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Health

Some Nigerian children with eye problems die before age 2 – Institute

Some Nigerian children with eye problems die before age 2 – Institute
By Christian Njoku
Eye
Calabar, Jan. 18, 2018 (NAN) The Brien Holden Vision Institute said on Friday that 50 per cent of children with eye problems often die before their second birthday in Nigeria.
Dr Ann Abri, the Sub-Regional Manager of the institute for West Africa, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar.
Abri said that this development occurred because the problems that were related to blindness in children were also related to mortality in the children.
According to her, the institute is aimed at reducing mortality in children, by providing eye care for children between the ages 0 to 14 years in Cross River.
The medical practitioner said that her organisation would establish four child friendly units in Calabar, Ogoja, Ikom and Yakurr, where children could access eye care quickly.
Abri said that the outfit was also providing free surgeries for parents in the institute’s teaching hospital in Calabar.
“In Cross River, we are targeting 250,000 children; to provide medication to as many that require medication, provide 2,500 spectacles, conduct surgeries on no fewer than 360 children.
“Also of interest would be the setting up of well-equipped child friendly units with well-trained workers, especially optometrists to provide specialist care within the clinics and establishing a school for children who are blind so that if all is done and a child’s sight could not be restored, there is a school where the child can acquire education.
“The state government is supporting us by providing a conducive environment in their facilities, and also providing us with their staff who we train to care for the children, and collect data which are sent to us.”
Abri, who doubles as the Project Manager for the Seeing is Believing Comprehensive Child Eye Health Programmme in the state, said they could not take optometrists to the rural areas due to lack of facilities there.
She noted that the comprehensive eye care programme for children began in 2017 in 11 states, and would be rounded off in Dec. 2019.
Dr Theresa Ekpenyong, one of the optometrists trained for the programme, described it as enlightening, having learned new ways of examining children.
According to her, parents and children are usually very grateful especially those who underwent surgeries and had their sight restored.
She, however, noted that as nice as the programme was, lack of maintenance could be its problem as there was lack of maintenance culture. (NAN)
CBN/FLP/MST
Edited by Folorunso Poroye/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Ageing policy: International institute commends Omokaro foundation on training

Ageing policy: International institute commends Omokaro foundation on training
By Chinenye Offor
Capacity
Abuja, April 20, 2018 (NAN) The International Institute on Ageing, United Nations -Malta (INIA), on Friday commended Dave Omokaro Foundation (DOF) for its high level of capacity building for drivers of the ageing policy in Nigeria.
This is contained in a letter signed by the Director of the institute, Prof. Marvin Formosa, a copy of which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
It appreciated the foundation for its organisational capability for the training programme on Ageing Policy Formulation.
Formosa said that the institute was proud to have a “trustworthy, knowledgeable and hard working person as Dave Omokaro’’.
NAN recalls that the foundation had organised training on Ageing Policy Formulation for stakeholders between March 5 and 9.
The director underscored the need for collaboration in order to meet the challenges of a rapidly ageing population, and to respond positively to the objectives and recommendations of the Madrid International Plan Action on Ageing.
“The training programme on ageing policy formulation deserves commendation for excellent organisational skills, efficiency and on site experience exhibited,” he said.
He noted the excellent success in the training programme due to the innovative methodology Omokaro adopted.
The director specifically acknowledged the policy practice forum she introduced in order to encourage relevant and strategic Government, Ministries and Civil Society to mainstream ageing in their sector policies.
Formosa also lauded the nine resolutions reached by the participants at the end of five days of intensive activities including lectures, site visits and interactive forum.
According to him, the outcome highlighted the huge tasks that were ahead in achieving the desired standards for the well-being of older persons.
He, however, pledged that under his directive INIA would seek to enhance its collaboration with DOF and meet its recommendations in the most effective way.
Formosa, therefore, congratulated Omokaro for the successful conduct of 2018 training programme and also expressed his appreciation of the collaboration between both organisations. (NAN)
CSO/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Institute lauds Nigeria for embracing ageing policy

Institute lauds Nigeria for embracing ageing policy
By Chinenye Offor
Policy
Abuja, April 19, 2018 (NAN) The International Institute on Ageing, UN-Malta, has commended the Dave Omokaro Foundation (DOF) for its robust advocacy promoting ageing policy in Nigeria.
This is contained in a letter of appreciation addressed to the Executive Director of the foundation, Dr Emem Omokaro, a copy of which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.
It also commended DOF for jointly organising a weeklong training in March to enhance the capacity of public officers drawn from key MDAs to drive the policy in the country.
Meanwhile, Omokaro has also acknowledged the cooperation of NAN for participating in the 2018 international training programme on Ageing Policy Formulation, Planning and Implementation.
The foundation expressed readiness to partner with NAN to ensure effective communication and dissemination of its activities.
Omokaro expressed optimism in a letter sent to the Managing Director of NAN, Mr Bayo Onanuga, that Mr Komolafe Oladayo and Ms Chinenye Offor that featured in the training would contribute meaningfully to enlightening stakeholders and the general public on the gains of the policy.
She said that the knowledge acquired by the participants would enhance their knowledge on population trend, health and the socio-economic implications of ageing and challenges faced by older persons.
She also believed that the trainees had acquired skills and competence to ensure ageing is mainstreamed into NAN’s programme and also in social policy formulation, planning and implementation.
The executive director, however, hoped that the knowledge acquired would be cascaded and utilised for effective inclusion of older persons in development in Nigeria. (NAN)
CSO/IFY/MST
Edited by Ify Omowole/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Agriculture

Institute task journalists on agriculture reportage

Institute task journalists on agriculture reportage
NAN-H-50
Journalists
By Mohammed Lawal
Zaria (Kaduna State), March 2, 2018 (NAN) Mrs Elizabeth Douglas, the Head of Communications, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), on Friday advised journalists to take advantage of social media to boost agriculture policy reportage.
She gave the advice as a facilitator at a two-day training workshop for academics and journalists at the National Agricultural Extension Research and Liaisons Services (NAERLS), Zaria, Kaduna State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training entitled: “Policy Communication Course for Academics and Journalists”, was organised by IFPRI in collaboration with NAERLS.
NAN also reports that the training, which was under “Feed the Future Nigeria Agriculture Policy” programme, is being funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Douglas observed that effective agriculture policy reportage would assist in revamping national food security.
She identified social media like Twitter, What’s up, Facebook, Instagram, Google and tun-in, among others, as some of the channels to be used for wide-spread of reports.
The communication expert stressed the need for journalists to always update their knowledge and skills in line with the dynamic global trend.
The essence of the training, according to her, is to promote policy dialogue amongst stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
Douglas added that it was also aimed at providing linkages between the policy-makers and stakeholders toward enhanced agricultural participation, thereby paving way for increased productivity.
She said: “The training programme is funded by USAID, at the same time, IFPRI is partnering with Michigan State University to ensure the success of the exercise.
“This is targeted at enhancing the skills and capacity of journalists toward becoming better informed in policy change,” she said. (NAN)
KLM/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Institute to train 60 policy makers on IDPs education

Institute to train 60 policy makers on IDPs education
NAN-HG-8
Girl-child
By Talatu Maiwada
Abuja, Feb. 13, 2018 (NAN) Prof. Lilian Salami, Director-General, National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), says the institute will train 60 policy makers in security education to address challenges of education for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the country.
Salami told newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja that education in the IDP camps, especially for girl-child, was neglected and should be a priority for all policy makers.
“We will be training about 60 policy makers from the 26 of March because they are responsible for the children that are displaced and they must ensure their education and other intervention are carried out effectively.
“We have not been emphasising on the aspect of education for children in the camps, we feel is very crucial and should be treated holistically.
“There is much emphasis about their nutrition, sanitation and health, but not much attention is given to their education, they were in school before they were displaced and they should continue their education while in camp.
“The ministry of education should have impact in the camps; there is need for such peculiar persons to be properly situated in the Nigeria educational system,’’ Salami said.
She added that state ministries of education would be involved in providing space for classes, teachers and instructional materials in order to ensure that each child was educated while in camp.
The director-general stated that such approach was an informal one that would be introduced into the camps before the IDPs are re-integrated back into their communities.
She said the institute had engaged in other training such as the girl-child education, adding that no meaningful development could take place if the issue of girl-child education was not factored into the educational system.
“As managers and administrators we have a crucial role to play in revitalising and repositioning the Nigerian education system.
“We emphasises on equity for the girl child, they should have equal opportunity like the boy-child.
“In the institute we have trained about 87 persons including head teachers, policy makers and educational planners across the country who will ensure the girl-child goes to school.
“We are also developing science teachers from unity schools in all the 36 states of the federation on the best way to teach science subjects to the students, so that students can assimilate better,’’ she said.
Salami called on the government, philanthropists and private organisations to support the institute financially in revamping and repositioning the educational sector in Nigeria.
On the proposed merger of some federal agencies, the director-general explained that the institute has a peculiar mandate for building capacity in educational sector in collaboration global partnerships.
According to her, NIEPA is partnering with the World Bank, UNESCO and UNICEF to train managers, planners and administrators of education sector in the country.
“NIEPA is one of four of its kind globally. And NIEPA does not only cover Nigeria, but the West African sub-region,’’ Salami said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the institute was established in 1992 to breach the gap through capacity building, training, consulting, research in educational planning and information dissemination. (NAN)
TIM/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

PSN wants FG to improve funding of research institute

PSN wants FG to improve funding of research institute
NAN-HG-4
Funding
By Yashim Katurak
Abuja, Oct. 18, 2017 (NAN) Mr Ahmed Yakasai, President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), on Wednesday called for improved electricity supply and funding to the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD).
Yakasai, who spoke at the unveiling of a monument at the institute in Abuja, said this was stalling progress of research and had forced the institute to operate below capacity.
According to him, the institute has only kept its operations going with donations and support from international organisations, donor agencies and individuals.
He said it was time the Federal Government improved on its support to the institute.
Yakasai charged Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government to rally support for the institute to enable it sustain the international standard it had achieved over the years through donor support.
“NIPRD is here and is working but it needs help; the institute needs funding to re-equip its laboratories.
“The institute is surviving today because of donations and support from countries like Japan, USAID and so on.
“This is what has made the NIPRD one that can compete favourably with others around the world.
“However, the institute does not have electricity to do its work and this is sad. It needs support; funding is not there and we need ways to fund the institute.
“You cannot run an institute like this without funding, without adequate equipment and manpower; this institute needs to expand beyond what it is now.’’
Yakasai recalled that when he became president of the PSN, he gave attention to the institute.
According to him, the institute was built because of the need to harness Nigeria’s natural resources for research and development, and to show the world what we have and what we are capable of achieving.
“The institute is doing a lot in the area of drug production, HIV research and treatment, sickle cell anaemia, malaria and so on.
“They are collaborating with international organisations to bring in modern technology but government needs to do its part by supporting the institute,’’ Yakasai said.
The NIPRD director-general, Prof. Karniyus Gamaniel, said since the establishment of the institute it had supported the health sector by checkmating quality of drugs produced in the country or imported.
Gamaniel said the institute had also successfully researched and produced ‘Niprisan’, a drug for the management of sickle cell anaemia.
According to him, it is the first time such a drug is being brought forward and commercialised from the laboratory to the public domain.
He added that the drug was unique and recognised worldwide.
Gamaniel stressed that the institute was currently operating at 40 per cent capacity, especially in the areas of infrastructure and funding.
“On the research of drugs, we are doing fairly based on the resources available to us.
“If we have support, this institute will do a lot in the areas of employment generation, boosting the economy and lead to medical findings for foreign exchange,’’ the director-general said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the monument being unveiled was erected by the PSN for the institute. (NAN)
KRY/COF/MST
Edited by Oluyinka Fadare/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Institute bemoans epileptic power supply to research, drugs

Pharmaceutical Institute bemoans epileptic power supply to research, drug

NAN-HG-4

Electricity

By Yashim Katurak

Abuja, Feb. 24, 2017 (NAN) The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) says epileptic power supply to the institute is adversely affecting the progress in research and production of drugs.

Prof. Karniyus Gamaniel, the Director-General of the institute, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday that the development has necessitated the sole reliance on electricity generating machines.

He said since the institute could not run 24 hours everyday using outside electricity supply, the progress in research, drug production, laboratory work and running the institute’s clinic had been greatly affected.

Gamaniel said the institute did not have enough budgetary allocation to cater for the extra cost of running on electricity generating set.

He called for support from private and public organisations.

“This institute is not supposed to run a day without power supply, but we are perpetually on electricity generating set.

“We have applied to the Government of Japan through the Federal Ministry of National Planning and Budget for solar panels which we can use to generate electricity here in the institute.

“The Japanese government said we are not a power institution but a pharmaceutical and medical related institution; hence we should rather apply for laboratory support.

“Laboratory support is another area where we need assistance in the institute, so we applied and we have received from the Japanese government a grant of almost $10 million.

“It is a grant that is to be used to buy essential equipment that we need in the institute. This is all geared towards minimising our dependence on the budget from the federal government,” Gamaniel said.

He said that although an institute in the United Kingdom had offered to assist the institute with 100kw of power, the federal government needed to pay installation fee of N3 million.

Gamaniel said the institute has also written to about 12 foundations asking for sponsorship of the project.

According to him, we are yet to get feedback but we will not relent in our efforts because a lot of people depend on the institute for their health needs. (NAN)

KRY/JIE/MST

Edited by Julius Enehikhuere/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Institute urges FG to boost local production of drugs

Institute urges FG to boost local production of drugs

NAN-HG-2

Drugs

By Yashim Katurak

Abuja, Feb. 24, 2017 (NAN) Prof. Karniyus Gamaliel, Director-General, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Abuja, says Nigeria has the capacity to produce its own drugs and end reliance on donor countries.

Gamaliel told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday that this would also impact positively in the fight to end drug smuggling and fake drug peddling in the country by relevant agencies.

He noted that although the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has made progress over the years in addressing the problem, there was need for the Federal Government to take more stringent steps.

He said that as long as the country stalled from attaining this goal, it would continue to face the problem of controlling how drugs both fake and good were brought into the country.

“If a country does not produce, it is very difficult to control but if you produce you can have better control.

“Nigeria is not free from the sale of substandard drugs and the major reason is that our boarders are porous. There is also the need for relevant agencies to strengthen control internally.

“Drugs are more traceable than money. When drugs come into the country, they must get approval and someone must apply for that approval so if one tracks substandard products one will always know where they came from.

“There is a possibility that people are still producing fake drugs right here in the country; but this is not up to 20 or 30 per cent of what is smuggled into the country from other countries,” Gamaliel said.

He said that the institute has been working with NAFDAC for several years under a memorandum of understanding to address fake drug smuggling and peddling in the country.

He said that the partnership has also allowed the institute to test products locally produced by entrepreneurs and sent to the institute by NAFDAC to check for efficacy and safety.

He added that this has enabled the institute register various locally produced items including food supplements and issue certificates after checking for quality and standard.

“We work hand in hand with NAFDAC in this process we do not just approve, we provide certificates that the entrepreneurs use to register with NAFDAC,’’ Gamaliel said.

He commended the steps taken by the Federal Ministry of Health regarding the distribution policy of drugs in the country.

He said that products getting to the distribution centres were sent directly to hospitals and registered pharmacies so as to monitor and track the movement of drugs to check fake production. (NAN)

KRY/AK/MST

Edited by Akin Makanjuola/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

Minister pledges support to proposed foreign relations institute

Minister pledges support to proposed foreign relations institute

NAN-H-51

Institute

By Kabir Muhammad

Abuja, Feb. 23, 2017 (NAN) Malam Muhammad Bello, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has pledged to support the proposed Institute of Foreign Relations in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the institute is aimed at promoting diplomacy and stimulating multi-lateral discourse in Africa.

Bello gave the assurance while receiving members of the Forum of Former Ambassadors of Nigeria (FOFAN), led by the National Coordinator, Amb. Jerry Ugokwe, that visited him on Thursday in Abuja.

According to him, FCTA will support the forum because the country requires an independent think-tank on foreign affairs to complement the good work being done by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He said the administration would also discuss the issue with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to see how the lofty idea could come to fruition.

“In addition to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we need an independent think-tank to assist in interfacing with international organisations and we need to leverage on the experiences of these former Ambassadors,” he said.

He commended the efforts of the former envoys on the proposed establishment of the institute in Abuja.

Bello noted that if established, the institute would be similar to CHATHAM House in London and Council on Foreign Relations in New York.

“It will also be as well as Washington DC in USA, it will have a positive impact not only on Nigeria as a country, but the entire continent of Africa,’’ he added.

The minister noted that the patriotic zeal of the forum will boost those that are still in service to continue offer their best in service of their fatherland.

He directed the forum to liaise with the officials of the FCT administration to identify a prime location befitting for the development of that kind of project.

Speaking earlier, the National Coordinator of the forum disclosed that Nigeria has more than 5,000 people who have served the country as Ambassadors in various countries across the globe.

Ugokwe said that the forum has the vision of being Nigeria’s international relations and current affairs think tank.

“The forum intends to analyse and promote true understanding of Nigeria’s international relations, diplomacy and current affairs through research and publications,” he added.

He noted that the dream institute of the forum would create a place where people will go and speak about foreign policies. (NAN)

KM/MST Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola