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Cliantha Research acquires Inflamax Research

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Cliantha Research is proud to announce the acquisition of Inflamax Research. Inflamax has locations in Toronto, ON; Neptune, NJ and Newark, NJ. Cliantha Research will have the capabilities to perform Phase I, II, III and IV clinical research in North America. Inflamax’s world renowned expertise in inflammatory disease research and patented natural allergen Environmental Exposure Chambers (EEC) shall allow Cliantha to conduct Asthma, Allergy, Ophthalmology, Tobacco research plus specialized pulmonary/respiratory therapeutic studies.

The two New Jersey clinics were acquired by Hill Top Research (St. Petersburg, FL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Cliantha Research since 2011. With two clinical sites in the U.S., Hill Top Research can conduct HRIPT studies as per FDA guidance.

“Inflamax is the leader in research in inflammatory disease with a specialty in Environmental Exposure Chamber technologies. Now we can provide our sponsors with advanced clinical trial designs along with a strong, highly experienced scientific team in North America. This acquisition brings us closer to our goal of offering highly specialized trials to our sponsor.” says Mr. Vijay Patel, Executive Director, Cliantha Research.

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Dr. Piyush Patel, CEO of Inflamax Research, commented, “I am very excited about the future prospects of Inflamax Research and the Cliantha team working together. This merger brings together the best of our collective scientific research capabilities and expands our infrastructure and offerings to our clients. There are many synergies between Inflamax Research and Cliantha which will offer new and expanded opportunities to our clients.”

Both firms are committed to a smooth, well planned integration of services in North America and India. The synergy of the combined companies expands service offerings and will drive growth. The Inflamax Toronto Clinic and Chambers will continue to operate under the current leadership of Dr. Piyush Patel and Dr. Anne Marie Salapatek as Inflamax Research. The New Jersey Clinical units will be integrated with our US operation as Hill Top Research to offer world-class dermatology research studies such as HRIPT, Adhesion, Cumulative Irritation and PK studies.

About Inflamax Research

Dr. Piyush Patel is the founder of Inflamax Research and an internationally recognized allergy and asthma specialist. Inflamax is a full service CRO with a strong, highly experienced scientific team led by Dr. Anne Marie Salapatek that provides First-in-human, BA/BE, and Phase II, III, IV services. Inflamax maintains 100 beds in Toronto, ON and 100 beds in Neptune, NJ. Inflamax has expertise studying allergic rhino-conjunctivitis and asthma using both traditional field and controlled allergen challenge approaches. Inflamax utilizes direct allergen instillation models of Conjunctival Allergen Provocation Testing (CAPT), Nasal Allergen Challenge (NAC), Bronchial Allergen Challenge, as well as natural airborne allergen challenges via our validated EECs. Inflamax’s natural allergen Environmental Exposure Chambers (EEC) are state of the art facilities that tightly regulate temperature and humidity while simulating the level of allergen exposure patients would encounter in their everyday lives. By monitoring patients throughout the exposure, nasal, bronchial and ocular symptoms and signs may be evoked consistently and safely.

About Cliantha Research

Cliantha Research, is a global Contract Research Organization (CRO) providing integrated clinical offerings in Early Phase (Phase I/IIa), Late Phase (Phase II-IV), Bioequivalence (BA/BE), Clinical Endpoint Trials, Bioanalytical, Biosimilars, Dermatology, Biometrics and Personal Healthcare services. Our services have science at its foundation that is developed through regular and systematic training of the Cliantha Team. Cliantha offers Biosimilar, Biotech, Cosmetic, Generic, Personal Healthcare and Pharmaceutical companies a comprehensive range of clinical research and support services. Cliantha Research has acquired Hill Top Research, Karmic Lifesciences and Inflamax Research. The companies operate under their legacy brand name; however, we operate as one company – Cliantha. For more information please visit www.cliantha.in

 

Prince Adelusi-Adeluyi Extols PEFON’s Concept, Decorates Octogenarians with Lifetime Achievement Award

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Temitope Obayendo
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-As Osita Chidoka, others became Fellows

In recognition of their meritorious services to their father land, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, chairman, Board of Trustees, Professional Excellence Foundation of Nigeria (PEFON) has decorated three octogenarians and others with the Lifetime Achievement Award of PEFON.

L-R: Chief Badru Atanda Olaogun, Life Bencher and Oath Administrator; Elder Nathaniel C. Okoro; Engr. Shyngle I. J. Wigwe; and Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, chairman, Board of Trustees, Professional Excellence Foundation of Nigeria (PEFON) at the event

The awardees include: Prof. J.O Irukwu; Engr. Shyngle Imogbo J. Wigwe; Elder Nathaniel C. Okoro; and Chief (Dr) Emmanuel C. Iwuanyanwu. While Dr Solomon E. Arase, fomer Inspector-General of Police; Ostia Chidoka, former Aviation minister; Otunba Kehinde A.Shitta; Akinlolu A.Akinwunmi, group  CEO, Prima Garnet Africa; Layi Babatunde, SAN; Opeoluwa Seyi, SAN; and Mr Benedict U. Ujoatuonu, MD/CEO-Universal Insurance Plc, were all inducted as new Fellows of the association.

L-R: Founder, PEFON, Sir (Dr) Dipo Bailey; Prof. J.O Irukwu and Sir (Pharm) Ifeanyi Atueyi, managing director, Pharmanews Ltd at the event.

The investiture and induction ceremony of PEFON was held at the Hotel Victoria Palace (Smridu Nigeria Ltd), Victoria Island, Lagos, on Thursday, the 27th of April, 2017.

Congratulating the awardees, the BOT chairman extolled the motive behind the recognition, which he said was not for profit venture, but for the fact that the awardees have paid their dues during their service years in public sector.

He continued: “Out of the several groups in Nigeria, and NGOs, PEFON’s idea is the concept whose time has come for manifestation. The people invited for the lifetime award need no introduction as their profiles speak volumes about them. Most of them are in their eighties, but we have decided to honour them, because of the great roles they have played in their respective fields towards nation building”.

Earlier, the Founder, PEFON, Sir (Dr) Dipo Bailey, explained the idea behind the Foundation, describing it as a non-profit and a non-Governmental Foundation, established primarily to mitigate the dire shortage in the supply of professionally qualified and competent manpower for the various sectors of Nigerian economy.

The Foundation, was an offshoot of Bailey Professional Training and Development Center (BPTDC) was established in 1998.

Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi decorating the awardees with the badge of honour at the event.

The Foundation is superintended by a Board of Trustees comprising of Distinguished Professionals including Edet Amana, Mohammed Hayatudeen, Akinbayo Adenubi, Stella Okoli, and Sir (Pharm) Ifeanyi Atueyi. The Board is headed by Prince Julius Adelusi- Adeluyi.

PEFON’s major strength as a Foundation lies in its Board of Trustees, the Council and Distinguished fellows who are accomplished industrialists’, technocrats, qualified professionals in diverse areas, Present and Past Presidents of Professional Institutes and other core professionals who have excelled in private and public administration and who have distinguished themselves in various fields within and outside Nigeria.

The awardees expressed their immense gratitude for the award and promised to continue the good works, as God grants them life and sound health.

Sir (Pharm) Ifeanyi Atueyi, managing director, Pharmanews Ltd,  gave the closing remarks by appreciating all participants at the event, urging them to always endeavour to be loyal ambassadors of PEFON, as they join hands in making Nigeria a better place to live.

 

 

 

UNICEF reaches almost half of the world’s children with life-saving vaccines

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UNICEF procured 2.5 billion doses of vaccines to children in nearly 100 countries in 2016, reaching almost half of the world’s children under the age of five. The figures, released during World Immunization Week, make UNICEF the largest buyer of vaccines for children in the world.

Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan, the three remaining polio-endemic countries, each received more doses of vaccines than any other country, with almost 450 million doses of vaccines procured to children in Nigeria, 395 million in Pakistan and over 150 million in Afghanistan. UNICEF is the lead procurement agency for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

Access to immunization has led to a dramatic decrease in deaths of children under five from vaccine-preventable diseases, and has brought the world closer to eradicating polio. Between 2000 and 2015, under five deaths due to measles declined by 85 per cent and those due to neonatal tetanus by 83 per cent. A proportion of the 47 per cent reduction in pneumonia deaths and 57 per cent reduction in diarrhea deaths in this time is also attributed to vaccines.

Yet an estimated 19.4 million children around the world still miss out on full vaccinations every year. Around two thirds of all unvaccinated children live in conflict-affected countries. Weak health systems, poverty and social inequities also mean that 1 in 5 children under five is still not reached with life-saving vaccines.

“All children, no matter where they live or what their circumstances are, have the right to survive and thrive, safe from deadly diseases,” said Dr. Robin Nandy, Chief of Immunization at UNICEF. “Since 1990, immunization has been a major reason for the substantial drop in child mortality, but despite this progress, 1.5 million children still die from vaccine preventable diseases every year.”

Inequalities persist between rich and poor children. In countries where 80 per cent of the world’s under-five child deaths occur, over half of the poorest children are not fully vaccinated. Globally, the poorest children are nearly twice as likely to die before the age of five as the richest.

“In addition to children living in rural communities where access to services is limited, more and more children living in overcrowded cities and slum dwellings are also missing out on vital vaccinations,” said Nandy. “Overcrowding, poverty, poor hygiene and sanitation as well as inadequate nutrition and health care increase the risk of diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhea and measles in these communities; diseases that are easily preventable with vaccines.”

By 2030, an estimated 1 in 4 people will live in urban poor communities, mainly in Africa and Asia, meaning the focus and investment of immunization services must be tailored to the specific needs of these communities and children, UNICEF said.

World Immunization Week runs from 24 – 28 April 2017.

For more information visit: www.unicef.org/immunizationweek

New hepatitis data highlight need for urgent global response

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New WHO data reveals that an estimated 325 million people worldwide are living with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The WHO Global hepatitis report, 2017 indicates that the large majority of these people lack access to life-saving testing and treatment. As a result, millions of people are at risk of a slow progression to chronic liver disease, cancer, and death.

“Viral hepatitis is now recognized as a major public health challenge that requires an urgent response,” said Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General. “Vaccines and medicines to tackle hepatitis exist, and WHO is committed to helping ensure these tools reach all those who need them.”

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Increasing mortality, new infections

Viral hepatitis caused 1.34 million deaths in 2015, a number comparable to deaths caused by tuberculosis and HIV. But while mortality from tuberculosis and HIV has been declining, deaths from hepatitis are on the increase.

Approximately 1.75 million people were newly infected with HCV in 2015, bringing the global total of people living with hepatitis C to 71 million.

Although overall deaths from hepatitis are increasing, new infections of HBV are falling, thanks to increased coverage of HBV vaccination among children. Globally, 84% of children born in 2015 received the 3 recommended doses of hepatitis B vaccine. Between the pre-vaccine era (which, according to the year of introduction can range from the 1980s to the early 2000s) and 2015, the proportion of children under 5 years of age with new infections fell from 4.7% to 1.3%. However, an estimated 257 million people, mostly adults born before the introduction of the HBV vaccine, were living with chronic hepatitis B infection in 2015.

Epidemics in regions and “hotspots”

Hepatitis B levels vary widely across WHO regions with the WHO African Region and WHO Western Pacific Region sharing the greatest burden.

  • WHO Western Pacific Region: 6.2% of population (115 million people)
  • WHO African Region: 6.1% of population (60 million people)
  • WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region: 3.3% of population (21 million people)
  • WHO South-East Asia Region: 2% of population (39 million people)
  • WHO European Region: 1.6% of population (15 million people)
  • WHO Region of the Americas: 0.7% of population (7 million people)

Today, unsafe injections in health care settings and injecting drug use are considered to be the most common routes of HCV transmissions. HCV prevalence by WHO region is:

  • WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region: 2.3% of population (15 million people)
  • WHO European Region: 1.5% of population (14 million people)
  • WHO African Region: 1% of population (11 million people)
  • WHO Region of the Americas: 1% of population (7 million people)
  • WHO Western Pacific Region: 1% of population (14 million people)
  • WHO South-East Asia Region: 0.5% of population (10 million people)

Treatment access is low

There is currently no vaccine against HCV, and access to treatment for HBV and HCV is still low.

WHO's Global Health Sector Strategy on viral hepatitis aims to test 90% and treat 80% of people with HBV and HCV by 2030.

The report notes that just 9% of all HBV infections and 20% of all HCV infections were diagnosed in 2015. An even smaller fraction – 8% of those diagnosed with HBV infection (1.7 million people) were on treatment, and only 7% of those diagnosed with HCV infection (1.1 million people) had started curative treatment during that year.

HBV infection requires lifelong treatment, and WHO currently recommends the medicine tenofovir, already widely used in HIV treatment. Hepatitis C can be cured within a relatively short time using the highly effective direct-acting antivirals (DAAs).

“We are still at an early stage of the viral hepatitis response, but the way forward looks promising,” said Dr Gottfried Hirnschall, Director of WHO's Department of HIV and the Global Hepatitis Programme. “More countries are making hepatitis services available for people in need – a diagnostic test costs less than US$ 1 and the cure for hepatitis C can be below US$ 200. But the data clearly highlight the urgency with which we must address the remaining gaps in testing and treatment.”

Country progress

WHO's Global hepatitis report, 2017 demonstrates that despite challenges, some countries are taking successful steps to scale-up hepatitis services.

China achieved high coverage (96%) for the timely birth dose of HBV vaccines, and reached the hepatitis B control goal of less than 1% prevalence in children under the age of 5 in 2015. Mongolia improved uptake of hepatitis treatment by including HBV and HCV medicines in its National Health Insurance scheme, which covers 98% of its population. In Egypt, generic competition has reduced the price of a 3-month cure for hepatitis C, from US$ 900 in 2015, to less than US$ 200 in 2016. Today in Pakistan, the same course costs as little as US$ 100.

Improving access to hepatitis C cure received a boost at the end of March 2017, when WHO prequalified the generic active pharmaceutical ingredient of sofosbuvir. This step will enable more countries to produce affordable hepatitis medicines.

Baseline for elimination

WHO's Global hepatitis report, 2017 aims to provide a starting point for hepatitis elimination by indicating baseline statistics on HBV and HCV infections, including mortality, and coverage levels of key interventions. Hepatitis B and C – the 2 main types out of 5 different hepatitis infections – are responsible for 96% of overall hepatitis mortality.

 

Source: WHO

World Leaders Recommit to Ending Neglected Tropical Diseases, Citing Remarkable Progress Since 2012

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Governments and private donors pledge US$812 million around five-day summit in Geneva; World Health Organization releases data showing medicines to prevent NTDs reach nearly a billion people each year

GENEVA, Switzerland, April 19, 2017/ — This week, leaders from governments, pharmaceutical companies and charitable organizations convened at a five-day summit in Geneva to pledge new commitments to the collective efforts to control and eliminate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). The summit coincided with the launch of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Fourth Report on NTDs, showing transformational progress against these debilitating diseases, and a commitment by the United Kingdom to more than double its funding for NTDs.

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The meeting comes five years after the launch of the London Declaration on NTDs (http://APO.af/5jKHBH), a commitment by the public and private sectors to achieve the WHO goals for control, elimination and eradication of 10 NTDs. In that time, billions of treatments have been donated by pharmaceutical companies and delivered to impoverished communities in nearly 150 countries, reaching nearly a billion people in 2015.

NTDs are some of the oldest and most painful diseases, afflicting the world’s poorest communities. One in six people suffer from NTDs worldwide, including more than half a billion children. NTDs disable, debilitate and perpetuate cycles of poverty, keeping children out of school, parents out of work, and dampening hope of any chance of an economic future.

New Report Shows Dramatic Progress

A new report titled Integrating Neglected Tropical Diseases in Global Health and Development (http://APO.af/GaR2bN) by the WHO revealed that more people are being reached with needed NTD interventions than ever before. In 2015, nearly a billion people received treatments donated by pharmaceutical companies for at least one NTD, representing a 36 percent increase since 2011, the year before the launch of the London Declaration. As more districts, countries and regions eliminate NTDs, the number of people requiring treatments has decreased from 2 billion in 2010 to 1.6 billion in 2015.

“WHO has observed record-breaking progress towards bringing ancient scourges like sleeping sickness and elephantiasis to their knees,” says WHO Director-General, Dr. Margaret Chan. “Over the past 10 years, millions of people have been rescued from disability and poverty, thanks to one of the most effective global partnerships in modern public health.”

The report detailed progress against each disease, citing countries and regions that are reaching control and elimination goals for specific NTDs. Highlights include:

  • Lymphatic filariasis (LF) racing toward finish line: In the last year, eight countries (Cambodia, Cook Islands, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Niue, Sri Lanka, Togo and Vanuatu) eliminated LF, and 10 other countries are waiting on surveillance results to verify elimination. Thanks to strong programs, the number of people globally requiring preventative treatment has dropped from 1.4 billion in 2011 to fewer than 950 million in 2015.
  • Fewest-ever cases of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT, or sleeping sickness): In 2015, there were fewer reported cases of sleeping sickness than any other year in history, with fewer than 3,000 cases worldwide – an 89 percent reduction since 2000. Innovative vector control and diagnostic technologies, supported by increasing numbers of product development partnerships, are revolutionizing sleeping sickness diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
  • Eighty-two percent decrease in visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases in India, Nepal and Bangladesh: Since 2008, cases of VL across India, Nepal and Bangladesh have decreased by 82 percent due to improvements in vector control, social mobilization of village volunteers, collaboration with other NTD programs and drug donations from industry partners.
  • Guinea worm disease nearing eradication: Cases of Guinea worm disease have reduced from an estimated 3.5 million in 1986 to just 25 human cases in 2016 in just three countries – Chad, Ethiopia and South Sudan.

Global Donors Pledge Additional Support

Governments and other donors announced new commitments at the summit to expand the reach and impact of NTD programs around the world. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation committed $335 million in grants over the next four years to support a diverse group of NTD programs focused on drug development and delivery, disease surveillance and vector control. The commitment includes $42 million to support The Carter Center’s guinea worm eradication initiative, as well as dedicated funding to accelerate the elimination of African sleeping sickness.

“NTDs are some of the most painful, debilitating and stigmatizing diseases that affect the world’s poorest communities. That’s why we helped launch the London Declaration, a historic milestone that led to significant progress in treating and reducing the spread of NTDs and demonstrated the impact that the public sector, the private sector, communities and NGOs can have by working together,” said Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

“Thanks to this partnership, these neglected diseases are now getting the attention they deserve so fewer people have to suffer from these treatable conditions. There have been many successes in the past five years, but the job is not done yet. We have set ambitious targets for 2020 that require the continued commitment of pharmaceutical companies, donor and recipient governments, and frontline health workers to ensure drugs are available and delivered to the hardest to reach people.”

The Belgian government also pledged an additional $27 million, spread equally over the next nine years, toward the elimination of sleeping sickness in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This amount will be matched for the next three years by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, establishing a platform for increased collaboration between Belgium, the DRC and the broader NTD partnership.

As part of its commitment to eliminating HAT, Vestergaard pledged to donate 20 percent of its insecticide-treated “tiny targets” used to control the tsetse flies that carry the disease, scaling over the next three years towards 100 percent as elimination nears.

These commitments build on the UK Government’s announcement earlier this week, in which it pledged almost $450 million over 5 years to support NTD control and elimination efforts around the world.

Industry Contributions Expand Scale and Reach of NTD Program

Progress against NTDs has been enabled by the large-scale donation of medicines by 10 pharmaceutical companies. In the five years since the London Declaration, companies have donated over 7 billion treatments that, with the support of partners, now reach nearly 1 billion people every year. These donations, worth an estimated $19 billion from 2012 through 2020, greatly multiply the impact of donor investments; USAID estimates that each dollar invested in delivery leverages $26 worth of donated drugs.

In a statement (http://APO.af/55buit) released today, industry leaders reaffirmed their 2012 pledge to do their part to beat these diseases, and encouraged other sectors to maintain their commitments as well.

“The London Declaration is a powerful example of the impact of successful partnerships,” said Haruo Naito, CEO of Eisai and an original signatory of the London Declaration. “By leveraging our resources and focusing on a common goal, we are already making unprecedented progress towards eliminating these horrific diseases. The work we are doing today is a long-term investment into a healthier and more prosperous future.”

In addition to donations, pharmaceutical companies are working together and with research institutes to discover and develop new tools to prevent, diagnose and treat NTDs. A report (http://APO.af/YkMskp) released today by the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations collected the full scope of industry investment in NTD R&D, including:

  • Sanofi and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) are developing a new oral drug candidate for HAT, fexinidazole, which would replace the current mixed oral-intravenous drug regimen. Fexinidazole could represent a therapeutic breakthrough which will support sustainable elimination efforts as per the WHO roadmap for 2020. The drug is expected to be submitted for regulatory approval later in 2017.
  • Several companies are working to develop pediatric formulations of existing NTD medicines, including Bayer (nifurtimox, for Chagas disease), Merck KGaA (praziquantel, for schistosomiasis), and Elea/Mundo Sano (who are working with DNDi to develop a second pediatric source of benznidazole, for Chagas disease), while Johnson & Johnson (mebendazole, for soil-transmitted helminths) developed a new chewable form of mebendazole, recently approved by the FDA, for children too young to swallow.
  • AbbVie, Bayer, Eisai, Johnson & Johnson and Merck KGaA are part of the Macrofilaricide Drug Accelerator Program, an initiative aimed at identifying and generating new drug compounds that can kill the adult worms that cause onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis.
  • Bayer is working with DNDi to develop emodepside, an oral treatment for lymphatic filariasis and river blindness
  • Eisai is working with DNDi to develop ravuconazole, a new oral drug currently in clinical trials for Chagas disease, and is partnering with DNDi to develop ravuconazole in a new disease area, mycetoma.
  • GlaxoSmithKline and DNDi have agreed to jointly pursue the pre-clinical development of the two novel candidates for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis; the candidates were developed by a collaboration between GSK and the University of Dundee’s Drug Discovery Unit, and the work was funded by Wellcome. The agreement for pre-clinical development will be conditional on signing an additional agreement.
  • In 2015, Eisai, Shionogi, Takeda, AstraZeneca and DNDi launched the NTD Drug Discovery Booster (http://APO.af/bbHZQG), a multi-company effort to accelerate the discovery of new drugs for leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. In 2016 they were joined by Celgene Global Health. Merck KGaA announced today that it will join the consortium.
  • Many companies – including AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Bayer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Chemo, Daiichi Sankyo, Eisai, Elea, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Merck KGaA, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Shionogi, and Takeda – have given DNDi and other non-profits access to their compound libraries and/or contribute scientific and technical expertise to DNDi and conduct pre-clinical and clinical studies to facilitate the development of new drugs to combat various NTDs.
  • Gilead is collaborating with the US Department of Defense, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Institutes of Health as well as multiple academic institutions to discover and develop novel antivirals for highly pathogenic infections and neglected/emerging viral diseases, including dengue fever. GS-5734, Gilead’s most advanced investigational agent, is currently being studied in Ebola survivors.

Companies are also working with partners to solve supply chain problems, develop program strategies and build in-country capacity to ensure that drugs, tools and other interventions reach those who need them most.

Addressing the Challenges Ahead

Though tremendous progress has been made in reducing the burden of NTDs, global control and elimination targets cannot be met without increased financial support, stronger political commitment and better tools to prevent, diagnose and treat the diseases. This week, partners from private philanthropy, affected country governments and cross-sector partnerships recommitted to leveraging their respective resources and expertise to fill critical gaps.

Financial Resources

Although nearly a billion people received NTD treatments in 2015, more funding is needed to ensure that NTD programs reach all people and communities affected by the diseases. WHO estimates that 340 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa could be covered by new investments of $150 million per year through the year 2020.

In addition to government commitments, private philanthropy is helping to address these gaps by supporting drug delivery and surveillance programs, as well as research and development into new medicines, diagnostics and other health tools. The END Fund (www.END.org), founded shortly after the London Declaration, has raised over $75 million to target the five most common NTDs, helping to treat over 145 million people around the world.

Political Commitment

Strong leadership from affected countries is vital to sustaining progress against NTDs, particularly in the face of shifting economic climates and competing health priorities. Despite these challenges, some countries are increasing financing for NTD programs and integrating them into national health systems. Among other countries, Ethiopia has made significant strides in fighting trachoma by including progress against the disease as a target in its national health plan, providing significant domestic funding, participating in the Global Trachoma Mapping Project and training surgeons to conduct eye-lid surgeries to correct the effects of trachoma.

“Ethiopia is fully committed to realizing ambitious, yet achievable, elimination targets for trachoma and other NTDs with proactive program coordination,” said H.E Professor Yifru Berhan Mitke, Ethiopian Minister of Health. “An increased direct program financial contribution by the government to NTDs, as high as 3 million USD by 2016, is a big step forward in alleviating the burden and stigma of these diseases.”

New Tools and Innovations

To meet control and elimination targets, more research and development is needed to provide NTD programs with improved tools to prevent, detect and treat the diseases. Promising new therapies are in the pipeline: A new three-drug regimen for LF known as triple therapy has the potential to dramatically accelerate the pace of elimination in affected countries, and is currently in large-scale safety trials in India.

R&D organizations such as PATH and partnerships like DNDi and the Global Health Innovative Technology Fund have catalyzed the development of better and more cost-effective tools. These innovations, which include new drugs and rapid diagnostic tests for sleeping sickness and river blindness, are especially critical in the low-resource settings most burdened by NTDs. Several new vector control tools are under development and being piloted to address the growing problem of diseases transmitted by Aedes mosquitos.

The Global Partners Meeting on Neglected Tropical Diseases (http://APO.af/oloCnt) will be hosted by the World Health Organization on 19 April 2017. From 20-22 April, Uniting to Combat NTDs and the global NTD community will host the NTD Summit (http://APO.af/mEY60y), which will feature technical discussions on the best strategies to reach the NTD control and elimination goals.

SOURCE
Uniting to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases

PharmAccess Foundation partners with Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards

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Admin
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PharmAccess Foundation Nigeria, a leading and diversified non-government organization dedicated to improving access to better healthcare in Africa is partnering with Nigeria Healthcare Excellence Award (NHEA 2017). In this new arrangement, one of the award category has been named after them – PharmAccess Innovative Healthcare Service Provider of the Year.

Speaking on the partnership, Dr. Shola Alabi, NHEA Project Coordinator says, “We were very excited to welcome PharmAccess on board again this year after the support we received from them in NHEA 2016. Their commitment and steadfastness to improve healthcare in Nigeria cannot be over emphasized”.

Alabi also reiterated the fact that nominations for the 4th edition of the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards (NHEA 2017) is still on-going. He called on stakeholders in the health sector to visit www.nigeriahealthawards.com.ng to either make their nominations online or download the nomination form.

Mrs. Njide Ndili, PharmAccess Nigeria Country Director, spoke about their motivation for supporting the award. “This is our second year of partnership with NHEA to recognise excellence in healthcare quality. At PharmAccess Foundation, our objective is to facilitate innovation to improve access, efficiency in service delivery with continuous and sustained improvement in healthcare especially for the low-income communities in Africa and Nigeria in particular. NHEA presents one of those credible platforms to recognize and reward these objectives.”

Winners of the various categories will be honoured on Friday, June 23, 2017 at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos. Nominations will close on May 26, 2017 before the commencement of online voting to enable the award jury select the winners of the various categories.

About 23 awards and recognitions will be presented at the ceremony. It is made up of three main categories;Special Awards, Healthcare Delivery Services and Biomedical Technology.

PharmAccess Foundation mobilizes public and private sector resources for the benefit of healthcare providers and patients through clinical standards and quality improvements, loans for healthcare providers, health insurance, mhealth innovations and operational research.

NHEA is organised by Global Health Project and Resources (GHPR) in collaboration with Anadach Group, USA.

Accolades for Bukky George as HealthPlus Pharmacy clocks 18

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Encomiums have continued to pour in as HealthPlus Group, arguably Nigeria's first and fastest growing integrative pharmaceutical outfit, celebrates its 18th anniversary.

Since 2014, the retail chain has been voted ‘Best Pharmaceutical Retail Outlet’ in West Africa for three consecutive years by the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Award (NHEA).

Leading the pack of well-wishers, Pharm. Femi Soremekun, managing director, Biofem Pharma remarked that there is not much one can really say about Pharm. Bukky Fajemirokun George, the brain behind HealthPlus success story because she has developed the audacity to risk expanding the scope of pharmacy.

Pharm. Bukky George (centre) flanked by staff of HealthPlus Pharmacy

“To go into an area that people who really don’t have a big heart cannot get into is commendable. I respect her courage and determination. There are not many out there who can take up such risk that can further tell us about how the retail segment of the industry can be shaped.

“Interestingly, there are those who are shaping the industry. They are people I know and I am very fond of. For Bukky George celebrating 18 years, I wish her the very best and hope she does not rest on her oars,” she said.

 

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World Malaria Day 2017: Harnessing Local Medicinal Plants to Reduce Burden

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Temitope Obayendo
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World Malaria Day (WMD) is an international observance commemorated every year on 25 April and recognizes global efforts to control malaria . Established on May 2007 by the 60th session of the  World Health Assembly,      WHO's decision-making body, WMD has come to stay since then, with different programmes every year tailored towards reducing the burden of malaria.

For the observance of 2017 WMD with the theme:”End malaria for good”, the catch was the announcement of the WHO malaria vaccine RTS, S, with pilot programme to be conducted in three African countries- Ghana, Kenya and Malawi.

While the whole of African continent is still basking in the euphoria of this discovery, it is pertinent for all healthcare practitioners to look inwards, especially Nigerians to seek way forward to the development of medicinal plant for malaria control.

Several studies conducted at different parts of the country, have validated the use of different medicinal plants for the treatment and prevention of malaria, but more often than none, most of these findings have remained moribund, as they were not being implemented.

That Nigeria- known to be the most populated black African country, was not among the countries selected to partner with WHO on the new malaria vaccine poses two impressions-perhaps our scientists are not doing enough work on malaria or the WHO deliberately sidelined Nigeria.

In the wake of this development, Nigerian researchers are called to rise to their responsibility of harnessing the rich natural flora of the nation to upgrade the wellness status of the citizens. Already, some plants as used by the countryside people have been listed for their anti-malaria properties.

In the study titled:”Traditional Medicine Treatment of Malaria in Onitsha, South East Nigeria”, conducted by Ogbuehi I.H. and Ebong O.O.,  11 plant species were found to be in use for the treatment of malaria in the study area. Their botanical and local names respectively are as follows: Nauclea latifolia (Mburumuilu); Azadirachta indica (Dogonyaro); Cymbopogon citratus (Achara ehi); Morinda lucida (Ezeogu); Sida acuta (Udo); Alstonia boonei (Egbu) for fever; Ocimum gratissimum (Nchuanwu); Carica papaya (Poo-poo); Mangifera indica (Mangoro); Vernonia Amygdalina (Olugbu) and Psidium guajava (Gova).

The research, conducted at the Centre for Malaria Research and Phytomedicine, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, showed the plant parts used to be the leaves, roots and stem bark.

Again, according to the work of Tolu O Odugbemi et al, titled “Medicinal Plants Useful for Malaria Therapy in Okeigbo, Ondo State, Southwest Nigeria”, several plants were identified for the treatment of malaria in the area.

Some of them are: Sphenocentrum (Akerejupon) Rauvolfia vomitoria (Asofeyeje) Enantia chlorantia ( African yellow) Khaya grandifoliola (Iroko) Senna siamea (Senna) Senna podocarpa (Asunwonibile) Azadirachta indica (Neem) Mangifera indica (Mango Bark) Physalis angulata (Koropo) Carica papaya (Pawpaw) Tithonia diversifolia (Jogbo) and so on.

If these plants are tenaciously worked upon by our scientists in state-of –the- laboratories that meet worldwide standard, then combating malaria in Nigeria will be a workover.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

World Immunisation Week: Accelerating Global Access to Vaccines in Developing Countries

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Admin
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As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate the World Immunisation Week, which spans from 24-30 April, with the theme: “Vaccines Work”, Pfizer has expressed her dedication to increasing access to immunisations in countries that carry the greatest proportion of the global burden of pneumococcal disease, which can help prevent diseases and save lives.

In support of this commitment, and to help address the practical constraints experienced by health workers operating in many Gavi countries, Pfizer developed Prevenar 13® in the Multi-Dose Vial-MDV presentation (4 doses per vial). This new presentation will help to significantly reduce storage requirements and shipping costs in communities with health systems that are still developing. In April 2016, the MDV presentation received a positive opinion from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Subsequently, the MDV was pre-qualified by the WHO in July 2016.

In January 2017, Pfizer launched the new multi-dose vial- MDV which was prequalified in accordance with WHO’s ‘open container policy.’ With its ‘open container’ attributes, it allows for the fourth dose to be used for up to 28 days after the first dose in drawn and providing the recommended cold storage requirements have been met.

To ensure the efficient use of the multi-dose vial, Pfizer is supporting Gavi countries with a refresher training of trainers program on a variety of immunisation topics including the proper handling of multi-dose vials with open container policy. Pfizer partnered  AMP Services, an organisation dedicated to providing the tools to promote preventive medicine and public health worldwide, to execute the training of trainers sessions in 16 countries in 2017.

During the first four months of launch, fifteen countries have received the new MDV and nine of these have completed the training of trainers programs. These training sessions were well received by the national and regional trainers.

“We developed training materials that are easy to use for health workers and allow for interactive learning process at all levels”, said Georgiana Golodnius, Training Project Manager of AMP Services. In the countries where we have implemented training of the trainers, 97.3% of the participants think the developed training tools are useful and relevant.”

“Indeed we learnt a lot from the training and I feel the knowledge gained will be used to train other health workers in the country” Mr Mwagomba, Malawi.

Pfizer is committed to constant innovation and development to ensure that the challenges facing many throughout the world- geographical, economical and operational- can and will be met

 

 

Pfizer Inc.: Working together for a healthier world®

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products. Our global portfolio includes medicines and vaccines as well as many of the world's best-known consumer healthcare products. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable healthcare around the world. For more than 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely on us.

 

World Meningitis Day: Eliminating Diseases Through Vaccination

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Admin
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Vaccines have significantly reduced the threat of diseases that were once widespread and sometimes fatal. Today, more people benefit from safe and efficacious vaccines than ever before – and the list of diseases that vaccines can help prevent continues to grow.

As we mark World Immunisation Week/World Meningitis Day, let’s be aware of the critical importance of immunisation, bearing in mind that vaccination is a key strategy to containing Meningococcal meningitis, ensuring continued protection for the current and future generation while taking into consideration the current outbreak of Meningitis in the region.

 

Meningitis disease is an infection of the meninges, the membrane covering the brain. Bacterial meningitis is very serious because its onset is rapid and the infection is associated with a significant risk of death; it may also result in mental retardation, deafness, epilepsy, etc.  It can be treated with appropriate antibiotics that also prevents spread Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial form of meningitis, a serious infection of the meninges that affects the brain membrane. It can cause severe brain damage and is fatal in 50% of cases if untreated1.

Several different bacteria can cause meningitis. Neisseria meningitis is the one with the potential to cause large epidemics. There are 12 serogroups of N. meningitis that have been identified, 6 of which (A, B, C, W, X and Y) can cause epidemics. Geographic distribution and epidemic potential differ2

“Immunisation is widely recognised as one of the most successful and cost-effective health interventions.  Pfizer’s goal is to protect lives with innovative vaccines to fight serious diseases worldwide and make vaccination against potentially deadly diseases available” said Medical Director Pfizer, Kodjo Soroh.

Meningococcal bacteria are transmitted from person-to-person through droplets from the nose and throat of carriers. Close and prolonged contact with a carrier of meningitis facilitates the spread of the disease.

“We encourage individuals, families and communities to learn the signs and symptoms of meningitis, the importance of urgent treatment of the disease, and that prevention is available through vaccination against some forms of meningitis” – Director Corporate Affairs Pfizer, Margaret Olele.

Pfizer will continue to deliver on its commitments to colleagues and customers, protecting lives with innovative vaccines to fight serious diseases worldwide.  We are leveraging leading technology in vaccine design and conjugation in an effort to provide preventative solutions to these complex, difficult-to-treat bacterial pathogens.

 

Pfizer Inc.: Working together for a healthier world®

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products. Our global portfolio includes medicines and vaccines as well as many of the world's best-known consumer healthcare products. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable healthcare around the world. For more than 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely on us.

 

Press release

 

Reference

  1. http://www.who.int/csr/disease/meningococcal/en/
  2. http://www.who.int/csr/disease/meningococcal/en/

 

 

 

 

Meningitis Death Toll Rises: Kills 745, affects 8,057

By
Temitope Obayendo
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0

As the government is searching for a lasting cure to the dreaded disaster of  Cerebro Spinal Meningitis,  available reports have shown that the epidemic has  claimed 745 lives, with 8,057 cases suspected  across the country, the  Nigeria Centre for Disease Control said.

Implications from the  recent update revealed that there were more than 300 additional deaths in the last two weeks, which was a very bad signal  for the country.

Of the 8,057 cases, 7,519 have occurred in the five states that have reached outbreak levels for Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) serotype C–Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kebbi and Niger, according to NCDC.

Enhanced surveillance in several states in partnership with NCDC and partners has helped find and report more cases.

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) coordinated mass vaccination for 2-29-year-olds in Katsina and Zamfara, where the outbreak started.

Similar vaccination was planned for Sokoto, while distribution of medicines continued.

The incident manager, Dr John Oladejo, who heads the centre, said, “We are grateful to all Rapid Response Team members, including government agency and partner staff, who have remained at their different field posts, through the Easter period working on this outbreak response and control.”

According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) NCDC, Dr.Chikwe Ihekweazu, the outbreak currently affects five states Zamfara, Sokoto,Katsina,Kebbi, and Niger.

He said the four key responses and control they have applied in affected areas are raising awareness of the epidemic in communities; implementing enhanced surveliance to quickly detect and report new cases ; vaccinating populations at the highest risk and treating persons diagnosed with the disease.

 

Pharmacy Curriculum Should Be Adapted To Current Realities – PANS-UI President

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Chiamaka Gift Ogueri is the president of the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria Students (PANS), University of Ibadan (UI). Her emergence as the association’s head is a remarkable feat, being the first female to attain such position. In this exclusive interview with Pharmanews, Ogueri recounts her experiences before and after her election, as well as her administration’s plans for pharmacy students. Excerpts:

What prompted your uncommon decision to contest for PANS presidency?

My decision was triggered by my desire to make impact and show that a female can also lead the association rightly. Being the first to break the jinx, I contested for the presidential role because of some changes I anticipated, such as balancing projects with the social aspect.

 

How did your colleagues take the news of having a female student as their new leader?

It wasn’t really a big surprise to them as they all saw it coming. Although, some of them were happy, while some were indifferent, but at the end of the election, they all came together in the interest of PANS-UI, which supersedes any love they may have for the election candidates.

 

Have you been getting the needed cooperation from students, especially the male ones?

Yes. As I said earlier, the bitterness and rivalry that came with the election period is gone, and we are now back together as one family. Both the female and the male students have been supportive to me and to the administration.

 

Tell us about the activities and achievements of the association since you took over.

PANS-UI has been very active and lively since I took over as president. Our activities and programmes have been impacting both the students and the society. Our projects so far since my assumption of office include: community health awareness at Ojoo Market, Ibadan; visit to the less-privileged home in Ibadan; a symposium, which was graced by icons in the pharmacy profession; inter-pharmacy school debate for schools in the south-west, among others.

 

How have you been coping with the challenge of running the association and studying at the same time?

One major challenge has been the issue of getting funds for our activities – PANS Week, for instance.  It has not been easy raising funds, bearing in mind that studying Pharmacy could be quite stressful, especially towards the end of the programme.

However, one major strategy that I have personally employed in surmounting this challenge has been to appropriately manage my time.

 

The educational sector has, for years, had to contend with many problems, one of which is university workers going on strike to protest at various times. Are there measures that can be taken to solve this challenge?

The educational system, as a whole, is faced with so many challenges that provide a conducive environment for strike actions to take place. If government can endeavour to put necessary infrastructures in place in our universities and also ensure that the members of staff, (both teaching and non-teaching) are well remunerated, strike actions would definitely become a thing of the past in our universities.

 

What would you say are the challenges facing pharmacy education, in particular, and how can they be surmounted?

There are several challenges facing pharmacy education, one of which is inadequate facilities and infrastructure for learning. Pharmacy is a practicals-oriented course, and to really appreciate what we are being taught in the classroom, we need the right equipment, reagents, to carry out our practicals.

Also, the issue of our curriculum needs to be looked into. There is what is called “functional-based learning”, that is, learning or training that is necessitated by the needs of the society. I believe our current curriculum needs to be pruned to meet the needs of 21st century pharmacy practice.

There is also the issue of the Pharm.D programme, which I think should be the standard in this present time as it is done in advanced countries.

 

What is your view on student unionism? 

Student union leaders should project themselves as a body that ought to be respected. It is very saddening that unionism as a concept in Nigeria is associated with violence and protest. It is not a right approach to use a destructive means to achieve constructive ends.

The 3rd edition of Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi National Quiz/Debate Competition was held in OAU, Ile-Ife, recently. What do you think of it?

It was an iconic event and since our first participation, we have always looked forward to the next edition. However, our emergence as the champion of this year’s edition is something that excited us all and this has reinforced our belief that when it comes to pharmacy education in Nigeria and beyond, UI Pharmacy School is a force to reckon with.

How You Write Is Who You Are

By
Macjob Oladipupo
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The time is always right to do what is right”. This is one of several revolutionary statements made by late Martin Luther King Jnr during his lifetime. If there was anything people knew about his personality, it was the unusual zeal or ‘incorrigible’ enthusiasm he demonstrated in representing the voice of the black race, crying for liberation from all kinds of oppression from the whites at the time. If only his antagonists saw in his handwriting traits revealing that he was not only prepared to resist and insist but was also ready to persist that they desist from their dehumanising behaviours towards the blacks!


You may be wondering, are there really certain character or personality traits about a person that can be seen directly from his or her handwriting?”  Yes, there are. As I have mentioned in some past editions, if handwriting had nothing to do with the personality, then everyone would write like everyone else. The basis for which handwriting analysis serves as a tool in personality assessment for recruitment purposes among, so many other uses, is because no two handwritings are exactly the same, just the way the DNA and the thumbprints are unique to individuals.

Also, because handwriting is an expression of the energy distribution in people, a trained handwriting analyst or graphologist can gain some insight into how this energy is distributed and the resultant effects on all kinds of relationships the said person would be involved in.

From research, it has been found that, globally, employers desire certain personality traits in prospective employees, which they believe would add value to their businesses. These traits have been narrowed down to about 15 key personality traits which include:

  • Integrity
  • Perseverance/persistence
  • Consciousness
  • Intelligence
  • Ability to adapt
  • Organisational Skills
  • Confidence and good self-image
  • Energy,drive and determination
  • People orientation
  • Ability to manage pressure.
  • Reliability
  • Enthusiasm
  • Fluidity of thought (Intelligence)
  • Communication skills
  • Willpower

 

Some of these traits sought desperately by employers unfortunately cannot be revealed just by conducting an aptitude test on the candidates. Neither can most of the personality testing methods or devices reveal them. For example, determination and willpower are traits that cannot be infused into employees. So, if you are fortunate to employ a staff with these traits, do all to ensure he or she is not frustrated out of the system.

This is one major edge handwriting analysis has over psychometric tests and other personality testing methods. It has the ‘ability’ to unlock certain personality traits as these.

 

Practical application

Many pharmaceutical companies employ medical representatives, based on their performance in aptitude tests alone. Some do not even require any kind of assessment. Should we therefore lament when they leave the system after just a few weeks or months, not minding all that has been invested on training them and paying them salaries?

Some pharmacists are not naturally wired as salespersons, but we still go ahead to employ them as medical or sales representatives because they had the best scores in the aptitude test. What about the attitude test? How do you plan to gain insight into that? This remains the question.

You may be able to give knowledge and create avenues to brush up the skills of an employee but you can’t give attitude to him or her. The good news is that it’s easy to gain insight into the ‘face behind the mask’ if you know what to look out for in the handwriting. The way to get it right is by looking at how they write.

Let’s examine two attitudinal traits as evident in the handwriting sample of the late Martin Luther King Jnr. They include persistence and enthusias

One of the most important alphabets in graphology or handwriting analysis is the lower case letter ‘t’. Several researches have been conducted with validations that this letter can reveal certain traits such as anger, enthusiasm, willpower, confidence, self-image, sensitivity to criticism, procrastination, etc., just to mention a few.

The images above show how most people across the world write their letter ‘t’, all of which have their respective meanings. Of course, there could be variations here and there and few embellishments but fundamentally, you should be able to identify your ‘t’ in the pictures above.

One of the ways, out of several, by which you can know a person who has an enthusiastic outlook to life is to check how long his letter ‘t’ cross bar is on the stem. The longer the ‘t’ bar, the more enthusiasm the person has. Those with very small ‘t’ bars are likely to get tired or bored about a particular project somewhere along the line.

This knowledge should inform the kind of assignments you delegate to your subordinates as a manager of people. The long ‘t’-bar individual would likely go the extra mile unlike the short ‘t’-bar. You can see the length of the ‘t’-bar in the handwriting sample of  Martin Luther King Jnr below (no wonder he never relented).

 

 

 

 

Therefore, anytime one of your medical or sales representatives is not meeting up with his or her target, find out what is wrong in the letter ‘t’ just before he or she joins others in another tea party.

 

Test of persistence

Persistence is another strong trait that is very useful especially when recruiting salespersons. Any sound human resource manager should know by now that a typed curriculum vitae, would not reveal anything about the personality of the prospective employee. Anybody can type a good curriculum vitae but the challenge is defending the contents therein.

A simple way, among others, of knowing a person that is persistent is by looking out for the covering loops in the small case letter ‘y’, as you have in the word ‘dignity’. The only challenge with a persistent person is that they may become bothersome for the client or customer. This may have a good or bad effect; but most times, it gets the job done.

Your responsibility as a manager of someone with this trait is to bring this to his or her attention and encourage such to observe the body language of the customer, reading between the lines to know when the music is about changing or has changed. Simply put, if you sense that the customer feels choked with your persistence, step back a little bit and give him or her some breathing space.

Some medical representatives who couldn’t manage this trait properly became sincerely wrong and lost major local purchase orders which could have gone to their companies. Wisdom is profitable to direct.

Watch out for more in our subsequent editions and always remember that you can get it right by paying attention to how you write.

08185346336

@dipomacjob diptoy20m@yahoo.com

 

Dr Ebigwei-Ibru is our Personality For April

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Admin
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Pharm. (Dr) Margaret Ebigwei-Ibru is the founder, ST&T Regency International Schools, an institute that educates children from three months to 18 years.

She attended the Federal School of Science, Onikan, Lagos, for her secondary school education, after which she proceeded to the University of Ife, where she obtained her Pharmacy degree.

Thereafter, she travelled to France for further studies in Pharmacy. She also seized the opportunity to learn French. In realisation of her goals, she bagged a Masters degree in Pharmacology and also passed, with honours, in French, having learnt the language from scratch to fluency in few months.

Armed with her newly acquired knowledge, Ebigwei-Ibru attended Universite De  La Sorbonne Paris, Universite Rene Descartes  De Paris, Universite De Paris-SUD Centre, and D’ Etudes Phermaceutiqus  De Chatenay Malaby, France.

Indeed, within the space of seven years, Margaret had acquired B.Sc Pharmacy (Hons), a Diploma in French Language, M.Sc  Pharmadynamics & Biological Assay of Drugs and Medicaments, M.Sc in Dermo-Pharmacy,  M. Phil. Pharmacodynamics and a Doctorate degree in Pharmacokinetic (Cerebral Ischemia).

An entrepreneur par excellence, she was a former non-executive director of Nigeria Bank of Commerce and Industry. She is a member of the board of trustees of the prestigious Association of Private Educators of Nigeria. She is the originator of both Issyma Pharmacy and the Issyma Children Foundation, which has educated hundreds of children and young people on scholarship, which she personally sponsors.

‘Maggie’, as she is fondly called, has a sustained caring spirit for children, which was one of the propelling factors that led to the establishment of ST&T Regency International Schools, which started as a nursery home. It was later expanded to an elementary school, and eventually became an international college.

A formidable motivational speaker on relationship and women powerment, Ebigwei-Ibru has delivered several lectures across Nigeria and around the world. An educational philanthropist, she has given scholarships to several less privileged children and also supported orphans in convents.

She is blessed with three children and one grandson

Women In Leadership

By
Lere Baale
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LEADERSHIP INSPIRATIONS FOR EXCELLENCE (LIFE) SERIES

Leadership is about capacity – the capacity of leaders to listen and observe, to use their expertise as a starting point to encourage dialogue between all levels of decision-making, to establish processes and transparency in decision-making, to articulate their own values and visions clearly but not impose them. Leadership is about setting and not just reacting to agendas, identifying problems, and initiating change that makes for substantial improvement rather than managing change.” – Dr Ann Marie E. McSwain, Associate Professor, Lincoln University

I have read everything I could lay my hands on women as leaders. I understand the controversies that the studies on women leadership may have generated and will continue to generate. It is time for our society to face reality and start to deliberately develop our women to assume greater leadership roles. Women should play key roles in leadership, rather than be confined to the kitchen and treated as baby factories.

In a recent study, it is very interesting that women score higher in 15 of the 16 competencies studied, in comparing women to men leaders. Why are we not engaging and fully employing these exemplary women leaders, especially when these leadership skills are strongly correlated to organisational success factors such as retaining talent, customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and profitability? This is food for thought for our society at this time where we have seen multiple failures of male-dominated leadership at almost every level from small community level to national and international levels.

Our society has very good leaders, irrespective of gender; but our selection process makes it harder for women to rise because of male chauvinism and, in some cases, mental superiority complex.

 

Indices

We have all heard the claims, the theories, and the speculation about the ways leadership styles vary between women and men. Recent survey data puts some hard numbers into the mix. Data coming from 360 evaluations tracked the judgement of a leader’s peers, bosses, and direct reports. These individuals were asked to rate each leader’s effectiveness overall and also to judge how strong he or she is on the 16 competencies that 30 years of research shows are most important to overall leadership effectiveness. For instance, how good a leader is at taking initiative, developing others, inspiring and motivating, and pursuing his or her own development.

A recent survey of 7,280 leaders confirms some seemingly eternal truths about men and women leaders in the workplace but also holds some surprises. Dataset was generated from leaders in some of the most successful and progressive organisations in the world, both public and private, government and commercial, domestic and international.

In the confirmation category is first finding: The majority of leaders (64 per cent) are still men. And the higher the level, the more men there are: In this group, 78 per cent of top managers were men, 67 per cent at the next level down (that is, senior executives reporting directly to the top managers), 60 per cent at the manager level below that.

Similarly, most stereotypes would have society believe that female leaders excel at “nurturing” competencies, such as developing others and building relationships, and many might put exhibiting integrity and engaging in self-development in that category as well. And in all four cases, data concurred — women did score higher than men.

But the women’s advantages were not at all confined to women’s traditional areas of strength. In fact at every level, more women were rated by their peers, their bosses, their direct reports, and their other associates as better overall leaders than their male counterparts — and the higher the level, the wider that gap grows.

Specifically, at all levels, women are rated higher in fully 12 of the 16 competencies that go into outstanding leadership. And two of the traits where women outscored men to the highest degree — taking initiative and driving for results — have long been thought of as particularly male strengths. As it happened, men outscored women significantly on only one management competence in this survey — the ability to develop a strategic perspective..

Inferences

So, what should we conclude from these data? Why are we not engaging and fully employing these exemplary women leaders? Yes, blatant discrimination is a potential explanation. If not actual, then certainly perceptual. When women were asked to suggest why they thought their colleagues had been rated so highly on taking initiative and self-development, their answers pointed to the still-tenuous position they feel themselves to be in the workplace:

“We need to work harder than men to prove ourselves.”

“We feel the constant pressure to never make a mistake, and to continually prove our value to the organisation.”

That is, anecdotally, at least, the women queried don’t feel their appointments are safe. They’re afraid to rest on their oars. Feeling the need (often keenly) to take initiative, they are more highly motivated to take feedback to heart.

The irony is that these are fundamental behaviours that drive the success of every leader, whether woman or man.

Why are women viewed as less strategic? This is an easier question to answer. Top leaders always score significantly higher in this competency; since more top leaders are men, men still score higher here in the aggregate. But when measuring only men and women in top management on strategic perspective, their relative scores are the same.

 

Insights

Top leadership roles everywhere is dominated by the men because of “superiority complex” which is worse than inferiority complex.  When will the numbers pick up some speed on the way to 50/50 share between the two genders? Given these studies’ results, I am optimistic it should happen any day from now.

Sometime ago, I read another article on “Do Women Make Better Bosses Than Men?”, a piece referencing yet another study. A male researcher examined the number of women in management positions, and then studied the leadership strategies and performance of those companies. Here’s the summary:

Women in management have a reputation for being demanding and difficult but a new study has found they’re actually better bosses than men. Women bosses were more democratic and easier to communicate with, allowing their employees to participate in decision-making and encouraging feedback on management policies.

Workplaces with a large number of female managers were far more democratic, using employee feedback in all decision-making. As a result, those workplaces made better, more informed decisions and reported higher levels of employee satisfaction because workers felt like they were contributing to the company and having their voices heard.

Women leadership growth is stalled even in advanced countries like USA. If you look at any sector – be it aerospace engineering, Hollywood films, higher education, or Fortune 500 leading positions, women leaders at a max out at roughly 16 per cent. That is a crime, and is a waste of incredible talent. In developing economies like ours, women account for less than 3 per cent of leaders of corporate organisations. Women have made incredible progress over a pretty short amount of time but it looks as though they have kept one foot on the gas, another has taken up residence on the brake.

The foot that’s on the brake looks suspiciously like this: the fact that the workplace is still built for the 1960s stereotype – the man who has a full-time wife at home. Despite the fact that most families no longer live like that anymore, by and large, the workplace hasn’t changed. In fact, one could argue that it’s got worse: thanks to the advent of things like cell-phones and email, women are supposed to be on call, even when they have finished their job for the day, scrambling to make it to the pharmacy before it closes, or running to meet the plumber, or even when going to the market or grocery store.

The logistical wizardry that’s required to manage both work and a life is daunting and the more intense a woman’s job, the more insane the juggling act.

So, back to the original question: when will things change? What would our company, our country, our world look like if there were as many women in charge as there are men? Really think about it. The world could be a better place really.

 

Igwilo:Celebrating A Distinguished Professor of Pharmacy

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Admin
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On 26 January, Professor Cecilia Ihuoma Igwilo bagged the “Distinguished Professor” award of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Prof. Cecilia Igwilo (Centre) being conferred with the award at the occasion

The prestigious award, one of UNILAG’s highest honours for tutors, was presented to Igwilo during the grand finale of UNILAG’s 2016 convocation ceremonies, held at the Jelili Omotola Hall (formerly Multipurpose Hall) of the University.

Prof. Igwilo was decorated with the award alongside three other recipients: Professor Babajide Alo, Prof. Olukayode Amund and Prof. Jim Unah.

L-R: Representative of General Overseer, Christian Pentecostal Mission (CPM), Pastor Robert Onuoha; Engr. Humphrey Igwilo, his wife, Prof. Cecilia Igwilo and Pastor Elias Uchechi during a reception held in honour of Prof. Igwilo

The “Distinguished Professor” honour is the latest feather to the cap of Igwilo, West Africa’s first female professor of pharmacy and one of the team of researchers who worked on the anti-sickling medicinal plant extract, Niprisan.

Igwilo, a professor of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology and former Dean, School of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, is a fellow of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm), the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (WAPCP).

The Distinguished Professor who chairs the Education Committee of NAPharm has over 60 publications in learned journals and books, and is a recipient of the officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

Prof. Igwilo, who has done several research works in areas that included drug delivery systems, pharmaceutical formulation, pharmaceutical manufacturing, toxicological and pharmacological studies is also the chairman, Education and Inter-professional Committees of the PSN.

 

 

 

 

Nationwide immunization campaign protects 5 million children against polio in war-torn Yemen

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Admin
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1

Support from the World Bank, WHO and UNICEF critical to reach every vulnerable child

In an effort to keep Yemen polio-free, nearly 5 million children under the age of five have been vaccinated in a nationwide campaign covering all governorates in the country. The campaign was supported by a partnership between the World Bank, UNICEF and WHO launched in February 2017.

Despite intensifying violence in Sa’ada governorate, more than 369,000 children between the ages of 6 months and 15 years were immunized against measles – a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease – and over 155,000 children under the age of 5 were vaccinated against polio.

Thousands of dedicated health workers, health educators, religious leaders and local council officials played a key role in mobilizing their communities to maximize the immunization campaign’s reach. Thanks to their support, high-risk groups, such as internally displaced persons and refugees, have also been vaccinated.

“WHO, UNICEF and the World Bank, are working closely with health authorities to keep Yemen polio-free and curb the spread of measles,” said Dr Nevio Zagaria, WHO Representative in Yemen. “This partnership provides continuous support to national health authorities to increase vaccination coverage for vulnerable children across Yemen.”

Before 2006, measles was one of the leading causes of death in children under 5 years old in Yemen. But several measles campaigns supported by WHO, UNICEF and the World Bank have succeeded in drastically reducing child deaths from the disease.

The two year-long conflict in Yemen has all but destroyed the country’s health system, including the national immunization programme to protect all children from preventable diseases. WHO and UNICEF have provided sustained support for the programme, along with other essential health services for children, including:
• Delivering fuel, generators and solar-powered refrigerators to keep vaccines at a constant cool temperature,
• Support for transferring vaccines from national and governorate cold rooms to local health facilities and vaccination teams.
“Every minute, the situation of Yemen’s children gets worse. It is unacceptable that children in Yemen are dying of preventable diseases. This is why, together with partners, we are sparing no effort to save more lives,” said Ms. Meritxell Relaño, UNICEF Representative in Yemen.

“The World Bank is committed to investing in children’s health, which is a vital investment in the country’s future, through working with our UN partners in Yemen and strengthening the local health institutions” said Ms. Sandra Bloemenkamp, World Bank Country Manager for Yemen.

Immunization campaigns are critical to keep Yemen polio-free – a major priority for WHO, UNICEF and the World Bank – and to help minimize the risk of poliovirus being imported into the country. Vaccination is one of the safest and most cost effective health interventions to protect children from potentially fatal and debilitating diseases.
 

Guinea battling a large scale measles epidemic

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Since the beginning of the year there have been 3468 confirmed cases and 14 deaths due to measles in Guinea

The international humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors without Borders (MSF) is launching today a large scale measles vaccination campaign in Conakry, together with the Guinean Ministry of Health. Since the beginning of the year there have been 3468 confirmed cases and 14 deaths dues to measles in Guinea. Conakry and Nzérékoré are the most affected districts.

Routine vaccination in Guinea was drastically reduced during the 2014-2015 Ebola epidemic, both because most resources and attention were geared towards the management of Ebola and, mainly, due to fear. People stayed away from health facilities and vaccination activities were suspended because of infection risks, and this left thousands of young children unprotected against easily preventable diseases. A nation-wide vaccination campaign was organized by authorities one year ago to vaccinate the children who had not received their shots (MSF did not participate to this campaign). Despite this catch up effort, a measles epidemic was declared on February 8th 2017.

Image result for measles epidemic in guinea

“The fact that a new epidemic occurs barely a year after a massive vaccination campaign is a worrying sign of the weakness of health care in Guinea”, says Ibrahim Diallo, MSF’s representative in Guinea. “Major problems remain in the health system, undermining its capacity to prevent and respond to outbreaks effectively and in a timely manner.”

After the devastating Ebola epidemic that killed over 11,000 people and severely affected the health systems of the three most affected countries (Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia), the WHO and leading public health experts insisted on the importance of rebuilding responsive health systems in the three countries, equipping and supporting them to better manage similar or new health crises.

According to the UN body in charge of Ebola response, only 18% of the funds disbursed to support countries during Ebola were meant for recovery. International donor commitments to health systems strengthening have focused on improving disease surveillance to ensure early detection and response to outbreaks, such as Ebola. However, in the face of a large outbreak of measles, MSF (in Conakry) and Alima (in Nzérokoré district) are currently the only NGOs providing support to the Ministry of Health for the vaccination campaign in the worst affected districts. WHO and UNICEF have pledged support to other affected districts across the country, which is still under discussion.

Image result for measles epidemic in guinea

“If Ebola was a wakeup call, since then the world seems to have fallen back asleep. As shown by this measles outbreak, the concrete impact of the promises of funding, support and training made during and after the Ebola crisis still remains to be felt by ordinary Guineans”, says Dr Mit Philips, MSF’s Health Policy Analyst. “Access to good healthcare was clearly lacking before Ebola struck, and the country is still facing today the same problems that it was facing then, largely alone, in spite of the international public commitments to build better and more responsive health systems”.

To contain the measles epidemic, MSF, with the Ministry of Health in Conakry, is mobilizing 126 teams of 13 people, spread out across 164 vaccination sites in a city of 3 million people. All children from 6 months up to 10 years old will be vaccinated. MSF also supports 30 health centres in Conakry to care for children suffering from mild cases of measles, as well as the referral centre where severe cases are hospitalized.

Distributed by APO on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

Radical increase in water and sanitation investment required to meet development targets

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Countries are not increasing spending fast enough to meet the water and sanitation targets under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), says a new report published by WHO on behalf of UN-Water – the United Nations inter-agency coordination mechanism for all freshwater-related issues, including sanitation.

“Today, almost two billion people use a source of drinking-water contaminated with faeces, putting them at risk of contracting cholera, dysentery, typhoid and polio,” says Dr Maria Neira, WHO Director, Department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health.

“Contaminated drinking-water is estimated to cause more than 500 000 diarrhoeal deaths each year and is a major factor in several neglected tropical diseases, including intestinal worms, schistosomiasis, and trachoma,” added Neira.

Related image

The report stresses that countries will not meet global aspirations of universal access to safe drinking-water and sanitation unless steps are taken to use financial resources more efficiently and increase efforts to identify new sources of funding.

According to the UN-Water Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking-Water (GLAAS) 2017 report, countries have increased their budgets for water, sanitation and hygiene at an annual average rate of 4.9% over the last three years. Yet, 80% of countries report that water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) financing is still insufficient to meet nationally-defined targets for WASH services.

In many developing countries, current national coverage targets are based on achieving access to basic infrastructure, which may not always provide continuously safe and reliable services. Planned investments have yet to take into account the much more ambitious SDG targets, which aim for universal access to safely managed water and sanitation services by 2030.

Image result for water sanitation development goals

In order to meet the SDG global targets, the World Bank estimates investments in infrastructure need to triple to US $114 billion per year – a figure which does not include operating and maintenance costs.

While the funding gap is vast, 147 countries have previously demonstrated the ability to mobilize the resources required to meet the Millennium Development Goal target of halving the proportion of people without an improved source of water, and 95 met the corresponding target for sanitation. The much more ambitious SDG targets will require collective, coordinated and innovative efforts to mobilize even higher levels of funding from all sources: taxes, tariffs (payments and labour from households), and transfers from donors.

“This is a challenge we have the ability to solve,” says Guy Ryder, Chair of UN-Water and Director-General of the International Labour Organization. “Increased investments in water and sanitation can yield substantial benefits for human health and development, generate employment and make sure that we leave no one behind.”

Additional Findings:

Official development assistance (ODA) disbursements for water and sanitation are increasing, but future investments are uncertain.

Water and sanitation ODA disbursements (spending) increased from US$ 6.3 to US$ 7.4 billion from 2012 to 2015. However, aid commitments for water and sanitation have declined since 2012 from US$ 10.4 billion to US$ 8.2 billion in 2015. Due to the multi-year nature of commitments, if commitments were to continue to decrease, it is likely that future disbursements would also decrease. Considering the greater needs to make progress towards universal access to safely managed WASH services under the SDG targets, the possibility of future reductions in aid disbursements is at odds with global aspirations.

Extending WASH services to vulnerable groups is a policy priority, but implementation is lagging.

Over 70% of countries report having specific measures to reach poor populations in their WASH policies and plans. However, the implementation of such concrete measures is lagging: few countries indicate that they are able to consistently apply financing measures to target resources to poor populations. Increasing and sustaining WASH access for vulnerable groups will not only be critical for achieving SDG 6, but also for SDG 3 on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.

The GLAAS 2017 report presents an analysis of the most reliable and up-to-date data from 75 countries and 25 external support agencies on issues related to financing universal access to water and sanitation under the SDGs. Safe drinking-water and sanitation are crucial to human welfare, by supporting health and livelihoods and helping to create healthy environments. Drinking unsafe water impairs human health through illnesses such as diarrhea, and untreated sewage can contaminate drinking-water supplies and the environment, creating a heavy burden on communities.

Re:Benzoic Acid in Fanta: Negligence Or Nonchalance?

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In the May 25th 2008 edition of The Daily Mail in the United Kingdom (UK), it was reported that the soft drink giant, Coca-Cola is phasing out a controversial additive that has been linked to hyperactivity and causing damage to DNA. The chemical, Sodium Benzoate is used in stopping drinks from becoming mouldy.

By the end of 2006, several supermarket chains in the UK, including Asda, Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer’s would have acted on their decision to remove almost all artificial colourings, flavourings and Benzoate preservative from in-house brands of drinks and food products. This decision was motivated by concerns about the health of consumers given empirical evidence in published scientific literature.

In the United States, there is published evidence that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of which National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is the Nigerian equivalence is aware of the danger of mixing Ascorbic Acid, also known as Vitamin C with Benzoic Acid (or its salt, sodium benzoate). The mixture produces Benzene, a known carcinogen. The argument in its defense has always been that the quantity produced is very small, sometime measured in part per billion.

Between 2005 and 2007, the FDA discovered that some soft drinks contained Benzene above allowable level, many manufacturers of soft drinks since then have reformulated their products to reduce the amount of Benzoic Acid.

Benzoic acid (referred to as Benzoate as a salt) is a white, crystalline powder with faint, non-offensive odour. It is used in fizzy drinks, pancake syrup, lemon juice, mouth washes cosmetics and several other food and drink products as preservative. It occurs naturally in apples and cranberries. It is also used in industrial settings to manufacture a variety of products including perfumes, dyes, topical medications and insect repellants. In general, benzoic acid and benzoates are considered safe when used in small quantities, however there are some situations in which they may be harmful.

Benzene which is carcinogenic, can be formed at very low levels (part per billion) in soft and fruit drinks containing both benzoic acid/benzoate and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). This reaction is catalyzed by heat, light and metal ions. Therefore, the environmental conditions of storage influence the quantity of Benzene produced. The amount of poisoning caused depends on the amount, route and length of time of exposure as well as age and pre-existing medical conditions of the consumers.

It is becoming obvious that, in the West, and even within Coca-Cola as an institution, there are concerns about the use of Benzoic acid /Benzoate as preservative in drinks. The climatic situation in Nigeria with high ambient temperature conduces to the formation of Benzene, when Vitamin C is present. The question is, if Coca-Cola is worried about Benzoate in its drinks in the west, why would it not give a thought to reformulating its products without, OR with much less Benzoates in Nigeria.

In the case involving the Lagos business man, Dr. Emmanuel Fajibi Adebo, A Lagos high court ordered that Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), the Bottles of Coca-Cola drinks in Nigeria put a written warming on Fanta® and Sprite® bottles, stating that both drinks are poisonous when consumed along with Vitamin C. While it is unlikely that a mother downing a tablet with of vitamin C with Fanta will drop dead on the spot, or an infant being encouraged to take a medication (possibly containing vitamin C) with Sprite will visibly shrink, the state of knowledge of the art cannot unequivocally claim that Benzoic Acid is without risk as presently used to preserve drinks and food products.

The situation is not helped by the defense of NBC, expressed through its Legal, Public Affairs and Communications Director that the products are not meant for export and Benzoic Acid levels of 200mg/kg is below Nigerian regulatory limit of 250mg/kg. Much less than Codex Alimentarius Commission limit of 600mg/kg. Codex recently reduced the limit to 250mg/kg. Codex officials claim “the previous levels are still considered safe—they are just unnecessary”. “More work will be done over the next few years to see if the levels could be further adjusted”.

The judge, an indeed the general public have every reason to be outraged by the defense of NBC that the products are not produced for export, more so when in Europe, its principal is reformulating the same products to contain much less Benzoate. Chain supermarket are concerned enough to phase out Benzoate in their fruit and fizzy drinks. NAFDAC regulation also required, that all Marketing Authorization Holders for registered brands informs it of any safety concern developing with any component of their products. It will be interesting to know if NBC Nigeria informed NAFDAC of the decision of its principal to reformulate its products in Europe.

The continued use of Benzoates as preservative in drinks and other consumable is difficult to justify in light of the existence of other feasible alternatives and the concerns new knowledge have thrown up. This case begs the question, is NBC Negligent OR is NAFDAC just plain nonchalant.

 

 

Sola Solarin   and Uyi Ekhator

The Authors of the Article are both Regulatory Cosultants with Savante Consulting Ltd

 

Atueyi, Lolu Ojo, Kareem Bag PANS Award

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In appreciation of their individual contribution to growth of pharmacy education in Nigeria, the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS) has honoured the trio of Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, managing director of Pharmanews Limited, Dr Lolu Ojo, former chairman, Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) and Pharm. Sesan Kareem, personal assistant to Pharm Ahmed Yakasai with awards of merit.

In attendance at the maiden edition of the much-publicised annual ‘Pharmacoposium’ which held at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife on April 11, 2017, were Prof. Anthony Elujoba, OAU’s vice chancellor; Pharm. (Dr) Sam Olawoye, managing director of Sam Ace Pharma; Dr. Siji Olaniyi, managing director of Akol Healthcare Limited; Pharm. Tiamiyu Sumonu, chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN Osun chapter) and representatives of Akire of Ikire Land, Oba Olatunde Falabi.

L-R: Chief Akinjide Olagunju, the Agba-Akin of Ikire Land who represented the Akire of Ikire presenting Pans Award of Merit to Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, managing director of Pharmanews Limited
L-R: Chief Akinjide Olagunju, the Agba-Akin of Ikire Land who represented the Akire of Ikire presenting Pans Award of Merit to Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, managing director of Pharmanews Limited

Others were Prof. Adeleke Adebayo, dean, OAU’s Faculty of Pharmacy; Dr Oluwole Adeyemi, Faculty Students Officer; Pharm Lanrewaju Adebayo, pharmacist-in-charge, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTHC); Dr Julius Soyinka, vice dean, OAU’s Faculty of Pharmacy and pharmacy students from seven institutions – Niger Delta University (NDU), University of Ibadan, Madonna University, Usman Dan Fodio University, University of Jos and OAU, the hosting school.

Expressing his appreciation, Atueyi told the audience that his romance with PANS which has seen the association dedicated a handful of pharmacy-related activities (including Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi Essay and Debate Competition) in his honour has come a long way.

L-R: Pharm. Tiamiyu Sumonu, chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN Osun chapter) presenting Pans Award of Merit to Pharm. Sesan Kareem, keynote speaker while Alo Setofunmi, national president, Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS)
L-R: Pharm. Tiamiyu Sumonu, chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN Osun chapter) presenting Pans Award of Merit to Pharm. Sesan Kareem, keynote speaker while Alo Setofunmi, national president, Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS) looks on

“In fact, I don’t know how to fully express my appreciation. It shows life indeed has its seasons. But I must specially thank (Setofunmi) Alo, PANS president, whose hardwork and resilience made this programme a reality. I am personally aware of the effort he put into it,” he stressed.

Another recipient, Dr Lolu Ojo, also seemed to concur with him when he emphasised that the reason why Atueyi (in whose honour the Pharmacoposium was held) is highly celebrated today was because of his revolutionary idea.

“If you have an idea, don’t let it go. It has the potential to change the dynamics of the world. As a former PANS president myself, I remember inviting Sir Atueyi as keynote speaker to our event at this same Ile-Ife in 1984.

“Though he seemed not to remember now, that further highlights how great he is. I thank PANS for choosing to honour him with this event and for choosing me as the keynote speaker,” he enthused.

L-R: Pharm (Dr) Sam Olawoye, managing director of Sam Ace Pharma presenting PANS Award of Merit to Dr Lolu Ojo, keynote speaker

Applauding the recipient, the vice chancellor declared that the award recipients have made an impressionable mark on pharmacy students across the country.

While prophesying that he foresaw Sesan Kareem rising to become a future PSN president, Ëlujoba further shower encomiums on Ojo and Atueyi.

“I know the young ones may not Atueyi beyond the fact that he is the publisher of Pharmanews journal. But we (full-fledged pharmacists) know his impact in the pharmaceutical sector goes beyond that which they will discover later in life,” he noted.

While encouraging students from all the various institutions to endeavour to do the right thing at time, the vice chancellor lamented that it is unfortunate how despicable acts in the pharma sector have been allowed to fester for too long.

“It is sad to note that quackery still exists because many pharmacists don’t see themselves as men of honour. We have played our part. This is your generation where you must ensure that you do it right!

“For instance, I don’t have any DVC (admin) and DVC (academic). Yet, I have sweated for one day. Learn to follow God in all your activities. Once again, do it right!” he charged.

 

UNILAG Faculty of Pharmacy Marks 4th White Coat Ceremony

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About 134 pharmacy students trooped out for the 4th edition of the annual White Coat Ceremony on February 27, 2017 at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Idi-Araba, Lagos.

In attendance were Prof. Boladale Silva, dean; Dr. Rebecca Soremekun, head of department, clinical pharmacy and biopharmacy; Dr Chukwuemeka Azubuike, head of department, pharmaceutics and pharm tech. as well as Dr Abimbola Sowemimo, sub dean of the faculty.

Unilag Faculty of Pharmacy
A cross section of participants at the 3rd edition of White Coat Ceremony

Addressing the 200 level students, Pharm. Ifechukwu Nwogu, one of the 16 distinction graduate of 2015/2016 set with CGPA of 4.84, urged them not to allow previous academic failure to hamper their new endeavour.

Nwogu, who currently works for Bio-Trust Pharmacy in Bode Thomas area of Lagos, encouraged the students saying they must be persistence in what they do and learn to leave everything in the hands of God.

“I was once in your position, so unsure of what the future portends. Each experience keeps me going. Now, I am having a wonderful real world experience away from classroom theories.

“One thing I know for sure is that challenges don’t determine one’s success. Don’t always wish for less challenge. Ask God, instead, for wisdom to tackle them,” he canvassed.

Looking dapper in their white laboratory coats, the young pharmacy scholars were seen exchanging cameras and taking pictures with colleagues and lecturers while the event lasted.

Speaing further, Silva described the donning of laboratory coat as rite of passage, which symbolises their transition from lay to pharmacists in training.

“You can see how excited they (students) were wearing the coat officially for the first time. Until now, some of them used to sneak it on without approval. However they have been officially commissioned to start wearing it.

On why the faculty brought in the young pharmacist to address them, the dean told Pharmanews that the aim was to make the students feel relax.

“They have been used to hearing the academic teaching staff address them. However, the idea of having someone who until now used to be their fellow student share his experience with them would be welcome by anybody,” he said.

Silva also explained the absence of parents and guardians from the occasion stating that since the ceremony was more of a solemn programme, bringing in too many fanfare could make it lose meaning.

“Besides the thought of them rushing to cook food and inviting relatives and friends could further add to the strain of paying tuition, buying books and other academic materials. It will be a big burden on them,” he expressed his fear.

The climax of the occasion was the administration of oath of allegiance and donning of the laboratory coats as a sign of acceptance which was greeted with a thunderous applause by the elated students.

In his closing remark, the dean expressed his appreciation to Pharmanews (for continually creating awareness and support for the faculty), PANS, heads of department, sub dean and the entire students for their presence and success of the programme.

The white coat has been described as being more than a familiar laboratory garment but a cloak of respect, integrity, competence, communication, character and a learning commitment to provide pharmaceutical care, assuring safe and effective use of medication for the benefit of the patient and society.

The White Coat Ceremony relevance was made possible by Arnold P. Gold Foundation which established it in 1993 as a way to welcome new students into the medical profession. The most important element of the ceremony is the oath that students take in front of family members, school leadership and peers.

The oath acknowledges their primary role as care givers. The ceremony and the oath serve as a rite of passage and are further commemorated by lapel pins that the Foundation supplies to students at all ceremonies. The pins contain an inscription about humanism in medicine and serve as a visual reminder to students that in order to deliver the best care to their patients, compassion and empathy must be the hallmark of their clinical practice.

Schools across the world, however, choose how to commemorate the ceremony – whether it be presentation of a white coat to each student or some other icon of medicine, such as a stethoscope.

Subsequently other arms of the health sector such as pharmacy, optometry, audiology, dental, chiropractic, occupational therapy, physical therapy, podiatric, physician assistants, Pathologists' Assistants, nursing, naturopathic and veterinary medical schools have since adopted the initiative.

UNILAG Faculty of Pharmacy was the first to blaze the trail by adopting the White Coat Ceremony among Nigerian pharmacy schools in 2014. It

 

 

Lolu Ojo Laments Nigeria’s Absence On Global Pharmaceutical Map

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In what may appear shocking to many, an expert has declared that the name Nigeria does not exist on the world pharmaceutical map.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the annual pharmacoposium, an intellectual summit of pharmacy across the federation, put together by the national body of Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS) at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife on April 11, Dr Lolu Ojo, former chairman, Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) noted that despite its huge potential demand base, the country’s impact in the Pharmaceutical sector is yet to be felt on the global stage.

L-R: Pharm (Dr) Sam Olawoye, managing director of Sam Ace Pharma; Dr Lolu Ojo, keynote speaker and Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, managaing director of Pharmanews Limited at the event

“As at today, 80 per cent of medicines consumed are imported while the remaining 20 per cent are produced locally. Our local industries are being under-utilised. Imagine the impact we could make if we unanimously agree to patronise the likes of Emzor, SKG and Mopson!” he remarked.

Ojo emphasised that the reason why Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, managaing director of Pharmanews Limited (in whose honour the Pharmacoposium was held) is celebrated today was because of his revolutionary idea.

“If you have an idea, don’t let it go. It has the potential to change the dynamics of the world. As a former PANS president myself, I remember inviting Sir Atueyi as keynote speaker to our event at this same Ile-Ife in 1984.

“Though he seemed not to remember now, that further highlights how great he is. I thank PANS for choosing to honour him with this event and for choosing me as the keynote speaker,” he enthused.

While harping on the theme “Quantum Shift In Pharmacy & Resulting Opportunities: The Place of the Media”, the keynote speaker stressed that pharmacy practice has moved from the era of pharmacists operating behind a small space to getting fully involved in patient care.

L-R: Pharm (Dr) Sam Olawoye, managing director of Sam Ace Pharma presenting PANS award of excellence to Dr Lolu Ojo, keynote speaker while Alo Setofunmi, national president, Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS) looks on

“Just as the United States politics experienced a quantum shift with a change of government that many of us didn’t expect, pharmacy practice has equally experienced such quantum leap.

“Who could have predicted that a pharmacist can rose to become vice chancellor of a prestigious institution like OAU as we have in the case of Prof. (Anthony) Elujoba? The way we see and do things now has changed. That is the quantum leap we are talking about,” he said.

 

 

 

YPG-NG S/W Launches Best Graduating Student & Outstanding Leadership Award

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Temitope Obayendo
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Poised to promote academic and leadership excellence, the Young Pharmacists Group-Nigeria, (YPG-NG) South West has newly introduced the Best Graduating Student Award on Thursday, 6 April 2017 at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos.

The award, which was launched during the induction ceremony of the 2016 grads, provides recognition for outstanding academic and leadership performance, as it aims at creating a healthy competition for excellence among pharmacy graduates within the south-west zone.

Speaking at the occasion, the Southwest coordinator, Pharm.  Adepoju  Kehinde Phillips appreciated the Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos,  Prof G.O Silva; the PCN Registrar, Pharm Elijah Muhammed and the Chairman of the occasion, Pharm. Gbenga Olubowale,  for their support for YPG.

Addressing the inductees, he charged them to leave the university into the world with the ‘I can' spirit. “When I learnt of the academic prowess of the awardee, I was earnestly looking forward to seeing a big man with a big head, but I was surprised to meet a man almost my size. This has further deepened my conviction that we all can achieve success irrespective of our age, size, creed, colour of familybackground. I want you all to build your life philosophy around this' he added jokingly”.

The Southwest coordinator, Pharm.  Adepoju  Kehinde Phillips presented the award to the recipient, Pharm. Adeluola Adeoluwa. Also present at the award presentation were Pharm. Adekoyejo Dolapo, the financial secretary YPG-NG Lagos;  Pharm Ofeimun Dianne, chairperson, fundraising committee, YPG Lagos and Pharm. Ayobami Olabode, member, YPG Ogun state.

The first ever recipient of this award, Pharm Adeluola Adeoluwa Ayodeji could not hide his excitement. He applauded the effort of YPG-NG south-west in promoting academic excellence.

 

 

 

Meet UNILAG Pharmacy’s 2016 Best Graduating Student

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Pharm. Adeoluwa Ayodeji Adeluola has been announced as 2016 best graduating student of Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos (UNILAG). He was one of the 233 graduates whose induction and oath-taking ceremony took place on April 6, 2017. That may appear as nothing unusual. What, perhaps, makes it more interesting was his being the son of Dr Adebowale Adeluola, a vibrant lecturer in the department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology in the same faculty. Speaking with Adebayo Folorunsho-Francis, the 22-year-old bares his mind about the journey through pharmacy school and his plan for the future.h

Excerpt below:

  • Tell us a bit about yourself and early education?

I was born on the 31st day of the month of July 1995 in Surulere, Lagos State. As a child, I attended Mainland preparatory primary school and as a young boy, I attended the prestigious Igbobi College Yaba, Lagos. Afterwards, I gained admission into the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to study Pharmacy.

  • Was studying pharmacy your idea?

Nope, it was God’s idea…. Let me explain, contrary to popular belief, my choice of pharmacy was not influenced by my father. At the time I was to fill my Jamb form, my father was not in the country for quite a while. Consequently, I became confused. Somehow I filled in Architecture but my mind wasn’t still at peace with my choice.  So, I asked God for direction and two weeks to the closing date for amendments to Jamb applications, the answer arrived – Pharmacy. It was a poignant reply from God and surely it was the right decision.

L-R: Pharm. Adeoluwa Ayodeji Adeluola, 2016 best graduating student of Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos (UNILAG) and his father, Dr Adebowale Adeluola, a lecturer in the department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology .

 

 

  • How do you feel being announced 2016 best graduating student?

The feeling I had when I found out that I was the best graduating student could best be described as exhilarating, thrilling, gladdening and jubilant. I was lost for words to describe the feeling and emotions perfectly.

Details Later


 

 

2016 Bowl of Hygeia Winner Contemplates Veering Into Agriculture

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Winner of the 2016 prestigious bowl of Hygeia award, Pharm. Yewande Patricia Ambeke has hinted that he could consider taking up Agriculture as her future career.

The newly decorated pharmacist is one of 17 graduands with distinction among the 233 graduates of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos (UNILAG) whose induction and oath-taking ceremony took place on April 6, 2017.

L-R: Pharm. Yewande Patricia Ambeke receiving the “Bowl of Hygeia” from Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Morohundia, sponsor of the award to the admiration of Pharm Ogochukwu Amaeze, a lecturer in UNILAG Faculty of Pharmacy

Speaking with Pharmanews, the young pharmacist recalled how shocked she was when her name was announced as the winner.

“I never expected it at all. Nobody even gave me a hint that, besides being one of the 17 distinction grads, I would be given another award. I give God all the glory!” she exclaimed.

On her potential career, Ambeke disclosed that she is yet to figure that out.

“I know it sounds odd, but I am considering veering into Agriculture. Looking at the poor state of Nigeria, there is too much of hunger and food challenge plaguing it. I want to be one of the great minds to move it forward.

“I am still trying to figure out how to relate it with the pharmacy course I studied. Perhaps after my internship and masters, I would have figured it out by then,” she mooted.

Details Later

 

Banana, Spinach and Sweet Potatoes Combo, As Natural Remedy for Hypertension

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Temitope Obayendo
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Experts on endocrinology and physiology have recently found that consuming bananas, sweet potatoes and spinach each day could help to reverse the deadly condition of high blood pressure, popularly known as hypertension.

The scientists, through a new research discovered that the beneficial mineral in the combination of fruits and vegetables works in similar way as diuretics, drugs that are usually used to lower blood pressure.

Noting the richness of the combo in potassium-a vital mineral in reducing the sodium level in the human body, the researchers explained that the fresh produce helps prevent hypertension by balancing levels of salt within the body. However, health experts recommend adults consume at least 4.7g of the nutrient each day to notice any benefit.

The study, which was published in the American Journal of Physiology – Endocrinology and Metabolism, and reported on Daily Mail Online, identified increased levels of dietary sodium as the main cause of high blood pressure, noted that it is believed to affect 1 billion people around the world.

Decreasing sodium intake is a well-established way to lower blood pressure. But evidence suggests increasing dietary potassium may have an equally important effect on hypertension

Dr Alicia McDonough, of the University of Southern California, who is the lead author of the review, explained the aim of the study, which he said was to explore the link between dietary habits and blood pressure.

Assessing urine samples of participants, they discovered that higher dietary potassium was linked to lower blood pressure.

Dr McDonough added: “When dietary potassium is high, kidneys excrete more salt and water. But including more potassium into people's diet will take a conscious effort, she concluded.

She said: “If you eat a typical Western diet, your sodium intake is high and your potassium intake is low. This significantly increases your chances of developing high blood pressure”.

 

 

WHO supports new initiative for easy access to health services in South Sudan’s rural communities

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Currently, only 40% of people in South Sudan are within reach of health facilities and have consistent access to primary health care services.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting the Republic of South Sudan’s Ministry of Health and partners to roll-out a new approach to community health service delivery called the Boma Health Initiative. Currently, only 40% of people in South Sudan are within reach of health facilities and have consistent access to primary health care services. The Boma Health Initiative seeks to provide sustainable delivery of essential health care and public health programmes at the community level.

Communicable diseases are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in South Sudan, and the estimated 12.3 million people in South Sudan are at risk of disease outbreaks. Cholera, measles, malaria and kala azar remain key public health threats along the Nile River focused in locations with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and surrounding host communities. Malaria is one of the biggest causes of illness and death in South Sudan.

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Across the country, medical complications of malnutrition, severe pneumonia, severe malaria and perinatal complications remain the most common causes of death in under-fives. Preventable diseases including malaria, diarrhoea and pneumonia account for most childhood illnesses seen in community settings.

Eighty three per cent of the estimated 12.3 million population of South Sudan live in rural settings in communities

Eighty three per cent of the estimated 12.3 million population of South Sudan live in rural settings in communities. The communities are divided into the lowest administrative units called Bomas overseen by a government administrator. To strengthen South Sudan’s national health system, the newly launched Boma Health Initiative was developed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the community health sub-system.

The Boma Health Initiative aims to improve and refocus the delivery of community health services. Priority areas for community health programmes, health promotion and disease prevention have been defined and selective diseases appropriate for community level management have been identified. Primary health care managers are expected to repurpose and realign current resources for community health services.

The Boma Health Initiative focuses on empowering each community to select three Boma community health workers to be trained, equipped and empowered to deliver high impact, cost-effective primary health care services. In the initial phase, the Boma Health Service Package will include: integrated community case management for Child Health including screening for malnutrition; promotion of immunisation; provision of safe motherhood interventions; prevention and treatment of malaria; prevention and early identification of HIV and Tuberculosis; and prevention, early identification and referral for Neglected Tropical Diseases. They will also report Births and Deaths including maternal deaths, and will be responsible at the Boma level for integrated disease surveillance including reporting possible disease outbreaks. The BHI staff will gather vital statistics as the first level of data gathering for the national Health Management Information System.

“Getting to the local level and ensuring community health workers are supported to provide a basic package of health services with the ability to refer more serious cases to Health Facilities should allow for better results and healthier lives across South Sudan,” said Dr Abdulmumini Usman, WHO Representative to South Sudan. “Right now risk of death and diseases at community levels is too high due to largely preventable diseases.”

The Boma Health Initiative was formally launched by the First Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan, His Excellency General Taban Deng Gai at the Third National Health Summit for South Sudan, which was organized by the Ministry of Health in Juba this week and brought together some 500 participants to consider the challenges and opportunities for the improvement of health outcomes in South Sudan. The Summit succeeded in its aim of developing a Roadmap for the development of a National Health Sector Strategic Plan 2017-2021, an essential step towards implementing the National Health Policy 2016-2026 and attaining Universal Health Coverage for South Sudan’s people. The Roadmap and the Boma Health Initiative as well as eight position papers supporting the implementation of the National Health Policy, was endorsed by all partners including the first Vice President of South Sudan, the Minister of  Health with other Government Ministers, WHO, donors and partners.

“We believe the Boma Health Initiative will be a cornerstone of the new National Health Policy, and if this Initiative is implemented with strong support from partners and donors, then more people in South Sudan will have a chance to lead healthier lives like never before,” Dr Usman said.

Distributed by APO on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO Calls On African Governments To Ensure Strong Vaccine Safety Systems

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To date, WHO considers that less than half of its Member States including most African countries have adequate capacity for vaccine safety

 A working dinner to discuss the Global Vaccine Safety Initiative (GVSI) policy was held on, 23 March, 2017 where about 80 participants including AU Member States and delegates, senior level officials from African Union Commission, partners, and distinguished invited guests met at The Multipurpose Hall of the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This advocacy dinner meeting was organized by World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with the African Union Commission. The meeting aimed to enforce African countries to ensure strong vaccine safety systems. It also intended to provide the vision for a future where vaccine safety concerns are addressed in a rigorous and transparent fashion and share perspectives on 21st century approaches that are relevant to African Countries.
Related imageThe Global Vaccine Safety Initiative (GVSI) is a global transformative approach for quality immunization programmes which was launched in 2012. To date, WHO considers that less than half of its Member States including most African countries have adequate capacity for vaccine safety. It is in this context that the WHO brief was organized and called on the highest leadership in Africa to ensure strong vaccine safety system.Dr Margaret Agama-Anyetei from the African Union Commission in her welcoming remarks highlighted how vaccine has brought enormous benefits to the populations of Africa. Dr Margaret stated that “The eradication of smallpox, the gains made in the eradication of polio or the dramatic reductions in deaths of measles and epidemic meningitis are many successes that we have all witnessed.” She added that “Today more vaccines against more diseases, including malaria, dengue or Ebola are becoming available and new funding mechanisms allow for those vaccines to be used more widely in African countries.”On behalf of Dr. Akpaka A. Kalu, WHO Representative to Ethiopia Dr. Abebayehu Assefa Mengistu made an opening remark. Dr Abebayehu said that “The Global Vaccine Safety Initiative provides the mechanism to strengthen African countries regulatory authorities and immunization programs to ensure that everyone everywhere gets the safest vaccination possible.” He added that “Credible data and our ability to explain how existing safety systems protect the quality of our vaccination programs is the best approach to counter the impact of doubt or malicious statements and rumors.”

The policy brief was presented by Dr. Patrick Zuber, World Health Organization-Head Quarters who highlighted major principles of vaccine safety initiative and why enhanced monitoring of the safety of immunization programs helps in increasing impact and benefits. He also discussed major recommendations of the policy which have been found key to the success of the vaccine safety system.

These recommendations include the need for dedicated human resources for vaccine safety for regulatory agencies and immunization programmes, national data system for monitoring vaccine safety, proactive communication about safety issues in support of all immunization policies and the commitment to international information exchange. During his presentation, Dr Patrick also emphasized the need for robust vaccine safety surveillance system. In addition, he indicated that increasing immunization coverage and adding new vaccines to the programmes call for the need to demonstrative capacity to monitoring the safety of these vaccines and to have stronger safety systems.

Following the policy brief presentation, high level discussions were held, moderated by Ms. Margaret Ndomondo Sigonda from the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).

Finally, the session provided countries the opportunity to share their experience in addressing vaccine safety issues and indicated the perspectives on how the GVSI can add value to their immunization efforts.

Distributed by APO on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO).

World Health Day: Experts Link Rise In Suicide To Depression

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As Nigerians join the rest of the world to commemorate the World Health Day, psychiatrists have attributed recent upsurge in suicide cases to depression, with additional factors of hopelessness; post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorder, stigmatisation and chronic illnesses.

A Consultant Psychia­trist and Coordinator, Suicide Research and Prevention Initia­tive (SURPIN), Lagos Universi­ty Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr Raphael Ogbolu, identified depression as the major culprit in suicidal actions.

Little wonder the theme of the 2017 World Health Day was tagged, “Depression, let's talk”, as the  WHO has named  India as the country with the highest suicide rate among 10 South-East Asian countries and depression is one of the leading causes for this.

Globally, it is the biggest cause of ill health and disability, says WHO. In South-East Asia region, a massive 86 million people are affected by depression.

The WHO Press Statement further revealed that in the last decade, cases of depression have surged by nearly 20 percent, with symptoms like persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that people normally enjoy, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities for two weeks or more.

Though depression affects all people across all demographic groups, it is more common among teens, adolescents, youth, women after childbirth (postpartum depression) and those above 60.

To forestall further increase in suicide cases, Dr Ogbolu highlighted some preventive measures and actions to look out for in people with suicidal tendencies.

Among them are sudden starts behavioural changes, like an outgoing person withdrawing from associating with people; when someone starts having loss of sleep, appetite; when there is a notice in changes of someone’s facial expression and gesticulation, and when one who normally doesn’t take alcohol or takes it moderately suddenly increases his intake of the substance, these kinds of people should be monitored and alarm raised.

The consultant psychiatrist further called for a close moni­toring of people going through traumatic situations and those who have positive history of suicide and attempted suicide in their family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALPs Holds 2017 Annual School Health Moral Programme

By
Temitope Obayendo
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Thursday, 23 March, 2017 will remain unforgettable for pupils of the Apostolic Nursery & Primary and Grammar School, Orishigun, Ketu, as members of the Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPs) Lagos State Branch, thoroughly educated them on the prevention of public health diseases like Malaria, Diabetes, Hepatitis B and C, Tuberculosis, and HIV.

The enlightenment campaign, which was all-encompassing and quite engaging, was organised as part of the events for the 2017 Annual School Health Moral Programme of the association. It featured moral talk, environmental health and personal hygiene seminar, diabetes game, public health diseases seminar and lots more.

Top among dignitaries that graced the occasion were the newly elected Chairman of Lagos State PSN, Pharm (Mrs) B.F.O Adeniran; ALPs former National Chairman, Pharm (Mrs) Yetunde Moroundiya; the Apostolic Church Grammar School Administrator, Elder S.O. Ogunyemi; ALPs South West Coordinator, Pharm (Mrs) Hafsat Adeshina, and others.

Addressing the students and teachers at the event, the Planning Committee Chairman of the occasion, Pharm. Bunmi Laja appreciated the school management for granting the association the opportunity to address the youngsters on the importance of living healthy, adding that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation.

Speaking on the theme of the programme, “Prevention is better and cheaper than cure”, Laja urged the participants to be meticulous about their health always, by keeping their environments clean and also avoid sharing personal items with the public.

A cross section of students at the event

Chairman, ALPs Lagos, Pharm. (Mrs) Modupe Ologunagba, explained the motive behind the programme, saying a large number of people in the country were ignorant of the importance of good health, thus, the interest group of PSN, had taken it upon itself to educate the populace on Diabetes, Hepatitis B and C, Tuberculosis, HIV, and others.

She advised the students to take the instructions and knowledge received from the event back home to their parents, neighbours, friends and well wishers, which would, in turn reduce the burden of public health diseases in our communities.

In an exclusive chat with Pharmanews at the programme, Ologunagba opened-up on the choice of the school for the association’s wellness campaign, stating that the Apostolic Church Grammar School was chosen for its high, mixed population and well-organised structure.

Highlighting the impact of the lectures on the students, she noted that ALPs had contributed to health literacy in a simplified way by teaching the leaders of tomorrow the importance of environmental health and personal hygiene, which will linger long in their memories.

Eager to expand the scope of the programme, the ALPs leader called for collaboration and sponsorship from well meaning Nigerians and stakeholders, adding that the association needs adequate funding to sustain the good work.

She appreciated Philips Consulting for the subsidised free screening, while some students were vaccinated on special arrangement.

Some of the lady pharmacists that facilitated the seminars were: Pharm. Folashade Lawal- An educative but very interesting game on diabetes; Pharm. Lara Ebitiga- moral education; Pharm. Olamide Oshoba-Environmental health and personal hygiene; Pharm. Toyosi Oyedara-Diseases of public health and others.

 

 

 

Saving Nigerians From Glaucoma Blindness

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Admin
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The recent disclosure by the Glaucoma Patients Care Initiative (GPCI) that about 1.8 million Nigerians are suffering from glaucoma – a group of eye diseases characterised by silent and gradual loss of vision – has once again underscored the need for more pragmatic public health action by stakeholders to confront and tame this condition.

While presenting this alarming latest statistics as part of activities marking the celebration of 2017 World Glaucoma Week, held from 12 to 18 March, GPCI, an association of experts working on the condition, urged the Nigerian government to take steps to halt the increasing incidence of glaucoma amongst the citizens.

Aside the rousing effort by the GPCI group, other stakeholders, including the Glaucoma Society of Nigeria and the Nigerian Optometric Association, equally used the opportunity of the World Glaucoma Week to organise various enlightenment programmes, which included talks, free eye screening, road walks and media campaigns to call attention to a disease that the World Health Organisation has described as a major cause of blindness globally. These groups deserve commendation for their efforts in sensitising Nigerians on this ‘silent blinding disease.’

Glaucoma affects the optic nerve at the back of the eye which transfers visual information from the retina to the brain. It is estimated to afflict one out of every 20 people above the age of 40 in Nigeria in their lifetime. Indeed, experts have noted that Glaucoma is an even bigger eye health challenge than cataracts because blindness caused by glaucoma unlike that of cataracts is irreversible.

It must be emphasised, however, that tackling the glaucoma challenge in Nigeria must go beyond the tokenism of annual enlightenment campaign during the World Glaucoma Week. The fact that vision lost through glaucoma cannot be regained with treatment is a compelling argument for stakeholders to come up with a more proactive approach that will focus primarily on prevention, which is clearly the only way to beat glaucoma.

There is no denying that loss of sight has severely damaging consequences on the quality of life of people, with attendant impacts on social and economic productivity. Therefore, the awareness that many Nigerians are at risk of blindness should be a major source of concern to the nation.

Glaucoma manifests in different forms. While some of these manifestations, called ‘secondary glaucomas’, occur as complications of other visual disorders, majority of ‘primary glaucomas’ occur without a tangible known reason. Also,  while issues, such as age, family history, high myopia and racial ancestry are considered risk factors, the fact that the condition can also occur in babies (congenital glaucoma) and during childhood and infancy (juvenile glaucoma) shows that the disease has no clearly established pattern.

The cheering news, however, is that with proper treatment measures, coupled with recent advances in early diagnosis, glucoma-induced blindness can be prevented. As has been emphasised already, the key to curbing glaucoma is early detection.  With early detection, there are treatment options that can help reduce loss of vision and slow down the progress of the disease to avoid loss of sight.  Therefore, Nigerians must be encouraged to be more conscious and proactive about their eye health, by way of going for periodic eye screening and undergoing proper treatment when they have issues.

The theme of the 2017 World Glaucoma Week is “Beat Invisible Glaucoma” and it is our view that for Nigeria to achieve this goal,  the capacity of the nation’s health system to help in prevention and early detection of diseases like glaucoma must be strengthened. It is only when our health system is officially geared towards preventive healthcare rather than curative that the huge burden of diseases like glaucoma can be reduced.

It is equally essential to include eye health in the nation’s healthcare plan. Patients must be able to visit primary and secondary care centres for eye examination and be assured of proper care. It is only when eye health is seen as a crucial part of healthcare and patients with eye conditions can get the quality treatment they need and deserve that the increasing incidence of glaucoma can be halted in Nigeria.

 

Prof. Oluyinka Olutoye – The Surgeon With A Difference

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A surgeon who has made exceptional contributions to the art and science of surgery, Prof. Oluyinka Olutoye has, without a doubt, distinguished himself in the medical field. Described by NBC News Dateline programme as a “miracle worker operating where few have ever gone before”, his uncommon operations give many children a chance at a healthy and normal life.

Prof. Olutoye received much recognition for performing and mastering ground-breaking EXIT surgical procedure. Exit procedure or ex utero intrapartum treatment procedure is a specialised surgical delivery procedure used to deliver babies who have airway compression.

Developed in 1995 at the Children’s Hospital, University of Califonia, San Francisco, the procedure is an extension of a standard classical Caesarean section, where the foetus is partially removed from the mother’s womb to undergo surgery while it is still attached to the umbilical cord. This allows surgeons to repair an airway obstruction or other breathing problems before the baby is delivered and forced to breathe on its own. Prof. Olutoye and his team at the Texas Children’s Hospital have performed over eight of such surgeries.

In 2016, Prof Olutoye’s brilliance and gifted hands became a global phenomenon when he led a team of doctors in the surgery that saved a 23-week old foetus from a life-threatening tumour. The team brought the baby (Lynlee Hope) out of the womb at 23 weeks old and removed a large tumor (Sacrococcygeal Teratoma) growing on her tail bone, after which they returned the foetus to its mother’s womb to complete the full gestation period of nine months. This feat has generated a worldwide recognition of the baby that was born twice.

In February 2015, he was one out of three Nigerian medical doctors that successfully separated conjoined twins in a surgery that made the headlines in the American media and the world. The twins, Knatalye Hope and Adeline Faith Mata, were successfully separated on 17 and 18  February. He and his colleagues are still being celebrated for this feat.

The Nigerian government, while congratulating Prof. Olutoye and the people of Nigeria on the achievement, stated, through the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, that President Muhammadu Buhari received the news with excitement and fulfilment.

Prof. Olutoye, an alumni of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has been bestowed with the winner of the 2008 Great Ife Alumni Award for Excellence in the Sciences category, in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the area of human foetal surgery, and exceptional contributions to his chosen career of Medicine. He has also,  by this recognition, been inducted into the Great Ife Alumni Hall of Distinction.

His other awards and honours include: 2012 Denton A. Cooley Surgical Innovator Award (Texas Children’s Hospital); Academy of Distinguished Educators (Baylor College of Medicine) Molecular Surgeon Research Achievement Award (Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery); Mark A. Wallace 2014 Catalyst Leader of the Year (Texas Children’s Hospital); and induction into Academy of Distinguished Educators (Baylor College of Medicine)

Presently, Prof. Olutoye is Co-Director of the Texas Children’s Foetal Centre at the Texas Children’s Hospital and foetal surgery team member, as well as a Professor of Surgery, Pediatrics, and Obstetrics, Baylor College of Medicine.

 

Biography

Prof. Olutoye was born in Lagos to the family of Major General (rtd) Olufemi Olutoye and Prof Omotayo Olutoye on January 15 1967. He has five siblings, two brothers and three sisters. It had been his childhood dream to become a medical doctor.

Prof. Olutoye’s quest for excellence began at an early age. As a son of a soldier and an academic mother, he was introduced to a life that placed emphasis on excellence during his formative years. He had his primary education at the Lagos University Staff School and his secondary education at King’s College Lagos.

Prof. Olutoye received his  medical degree (MBChB) from Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, in 1988. He was the Valedictorian, in his graduating Class at the Obafemi Awolowo University Medical School.

After his medical education in Nigeria, he relocated to the United States for further educational opportunities. He started his postgraduate education in paediatrics at the Howard University General Hospital. He received his PhD in Anatomy from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, in 1996. He completed his residency in general surgery at the Medical College of Virginia Hospital, Virginia Commonwealth University, and had his fellowship in paediatric surgery at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the University Of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia, USA.

Olutoye is a member of the International Foetal Medicine and Surgery Society and is a Fellow of the Surgical Section of the American Academy of Paediatrics and American College of Surgeons. He is also a Fellow of the West African College of Surgeons and a certified practitioner by the American Board of Surgery in general surgery and paediatric surgery.

 

 Specialisation

Prof. Olutoye has specialised clinical expertise in foetal and neonatal surgery, with specific interest in congenital diaphragmatic hernia, lung malformation, chest wall deformities, omphalocele, gastroschisis, Nissen fundoplication and complex wounds. His research interests also include understanding the role of the foetal inflammatory response in scarless foetal wound healing, using animal models of congenital anomalies in utero correction of severe congenital malformations, and the study of endothelial-leukocyte and endothelial-tumour cell interactions.

Prof. Olutoye is a beneficiary The James IV traveling fellowship of the Association for Academic Surgery. The prestigious association of surgeons was established in 1957 for surgeons from around the world to be brought together for exchange of ideas and methods as regards surgery. He was described by the association as someone “who has made outstanding contributions to the art and science of surgery.” Indeed,  his success and contribution to Texas Children’s Foetal Centre at the Texas Children’s Hospital Hospital has been phenomenal.

Prof. Olutoye is married to Prof. Olutoyin Olutoye. The couple have two children, a boy and a girl and they currently live in the United States.

 

Turn Your Scars To Stars

By
Sesan Kareem
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By Pharm. Sesan Kareem

Friend, you have what it takes to turn your scars to stars, discomforts to comforts, failures to successes, and disadvantages to advantages. Yes, you have the courage to rise above pessimism and open your mind to the optimistic view of life.

Amidst life’s challenging storms, despite devastating thunders and the atmosphere of crippling darkness seldom lit by ironic lightning, you can find your light, your voice, your identity, your strength, and carve a niche for yourself.

I have never read or heard of any successful man who has never suffered setbacks, failures, trials, pains, disappointments or challenges. All these experiences are part of the menu of success in life. The most interesting part is that great people are those who have learnt to turn their scars to stars. Here are few examples.

 

  • MICHAEL JORDAN. He is very famous for being left out of his high school basketball team. He turned out to be the greatest basketball player by turning his scars to stars. One of his personal quotes is, “I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot, and I missed. I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

 

  • J.K. ROWLING. She was penniless, recently divorced and raising a child on her own. She typed the first Harry Potter book with an old manual typewriter. Twelve publishers rejected the manuscript. A year later, she was given the green light by Barring Cunning from Bloomsbury, who agreed to publish the book but insisted she get a day job because there was no money in publishing children books. But she kept going, despite all her setbacks and challenges. Years after publishing her first book, she became richer than The Queen of England. She said, “You might never fail in the scale I did. But it is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default.”

 

  • MARK CUBAN. The owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks got rich when he sold his company to Yahoo at the price of 5.9 billion dollars in stock. He said he was terrible at his earlier jobs. So, he tried carpentry but he hated it. He was a short under-cook but a terrible one. He admitted he has failed many times in his life. He once remarked, “I have learnt that it doesn’t matter how many times you failed, you only have to be right once. I tried to sell powdered milk. I was an idiot a lot of times, and I learnt from them all.”

 

  • WALT DISNEY. His first animation company went bankrupt. He was fired by a news editor because he lacked imagination. He was turned down over 300 times before he got financing for creating Disney World. Despite his failures, he turned Disney World to a world-class company. But all this was possible because he didn’t give up. He turned his scars to stars. Walt Disney noted, “I think it is important to have a good hard failure when you are young. I learnt a lot of that, because it makes you kind of aware of what can happen to you. Because of it, I’ve never had any fear in my whole life. When we’ve been near collapse and all of that. I’ve never been afraid, I’ve never had the feeling that I couldn’t walk out and get a job doing something.”

 

Despite your scars, you can still forge ahead and enjoy a rich and rewarding life like a superstar. In spite of your mistakes and failures you can still learn how to become successful. Oh yes, you can, if you are not ready to give up. Keep the faith, believe in yourself and keep believing in yourself regardless of how mighty your battle is.

American poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson observed, “What lies before us and what lies behind us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”  The master has said it all, what else can I say? Turn your scars to stars!

ACTION PLAN: Learn from your past but don’t live in your past. Double your failure rates and learn from them until you get it right. Be fearless, be courageous, take calculated risk. Believe in yourself and have faith that you can achieve your goals and dreams despite the challenges you are currently facing.

AFFIRMATION: I have the inner power to turn my scars to stars. If Michael Jordan, JK Rowling, Mark Cuban and Walt Disney can do it, I can do it.

Managing Cough In Children

By
Admin
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1

By Pharm. (Mrs) Timeyin Ogungbe

Children who cough are frequently seen in community practice. Determining what is “normal” cough from that which is abnormal can be challenging for both parents and primary care teams. Cough is a protective reflex and children who have no evidence of illness may cough an average of 11 times over a day. (1)

Children are not small adults and the causes of cough in children may be different to the causes in adults. (2,3). The assessment of children with cough, particularly when the cough is chronic, should be carried out in a systematic way. This should assist with the formation of an accurate diagnosis whenever possible and then allow successful management of the cough.

There are 3 key aspects of assessment that can be done within the context of community pharmacy practice to determine the nature of children’s cough.

  1. Listen to the concerns of parents.
  2. Consider personal, family history and environmental factors
  3. Ask key questions

 

  1. Listen to the concerns of parents. Cough in children, regardless of the underlying reason, can cause significant distress, disruption of daily activities and a lack of sleep for both the child and the parents. Ask open questions following the standard “FIFE” format such as:
  • Feelings: What are your concerns?
  • Ideas: What do you think is the cause of the cough?
  • Function: How is the cough affecting your child and yourself?
  • Expectations: What do you think is needed to help resolve the cough?

Responses to these questions should help uncover parental concerns, suggest areas requiring further direct questioning and guide the type and range of advice given. In many cases the answers may also reveal the likely diagnosis.

  1. Consider personal, family history and environmental factors

Aspects of the child’s personal, family and social history may provide clues to the underlying reason for a cough. Ask about:

  • The child’s personal medical history e.g. a history of atopy, recurrent infections, poor growth
  • The family history (particularly a history of any respiratory conditions)
  • Any exposure to environmental factors e.g. cigarette smoke, animals, damp living conditions
  • The immunization status of the child and others in the family
  • Tuberculosis (TB) if there is any history of contact with a person with TB.

Take the opportunity to measure height and weight, to provide advice about a smoke-free home or to check oral health.

  1. Ask key questions

Determining the cause of a cough may not always be straight forward, particularly if the cough becomes chronic (persisting for more than four to six weeks). If the responses to initial open questions have raised concerns then further direct questioning is required. There are several key considerations that may be useful to help make an accurate diagnosis in children with cough. These include:

  1. How long has the child been coughing?
  2. What does the cough sound like?
  3. Is the cough wet or dry?
  4. Does the child cough at night?
  5. What is the age of the child?
  6. Are there any associated symptoms?
  7. What triggers the cough?

We shall now look at each of these questions and explain the rationale behind them.

  1. How long has the child been coughing?

Cough in children can be categorised as:

  1. Acute cough – lasting for less than two weeks
  2. Sub-acute or persistent cough – lasting two to four weeks

iii.  Chronic cough – lasting for more than four weeks

Acute and sub-acute cough in children is usually due to a viral respiratory tract infection that will spontaneously resolve within one to three weeks in 90% of children. (4)

Other serious causes of acute coughs e.g. pneumonia, pertussis, foreign body inhalation should however, be considered and excluded, if possible. The acute cough may also indicate the start of a chronic cough condition. In some cases, chronic cough lasting more than four weeks is caused by recurrent viral infections during the cold season, each incompletely resolving before the next infection. A careful history should distinguish this from true chronic cough. Children with chronic cough are likely to require review as the underlying cause of the cough may not initially be clear and the type of cough may change over time.

It is also important to ask about the onset of the cough. Cough associated with  very sudden onset or a history of choking may suggest inhalation of a foreign body, particularly in younger children.

  1. What does the cough sound like?

The character or the quality of the cough may in some cases suggest a specific cause, termed as classically recognised cough (Table 1).

 

 

 

 

 

However, in practice this may have limited value. Unless the child is coughing within the pharmacy, the Community Pharmacist is dependent on a description of the cough from the parents.

 

Other causes should not be excluded on this basis alone e.g. a “pertussis like” paroxysmal cough may be due to Bordetella pertussis but could also be caused by a viral infection such as adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or mycoplasma.

 

The age of the child may also alter the character of cough e.g. infants aged under six months with pertussis do not usually “whoop”.

 

  1. Is the cough dry or wet?

Determining whether the cough is dry and irritating or wet and “rattly” may help to diagnose the cause, particularly if the cough is chronic. A chronic cough with purulent sputum in a child requires further assessment as it always indicates underlying disease (5).

 

A wet cough in older children and adults is often called a “productive” cough, but this term has limited value for many younger children as they tend to swallow sputum rather than cough it up, often resulting in vomiting. It may be more useful to ask if the child has vomited.

 

Research has shown that subjective reporting of a wet cough by parents is consistent with findings of airway secretions at bronchoscopy (6). A wet cough was shown to be always associated with an increase in airways secretions, however a dry cough did not always signify an absence of secretions. In addition, a dry cough may be reported early in an illness and then evolve into a wet cough as secretions increase (6). Parents should be made aware of when it is appropriate to bring the child back for review and also advised about signs that may suggest worsening illness.

  1. Does the child cough at night?

Sleep generally suppresses “normal” and habit cough and although nocturnal cough is often associated with asthma, this is less likely for children in the absence of any other associated symptoms such as wheeze.

Nocturnal cough is often a reason for presentation for medical attention because the cough may cause significant anxiety for the parents, be more noticeable and disturb sleep for the whole family. Although nocturnal cough may be the symptom that drives the parent to bring the child to the GP, evidence suggests that parental reporting of nocturnal cough can be subjective (7).

  1. How old is the child?

The age of the child when the cough started may be important in helping determine the diagnosis. Any unexplained persistent cough that begins in the neonatal period (the first 28 days of life) requires investigation and usually indicates significant disease (7). Referral to a paediatrician is usually recommended.

 

  1. Foreign body inhalation

Once children are old enough to put small objects in their mouths, the possibility of aspiration of a foreign body should be considered. Most cases of foreign body aspiration occur in children aged less than four years. Ask parents about the potential for foreign body aspiration, such as access to any small object or consumption of small, smooth foods (e.g. peanuts, raisins, grapes). If foreign body inhalation is suspected then the child should be referred to secondary care for further investigations.

 

  1. Are there any associated symptoms?

Does the child only have a cough or are there other symptoms? The presence of any associated symptoms may help determine the underlying cause of a cough.

Examples may include:

  • A cough associated with runny or blocked nose, sore ears or throat, fever or irritability suggests viral infection
  • A cough that started after an episode of choking strongly suggests foreign body inhalation
  • A cough that is associated with wheezing and breathlessness may suggest asthma
  • A history of night sweats and haemoptysis in a “high-risk” child could suggest tuberculosis.

 

  1. What triggers the cough?

Ask about any factors that may trigger the cough e.g. exercise, excitement or cold air. Also ask about environmental factors e.g.:

  1. Is the house smoke-free?
  2. Are there family pets?

iii.  Is the house damp?

Cough that only appears in specific situations e.g. before speaking, with stress, at school, that disappears at night and that is reproducible upon request may be a habit cough.

Examination

{Generally, in the community pharmacy setting, it may not always be feasible to carry out clinical examination on a coughing child. It is however in order to be aware of the kind of examination that can be carried out.}

The clinical examination of a child who presents with cough should include:

  • An assessment of how “well” the child is
  • Temperature, hydration, pulse rate and respiratory rate
  • Height and weight
  • Ear/nose/throat examination – primarily checking for signs consistent with upper respiratory tract infection. N.B. Cough can be triggered in some people by an irritation of the auricular branch of the vagal nerve e.g. by wax or a foreign body in the auditory canal.
  • A check for clinical signs suggestive of allergy e.g. allergic “shiners” (dark circles under the eyes), nasal speech, eczema
  • Chest examination including observation e.g. accessory muscle use, in-drawing, chest deformity and chest auscultation for localized or generalized chest signs
  • A check for digital clubbing.

 

Investigations for cough

Investigations are not required for children with acute cough who are likely to have a diagnosis of a viral URTI.

Sputum

Sputum culture may be indicated in an older child with a chronic, wet cough. Most young children swallow their sputum and are unable to produce a sample that is of sufficient quality to provide useful results.

Spirometry

Spirometry is indicated for children with chronic, dry cough who are old enough to master the technique (usually school-age children) (8) . Spirometry may give information about airway obstruction and responsiveness to a bronchodilator.

N.B. If the child is asymptomatic and normal results are obtained, this does not exclude a diagnosis of asthma.(14) Peak flow is generally not used as a diagnostic tool for asthma as it has not been validated for this use and results are not repeatable.

Radiography

A chest x-ray should be considered if a child has a:

  • Chronic cough of unknown aetiology
  • History of aspiration (acute onset of cough, choking episode)
  • Persistent signs on chest examination (deformity, focal findings on auscultation)

N.B. A normal chest x-ray does not exclude the presence of an inhaled foreign body.

 

Management of acute cough in children

The majority of children who present to general practice with acute cough will have a viral URTI. In children without symptoms and signs of a specific serious underlying disease process, the recommended approach is to watch, wait and review. Investigations are not usually required and treatment should be aimed at providing symptomatic relief.

Parents should be given information that enables them to make an informed decision about if and when to bring the child back for review. This may include information on:

  • The symptoms to expect
  • The duration of these symptoms
  • Symptoms and signs of worsening illness
  • The plan for follow up
  • The potential hazards and ineffectiveness of cough and cold medicines

Among the many children who present with acute cough, it is important to identify the child who may have a predominantly lower respiratory infection and be unwell, with fever, tachypnoea, decreased oxygen saturation and chest signs. Antibiotics may be indicated depending on the diagnosis and a follow up appointment should be arranged to check for clinical improvement and resolution of chest signs. If the child is very unwell, referral for further assessment, chest x-ray and treatment in a secondary care setting may be required.

Management of chronic cough in children

Management of chronic cough depends on the underlying diagnosis. If symptoms and signs found in the history and examination suggest there is a specific underlying disease causing the cough, then treatment should be aimed at this condition. In some cases, the child may need further investigations before a diagnosis can be made.

Causes of chronic cough in children include:

  • Persistent respiratory infection including post viral cough, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, pertussis and tuberculosis
  • Passive exposure to cigarette smoke
  • Asthma
  • Recurrent aspiration e.g. secondary to reflux, congenital abnormality
  • Habit cough
  • Upper airway cough syndrome
  • Gastro-oesophageal reflux
  • Cardiac causes e.g. congestive heart failure, congenital heart disease
  • Medication (9)

Indications for referral

Referral indications for a child with cough include:

  • Cough that does not resolve despite simple management
  • Suspected foreign body aspiration
  • Haemoptysis
  • Recurrent pneumonia (or chest signs that do not resolve)
  • Suppurative lung disease
  • Congenital lung lesions or disease
  • Immunodeficiency states
  • Cardiac abnormalities

 

References:

  1. Munyard P, Bush A. How much coughing is normal? Arch Dis Child 1996;74:531-4.
  2. Chang AB. Cough: are children really different to adults? Cough 2005;1:7.
  3. Marchant JM, Masters B, Taylor SM et al. Evaluation and outcome of young children with chronic cough. Chest 2006;129:1132-41.
  4. Chang AB, Landau Lim, Van Asperen PP, et al. Cough in children: definitions and clinical evaluation. Position statement of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand. Med J Aust 2006;184(8):398-403.
  5. Goldsobel AB, Chipps BE. Cough in the Pediatric Population. J Pediatr 2010;156(3):352-8.
  6. Chang AB, Gaffney JT, Eastburn MM, et al. Cough quality in children: a comparison of subjective vs. bronchoscopic findings. Resp Res 2005;6:3.
  7. Chang AB, Newman RG, Carlin JB, et al. Subjective scoring of cough in children: parent-completed vs child-completed diary cards vs an objective method. Eur Respir J 1998;11(2):462-6.
  8. Irwin RS, Glomb WB, Chang AB. Habit cough, tic cough, and psychogenic cough in adult and paediatric populations. ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest 2006:129(1 Suppl):174S-179S.
  9. Pattemore PK. Persistent cough in children. N Z Fam Prac 2007;34(6):432-6. alth 2003;39(2):111-7

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Amazing Home Mixture For Ear Infection

By
Chiazor Okeke
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0

Ever heard of swimmer’s ear? That’s the infection of the outer ear canal, in the tube that connects the ear to the eardrum. The medical term for it is otitis external.

The main cause for this infection is when the water left in the ear canal after swimming, bathing, or showering grows bacteria.

A fungus or virus can also cause infection, but that is less common.

Other things that cause this infection are using headphones or hearing aids too often, over- cleaning of the outer ear canal, hair spray or hair dyes, and an allergy from jewelry.

The mildest symptoms for swimmer’s ear infection are swelling, redness, pain or discomfort, pus or fluid discharge, itching, and muted hearing.

What do you do to ease the pain for a mild infection? Here are some ways to lessen the infection and allow the ear canal to heal.

 

White Vinegar

The acid in vinegar helps kill the bacteria in the ear, cleaning out the infection. This makes it one of the best cures for swimmer’s ear.

  • Mix an equal amount of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol in a bowl.
  • Lie on your side with the infected ear facing up.
  • Put 2-3 drops of the mixture in your ear, using a dropper.
  • Keep it in for five minutes, then sit up and tilt your head to let the mix drip out of your ear.
  • Do this 2- 3 times a day.

 

Warm Compresses

Try a warm compress if you see a pus build up or a fluid discharge from your hurt ear. This will help because the heat will help the fluid drain and ease the pain.

  • Start by soaking a washcloth in hot water and then squeezing out the extra water. Place the compress on the infected ear for two minutes, and then tilt your head to let the fluid drain. Take a ten minute break and do it again if needed.
  • Another way to do this is to wrap a heating pad in a towel and put it on your bed. Lie with your infected air on the heating pad for a few minutes. Do this as many times as needed.

 

Hydrogen Peroxide

Because hydrogen peroxide is a natural bacteria killer, it is a great way to dry out the fluid in the ear and cure this infection.

  • Buy 3 % hydrogen peroxide.
  • Lie down and put 3- 4 drops in the infected ear, using a dropper.
  • Stay in that position for a few minutes.
  • Sit up and tilt your head to let the fluid drain from your ear.
  • Do this a few of times a day.

 

Garlic

Garlic is another great way to cure ear infections. This is because it kills the bacteria that cause the infection and lessens the pain that comes with it.

To use garlic

  • Crush a few garlic cloves and mix them with two tablespoons of olive oil. Heat the oil until the garlic turns brown. Use 2- 4 drops in the infected ear. Do this one or two times a day.
  • To help the cure, eat two to three raw garlic cloves a day.

Note: do not use garlic oil if you have fluid draining from your ear.

 

Onion Juice

According to Ayurveda, a good idea for treating ear infection is onion juice. This is because the juice kills bacteria and lessens pain very soon after it’s used.

  • Squeeze the juice from one small onion.
  • Heat the juice in the microwave for a few seconds.
  • Put two or three drops of warm juice in your ear.
  • Leave it for five minutes, and then tilt your head to let the fluid drain.
  • Do two to three times a day.

 

Holy Basil

Another idea suggested by Ayurveda is holy basil. Because it kills bacteria, it helps fight the ear infection and soothe the pain. It also helps treat fluid discharge.

  • Squeeze the juice from four or five basil leaves.
  • Heat the juice slightly, until it is lukewarm.
  • Lie down and put two or three drops in your ear.
  • After five minutes, sit up and tilt your head to let the fluid drain from your ear.
  • Do this two times a day.

 

Alcohol

Insert rubbing alcohol in the troubled ear with the help of a dropper. To distribute the alcohol evenly, move your head around. Then, tilt your head downwards to drip out the alcohol.

 

 

 

Top Natural Remedies For Folliculitis

By
Chiazor Okeke
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2

One of the most uncomfortable, embarrassing and stressful aesthetic problems you may ever come across is folliculitis.

Medical specialists define folliculitis as the inflammation or infection of the hair follicles that are present everywhere in the human body. This means that you can develop folliculitis on your scalp, genital/pubic area (penis, scrotum or groin for men, vagina or vaginal area for women) leg or legs, armpit, buttocks, nasal area or face. It is quite a common condition and even dogs can develop it (known as dog or canine folliculitis).

 

Some of the symptoms of folliculitis you could experience are- a mild itch, burning sensation and, of course, the characteristic little red pimple-like bumps. The causes can be: shaving, profuse sweating, wearing tight-fitting clothing, Demodex mite infection, going into a swimming pool or hot tub that has not received proper chlorine treatment, having HIV or diabetes, having a wounded area infected, or wearing makeup, to name a few of the factors that cause folliculitis.

If you have acquired this condition by any means, you are probably asking yourself “Is folliculitis contagious”? Most of the time folliculitis is not contagious, but the infection might be spread by sharing a hot tub or a razor with an infected person.

There are cures and forms of prevention available for this condition. Below are the natural remedies for folliculitis as highlighted by Doctor Health Press:

Avoid Untreated Hot Tubs / Swimming Pools

As swimming pools, hot tubs or whirlpools that have not been adequately treated with chlorine are one of the main causes for folliculitis, it is natural that one of the most relevant tips for preventing and treating this condition is avoiding them. Make sure that if you have to get into a hot tub or swimming pool that it is professionally treated with chlorine. Nevertheless, if you have the possibility, stay away from them altogether.

Coconut Oil

Like in many other situations, coconut oil is simply delightful as a home remedy. In the case of folliculitis, virgin coconut oil is praised as being one of the best natural solutions available. Virgin coconut oil usually comes in a solid form, so you will need to heat it up so it can melt. After allowing it to cool down a bit, directly apply the liquid coconut oil to the problem area with folliculitis and let it set. Repeat this remedy daily for the best results.

Neem

One of the oldest and most inexpensive solutions for skin conditions is represented by neem leaves. You can either boil a handful of neem leaves and use the water to rub on the infected area or use the juice extracted from them to do the same thing. If you want fast results, try to apply the neem leaves treatment two to three times a day.

Garlic

As one of the best natural antibacterial agents in nature, garlic is definitely a solution for getting rid of folliculitis. In addition to this, it also has anti-inflammatory benefits that work great for this condition. It is encouraged that you incorporate more garlic into your diet so you can benefit from all of its healing properties. In order for this remedy to work, you should eat about three or four cloves of garlic every day. It might not offer the most romantic aroma, but it will help you fix the problem.

Loose Clothing

Because tight clothing is a leading cause for irritating the skin and resulting in folliculitis, it is obvious that you should try to avoid it as much as possible. Instead of wearing leggings, tight jeans, lacey undergarments or any other kind of material that could irritate your skin, opt for loose pieces of clothing that will not suffocate your body. You will feel infinitely more comfortable and your skin will be clean and folliculitis free.

Antibacterial Soap

Maintaining excellent hygiene is a must if you want to stay far away from folliculitis. Make sure that you wash your body and specifically the affected areas as often as possible, using a potent antibacterial soap. Make sure that you do not heavily scrub the infected skin to cause more irritation, and use warm water.

Oatmeal

Many anti-folliculitis products contain oatmeal, so it is understandable why this ingredient would act as a great home remedy for this disease as well. Instead of purchasing a cream with the oatmeal extract from the drugstore, prepare an oatmeal bath that you can soak in to benefit from its properties. Not only will it be heavenly relaxing to enjoy, but it will also naturally cure your folliculitis.

Turmeric

One of the most well-known and popular home remedies for folliculitis (and a wide range of other diseases, for that matter) is turmeric. To get this home remedy right, add one teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of water and allow it to dissolve. Alternatively, you can dissolve the turmeric in milk. Repeat two times a day for quick and pleasing results.

Vinegar

Of course, vinegar was on our list, it is almost impossible for it not to be. Both the superhero apple cider vinegar and white vinegar are constantly praised for helping out individuals suffering from folliculitis. One of the best ways you can apply vinegar as a folliculitis solution is by mixing one part of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar with two parts of lukewarm water. Take a clean cloth and soak it in the solution, afterward using it as a compress to apply to the irritated skin. Gently press the cloth for five to ten minutes on your skin. This solution is also known to help eliminate scars.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel is the mother of home remedies and it is a wonderful home solution for folliculitis, owing to its powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It will help you out with the itching and burning symptoms of folliculitis and it also promotes the natural healing of your skin. You should extract the gel from a leaf of aloe vera and apply it lightly on your infected skin for around a quarter of an hour. When treating folliculitis, it is encouraged to repeat the solution three times daily.

Change Bed sheets often

Remember what we said about personal hygiene being imperative for folliculitis healing? One of the best ways to achieve flawless hygiene is to change your bed sheets as often as you can. By often, we mean that even daily if possible. It might seem like a drastic measure but just think about all of the sweat, dust and dirty particles trapped in your sheets every night and your skin constantly rubbing against it for hours on end. Think twice and take this remedy into consideration.

WHO Launches Global Effort To Reduce Medication-Related Errors In 5 Years

By
Admin
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1

WHO on 29th March, 2017, launched a global initiative to reduce severe, avoidable medication-associated harm in all countries by 50% over the next 5 years.

The Global Patient Safety Challenge on Medication Safety aims to address the weaknesses in health systems that lead to medication errors and the severe harm that results. It lays out ways to improve the way medicines are prescribed, distributed and consumed, and increase awareness among patients about the risks associated with the improper use of medication.

Medication errors cause at least one death every day and injure approximately 1.3 million people annually in the United States of America alone. While low- and middle-income countries are estimated to have similar rates of medication-related adverse events to high-income countries, the impact is about twice as much in terms of the number of years of healthy life lost. Many countries lack good data, which will be gathered as part of the initiative.

Globally, the cost associated with medication errors has been estimated at US$ 42 billion annually or almost 1% of total global health expenditure.

“We all expect to be helped, not harmed, when we take medication,” said Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General. “Apart from the human cost, medication errors place an enormous and unnecessary strain on health budgets. Preventing errors saves money and saves lives.”

Every person around the world will at some point in their life take medicines to prevent or treat illness. However, medicines do sometimes cause serious harm if taken incorrectly, monitored insufficiently or as the result of an error, accident or communication problems.

Both health workers and patients can make mistakes that result in severe harm, such as ordering, prescribing, dispensing, preparing, administering or consuming the wrong medication or the wrong dose at the wrong time. But all medication errors are potentially avoidable. Preventing errors and the harm that results requires putting systems and procedures in place to ensure the right patient receives the right medication at the right dose via the right route at the right time.

Medication errors can be caused by health worker fatigue, overcrowding, staff shortages, poor training and the wrong information being given to patients, among other reasons. Any one of these, or a combination, can affect the prescribing, dispensing, consumption, and monitoring of medications, which can result in severe harm, disability and even death.

Most harm arises from systems failures in the way care is organized and coordinated, especially when multiple health providers are involved in a patient’s care. An organizational culture that routinely implements best practices and that avoids blame when mistakes are made is the best environment for safe care.

The Challenge calls on countries to take early priority action to address these key factors: including medicines with a high risk of harm if used improperly; patients who take multiple medications for different diseases and conditions; and patients going through transitions of care, in order to reduce medication errors and harm to patients.

The actions planned in the Challenge will be focused on four areas: patients and the public; health care professionals; medicines as products; and systems and practices of medication. The Challenge aims to make improvements in each stage of the medication use process including prescribing, dispensing, administering, monitoring and use. WHO aims to provide guidance and develop strategies, plans and tools to ensure that the medication process has the safety of patients at its core, in all health care facilities.

“Over the years, I have spoken to many people who have lost loved ones to medication-related errors,” said Sir Liam Donaldson, WHO Envoy for Patient Safety. “Their stories, their quiet dignity and their acceptance of situations that should never have arisen have moved me deeply. It is to the memories of all those who have died due to incidents of unsafe care that this Challenge should be dedicated.”

This challenge is WHO’s third global patient safety challenge, following the Clean Care is Safe Care challenge on hand hygiene in 2005 and the Safe Surgery Saves Lives challenge in 2008.

Depression Tops List Of Causes Of Ill Health – WHO

By
Admin
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3

30 March 2017 | GENEVA – Depression is the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. According to the latest estimates from WHO, more than 300 million people are now living with depression, an increase of more than 18% between 2005 and 2015. Lack of support for people with mental disorders, coupled with a fear of stigma, prevent many from accessing the treatment they need to live healthy, productive lives.

Image result for depression

The new estimates have been released in the lead-up to World Health Day on 7 April, the high point in WHO’s year-long campaign “Depression: let’s talk”. The overall goal of the campaign is that more people with depression, everywhere in the world, both seek and get help.

Said WHO Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan: “These new figures are a wake-up call for all countries to re-think their approaches to mental health and to treat it with the urgency that it deserves.”

One of the first steps is to address issues around prejudice and discrimination. “The continuing stigma associated with mental illness was the reason why we decided to name our campaign Depression: let’s talk,” said Dr Shekhar Saxena, Director of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse at WHO. “For someone living with depression, talking to a person they trust is often the first step towards treatment and recovery.”

Urgent need for increased investment

Increased investment is also needed. In many countries, there is no, or very little, support available for people with mental health disorders. Even in high-income countries, nearly 50% of people with depression do not get treatment. On average, just 3% of government health budgets is invested in mental health, varying from less than 1% in low-income countries to 5% in high-income countries.

Investment in mental health makes economic sense. Every US$ 1 invested in scaling up treatment for depression and anxiety leads to a return of US$ 4 in better health and ability to work. Treatment usually involves either a talking therapy or antidepressant medication or a combination of the two. Both approaches can be provided by non-specialist health-workers, following a short course of training, and using WHO’s mhGAP Intervention Guide. More than 90 countries, of all income levels, have introduced or scaled-up programmes that provide treatment for depression and other mental disorders using this Intervention Guide.

Failure to act is costly. According to a WHO-led study, which calculated treatment costs and health outcomes in 36 low-, middle- and high-income countries for the 15 years from 2016-2030, low levels of recognition and access to care for depression and another common mental disorder, anxiety, result in a global economic loss of a trillion US dollars every year. The losses are incurred by households, employers and governments. Households lose out financially when people cannot work. Employers suffer when employees become less productive and are unable to work. Governments have to pay higher health and welfare expenditures.

Associated health risks

WHO has identified strong links between depression and other noncommunicable disorders and diseases. Depression increases the risk of substance use disorders and diseases such as diabetes and heart disease; the opposite is also true, meaning that people with these other conditions have a higher risk of depression.

Depression is also an important risk factor for suicide, which claims hundreds of thousands of lives each year. Said Dr Saxena: “A better understanding of depression and how it can be treated, while essential, is just the beginning. What needs to follow is sustained scale-up of mental health services accessible to everyone, even the most remote populations in the world.”

Depression is a common mental illness characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that people normally enjoy, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities, for 14 days or longer.

In addition, people with depression normally have several of the following: a loss of energy; a change in appetite; sleeping more or less; anxiety; reduced concentration; indecisiveness; restlessness; feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness; and thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Your Specific Assignment

By
Ifeanyi Atueyi
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3

Theologian William Barclay once said, “There are two great days in a person’s life – the day we were born and the day we discover why.” Every human being is important to God. John 3:16 says, ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son…”

God designed you perfectly and specifically for a unique task in His master plan. He has a divine purpose for you. It is life changing when you discover your specific purpose. Your life will have a greater meaning and excitement. And when you begin to live according to that purpose, you will find joy and fulfilment.

God has a purpose and a perfect plan which is always at work. And you are part of that plan and purpose.  The good news is that God is equipping you, strengthening you and preparing you for your divine destiny. He is working every day to perfect you so that you can play your role in His eternal purpose on earth.

Those primary and secondary schools you attended and the fellow students and teachers you associated with are all in God’s plan for your life.  Somehow, they affected your life, just as you affected theirs, even years after school. Recall your interactions with colleagues in the places you worked. Don’t forget that boss who sat on your promotion and even promoted your junior. There   is a purpose for those relationships.

Do you know, as a child of God, that from birth God has been working out His purpose for your life? He chose your parents to bring you into the world. Perhaps you were born because your mother’s family planning contraceptive failed, or your mother had you by mistake while in school, or you don’t even know your biological father. The fact is that you were born and it was not a mistake from God because God does not make mistakes.

Do you remember a great warrior named Jephthah? The Bible records that he was   a son of a prostitute, and was driven away from the family inheritance because of his shameful birth. But God had a plan of using him to save his people of Gilead from the Ammonites. God had a specific life assignment for him, despite his disgraceful background.

I have listened to testimonies of several people and it is always interesting to see how some stumbling blocks have been turned to stepping stones to move people to their places of destiny. I believe you have your own testimony, too.

When I graduated in 1964, I started working for a pharmaceutical company where I thought I would carve out a career. But, unexpectedly, my boss had cause to disagree with me over some minor issues. Leaving that company opened many great doors which would have remained closed as long as I was there. In order to fulfil God’s purpose for my life, He orchestrated my exit, even though it was to my embarrassment at that time.

Life is a process with purpose and meaning. It is a journey you must learn to enjoy. It is your choice to live it as you want. You have to make choices and decisions as you move on. Every choice you make takes you somewhere. That is why you must ask God to guide you in making even what you may consider minor decisions and choices. Psalm 25:12 says, “What man is he that feareth the Lord? Him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.” 

You need to discover your life assignment. Spend time alone. You will not discover it by being constantly busy, surrounded by others and distracted. Read the Bible and biographies of people who discovered their assignments. Read other stimulating books and ask questions about your goals, dreams, desires, and strengths.

It is always good to write down your vision and goals. Habakkuk 2:2 says, “Write your vision, and make it plain…” Think on paper. You must clearly identify your strengths. What are you naturally talented at doing well?  What is it you are constantly drawn to do and you enjoy doing?  That is your passion. You must do things that are in line with your passion and God-given abilities.

You must stay connected with God, the Source of your assignment. To achieve this, you need constant fellowship and communion with Him. “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5).

You are an original; therefore, do not replicate someone else. Be yourself. Your physical appearance, voice, habits, intelligence, and tastes and so on make you one of a kind. Your fingerprints distinguish you from every other human being – past, present, or future. Psalm 139:14 says, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”   Let your heart move you to what you want to do. Your greatness is within you.

Discover your specific assignment to fulfil God’s purpose for your life and you will find great fulfilment in life.

 

Only Full Implementation Of NDDG Can Curb Drug Counterfeiting – Pharm. Okwor

By
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1

Pharm. Ikechukwu Okwor is chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Nassarawa State Chapter. An alumnus of University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka, Okwor is also the managing director of Silver Rose Pharmacy Nigeria Limited, Maraba, Nassarawa State, a community pharmacy established 17 years ago. In this exclusive interview with Pharmanews, the Enugu State born pharmacist argues that, as long as the stipulations of the National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG) remain unimplemented and open drug markets continue to thrive, the country’s battle against drug counterfeiting will be a mirage. He also speaks on the state of community pharmacy practice in Nassarawa. Excerpts:

How would you describe your journey in pharmacy from your early years to date?

As a young pharmacist in community practice, I was full of confidence and proud to be a pharmacist. I was happy I could provide solutions and advice to patients with regards to their drug needs that positively affected their health. So, I walk with my head high and feel satisfied being a care provider.

I have no regret whatsoever being a pharmacist. Studying Pharmacy was the best decision for me and I am happy I made the decision.

However, it is quite saddening that we now operate in a bad environment. Things are now getting worse and one has to struggle for survival as many things that were working perfectly before have turned to something else, and it has now become the survival of the fittest.

In my early days as a young professional, community pharmacy practice was more of professional practice and things were done professionally, compared to nowadays when pharmacy professionals now struggle to survive amidst stiff competition from drug-sellers all over the place. Pharmacy practice is now highly endangered as the professional is almost being hijacked by the charlatans and quacks.

 

What can you say about the happenings in the healthcare sector of Nassarawa State?

The happenings in the health sector of Nassarawa State are not different from what you find in other states of the federation. There is little or no collaboration between the government and private health institutions in the state, except when donor agencies are involved.

In the general society, drug abuse and misuse is on the increase; so there is need for regulatory agencies to come together with a common agenda in the interest of the general populace.

 

What are the challenges facing community pharmacy practice in Nasarawa and how can they be tackled?

Well, we used to have the challenge of unhealthy competition from both licensed and unlicensed pharmacy outlets and medicine dealers in the state. However, the past three years have witnessed a drastic change in the regulation of community pharmacy practice in the state due to a functional PIC, comprising a gentle but firm DPS and a no-nonsense,  dynamic pharmacist council officer. With this, the bad eggs are being identified and dealt with accordingly, including those who do “register and go”.

 

What prompted your decision to vie for ACPN chairmanship?

I served as the treasurer in the last administration and was able to see the challenges facing the association. I realised that the best way I could make a positive contribution was to take up the mantle of leadership myself, having garnered the required experience in the practice. I was also encouraged to step forward for the challenge because I had the support of my family and stakeholders in the association.

 

Could you mention some of your achievements and challenges as ACPN chairman?

We thank almighty God who has been our provider from the inception of this administration and we are trusting Him to be with us till the end of this administration and beyond. Some of our achievements include: establishment of a fully equipped secretariat, which will become functional any moment from now; winning a court case against Nassarawa State Ministry of Commerce and Industry on the issue of business premises registration;  restoring a functional state PSN arm after eleven years of inactivity; being part of a functional PIC; standing firmly for pharmacists collecting special loan package from the bank, without any instance of default.

Our major challenge remains how to curb the activities of “register and go” (R&G) pharmacists, and the excesses of some regulatory agencies.

 

How best do you think the issue of fake drugs and counterfeit medicine can be handled?

This can only be made possible by full implementation of the National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG), and closure of open drug markets across the country. Without this, the battle may linger on for several years without recording success.

 

What message do you have for your colleagues across the state?

No matter the condition, no matter the situation, always remember that you were trained to save lives; remember your oath, and let us all, as men of honour,  join hands together to make Nassarawa State a drug abuse-free society; fight R&G and maintain professionalism in our practice.

ALPs Lists, Acknowledges All Sponsors in 2016

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The Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPs) Lagos State branch is using this medium to appreciate the corporate and individual sponsors of her programmes in 2016, for their enormous contributions to the success of her activities in the past year.

“We pray the Almighty God reward and bless you more abundantly in the year 2017 as we  look forward to your unlimited support for touching the lives of people in our society”,  the group remarked. Below are the names of the benefactors:

CORPORATE SPONSORS IN 2016

  1. Addmore Pharmacy
  2. Alpha Pharmacy
  3. Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria. (ACPN), Lagos State Chapter/ Pharm Biola Paul-Ozieh
  4. Bond Pharmaceuticals
  5. COA Organization (Dr Clement)
  6. Discount Pharmacy
  7. Greenlife Pharmaceuticals/ Pharm. Gbenga Falabi FPSN
  8. GSK
  9. Healthplus
  10. Honorable Membership of the Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPS), Lagos State
  11. Jawa Pharmaceuticals
  12. Livewell Initiative
  13. Mecure
  14. New Heights
  15. Nemel Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
  16. Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN)/Alhaji Ahmed Yakassai FPSN
  17. Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN.- Lagos State)/ Pharm Gbenga Olubowale FPSN
  18. Prof Olukemi Odukoya Cancer Solutions Initiative
  19. Pharmacy Dept (NOHI)
  20. Pharmacy Dept ( Psychiatric Hosp)
  21. Sylkens
  22. Taylek
  23. Vitabiotics
  24. Zolon Healthcare Ltd/Emzor Pharmaceuticals

 

A cross section of the individual pharmacists supporters being awarded at the 2016 AlPs Forum

 

INDIVIDUAL PHARMACISTS SUPPORTERS IN 2016

  1. Afusat Adesina
  2. B.O Silva
  3. Bisi Bright
  4. Bukky George
  5. Bunmi Laja
  6. Fayo Williams
  7. Lawunmi Peters
  8. Margaret Obono
  9. Moyosore Adejumo
  10. Ogori Taylor
  11. Olukemi Odukoya
  12. Alhaja Serifat Salami
  13. Scholastica Lan
  14. Stella Adesanya
  15. Chief Yetunde Morohundiya

 

 

 How Nigeria Can Exit League of Tuberculosis Endemic Nations –Adejumo

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As Nigeria joined rest of the world to celebrate World Tuberculosis Day on 24 March, no fewer than a hundred people benefitted from the Tuberculosis/Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) awareness and screening campaign organised by Association of Public Health Pharmacists of Nigeria (APHePoN) in collaboration with the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN).

The screening exercise which took place at Shitta roundabout in the heart of Surulere, Lagos, attracted traders, artisans, youth corps members and sportsmen coming out of the National Stadium.

Expressing concern over the prevalence of tuberculosis in the country, Pharm. Moyosore Adejumo, director of pharmaceutical service, Lagos State, declared that regardless of the various challenges facing the health sector, health workers should not relent in their commitment to bringing relief to patients.

“We know people cannot be forced to come out en masse for screening. We just have to play our part by continuing with the awareness campaign and appealing to the people to get tested.

“The truth is that tuberculosis is treatable if well attended to. Furthermore, Nigeria has been declared as one of six countries that account for 60 per cent of tuberculosis cases in the world,” she emphasised.

Addressing journalists at the event, Dr Arinola Joda, secretary, APHePoN, declared that tuberculosis is an infection that usually affects the lungs.

Joda explained that it is the leading killer of HIV-positive people and can be spread from person to person through the air.

“Nigeria is among the six countries with the highest burden of TB, which claimed 1.8 million lives in 2015. However the good news is that tuberculosis is not only curable but preventable. Not taking TB drugs daily as prescribed could make the bacterium stubborn and more deadly,” she warned.

The incumbent PSN publicity secretary further highlighted fever, night sweating, continual weight loss, fatigue, chest pains and cough, lasting three or more weeks, as suggestive symptoms of the disease.

On why APHePoN isn’t as popular as other arms of the PSN, Joda explained that the association is still young, adding that the tuberculosis screening is actually the second major programme it is hosting in three years.

“We are gradually working our way up and I believe we will get there very soon. Besides, APHePoN has concluded plans to embark on massive awareness and educating programmes on quarterly basis,” she reassured.

However, much as the participants were enthusiastic about getting tested, it was apparent that many of them had little or no previous knowledge of tuberculosis.

Mr Wasiu Adeyinfa, a commercial tricycle rider, told Pharmanews: “I have been hearing about tuberculosis, I really don’t know what it is all about. However I have learnt some things today from their lectures. We are blessed to have this kind of free initiative among us (less privileged) as people at the top don’t really have our time,” he enthused.

Mr Ajani Badmus, a pensioner, said: “At 83, I have nothing to be scared of. I just came to validate what I already know. Whether it is TB or HIV, I know I don’t have them. Besides, what have I got to lose when the testing is free? That notwithstanding, I appreciate the wonderful job you people are doing here today.”

Mrs Ayisat Ibrahim, another participant, disclosed that other than being contagious and deadly, she knew nothing else about tuberculosis.

“That is why I partake in all these tests on quarterly basis. Apart from mosques and churches, we don’t get to witness this type of awareness and screening frequently in Surulere. I am happy however that we still have good people that offer such services for free,” she stressed.

 

In attendance at the event were Pharm. Moyosore Adejumo, director of pharmaceutical service, Lagos State; Chief Yetunde Morohunda, former national chairman, Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPs); Pharm. Bridget Okocha, Surulere zonal chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN); ACPN Pharm. Afusat Adesina, senior pharmacy specialist, Howard University on SIDHAS (Strengthening Integrated Delivery on HIV/AIDS Services) project; and Dr Olubusola Olugbake.

Others were Dr Oluwayemisi  Chukwu-Uro, production pharmacist; Pharm. Augustine Ajijelek, pharmacy specialist, Howard University; Pharm. (Mrs) Ukamaka Okafor, director, education and training, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN); Pharm. Tinu Ogundipe, member, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Ikeja chapter and Pharm. Luqman Miftah, Highrise Pharmaceutical Limited.

 

My Early Knowledge Of Christ Made Me A Better Pharmacist – Prof. Olurinola

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Prof. Philip Folaranmi Olurinola

Prof. Philip Folaranmi Olurinola is a revered academic pharmacist and fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (FPSN). In this interview with Adebayo Folorunsho-Francis, Olurinola highlights some challenges he faced while shaping his pharmaceutical career. He also reveals why he thinks pharmacists should seek to be certified public analysts. Excerpts:

Tell us about your early life

I was born in October 1939 to the family of Chief John Ogunrinola from Kwara State. I was mostly a village school boy. I started my kindergarten education at a church school in 1943. There, we sang choruses, after which we were asked to sleep on the mat (laughs). From that activity, it gradually developed into a primary school when two villages combined to have a central school. It was called Iwo Primary School. I finished Standard 6 there in 1954. We were the first set in that school.

From there, I went to Titco College. It was a mission secondary school (in present-day Kogi State). I graduated in 1960 and gained admission for HSC. Somehow, however, there was a problem with my grading, which was not discovered until years after.

As at that time, I had prepared myself for a diploma programme at the school of pharmacy in Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. I started the course in October 1961 till June 1966. It was then a five-year diploma programme for secondary students. I was among the first set of the newly upgraded old school of pharmacy which used to train dispensers. We were the first set of Chemists and Druggists (C&D).

By the time we finished, we sort of have double certificates – one for C&D Diploma, the other for Pharmaceutical Chemist Diploma. The latter was academic, while the former (C&D) was professional.

 

Did you actually set out to study Pharmacy from the beginning?

No. My original intention was to study Medicine, not Pharmacy, which I knew nothing about. But my late friend, Benjamin Fashanu (we were together in secondary school and subsequently at school of pharmacy), was the one who convinced me to choose Pharmacy. He seriously pleaded with me.

Even when the advert about the school programme was still on, he took the form and filled it. I kept telling him that I wasn’t interested, until the deadline was a day to go. It was then he told me, “Philip, I have submitted this thing already; please let me submit yours, too. After all, if you are admitted, you can decide not to go. I need you to just sign. That is all!’

I gave it another thought and later signed. And so, he submitted it. Eventually, we were admitted. At that time, he also had the opportunity to go to Marlborough because both of us were qualified. Then, we were living in the same room and sharing the same bed. We were to go to Germany for three years and then Britain for the remaining three years. But all the people I went to for counselling advised me to choose Pharmacy.

When it was time to go, Ben changed his mind and said that he wasn’t sure the trip abroad would profit his career. One week after I left, he came to join me in the same room at the school of pharmacy, Zaria, saying he didn’t know he was so emotionally attached to me and was finding it hard surviving on his own. So we were together.

 

What was pharmacy practice like in your day?

As at then, there was no pharmacy degree programme in the whole of Nigeria. Later, it started at the University of Ife (now OAU) in 1962, thereby making the institution the first to blaze the trail.

However, I wasn’t impressed with the lifestyle of pharmacists (dispensers) in those days. A number of them were drunkards; some others were into debauchery. It was at that point I prayed that God who gave me the privilege to start the course should make me to turn out a better pharmacist.

Somehow, that prayer was answered. In my final year, a lecturer announced that those interested in becoming pharmacists in academia should raise their hands. I volunteered and was subsequently accepted into the Ibadan campus in 1967. But because we already had a diploma in Zaria, we were given a concession: we were to spend two years instead of three.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t finish; but my other mates – Benjamin Fashanu and Olatunji Ahmadu – finished theirs. I checked out of the school around 1968/1969, after I was advised to withdraw. I knew I had the ability to compete but somehow I allowed myself to give in to temptation and fell along the line.

As children of God, there are some things we just cannot do. In retrospect, I had the rare privilege of knowing the Lord before I clocked 12. That early knowledge of Christ gave me a very special advantage. Therefore, there were things that were not expected of me. That is why I believe my not finishing the course was a form of discipline.

 

What did you do after your withdrawal from school?

After I was asked to withdraw, I went back into the pharmacy field because I already have a diploma. Besides, I was doing well in class before my withdrawal in 1969. I was seriously depressed and started offering supplication to God for a way out. He finally answered my prayer. In October 1972, I joined Ahmadu Bello University, which had just commenced its maiden pharmacy course in 1970, in pursuit of Bachelor of Pharmacy.

Eventually, I graduated in 1974. I sincerely thank God because I believe it was the Lord’s doing. I know how much insult and ridicule I got when I re-applied to study Pharmacy at ABU. Many were shocked and repeatedly asked ‘Ah! Why are you going to study that course again?’ But I knew it was a sacrifice I had to make.

I recall that the then dean of the campus, Prof. Gabriel Osuide, observed that I was somehow different from other students. He confessed that he could see I had some administrative traits. He then appointed me to be the class rep. Even long after graduation, he wanted to retain me as an administrator. But I opted out because I still nursed the dream to pursue a Ph.D in Bradford, England, which I eventually did (1976-1979).

I don’t know how else to describe my speedy progress. Between 1976 and 1977, my supervisor felt my work was good enough to be transferred to Ph.D. By May 1979, I completed my Ph.D successfully. Prior to my degree programme in ABU, I worked in Kano Civil Service shortly after the civil war (1967 – 1970) when the regions were divided.

God has been with me all the way. I am eternally grateful. Right from my secondary school to university days, I have been a leader in a number of Christian fellowships and religious societies. After my return in 1979, I rejoined the academic staff in Zaria until 2008. At ABU, it is worthy to note that I went through all the cadres – Lecturer I, Lecturer II, Lecturer III to senior lecturer.

 

In all of these, do you have any regret?

Never. I have no regret for either studying Pharmacy or passing through challenges in the manner I did.

 

Looking at how far the pharmacy profession has come, are there lessons to be learnt?

Yes, I believe so. There are lessons of patience and continued struggle. It is not enough to just be patient – not with several challenges facing you; you must continue to fight it.

Right from my student days in University of Ife, pharmacists have been fighting the CT Grading. There was intense clamour for pharmacists to be on Scale A salary structure. It never mattered whether you were a degree or diploma holder because it was a technical programme. But the late Prof El Said, dean of Pharmacy, University of Ife, while it was still at Ibadan, fought that his students should be given Scale A salary in the civil service because they deserved it. This is why I always canvass for people not to be satisfied with present state of things.

 

As an experienced academic pharmacist, how will you advise young pharmacists looking up to you?

Although this may sound ridiculous, I want to thank God for my knowing Christ early. That has a great influence over me. I want to also suggest that we should all endeavour to know God. If you are close to Him, He will direct your path.

Wherever you are or whichever state you are, do your best. Also, consider your area of interest, your area of capability and which arm of pharmacy career you want to choose. For me, it has been academic right from onset and God made it so. Once you are convinced that is where the Lord wants you to go, stick to it until you succeed.

I will also advise young pharmacists not to be satisfied with only first degree. The world is moving. Besides, qualifications matter now, not just pressing buttons. This is because we are dealing with patients who are now more knowledgeable than in the past. Therefore we too must be knowledgeable.

You must also aspire to be a Fellow of the College (West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists) because, there, you will be trained to gain confidence in whatever area you specialise.

Students should also consider other areas like Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN) to practise. Many pharmacists are not coming for that. Despite our knowledge in drugs, if we don’t register with IPAN, we may not be legally qualified to analyse drugs. We are specialists in this area; but if the official body knows the relevance of IPAN, it will further encourage pharmacists to embrace it. This is even more relevant for those in the industry and academia. It will give them more privileges and job opportunities.

PCN Applauds UDUSOK Over Reaccreditation Of Pharmacy Faculty

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– Expresses worry over internship centres for graduates

In a renewed show of solidarity, the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) has congratulated the management of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUSOK) following the successful reaccreditation of its Faculty of Pharmacy.

The development came on the heels of an earlier visit to the school by a team of top PCN officials in February this year.

In his congratulatory message, Pharm. Elijah Mohammed, registrar of the council, declared that the reaccreditation of UDUSOK brings the number of accredited pharmacy faculties in the country to 18.

“As at today, we have 18 accredited faculties of pharmacy across the country and additional five universities are at different stages of the accreditation process.

“I will also use this opportunity to encourage the deans of accredited faculties who are yet to apply to please apply for and complete the Pharm.D accreditation process with the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC),” he said.

Mohammed also seized the opportunity to discredit the rumour that the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin (UNIBEN) had failed to make the reaccreditation list.

“I want to debunk the rumour making the rounds on social media that UNIBEN Faculty of Pharmacy is not accredited. Please ignore the rumour. The faculty is accredited by both the PCN and the NUC,” he stressed.

The PCN registrar further noted that, in the month of February alone, 328 new pharmacists were inducted into the noble profession of Pharmacy.

“We welcome pharmacists from University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN); Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto; Universities of Jos and Maiduguri; Madonna University, Rivers State University and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka,” he noted

Mohammed however lamented that while the PCN’s effort to bridge the manpower gap is yielding fruit, with steady release of new pharmacists into the system, a new problem is being created.

He remarked that the hundreds of pharmacy graduates produced are finding it increasingly difficult to find internship placement.

“We therefore, appeal to accredited internship centres to increase their uptake of interns, while we equally call on other licensed pharmaceutical premises to apply for accreditation as training centres.

“The PCN, on its part, is making plans to explore private organisations’ support in addressing this challenge. Let me also inform you that the council has forwarded a memo to the minister of health on the adoption of a centralised coordinated internship training programme in council approved centres,” he explained.

To this end, the registrar advised all accredited faculties of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences to keep to allotted number of intakes, in order not to continuously distort council plans in pharmacy education, training and practice, as regards internship programme.

Scientists Discover Nasal Spray To Prevent Meningitis

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Temitope Obayendo
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  • WHO Insists On Prompt Awareness Campaign
  • Experts Reveal Natural Remedies To Meningitis Prevention

Following the outbreak of meningitis in the northern part of the country, which has claimed no fewer than 211 lives with a total of 1407 suspected cases reported from 40 local government areas (LGAs) in five states of Nigeria since December 2016, according to WHO reports, it is imperative to find a lasting solution to this recurrent outbreak in the north.

This is why the groundbreaking findings of British scientists became very relevant in the battle against Meningococcal disease, as they have found a new vaccine that could prevent the disease through simple nasal spray.

The findings published on Daily Mail Online suggested that it is effective against both meningitis B and septicaemia, the potentially fatal blood poisoning that often the winter, although it can strike at any time and mystery surrounds exactly how the disease is contracted. Doctors still do not know why some people catch it and others escape.

“We are very excited about the possibilities of developing a vaccine. We still have a long way to go, but the signs are very encouraging, “said Philip Kirby, chief executive of the Meningitis Trust charity.

In order to prevent the disease from spreading easily, the WHO has called for rapid response in raising awareness among the populace, urging stakeholders to embark on essential advocacy within four weeks of crossing the epidemic threshold.

Meanwhile, it is fundamental to know that meningitis is a condition that involves the development of inflammation in the membranes that protect the spinal cord and the brain. The condition is often the result of a viral infection and can spread rapidly, causing severe headaches and stiffness along the neck and the spine.

Other types of fungal and bacterial infections can also pave the way for developing this condition. Fortunately, there are several strategies that can help minimize the chances for developing meningitis, with most of these methods focusing on avoiding infections and seeking prompt treatment when an infection is present.

Hence, it is essential to list here the natural methods of preventing meningitis as published on WikiHow, which include:

  • Maintain a strong immune system. This can be accomplished by getting a sufficient amount of restful sleep, eating a balanced diet and including exercise in your routine at least 3 or 4 times each week.
  • Take some supplements. Vitamins like A, C, E and D are very helpful in maintaining good health and decreasing the possibility of developing inflammation around the brain and spinal cord. The B family of vitamins supports the immune system as well as the nervous system, making it even harder for meningitis to develop. Don't forget fish oils and other sources of fatty acids that help decrease inflammation in general and serve as food for the immune system.
  • Practice care when around people who already have meningitis. This is especially true if those individuals tend to sneeze of cough without covering their mouths and noses. If exposure is constant, consider wearing a face mask to protect yourself from the exposure.
  • Kiss with care. Infections can be transmitted via kissing, along with other types of physical contact. Know who you are kissing and that the person is healthy and not likely to pass along harmful germs.
  • Wash frequently. Get into the habit of washing your hands after working in the dirt, using the restroom or playing with pets. Preventing meningitis involves eliminating bacteria and germs that could be transferred from other substances to your skin and eventually find their way into the body.
  • Keep your environment clean. Use a sanitizing agent to treat work surfaces, kitchen counters and other surfaces that people share to help reduce the chances of picking up some sort of infection that eventually leads to meningitis.
  • Go for well done with your foods. Bacteria is sometimes found in meats that are prepared rare to medium well, increasing the chances of exposure. Learn to enjoy meats that are cooked thoroughly and at a higher temperature for a longer period of time.
  • Get a vaccination. Immunization is one of the most effective strategies in preventing meningitis. Different formulas are in common use around the world. Your doctor can advise which vaccination is the best option, given your current state of health.

If you could adhere to these guidelines, it’s our candid opinion that meningitis and other related diseases would be far from you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Study Links Frequent Visits To The Loo At Night to Excessive Salt Intake

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Temitope Obayendo
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. Recommends diet change for people affected

To some people, their use of the toilet two to three times before dawn is just as normal as every other thing, whereas it is unknown to them that that is an indication to a medical condition called nocturia.

As trivial as it appears, doctors have warned that the resulting lack of sleep can lead to stress, irritability and fatigue.

In a recent research conducted by a Japanese team of scientists, it was found that people who regularly need the toilet in the middle of the night, consume too much salt in their meals, whereas a reduced salt intake could remedy the challenge.

The study which was recently presented at the European Society of Urology conference in London, sampled 321 volunteers for three months, suggested that a simple change can ‘significantly improve' quality of life.

The study author, Dr Matsuo Tomohiro, of Nagasaki University, in a Daily Mail Online report, said: “This is the first study to measure how salt intake affects the frequency of going to the bathroom”.

Tomohiro, noted that nighttime urination is a real problem for many people, especially as they get older, while the study affirmed the possibility that a simple

Photo Credit : Daily Mail Online

dietary modification might significantly improve the quality of life for many people.

“The sodium in salt plays a key role in maintaining the correct balance of fluids in tissues and the blood. But if too much salt is consumed, it leads to an increase in the amount of urine the kidneys produce, resulting in a condition known as polyuria – or excessive urination”, he stated.

Thus, to our friends who cannot eat a meal without the sharp taste of salt in it, prevention is better than cure. To be free from polyuria or nocturia, reduce your salt intake.

 

Public Apathy To Tuberculosis Worries Public Health Pharmacists

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  • As APHePoN experiences huge turnout at 2017 World Tuberculosis Screening

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate the World Tuberculosis Day, no fewer than a hundred people have benefited from the 2017 Tuberculosis / Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) awareness and screening campaign organised by Association of Public Health Pharmacists of Nigeria (APHePoN) in collaboration with the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN).

The screening exercise which took place on March 24, 2017, at Shitta roundabout in the heart of Surulere, Lagos attracted traders, artisans, youth corps members and sportsmen coming out of the National Stadium.

Much as the participants were enthusiastic about getting tested, it was apparent that many of them have little or no knowledge of the disease.

Mr Ajani Badmus, a pensioner and one of the beneficiaries told Pharmanews that he voluntarily came for out for the free screening exercise despite not knowing the type of ailments that the organisers were wailing about.

“At 83, I have nothing to be scared of. I just came to validate what I already know. Whether it was TB or HIV, I know I don’t have them. Besides, what have I got to lose when the testing is free? That notwithstanding, I appreciate the wonderful job you people are doing here today,” he said.

Mrs Ayisat Ibrahim, another participant, seemed to share the same view. The facial therapist claimed that other than being contagious and deadly, she knew little about tuberculosis.

“That is why I partake in all these tests on quarterly basis. Apart from mosques and churches, we don’t get to witness this type of awareness and screening frequently in Surulere. I am happy however that we still have good people that offer such services for free,” she stressed.

Aside some youth corps members (names withheld) who showed that they are abreast of the infection, the last respondent, Mr Wasiu Adeyinfa, a commercial tricycle rider wasn’t different.

“I must confess that the last time I had a similar test conducted on me by these same people sometime last year. Though I cannot even remember what test it was specifically. I have since been encourage to always make good use of such opportunity whenever it comes up.

“I have been hearing about tuberculosis, I really don’t know what it is all about. However I have learnt some things today from their lectures. We are blessed to have this kind of free initiatives among us (less privileged) as people at the top don’t really have our time,” he enthused.

Addressing journalists at the event, Dr Arinola Joda, secretary, Association of Public Health Pharmacists of Nigeria (APHePoN) declared that Tuberculosis is an infection that usually affects the lungs.

Joda explained that it is the leading killer of HIV-positive person and can be spread from person to person through the air.

“Nigeria is among the six countries with the highest burden of TB which claimed 1.8 million lives in 2015. However the good news is that tuberculosis is not only curable but preventable. Not taking TB drugs daily as prescribed could make the bacterium stubborn and more deadly,” she warned.

The incumbent PSN publicity secretary further highlighted fever, night sweating, continual weight loss, fatigue, chest pains and cough lasting three or more weeks as suggestive symptoms of the disease.

On why APHePoN is lagging when compared with other arms of PSN, Joda explained that the association is still young, adding that the tuberculosis screening is actually the second major programme it is hosting in three years.

“We are gradually working our way up and I believe we will get there very soon. Besides, APHePoN have concluded plans to embark on massive awareness and educating programmes on quarterly basis,” she reassured.

In attendance at the event were Pharm. Moyosore Adejumo, director of pharmaceutical service, Lagos State; Chief Yetunde Morohunda, former national chairman, Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPs); Pharm. Bridget Okocha, zonal chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN); ACPN Pharm. Afusat Adesina, senior pharmacy specialist, Howard University on SIDHAS (Strengthening Integrated Delivery on HIV/AIDS Services) project and Dr Olubusola Olugbake.

 

Revealed: Natural Secrets of Cultivating Long Hair, Radiant Skin, Others

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Temitope Obayendo
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Observations have shown that the number of hours spent at the saloon for makeover is not commensurable to the outcomes, as treatment received by many females and even males have declined to produce the needed results.

But beauty experts have revealed the secrets to live beautifully, which they simply tagged”eat yourself beautiful”, which is attainable by including certain foods in your diet daily.

The beauticians, who began the list of beauty foods from yoghurt- for preventing wrinkles to cheese for a glossy mane, said these foods we keep you looking your best always.

According to the list of everyday beauty food compiled in an article on Daily Mail Online, it was stated that there are different foods rich in vitamins and minerals for the essential growth of the different organs of our body.

Below are the food lists for the essential care of the hair, skin, teeth, and nails

HAIR

Cheese – Encourages growth: Cheese is rich in nutrients that promote the growth of long and healthy hair, according to research by Beautyflash.co.uk, who put together the list of foods with amazing beauty benefits.

Oysters – Strengthens and thickens hair: A lack of zinc is said to weaken the protein structure which makes up hair follicles. Therefore, eating foods rich in zinc, such as oysters, will help strengthen follicles and encourage thicker, healthier hair.

Poultry – Strengthens and prevents hair loss: The protein found in poultry strengthens hair and encourages growth. When you don't get enough protein in your diet, your body allegedly rations the protein is does contain which could damage your hair, potentially causing hair loss.

Salmon – Encourages shine and growth: Salmon is full of Omega-3 fatty acids which feed the oil glands around hair follicles, giving hair a better shine. The acids also have anti-inflammatory properties to help open the hair follicles and encourage healthy growth.

Spinach – Prevents hair breakage: Spinach is full of nutrients including vitamin A, C, iron and beta carotene. These help keep your scalp and hair healthy and moisturised, which will prevent breakages.

 

SKIN

 

Soy beans – Encourages more even skin tone: Soy beans contain many beneficial minerals, and are high in protein. Combined, it means soy beans are a great food for reducing blemishes, getting a clearer complexion, and a more even skin tone.

Kidney beans – Reduces the appearance of blemishes and acne: Kidney beans are high in zinc, which contains a number of healing properties. Many studies have found a strong correlation between low zinc levels and skin blemishes, while it has been suggested that zinc can be as effective as antibiotics for reducing acne – though there is limited evidence for this.

Avocado – Moisturises skin: Avocados are full of healthy fats which help keep your skin moisturised. Healthy fats have also been shown to protect skin from sun damage.

Greek yoghurt – Prevents wrinkles: Greek yoghurt is said to have huge benefits for the skin, such as helping it to become firmer and more resistant to lines and wrinkles.

Olive oil – Reduces inflammation and puffy skin: Olive oil contains antioxidants which can help reduce inflammation or puffiness in the skin. The benefit can be obtained through consuming olive oil in the diet or applying it straight on the skin – particularly on any very dry areas.

 

TEETH

Green tea – Reduces plaque: Studies have found that green tea can be extremely beneficial to dental health, through reducing plaque, lowering the acidity of saliva, and controlling bacteria levels. It's believed that if you drink green tea you're less likely to suffer from gum disease and tooth decay.

Cheese – Lowers acid levels and reduces the risk of tooth decay: Cheese is an incredible source of calcium, which is one of the most important nutrients for strong, healthy teeth. It has also been suggested that eating cheese raises the pH in your mouth, reducing the risk of tooth decay.

Strawberries – Whitens teeth: Strawberries contain a natural cleanser called malic acid, which is an enamel whitener.

Celery – Cleaner teeth and fresher breath: Celery is great for your oral health, as it requires a lot of chewing which stimulates the production of saliva. This saliva neutralises the bacteria in the mouth.

Cashews – Reduces tooth decay: Cashew nuts are high in magnesium content, which helps promote healthy bones and teeth. They are also beneficial as they contain microbe-fighting properties which protect against the bacteria that contributes to tooth decay.

 

NAILS

Mackerel – Strengthens and moisturises the nails: When you’re suffering from dry or brittle nails, upping your intake of essential fatty acids is an easy way to reverse these effects.

Chia seeds – Strengthens and encourages growth: Chia seeds are packed full of health benefits, such as being a great source of calcium, protein and magnesium. These nutrients are said to support collagen production in the body.

Pumpkin seeds – Strengthens and encourages growth: Pumpkin seeds offer a myriad of benefits, and supporting nail health is one. With high levels of protein, zinc and iron, these seeds contain all the key elements your nails need for strong and healthy growth.

Broccoli – Strengthens the nails: If you’re upping your intake of protein to encourage nail growth, broccoli is the perfect accompaniment, as it enhances the benefits of protein with the aid of an amino acid called cysteine, it's said.

Raw cacao – Strengthens and encourages growth: Raw cacao is full of nutrients which help benefit nail health. These include magnesium, iron, zinc and calcium.

 

 

SPER 2017 International Conference & Exhibition on “Nurturing Pharmaceutical Sciences”

By
Admin
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1

Society of Pharmaceutical Education & Research [SPER] has successfully organized its 6th Annual International Conference & Exhibition [SPER 2017] at Jaipur National University, Jaipur [Rajasthan] India on March 3-4, 2017.

SPER international conference was inaugurated on March 3, 2017 by Dr. Ashok Lahoti, Mayor, Jaipur Nagar Nigam, Jaipur and presided by Dr. Dinesh Jaiswal, VP Pharmaceutical Operations-Achlis Group, New York, USA. The guest of honors for the conference were Prof. (Dr.) H. N. Verma, Vice Chancellor, JNU, Jaipur, Prof. (Dr.) S. H. Ansari, President, SPER, Mr. P. K. Gupta, Chairman, Belco Pharma, Bahadurgarh, Dr. Upendra Nagaich, Secretary, SPER & Research Coordinator, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Noida, Dr. Manoj K. Tripathi, Ex-Drugs Controller, Govt. of Rajasthan, Mr. Tarsem Jain, Editor, Pharma Pramarsh, Rohtak & Prof. (Dr.) B. Shrivastava, Prof. & Director, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, JNU, Jaipur. The abstract book was released by chief guest and other dig

Dr. Ashok Lahoti shared his thoughts about the role and importance of pharmacists in the society and further involvement in upgrading the status of pharmacists in the country.

Dr. Upendra Nagaich, Convener, SPER 6th Annual International Conference & Exhibition [SPER 2017] presented the annual report of SPER and shared in detail about SPER and various activities carried out by the society across the country throughout the year. He shared about the recent SPER office bearers’ elections which was held in the month of September 2016 and constitution of various state branches of SPER at national level.

He also shared about constitution of SPER Women’s’ form and SPER Students form for bringing the women candidate and young buddies in main stream and promoting the activities at grassroots level.

Moreover, he also shared the information regarding various privileges, grants and scholarships given to the students every year from SPER and about various awards given to the eminent persons and SPER life members every year i.e., Mrs. Sudha Nagaich Memorial Award, SPER Fellowship Award, SPER Eminent Teacher Award, Principal of the year, Young Scientist, Innovative Researcher, Young Teacher, Young Talent, Best Student for UG, PG, Ph.D. Scholar and SPER Women Forum awards.

Dr. Upendra Nagaich extended his heartfelt thanks to IFTM University and specially Mr. Rajiv Kothiwal, Honourable Chancellor, IFTM University; Moradabad & Prof. (Dr.) R. M. Dubey, worthy Vice-Chancellor, IFTM University, Moradabad for their consistent support throughout the journey of SPER.

Dr. Nagaich extended his deep sense of gratitude towards Mr. P. K. Gupta for sharing his valuable time and kind support for organizing this conference.

The conference was in collaboration with Jaipur National University, Jaipur and Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research (JAPTR) [The official Research Publication of SPER], along with IFTM University, Moradabad [Uttar Pradesh] as Knowledge Partner, SPER Publications and Solutions Pvt. Ltd. as Publication Partner and supported by Dolphine, Mumbai, HPMA, Haryana, Pharma Pramarsh, Rohtak and SPER Times.

Dr. Upendra Nagaich also highlighted the progress of Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research [JAPTR]. The journal is indexed with Emerging Source Citation Index [ESCI], Web of Science [Thomson Reuters], CAB Abstracts, Caspur, Chemical Abstracts, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), DOAJ, EBSCO Publishing's Electronic Databases, Excerpta Medica / EMBASE, Expanded Academic ASAP, Genamics JournalSeek, Global Health, Google Scholar, Health & Wellness Research Center, Health Reference Center Academic, Index Copernicus, Indian Science Abstracts, National Science Library, OpenJGate, PrimoCentral, ProQuest, PubMed, Pubmed Central, Scimago Journal Ranking, SCOLOAR, SCOPUS, SIIC databases, Summon by Serial Solutions and Ulrich's International Periodical Directory.

Dr. Nagaich has discussed in detail regarding the various privileges being extended for the life members of Society of Pharmaceutical Education & Research [SPER] in the article processing charges (APC) for publication in Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research [JAPTR].

Overwhelming response was received for the conference and more than 650 delegates has participated in the conference across the country. More than 220 participants have presented posters of their research work in different tracks. All posters were judged by learned judges invited from various academic organizations and Pharmaceutical Industries.

The various scientific lectures were delivered by eminent personalities from academics as well as industry. The key speakers for this conference were Dr. Dinesh Jaiswal, VP, Pharmaceutical Operations-Achlis Group, New York, USA, Dr. Pradeep Visen, Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto, Canada, Dr. Praveen Tyle, Executive Vice President, Research and Development, Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Texas, USA, Prof. (Dr.) S. H. Ansari, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India, Mr. Rajesh Thalapparambath, Sr. Pharmacist- Inpatient Medication Management, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, Dr. Neeraj Nagaich, Department of Gastroenterology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Jaipur, India etc.

This two days international conference was organized with a key intention to focus on continuing professional development in pharmacy profession concerning about education, essential leadership knowledge, skills, and attributes to advance practice. The principles relating to management of medication use are needed to be outlined so that evidence based medicine and eventual clinical monitoring can be put into practice. In a line with present scenario, the role of self-medication in healthcare system is necessitated to be addressed and to safeguard the ethics of pharmacy profession.

The conference offered the unique platform for interaction with the eminent academicians, research persons, and industry leaders. It provided an open forum for the professionals of pharmaceutical research and academician to enrich their knowledge in the field of pharmaceutical education & research.

The first day concluded with the cultural events performed by the young students of Jaipur National University, Jaipur.

The second day of the conference commenced with the scientific lectures of Dr. Pradeep Visen, University of Toronto, Canada, Mr. Rajesh Thalapparambath, Sr. Pharmacist- Inpatient Medication Management, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, Dr. Neeraj Nagaich, Department of Gastroenterology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Jaipur, India etc.

The valedictory function was inaugurated by Dr. Alok Khunteta, Registrar, Rajasthan Pharmacy Council, Jaipur, Dr. Upendra Nagaich, Secretary, Society of Pharmaceutical Education & Research [SPER], Prof. (Dr.) B. Shrivastava, Director, Jaipur National University Jaipur.

During the conference, Dr. Dinesh Jaiwal, VP Pharmaceutical Operations-Achlis Group, New York, USA was honored with ‘Mrs. Sudha Nagaich Memorial Award’ for his immerse contributions towards the upliftment of pharmacy profession.

SPER Principal of the year Award were conferred upon Prof. (Dr.) M. S. Ashawat, Prof. & Principal, Laureate Institute of Pharmacy, Kangra & Prof. (Dr.) J. S. Patil, Prof. & Principal, VT's Shivajirao S. Jondhle College of Pharmacy, Thane for their outstanding contribution towards uplifting the standards of pharmaceutical education.

SPER Young Scientist Award was conferred upon Dr. Sai Sailesh Kumar, Little Flower Inst. of Medical Sci. & Res., Angamaly.

SPER Innovative Researcher Award was conferred upon Dr. Amit Mishra, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur.

SPER Young Teacher Award was conferred upon Mohd. Rageeb Mohd. Usman, Smt. S. S. Patil College of Pharmacy, Chopda.

SPER Young Talent Award was conferred upon Dr. Ramandeep Singh, Himachal Institute of Pharmacy, Paonta Sahib.

SPER Best Student Awards (Ph.D., PG, and UG) were conferred upon Ms. Swati Chauhan, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Noida, Mr. Inder Kumar, Laureate Institute of Pharmacy, Kangra and Ms. Tanishka Pruthi, MDU, Rohtak respectively.

SPER Women Forum-Innovative Researcher Award was conferred upon Ms. Patil Minal Shriram, DCS’s A. R. A. College of Pharmacy, Nagaon, Dhule, SPER Women Forum-Young Scientist Award was conferred upon Ms. Pooja Mittal, IIT-BHU, Varanasi and SPER Women Forum-Best Student Award was conferred upon Ms. Dipima Chaudhary, Laureate Institute of Pharmacy, Kangra.

SPER Best State Branch award was conferred upon Uttar Pradesh State Branch for their continuous involvement and development of SPER in the state.

To encourage and motivate the students 05 Best Poster Presentation Awards were given in each discipline by Dr. Alok Khunteta, Dr. Upendra Nagaich and Prof. (Dr.) B. Shrivastava.

Dr. Pankaj Sharma, Co-Chairman-Local Organizing Committee of the conference presented the vote of thanks.

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