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How Nestle Nigeria Is Coping Despite Economic Meltdown – Ifezulike

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Admin
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Engr David Chidolue Ifezulike is the Chairman of Nestle Nigeria Plc, which is part of Nestle Central and Africa Region (CWAR), headquartered in Accra, Ghana. He recently marked his 70th birthday and feted friends and family at the prestigious Intercontinental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos.

Pharmanews’ senior correspondent, Chinwe Odita, seized the opportunity to chat with him about the impact of the current recession on Nestle Foods and the food and beverages industry as a whole. He also spoke about other pressing national issues. Excerpts:

Congratulations on your birthday, sir. 

Thank you. I am happy being surrounded by very close friends and family and my dear wife of 40 years.

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Engr David Chidolue Ifezulike

 

 Tell us a little about yourself and Nestle Foods Plc, Nigeria.

I am an engineer by profession. I attended Imperial College, London, UK. I obtained an M.Sc. in Petroleum Engineering and another in DIC Management Science.

I served at Nestle Group from 1984 to 2006. I worked in Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Switzerland, Ghana and Nigeria – in Manufacturing, Production and Technical areas. While in Nestle, I rose to the position of executive director of Industrial Development. I became a director on the board of directors of Nestle in December 2000 and have been chairman of the company since May 10, 2013.

Nestle Plc is one of the foremost food companies in the world. It has been in existence for over 150 years and a committed player in West Africa since 1957.

Our core values are based on respect for people, respect for the environment and respect for the diverse world we live in. The company has the largest research development network of any food company in the world.

Nestle, which is quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, has two major segments: Food and Beverages. The Food segment deals with the the production and sale of Maggi, Cerelac, Nutrend, Lactogen, Nan and Golden Morn.

The Beverages segment focuses on the production and sale of Milo, Chocomilo, Nido, Nescafe and Nestle Pure Life. Our products are a favourite for most Nigerian homes.

 

How has the economic recession in the country affected the food and beverages sector in which Nestle Foods is a major player? How has it specifically affected Nestle?

For Nestle, like every other company, all areas are affected. Getting foreign exchange for importing raw materials and replacements for machinery has been tough. It’s been nearly impossible to get sufficient foreign exchange and, as you well know, if one has to go to the parallel market, it is far more costly. So, all materials for equipment replacement or acquisition of newer technology have been affected.

Also, weak consumer spending because of the recession is definitely hurting most manufacturing companies. The company also has to consider the dividends to be paid to shareholders.

Nestle however is coping reasonably. We learnt a long time ago to cut out frivolities in our spending. About three years ago, I was speaking to a CBN official and I told him that there is a need to place a limit on Nigerians’ spending. There is a need to place embargo on our spending outside the country. We have too much appetite for foreign goods.

A lot of companies and banks are currently exposed to foreign loans and they are even in more trouble since the recession started because they have to service and pay back the loans.

Nestle however has always looked inwards to replace imported raw materials for our products. We started as far back as 1983 to replace foreign sourced raw materials used for our products, with locally sourced ones. For example, we replaced butter oil with refined vegetable oil; barley malt extract has been replaced with maize, soya, millet, sorghum, etc.

 

What should the Nigerian government be doing to protect the industrial sector as a whole during this period?

For me, the Nigerian government needs to bring confidence back into the system because there is a lot of fear in the country. In 1999, the economy was not much better in terms of foreign reserves but there was less fear. The government needs to find a way to make peace in the Niger Delta because they are still the geese laying the golden eggs.

Diversifying the economy takes time and this constant disruption through blowing up of pipelines and killings is only creating more instability and fear.  Beyond earnings from oil, gas supply for our electricity generation is one more reason why we still need peace in the Niger Delta.

The fight against corruption by the government is good. Whoever steals money must be sanctioned to serve as a deterrent to others. Nigerian citizens, as well as the government, must cut down or completely cut off frivolous spending. Too much frivolous spending has not added any value to us as a country. We must change our tastes and embrace locally manufactured products. Our leaders should lead by example and buy made-in-Nigeria products.

 

What is your assessment of NAFDAC’s efforts to ensure packaged food products sold and distributed in Nigeria are safe and healthy? Also are there measures the agency can or should take to protect Nigerians from fake food products?

NAFDAC’s assignment is clear but tasking. They should look at smuggled products, which is a big issue in this country. Smugglers are the ones that break all the rules and don’t pay duties or taxes that local manufacturers of similar goods pay. Local manufacturers are the ones suffering because they pay heavy taxes.

Our government should borrow a leaf from developed countries where local manufacturers are encouraged through reduction of taxes and less duty payment for importation of new machinery and few raw materials which cannot be sourced locally. Here in Nigeria, local manufacturers are handicapped to a large extent because their products end up being quite expensive compared to foreign imports. This is mainly because they provide their own electricity, water and in some cases, even their own roads. The case of Cutix Plc is a clear example – and they make internationally standard cables compared to the often substandard foreign imports that abound in the country.

I believe that the way forward is for the government to reduce the taxes of local manufacturers of products and put in place an enabling environment for them to thrive and compete favourably with their foreign imported competitors.

 

World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently become more vehement in discouraging high sugar intake. It is said that many of the food drinks and beverages manufactured by food companies in Nigeria contain a lot of added sugar. What should we expect from Nestle in the next 10 years?

Nestle is at the top of research worldwide and we look at what is healthy. We have always pioneered moderation in everything. We continue to invest heavily in the development and improvement in the nutritional profile of all our products and we have continuously reduced salt, sugar, Trans fat and saturated fat as well as artificial colourings.

We use science-based solutions to improve the quality of life through food and diet, thereby contributing to the health and wellbeing of consumers. I am not an expert in these matters but Nestle strives to offer products with high nutritional value at lower prices.

Why Health Writers Must Up Their Skills

By
Temitope Obayendo
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“Health is like money, we never have a true idea of its value until we lose it.”  ~Josh Billings

That health is wealth is a truism, which many people seem to take for granted until they experience the many discomforts that come with ill-health. Perhaps, this general apathy towards health-related issues wouldn’t have been so worrisome if the community of professional healthcare writers who are supposed to be at the forefront of the campaign for health-consciousness themselves do not appear to have caught the bug.

A glaring proof of this can be found in the kind of discussions that dominate social media platforms, newspapers and magazines today, as well as the amount of attention this generates. If one, for instance, compares the amount of traffic generated by websites and blogs devoted to entertainment, gossip, fashion etc to those related to health, the disparity is unmistakably huge. The fact that health is a priceless asset is apparently not a sufficient reason to give it all the attention it deserves.

The question is, whose obligation is it to make health information appealing to the masses? Are there particular attitudes, as well as styles and forms of writing that health writers need to adopt? Is it possible for Nigerian health journalists to compete favourably with their counterparts across the globe? These and many more formed the fulcrum of the recent Pfizer Media Parley themed: “Good Healthcare Reporting”.

 

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L:R: Health Editor, Guardian Newspaper, Chukwuma Muanya; Health Editor, Daily Independent, Chioma Umeh; Director, Corporate Affairs, Pfizer Nigeria and East Africa Region, Margaret Olele; Online Health Editor, Pharmanews, Temitope Obayendo; Health Editor, Vanguard Newspaper, Sola Ogundipe, Health Editor, Sun Newspaper, Azoma Chikwe; at the recent media parley on healthcare reporting recently.

Opening the platform for discussion, the Director, Corporate Affairs, Pfizer Nigeria and East Africa Region, Mrs Margaret Olele, expressed the motive for organizing the confab, saying that having observed the trend of health reportage in the country for a while, she observed that there is the need for journalists on the health beat to up their skills, for health news to penetrate all nooks and crannies.

Olele, who expressed concerns about the future of young and enthusiastic health writers, noted that in spite of the several challenges facing the media professionals today, there is light at the end of the tunnel for those of them who have the vision and passion it takes to thrive in the industry.

First on the list of the recommended virtues for media men to embrace is originality. Olele explained how writing stories on new areas and in different dimension can earn health journalists great awards and international recognitions.”Granted that survival is tough, it is imperative for them to look beyond the present and think of the future of their profession”, she said.

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Director, Corporate Affairs, Pfizer Nigeria and East Africa Region, Margaret Olele

In his own remarks, the Health Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr Sola Ogundipe, narrated his experience with young journalists on the beat, who are desperate about making their first millions as quick as possible, saying some of them are not willing to stoop to conquer, rather, they are willing to throw professionalism overboard for a CRV.

The well-traveled health editor mentioned the need for health writers to improve on their capacity, by knowing their strengths and weaknesses, and if possible go for higher study and training, stating this will boost their career a great deal.

Ogundipe, a beneficiary of many international grants, advised the writers to be different and radical in their style of reporting, which he said could earn them fellowship and grants in Africa and across the globe.

The Online Editor, Pharmanews Ltd, Temitope Obayendo, identified the major setback to good health reporting as low remuneration, saying this has subjected many a health correspondent to seeking only survival strategies rather than improving on their professionalism.

The net-savvy health writer, who advised her colleagues on the possibilities of expanding their knowledge on science by devoting quality time to learning about new findings and terminologies on science related issues, stressed that this can boost their health reportorial skill a lot.

The Health Editor, Guardian Newspapers, Mr Chukwuma Muanya also suggested the need for journalists to have a plan B, which they can always fall back to when the chips are down. “Although there is massive loss of job everywhere, but when writers have plan B1, B2, it will give them the confidence to do their job without fear or favour,” he said.

Entrepreneurial skill and business acumen are notable skills that would also do the media men a lot of good, if they can develop interest in these areas, the Health Editor, Sun Newspapers, Mr Azoma Chikwe asserted.

The Sun Editor, who highlighted recent arbitrary practices of media employers, said journalists would no longer be victimized, once they have added other skills to their writing talents, going forward will not be an herculean task.

Rounding off the deliberations, Olele appreciated the media friends of Pfizer, for their partnership throughout the year 2016, urging them to go back to their desks to restrategise for the best form of health reporting to take the health of Nigerians to the next level.

“People lack information in Nigeria, there is so much to be written about, but nobody is doing anything on it. The fact that you are in the healthcare industry does not limit your creativity, turn on your passion on what you do, maximize online opportunities for the progress of your profession”, she charged them

 

Unbreakable Laws of Sales 7th Law: Selling is like fishing – you need the line, the hook and the bait

By
George Emetuche
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If you aren’t going all the way, why go at all? –  Joe Namath

There is a price for everything. Even the item that is classified as priceless still has a selling price. Its selling price is ‘‘priceless!’’ Every prospect has a price. Every prospect has something that will attract him to buy. It’s the duty of the salesman to identify this.

The concept that I call, ‘‘The Fishing Metaphor of Selling,’’ uses fishing as an allegory to communicate that a salesman is like the fisherman. The concept highlights the unique similarities between the salesman and the fisherman. Figuratively, in this model, the salesman needs the line, the hook and the bait in order to perform a successful sales process.

Everyone goes for a target:

Fishermen and salesmen seek to attract something. The fisherman seeks to catch fishes, whereas the salesman seeks to win customers. The two professions are in the business of attracting their targets. It takes a process to attract these targets and the process should be followed if you want to succeed in the venture.

In the hook, line and bait model, the LINE represents the skills of the salesman; the HOOK represents the salesman’s strategies; and the BAIT represents the things salesmen use as incentives to attract buyers to their product. This model must be applied for successful selling to take place.

The fishing metaphor of selling is encompassing. It covers everything that will make a buyer buy a product; both from the buyer’s perspective and the salesman’s point of view.

Let the value surpass the cost:

The relationship between the seller and the buyer should be balanced. The buyer buys total value in exchange for the total cost he is paying to the seller. When we talk about customer value determinants, we compare total customer values (which are the benefits derived from a given offering) versus total customer cost (which are the bundle of costs the buyer is expected to expend in the offering).

It is natural that the buyer will prefer that the things he receives as benefits and value exceed the cost he is incurring.

In measuring customers’ satisfaction, the expectation of the buyer is matched with the performance of the offering. The buyer will be satisfied if his expectations are met. He will be delighted if his expectations are exceeded. On the other hand, the buyer will be dissatisfied if his expectations are not met.

In the fishing metaphor of selling, I teach that the bait must be good enough. People buy when their reasons for buying are met. It is the duty of the salesman to unravel the things that will attract the buyer. Most times the buyer may not let out all in his mind but by asking the right questions and qualifying the prospects, the salesman gets the right answers.

Keep selling!

The fishing metaphor of selling seeks to provide solution to the salesman. The salesman is equipped when he adopts this theory because all the sales fundamentals: strategies, skills and incentives are in place. The model accommodates the three vital aspects of selling!

The fishing metaphor of selling also teaches that if you want to succeed in selling, you must be seen to be doing your best at all times – just as the fisherman keeps his line in the water all the time. Products and services don’t go on vacation. I have not seen where companies decide that their products should go on holidays – unless in the special circumstance where a company decides to put sales on hold for uncommon reasons; but this is not an everyday happening.

Selling is an all time thing. It’s an everyday task. It’s not a one-off job. Companies expect salesmen to sell every minute, just like the fisherman expects to catch fishes all the time! Your products should be on the shelf of every store in town. The services your company offers should be the talk of the town. This task is achievable but you must be ready to work. Get started with The Fishing Metaphor of Selling!

Leadership Inspirations For Excellence (Life) Series

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Admin
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12 stressful things that extraordinary leaders do not tolerate

Needless tolerations can bleed you dry of energy and make it impossible for you to function effectively as a leader. You can’t live a happy, successful, fulfilling leadership role or life if you’re spending all your energy tolerating things that shouldn’t be tolerated. Sometimes you need to put your foot down.

Here are some things to stop tolerating in your life:

  1. The decision to settle for mediocrity.

It’s not always about trying to fix something that’s broken. Sometimes it’s about starting over and creating something better. Sometimes you need to distance yourself to see things clearly. Sometimes growing up means growing apart from old habits, relationships, and situations, and finding something new that truly moves you – something that gets you so excited you can’t wait to get out of bed in the morning. That’s what life is all about. Don’t settle for less.

  1. Your own negative thinking.

Your mind is your sacred space. You can close the windows and darken your space, or you can open the windows and let light in. It’s your choice. The sun is always shining on some part of your life. What do you typically think about? How far you’ve come, or how far you have to go? Your strengths or your weaknesses? The best that could happen, or the worst that might come to be? Pay attention to your self-talk. Because maybe, just maybe, the only thing that needs to shift in order for you to experience more happiness, more love, and more success, is your way of thinking.

 

  1. Other people’s negativity.

If you don’t value yourself, look out for yourself, and stick up for yourself, you’re sabotaging yourself. You do not have control over what others say and do; but you do have control over whether or not you will allow them to say and do these things to you. You alone can deny their poisonous words and actions from invading your heart and mind. Remember, if you do not respect your sacred inner space, no one else will either.

 

  1. Unhealthy relationships.

Choose your relationships wisely. Being alone will never cause as much loneliness as the wrong relationships. Be with people who know your worth. You don’t need lots of friends to be happy; just a few real ones who appreciate you for who you are. Oftentimes walking away has nothing to do with weakness, and everything to do with strength. We walk away not because we want others to realise our worth, but because we finally realise our own worth.

 

  1. Dishonesty.

Inner peace is being able to rest at night knowing you haven’t used or taken advantage of anyone to get to where you are in life. Living a life of honesty creates peace of mind, and peace of mind is priceless. Period. Don’t be dishonest and don’t put up with people who are.

  1. A work environment or career field you hate.

If it does not feel right, don’t settle on the first or second career you dabble in.  Keep searching. Eventually you will find the work you love to do. If you catch yourself working hard and loving every minute of it, don’t stop. You are on to something big. Because hard work isn’t hard when you concentrate on your passions.

  1. Being disorganised and unprepared.

Get up 30 minutes earlier so you don’t have to rush around like a mad man. That 30 minutes will help you avoid speeding tickets, tardiness and other unnecessary headaches. Clear the clutter. Get rid of stuff you don’t use.

 

  1. Inaction.

The acquisition of knowledge doesn’t mean you’re growing; growing happens when what you know changes how you live. You can’t change anything or make any sort of progress by sitting back and thinking about it. If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting. The best time to start is now.

  1. The lingering of unfinished business.

There’s nothing more stressful than the perpetual lingering of unfinished business. Stop procrastinating. Start taking action to tie loose ends. Putting something off instantly makes it harder and scarier. 10

  1. The choice to mull over past mistakes and regrets.

If you feel like your ship is sinking, it might be a good time to throw out the stuff that’s been weighing it down. The next time you decide to unclutter your life and clean up your space, start with the things that are truly useless, like old regrets, shame, and anger. Let it go. You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep rereading your previous one.

  1. A mounting pile of personal debt.

Financial debt causes stress and heartache. Live a comfortable life, not a wasteful one. Do not buy stuff you do not need. Do not spend to impress others. Do not live life trying to fool yourself into thinking wealth is measured in material objects. Manage your money wisely so your money does not manage you. Always live well below your means.

  1. Your reluctance to say what you need to say.

Everyone has this little watchdog inside their head. It’s always there watching you. It was born and raised by your family, friends, co-workers and society at large, and its sole purpose is to watch you and make sure you stay in line. And once you become accustomed to the watchdog’s presence, you begin to think its opinion of what’s acceptable and unacceptable are absolute truths. But they’re not truths; they’re just other people’s opinions. Remember, the watchdog is just a watchdog, he just watches. He can’t actually control you. He can’t do anything about it if you decide to rise up and go against the grain.

No, you shouldn’t start shouting obscenities and acting like a fool. But you must say what you need to say, when you need to say it. It may be your only chance to do so. Don’t censor yourself. Speak the truth – your truth – always.

Large Turnout At Biofem’s Diabetes Camps

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No fewer than 200 people benefited from the open camps initiated by Biofem Pharmaceuticals Limited, maker of Biobetic, in celebration of this year’s World Diabetes Day.

World Diabetes Day is celebrated annually on 14 November. Initiated by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), it was created in 1991 in collaboration with the World Health Organisation, in response to growing concerns about the escalating threats posed by diabetes.

Speaking with Pharmanews, Dr Chris Abhulimhen, a product manager with Biofem Group, explained that the camps which opened in two different locations in Lagos – Gbagada General Hospital on 14 November, and the Nigerian Ports Authority Club, Bode Thomas on 8 November – were meant to create awareness on the dangers of diabetes and prediabetes.

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“Aside from commemorating the World Diabetes Day, the Lagos Diabetes Camps that we had in collaboration with the Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN) and the NPA Diamond club was Biofem’s own way of showing care towards people living with diabetes,” he said.

The diabetes camps featured activities such as free blood sugar screening, HBA1C screening (subsidised), dancing competition, question and answer segment, as well as distribution of Biobetic sample, fliers and promotional materials.

Participants were also treated to short presentations on “Diet & Foot Care in People Living with Diabetes” by Mrs Akande Adeyemo, matron, Gbagada general hospital and “Self-Management and Diabetes Care” by Dr (Mrs) W.  Isiba, an endocrinologist, at the same hospital.

Others in attendance at the event were Alhaji Abdulwahab B. Dauda, NPA Diamond club President; Pharm. Mrs Christy Akpa, chief pharmacist of the Nigerian Ports Authority Club; Mrs Chinwe Ogidigo, health promotion specialist; Pharm Mayowa Onabule, Biofem’s medical representative; Bunmi Soremekun, Biofem’s digital marketing officer; and Mr Olatunji Taiwo, another Biofem’s medical representative.

Biofem Group was incorporated in January 2002. As a parent company with three affiliates, namely, Biofem Specialities, Biofem Medical Devices and Biofem Ghana, it has a number of reputable overseas pharmaceuticals companies as its franchise holders and partners.

According to its founder, Mr Femi Soremekun, the company was formed out of a need to provide high quality pharmaceutical products from overseas multinationals at affordable rates, given the challenges encountered by the local manufacturers in the areas of capacity under-utilisation occasioned by minimal power supply and internationally accepted quality standard.

Some of the company’s major brands include Rhogam, Biobetic, Pylorest, Rabefast, Tramal & Tramal Retard and Healthilife ranges of Vitamin C.

Lagos ALPS partners traditional birth attendants on cancer awareness

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As part of  efforts to reduce the incidence of cancer and its destructive impact on family life, the Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPs), Lagos State Chapter has organised a sensitisation programme for traditional birth attendants in Lagos.

The well-attended programme, held within the premises of the Akinwumi Youth Centre, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos State, had in attendance dignitaries from all walks of life, including Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, former  chairman, Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, who was the father of the day; Pharm. (Alh) Ahmed Yakasai, president, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), who was represented by Pharm. Emeka Duru; Pharm Gbenga Olubowale, chairman, PSN, Lagos State, who was represented by Pharm. Gafar Madehin; Pharm. (Chief) Yetunde Morohundiya, who was the keynote speaker; Pharm. (Dr) Moyosore Adejumo, permanent secretary, Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board; Pharm. (Mrs) Sherifat Salami, Director of Pharmaceutical Service, Health Service Commission, Lagos State; and Dr Jumoke Oyenuga, Lagos State Cancer Control Officer, among others.

association-of-lady-pharmacist-of-nigeria
Pharm. (Chief) Morohundiya

While delivering the keynote address, Pharm. (Chief) Morohundiya noted that cancer had become a serious challenge to the human race, adding that according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about 24.6 million people live with cancer worldwide while about 12.5 per cent of all death is attributable to cancer.

According to her, statistics further estimates that over 100,000 Nigerians are diagnosed with cancer yearly, while about 80,000 die from the disease. Breaking the figures down further, she said about 240 Nigerians are affected by the epidemic daily, with about 10 dying every hour.

She also noted that the country’s cancer death ratio of 4 in 5 affected persons is one of the worst in the world.

Pharm Morohundiya, who was the immediate past national chairman of ALPS further disclosed that cancers of the breast and of the cervix are the most common among women, adding that they are equally the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the world.

She emphasised that the only way the daily loss of lives from cancer can be reduced or prevented is through enlightenment of the public on the causes of cancer and ways to detect it early.

While speaking on the reasons for poor management of cancer in Nigeria, the experienced pharmacist attributed the challenge to lack of necessary facilities in the hospitals, lack of access to healthcare services, shortage of health experts, illiteracy, poverty and lack of awareness.

“Most patients in the country present advanced conditions of the disease to the hospital, unlike in most developed countries where people present early cases of the disease,” she said.

“When people present early, the cost of treatment as well as the morbidity is less, but in Nigeria in particular, most patients present at stage four of the disease in which case the cost of treatment as well as morbidity and mortality are high and the outcome poor.”

She advised the public to “develop proper health seeking behaviours like having routine screenings for breast cancer and cervical cancer,” adding that “there is also an urgent need for the government to encourage a maintenance culture in the use of the available health care equipment in our hospitals so as to improve cancer treatment in the country.”

Also speaking at the event, Dr (Mrs) Adejumo of the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, lamented the prevalence of breast and cervical cancers among women, which she attributed to delayed presentation in the hospitals.

Dr Adejumo who narrated the sad story of how she lost her younger sister and her husband to breast cancer and cancer of the throat respectively in 2010 and 2012, noted that lumps observed in any part of the body could be prevented from degenerating into cancerous growths when patients report early for medical examinations and counselling.

She further counselled women to constantly involve their spouses in their regular breast examination, saying men on their part should not be hesitant in rendering necessary assistance.

“I want us to remove the predisposing factors that could lead to cancer; so we need proper education and awareness, so that we can collectively reduce the menace of cancer in our society,” she said.

In his contribution, Dr Omoseyindemi, former chairman, Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, commended ALPS for organising the programme and for including traditional birth attendants (TBAs) in the state, saying that TBAs remain dependable allies in delivering health to the people of the rural areas of the state.

Omoseyindemi, who stressed the need for capacity development for the TBAs in order to meet the challenges of the Millennium Development Goals, explained that it became necessary to equip TBAs with knowledge and skills to give key messages on preventive and promotive health services and recognition of high risk conditions in order for them to make timely referrals when necessary.

He further noted that TBAs in the state have become models for those in other states of the federation as the board has made it mandatory for members to make constant and never-ending improvement their watchword.

“Presently, our members enjoy considerable social status within their local communities and play important roles in curative, preventive and rehabilitative measures of many diseases as well as in health education and promotion,” he said.

Earlier in her welcome address at the event, Pharm. (Mrs) Modupe Ologunagba, chairperson of ALPS, Lagos, hinted that the reason for the programme was to create additional avenue for acquainting the public with the vital roles of lady pharmacists in healthcare delivery and social developmental work, adding that the group was delighted to organise the programme for the Sensitization of TBAs in Lagos State on cancer.

“There is no gainsaying that ALPS is concerned about the increasing incidence of cancer in the country and it believes that prevention of cancer, which is cheaper than cure, emanates from early detection which requires proactive measures.

“It is in this regard therefore that ALPS decided to organise the sensitisation and awareness programme with the traditional birth attendants in Lagos State,” she noted.

Reiterating the vision and mission of ALPS as an interest group of the PSN, she said the ultimate goal is the enhancement of public health, with special focus on women and children.

She listed the focus areas of ALPS-Lagos activities to include girl-child education, school moral campaigns, HIV counselling and testing (HCT), charity visits and activities, environmental health and hygiene, as well as advocacy for rational drug use.

Activate Your Business Ideas

By
Ifeanyi Atueyi
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People who succeed in business are not necessarily those who have the best ideas, products or services. What they have is the best application of their ideas.  What counts is what you do with your idea and how you commercialise it.

Knowledge is important. That is why it is good to acquire degrees, diplomas and certificates and brandish them when looking for employment. However, what is more important is what you do with that knowledge.

Good business idea is one that will serve people and provide solutions to problems. If you are able to satisfy people’s needs, you’re in business.  Money comes as a result of service provided. On the other hand, in this country,   people easily acquire huge amounts of money without providing equivalent service. They make money through dubious means and connections.  That is why some professionals abandon their professional practice to get rich quick and easy. Today, many of such people are uncomfortable with the current wave of fight against corruption.

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 How you commercialise your idea depends on many factors such as your contacts, influence, capital, marketing and advertising skills. Successful people know how to apply their ideas. They understand marketing and have the right people around them.

When God gives you an idea, write it down. There is power in the written word. This is scriptural.  Habakkuk 2:2 (NKJV) says, “Write the vision. And make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.” On 21st December 1978, God gave me the vision for Pharmanews and I wrote down all the ideas that came to my mind in a notebook. As I was writing this piece, I pulled out that notebook with hard cover to glance through the original ideas which have not changed significantly for the past 37 years.

When God gives you a vision or an idea, He makes provision for its materialisation because He takes glory for the success of the idea. He plans successfully because He knows the end from the beginning. That’s why He declares the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10).

Most times, your vision is not what you can execute alone.  As a matter of fact, nobody succeeds working alone. Helpers and facilitators are always needed to run with the vision. Encouragers are needed when there are obstacles and detours as you work out your vision. Bear in mind that Samballat and Tobias are always around to frustrate God’s plans but their plans and strategies never prosper. Your vision must be shared with the right people in order to ensure their support and collaboration.

      Ideas have short shelf-life. Therefore, you must act on them before the expiry date. Don’t allow your God-given idea to evaporate. It is like God selecting you for a mission and you decline. In order to establish the purpose of God, a substitute will be chosen. Do not delay unnecessarily or procrastinate when a good idea comes to you.  Do not wait for a perfect time. No one is perfect and no work of man is perfect.  Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NKJV) says, “Whoever watches the wind will not plant, whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.”

Do not be like my friend, Johnson. For the past four years he had been planning to resign from his place of work to start his own business. Each time he visited me he had a list of things he needed to accomplish before putting in his letter of resignation. As he continued thinking and planning how to quit employment, he was showing signs of job dissatisfaction.

Last December, he visited me with a letter  he gave me to read. I excitedly received the letter thinking he wanted me to help him edit the draft of his letter of resignation.  Behold, it was his employer’s letter terminating his appointment. Starring at me, he said his employer surprised him because he was not yet ready to go.

 You will need passion and enthusiasm. You have to be genuinely excited and passionate about your ideas. Continuous learning is essential for success.  With improving knowledge you can maximise your opportunities and minimise your mistakes.   With this knowledge you can do things you couldn’t do before. If you are interested in learning, you will find out that any event or situation or person is a potential teacher.  Everything that you try but fails is a chance to learn and do things better.  You learn from those above you and those below you.  Life offers opportunities for learning.

Individuals who succeed have a belief in the power of commitment. If you look at successful people in any field, you’ll find that they are not necessarily the best or the brightest. Rather, you’ll find that they are the ones with the most commitment.

One of the keys to success is doing what you love to do. Let your   work invigorate and excite you. Let certain aspects of what   you do at work be what you do at your leisure time. Mark Twain said, “The secret of success is making your vocation your vacation”. See your work as a way of stretching yourself and learning new things

 

Expert Decries HIV Prevalence Among Women, Gives PMTCT Blueprint

By
Temitope Obayendo
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For Nigerian women and girls to survive the onslaught of HIV and bring forth an AIDS-free generation, it is incumbent on all stakeholders to educate them to delay coitarche age, empower them to be self-sufficient, enact laws that delay the age at marriage, prevent violence against them, as well make life-saving ARV drugs accessible and affordable to them and their families, Dr Oliver Chukwujekwu Ezechi, deputy director of research at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) Yaba , Lagos, has said.oliver

Dr Ezechi, who made the submission while presenting the 6th Distinguished Lecture of the institute on 9 November, 2016, stated that the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among the Nigerian female gender is higher than that of the male gender, putting it at 60 per cent of the HIV positive population.

He added that the risk of a woman contracting HIV is two to four times higher than that of a man.

The expert, whose findings were based on twelve years of research at the HIV Testing Service Centre of NIMR, noted that the geometrical increase of the infection among the female population stems from a conspiracy of nature, culture and man.

The lecture titled: “That She May Survive, And Bring Forth An Aids-Free Generation”, with the main objectives of stemming the tide of HIV infection among women and preventing mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of the virus, further postulated a  proven formula for PMTCT.

According to the researcher, “If the active PMTCT strategy of ensuring that all pregnant HIV positive women are placed on life-saving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) the same day they are seen for the first time is adopted nationally, the country will be able to reduce mother to child transmission (MTCT) rate to less than one per cent as we have done consistently in NIMR”.

Emphasising the significant role of HAART in preventing mother to child transmission, Prof. Ezechi narrated what happened when his team adopted it in caring for over 5,886 pregnant HIV positive mothers, stating that only 49 of the 5089 babies were confirmed HIV positive, showing an MTCT rate of less than one per cent, which compares favourably with the best in world.

Explaining the secret behind the low MTCT rate in their programme, he noted that while other antenatal and delivery services may be important for safe motherhood, the key strategy to achieving near zero MTCT is to place all pregnant women on HAART once confirmed be to HIV positive.

Dr Ezechi who recalled how his team were maligned over the introduction of HAART and forced to revert to mono or dual therapy which was of lower quality and associated with development of drug resistance, expressed his greatest delight that ten years after all the struggles, the rejected stone has become the cornerstone, as their position has now been adopted by the Federal Ministry of Health because the WHO is beginning to adopt the same approach.

He further urged the government to put in place appropriate checks on all institutions providing HIV testing services, to ensure that they have authentic licences, use well trained staff and licensed test kits, as well as following the national HIV testing guidelines.

The researcher, who made the submission based on his field experience at NIMR, said his team found that a number of individuals previously diagnosed HIV positive elsewhere were found to be negative at their own institute.

Stressing the importance of having standardised HIV testing centres across the country, he said the implications of being erroneously labelled HIV positive for an individual and their family are far reaching and range from simple anxiety and family disintegration to self-harm, homicide and suicide.

 

 

Meet Prof. Salako, The New NIMR DG

By
Temitope Obayendo
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Professor Babatunde Lawal  Salako is the current director general/CEO of the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR).

A seasoned physician, lecturer and administrator, his voyage into the world of medicine began in 1981, when he gained admission into the University of Ibadan to study Medicine from where he bagged his MBBS in 1986. He forged ahead for the fellowship of the West African Postgraduate Medical College, (FWACP) between 1990 and 1994, where he studied International Medicine/Nephrology.

A diligent and studious Babatunde Salako rose through the ranks from a senior registrar to the professorial level in 2006. He was a senior registrar in the Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, between 1992 and 1996. He became lecturer 1 in the same department from 1996 to 1999.

Due to his impressive record of success, he was promoted to the level of senior lecturer in 1999, and was elevated again in 2003 to the post of reader. A researcher par excellence, he soon became the professor of the medicine department of UCH, Ibadan, Nigeria.

The new NIMR DG has conducted several researches at local and international levels. He was a sole Investigatorsalako on the “frequency and pattern of target organ damage in newly diagnosed hypertensive subjects, in the year 2000. Three years later, Salako was invited by the CDC in Atlanta USA, as a member of an international expert panel to design a ten-day seminar on the control of chronic disease and cardiovascular disease epidemiology for sub-Saharan Africa. He was later appointed editor of the Tropical Journal of Nephrology, which is official Journal of the Nigerian Association of Nephrology.

Prof. Salako is a recipient of the Award of Excellence and Commitment to Medical Practice presented by the Board and Management of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria in June 2008. The award was given to him in recognition of the first successful kidney transplantation, which he spearheaded.

He holds professional memberships with the Nigerian Medical Association, the Nigerian Association of Nephrology, the International Society of Hypertension in Blacks, the Scientific Council on Epidemiology and Prevention, the World Heart Federation, the Global Forum for Health Research and the National Institute of Management, among others.

The management and staff of Pharmanews wish him the best as NIMR’s CEO.

NIMR Proffers Strategies For Achieving Health-Related SDGs

By
Temitope Obayendo
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0

For the health-related components of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)to be actualised before the 2030 deadline, the federal government must demonstrate more financial commitment towards implementation of research policies, the Director General, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) Professor Babatunde Salako, has said.

Prof. Salako who spoke during the 7th Annual Scientific Conference of the institution, held at the main auditorium, Yaba, Lagos, challenged government at all levels to walk the talk on research, saying that while it is good to formulate right policies on research, it is much better if the policies are fully implemented for the benefit of the citizenry.

The NIMR boss, who decried the inability of Nigeria to achieve all the health components of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), however expressed confidence that the health-related SDGs will be achieved, should the government show keen interest in evaluating and advancing the health system.

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A cross section of dignitaries and participants at the 7th Annual Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos.

“Government has to be determined to fund implementation of many of the policies that have been formed,” he said. “It looks like we are good at coming up with such policies, but we have not given the financial support they require.”

Speaking on the choice of the conference theme: “Achieving Health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria: The Role of Research and Innovation”, the NIMR boss described it as timely, considering the pivotal role of research and innovation in sustaining national development.

He noted that the overall goal of the SDGs is to eliminate poverty and improve the lives of people.

In his keynote address, Professor Oye Gureje, director, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health, Neuroscience and Substance Abuse, University of Ibadan, spoke on the topic: “Health System Strengthening and Implementation Science as Tools for Achieving the SDGs”.

Defining health system as all organisations, people and actions that are focused on promoting, restoring or maintaining health, Prof. Gureje described the health profile of Nigeria as disappointing when compared with those of other countries.

According to him, among 191 WHO member states in 2000, the Nigerian health system ranked as follows: Fairness of financing (equity) – 180th; responsiveness – 177th; health attainment – 188th; overall health performance – 187th.

The erudite scholar posited that, to improve the situation, three approaches to strengthening the health system are essential. These include system thinking and planning; adoption of chronic care model by health systems; and striving for equity.

He also emphasised that certain impediments must be removed for there to be meaningful improvement in the nation’s health care delivery system.  He listed such limitations to include chronic shortage of motivated and adequately trained staff; low budget allocation to health; high cost and irregular supply of drugs; lack of or non-functioning essential equipments; as well as poor organisation and management.

 

Intellipharmaceutics Submits First of Its Kind NDA To FDA for Approval

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Admin
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Intellipharmaceutics International Inc. (Nasdaq : IPCI)  has filed a New Drug Application (NDA) with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) seeking authorization to market its Rexista® abuse-deterrent oxycodone hydrochloride extended release tablets in the 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg and 80 mg strengths.

Rexista® is indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate. The submission is supported by pivotal pharmacokinetic studies that demonstrated that Rexista® is bioequivalent to OxyContin® (oxycodone hydrochloride extended release). The submission also includes a comprehensive array of abuse-deterrent studies conducted to support abuse-deterrent label claims related to abuse of drug by oral, intra-nasal and intravenous pathways, having reference to the FDA’s “Abuse-Deterrent Opioids – Evaluation and Labelling” guidance published in April 2015.

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The abuse-deterrent properties incorporated into Rexista® are designed to make the product unlikable and discourage or make it more difficult to manipulate for the purpose of abuse or misuse via common routes of administration including: ingestion following chewing, licking or crushing; insufflation; inhalation; or injection. If approved, Rexista® may be the only abuse-deterrent oxycodone product with properties that may provide early warning of drug abuse if the product is manipulated or abused. The Company previously announced the results of a food effect study which showed that Rexista® can be administered with or without a meal (i.e., no food effect), providing another point of differentiation from currently marketed oral oxycodone extended release products.

As previously announced,  the FDA, under the small business waiver provision of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act, granted the Company a waiver of the $1,187,100 application fee for Rexista®.

The CEO of Intellipharmaceutics, Dr. Isa Odidi, said, “The NDA submission of Rexista® represents a critical milestone and turning point for the Company. This is our first NDA submission and the first abuse-deterrent oxycodone product candidate we are aware of that not only resists common forms of abuse but provides a preventive tool that may flag early warning of abuse. We are excited about the prospect of Rexista®, if approved, having a positive impact in addressing the opioid epidemic. We believe our suite of abuse-deterrent and overdose prevention technologies are best in class and we look forward to further expanding our development program for abuse-deterrent pain and other medications. The Company has identified potential manufacturing partners and is currently evaluating various manufacturing options for Rexista® in the U.S. We look forward to working with the FDA during their review of our NDA submission.”

http://www.streetinsider.com/dr/news

Job Vacancy for Production Pharmacist

By
Admin
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3

A pharmaceutical company in a high growth phase requires a Production Pharmacist to manage and be part of their rapid growth. The ideal candidate should be a male with at least 3 years experience preferably as a production pharmacist in a reputable pharmaceutical company.

The successful candidate must have good dispensary skills and be able to support Quality Control Testing activities on Finished Products and Raw Materials in GMP environment.

Responsibilities:

  • Participate in day to day production activities as directed by production supervisor.
  • Ensure all processing has been completed in line with Standard Operating Procedures and to GMP.
  • Assist in the process transfer of client programmes into production when required.

Remuneration: is attractive and commensurate with experience

Method Application:  

Send CV and application letter to klict9@gmail.com

Where Are the 3.5 million Nigerians Infected with HIV/AIDS?

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Admin
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The intention of the title is not to scare or stigmatize any reader but to generate an intelligent discussion about the scourge of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.  In a country of 189 million people, 3.5 million may seem like an insignificant number. However, I know of some countries with populations less than 3.5 million people and I cannot imagine what the future of such a country would look like if all their citizens were infected with HIV/AIDS. The picture of such an imagination would be a monumental tragedy of devastating proportions! Horrendous statistics in Nigeria pegs the HIV/AIDS infected population at 3.5 million and either way you look at it, it is no mean figure.

HIV is spread when blood, semen, or vaginal fluids from an infected person enter another person's body, usually through sexual contact, from sharing needles when injecting drugs, or from mother to baby during birth. Many reasons have been adduced for the increasing scourge. One of the top reasons is poor needle and condom use. In the current harrowing economy, sexual pleasure will be a top recreational activity and that possibly means increased unprotected sex for individuals seeking short term pleasure to long-term economic struggles.

If such a large number of Nigerians are infected with HIV/AIDS according to National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), then a larger population of Nigerians must be interacting with them one way or the other. Some of the 3.5 million may be married to someone or be related to another as son, daughter, cousin, in-law, brother, sister, niece, nephew, aunt or uncle. The infected ones may be relating to other people as friends, neighbors, customers, clients or colleagues. One way or the other, we are all connected to them. Some others, tragically may be relating to these infected ones as sexual partners. When you look at 3.5 million holistically, then you realize that it is not a strange distant figure in another city or territory. It is very close to home and that is scary! If these infected people are Nigerians, then other Nigerians are connected to them one way or the other. So, when experts advise individuals to stay safe especially in sexual relationships, sharp people are smart to listen and adhere.

In retrospection, I am positive that if any of these individuals were infected through unprotected intercourse, they would wish they had done something differently. By something, I mean use a condom every time they had sex. So many people find condom use boring. Others believe that condom use gets in the way of full sexual pleasure or excitement. I understand their reservations especially if they have never heard of the Fiesta Premium condoms available in 12 different variants of colours, textures, shapes, flavours, thickness and sizes, so that individuals can enjoy a different, exciting and pleasurable experience every time they have sex. Fiesta condoms puts the ‘F’ in Fun and is backed by DKT Nigeria’s symbols of excellence; ‘Effective, Safe, Affordable and Quality’ (ESAQ). Fiesta premium Condoms are great choice because they can prevent both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), so whenever you use Fiesta condoms, you get double protection combined with pleasure every time.

I have heard of so many reasons behind people not using condoms. Top on the list is condoms reduce pleasure. I believe this reason is given because they don’t know about Fiesta Ultra-Thin brand that is as close to skin as you get without that “rubber” taste that can be a real turn off. When another person says using condom is boring, it is because they have not used the Fiesta dotted condom with more than 500 pleasure dots on the surface to increase stimulation for both partners or the Fiesta ribbed condom with more than 50 pleasure rings to increase stimulation for both partners. A favorite with Nigerian men is the Fiesta Original Black (a.k.a. Baba dudu) condoms which are gently lubricated, black condoms to increase pleasure for you and your partner and give you a real ‘Black man’s condom experience’. There is even a Fiesta Glow condoms popularly called ochu uzo (Pathfinder) because it is luminous and glows in the dark even defying power failure to find its target.

Sex does not have to be risky and dangerous especially where there is the grave potential that one’s sexual partner may already be infected with HIV/AIDS. Condom use must be encouraged. Fiesta Premium condoms distributed nationwide by DKT Nigeria have twelve exciting variants including stimulating variants enhanced with chocolates, strawberries and Prolong for extended phantasmagoric levels of pleasure.

The number of ladies engaged in commercial sex workers may increase because the challenging economy could push many promising young girls into the tackiness of prostitution. Many of them would choose the horrendous career path unaware of the tragedies that are embedded within especially the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and death! It is very unfortunate. But that is the plain truth. Women and young girls suffering under the agony of poverty may soon choose the ‘easy’ way out through prostitution and they may not know that they can even protect themselves although in very unpalatable profession.  These women or girls are related to people. They have families and friends who may not be aware that they are related to a person within the enemy lines of infection with HIV/AIDS. This is a tragedy especially when you imagine the number of people living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. This is not to stigmatize the PLWHA but any population of people living with HIV/AIDS should be treated with the utmost importance especially as the global community celebrates World AIDS Day on December 1st, 2016.

I am positive that engaging in positive sexual behaviors including the use of condoms to prevent STDs will greatly reduce the increasing scourge of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. If awareness can be created to alter behavior change, I am positive that the scourge of HIV/AIDS can be stemmed on several fronts especially the youths who are the major victims of the scourge.

By Dimos Sakellaridis
Country Director
DKT International Nigeria

Merck partners with UNESCO and African Union to empower Women

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UNESCO–MARS 2016 has brought together more than 200 researchers from more than 35 African countries to discuss the generation, sharing and dissemination of research data and to prepare for the road ahead in developing Africa as an international hub for research excellence and scientific innovation

UNESCO-MARS 2016 ‘Best African Woman Researcher Award’ 4th place winner Maria Nabaggala, from Infectious Diseases Institute, Uganda receives her award as Prof. Afework Kassu Gizaw, Minister of Science and Technology, Ethiopia; Prof. Dr Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman, Executive Board and Family Board of E.Merck KG; Sara Opendi, Minister of State for Health, Uganda; Prof. Yifru Berhane, Minister of Health, Ethiopia; Rasha Kelej, Chief Social Officer, Merck Healthcare and Ahmed Fahmi, Program Director, UNESCO
UNESCO-MARS 2016 ‘Best African Woman Researcher Award’ 4th place winner Maria Nabaggala, from Infectious Diseases Institute, Uganda receives her award as Prof. Afework Kassu Gizaw, Minister of Science and Technology, Ethiopia; Prof. Dr Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman, Executive Board and Family Board of E.Merck KG; Sara Opendi, Minister of State for Health, Uganda; Prof. Yifru Berhane, Minister of Health, Ethiopia; Rasha Kelej, Chief Social Officer, Merck Healthcare and Ahmed Fahmi, Program Director, UNESCO
  •  Focuses on research on “Infectious Diseases and Women Health”
  • Nine researchers from across Africa receive ‘Best Young Researchers Award’ and ‘Best Women Researchers Award.’
  • MARS 2016 contributes to Building Research Capacity in Africa to improve Women Health.
  • MARS 2016 addresses Research in Francophone Africa for the first time.
  • Merck On-line research community (www.Merck-CAP.com) launched to enable young researchers to share experience with their peers in Africa and beyond.

Merck (www.MerckGroup.com), a leading science and technology company in partnership with UNESCO, African Union, Ethiopia Ministry of Health, University of Cambridge and Institute Pasteur International today announced the 2016 UNESCO – Merck Research Award winners. The nine winners under two categories, ‘Best Young African Researchers Award’ and ‘Best African Women Researchers Award’, were announced during the 2nd UNESCO-MARS Summit 2016 being held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

“We are very happy to partner with UNESCO, African Union and Ethiopia Ministry of Health to achieve the important goals of improving women health and empowering women in research, as they are still under-represented in Africa,” Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Executive Board and Family Board of E. Merck KG emphasized at the inauguration of the UNESCO-MARS 2016 Summit.

Yifru Berhane, Minister for Health, Ethiopia, said: “We are very happy to partner with Merck, UNESCO and Africa Union to build research capacity in Africa with the focus on young researchers and women researchers and to define policies to enable high quality research in the continent”.

“This is the first time the UNESCO-MARS is launching the ‘Best African Woman Research Awards’ with the aim of promoting women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) that has seen five women researchers from across Africa being recognised for the quality of their research. The awards are in line with this year’s UNESCO-MARS 2016 theme that supports empowering women in research and building research capacity in Francophone and Anglophone Africa to ultimately improve women health in the continent,” emphasized Rasha Kelej, Chief Social Officer, Merck Healthcare.

Beatrice Nyagol from Kenya Medical Research Institute was awarded the 1st Woman Researcher Award while Rogomenoma Ouedraogo from Laboratory of Biology and Molecular Genetics University, Burkina Faso received the 2nd Woman Researcher Award. The 3rd, 4th and 5th Woman Researcher Awards were granted to Sandrine Liabagui ep Assangaboua from Gabon; Maria Nabaggala from Infectious Diseases Institute, Uganda and Martha Zewdie of Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Ethiopia respectively.

The three categories of the ‘Best Young Researchers Award’ were given to two female and two male researchers with the 1st Award going to Patricia Rantshabeng from University of Botswana and the 2nd Award to Constantine Asahngwa from Cameroon. The 3rd Award were given to both; Tinashe Nyazika of University of Zimbabwe and Lamin Cham from the National Aids Control Program, Gambia.

“The awardees who are final PhD students and young investigators based at African research institutes and universities were selected based on the abstracts they submitted which were very impressive and related to Infectious Diseases with the aim to improve Women Health, which is the focus of UNESCO-MARS 2016,” emphasized Rasha Kelej.

Summit addressing both Francophone and Anglophone Africa

UNESCO–MARS 2016 has brought together more than 200 researchers from more than 35 African countries to discuss the generation, sharing and dissemination of research data and to prepare for the road ahead in developing Africa as an international hub for research excellence and scientific innovation.

Of the 200 researchers attending the Summit, 60% are women. This is contributing to one of the main objectives of UNESCO-MARS, which is empowering women in research.

The Summit for the first time, is also addressing both Francophone and Anglophone Africa and has attracted researchers from 11 French speaking countries of Senegal, Rwanda, Gabon, Benin, Congo, Cameroon, Gambia, Burkina Faso, Morocco, Niger, Burundi. Researchers from English speaking countries are drawn from Namibia, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Liberia, Botswana and Ethiopia. In addition, researchers from Arab speaking and Portuguese speaking countries such as Egypt, Angola and Mozambique are in attendance.

Researchers benefit from diverse scientific sessions

The 2nd UNESCO MARS Summit is providing a unique opportunity for Africa’s young and talented scientists to share their research output and findings with the top echelon of scientists from Africa and abroad. It is also an opportunity for networking and career development. The Summit is presenting a platform where young scientists are able to discuss the enabling environment for better research among others.

“The researchers attending the two-day Summit are benefiting from diverse and rich scientific sessions that are focusing on the relation between infectious diseases and cancer in women; untreated infectious diseases and the high prevalence of infertility in Africa; and participating in discussions to identify scientific research priorities for evolving health needs to address infectious diseases such as Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Zika in relation to women health,” Rasha Kelej emphasized.

The Summit theme of “Infectious Diseases and Women Health” is informed by the fact that for many infectious diseases, women are at higher risk and have a more severe course of illness than men for many reasons including biological differences, social inequities, and restrictive cultural norms. Therefore, efforts to recognize and reduce health disparities among women have particular relevance for global health,” Uganda Minister of State of Health, Sarah Opendi emphasized.

Key African Ministers support building research capacity and policy development in the continent

Up to 15 African ministers of Health; Education; Science and Technology and Gender & Social Development participated in two ministerial high level panels at the UNESCO-MARS 2016. The ministers in discussions committed to support the building of research capacity at country and regional level, and the development and enforcement of policies to guide and promote scientific research for the benefit of Africa. They also pledged to enhance efforts to empower women in research.

The first ministerial high level panel on “Defining interventions to advance research capacity and empower women in research to improve women health in Africa,” involved: Sarah Opendi, Minister of State of Health, Uganda; Idi Illiassou Mainassara, Minister of Public Health, Niger; Julia Cassell, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Development, Liberia; Jesús Engonga Ndong, Minister of Education & Science, Equatorial Guinea and Prof. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Executive Board and Family Board of E.Merck KG.

The second ministerial panel on “Research and policy making gap in Africa – challenges and opportunities – Africa as a new international hub for research excellence and scientific innovation,” included: Prof. Yifru Berhane, Minister of Health, Ethiopia; Prof. Afework Kassu Gizaw, Minister of Science and Technology, Ethiopia; Dr. João Sebastião Teta, Secretary of State, Angola; Zuliatu Cooper, Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation, Sierra Leone and Rashid Aman, Chairman, Kenya National Commission for UNESCO.

Knowledge exchange platform to boost research capacity launched

During the UNESCO-MARS 2016, the Merck on-line research community blog (www.Merck-CAP.com) was launched to enable young researchers to exchange experience and knowledge with their peers and with established researchers in Africa and beyond.

The first UNESCO-Merck Africa Research Summit 2015 was successfully organized and held in Geneva, Switzerland in October 2015 with the focus on Emergent Infectious Diseases such as Ebola. The third UNESCO- MARS is scheduled to be held in 2017 in Africa.

About 2016 MARS award winners
“Best African Woman Researcher Award”

1st Place: Beatrice Nyagol, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kenya
2nd Place: Rogomenoma Ouedraogo, Laboratory of Biology and Molecular Genetics University, Burkina Faso
3rd Place: Sandrine Liabagui ep Assangaboua, Ecole Doctorale Regionale d’Afrique Centrale, Franceville, Gabon
4th Place: Maria Nabaggala, Infectious Diseases Institute, Uganda
5th Place: Martha Zewdie, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Ethiopia

“Best Young African Researcher Award”

1st Place: Patricia Rantshabeng, University of Botswana, Botswana
2nd Place: Constantine Asahngwa, Cameroon Centre for Evidence Based Health Care, Cameroon
3rd Place: Tinashe Nyazika, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe and Lamin Cham, National Aids Control Program, Gambia

Surplus Vitamin D Good For The Body?

By
Temitope Obayendo
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Various studies have confirmed  the efficacy  of  Vitamin D as a essential element which  helps the body absorb calcium from food, and a true deficiency can lead to weak or soft bones — known as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults — and can weaken muscles, which, in turn, can lead to falls.

Also, different studies, have linked  low levels of vitamin D to a host of other conditions, from diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome and arthritis to multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and even cancer.

vit-d

But as yet, there is no conclusive evidence to say whether low levels of vitamin D are a cause, or a symptom of these illnesses or that taking a supplement will cure them or them.

In a DailyMailonline report, Professor Spector, remarked that dangerously low levels of vitamin D are seen only in cases of rickets and Osteomalacia, of which there are only a handful a year.

While the controversy on whether too much of Vitamin D supplement could be harmful to the human body is still ongoing,  the NHS recommends that all babies under a year old should have a daily supplement of 8.5 to 10mcg, and children aged one to four 10mcg (babies on more than 500ml of fortified infant formula a day don't need additional vitamin D).

But for the vast majority of the population, says Professor Spector, taking vitamin D ‘doesn't work and is actually distracting people from having a healthier lifestyle, going out in the sunshine and eating properly'.

Where are the health practitioners in the house, do you agree with this position of Professor Spector?

 

 

 

Researchers Found Link Between Going To Church And Sex

By
Temitope Obayendo
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It sounds ridiculous, because they have got nothing in common, but for the dynamism of  knowledge, researchers from the University Of Utah School Of Medicine, have recently found a relationship between going to church, sex, drugs, rock and roll, stating that all these activities stimulated the nucleus accumbens.church-pple

The study, which was published on DailyMailOnline revealed that the scientists conducted fMRI scans on 19 young adult Mormons, and it was found that spiritual feelings stimulated the nucleus accumbens – a brain region associated with processing reward and which is known to play a role in addiction.

The team was on a search to discover which brain networks are involved in representing spiritual feelings in one group – devout Mormons – by creating an environment that triggered participants to ‘feel the spirit.’

Having subjected the volunteers to different tests under different conditions, they found that some of them reported feeling peaceful and warm inside and some were in tears by the end of the scan when they felt a peak spiritual feeling when watching the ‘stimulating’ church video.

According to the lead author, Michael Ferguson, a bioengineering graduate student at the University of Utah, “When our study participants were instructed to think about a saviour, about being with their families for eternity, about their heavenly rewards, their brains and bodies physically responded” .

So which would you rather go for, church, sex, drugs, rock and roll?

 

Ahmed I.Yakasai @ 56: a Bridge Builder And a man of Peace

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On November13, 2015, Pharm. Ahmed I. Yakasai, FPSN, FNIM, FNAPharm was elected as the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and subsequently inaugurated on February 18, 2016 together with the investiture of new Fellows of the society at the luxurious Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja amidst glamour, fun and class.

The esteemed dignitaries in attendance were many; governors, senators, business moguls, ministers, diplomats, traditional rulers, accomplished pharmacists amongst other eminent people from all walks of life and various parts of the country graced the occasion. For the first time in a very long time, the President of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) also graced the occasion and gave a goodwill message.

In his inaugural speech, Ahmed Yakasai reiterated his commitment to promote unity, harmony, mutual respect and professionalism within the health sector. Prior to this, the first thing he did after resuming office as the number one pharmacist in the country was to reach out to the then President of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Kayode Obembe on how both bodies can work together in harmony as leaders of the health sector for the benefit of the patients, the healthcare system and the nation. He has walked the talk in the past one year with massive results recorded so far.

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Today, there is a better relationship between PSN and NMA compared to what we had experienced in the past and the Nigerian health care system has benefitted from this fostering relationship built on mutual respect, professionalism, understanding and altruism.

Ahmed I Yakasai FPSN was born in Yakasai Quarters of Kano Municipality, Kano State on the 1st of December 1960. He obtained his first degree in Pharmacy in 1983 from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University. He also has several postgraduate certificates in different professional fields ranging from General Management, Leadership Skills, Entrepreneurship, IT, Community Rapid Assessment, Emergency Preparedness and Response to Epidemics/Case Management, Leasing Operations and Administrations, Islamic Banking, Public-Private Partnership Project Management Essentials and MSc. International Marketing (Search and Social Media Marketing), University of Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom.

He is a Fellow of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Fellow of Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Management, Fellow, Institute of Logistics Management of Nigeria and Fellow, Institute of Chartered Institute of Commerce, Fellow African Institute of Public Health Professionals and Fellow, Professional Excellence Foundation of Nigeria.

He is an accomplished Pharmacist/Independent Consultant with comprehensive background in International Marketing and has worked variously in both public and private sectors. He was Commissioner twice in Kano State (Commissioner of Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Tourism in 2005-2010 and Commissioner of Land and Physical Planning 2010-2011.He worked in four government hospitals before joining private sector in 1987 after which he founded Pharmaplus Nigeria Ltd in 1992.

He was 1st Deputy President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (1997-2000), Chairman, Pharmaceutical of Society of Nigeria, Kano State 1991-1995, Chairman, Nigerian Association of General Practice Pharmacists(now ACPN)-1989-91,  1st Vice President, Kano Chamber of Commerce 1996-2004, Zonal Consultant, NAFDAC-2003-2005, Chairman, Northern League of NGOs-USAID-1997-2003, Chairman, Yakasai Zumunta Development Association-2005-date, Chairman, Steering Committee, 1st Kano Economic Summit 2006, Consultant/Coordinator HUCE/PACE-GHAIN Project, Chairman, Organising Committee, Nigeria-Pakistan Pharma Investment Forum 2014 and Founder of Ahmed Yakasai Community Service Award to Community Pharmacy Practice.

Ahmed I Yakasai is an Honorary Consul- General of Pakistan in Nigeria.

Yakasai is a member of numerous Professional, Academic and Social organizations. He holds the Igbo traditional title of Enyi Dioranma 1 of Umuzike, Orlu, also earned enviable honours from so many organizations because of his selfless service to humanity.

Just relatively one year in office as the primo inter pares of the pharmacy profession in Nigeria, he has not just satisfied our colleagues across the length and  breadth of the country and those beyond our borders who voted him into office, he has amazed us. He has strengthened PSN with collaborative, participatory, responsive and transparent leadership.

PSN has recorded unprecedented growth in terms of improved image of the society by means of wider advocacy at various national and international fora, high standard of professional ethic by working in tandem with Pharmacists’ Council of Nigeria, maintaining a high standard of pharmaceutical education in Nigeria through the actualization of the approval of Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D) programme by National Universities Commission in Nigeria.

He has encouraged and built the capacities of young pharmacists and student pharmacists in Nigeria and Africa by giving them more opportunities to learn and become better. He has been in the forefront of public awareness and knowledge on various health, hygiene, sanitation issues and diseases by releasing educative articles or press statement on each World Health Organization health related days celebration to educate the public.

In addition, he has also strengthening ties and relationship with other professional bodies in Nigeria beyond the health sector by playing key role in the programme of Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN). No wonder, the Honourable Minister of Health, Professor Isaac F. Adewole, FAS has referred to him as a bridge builder and a man of peace at different fora.

The Enyi Dioronma of Umuzike 1, Orlu, Imo state is a man of many parts; a distinguished pharmacist, a successful entrepreneur, a respected diplomat, a stimulating author, an accomplished consultant, and above all, a remarkable philanthropist who has sponsored scores of young Nigerians for their first, masters and doctoral degrees in Nigeria and abroad. He is the patron and Former Chairman of Yakasai Zumunta Development Association, Kano State where he built hospital with the support of his good friends that is providing qualitative healthcare service to the community. He is also the patron of Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria Students National and Jos (1995 to Date), a peaceful man with a big heart who believes in togetherness, mutual respect, team work, integrity, hard work and impact.

I wish this extraordinary Nigerian; an emblem of peace, a symbol of unity, a paragon of simplicity, a good example of true success, a model of integrity, an eidolon of a perfect gentleman happy earth strong. May the almighty grant him unparalleled long life in good health, continuous peace of mind, all the good of the world and the good of the hereafter.

Age with grace Sir!

Sesan Kareem writes from Lagos Nigeria.He is the PA to the President of PSN, Ahmed I. Yakasai.

 

UNIBEN ADMAP Takes Anti-Malaria Campaign To Ekiadolor Community

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Admin
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The Anti-Drug Misuse and Abuse Programme (ADMAP) has taken its campaign against malaria and diarrhea to Ekiadolor, a community close to the University of Benin Ugbowo campus, Ezekiel Efeobhokhan (600 level Pharmacy) reports.

Knowing full well that malaria still claims a large number of lives annually; this was the singular reason that prompted the ADMAP UNIBEN chapter to see the need to sensitize dwellers in Ekiadolor of the need to give attention to preventing the reproduction of its vector, the female anopheles mosquito. The event which took place at the expansive town hall in the Ekiadolor village was attended by the villagers, traders, pregnant and nursing mothers alike.

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Osahenrumwen Edobor addressing the nursing mothers

The chairman of ADMAP UNIBEN chapter, Osahenrumwen Edobor revealed that pregnant women are the most vulnerable to malaria attack due to their reduced immunity during the duration of the pregnancy. Hence, he said, mosquito treated nets were provided for all the nursing mothers and pregnant women present for the outreach.

Addressing the nursing mothers, Tochukwu Okonkwo, a 500 level pharmacy student told them to be wary of stagnant water and uncut grasses. Adding that these were the usual breeding sites for mosquitoes which can spread plasmodium which is responsible for causing malaria. He taught the recipients of the treated nets how to use the nets they were given.

One of the nursing mothers, Mrs. Favour appreciated the students profusely for organizing such laudable programme, saying such comes once in a blue moon. She urged the students to visit their community again, as they will always be welcomed.

The president of PANS, Andrew Akhabue thanked the sponsor of the programme, in the person of the immediate past commissioner for health, Edo state, Dr. Mrs. Eregie Aihanuwa who provided the mosquito treated nets that were distributed.

Christian Pharmacists Must Learn To Save Lives At All Time – Onyechi

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A non-denominational fellowship group comprising pharmacists across the country and in diaspora has made a passionate appeal to health professionals to look beyond religion and race in the execution of their duties.

Addressing a large gathering of pharmacists at the 89th Annual National PSN Conference held at Idris Legbo Kutigi Conference Centre, Minna, Niger State, Pharm. Ike Onyechi, national president, Christian Pharmacists Foundation of Nigeria (CPFN) admonished against using one’s position to settle scores.

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L-R: Dr Shem Zagbayi Nuhu, managing director, Zagbayi Pharmacy Limited; Pharm. Ike Onyechi, national president, Christian Pharmacists Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN) and Pharm. N.A.E Elijah, registrar, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) at the event

“Some of us are like volcano; people find it hard staying around us. It shouldn’t be. Remember, we are light of the world and salt of the earth. I understand that sometimes, we tend to be forgetful and readily want to give a tit-for-tat,” he said.

Aside a number of pharmacists who gave a heart-moving testimony of how they have benefitted spiritually from the fellowship, Onyechi also narrated how a member of the foundation rescued a lady who was on a suicide mission.

She was said to have insisted on buying ‘Lexotan,’ a prescription-based medicine without specifying the exact purpose for which she planned to use it. At the end, she confessed that she was fed up with life and was hoping to end it once and for all. After a short counselling session, the depressed lady renewed her vow with God and became filled with life again.

“The Bible advocates that you should endeavour to save somebody while you still have the chance. As a pharmacist, we must learn to save lives at all cost,” he said.

Buttressing his view, Dr. Austin Ighorodje, CPFN treasurer noted that the fellowship of pharmacists was birthed out of circumstances.

“Something happened some years ago during the conference. There was tension everywhere. Consequently, pharmacists gathered and started praying. Eventually God took control. One thing is sure: when Christians pray, things always happen.

“We didn’t study pharmacy for by mistake. We have a great commission to go out there and make a disciple of all nations. Since we started the Christian Pharmacists Foundation of Nigeria, testimonies abound,” he remarked.

 

 

Lagos PSN Hosts New Executives of The Young Pharmacists Group

By
Temitope Obayendo
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As a way of familiarising themselves with top stakeholders in the profession, the newly elected executives of the Young Pharmacists Group (YPG)  Nigeria, have paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State PSN Chairman, Pharm. Gbenga Olubowale in his office today.

The young pharmacists who were very delighted to be received by Olubowale, disclosed to him their mission, as they were willing to draw from his wealth of experience of professional activities over the years.

In his remarks, Olubowale expressed his joy in seeing the young people, who are ready to take over from the older generation, while he urged them to be handy to receive the necessary guidance and mentorship from the elder ones in the profession.

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L-R :Dr Precious Oshoma, Pharm Ijeoma Azubuike, Dr Peter B. Onimisi, president, YPG-NG;  Pharm.Olubowale Gbenga FPSN , chairman, Lagos PSN;  Pharm. Phillips K. Adepoju, coordinator, South West YPG-NG ; and Pharm Muyiwa J.Olagunju, during the visit today.

“A great philosopher once said, that ‘success without a successor is a failure’, so it is our joy to know that we also have young pharmacists who are interested in professional activities, they want to be useful to the society, and this is how some of us started”.

He further challenged them to be proactive, by planning useful programmes for their colleagues, while they should abstain from the get-rich-quick syndrome.

 

 

Ambode’s Wife Canvasses Reduction In Child And Maternal Mortality

By
Temitope Obayendo
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In a bid to stem the tide on the recurrent death of mother and child during delivery, the First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs Bolanle Ambode has taken the campaign against infant and maternal mortality to the Ikorodu Town, where she enlightened the pregnant and nursing mothers, on the best care for themselves and their babies.

Mrs Ambode, who attended the programme with a host of healthcare team among whom were: Dr Jide Idris, Lagos State commissioner for health, Dr. Olufemi Onanuga , special adviser on Primary Healthcare; Hon. Segun Olulade, chairman, House Committee on Health;  Tokunbo Fabanwo , associate professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Lagos State University (LASU) and others, said the high rate of death recorded for this group of people is no longer acceptable.ambod

While drawing the attention of the mothers to the common killers of infants, she noted that most death of mothers and newborns usually occur within the 24 hours of labour and delivery, urging them to always endeavour to register with the nearest Primary Health Care Centre, once they are pregnant in order to avoid these anomalies in pregnancy.

Details Later

Pfizer To Improve Healthcare Through Community Partnerships

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Admin
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As part of its commitment towards collaborating with local communities for support and expansion of access to reliable and affordable healthcare, Pfizer in Nigeria has donated some cardiovascular test strips to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Victoria Garden City, Lagos, during their health fair program.

The program took place on Saturday, the 15th of October.  The activities of the health fair included health talks on disease prevention and vaccination, basic health checks on diabetes, cholesterol, HIV, malaria and typhoid.

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“SSVP Victoria Garden City is grateful for the support from Pfizer towards the successful health fair. The donations of test strips provided were used for this purpose.  The health fair impacted over 700 indigent people of the Ikota Community”, said the President of the society, Albert Membere.

According to the Director Corporate Affairs, Pfizer, Margaret Olele, “over the past few years, Pfizer in Nigeria has provided free medical screenings to more than 15,000 people at risk across the country in pharmacies, religious organizations, corporate establishments, and health care institutions.

 

”Such partnerships create avenues for communities to become educated on health and wellbeing and encouraged to proactively take control of their health”.

About Pfizer Inc.: Working together for a healthier world™

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to improve health and well-being at every stage of life.  We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacturing of medicines for people and animals.  Our diversified global health care portfolio includes human and animal biologic and small molecule medicines and vaccines, as well as nutritional products and many of the world’s best-known consumer 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 the world’s leading Biopharmaceutical Company, we also collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world.  For more than 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely on us.

 

To learn more about our commitments, please visit us at www.pfizer.com

 

PSN Venerates Ayebae, Chukwuka, Soremekun With Honourary Membership Awards

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Amidst a deafening applause, the trio of Dr Chukwuka Obiorah, chairman of Greenlife Pharmaceuticals; Dr Fidelis Ayebae, managing director of Fidson Healthcare Plc and Mr. Femi Soremekun, managing director of Biofem Pharmaceuticals were inducted into the hall of honourary membership of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN).

The investiture ceremony which took place at the just concluded 89th Annual National Conference held at Justice Idris Legbo Kutigbo International Conference Centre in Minna, Niger State on November 8, 2016 has several distinguished pharmacists (both within and outside the country) in attendance.

While presenting them with awards, Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, PSN president, announced to the audience on a lighter mood that by the power conferred on him as the president, he is glad to confer the society’s first set of honourary membership awards on the recipients who he strongly believed have paid their dues in the pharmaceutical industry.

“Until I came across him, I didn’t know that Dr (Fidelis) Ayebae is not a pharmacist. Yet he has built a factory that costs about N9 million and made donation of over N3 million to both the PSN and board of fellows. Now my office at the secretariat is looking brand new,” he enthused.

award1
L-R: Hajia Amina Bello, wife of Niger State governor presenting the PSN membership award to Mr. Femi Soremekun, managing director of Biofem Pharmaceuticals while the duo of Prof. Isaac Adewole, minister of health and Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, president of the society look on

On Soremekun, Yakasai disclosed that long before he became the president, the Biofem owner is known to be a strong advocate of the society. He added that manay donations and relative-assistance rendered to the PSN usually have Soremekun’s handwriting all over them.

The last of the trio, Chukwuka Obiorah, has been described as an enviable personality many pharmacists look up to

“In fact, nobody will ever believe that the owner of Lonart antimalarial drug is nowhere near being a pharmacist. Yet his foot prints are everywhere. I hereby congratulate you today as I can confidently say that you have earned your honourary membership of this society,” the PSN president stressed.

In response, two recipients of the awards (Ayebae and Soremekun) applauded the award and pledged to not only abide by all the society’s rules and regulations but equally strive to always represent the profession well.

The last recipient, Obiorah, threw the audience into a hilarious mood when he announced that he has already atoned for his ‘sin’ now that two of his children are trained pharmacists.

In attendance at the event were Pharm. N.AE. Mohammed, registrar, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN); Pharm. Bruno Nwankwo, former chairman, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN); Pharm. Olu Akanmu, senior vice president, retail banking at First City Monument Bank (FCMB); Olumide Akintayo, immediate past president of the society and Pharm. Ade Popoola, former chairman, PSN Board of Fellows; Prof Mike Ogirima, president, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA); Prof. Isaac Adewole, minister of health; Hajia Amina Bello, wife of Niger State governor and Dr Mustapha Jibril, Niger State commissioner for health.

Others were Sen. (Pharm.) Eme Ufot Ekaette, past PSN president; Dr Ibrahim Getso, Kano commissioner for health; Professor (Mrs.) Mbang Femi-Oyewo, MFR, former deputy vice chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University; Pharm. Gbolagade Iyiola, PSN national secretary; Pharm. Ifeanyi Atueyi, managing director of Pharmanews Limited; Pharm. Arinola Joda, PSN national publicity secretary Pharm. Ike Onyechi, managing director of Alpha Pharmacy; directors of pharmaceutical services and other relevant stakeholders.

Khoisan Monarch supports Children’s Rights March against Psychiatric Drugging of South African Children

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Admin
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  • Despite a 2005 “Drug Alert” from South Africa’s Medicines Control Council about SSRI antidepressants putting adolescents at increased risk of suicide, children and adolescents are still prescribed the drugs

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King Thomas Edgar Brown, Monarch of the National Khoisan Kingdom in South Africa supported a children’s rights march held Saturday outside the Cape Town International Convention Center (CTICC) where the World Psychiatric Association (WPA) International Congress was being held. The march, organized by the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) (www.CCHRint.org), a mental health watchdog group, protested increasing psychiatric labeling and drugging of South Africa’s children. The rate of children being prescribed stimulants, which experts say are more potent than cocaine, is astoundingly greater than that even in the United States.

The King issued a heartfelt message, “We need to stop the senseless maiming of people, including children, by psychiatry. CCHR will take the lead and I will direct my people to be alert to this.”

Rev. Fred Shaw, Jr., a former Los Angeles Sheriff and past president of the Compton, California branch of the NAACP (U.S. National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) applauded King Brown’s concern. As an international spokesperson for CCHR, Rev. Shaw flew to Cape Town to warn South Africans about Western psychiatric trends, labeling children with “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder” (ADHD) and prescribing stimulants like Ritalin or antidepressants for “depression.” Despite a 2005 “Drug Alert” from South Africa’s Medicines Control Council about SSRI antidepressants putting adolescents at increased risk of suicide, children and adolescents are still prescribed the drugs.

Rev. Shaw, who helped CCHR present written testimony in 1997 to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Hearing about psychiatry’s role in apartheid, warned then of the risks of South Africa adopting psychotropic (mind-altering drugs) in the post-apartheid era. He said, “Few parents are aware that psychiatrists admit they do not have any medical test to confirm ADHD or any mental disorder, nor do they have any cures. However, the drugs they prescribe have been linked to suicide, violence, heart conditions, high blood pressure, loss of appetite, and psychosis (http://APO.af/Ps4JIF).”

A psychiatrist, Anchy Asher Ivanis from Switzerland, who was attending the WPA Congress admitted to the marchers that he’d “never” cured any of his patients. Protestors included traditional healers, concerned doctors, nurses, teachers, parents and more than 60 children.

Psychiatric Harm of Children Exhibit

The Children’s Rights march culminated in the opening of CCHR’s world acclaimed free Traveling Exhibit: Psychiatry: An Industry of Death at the Castle of Good Hope. The exhibit includes a section on psychiatry’s role in apartheid as well as a contemporary section on psychotropic drugs and children’s rights.

King Thomas Edgar Brown addressed the opening, telling South Africans, “Come and see for yourself the devastating facts that CCHR has.”

Rev. Shaw added, “Parents should be alert to students abusing prescription drugs like Ritalin, which children snort and swallow to get high. Ritalin is known as ‘smarties,’ ‘rit’ or ‘kiddie cocaine.’”

He also warned about South African psychiatrists prescribing antipsychotics such as Risperdal (risperidone). There are about 13,000 lawsuits currently against its manufacturer in the U.S. over the drug causing gynecomastia (female breast growth) in boys prescribed it. The pharmaceutical company has paid out over $2.2 billion (Rand 31.5 billion) to settle criminal and civil charges of illegal marketing of Risperdal (http://APO.af/YYtQ0u). In July 2016, a massive $70 million (Rand 1 billion) was also awarded a Tennessee, U.S. teenager who blamed Risperdal for causing him to grow female breasts (http://APO.af/PgIpfw).

The WPA Congress is financially supported, in part, by Risperdal’s manufacturer and other psychotropic drug companies

Why You Need To Steer Clear of Red Bull

By
Temitope Obayendo
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Although several publications have written at one point or the other on the adverse effects of energy drinks, but this has got no significant impact on people as the consumption of the ill-energy booster has not wane.

The lack of decline in the use of Red Bull could be associated with low knowledge on the devastating effects of the  canned beverage, as a new study has found the over time harmful effects of the highly-caffeinated drink on the human body.

In a step-by-step guide, a Dailymailonline Info graph revealed the minute by minute effects of Red Bull on the body.

See the info graph below and explanation under neath

infograph

This is a taste of the effect it has on the body in the first 12 days of finishing a can:

FIRST 10 MINUTES AFTER FINISHING A CAN

The caffeine begins to permeate your bloodstream.

In turn, your heart rate and blood pressure start to pick up pace.

15-45 MINUTES LATER

If you drink it fast, you'll start feeling more alert and concentrated around 15 minutes later. Slow drinkers may not feel the effects for about 40 minutes.

30-50 MINUTES LATER

Caffeine absorption is complete. Your pupils dilate, your blood pressure rises, as a response your livers dumps more sugar into your bloodstream. The adenosine receptors in your brain are now blocked preventing drowsiness.

Your blood sugar spikes, causing insulin burst. Your liver responds to this by turning any sugar it can get its hands on into fat – of which there is plenty.

1 HOUR LATER

Your body starts to experience a sugar crash, as well as the effects of the caffeine dying down, you'll start to feel tired and energy levels will start to feel low.

You've also now urinated out all the water that was in the Red Bull.

First, however, that water infused with valuable nutrients that your body could have used hydrate your system or strengthen your bone, which were also washed out.

5-6 HOURS LATER

It takes this long for the amount of caffeine to half in your body.

For women who take the Pill, it will take 10 hours.

12 HOURS LATER

The time that it takes most people to fully remove caffeine from their bloodstream.

The speed at which this happens does depend on many factors from age to activity.

12-24 HOURS LATER

Withdrawal symptoms kick in.

About a day after you had your caffeine hit, you're in the mood for another.

If you have become used to a daily – or more regular – fix, you will start to feel lethargic, distressed, experience headaches and constipation.

7-12 DAYS LATER

Studies have shown this to be the time frame for your body to become tolerant to your regular caffeine dosage.

That means you'll get used to it and won't feel the effects as much.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Study Links Vegetable Compounds To Better Cognition In Old Age

By
Temitope Obayendo
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Are you age sixty and above, and are you struggling to cope with mental accuracy? If your response is on the affirmative, then this finding is for you.

According to the new research published on Medical News Today, it stated that some carotenoids present in vegetables and plants may boost brain power in older age.

“Carotenoids are pigments synthesized by plants that give vegetables their yellow, orange, and red colors. Their antioxidant properties, as well as their benefits for visual health, are well known, but emerging research suggests these compounds may have a positive impact on cognition as well”, it stated.

veggies

It is a known fact that Carotenoids are natural plant chemicals that can be found in a variety of vegetables and fruits, such as carrots, pumpkins, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, and oranges.

However, some carotenoids, like lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) can also be found in dark green vegetables such as kale, spinach, and peas.

Early studies have shown that diets rich in L and Z help maintain visual health, improve visual acuity, and slow down some age-related eye diseases.

The research, comprising all white participants with 58 percent women, assessed the levels of L and Z in the retina by measuring the macular pigment optical density found that L and Z improve neural efficiency.

This indicated lower brain activity in individuals with higher levels of L and Z during memory tasks, which means they did not have to work as hard to complete the task.

 

 

 

 

Emzor Pharma Launches New Range of Paracetamol, Para1000

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In its resolve to bring wholesome wellness into several homes, foremost pharmaceutical manufacturer, Emzor Group has launched a whole new range of Acetaminophen into the Nigerian market.

Addressing newsmen during the unveiling programme which took place on November 3, 2016 at the Ambassadors Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, Dr. Stella Okoli, founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of the company described Emzor Para-1000 as an innovative product that would change the face of paracetamol in Nigeria.

“Unlike the regular paracetamol which requires double dosage to be effective, Emzor Para 1000 provides maximum relief from headaches, pains and fever with only one easy-to-swallow caplet.

emzor-pix
From Left Lady Ngozi Ajaero, Director Merced Pharm, Mrs Uzoma Ezeoke, Executive Director, Emzor Pharmaceutical, Dr. Stella Okoli OON, GMD/CEO, Emzor Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd and Ukah Johnson Jnr, Director, Ikons Pharms Nig. Ltd at the Unveiling of Emzor Para 1000 in Lagos on Thursday.

 

“We are happy to have recorded another milestone in the annals of Nigerian pharmaceutical industry today with the introduction of Emzor Para 1000. In fulfilment of our promise, this is the result of our resolution to ensure maximum and affordable wellness to Nigerians,” she stressed.

According to Pharm. Mrs Uzoma Ezeoke, Executive Director, Emzor Pharmaceuticals, the new brand of Acetaminophen has been tested and proven to enhance release and quick absorption thus ensuring rapid relief from aches, pains and fever.

“Only one caplet of Emzor Para 1000 is as strong as two tablets of the regular paracetamol and as such, no more than one caplet should be used at a time. You will agree with me that Emzor Pharmaceuticals is today a household name and a leader in the pharma manufacturing industry.

“Aside from being known for our range of quality health care products at prices that offer real value, the addition of Para1000 has indeed showed that Emzor remains committed to producing and delivering flawless products on time and every time,” She said.

Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited is a wholly private indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturing group founded in 1984 by Dr. Stella C. Okoli, OON. The company is into the manufacture of high quality pharmaceutical products and medical consumables. Its holding company, Emzor Chemists Limited opened for retail business in January 1977 in Yaba, Lagos.

Today, it has become a household name in the country, and a leader in the pharmaceutical market that is known for quality products at prices that offer real value. The company has a range of more than 100 high quality pharmaceutical products and all its products conform with international standards and are approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC.

 

 

UGONSA National Secretary Urges ABSU Nursing School Graduands To Embrace Nightingalism

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Admin
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AN INDUCTION MESSAGE PRESENTED BY NUR. G.I. NSHI, THE NATIONAL SECRETARY OF UNIVERSITY GRADUATES OF NURSING SCIENCE ASSOCIATION (UGONSA), ON THE EVENT OF 3RD  INDUCTION/SWEARING-IN CEREMONY OF THE 4TH AND 5TH SET OF GRADUATES OF DEPARTMENT OF NURSING SCIENCES, ABIA STATE UNIVERSITY (ABSU) UTURU ON 17TH NOVEMBER, 2016.

The Executive Governor of Abia State, The Vice Chancellor of ABSU, The Provost of college of medicine and health sciences, The Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, The Head of Department of Nursing Sciences, The Parents/Guardians of the inductees, The inductees, Other distinguished dignitaries, Ladies and Gentlemen.

On behalf of the University Graduates of Nursing Science Association (UGONSA) I congratulate the newly graduating sets of the Department of Nursing Science, ABSU. I count it an honour and a privilege to speak to you on this epoch-making event of your 3rd induction/Swearing-in ceremony. Being here on behalf of UGONSA, I wish to make a little remark on the Association before proceeding to the main elements of my speech.

UGONSA is an association of fully qualified nurses with at least first degree in nursing science, registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) under companies and allied matters Act no 1 1990 part C. The association was formerly known as Graduate Nurses Association of Nigeria (GNAN) since the year 1985 when it was formed, until the sixteenth day of May 2014 when it was officially incorporated by the CAC as UGONSA. In a summarized brief, the history, philosophy, aims and objectives, vision and mission of UGONSA are as follow:

HISTORY

The association was formed in the year 1985 in Benin City, old Bendel State i.e. present Edo State, to give graduate nurses a voice and a platform to champion positive changes and reforms in the nursing profession with the mission to promote and continuously enhance qualitative client care. Since then the following persons have served as the National President:

Arch Bishop A.O. Obarisagbon                      1985 to 1988 (Pioneer President)

Lady Uhiara U, L                                          1988 to 1991 (The current HOD Nursing Science Department, ABSU)

Nur. Segun Bankole                                       1991 to 2002

Nur Bashiru Akande                                       2002 to 2011

Chief (Hon.) Solomon E.O. Egwuenu              2011 till date

 

PHILOSOPHY

UGONSA believes that nursing is a unique, full-fledged and autonomous profession, having its foundation in knowledge and understanding of the nature of man and being driven by the passion to give the best of care to humanity.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Kindly permit me to abridge the aims and objectives of the association as follows:

  1. To uphold the principle of good nursing ethics.
  2. To co-operate with all Nursing and Medical Professional organizations in promoting the ideals of nursing and welfare of nurses.
  3. To advance the professional standard and intellectual growth and development of nurses in Nigeria through continuing professional education and research in the field of nursing.

VISION

To enthrone a unified baccalaureate nursing education, as the baseline for practice, which would foster harmonization of schemes of service for nurses and enhance upgrade of post-basic programmes to post-graduate status with compulsory internship training for comprehensive and qualitative clinical expertise.

 

MISSION

To re-instill the virtues of nightingale in Nigerian Nurses, such that the patient’s interest shall take pre-eminence at all times and in all situations.

 

This mission of UGONSA, which I rather refer to as “Nightingalism” is central among the professional virtues UGONSA would like you, the inductees, to imbibe and display perpetually throughout your professional lives. The public image and respectability of the profession is a function of the quality and impact of the services we render to the people. The people have generously entrusted their lives in confidence unto our care and we have a strong duty to reciprocate this gesture by diligently performing the task of health promotion, illness prevention, health restoration and alleviation of suffering, which we unreservedly owe them, efficiently and effectively at all times and in all situations.

Expectations are very high of you without recourse to the fact that you are fresh graduates, who are newcomers to the profession, because of the University route you took to become nurses. By mere learning that you are a graduate nurse people, including other members of the healthcare team would consider you a super nurse. But the fact remains that there is no reason to consider fresh graduates of nursing science, like you, super nurses than to consider fresh graduates of medicine (i.e. House Officers) super Doctors. Notwithstanding this, you must be guided by the standard John Winthrop set before his shipmates on the flagship Arbella about four hundred years ago, when he admonished that we should realize we are a city upon a hill—where the eyes of all people are upon. Therefore, no matter the circumstance or the environment you may found yourself in the future always remember that you are the graduate nurse whom the eyes of people are upon.

Good enough, the implementation of our age-long struggle for internship training for the fresh graduates of nursing science that paid off this year shall certainly commence next year and by that you shall be afforded the opportunity of  blending your theoretical know-how with comprehensive clinical and technical know-how  for superlative performance.

Ladies and gentlemen, I want to align myself today with the English-American poet, W. H. Auden, to urge that man's only true vocation is the realization of himself or herself. Self-realization is guided by an inner light, or what Auden called a “state of subjective requiredness,” and which he described as a kind of inner passion that drives a person to pursue his or her chosen course in life.

 I find this a nice thing to say to young people who are graduating from a good school, like yours, and are preparing to go forth to make their marks in the world. Certainly it is true that a good steersman needs to have a firm sense of where they want to go in life if they are to have any chance of actually getting there. And it is also true that one needs a certain amount of determination, the inner passion Auden speaks of, to meet and surmount the various obstacles and setbacks that are likely to be encountered on life’s journey. But I belief, like Morton Winston, that these requirements, although necessary, are not sufficient. There are several other things that you must bear in mind.

Number one is that you should always bear in mind that your hand is not the only hand on the tiller.

There are lots of other boats in the water, and there are fellow passengers in the same boat of Nursing Science you have boarded. Despite the value we place on personal autonomy, for most of us most of the time, we are not the sole masters of our fates, and our ability to achieve our own life goals depends to a large extent on what others around us are doing or not doing. We live in networks of social relationships and as nurses, we work for the most part in a health system whose success requires the coordination of the activity of many other individuals from diverse professions. There will be cases in which you will want to pull the tiller to the left while others are trying to pull it to the right. On these occasions your powers of critical reasoning and persuasion as well as your skill in navigating interpersonal relations will bring you salvation.

 There may also be cases in which you cannot reconcile your own values and convictions with that of those around you. In such cases always remember who you are- “the son or daughter of nightingale”, who must do every possible best for the sake of the patient. But for the most part you will need to have courage of your convictions, and you must be passionate about advocating those values and beliefs that are most important for clients’ care and well being. In doing this, you must be firm, tolerant, assertive, hardworking, altruistic and adaptable to wide range of circumstance in accordance with George Bernard Shaw’s famous cliché that reasonable men adapts themselves to the world while the unreasonable ones insists in trying to adapt the world to themselves. Therefore, let it dwell permanently in your head that UGONSA asserted, on this day, that you are a major determinant of your destiny because your progress in life largely depends upon how reasonable you are.

The second thing to keep in mind is that we are global citizens in a world that has changed dramatically since the start of this century and which will continue to be changing quickly.

The WHO observed that changing trend in health and illness has given the world a number of “firsts” in this millennium. For example, for the first time in history, the population of people aged 60 years and older outnumbers the population of children under the age of five. In other words, being in the older age group has become the “new normal” in the world’s demographic profile.

For the first time in history also, chronic non-communicable diseases have overtaken infectious diseases as the leading cause of mortality worldwide. The burden of these diseases, long associated with affluent societies, has changed places. Today, 80% of premature mortality caused by heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung disease is concentrated in low- and middle-income countries, which have the least capacity to cope. Drug-resistant bacteria and virus easily cross borders. Pollution is trans-national. Climate change is universal. The advertising of unhealthy products is beamed across borders by satellite. Social media propagate rumours like they were facts, clouding medical advice and sometimes undermining health policies. These rapidly evolving changes coupled with increasing complexities of clients’ need means that our generation has more challenges to contend with than any other previous generation.

The implications of this shift, in terms of the demands and costs of health care, are immense but can definitely be resolved by your wisdom in thinking out cost-effective and care-effective strategies at any given time. The better part of the wisdom which you need to steer life’s journey involves knowing how to respond to the rapidly changing seas of modern life.  As said by Morton Winston one needs to cultivate the ability to accept and even embrace change, partly because change is inevitable, but also partly because it often provides opportunities that you can use to advance your goals. In order words, rather than resisting change or being intimidated by it, you need to learn how to adapt to it, how use it, and how to surf and manipulate its restless waves.

The third thing is to avoid getting too wedded to your analogies and abstractions and never contemplate trying to understand the world by means of a single ideology or theory.

No matter how detailed the books you read or instructions you received in the university may be, it is certainly not the same as the reality especially in the healthcare settings, which are always more complex and surprising than you think. You must therefore have an open mind to learn new things. Everything does not start with and end with nursing. The world is far more complex than the nursing you have been educated on and you are now being sent forth to confront this complex world from your narrowed nursing point. Because learning is a lifelong process you must be prepared to explore other territories on your own. Don’t pay too much attention to disciplinary boundaries but instead pursue your intellectual interests wherever they lead. Nobody, for example, taught you politics 101 or financial management 101 in the nursing but politics and finance are inevitable aspects of our lives. You must therefore be broad minded as you confront the world. In his book, Tolstoy Isaiah Berlin described two kinds of intellectual styles: the fox, who knows many things, and the hedgehog, who knows one big thing.  I urge you my younger brethren to be like the fox and allow yourself to roam. Don’t be like the hedgehog!

The fourth thing to remember is that success in life is measured not by what you gain from society, but by what you give back.

We have been conditioned in this country to think that success is defined by personal wealth, status, power, or fame. But that is fallacious. UGONSA believes the ultimate measure of a man’s value is the value he has given to other people. If you don’t stick to the passion of delivering values to other people as your guiding stars especially in the healthcare system you are likely to lose your way. It is better to focus on expanding your capacity to serve others and on finding ways to contribute to the betterment of the society. That is why I say today same thing the philosopher, Socrates, said to his young protégées in the olden days to you my dear young graduates that “There is no higher purpose than service to others.” This will seem paradoxical to many of you now, but I believe that if you follow this advice you will find your journey through life more personally satisfying and rewarding.

So as you prepare to leave Abia State University and embark on your life’s journey, I nay to say – think of how to make the best out of yourself, think of how to make the best out of nursing, think of how to make the best out of Nigeria and above all think of how to make the best out of humanity. Never you conceive ABSU as the place where you became the person that you will be for the rest of your lives, because in a short time you will be a different person than you are now and also the world will be a different place than it is now and for you to be among those that shall sing the last success song, you must grow, develop and become more sophisticated to conquer this sophisticated world.

With utmost sense of honour, I am humbled to officially enlist and induct you all as bonafide members of our prestigious Professional Association, the University Graduates of Nursing Science Association (UGONSA). From today onward, your status has changed from associate to full membership of the prestigious UGONSA. It is an enviable achievement to be proud of. Please kindly accept our congratulations once more for this uncommon feat.

UGONSA——make a positive change! Make a Positive Change—UGONSA!!

 

HIV Prevalence Is Higher Among Nigerian Women Than Men-Dr Ezechi

By
Temitope Obayendo
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1

For the Nigerian mothers, sisters and daughters to survive, and to bring forth an AIDS free generation, it is incumbent on all stakeholders to strategically plot against the conspiracy of nature, culture and man. This should be done through conscious effort to educate women to not only delay age at coitarche,  but empower them to be self-sufficient, institutionalise laws that delay the age at marriage, abhors and prevent violence against women, as well make life-saving ARV drugs accessible and affordable to women and their families, Dr Oliver Chukwujekwu Ezechi, deputy director, research, has said.

Dr Ezechi, while presenting the 6th Distinguished Lecture, of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) Yaba , Lagos,  on November 9, 2016, identified the Nigerian female gender with more HIV occurrences than men, putting it at 60 per cent of the HIV positive population.

oliver

“However, the HIV infection in female population continued to increase and presently women constitute about 60% of HIV positive population, while the risk of a woman contracting HIV is 2 to 4 times higher than that of a man”, he asserted.

The expert, whose findings were based on twelve years of research at the HIV Testing Service of NIMR, was particularly worried about the geometrical increase of the infection among the female population, said it is an issue beyond the women, but it is a conspiracy of nature, culture and man.

Details later.

Russian Experts Set To Unveil Innovative Pharmaceuticals To The Global Market

By
Admin
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2

 The road show of projects selected by The Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation for introduction to global markets is to be held at Stockholm on November 24, 2016.russian

Russia has set a course for supporting the latest scientific research and, in particular, on drugs, and transferring the new technologies to Western markets. One example of such developments is the project by the Biomedical Centre of St. Petersburg, led by Professor Andrey Kozlov. This private think tank researches the role of epidemiological approaches to the fight against HIV and AIDS, develops new concepts of active preventative measures and has been working on a vaccine against the virus since 1994. Some of the potential vaccines developed at the Centre have successfully passed their pre-clinical and clinical trials and are now awaiting state support for conducting the 2nd and 3rd phases of the clinical trials.

The Science Magazine has praised the Biomedical Centre of St. Petersburg as an ‘island of talented investigators’[i] for their contribution to ‘clarifying the rate of spread of HIV among injecting drug users and documenting the transmission from IDUs into the broader population through heterosexual sex’. The magazine said that Russian scientists arrived at the very epicentre of research on vaccines against HIV and that the importance of their work goes far beyond the Russian borders.

The initiative put forward by the Industry and Trade Ministry in 2016 was aimed at helping such promising innovative developments to enter the market. This initiative has seen the launch of a programme for promoting, expert trials, analytical support and business acceleration for research projects which have earlier received state funding.

The programme was designed to support the development of successful research, reassess the projects’ viability and patentability, and to analyse their technological and economic potential for scaling both in Russia and abroad.

The selection process involved assessment by a number of experts from a variety of fields, such as medicine, pharmaceuticals, innovations and intellectual property, as well as representatives of the business.  Projects were reviewed by representatives of both the scientific and the methodological schools. Such an approach ensured a comprehensive assessment and eliminated any risk of a conflict of interests; one of the prerequisites for being an expert was having no connection to any of the participants of this project.

Such efforts to ensure independent assessment have been made as the Ministry aims to commercialise new technologies based on original ideas and latest developments on global markets as soon as possible. Russian drugs get approved by foreign investors who recognise their competitiveness with increasing frequency. Similarly, the global financial crisis and the rouble's devaluation against other currencies over the past few years have made the environment for joint projects in Russia more attractive and have worked in favour of such international syndicates.

The programme of the 6th Russian-Swedish economic forum on new investment potential, which will take place in Stockholm, includes a presentation of the project office and Russian innovative projects in pharmaceuticals and biotechnologies on 24 November.

In 2017 the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation is planning to expand the work of the independent project reviewing commission.

 

 

You can register for the 6th Russian-Swedish economic forum here:
http://rysslandshandel.se/forum/forum2016_registration.php

 

 

FOR REFERENCE

2011 saw a launch of Pharma-2020, a programme designed to ensure a transition of the Russian pharmaceutical and medical industries to an innovative development model. It is sponsored by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation.

[i] http://science.sciencemag.org/content/329/5988/173

Science  09 Jul 2010:

Vol. 329, Issue 5988, pp. 173

DOI: 10.1126/science.329.5988.173

 

Pharmacy Technicians in the Healthcare System: Roles, Responsibilities & Challenges

By
Admin
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3

pharmacy-technician

The Pharmacy Technician obviously plays a very important role in providing pharmaceutical care to patients. This role often expands in the face of personnel inadequacy in the healthcare delivery, sometimes up to the point he/she is the sole provider of pharmaceutical care. Whatever the level and scope of responsibility, it is imperative that this cadre of pharmaceutical care-giver is provided with continuous training necessary for effective performance and to update their  skills for more efficient delivery .

This course will better equip them to handle pharmaceutical calculations and extemporaneous preparations, better management of drug inventory as well as pharmacy logistics. Their communication skills will also be better sharpened and patient care delivery will be improved.

We urge you to nominate participants for the above course scheduled for November 8 – 10, 2016 ,in Lagos.

Date:              Tuesday 22 – Thursday 24  November, 2016

Time:              9.00a.m – 5.00p.m

Venue:           Pharmanews Training Centre

                         8 Akinwunmi Street, Mende, Maryland, Lagos.

Target participants: Pharmacy Technicians

Course Contents

• The Emerging Roles of the Pharmacy Technician

• Pharmaceutical Calculations and Extemporaneous Preparations

• Essentials of Drug Inventory Management

• Effective Communication and Collaborative skills

• Practices in  Care Delivery and Essentials of Patient Care

• Understanding the Healthcare Team Dynamics

• Self-Management Competencies

Learning Objectives

At the end of the course, participants will

• Be aware of  the current trends in pharmacy Technician’s roles

• Update their extemporaneous preparation skills

• Have increased productivity through a better understanding of team dynamics

• Upscale their inventory and logistics management skills

• Have increased  communication skills

Registration

• N80,000.00 per participant before November, 1st  , 2016

• N85,000.00 per participant after November 1st  , 2016

Group Discounts: 3-5 participants 10%, 6 participants and above 15%

Registration fee covers: course materials, certificates, tea/coffee break and lunch ONLY. Confirmation

Confirmation of registration is by payment of the registration fee

Cancellation

For cancellation of the registration fee, 70% of the fee will be refunded, if cancelled at least seven(7) days to the programme and the cancellation is communicated to us by sms or email:info@pharmanewsonline.com

There will be no refund if cancelled thereafter.

Participants should pay registration fee into Pharmanews-WhiteTulip Training naira account in GTBank Plc, A/c No: 0179132705 and send their full names and bank deposit slip numbers by sms or email to Pharmanews-WhiteTulip.

For Further Enquiries, please contact:

Chinwe Odita                       +234 7068129728

Adekola Adediran                +234 7032252123

 

A Lesson For Young Pharmacists In Nigeria

By
Admin
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1

By Pharm. (Barr.) Steve Okoronkwo, MBA, FPCpharm, FPSN

Pharm (Barr.) Steve Okoronkwo, MBA, FPCpharm, FPSN needs little or no introduction in pharmacy circle. His growing fame in the last 10 years may not be unconnected with his passion for mentorship and value-added service to pharmacy practice in general. A pharmacist by profession and a barrister by choice, the managing director of Altinez Group was among the conference planning committee that saw to the success of the last two PSN annual conventions.

In his fervid speech themed ‘The Day After’ delivered at the induction/oath-taking ceremony of Faculty of Pharmacy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State On November 3, 2016, Okoronkwo, a Fellow of the PSN highlights why most average graduates usually turn out better than their brilliant contemporary; a myth that has continually puzzled so many business owners and human resource managers across the globe.

steve
Pharm. (Barr.) Steve Okoronkwo, MBA, FPCpharm, FPSN

Excerpts:

Introduction

When I got a text message from Professor Esimone, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) of this great University, asking of me to be the Guest Speaker for today’s event, my mind immediately wondered on what topic I may be asked to speak. The worry was heightened when Dr.  Ugwu informed me that the committee in-charge of today’s event has given me a blank cheque to speak on any topic of my choice.

Not that it made it too easy either. It is always a herculean task choosing a topic for an audience of this quality. Should I talk to the new graduates about professionalism in practice or pharmaceutical care? These are familiar areas which these young brains should be very conversant with and may even know more than the speaker. Moreover, I find myself very incompetent to speak on academic topics in the presences of professors and Ph.D holders.

Be that as it may, having confirmed my availability for today’s event, I know I owe a duty to the faculty, to the parents who are here today, to the new graduates, to the pharmacy profession and to myself to speak on a topic of interest. After much introspection, I came up with the topic which I have titled “The Day After”.  By this I mean the day after your induction/oath-taking. I may not necessarily be talking about tomorrow literally, but certainly I am referring to the days, weeks, months and even years after today’ s ceremony. I will be referring to the events and life as pharmacist.

I will be talking about a new school which your induction/oath-taking today is the matriculation ceremony in that school. This school is different from Nnamdi Azikiwe University (the Great UNIZIK). UNIZIK is a learning field. The new school is a practice/demonstration field. Here you are expected to put to practice the knowledge you have acquired in the last five or so years.  Although you are not likely to have your lecturers set exams for you again, you should bear in mind always that your colleagues, patients and society at large are your examiners. Also remember that your status in this new school is not that of students but ambassador of this great faculty and UNIZIK in general. Indeed, you are also an ambassador for the entire Pharmacy profession. Therefore, I implore you to always spare a thought for this faculty, your alma mater and your profession.

Today precedes tomorrow. Today has come and is here with us. Tomorrow is the day after and we can never be sure of.  Therefore, we should rejoice and be glad for today is indeed the day the Lord has made. Today is a great day. Today is a day both you and your parents, even your teachers have expected and waited for. You must therefore enjoy today before we can talk of the day after. Today is one of the days you will sleep the soundest. Today will remain an epoch, one of the rare occasions in life when parents, relatives and friends proudly gather to rejoice and celebrate with you. Today is indeed a happy day because the journey you all began some 5/6 years ago has finally come to an end. Burning the midnight candle has come to an end, albeit for a moment. Today is also a day of double joy for your parents- they have been relieved from the burden of payment of your school fees and they are also proud and confirmed parents of pharmacists. Today is indeed a great day because right in this room, after your induction you will automatically become colleagues to your lecturers. I therefore say welcome to “Today”. Enjoy yourself and make the loudest noise. Walk tall and occupy space for it is your day. You are not just graduates. You are pharmacists. It is your moment in the sun.

But do not get lost in the euphoria of today. The road you travelled the last 5/6 years to get to today was straight, smooth and predictable; the journey you will embark on after today is the journey of life. I do not plan to scare you. But the road on this journey may not be smooth. It may indeed be rough, sometimes very rough. The journey of life is not predictable. It is sometimes marked with uncertainties. This is reality; this is how life happens. Welcome to the real world! Unlike the 5 year sojourn in UNIZIK, life, like Bill Gates said, is not divided into semesters.

But do not despair; indeed, you do not be afraid. Even the Holy Bible admonishes us in this regard. You have been equipped for tomorrow’s journey. Having gotten this far, there is no doubt that each of you being inducted today has what it takes to confront the future. You have been trained by some of the best pharmacy teachers in the country.  You have been confirmed to be hard working and have been found worthy both in character and in learning, otherwise you will not be here today. You have all it takes to succeed as pharmacists and you will be great, I dare say. Always remember that the only thing you need to succeed is to ‘do exactly what successful people did’ (Farouk Radwan).

 

A Different Strategy Is Needed

Today is here. Tomorrow is the day after and it marks the beginning of another phase in your life. Tomorrow will present new opportunities and challenges. Thus, according to Thompson (1997), the strategy that brought you to where you are today may not necessarily bring you to where you want to be tomorrow. Therefore, you must modify your strategy in response to the challenges of the new environment you will be stepping into after today.

As students, you may have memorized the mechanisms of actions and side effects of all drugs. Ability to memorize is one of the success strategies in school. In practice, you are not going to be judged by the number of drugs you know. The society is not interested in your grades. The patient does not care whether you graduated with a Distinction or a Pass. You are now a pharmacist, not a pharmacy student. As pharmacists, your ability to memorize may not necessarily be a factor in practice.  What matters is your ability to find answers to the various drugs and health issues that you will encounter in course of practice as well as the ability to apply your knowledge for the benefit of the patient.  One reason why sometimes average students do better in practice than the very brilliant students is the inability of the students who graduated with top grades to understand that the practice terrain is different from the classroom. You need not fall victim to this trap.

Strategy, according to Chandler (1962), is to look at where you are now- and to the future and where you want to be and how you will get there. Thus, as young pharmacists, you must make distinctive choices about the area of practice you want to purse as a career. Do not choose a career option because your friends chose same. Discover a career area that you are passionate about; one that will also give you the kind of lifestyle you want. Go into that area as early as possible. Do not go on a roller-coaster, moving from community practice to academics, from academics to hospital before eventually settling for a particular area of practice. Your career is more or less your life, and life is too short for trial and error. Bear in mind that everyone has a different question paper in life. Do not hijack the question paper that is meant for another person because you may not have enough time to attend to your own question paper by the time you realize your mistake. Be wary of being a rolling stone which gathers no moss.

The practice of pharmacy has changed significantly in recent years and the society’s expectation of pharmacists has increased. Today’s pharmacists’ roles have expanded from that of compounding and dispensing to “drug therapy managers”. As young pharmacists, you need to adopt courses of action that will enable you cope with the demands of this new responsibility. One course of action which is sacrosanct for success in today’s practice of pharmacy is the requirement of life-long learning. The principle of life-long learning as a component of the “Seven-star Pharmacist” concept by WHO/FIP (2014) requires pharmacists to regularly update their knowledge and skills in order to keep up with the current trends in issues related to drug therapy management. A drug is said to expire after its shelf life so also is a pharmacist who fails to update his/her knowledge in response to the new dynamics of practice and changes in the health care landscape. As newly inducted pharmacists, your learning as young professionals starts immediately.

 

Code Of Ethics As A Guide

The contemporary practice of pharmacy has shifted focus to the patient. The transformation to a patient-care oriented profession has resulted in pharmacists’ expanded role in the area of disease prevention, prevention of medication-related problem, reduction in drug-related morbidities, health promotion etc. This role expansion has raised a lot of moral, ethical and legal issues which hitherto were unknown in pharmacy practice.

As young pharmacists setting out to traverse these hitherto less traveled areas of practice, you need the code of ethics as a guide especially in resolving the ethical-legal dilemmas which inevitably will occur in the course of practice. Ensure that your best companion as far as pharmacy practice is concerned remains the “Code of Ethics for Pharmacists in Nigeria.”

Professionalism is anchored on ethical conduct. As young pharmacists, you must understand that the Code of ethics for Pharmacists in Nigeria places high premium on the patients. In fact, everything on professional pharmacy practice is summed up in one sentence namely: “A pharmacist must act in the best interest of the patient.”

 

Enthusiasm, Your Daily Supplement

Enthusiasm is one singular most important ingredient for achievement. Unfortunately, it is one attribute no person, not even your lecturers, can teach you. As the saying goes, your attitude determines your altitude. You have all spent the last 5-6 years as pharmacy students and classmates. Some of you graduated with distinctions. The next five years of your lives may or may not be a factor of the grade you graduated with. Rather, on the long run, your level of accomplishment in your chosen career will depend on the level of enthusiasm you bring into the practice. As young pharmacists, my recommendation to you today is Pablo’s prescription of daily vitamins.  According to Pablo, “Always Remember to take your Vitamins: Take your Vitamin A for Action, Vitamin B for Belief, Vitamin C for Confidence, Vitamin D for Discipline, Vitamin E for Enthusiasm!!”.  As pharmacists, I know our training condemns self-medication. However, may I encourage you to indulge yourself in the self-medication of the Pablo’s Vitamin E. This is because you cannot achieve anything great without enthusiasm (Ralph Waldo Emerson); enthusiasm is the electricity of life (Gordon Parks).

Finally, I want to congratulate you all today on your oath-taking/induction.  My prayer is that may the peace of God which transcends all understanding be with all of you today and the day after. Welcome to the new world, the world of pharmacy profession.

 

Pharm (Barr.) Steve Okoronkwo, MBA, FPCpharm, FPSN

Managing Director, The AL-TINEZ Group

Prof Odukoya Wins 2016 May & Baker Professional Award

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In what has been described by many as an award long overdue, Professor Olukemi Odukoya, a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and former dean, University of Lagos (UNILAG) Faculty of Pharmacy, has been announced winner of the 2016 Annual May & Baker professional service award in Pharmacy.

The award presentation which took place on November 8, 2016 at the opening ceremony of the 89th Annual National PSN Conference held at Idris Legbo Kutigi Conference Centre, Minna, Niger State had several distinguished pharmacists and fellows of the profession in attendance.

Odukoya has been credited with several trail-blazing innovations in academic pharmacy.

One of such is the introduction of annual White Coat Ceremony to complete transition of fresh UNILAG students from basic sciences into Pharmacy course work in 2014. This laudable initiative has since been adopted by a number of pharmacy schools in Nigeria, notably Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan.

Speaking with Pharmanews, an elated Odukoya disclosed that much as she doesn’t like being caught unaware, she actually didn’t see the May & Baker Award coming.

“It is true that I have applied for the award before and failed to meet the requirements. This time, I took time to repackage myself well as I have learnt from my past mistakes.

“My message to other aspiring candidates hoping to win the award someday is simple. One can only aspire. It is not about doing something right. Aside brilliance, one must have done something for the profession. Needless to say, I have paid my dues,” she noted.

odukoya
Pharm. Steve Okoronkwo, managing director of Altinez Phamaceuticals posing with Prof Olukemi Odukoya, winner of 2016 May & Baker Professional Service Award in Pharmacy while the duo of Pharm. Fred Oduwole, treasurer of Lagos PSN and Mr Tayo Odukoya, deputy director of National Examinations Council (NECO).

As expected, a thunderous applause rent the air when the amiable professor of pharmacognosy mounted the stage to receive her award which comes with a certificate, a plaque and an improved cash prize of N500,000.

Past winners of the May & Baker professional service award in Pharmacy included Pharm. (Lady) Adaeze Omaliko, managing director of Malix Pharmacy, Onitsha; Professor (Mrs.) Mbang Femi-Oyewo, MFR, former deputy vice chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University; Pharm. Ifeanyi Atueyi, managing director of Pharmanews Limited, Pharm (Mrs.) Margaret Obono, a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and Pharm. Folashade Lawal, a renowned community pharmacist.

In a similar vein, the May & Baker Award for excellence category went to the Lagos chapter of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) for producing the 2016 winner of the professional service award.

Sony’s Healthcare Solutions at MEDICA 2016 in Düsseldorf (Hall 10, Stand H57)

By
Solomon Ojigbo
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0



We're showcasing the latest in our medical technology solutions. Find out more here: http://bit.ly/2fRItu5

source

World Diabetes Day: Over 5 million Nigerians are living with diabetes

By
Temitope Obayendo
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0

November fourteen of every year is dedicated to diabetes campaign as World Diabetes Day is commemorated throughout the universe. Led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), World Diabetes Day was created in 1991 by IDF and the World Health Organization in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes. World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2006 with the passage of United Nation Resolution 61/225

The theme of World Diabetes Day 2016 is “Eyes on Diabetes”, while Nigeria has a record of about 5 million people living with diabetes with more than 1.56 million cases of the condition on record in 2015.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, the year’s activities and materials will focus on promoting the importance of screening to ensure early diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and treatment to reduce the risk of serious complications.

While it was noted that one in two adults with diabetes is undiagnosed, while many people live with type 2 diabetes for a long period of time without being aware of their condition. By the time of diagnosis, diabetes complications may already be present.

The IDF further revealed that up to 70% of type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented or delayed by adopting healthier lifestyles, equivalent to up to 160 million cases by 2040.

“With increasing levels of poor nutrition and physical inactivity among children in many countries, type 2 diabetes in childhood has the potential to become a global public health issue leading to serious health outcomes”, it warned.

Commonly referred to as diabetes, diabetes mellitus was first identified as a disease associated with “sweet urine,” and excessive muscle loss in the ancient world. Elevated levels of blood glucose (hyperglycaemia) lead to spillage of glucose into the urine; hence the term sweet urine.

According to Dr Anthonia Ogbera, an associate professor of medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos, it may take many years for complications of diabetes to show up. In Nigeria, these complications occur at the time of diagnosis of the disease in 25 per cent of patients.

In a literature review on AlphaBetic, an anti-diabetes drug marketed by PharmacyPlus Limited, a diabetes expert remarked that “Nigeria like most developing countries is experiencing a rapid epidemiological transition with the burden of NCDs (non-communicable diseases) especially diabetes and hypertension which are threatening to overwhelm the health care system that is already overburdened by HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria.”

In tackling the disease, the  Health Minister, Prof. Isaac Adewole, in a chat with journalists ahead of the WDD, said the Federal Government has outlined six critical strategies to reduce the risk factors associated with diabetes and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria. Adewole said the ministry has adopted the global monitoring framework for NCDs, development of a National Diabetes Plan and Policy as some of the approaches to stemming the tide of diabetes in Nigeria. Others include increased monitoring and surveillance systems, engagement and right, improved access to care and sustainable financing for management of diabetes.

According to him, the ministry had adopted the global framework, which focuses on strengthening data collection for the global burden of the disease. Adewole added: “We have developed a National Policy and Strategic Plan of Action on NCD and a National Nutritional Guideline on NCD Prevention, Control and Management. The document lists our local food items with glycaemic index, which provide Nigerians with information to make informed decision on food choices.’

 

FirstWord Pharma Daily News Round-Up Video for November 10, 2016

By
Solomon Ojigbo
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The FirstWord Pharma Daily News Round-Up Video gives a recap of the latest pharmaceutical and biotechnology news. Stay abreast of the key industry news each day. Today's video highlights include AstraZeneca, Crestor, Pfizer, Ibrance, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Soliris and IBM Watson Health.

source

Nigeria to mitigate FX challenges of local drug producers

By
Admin
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Manufacturing industries in Nigeria have been given access to $660 million within the inter-bank market to supply raw materials and spare parts for their industries to ease the fx stress on manufacturing and agricultural companies. Consequently, the federal authorities says it will give preference to local manufacturers of important pharmaceutical medicines to ensure affordability and accessibility to health care services.

The Vice President, Professor Yomi Osinbajo, gave the reassurance on Tuesday on the opening of the 89th Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) held in Minna, stated the need to resist counterfeit and sub-standard drugs while ensuring patronage of Nigerians.

He said that the federal government was not unaware of the challenges confronting businesses, however he assured that efforts are on to take away the limitations and guarantee the variability of products.

Represented by the Minister of Health, Professor Issac Adewole, who emphasised the important roles performed by the Pharmacists in Nigeria, taking cognisance of our members as he applauded them of their selfless service to the health industry both in the private and non-private sector.

He also stated that the federal government was ensuring steady and sustainable growth in the industry and to scale back the dependence on oil and shift consideration to other sectors of the economy.

The Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello, in his speech called for higher priority to be given to quality, affordability, accessibility of healthcare in Nigeria and improve funding to ensure provision of health services and providers.

The Governor was represented by the Niger State Speaker of the State assembly, Honourable Ahmed Marafa. He said the state will associate with the PSN to make sure healthcare services is affordable within the state. He also urged them to accentuate efforts in curbing sub-standard pharmaceutical products.

Niger State Governor Donates An Automobile To PSN

By
Temitope Obayendo
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The President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai was in no small measure grateful to the governor of Niger State, Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Sani Bello, for his magnanimous donation of a model new automobile to the state branch of the society.

The event took place on November 9th, 2016 on the Authorities Home, Minna, during the courtesy visit of the national executives of PSN to the governor.gov-2

In response to the good gesture, the president said: “We actually admire the generosity of His Excellency for donating a new model automobile to PSN, Niger State Branch with a lot of sponsorships”.

Top 7 medical apps for healthcare professionals

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Admin
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The healthcare industry is becoming more consumer oriented and innovative than ever before. The industry is developing intuitive mobile medical and apps that monitor vital signs, analyse blood and urine, track medication adherence and more. Telemedicine and telehealth apps are dramatically making healthcare more convenient, less expensive, more preventative, and in many cases downright better.

Image result for mobile apps for healthcare

In this article, we review the top medical and fitness Apps that offer sophisticated clinical uses and can deliver the two things many consumers consider most in healthcare – information and convenience.

This list is neither based on top downloaded medical apps according to their stats on the various App stores nor is it based on their ratings and reviews. Inclusion criteria for this list is based on the functionality these Apps offer consumers as well as healthcare providers in one of the following ways: Point of care use, medical education, or patient education.

  1. Medscape Mobile

Medscape Mobile provides the most comprehensive set of tools to support clinicians with all of their professional needs, including decision-making support at the point-of-care, medical news and perspectives from thought leaders across medicine. Medscape is a concise drug reference app —just like a mini-textbook packed with protocols for disease pathologies it is suitable for quick reference and for refreshing your medical knowledge

The amount of free content provided by Medscape is absolutely mind blowing and seems to continuously grow with each update. With over 7,700 drug references, 4,400 disease clinical references, 30,000 clinical images and 1000 procedure videos, plus a robust drug interaction tool checker are integrated for diagnostic and decision-making support.

  1. Micromedex

Micromedex is a simple pharmaceutical reference app with features such as proper drug dosage and medicine recommendations. You can search the name of a specific drug to find out how it should be taken, as well as any potential side effects. You can also search by ailment for drug recommendations that will combat your medical problem, from the standard fever to lice control. Micromedex is in-depth, yet simplistic, so anyone can quickly find what they’re looking for in a pinch.

  1. Red Cross First Aid

Accidents happen, and honestly, we don’t always know what to do when they occur. That said, the Red Cross’ official First Aid app provides simple step-by-step instructions to guide you through everyday first aid scenarios, whether talking asthma attacks or broken bones. It also supplies you with a host of infromative quizes and safety tips regarding natural disasters such as hurricanes, and given that it preloads all content in advance, you never have to worry about whether you have internet connectivity.

  1. PingMD

PingMD is a secure messaging app for doctors to connect with other doctors, as well as their patients. Patients typically download PingMD only when their doctors are already using it and recommend it to them. If your doctor suggests PingMD, he or she might use it to follow your symptom progression, ask follow-up questions after you last visit or procedure, or assist in disease management. It's essentially a HIPAA-compliant app that lets you communicate with your doctors the same way you might communicate with friends and colleagues: via text messaging, asynchronous messaging, image-sharing, and so forth. Doctors using PingMD can also leverage other doctors on the platform to get their advice. For example, your surgeon can ask another surgeon to review your x-rays and provide a second opinion.

Available on Android, iOS, Web

 

  1. RevUp by MD Revolution:

RevUp by MD Reveolution is an app and website where you connect with a team of health and wellness experts who help you track relevant health data and provide you with guidance and recommendations along the way. Similar to PingMD, it's a service that you join when you're invited by a doctor, healthcare network, or company wellness program that is already a part of the MD Revolution network. Users receive a unique link from their doctor or healthcare provider so enroll. Once you're in the system, you might be assigned other specialists and coaches who can give you more personal attention and preventive care than any single doctor could. These health team members include fitness experts, nutritionists, and nurse practitioners. The coaches monitor data you put into your account, which can be manually added numbers like weight and blood pressure, or automatically tracked information from Fitbit devices and MyFitnessPal (a food and exercise tracking app).

  1. Pharmanews App

Pharmanews App developed by Pharmanews Limited is the latest innovative and educative healthcare apps in the android and iOS marketplace. It offers easy access to comprehensive information about the African healthcare and pharmaeutical industries. It equally gives subscribers instant opportunity to follow stories and columns that are of interest to you without having to wait for the printed version of the health journal.

  1. Emdex EMDEX (Free Sample)- screenshot

EMDEX (Essential Medicines Index) is Nigeria’s trusted source for drug and therapeutic information published since 1991. Based on both the WHO Model Formulary and Nigeria’s Essential Drugs List, EMDEX is unique to Nigeria as it also details over 5000 drug products approved for use in the country.

  • A powerful search
  • Bookmarks
  • Complete set of medical calculators; Body Mass Index, Peak Expiratory Flows, Dehydration Correction Calculator and more
  • Highlighting
  • High resolution pictures
  • History
  • Notes and picture notes

 

NIMR Charts Road Map For Achieving Health-Related SDGs

By
Temitope Obayendo
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For the health-related component of the Sustainable Development Goals to be a reality before the 2030 deadline, the Federal Government must be ready to fund implementation of research policies to the letter, the Director General, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) professor Babatunde L. Salako, has said.

Prof. Salako who spoke during the 7th Annual Scientific Conference of the institution, held at the main auditorium, Yaba, Lagos, challenged government at all levels to walk the talk on research, saying it is good to form policies on research, but it is better if these policies are thoroughly implemented for the benefits of the masses.

The NIMR boss who regretted the inability of Nigeria to achieve all the health components of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), expressed optimism in attaining the health-related SDGs if the government shows special interest in implementation and evaluation of the health system.

 

Details Later.

 

UNESCO-Merck Africa Research Summit ‐ MARS 2016

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Admin
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UNESCO-MARS aims to bring together researchers from across Africa to discuss the generation, sharing and dissemination of research data and to prepare for the road ahead in Africa’s development as an international hub for research excellence and scientific innovation. The annual Summit aims to contribute to building research capacity in the African research community, with special focus on “Infectious Diseases and Women Health”. The Summit will also showcase innovative research taking place in projects, programs and initiatives across African universities, and by the wider African research community. The summit is a unique opportunity for Africa’s young and talented scientists to share their research output and findings with the top echelon of scientists from Africa and abroad. It is also an opportunity for networking and career development. The Summit will presents a platform where young scientists will be able to discuss the enabling environment for better research among others.

The UNESCO-MERCK initiative was born from the idea of improving the cooperation between public research institutes, operating in Africa in the domain of life and chemical sciences, and the global private sector, notably the pharmaceutical industry.

Scientific research in the life sciences and health is recognised as a fundamental component of effective health systems, and the need to perform such research should be considered a priority in counties where health challenges constitute a burden to economic productivity and sustainable development. Research into many of the diseases which afflict the world’s poorest people is neglected for financial, scientific, or political reasons; and there is a huge global inequality in the resources devoted to life science research, and only small proportion benefit countries where the majority of preventable deaths occur.

UNESCO-MARS 2016 in partnership with Federal Ministry of Health, Ethiopia will be officially inaugurated on 28th November 2016

Nestle Chairman Marks 70th Birthday

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Admin
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  –     Urges Nigerians to embrace locally manufactured products

(By Chinwe Odita)

There was a lot to eat and drink as close associates and family members of Engr. David Chidolue Ifezulike, the chairman of Nestle Nigeria Plc came together to celebrate with him as he marked his 70th birthday, recently.

Speaking with Pharmanews in an exclusive interview during the memorable event held in Lagos, the Nestle boss thanked God for His grace and blessings.

When asked how he managed to maintain a youthful look at 70 years, Engr. Ifezulike says he has always managed to live a healthy lifestyle, urging Nigerians to embrace eating healthy foods and regular exercise to stay healthy.

The Nestle chairman also urged Nigerians to reduce their appetite for foreign goods and embrace locally manufactured products. He therefore, tasked the government to find ways to restore investors’ confidence in the Nigerian economy, noting that there is a lot of fear right now about the nation’s economy.

On the effect of the present economic recession on the food & beverage sector, Ifezulike noted that Nestle is equally affected like many other companies, adding that getting foreign exchange for the importation of raw materials and replacements for machinery has been tough.

Ifezulike also bemoaned weak consumer spending, saying the recession has considerably reduced purchasing power of Nigerians to buy products of most manufacturing companies.

Nestle, however, he said is coping reasonably as the company has always looked inwards to replace imported raw materials with locally sourced ones. “For example, we replaced butter oil with refined vegetable oil, barley malt extract has been replaced with maize, soya, millet, sorghum etc,” he said.

 

 

 

PSN President Welcomes All Delegates As The Conference Commences Today

By
Temitope Obayendo
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As the 89th PSN conference commences in Minna, Niger State today, the PSN President, Pharm Ahmed Yakasai, has sent his warm greetings to all participants, wishing them a delightful stay and successful deliberation.

  The president who expressed his regards to the delegates via a release posited:”On behalf of the NEC and the entire membership of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), I am delighted to welcome all the delegates, guests, sponsors and exhibitors to Minna, Niger State for the 89th Annual National Conference that commences today, Monday, 7th November, 2016 and ends Saturday 12th November, 2016.

 “Wishing all who are leaving for Minna today journey mercies, and hope all who arrived yesterday had a refreshing night rest, and wishing everyone a superb conference experience, an exciting week and a memorable stay in Minna”.

 

 

 

WACN Charts Roadmap For Advancing Nursing, Healthcare In Nigeria

By
Temitope Obayendo
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In order to advance nursing and healthcare in Nigeria, healthcare providers, especially nurses, must begin to exploit emerging technological advancement for effective services, create smart educational models for leadership development and reconceptualise their roles in the healthcare delivery system.
This was the unanimous submission of speakers during the recent scientific conference of the West African College of Nursing (WACN) held at the Federal Neuro- Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos.
Speaking on the theme of the six-day conference (“Advancing nursing and healthcare: the emerging possibilities and challenges”), the keynote speaker, Associate Professor Florence Adeyemo, said that nurses must leverage technological innovations around them in order to remain relevant in the profession.
Prof. Adeyemo who acknowledged that there are certain challenges in the profession, urged nurses to always see opportunities in their challenges, saying that it is their duty as nurses to see the opportunities in challenges.

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Cross section of facilitators and participants at the workshop

Her words: “Nurses are well positioned to help meet the evolving needs of the healthcare system. Thus, to equip and educate ourselves and be in line with current trends is our responsibility. But any nurse that won’t align with educational development, who is nonchalant about technologically advancement will be gradually phased out”.
She further stressed the need for nurses to remodel the way they practise and make clinical decisions, adding that nurse leaders and teachers must rethink the processes of teaching their subordinates patient-centred care.
“They must rise to the challenges of providing leadership in rapidly changing healthcare milieu and evolving healthcare system,” she said.
Adeyemo maintained that nurses must expand their vision of what it is to be a nurse professional, while the society must amend archaic regulations, attitudes, policies, and habits that unnecessarily restrict the innovative contributions that nursing profession can bring to healthcare.
President of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) Comrade Abdrafiu Adeniji appreciated the nurses for participating in the workshop, despite the current harsh economic condition, saying it was a worthwhile effort.
Speaking in an exclusive chat with Pharmanews at the event, Comrade Adeniji condemned the implementation style of the World Health Organisations’ “Task Shifting” policy in Nigeria, stating that the policy is not achieving its goal in the country.
Defining the aim of “Task Shifting”, he said that the policy was meant to take care of manpower shortage in the health sector, but the main concept and the good aspect of it is that wherever there are no adequately trained health professionals, people who are lower than the health practitioners in the knowledge of the practice can be trained in the profession and some responsibilities can be shifted to them.
The number one nurse however lamented that the laudable goal of the policy have been converted into ‘Task Deprivation’ instead of Task Shifting, as there are countless numbers of nurses on the street without jobs.
“In Nigeria, what we have seen is that there is lot of politicisation of all these policies, and it is destroying the health sector. Although a meeting was held with NANNM and the Nursing Council where we were informed about the development, the meeting was inconclusive. And what they are using as their working paper today is not a concluded paper.
“According to the principle of Task Shifting, if I must shift a task, as a professional nurse, I must be the one to supervise the project. And the work is not going to leave my custody until I’m satisfied with the quality of the job. As it is in Nigeria today, the concept of Task Shifting does not only affect nurses, it supposes to cut across all other medical practices: medical profession, pharmacy, laboratory sciences, and others. What the Federal Government is trying to do is to beg the issue, and there is no way an association can append to that, because it is not a concluded issue”, he said.
In her contribution, the executive secretary of WACN, Mrs Henrietta Okedo,  reiterated the importance of technological development in nursing service, as she narrated her experiences in other countries.
She noted that nurses in Malawi, Cape Town and North America are already enhancing their practices through the use of smartphones, manikins and other new gadgets.
She noted that Nigerian nurses cannot be left behind in the wake of the proliferation of these electronic tools, adding that such devices will make the practice easier and smarter for them to enjoy.

OAU Reschedules 3rd Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi Pharmacy Schools Contest

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Admin
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Organisers of the annual Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi Inter-Pharmacy School Essay & Debate Competition have officially announced a change of date for the 2016 edition.

The literary contest which was originally scheduled to hold at Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife on 21 October, has been postponed to 16 December.

According to Maryam Bajepade, editor-in-chief of Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria Students (PANS), OAU Branch, the postponement was necessitated by the recent strike action in the institution.

“The strike lasted for more than a month. Consequently, the original oau-1date coincided with the designated examination date of the new academic calendar,” she explained.

Bajepade however assured that, despite the change of date, the event will be an intellectually stimulating one for all student pharmacists in Nigeria, with over 15 pharmacy schools expected to be in attendance.

Speaking further on the contest, she described it as “an innovative project aimed at honouring a pharmacy icon who has done so much to aid the progress of the pharmacy profession in Nigeria.”

It would be recalled that the first two editions of the annual inter-pharmacy school competition were hosted at the faculty of pharmacy, University of Benin (UNIBEN) in 2014 and 2015 respectively.

However, shortly before the 2015 edition, it was unanimously agreed that the school that eventually emerged winner should have the honour of hosting the next edition.

Debating on two topical issues – “Should Nigeria Practice Free Education?” and “Should Euthanasia be legalised in Nigeria?” – the debate team from faculty of pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University aptly named “The house of Magma” won the contest.

Online entries for the essay part of the 2016 edition  are currently being accepted from all pharmacy students.

FIP Launches Strategy For Enhancing Global Pharmacy Workforce Productivity

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Admin
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A global vision and goals to transform pharmacy education and the pharmacy workforce are published today by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) during a unique conference of national pharmacy leaders in Nanjing, China. Change is vital if pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists are to meet the challenges posed by the new and emerging needs of patients and civil society, the federation says.

FIP’s Global Vision for Education and Workforce provides the leadership needed to improve patient outcomes and close the gaps in the development, distribution and responsible use of medicines. It states that this can only be achieved through supporting and developing high standards of education and training and through a workforce that is adaptable, diverse, committed to lifelong learning, and prepared to lead change in practice. “It is our vision that all patients will have access to the best pharmaceutical health care through a high quality pharmaceutical workforce. There can be no health care without a properly qualified workforce,” said Professor William Charman, Chairman of FIP Education.

The vision is accompanied by a set of 13 Pharmaceutical Workforce Development Goals that lay out directions for action as well as providing a platform for obtaining the financial support needed from public and private sources to make the vision a reality. The goals are split into three categories of focus: education providers; the workforce; and policy, strategy, planning and monitoring. They include focus on foundation training, specialist development, gender and diversity balances, and workforce intellifip-2gence.

“With this vision and these goals we are providing an objective, and the aspiration for the journey of transforming pharmaceutical education in the context of future workforce needs, in a country relevant manner. However, their relevance relies on the capacity to translate them into national strategy and action plans. We believe that this conference is the first step that will pave the way for progressive transformation in countries around the world, so that pharmacy can work with others and contribute to the broader health workforce agenda,” Professor Chairman said.

The vision and goals were developed based on broad international consultation. They will be supported by a set of Professional Statements on Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Education that are expected to be voted on by national pharmacy delegations during the conference and published later in the year.

 

Press Release

“Merck More than a Mother” addresses infertility challenges and solutions in Africa

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Admin
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  • The high level panel of ministers, parliamentarians and global fertility experts from IFFS and Africa Fertility Society highlighted lack of access to regulated fertility care and awareness about infertility management and widespread stigma of infertile women as some of the key challenges in Africa.

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 Merck (www.MerckGroup.com), a leading science and technology company, through “Merck More than a Mother” (www.MerckMoreThanAMother.com) in partnership with the International Federation of Fertility Societies – IFFS conducted a high level panel and addressed infertility challenges and solutions in Africa at the opening ceremony of the World Congress of (IFFS) held in New Delhi, India. The high level panel of ministers, parliamentarians and global fertility experts from IFFS and Africa Fertility Society highlighted lack of access to regulated fertility care and awareness about infertility management and widespread stigma of infertile women as some of the key challenges in Africa.

The panel called for increased efforts to improve access to regulated fertility care through the development of artificial reproductive therapy (ART) laws and regulations and to empower infertile women through access to education and information. They also supported the training of African embryologists and discussed different interventions to remove the infertility stigma and create a culture shift and change of mind set.

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The high level panel including Hon. Sarah Opendi, Minister of Health, Uganda; Hon. Betty Amongi, Uganda’s Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development and Chair of Uganda Women Parliamentarian Association; Hon. Julia Duncan-Cassell, Minister of Gender, Liberia; Hon. Joyce Lay, Member of Parliament, Kenya; Dr. Patrick Amoth, Senior Deputy Director of Medical Services, Ministry of Health, Kenya; Prof. Joe Leigh Simpson, Former President of International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS); Prof. Richard Kennedy, President of IFFS; Prof. Oladapo Ashiru, President of Africa Fertility Society; Dr. James Olobo-Lalobo, Vice-President of Africa Fertility Society, Uganda and Dr. Rasha Kelej, Chief Social Officer, Merck Healthcare supported the implementation of “Merck More than a Mother’s” strategic objectives and interventions across Africa.

“The aim of “Merck More than a Mother” is to empower infertile women in Africa through improving access to education, information and health and change of mind-set and in case they cannot be treated the campaign is empowering them economically and socially through “Empowering Berna” Project so that they can be independent and re-build their own lives,” said Dr. Rasha Kelej, Chief Social Officer, Merck Healthcare.

“In Uganda, between 15-20% of couples fail to conceive. The number of fertility clinics in the country to address this problem are few and expensive. Together with “Merck More than a Mother” in Uganda we are creating awareness that infertility can be prevented and that to improve access, fertility care can be integrated into the already existing public reproductive healthcare services which will be cost effective as the infrastructure is already there. In addition we are building a hospital for Women Health where we will dedicate an IVF center to provide couples with affordable and effective treatment with the support of Merck to train the future staff,” said Hon. Sarah Opendi, the Minister of Health, Uganda.

“In our culture, a woman is always blamed for infertility. She carry’s the shame, embarrassment and tears in private. We need to create awareness by providing information and education on infertility so that both men and women can talk about it. “Merck More than a Mother” campaign has opened discussions on infertility and is talking about solutions and interventions available,” said Hon. Joyce Lay, Member of Parliament, Kenya.

At the meeting Merck showed a few videos of African infertile women who shared their stories of suffering due to failing to have children and their transformation after meeting Merck more than a Mother team who helped empower them socially and economically.

Speaking on the need to create a culture shift, Hon. Julia Duncan Cassell, Minister of Gender, Liberia said: “We should look at a woman as more than a mother. It is not always the fault of the woman when there is no child, but in our culture it is. We need to speak out as both men and women can be affected by infertility. Violence and stigma against infertile women should not be tolerated. We need to change our culture, tradition, attitude and mind-set. These can be modified and changed. We hope the “Merck More than a Mother” initiative can be extended to other African countries so that awareness can increase and know that infertility can be caused by many factors and that with the right information it can be prevented.”

“In the African culture, marriage gives a woman the right to property and land. When they don’t bear children they are disinherited and when they go back home there is also nothing for them. Therefore, empowering infertile women economically and socially as “Merck More than a Mother” is doing is important because most of them have nowhere to go. This enables them to sustain themselves and with the information they are given they become change agents in their communities,” said Hon. Betty Amongi, Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Uganda.

Prof. Joe Leigh Simpson, President of IFFS supported the need and importance of building fertility care capacity in Africa. “We in high resource countries have an obligation to provide education, service and translate in the shortest period of time the advances that are being made in our labs to middle and low resource countries”.

“IFFS has an important role to support “Merck More than a Mother”. We agree that education is essential and that we will support the education and training initiatives necessary in Africa to develop capacity for infertility treatment,” said Prof. Richard Kennedy, President elect of IFFS.

“In Nigeria people who come into our clinics are afraid because they don’t want people to know they are taking fertility treatment. In most of these cases only women seek treatment for infertility and not the men. People prefer to seek help elsewhere and by the time they come for medical help it is too late. We are happy that “Merck More than a Mother” campaign is being launched in Nigeria and in Africa to create a culture shift that will enable people to seek proper treatment for infertility and that there is respect for womanhood than motherhood,” emphasized Prof. Oladapo Ashiru, President Africa Fertility Society.

Dr. Patrick Amoth, Senior Deputy Director of Medical Services, Ministry of Health Kenya pledged support for the work that “Merck More than a Mother” is doing in Kenya. “The Ministry will play a key role in developing policy and guidelines to implement the ART law to ensure standards and regulations are maintained to protect couples seeking fertility treatment from exploitation,” he emphasized.

About Merck:

Merck (MerckGroup.com) is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 50,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life – from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions. In 2015, Merck generated sales of € 12.85 billion in 66 countries.

Founded in 1668, Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding familyremains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck, Darmstadt, Germany holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials.

SOURCE: Merck

NAIP To Partner Dangote Group On Petrochemicals

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In a renewed effort to make the pharmaceutical industry self-reliant through local sourcing of raw materials, the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) has concluded arrangements to enter into partnership with the Dangote Group as it plans to launch its petrochemical refinery in 2018.
Speaking with Pharmanews in his Lagos office, Pharm Olugbenga Falabi, chairman of the association, explained that the pharmacy profession has reached a state where it should stop being import-dependent.
“Like the Boys Scout, we need to be prepared. What happens if those countries we are importing from wake up one day and say ‘we are cutting ties with you’?  We need to look inward and begin to build capacity,” he said.
Falabi, who is the general manager of Greenlife Pharmaceuticals, noted that immediately after the 89th annual conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), NAIP will lead a delegation to visit the Dangote Group to make a case for a benzene plant.
The charismatic pharmacist believes that the development is necessary as benzene is a major raw material for most products and additives that the pharma industry needs. Excerpts of his interview with Pharmanews are presented below:

gbenga

How would you describe the progress of NAIP so far?
Well, we have tried to keep our head above water despite the economic challenges. Thank God that, at the last AGM during the previous conference, we pre-registered delegates at the beginning of the year for the conference. Otherwise, we probably would have cancelled participation in this year’s conference (which we cannot afford to) because most companies treat attendance to the conference as an expense. But really, it is an investment.
At this year’s conference, we looked at ‘Manpower Development’ and we got one of our own, a former human resource person with GSK. He is a faculty member who really dealt with the topic. Participants were happy and everyone demanded for the paper of that particular topic.
Generally, the recession took its toll because, as you know, the industry is highly imports-dependent. The local manufacturing industry is not spared too because the only thing I am aware they don’t import is water. Even the treatments they have to give to the water – the equipment, the raw materials, the packaging – everything has to be imported. This is a real challenge to our industry especially the pharmaceutical sub-sector. We have tried through advocacy to make the government take a deeper look and see what it could do in terms of concession rate. Although we have not got there, we are still hoping that they should be able to do something for the Nigerian people. After all, whatever they do is not for the pharma industry, but for Nigerians.

How have your members fared in the face of this economic recession?
I have just read a report this morning in Nigerian Communication Week that was boldly captioned ‘Nigerians in Trouble as Drug Crisis, Hospital Costs Skyrocket.’ In truth, the signs were obvious from the beginning of the year when we started the advocacy. Right now, warehouses are drying out. My major challenge is that the country might run out of stock in less than three months.
Anti-infectives, antibiotics, including antimalarials, are drying up. The few people who are able to bring them in, when you look at the Forex rate, may have to apply the multiplier factor. Prices have tripled! If people cannot afford the drugs before, how many can now?
If the government hastens to the call to widen the coverage of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), that may help. It will reduce out-of-pocket spending. That should be able to cover up for the cost of medication and therapy. I heard that Lagos State is about to introduce a mandatory health insurance scheme next year (from January). If that is done, it will be very good. I have always been an advocate.
Free health is unsustainable; but health insurance is sustainable. People can be made to pay a token and since it is a state-wide thing, it might be able to drive down the premium to less than 6,000 for a year per individual. This will certainly go a long way to help our people.
I know there is a problem with the way it was set up, as regards the capitation model; but obviously, the few who are able to access simple care from pharmacies will see the difference, rather than where they will pack the whole thing inside an envelope for them and they still won’t get better.
The other challenge I think we might have with this economic situation as we had in Nigeria some years back is that we are going to have a high influx of fake drugs. There is no vacuum. We are hoping that NAFDAC will double up their effort to curtail that in terms of pharmacovigilance and in terms of going to the marketplace. The Nigerian Customs too should also be on the lookout to help us; otherwise that would be double jeopardy. You are not just buying at a high cost, you are equally buying fake.
Our members are committed to supporting the government in promoting better health for Nigerians. However we can only do as much as the economy can allow us. That is why we are appealing again to the government to allow us access to Forex at the CBN window, knowing fully well that this will be passed on to the citizens.
When they reduced the duty on pharmaceutical imports – that was what helped us so much that companies didn’t need to increase prices of drugs till the second half of this year. We are here for social service first, and then profit.

If the economic situation escalates further, is there a Plan B in place?
The last time Venezuela opened it borders, it was said that over 3,000 people crossed over to Colombia to get their medication. I sincerely hope it doesn’t get to that in Nigeria. We have 170 million people to look out for. Where are we going to source from? No doubt, there will be increase in self-medication and alternative medicine.
We only hope that it wouldn’t be too late before government considers our plea that the pharma sector should and must be seen as a social service where an emergency should be declared. They should make it possible for us to come to discuss how we can ensure continuous supply, at least for the essential medicines.
Cancer products, for instance, cannot be acquired by anybody with the present Forex rate. You know these drugs have shelf life. Rather than bring them and not be able to sell, you just have to stay away and only bring them in by demand. We hope somebody is listening.

What should Nigeria do to avoid going the way of Venezuela?
Number one, we need to come together in the pharma industry. Right now, we are divided in the line of trade associations. We have the multinational group, under the name NIROPHARM; the local manufacturers group under PMG-MAN; and another pharmaceutical importing group under APIN.
Every one of these associations goes to the same people with different demands. PMGMAN claims ‘I have the highest investment. My exit will result in colossal damage.’ The importers say ‘Hey, I bring in about 70 per cent of the pharmaceutical products people are using. If you don’t talk to me, there might be a challenge of total shutdown.’ The NIROPHARM group says ‘We are the researchers. If you don’t look at our side, you cannot improve on what you are doing. And that can be a big challenge for you.’
Now tell me, who should the government discuss with? This has been a challenge and that is where we are right now. Rallying together, we tried working under the umbrella of the Pharma Industry Practitioners Association of Nigeria (PIPAN). That couldn’t really stand as it were. There were teething problems. Right now, we have approached Alhaji Ahmed Yakasai, the PSN president, and he has chosen to shoulder the responsibility of bringing the industry together. Now we can go to the government and say, ‘Hey, there is a problem. We have this need.’ This will certainly improve the lot of Nigerians.

What is your choice of candidate for the office of NAFDAC director general?
The law that sets up NAFDAC is specific about it. It should be somebody with the most knowledge of pharmaceutical service. If we were to test that law in court, the past DG would have been removed. But we decided against it as men of honour.
Pharmacists are a peace-loving people. We believe sincerely that the current government is one that supports rule of law and will do the right thing. The present acting DG is trying her best. However we wish there could be a reversal of this directive she made recently on not issuing authorisation until NAFDAC visits a plant abroad, and that it is the plant that will pay for the inspection.
When NAFDAC visits, it is at its prerogative and not that of the plants. I think that directive should be reversed because it is increasing the length of time. This government has been preaching convenient means for people to do business in Nigeria and with Nigerians. But this is the reverse and I am hoping they will do something about it fast before it becomes a problem.
We planned to write them but stopped midway when we were told that the PSN under the leadership of Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai has already written them officially. As you know, it is better to have the PSN acting as our collective voice than to have a cacophony of noises coming from several arms of the society.

How prepared are you for the forthcoming PSN national conference?
Despite the economic situation and all that, we are mobilising our members to make sure that the conference is a success. The industry has been shouldering the sponsorship of the conference and I believe that this year will not be an exception. The chairman of national conference planning committee has been in contact with me and, together, we have been mobilising our members.
As a way to further reduce the stress and cost of transportation, we are making arrangement with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to supply us some coaches at a cheaper rate instead of operating trucks on the road to Niger State. That will definitely reduce the cost and our members are quite supportive. We know there are companies that will be ready to subsidise the coaches.
We are just to be spending 21 hours on the road. As far as I am concerned, as an industrial practitioner, that gives me a target audience for at least 10 hours. While people might want to doze off for 11 hours, I can do one or two things with them for the other 10 hours with them. I am not hawking. I am just giving them information about my products and allow people comment until we get to Minna.

Are there lessons to take away from what the crisis facing the industry?
Definitely, like the Boys Scout, we need to be prepared. What happens if the countries we are importing from wake up one day and say ‘we are cutting ties with you?’ Hopefully, it doesn’t happen. We need to look inward and begin to build capacity.
Dangote is building a petrochemical plant. Once the PSN conference ends, NAIP is leading a delegation to visit that project to make a case for a benzene plant which is a major precursor for most of our products and additives that we would need. That is what we are planning so that they can put it in their plan. So while they are looking at the entire industry, they should also consider the pharma industry in their planning. That in itself will make us to be self-reliant in the industry.
I also believe that the CET issue has been dividing the industry. It makes sense for the government to look at it, not by bringing CET back through the backdoor but by ensuring that incentives are put in place that will make even today’s importers to want to become local manufacturers within the next three to five years. With that, we might be making organic growth in our industry which is very important.

Tackling Bruxism In Children

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(Compiled by Chinwe Odita)

Teeth grinding, or “bruxism,” is a common habit among children, particularly those under age 11. It’s so common, that many consider it a normal childhood habit that will sooner or later be outgrown. It is only when it causes severe tooth wear, pain, or sleeplessness that it may begin to arouse concern.

Even at that, healthcare professionals do not always agree on how or when to treat bruxism — if at all. And the causes are not completely understood, though psychological stress appears to play an important role.

Meaning

The term bruxism comes from the Greek “brychein” from which is derived “ebryxa” – to gnash the teeth. It was first used in 1931 to describe involuntary, excessive grinding, clenching, or rubbing of the teeth together.

More recently, it has been further defined as a diurnal (during the day) or nocturnal (at night) parafunctional activity (“para” – outside, “function” – normal). It refers to movements of the teeth and jaws that are not necessary for functional activity — chewing, speaking or swallowing, for example.

Repetitive parafunctional forces can damage the teeth when they occur through these quite unconscious habits. Children are susceptible to various habits conducted without consciousness, such as nail and cheek biting and non-nutritive sucking. Parafunction when awake, which manifests as clenching and/or grinding of the teeth, often occurs without awareness, especially during stressful situations or intense concentration. When a child is made aware of it, the bruxism can be stopped or modified. On the other hand, a child cannot consciously stop bruxing while asleep.

Bruxism produces a screeching, gritting sound, as unnerving as scraping fingernails across a blackboard. The first time you hear it in your sleeping child’s bedroom you may wonder: What could possibly be going on in there? What a surprise to find that such a small person can make such a loud noise — and not even wake up.

In healthy infants, sleep bruxism typically starts at about one year of age, soon after the front teeth come into the mouth. In young children, teeth grinding may be due to the immaturity of the neuromuscular system (“neuro” – nerves; “muscular” – muscles) that controls chewing.infant

Possible causes

Current thinking is that bruxism is part of an arousal response, defined as a sudden change from deeper to lighter sleep or awakening. In young adults, more than 80 per cent of sleep bruxism episodes occur during periods of sleep known as stages 1 and 2 non-Rapid-Eye-Movement (REM) sleep, and only five per cent to ten per cent in REM (deep) stages. Many of these episodes lead to a shift in sleep stage, usually toward awakening or lighter sleep.

Bruxism is prevalent in children who snore and/or breathe through their mouths. One theory is that there is a correlation between sleep bruxism and upper airway obstruction, causing obstructive sleep apnea (“a” – without, “pnea” – breath), in which the tongue and tissues at the back of the mouth fall backwards and block the airway.

Sleep apnea can be dangerous. It can lead to episodes of awakening throughout the night to gasp for air, interrupting restful sleep and growth, and depriving the brain of adequate oxygen. It appears to happen more often in children who sleep on their backs. A link has also been made between teeth grinding and enlarged tonsils, which in turn is strongly correlated to upper airway obstruction. Removing the tonsils and adenoids has been shown to lessen teeth grinding in some children. Asthma and respiratory airway infections may also be factors in bruxism.

Some medications, such as the most commonly prescribed antidepressants, may contribute to grinding habits. The number of children taking this type of drug is growing, so this is an important factor to consider when treating children with bruxism. Hyperactivity is also associated with bruxism as are the amphetamines used for managing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

In older teens, factors implicated in teeth grinding include smoking, alcohol, illicit drug use, as well as other medications, trauma and disease. In addition, a host of diseases among children have been linked to bruxism, such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and epilepsy.

Prevention and treatment — or not

Because children generally outgrow bruxism, treatment is not usually recommended — unless the habit is causing troubling signs and/or symptoms, as well as excessive tooth wear. But it can be difficult to determine if dental wear indicates a current tooth-grinding habit, as bruxism varies over time.

Other symptoms associated with bruxism, such as headache, jaw pain or ear pain, can also be caused by things unrelated to teeth grinding. Another important consideration is whether the child’s diet is a factor. The rise of soft drink consumption in children has significantly contributed to the development of tooth wear by enamel erosion. Sodas (either with high sugar content or the diet variety), sports drinks, and fruit juices are very acidic and bathe the teeth in tooth-eroding acid, especially if consumed throughout the day. Saliva, nature’s way of neutralising acids, needs at least 30 minutes to stop this process.

If a paediatric dentist or general dentist traces your child’s dental problems to teeth grinding, he or she may recommend a thin, plastic nightguard to prevent parafunctional activity during sleep, though this remedy has not proven effective for baby teeth. Your paediatric or general dentist may also recommend that parents enlist the help of a specialist.

Children with upper airway obstruction should be referred to a doctor known as an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. Kids with severe psychological problems should be referred for therapy. Parents of children or adolescents who are taking medications that may cause bruxism can discuss the condition with the child’s primary care provider including whether it’s possible to switch medications.

Until the origins of teeth grinding in children are more fully understood, treatment will continue to be based on anecdotal evidence. The important thing to remember is that the habit of teeth grinding is usually harmless, despite the unsettling sounds. Luckily, new teeth will be on the way.

Recession: Declare State Of Emergency In Pharma Sector, Alkali Urges FG

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To sustain the nation’s pharmaceutical sector and ensure continued access to quality healthcare services, the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to declare a state of emergency in the pharmaceutical sector.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Pharmanews recently, Dr (Pharm) Albert Kelong Alkali, national chairman of the association, stated that this has become necessary as the current downturn in the nation’s economy is causing scarcity of essential drugs as well as escalating the cost of running an average community pharmacy.

Alkali further bared his mind on some mind-boggling challenges facing community pharmacy practice in the country, while suggesting steps that can be taken to surmount them.

Below are excerpts from the interview:alkali-2

What would you say have been the major achievements of ACPN since you took over as national chairman?

Since my assumption of office as national chairman, we have organised two trainings on antibiotics use and the management of respiratory diseases in collaboration with GSK. Capacity building has been one of my cardinal objectives because a well-informed community practitioner will deliver better pharmaceutical services based on current best practices.

Also, we were able to organise a well-attended and successful national conference in Enugu State, and our members left with loads of information that will improve their practice.

In addition, we have upgraded our website, built a comprehensive database of our members, and successfully revived some state chapters that had been inactive for a long time.

We have also re-launched the Green Cross emblem, which was widely publicised with a television advert where we featured prominent comedian and actor, Chief Zebrudaya. These clips have been distributed to states for promotion, and we are hopeful that this re-launch will help create awareness on where to procure quality medicines.

We have equally submitted a memorandum to the National Assembly on the amendment of some provisions of the NAFDAC Act. Similarly, we have submitted a proposal to the management of the NHIS on the way forward for the scheme, considering its dismal performance so far.

 

How challenging has it been running such an important association as ACPN?

The major challenge we’re confronted with now is the issue of non-conducive practice environment. The environment is too chaotic for my members to practice, and this has been compounded by the current economic state of the nation.

To tackle this issue, we have been collaborating with the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) on ways to improve inspection, monitoring and enforcement to detect and sanction illegal operators. I commend their efforts so far, but we expect more from them as more drug vendors and quacks still operate and are thriving in areas where there are registered pharmacies.

We have also been clamouring to the federal government to as a matter of urgency appoint a director general for NAFDAC.

 

You mentioned the current state of the Nigerian economy as a challenge. How exactly is this affecting pharmacy practice and how are your members coping?

Our economy is in a bad shape now and this has affected drug manufacturing and importation. The shelves of an average community pharmacist are drying up because of this. Government must act fast and put all hands on deck to reduce the hardship being experienced by Nigerians – especially my members, as essential drugs are drying up and the cost of running an average community pharmacy outlet is going up.

I am calling on government to declare a state of emergency in the pharmaceutical sector, because this is a sector that is capable of generating jobs, earning foreign exchange through export, and meeting the pharmaceutical needs of Nigerians. There is no gainsaying that, without drugs, healthcare delivery will be in serious trouble. Community pharmacy practitioners, by their practice setting, are closest to the community and they are in a position to effectively influence a lot of health outcomes. So, government through the Central Bank and Bank of Industry should create an intervention fund for the pharma sector.

 

What do you think of the theme of the theme of the forthcoming PSN conference – “Pharmaceutical Industry Contribution to National Development”?

There can be no better theme than this, considering the current economic recession. It’s a wake-up call on all professionals to come on board. I think the PSN has taken the right direction because we need to rebuild Nigeria based on best obtainable practice.

The pharma industry has the capacity to generate thousands of jobs and millions in foreign exchange, if the right environment is created. I am sure that the conference will be proffering pharma industry solutions to some of the nation’s perennial problems.

 

What grey areas of the pharmacy profession do you think stakeholders should give maximum attention at the conference?

The grey areas that this conference should be looking at should include capacity utilisation of our manufacturing industries, practice environment for community/hospital pharmacy practitioners and government engagement of pharmacists in nation building.

 

What prompted your choice of Jos, Plateau State, as venue for the next ACPN national conference?

The choice was based on the need to encourage full participation of all states in the activities of the ACPN, as Jos had not hosted the conference for a while now. The climate in Jos is about the best in the country and the people are very hospitable; so I want to encourage my members to start preparing as it promises to be a wonderful experience by God’s grace.

The government and people of Plateau State are waiting to treat all delegates and pharma industry to a lovely experience.

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