To reduce the colossal loss of lives linked to air, water and chemical pollution, Mr Erik Solheim, head of UN Environment, and Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, have signed an agreement to step up joint actions to combat air pollution, climate change and antimicrobial resistance, as well as improve coordination on waste and chemicals management, water quality, and food and nutrition issues.
The collaboration also includes joint management of the Breathe Life advocacy campaign to reduce air pollution for multiple climate, environment and health benefits.
According to the press release from the World Health Organisation (WHO) this represents the most significant formal agreement on joint action across the spectrum of environment and health issues in over 15 years.
Water and environment pollution
“Our health is directly related to the health of the environment we live in. Together, air, water and chemical hazards kill more than 12.6 million people a year. This must not continue,” said WHO’s Tedros.
“There is an urgent need for our two agencies to work more closely together to address the critical threats to environmental sustainability and climate – which are the foundations for life on this planet. This new agreement recognizes that sober reality,” said UN Environment’s Solheim.
He added: “Most of these deaths occur in developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America where environmental pollution takes its biggest health toll”.
The new collaboration creates a more systematic framework for joint research, development of tools and guidance, capacity building, monitoring of Sustainable Development Goals, global and regional partnerships, and support to regional health and environment fora.
The two agencies will develop a joint work programme and hold an annual high-level meeting to evaluate progress and make recommendations for continued collaboration.
The WHO-UN Environment collaboration follows a Ministerial Declaration on Health, Environment and Climate Change calling for the creation of a global “Health, Environment and Climate Change” Coalition, at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP 22 in Marrakesh, Morocco in 2016.
Just last month, under the overarching topic “Towards a Pollution-Free Planet”, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), which convenes environment ministers worldwide, adopted a resolution on Environment and Health, called for expanded partnerships with relevant UN agencies and partners, and for an implementation plan to tackle pollution.
For those officials who prefer sitting in their rocking chairs all day long without physical activities, a new study has got negative news for them. The research conducted by scientists from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom, has found that sitting for too long breeds harmful and invisible fat around our internal organs.
The study, published in the journal Obesity and reported on MNT, discovered that sedentary time correlates directly with how much fat we build around our organs, which could be a breeding ground for other ailments.
According to the lead of the research, Dr. Joe Henson, a research associate at the University of Leicester: “We know that spending long periods of time sedentary is unhealthy and a risk factor for chronic illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.”
“Likewise, the amount of fat deposited around our internal organs may also predispose us to these diseases,” Dr. Henson says, and he's not the only one. In a previous study we reported on, visceral fat inside the abdominal cavity was shown to raise the risk of heart disease”.
Officials sitting in office
To arrive at their findings, Dr. Henson and his team used MRI to scan 124 participants who were likely to develop type 2 diabetes. The MRI scanners examined the fat around the participants' livers, as well as their “invisible,” inner fat — which is also known as visceral fat — and total abdominal fat.
The participants had accelerometers that were placed around their waists for the measurement level of their movement, the number they spent sitting down was also measured by the team over the course of 1 week.
Other data that were collected from the participants are: age, race and ethnicity, and the levels of physical activity in their calculations.
It was found that the more time people spent sitting down during the day, the more visceral and total abdominal fat they had, as well as having more fat around their liver.
Dr. Henson noted: “Our findings also show that reaching the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity may offer some protection against the harmful effects of prolonged sedentary time.”
Study co-author Melanie Davies, a professor of diabetes medicine at the University of Leicester, also comments on the study, saying, “Lack of physical activity and being overweight are two risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes.”
She continued: “However, the effects of prolonged sedentary time and whether physical activity can play a mediating role by reducing fat deposits on internal organs remain unclear” .
“This research,” adds Prof. Davies, “starts to shed a light on any connections between the two by using MRI to measure the distribution of fat in an individual's body and analyzing that in relation to their activity levels.”
The takeaway from the study is for those in the habit of sitting for so long to cultivate the act of strolling or step-counting during the day, in order to reduce internal fat, as well as live a healthy life.
The Zamfara State Chapter, of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has announced the passing away of her Chairman, Dr Tijjani Sa’idu, who died on Thursday, 11 January, 2017.
Mannir Bature, NMA secretary, disclosed the incident to the press in Gusau. He explained that his death was due to injuries sustained during a road accident while on his way from Sokoto to Gusau.
Late Dr Tijani Sa'idu
While the body of medical doctors in the country is in mourning mood over the deceased, who was a consultant ENT Surgeon at Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Gusau, his colleague, the Medical Director at the Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital in Gusau, Dr Bello Muhammad Kotorkoshi, has described the late Sa’idu as a hardworking and brilliant doctor.
The late Saidu hailed from Ringim in Jigawa State and his remains would be buried at his home town in accordance with the Islamic rites.
The association’s secretary offered prayers for him on behalf of the state’s NMA: “We pray that Almighty Allah grant him eternal rest and admit him into Aljanna Alfirdausi.”
Pleural biopsy: 1 ❏ is used to identify tuberculous pleur 2 ❏ pneumothorax may be a complicati 3 ❏ involves biopsy of ascites fluid
ONE or MORE of the responses above is (are) correct. Decide which of the responses is
(are) correct. Then choose: A ❏ if 1, 2 and 3 are correct B ❏ if 1 and 2 only are correct C ❏ if 2 and 3 only are correct D ❏ if 1 only is correct E ❏ if 3 only is correct
In accordance to the provision of the Acts that established tertiary health institution across the country, the Federal Government of Nigeria, Wednesday, appointed four new heads to pilot the affairs of the four health institutions in the country.
The appointments made by President Muhammadu Buhari, were announced via a press release from the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH). Below are the names of the new heads and designation:
Federal Medical Centre, Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State Logo
Ajayi Adekunle was appointed as Chief Medical Director, Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Also appointed was Henry Ugboma as Chief Medical Director, University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.
He appointed T.O. Adebowale as Medical Director, Neuro-Psychiatric, Aro, Abeakuta, Ogun State and Achigbu Kinsley as Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State.
Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, gate.
While the appointments were described as long overdue from some quarters, it was stated that the tenure of the new officials will be for four years from December 31, 2017.
Reports also had it that prior to the appointment of the new officials, 20 out of 52 tertiary health institutions in Nigeria were been run by interim heads for between six months to two years, contrary to the established policy.
The Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, according to the statement, congratulated the new appointees and charged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by the president.
Factors that predispose infants to a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome include: 1 ❏ premature birth 2 ❏ electrolyte imbalance 3 ❏ breast-feeding
ONE or MORE of the responses above is (are) correct. Decide which of the responses is
(are) correct. Then choose: A ❏ if 1, 2 and 3 are correct B ❏ if 1 and 2 only are correct C ❏ if 2 and 3 only are correct D ❏ if 1 only is correct E ❏ if 3 only is correct
Following the proposed plan to transfer Yusuf Buhari, the son of Nigeria’s President, who sustained brain injuries through a motorbike accident in Abuja recently, to a Germany hospital for further medical treatment, Nigerians have expressed their views on the development.
Dr Adaora Okoli was once all but dead, and now she is considered a ‘hero in the field' by Bill Gates, who gave her the distinction last Thursday for not only being one of the few survivors of the Ebola virus, but for dedicating her life to fighting it.
When she recovered from Ebola in 2014 and was able at last to leave the isolation ward in Lagos, Nigeria, Dr Okoli felt reborn with a purpose.
Dr Okoli was infected while treating one of the first Nigerian cases of the deadly virus, which killed more than 11,000 people, and she has since moved to New Orleans, Louisiana to study epidemiology at Tulane University.
She made headlines when her story emerged in 2014 and Gates said of her on his blog: ‘Her courage and her optimism are inspiring.'
Health Workers in the infectious department
When she graduates in May, Dr Okoli, now 31, plans to continue her research in infectious diseases and eventually return to Nigeria to educate her fellow doctors on how to more effectively treat and understand diseases as public health issue.
The stress that Dr Okoli underwent the week of July 20 2014 would be enough to make anyone feel ill.
That's just what she thought her sore throat and body aches were, at first: stress.
A diplomat from Liberia, where the Ebola outbreak had begun six months earlier, came into Dr Okoli's hospital, First Consultants Medical Centre, with symptoms that made her colleagues think he might have malaria.
Dr Okoli was on call, and came to the diplomat's room when he asked for a doctor.
He had had to make several trips to the bathroom with diarrhea, so she asked a nurse, who was eight weeks pregnant, to help him to the bathroom and temporarily remove the IV.
When the nurse tried to replace the IV, the patient ‘got very upset and yanked the IV from his hand. The nurse had blood splashing all over her and the sheets,' Dr Okoli says.
She was immediately concerned, and became more so when the man's lab results revealed liver abnormalities.
‘That's one of the organs that Ebola attacks, and I told the nurses I suspected he might be a case of Ebola,' and she instructed the nurse to be particularly careful to wash her hands and wear gloves, Dr Okoli says.
‘We didn't have personal protective equipment that was adequate, we just had what we had, and had to do our best and use that.'
Proper protective gear covers the clothing, skin and any mucous membranes, such as the eyes. Dr Okoli and her team had only masks and rubber gloves.
It took three days for the World Health Organization to confirm the that the diplomat had ebola, and during that time he was agitated, threatening to leave, which would have put the entire town of Lagos at risk, but Dr Okoli and her colleagues kept him in place, and stayed to treat him.
Three days later, the diplomat was dead, and the hospital was shut down.
That's when Dr Okoli started to feel sick with a sore throat, but assumed it was stress and treated herself with antibiotics.
At home, her family continued to assure her she couldn't have Ebola, even as Dr Okoli became more convinced.
‘I isolated myself, and kept them at arms length,' and called the newly-established local health line to send someone to test her for the disease.
Two days later, she got a strange call back.
‘He was stumbling, and he said “we're sorry, there was a mix up, we have to take you to the hospital to take a sample,” Dr Okoli recalls.
Ever the professional, she remained calm even when the health official came to her house and loaded her into an ambulance.
She wasn't taken to First Consultants, but five hours away to another hospital, and when the ambulance doors opened again, everything had changed.
‘I'm sorry, your test was positive, you have Ebola,' a health official told her.
‘I called my mother, told her to lock my bedroom door from the outside, and that she shouldn't worry, I don't know how, but I'm going to survive,' Dr Okoli says.
She was sealed into an isolation ward with five other female patients.
There is no known cure for Ebola, and in Nigeria, no access to ZMapp, the experimental treatment.
‘It's just a matter of let's see if your immune system can fight this. If it can, “yay,” if it can't, we're sorry, but at least you didn't infect anyone else,' says Dr Okoli.
At 28 years old, she found herself sitting in the isolation ward, in the bed next to the pregnant nurse who had had the diplomat's blood spattered all over her.
‘But I said “I know this is not the end for me,” Dr Okoli says.
She remembered opening the Bible at random three years prior, when her eyes fell on a verse: Jeremiah 29:11.
‘”For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'
The moment stuck with her, and Dr Okoli meant to see that promise kept. ‘I thought to God, “this is what you told me,” so when I was sitting in the isolation ward in August 2014, I had to remind God of what he said, that he is not a liar and he has plans for me.'
So she fought.
Dr Okoli used her clinical skills and treated herself as her own patient. She researched Ebola obsessively until she found a deadly symptom she could treat: dehydration.
‘If you can stock up on fluids, you might have a chance before multi-system shut down….because you're fighting against a virus that is replicating every single second,' she says.
Dr Okoli carefully monitored her own body – changes in her urine color and the consistency of her nearly constant diarrhea – treating herself with high doses of water.
Finally, she began to get her appetite back, and not just for anything, but for bananas.
‘The problem with persistent diarrhea is that you lose a lot of potassium and risk going to cardiac failure, which can lead to death,' she explains.
By the nurse's bed next to Dr Okoli's, ‘I saw that her fiance had brought her all these bananas and she wasn't eating them, but I had this urge to eat all the bananas.
‘I don't know if it was divine or coincidence, but i happened to have bananas when I need them most,' she says.
Dr Okoli got stronger and started helping tend to and counsel the other disheartened patients on the ward.
Fourteen days later, her blood was ebola-free.
Leaving the isolation ward bordered on a religious, ritualistic experience, Dr Okoli says.
She bathed in chlorine and changed into fresh, uncontaminated clothes her parents had brought her, carefully making sure they didn't touch the ground.
As she approached the door, ‘I was given a pair of scissors and cut the red tape that was separating the isolation ward from the rest of the world.'
When she cut that tape, ‘I felt like I'd been reborn, and something had died in that ward when I was there.
‘The new me was someone that had decided not to be rebuked, to be a doctor, to help people.'
After watching one poorly-equipped doctor try to take care of her entire ward with two visits a day, and nearly dying herself, Dr Okoli left behind her dreams of endocrinology and dedicated herself to a new mission: treating infectious diseases as a public health issue.
‘Doctors need to know how to handle Ebola. It should arise not just out of someone who knows infectious disease but a public health concern.
‘Ebola thrives in impoverished areas, in countries suffering in the aftermath of war and bad governments…it's not just about treating patients,' she says.
Dr Okoli applied – and was accepted to – a master's program at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Diseases in New Orleans.
She has since excelled in her studies there, given birth to a daughter, Valerie, now two, and will graduate in May.
Her plan is to spend a year conducting research on the pattern of epidemics, not just Ebola, before returning to Nigeria to help treat and educate others, even in the face of the threat of contracting another life-threatening disease.
‘My uncle says I'm crazy,' Dr Okoli told Daily Mail Online, but she just shrugs that off.
‘I have fear, but… If I had died in that isolation ward, I wouldn't even have the opportunity to talk about or consider infectious disease, so I make the most of whatever time I have, to affect path for others.
‘Everyone has a story…something that resonates with them, and whatever you have in your hand…use that to possibly make change that affects more people positively,' Dr Okoli says.
Extrasystoles: 1 ❏ may be associated with rheumatic heart disease 2 ❏ may be asymptomatic 3 ❏ commonly require digoxin
ONE or MORE of the responses above is (are) correct. Decide which of the responses is
(are) correct. Then choose: A ❏ if 1, 2 and 3 are correct B ❏ if 1 and 2 only are correct C ❏ if 2 and 3 only are correct D ❏ if 1 only is correct E ❏ if 3 only is correct
It appears there is an end in sight to the perennial problem of Typhoid fever in Africa, with its attendant antibiotic resistance, as the World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently prequalified the first conjugate vaccine for typhoid, Bharat Biotech’s Typbar-TCV®.
The WHO, through a press statement described the Typhoid conjugate vaccines (TCVs) as innovative products that have longer-lasting immunity than older vaccines, require fewer doses, and can be given to young children through routine childhood immunization programmes. The fact that the vaccine has been prequalified by WHO means that it meets acceptable standards of quality, safety and efficacy. This makes the vaccine eligible for procurement by UN agencies, such as UNICEF, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
For those who may not be aware of the burden of the disease, Typhoid is a serious and sometimes fatal disease spread through contaminated food and water. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, and diarrhea or constipation. For millions of people living in low- and middle-income countries, typhoid is an ever present reality. Global estimates of the typhoid burden range between 11 and 20 million cases and between about 128 000 and 161 000 typhoid deaths annually. Poor communities and vulnerable groups, such as children, are often the most susceptible.
WHO corporate logo
Urbanization and climate change have the potential to increase the global burden of typhoid. In addition, increasing resistance to antibiotic treatment is making it easier for typhoid to spread through overcrowded populations in cities and inadequate and/or flooded water and sanitation systems.
It will be recalled that in October 2017, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on immunization, recommended TCV for routine use in children over 6 months of age in typhoid endemic countries. SAGE also called for the introduction of TCV to be prioritized for countries with the highest burden of typhoid disease or of antibiotic resistance to Salmonella Typhi, the bacterium that causes the disease. It further advised that the use of the vaccine will help to curb the frequent use of antibiotics for treatment of presumed typhoid fever, and thereby help to slow the alarming increase in antibiotic resistance in Salmonella Typhi.
The release further stated that shortly after SAGE’s recommendation, Gavi Board approved US$85 million in funding for TCVs starting in 2019. Prequalification is therefore a crucial next step needed to make TCVs available to low-income countries where they are needed most. And even in non-Gavi-supported countries, prequalification can help expedite licensure.
“WHO prequalification helps to ensure that vaccines used in immunization programmes are safe, effective, and appropriate for countries’ needs. WHO’s prequalification procedure consists of a transparent, scientifically sound assessment that includes reviewing the evidence, testing the consistency of each lot of manufactured vaccine, and visiting the manufacturing site”, it stressed.
As 2018 begins with windows of new opportunities and challenges, several medical experts and scientists have put forward their forecasts for the year, following global health trends. Crucial to the healthcare needs of Nigerians are the predictions of the Aetna International’s Global President of Population Health, Dr Sneh Khemka, as published in the International Medical Travel Journal, which takes a look at the shape of the global healthcare market in 2018.Of equal importance are some of the forecasts presented by Nexter.org.
Trends in global healthcare
1) Rapidly increasing global middle class.
The world’s middle class is growing (in particular across the Middle East and Asia), creating more strenuous healthcare demands. This has resulted in new expectations from healthcare systems, demanding of digital, more convenient and sophisticated access. Due to this, challenges of how to deliver will continue to arise.
2) Health spendings
Total global pharmaceutical spending is expected to increase by 6.9% a year from $1.61 trillion in 2018. Oncology is expected to remain the main contributor among therapeutic areas.
Global Healthcare prediction informatic
3) A change in global disease patterns.
Partly due to the rapidly expanding middle class, there has been an increase in lifestyle related, as opposed to infection-related diseases. This is putting significant strain on local healthcare systems, as people are living longer and needing more expensive, long-term treatment.
4) Antibiotic and opioid crises.
Though world news is now attuned to the global antibiotic crisis, the opioid crisis is also sweeping developed countries as addiction to prescription medication is seeing an increase. Both are critical global crises, and urgently need to be addressed.
5) Undiagnosed diabetes.
High obesity rates have led to undiagnosed cases of diabetes around the world. In order to overcome this crisis, healthcare systems will need to acknowledge this worrying epidemic, currently manifesting as pre-diabetes and as metabolic syndrome, both of which most people are unaware they have.
6) Mental healthcare in developing economies.
In developed economies, there is distinct awareness of mental health issues and systems in place to cope with them. Yet, in developing economies, there is still a need for healthcare providers to work with governments to overcome social taboos and understand how mental health effects conditions, as well as economical productivity.
7) Global disparity of healthcare leading to unwarranted variation.
There is large divergence in the quality of healthcare provision and access around the world. 70% of people in the world have too little access to healthcare, whilst 5% of people have too much access. For example, America spends 19% of its GDP on healthcare, indicating the possibility that there are far too many and unnecessary services provided to people; while developing nations are often less than 3% of GDP – so how to address the inequalities?
Technology
1) Technology is on the frontline of patient care.
It is essential to most healthcare systems around the world. However, although technology has advanced in healthcare, affordability has not. There are now increasingly expensive demands for enhanced solutions. This leads to ethical questions of how, and at what cost, we should extend life using technology – it is not easy to determine where technological intervention should end and where the human life cycle should kick in.
2) The data revolution is changing healthcare into a data-driven industry.
Healthcare has access to a wealth of data from wearable devices, to online analytics. Doctors can use this data to see what factors keep people healthy, rather than what makes them unhealthy. For example, aggregated data from online search engines are currently the best predictor of a viral epidemic. Data and technology also makes it easier for healthcare professionals to diagnose, treat and cure illnesses. This is evident in programmes such as IBM Watson, as it can search through 15 million journals to inform doctors about rare diseases and treatments.
AI technologies
The usage and development of popular digital health technology solutions such as artificial intelligence (AI), internet of medical things (IoMT), Big Data analytics, and robotics across select healthcare use cases will increase in 2018. In addition, Cloud based PaaS/SaaS platforms will be integral to any healthcare data monetization model.
“Blockchain technology will move from perceived hype to reality bandwagon demonstrating real value with initial commercial deployments across health insurance claim adjudication and revenue cycle management use cases. The debate will now move onto the topic of adoption, exploring [how] and [where] can blockchain technology be used in the healthcare space,” said Kamaljit Behera, Industry Analyst, Visionary Healthcare.
Health apps
Today you can easily find health app for everything, but the developing industry doesn’t stop. Global mobile health venture funding reached a record $1.3 billion last year, according to Mercom. The field will continue to boom in 2018 (the total global market could exceed $100 billion by 2022), especially as the FDA moves to make it easier for mobile health apps to reach the market.
Poised to reduce infants mortality associated with measles outbreak, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Primary Health Care Development Board, has revealed it plans to immunise children against measles across the territory.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the board, Matthew Ashikeni, disclosed recently that children between the ages of nine months and five years would be vaccinated when the exercise commences in February 8 to February 13.
Nigerian children receiving immunisation
Ashikeni, via a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report, noted that the immunisation would be conducted in all Primary Health Care centres, schools, on the streets and wherever children within the age bracket are found, to ensure no child is left out.
According to him, the vaccination is very important because of its adverse health implication on children.
“A lot of blindness you see among our children is the consequence of complication from measles and it is also life threatening.
“Measles cause brain infection, life threatening diarrhoea, vomiting and malnutrition and many affected children die if it is not properly managed,’’ he said.
He therefore urged parents to bring out their children and wards for the vaccination against measles.
Following the inability of the Kogi State Government, to pay the full salaries of medical doctors, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in the state has directed its members to resume an indefinite strike on Monday, until the governor is able to address their demands.
The NMA State Chairman, Dr Godwin Tijani, expressed the grievances of the striking doctors with the state government, stating that they can no longer tolerate none payment of full salaries by the government of Governor Bello Yahaya.
Tijani who spoke in Lokoja with pressmen queried the motive behind the deduction of 100 per cent taxes, when other allowances such as the doctors’ associations and union dues as well as members’ cooperative society contributions were not remitted in full, with some doctors salaries still pending.
The NMA Chairman, Kogi State Chapter, Dr Godwin Tijani.
While commending their members for their patience and understanding, during this unpleasant situation, he highlighted the decisions taken at the congress to resolve the issue and douse tension.
“Congress, therefore, resolved that all its members across the state should resume total and indefinite withdrawal of healthcare services from all hospitals in Kogi, with effects from 12:00 midnight on Sunday, Jan 7, 2018.
“We want government to give a definite time line for the full implementation of adjusted CONMESS (new salary structure) for doctors in the state civil service and the accrued arrears since January, 2014.
“Congress will reconvene once the state government responds appropriately to the aforementioned demands,” he said.
It would be recalled that the Kogi NMA had suspended an earlier strike over the demand on June 22, 2017, following the state government assurances that it would meet their demands.
Meggezones pastilles: 1 ❏ contain pseudoephedrine 2 ❏ provide a soothing effect through the promotion of saliva production 3 ❏ should not be recommended to diabetic patients
ONE or MORE of the responses above is (are) correct. Decide which of the responses is
(are) correct. Then choose: A ❏ if 1, 2 and 3 are correct B ❏ if 1 and 2 only are correct C ❏ if 2 and 3 only are correct D ❏ if 1 only is correct E ❏ if 3 only is correct
The University Graduates of Nursing Science Association (UGONSA) has expressed its sore displeasure with the management of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu and that of Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri, for their alleged deliberate exclusion of nurse interns from their internship programmes.
In a release jointly signed by the National President and National Secretary, Chief (Hon) S.E.O. Egwuenu and Nurse G.I. Nshi respectively, it was stated that the two health institutions exempted nurse interns from participating in the mandatory internship programme.
Chief (Hon) S.E.O. Egwuenu
The press statement which was addressed to the minister of health, reads in part:
“We write to draw your kind attention to the gross injustice, discrimination and wanton marginalization of nurses by the management of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu and that of Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri.
“The two hospitals had on 25th October and 24th November, 2017 respectively, made adverts for placement of interns. These adverts however, selectively excluded nurse interns from the categories of internship positions advertised which listed interns of all other core healthcare professions for whom a one year internship training, like in nursing, forms a compulsory and integral part of their training.
“We were appalled by the selective discrimination so we wrote them on 6th December, 2017 vide our letter Ref No. UGONSA/017/CMD/UNTH/01 and UGONSA/017/CMD/FMCO/01, calling for rectification of the anomaly in case it had been an unfortunate error. We wonder what nurses have done wrong that would warrant the selective exclusion of their intending interns from running internship training which, like that of the other healthcare professions that were advertised, was also approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC), National Council on Establishment (NCE) and the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) as well as the statutory regulatory body (for nursing in Nigeria .i.e. the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria).
“Since we wrote them over the ugly development, the managements of these two hospitals have surprisingly maintained a loud silence on the issue. This deafening silence has eroded all our benefits of doubt and rather reinforced our speculation that it may be a continuation of the oppressive sentiments against nurses that have become the characteristic stock-in-trade of the chief executive officers of some government owned hospitals.
“By denying nursing the opportunity to run internship programme for its fresh graduates in their facilities, the management of UNTH and FMC Owerri are toying with and jeopardizing the future of hundreds of fresh graduate nurses whose full registration and licensure by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria are tied to internship training. They are also robbing the country of the opportunity of producing qualified manpower needed to drive effective care delivery in our health system especially as nurses are the first and the last line of defence for patients in any healthcare delivery system in the world.
“Most especially, they are breaching the constitution of the land by discriminating against their fellow Nigerians on the basis of their chosen professional career, which is recognized as a noble career by the law of the land”.
For justice to take its rightful place, the association has called on the Federal Ministry of Health to prevail on the hospitals to make the following amendments :
“Make a supplementary advert placement for the post of nurse interns to give nurses a sense of belonging, give fresh graduate nurses opportunity to get internship training for full registration and licensure as was done for their counterparts in other core healthcare disciplines, and foster equity and fairness.
“Consider the nascence of internship training for the graduates of B.N.Sc degree as a ground for recruiting nurse interns in large and considerable numbers.
“Respect the extant laws, rules and regulations by giving the fresh graduate nurses similar internship opportunity that was given to their counterparts in other core healthcare disciplines to foster their full registration and licensure by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and help the country with qualified manpower needed to drive effective care delivery in our health system”.
Sialolithiasis: 1 ❏ is the inflammation of a salivary gland 2 ❏ presents with facial pain and swelling 3 ❏ is associated with eating
ONE or MORE of the responses above is (are) correct. Decide which of the responses is
(are) correct. Then choose: A ❏ if 1, 2 and 3 are correct B ❏ if 1 and 2 only are correct C ❏ if 2 and 3 only are correct D ❏ if 1 only is correct E ❏ if 3 only is correct
Drugs that could be used in nausea and vomiting caused by palliative cancer treatment include: 1 ❏ metoclopramide 2 ❏ haloperidol 3 ❏ prochlorperazine
ONE or MORE of the responses above is (are) correct. Decide which of the responses is
(are) correct. Then choose: A ❏ if 1, 2 and 3 are correct B ❏ if 1 and 2 only are correct C ❏ if 2 and 3 only are correct D ❏ if 1 only is correct E ❏ if 3 only is correct
Diamorphine: 1 ❏ is a controlled drug 2 ❏ is more lipid soluble than morphine 3 ❏ may be administered intramuscularly
ONE or MORE of the responses above is (are) correct. Decide which of the responses is
(are) correct. Then choose: A ❏ if 1, 2 and 3 are correct B ❏ if 1 and 2 only are correct C ❏ if 2 and 3 only are correct D ❏ if 1 only is correct E ❏ if 3 only is correct
Finasteride: 1 ❏ is an enzyme inhibitor 2 ❏ is an anti-androgen 3 ❏ could be used in male-pattern baldness
ONE or MORE of the responses above is (are) correct. Decide which of the responses is
(are) correct. Then choose: A ❏ if 1, 2 and 3 are correct B ❏ if 1 and 2 only are correct C ❏ if 2 and 3 only are correct D ❏ if 1 only is correct E ❏ if 3 only is correct
Male pattern baldness: 1 ❏ is androgenetic alopecia 2 ❏ is caused by the release of prostaglandins 3 ❏ may be precipitated by chemical hair preparations
ONE or MORE of the responses above is (are) correct. Decide which of the responses is
(are) correct. Then choose: A ❏ if 1, 2 and 3 are correct B ❏ if 1 and 2 only are correct C ❏ if 2 and 3 only are correct D ❏ if 1 only is correct E ❏ if 3 only is correct
Liver cleanses promise to rid the body of toxins and impurities, but they are controversial because there is little science to support their use.
What is a liver cleanse?
A liver cleanse may involve choosing or avoiding specific foods, or going on a juice fast.
The liver is the body's natural detoxifier, as it cleanses the body of toxins and produces bile to support healthy digestion. A healthy liver can detoxify almost everything that a person encounters. The liver is on the right side of the body, just under the rib cage.
When the liver is diseased, the body cannot filter out toxic substances as efficiently. This can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:
itching
yellow jaundiced skin
swelling
blood vessel problems
gallstones
fatigue
nausea
diarrhea
A variety of natural health practitioners, supplement companies, and medical websites argue that the liver accumulates toxins during the filtering process.
They insist that over time, these toxins can cause a range of nonspecific symptoms and may even cause serious diseases or increase the risk of cancer. There is little evidence to support this.
Over time, however, exposure to chemicals can damage the liver. For example, drinking alcohol is a well-known way to ruin liver function over time.
In most cases, a liver detox involves one or more of the following:
taking supplements designed to flush toxins out of the liver
eating a liver-friendly diet
avoiding certain foods
going on a juice fast
cleansing the colon and gut through the use of enemas
While liver failure is a serious health problem, there is no evidence that dangerous toxins accumulate in otherwise healthy livers without specific exposure to large amounts of these chemicals.
Mainstream medical practitioners argue that the liver does not need detoxing and that doing so might even be dangerous.
Liver cleanse: Fact or fiction?
Doctor explaining liver disease to patient using anatomical model.
A liver cleanse will not cure a liver disease, and should not be used to replace normal treatment.
A healthy liver naturally cleanses itself. An unhealthy liver will not get better with a liver cleanse. A person with liver disease needs proper medical treatment and may require lifestyle or dietary changes.
Some evidence suggests that supplements, such as milk thistle, may improve liver health. However, there is no evidence that these supplements will detox the liver, or that they can cure any liver condition.
Liver cleanses also pose some health risks:
Liver cleansing diets may not offer balanced nutrition: A liver cleansing diet may not contain all nutrients that a person requires. Over time, this can lead to deficiencies or malnutrition, particularly in children, pregnant women, and people with diabetes and other medical conditions.
Enemas can be dangerous: Enemas can cause life-threatening damage to the intestines when not administered correctly.
Liver cleanses cannot replace medical treatment: When a person uses a liver cleanse in place of medical treatment, serious underlying medical issues can go untreated.
What Does a Coffee Enema Do?
Some people find their morning cup of coffee triggers a trip to the bathroom. The same principle is applied by those who use coffee enemas to empty their bowels.
Can cleansing the liver help you lose weight?
Some liver cleanses promise to aid weight loss by improving a person's metabolism. Supporters believe that flushing the liver of toxins can improve metabolism, but there is no evidence to support this claim.
In fact, very low-calorie diets can slow the body's metabolism. This is because the body adjusts to the low nutrient intake by absorbing nutrients more slowly.
Some diets that claim to improve liver health require people to consume few calories for several days. This can result in temporary weight loss.
Much of the weight loss, however, is water weight, which will return once a person begins to eat normally again.
Liver-friendly foods
Avoiding foods high in fat, such as meat, fish, or dairy, may help people with liver disease.
While it is not possible to cleanse the liver with any specific food or combination of foods, doctors may recommend dietary changes to people with liver disease.
For most people, avoiding very fatty foods and alcohol can reduce the risk of liver disease.
Other ways to improve liver health
Some simple strategies that can reduce the risk of liver disease and help the liver rid the body of toxins include:
Limiting alcohol intake: Excessive alcohol consumption is a risk factor for liver disease. People with an addiction to alcohol should consider treatment.
Avoiding unnecessary over-the-counter medications: Never exceed the recommended dose, particularly of drugs such as acetaminophen that can harm the liver. Do not mix alcohol and over-the-counter drugs.
Choosing reputable tattoo and piercing salons: Choose a salon that sterilizes their equipment. Unsafe body modifications can transmit hepatitis C.
Getting vaccinated: A person should get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, and make sure they get appropriate vaccinations before traveling overseas.
Practicing safe sex: This can reduce the risk of transmitting conditions that affect the liver. People should also get tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Avoiding potentially dangerous chemicals: When painting or using pesticides, wear a mask and ensure the area is well ventilated.
Drinking plenty of water.
Rinsing fruit and vegetables: This can help ensure they are free of pesticides.
Should you try a liver cleanse?
A healthy liver is crucial for maintaining a person's overall health, but expensive cleanses or diets are just not necessary. In some cases, they may even be dangerous.
A healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, and regular consultations with a doctor are far more valuable to the health of the liver than any fad diet or cleanse.
Liver cleanses offer no proven benefits. To protect liver health, people can adopt a more comprehensive, long-term health strategy.
Children who eat fish at least once a week get better sleep and have a higher IQ, according to a new study.
Researchers revealed that omega-3s, the fatty acids in fish, improve kid's intelligence and found that those who ate more scored 4.8 points higher on an IQ test than children who said they rarely ate the seafood.
Those same children also reported getting a better night's sleep, which previous studies have linked to higher intelligence.
The findings are the first of its kind that show sleep as the link between fish and heightened intelligence, leading researchers to suggest introducing kids to fish as young as 10 months old to improve overall cognition throughout their lives.
Mackerel
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania conducted a study on more than 500 children in China aged nine to 11 to learn more about the effects of fish on intelligence and sleep.
The participants filled out a questionnaire regarding eating habits and how often they consumed fish ranging from never, seldom to always.
They took an IQ test where researchers then matched those results to the questionnaire.
The results published in the journal Nature showed a distinct association between fish and intelligence as those who reported eating fish more often scored 4.8 points higher than those who rarely at the seafood.
Children who said they sometimes eat fish scored 3.31 points higher than those who ‘seldom' or ‘never' consumed it.
The parents of the children in the study were also asked to submit a questionnaire regarding their child's sleep quality.
The length of sleep, frequency of napping and tiredness were included in the survery.
Increased fish consumption was linked to fewer disturbances of sleep, supporting the notion that omega-3s promote better overall sleep quality.
Previous research has shown that the omega-3s found in fish have health benefits that can lower blood pressure, slow the development of plaque in arteries reducing the risk of heart attack and can improve sleep.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF OMEGA-3
Omega-3 fatty acids are often touted as being incredibly beneficial to a person's health, with findings show that omega-3 may help to:
Lower blood pressure
Reduce triglycerides
Slow the development of plaque in the arteries
Reduce the chance of abnormal heart rhythm
Reduce the likelihood of heart attack and stroke
Lessen the chance of sudden cardiac death in people with heart disease
Other studies have also associated fish to improved cognitive function.
However, this is the first study that has linked the fatty acids to better quality that can lead to higher intelligence.
Study author Professor Adrian Raine said: ‘Lack of sleep is associated with antisocial behavior and poor cognition is associated with antisocial behavior. We have found that omega-3 supplements reduce antisocial behavior, so it's not too surprising that fish is behind this.'
Researchers are encouraging parents to expose their children, as young as 10 months old, to fish as long as it doesn't have bones in order for them to grow a liking to the flavor and texture.
‘Doing that could be a lot easier than nudging children about going to bed,' Raine added. ‘If the fish improves sleep, great. If it also improves cognitive performance — like we've seen here — even better. It's a double hit.'
Eating fish just once a week is considered high fish intake as defined in this study.
The researchers plan to study different types of fish consumption to determine which has the best health benefits to boost cognition and sleep quality.
Aspirin: 1 ❏ potentiates the anticoagulant effect of warfarin 2 ❏ inhibits platelet aggregation 3 ❏ promotes vitamin K synthesis
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Antispasmodics that could be recommended for irritable bowel syndrome include: 1 ❏ Colofac 2 ❏ Spasmonal 3 ❏ Fybogel
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Capsulitis: 1 ❏ is a disorder affecting the shoulder 2 ❏ may be caused by unaccustomed movement 3 ❏ is an inflammatory process
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The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on partners to provide more support for the elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)in Nigeria.
Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole made this call while speaking at the launch of the sight-savers one billion treatment of Neglected Tropical Diseases held in Abuja.
According to a press statement released by the Federal Ministry of Health, the Minister, who was represented by the Director, Public Health, Dr. Evelyn Ngige, said that federal government appreciated the support of the development partners toward elimination of the diseases, he however appealed for more support to scale the fight against the diseases.
Adewole said that sight-savers had been one of the major partners in the control and elimination of NTDs in Nigeria and presently supporting the elimination of NTDs in Kaduna, Zamfara, Kogi, Kwara, Kebbi, Sokoto and Benue.
Nigeria's Minister of Health Isaac Folorunso Adewole attends an emergency National Council on Health meeting on the control of Lassa Fever in Abuja, Nigeria January 19, 2016. REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde – RTX231AG
Prof Adewole said “we are proud to be associated with you as we join you to celebrate the one-billion treatment milestone. We regard commemorating this milestone in Nigeria as an expression of your lasting commitment to ending the NTDs and increasing the health outcomes in Nigeria”
He said that the previous contributions made by sight-severs and other partners in Nigeria had made significant progress in the control, management and elimination of the diseases which led to certification of Nigeria as guinea worm free country and reduction in transmission of onchocerciasis in several states.
The Minister however explained that despite the significant improvement in the treatment coverage, there was still need for mass administration of the Medicines in some states.
“I am using this opportunity to make passionate plea for the scale up of support for NTDs control and elimination, government cannot do this alone”
The Minister noted that apart from those states that were being supported, other states such as Oyo, Ogun, Bayelsa and River states should also benefit from the programme.
“I believe this will increase the tempo of implementing of NTD interventions in Nigeria as well as facilitate our ability to meet global targets for the control and elimination of NTDs” Adewole said.
Earlier, the Country Director, Nigeria and Ghana Sight-savers , Dr. Sunday Isiyaku said that what they did was to provide logistic and Technical support to the states and federal government to ensure that people who needed the treatment got it.
“Most of this treatment happens once in a year but there is a lot of logistics involved in it, we must ensure that we get the drugs and distribute it to the needed countries and the states”
“The diseases should have been eliminated many years ago but were neglected, for instance if we talk of trachoma, making available water is good step in preventing it.”
Dr. Sunday thanked the partners and pharmaceutical companies that provide drugs and donated to the Sight-savers for onward distribution to needed communities.
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Contrary to the earlier murder allegation made by the family of a 33 years old electrician, Idris Lasisi, who was found dead in the attic of a pharmacy on Abraham Adesanya Low Cost Housing Estate, Ajah, Lagos State, a post mortem carried out on the body has stated that the deceased died of asphyxia and electrocution.
The report of the test dated 18 December, 2017 and signed by Dr O.O. Kila of the Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, which was signed and stamped by the Ogombo Divisional Police Officer, was sent to our correspondent by the elder brother of the deceased, Abdul-Rahaman Lasisi.
The late Idris Lasisi
The elder brother explained that the family has accepted the autopsy report in good faith, stressing that they have accepted the death as an act of God. “The relationship between the deceased and the owner of the pharmacy, Adebayo Afon had spanned eight years and throughout the relationship, we have never had any reason to suspect him of any ulterior motive, so we have accepted what happened as an act of God and we have resolved not to press further charges against him.”
According to him, the father of one will be buried as soon as possible, adding that the owner of the pharmacy has promised to render financial assistance to the deceased’ pregnant wife and aged mother.
Phone calls put across to the Divisional Police Officer, Ogombo Division were returned unanswered, but it was gathered as confirmed by the deceased’s elder brother, Abdul Ramon Lasisi that the police had already cleared the owner of the pharmacy, Adebayo Afon, of any wrongdoing.
Also, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chike Oti, said the case had been resolved. “The doctor said the man died of electrocution, the family is aware of the autopsy report and they are now sure that there was no foul play,” he added.
Recalling what led to the incident, the owner of the pharmacy, Adebayo Afon said he invited the deceased whom he had known for more than eight years to fix an electrical fault at the store where the incident happened on Friday, 8, but he did not come until Saturday, 9. “On Saturday, he came and went to the attic, but workers at the store did not see him come down. They looked around for him and called me when they did not see him. So I told them to check him in the attic. The two workers being a woman and a man with disability on one hand could not climb up. They saw his car in front of the pharmacy with a deflated tyre, so, they thought he was running around to fix the tyre.
“When they were about to close, they called me again, saying they had not seen the man and that the electrical fault had not been fixed. I told them to look for another electrician to go up and check if the man was there. The electrician went up, used a torch to look around, but said he did not see anybody. The store was closed afterwards.”
He added that the shop opened the next day being Sunday for operations and closed after few hours without the workers noticing any strange occurrence. “But by Monday when they wanted to open the shop, they noticed some liquid dropping from the ceiling and strange odour. They called me and I reported at the Ogombo Police Station myself. That was exactly what happened”.
Also speaking, one Mr. Dayo, a resident in the estate said he had known the pharmacy and the owner for years and has no reason to doubt his integrity, adding that what happened was just an accident. “The pharmacy has been with us for years and we have always enjoyed patronising them, so the incident was an act of God, though quite unfortunate and now that the autopsy has debunked the murder allegation made against the owner, we are happy he is vindicated.”
Potentially hazardous interactions could occur between:
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Fourteen weeks after the first suspected monkey pox case in the country, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, has reported the first death from the disease. The agency also announced 61 confirmed cases.
According to the situation report for monkey pox outbreak released by the health agency for the epidemiological week 49, on Wednesday, the dead patient was a confirmed case with background immune-compromised condition.
The health agency however said it has deactivated the monkey pox Emergency Operations Centre, EOC, this week.
Monkeypox patients
Response to the disease will henceforth be coordinated by”a technical working group” comprising of all existing response partners.
It added that there has been a decline in the number of new suspected cases reported over the last five weeks.
Since the onset of the outbreak, a total of 172 cases (suspected, confirmed and probable) have been recorded from 22 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Five additional cases and two probable cases have been recorded since the last update, bringing the total confirmed cases to 61 in 14 states.
The first suspected case of the disease was reported in Bayelsa and later reported at neighbouring River State before spreading to other states across the country.
One new suspected case was reported from Adamawa State in the reporting week, while two new confirmed cases were recorded in the reporting week from Bayelsa.
The health agency said though clustering of cases was demonstrated in some instances, there was no known evidence yet of epidemiological linkages across states. It added that only 7 per cent of the current cases in Nigeria have been linked to human to human transmission, including one health worker.
The NCDC said it would continue to coordinate the response to the disease through its EOC.
“To enhance data management and real-time mapping of cases and contacts, the Surveillance and Outbreak Response Management System, SORMAS, app was deployed on November 4, 2017 to the outbreak.
”However, the monkeypox EOC has been deactivated this week and the response will henceforth be coordinated by a technical working group comprising of all existing response partners,” it said.
Statistics from NCDC also showed that men were more infected by the disease as the male to female ratio for confirmed cases is 3:1 and the most affected age group is 21-40 years.
It said the scare of the disease had disrupted immunisation routine across the country.
The minister of health Isaac Adewole had to appeal to Nigerians to continue allowing their children receive immunisation as monkeypox could not be transmitted through immunisation and has no vaccine.
Minister-Health-Professor-Isaac-Adewole
Mr. Adewole had assured that monkeypox could only be transmitted from one person to another. He said human-to-human transmission occurs through respiratory droplets, contact with infected persons or contaminated materials.
Control measures, he said, include isolation of suspected or confirmed cases, strict adherence to universal precautions, especially frequent hand washing with soap and water, and use of personal protective equipment.
Mr. Adewole said signs and symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, body pain, malaise, lymphadenopathy (enlargement of glands), sore throat, and the characteristic generalised vesicular rash. He said rashes might last between two and four weeks.
XLR8, one of West Africa’s leading public relations and communications consultancies, emerged winner of the Presidential Award of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, recently.The award of “Best Corporate Public Relations Practitioner of 2017” was bestowed on the organization.
In his citation for XLR8, Dr. Rotimi Oladele, president of the institute and chairman of its Council, commended the “finesse and strategic rigour that have come to define the company’s craft”, adding that it is no surprise that XLR8’s interventions typically deliver the desired outcomes for its clients, time after time.
Chief Executive Officer of XLR8, Pharm.Calixthus Okoruwa, expressed his appreciation to NIPR for the recognition. “We are humbled and overwhelmed by this recognition coming from the apex guardian of professionalism in the public relations and communications management sector,” he stated, adding that it would inspire XLR8 to rededicate itself to excellence in every facet of its operations.
XLR8 has in the course of the 13 years since its establishment, expanded very rapidly in the marketing communications consulting space in Nigeria by proving itself an invaluable ally and trusted advisor to several leading brands and organisations across different sectors. It currently consults for leading multinationals in the banking and financial services sector, technology and telecommunications, sports and entertainment as well as fast moving consumer goods.
Pharm.Okoruwa was inducted into the Fellowship of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, last September.
Vanguard Pharmacy, one of the largest retail outlet and fastest growing retail chain in Nigeria has opened up a new branch in the interior of Osogbo, Osun State capital.
The unveiling ceremony which was well attended by pharmacists, doctors, government functionaries, friends and a considerable number of residents in the community took place on 3 December 2017.
Speaking with Pharmanews, Pharm. Odukoya Taofik Oladipupo, founder and ceo, Vanguard Pharmacy Limited described the opening of his fourth branch as part of the company’s expansion policy.According to him, multi branching has been Vanguard’s long term strategic plan.
“We are not only excited in opening more branches but fulfilling our vision in transforming Vanguard Pharmacy. This can only be achieved through efficient and innovative delivery of quality products and services that benefits the general public. And we remain passionate in achieving this vision,” he said.
The newly-opened Vanguard Pharmacy in Oshogbo
While fielding questions from journalists, Odukoya remarked that running a retail chain like Vanguard in Nigeria poses great challenges to pharmacists.
One of such challenges is investment in technology. Another is adoption of right internal processes and procedures necessary for the business to deliver.
“However it is these challenges that make retail business interesting for us as we have adopted the international standard of how an organised retail business should be run.
For us, we understand the importance of information technology thus giving us leverage of monitoring our products, services, sales figures, clients’ data and other key performance indicators,” he stressed.
Odukoya, winner of Pfizer’s Award of Excellence and Pharmalliance Inspiration Award, extended his appreciation to the Ata-oja of Osogbo and the entire people in the state capital who trooped out in their hundreds to make the Vanguard brand an instant success in the state capital.
In a related development, Mrs. Kawthar Bolajoko Odukoya, executive director, Vanguard Pharmacy has promised the people of Osogbo that the brand will continue to lead in the customer service excellence that is known for in the last 12 years.
She added that the pharmacy will continue to live up to her brand value and culture of excellence.
In her words, “Truly the brand Vanguard Pharmacy, one of the largest retail pharmacy, supermarket and veterinary chain stores in South West, is heading to her long term vision of becoming an African Multinational Retail Chain.”
In attendance were Olori Adedoyin Oyetunji, the Ataoja of Osogbo; Alhaja Sekinat Temilade, Osogbo West LCDA chairperson; Alhaji Kayode Aliu Afolabi, Permanent secretary, Local Government Staff Pension Bureau, Osun State; Pharm. Sumonu Tiamiyu Olasunkanmi, Chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN Osun branch); Pharm. Omoniyi Micheal Ayodeji, State ACPN Chairman.
Others included Alhaji Ademola Odukoya, Aare Balogun Adinni of Mowe Land; Alhaji Odumesi Obalola; Founder/CEO Roadmech Limited, Alhaji Odukoya Oyebola Akeem; Founder Mimbar Children School Ibadan, Barrister Wale Akinlabi; Vice Principal (Admin) Kunike International School, Mr. Oladipupo B.A and Alhaji (Pharm) Rahaman Amidu Oyewole, Founder of Goodall Pharmacy Limited amongst others.
Worried by the prevalence of illegal drug production in the country, the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has compelled Nigerians to expose the shady deals of those involved in such acts, in line with the whistle blowing policy of the Federal Government.
The newly appointed NAFDAC director general, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, made the call on Monday, urging citizens to collaborate with the agency to rid the country of such unlawful and dishonest acts, as well as to put a stop gap to sudden deaths attributed to the sharp practice.
NAFDAC DG, receiving a document from the PSN president, while others look on.
Her words: “We are calling on the public to blow the whistle whenever they discover any form of illegal manufacturing or production of drugs within their vicinity. We will ensure utmost confidentiality”, she said at an event in Lagos on Monday according to Daily Post.
“Blow the whistle; most of these illegal production of drugs are done in the night,” she noted. Prof. Adeyeye who was represented by Abayomi Bolaji, a deputy director at the agency, explained how lack of manpower had prevented the agency’s representatives from going round the nooks and crannies of the country, to stop the activities of evil men involved in the circulation of fake drugs and abuse.
“One of the greatest challenges of the agency is shortage of manpower because Nigeria is a large and complex country, and its little manpower cannot be everywhere.
Lamenting the effects of counterfeit drugs to the society, she said it poses a public health hazard, waste consumers’ income and reduce incentives to engage in research, development and innovation.
“The result of the use of fake drugs can be poisoning, treatment failure, untreated disease and death. The magnitude of drug counterfeiting was much and required strong and sustained actions from governments, the industry and consumers.
“The agency has engaged in capacity building of its staff, reviewed NAFDAC laws and applied cutting-edge technologies to tackle drug counterfeiting,” she said.
In a related development, the Senate Roundtable on Drugs Abuse Epidemic in Nigeria, organised by the Nigerian Senate, was held in Kano.
The President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, had expressed worry over the recurrent trend of drug abuse in the country and vowed that government would tackle the menace from its roots by going after importers and distributors of drugs.
Ceftazidime: 1 ❏ is a ‘third-generation’ cephalosporin antibacterial 2 ❏ is more active than cefuroxime against Gram-positive bacteria 3 ❏ is available as tablets and injections
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Following the agreement reached by the Federal Government and the management of May & Baker Plc, on 31 May 2017, to revamp the moribund Federal Vaccine Production Laboratory (FVPL) in Yaba now Biovaccine Nigeria Limited, for the purpose of resuming vaccine production which had stopped for years, the Managing Director/CEO, May & Baker Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okafor has disclosed that the Yellow Fever vaccine will be ready by 2021.
Okafor, who spoke with the press at a Media parley in the company, noted that the initial plans of reactivating the technology used by FVPL for the production of vaccines previously, will no longer work, as the appraisal report of experts appointed for the evaluation of the project, stated that the Yellow Fever vaccine production by Biovaccine Nigeria Limited will have to be started afresh.
Managing Director/CEO, May & Baker Plc, Mr Nnamdi (middle) flanked by directors of the company
His words: “We had initially announced that within two years of signing the agreement, with the premise of working from Yaba Laboratory, we are going to produce our first product. However since that agreement was signed, we did not wait for the board to be inaugurated, we have already started work. We had appointed some partners working with us already. We have sent them to Yaba Laboratory and they have done a thorough appraisal of the present situation, so the outcome of their assessment is that we cannot reactivate the technology used for the production of Yellow Fever vaccine. Thus, we are going to start afresh”.
The May & Baker boss however noted that while processing is ongoing for the Yellow Fever vaccine production, Biovaccine staff will undertake the production of other products that are of equal importance to the EPI programme for the benefits of the masses.
Management team members of May & Baker Plc
“We are looking at being able to formulate, fill, finish and release the first set of products in the next three years. By 2021, we should be able to have the first products. But before then, Biovaccine will be functioning in distribution and marketing capacity. We are going to be engaged in the registration of some vaccines, and marketing them not on our agreement with FG, but on the initiative of Biovaccine staff to generate revenue pending when Biovaccine starts producing,” he emphasised.
Okafor who highlighted the achievements of the company for the outgoing year, said May & Baker Plc has performed better this year, with the company’s shares price ranking highest in terms of value appreciation in the entire market, by mid-year, following the announcement of the vaccine production.
He further stated that the organisation was able to introduce a couple of new products, for the maximum benefits of the Nigerian populace, with an expanded vision to be the top healthcare brand in Sub-Saharan Africa in the next five years.
The media get-to-get was well attended by correspondents of national dailies and executive directors and managers of May & Baker Plc.
When administering cisplatin powder for injection: 1 ❏ it should be reconstituted with water for injection 2 ❏ it should be given over 6–8 h 3 ❏ the infusion fluid used is Ringer’s solution
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In what many have described as unprecedented, the Bayelsa State government has engaged the services of 15 more pharmacists into the state’s hospital management board.
The appointment, which was announced recently, was greeted with jubilation by pharmacists in the state.
Seriake Dickson, Bayelsa governor
Speaking with Pharmanews, Pharm. Alek Okunbriowei, director of pharmaceutical services (DPS), Bayelsa Ministry of Health, remarked that the appointment was a welcome development, given the fact that the last time any pharmacist was employed into the state civil service (before the emergence of Governor Seriake Dickson as governor in 2012) was in 2005.
“The good news is that this governor, prior to the recent appointment, had earlier employed four more pharmacists between 2015 and 2016,” he noted.
Giving a brief background to the appointment, Okunbriowei explained that following the construction of the Bayelsa State Drug Distribution Centre, there was need to employ more pharmacists, since some older ones had retired and some others had left the system.
The 15 latest addition brings the total number of pharmacists in Bayelsa Civil Service to 30.
The Bayelsa State DPS further stated that the ‘restoration government’ of Dickson had so far proven to be a listening one.
“There are plans to build a modern and befitting central medical store in the state. This is presently captured in the 2018 budget proposal and the governor has given a nod to this project.
“The government is also currently building five referral hospitals in five local government areas which are in different stages of completion. Once they are ready, I am only hopeful it will create room for more pharmacists to be engaged,” he enthused.
While charging the media, especially Pharmanews, to delve deeper into health and pharmacy-related activities in states like Bayelsa, Okunbriowei, who joined the state’s hospitals management board about 20 years ago, declared that pharmacy-related activities in the state were grossly under-reported.
“Thank God, we still have a vibrant PSN branch which is poised to reposition the face of Pharmacy in Bayelsa and has been doing so creditably well,” he said.
Buttressing this view, Pharm. Tamaraotare Owota Johnson, managing director, Bayelsa State Drug Distribution Company Limited (BSDDC), noted that with the recent developments in the state, Dickson had justified the faith the people had in his restorative government.
“I am using this medium to commend his effort. I believe that the recent appointment will go a long way in boosting the confidence of pharmacists in Bayelsa State Civil Service and in pharmacy practice in general,” she stressed.
Bayelsa State Drug Distribution Centre
In a related development, Prof. Ebitimitula Etebu, Bayelsa State commissioner for health, has declared that Dickson’s government has employed far more pharmacists than any other government since the creation of Bayelsa State on 1 October, 1996.
Explaining further, the commissioner said that when he came on board, he observed the dearth of pharmacists in the service and promised the people he was going to do something about it.
“I want to give kudos to the state governor for graciously approving this appointment. I think he is pharmacy-friendly. As for me in my position as a commissioner for health, I have no qualms about such action.
On the palpable fear that the newly appointed pharmacists risk being owed salaries, the commissioner debunked such apprehension, stating that the new appointees had nothing to fear.
“No, they will not be owed. The government has put in place mechanisms that will ensure that the whole thing is seamless. It is not going to affect anybody in terms of salaries and all that. Salaries will definitely be paid on time,” he reassured.
Dr Umar Sanda, president of Healthcare Providers Association of Nigeria (HCPAN), has called on the leadership of National Health Insurance Scheme to sanction defaulting members and health management organisations (HMOs).
L-R: Dr Umar Sanda, president, HCPAN; Pharm. Lere Baale, director, Business School, Netherlands; Pharm. Bola Oyawole, former chairman, Lagos PSN; and Akujuobi Igwe, HCPAN national financial secretary, during the award presentation.
Rising from the association’s 13th annual general meeting (AGM) held at Sickle Cell Foundation Centre, Idi Araba, Lagos on 14 December, 2017, Sanda explained that providers were displeased that what was meant to be pre-paid capitation was gradually metamorphosing into post-paid which contravened the NHIS Act.
“HCPAN therefore solicits that, as earlier done when the scheme first started, HMOs should be paid quarterly for it to trickle down to providers. This ought to be the way to go. We also appeal that oversight functions, which include monitoring of both HMOs and providers, be implemented by the NHIS. Anybody found wanting in this regard should be sanctioned,” he stated.
Sanda further noted that since it was in nobody’s interest for the health insurance scheme to fail, all stakeholders, particularly HMCAN and HCPAN, must be in constant dialogue.
“Let us resuscitate both the bilateral and tripartite meetings and find solutions. Already, we have a directory of providers all over the federation. It will go a long way to assist all stakeholders, including the general public. Although we have many hurdles to cross in achieving a team, it is surmountable with open attitude and feeling of mutual respect,” he stressed.
The HCPAN president equally made a clarion call on the executive and the legislative arms of both state and federal governments to find solution to the slow pace of health insurance in Nigeria.
According to him, the economic security of the country was being frustrated by lack of access to good health.
In a related development, the immediate past president of HCPAN, Princess (Dr) Adenike Olaniba, popularly called ‘Mama Health Insurance’, has charged all health professionals to work together towards a health system that Nigerians will be proud of.
A cross section of HCPAN members cutting the birthday cake with Princess (Dr) Adenike Olaniba fondly christened ‘Mama Health Insurance’ (middle).
The highlight of the event was the presentation of an award plaque and a birthday cake to Mama Health Insurance, shortly before the AGM. Another award recipient at the event was Pharm. Lere Baale, director, Business School, Netherlands, who also doubled as the keynote speaker.
In attendance at the event were Dr Anthony Omolola, immediate past president, Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN); Pharm. Peter Iliya, director of public relations, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN); Dr Aina Ademola, chairman, Lagos HCPAN; Dr Ebijuwa Awala, representing NHIS acting executive secretary; and Akujuobi Igwe, HCPAN national financial secretary.
NAPPSA President, Leo Egbujiobi, has announced an update on the Special Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D) Conversion Programme, initiated by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and domiciled in the University of Benin (UNIBEN). This special fast-track Pharm. D programme is the collaborative effort of UNIBEN, PCN and NAPPSA. The programme is time-bound and will only be offered twice. Thereafter, it will be terminated.
NAPPSA President
He noted that the curriculum consists of three modules, while MODULE III, which is entirely a preceptor/hospital based/ambulatory care/community externship clinical training, will be handled by specialists from USA chosen by NAPPSA. He said the Chair of NAPPSA Education Committee, Dr. Teresa Pounds, is the coordinator of this module, and has been working tirelessly in this regard. Therefore, NAPPSA is in need of qualified preceptor/facilitators to assist in the clinical training of the students for MODULE III. NAPPSA members are preferred but not required.
According to him:”This portion of the curriculum is designed to provide the opportunity for students to have direct patient contact and associated pharmacy experiences. The three areas of focus for this portion of training will be in the following pharmacy settings: hospital (acute care), ambulatory care and community. In general, MODULE III will occur at University of Ibadan and the University of Jos. The potential dates are June & August 2018 and June & August 2019.The duration of the programme (including travel days) will be 7-10 days”.
Preferred Criteria for Resource People/Facilitators are:
At least 1-year post-graduate pharmacy residency training (PGY-1) or 3 years of experience in area of specialty (Board certification in area of expertise is highly encouraged).
NAPPSA Logo
Acute care, ambulatory care, community.
Actively precepting students in area of expertise.
Have teaching experience in the health sciences (Pharmacy/Medical/Nursing School) and a full-time academic appointment at a university (Exception if hold an administrative experiential role for university).
Specialty training in acute care, ambulatory care or community settings preferred.
Actively practicing in area of expertise
If interested please send the following to cmayes@nappsa.org: By February 5, 2018
Updated Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Interest (Please include credentials, area of expertise; years of precepting experience and area of interest with the role desired)
Despite the prevalence of heart failure and other related problems, the Nigerian populace are largely ignorant of this scourge and the financial burden people with this condition are subject to. A Heart Failure awareness event supported by Novartis in November, 2017 in a bid to sensitize the public about Heart Failure and its effect on the society, was attended by top cardiologists and representatives of various media houses. It was a platform organized to educate the public on heart failure and ways of managing the condition, bringing hope to Nigerians.
From left: Consultant Cardiologist, University College Hospital (UCH)Ibadan; Dr. Ikechukwu Ogah, Consultant Cardiologist, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH); Prof. Kamilu Karaye, Consultant Cardiologist, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH); Prof. Amam Mbakwem, the Chairman of the Occasion/Consultant Cardiologist, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH); Prof. Michael Balogun, Consultant Cardiologist, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH); Dr. Maclean Akpa; Consultant Cardiologist, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH); Prof. Ibraheem Katibi; and Consultant Cardiologist, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH); Dr. Dike Ojji, during a heart failure awareness event, held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja in Lagos. November 24, 2017. Photo: BMedia TV
Answering questions about a possible cure, Consultant Cardiologits, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof. Amam Mbakwem stressed that there is no cure for heart failure and people were better off taking proper care of themselves, avoiding the occurrence all together. She however pointed out that all hope was not lost as drugs could be used to manage the condition, at the same time commenting on the high cost of treatment.
With improvement in technology, severe cases of heart failure can be managed by the introduction of machines with functional similarities to the heart, pumping blood, keeping the patient alive.
Consultant Cardiologist, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof. Amam Mbakwem
Consultant Cardiologist, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Prof. Kamilu Karaye
Consultant Cardiologist, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Dr. Dike Ojji.
Chairman of the Occasion/Consultant Cardiologist, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Prof. Micheal Balogun
Consultant Cardiologist, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Prof. Ibraheem Katibi
Consultant Cardiologist, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Dr. Ikechukwu Ogah
Consultant Cardiologist, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Dr. Maclean Akpa
A cross section of journalists and representatives of Media & Digital houses at the Heart failure awareness event supported by Novartis . Photos by: BMedia TV
Medical science has recently discovered one way we age biologically. Nutrition experts have found out that advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are responsible for speeding up the ageing process. The body forms AGEs and we also consume them in certain foods.
When the quantity of AGEs in the body gets high, they can cause wrinkles, sagging skin, kidney and nervous system damage, clogged arteries, diabetes, cataracts, inflammation and other age-related diseases, and eventually, death.
A ❏ forms metastases rapidly B ❏ arises from a mole C ❏ may occur in scar tissue D ❏ general malaise is the presenting symptom E ❏ is associated with poor prognosis
May & Baker Nigeria has been declared winner of the Guardian Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company of the year 2017.
May & Baker corporate logo
Following the pronouncement by the management of The Guardian Newspaper, some partners of May & Baker have congratulated the organisation on the feat, describing it as a honour well deserved, while urging the management of May & Baker to continue to set the standard for pharmaceutical production.
The management and staff of Pharmanews Ltd, heartily felicitate with May & Baker Nigeria, on this great achievement.
A ❏ is reversible changes in the lens shape B ❏ indicates long-standing uncontrolled diabetes C ❏ presents with impaired drainage of the aqueous humour D ❏ is an example of corneal injury E ❏ is characterised by proteolytic enzymes affecting the lens
The professional rivalry in the Nigerian health sector is threatening to boil over as other unions in the sector have accused the ministry of showing blatant favouritism to medical doctors, and have passed a vote of no confidence on the minister, Isaac Adewole.
In a press statement on Monday, the Joint Health Sector Union and Assembly of Health Care Professionals, JOHESU/AHPA, demanded a restructuring of the ministry to accommodate allied health professionals in the political leadership of the sector.
The association comprises all health workers in the hospital aside medical doctors. They include pharmacists, laboratory technologists and nurses.
They accused Mr. Adewole, who is a professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, who is also a medical doctor, of unwillingness to address the grievances of other professionals in the Nigerian health system.
The unions asked the federal government to restructure appointments at the ministry to balance the interests of allied professionals.
According to JOHESU/AHPA, the plight of their members had been further worsened by the appointment of Amina Shamaki, who is also a medical doctor, as the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health.
Prof. Isaac Adewole
They said this means that the Minister, the Minister of State, Osagie Ehanire; and the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Health, as well as the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr. Ngige who is meant to be a mediator on workers plights; are all medical doctors and have been biased to members of their profession.
Olusegun Sotiloye, Chairman, University College Hospital, UCH, JOHESU chapter, who is also the Deputy President South, Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals, told PREMIUM TIMES that the union was forced to pass a vote of no confidence on the leadership of Prof. Adewole because he had shown himself to be the minister of Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, and not that of the entire health sector.
“As far as he (the minister) is concerned, it is only the medical practitioners that are in the Ministry of Health, so that is why we are passing a vote of no confidence on him,” he said.
“The last time we had a good Minister of Health was in the time of Eyitayo Lambo. Since Lambo, all the other ones are jokers. What is happening now in the health sector was what happened during the tenures of Prof. Chukwu Onyebuchi and Prof.Olikoye Ransome-Kuti.”
Prof. Lambo, who was Minister of Health under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, is a professor of Health Economics.
Decrying the alleged discrimination by the ministers, he said Prof. Adewole has refused to implement subsisting court judgements because they did not favour the interest of medical doctors.
“We want Adewole to see Ministry of Health as a ministry that has so many professionals practising and he should make it a level playing ground for all practitioners, treat every professional as a partner in the healthcare delivery system in the country.
“Eyitayo called a Health Summit and everybody came to the roundtable. He heard everybody and proffered solution and was implementing it, that is why there was no strike in the health sector during his tenure. Apart from having listening ears, he was fair to everybody. But subsequent ones have been doing the opposite”, Mr. Sotiloye alleged.
“That is why we are advocating that if one of the minister is from NMA, the other should be from the allied health professionals so there will be balance. That is why we are saying the Ministry of Health should be overhauled, it needs restructuring the way we are clamouring for restructuring in the country.”
There is a long-standing bitter rivalry among doctors and other health workers in the Nigerian secondary and tertiary hospitals, which has often degenerated to more pains for patients.
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate the Universal Health Coverage Day 2017, United Nations has called on all countries to make quality healthcare available and accessible to all citizens, as health is considered as a human right.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) through a press release, noted that Universal Health Coverage Day, is commemorated each 12 December, and it is the anniversary of the first unanimous United Nations resolution calling for countries to provide affordable, quality healthcare to every person, everywhere.
UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE DAY 2017 FLYER
Demanding corresponding action from every country, the statement reads in part: “We have a long way to go until everyone—no matter who they are, where they live, or how much money they have—can get the quality healthcare they need and deserve”.
The WHO Director General, Dr Tedros, said, “I envision a world in which everyone can live healthy, productive lives, regardless of who they are or where they live”.
Among several activities planned to mark the UHC Day around the world, is the historic UHC Forum in Tokyo from 12-15 December to galvanize collective action toward #HealthforAll. The forum is hosted by the Government of Japan, World Bank, World Health Organization, UNICEF, UHC2030 and JICA
The commemoration of the UHD Day in Nigeria is themed: “Financing Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria”, holding at the Rock View Hotal, Wuse II, Abuja.
UHC is a means to promote the human right to health, and countries of all income levels are pursuing policy reforms to achieve it. More than 100 low- and middle-income countries, home to almost 3/4 of the world’s population, have taken steps to deliver UHC.
The emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS)—representing almost half the world’s population—are all taking steps toward UHC.
