAN) The Kano State Government is to establish one apex health facility in all the 484 electoral wards as part of effort to boost healthcare delivery in rural areas.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Kabiru Getso, disclosed this while briefing newsmen as part of activities to commemorate the World Malaria Day on Tuesday in Kano.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Health Assembly set aside April 25, as World Malaria Day to commemorate, reflect and assess collective progress towards elimination of Malaria globally.

He said establishing the facility was necessary in order to provide minimum package of care especially in rural areas which is in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s agenda of establishing one functional primary healthcare per ward.

He said the state government had fully assessed no fewer than 185 primary healthcare centres, pointing out that 85 are being upgraded to functional status.

He said the state government had also planned to employ over 100 healthcare workers in addition to the 500 that had been employed to ensure provision of adequate human resources for the health sector.

“Operation of policy of ‘no embargo’ on employment of critical manpower for health sector is still in force,’’ Getso said.

According to him, the state government had supported the provision of drugs and other health commodities to health facilities through a DRF programme being run by the state.

On malaria, the commissioner said between January and March, the state recorded 321,532 fever cases out of which 304,520 cases were tested for malaria by rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and microscopy.

He explained that out of the 304,520 cases that tested for malaria, 192,433 were found to be positive out of which 179,939 cases were given free treatment with ACT drug.

However, he advised residents to ensure consistent environmental sanitation and hygiene, early health seeking behavior and regular ante-natal visits to curb the menace of malaria in the state. (NAN)

MTM/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Fluid retention in body alerts underlying health problem – Expert

Fluid retention in body alerts underlying health problem – Expert

NAN-HG-3

Fluid

By Chinenye Offor

Abuja, April 13, 2017 (NAN) Dr Okezie Emenike, an Abuja based medical practitioner, has urged patients with fluid retention in the body to seek urgent medical assistance.

He gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

He explained that patients with fluid retention needed urgent and proper medical evaluation in order to identify the root cause.

Emenike, who is a general physician, described water retention as an abnormal accumulation of clear watery fluid in the tissues or cavities of the body.

He also said that the body used hormone-like substance called prostaglandins to keep the volume of fluid in the body at a steady level.

According to him, fluid in the body is drained out by lymphatic system, while the waste product are removed from the body tissues and when the body cannot get rid of excess water it accumulates fluids.

Emenike identified lack of exercise as a common cause of water retention, saying that muscle action is needed not only to keep the blood flowing through the veins but also to stimulate the lymphatic system to fulfill its overflow function.

He attributed protein deficiency, pregnancy, uterine fibroid, kidney failure as well as congestive heart failure as other causative factors to the condition.

Emenike also blamed some medications such as oral contraceptive pill, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, beta-blockers, lack of vitamins B and magnesium as factors that pose the risk of developing the condition.

However, the medical doctor said that treatment of the condition should start from identifying the primary cause of the condition.

He therefore recommended diuretic medications if water retention was caused by heart or kidney disease.

He also suggested addressing the cause of leaked capillaries as well as proffer solution to break protein in the body in order to treat protein related water retention.

Besides, he enjoined patients with the condition to avoid alcoholic drinks, caffeine, reduce salt intake and consume foods rich in potassium and vitamin B, among others.  (NAN)

CSO/JIE/MST

Edited by Julius Enehikhuere/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

World Health Day: Experts harps on proper management of depression

World Health Day: Experts harps on proper management of depression

NAN-HG-7

Health

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

Abuja, April 7, 2017 (NAN) Dr Olusola Ephraim-Oluwanuga, Chief Consultant Psychiatrist, National Hospital Abuja, on Friday said improper management of challenges of life could lead to depression.

Ephraim-Oluwanuga said this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja to commemorate the 2017 World Health Day, with the theme “Let’s talk Depression”.

According to him, depression is a common and serious mental illness that negatively affects the way one feel, think and act.

“It is good to talk when feeling depressed, the stigma, the secrecy about mental health issues is much, it does not allow people depressed to open up to talk with bridging people’s confidence.

“People who are depressed would rather prefer to talk to someone they have confidence in than someone that gossip about them,” he said.

The expert said a depressed person sharing their challenges with a psychiatrist or family members could bring relief.

He said depression causes mental anguish and impacts on people’s ability to carry out consequences for relationships with family and friends.

Ephraim-Oluwanuga said some of the symptoms of depression include change in appetite, sex, loss of energy and feeling worthless.

He said depression can vary from mild or severe, adding that with proper diagnosis and treatment the vast majority of people with depression would overcome it.

Dr Ada Ikeako, a Consultant Psychiatrist in a private hospital in Abuja, said sadness was only a small part of depression.

“Some people with depression may not feel sad at all. Depression has many other symptoms, including physical ones.

“If you have been experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms for at least two weeks, you may be suffering from depression:

“Persistent sadness, anxiety or `empty’ mood feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities,” Ikeako said.

She said when depression gets severe one needs to consult a professional.

NAN reports that the World Health Day is celebrated on April 7 of every year. (NAN) OEO/HS/MST

Edited by Halima Sheji/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

Ngilari, convicted former governor of Adamawa, granted bail on health grounds

NAN-H-12

Ngilari

Yola, March 27, 2017 (NAN) Justice Nathan Musa of Yola High Court, on Monday granted bail to Mr Bala Ngilari, former Adamawa Governor, on health grounds, after he appealed against his recent conviction.

Ngilari was granted bail in the sum of N100 million with two sureties, who must deposit Certificates of Occupancy of landed property owned in Yola.

Musa said that the former governor would enjoy his bail pending the determination of his Appeal.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Justice Musa, on March 6, sentenced Ngilari to five years in prison, without an option of fine, for violating  the Public Procurement Act in the award of contract for the procurement of 25 vehicles.

The vehicles, which were for commissioners, were purchased at the cost of N167 million.

Musa, in his judgement, had declared that due process was not followed in the transaction.

Ngilari, having appealed the sentence, went back to the same court that convicted him, and asked for bail, pending the determination of his Appeal.

Justice Musa, after listening to arguments of counsel to Ngilari, Mr Sam Olugunorisa (SAN) and that of EFCC, Mr Abubakar Aliyu, in the motion for bail pending Appeal, granted Ngilari’s request.

NAN reports that the bail plea was supported by a medical report on Ngilari, from Yola Prison, which indicated that the former governor had been under intensive medical management.

The report, signed by Mr John Bukar, a Deputy Comptroller in charge of Health, stated that Ngilari had diabetes, hypertension and insomnia.

It said that Ngilari, who had been referred to Canada Specialist Hospital in Dubai, for evaluation and management, had blood pressure that was rising between 180/110 MMHG to 190/120 MMHG. (NAN)
YMU/ETS

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

Health

Gov. Badaru launches Universal Health Coverage

Gov. Badaru launches Universal Health Coverage

NAN-HG-2

Healthcare

By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

Dutse, March 23, 2017 (NAN) Gov. Muhammad Badaru of Jigawa has launched the state’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to boost healthcare delivery service to the people.

He said this while inaugurating a newly-built Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) at Jaudi village in Dutse Local Government Area of the state.

Badaru said that the provision of the health facility was in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s agenda of providing at least one functional PHC in each electoral ward in the country.

“I thank Almighty God for keeping us alive to witness this historic occasion, the launching of the Jigawa State Universal Health Coverage.

“Thus, it is in line with the presidential agenda of providing at least one functional PHC in each political ward in the country.

“ I am made to understand that the UHC involves the provision of appropriate physical health infrastructure, relevant health human resource.

“Functional essential equipment and supplies as well as array of complement essential services that will address the primary healthcare needs of rural population on 24-hour basis,” Badaru said.

He assured that his administration, despite the contracting fiscal environment, would commit substantial resources to make sure that the people of the state live a productive life, good enough for vibrant economy.

“And our agricultural reform and investment heavily depend on a healthy population, strengthening of health system we believe, translates into a huge return in investment in the near future,” he said.

The governor further revealed that in the last two years, his administration has embarked on a number of new projects, while many inherited ones were being completed.

According to him, 27 new PHCs were built by his administration in remote areas with a view to improving access to quality healthcare by rural dwellers.

“This year, we planned to construct 57 of this kind of facilities. In some locations, midwives staff quarters will be constructed as well.

“Renovation of windstorm and termite damages are currently going on in remote areas that were neglected for years,’’ he said.

Badaru said that the 450 recently recruited health workers would be deployed to the new health facilities.

“We have just concluded the recruitment of 450 healthcare workers to man these new health facilities in the spirit of achieving the universal coverage health.

“And soon recruitment of doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists and other healthcare workers in secondary and tertiary facilities will commence,’’ Badaru said.

He commended the Department for International Development (DFID) for supporting the state with drugs, equipment and motorcycles worth over N700 million in order to actualise the UHC agenda.

“DFID supported us with drugs, equipment and eight motorcycles to help us actualise the UHC agenda.

“WHO is also fully working with us day and night to ensure that we remain polio free, which is the case for over four years now,” the governor said. (NAN) MNB/BOLA/MST

Edited by Bola Akingbehin/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

State of Emergency: Adamawa Govt recruits 1,000 health workers

State of Emergency: Adamawa Govt recruits 1,000 health workers

NAN-HG-11

Healthcare

By Mohammed Adam

Yola, March 21, 2017 (NAN) The Adamawa Government on Tuesday said it has recruited more than 1,000 medical officers to boost its healthcare delivery.

Hajiya Fatima Atiku, the state Commissioner for Health, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola.

She said that the development followed the declaration of a state of emergency on the health sector by the state government in 2016.

“Following the declaration of a state of emergency on the health sector by the state government in 2016, government has so far renovated several cottage hospitals across the state.

“It has supplied modern equipment and recruited 10 medical doctors, 150 nurses and about 896 medical laboratory personnel, health attendants and other casual workers,’’ Atiku said.

She said that work was currently on-going in five general hospitals across the state in Mubi, Numan, Ganye, Mayo-Belwa and Jada Local Government Areas.

On the outbreak of meningitis in some states, the commissioner said that no case was reported in Adamawa.

However, she assured that the ministry has adopted proactive measures to contain any outbreak of diseases in the state.

Atiku listed the precautionary strategies to include immunisation, surveillance and setting up of a quick response team to handle emergency situations. (NAN) AMA/COF/MST

Edited by Oluyinka Fadare/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

College of Health Technology, Pankshin gets new Provost

NAN-H-78
Provost
Pankshin (Plateau) March 17, 2017 (NAN) Mr Pam Dagyang, Deputy Provost, College of Health Technology, Pankshin, Plateau State, has been appointed as the institution’s Provost.

Dagyang takes over from Dr. Jonathan Daboer, who has completed his tenure as head of the institution.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Daboer, at a brief ceremony to hand over to his successor on Friday in Pankshin, declared that he was leaving the college “fully fulfilled”.

“I served the college to the best of my ability; during my tenure, four courses were accredited with only one remaining.

“I also provided new laboratories and upgraded new ones, while lecture halls were built and vehicles, including a shuttle bus, purchased,” he said.

Daboer said that he worked very hard to  acquire a permanent site for the college, and described that struggle as his greatest challenge.

He regretted his inability to restore the Environment Department that was scrapped before he assumed office, but said he was consoled by the fact that he did his best to make that possible.

Daboer congratulated the new  provost and advised him to strive for funds to boost the college’s status as a training ground for quality health personnel.

Responding, Dagyang commended Daboer’s open style of leadership, hinting that he would always seek his counsel toward success.

Mr Yusuf Selchang, the College Registrar, in his remarks, said that the college would miss Daboer’s genuine interest in staff welfare, and particularly lauded his tact and wisdom in the handling of issues. (NAN)

TYC/CEO/ETS
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Edited by Chidi Opara and Ephraims Sheyin