Pharm. (Deacon) Adebowale Robert Tade, chairman, Mastoofy Supermarket & Electronics Ltd, has added another feather to his cap as he was recently appointed as the first non- executive chairman of the Board of Gorah Healthcare Ltd.
Tade, who disclosed his new position toPharmanewsonline through a telephone message, expressed his gratitude to God for granting him such opportunity, among several seasoned medical doctors and accountants, who applied for the same position.
Pharm. (Deacon) Adebowale Robert Tade
He said : ”I was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of Gorah Healthcare Ltd, an Health Management Organisation (HMO) outfit, last November. Amongst prospects for this position were seasoned medical doctors and accountants, but I’m so glad and humbled that it’s me, a seasoned pharmacist that eventually became the chosen one, as the maiden non- executive chairman of the board of Gorah Healthcare Ltd. I know you’ll be glad to know about this, up, up Pharmacy’’.
Tade, a former chairman/managing director, Pfizer Anglophone West Africa, hails from Ijagbo Community in Kwara State, and attended Baptist Boys’ High School, Abeokuta, he as well graduated from the School of Pharmacy, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in 1970.
Prior to this appointment, Tade had served as chairman of several boards of directors, such as deputy managing director for Pfizer; Chairman, Livestock Feeds Plc; Chairman, Mastoofy Supermarket & Electronics Ltd; Chairman, Scheme of Service Committee (Compensation/Welfare of Pastors, and all Workers) Nigerian Baptist Convention, 2009 to 2016; Chairman, Investment Committee of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, 2010 to 2017; and now chairman of the Board of Gorah Healthcare Ltd.
A well-travelled Tade, has journeyed across the globe for general and senior management studies, courses in financial management/accounting studies and strategic planning skills. He had his internship in one of the busiest children hospitals in Africa, Massey Street Hospital, Lagos.
Gorah Healthcare limited is a new Nigerian HMO in the South West Zone, with immediate focus on Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states.
Aspirin May Reduce Risk of ‘Broken Heart’ During Bereavement
A worldwide study conducted by scientists from University of Sydney, Australia, has recently found that the increased risk of heart attack or “a broken heart” in early bereavement could be reduced with the administration of aspirin in a fresh way.
Lead Investigator, Professor Geoffrey Tofler said while most people gradually adjust to the loss of a loved one, there is an increase in heart attack and death among bereaved people, particularly those grieving a spouse or child.
According to the World Health Organisation, mortality rate in Nigeria has increased from 50 million to around 57 million recently.
“The increased risk of heart attack can last up to six months. It is highest in the first day following bereavement and remains at four times the risk between seven days to one month after the loss’’, Tofler noted.
The study, published in the American Heart Journal, is the first randomized controlled clinical trial to show it is possible to reduce several cardiac risk factors during this time, without adversely affecting the grieving process.
“Bereavement following the death of a loved one is one of the most stressful experiences to which almost every human is exposed,” said Professor Tofler, Professor of Preventative Cardiology at the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Medicine and Health, and Senior Staff Cardiologist at Royal North Shore Hospital.
“Our study is the first clinical trial to examine how the cardiac risk factors could be mitigated during early bereavement.”
The research team from the University of Sydney, Royal North Shore Hospital and the Kolling Institute enrolled 85 spouses or parents in the study within two weeks of losing their family members.
Forty-two participants received low daily doses of a beta blocker and aspirin for six weeks, while 43 were given placebos. Heart rate and blood pressure were carefully monitored, and blood tests assessed blood clotting changes.
“The main finding was that the active medication, used in a low dose once a day, successfully reduced spikes in blood pressure and heart rate, as well as demonstrating some positive changes in blood clotting tendency,” said Professor Tofler.
The investigators also carefully monitored the grief reaction of participants.
“We were reassured that the medication had no adverse effect on the psychological responses, and indeed lessened symptoms of anxiety and depression,” said Professor Tofler.
“Encouragingly, and to our surprise, reduced levels of anxiety and blood pressure persisted even after stopping the six weeks of daily beta blocker and aspirin.”
Co-investigator Associate Professor Tom Buckley said the study builds on the team’s novel work in this area with their earlier studies among the first to identify the physiological correlates of bereavement.
“While beta blockers and aspirin have been commonly used long term to reduce cardiovascular risk, they have not previously been used in this way as a short-term preventive therapy during bereavement,” said Associate Professor Buckley of the University of Sydney.
The authors acknowledge that larger long-term studies are needed to identify who would benefit most however the findings provide encouragement for healthcare professionals to consider this preventive strategy among individuals that they consider to be at high risk associated with early bereavement.
“Our finding on the potentially protective benefit of this treatment is also a good reminder for clinicians to consider the well-being of the bereaved,” said Associate Professor Buckley.
People experiencing cardiac symptoms should discuss their condition with a healthcare professional before taking medication as incorrect use could be harmful.
Professor (Mrs) Chinedum Babalola, vice-chancellor, Chrisland University, Abeokuta, has been selected as one of the recipients of the prestigious African Union Kwame Nkrumah Regional Awards for Scientific Excellence Programme, 2019 Edition.
Characteristically known as ”the woman of the firsts’’, having attained several female first positions in the field of Pharmacy in Nigeria, Babalola is not resting on her oars, as she has just been adjured by the African Union Commission, as one of the winners of the African Regional Awards for Scientific Excellence, being the first of its kind for Pharmacy in Nigeria.
Professor (Mrs) Chinedum Babalola
Babalola’s unparalleled record of firsts among lady pharmacists in Nigeria showed that she was the first female professor of Pharmacy at the University of Ibadan; also the first female dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan. She was the first female pharmacist inducted as Fellow, Nigerian Academy of Science – the highest scientific award in Nigeria. Again, she was the first female Nigerian inducted as Fellow, African Academy of Sciences, and the first female pharmacist to become a vice-chancellor of a university in Nigeria.
In a document announcing her nomination, as the winner of the award as sent by the African Union, from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, it was stated that Babalola’s application scaled through the rigorous selection process, as she will be presented with a winning prize of USD20,000, during the awards ceremony at the African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government, which will take place from the 9 to 10 February 2020, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The document reads in part: ‘’The African Union Commission convened a jury meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 9 to 13 December 2019, for the adjudication of the African Union Kwame Nkrumah Continental and Regional Awards for Scientific Excellence Programme 2019 Edition. I am pleased to inform you that after a rigorous evaluation process, your application has been successful and you have been nominated as one of the recipients of this prestigious award. Congratulations to you!
‘In this regard, the African Union Commission is organising an award ceremony to honour you for your outstanding scientific achievement and contribution through scientific research for the socio-economic development of Africa. The ceremony will be held during the African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government, which will take place from the 9th to the 10th of February 2020 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The management and staff of Pharmanews Ltd join her family and associates to wish her hearty congratulations on this feat.
Welcome to 2020! Let me specially welcome you to this page. This is the debut article for this column that you will be reading every month in global healthcare Journal (and the best, if you ask me).
It has become necessary to have an offering targeted at the commercial and business segment of the pharma-industrial sector and practice. Readers of this journal are mostly health scientists and practitioners. And they are very good at what they do. However, the reality is that our scientific competence and capabilities may not be adequate for success when we find ourselves (and we often do) in positions and circumstances that require business, commercial, leadership, management, interpersonal relationship and management skills.
Soft skills and commercial competence have been practically absent in the professional training curricula of most health service providers. This column will focus on these skills with a strong bent for pharma marketing, sales, selling, and leadership. Specifically, our target readers will include pharma-CEOs, Pharma C-Level managers/leaders, head of sales, head of marketing, sales managers, product/brand managers, commercial managers, trainers, planners, sales representatives, regulators, other service providers in the healthcare/pharma sectors, as well as allied stakeholders.
2020 success dashboard
2019 is gone and, naturally, we are focused on 2020. For most pharma companies, there are many unfinished businesses of 2019 that may impinge on 2020: national conferences, “thank you” gifts and souvenirs, Q4/2019 outstanding trade and field force incentives, production and marketing collateral for 2020, etc. All of these are important. But below is my list of some items that should be on your “2020 Dashboard of Success”:
Pharm. Tunde Oyeniran
Learn from 2019. You need to start with a good understanding of what happened last year. What accounts for your success or failure? What worked for you and what did not? In this regard, data is crucial. For instance, who (distributors, wholesales, institutions, products/SKUs, reps/managers) and what (territories/regions, cities and states, strategies and initiatives, investment, etc.) are responsible for, say, 80 per cent of your sales/collection? Then you can have clarity of purpose and direction for 2020
Set targets and objectives. Targets drive action for most of the field force (FF). Honestly, this ought to have been concluded before the end of 2019. If you haven’t set your targets and objectives, the next best time is NOW! Set and communicate targets by SKUs, month and quarter for each and every member of the field force. Please don’t forget the non-financial objectives as well.
Manage your cost. Most employees, especially salesmen, act as if companies mint money. Daily and periodic objectives must be set for salesmen (and every staff) so that you can insist that they deliver on them. Part of the process is development of KPI and regular appraisal of everyone. Find out your costs and the prices you pay for critical items of purchases and supplies. Benchmark. Get the best from your suppliers by making them to compete. Negotiate price and commercial terms every time and all of the time
Intensify supervision. The days are gone when you can assume that your subordinates will do the needful as agreed. Work ethics, especially amongst youngsters, is on a downward spiral. Demand for reports and evidence (photographs, video, names/phone numbers), check and do independent double-checking. Every assignment and project must have a deadline, timeline and milestone. Walk the shop floor, do on-the-spot and random physical, voice and video checks. Supervise the supervisors. It will be worth the trouble.
Secure your assets. Your money, your stock and your relationships are your assets used to generate profit. You must track them. Follow the stock and confirm it is delivered to the right customer. I find it amazing that some companies do not know where up to 70 per cent of their stock and money is at any point in time: only the reps know. Why would you supply N10m, or N5m or even N550K worth of stock to a customer for which you have absolutely no time for collection? Obviously, you need the money, for operations, payables, year-end/new-year expenses, investments, etc. Let’s face it, there isn’t much sale in this January/Q1. Besides, debts clog sales. These are the reasons you must focus on bringing money from last year’s sales, using conventional and non-conventional methods. Don’t ignore it; do something about it.
Invest in training and capacity building. So you want to grow your business by 200 per cent? or 300 per cent? All well and good. You bought cars, got a new space, and ordered for the largest consignment ever. But you want to use your human capital, as it is. This needs another look. Of all the elements of growth – money, capital, process, human capital – the last is the most critical. You can’t go far with a poorly skilled field force. And you can’t train too much. But, what if you train them and they leave? But what if you train them and they stay? Or what if you don’t train them and they stay? Research shows that people leave mostly because of either their manager (who possibly has poor leadership/management skills) or because of their environment.
Reward what is important. Most pharma companies want to see their brands grow. This requires deep, consistent and extensive demand-generation activities. But what is rewarded is collection, i.e. sales. Nothing is wrong with trading, but just be aware that people do what is rewarded. Most companies have sales, business development and financial goals. The challenge is striking a balance in our reward system. And communicating the respective expectations clearly, using numbers.
Of course, this list is not exhaustive. But these are enough for starters. I’ll like to mention a few more: deepen your relationship with your partners (customers, caregivers, institutions, etc.); have a system and SOPs; watch your environment; insist on continuous improvement; walk the talk and keep your promises.
Personal angle
It is about the time you chart a course for yourself in the year 2020. Create a personal development plan (PDP) to see a more focused and more successful you by the end of the year. Personal development planning is the process of creating a SMART action plan, based on awareness, values, reflection, goal-setting and planning for personal development within the context of your career, education, spiritual life, self-actualisation plan, relationship or for self-improvement.
When creating your own PDP, it is essential to make sure it accurately outlines your personal goals, why they’re important to you, and how you plan to achieve them. Although all PDPs are specific to each individual, the plan will generally detail your ideal future, based on your short and/or long-term ambitions. It should also always recognise the potential obstacles you might face, and how you propose to overcome them
Here are the steps to help you create a good personal development plan:
Define your goals.
Prioritise.
Set a deadline.
Understand your strengths.
Recognise opportunities and threats.
Develop new skills.
Take action.
Get support
Measure your progress and review.
Tunde Oyeniran, B Pharm MBA, is Lead Consultant, Ekini White Tulip Consulting Limited. Ekini White Tulip Consulting is a multi-disciplinary firm delivering exceptional training, recruitment/selection and sales/marketing management solutions for the pharma/healthcare sector. Contact: 08029606103/oyeniran.tunde@gmail.com
The 2020 WhiteTulipTraining calendar/schedule is out. Request yours by sending #Send 2020 Calendar# to 08029606103 (WhatsApp) or directly from ekiniwhitetuliptraining@gmail.com
Sexual side effects are among the most common complaints about antidepressants. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, clinical depression affects 1 in 5 adults in the United States.
A psychiatrist from Bangor University who specialises in sexual dysfunction caused by antidepressants is calling for greater recognition of the problems that can endure after treatment stops.
Just as depression occurs in both genders, sexual side effects from antidepressants affect both men and women. Understanding how these medications affect your sex life can help you manage side effects.
Professor David Healy, writing in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, said problems may begin after only a few doses and leave someone affected for life, or a relatively mild dysfunction can worsen dramatically when the person stops treatment.
Healy said that the common side effects in men include decreased libido and difficulty getting an erection. He noted that some men have trouble maintaining an erection. Men taking antidepressants also report delayed or blocked orgasm. Some drugs, like Celexa, can cause a man’s sperm count to drop to nearly zero.
According to Professor Healy many patients are just as concerned by additional features like emotional numbing or derealisation. Both sexes, all ages and every ethnic group can be affected.
Doctors Caution against Adverse Effects of Antidepressants
Professor Healy, of Bangor University, said: “10 percent of people of sexually active years in developed countries are on antidepressants chronically. Nearly 20 percent of the population, therefore, may not be able to make love the way they want. In some deprived areas, the figure may be much higher. Some likely comfort themselves with the thought that once they stop treatment, they will get back to normal, when in fact they may be even less able to function.”
In June 2019, in response to a petition lodged by Professor Healy and colleagues in 2018, the European Medicines Agency asked pharmaceutical companies to warn that sexual dysfunction can endure after antidepressant treatment stops.
Professor Healy said: “There is a great need to recognise these treatment-related enduring sexual dysfunctions and pinpoint how they arise and might be treated.”
In addressing the process on how to manage sexual side effects of the antidepressants, Dr Mark R Laflamme MD, health professional from the U.S, gave some tips on the management.
Adjust your dosage
Antidepressants can affect your sex drive at almost any dose. However, it makes sense that higher doses result in an increased risk of sexual side effects. If you are experiencing sexual side effects, ask your doctor about switching to a smaller dose. Never adjust your dosage without speaking with your doctor first.
It’s important to note that if you decide to take this course of action, you will likely need to be monitored closely for several weeks upon switching to a smaller dose. Do not stop taking your antidepressants altogether without consulting with your doctor first.
Consider timing
When it comes to sex, timing can be everything. This is especially true if your prescription medications decrease your libido.
If you take antidepressants once a day, you may be able to solve the issue by taking your medicine after the time of day you normally engage in sexual intercourse.
In general, side effects of medications tend to become less bothersome a few hours before the next dose. This method may not work for everyone, and if it does work, a downside is that sex is less spontaneous.
Reassess your prescription
If changing the dosage and timing of your medication fails to address your sexual problems, don’t give up. You may need to consider switching brands of antidepressant.
Your doctor may suggest a brand that is less likely to cause sexual side effects. They might also add another prescription medication to supplement your current regimen.
Erectile dysfunction medications can help men maintain an erection. Some women benefit from adding the antidepressant aid called bupropion to their medication regime.
Establish a timeline
One of the simplest solutions for sexual dysfunction is to wait and see if your sexual side effects decrease. As a general rule, it can take weeks or even months for these side effects to go away. Patience is key when managing sexual side effects. It can take your body time to adjust to antidepressants.
The same is true of changing doses or switching brands. Work with your doctor to establish a timeline. You will need to work together to determine whether side effects gradually improve.
Talking to your partner
For some individuals, the difficulty of dealing with sexual side effects of taking antidepressants can be excruciating. These same patients often give up their medications in hopes of having better sex lives.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that every person will react differently to antidepressant medication. Going off of antidepressants means that the symptoms of your depression may return.
When deciding on a course of action, it is essential to consult with your sexual partner. Work on a solution that will address your mental health as well as your sexual needs.
Sexual side effects from antidepressants is an extremely common occurrence, so don’t be shy about discussing solutions with your doctor.
The West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (WAPCP) in collaboration with Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana is billed to hold its 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Symposium from 23 to 27 March, 2020.
The conference banner
The event themed: Universal Health Coverage: The role of digital and collaborative services will be held at Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences Conference Centre, Accra, Ghana.
Other sub-themes for the symposium: E-Presentation & Dispensing and Quality and Safety of Herbal Medicines in Universal Health Converge.
Expected at the event are pharmacists from countries in the West African sub-region.
A lot of people keep hoping without plan, strategy and action. Great things don’t happen on nothing. I met someone this January to know his plans and strategies for the year. The feedback I got from him didn’t show that he has prepared in this direction. I later gave him an assignment on how to get started.
Everything is strategy! The environment is tough, you require a smart strategy to get things done. You need strategy at home, in your career, in your business, and every aspect of your life.
Life is strategy
Strategy tells how you will get things done. It’s not enough to have a vision, you must support your vision with a good strategy; otherwise it becomes an illusion. A lot of people have designed beautiful new year resolutions. But many of these resolutions are abandoned within the first quarter or second quarter of the year. Why is this so? The reason is simple: No strategy!
Many people have written great goals on paper. They want to achieve a lot of smart things this year. The issue is not necessarily not to have a goal. A lot of people have goals, at least unwritten ones. The main issue is how to bring your goals to life! A lot of folks can dream but making your dream a reality is the crux of the matter. Why is this so? Again, I say, lack of strategy.
I have met a lot of people in my career as an accredited trainer, speaker, consultant, life coach and entrepreneur. I know that I have mentored people who achieved their goals. I have also met people who wanted to get to the top without using the ladder. They just wanted to jump to the top. They just wanted to fly to the top without following a process.
The person who wants to jump to the top to avoid using a ladder may be on his way to the orthopedic hospital! People who jump from lofty heights unguarded, may get wounded. This is usually the case. Success follows a defined process.
I wrote a complete book on success: The 11 Irrefutable Principles of Success. I recommend you get the book. It’s a great read. One outstanding rule for success is following the right paths consistently and doing the right things at the right time. Achieving success in life follows a sequence. Success is a journey, not a destination. It requires a process. You don’t jump at success, you work at success. You work on success.
George O. Emetuche
Take charge
You must take charge now! You must sit on the driver’s seat and take charge of the journey. Time is clicking gradually. January is almost done. Other months will come and go too! Time waits for no one. Time clicks away selfishly without waiting for anyone. It’s up to the man or woman who desires change to meet up with the ever moving time. You must make your day count. Don’t just count the days!
Nothing happens if we don’t happen to things. Designing a smart strategy is the way to go. You just have to happen to things! That’s the way of champions. No General goes to the battlefield without a war plan. The better the plan, the more chances the General has to defeat his opponents. Life is a battlefield. We need to come to the battleground with smart strategies. The time is now!
No two strategies are the same. Look at your capacity and environment and design a strategy that fits your situation and your environment. Do it now! The attitude that kills success is the “someday” attitude. Average people always say they will do the right things someday. Someday I will write my goals down. Someday I will learn that skill. Someday I will sharpen my talent. Someday I will build capacity. Someday I will join a mastermind group. Someday I will launch that idea. Someday I will start that business. Someday I will register for that course. Someday, Someday, Someday! Fix it now. Champions don’t give excuses. They get inside the ring, fight hard and win. No excuses!
What’s your strategy to achieve your beautiful goals? Strategy tells you the things to do and the ones to avoid. Michael Porter, once said, ‘’The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do.’’ You need to know what to do and what you are not supposed to do. You need to be strategic. You must determine the tactics you will explore in this tough arena. This is your call, it’s not transferable.
Design a smart strategy now.
Without thinking, you start nothing.
Without passion, you believe nothing.
Without action, you achieve nothing.
Without strategy, you join the crowd!
Be intelligently strategic!
George O. Emetuche, CES, is a Brian Tracy-endorsed bestselling author, accredited training consultant, life coach, sales and marketing consultant.
As a means of providing opportunity for stakeholders to display and explore the business potentials of Central and West African Pharmaceutical markets, Chamber of Pharmacy, in collaboration with XODUS Communications Limited, is scheduled to hold the annual Ghana Pharmaceutical Expo (GHAPHARM EXPO), from 25 to 27 March, 2020 at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, Accra, Ghana.
The GHAPHARM EXPO 2020, which is billed to be the biggest international pharmaceutical manufacturing exhibition in Ghana, is expected to attract about 100 exhibiting companies from different countries and over 300 overseas business visitors from all over the world, as well as related sectors’ trade professionals from across the region.
Chamber of Pharmacy Holds 2020 Ghana Pharma Expo
According to a statement signed by Anthony K. Ameka, chief executive officer, Chamber of Pharmacy, the event aims to bring together government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, procurement officers from various hospitals, pharmaceuticals exporters/importers, chief executive officers, researchers, regulatory officers/bodies, bio-equipment suppliers and distributors, senior managers from pharmaceutical industry, pharmacists and biotechnology specialists to meet and engage with the local pharmaceutical manufacturers and other stakeholders.
Ameka further stated that this year’s event seeks to encourage increased development of local manufacturing and production of high quality, safe and affordable medicines.
He added that the exhibition will not only benefit businesses within Ghana but also across the entire Central and West African pharmaceutical markets.
The Chamber of Pharmacy CEO also said that the two-day exhibition will be offering an unparalleled business networking with Ghana and the West African pharmaceutical markets.
He noted that delegates for the event are expected from countries across the continent, including Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Benin.
Ameka enjoined potential trade visitors to register online at info@ghchamberofpharmacy.com or call +233-596047494/+233-2029233.
He emphasized that pharmacists and other healthcare and allied professionals from Ghana and neighbouring countries have already begun registration as visitors for the exhibition.
A recent study by scientists at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston have found that applying home hospital treatment model can potentially improve care and at the same time reduce costs for patients.
The findings which were published in Annals of Internal MedicineTrusted Sourceshowed that the cost of care was nearly 40 percent lower than the actual cost hospitals must have charged.
Trial participants receiving hospital care in their homes had a 70 percent lower rate of readmission to the hospital. It was observed that people check into hospitals expecting to get better, but there are risks, and some even end up getting sicker.
The scientists further noted that a patient can face the danger of complications, like bleeding or infection. There are also the constant check-ins from nurses or physicians that can disrupt sleep. And none of that includes the cost.
Additionally, when in a hospital, people are stuck in their hospital beds for treatment and many experience negative health impacts from this physical inactivity.
“Hospital at Home (HaH) as the name states, cares for hospital-eligible patients at home. Models vary, but generally patients seen in the emergency room that require hospital-level care are given the option of intensive care at home,” said Thomas Cornwell, MD, founder of Northwestern Medicine Home Care Physicians and chief executive officer, Home Centered Care Institute.
Scientists Discover Home Treatment Helps Patients Heal Faster
First study of its kind
“To date, there has not yet been a randomized controlled trial of home hospital care performed in the U.S. other than our small pilot,” David Levine, MD, MPH, MA, the study’s corresponding author said.
The results of Dr Levine and team’s randomized controlled trial (RCT) can strengthen the case for home hospital care, showing that it reduces costs and readmissions while increasing physical activity compared with usual hospital treatment care.
“We wanted to show with a very high level of evidence that home hospital care treatment could be delivered to acutely ill adults with lower cost, better physical activity, high quality and safety, and excellent patient experience,” said Dr Levine.
“In addition, we feel this gives all Americans the information they need to choose the care for themselves and their loved ones should they need hospitalization,” he said.
Cost of care was nearly 40 percent lower
Levine and team enrolled 91 adult patients into the trial.
Each participant had been admitted via the emergency department at Brigham and Women’s Hospital or Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital with acute conditions that included infection, worsening heart failure, worsening chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma, that lived within 5 miles of the hospital.
They were randomized either to stay at the hospital for standard care or to receive care at home, including nurse and physician visits, intravenous (IV) medications, remote monitoring, video communication, and point-of-care testing.
Researchers measured the total direct cost of care, including costs for non-physician labour, supplies, tests, and medications.
The findings indicate that patients receiving at-home care had total costs that were almost 40 percent lower than patients treated conventionally.
“This study shows better outcomes for a lower cost in addition to a better use of resources. This is promising work and more and more attention is being paid to hospital care at home,” said Melissa O’Connor , PhD, MBA, RN, FGSA, and director, Geriatric Interest Group, Villanova University, M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing.
“However, further work is needed to determine the type of patient this best works for related to their severity of illness,” she said. “Do they need a caregiver? Do they need to be cognitively intact? What type of home environment is required?”
70 percent lower readmission rate
According to the study, those at home had fewer lab orders, less imaging (like X-ray and MRI), and had fewer consultations.
Levine and team also found that home hospital patients were less sedentary, and even had lower readmission rates within 30 days than patients admitted to hospital care.
“We also know that patients move more during a home hospitalization, which we believe goes a long way toward healing,” said Dr. Levine.
The study was actually stopped early on due to the strength of these findings.
“We didn’t build our home hospital study as a readmission reduction programme, but one of the more surprising findings was how impactful home hospital care was on 30-day readmission,” said Levine. “Seven percent of home hospital patients, compared to 23 percent of traditional hospital patients, were readmitted at 30 days — nearly a 70 percent reduction!”
The bottom line
There are disadvantages to in-hospital care that can increase health risks, but a new clinical trial finds that providing hospital quality care in the home may reduce these risks and improve patient outcomes.
Trial participants receiving hospital care in their homes had a 70 percent lower rate of readmission to the hospital.
Although at-home care can reduce hospital costs and improve patients’ health, but some health insurance providers, may not cover the cost of home-based hospital care.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest public health challenges of the 21st century. It threatens the effective prevention and treatment of an ever-increasing range of infections caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi.
For many years, there have been many research efforts to address this growing threat to public health but none has been as impactful as the groundbreaking DNA sequencing technologies for clinical diagnostics, developed by Dr Yemi Adesokan, an award winning Nigerian research scientist and entrepreneur.
Adesokan has several years of experience in the development and optimisation of multiplex capture and high throughput genome sequencing technologies. Indeed, According to medical experts, Adesokan’s discovery has potential to change the way mankind responds to disease pathogens, and may bring an end to the era of increased burden of drug resistance in the world, particularly in sub Saharan Africa. This is especially as his innovation is also being used to screen a range of harmful pathogens found in water, livestock and food manufacturing.
In 2011, at the aged of 34, Adesokan was listed by Technology Review, an independent media company owned by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, as one of the recipients of the TR35 Award of world’s top innovators. The TR35 Award recognises the world’s top innovators in the fields of energy, medicine, computing, communications, nanotechnology, and other emerging fields. Past recipients of the award have include Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook), Sergey Brin (Google), and Konstantin Novoselev (Nobel Laureate in Physics).
Yemi Adesokan – Maverick innovator and entrepreneur
Background and education
Adesokan was born in Lagos in 1977. He grew up in Okupe Estate Maryland, Lagos and had his primary education at Maryland Convent Private School, Lagos. In 1989 he was admitted to Command Day Secondary School Ikeja for his secondary education where he graduated in 1994. In 1996, Adesokan relocated to the United States for his tertiary education. he obtained a degree in Biology in 2001 from the University of Houston where as an undergraduate researcher he predicted the first HIV-Integrase/Viral DNA binding pattern.
Thereafter, he went on to obtain a PhD in Theoretical Chemistry from the University of California, Irvine, where he worked on the development of new force-fields for bio-molecular modelling as part of his doctoral thesis.
Adesokan had his post-doctoral fellowship in Genetics at Harvard Medical School where he worked in the lab of Prof. George McDonald Church, a world renowned geneticists and pioneer in genomics.
Groundbreaking innovations
As a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard Medical School, Adesokan and his supervisor, Prof. Church pioneered the development and implementation of the BioweatherMap project, an initiative aimed towards the collection and use of real-time assays to track and limit viral outbreaks and antimicrobial resistance in the developing world.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the ability of a microorganism (like bacteria, viruses, and some parasites) to stop an antimicrobial (such as antibiotics, antivirals and antimalarials) from working against it. As a result, standard treatments become ineffective, infections persist which increases the risk of spreading to others. According to WHO, more than 700,000 people around the world die annually from diseases caused by bacteria that have developed antimicrobial resistance. In 2016 almost half a million people developed multi-drug resistant TB globally. The World Health Organization also estimates that if current trends continue, the problem could kill 10 million people every year by 2050, making antimicrobial resistance more dangerous than diabetes, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS combined.
In 2009 Yemi Adesokan partnered with Prof. Church to establish Pathogenica Inc. with the goal of developing commercial applications of DNA-sequencing technologies, particularly to find solutions to the growing public health of antimicrobial resistance. This led to the production of the first DNA-sequencing test kits for clinical diagnostics which help physicians to screen for multiple diseases with accurate results and a rapid turnaround. This reduces the occurrence of patient mortality arising from misdiagnosed infections.
To identify pathogens today, scientists must use expensive DNA tests (PCR techniques) or culture/grow the microbes from a sample — a slow process for identification of microbes. This process is not only prone to error but also often fail to detect small differences in DNA that can have a huge impact on the organism’s virulence and resistance to drugs. Adesokan’s innovation works by selecting specific regions of a pathogen’s genome, such as the genes involved in its ability to infect its host, and sequence many of these regions simultaneously. This process minimises the amount of DNA sequencing involved. As a result, Adesokan’s approach is quite cheaper, faster, and more precise than other DNA tests methods.
Adesokan’s firm (Pathogenica Inc.)’s initial efforts focused on detecting the microbes that cause urinary tract infections. Its test kit detects the 12 most common nosocomial infections such as Acinetobacter baumanii, Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter aerogenes, etc. The kit also detects common drug resistance genes, among others. The company has developed other applications of its technology, including a test to help control antibiotic-resistant infectious diseases such as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) that are acquired in hospitals. Because the technology can detect small changes in DNA, it may be able to reveal early on if microbial infection in a patient is developing resistance to a drug.
Career and business
Adesokan has extensive experience as an industry consultant providing strategic advisory services to Fortune 500 life science companies. Aside from co-founding Pathologica Inc., he is also the chief scientific officer at Gnubiotics SA, a Lausanne, Switzerland-based biotech company. Adesokan spearheads the genomic centres of excellence programme which includes the multi-drug resistant TB analysis and capacity building initiatives funded by a Gates Foundation Grand Challenges Exploration grant. He also co-directs with George Church, the NIH Funded CEGS-MAP Initiative at Harvard Medical School.
Awards and Recognitions
Adesokan has been repeatedly recognised for his innovative and pioneering work with awards such as the 2012 Boston Business Journal 40 under 40 award. The award recognises 40 business and civic leaders, all under the age of 40, who are the “best and brightest” and who are “making an impact on Massachusetts’ industries.
As earlier noted, he was also recognised by Technology Review, an independent media company owned by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, (MIT) USA as one of the TR35 Award of World top innovators in 2011.
People who are highly productive and resourceful have developed the habit of good time management. You can fast-track your success, achieve more in a short time, reduce stress, become more efficient at what you do, climb the ladder of achievements in your career and enjoy a balanced life, if you master effective time management.
By the way, what is time management? Time management can be simply defined as activities management. The crux of the matter is you cannot manage time, what you can manage is what you do with your time. The Creator of life is the only one who has the power to control or direct time. What you and I can do is to effectively use our time. Before we discuss on how to effective manage your time, let me share some fantastic information with you, about time and life.
Time management is life management
Your time is your life. Your life is your time. Guess wha
Pharm. Sesan Kareem
t? You have a limited time here because your days are numbered. Using your time effectively is the key to maximising your one shot at life. Every second that ticks on the clock is one precious moment of your life. Therefore, you should have a fast tempo for action, and a bias for doing what matters at every moment of your life.
You can transform your life, if you transform how you use your time. I believe you can now understand better why incredibly successful people don’t like others wasting their time. It is because they understand consciously that their time is their life and their life is their time.
Time is fair
Life is not fair, but time is. Life places each one of us in different backgrounds, environments and circumstances. Life gives each one of us different gifts, talents and abilities. However, time is fair. Whether you are Barack Obama, Aliko Dangote, Ifeanyi Atueyi or yours truly Sesan Kareem, we all have the same 24 hours every day. What now shapes our results is how effectively we utilise our time.
Now, this is interesting. Because time is fair, we can also say life is fair. You see, what we truly need to transform our condition or circumstance is to invest our time judiciously in whatever we want to achieve. In other words, if you want to be smart, invest your time in acquiring relevant knowledge, and take action on your knowledge. If you want to be fit and strong, invest your time in exercise, and good diet. If you want to be financially successful, invest your time in becoming the best at what you do. Therefore, you have no excuse that life is not fair to you, because time is fair.
Time should be invested
You can lose money or valuables and gain them back. We have all lost something valuable before and we were able to get some of them back. Donald Trump lost all his wealth twice, filed for bankruptcy, and started all over again; yet he still became a billionaire and the President of the United States.
However, when you waste your time, you waste an integral part of your life that you can never get back. In this light, your time is a precious gift you must invest, use and enjoy to the fullest. I can predict where you will be in the next five years by looking at how you spend your time right now.
Think about it. If someone spends his precious time right now drinking alcohol on a daily basis; in the next five years he would have become be an alcoholic, perhaps suffering from one health challenge or the other, isn’t it? On the flip side, If someone spends his limited time right know creating value for his company or customers on a daily basis, then, in the next five years he would have become more successful and better recognised.
(To be continued…)
ACTION PLAN: Identify what activities contribute to your results and create quality time to do them. Identify activities that waste your time and commit to stop doing them. Guide your time as you protect your life.
AFFIRMATION: I am an effective time manager. I am blessed and highly favoured.
Sesan Kareem, a management consultant helps organisations and their workforce to build a culture of excellence, performance, productivity and profitability.
Yusuf Hassan Wada, a 500 Level Pharmacy student of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto is a community development advocate. In this exclusive interview with Pharmanews, the Katsina State native speaks about his passion for the betterment of society, which has led him into writing, creating awareness, advocacy and research, with a major interest in public health.
Wada, who was the first winner of the Pharmanews PANSITE of the year award, an award to reward innovation and active participation of students in public health activities, also speaks on the state of pharmacy education in Nigeria, especially the northern part. Excerpts:
Why Pharmacy, out of several other health-related courses you could have studied at the university?
When I was in secondary school, I didn’t have a passion for any medical course because I had the notion that most medical practitioners didn’t usually have time to rest. However, as soon as I got into the School of Matriculation Studies I met a lot of people who encouraged me to go for Pharmacy.
Yusuf Hassan Wada
Actually, as at when I was at the School of Matriculation Studies, I didn’t know much about Pharmacy, but I’ve always had a passion to serve humanity. I look forward to solving many problems facing my society, one of which I discovered was drug abuse. I was also on the lookout for the profession which would enhance my campaign against drug abuse in my community. Then I realised Pharmacy would be of great help to my vision, and I went for it.
Aside from the above reasons, are there other reasons for your advocacy activities?
I am passionate about making a difference. I am interested in humanity and I am interested in the betterment of my society. The specific story is, I was having a conversation with my friends, Isah Inuwa and Aliyu Ammani, and I shared the idea with them. They later told me about a foundation they had for collaborations. I bought the idea and we planned for the programme and successfully implemented the first round with 20 schools. We propagated the saying that “prevention is always better than cure” as it is always less expensive, and requires less of other resources.
So, I basically started with preventive programmes, improving educational counselling, doing biological and social research, communicating my findings and recommendations in writing, conducting sensitisation programmes to raise awareness on drug abuse through quiz, debates, conferences, media courtesy visits, as well as giving lectures and prevention campaigns on substance abuse.
I also wrote articles about the current trend of abuse in our society and also provided recommendations that would help tackle health and lifestyle issues in Nigeria that are common to Africa. Many of these articles were published in the national dailies,
I strongly believe that with advocacy and appropriate efforts, we should be able to get some things right in our society.
It can be tough combining studies with active involvement in other activities, how have you been coping?
I can easily say it is one of the best experiences I’ve had, both in the positive and the negative sense of it. I feel lucky and continuously thankful to God for the position I am in currently because nothing is possible without Him.
My life is dedicated to serving humanity, and I can’t find a better place to serve than where the need is greatest. This year, I have combined a lot of things. I have served various associations, including Katsina State Health Students Pen Press as principal editor; as well as PANS as PRO and chairman, media, publications and public enlightenment. I led the hosting of one of the best PANS annual conventions (44th edition). I’ve also been juggling my final year project with advocacy, volunteering, writing, research, presentations, attending conferences, travelling and rest.
Although the struggle to have a balanced social and academic life has been tough, my dream of becoming a pharmacist has always been the ultimate goal. So I make sure that my academic life is not negatively affected
Could you tell us some of your achievements as well as challenges as an advocate and ambassador of drug abuse?
I believe that success comes from Allah. I think my main achievement is feeling fulfilled, not because I’m rich or powerful or influential, but just because with my passion and energy, I have been able to contribute my little quota in my society.
It got to a point that my activities began to act as a source of inspiration to several people, especially the young, encouraging more people to consider advocacy and writing. I have won several awards with writing and advocacy.
I cannot explain the feeling, but it is always as if I’m in my zone! To sum up, I would attribute all of it to God, dedication and social circle.
Challenges are inevitable because the advocacy world is difficult for young ones who have not made a name to get heard. Another challenge is striking a balance between academic work and administrative duties as it has not been easy travelling around, having lengthy meetings and still working to get good grades.
What qualities do you think made you to be nominated for and win the first-ever Pharmanews PANSITE of the year in 2019, considering that there were thousands of entries nationwide?
I think Pharmanews is looking for global changers who stretch the frontiers of seeing/thinking outside the conventional, to not only cater to the all-round development of their environment but also to positively affect their communities – acting as worthy ambassadors.
Unlike many young people in my community, I always believe that my age is not and will not be a limiting factor to make a difference. As a student I have shown sterling leadership within my school and the community. I sought out problems within my spheres of operation and provided solutions.
Aside from academic exploits in the university, were you involved in other school activities?
You know, if you are a writer you would become popular, whether in the public or in school. That gave me an edge, such that even at PANS, I was dragged into students’ politics as the PANS PRO. When I came to UDUS, I was also dragged into the students’ parliament that paved way for me to be Speaker of the PANS Parliament. I’m also actively engaged in games and other extra-curricular activities on campus.
If you had the honour of changing some things about pharmacy education in UDUS, what would they be?
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UDUS, is one of the fastest growing schools of pharmacy in the world. Through the relentless efforts of the faculty management, many competent pharmacists have been produced and we are hoping that the recent approval of the PharmD. programme will take effect soon.
One of the things I could have done if I had the honour is to change the students’ mindset of being mainly concerned about grades and getting certificates. Students should be able to learn life skills and prepare themselves for the tasks outside the classroom. This is the starting point for me.
And let me just add this. I think we need to pay attention to our curriculum at all levels and tailor it to train people to actually solve our local problems.
The Cervical Cancer seminar, which was well attended by the participants, also featured distribution of educative materials, questions and answers session, and referral for free screening amongst others.
The Chairman of the AHAPN State Chapter Dr (Mrs) Amara Loveth Nwaka emphasised the importance of taking preventive measures to guard against the deadly disease. She said such preventive measures as healthy life style, cervical screening and vaccination will impact positively on their general health status.
She further noted that since all women are at risk of Cervical Cancer, regular cervical screening for every woman from 21 years and above cannot be over emphasized.
Some of the women in a group photograph during the seminar.
One of the participants, who is a survivor of Cervical Cancer narrated her story to the audience during the interactive session. She said after her mother died of the condition, said she was advised to go for screening, which was positive.
However, she explained that she commenced treatment, and at the end of treatment, she was declared free of the disease since three years ago. The AHAPN executives urged her to continue with annual screening, until she attains the age of 70, with up to three recent, consecutive negative tests and no abnormal tests in the prior 10 years.
In her own contribution, Pharm. (Mrs) Adaobi Okafor explained that vaccination is targeted at young girls before they start having sexual intercourse, while highlighting four major healthy lifestyle practices to embrace as eating healthily, avoidance of smoking, barrier contraception and avoidance of multiple sexual partners.
The woman leader of the Oji River Community, Mrs Chikodili Nnebedum thanked executives of the Anambra AHAPN, for the awareness campaign on Cervical Cancer that was brought to them
Every year, the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) organizes the World Cancer Day on February 4 to raise awareness of the global impact of cancer and increase understanding of prevention, detection, treatment and care.
This year, “I am and I will” is the theme and it acknowledges that everyone has the capacity to act in the face of cancer.
To mark this year World Cancer Day on Tuesday, pharmanewsonline will bring to you stories about breast cancer survivors, their families, as well as cancer surgeons and doctors.
The importance of discussing this disease on World Cancer Day cannot be overlooked – after all, breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed diseases among African women.
The Stigma of Breast Cancer
According to Dr Justus Apffelstaedt, a specialist surgeon with an interest in breast, thyroid and parathyroid health as well as soft tissue surgical oncology, breast cancer has carried all sorts of stigmas around self-image and sexuality.
“In recent times, treatment has advanced significantly and a breast cancer diagnosis is no longer the death sentence it was once perceived to be. The down side though is that the treatments can expose patients to side-effects which can impact mental health. This is why recognising the impact of breast cancer and its treatment on long-term outcomes, like your mental health, is so important,” Apffelstaedt explained.
World Cancer Day 2020: Tackling the Stigma of Breast Cancer
Fear of death, disruption of life plans, changes in body image and self-esteem, changes in social role and lifestyle, and financial and legal concerns are some of the significant issues.
We were able to gather the stories of a Nigerian and an American, who shared their stories, key survival mechanisms, what they are up to in the world today, and will end with some words of encouragement. Meet Ifeyinwa Anigala and Bershan Shaw.
A Nigerian woman, Ifeyinwa Anigala, shared the story of how she overcame breast cancer and went on to have a baby, despite the medical report saying she would never be able to conceive.
Anigala, who used the anniversary of her birthday to share her survival story on her Facebook page revealed the trials of fighting cancer and how she won.
Her story
In Dec 2012, Anigala said as she was taking her shower in the morning in order to set out for her business, she noticed something big in between her right breast & armpit.
Although she did not understand what it was, however she knew it was a big lump and it feels so strange, becoming so agitated and scared made her to call a friend of hers ‘Chinyere Ogu’ who encouraged her to call her doctor.
Rushing to their family doctor for quick admission, the doctor sent her for a mammogram; mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast. Doctors use a mammogram to look for early signs of breast cancer.
According to Anigala, the test result showed that the lump was benign which simply means it was not cancerous, she said the doctor went further to carry out a surgery in order to remove the lump.
“It was later that I realized that he never had much experience on this case. I said so because of what transpired later. Besides, he gave me an unimaginable big cut on my breast,” she panicked.
“The Doctor admitted me in his clinic for five days after the lump removal before I was finally discharged. I was strong, happy & good to go. Since the mammogram showed I was free, I was even happier. But the Doctor told me that he was sending the specimen removed from my breast to the lab to be diagnosed which was normal, Anigala explained”.
According to her, the doctor never contacted after the whole process and of course she never did too, she said she ignorantly relaxed thinking she was in safe hands as she was not summoned by him anymore. On April, 2013, the month she was to celebrate her birthday, she noticed another lump in her breast.
“This time, it was a bigger lump. I panicked. I called back my doctor that was when the doctor remembered that he had not collected the result of the specimen he sent to the lab four months ago. Few days later when he picked up my result, he sent for me. When I got to his clinic, he broke the news to me, the survivor said.”
She cried when the doctor informed her that she has been diagnosed of breast cancer, according to her, the news sounded more like a death sentence to me. “The news that you’ve got cancer kills faster than the disease itself”.
Anigala was taken to another private hospital for the new doctor to examine the new lump she detected in her breast, it was then the new doctor saw the initial result of the mammogram which showed benign & the biopsy which showed malignant and told her it was complicated.
The doctor arranged for the removal of the second lump immediately to clear his doubts. After the removal of the second lump by the second doctor, she said was discharged that same day.
According to her, in less than two weeks after the second surgery, another huge lump surfaced again (the third lump), it was then she was then referred to University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) where she should have been directed initially for proper management.
Explaining what transpired between herself and the doctors, Anigala said the doctors told her she would undergo a major surgery mastectomy; the removal of my entire right breast.
In her words, the thoughts of her having just one breast made her sad, she said she had to brace herself up and do the needful. “And as I fought each day after my mastectomy, during my chemotherapy, radiotherapy, I just knew that cancer was losing and I was winning,” she said.
When asked what kept her going
Mrs Ifeyinwa Anigala said, God came to her aid and performed a miracle on her and made her defeat cancer, she added that the conception of her miracle baby Daniella rearranged every defect in her system/organs. She added that God sent the child to her.
She said that medical science was proven wrong. Humans were proved wrong. The only report she stand to believe is God’s report and she can move mountains with her faith.
Bershan Shaw
Her Story:
In 2007 at just 33 years old, Bershan’s dreams were abruptly eclipsed by the cold, hard reality of 1.2 cm tumors, endless visits to oncologists and having to face her own mortality at a young age. Bershan decided to face her illness head on, with a positive spirit, and with support from her family and her husband. To protect herself from infertility, she opted for radiation treatment instead of chemotherapy. All was well for a short while, but two years after the cancer returned. Two weeks before her wedding, her doctors gave the bleak diagnosis: stage four breast cancer with six to nine months left to live. It appeared her fight was over.
The warrior in Bershan had been tested many times in her 33 years. But when she was told her cancer was unbeatable, and it was time to set her affairs in order, the warrior inside her rose up to meet the impossible with a spirit of hopeful defiance. Bershan leveled a steady gaze at her team of grieving oncologists and replied, “This is not my life. I will not die, because I was meant for more.” True to her word, Bershan has done much more. Rather than living in the shadow of a stage four cancer diagnoses, Bershan chose to work tirelessly on her mental, physical and spiritual health. Seven years later, she is cancer-free (no evidence of disease).
3 Survival Mechanisms:
Prayer. “God is my all in all. I got on my knees and prayed if God keeps me alive then he could use me as a vessel to help millions.”
Positive affirmations. “I say positive affirmations everyday nine times a day because it sticks in your head. Endless good comes to me in endless ways.”
Eating healthy and exercising. “You have to eat healthy and take control of your mind and body. I changed my thoughts and attitude, which changed my life. Change your diet and make changes for the better because your body is your temple.”
Her life today:
Bershan is a life coach, author and motivational speaker. Determined to be a blessing to others, she started a unique social network support site, URAWarrior.com
Words of encouragement:
Embrace your warrior spirit and “step into your greatness” and turn your pain into your purpose. Live life with no regrets because when you’re done, you’re done.
It was observed that there are heightened tension in some countries due to the lack of substantial preparedness by governments as the WHO confirmed at the weekend that the novel Coronavirus has spread to 28 countries, with the number of people confirmed with the virus risen to 17,205 with death put at 361.
A lady sneezing while on a bus. Photo credit: Getty Images
While there are speculations about the source of the disease as many are of the opinion that it originated from animal, the WHO still maintains that much remains to be understood about 2019-nCoV. “The source of the outbreak and the extent to which it has spread in China are not yet known. While the current understanding of the disease remains limited, most cases reported to date have been milder, with around 20 percent of those infected experiencing severe illness”, WHO reported stated.
However, both WHO and China noted that the number of cases being reported, including those outside China, is deeply concerning. Better understanding of the transmissible and severity of the virus is urgently required to guide other countries on appropriate response measures.
In Nigeria, where there are scares of the disease in some quarters already, the Federal Ministry of Health, has announced that there is an IN-COUNTRY capacity to test for the disease, while assuring citizens of the best protection from the viral disease.
The Minister of Health Dr Osagie Ehanire via his Twitter handle made the remarks, urging any returnees from China in the last two weeks to self-isolate themselves for 14 days, in case of developing any symptoms.
He tweeted thus:”Nigeria, with the help of WHO and partners now has IN-COUNTRY capacity to test for #Coronavirus. Minister calls on persons who have returned from China in the past 2 weeks to “self-isolate” for 14days and call NCDC on 07032864444 if they develop symptoms”.
In view of the global threat of the novel Coronavirus, here are 8 preventive tips to stay safe from the outbreak, as listed by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Cook food thoroughly before consumption. Scientists are claiming that animals are the primary host of the Coronavirus. Due to this health official recommended cooking meat and animal products like eggs, milk, thoroughly before consumption.
When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of novel Coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals.
The CDC also emphasized on the fact that there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for 2019-nCoV infection. People infected with 2019-nCoV should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions.
In sustainance of an initiative introduced in 2018 by Pharmanews to recognise and encourage innovation and active involvement of young pharmacists in public healthcare and community health/social development, Pharmanews Ltd, is excited to continue with the concept to honour whoever emerges the Pharmanews Young Pharmacist of the Year.
As implemented in the maiden edition, a careful nomination process was conducted and five candidates were shortlisted, based on highest number of nominations. They are: Saidu Lawal Burji; Kenneth Bitrus David; Frank Eze;Funmbi Okoya; and Augustine Odibo.
We hereby call for your vote for the young pharmacist who has impacted his community significantly, based on public healthcare delivery and community development activities.
Voting Rules
Please note that voting commences on Monday 3 February 2020 and closes on 17 February 2020, by 11:59 PM
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I have known Sir Atueyi since 1983 or 1984 – I cannot easily recall the exact date of our first physical contact. This first meeting was preceded by what we know about him through his beloved journal, Pharmanews. He had been invited to be the keynote address speaker at the 1984 edition of Pharmacy Week organised by the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria Students (PANS). I was the PANS president. The theme of the week was: “Current Trends in the Pharmaceutical Training and Practice in Nigeria”.
Our expectation was that Sir Atueyi would help to unravel the missing link between the training and practice of Pharmacy in Nigeria and provide the pathway to close the identified gaps. I am sure that Sir Atueyi may still have a copy of his address and I will be glad to have a copy from him. He did a very good job as evidenced by the applause that followed his presentation. Yet, almost four decades after, we are yet to decipher the missing links and the gaps are getting wider.
Pharm. (Dr) Obalolu Ojo
However, Sir Atueyi impacted our young minds with his humility, composure and candour. He mixed freely with us and moved round the faculty with his camera hung around his neck. He must have taken more photographs that we did. Prior to his arrival in Ife, I had sought advice from (then Dr) Prof. Wilson Erhun on the cost of hosting Sir Atueyi in the campus. The amiable teacher waved off my worry with a deep conviction and assurance that “Atueyi will not expect anything from you”. True to this prediction, the lanky and handsome senior colleague walked his true height and told us not to worry about him. From this 1984 event and to date, my spirit got attached to this man of substance as a beacon of hope for success in my life pursuit and I continue to reference him as such.
Somehow, we continue to have interactions as I grow my own brand of pharmacy practice which has taken me through all areas, including pharmaceutical journalism as a writer and not a publisher like my mentor. When I oversaw marketing at the then Roche Nigeria Limited, I inherited the culture of placing monthly adverts in Pharmanews and I had the opportunity of further contacts with Sir Atueyi.
As a mark of his utmost humility, he called me into his office and commissioned me to look into the operation of Pharmanews and give advice on the next level moves. I interviewed all members of staff and we tinkered with the idea of putting a price tag on the journal and let the readers pay for a copy. However, a second look at the philosophy of Pharmanews convinced us of the need to continue the free distribution policy and, instead, opted for expansion of the customer advert base and a faster turnaround time.
During the discussion, it was impossible to miss the deep attachment between Sir Atueyi and Pharmanews as described in his autobiography: “My Life and Pharmanews”. They are inseparable. This experience, without any money involvement, got me closer to Sir Atueyi and invariably, I became a member of the Pharmanews family. I got involved in the Pharmanews training programme as a resource person and recommended other resource persons to join the team. It was such a great delight working for and with Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi.
Model of Integrity
As the national chairman of the Association of Industrial Pharmacists (NAIP), I worked with my team in the executive committee to set up a housing estate as part of our welfare package for members and their friends. At the beginning of the project, we needed to build trust in the minds of potential subscribers, and we decided to set up a project board of trustees to be composed of men (and women) of true integrity and honour.
I approached Sir Atueyi to be the chairman of the proposed board. But he politely turned down the request on the grounds that he would not want to be involved with “omo-oniles” (land speculators) trouble, which I also admit to be legion. However, Sir Atueyi continued to monitor our progress with a visionary intensity and he was there to commission the three prototype buildings in the estate. He also bought plots of land for himself and his family. It was an encouragement gesture which I will continue to cherish.
With the establishment of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm), I now have the opportunity to work even more closely with Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi. Even at his age, he will be the first to arrive at all meetings. His commitment to the ideals of the Academy is absolute. During the last outing on drug and substance abuse, he was there for me and the committee through the planning and execution of events which came out to be the most successful. I enjoyed the banters between him and Prince Juli particularly on the significance or otherwise of 10 months difference in their dates of birth. He is a jolly good fellow, whose demeanour betrays his octogenarian status. He has lost nothing in speech, gait and agility.
Worthy Legacy
I have read the autobiography of Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi and I will recommend it to everyone who wishes to learn from his rich experience to shape their own lives or update their knowledge about the unseen hands of God in the affairs of men. I am delighted that my life trajectory has almost followed the same pattern with that of Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi and I pray to live long enough to celebrate 80th birthday in good health.
We must live for a definite purpose for our life to have a good meaning. Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi found his purpose, not by power or might or brilliance or juju or by any other means other than allowing himself to float in the ocean of the love of God. He maintained his integrity despite the pressure to do otherwise. He stood firm by the teachings of his parents and got deeply involved with God to live a life of purpose.
Sir Atueyi gave us Pharmanews which, for many years, has remained the main source of news on pharmaceutical affairs in Nigeria. He has opened a floodgate of opportunity for others to follow in his footsteps. Today, there are young pharmacists and other professionals who are into health publishing as a result of Sir Atueyi’s influence and untiring efforts. He has impacted his environment well. He has conquered the world through the optimal exploitation of potentials deposited in him. He has run a good race and fought a good fight and certainly, a good reward will continue to trail his path in this world and the world to come.
Sir Atueyi is a recognisable brand at any event and occasion with his characteristic mien and beard. He has a story that is worth telling and sharing. His life is calling on us to do good always because a time is coming when we shall be called upon to tell our own story.
Following the spread of the deadly coronavirus in 18 countries as reported by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Thursday, the world’s health apex institution has declared the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
The WHO Director General Tedros Ghebreyesus made the declaration after receiving the report of the second meeting of the Emergency Committee convened by himself under the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) on the outbreak of the novel coronavirus 2019. Although the announcement is coming a week after the emergency meeting had said that the disease had not attained a level of global concern.
Illustration of coronavirus as a respiratory system attack
Expatiating on the declaration, Ghebreyesus explained through his Twitter handle that the announcement was not a vote of no confidence on China. “This declaration is not a vote of no confidence in China’s capacity to control the outbreak. On the contrary WHO continues to have confidence in China’s capacity to control the outbreak,” he reiterated.
He however stressed the importance of adhering to the committee’s recommendations as that will go a long way in containing the spread of the disease. “More important than the declaration of a public health emergency are the committee’s recommendations for preventing the spread of the #2019nCoV virus and ensuring a measured and evidence-based response”, he quipped.
The Emergency Committee’s report noted that more than 7700 cases have been confirmed, and 170 people have died in China as at the time of declaration, thus it urged all countries to put up surveillance measures, early detection and isolation centres in place in case of any exportation of the disease.
Coronavirus as a global threat
The report reads in part: “It is expected that further international exportation of cases may appear in any country. Thus, all countries should be prepared for containment, including active surveillance, early detection, isolation and case management, contact tracing and prevention of onward spread of 2019-nCoVinfection, and to share full data with WHO.
“The Committee does not recommend any travel or trade restriction based on the current information available.
“Committee welcomed a forthcoming WHO multidisciplinary technical mission to China, including national and local experts. The mission should review and support efforts to investigate the animal source of the outbreak, the clinical spectrum of the disease and its severity, the extent of human-to-human transmission in the community and in healthcare facilities, and efforts to control the outbreak. This mission will provide information to the international community to aid in understanding the situation and its impact and enable sharing of experience and successful measures”, it stated.
Preventive measures taken by the Nigerian government
In the wake of the widespread of coronavirus in Nigeria, the Minister of Health Dr Osagie Ehanire has urged Nigerians and non-Nigerians in the country intending to travel to China to suspend their trips, pending the containment of the outbreak.
Ehanire, who briefed journalists recently on the state of things in Nigeria, said the government is issuing the caution due to the spread of the new virus across countries.
However, he said that Nigeria is not closing her borders against passengers from China from entering the country once they have been screened at the airport.
He also added that “all persons arriving from China or any country that has a major outbreak, even if they have no symptoms at all, to self-isolate, meaning that they stay indoors in their homes for at least two weeks”.
“… and if they develop any symptoms, like cough, catarrh, sneezing, breathing difficulties within this period, to report to the nearest health facility,” he added.
He urged citizens to be calm as the NCDC is coordinating surveillance activities in the country.
– Say closure has negative implications on country’s economy
Following the continued closure of the country’s land borders since August 2019, community pharmacists in the country have been advised to take financial discipline, capacity building and the survival of their business very seriously, in order to weather the various economic storms they currently have to contend with.
This advice was given in the various recommendations made by experts and stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry, including Mazi. Sam Ohuabunwa, president, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN); Pharm. Samuel Adekola, national chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN); Dr Ramon Moronkola, consultant cardiologist, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and Pharm. Chris Ehimen, chairman, Nett Pharmacy, at this year’s ACPN-Lagos Pharmacists Education Conference, held recently at NECA House, Ikeja, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Mazi Ohuabunwa said that the continuing education programme for community pharmacists was timely, as knowledge gained would help them to keep their businesses afloat amid the current economic imbroglio and beyond.
Mazi. Sam Ohuabunwa, president, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN)
He added that while many of the prevailing business policies in the country may not favour business-owners pharmacists must raise their games and improve themselves with enhanced knowledge and capacity-building.
“The more educated you are, the more knowledgeable and improved you will be; so all pharmacists should embrace continuous and never ending knowledge. And they should utilise every opportunity to learn new things,” Ohuabunwa advised.
The number one pharmacist in the country also disclosed that the current land borders closure was restricting trade and compounding an uncertain outlook for the country’s economy.
He added that such a drastic move, which is ostensibly aimed at stemming the flow of illicit goods, has not only severed trade with neighbouring countries, but also cast doubt over the continent’s wider push towards free trade and cooperation.
Speaking in the same vein, Pharm. Adekola, commended the Lagos State ACPN for choosing the theme, “Business Survival In a Rapidly Changing Environment”, for the event, noting that if pharmacists want to be effective and efficient, they must have their knowledge base updated always through several seminars, workshops and continuing education programmes.
Speaking further, Adekola disclosed that the Continuous Education Conference programme in Lagos had been consistent over the years because of the importance ACPN places on knowledge and effective service delivery.
He added that in the healthcare sector, development is needed on daily basis, and for it to be achieved, there is need for periodical update of knowledge, through acquisition of fresh knowledge and refreshing of old ideas.
Earlier in his address, Chairman of ACPN-Lagos, Pharm. Olabanji Benedict Obideyi, lamented that the economic situation in Nigeria was shrinking pharmaceutical businesses across the country, adding that, if there is any appropriate time for the practitioners to up their games, that time is now.
He further disclosed that many businesses are currently grappling with high production and operating cost which has made sustainability difficult for them.
“It is an obvious fact that many things are now happening in the business space and one has to be prepared. Most of the community pharmacies in Lagos are working assiduously to improve and move with the trend. So the programme is to sensitise us on how to thrive in the midst of these challenges. And that was what informed the theme for this year,” Obideyi said.
The keynote speaker, Dr Moronkola, was of the opinion that it was high time pharmacists got involved in the management of serious health conditions like hypertension, diabetes and others, adding that to achieve success in the management of such ailments, pharmacists, nurses and other healthcare professionals need collaboration and must work as a team.
“The world is changing, so also is healthcare practice; hence the need to consistently update our knowledge in order to meet up with what is going on around the world. It has been discovered that more than 68 percent of patients get to the community pharmacist first before any other healthcare provider; so it is high time you enriched your knowledge, so that you don’t become stale,” he advised
According to the chairman of the occasion, Pharm. Ehimen, the Finance Bill which seeks to amend seven acts of the National Assembly relating to taxes payable in the country, as well as the ongoing closure of the country’s land borders and other policies, are making the business environment very tense, adding that the upward review of the VAT at this time will hurt businesses, the economy and citizens.
Speaking further, the experienced entrepreneur advised community pharmacists to be business savvy at this period, saying “a desperate situation requires a desperate measure”.
“We can turn the situation around for our benefit, so it is not time to sit down and lament, but rather a time to get to work and do it smarter,” he stressed.
Other dignitaries at the event included: Pharm. NAE Mohammed, registrar, PCN, who was represented by Dr Ukamaka Okafor, a director, PCN; Pharm. Moyosore Adejumo, director, Pharmaceutical Service, Lagos State Ministry of Health, who was represented by Pharm. Moses Awolola; Pharm. DejiOsinoiki, chairman, Board of Trustees, ACPN; Pharm. BolanleAdeniran, chairman, PSN, Lagos State; Dr Afoke Isiavwe, consultant Endocrinologist, Rainbow Specialist Medical Centre, Lagos; Pharm. (Mrs) Abiola Paul-Ozieh, immediate past chairman, ACPN, Lagos State among many others.
A lot of people have questioned so many nutritionists on the kinds of food they can eat without gaining excess weight, after so many researches and questions from authorities; Pharmanewsonline has compiled these results for you to check out.
1. Boiled Potatoes
According to the United States department of Agriculture, potatoes are the No. 1 vegetable crop in the United States. Although, many people avoid potatoes due to their high carbohydrate content, but there is no need for this.
Potatoes are very nutritious as long as they aren’t fried. More than that, recent study shows that potatoes contain resistant starch that acts like soluble fiber in the digestive system. This helps you feel full with fewer calories.
Another research also shows that potatoes are a good source of antioxidants, which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. However, more human-based research is required before making any recommendations.
Studies show that cooking and then cooling potatoes increases the level of resistant starch. Heating and cooling them repeatedly further raises that level. So not only are potatoes delicious and nutritious, but they become more so when you eat them as leftovers.
2. Whole Eggs
Kelly Plowe, a dietician nutritionist and diet educator said eggs are little nuggets of nutrition, providing protein, choline, vitamin D, lutein and more, but the egg diet on the whole is low in carbs which can leave you hungry.
Eggs, and especially egg yolks, have been unfairly characterized as heart attack-inducing cholesterol bombs. But while they do contain a fair amount of cholesterol, studies have shown that eating eggs does not raise bad cholesterol levels. On the contrary, eggs represent a complete protein, which means that they contain all nine essential amino acids.
Protein is a lot more filling than simple carbohydrates, so eating eggs in the morning can keep you on a good track all day. One particular study found that people who ate eggs for breakfast were able to lose more weight and trim their BMI (body mass index) further than people who had a bagel.
3. Oatmeal
Researchers at Quebec’s Laval University have recently found that the best weight loss diet for your body could be you filling your plate with oatmeal every morning.
They said it is a super filling dish because it contains a ton of fiber and soaks up a lot of water when cooked. Yeah, it’s pretty bland, but it can be flavored up so many different ways. Fruit, nuts, and brown sugar are all great choices.
Oats also have a lot of a type of insoluble fiber called beta glucan, which has been found to slow the absorption of carbs and suppress appetite throughout the day.
4. Apples
Apples also score highly on the satiety index because they contain a soluble fiber called pectin that regulates digestion. They also contain a great deal of water up to 85 percent per piece which provides volume to make you feel full but not a lot of calories.
A recent study examined the results of consuming solid apple segments, applesauce, or apple juice at the beginning of a meal. The people who ate apple segments went on to consume 91 fewer calories than the applesauce group and 150 fewer calories than the apple juice group.
If you want to enjoy apple flavour and not gain weight, make sure to eat it whole. And if you get bored of apples, know that citrus fruits are also fairly high in pectin and water.
5. Fish & Lean Meat
Higher protein diets are more filling and satisfying than carb-heavy ones. Therefore, it’s okay to eat your meat. Leaner cuts are recommended, as some meats are high in saturated fat and won’t do you any favours. But fish, for example, is low fat yet high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which increases satiety as well as supports a healthy cardiovascular system.
While fish scores highest among meats on the satiety index, other lean meat like chicken, pork, and some cuts of beef are also packed with protein. Studies indicate that eating a high-protein lunch can lead to a 12 percent reduction in calories consumed at dinner, compared to people who eat a mostly carbohydrate lunch.
6. Popcorn
Whenever you get the craving for a salty treat, popcorn should be your go-to choice. It is a whole grain that’s high in fiber but low in calories. There is also a lot of air in popcorn which actually helps to fill you up faster than potato chips or crackers.
However, it is always best to choose air popped popcorn over the microwave bag variety. The bags are often lined with carcinogenic chemicals, and the fake butter additive is toxic. But once you have a nice bowl of air popped popcorn in front of you, there are countless healthy ways it could be flavored. Olive oil and garlic, avocado oil and parmesan, chopped oregano and tomato powder…you are only limited by your imagination.
Conclusion
Whether you are trying to lose weight or want to maintain your current weight, making these six filling foods a priority can really help. Diets don’t often work because they ask people to completely change the way they eat. But simply focusing on eating more of the right foods will begin to crowd out some of your least healthy indulgences.
Choosing more foods that are high in protein, fiber, or volume (lots of water or air), yet low in calories and saturated fat, is a great way to achieve the slim, strong body you want.
On Friday, 24 January 2020, Australia became the latest continent to have confirmed a case of the coronavirus.
This is barely one month from the time the first victim was identified in Wuhan, China. Currently, the figures stand at: 106 dead and 4515 infected.
Now, here are the 10 surprising facts you probably never knew about this highly contagious virus:
The Wuhan coronavirus has no name yet.
Scientists are yet to identify the particular strain of coronavirus responsible for it which explains why the virus is yet to be properly named.
Scientists have labelled it as 2019-nCoV (which simply means 2019 novel coronavirus) for easy reference. Media houses prefer to address it as the Wuhan coronavirus.
This is the third major coronavirus outbreak and the second in China.
In 2002, we had SARS coronavirus which was believed to have been transmitted from civet cats. In 2012, we had the deadly MERS coronavirus which came from a type of camel. The Wuhan coronavirus is thought to have come from bats or snakes.
The disease has spread to 4 Continents.
Cases of the coronavirus have been seen in 7 countries in Asia, America, Europe and most recently, Australia. There is a suspected case of the virus in Ivory Coast and the only such case in Africa. Antarctica and South America are the only continents yet to report a case.
Wildlife trade has been banned in China.
The virus began to spread from the Wuhan’s seafood market, where marmot, bats and other wildlife are sold live. Chinese health authorities are yet to have a concrete evidence of the origin of the virus, but bats and snakes are still believed to be the primary source of the virus.
A strain of the coronavirus also causes common cold.
It is important to note that common cold is caused by more than 200 different viruses. 50 percent of common cold cases is caused by the rhinovirus, but a less severe strain of coronavirus will cause common cold too.
10 Surprising Facts about the Highly Contagious Wuhan’s Coronavirus Photo credit: Chinatopix, via The New York Times
6. The Wuhan coronavirus was initially thought to be a new strain of pneumonia.
The symptoms of the virus are the same as seen in flu and pneumonia. Fever, sore throat and cough are seen in the early stages. As the disease progresses, patients will begin to experience breathing difficulties.
There is no drug or vaccine that can treat the virus.
Patients diagnosed with the virus are treated based on the symptoms they present with.
Ebola vaccine (Ervebo) was approved 5 years after the 2014 major outbreak; the Zika virus vaccine was produced in about 7 months and it still remains the fastest ever time to produce a vaccine.
It may take up to 3 years to produce a coronavirus vaccine.
You can contact the virus up to 6-feet away from an infected person.
The virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets, contact with infected secretions or surface.
According to WHO, one infected person can infect 1.4 – 2.5 susceptible people. The spread is harder to control because an infected person can transmit the disease even before they start showing any symptoms of ill-health.
Scientists at John Hopkins Center for Health Security predicted that coronavirus could kill up to 65 million people.
Three months before the outbreak in China, the scientists modeled a hypothetical pandemic on a computer as part of a research in October — their simulation predicted the deaths of some 65 million people worldwide in just 18 months.
The death toll of the coronavirus is currently at 106 after one month. This prediction becomes less convincing if you do the maths and that’s a good thing.
WHO is yet to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for the pandemic.
The WHO Director-General has twice met with members of its Emergency Committee. For the two meetings, the agreement has been that it is too early to declare a PHEIC for the Wuhan’s coronavirus.
Since the introduction of PHEIC in 2005, WHO has only declared it five times. The last time a PHEIC was announced was in 2019 after a fresh Ebola virus outbreak in Congo.
Ivory Coast is the first African country with a suspected case of the virus. Although authorities are yet to release an official statement to confirm if the student who arrived from China is infected with the virus.
Other African countries have been warned to brace up for possible coronavirus cases. South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria have been on high alert. These countries have begun screening at entry points as a preventative measure. Ethiopia which has the continent’s biggest airline has been advised to take similar measures.
These are precautionary measures to reduce exposure and transmission of the virus:
Frequently wash hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or warm water and soap;
Cover your mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue when sneezing or coughing;
Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever or cough especially, if you live in a high risk area;
Seek early medical help if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Also, share your travel history with healthcare providers;
Avoid direct, unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals when visiting live markets in affected areas;
Avoid eating raw or undercooked animal products and exercise care when handling raw meat, milk or animal organs to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods
This article is current at the time of publication. However, information about this virus is still inconclusive and subject to changes as scientists continue to make more discoveries. To stay informed on recent developments concerning the virus, follow daily news updates on it. News agencies like Healthline The Guardian and The CNN release updates multiple time during the day.
The Federal Medical Centre, Keffi is one of the leading health institution in the north central zone of the country. Established in the year 2000 to provide “qualitative, affordable and specialized tertiary health care services”, the medical centre now dominates health-care delivery system as well as training of high-level man-power in the region.
Intern, Pharmacist
Job TypeFull Time
Qualification BA/BSc/HND
Location Nasarawa
Job Field internships/Volunteering, Pharmaceutical
Job Requirement
All applicants must have a Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree and be provisionally registered with the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria and be licenced to practice under supervision for internship.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should submit Application in Fifteen (15) loose spiral bound copies and must be submitted with the following documents:
Application Letter
Curriculum Vitae
Primary Degree/Diploma/Certificate from accredited Schools/Universities
Certificate of Provisional Registration with the Appropriate Council/Board
Applications should be addressed and submitted to: The Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, P.M.B. 1004, Old Akwanga Road, Keffi – Nasarawa State.
Important Information
Note that the application is free and nothing is charged for processing
Degrees must be obtained from accredited Universities and Institutions
Candidates who have completed or are currently undergoing internship elsewhere should not apply.
In appreciation for the continued media support received from Pharmanews over the years, and to rejoice with the Pharmanews Managing Director, Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, who celebrated his 80th birthday and 40th anniversary of Pharmanews last October, The Roses Ministry team, led by the Founder, Pharm. (Mrs) Regina Ezenwa, visited Pharmanews corporate head office, in Mende, Maryland, Lagos on Wednesday, 29 January, 2020.
Thanking God for the sustenance of the publication over the last 40 years, and the preservation of the life of the publisher, Ezenwa said it is definitely obvious that God has kept the business for that long period of time.
“The life of Sir Atueyi is an example of a life of dedication to God and humanity, because the publication of Pharmanews for forty years shows clearly that God has a central place in it, and He has been strengthening the publisher, even at 80 to still write things that are edifying to people, and exhort readers.
“Together we have come to rejoice with you, about Pharmanews, the foremost Pharmaceutical Journal, not just in Nigeria, but in West Africa. And praise God that it is now a global health journal, with the website accessible for the global audience to read the monthly editions, with loads of other daily stories. Thank you very much and we rejoice with you over these successes”, she stated.
Acknowledging the huge level of work that had gone into the publication for it to attain its position in the healthcare industry today, she recalled how she read about the commencement of the business as narrated by the publisher, how Merck Germany gave him the first set of adverts and that brought about the birth of Pharmanews, forty years ago, and it has been sustained.
Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, (middle) presenting a copy of his autobiography to Pharm. (Mrs) Regina Ezenwa, while other team members of The Roses’ Ministry, Mrs Alice Odoemenem (left); Mrs Tee Obianwu (second from left) and Mrs Bisi Sodipe(right) look in admiration.
She further expressed the profound gratitude of her organisation to Pharmanews, for the media coverages of her ministry’s events, which have enhanced support from pharmaceutical companies to the ministry.
“So we have come to say thank you for the support you give to us in covering our two major events in the year. We work of course from January to December, like we’ve already had a spiritual retreat then February we start having fellowships, where we minister about general lifestyle and change in character to the participants. It runs all through the end of the year, with healthcare programmes and vocational trainings. Our aim is not just giving them fish but teaching them how to catch fish.
“We at The Roses Ministry have also come to say thank you, because we started 11 years ago, and right from the year we started reaching out, our vision was to show God’s love to the hurting and vulnerable in practical ways. We started reaching out to youths, trying to raise a righteous generation of youths, and vulnerable women as well. But with time, we focused more on widows because we saw more vulnerability among widows”, she further explained.
Still speaking on the activities of the ministry, she said they have been taking care of diabetic and hypertensive widows since 2010, in the sense that they monitor the widows’ blood pressure and sugar level, then give them their medications free of charge. “One of the principal things I must say that Pharmanews is doing for us is that the publication have made pharmaceutical companies aware of what we are doing, which usually motivate a lot of them to come around and support us, in terms of medications and financial support”.
She however stated that the number of the widows under their care have increased in the last few years. “Years before, we had over 600 widows, but right now, if we check, we might be talking about 700 to 800 patients, with most of them hypertensive, and you know how much it costs to get anti-hypertensive drugs. However due to the support from pharmaceutical companies, we have been able to sustain it,” she remarked.
She continued: “You may not have known how the publication has helped in the exposure of our activities, but it has helped us a great deal. We appreciate you and the entire team of Pharmanews for the cooperation over the years”.
In his response, the Pharmanews boss thanked The Roses’ Ministry team for coming over to felicitate with him and Pharmanews team on the anniversary.
Atueyi told her team members how diligent and dedicated Ezenwa is, noting that if she had wanted to be in the academics, she would have been a professor by now. “She is where God has directed her to be. What you are doing is a great humanitarian service, because God honours services rendered to the needy and poor”.
He promised that Pharmanews will continue to support the organisation as they have been doing. On a lighter note, Atueyi explained how he became familiar with The Roses’ Ministry Founder, saying he became familiar with her not because she is a pharmacist, brilliant, and beautiful, “but because she is blessed in marrying an old boy of DMGS Onitsha. When you marry an old boy of DMGS, you have no problem”.
The Pharmanews boss encouraged the staff of The Roses Ministry to continue with their dedicated and humanitarian service, while assuring them of divine provisions.
Pharm. Adebayo Alonge is the winner of the 2019 BNP Paribas Group Deep Tech Award, also known as “Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge”. He defeated 4,500 contenders from 119 countries around the world, with the presentation of his anti-fake drugs device called RxAll Solution, which earned him the Grand Prize of €100,000.
The techy-innovative Nigerian maverick had his secondary school education at Kings College, Lagos, from 1996 to 2002. He subsequently gained admission to the University of Ibadan to study Pharmacy and graduated with distinction in 2008.
Alonge began his career in November 2009 as a medical representative at Sanofi Aventis, where he worked till September 2010. During this period, he also worked as a contract pharmacist for the Global HIV/AIDS Initiative. He then moved on to work for Roche (Now Swiss Pharma Nigeria) as a medical sales representative from 2010 to 2012.
Alonge’s passion and drive for business innovation led him to enrol for the MBA degree (with focus on Strategy and Finance) at the Lagos Business School (LBS) in October 2012. He graduated in July 2014 with distinction.
Pharm. Adebayo Alonge
While studying at LBS, he worked at BASF as a market development intern (pharma ingredients). He later returned to BASF after the completion of his MBA programme in August 2014 to take up the position of market developer (West Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo). He was there till August 2015, about which time he gained admission to Yale School of Management, Yale University, USA, for his Master of Advanced Management degree programme.
While at Yale, Alonge worked as a consultant for Boston Consulting Group (BCG) (2015-2017) where he pioneered the first BCG office in Sub-Sahara Africa, in Lagos, Nigeria. At the completion of his programme, he proceeded to Hitotsubashi Graduate School of International Corporate Strategy for a course in Advanced Management and International Business.
Alonge is currently undertaking a Master of Public Administration (Deep Tech in Public Policy Concentration) from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, USA.
His entrepreneurial spirit spurred him to co-found RxAll Inc., in 2016, with the aim of providing a means for patients in the developing world to authenticate their medicines. He indeed has an uncommon passion to eliminate fake drugs, having almost died in infancy as a result of counterfeit medicine.
In developing the award-winning RxAll Solution, Alonge’s training and experience working for top multinational firms in Nigeria, together with the resilience of his team members proved very significant. He successfully raised about $400,000 in grants and bootstrapped funds from the Nigerian government, the Yale start-up ecosystem, Merck, Villgro and other support networks.
He is a recipient of several awards and recognitions, including: Global Social Venture Award (2016) from InnovateHealth, Yale; Young Innovator – YouWin; 2018 China Award for Best Deep Tech Platform in World; Regional finalist, Hult Prize Global Case Competition; and Adekunle Ajasin Award for Academic Excellence (2008).
The management and staff of Pharmanews join his family and colleagues to wish him many more laurels ahead.
God wants you to find what you are expected to do for Him. You find this by seeking. Seeking or searching for something always demands deliberate effort. Matthew 7:7 (NKJV) admonishes, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
For you to know what God wants you to do, you need to seek His will. It is not everything that comes your way that may be God’s plan for your life. A business may have great prospects for financial reward but it may not be for you. Ask God to know if it is for you or not.
There is always joy when you find what you seek. In Luke 15:8-10, Jesus tells a parable of the lost coin. In the parable, a woman searches for a lost coin, finds it, and rejoices. That’s the joy of finding. If you are conducting a research and eventually arrive at the answer, you are naturally excited. Therefore, whatever your hand finds to do, do it with joy in your heart.
If you are looking for something, you must know what it is so that you will recognise it when you eventually see it. It will be a tragedy if you don’t know what you are looking for. If you don’t know what you are looking for, you will dissipate your energy and time. It is God who will reveal to you what to seek. And you will definitely know when you find it. Philippians 2: 13 says, “ For it is God who works in you both to will and to do His good pleasure.” If you are not divinely guided, you may miss what is meant to be yours.
Pharm.(Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi
What does it take for God to bless your work? To Him, the motive, how you do your work and the meaning of your work matter more than the money. Ordinarily, we define success by job title and financial status. But if you want your work to be blessed by God, you must work enthusiastically.
Enthusiasm is not based on the fun your job offers or how much it pays. Instead, it is based on why you do what you do. Your work is service unto God and not man. It is God’s purpose for your life and preparation for eternity.
Serving God and working out your salvation must be done with all that is within you. In your work, you must be diligent in the use of all the means which are conducive to your salvation. We must not only work out our salvation by doing something now and then; but we must do all that is to be done to preserve it to the end.
Salvation is the great thing we should mind and set our hearts upon. How do people who see you on Sunday see you at your workplace from Monday to Friday? You must let your light shine at all times and in all places. Your light is not designed for only certain places and certain times. Your light must not be hidden under a bushel at any time but you must let it shine for people to see.
If you want to be enthusiastic about your work, remember that your work is a test from God. He is testing you to see how you can be trusted with in eternity. We must expect the Lord’s commendation as in Matthew 25:21 (NKJV) “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” Please always bear in mind that that God is your true boss. And He is the one who pays you for your services.
God is watching whatever you do even when no one else is. Even if your work appears boring, God is still watching your attitude to that work. He sees your heart and the motive for whatever you do. You cannot deceive Him because He is omniscient.
Your attitude determines your joy. Avoid a lousy job. It is even worse when you complain about it. Proverbs 12:24 (NKJV) says, “The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy man will be put to forced labour.”
You can’t succeed in life until you change your attitude about the work you are doing right now. Romans 12:11 (AMP) says, “Never lagging behind in diligence; aglow in the Spirit, enthusiastically serving the Lord.”
Dennettia tripetala (Fam: Annonaceae) is the botanical name of a plant whose fruits are called pepper fruits. It is native to West Africa, including Nigeria, where the fruits are called nkarika in Efik, obi ata or igberi in Yoruba, mmimi in Igbo, imako in Urhobo and aki in Bini. The Dennettia tripetala tree thrives mainly in the Savannah and rain forest zones while the fruit usually ripens between April and May.
Constituents: Dennettia tripetala contains fatty acids, carbohydrates, proteins, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamins A and C, phytochemicals like terpenes, tannins, flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids.
Preparations: Pepper fruit is mostly chewed fresh but can also be used for food preparations and for preparing herbal medicines. Both the green, red and pink pepper fruits, as well as the leaves, roots and barks of the tree are notable for their pungent peppery taste and smell. It can be used as a spice for seasoning and flavouring food, such as white soup, spicy fish, hot drinks, alcoholic drinks, beverages, meat, vegetables, stew, sauces and sausages.
The pepper fruit can also act as a substitute for ginger in zobo drink production. In Igbo land, pepper fruits are usually served with garden egg, bitter kola, kola nuts and palm wine, during coronations, traditional marriages, naming ceremonies, cultural ceremonies, new yam festivals and other events.
Pharmacological actions and medicinal uses: The pepper fruit oil extract holds a compound named 1-nitro-2-phenol ethane which has an anticonvulsant and hypnotic effect that can heal infant convulsion effectively.
The seeds are vital for preparing food for new-born mothers without delay after childbirth as the spice aids in uterus contraction.
Extract from Dennettia tripetala fruits have shown insecticidal, hypoglycemic, cytotoxic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, anti-ulcer, antibacterial, antifungal, mildly laxative, antiviral, antihelmintic, stimulant, hepatoprotective and nephroprotective properties. As a result, different plant parts, especially the healthy fruits and leaves have been used for making herbal medicines for treating typhoid, diarrhoea, stomach upset, vomiting, worm infestation, cold, cough, fever and pain.
Pepper fruit seed can reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) considerably up to 25% in people suffering from glaucoma. This African fruit repairs damage in liver and kidney, which is related to the impact of multiple exposures to carbon tetrachloride.
Adverse effects: Although pepper fruit causes contraction of the uterus, which is good for nursing mothers, it also can lead to adverse conditions and even forced or premature labour for pregnant women, especially in the third trimester.
Some women who are allergic to pepper fruit can experience discomfort when consuming it. Consuming too much pepper fruit can lead to gastrointestinal problems. It is suggested that pepper fruit might also serve as an abortificient.
Economic potentials: The hexanolic extract of D. tripetala fruits has been found to be toxic to the larvae of the Aedes aegypti mosquito and this points to the potential for generating insecticides from Dennettia essential oil. It is safer than the conventional insecticide, permetrin. It is useful as a grain protectant (during storage), food and medicine.
By Pharm. Ngozika Okoye
MSc, MPH, FPCPharm (Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency)
The Nigerian Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPPMED) has begun fresh agitation to have the federal government replace the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) as its regulator.
In an interview with Pharmanews, Alhaji Abubakar Avallah, immediate past vice president of NAPPMED explained that it was wrong for the federal government to add the association with pharmacists and pharmacy technicians under the same regulator.
Avallah further disclosed that there had been a growing discontentment among members over the manner pharmacists see them as second-class citizens, adding that they therefore consider it an aberration for the federal government to lump them together.
“We ought to be partners in progress but they (pharmacists) continue to see us as a threat and always seek to make the rest of us – pharmacy technicians and patent medicine dealers – look bad.
“Pharmacists have monopolised the pharmaceutical industry for too long. We want the federal government to mandate the PCN to regulate only pharmacists and allow NAPPMED to be directly under the umbrella of the ministry of health,” he said.
In his summation, there is a noticeable presence of, at least, a patent medicine dealer in the entire 774 local government councils in the country but the same cannot be said about pharmacists whose membership strength, he declared, was lamentable.
Alhaji Abubakar Avallah, immediate past vice president of NAPPMED
“We have a minimum of 10,000 members in each state who cover up for the absence or limited presence of pharmacists. This is why I think we deserve some level of respect,” he said.
However, in a swift reaction, PCN’s spokesperson, Peter Illiya, has dimissed NAPPMED’s allegations and agitation as “absolutely baseless and frivolous.”
Speaking with Pharmanews, Illiya stressed that it was not the position of NAPPMED to dictate to the government on its regulator.
“I am sure it is probably because the PCN is now hitting them hard in terms of compliance and regulation that they want the FMoH to regulate them. Of course, these patent medicine dealers know the ministry doesn’t have offices all over the country. That is why they think they would have a field day,” he opined.
It would be recalled that a Federal High Court in Akure dismissed the suit filed by NAPPMED against the PCN in 2016.
In his verdict in Akure, Ondo State in the suit no: FHC/AK/CS/01/2004 which sought to stop the PCN from regulating activities of members of NAPPMED, Justice F.A. Olubanjo dismissed NAPPMED’s prayers for lacking in merit.
“I find no merit in this amended originating summons and the reliefs sought therein are refused. The amended originating summons filed on 11 March, 2015 is dismissed” Olubanjo held.
The judge further held that the PCN Act of 1992 empowers the council to regulate the affairs and functions of Pharmacy and matters related to the pharmacist profession.
According to him, the minister of health has the power to make regulations under section 53 of the Pharmacy Act, and has appointed the PCN as the licensing authority to issue licence of patent and proprietary medicine vendors in Nigeria, through a letter dated April 14, 2003.
In his ruling, Olubanjo affirmed that by section 36 of the Poisons and Pharmacy Act Cap 535 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990, the Minister of Health has the power to prescribe the second defendant (PCN) as the licensing authority for the issuance of PPMVL.
In Nigeria, patent and proprietary medicine vendors (PPMVs) or NAPPMED as a body comprises persons without formal training in Pharmacy who sell orthodox pharmaceutical medicines for common illnesses.
Currently, there is no database to capture the number of PPMVs in the country, but it is estimated that their membership strength (both registered and unregistered outlets) is in the range of 500,000.
PPMVs are often the first source of care for most patients in rural areas where they are permitted to sell a limited number of over-the-counter (OTCs) medicines but prohibited from selling prescription-based medications.
Sequel to the recently released results of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Faculty of Pharmacy students, which were marred with unprecedented mass failure as displayed on various social media platforms, some of the students have attributed the development to inefficiency of some lecturers and alleged stringent standard of the dean.
Investigating the cause of the huge failure in the faculty, Pharmanewsonline had exclusive chats with some students of the faculty who spoke with us on the ground of anonymity, as they revealed the various factors that brought about the situation, ranging from lack of cooperation from the faculty’s management and laziness on the part of some students.
According to a female student of the faculty, some students were of the opinion that the mass failure was due to the alleged strict nature of the new dean, Prof. Moses Akanmu, “as most students see him as someone who is strict and non-considerate, compared to the immediate past dean”.
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) bill board.
She further blamed the failure on changes in administrative positions in most departments in the faculty, as Head of Departments (HODs) and Course Coordinators, were replaced at the commencement of the session. “These were some of the determining officers, and some of the elected officers are not so liberal”, she stated.
Another student, a male, further accused lecturers for the colossal failure in the faculty, saying it simply shows the quality of lecturers and type of content they deliver to the students.
He stated that “As much as we would want to name factors that could have caused such results, the truth is they differ from class to class, from person to person. However, one truth remains constant through it all, that those who are imparting students should take more responsibility for the kind of students they are producing.
“One way of seeing the results is that the students failed but could it not also mean that this is the quality of lecturers that they have as well? Yes, students may have their individual weaknesses, but the lecturers need to explain more”.
When asked for his own opinion on the mass failure in his faculty, a 400 level student identified different factors like cramming, imbalanced examination timetable, bad style of teaching and inadequate preparation of students for examinations.
He expatiated as follows: “La cram, La pour. Not everyone has the capacity to cram bulky content, and most of our lecturers in OAU are more concerned with pouring out what they gave to us in class forgetting that understanding is all that matters.
“The timetable is bad, as it favours one tutorial group more than the others. While some groups had like three core exams back to back, others had a smooth timetable for a particular week”.
He continued: “Bad style of teaching, some lecturers will come to class and just teach without the understanding of the students. And on the part of students, I won’t say we are lazy, but some students that were asked to withdraw were so concerned about “making money” while they lag in their academics”, he disclosed.
On the percentage of students and courses affected by the failure in the faculty, another student explained that virtually half of the faculty was affected, and this makes the situation so worrisome.
“Honestly the system is really bad and it should be checked. Our lecturers should please be merciful, because this action is not just killing dreams and future, it’s killing our parents as well”.
He further listed some negative developments in the faculty which affected the results, saying there was lack of good relationship between some lecturers and some students; lack of 24 hours access to the Faculty Library during the last examination, unlike during the previous dean’s tenure, when the library was opened 24 hours. “During the last exams, the library was only opened 8am-8pm, and only one classroom was made available for students to read during examination”.
When contacted through phone call for clarification on the matter, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Moses Akanmu, declined discussing details with Pharmanewsonline on the situation. He, however, noted that the faculty was preparing for students to resit failed courses, from February 10 to 20, 2020.
“What I can say for now is that we are working on resit of courses, and not all results are out. So it is after the resit courses are completed that we can validly say if there was mass failure or not”, Akanmu stated.
Pharmanewsonline gathered at the weekend that the Pharmacy students of OAU had taken to social media to lament the gross failure in the recently released results of their 2018/2019 academic session.
Some of the results as displayed on Nairaland Forum showed that 200 level students had 60 passes, 77 resits, 52 repeats and 17 withdrawals.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has recently disclosed the casualty figure in the recent Lassa fever outbreak across the country as it activated a National Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to coordinate response activities this last Saturday, 25 January 2020.
NCDC Director General (DG), Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu said there 195 confirmed cases and 29 deaths were reported in 11 states as at January 24. Two Kano health workers were also confirmed dead in the recent outbreak in which 89 percent of the confirmed cases are from Ondo, Edo and Ebonyi, Ihekweazu said.
“Over the last three weeks, NCDC has deployed Rapid Response Teams to support five of the affected states”, the agency noted.
“The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire led a high-level delegation to Kano State on 25 January 2020, following the deaths of two health workers infected with Lassa fever.
Lassa Fever spread to 11 States, 195 Infected, 29 Dead -NCDC
“In addition, NCDC has rapidly increased risk communications and community engagement activities to ensure that Nigerians are aware of the risks of Lassa fever and measures to protect themselves.
“There has been a decline in the case fatality rate of reported Lassa fever cases from 23.4 percent in 2019 to 14.8 percent this year. NCDC continues to support treatment centres across states in the country to effectively manage Lassa fever cases.
“In addition, five laboratories in Nigeria have the capacity to diagnose Lassa fever. These laboratories are critical to reducing turnaround time between identifying a suspected case and confirmation.
“NCDC and the three main treatment centres in the country – Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre Owo and Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital Abakalilki – are set to commence Lassa fever epidemiological studies that will provide data to guide research and response activities.”
The National EOC includes representatives from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Environment, World Health Organization, UNICEF, US Centres for Disease Control, and other partners.
Record shows that Lassa fever virus is transmitted by rodents, which can be found in the environment.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Government has confirmed a case of Lassa fever at Chikun Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Mohammed-Baloni, on Saturday said a 36-year-old male patient was receiving treatment at a designated Infectious Disease Control Centre.
The Ekiti State Government has also called on residents to always ensure a clean environment to prevent the outbreak of Lassa fever.
The Deputy Governor, Bisi Egbeyemi, recently admonished the people to always clear the bush in their surroundings, warning them against sun-drying food items on the roadsides, where rats could have access to them.
A statement by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Deputy Governor, Odunayo Ogunmola, said Egbeyemi gave the advice while monitoring the January edition of the monthly environmental sanitation.
A research conducted by the American Dental Association has recently found that brushing the teeth twice or more times a day significantly reduces the risk of Atrial Fibrillation [A-fib] and heart failure.
[A-fib] is a quivering or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. The bacteria in our mouths may hold the key to many facets of our health.
The researchers have found intriguing clues about pancreatic and esophageal cancer risk in mouth bacteria, and some studies have linked poor oral hygiene with respiratory problems.
Mounting evidence is also strengthening the link between oral health and cardiovascular health.
For instance, some studies have found oral bacteria in the blood clots of people receiving emergency treatment for stroke, and experts have linked severe gum disease with a significantly higher risk of hypertension.
Conversely, destroying “friendly” oral bacteria that help maintain a healthy and balanced oral microbiome could disrupt blood pressure levels and also lead to hypertension.
Maintaining good oral health, therefore, seems to be key to cardiovascular health. Dr Tae-Jin Song of Ewha Womans, is the senior author of the new study.
Brushing Twice a Day Reduces Risk of Heart Failure – Study Finds
In their paper, Dr Song and team explained that the motivation for the study hinges on the mediating role of inflammation. They write, “Poor oral hygiene can provoke transient bacteremia and systemic inflammation, a mediator of atrial fibrillation and heart failure.
In their study, Dr Song and team examined atrial fibrillation’s associations with both heart failure and poor oral hygiene. They used data from 161,286 people who were part of the Korean National Health Insurance System-Health Screening Cohort.
A-fib is a condition affecting at least 2.7 million people in the world. In people with A-fib, the heart cannot efficiently pump blood to the rest of the body because it does not beat regularly.
The heart also does not pump blood as it should in people with heart failure. This inefficiency results in fatigue and, sometimes, breathing difficulties, as insufficient oxygen reaches the other organs in the body.
The participants of the current study were 40–79 years old and had no history of either A-fib or heart failure. During enrollment, which took place between 2003 and 2004, the team measured the height and weight of each of the participants and asked them questions about their lifestyle, oral health, and oral hygiene habits.
The participants also underwent some laboratory tests, which included blood tests, urine tests, and blood pressure readings.
Brushing lowers heart failure risk by 12 percent
Over a median follow-up period of 10.5 years, 4,911 participants received a diagnosis of A-fib, and 7,971 developed heart failure.
Brushing the teeth three times or more a day was linked with a 10 percent lower chance of developing A-fib and a 12 percent lower risk of heart failure.
Confounding factors — including age, sex, socioeconomic status, physical activity, alcohol intake, body mass index, and other coexisting conditions, such as hypertension — did not influence these results, as the researchers accounted for them in their analysis.
The authors conclude:
“Improved oral hygiene care was associated with decreased risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure. Healthier oral hygiene by frequent tooth brushing and professional dental cleanings may reduce risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure.”
However, they also noted that, as with any observational study, the research is limited and cannot explain causation. The study is also limited because it only looked at people living in one country, so the results may not be generalizable.
Nonetheless, notes the study’s senior author, “We studied a large group over a long period, which adds strength to our findings”.
The Oral Health Foundation recommends brushing your teeth last thing at night and at least at one other point during the day.
The oral health charity also suggests changing your toothbrush every two to three months.
Following the outbreak of Coronavirus – a SARS-like virus, which has claimed 17 lives already, with about 557 cases reported in China, the Chinese government has placed on hold all festivities earlier scheduled to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year.
Although report of the Emergency Committee convened by the World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General under the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) indicated that Coronavirus is not yet a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), but it also revealed that there are confirmed cases in the Republic of Korea, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, France, Australia, Malaysia, Nepal, Canada and the United States.
While WHO’s experts are working in collaboration with the Chinese government to contain the spread of the novel virus disease suspected to emanate from an animal, report from the AFP has it that the Chinese government has quarantined cities and shut major tourist attractions from Disneyland to the Forbidden City and a section of the Great Wall as it struggles to stop the spread of the disease.
Obviously these drastic measures to contain the disease would have spelt disappointment for the 1.4 billion citizens of the People’s Republic of China, as they would have anticipated the usual pomp and pageantry that comes with the Lunar New Year holiday, which officially started Friday.
Some of the critical measures taken to stop the spread of the diseases are: the closure of the epicentre of the outbreak, which is the provincial capital Wuhan, the biggest city, where the government has halted all travel out of the Yangtze River metropolis of 11 million.
Also, similar quarantine measures are being taken in the other, smaller cities. These include strict controls on weddings and funerals, temperature screening of people as they arrive and the suspension of online taxi services, revealed by AFP.
In addition to this, Wuhan and Beijing have cancelled public events that usually attract hundreds of thousands of people to temples during the New Year holiday, while Gao Fu, head of the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, has all citizens to forego New Year gatherings and confine themselves at home until all is clear.
Meanwhile, as the WHO Emergency Committee brainstormed on the best approach to nip the virus spread in the bud, it found critical elements that require urgency such as human-to-human transmission occurring and a preliminary R0 estimate of 1.4-2.5 was presented. It also noted that amplification occurred in one healthcare facility. Of confirmed cases, 25 percent were reported to be severe. The source is still unknown (most likely an animal reservoir) and the extent of human-to-human transmission is still not clear.
Image of WHO logo
The Committee urged to support ongoing efforts through a WHO international multidisciplinary mission, including national experts. The mission would review and support efforts to investigate the animal source of the outbreak, the extent of human-to-human transmission, the screening efforts in other provinces of China, the enhancement of surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections in these regions, and to reinforce containment and mitigation measures. A mission would provide information to the international community to aid in understanding of the situation and its potential public health impact.
The Committee’s further recommendations read in part: “WHO should continue to provide all necessary technical and operational support to respond to this outbreak, including with its extensive networks of partners and collaborating institutions, to implement a comprehensive risk communication strategy, and to allow for the advancement of research and scientific developments in relation to this novel Coronavirus.
“In the face of an evolving epidemiological situation and the restrictive binary nature of declaring a PHEIC or not, WHO should consider a more nuanced system, which would allow an intermediate level of alert. Such a system would better reflect the severity of an outbreak, its impact, and the required measures, and would facilitate improved international coordination, including research efforts for developing medical counter measures”.
The Chinese government has also been urged to provide more information on cross-government risk management measures, including crisis management systems at national, provincial, and city levels, and other domestic measures.
The government is also required to enhance rational public health measures for containment and mitigation of the current outbreak; as well as enhance surveillance and active case finding across China, particularly during the Chinese New Year celebration.
Image of meat and cow leg most vendors use paracetamol to cook
“We use paracetamol to cook meat for people to eat, especially all those cow legs that are hard to cook. We use it for goat meat pepper soup.” – Food Vendor
Five years after a post on social media alerted us to the use of paracetamol to soften meat, the practice is yet to be brought to an end.
Although during the last Christmas celebration, there was a renewed public concern over the issue, as many people became aware of the development, which necessitated the timely warning from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on the dangerous and unapproved use of paracetamol in food preparation.
However, the use of paracetamol for cooking is still ongoing, as the perpetrators claim it helps reduce the long hours of boiling meat, which assists them to meet up with the demands of customers, and it also saves them extra costs on kerosene/gas/charcoal.
A young mother revealed that a single tablet of paracetamol would soften meat in 10 minutes. Another user of paracetamol for cooking, who happens to be a food vendor interviewed by a Sun News reporter confessed to using paracetamol to fry fish. She said this will prevent the fish from scattering.
It appears that tough meat like cow legs is not the only thing that vendors cook with paracetamol. A recent YouTube video made known that it is also used to soften beans.
Since one sachet containing 12 tablets of paracetamol is sold for fifty naira, the affordability of paracetamol have emboldened this people to continue in the deadly practice.
Renowned Nigerian healthcare professionals have all deliberated on the development, noting that if the prolonged use of paracetamol as a pain-killer increases the risk of kidney and liver diseases, then using it for cooking meat, increases the risk of suffering the above diseases.
They further explained that when paracetamol is cooked, it no longer functions as a painkiller, it becomes something else – an acid. This harmful acid known as 4-aminophenol, will damage the liver, kidneys and can kill within days. The harmful effect is even more severe in alcoholics, people who are fasting and those who have pre-existing liver or kidney problems
That was why the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Mazi Sam Ohabunwa declared that anyone found guilty of cooking with paracetamol should be brought to justice.
“…liver problem is on the increase [and] we don’t even know if people have been practicing this for a very long time for us to be having this increase in liver diseases; some unexplained liver failure, liver cancer are emanating.” – Dr. Ekpe Philips.
This is a true life story of a young man, Jonah (not real name). Jonah was a spirited young man with a lot of ambitions. During the last Christmas holiday, Jonah was having fun as his sister had just got married and he had just got an employment letter from an oil company. Life seemed to be going so well for him and his family.
Cooking with paracetamol is indeed a deliberate act to poison people.
But when the New Year came and Jonah had to resume work with his new employers, he couldn’t. He had woken up one morning swollen like a balloon. Something was wrong.
At the hospital, it was confirmed that he had acute kidney failure. Jonah’s life was falling apart. One week after his diagnosis, he gave in to the disease.
There was a strong suspicion that Jonah had been poisoned at his sister’s wedding. He ate and drank a lot of alcohol during the event, just like any happy brother would. His friends confirmed that his symptoms began within the same period.
His death has been attributed to many different causes, but what if Jonah was another undocumented casualty of paracetamol poisoning?
According to the Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAN), 25 million Nigerians are living with kidney failure. Experts are concerned that consuming meat cooked with paracetamol might be a major contributing factor.
To prevent these numerous avoidable deaths, NAFDAC has advised Nigerians to adopt alternative methods of softening their meat. Some of them are listed below:
Use a pressure cooker to cook your meat quickly
Beat the meat before cooking
Slice the meat into smaller pieces
Slow-cook the meat if you’re not in a hurry
Soak the meat in salt-water for several hours. It is important that you rinse off the excess salt before cooking. High sodium content in salt has debilitating effects on hypertensive patients.
Marinate in pawpaw or pineapple before cooking.
The risk of cooking meat with paracetamol has been emphasized severally. However, this will not make everyone change. It is up to you to protect your health and that of your loved ones. Take extra precautions when it comes to what you put into your mouth. As much as possible avoid roadside food vendors, restaurants with a poor reputation and supervise caterers that you hire to cook for your events.
NAFDAC has promised severe punishments for offenders. Members of the public have been encouraged to report any case of dangerous and illegal use of paracetamol in food preparations.
Here is a statement from the agency:
“Consumers are advised to report adverse events related to dangerous and illegal use of Paracetamol Tablets in food preparation to the nearest NAFDAC office, […] (0800-1-623322) TOLL FREE from all networks or via pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng ”
Final thoughts: If you or anyone you know is currently engaging in this dangerous act, for the sake of your health and that of others, please desist from it.
A pair condom to protect the sexual transmitted disease
A recent research conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) has shown that among people within ages 15 to 49, over one million new Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) occur every single day.
That means more than 376 million new cases of four infections – chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis, are reported annually.
According to the research findings, in 2019, there were 127 million new cases of chlamydia, 87 million of gonorrhoea, 6.3 million of syphilis and 156 million of trichomoniasis.
Trichomoniasis is caused by infection by a parasite during sex. Chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhoea are bacterial infections.
The WHO highlights a lack of progress in stopping the spread of STIs, and says its figures are a “wake-up call”. Experts are particularly concerned about the rise in drug-resistant STIs.
The WHO regularly evaluates the global impact of the four common sexually transmitted infections. It looks at published research and collects reports from its workers in countries around the world.
Compared with its last analysis in 2012, the WHO reports “no substantive decline” in the rates of new or existing infections.
Over One million New STIs are recorded every day- WHO
It suggests around one in 25 people globally has at least one of these four STIs, with some experiencing multiple infections at the same time.
STI symptoms can include discharge, pain urinating and bleeding between periods. However, many cases have no symptoms.
Serious complications can include pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility in women from chlamydia and gonorrhoea, and cardiovascular and neurological disease from syphilis.
If a woman contracts an STI when she’s pregnant, it can lead to stillbirth, premature birth, low birth-weight and health problems for the baby including pneumonia, blindness and congenital deformities.
Executive director for Universal Health Coverage and the Life-Course at WHO, Dr Peter Salama, said: “We’re seeing a concerning lack of progress in stopping the spread of sexually transmitted infections worldwide.
“This is a wake-up call for a concerted effort to ensure everyone, everywhere can access the services they need to prevent and treat these debilitating diseases.”
“If untreated, they can lead to serious and chronic health effects that include neurological and cardiovascular disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirths and increased risk of the human-immuno virus (HIV).”
“STIs are also associated with significant levels of stigma and domestic violence. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are major causes of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility in women.”
Practicing safe sex, particularly through condom use, and better access to testing are both crucial, the WHO says. In terms of treatment, bacterial STIs can be treated and cured with widely available medications.
According to the report, syphilis alone caused an estimated 200,000 stillbirths and newborn deaths in 2016, making it one of the leading causes of baby loss globally.
“In its later stages, syphilis can cause serious cardiovascular and neurological disease. All four diseases are associated with an increased risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV. Transmission of these diseases during pregnancy can lead to serious consequences for babies, including stillbirth, neonatal death, low birth weight and prematurity, sepsis, blindness, pneumonia and congenital deformities,” it said.
The report further revealed that STIs remained a persistent and endemic health threat worldwide, indicating that since the last published data for 2012, there had been no substantive decline in either the rates of new or existing infections.
“On the average, approximately one in 25 people globally have at least one of these STIs, according to the latest figures, with some experiencing multiple infections at the same time,” it added.
The report also explained that syphilis treatment has been made more difficult because of a shortage in the specific kind of penicillin needed, and there has been an increase in cases of so-called “super-gonorrhoea” which is almost impossible to treat.
Dr Tim Jinks, head of Wellcome’s Drug Resistant Infection programme, said: “Untreatable cases of gonorrhoea are predecessors of a wider crisis, where common infections are harder and harder to treat.
“We urgently need to reduce the spread of these infections and invest in new antibiotics and treatments to replace those that no longer work, Jinks explained.”
The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday postponed taking a decision on whether the mysterious coronavirus that killed at least 17 people and sickened hundreds of others in China was a global health emergency.
WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, said physicians need more information and asked the committee which he is leading, which held an emergency meeting in Geneva, Switzerland on Wednesday to reconvene on Thursday.
World Health Organisation
Mr Ghebreyesus told roughly 150 reporters on a conference call that was delayed for almost two hours while the committee met that “today, there was an excellent discussion during the committee meeting, but it was also clear that to proceed, we need more information.”
He said the emergency committee on Wednesday was split on whether to designate the illness a global health emergency, noting that “WHO has researchers in China collecting data.
“The decision about whether or not to declare a public health emergency of international concern is one I take extremely seriously, and one I am only prepared to make with appropriate consideration of all the evidence.”
Chinese authorities said many of the patients with the new illness had come into contact with seafoods and meat markets, suggesting the virus is spreading from animals to people.
WHO physicians said they found evidence of human-to-human transmission within close contacts, citing family members, and within a health-care environment and that the virus was stable and not showing any kind of unusual activity.
WHO defines a global health emergency, also known as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, as an “extraordinary event” that is “serious, unusual or unexpected.”
The virus that emerged from Wuhan, China, had spread throughout Asia, infecting more than 540 people in China, Thailand, Taiwan, Japan and the Republic of Korea, according to WHO and Chinese state media.
The U.S. had also confirmed its first case on Tuesday, a Washington state man who was travelling in China, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, said.
Meanwhile, Lawrence Gostin, a professor and faculty Director of the O’Neill Institute for National & Global Health Law at Georgetown University, said “WHO does not enact emergencies easily. The international health agency only applied the emergency designation five times since the rules were implemented in mid-2000.
“The last time WHO declared a global health emergency was in 2019 for the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo that killed more than 2,000 people.
“The agency also declared global emergencies for the 2016 Zika virus, the 2009 H1N1 swine flu and the 2014 polio and Ebola outbreaks.” (NAN)
Several studies have examined the relationship between specific nutrients and hearing, but researcher Brigham and Women’s Hospital took a more holistic view, looking at the relationship between diet and hearing.
The new study shows that women who have a pattern of healthy eating have a lower risk of hearing loss than women who don’t eat well. A healthy eating pattern includes lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. It limits sugar, salt, and animal fat.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are 360 million persons in the world with disabling hearing loss, 145 million are males while 180 million are female.
Scientists link Healthy Diet to Better Hearing in Women
Researchers examined the health data collected by the Nurses’ Health Study II, Harvard, which tracked the diets and health of 70,966 women over a 22-year span. Healthy eating habits were scored using three different diet-rating systems: the alternate Mediterranean diet, or aMED; the “dietary approaches to stop hypertension,” or DASH diet; and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010.
Their analysis showed women who adhered most closely to a healthy diet were least likely to develop hearing loss during the 22 years.
“Interestingly, we observed that those following an overall healthy diet had a lower risk of moderate or worse hearing loss,” Dr Sharon Curhan, an epidemiologist at BWH, said in a news release. “Eating well contributes to overall good health, and it may also be helpful in reducing the risk of hearing loss.”
Women in the study were asked about their dietary habits every four years. Those who adhered most closely to the aMED and DASH diets had a 30 percent lower risk of moderate or worse hearing loss. Scientists found a similar relationship between hearing health and diet quality as measured by the AHEI-2010.
The aMED diet encourages the consumption of extra virgin olive oil, grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts and fish. Moderate alcohol intake is permitted. The DASH diet emphasizes a high fruit and vegetable intake. It also calls for low-fat dairy and low-sodium foods. The AHEI-2010 diet features foods emphasized in both the aMED and DASH diets.
“Because the study included only women, more research is needed to see whether the results also apply to men,” Curhan emphasized.
Snakebites are a significant burden in Nigeria. Many rural communities’ dwellers in Nigeria are often at risk of snakebites, with access to treatment almost practically inaccessible in impoverished rural settings.
The WHO calls snakebites “arguably the world’s biggest hidden health crisis”, with one person dying from a bite every four minutes. Hundreds of thousands of others are left seriously disfigured, physically disabled or sometimes requires amputation.
Snakebites hit the poorest of the poor; farmers, herders, and hunters who constitute the greater percentage of victims of snakebites, but they are major contributors to our GDP through farming, cattle rearing and mining, which now enjoys government patronage under its economic diversification agenda.
Yusuf Hassan Wada
Although, recently there have been outcry at homes, about snakebite, especially from toilets. On Saturday, I was at the emergency section of a tertiary health institution to see a patient; who was bitten on his foot by a snake. My friend asked him what the issue was and he answered “I was bitten by a snake which was why I’ve been here since morning, but it’s evening now and I was just offered a drug which was paracetamol only and haven’t been attended to…”
At the same moment I was watching this patient, I was imagining a situation whereby if I’m bitten by a snake, I feel the pain and venom spread through my body – knowing it may kill me and there is no treatment available. This is what victims of snakebite go through and often do not get the treatment they need in time, if at all.
Also, last week, a husband narrated how he lost his wife who was 8-months pregnant due to a untimely and ineffective care. He revealed how she couldn’t access treatment due to lack of anti-venom serum (ASV) in the hospital in good time, and thereafter, she died. Just like these cases, snakebites victims are thought to suffer life-changing injuries such as amputation and permanent disability.
Anti-venom is the medicine of choice for treating snakebites. It is made using the venom of the snake it is designed to treat. Anti-venom treatment is made in the same way that it has been for more than 100 years. The costly and laborious processes see antibodies harvested from horse blood to make anti-venom. But even so, it is estimated that the world produces only a third of the anti-venom that it needs.
We have anti-venom at our hospitals, which is not commonly stocked in public facilities in Nigeria; still, it would be difficult to get to a hospital more than a few kilometers away in time for treatment which means time spent transporting a victim to a hospital located far away from his home can be fatal. Lack of treatment and even the wrong medicine is also a challenge.
Aside of the scarcity of anti-snake venom and lack of suitable anti-venoms, difficulty in accessing health facilities is another challenge for victims of snakebite in many parts of the country, which has made patient care challenging. One of the various reasons for this is that they cannot access – let alone afford – conventional medical treatment.
Anti-venom remains the only way to envenoming management as it confers protection against mortality. But the situation has allowed weak or inappropriate medicine to flood the market over the past decades, particularly in Africa. An SAV against one snake specie is “monovalent”, while a mixture of two or more SAVs is “polyvalent”, which we use in Nigeria due to the variety of so many venomous snakes found here. Europe uses the monovalent, as they have only one specie of venomous snake.
Sometime in March last year, Nigerians were alarmed when reports in the media indicated scarcity of Anti-Snake Venom (ASV) in the country. Although, going through some public and private facilities shows ASV is more available in private facilities in Nigeria.
These anti-venoms often cost a huge sum of money ranging from N4,000-8000 ($11-20) per 10ML vial, of different brand (produced in UK, India and some other parts of the Europe), with three to 5 vials usually required to save a victim’s life, which cost almost the new minimum wage. Although, in some tertiary hospitals, the cost is a bit less but the availability is the problem. Meaning many victims either seek no treatment at all or go to a local witch doctor or herbalist.
Since most snakebite victims currently cannot afford the anti -snake venom, the solution lies in preventive measures and manufacturing ASV locally since there are snake farms in the country with our local snake charmers engaged to make the job easier instead of spending millions of naira to import antidotes for snakebites, which will make it available, affordable, accessible and saving a lot of cost. Communities should be sensitized about snakebite risks, local first aid, timely treatment of snakebite, and victims should be offered realistic solutions that mitigate the hazards.
The Ministry of Health must ensure primary healthcare centres and other hospitals across the country should be properly equipped for this purpose with quality anti-venoms that are effective against local snake species and safe when administered, need to be made available free of charge or at a price that everyone can afford in public hospitals. At the same time, improved emergency transportation system in remote areas is needed, training more clinicians and healthcare workers on how to effectively treat snakebite victims’ will safe more lives.
Yusuf Writes from Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto. He can be reached at hasawa2011@gmail.com
It was an honour well deserved for Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, Pharmanews publisher, as the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International – Nigeria (FGBMFI) conferred on him an Award of Excellence, Dedication and Selfless Service, to mark his 80th birthday and appointment as National Director Emeritus of the group.
The award presentation held at The Redemption Camp, during the 2020 South West Regional Council Meeting of the FGBMFI, in Lagos, from 16-18 January, was the high point of the meeting, as it was the only award presented by the National President of FGBMFI, Arc. Ifeanyi Odedo, during the two-day programme.
Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, displaying the award plaque, being flanked by National Directors of the FGBMFI from left to right: Mr Akin Oluwole; Pharm. Wole Odukoya; Pharm. Tunde Bamigbola; Pharm. (Dr) Okey Akpa; Mr Innocent Ezeamuzie and Mr Chuks Anitche.
Congratulating the Pharmanews boss on the special recognition for his commitment and selfless dedication to the course of the gospel and humanity, Odedo quoted from the Holy Writ in Proverbs 22 verse 29 saying “Seest thou a man diligent in his work, he shall stand before kings and not mere men.”
Founded by a wealthy Armenian American diary farmer named Demos Shakarian, the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International – Nigeria (FGBMFI) use a vast global movement of laymen comprising millions of men being used mightily by God to bring this last great harvest of souls through the outpourings of God’s Holy Spirit, before the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. There are ladies of the fellowship who also play very important roles.
The FGBMFI has got thousands of chapters in about 160 nations of the world. In Nigeria, it has over 3,000 chapters as at the end of December 2011. FGBMFI is a wonderful place to experience new friends, with the popular slogan, “We are the happiest people on earth”.
It has the following as its mission: To reach men in all nations for Jesus Christ; To call men back to God;To help believers to be baptized in the Holy Spirit and to grow spiritually;To train and equip men to fulfill the Great Commission;To provide an opportunity for Christian Fellowship; And to bring greater unity among all people in the body of Christ.
Scientists from the University of Leicester and Wythenshawe hospital, Manchester, have shown that semen donations taken from men after they have died should be allowed.
The analysis published in the Journal of Medical Ethics claimed that before and after death donations could be a “morally permissible” way of increasing the stocks available.
According to the study, in 2017 in the UK, 2,345 babies were born after a semen donation. Evidence suggests that semen harvested from men who have died can still result in viable pregnancies and healthy children, even when retrieved up to 48 hours after death has occurred.
However, there is a growing shortage of donations around the country because of strict regulations. Semen can be collected after death either through electrical stimulation of the prostate gland or surgery, and can then be frozen which is also known as ‘electroejaculation’.
Semen Donations From Dead Men Should be Allowed – Study Revealed
Electroejaculation is already used to try and treat men who are unable to ejaculate, and also to take semen samples from animals.
If a man donates semen while he’s alive he will usually have to masturbate at a clinic and collect his semen in a sperm plastic.
According to several researches, men do not get paid for donating semen, and any children they father are allowed access to their name, date of birth and home address on turning 18.
In the analysis, Dr Nathan Hodson, from the University of Leicester, and Dr Joshua Parker, from Manchester’s Wythenshawe Hospital, argued that such a method falls into similar territory to organ donation.
“If it is morally acceptable that individuals can donate their tissues to relieve the suffering of others in ‘life-enhancing transplants’ for diseases, we see no reason this cannot be extended to other forms of suffering like infertility,” they said.
However, it could raise questions about consent and family veto, and there are concerns about the integrity surrounding the anonymity of the donor, they added.
‘Challenging stigma’
Former donor Jeffrey Ingold, from London, told the BBC that he believes that allowing donations after death could persuade more men to consider becoming donors.
“I do not see how introducing a system that makes semen donation similar to organ donation could be anything other than a good thing,” he said. “For me, donating semen was never about my own genes or anything like that, but it was about helping friends in need, Ingold said.”
He also noted that having this kind of process might go some way in challenging the stigma or preconceived ideas society has about semen donation.
He added: “If people knew more about the process and were able to make more informed decisions about whether to become a semen donor, I think we’d see a lot more people opting in to doing so”.
However, Prof. Allan Pacey, professor of andrology at the University of Sheffield, argued it would be a “step backward” in the donation process.
“I’d much rather that we invested our energy in trying to recruit younger, healthy, willing donors who stand a good chance of being alive when the donor-conceived person starts to become curious about them, and would have the opportunity to make contact with them without the aid of a spiritualist, Pacey noted.”
A legal precedent shows that in 1997, a woman won the right to be allowed to use her dead husband’s semen.
Stephen Blood caught meningitis in February 1995, two months after trying to start a family with his wife Diane. He lapsed into a coma and died before agreeing in writing for his sperm to be used, although two samples had been removed at Mrs Blood’s request.
The 1990 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act banned Mrs Blood from using her husband’s sperm without his written consent.
However, the Court of Appeal later ruled that Mrs Blood should be allowed to seek fertility treatment within the European Community but not in the UK.
Mrs Blood gave birth to her son Joel – using her husband’s frozen sperm – in 2002, and the following year she won a legal battle to have her late partner legally recognised as the father.
