Stakeholders in the pharmacy profession and other eminent personalities in the country, including Senator (Pharm.) Matthew Urhoghide, chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts; Dr UNO Uwaga, chairman, Board of Trustees, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN); and Justice Esohe Frances Ikponmwen, chief judge of Edo State, have called for unity and harmony among community pharmacists in the country, as the ACPN elects new executives to pilot its affairs for the next three years.

Speaking at the closing banquet of the recently concluded national conference of the ACPN, held at Thames Event Centre, Benin City, Edo State, Senator Urhoghide of Edo South Senatorial District, who was the chairman of the occasion, urged community pharmacists nationwide to speak with one voice and help the newly elected executives to succeed in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Corroborating the senator’s admonition, the duo of Dr Uwaga and the chief judge of Edo State, who was represented by Hon. Justice Anthony Erhabor, further appealed to the pharmacists not to relent in their efforts toward ensuring professionalism in whatever they do, while urging them to shelve the rancour that marked the last elections of the association and resolve to work with the newly elected executives.

While announcing the result of the election, the Chairman, ACPN Electoral Body, Pharm. Yunusa Mohid Nasir, a fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, declared Pharm. Samuel Oluwaoromipin Adekola, a former national vice-chairman of ACPN, as winner of the national chairmanship position, beating his opponent, Pharm. Chima Ogbu with a total of 292 to 288 votes.

The electoral body chairman also announced Pharm. Sunday Ike, a community pharmacist from Abuja, and former chairman, ACPN-Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, winner of the national publicity secretary post with 331 votes, beating his opponent, Pharm. Babatunde Samuel, popularly known as ‘BABSAM’, also a community pharmacist from Ilorin, and former chairman, ACPN-Kwara State, with 244 votes.

Speaking further, the respected pharmacist noted that, of the available seven slots, the remaining five, which were national vice-chairman, national secretary, national assistant secretary, national treasurer, and national financial secretary, were contested unopposed.

According to him, Pharm. Abosede Idowu and Pharm. Wuyeb Nankap, the national secretary and national assistant secretary respectively, were returned unopposed, while Pharm. (Rev.) Dan Ajayi, national vice-chairman; Pharm. Ashore Omokhafe, national financial secretary; and Pharm. Ambrose Eze, national treasurer, contested unopposed and were declared winners of the elections.

Speaking during his acceptance speech, the new ACPN chairman, Pharm. Samuel Adekola, gave thanks to God for granting him success in the election to aggrieved members of the association to bury the hatchet, noting that any conflict would be detrimental to the ACPN and community pharmacy practice in the country.

“As I dedicate this success to all community pharmacists in the country who trusted and believe in my ability to lead this association, I want to say I am truly blessed and humbled by this divine favour, while I specially appreciate my campaign team which stood by me through the darkest moments of this exercise; you have remain my pillar of strength,” he said.

The highpoints of the event were the presentation of certificates and swearing in of the new executives, which was conducted by the representative of Justice Ikponmwen, Erhabor, assisted by Sen. (Pharm) Mathew Urhoghide and (Dr) Albert Kelong Alkali, outgoing, ACPN chairman.

The earth’s atmosphere is being contaminated by Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs), which pose a threat to human health, according to recent Chinese research.

Led by Peking University, the researchers collected samples of air from 19 cities in 13 countries and analysed the Particulate Matter (PM) using molecular technology.

The analysis revealed 30 different types of ARGs that make bacteria resistant to seven types of antibiotics.ARGs resistant to vancomycin, one of the most effective antibiotics, were found in the air of six cities.

Antibiotic resistance is caused by the incorrect use of antibiotics, and it has allowed many bacteria to be resistant to commonly used antibiotics, which means many antibiotics are no long effective to treat common infections.

According to Yao Maosheng, the lead researcher, many countries have adopted plans to tackle this problem, including monitoring the release of ARGs in waste water, pharmaceutical factories and animal husbandry.

“However, the presence of ARGs in urban air has not received enough attention,” Mr Yao said. The research showed that some regions had seen increasing ARGs in the air in the past decade.

ARGs can also adhere to airborne particles and spread to other regions, including places that use fewer antibiotics, which increases the chance of breeding new drug-resistant bacteria.

The research showed that airborne transmission of ARGs might contribute to the spread of antibiotic

Resistance. The research serves as a reference for comprehensive and effective prevention and control of antibiotic-resistant infections.

The research was published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology.

(Xinhua/NAN)

Eminent Nigerians, including former governor of Edo State and national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, and President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, have tasked the federal government to give foremost attention to the health sector in view of its importance to national development, saying repositioning the sector is the only way to end the drug abuse challenge in the nation.

The charge was given at the opening ceremony of the recently concluded 37th Annual National Conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), tagged “Edo 2018” and held at SIO Event Centre, Ikpomwan Road, Benin City, Edo State.

Chairman of the occasion, Adams Oshiomhole, said he was delighted that community pharmacists across the country found him worthy enough to chair the occasion, noting that since he became the national chairman of the ruling APC, he had been making efforts to ensure that sanity was restored back into the party, which according to him, made him to be unavoidably absent at the conference.

Assuring the ACPN of his support towards improving the healthcare delivery system in the country, Oshiomhole, who was represented by the former secretary to the Edo State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, stated that community pharmacists had so much to do to ensure that the pharmaceutical needs of the nation’s teeming populace were met, adding that repositioning the healthcare sector was the way to end the challenge of drug abuse challenge in the country.

Also speaking at the event, Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, who said he was delighted for the choice of Edo State as the host state for the conference, noted that the vital role of community pharmacists as the closest healthcare professionals to the people should spur them to be more dedicated and passionate about their chosen profession.

The governor, who was represented at the occasion by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Edo State, Dr Izielen Asogun, further noted that the conference came at a time that the country was battling the challenge of drug abuse, which he said had continued to ridicule the nation in the eyes of the world.

He added that his administration was intensifying efforts to rid the state of counterfeit medicines, improve the standard of healthcare delivery and ensure that drug abuse was not tolerated.

The governor further stated that the theme of the conference, “Medicine Abuse in Nigeria: A Call to Action For Community Pharmacists”, was apt, considering the challenge facing the healthcare sector and the fact that it was coming shortly after the release of the BBC documentary titled “Sweet Sweet Codeine”, which prompted the federal government to place a ban on the issuance of permits for the importation of codeine.

While delivering his speech at the conference, the president, PSN, Pharm. (Alh) Ahmed Yakasai, noted that the theme was commendable as it served to highlight the various contributions of pharmacy profession to the public, while adding that the conference was unique as it was the first time such multitude would be attending an ACPN conference.

Assuring community pharmacists of maximum support from the PSN and other relevant stakeholders, Yakasai said: “PSN is ever determined and committed to the entrenchment of ideals that will advance the practice of pharmacy, and we are set to achieve this by constructively engaging various stakeholders and regulators through robust advocacy in the last one year.”

Speaking further, the number one pharmacist in the country, identified poor implementation of health insurance in the country as a major challenge hampering effective care delivery by community pharmacists, while assuring that PSN had made far-reaching recommendations in its memo to the Senate, in addition to adequate lobbying for community pharmacy to get its deserved share of roles in the scheme.

Speaking earlier, the immediate past national chairman of ACPN, Dr Albert Kelong Alkali said that he was delighted that the conference would go down in history as one of the conferences that recorded maximum attendance.

He noted that the conference  offered a good opportunity for community pharmacists who had been working since the beginning of the year to unwind and learn, adding that the theme for the year was carefully crafted to reflect the present realities of the country and give a pointer to the future.

The high point of the event was the presentation of award of excellence to the executive governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki; chairman of the occasion, Comrade Adams Oshiomole; and the Keynote Speaker, Prof. Ray Ozolua, a professor of Pharmacology, University of Benin, which was done  by Pharm. Yakasai and the PCN registrar, Pharm. NAE Mohammed.

Pharm. (Dr) Kingsley Chiedu Amibor, former national vice chairman, Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists (AHAPN) has emerged winner of the AHAPN National Chairmanship Election, held during the just concluded 20^th Annual Scientific Conference of the association, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Results announced at the end of the election showed that Dr Amibor polled a total of 141 votes, to defeat his opponents, Pharm. Oyim Elechi, assistant director of Pharmaceutical Services, Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State and Pharm. Abdulrashid Bashar Buhari, deputy director, Pharmaceutical Service and Head of Department, National Eye who had a total of 98 votes and 75 votes respectively.  Amibor was thereafter declared the winner and presented with the certificate of office, having got the highest votes.

The electoral committee also announced Pharm. Ameh Abdullahi as vice Chairman, for polling a total of 133 votes to edge out his opponents Pharm. Famakinde and Agbojo, who polled a total of 117 votes and 61 votes respectively.

Other winners at the polls were: Pharm. Olufunmilayo Fagboyo, who gathered 204 votes to emerge the Financial Secretary, while Pharm. Gabriel Akelikwunu, garnered 164 votes to win the Assistant Secretary position. – Pharm Luka Wetben, also won the Ex- Officio1 seat, with a total of 110 votes.

In his acceptance speech, Dr Amibor appreciated all hospital and administrative pharmacists for speaking with one voice at the just concluded elections, to elect him as their leader.

The newly elected AHAPN National Chairman, acknowledged the fact that there are myriads of challenges facing the practice, but he has assured all members of giving the best of his service to reduce these challenges to the barest minimum.

“No doubt, the challenges confronting our practice are enormous, but we believe that with the backing of God Almighty and the collective resolve of all AHAPN members, we shall overcome. I urge us all to join hands, remain undaunted and keep our hope alive. We will strive to provide proactive, open door, dynamic and pragmatic servant leadership. The future is bright and promising”, he pledged.

The names and designations of all members of the new AHAPN National Executives are as follows:

Dr Kingsley Chiedu Amibor, chairman; Pharm. Ameh Abdullahi, vice chairman; Pharm. Hafiz Akande, secretary – (unopposed); Pharm Gabriel Akelikwunu, assistant secretary; Pharm. Olufunmilayo Fagboyo, financial secretary; Pharm. Olabode Ogunjemiyo, treasurer – (unopposed); Pharm . Uche Agnes Ezeh national internal auditor (unopposed); Pharm. (Dr) Frances Odigie,  publicity secretary;  Pharm. Luka Wetben, ex- officio1; Pharm. Jelili Adewale Kilani, ex-wife officio 2; and Pharm. Martin’s Oyewole, immediate past chairman.

Vice President of the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA), Dr Funmi Ashiwaju, has described medicine abuse as a major factor in the prevalence of oral health problems in the country, including generalised dental caries, periodontal diseases, mucosal dysplasia, xerostomia, bruxism, tooth wear, and tooth loss.

The dental specialist disclosed this at the opening ceremony of the recent 37th Annual National Conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists (ACPN), tagged “Edo 2018” and held at SIO Event Centre, Ikpomwan Road, GRA, Benin, Edo State.

Ashiwaju noted that oral health disorders are among the most prevalent health problems associated with drug abuse, saying drug abuse has both direct and indirect consequences for oral health and can exacerbate oral problems indirectly through its adverse effects on the users’ behaviour and lifestyle.

The paediatric dentist also observed that most drug addicts have poor eating habits and poor oral hygiene habits, adding that oral health complications could be from “direct exposure of oral tissues to drugs during smoking or ingestion, biological interaction of drugs with normal physiology of oral cavity, as well as the effects of drugs on brain function, which result in a spectrum of addictive behaviours such as risk-taking behaviour, poor hygiene, poor diet, aggression, and carelessness.

According to her, drugs usually abused to the detriment of oral health include codeine, heroin, cocaine, ectasy , amphetamine, hashish, club drugs, hallucinogens, inhalants, and prescription-type psychotherapeutics, such as pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants and sedatives used for nonmedical reasons, among others.

Dr Ashiwaju further disclosed that the minimal attention given to oral health, in addition to other factors, such as addiction to drugs, fear of dentists, dental service acceptability, needle-phobia, self-medication, cultural issues and lifestyle, often leads to low use of dental services among drug abusers.

She further stressed that in all patients with dental trauma, the possibility of drug abuse should be considered.

Recommending Unilever’s Pepsodent as a trusted oral care solution in the country, Ashiwaju noted that the toothpaste, which reflects Unilever’s long tradition of Research and Development should, come to mind when faced with an oral health challenge.

In her words, “Pepsodent Triple Protection is one big breakthrough formulation that guarantees protection against cavities, stains and bad breath, which are the most prevalent oral care needs in many homes in Nigeria.”

• As PSN, PCN, PANS, Others Mourn Late Dean

Dr Mohammed Amali, sub-dean, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), has described the death of Prof. Abdulkarim Agunu, erstwhile dean of the school, as a great loss to not just the institution but the pharmacy profession in general.

It would be recalled that the amiable dean passed on at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UIT) on Sunday, 15 July 2018.

Reacting to the news, Amali disclosed that the entire university had been thrown into mourning and the mood was despondent, particularly in the faculty where his impact had been most felt.

“Prof. Agunu took his work seriously. His affable and friendly nature endeared him to everyone both within and outside the faculty and he will definitely be sorely missed. A professional to the core, he elevated the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in UNILORIN from obscurity to the current position we occupy in pharmaceutical communities.

“It is this tenacity and drive which led to the full accreditation of the Faculty in 2017 and institution of the Pharm.D programme by the University of Ilorin in the same year. He spent his last moments working assiduously towards the development of staff as he was to chair the faculty promotions exercise before his sudden and untimely demise. Personally he was a mentor and a friend and the pain we feel at this time is indescribable,” Amali lamented.

In a similar vein, Pharm. N.A.E Mohammed, registrar, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) has described Agunu’s death as saddening.

“When I first heard it was stroke, we concluded that he would soon snap out of it. Unfortunately, he didn’t. It is indeed sad,” he said.

Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, president, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) also stated that Agunu’s death was a personal loss to him, as the two of them were together as at March.

“On behalf of all Nigerian pharmacists, I write to console his immediate family, Kwara State pharmacists and other pharmacists in the country for this great loss of an excellent and complete gentleman,” he said.

Bemoaning the loss, Prof. Mbang Femi-Oyewo, former dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, Olabisi Onabanjo Univeristy (OOU), described Agunu as a great scholar, for whom she had utmost respect.

“I actually thought of calling him before I heard the sad news. His death also calls for a sober reflection. Many of us pharmacists in academia hardly consider taking a break from our arduous task until it is late. I am sad,” she stated.

In a related development, Quadri Omotesho, president, UNILORIN chapter of the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria Students (PANS), has announced that the remains of Late Prof. Agunu has been buried at the Ilorin Cemetary, according to Islamic rites.

Born 51 years ago, Agunu had his primary and secondary school education in his hometown in Auchi, Edo State.

He had his A Levels at Maiduguri in present-day Borno State and got admission into Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in 1985. He graduated in 1989 and proceeded to Maiduguri Specialist Hospital, Borno State for his internship. On completion, he stayed to work briefly as a community pharmacist before joining the faculty in 1994.

When asked about his only regret in life in his last interview with Pharmanews, Agunu was quoted as saying:

“Life has taught me that challenges are what bring out the best in every personality. Regret is certainly not one of them. There was a time I got worried about my work here (UNILORIN). It also coincided with the day my vice chancellor personally sent for me.

“He looked me straight in the eyes and said ‘Look, I have no regret appointing you. You have totally transformed the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in my school.’ I was impressed because when I got here (UNILORIN) initially, I was jittery. If you continue to do good, people will appreciate you. Having been on the job for four years, I can conveniently say that is all the encouragement I need.”

Until his death, Agunu was a member of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), National Association of Pharmacists in Academia (NAPA), Nigerian Society of Pharmacognosy (NSP) and Society for Medicinal Plants and Natural Products Research.

He is survived by his wife and children.

-As Lagos NANNM Holds 2018 Nurses Week

For the patients’ right to essential and adequate healthcare to be implemented to the fullest, then the twenty-first century nurses must equip themselves with all necessary resources, to be worthy advocates of their patients, Professor of nursing, University of Ibadan, Prisca O. Adejumo has said.

Adejumo, who described patients as the most important persons in any healthcare enterprise, said nurses are the most important advocates of these patients, because nurses respond to the healthcare needs of patients in all stages of life, from the point of birth to the time of departure from the world.

Speaking on the theme of the programme: “Nurses: A Voice to Lead ; Health is a Human Right”, she said this special obligation and service to humanity, poses a great challenge to nurses, as they must always endeavour to be good ambassadors of their patients.

“It is important for a nurse to believe in herself because nursing is actually a calling, you don’t just come into nursing for fun, if you are here in nursing and you have responded to the call, that call should drive you, it helps you everywhere you find yourself, willing to make a difference.

“In trying to make a difference, you become the advocate of the patient, you become the voice of the voiceless, you become the leg to the amputee, to those who have no hand you become the hands to them, and you become the eyes to the blind”, she stated.

She also emphasised the place of academic training for today nurses, saying it is important for nursing to improve their knowledge, in order to be worthy advocates of the patients.” If you are lacking in any area, go ahead and improve on yourself and don’t wait for the government to sponsor you, do something for yourself, train yourself a little, it is very important”.

In his own contribution, the Chairman, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) Lagos State branch, Comrade Julius Awojide, explained the rationale for the theme of the conference, which he said was adopted globally, to address inequality in healthcare.

Citing the WHO’s Director General‘s statement on nurses’ roles in the society, he said nurses respond to the health needs of people in all settings and throughout the lifespan.”Their roles are critical in achieving global mandates, such as Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goals”.

According to him: “As nurses, we are at the fore-front of the clamour for health as a human right especially at this critical period of calculated attempt to privatise our public health sector. The human right to health means service, sanitation, adequate food, decent housing, healthy working conditions and a clean environment”.

While he condemned quackery in the practice, he said “nurses wish to sound a note of warning that we shall continue to promote wellness and healthy lifestyles as key to eliminating the unequal burden of disease experienced by the poor and underserved population”.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized fake medical devices, cosmetics, expired drugs and empty labels worth N5.804 million at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

NAFDAC’s Airport Head, John Okwori, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Enugu on Tuesday.

Mr Okwori said that the seized fake products included unregistered and unlabeled blood glucose test strips unbranded from China to be possibly labelled in Nigeria and sold as imported original brand.

He noted that other items confiscated were herbal skin doctor massage cream for stretch marks, which had no NAFDAC registration number and was equally imported from China.

According to him, the agency also seized empty PVC cosmetic packaging containers for counterfeiting registered products and Benchmate PAR-BRO 60 powder in sachets all imported from China.

“NAFDAC is hereby warning prospective importers of fake consignments to desist from patronising the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, as the unit is up and ready to deal appropriately with such violators.

“Just as the NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has directed that serious action be taken against such imports and violators henceforth,’’ he said.

(NAN)

The Federal Ministry of Health has recalled 2.4 million bottles of cough syrup containing codeine after a recent audit of the substance carried out by National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

According to a statement by Boade Akinola, Director Media and Public Relations of the ministry on Sunday in Abuja, the recall demonstrated the federal government’s resolve to stem the abuse of codeine and other substances in Nigeria.

Ms Akinola said the minister had recently received the final report of the 22-member Stakeholders Committee set up by the Ministry to address the worrisome menace of codeine abuse in Nigeria.

She quoted the Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, as saying that the audit trail and subsequent recall of the substance was part of recommendations of Stakeholders Committee set by the ministry to address codeine abuse in Nigeria.

The minister said the committee members were drafted from a broad spectrum of the health sector in collaboration with relevant agencies as part of Pharmacovigilance and renewed effort to monitor drug distribution channels and sanitise the system.

The minister recalled that the committee was an offshoot of the press release issued by the ministry on the temporary ban of codeine production and distribution.

He said the committee has Director-General of NAFDAC,Christianah Adeyeye as the chairman. Other members include Muhammad Abdullahi, Chairman of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Elijah Mohamed, the Registrar of Pharmacists Council of Nigeria; Moshood Lawal, Director, Food and Drugs Services, Federal Ministry of Health; Ahmed Yakasai, President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) among others.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on May 1, the federal government banned the production and importation of codeine as active pharmaceutical ingredient for cough syrup preparations to check substance abuse among Nigerians.

The minister directed NAFDAC to ban the issuance of permits for the importation of codeine as active pharmaceutical ingredient for cough preparations.

He also directed the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria(PCN) and NAFDAC to supervise the recall for labelling and audit trailing of all codeine containing cough syrups nationwide.

The federal government had also banned the sale of cough syrup containing codeine without prescription.

In this regard, the minister said PCN had been directed to continue enforcement activities on pharmacies, patent and proprietary medicine vendors’ shops and outlets throughout the country.

He also directed NAFDAC to carry out its functions in compliance with the new directives.

The minister said cough syrups containing codeine should be replaced with dextromethorphan which is less addictive.

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant used to treat coughing. It is also a drug of the morphinan class with sedative, dissociative, and stimulant properties.

(NAN)

The Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole, has been appointed as a Board member of the Stop Tuberculosis (TB) Partnership, the United Nation High Level Decision body making on TB.

The Board has the responsibility of building awareness at the highest level, identifying critical barriers in the TB space and facilitating consensus on strategy and policy –making.

It also oversees the effective implementation of the stop TB partnership’s Operation Strategy and Global Plan to end TB 2016-2020.

Adewole earned the UN’s appointment as a strong advocate of TB detection and treatment, as he recently initiated strategy towards ending TB menace in Nigeria. The appointment therefore was a reflection of excellent leadership qualities and vision in the fight against TB in Nigeria.

During the recent concluded National Council on Health meeting which held in Kano in June this year, the minister recommended Tuberculosis (TB) screening as pre- medical test to newly employed public servants in both Federal and State Governments level and newly admitted students into secondary and tertiary Institutions in the country.

“I wish to advocate that mandatory TB screening be offered to both those who seek health care with or without symptoms/signs compatible with TB and those who do not” he said.

Responding to the appointment, the Adewole said that “as I am honoured to join the Stop TB Partnership’s Board, I will make sure the voice of high-burden countries and their people are heard and put all my energy in the efforts to stage a historical and game changing United Nation High Level Meeting on TB, as a turning point in the fight to end TB in Nigeria”

The appointment of Nigeria’s minister of health was alongside with the Minister of Health Kazakhstan, Dr. Elzhan A. Birtanoy. The two ministers are to represent countries affected by TB in the Stop TB Partnership’s Board.

According to the National Coordinator, National TB and Leprosy Control Programme in Nigeria, Dr Adebola Lawanson, the appointment was a recognition of his hard work as well as support to TB control efforts / ending TB epidemics in Nigeria and globally.

FMoH

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) said no fewer than 1.8 million people are newly infected by HIV, warning that HIV infections continue to rise.

Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé, at the International AIDS Conference in the Netherlands, called on countries to boost prevention measures and continue facilitating access to treatment, according to UNAIDS statement.

It quoted Sidibé as saying: “UNAIDS is urging countries to take bold action to address the HIV prevention crisis.

“Around 1.8 million people became newly infected with HIV in 2017 and around 50 countries experienced a rise in new HIV infections as HIV prevention services are not being provided on an adequate scale or with sufficient intensity.

“Health is a human rights imperative and we are deeply concerned about the lack of political commitment and the failure to invest in proven HIV programmes, particularly for young people and key populations.

“If countries think they can treat their way out of their epidemics, they are dangerously mistaken”.

According to a new UNAIDS report, 47 per cent of new HIV infections globally affect key vulnerable populations, such as sex workers, and people who inject drugs.

He said while a combination of HIV prevention approaches could mitigate this – such as harm reduction, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), better social care and condoms – many countries are unwilling to invest in approaches which they view as culturally or religiously inappropriate.

The UNAIDS chief added: “In 2017, around 6,500 women and girls were infected with HIV every week.

“Limited access to education, a lack of economic autonomy and a lack of decision-making power, including over their own health, expose them to intimate partner violence, limit their ability to practise safer sex and limit their ability to benefit from HIV and sexual and reproductive health services, making them more vulnerable to HIV infection”.

Sidibé said in some Southern African countries for example, where HIV prevalence could be as high as 70 per cent among sex workers, it was reported that condoms were often confiscated by the police.

“If countries don’t provide comprehensive sexuality education, condoms, harm reduction or pre-exposure prophylaxis for key populations, this will ultimately translate into more new HIV infections, higher future treatment costs and a higher burden for health-care budgets and systems,” Sidibé warned.

According to UNAIDS, women and youth need targeted approaches as they were often more vulnerable and, therefore, more at risk of exposure.

The UN agency said most countries have significantly scaled up their HIV treatment programmes, some to the extent of reaching 80 per cent of people living with HIV with antiretroviral therapy.

However, many are not being diagnosed and treated soon enough, allowing transmissions to occur before they start treatment or if treatment is interrupted, the UN agency regretted.

-WHO Calls for International Efforts to Tackle Other Diseases

The World Health Organization (WHO) has congratulated the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and all those involved in ending the ninth outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in the country, while urging them to extend this success to combating other diseases in DRC.

WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, joined Minister of Health Dr Oly Ilunga for the announcement in Kinshasa.

“The outbreak was contained due to the tireless efforts of local teams, the support of partners, the generosity of donors, and the effective leadership of the Ministry of Health. That kind of leadership, allied with strong collaboration between partners, saves lives,” said Dr Tedros.

Unlike previous Ebola outbreaks in the country, this one involved four separate locations, including an urban centre with river connections to the capital and to neighbouring countries, as well as remote rainforest villages. There were initial concerns that the disease could spread to other parts of DRC, and to neighbouring countries.

Within hours of the outbreak being declared on 8 May, WHO released US$2 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies, deployed a team to augment capacity in the field, and activated an emergency incident management system.

“WHO moved quickly and efficiently,” said Dr Moeti, “We also demonstrated the tremendous capacity of the African region. More than three-quarters of the 360 people deployed to respond came from within the region. Dozens of experts from Guinea spent weeks leading Ebola vaccination efforts here, transferring expertise which will enable the DRC to mount an effective response both within its borders and beyond.”

Dr Tedros urged the DRC Government and the international community to build on the positive momentum generated by the quick containment of the Ebola outbreak.

“This effective response to Ebola should make the Government and partners confident that other major outbreaks affecting the country such as cholera and polio can also be tackled,” said Dr Tedros. “We must continue to work together, investing in strengthened preparedness and access to healthcare for the most vulnerable.”

The 16th National Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Association of Pharmacists in Academia (NAPA), tagged “Abuja 2018”, is billed to hold from 12 to 16 August, 2018, in Abuja.

The conference, themed:” Sustainable Access to Quality-Assured Medicines and National Security”, will be hosted for the first time by the National institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD).

Some of the sub-topics of the conference include: Innovative investigation towards product development; Collaborative research towards improving quality of medicines; Leveraging ICT in academic pharmacy; Regulatory control and quality of medicines roles of the academia, and producing quality pharmacists in the 21st century.

The conference will feature renowned international speakers such as Pharm. Jude Nwokike; Prof.Moji Adeyeye; Dr Amos Samson; Prof. Olobayo Kunle, Prof. Charles Esimone and Pharm. Inusa Bello to provide  insights into cutting-edge technology and development on the theme of the conference.

In remembrance of their heroics, a professor of immunology and infectious diseases from Harvard School of Public Health has paid homage to late Dr Ameyo Stella Adadevoh and other health workers who lost their lives battling Ebola virus, HIV/AIDS and Zika virus.

Addressing a large gathering at the maiden edition of Pro-Chancellor’s Distinguished Annual Lecture Series, which took place at J.F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium, University of Lagos (UNILAG) on 23 July 2018, Prof. Phyllis Kanki disclosed that Nigeria has had a long history of infectious disease outbreaks and epidemics.

Speaking on the lecture, “Responding To Nigeria’s Disease Outbreaks and Epidemics: Ebola, Zika and HIV”, the Harvard professor of medicine traced some of Nigeria’s virulent diseases to their roots.

“Our understanding of the human immune system is increasing with a complex array of cell types that in principles are responsible for containing foreign infectious disease pathogens.

“For instance, HIV treatment can be fully effective but operational research and policy is critical to its success,” she stressed.

It would be recalled that Ebola virus found its way to Lagos on 20 July 2014 through a diplomat from Liberia. Both Lagos and federal health ministries, however, activated the incident management system which successfully contained the virus spread within 93 days.

Praising the heroics of First Consultants Hospital, Kanki highlighted how the late Dr Adadevoh, some doctors and other care givers treated ‘patient zero’ which resulted to 10 fatalities in which many of them paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“During the 2014 West Africa Ebola virus epidemic, Nigeria suffered 19 cases but successfully contained its spread,” she said.

In attendance were Dr Wale Babalakin, pro chancellor, University of Lagos; Justice Olayinka Ayoola, former Justice of the Supreme Court; Prof. Isaac Adewole, minister of health; Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, vice-chancellor, UNILAG; Prof. Cecilia Igwilo, Fellow, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (FPSN) and Prof. Aina Bolajoko, dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, lecturers, professors and hundreds of medical students.

The 22nd International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2018) of the World Health Organisation (WHO) commenced on Monday 22 July 2018, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and will be concluded by 27 July 2018.

The conference, which will be a milestone event for WHO for a range of reasons, will be graced by the WHO Director General,  Dr Tedros and other key officials of the WHO.

According to the statement announcing the conference, Tedros will be joined by other senior WHO leaders in attending the key sub-group discussions of the conference and engage with HIV community and partners.

WHO will host over 20 satellites, workshops or other events and will release several new publications, including on the use of dolutegravir in HIV treatment, HIV testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis, HIV drug resistance, toxicity monitoring, key populations and HIV strategic information.

WHO sessions will highlight integrating HIV into universal health coverage, the importance of reaching key populations and addressing the rising HIV epidemics in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Keynote speakers for the conference include:  Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director-General, WHO; Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe; and Soumya Swaminathan, WHO Deputy Director-General for Programmes.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) says it is committed to State Health Insurance Scheme for an efficient primary healthcare system that would deliver priority health needs to Nigerians.

The Chairman of the Forum, Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara, stated this on Thursday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the forum’s meeting held on Wednesday night in Abuja.

Mr Yari, who read the communique from the meeting, said the forum received briefing on ”Roadmap to Achieving Universal Health Coverage at the Subnational Level.”

He said that governors pledged to maintain ongoing reforms, including domesticating the State Health Insurance Scheme to achieve strong and efficient primary healthcare systems that would deliver priority health needs to all Nigerians.

Mr Yari said the forum pledged to work with the National Assembly to ensure the inclusion of States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) project in the external borrowing plan.

He said that the forum would also collaborate with World Bank on SFTAS projects to strengthen ongoing fiscal reforms at sub-national level to achieve better public-sector management and fiscal sustainability.

“Governors noted that the effective implementation of the SFTAS project will substantially increase available fiscal resources for productive public spending at the State level in the medium-term.

“We also believe that it will help state governments to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation, public investment and debt sustainability,’’ he said.

Fielding questions from journalists, Mr Yari said that the forum was yet to receive harmonised report on minimum wage from its members in the federal government committee on the matter.

He said the forum was represented in the committee by governors of Kebbi, Plateau, Gombe, Osun, Imo and Rivers.

The chairman disclosed that the governors declined request by Presidents of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to interact with them at the meeting.

According to him, it is only when we receive that report that we can interact.

“Governor of Kebbi will coordinate the report and our work will commence so that we have the harmonized report for next meeting to enable us to send our input to the federal government committee.”

On deadlock in the meeting of Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), Mr Yari said that there was no rift between the governors and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as being reported.

He explained that the issue was disagreement in the figures presented by the corporation.

According to him, the governors were not comfortable with irregularities and discrepancies in monthly remittances, amounts for subsidies and cost of maintenance being withdrawn at will by the NNPC.

“You cannot just dip hands into public money and say this is what you are going to do.

“You either seek the approval of the National Executive Council or the president, but you took the money at your discretion without approval.

“NNPC is owned by federal, state and local governments. The states and local governments have 48 per cent and Federal Government 52 per cent. Therefore, we need to speak out when we disagree.

“We are not quarrelling but we are having disagreement on the numbers and we are saying NNPC should return this money for public sharing. If that one is settled FAAC will go ahead.

“It is not that we are comfortable. Tomorrow, if they bring another number we will say no because it is public purse,” Mr Yari said.

He expressed the forum’s condolence to the people and government of Sokoto, Kastina and Ogun states over recent attacks and disasters which claimed lives and property in the states.

He said that the proposed meeting between governors and security chiefs had not held because some of the security bosses critical to the discussion were away on national assignments outside the country.

“Some just came back last night and some are still outside the country.

“This is why we have not been able to have it, but we are still on the agenda to meet the security chiefs so that we can discuss the issue of security nationwide.”

(NAN)

President Muhammadu Buhari says the federal government is considering an upward review of budgetary allocation to the health sector to improve the quality and access to medical facilities across the country.

Mr Buhari, who will be standing for reelection next year made the pledge when he received the new executive of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) at the State House, Abuja on Thursday.

According to him, the review will reflect the government’s priority of ensuring that Nigerians get better healthcare, especially in specialised areas.

“We place quality healthcare on our priority list, and we are already marching on with the Primary Health Care services and some state governors have bought into it.

“We are committed to universal health care.’’

The president assured the NMA that the White Paper from the Ahmed Yayale-led panel report on Inter-professional Harmony in the Healthcare Sector was already being considered by the government

According to him, this is to ensure a more organised and harmonised working relationship among medical practitioners.

Mr Buhari, however, urged the medical practitioners to always consider their profession as a “divine call’’, especially in taking decisions that directly impact on the lives of Nigerians.

He also enjoined them to explore other means of negotiation for better working conditions instead of strikes.

“The medical profession is regarded as a divine call because of the strategic role you play in the lives of human beings,’’ he said.

The President commended the NMA on some of the medical feats being achieved in Nigeria such as the separation of conjoined twins, organ transplants, heart surgeries and treatment of cancer patients among others.

He noted that the Nigerian Medical and Dental Council would soon be constituted to further enhance service delivery and regulation of the sector.

Earlier, the Minister of State for Health, Osagie Ohanire, said a newly released basic health care provision would further focus on improving service delivery to Nigerians through Primary Health Care.

Also speaking, President of the NMA, Francis Adedayo, commended Mr Buhari for including members of the NMA in the Federal Executive Council and signing of the Medical Residency Training Act into law.

Mr Adedayo urged the Federal Government to improve the budgetary allocation to the health sector as contained in the Abuja Declaration which sets a benchmark of 15 per cent.

He said the speedy implementation of the Ahmed Yayale report on harmony among practitioners in the medical sector would go a long way in enhancing service delivery and better working relationship.

The NMA president said the association had already reached out to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for stronger partnership in providing care for victims of disasters.

The leadership of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on Monday, 16 July 2018, met at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, to promote interprofessional relationship in the Nigerian Healthcare sector.

Present at the meeting were: PSN President, Pharm. Ahmed I. Yakasai; NMA President, Dr Francis Faduyile; Chairman, PSN Inter-professional Committee, Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi; and Secretary General, NMA, Dr Olumuyiwa Peter Odusote.

Speaking on the essence of the meeting, Pharm. Yakasai said PSN is interested in collaborating with NMA, in order to foster a peaceful atmosphere of practice in the health sector, as well as to familiarise themselves with the new leadership of the NMA.

No fewer than 229 candidates showed up on Sunday, 15 July 2018, at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) for the one-week clerkship training programme of the special PharmD.

Addressing participants at the opening ceremony which held at the Senate building of the school, Pharm. N.A.E Mohammed, registrar, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) explained that the programme is a call to duty to move pharmacy to the next level.

“Dear colleagues, I salute your determination and strong will to make the programme work. Let us see our effort as sacrifice to our dear profession. As you all know, the special PharmD programme started in February 2018 and it is progressing as scheduled,” he said.

The PCN registrar expressed appreciation to the team of facilitators from the Nigerian Association of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Scientists in the Americas (NAPPSA) who have volunteered despite their busy schedules to travel to UNIBEN as instructors and resource persons for the clerkship programme.

“I don’t know where we would have been today in pharmacy profession in Nigeria if not for the strong support of NAPPSA leadership. I wish to specially thank Dr Teresa Pounds, who as chairperson of NAPPSA Education Committee, took up the PharmD issue in Nigeria, making personal sacrifice to date.

“I wish to place it on record that her coordination of the clerkship training programme is at no fee. I want to also thank our own Pharm. Bruno Nwankwo and Prof. A. O. Okhamafe, whom we all refer to as Father of PharmD in Nigeria,” he applauded.

Mohammed noted further that the diverse responsibilities every facilitator and stakeholder have shouldered in ensuring the successful transition of B.Pharm to PharmD within the period under review would remain indelible in the history of PharmD in Nigeria.

In a related development, Dr Leo Egbujiobi, president, NAPPSA remarked that he was highly impressed with the turnout of 229 pharmacists drawn from the different arms of the profession.

The NAPPSA president was hopeful that for as long as they have shown commitment, they would be the better for it.

“This is because the more you learn, the better you become,” he stressed.

Dr Teresa Pound, clinical assistant professor, Marcos University seemed to concur with his assertion when she also noted that as a preceptor, their roles would be seen in the light of a teacher, facilitator, coach and a role model.

Other high profile dignitaries in attendance were Pharm. Vern Ohaya, managing director, Trustee Drugs; Pharm. Bruno Nwankwo, former chairman, PCN board; Prof. John Akerele, dean, UNIBEN Faculty of Pharmacy; Dr (Mrs) Uche Ndefo, associate professor of Pharmacy practice; Prof. Mbang Femi-Oyewo, former dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, Olabisi Onabanjo Univeristy (OOU); Dr (Mrs) Pamela Moye-Dikerson, clinical associate professor of Pharmacy Practice; Prof. Patrick Erah, Special PharmD programme coordinator and Dr (Mrs) Kate Okpukpara, clinical pharmacist AMC.