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Hypertensive? Try out these natural remedies

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High blood pressure-also known as hypertension or “the silent killer”-affects roughly 67 million people, and that number only continues to grow. 90-95% of cases are known as primary hypertension, which is hypertension with no underlying medical cause. The small left-over percentage is caused by conditions such as kidney disease.

It’s important to note that supplements and other forms of alternative medicine should not be used as a substitute for standard care treating high blood pressure.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure may damage organs in the body and increase the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and vision loss.

Blood pressure ranges include:

  • Normal: Less than 120/80
  • Prehypertension: 120-139/80-89
  • Stage 1 high blood pressure: 140-159/90-99
  • Stage 2 high blood pressure: 160 and above/100 and above

Here are some natural remedies you can use to treat high blood pressure.

Garlic

This pungent seasoning can do more than just flavor your food and ruin your breath. Garlic has the ability to lower your blood pressure by causing your blood vessels to relax and dilate. This lets blood flow more freely and reduces blood pressure.

Ginger

Ginger may help control blood pressure, as it has been shown to improve blood circulation and relax the muscles surrounding blood vessels.

Vitamin D

Found naturally in fish, eggs, fortified milk and cod liver oil and produced naturally during exposure to the sun, low levels of vitamin D may have a role in developing high blood pressure.  Studies note that blood pressure is often elevated when there is reduced exposure to sunlight/vitamin D.

Tea / Reduced Caffeine Intake

Caffeine intake can result in a temporary but marked increase in blood pressure. It does this to a greater degree in people with high blood pressure compared with those with normal blood pressure. An alternative to higher-caffeine beverages is green tea, as green tea catechins have been found in some studies to reduce blood pressure.

 

 

Alcohol in Moderation

Some studies suggest that moderate alcohol intake, particularly red wine, is linked with increasing levels of HDL and a slight reduction in blood pressure, however, excessive consumption may raise triglyceride levels and increase blood pressure.

Reduced Sodium Intake

Too much sodium may lead to fluid retention which can raise blood pressure, especially in people who are sensitive to sodium. It is estimated that 60 percent of people with essential hypertension may decrease their blood pressure to some degree by reducing their sodium intake.

Low potassium can raise sodium in cells because sodium and potassium balance each other.

Sip Some Hibiscus

Cultures across the world have used hibiscus to naturally manage blood pressure, but it wasn’t until the past decade that studies were actually conducted that showed there was more to the remedy than just folklore. First, hibiscus acts as a diuretic, which draws sodium from the bloodstream, thus decreasing the pressure on the arterial walls. Even more interesting is how it can mimic angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE inhibitors are a common group of pharmaceutical drugs used to treat high blood pressure. They work by hampering the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which plays a crucial role in the renin-angiotensin system- a hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. As a result of this inhibition, blood vessels relax and blood volume is lowered, decreasing blood pressure. While certainly not as potent as those ACE drugs prescribed, it can still be surprisingly effective.

Drink Coconut Water

Coconut water is found inside the shell of green, unripe coconuts that retains its natural benefits in organic and raw form. It contains potassium and magnesium, both of which relate to regular muscle function, and of course, the heart is a big giant muscle. While there have been some limited studies on the effect of coconut water on hypertension, many people report anecdotally that it has helped lower blood pressure. In studies, it seemed to particularly affect systolic blood pressure, or the force that takes place when the heart pumps blood away from it. If you don’t have a problem with coconut water, it may prove to be a solid remedy for you.

Cut the Salt

Salt is not the problem when it comes to high blood pressure, per say, but rather its chemical component sodium. A little bit is fine, but too much sodium disrupts the balance of fluid in the body. To “flush” the excess salt from your system, water is drawn from surrounding tissues. The higher volume of liquid results in the heart working harder to pump the blood-hence, high blood pressure.

 

 Exercise

Along with diet, exercise should really be number one on this list. Nothing can replace what exercise does for the body, and in a society where we are becoming increasingly sedentary, it can take a bit more effort to get out and get moving-but it’s worth it, especially if you have high blood pressure. The heart is a muscle, and it will grow stronger with exercise. It becomes easier to pump blood and takes less effort, keeping your heart in better condition and lowering how much force it exerts on your arteries, thus lowering blood pressure. Exercise is, in many cases, all that you need to get your blood pressure back on track. The top number in a blood pressure reading indicates systolic blood pressure, which is created by the heart pumping blood away from it. Exercise can lower this reading by an average of 4 to 9 millimeters of mercury (a unit of pressure), which is easily as much as some prescription blood pressure medications. A pleasant side effect of exercise is weight loss, which also does your heart and arteries a great favor.

Global Mental Health Software Market to Value US$ 4.51B in 2021

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According to a report published by Persistence Market Research, “Global Market Study on Mental Health Software: Industry Analysis and Forecast 2015-2021”, the global market valued US$ 2,203 million at the end of 2015 and is projected to register a CAGR of 12.7% through the forecast period to reach the value of US$ 4,509.6 million at the end of 2021. Government initiatives and growing ageing population are the major factors to which the market trend can be attributed.

Spreading use of mobile devices and wearable gadgets, along with growing per capita expenditure on healthcare are major drivers in the global market. Rising incidences of chronic diseases of the ageing population is expected to fuel demand for remote patient monitoring. Healthcare organizations are opting for integration of behavioral healthcare services into care continuum to improve quality of healthcare services. On the other side, uncertainty in regards to privacy and security of data, and lack of awareness in emerging regions such as Latin America, MEA, and Asia Pacific are major challenges, restraining the global market.

In terms of deployment mode, the market is segmented into on-premise and subscription method of deployment. Subscription segment is projected to grow at the fastest rate of 24.2% through the forecast period. In terms of mode of access, the global market is segmented into desktops/laptops and tablets/smartphones. The desktops/laptops segment is the dominating segment in the global market, estimated to account near 70% share in the global market by the end of the forecast period.

In terms of function, the global market is segmented into telehealth, ledger, payroll, business intelligence, revenue cycle management, clinical decision support, and electronic health record (EHR). Telehealth segment in the third largest segment in terms of revenue, accounting for over 16% share in the global market in 2015.

In terms of application, the global market is segmented into commercial and residential. Commercial segment is further sub-segmented into hospitals and clinics, and others. Others subsegment is further segmented into psychiatrists, social workers, psychologists, counselors, nurse practitioners, and group therapists.

The global mental health software market is segmented on the basis of region into North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Europe. Asia Pacific and North America accounted for over 65% share in terms of revenue, collectively, at the end of 2015. Due to rising amount of ageing population and growing incidences of chronic diseases in Asia Pacific is expected to drive the market at the fastest rate through the forecast period.

Epic Systems Corporation, Netsmart technologies Inc., Credible Behavioral Health Inc., Cerner Corporation, Core Solutions Inc., Nextgen Healthcare Information Systems LLC., Qualifacts Systems Inc., Valant Medical Solutions Inc., Welligent Inc., and MindLinc are the leading global players in the mental health software market worldwide.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Day: No amount of alcohol is safe in pregnancy

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Anytime is a good time to raise awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders but every year, on September 9th, International Fetal Awareness Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day is observed. People all around the world gather for events to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking during pregnancy and the plight of individuals and families who struggle with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). This day was chosen so that on the ninth day of the ninth month of the year, the world will remember that during the nine months of pregnancy a woman should abstain from alcohol (FasWorld, 2013). The theme for this year is NO AMOUNT OF ALCOHOL IS SAFE DURING PREGNANCY.

 

According to Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (2016), there is no known safe amount of alcohol use during pregnancy or while trying to get pregnant. There is also no safe time during pregnancy to drink. All types of alcohol are equally harmful, including all wines and beer. When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, so does her baby.

 

What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder?

 

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is an umbrella term describing the range ofeffects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects may include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications. An individual would not receive a diagnosis of FASD.Four diagnoses fall under the umbrella of FASD, namely, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Static Encephalopathy/Alcohol Exposed and Neurobehavioral Disorder/Alcohol Exposed (FAS Diagnostic and Prevention Network, n.d.).

 

There’s no guarantee that a baby will be born healthy or grow up healthy. However, there is an absolute guarantee that a child will not have a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) if a mother does not drink alcohol while pregnant. No alcohol during pregnancy is the safest choice (American Academy of Paediatrics, 2016).

 

An estimated 40,000 babies are born each year with FASDs, which can result in birth defects, intellectual or learning disabilities, behavior problems and trouble learning life skills. These difficulties last a lifetime. FASDs are completely preventable by abstaining from alcohol while pregnant (and while trying to conceive). Despite myths, there is no scientific evidence available that sets a “safe” amount of alcohol that will not affect the developing fetus (American Academy of Paediatrics, 2016).

 

Drinking alcohol in the first three months of pregnancy can cause the baby to have abnormal facial features. Growth and central nervous system problems (e.g., low birth weight, behavioral problems) can occur from drinking alcohol anytime during pregnancy. The baby’s brain is developing throughout pregnancy and can be affected by exposure to alcohol at any time (CDC, 2016).

 

If a woman is drinking alcohol during pregnancy, it is never too late to stop. The sooner a woman stops drinking, the better it will be for both her baby and herself. FASDs are completely preventable if a woman does not drink alcohol during pregnancy (CDC, 2016).

 

Women are encouraged to talk with their obstetricians, pediatricians and other health care providers so they can not only understand the risks, but also make the best choice for the health of their baby (American Academy of Paediatrics, 2016).

 

Focusing on reducing the incidence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, it is imperative to raise awareness on substance abuse and its effects; awareness should be created on FASD; there should be capacity building of health care providers, educator, social workers, other relevant stakeholders to identity women at risk and offer suitable intervention to stop alcohol usage in pregnancy and make appropriate referrals for diagnosing and offer comprehensive management; and early identification, prevention, management of people with FASD.

 

The cost of managing any birth defect is more than the cost of preventing it. In other words, prevention is more cost-effective than management or treatment.

 

INR-FCNSWZN joins the rest of the world in declaring war against FASD.

 

FASD is 100% preventable.

 

Avoid drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

 

REFERENCES

 

American Academy of Pediatrics (2016). Alcohol and pregnancy: It’s just not worth the risk. Retrieved from http://www.aap.org

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2016). Alcohol use in pregnancy. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/index.html

 

FAS Diagnostic and Prevention Network (n.d.). The 4 diagnoses under the FASD umbrella. Retrieved from https://depts.washington.edu/fasdpn/htmls/fasd-fas.htm

 

FasWorld (2013). FASD awareness day September 9th. Retrieved from http://www.fasday.com/

 

Compiled by:

Faleti, Daniel D.

Olaniyi, Glory D.

 

For: Institute of Nursing Research, Fellowship of Christian Nurses, South West Zone, Nigeria.

 

 

Nursing & Midwifery Council of Nigeria gets a new registrar

By
Temitope Obayendo
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The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has recently experienced a change in leadership as  Mrs A. G. Yusuf has been appointed as the new Ag. Registrar.

The exchange of headship baton of the council was imperative as the former Ag. Registrar, Mrs E.C. Azuike was due for retirement.
According to the statement announcing the new position, it was stated that the new Ag. Registrar takes over the vacant position with immediate effect.

Expert blames health professionals for Nigerians’ self-medication practice

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A consultant physician has posited that insensitivity on the part of healthcare professionals is one of the major contributing factors some Nigerians have taken to self medication.

While delivering a lecture on management of pain and headache at the 8th edition of The Panel held recently at Classique Events Place, Oregun, Lagos, Dr. Juliet Nebe, consultant physician with Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) explained that there are people in the society today who have been confined to the world of perennial drug abuse.

“These people don’t know the difference between Panadol and paracetamol (regardless of which company produces them). Consequently, they tend to combine the doses all in the name of treating headache. Little did they know that the drugs they tend to combine perform the same function,” she said.

nebe
Dr. Juliet Nebe

 

While narrating some of the day-to-day harrowing experience Nigerians go through to access quality medical attention, Nebe blamed doctors and pharmacists for not showing enough empathy for the plight of patients.

According to her, pharmacists are the first and, sometimes, only source of headache advice to patient.

“That was why I mentioned earlier that the pharmacy team plays a vital role in educating the public. Unfortunately, many have failed in this primary responsibility,” she stressed.

The consultant physician declared that she has personally been to so many pharmacies especially in my local government (Amuwo Odofin) and discovered that majority of them are not managed by pharmacists.

Consequently, Nebe called on the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) and Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) to help sanitise the profession by making it mandatory for pharmacies to be managed by qualified practitioners whose lackadaisical attitude wouldn’t put off patients into resorting to self-medication.

The expert also took a swipe at doctors at both grassroots and tertiary level for not empathising with the masses.

“Our doctors must set aside greed. They must learn to be accommodating and constantly remind themselves that they are offering humanitarian service. I am however happy that many Nigerians are more enlightened now than in the past,” she urged.

 

PCN launches online MCPD platform for re-certification of pharmacists

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In fulfilment of its pledge, the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) has launched the long awaited online platform for the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) Programme aimed at keeping pharmacists abreast of developments in current trends and practices in Pharmacy.

In a circular distributed to pharmacists in the country, Pharm. Elijah Mohammed, registrar of the council, announced that effective from September 1, 2016, registered Nigerian pharmacists across the globe should endeavour to visit the PCN website to take their outstanding mop up modules 10, 11 and 12.

“You would recall that as part of my 4-point agenda on assumption of office, I had a dream to transform pharmacists in Nigeria from mere career professionals into intellectual practitioners with strong critical thinking skills.

 

elijah
Pharm. Elijah Mohammed, PCN registrar

 

“This objective I promised to achieve with the instrumentality of MCPD platform. However, I wish to admit that what we have developed so far is not the ultimate platform but it is a great start,” he enthused.

Speaking further, Mohammed noted that the council has built a seamless platform that can handle the end-to-end process from registering for the module to printing out the completion certificates.

The registrar explained that the primary objective at this stage is to introduce convenience into the programme by leveraging on technology.

“This therefore means that pharmacists from the comfort of their homes or offices can use either their laptops or mobile devices to access the online MCPD content.

It is however instructive that to state that the traditional classroom MCPD will run alongside the online platform. Colleagues therefore have the option of either running online or classroom option,” he said.

The MCPD Programme is a three-year cycle of courses developed into three modules. Each module is to run for two days at a time. To qualify for re-certification, a Nigeria-licensed Pharmacist must obtain a minimum of 30 credit units.

In a given year, Pharmacists are expected to attend not more than two modules, given that each module carries a maximum of 10 credit units.

It would be recalled that the need for Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) Programme in the re-certification of all health professionals was recognised at the maiden National Health Summit in 1995.

This recognition was followed by the directives of the honourable minister of health in 1996 to all professional regulatory bodies for health to discuss the modalities for the early take-off of the programme.

The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), in line with the Federal Government’s directive, commenced the first and second cycles of the MCPD Programme (formerly called the

Mandatory Continuing Professional Education, MCPE), for the re-certification of pharmacists in April 1998 and September 2005 respectively, and rounded off the initiative in 2003 and 2007 respectively.

The third and fourth cycles commenced in January 2008, and June 2013, respectively. The programme is designed to update the knowledge of Pharmacists by equipping them to keep abreast of developments in pharmaceutical service delivery and current international trends and practice in Pharmacy. As the name of the Programme suggests, all registered pharmacists in Nigeria must undergo all aspects of the Programme, to the complete satisfaction of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria.

“The next stage for us is quite an exciting one. Effective January 1, 2017, Module 13 will be released. Participants of the online platform will have the option of selecting practice specific courses to make the required module.

“This introduction will satisfy the age long desire of Nigerian pharmacists to continuing education courses that have a direct bearing on their day-to-day practice. It is our belief that pharmacists will avail themselves of the opportunity with the expectation of making change agents out of us all in our various practice spheres,” Mohammed said.

The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria is a public corporation created by the Federal government in 1992, with the sole authority for registering, monitoring, regulating and controlling all aspects of pharmacy practice in Nigeria, including the education and training of pharmacists and pharmacy-related personnel.

 

Mundipharma partners with Munir Sukhtian to strengthen its consumer healthcare business

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Admin
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  • HiGeen® product range complements Mundipharma’s existing consumer healthcare portfolio, which includes the flagship brand  BETADINE®
  • Partnership to increases access to the HiGeen® range of products for millions of people across the Middle East and Africa region

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Mundipharma (www.Mundipharma.com.sg) has entered into a long term partnership that provides it with the commercial rights to market Munir Sukhtian Group’s portfolio of HiGeen® treatments in more than 50 countries across the Middle East, Africa

The two companies have a long history of partnership in Jordan where Sukhtian group has been Mundipharma’s distributor for several years. Munir Sukhtian group is a family-owned, diversified Jordanian company. Its HiGeen® range includes best-selling hand sanitizers, HiGeen® Harrar Massage Cream, HiGeen® Barrad Cold Gel, HiGeen® Daffaq Cream, HiGeen® HerboHeal Jaddad Ointment, HiGeen® Fungazi Foot Cream which are marketed in Europe, Asia and Latin America through distributors.

Ashraf Allam, Vice President of Mundipharma Middle East and Africa said “Mundipharma has a proud heritage in the consumer healthcare space and The HiGeen® range complements our current portfolio and fits very well with our growth and expansion strategy. Most importantly, This collaboration for HiGeen® brand products allows us to offer products from prevention to treatment and to realize further contribution to the improvement of the quality of life of patients and customers.”

Deemah Sukhtian, Managing Director of Munir Sukhtian Group said, “The complementary nature of HiGeen® and Mundipharma’s products will ensure that both companies provide a stronger proposition to patients in the area of wound care and prevention of infectious diseases. We are confident that our alliance, leveraging on Mundipharma’s expertise and global network, will enhance access to our innovative products and further improve the quality of life of patients and customers.”

About Mundipharma:
Mundipharma’s (www.Mundipharma.com.sg) independent associated companies are privately owned entities covering the world’s pharmaceutical markets. Mundipharma is a prime example of a company that consistently delivers high quality products while standing by the values that represent the company. Our mission is to alleviate the suffering of patients with cancer and non-cancer pain and to substantially improve their quality of life. Mundipharma is dedicated to bringing to patients with severe and debilitating diseases the benefit of novel treatment options in fields such as pain, oncology, oncology supportive care, ophthalmology, respiratory disease and consumer healthcare.

For more information please visit:  www.Mundipharma.com.sg

About Munir Sukhtian:
Established in 1933, the Munir Sukhtian Group (www.Sukhtian.com) is a family-owned Jordanian company with diversified business across pharmaceuticals, medical and consumer products, veterinary, agriculture, and chemicals. The company has direct presence in the Middle East and works through distributors in Europe, Asia and Latin America.

For more information, please visit: http://www.Sukhtian.com/

®: HiGeen and BETADINE are registered trademarks.

SOURCE
Mundipharma Pte Ltd

Amazing health benefits of pear

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Pears are valuable fruits that have been widely used and savoured for their delicious flavour since ancient times. Beyond being a tasty addition to the diet, pears are also packed with nutrients and nutritional value. Pears are full of fiber, a crucial nutrient for your skin. “Fiber slows the release of sugar into your blood, a good thing because repeated sugar spikes can damage collagen, a protein that keeps your complexion plump and smooth. It is also refers to as an anti-aging fruit which gives your skin a big beauty boost, whether you eat it or apply it!

pear

Pears also have vitamin C, which fights free radicals.

Pears have earned very special recognition. Researchers now know that certain flavonoids in food can improve insulin sensitivity, and of special interest in this area have been three groups of flavonoids (flavonols, flavan-3-ols, and anthocyanins). All pears contain flavonoids falling within the first two groups, and red-skinned pears contain anthocyanins as well. Intake of these flavonoid groups has been associated with decreased risk of type 2 diabetes in both women and men. However, a new analysis of the Nurses’ Health Study has shown that among all fruits and vegetables analyzed for their flavonoid content, the combination of apples/pears showed the most consistent ability to lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

Recent studies have shown that the skin of pears contains at least three to four times as many phenolic phytonutrients as the flesh. These phytonutrients include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory flavonoids, and potentially anti-cancer phytonutrients like cinnamic acids. The skin of the pear has also been show to contain about half of the pear’s total dietary fiber.

The health benefits of pear fiber also extend into the area of cancer risk. Fiber from pear can bind together not only with bile acids as a whole, but also with a special group of bile acids called secondary bile acids. Excessive amounts of secondary bile acids in the intestine can increase our risk of colorectal cancer (as well as other intestinal problems). By binding together with secondary bile acids, pear fibers can help decrease their concentration in the intestine and lower our risk of cancer development. In the case of stomach cancer (gastric cancer).

Pears are an excellent source of dietary fiber, and fiber is good for the heart. Studies have shown that fiber can lower levels of bad cholesterol by binding to bile salts—which are made from cholesterol—and carrying them out of the body. Eating pears can also reduce risk of stroke by up to 50 percent.

Although few studies have been done on the subject, doctors generally consider pears to be a hypoallergenic fruit because they are less likely than other fruits to produce an allergic response when eaten. For this reason, pears are generally considered “safe” and are often one of the first fruits given to infants.

Pears are one of the lowest calorie fruits; an average pear has just over 100 calories, which is 5% of daily calorie allowance of a healthy diet. However, the nutritional supplementation it gives you is immense, and the fiber makes you feel full. Therefore, people trying to lose weight often turn to pears to get the most “bang for their buck”. It is a high-energy, high-nutrient food with a low impact on weight gain and obesity.

Pears are a wonderful source of potassium, which means that pears can have a significant impact on heart health, because potassium is a well-known vasodilator. This means that it lowers blood pressure, which reduces strain to the entire cardiovascular system and makes it harder for clots to form or harm you. Furthermore, it increases blood flow to all parts of the body, which oxygenates the organs and promotes their effective function. Lowering blood pressure is also connected to a lower chance of cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.

For patients that suffer from anemia or other mineral deficiencies, pears can be very helpful, due to its content of copper and iron. Copper facilitates and improves the uptake of minerals into the system, and increased levels of iron mean that red blood cell synthesis increases. Iron is an important part of hemoglobin and anemia is another name for iron deficiency. You can prevent fatigue, cognitive malfunction, muscle weakness, and organ system malfunction by consuming foods high in iron and copper, both of which are found in significant amounts in pears.

The high mineral content of pears, which includes magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, calcium, and copper, means that you can reduce bone mineral loss and debilitating conditions like osteoporosis and general weakness of the body due to lack of support from the bones.

One of the most versatile vitamins in the human body is Vitamin A. Pears are high in vitamin A, and its subsequent components, like lutein and zea-xanthin.  They act as an antioxidant as well as participating in a number of enzymatic reactions and organ functions, pears can reduce the effects of aging on the skin, like wrinkles and age spots. This powerful fruit can also reduce hair loss, macular degeneration, cataracts, and various other conditions associated with the aging process.

What you need to know about skin rashes

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A skin rash is an area of skin that has become swollen or irritated. Skin rashes can include skin bumps or sores, scaly or red skin, and itchy or burning skin. Skin rashes can be caused by many medical conditions. Some skin rashes occur right away, while others take some time to develop. The location, appearance, and color of a skin rash are all important to help your doctor make the right diagnosis and start the right treatment.

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  1. Chickenpox: A skin rash made up of blisters

The virus known as varicella zoster, more commonly called chickenpox, creates a skin rash of itchy blisters on the face that spreads down to cover the chest and back. It’s typically accompanied by fever and sore throat. Even though a vaccine is available, chickenpox is still common in children under age 12. Treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms, including fever with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), and the itch with creams and cold compresses.

  1. Rubella: Red spots all over the skin

Another viral skin rash that affects children and young adults is rubella, or German measles. Rubella causes a rash of red skin spots that spreads like chickenpox from the face down. The skin rash can be itchy. Other symptoms include sore throat, fever, swollen glands, headache, and runny nose. There is a vaccine for rubella, but about 10 percent of young adults are still susceptible. Rubella can be very dangerous for pregnant women because it can cause birth defects. Treatment is similar to that for chickenpox.

  1. Hives: Sudden, itchy skin bumps

Urticaria, also known as hives, is a skin rash that comes on suddenly and causes pale, itchy, or pink swellings on your skin, and burns or stings. This skin condition can occur anywhere on the skin. Up to 20 percent of people may experience hives at least once in their lifetime. Hives may last for a few days or a few weeks and may be caused by an allergic reaction to a food or medication. The most common treatment is to avoid the cause and treat the symptoms with an antihistamine medication.

  1. Psoriasis: A Disease affecting the growth cycle of skin cells

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that can cause patches of thick, dry skin covered with silver scales. Known as plaques, these itchy patches can occur anywhere on the body. An estimated 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis, which occurs when a faulty immune system accelerates the growth cycle of skin cells. Many people with the condition also suffer from psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint pain and swelling. The exact cause of psoriasis is unclear, but genetics play a role. Treatments such as topical creams, light therapy, and medications can help manage psoriasis symptoms.

  1. Skin Rashes Caused by Medication

A drug-induced skin rash can be from an allergic reaction to a drug, a side effect of a drug, or from sensitivity to sunlight caused by a drug. A drug rash can occur right away after taking the drug, or up to several hours later. Types of drug rashes include hive or skin bump eruptions, purple or red skin discoloration, or scaly and thickened areas of skin. This skin condition can occur anywhere on the skin or even inside the mouth. Treatment is to stop taking the drug and manage the symptoms with antihistamines or steroids. In rare cases, drug-induced rashes can be serious or even fatal, so check with your doctor.

 

  1. Prickly Heat: A Skin Rash that Stings

Prickly heat, or heat rash, causes red skin that stings and itches. Small skin bumps may form as well. Heat rash is caused when sweat gets blocked in your pores. This is a common rash in babies, but can occur at any age. This skin condition tends to form where skin rubs against skin, such as in skin folds of the neck, breasts, groin, and underarms. The best treatment is to cool off, dry off, and reduce friction.

  1. Intertrigo: A Skin Rash in Body Folds

Intertrigo is a skin condition that occurs in skin folds, under the breasts, on the inner thighs, under armpits, or under belly folds. Chaffing causes a rash of red skin or brown skin that gets infected with yeast or bacteria and becomes raw. The skin rash may ooze and itch. This rash is more common in people who are overweight and in people with diabetes. Treatment involves keeping the areas dry, treating infections, and using steroid creams.

  1. Rosacea: A Red Rash on the Face

Rosacea is a common skin condition that occurs on the face of adults. Symptoms of rosacea include redness of the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. Small blood vessels may be seen on the surface of the red skin, along with skin bumps and pimples, though this is not related to acne breakouts. Rosacea only affects the face. The cause is unknown and there is no cure, although treatment with antibiotics can minimize symptoms.

  1. Eczema: Red, Itchy Skin

Another word for eczema is dermatitis, or inflammation of the skin. Eczema causes your skin to be dry and itchy. Scratching makes your skin red and inflamed. Eczema is not contagious, and common causes include detergents, soaps, wool, and synthetic fibers. Eczema is common in babies and children, but can be seen at any age. The best treatment is avoiding substances that your skin is sensitive to.

  1. Contact Dermatitis: A Skin Rash Caused by Irritation or Allergy

Contact dermatitis can be caused by any allergy-causing substance or irritating substance that touches your skin. Irritating substances are more common and include solvents, acid, and detergents. Allergic contact dermatitis is commonly seen with poison ivy, cosmetics, and medications that are applied to the skin. The skin rash of contact dermatitis can appear as red skin, skin bumps, blisters, scales, crusts, or sores. Itching is common. Treatment of contact dermatitis includes washing the skin and using anti-itch lotions and steroids.

  1. Impetigo: A Skin Rash Caused by Bacteria

Impetigo is a rash caused by a skin infection, usually traced to one of two bacteria, group A streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus. This skin rash appears as brown, crusty sores or blisters around the nose or mouth area. The rash is very itchy and very contagious. Scratching the rash and then touching other areas of the body, or other people, will cause it to spread. Treatment of impetigo is with antibiotic creams or lotions, and for more severe cases, with oral antibiotics.

Is bending over in pregnancy safe?

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There have been divergent views on the best posture in pregnancy, as regards picking objects from the floor. One school of thought says bending over in pregnancy poses a lot of risk to the bundle of joy, while another sect believes that bending during pregnancy will not hurt your baby in any way. But what is the medical position on this issue? Nature provides a wonderful cushioning system for the growing fetus. Gynecologists are of the view that the amniotic fluid allows the baby to move his arms, legs, practice breathing movements and flip around in your womb. They said it helps the baby to adapt easily as the mother changes position. Bending over will in no way affect your baby’s health adversely, they maintained.

The medical experts further submitted that bending does not harm the baby in any way. But as the baby grows, it will become difficult for the mother to bend. It may even increase her risk of tripping and may even cause other discomforts.

Here’s how bending down while pregnant can spell danger for the mother and her baby:

  1. Increases the risk of falling:

The biggest danger due to bending is that it increases the risk of tripping or falling. Falling and injuring your abdomen can prove dangerous during pregnancy. It can cause placental abruption or separation from the uterine wall and lead to vaginal bleeding or even miscarriage. The risk to the fetus due to bending and falling increases ten folds during the third trimester as the uterine wall thins out and the baby’s head drops into the pelvis.

  1. Causes dizziness:

Bending over while pregnant sends a rush of blood to the head, leaving you dizzy. Dizziness can lead to a loss of balance or consciousness and injury, which may adversely affect your baby.

  1. Leads to heartburn:

Bending increases the stress on the stomach and can aggravate heartburn, a common problem in late pregnancy. It can cause acid reflux or the reverse flow of stomach acid into the esophagus. It can lead to belching, a burning sensation in the food pipe and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.

  1. Causes strain:

Due to the growing baby bump, your centre of gravity will shift during pregnancy. Bending forward and then leaning back will strain your spine and damage your weakened ligaments further during pregnancy.

How to bend while pregnant

If you have to perform a task that requires bending, you should keep the following things in mind:

Remember to lower your knees instead of stretching your back.

You should also get up slowly using your hands, thighs, and knees rather than straining the muscles of the abdomen and stomach. It will help protect your back and strengthen your legs while allowing you to perform daily activities as your pregnancy advances.

While lifting an object, try to hold it under your baby bump to align it with your shifted center of gravity.

Remember to approach your everyday chores in a cautious way.

Maintaining good posture during pregnancy:

Good posture during pregnancy involves training the body to walk, sit, lie and stand in positions where you do not feel any strain. The bulging belly may make you feel like you are going to topple. But by taking a few steps, you can effectively maintain proper body mechanics. Here are a few posture tips that you must follow during pregnancy:

  1. Standing position:

While standing, your neck, head, and back should be in a straight line. Stand with your back against the wall for a few minutes every day. It is a great way of straightening your spine. Avoid standing in the same position for a long time.

  1. Sitting position:

Sit with your shoulders and spine straight. Your derriere should touch the back of the chair. You can use a pillow, rolled-up towel, a lumbar roll to support your back while sitting.

  1. Driving position:

While driving also, you must use a back support. The knees should be at the same level or even higher than your hips. You can also adjust your seat to allow your feet to reach the pedals, bend your knees and yet keep the steering wheel 10 inches away from your belly. Most importantly, always wear lap and shoulder safety belts while driving. You must place the lap belt as low on your hips as possible.

  1. Correct way to lift objects:

Ask for help when lifting heavy objects. If you are lifting the object alone, then make sure you have a firm footing. If you are picking up an object lower than your waist, then keep your back straight and bend your hips and knees. Never bend forward at the waist with your knees straight.

If you are lifting an object from the table, then slide it to the edge of the table to hold it close to your body. Exercise caution while holding heavy objects that are above your waist level.

  1. Sleeping and lying positions:

A good posture is crucial even when you are resting. You should not lie flat on your back or stomach while sleeping. Lying on the back during the third trimester can cause more stress on your heart and increase your chances of suffering from a backache.

Lying on the stomach will not be a very comfortable position for you. It can also reduce the blood flow and add pressure on the fetus. Most of the doctors advise pregnant women to lie on their left side during the third trimester. It will allow the blood to flow to the kidney, uterus and, of course, the fetus. So avoid the temptation of slumping at the end of a long day.

Hygiene products you should never share with anyone

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Often we tend to share some of our hygiene products with some friends, roommates or partners; however there are some products that should be reserved for your body alone. While it is advisable to always remember that some of these apparently harmless items actually can seriously hamper your health.

Hygiene Bars of soap

Seems innocent enough, right? Well, not exactly. It was said that those who shared soap were more likely to have recurring infections of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), an antibiotic-resistant staph infection. While soap’s self-cleaning nature does minimize germ-swapping, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention recommend using liquid soap to prevent infections.

Antiperspirants

Deodorants are all about stopping bacteria’s stink, meaning they come packed with antimicrobial properties. Antiperspirants, however, only slow your sweating—so they won’t kill the germs that are swiped onto your stick, according to the Mayo Clinic. Plus, while it probably won’t cause infection, you can transfer skin cells and hair particles from pit to pit as you share antiperspirant or deodorant sticks—a pretty stomach-churning reality.

Razors

Case studies of razors contributing to the transmission of hepatitis B, C, and HIV all abound, according to dermatologist Bethanee J. Schlosser, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Women’s Skin Health Program for Northwestern Medicine. “Sharing of razors has also been known to cause transmissions of fungal infection—specifically tinea corporis, known more commonly as ringworm—and bacterial infections, she says.

Towels

Think twice before re-using your friend’s towel: According to the CDC, it’s possible to spread infections ranging from pink eye to gonorrhea by sharing dirty towels (especially wet ones).

Toothbrushes

Even sharing a toothbrush with your partner is risky. It’s an established risk factor for the transmission of blood-borne infections that is according to dermatologist Bethanee J. Schlosser, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Women’s Skin Health Program for Northwestern Medicine. And while, no matter what, brushing your teeth temporarily increases the levels of bacteria in your bloodstream, she says, there’s no reason to boost those levels any higher than they have to be.

Nail clippers

Two words: Nail fungus. Plus, they may also pose a risk of transmitting blood-borne viral infections—especially if you accidently clip the skin, Schlosser says. So if your friend asks to borrow your pair, it is advisable not to share.

Midwives scheme laments poor allocation of funds

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The Chairman, Evidence Sub-Committee, Lagos State Accountability Mechanism for Maternal and Newborn Health (LASAM), Mr Baruwa Basit, has revealed that the state’s midwives service scheme got less than 25 percent of its budget last year.

Basit made the disclosure while giving an update on the 2015 Health Budget Scorecard and Dissemination of Lagos State Maternal and Newborn Health Scorecard in Lagos.

The chairman said the poor allocation of funds to the state midwifery scheme was one out of a number of issues that came out of the findings of the study undertaken to understand how government was keeping up with its responsibility in reducing child and maternal mortality deaths in the state.

The report was released by the LASAM and Mamaye Evidence for Action.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, who was represented by the chairman, LASAM, Dr. Folashade Oludara, said more work needed to be done especially in the area of increasing the number of health workers across the Primary Health Care (PHC) centres across the state.

Daily Trust News

NAFDAC sets to purge the system of corrupt staff

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The Acting Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mrs. Yetunde Ani, has vowed to fight the devastating effects of corruption, which had rendered the agency from achieving its statutory mandate.

The NAFDAC boss made her stand known during a re-orientation training programme for senior staff of the Agency in the North West zone, recently in Kaduna.

According to her, since she took over the mantle of leadership, the current management under her supervision had pledged to be decisive, firm, courageous, bold and transparent in running the affairs of the Agency.

She explained “Over the years, the Agency in the discharge of its statutory functions has been battling with the devastating effects of corruption and lackadaisical attitude of staff in the discharge of their duties.”

Ani further noted that the type of corruption prevalent in the system is the use of official time by staff to engage in their personal businesses, saying, this has grossly affected the operations of the Agency.

She maintained that efficient service delivery is what workers were employed to carry out as public servants, stressing that, “service is what we offer ourselves and what the people are entitled to expect from us.”

The DG reminded the staff to be conversant with the four main principles of efficient service delivery, which are commitment to work, consideration of the needs and rights of Nigerians, dedication to deliver services to which the citizens are entitled and absolute transparency.

“This is a re-awakening of our consciousness, zeal and determination to take the agency to greater heights. This exercise is not a jamboree but a pragmatic effort on the part of our management to re-dedicate regulatory officers to higher productivity, efficient service delivery and transparency. ”

The Guardian

Studies reveal antibiotics increase the risk of eczema in infants

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Studies on almost 400,000 people found that giving antibiotics to infants increased their chance of developing the painful skin allergy by up to 41 per cent, and their risk of hay fever by up to 56 per cent.

Children given antibiotics before the age of two are more likely to develop eczema in later life, experts have found.

It means that when exposed to relatively harmless foreign substances such as pollen; their immune system over-reacts, sparking an allergic reaction.

According to the report published on Daily Mail, the scientists, who will present their data today at the European Respiratory Society congress in London, compiled the results of 22 studies. They found the increased risk of eczema ranged from 15 to 41 per cent depending on the type of study analysed, rising to 14 to 56 per cent for hay fever.

The risk of both allergies went up if the babies had been treated with two courses, rather than a single course, said Dr Fariba Ahmadizar, of Utrecht University in the Netherlands.However, last night doctors said children should still take antibiotics when needed.

Prescriptions data for children is not routinely recorded by the NHS, but experts estimate that the average child in the UK has taken ten courses of antibiotics by the age of 16 – more than one every two years.

Doctors are desperate to reduce the use of antibiotics among children, particularly in cases where they are never needed in the first place.

As well as increasing the risk of allergies, evidence suggests overuse of the drugs also increases the risk of type 1 diabetes and of obesity.

But experts are most concerned that over prescription of the drugs is creating a breed of untreatable superbugs. Antibiotic resistance occurs when germs adapt and find ways to survive the effects of medicines. The more that the bugs are exposed to the drugs, the quicker they evolve.

A major study led by Bristol University last year found that 48 per cent of youngsters in Britain with a common bladder complaint were carrying germs resistant to Ampicillin, a go-to drug used for a variety of illnesses.

Professor Dame Sally Davies, England’s chief medical officer, last year said parents should stop asking GPs for antibiotics for their children.

‘Using antibiotics when we don’t need them, or not always taking the full course properly, gives bacteria in our bodies that opportunity to become resistant to antibiotics.’

 

 

 

Over 37 pharmaceutical outlets sealed in Lagos

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Over 37 illegal pharmaceutical outlets were at the weekend sealed by the Lagos State Government in a bid to curb the unwholesome distribution of medicines in the state.

The recent raid, which was done in Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos, as reported by Vanguard, affected illegal pharmacies in Ikorodu Central, Agric, Agbede, Ita-Oluwo, Eyita, Odongunyan, Igbogbo, Itamaga and Ijede.

Remarking on the exercise, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Primary Healthcare, Dr. Olufemi Onanuga disclosed that a total of 37 outlets out of 49 were sealed off for various offences ranging from engaging quacks, licensed patent medicine shops operating beyond their scope, illegal sale of ethical products and dispensing drugs to unsuspecting citizens of the state.

Other offenders include; illegal operatives of unregistered premises who displayed and stored drugs in an unconducive environment. The raid was carried out in collaboration with the State Task force on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods, representatives of National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Pharmacists’ Council of Nigeria, PCN, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Federal Taskforce and Officers of the State.

 

4th Global Experts Meeting on Neuropharmacology

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Conference Series LLC  invites all the participants from all over the world to attend ‘4th Global Experts Meeting on Neuropharmacology’ during September 14-16, 2016 in San Antonio, USA which includes prompt keynote presentations, Oral talks, Poster presentations and Exhibitions.

Neuropharmacology  2016 is the learning of how drugs influence cellular function in the nervous system, and the neural mechanisms through which they influence behavior. The studies are more concerned with the interactions of neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, neurohormones, neuromodulators, enzymes, second messengers, co-transporters, ion channels, and receptor proteins in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Advanced studies are being made to improvise developments in drugs to treat numerous diverse neurological disorders, including  neurodegenerative diseases known to be Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, pain, addiction, psychological disorders and many more. Conference Series LLC organizes a conference series of 3000+ Global Events with over 600+ Conferences, 1200+ Symposiums and 1200+ Workshops in USA, Europe & Asia with support from 1000 more scientific societies and publishes 700+ Open access journals which contains over 30000 eminent personalities, reputed scientists as editorial board members.

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Why to attend???

With members from around the world focused on learning about neuropharmacology and its advances; this is your best opportunity to reach the largest assemblage of participants from the Neuropharmacology community. Conduct presentations, distribute information, meet with current and potential scientists, make a splash with new drug developments, and receive name recognition at this 3-day event. World-renowned speakers, the most recent techniques, developments, and the newest updates in Neuropharmacology are hallmarks of this conference.

Target Audience:

  • Neuropharmacology Students, Scientists
  • Neuropharmacology Researchers
  • Neuropharmacology Faculty
  • Medical Colleges
  • Neuropharmacology Associations and Societies
  • Business Entrepreneurs
  • Training Institutes
  • Software developing companies
  • Manufacturing Medical Devices Companies
  • Data Management Companies

Conference Highlights

Source: confrenceseries.com

2nd International Conference and Expo on Biopharmaceutics and Biologic Drugs

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Conference Series LLC proudly announces the commencement of “2nd International Conference & Expo on Biopharmaceutics and Biologic Drugs” which is going to be held during September 14-16 at San Antonio, USA. The conference theme “Biopharmaceutics the Life within Drugs”. The event offers a best platform with its well organized scientific program to the audience which includes interactive panel discussions, keynote lectures, plenary talks and poster sessions on the topics Biopharmaceutics, Drug delivery, drug toxicity research, Novel Approaches, Product Development, Biowaiver Approaches, Current Issues in Bioequivalence of oral Products, Pharmaceutical Innovation in the 21st Century, New scientific approaches to international regulatory standards. The conference invites delegates from Biopharma laboratories, Pharmacists, Academicians, Clinicial, Researchers, Health care professionals, students, business delegates and Young researchers across the globe providing a better podium, interconnecting the latest research, technological developments in the area as well as therapeutic aspects. Participating at Biopharma International conference will be an excellent opportunity to meet eminent personalities in the fields of Biopharmaceutics and learn about the latest technological advancements.

Biopharma industry is one of the major contributors in global economic progress. The global biopharmaceuticals market, in 2009, was $106 billion. The global biopharmaceutical industry is currently worth over $145 billion, according to research conducted by Bio Plan Associates. The industry should exceed $167 billion in 2015. Realizing the importance, Conference Series LLC is organizing Biopharma conference in San Antonio, USA this year paving way for sharing views and research, which will help the scientific world to adopt solutions for the problems of critical importance.

Why to attend?

With members from around the world focused on learning about Pharma and its advances; this is your best opportunity to reach the largest assemblage of participants from the Pharma community. Conduct presentations, distribute information, meet with current and potential scientists, make a splash with new drug developments, and receive name recognition at this 3-day event.

Target Audience:

Presidents/Vice Presidents, Academic Scientists, Students, Researchers and Research scholars, Government Organizations, Pharmaceutical companies, Investors, Regulatory Officials, Advocacy groups, Institutional Board members any others interested in learning about the current trends in Biopharma.

We therefore encourage all colleagues from all over the world to participate and help us to make this an unforgettable important and enjoyable meeting.

Conference Highlights

Source: conferenceseries.com

6th Pharmacovigilance Congress September 28-30, 2016

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Conference Series LLC organizing gratifying Pharmaceutical conferences, welcomes you to attend the 6th Pharmacovigilance congress to be held during September 28-30, 2016 in Toronto, Canada focuses on the advancements in pharmacovigilance and risk management.

The field of Pharmacovigilance is growing rapidly and its development is making tremendous impacts in medical sciences and pharmaceuticals. 6th Pharmacovigilance congress emphasizes on how the importance and significance can be gauged by the fact that it has made huge advancements over the course of time and is continuing to influence various sectors. Main theme of 6th Pharmacovigilance congress is “Ensuring Drug Safety in Healthcare System”.

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Why to attend???

With members from around the world focused on learning about Pharmacovigilance and its advances; this is your best opportunity to reach the largest assemblage of participants from the Pharmacovigilance community. Conduct presentations, distribute information, meet with current and potential scientists, make a splash with new drug developments, and receive name recognition at this 3-day event. World-renowned speakers, the most recent techniques, developments, and the newest updates in Pharmacovigilance are hallmarks of this conference.

Target Audience:

  • Pharmacovigilance Students, Scientists
  • Pharmacovigilance Researchers
  • Pharmacovigilance Faculty
  • Medical Colleges
  • Pharmacovigilance Associations and Societies
  • Business Entrepreneurs
  • Training Institutes
  • Software developing companies
  • Manufacturing Medical Devices Companies
  • Data Management Companies.

Conference Highlights:

 

 

Red alert on Lassa Fever as new cases are found in four states

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Reports from the northern part of the country at the weekend showed that its not yet Uhuru for Nigeria, as the issue of Lassa Fever is concerned, as  five more cases of the disease have been reported in four states, indicating the possibility of a spread further.

Confirming the new cases, as reported by Channels TV, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said that two cases were reported from Plateau State, one from Rivers, and one each from Bauchi and Gombe. They all occurred between August 24 to September 2.

The individual with the Lassa fever in Gombe died on August 22 while others are still alive.

According to the agency, public health response has commenced in all the affected states under the leadership of the respective state’s Ministries of Health.

“Resources were immediately mobilised from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and its partner, the Nigerian Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme (NFELTP), to support the investigation and management of cases in the affected states,” the agency said in a statement.

Natal multimammate mouse is the primary animal host of the Lassa virus.

The Chief Executive Officer of the NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, stressed the need for early detection of the disease and reporting of the cases.

“We commend the early detection and reporting of the most recent cases, as it significantly improves the likelihood of survival for the cases and also reduces the risk of further transmission. We also urge all States to report cases immediately for Lassa fever while improving on the timeliness of their reporting generally,” Dr. Ihekweazu stated.

As a result of increasing number of cases of Lassa fever, the NCDC also issued an advisory to all States, reminding them of the steps they have to take to prepare and respond to cases of Lassa fever and other haemorrhagic fevers, as well as the resources that they can access for this.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control further reiterated its commitment to supporting the States to prevent the spread of Lassa fever in Nigeria.

Virus Spreads To Human

Lassa fever fresh cases resurfaced on August 22, with Delta State recording the death of a medical doctor.

After his death, several other persons have been placed under surveillance in different states, with sensitisation campaigns also increasing.

The virus spreads to human from rodents and it is then shed in their excreta (urine and feces), which can be aerosolised.

In fatal cases, Lassa fever is characterised by impaired or delayed cellular immunity leading to fulminant viremia.

Infection in humans typically occurs by exposure to animal excrement through the respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts.

Inhalation of tiny particles of infectious material (aerosol) is believed to be the most significant means of exposure.

It is possible to acquire the infection through broken skin or mucous membranes that are directly exposed to infectious material.

Transmission from person to person has also been established, presenting a disease risk for healthcare workers.

 

Channels TV

NAPharm VP seeks FG’s intervention over scarcity of drugs and raw materials

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Vice President of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm) and Publisher of Pharmanews, Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi  Atueyi, has re-echoed the need for the Federal Government to  urgently intervene in the scarcity of drugs and raw materials for drug production, saying  this portends a lot of  negative  development for the health sector.

Atueyi, who spoke to the Guardian in an exclusive chat, listed the impact of forex and limited infrastructures to the industry, which included influx of fake drugs, poor patients’ outcome, exorbitant prices of drugs, and others.

Details below:

How would you describe research developments in the country with respect to your profession?

There is no doubt that research is what defines the future. And I do not know of any scientific discipline that does not value research. I can safely say that a great deal of research goes on in various faculties of Pharmacy in our universities. But of course, you and I know the situation with our universities, especially with regards to funding. Our universities are grossly under-funded. Pharmaceutical research, on the other hand, is not cheap. So, that portends a problem. Pharmacists in academia can only do the best they can within the limitations that are imposed on them by funding.

Another limitation is infrastructure. When you are a researcher, you shouldn’t ordinarily worry about diesel to power your generator and all of that. You should ideally be fully immersed in your research work. But here, working can be quite stressful and it affects the quality and productivity of intellectual work. But even with these, academics have been fairly productive in the area of research over the years, although a lot more could have been done, if the environment had been more conducive. This is why Nigerian pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists are doing better in developed countries.

As for the pharmaceutical companies, I am not aware of any serious research and development going on, apparently because of the cost. The Nigerian Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development Abuja is a good initiative by the government to help drive pharmaceutical research and development. It has been productive in the past and has even done a great deal of work in the area of Sickle Cell Disease. Perhaps you’ve heard of NIPRISAN. That is a product of their research, which has been proven to be good at controlling crises outbreaks in sickle cell patients. But as with most government establishments, it needs better funding. Such a drug needs to be produced at commercial quantities and funds are required for this.

Indeed, this is one of the key areas where the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy is striving to make a difference. We are raising awareness as to the importance of research in the health sciences in general and also encouraging wealthy Nigerians to sponsor and endow research projects and research institutes. We are also encouraging young people to pursue research-inclined careers, in the pharmaceutical and health sciences.

What impact does the lingering foreign exchange crisis have on the sector and Nigerians?

Nigerians actually pay more than what they ought to pay for medicines. Cost of medicines could be much lower, if the right infrastructure were in place and pharmaceutical companies did not have to invest so much in such overheads as power, infrastructure, distribution and even security. Also there is the fact that our pharmaceutical industry is highly import-dependent. You find that between 65 per cent and 70 per cent of finished products are imported, which means that only about 35 per cent or so is locally manufactured. You may be surprised to know that, in pharmaceutical manufacturing, practically all of the raw materials we use are imported. The implication is that, when there are fluctuations in the foreign exchange regime, as it has been in recent times, the industry is impacted very significantly.

Currently, the dollar is being exchanged above N400 at the parallel market and many pharmaceutical companies are unable to access foreign exchange at official window. This is a red flag, not only for the pharmaceutical sector, but for the health of all Nigerians. If drugs or the raw materials for drug production become too expensive, then a large proportion of the public would naturally be unable to afford them. This is what fundamentally encourages the influx of fake drugs. Unscrupulous elements in society cash in on the problem and import fake and substandard drugs into our country and worsen their health conditions or even kill them.

We are facing a real emergency situation and I believe the industry has since implored the Federal Government to intervene to facilitate access of the pharmaceutical industry to foreign exchange. The government should also consider reduced interest rate on loans by the industry. Government should give priority to the health of the citizens.

You mentioned the fact that raw materials are generally imported, what future do you see with any possible growth in the petrochemical industry?

The existing government-owned refineries focused all their attention on refining fuels and did not take the petro-chemical aspect very seriously. That is one of the reasons there is excitement around recent announcements that Dangote refinery will focus on the petro-chemical aspect as well as fuel refining. This will make a huge difference in the pharmaceutical sector and the larger industrial sector, even if it’s only a small line of petrochemical products that is made available in the short term.

I give you an example. Imagine the tonnes of plastics that are imported into the country. In the pharmaceutical industry, we use plastics for much of the packaging like bottles, syringes, corks and many others. Even food and beverage companies rely heavily on plastics. Imagine the cost savings to our economy in terms of foreign exchange, if we remove plastics from our import list by producing them. So, petrochemicals will spur our industrial sector and the pharmaceutical sector in particular, to greater heights because it will help to make most of our chemicals-based raw materials more readily accessible and affordable. This will translate to enhanced value for the larger economy because companies will deploy the savings to other key areas.

What would you say about Nigeria’s investment in human capital, particularly in your sector, as part of keeping up with global trends?

Despite the constraints in the environment, I would say that pharmaceutical training is keeping up with the dynamics of the profession. Across the world, the focus of Pharmacy has shifted. It used to be on drugs, but now the focus is on the patients. What this means is that Pharmacy is now more clinically-oriented. Curriculum is therefore evolving. Pharmacists must, in addition to all of the chemistry and pharmacology, which they ordinarily emphasise, also demonstrate clinical interest. I must say that this is already happening in Nigeria. Indeed, the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) has since approved the Pharm.D, or Doctor of Pharmacy degree, which is a clinical pharmacy degree. It is currently being offered at the University of Benin, and will, in due course, be adopted in other pharmacy schools across the country.

There are still challenges, with the biggest being funding, equipment and manpower. But these challenges are not peculiar to Pharmacy. They affect every sector in Nigeria. So, going back to your question, Nigeria does not invest enough in its human capital. We really ought to be doing more than we are doing. There is too much emphasis on politics and wealth acquisition and ostentation. We really need values-reorientation. Those of our colleagues who still do research in the universities are doing a Herculean job. They deserve praise.

How is the Academy going about these challenges in terms of solutions?

As I mentioned earlier, one of our objectives has been to raise awareness on the essence of scientific research and development. This advocacy is very important, because in the face of a multiplicity of interests that are jostling for attention of the government, there is a lot of pressure on available resources. Government needs to recognise the imperative of investment in training, manpower development and research and an academy like the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy is helping to bring this issue to the attention of policy makers. Secondly, we are also encouraging the wealthy few among us, as well as public-spirited foundations, to sponsor research and development.

Funding research is a desire of the Academy, although we haven’t come to that stage yet. But whatever it is that will help to bring scientific or specifically, pharmaceutical research to the front burner, we will continue to support, because we recognise that it will have manifold economic benefits, even social ones, for our society. The only way by which we can overcome the plague of diseases like malaria and others is through committed research.

What are you doing to help to enlighten people and to drive good health among Nigerians?

You are correct that our society needs a great deal of enlightenment, especially with regard to public health issues. Pharmacists are actually doing a lot in this area and complementing the efforts of other health professionals in public enlightenment. Indeed this is a key activity that different technical groups within the profession handle. They enlighten people on the safe use of medicines and there is also a great deal of education on public health challenges like HIV/AIDS, the need for immunisation and other issues. You’d be amazed at the level of enlightenment that pharmacists who are located in the rural areas do. In many of these rural areas, the pharmacist is often the first port of call when there is a health challenge, and they have a huge task to enlighten the people on such issues as the need to wash hands regularly, family planning, HIV/AIDS, immunisation and so many others.

Nigeria is one of the few countries where medicines are hawked. What are the setbacks to the fight and economic implications?

Ours is actually the only country where this happens. Quacks hawk and sell drugs with impunity – on the bus, in petrol stations, on the street, and in every nook and cranny of the country. Nigeria is peculiar for open drug markets in places like Onitsha, Kano and even Lagos. Drugs are poisons and ought to be strictly controlled. We are doing something, but it is a difficult task. Some of the factors militating against this are weak regulation and implementation, ignorance and poverty. It is so widespread that we can’t send all the offenders to jail.

In Nigeria, drugs come in from everywhere because of our porous borders. Control of drug distribution is a function of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), but this is a government regulatory body, which despite its best efforts must still contend with infrastructure, manpower and even funding problems. Our problem is peculiar, so the solutions must be peculiar. We must understand the gravity of the situation.

One area we are working on very aggressively is that of public education. When people are better enlightened about the dangers of buying medicines from the streets or buses and other places they will gradually become more circumspect with regard to that, even in the face of poverty. We recognise too, that many people are financially challenged and believe that medicines purchased on the streets are cheaper than the same medicines in proper outlets. But with better enlightenment, gradually, people are recognising that this could be a fatal error of judgement that is best avoided.

I believe there is hope, and that hope hinges on education and that’s where pharmacists and the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) have been doing a lot of work. When people are better educated, they will be less likely to endanger their health by patronising quacks. Of course, our advocacy for strengthening the regulatory mechanisms is ongoing. Strict regulation, especially of drug distribution is key. Thankfully, government is now committed to ensuring that open drug markets such as those in Idumota, Onitsha and Kano will be shut down from August 2017. This will be a very big step going forward.

What achievements so far would you ascribe to the Academy?

The first will be that we have eventually been able to debut as an academy. The academy was established in 2014 and this is the fifth academy in Nigeria. There are four others. The academy has the highest level of academics, innovators and professionals who have contributed to the society.

We took off in 2014 and have established a strong link with our colleagues in the Diaspora. We work closely with the Nigerian Association of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Scientists in the Americas (NAPPSA). There are over 5,000 Nigerian pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists in the Americas and we are establishing strong links with them.Through NAPPSA, we attract help and support. Some of them have been coming to establish professional practices either in academics or commercial ventures. A good number of pharmacists from Nigeria attend their scientific conferences every year.

A major achievement has been the education summit, which we convened in April, 2015. The summit attracted participation from the United Kingdom and, of course, the United States. We invited deans of schools of pharmacy, PCN, PSN and NAFDAC. The main objective was to re-examine the curriculum of the pharmacy schools in Nigeria in the light of the dynamics of the profession to help ensure that training of pharmacists continues to be in tune with the needs of society such that pharmacists churned out from our universities will be of optimal value to the society.

We also launched a vibrant scheme last year that is aimed at mentoring young pharmacy graduates. Young pharmacists are tutored and guided as to career options by more experienced pharmacists. It’s an ongoing scheme and has been quite beneficial.

What legacy would you personally want to be remembered?

When I might have finished my divine assignment here on earth, I would like to be remembered for pharmaceutical journalism and for Pharmanews. I’m not a person of many interests. I’m a man of one interest. I want people to readily associate Ifeanyi  Atueyi with pharmaceutical journalism in Nigeria. Today Pharmanews is read in print and online anywhere in the world. We started in 1979 and thanks to God for sustaining it till date. Pharmanews is the only professional journal in Nigeria that has consistently published for 37 years without ever missing a month. In our little way, we have helped to add value to the wellbeing people and economy of Nigeria.

By Chijioke Nelson

The Guardian

Why pharmacy schools need a uniform curriculum – PANS-UDUS president

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Abubakar Umar is president of the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria Students (PANS), Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) Chapter. In this exclusive interview with Pharmanews, the 500-level pharmacy student reveals some of his plans for PANS-UDUS within the next one year. He also expresses his views on some crucial issues affecting pharmacy education in Nigeria. Excerpts:

Whose decision was it for you to study Pharmacy?

It was a personal decision, even though I had some form of motivation and orientation from different personalities, including my family members, since there is no self-made man. Besides, it has become a tradition, though it can be faulted, that majority of the students who pass through Nagarta College, Sokoto, where I had my secondary school education, end up studying health-related courses. So, it was natural that I too should have such ambition and I must admit that it also contributed to my decision to study Pharmacy. I have never had any regret choosing Pharmacy, despite the enormous challenges  I encountered.

What prompted your decision to get actively involved in PANS politics?

Actually it was coincidental. It began with consultations and suggestions made by some members of my class who observed that I had some potentials in me which they believed could be useful for the development of our institution. Also, it had been my dream and aspiration to add my quota to the development of PANS-UDUS. And to the glory of God, I started working towards it and, today, the dream has come to fulfillment.

Tell us about some PANS-UDUS’ activities and programmes for 2016

The activities and programmes of my chapter are in two categories – those that have been successfully accomplished and those that are still in the pipeline. Those in the first category include renovation of the general faculty’s notice boards and suggestion box; as well as constitution of committees, such as education committee, financial committee, editorial committee, guidance and counseling committee, among others.

Programmes that are still in the pipeline include orientation of fresh students; students-lecturers interactive session, which will be organised by the social committee; inter-state quiz/ debate competition, which will be organised by the education committee’; creation of an official website for the chapter; construction of a “pestle and mortar” statue; publishing of the chapter’s magazine, which will be launched during the Pharmacy week, among others.

 

What would you say are the challenges facing pharmacy education in Nigeria and how best can they be tackled?

The challenges facing pharmacy education are numerous, but the major one is non-conducive learning environment. Most pharmacy schools have the challenge of inadequate laboratories and classrooms that can conveniently accommodate students. Therefore, there is need for adequate laboratories, classrooms, libraries and other learning facilities.

Another issue is the discrepancy in the pharmacy curriculum. It has been discovered that different schools adopt different versions of the curriculum. This negatively affects many students; so there is need for a uniform curriculum across the nation.

Manpower challenge is another important issue that is affecting pharmacy education in the country. There’s inadequate manpower in pharmacy education and this has a great drawback on the profession. Those concerned should put this into consideration. There is also the challenge of lack of research grants for pharmacy students,

 

What can you say about the activities of your chapter of PANS at the national level?

Our chapter has never been inactive at the national level – more so now with the coming in of a newly restructured PANS administration, under the able and mature leadership of Comrade Chika Emeghebo, PANS national president, I will say we have been more active at the national level. We have been part of all the programmes, and I am hopeful that the forthcoming convention will be an unprecedented one.

In addition, one of our own, Mr Jubril Chado, is currently an executive member at the national level. I too had the opportunity to attend the last National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the national secretariat at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Anambra State, early this year.

However, I would advise the national body to find other ways of bringing the associations from all pharmacy schools together, with the aim of engaging them all the time, rather than waiting for the annual convention which comes only once in a calendar year. Also, the executive members should endeavour to visit other chapters, if not all, before the end of their tenure, so as to give them a sense of belonging and enhance cordial relationship among them.

 

What areas of the pharmacy profession do you think stakeholders in the profession should address urgently?

First and foremost is the issue of recognition. Even though a lot has been done, there is need to put more effort to enlighten the general public about the role of pharmacists in the health care delivery system.

Next is the need for sufficient raw materials to enable efficient manufacturing of pharmaceutical products. There’s also need for access to funds by the government and stakeholders, so as to boost the manufacturing process all over the nation. This will go a long way in reducing the importation drugs into the country.

 

Where do you see PANS-UDUS by the time you will be leaving office?

With the few innovations I have brought, combined with the efforts of my dedicated executive members – majority of whom will be in the next cabinet – I see PANS among the top associations in this University.

Ghanaian community nurses wage war against their executives

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Scores of disgruntled community health nurses have expressed anger over what they call a disregard of the constitution by their national executives in the discharge of duties.

According to the nurses, their national executives have squashed the constitution of the Association and have currently adopted for themselves powers that are not provided by the constitution of the Association.

In a statement, the group outlined their concerns as follows:

 

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Illegal and fraudulent deduction of an additional amount of 5.00gh cedis as dues without passing through the due process laid down for such purposes and it subsequent approval by the national delegates congress of the Association which is a breach of article 19 clause (2) of the constitution of the Association.

Breaching of the constitution of the Association by staying in 0ffice as national executives though their constitutionally mandated period of three (3) years that is from April, 2012 to April, 2015. With this, they have stayed on as national executives for additional sixteen (16) months without the approval of the highest decision making body of the Association supported by article 19 clause (2), which is the national delegates congress. We therefore consider all their activities from May 2015 till date to be unconstitutional.

Non- accountability of dues deducted from the salaries of members since its inception about five (5) years ago as well as the mismanagement of funds by the national chairperson (Madam Esther Bamfo) is unwarranted.

Unconstitutionally denying the duties of the national treasurer for someone who is not elected to perform the duties of the national treasurer of the Association.

 

No annual audit report of the Association account as provided by article 33 clause (2).

The refusal of the outdated national executives to organize a national congress to elect new national executives to enhance the smooth running of the activities of the Association.

It is prudent to state that we have not been informed on the decision to withdraw the group from the mother association which is GRNMA as proposed by article 19 clause(2) of the constitution. We wish to state here and now that, such a major decision has not been well thought through and must be rescinded immediately because it has to be widely discussed by the majority of members of the group and be approved by the highest decision making body of the Association which is the national delegates’ congress.

The aggrieved nurses have therefore given the various stakeholders including the National Labour Commission, the Ghana Health Service as well as the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association a one-week ultimatum, seven (7) days to address the above concerns.

The nurses have threatened to head to the law courts to seek redress if their concerns are not given the necessary attention.

 

Source:Pulse Nigeria

Women beware: One glass of alcoholic drink per day reduces fertility by 18%

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Although this may sound incredible to lovers of wine and other alcoholic drinks, but a new study by Danish researchers have validated it that just one large glass of wine a day slashes a woman’s chance of conceiving.

Experts believe that too much alcohol interrupts the female natural cycle and may also damage the egg.

According to the study published in the BMJ and reported on Daily Mail, the researchers noted that women can still drink small amounts when trying for a baby as there is no evidence the odd glass hampers fertility.

The Danish researchers studied 6,120 women from aged 21 to 45 who were trying to conceive, from June 2007 to January 2016.

They all completed questionnaires on how often they had alcohol and exactly what they drank.

The results showed that women who had at least a 250ml glass a day – equivalent to 14 servings a week – were 18 per cent less likely to conceive over a year.

But women who had slightly less – one to 13 servings – did not experience any reduction in conception chances.

The researchers from Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark also found that spirits seemed to have a small effect on fertility.

Women who drank one measure a week were 11 per cent less likely to conceive while those who had two measures reduced their chances by 13 per cent.

 

 

 

Optometrist warns against excessive use of smartphones

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An optometrist, Dr Henry Emelike has urged Nigerians to desist from excessive use of smartphones because of their negative effect on the sight.

Emelike, who works at the Gwamna Awan General Hospital, Kakuri, Kaduna State, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna.

He said the number of cases of short-sightedness among young people have-soared due to high use of smartphones and tablets. “Since the launch of smartphones in 1997, there has been a 35 per cent increase in the number of people with advancing myopia (short-sightedness) according to a research carried out by David Allamby, founder of Focus Clinics in the United States of America (USA).”It is estimated that the problem would increase by 50 per cent in the next 10 years. Allamby dubbed this condition “screen sightedness.  “This, along with time spent using computers and watching television, is putting children and young people at the risk of permanently damaging their sights. The average smart phone or tablet user holds the device 30cm from their faces with some holding them just 18cm away, com-pared with newspapers and books which are held 40cm away from the eyes.’

He said excessive screen watching at close proximity keeps the genes that control myopia activated well beyond the age that myopia (short-sightedness) would historically have stabilised which was about 21 years.

“Myopia used to stop developing in people in their early 20s but, now, it is seen progressing throughout the 20s, 30s, and even 40s. It is predicted that if things continue as they are, about 40 to 50 per cent of 30-year-olds could have myopia by 2033 as a result of smartphones and lifestyles in front of the screen which would become an epidemic called “screen sightedness.”

Meanwhile, children are actually able to focus at close distances for extended periods of time than adults, and experience less eye-strain than adults. This is due to the higher elasticity and resilience cum proper functioning of ocular muscles in children and younger people. Still, the American Academy of Paediatrics recommends limiting a child’s screen time (including TV, computer, game console, tablet and smart phone) to no more than two hours a day.  “I’m not sure how realistic that is, because most class-rooms use computers and tablets nowadays,” he said. Emelike said that the phenomenon of “screen sightedness” was due to difficulty and discomfort of the constant work of accommodation and convergence as contents from mobile phones seem to appear in front of the screen rather than behind it.

 

He said these involved interplay of intrinsic ocular muscles as well as extra ocular muscles’ fatigue.  “In this our “technology centric” world, use of these screen devices is, however, pretty hard to avoid,” he said.  The optometrist listed the following symptoms to be associated with short sightedness: Sore, tired, burning, itching, dry or watery eyes. Others are blurred vision, difficulty in focusing, headaches, sore neck and shoulders. He, however, noted that there were few healthy tips that could help one override screen sightedness.

“The 20-20-20 Rule: For every 20 minute work at the screen or any close-up work, take a break for 20 seconds and focus on an object 20 feet away…”

 

Source: NAN

 

 

Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy to induct six new fellows

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The Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy (NAP) will on September 15 in Lagos, inducts six distinguished professionals into its esteemed ranks.

According to Professor Fola Tayo, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Caleb University who doubles as General Secretary of the Academy, one of the high points of this year’s investiture event will be a feature presentation by Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Christopher Kolade.

“We have every confidence that Kolade will ignite robust self-appraisal in the profession with his lecture which will examine the place of Pharmacy in the enhancement of quality and accessibility of healthcare in Nigeria,” said Tayo.

The investiture event, said Tayo, which is billed for September 15 in Lagos, would also assess progress so far made regarding the Pharmacy degree curriculum reviews currently ongoing across Faculties of Pharmacy in Nigeria’s universities.

“Globally, the curriculum for Pharmacy training is rapidly evolving in response to the growing needs of the larger society and we want to ensure that this is happening at the right pace in Nigeria too, such that the health and wellbeing of Nigerians can continue to be impacted optimally by Nigeria’s pharmacists working in tandem with other health professionals.”

The Academy, said Tayo, “is of the view that emphasis on research and development in the sciences in general and pharmaceutical and health sciences in particular, has waned considerably in Nigeria, and believe that this can only spell disaster for a developing country like ours.” Funding of research by government is poor while the private sector hardly sees the need to fund research. This, he said, is not good for the country, as the only way by which better remedies can be discovered and/or developed for ailments that afflict mankind, including those, like malaria that are particularly endemic in Africa and kill millions annually, is by research and development. “The Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy is therefore driving advocacy to raise awareness in this area in order to prod government to better fund research and scientific education in general, as well as encourage wealthy individuals and charitable foundations to sponsor scientific research.”

The new inductees into the Academy, said Tayo, all have sterling profiles and have distinguished themselves over the years, in different spheres of professional life. “We are very confident that they will add real value to our quest to positively impact the health and wellbeing of Nigerians, not only through robust training of pharmacists and pharmaceutical and health scientists but also through research and research-oriented learning and development.”

The Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy brings together distinguished pharmacists across different spheres of life and helps to drive thought leadership, providing expert opinion on matters pertaining to the pharmacy profession. In so doing, it helps to ensure that the profession remains relevant to the needs and aspirations of Nigeria. Founded in 2014, it is the fifth such specialized academy in Nigeria with others being the academies of Science, Letters, Arts and Engineering, respectively.

 

The Guardian

NHIS charges HMOs to be innovative, flexible

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United States (U.S.)-trained bone marrow transplant surgeon and Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Prof. Usman Yusuf, has charged the 48 Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) in Nigeria to be innovative and nimble.

Also, the Chairperson of Avon Healthcare Limited/Chief Executive Officer of Avon Medical Services Limited, an HMO, and overseer of the healthcare investments of Heirs Holdings, Dr. Awele Vivien Elumelu, has taken up the challenge by Yusuf even as she called proper monitoring, accountability and equitable distribution of the funds within the system.

What is NHIS doing to make health insurance mandatory? Yusuf said: “Making NHIS mandatory and changing the laws have to do with the legislators and that is why I am reaching out to them. If you see I went to the House of Representatives to see the Chairman and Deputy of the House Committee on Health. And I am going to see the Speaker and the President of the Senate, and I am meeting all Governors. They need to see that there is value in doing that. We need to be able to explain to them. Remember they are the people that are going to explain to their people why we are taking their money. So they need to be educated themselves.

 

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Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Prof. Usman Yusuf (middle); Chairperson of Avon Healthcare Limited/Chief Executive Officer of Avon Medical Services Limited and overseer of the healthcare investments of Heirs Holdings, Dr. Awele Vivien Elumelu (right); and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Avon Healthcare Limited (Avon HMO), Adesimbo Ukiri at a meeting of the Standing Committee of NHIS and the Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) in Abuja

“So it is our responsibility to go and advocate and talk on behalf of the enrollee why they should be mandated? How much should it cost? What will be the benefit? We have a lot of work in front of us and I am just three weeks in this business and that is why I am here.”

How are you going to address the many challenges of the enrollee? The NHIS boss explained: “These are legacy issues I met. It is going to be a very slow thing reaching out to people and telling them that we are all partners. I cannot do this alone; I need you all. It is me educating the public, telling them where we are, this is our fault and this is how we can get better for people to trust us again and educating people because a lot of people do not know about the scheme.

“It is our responsibility, nobody else’s to go and educate the people about the scheme. So it is our responsibility and that is why I am going out to see anybody that matters: the governors, the emirs, the clerics, the students, the vice chancellors, and the chief medical directors. I have a lot of work to do; I hope you come with me. You are partners in this.”

Some of the HMOs are calling for the equitable distribution of lives especially from workers in the formal sector. How is that going to happen? Yusuf said: “You see when the NHIS happened there were very few HMOs and it was the NHIS that distributed lives that is enrollees to those HMOs and helped them to start and they have over time grown and they have grown bigger. So new ones have come and they want piece of the lives. It I just like the old banks and the new banks.

“The new banks could not have survived if they have not been innovative. The GT Banks and the Zeniths are good on the Internet but if the old banks remained like that they will fizzle out. What I encourage the new HMOs to do is to be innovative, be nimble. No more free lunch: Not from us nor from the government. They need to go out, market themselves and get more lives, end of story.”

What does Avon intend to do in the next five years to increase the number of enrollees and getting better towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC)? Elumelu said: “I think to a large extent what we need to do is that there a big problem of trust and transparency. Until we can overcome that, it will be a problem. So what do we need to do? We need to put steps in place. To increase the trust in us we need to be out there more transparent, let people see our financial credibility. Let people know our financial capacity and that way they know that they are sure where they are putting their money, they are sure of where they are going.

“So we need to do things like that. We need to make sure that even on the level of NHIS, there is proper monitoring, there is proper account keeping, account taking and to ensure that there is equitable distribution of the funds even within the NHIS because we have a lot of people who do not actually trust the system. They believe it is not done equitably so they are not happy be it government, be it private. So they need to make sure at that level you build that trust, you build that confidence in the system. And with that we will have the spread, we will have the increase coverage and so on.”

The NHIS indicted the HMOs on the issue of corrupt practices and inefficiency. Do you agree with that? Elumelu said: “To some extent that is certainly the case but I think the problem has partly been lack of oversight on the part of the regulators. Now that we have as it is the new Sheriff in town, we have a new broom which is still clean they are going to ensure that there is enforcement, which laws are there but they just haven’t been enforced.

“But you know if have no one enforcing things, what gets done is what is being measured and what is being checked. So now that we have a new person there that will say these things I going to insist that they are been done, we will see a change. We will see an end to seeming corruption that has been in the system, the seeming lack of work and the seeming people ignoring the enrollees; that way there will be a change for sure.”

How is your experience in Heirs Holding impact your work in Avon HMO in terms of meeting your mandate on UHC? The Avon HMO boss said: “Basically the main vision driving Heirs Holdings is that the group recognizes that the private sector has to take a role, take up its own role in improving the economy. So that is the main vision driving Heirs Holding.

“For us, we are in the health sector and we all know health is wealth. So as a private player in the health sector, we know that we in our own way will contribute our own quota to the health of the individual and therefore the health of the economy.”

The Guardian

FIP statement of policy on green pharmacy

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Introduction:

Medicines are crucial tools to prevent or treat diseases, but there is growing evidence that residuals of pharmaceuticals can also be found in the water, atmosphere or soil, with possibly negative impact on the environment and health. Similarly, activities associated with the research, development, production, distribution and dispensing of medicines may also have an impact on the environment.

Such impact is influenced by changes observed globally in population demographics, migration and urbanisation among others.

It is critical that efforts to implement solutions do not compromise the availability of medicines and patient access to these medicines. Patient needs are of utmost importance.

The impact of pharmaceuticals on the environment is a challenge of global significance, and one in which individual pharmacists and professional associations can provide leadership that makes a difference. Throughout the pharmaceuticals supply chain efforts can be made to mitigate the negative impact of pharmaceuticals and related activities on the environment.

To make this difference it is important that pharmacists accept professional responsibility for the entire medicines-use process and take responsibility for mitigating the environmental risk of the medicines for which we are responsible. This responsibility extends across the entire medicines-use continuum, from manufacturing and distribution, prescribing, dispensing, pharmaceutical care, disposal of unused medicines and, ultimately, to the reduction in the discharge of metabolic waste into the environment. In all countries, regardless of place of employment or practice, pharmacists should seek to change the medicines-use process so as to minimise the adverse environmental effects of medicines and related activities.

By recognising the pharmacist’s role in, and accepting as the profession’s challenge, the reduction of medicines in the environment, our profession can provide meaningful leadership in an area that is virtually devoid of leadership. FIP believes that pharmacists and their associations are well positioned to provide the needed leadership in resolving many of the issues surrounding pharmaceuticals and the environment.

Against this background FIP recommends that:

Environmental effects of pharmaceuticals are considered in:

  1. Pharmacy school/college curricula
  2. The research, development, manufacturing and marketing of medicines
  3. The administrative and legislative processes regulating medicines
  4. All pharmacist practice areas

FIP member organisations:

  • Lead in raising public awareness as well as that of other health care professionals of this issue.
  • Provide leadership to their membership and governments in resolving the environmental issues surrounding medicines and their use.
  • Develop and promote the use of “green-office” concepts for practices.
  • Promote consumer- and practice-friendly pharmaceutical-waste disposal, including supporting take-back programmes and/or legislation that do not place the financial burden in pharmacy practices.

Schools of pharmacy:

  1. Teach green principles and pharmacist’s responsibility to educate patients on waste disposal as elements of pharmaceutical-care practice, and how to apply these.

Pharmacists:

  1. Implement green chemistry practices in all research and manufacturing and compounding processes.
  2. Collaborate with prescribers to raise awareness of the environmental classifications of medicines in their practices, where available.
  3. Adopt environmentally friendly procedures in procurement and distribution processes.
  4. Work with allied health professions to encourage rational prescribing practices such as starter doses (and limiting the number of doses prescribed and dispensed) to reasonable amounts.
  5. Work to incorporate counselling on the environmental impact and potential risks of all medicines as an integral part of medical and pharmacy practices.
  6. Recognise the contribution of non-adherence to prescribed regimens to the production of medicines waste.

Governments:

  1. Incorporate appropriate environmental risk assessments as part of the registration/approval process to assure proper handling of all medicines.
  2. Promote the global availability of environmental hazard data on medicines and support the development of national programmes on environmental-risk classification of pharmaceuticals.

Support the development of environmentally friendly practices in pharmacies aimed at limiting environmental hazards due to medicines.

FIP tasks pharmacists on reducing environmental effects of medicines

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Pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists must take responsibility for mitigating the environmental consequences of medicines, the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) says. An official policy statement adopted by the FIP Council in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and released yesterday, specifies that this responsibility encompasses the entire course of medicines use, from manufacture and distribution to prescribing and dispensing, and to disposal and reduction of the discharge of metabolites of medicines into the environment.

The policy statement sets out a number of recommended actions for FIP member organisations (national professional associations of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences), schools of pharmacy, individual pharmacists and governments. For example, it recommends that pharmacists work to encourage rational prescribing practices, such as the use of starter doses and starter quantities and limiting the general number of doses prescribed (and dispensed) to reasonable amounts, and that they make counselling on the environmental impact of medicines part of their practice. The statement also highlights the contribution non-adherence makes to medicines waste.

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The new FIP policy, “Environmentally sustainable pharmacy practice: Green pharmacy”, also says that “green” principles should be taught by pharmacy schools and it calls on governments to include appropriate environmental risk assessments as part of medicines approval processes.

“This statement of policy recognises the global challenge of the detrimental effect of pharmaceuticals on the environment. FIP believes that pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists are well placed to give meaningful leadership in conquering this challenge and urges them, national organisations and governments to do so, ensuring at the same time that any solutions do not compromise access to medicines,” said FIP Vice-President Ms Eeva Teräsalmi.

Pharmacy profession is advancing in many countries – FIP

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New report shows how the pharmacy profession is advancing in different countries with the help of FIP resources

Buenos Aires, 30 August 2016 — Universities, professional organisations and authorities around the world have been enabled to take steps towards ensuring that pharmacists are capable and competent thanks to resources produced by FIP Education (FIPEd), the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) has found.

A new report, “Transforming our workforce”, released today by FIP at the 76th World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Buenos Aires, Argentina, offers a collection of 14 achievements ranging from the credentialing of advanced pharmacy practice in Australia and the set-up of a new pharmacy curriculum in Chile to the adoption of a competency framework in Croatia and the development of a model to evaluate health care professionals in Jordan. All six World Health Organization regions are represented through these pharmacy workforce development success stories.

“This report is the most comprehensive collection of evidence so far of the value of FIP’s actions in the area of education and workforce. Since FIP started to focus on workforce and education in 2008, we have developed 23 resources and 10 strategic tools which are freely available to colleagues around the world,” said Professor Ian Bates, FIPEd development team director and editor of the report.

FIP’s Global Competency Framework, for instance, was an important reference for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in developing support tools for the UK, and FIP’s framework for quality assurance of pharmacy education has inspired the creation of a national taskforce to ensure quality education in India. Both are examples of FIPEd resources being used in steps to transform the pharmacy workforce.

Professor Bates added: “This new report is in itself a resource. We see it as a document that describes evidence-based and tested mechanisms, enabling policymakers and leadership bodies to advance the education of the pharmacy workforce.”

The report also gives an overview of FIPEd resources. “Transforming our workforce” is the latest addition to a body of work by FIP that feeds into the global agenda of universal health care delivery and promotes the value and potential of pharmacists within this agenda.

Notes for editors

Full report: “Transforming our workforce” and all the FIP Education resources described in the report are available at http://fip.org/educationreports. The success stories come from 14 countries: Australia, Chile, Croatia, India, Jordan, Malawi, New Zealand, Kenya/USA, Serbia, Spain and Spain/Angola, Thailand and the UK.

About FIP: The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is the global federation of national associations of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, and is in official relations with the World Health Organization. Through its 137 member organisations, it represents over three million practitioners and scientists around the world. www.fip.org

About FIPEd: FIP Education brings together all FIP’s education actions. Its purpose is to ensure that education and training provides the foundation for developing pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical services and the profession in order to meet societal needs for medicines expertise.

About the World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences: FIP’s 76th annual World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is being held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 28 August to 1 September 2016 with the theme “Reducing the global burden of disease”.

PRESS CONTACT
Lin-Nam Wang, communications manager
Email linnam@fip.org
Tel +31 6 316 29160

PSN Establishes a Working Relationship With APhA

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Among the distinguished achievements of the 2016 FIP conference for the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) is the establishment of a cordial relationship with the American Pharmacists Association (APhA).

The milestone, which was disclosed by the PSN President, Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai on his Facebook Timeline, noted that he has been invited to the FIP American Reception by the Head of the APha and the newly Vice President of FIP, Mr Thomas E. Menighan, to perfect the affiliation between the two bodies.

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His words:” From now on, PSN and APhA will work collaboratively and closely. It is a milestone”.

 

FIP President Rates Community Pharmacists’ Roles as Crucial

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“Health care can no longer be separated from social issues”, said Dr Carmen Peña, President of the International Pharmaceutical Federation, at the opening of the 76th World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences  in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Pharmacists and other health care professionals need to be more concerned with continuity, integration of processes and socio-health coordination, which is an important but often forgotten role of community pharmacies, she said.PSN AMER

Dr Peña used her opening address to focus on people — patients and health care professionals. “People” is one of the three areas in her “Two times two” plan for pharmacy. “Today’s patients have new demands. New needs. They are increasing in number and age. Many of our health systems were created in the 20th century for a society of patients with acute illnesses, but nowadays we live in a society of patients with chronic illnesses, many of whom require polymedication,” she said.

This new profile demands new areas of action from pharmacists in terms of home care as well as health care. Self-care and non-prescription medicines also deserve greater attention in this new era of health care, she added.

Dr Peña called for policies that enable cooperation and care coordination between health care professionals, with respect for their various functions, for the benefit of patients. But she also said that fostering trust, improving communication and sharing information should include non-health professionals, such as hospital managers, lawyers and economists, all of whom are essential to building a new concept of health care.

Dr Peña gave particular mention to clinical records. Patients should be the ones to decide the extent to which information is shared among health professionals, empowering them to look after their own health.

“We need to rethink health care. We need to break down barriers and prevent patients from getting lost in labyrinths of specialties and bureaucracy. The system should follow patients, rather than patients following the system,” she said.

AIDS pharmacist Recieves FIP’s highest honour for practitioners

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Buenos Aires, 29 August 2016 — Dr Ana I. Martinez, a pharmacist from Puerto Rico, USA, was recognised today with the International Pharmaceutical Federation’s (FIP’s) highest honour for pharmacy practitioners: the André Bédat Award.

Dr Martinez began her career as a hospital pharmacist. She then went on to lead the Pharmaceutical Affairs Branch in the Division of AIDS (DAIDS) of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases until 2015. In this role she conceived and implemented a clinical trial model which incorporated DAIDS pharmacists in the design of clinical trials and clinical site pharmacists in the conduct of research studies. She successfully brought this model to fruition initially in the US and subsequently in Africa, Asia and Latin America. This approach led to a strong involvement of pharmacists in HIV/AIDS clinical trials.

On winning the award, Dr Martinez said: “I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive the André Bédat Award. This represents the culmination of a long career in research pharmacy. I share this award with my colleagues in all the programmes around the world in which I have been privileged to participate.”

Notes for editors

About FIP: The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is the global federation of national associations of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, and is in official relations with the World Health Organization. Through its 137 member organisations, it represents over three million practitioners and scientists around the world. www.fip.org

FIP believes it is of utmost importance to support and recognise individuals who, through their vision and commitment to their profession, are making outstanding contributions to pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical sciences, serving as examples for others. Each year it honours those who have demonstrated commendable work and dedication in areas which parallel its overall mission of advancing pharmacy practice, science and education for the betterment of global health.

About the André Bédat Award: The André Bédat Award is one of FIP’s highest honours and is awarded every two years.

About the World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences: FIP’s 76th annual World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is being held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 28 August to 1 September 2016 with the theme “Reducing the global burden of disease”.

PRESS CONTACT
Lin-Nam Wang, communications manager
Email linnam@fip.org
Tel +31 6 316 29160

Global pharmacy awards go to pharmacists in seven countries

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Ten pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists from seven countries were recognised for their services to pharmacy at the opening ceremony of the 76th World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Buenos Aires, Argentina. They received awards from the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) as follows:

  • Distinguished Science Award to Professor Shinji Yamashita (Japan; collected by Dr Teruko Imai)
  • Joseph A. Oddis Award for Exceptional Service to FIP to Dr Dieter Steinbach (Germany)
  • FIP Fellowships —

Professor Ralph Altiere (USA)
Professor Michael Anisfeld (USA)
Professor Parisa Aslani (Australia)
Mr Thony Björk (Sweden)
Professor Timothy Chen (Australia)
Mrs Manjiri Gharat (India)
Professor Michiho Ito (Japan)
Ms Lindsay McClure (United Kingdom)

About FIP: The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is the global federation of national associations of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, and is in official relations with the World Health Organization. Through its 137 member organisations, it represents over three million practitioners and scientists around the world. www.fip.org

FIP believes it is of utmost importance to support and recognise individuals who, through their vision and commitment to their profession, are making outstanding contributions to pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical sciences, serving as examples for others. Each year it honours those who have demonstrated commendable work and dedication in areas which parallel its overall mission of advancing pharmacy practice, science and education for the betterment of global health.

About the Distinguished Science Award: The Distinguished Science Award recognises an individual or group that has made an outstanding contribution to pharmaceutical science and is awarded every two years.

About the Joseph A. Oddis Award: The Joseph A. Oddis Award is given on an ad-hoc basis to officers or individuals who have rendered exceptional service to FIP.

About FIP Fellowships: An FIP Fellowship recognises individual members of FIP who have exhibited strong leadership internationally, who have distinguished themselves in pharmacy practice or the pharmaceutical sciences, who have contributed to the advancement of the practice of pharmacy or pharmaceutical sciences, and who have served FIP. FIP Fellows may use the designation “FFIP”.

About the World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences: FIP’s 76th annual World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is being held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 28 August to 1 September 2016 with the theme “Reducing the global burden of disease”.

PRESS CONTACT
Lin-Nam Wang, communications manager
Email linnam@fip.org
Tel +31 6 316 29160

World Water Week opens in Stockholm

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Water can be the unifying power for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Stockholm (29 August 2016) – Leaders and experts in the water, climate and development communities have gathered in Stockholm to discuss how water can enable the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Press contact: Rowena Barber, Communications Manager, Tel +46-8-1213-6039

Under the theme Water for Sustainable Growth, some 3,000 people from over 120 countries are meeting in Stockholm this week for the 26th annual World Water Week. With water crises being listed as one of the top global risks in the coming years by the World Economic Forum, and a rapidly growing world population putting pressure on scarce water resources, seeking solutions to the world’s many complex water challenges is becoming ever more urgent for the researchers, policy-makers, and representatives of civil society and the private sector meeting in Stockholm.

Opening the Week, Torgny Holmgren, Executive Director of the organizer, Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) said: “Without reliable access to water, almost no Sustainable Development Goal will be achieved. To make that happen, we must ensure water’s centrality to the entire Agenda 2030. This will show the power water has a connector.”

“Water connects not only sectors, but also nations, communities and different actors. Water can be the unifying power, the enabler for progress in both Agenda 2030 and the Paris climate agreement”, said Holmgren.

The Mayor of Stockholm, Karin Wanngård, underlined the role cities need to play in realizing the development agenda. “Cities represent a large portion of future growth. We have the job growth, the universities, the creative ideas. We also face the biggest emissions, the social problems, and housing shortage. Our participation in the struggle for sustainable solutions is key for global success. And that means a growing responsibility, a moral responsibility towards future generations and their ability to live in cities where it is possible to work, live in security, breathe the air and drink the water.”

Addressing the opening session, Sweden’s Foreign Minister Margot Wallström reinforced the message that water is a connector and an enabler in realizing the SDGs. “Successful realization of Goal 6 of the 2030 Agenda will underpin progress across many of the other goals, particularly on nutrition, child health, education, gender equality, healthy cities and healthy water ecosystems and oceans.”

The Secretary General of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Angel Gurría, said that water, from having been a subject that was rarely discussed with urgency, has come to the front and centre of international deliberations. “Water now has the place it needs to have in international priorities”, said Gurría.

About Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) and World Water Week

SIWI is a policy institute working for a water wise world. SIWI does independent research, generates knowledge and provides expert analysis and advice on water issues to decision-makers and other agents of change. SIWI organizes the World Water Week in Stockholm – the leading annual global meeting place on water and development issues – and hosts the Stockholm Water Prize and the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, which will be awarded during World Water Week.

On Tuesday 30 August, the Stockholm Junior Water Prize will be awarded to one national team out of the 29 competing nations by H.R.H. Prince Carl Philip of Sweden.

On Wednesday 31 August, the prestigious Stockholm Water Prize will be awarded to Joan Rose, for her tireless contributions to global public health; by assessing risks to human health in water and creating guidelines and tools for decision-makers and communities to improve global wellbeing. The prize will be awarded to Joan Rose by H.M. Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden, during a ceremony in Stockholm City Hall.

Note to Editors:

WHO statement on the international spread of poliovirus

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IHR Emergency Committee recommendations regarding the international spread of poliovirus

The tenth meeting of the Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) regarding the international spread of poliovirus was convened via teleconference by the WHO Director-General on 11 August 2016.

The Emergency Committee reviewed the data on wild poliovirus (WPV1) and circulating vaccine­derived polioviruses (cVDPV).

The Secretariat presented a full report of progress for all affected IHR States Parties previously considered by the Emergency Committee. The following IHR States Parties presented an update on the implementation of the WHO Temporary Recommendations since the Committee last met on 12 May 2016: Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria.

Wild polio

The Committee was gravely concerned by the report from Nigeria of two new cases in July of acute flaccid paralysis in children due to WPV1 from Borno State from two different local government areas (LGA): Gwoza and Jere. The Committee noted that genetic analysis indicated that the two viruses detected had circulated undetected for several years. These cases, together with the cVDPV2 reported in May 2016 also from Borno, indicate polioviruses have been circulating undetected in the area for several years and that significant gaps in surveillance remain. Such gaps are compounded by a recent increase in the area of inaccessibility in the state. The Committee was also concerned that Gwoza district has a long border with the Extreme North province of Cameroon and is considered inaccessible. Noting the history of poliovirus transmission in the Lake Chad area, and the international borders around Borno with Cameroon, Chad and Niger, the Committee concluded that the risk of international spread between these four countries was extremely high and may already be happening. Further international spread would significantly delay progress towards global eradication. The Emergency Committee was concerned that the Nigerian Polio Presidential Committee has not met in 2016, and that there have been delays in government funds being released for the polio response.

The Committee applauded the progress being made in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the renewed emphasis on cooperation along the long international border between the two countries noting that this constitutes an epidemiological block between the two countries. The Committee applauded the strong progress being made in Pakistan, with consistent evidence of reduced transmission in 2016, and welcomed Pakistan’s determination to complete eradication this year. The Committee was pleased that as a result of these efforts, there has been no international spread of wild poliovirus between Pakistan and Afghanistan since the previous meeting.

Whilst border vaccination between these two countries is limited to children under ten years of age, efforts are being made to vaccinate departing travellers of all age groups from airports. The committee was pleased that progress had been made in Afghanistan where some foreign embassies now facilitate implementation of Temporary Recommendations through adopting procedures that include proof of polio vaccination as part of visa application processes for travellers departing from Afghanistan.

The Committee, however, was concerned by the deteriorating security in parts of Afghanistan leading to more children becoming inaccessible, heightening anxiety about completion of eradication in 2016, thereby delaying the global polio endgame. The Committee also noted that globally there are still significant vulnerable areas and populations that are inadequately immunized due to conflict, insecurity and poor coverage associated with weak immunization programmes. Such vulnerable areas include countries in the Middle East, the Horn of Africa, and Central Africa.

The Committee noted that in Equatorial Guinea (last case 3 May 2014) and Cameroon (last case 9 July 2014), although more than 24 months have passed without new infection by poliovirus, neither country had yet provided a final report as requested. Furthermore, Equatorial Guinea had weak surveillance indicators, and there were concerns about routine immunisation and Cameroon is now vulnerable to importation of WPV from Nigeria.

Vaccine derived poliovirus

The Committee noted that there have been no new cases of cVDPV since the previous meeting in May 2016.

In Guinea, the outbreak appears to be confined to one region, Kankan, where the most recent case had onset in December 2015. The Committee, however, felt there appears to be a medium to high risk of spread to neighbouring areas, as active surveillance has only recently started and the likelihood of missing transmission cannot be ruled out. Furthermore, surveillance indicators in neighbouring Liberia and Sierra Leone are below required standards and more efforts are needed to enhance surveillance in all these countries.

The Committee remains very concerned that in Nigeria a circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) has been detected in an environmental sample in March 2016 in Maiduguri, Borno State, north-east Nigeria. The Committee noted that a very robust outbreak response is under way by the Government of Nigeria, but the new incidence of WPV1 now complicates that response.

In Myanmar, Laos and Madagascar, where the most recent cases had onset of paralysis on : 5 October 2015 from Rakhine province, 11 January 2016 from Vientiane province, and 22 August 2015 from Sud-Ouest province, respectively, recent outbreak assessments showed much progress, but uncertainty about ongoing transmission remains due to gaps in surveillance.

In the Ukraine, where two cases of cVDPV1 occurred in 2015, the outbreak assessment recently concluded that poliovirus transmission had ceased, and as it is now 13 months since onset of the last case (7 July 2015) the outbreak is considered closed.

Conclusion

The Committee unanimously agreed that the international spread of poliovirus remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), and recommended the extension of the Temporary Recommendations for a further three months. The Committee considered the following factors in reaching this conclusion:

  • The new outbreak of WPV1 in Nigeria highlighting that there are high-risk areas where surveillance is compromised by inaccessibility, resulting in ongoing circulation of WPV for several years without detection. The risk of transmission in the Lake Chad sub-region appears extremely high.
  • The continued international spread of wild poliovirus during 2015 and 2016 involving Pakistan and Afghanistan.
  • The current special and extraordinary context of being closer to polio eradication than ever before in history.
  • The risk and consequent costs of failure to eradicate globally one of the world’s most serious vaccine preventable diseases. Even though global transmission has fallen dramatically and with it the likelihood of international spread, the consequences and impact of international spread should it occur would be grave.
  • The possibility of global complacency developing as the numbers of polio cases continues to fall and eradication becomes a possibility.
  • The continued necessity of a coordinated international response to improve immunization and surveillance for wild poliovirus, to stop international spread and reduce the risk of new spread.
  • The serious consequences of further international spread for the increasing number of countries in which immunization systems have been weakened or disrupted by conflict and complex emergencies. Populations in these fragile states are vulnerable to outbreaks of polio. Outbreaks in fragile states are exceedingly difficult to control and threaten the completion of global polio eradication during its end stage.
  • The importance of a regional approach and strong cross­border cooperation, as much international spread of polio occurs over land borders, while recognizing that the risk of distant international spread remains from zones with active poliovirus transmission.
  • Additionally with respect to cVDPV:
    • cVDPVs also pose a risk for international spread, which without an urgent response with appropriate measures threatens vulnerable populations as noted above;
    • The emergence and circulation of VDPVs in four WHO regions demonstrates significant gaps in population immunity at a critical time in the polio endgame;
    • There is a particular urgency of preventing type 2 cVDPVs following the globally synchronized withdrawal of type 2 component of the oral poliovirus vaccine in April 2016;
    • The ongoing challenges of improving routine immunization in areas affected by insecurity and other emergencies, including Ebola;
    • The global shortage of IPV poses fresh challenges.

Risk categories

The Committee provided the WHO Director­General with the following advice aimed at reducing the risk of international spread of wild poliovirus and cVDPVs, based on the risk stratification as follows:

Wild poliovirus

  • States currently exporting wild poliovirus;
  • States infected with wild poliovirus but not currently exporting;
  • States no longer infected by wild poliovirus, but which remain vulnerable to international spread.

Circulating vaccine derived poliovirus

  • States currently exporting cVDPV;
  • States infected with cVDPV but not currently exporting;
  • States no longer infected by cVDPV, but which remain vulnerable to the emergence and circulation of VDPV.

The Committee applied the following criteria to assess the period for detection of no new exportations and the period for detection of no new cases or environmental isolates of wild poliovirus or cVDPV:

Criteria to assess States no longer exporting (detection of no new wild poliovirus or cVDPV exportation)

  • Poliovirus Case: 12 months after the onset date of the first case caused by the most recent exportation PLUS one month to account for case detection, investigation, laboratory testing and reporting period, OR when all reported AFP cases with onset within 12 months of the first case caused by the most recent importation have been tested for polio and excluded for newly imported WPV1 or cVDPV, and environmental samples collected within 12 months of the first case have also tested negative, whichever is the longer.
  • Environmental isolation of exported poliovirus: 12 months after collection of the first positive environmental sample in the country that received the new exportation PLUS one month to account for the laboratory testing and reporting period.
Criteria to assess States no longer infected (detection of no new wild poliovirus or cVDPV)
  • Poliovirus Case: 12 months after the onset date of the most recent case PLUS one month to account for case detection, investigation, laboratory testing and reporting period OR when all reported AFP cases with onset within 12 months of last case have been tested for polio and excluded for WPV1 or cVDPV, and environmental samples collected within 12 months of the last case have also tested negative, whichever is the longer.
  • Environmental isolation of wild poliovirus or cVDPV (no poliovirus case): 12 months after collection of the most recent positive environmental sample PLUS one month to account for the laboratory testing and reporting period

Temporary recommendations

States currently exporting wild poliovirus or cVDPV

Currently Pakistan (last wild poliovirus exportation: 1 February 2016) and Afghanistan (last wild poliovirus exportation: 6 June 2015).

Exporting countries should:

  • Officially declare, if not already done, at the level of head of state or government, that the interruption of poliovirus transmission is a national public health emergency; where such declaration has already been made, this emergency status should be maintained.
  • Ensure that all residents and long­term visitors (i.e. > four weeks) of all ages receive a dose of oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) or inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) between four weeks and 12 months prior to international travel.
  • Ensure that those undertaking urgent travel (i.e. within four weeks), who have not received a dose of OPV or IPV in the previous four weeks to 12 months, receive a dose of polio vaccine at least by the time of departure as this will still provide benefit, particularly for frequent travellers.
  • Ensure that such travellers are provided with an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis in the form specified in Annex 6 of the IHR to record their polio vaccination and serve as proof of vaccination.
  • Restrict at the point of departure the international travel of any resident lacking documentation of appropriate polio vaccination. These recommendations apply to international travellers from all points of departure, irrespective of the means of conveyance (e.g. road, air, sea).
  • Recognising that the movement of people across the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan continues to facilitate exportation of wild poliovirus, both countries should further intensify cross­border efforts by significantly improving coordination at the national, regional and local levels to substantially increase vaccination coverage of travellers crossing the border and of high risk cross­border populations. Both countries have maintained permanent vaccination teams at the main border crossings for many years. Improved coordination of cross­border efforts should include closer supervision and monitoring of the quality of vaccination at border transit points, as well as tracking of the proportion of travellers that are identified as unvaccinated after they have crossed the border.
  • Maintain these measures until the following criteria have been met: (i) at least six months have passed without new exportations and (ii) there is documentation of full application of high quality eradication activities in all infected and high risk areas; in the absence of such documentation these measures should be maintained until the state meets the above criteria of a ‘state no longer exporting’.
  • Provide to the WHO Director­General a monthly report on the implementation of the Temporary Recommendations on international travel, including the number of residents whose travel was restricted and the number of travellers who were vaccinated and provided appropriate documentation at the point of departure.
States infected with wild poliovirus or cVDPVs but not currently exporting

Infected countries (WPV1)

  • Nigeria (last case 13 July 2016)

Infected countries (cVDPV)

  • Nigeria (last env isolate 23 March 2016)
  • Guinea (last case 14 December 2015)
  • Madagascar (last case 22 August 2015)
  • Lao People’s Democratic Republic (last case 11 January 2016)
  • Myanmar (last case 5 October 2015)

These countries should:

  • Officially declare, if not already done, at the level of head of state or government, that the interruption of poliovirus transmission is a national public health emergency; where such declaration has already been made, this emergency status should be maintained.
  • Encourage residents and long­term visitors to receive a dose of OPV or IPV four weeks to 12 months prior to international travel; those undertaking urgent travel (i.e. within four weeks) should be encouraged to receive a dose at least by the time of departure.
  • Ensure that travellers who receive such vaccination have access to an appropriate document to record their polio vaccination status. Intensify regional cooperation and cross­border coordination to enhance surveillance for prompt detection of poliovirus and substantially increase vaccination coverage among refugees, travellers and cross­border populations.
  • Maintain these measures until the following criteria have been met: (i) at least six months have passed without the detection of wild poliovirus transmission or circulation of VDPV in the country from any source, and (ii) there is documentation of full application of high quality eradication activities in all infected and high risk areas; in the absence of such documentation these measures should be maintained until the state meets the criteria of a ‘state no longer infected’.
  • At the end of 12 months without evidence of transmission, provide a report to the WHO Director­General on measures taken to implement the Temporary Recommendations.
States no longer infected by wild poliovirus or cVDPV, but which remain vulnerable to international spread, and states that are vulnerable to the emergence and circulation of VDPV

Currently Somalia, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Niger*, Chad* (WPV1) and Ukraine (cVDPV1)

These countries should:

  • Urgently strengthen routine immunization to boost population immunity.
  • Enhance surveillance quality to reduce the risk of undetected wild poliovirus and cVDPV transmission, particularly among high risk mobile and vulnerable populations.
  • Intensify efforts to ensure vaccination of mobile and cross­border populations, Internally Displaced Persons, refugees and other vulnerable groups.
  • Enhance regional cooperation and cross border coordination to ensure prompt detection of wild poliovirus and cVDPV, and vaccination of high risk population groups.
  • Maintain these measures with documentation of full application of high quality surveillance and vaccination activities.
  • At the end of 12 months without evidence of reintroduction of wild poliovirus or new emergence and circulation of cVDPV, provide a report to the Director General on measures taken to implement the Temporary Recommendations.

These countries should provide a final report as per the table below:

 

Country Most recent case onset / +ve environmental isolate Final Report due
Equatorial Guinea 3 May 2014 June 2016**
Cameroon 9 July 2014 August 2016**
Somalia 11 August 2014 Septmeber 2016
Ukraine 7 July 2015 August 2017

*Niger and Chad have not previously been subject to Temporary Recommendations, but the Committee concluded that the extraordinary circumstances in Nigeria made these countries (and Cameroon) highly vulnerable, and the Temporary Recommendations for vulnerable countries were appropriate to limit the risk of international spread.

**Reports overdue; however the epidemiological situation indicates heightened vulnerability currently.

Additional considerations for all infected countries

The Committee strongly urged global partners in polio eradication to provide optimal support to all infected countries at this critical time in the polio eradication program for implementation of the Temporary Recommendations under the IHR. Recognizing that cVDPV illustrates serious gaps in routine immunization programs in otherwise polio free countries, the Committee recommended that the international partners in routine immunization, for example Gavi, should urgently assist affected countries to improve the national immunization program. Investment in regional mechanisms such as the recent formation of a polio joint task force for Lake Chad is needed.

The Committee reviewed an analysis of the public health benefits and costs of implementing temporary recommendations that require exporting countries to vaccinate all international travellers before departure. The initial analysis suggests that this approach is cost-effective as there is ample evidence that air travelers may transmit polio and that vaccinating them would be effective in preventing international long distance spread. The committee requested further analysis around the cost-benefits of this approach including consideration of the opportunity costs that may result from diverting human resources to implement airport immunisation interventions. Notwithstanding this, the committee noted that as both Pakistan and Afghanistan have significant numbers of migrant workers utilizing air travel, implementation of these international travel recommendations are justifiable, and should continue to be supported by the countries and by partner agencies.

The Committee urged all countries to avoid complacency which could easily lead to a polio resurgence. Surveillance particularly needs careful attention to quickly detect any resurgent transmission.

Based on the advice concerning wild poliovirus and cVDPV, and the reports made by Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria, the WHO Director­General accepted the Committee’s assessment and on 22 August 2016 determined that the events relating to poliovirus continue to constitute a PHEIC, with respect to wild poliovirus and cVDPV. The WHO Director­General endorsed the Committee’s recommendations for countries falling into the definition of ‘States currently exporting wild polioviruses or cVDPV’, for ‘States infected with wild poliovirus or cVDPV but not currently exporting’ and for ‘States no longer infected by wild poliovirus, but which remain vulnerable to international spread, and states that are vulnerable to the emergence and circulation of VDPV’ and extended the Temporary Recommendations as revised by the Committee under the IHR to reduce the international spread of poliovirus, effective 22 August 2016.

The WHO Director­General thanked the Committee Members and Advisors for their advice and requested their reassessment of this situation within the next three months.

Pharmacists Chart Path On Reducing Global Diseases Burden

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Pharmacists across the globe are deliberating on the role of pharmacy in reducing the global burden of diseases at the ongoing 76th FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 2016.Below are some of the photographs taken at the event, holding at Buenos Aires, Argentina, August 28 – September 1, 2016.

 

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A cross section of top Nigerian pharmacists including PCN Registrar, Pharm.Elijah Mohammed, left; Immediate past PSN President, Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, second from left; and PSN President, Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, fifth from left, at the international conference in Argentina.

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Essentials of Brand Management

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Brand

Brands (bundles of benefits) need champions to fight their course and pilot them from conception to maturity. Brand managers are expected to have the skills, knowledge and interest to plan, implement and control for success in the market place. The programme is designed to provide the above skills and others, to operate successfully in the complex world of productmanagement and highly competitive marketplace.

 

Essentials of brandingProgramme Content:

• Overview of Product Management

• Roles and Responsibilities of Product/Brand Managers

• Marketing Elements

• Marketing Planning and Planning Process

• Segmentation Positioning

• Understanding Competition and Marketing Environment

• Marketing Warfare

• Market Research & Product DatabaseBranding

• Consumer Behaviour

• New Product Development

• Forecasting and Budgeting

• Channel Management and Promotions

• Consumer promotion

• Integrated Marketing Communications Management.

• Product Planning Portfolio Analysis-BCG, GE Matrix Systems, etc

• PLC & Product Management

• Strategies for Growth

• Elements of Interpersonal and influencing skills and Management.

For Whom:

Product Managers, Brand Managers, Marketing Managers, Sales Managers,   Marketing Practitioners, Customer Service Managers, Trade Marketing/Commercial Managers/Directors, Key Account Managers, etc.

Investment Value:  N90,000.00 (before 19th September and N95,000.00 after) 

Programme Date:  September  27-29, 2016.

For further information, please contact:

Chinwe Odita                                –   +234 706 812 9728

Adekola Adediran                        –   +234 703 225 2123

Click here to download training brochure of courses for 2016

Leading Regions in Global Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market

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According to report by Persistence Market Research, “Global Market Study on Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API): Industry Analysis and Forecast 2015-2020”, the market reached the value of US$ 127Bn at the end of 2014. The increased demand for pharmaceutical drugs owing to the rising ageing population, increasing incidences of chronic illnesses and infectious diseases is major factor fueling the global API market.

The growing prevalence of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, neurological, and cardiovascular
diseases is a major driver in the global market. Manufacturers are making the shift from small molecules
manufacturing to biologic drugs. This is resulting in increased opportunities for contract manufacturing
companies in the global market. The blockbuster drugs being taken off the shelf as well as in-house
manufacturing of biologics owing to intellectual property concerns are major challenges in the global API
market.
In terms of manufacturing process, the global market is segmented into captive manufacturing and
contrast manufacturing. On the basis of product type, the market is segmented into synthetic chemical
API and biological API. The biological API segment is the fastest growing in the global API market with
a high growth rate of 8% through the forecast period of 2015-2020.

In terms of drug type, the market is segmented into branded prescription drugs, generic prescription
drugs, and OTC prescription drugs. The branded prescription drugs segment is the leading segment in the
global market owing to aggressive marketing by the players. The generic prescription drugs segment is
the fastest growing segment in the global API market through the forecast period 2015-2020.
In terms of therapeutic area, the market is segmented into cardiovascular disorders, metabolic disorders,
neurological disorders, oncology, musculoskeletal disorders, NSAIDs, and other therapeutics uses. The
cardiovascular disorders and NSAIDs segments collectively account for the major share in the global
market.
In terms of region, the global API market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and
Rest of the World. North America is the largest market segment owing to the highest consumption and
imports of API across the globe. India and China are the leading suppliers of API to North America owing
to low cost of labor and production. Asia Pacific is the second largest market region owing to low cost of
production facilities and labor, along with the presence of large number of global and domestic players in
the region, especially in China and India.

Key players in the global API market include WuXi AppTec, Allergan Plc., Pfizer, Inc., Sandoz (Novartis
AG), Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, BASF SE, Lonza Group, Boehringer
Ingelheim GmbH, Cambrex Corporation, and Mylan N.V. Leading players in the market are focusing
towards increasing their product portfolio and higher market penetration.

To get more information:
http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-
research/active-pharmaceutical-ingredient-market.asp

 

NMA links deteriorating health conditions of Nigerians to unpaid wages

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The Nigerian Medical Association on Sunday has said that non-payment of workers’ salaries in many states of the federation had worsened the health condition of Nigerians.

The NMA’s position was contained in a communique issued at the end of its National Executive Council meeting in Enugu.

In the communique, read by its President, Prof. Mike Ogirima, the medical association asked the Federal Government, to, as a matter of urgency, provide special bailout for workers’ salaries and prevail on state governments to pay them as and when due.

“The continuous handling with levity of workers’ salaries by some state governors is worsening the health of Nigerians which depend on out-of-pocket payments and also causes internal and external brain drain, thus undermining the training and quality of service rendered by health professionals,” the NMA said.

Ogirima added that the earlier bailout given to the states by the Federal Government was mismanaged.

He said the medical body was canvassing another salary bailout for the states by virtue of its role as the ‘custodian’ of the people’s health.

“The NMA and Nigerians are aware that some governors received bailout funds.\

“We are also aware that some governors diverted the bailout funds even when the workers are being owed.

“The NMA, as the custodian of the people’s health, is urging the Federal Government to do the needful because indices we are getting about the health implications of the non-payment of workers’ salaries on people’s health is worrisome,” Ogirima explained.

The NMA also demanded the full implementation of the provisions of the National Health Act, 2014, and expanded access of the National Health Insurance Scheme.

The association noted that failure to fully implement the law had undermined the aspirations of ordinary Nigerians for better health care delivery.

“This (nonimplementation of provisions of NHA, 2014) has led to worsening health indices with persistent high maternal and under-five mortality rates, infrastructural decay and poor motivation of health professionals.

“The current economic crisis in our country and high rate of out-of-pocket payments for health care services, coupled with the low accessibility of the National Health Insurance Scheme, is not only threatening the health care delivery system but has made achieving universal health coverage in Nigeria a mirage,” the communique said.

Ogirima described as unacceptable, a system where most civil servants were not captured in the NHIS.

 

The Punch News

NNMDA DG tasks pharmacists on the availability of herbal products

By
Temitope Obayendo
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In view of the scarcity of the raw materials for the production of drugs in the country, the Director General, Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) Pharm. Sam Etatuvie has advised pharmacists to focus more on the production of herbal medicines.

The NNMDA boss, who spoke to pharmanewsonline.com in an exclusive interview on the commemoration of the “ African Traditional Medicine Week 2016” which is usually observe on August 26-31 of every year, said Nigeria is blessed with numerous bio diversities that can be identified and transformed into primary materials for drugs production.’

Acknowledging that Nigeria has better medicinal plants than those from China, he urged pharmacists to do less of retailing and concentrate on the development of herbal medicines that can be used for the management of tropical diseases.

Details later.

 

Emzor Paracetamol celebrates 30 years of excellence

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In what has been described as a fulfillment of promise made, the Emzor Group has rolled out the drums to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Emzor Paracetamol, Nigeria’s leading indigenous brand of acetaminophen.

Speaking at the unveiling of its special anniversary pack which held at Ambassadors Hotel, Ikoyi on 22 July, Dr Stella Okoli, founder and group managing director of the company, disclosed that the celebration was a demonstration of the company’s commitment to providing affordable health care to everyone.

“To the glory of God, the Emzor Paracetamol story which started 30 years ago, has now become a success story. We want to use this opportunity to thank Nigerians who have been so loyal to the Emzor Paracetamol brand.

“Ultimately, we see a world where unlimited wellness is available to all and affordable by all. We call this new world WELLOCRACY. It is our belief that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation” she said.

Speaking further, the Emzor founder noted that “What outsiders see is our great enterprise and our quality products. But the real assets of our company are the people – our dear staff, who are an embodiment of the values we hold dear.

“As we celebrate 30 years of making Nigerians feel better, we thank them for trusting us to make them feel better. That trust is why we are today the tested, trusted and dependable brand for fast relief from headaches, pains and fever”.

In his own presentation at the event, Pharm Folourunsho Alaran, the company’s business development manager told the audience that before the advent of Emzor Paracetamol and other products of the company, such as cough syrup, antimalarial, ibuprofen and vitamin C, acetaminophen (which many refer to as paracetamol), constituted two-third of over-the-counter (OTC) pain killers.

“Over two million packs are sold annually for relief of feverish condition, aches and pains. Some cancer patients are also known to use it with a blend of opioids.

“However it is a known fact that an overdose can lead to liver damage. We therefore urge Nigerians to always follow the doctor’s prescription,” he said.

In attendance at the event were Pharm Moses Awolola, deputy director of pharmacy, Lagos Ministry of Health; Pharm. Chinelo Umeh, regulatory affairs manager; Chief John Uwafor, chairman of Onitsha Drug Sellers Association; and Chief Michael Odogwu, managing director of MJ & Sons Pharmaceutical Limited.

Others were Alhaji Sayyid Lawal Atana, director of Latnas Pharmaceuticals Limited; Pharm Obiorah Ikemefuna, Emzor’s business development manager; and Chinasa Kalu, administrative assistant.

Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited is a wholly private indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturing group founded in 1984 by Dr Stella C. Okoli, OON. The company manufactures high quality pharmaceutical products and medical consumables.

In sales, emotion is key, buyers follow what they feel

By
George Emetuche
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Unbreakable Laws of Sales

Legendary Zig Ziglar shared a story of how he could not take his mind off a particular red sweater in a shop near the hotel in which he had lodged during an official assignment. He walked inside the shop and admired the sweater but the salesperson was just the transactional kind. She didn’t make any effort to win Zig to buy the sweater; she only told him the selling price and continued what she was doing!

Zig, as a sales superstar didn’t like the salesperson’s attitude. He got angry and left for his hotel room. He narrated that he kept thinking about the beautiful sweater and how it would look on him. Somehow, he felt it won’t be smart enough not to buy the sweater because of the salesperson’s poor attitude to sales. He went back and bought the sweater. The reason for Zig’s action was simple; he got emotionally connected to the sweater!

Feelings and emotions are impressions that provoke physical response. They emanate from the inside and affect actions and reactions. Logic makes people think. Feelings and emotions make people act. Logically, people say things like: “Beautiful presentation but…let me think about it.” Or “I will get back to you after giving it a thought.” All these logical and reasoned statements are usually followed by the prospect’s exit. No wonder salesmen dislike these lines!

The reasons for these objections follow the universal principle underlying all selling, which is: ‘‘People buy emotionally and justify logically.’’ In the opening story, Zig Ziglar bought the sweater emotionally and justified his action logically. The logic was when he felt it wasn’t smart enough to ignore the sweater because of the salesperson’s unprofessional attitude. This is what happens in buyers’ world. A lot of thoughts go on in the buyer’s mind. The duty of the salesman is to ensure that these thoughts are positive toward him.

In the Features, Advantages and Benefits (FAB) concept of selling, what connects more is the ‘‘B,’’ the Benefit. Most times, Features and Advantages won’t close the sale until Benefits are introduced. Benefits connect emotionally. Prospects get emotionally attached to the products when they see the benefits.

Feeling and Emotion reside in the Benefit. This is so because when the buyer sees benefits, his ‘‘Emotional Temperature’’ rises and his decision to buy increases as well. The saying, features tell, benefits sell couldn’t be more correct.

I see emotion and feeling as the gap between thinking about doing something and taking action to do it. Emotion does not necessarily require logic to take place. Emotion follows its own sequence.  Emotion acts without deep thinking!

I see selling as transfer of emotion and feeling. While the former (emotion) is temporary, the latter (feeling) is sustainable. To put it in another way, emotion is what you express immediately, while feeling is your true identity. Emotion is usually immediate; it does not necessarily follow logic.

Logically, emotion is an outcome of a reservoir of feeling. You react emotionally as a result of the way you feel. For example, a prospect that loves football will have the reservoir of this feeling inside him. His emotion would trigger when a salesman says something about football that attracts this feeling inside him.  It therefore means that emotion is a function of what happens in your feeling reservoir.

John Voris, salesman and philosopher puts it this way: ‘‘feeling expresses your true identity, while emotion reveals how you have been taught to respond to events in your life. As the object in your world produces emotion within you, those emotions are collected in your subconscious and begin to accumulate. This is especially true when similar events are experienced repeatedly. Ultimately they form an emotional conclusion on how to live life, and more importantly, how to survive physically and mentally in a world of chaos. When this happens, a feeling is born. In this way, emotion serves as a sort of ‘‘feeling factory.’’

Sell like a champion! Do not forget to rouse the emotion of the buyer and justify the sale by giving the best offer. You can’t go ‘‘Sales Wrong’’ in this!

Takeda Announces Bold, New Access to Medicines for Sub-Saharan Africa

By
Admin
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Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE: 4502) (www.Takeda.com) today announced the launch of a bold, new Access to Medicines (AtM) strategy, aimed at increasing access to its innovative and potentially life-saving medicines for patients with some of the highest unmet medical needs. For decades, the company has provided product, funding and access in many parts of the world, based on regional needs. The new AtM strategy builds on that by focusing on geographies and therapy areas with the highest unmet need.

Tekeda

This comprehensive approach is focused on countries with less developed and evolving healthcare systems in areas such as Latin America, South East Asia and Africa, where sustainable approaches to tackle barriers that limit access to medicines are needed to make a meaningful impact on patient lives. Of the 38 million people who die from non-communicable diseases each year, three quarters – or 28 million – of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

“Access to innovative medicines and quality healthcare is vital to the health of people across the world,” said Christophe Weber, president and CEO, Takeda. “In line with Takeda’s values, our Access to Medicines strategy will expand on our existing commitments to enhance global health, so that our innovative and potentially life-saving medicines can be more accessible and affordable to patients in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa.”

The announcement coincides with the Sixth Tokyo International Conference of Africa’s Development (TICAD-VI), and the Company’s formal opening of offices in Nairobi, Kenya, from where Takeda aims to forge sustainable AtM partnerships across Sub-Saharan Africa adopting a ‘not-for-profit’ approach.

Takeda’s new AtM strategy will focus on increasing access to some of its most innovative medicines in the areas of oncology and specialty gastroenterology, as well as its vaccine candidates for communicable diseases such as dengue and chikungunya. As part of the Company’s not-for-profit approach in Sub-Saharan Africa, Takeda is also working to improve patient access to some of its diabetes and hypertension medicines.

The initiative aims to address multiple access barriers common across regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa – including development of AtM-targeted life-cycle management for its existing medicines, accelerated registration of its innovative medicines, increased participation of local centres in clinical trials, establishment of early access programs where applicable, and introduction of innovative approaches to address affordability for those patients whose ability to pay the full cost of treatment is limited.

“Takeda is committed to help advance patient health via collaborative, affordability-based approaches that bring together key stakeholders to ensure our latest, innovative medicines reach the patients that need them. We have rolled-out comprehensive patient assistance programs in a number of Emerging Markets. Our aspiration is that eligible patients who are prescribed Takeda’s potentially life-saving medicines will be able to get access to them” commented Takeda’s Giles Platford, president, Emerging Markets Business Unit.

In countries such as Kenya, Takeda’s approach goes beyond medicines. The company is working with several partners to enhance local cancer management capacity, increase access to treatment, and address access barriers for other chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

“We aim to establish Nairobi, Kenya as a regional center of excellence for Sub-Saharan Africa in the area of oncology/haematology,” commented Isabel Torres, Takeda’s Global Head, Access to Medicines. “To further that goal, and make a sustainable contribution, Takeda will work alongside governments, NGOs, healthcare professionals, patient associations and local community in multiple Public-Private Partnerships. The opening of our Nairobi office is a significant step forward in helping forge those collaborations and in enabling patients in the region gain better access to medicines.”

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities are an important cornerstone of Takeda’s AtM strategy in Sub-Saharan Africa. Two key programs include the Takeda Initiative, a 10-year program started in 2010 to partner with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria by strengthening the capacity of healthcare workers in Africa; and HERhealth, which works to address the pressing social need for womens’ health awareness and services. Takeda has supported the initiative since 2015 in partnership with Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) and aims to expand the program reach to women in Ethiopia and Kenya.

Distributed by APO on behalf of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.

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Media Contacts: 
Vince Docherty vince.docherty@takeda.com
+65 8332 4233
Kazumi Kobayashi kazumi.kobayashi@takeda.com
+81 (3) 3278-2095
Jocelyn Gerst jocelyn.gerst@takeda.com
+1 224 554 5542

About Takeda:
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (www.Takeda.com) is a global, research and development-driven pharmaceutical company committed to bringing better health and a brighter future to patients by translating science into life-changing medicines. Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on oncology, gastroenterology and central nervous system therapeutic areas plus vaccines. Takeda conducts R&D both internally and with partners to stay at the leading edge of innovation. New innovative products, especially in oncology and gastroenterology, as well as our presence in Emerging Markets, fuel the growth of Takeda. More than 30,000 Takeda employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients, working with our partners in health care in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit http://www.takeda.com/news.

SOURCE
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

Health Insurance Scheme cautions HMOs against negligence

By
Admin
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Following series of complaints pouring in from Nigerians to the desk of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the insurance scheme has sent stern warning to all Health Management Organizations (HMOs) operating in Nigeria, stating that any HMO that declines in treating enrollees with care, risks being de-listed from the scheme.

Addressing a standing committee meeting of HMOs in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the NHIS, Professor Usman Yusuf, said the scheme has failed to impact positively on the health of Nigerians due to corrupt practices by HMOs.

Dr Yusuf, in a Channels TV report also warned medical doctors to live up to expectation by treating subscribers with utmost care, adding that the enrollees remain the focus of the health insurance scheme.

Although the Health and Managed Care Association of Nigeria did not agree with the scheme’s position, as the Chairman faulted Dr Yusuf’s opinion, saying the failure of the regulator is responsible for the state of the scheme in Nigeria.

 

 

Pharmacy in 2050: Forces that will shape practice

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Admin
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(By Pharm. Sola Solarin)

I have chosen as a topic for my paper today, ‘Pharmacy In 2050; Forces That Will Shape Practice’. The relevance of this for students who will be in mid-career in thirty years’ time is self-evident. For those of you who will find it difficult to relate with this, I will want to share a little bit of my personal story.

It will be 30 years in December 2016 since I left pharmacy school. It wasn’t until 12 years later in 1998 that I got my first e-mail address. Mobile phone was not in existence. There was no Google, no social media, and for emphasis, Facebook, Twitter and Whatsapp were not in existence. The human genome had not been fully sequenced. Only one person had been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in my home country Nigeria. Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (RTIs) and Protease Inhibitors (PIs) that are at the cornerstone of HIV treatment today had not been discovered then. Artemisinine was not yet in commercial use and Chloroquine was still central to malaria treatment.

In drug research and development, a more efficient form of serendipity still held sway, backed by high throughput screening and assay technology. But at the turn of the century, it is estimated that 40 per cent of all drug research effort was devoted to biotechnology. In 1986, all the ten top leading pharmaceutical products in the commercial space were small drug molecules; today, at least half of them are products of biotechnology.

We have seen massive changes over the past thirty years, and I dare say I probably will practise for another twenty-five years, and I think the changes will be bigger still.  Pharmacy practice is still done at the neighborhood community pharmacy, the hospital and the drug production floor. The basic aim still remains to provide access, safely, to effective medicines. This life forces that are tangential to the core curriculum of Pharmacy, as it is taught in pharmacy schools today, will compel a different approach and mindset in the way we deliver services. Some of these life forces are beginning to manifest and influence practice; some are still in the future.

Broadly, the following forces will influence practice in the future:

  • Biotechnology
  • Information and Communication Technology
  • Logistics
  • Demography
  • Politics
  • Climate Change
  • Travel.
  • Biotechnology

Biotechnology has always had an influence on drug production and therapeutics. Production of vaccines and serums and their use in the management of diseases predated the full understanding of the structure of DNA. However, application of powerful computational tools in molecular biology led to the full sequencing of the human genome at the turn of the century. These tools not only made the job of developing biotechnology products faster, they also made these tasks cheaper, such that diseases that were proving difficult to manage (like cancer, auto immune diseases and viral infections) could be investigated at the molecular level, revealing opportunities for a new approach to diagnosis and therapy.

In industry, this has led to the emergence of specialist biotechnology firms that are beginning to prove dominant by innovating new products to tackle previously difficult ailments, and new diagnostic tools that make therapy more targeted and efficient. Industry will continue to evolve in this direction. In hospital and at the community pharmacy, we will in future see pharmacists being tasked to advise on efficiency and suitability of therapy.

Tools will be available to cost-efficiently profile patients genetically and advise on the most ideal therapeutic choices. Personalised medicine will no longer be a cliché, and pharmacists will be at the centre of it.  Now, for $99, there are genetic testing kits available to test your saliva for markers that will reveal increased risks of different diseases including cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and addiction.

Sometimes, the choices may not be easy. Angelina Jolie is a good example. She submitted to double mastectomy after such a test revealed that she had a 97 per cent risk of having breast cancer.

  • ICT

      Information and communication technology is still evolving, and the extent of its influence on every facet of our lives is still at the level of conjecture. In the next 24 hours, 600 million tweets would have been sent and there would have been 1 billion Google searches. WhatsApp would have processed 42 billion messages, 1.6 billion photos and 250 million videos. Add to these, data generated by over 1.2 billion Facebook users and 4.7 billion mobile phones, tens of millions of wearable devices and medical and prescription data being uploaded into the cloud from different hospitals and community pharmacies.

Cloud computing is providing infrastructure to store all these data, and Big Data is developing the ability to analyse them. These will provide capacity to predict epidemics, evaluate safety and efficacy of medicines on a global population. All these have implications for pharmacovigilance, clinical trials and inventory management. Google made attempt in the past to predict epidemic of Flu and Dengue Fever through analysis of search patterns. It wasn’t very successful, and the exercise has been suspended, possibly to fine-tune the algorithm.

On the dark side, among other things, social media is threatening the ability to conduct double-blind clinical trials, with clinical trial patients sharing their trial experiences while the trial is on-going.

Artificial Intelligence, otherwise called AI, is devoted to designing machines and software that learn and solve problems. Its application is seen in machines playing games like Chess and Go; advanced machines like self-driving cars and robotic waiters in restaurants; and applications like Siri, Google Maps, Google searches.

It is only a matter of time before such machines are introduced to hospitals and community pharmacies. I suspect that in the future, they will take over mundane tasks like counting tablets, pouring syrups and giving standard instructions on dosage, side-effects, contra-indications and do drug therapy monitoring. The pharmacists will be free to do higher order things.

A business publication, Strategy + Business, last year reported that the FDA approved the first 3D-printed drug for consumer use. I cannot claim to know much about this, but I envisage the community and hospital pharmacy of the future, will have among its staple of equipment, a 3D printer and cartridges containing different chemicals with which they will produce drugs a la carte.

 

  • Logistics

Elon Musk is perfecting the idea of making space travel routine and cheaper. Amazon is working on deliveries with drones. Pharmacists must start thinking about stability of formulations in the weightless environment of space and exploit drones in drug deliveries to difficult-to-reach areas in times of wars, epidemics and natural disasters.

All these present tremendous opportunities and challenges. Rwanda, A country next door is already studying the possibilities this presents.

Already, advances in logistics are being exploited to drive efficiency in pharmacy practice. In the United States, chain pharmacies are already investing in centralised prescription processing to refill prescription for chronic diseases. It reduces the requirements for pharmacists, drives cost down and frees time for more cerebral tasks by pharmacists. This is a model that will become popular in the future.

  • Demography

Absolute number, urbanisation and age distribution of population are demographic changes that may influence practice by 2050. World population has been increasing, and will continue to increase, albeit at a reduced rate. In 1990, there were 564 cities with population above 500,000. In 2030, that number is estimated to jump to 1,393.

This will be accompanied by transportation changes, with people walking shorter distances; increased household income and culture change, reflected in eating of more processed foods and sedentary lifestyles. These will lead to increase in diseases associated with tobacco addiction, high blood cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes – all chronic diseases that will draw on the resources of the neighbourhood pharmacy for management and therapy monitoring.

People are also living longer. In 1950, only 8 per cent of the world population was 60 or older. By 2050, it is estimated that, that proportion will be 22 per cent. The implications of this for the prevalence of certain diseases are obvious. High blood pressure, incontinence, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and dementia will be more common. Pharmaceutical services in old people’s homes and hospices will be in greater demand.

In Japan, the country with the largest proportion of the aged in the population, diapers for adult are expected to start outselling children-sized diapers very soon.

 

  • Politics

About twenty years ago, the major criticism of the pharmaceutical Industry was the focus on a few disease areas that were commercially viable. Every company was interested in dyspepsia, depression, smoking cessation, erectile dysfunction, dyslipidemia and other disease areas that required chronic treatment and affect a large number of people. This is where they had the greatest prospect for discovering the next ‘block buster’.

However, advances in biotechnology and application of information technology in research has thrown more light into the genetic basis of diseases and opened up opportunities for finding treatments for rare diseases affecting few people.

The  commercial prospect of these new drugs don’t fit  existing models. A lot of cancers, autoimmune  and genetic diseases now have cure, but the model for commercialising them compels very high market prices. A few examples. Glybera, a drug for gene therapy of Familial Lipoprotein Lipase Deficiency costs $1.2m for a course of treatment for a year. Cinryze for hereditary angioedema costs $350,000 per year; and a new treatment for Hepatitis C, Solvadi, costs $1,000 per pill.

All these, of course, put pressure on health systems, and politicians can’t face the electorates if they allow the death of a person because of high cost of drugs. The only option left for them is to put pressure on the pharmaceutical companies to do something about the cost of drugs. They are beginning to do that. President Hollande of France demanded that Cost of medicines be put on the agenda of G7 summit held in Japan in May 2016. President Obama, in his health care reform program, called Obamacare, is demanding that ‘The Health and Human Services Secretary should be empowered to directly negotiate prices with manufacturers of high cost drugs covered under part D of the Medicare’s prescription-drug programme’.

The Los Angeles Times reported that ‘drug makers’ would only be able to access Medicare’s 52 million beneficiaries if they agree to haggle and to supply HHS with all cost and clinical data, as well as other information necessary to come to an agreement on price’.

By 2050, this will probably be the model that will prevail and the famed profitability of the industry will have an additional hurdle to scale for its sustenance.

 

Travel/Epidemics

 

Medicine has tamed the most virulent epidemics. Cholera breakouts are contained with vaccinations, smallpox is all but eliminated. Epidemics like Ebola are self-limiting because of their virulence, and when they break out in small communities, they are contained by communal effort of isolating the victims and safely disposing their dead bodies. That seems to be in the past. Travel that has become cheap and far-reaching has made it easy for infected people to travel far before the first signs of their diseases become obvious.

Nothing illustrates this better than the pattern of spread of the Zika virus. It was said to have been discovered in Africa in 1947. It was not noticed in Pakistan, Malaysia and Indonesia until thirty years later in 1977. It took another thirty years to travel a couple of thousand kilometers to reach the Pacific Islands of Micronesia. Aided by cheap travel, it arrived Brazil only eight years later in 2015. Between 2015 and now, it has covered almost all of South America, crossed into North America and the first child born with Microcephaly in Europe was reported in Spain over the last weekend. We saw the same rapid spread with Asian Influenza and Ebola.

Distance, it is now obvious, cannot shield anyone from any epidemic breaking out in the remotest part of the world.  The way we manage new product development and regulate market entry in different markets will need to change if we must assure access to medicines and critical vaccines to contain epidemics globally. The current model cannot cope with present-day realities. Travel has become cheaper and easier, and humans as vectors of disease are always on the march. Pharmacy will need to change to protect and serve them.

By 2050, the patient will arrive the neighbourhood community pharmacy, well informed – having consulted resources on the Internet about his disease, treatment choices and legal rights. The pharmacist, with predictive tools, aided by cloud computing and Big data, would be expecting him. With knowledge of prevalent diseases in the neighbourhood and the questions that are trending on social media, he/she is stocked with the drugs that are suited for his treatment. On reading the prescription, the pharmacist will dispense those in stock. The only one that is not available is printed out of a 3D printer, after loading it with cartridges containing the relevant raw materials.

Genomics would have advanced to a level that the pharmacist can collect the saliva of the patient and use a machine to read out the patients’ genetic profile, pointing out markers that reveal predisposition to certain diseases and discussing options with the patient. Most patients will be old, and well-controlled with their chronic ailments because of the involvement of the pharmacist who monitors therapy with a myriad of tools at his disposal.

The industrial pharmacist will be devoted more to safety in drug use, either on earth or in space. Regulation, pharmacovigilance and quality assurance will occupy a lot of his time because quite a number of products will be big molecules and complex.

In all, Pharmacy in 2050 will be fun, exciting and certainly fulfilling.

 

(Being extracts of a paper delivered at the scientific symposium of the International Pharmaceutical Students Federation (IPSF) conference held in Harare, Zimbabwe in July, 2016)

Sola Solarin is the vice president of the Industrial Pharmacists Section (IPS) of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). He works as the Managing Partner of Savante Consulting Ltd, a compliance Business in Pharmaceutical, Quality and Environmental Regulation.

School politics is platform to prepare for outside world – Obakpolo

By
Admin
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Lauretta Obakpolo is a 400 level student of the Department of Pharmacy, University of Benin (UNIBEN), Benin City, Edo State. She was recently elected president of the Student Union Government (SUG) of the university, having defeated five other male contestants, thus becoming the first female pharmacy student to ever hold such a position in the history of the institution.

In this interview with Pharmanews, Lauretta, who hails from Uhunmwonde LGA of Edo State, reveals why she contested for the coveted position of SUG presidency, as well as her concerns about the state of pharmacy education in Nigeria. Excerpts:

Congratulations on your recent election as SUG president of your institution. What prompted your interest in school politics? 

Passion to render service propelled my actions. It had been my passion right from my secondary school days to go into politics, because I believe that politics provides a very good platform to contribute my quota to the society. School politics is a good platform to prepare one to face the outside world politics after school. It is a good training ground for those that intend to go into politics after school. I pray that God who has made it possible for us to attain the present level will give us the wisdom to safely impact the lives of UNIBEN students.

How did the students take the news of having a pharmacy student, especially a female, as their new leader? 

Sincerely, the news came as a huge surprise to many, as many of them couldn’t believe that a female could emerge the union’s president, despite the fact that male contestants were also in the race. But at the end of the day, they joyfully received the news as it has become a reality.

Since money is essential to the survival of any organisation, how do you intend to source for funds?

Sourcing for funds will be from well-spirited individuals and from organisations, especially financial institutions.

What areas of the pharmacy profession do you think the PSN and other stakeholders need to address urgently?

Pharmacy education is becoming uninteresting because of the contents of the curriculum. Repetition of topics is coming into the curriculum, making it long and tedious. Therefore, a revision of the curriculum will be a good idea. Although I am not yet in practice, I think all areas should be reassessed, since dynamism gives beauty.

In addition, community pharmacy practice should be addressed urgently as it has become all-comers affair, because many people who have no business selling drugs are now selling drugs to people and this is very bad for our country.

The maiden edition of Pharm. (Sir) IfeanyiAtueyi National Quiz/Debate Competition was held here in UNIBEN. What can you say about the competition? 

The competition was interesting and educating. It gave students the opportunity to exercise not just oratory skills but a well-balanced knowledge about our society.  I am using this opportunity to appreciate Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi for his efforts over the years to ensure that pharmacy education keeps improving and also to tell him that, as Oliver Twist, we are planning to come soon for his support towards our proposed inter-university debate coming up in October by God’s special grace.

How do you balance your academic workload as a pharmacy student with the demands of running the Students Union office? 

As I said earlier, the passion I derive from seeing to the well-being of my fellow students has been keeping me going. However, proper time management and delegation of responsibilities has been helpful.

What is your advice to female students seeking to follow your footsteps in vying for SUG presidency?

To all the female students, do not believe what people say or when they say you cannot do certain things in life.  You’ve got the potentials to do all you desire; so go out and stand tall among your colleagues.

The water of life

By
Sesan Kareem
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0

In July 2013, one of my favourite customers came to my community pharmacy, JMK Pharmaceutical Limited   at Magodo, Lagos (where I do evening locum) to purchase Ducolax (bisacodyl), a laxative drug that softens stool and enables people to have bowel movement after days of discomfort. I noticed that she had bought the drug a few more times before; so I asked, “Madam, I notice you often buy this drug, why can’t you use a non-pharmacological strategy to solve your constipation issue?” She replied, “For some years now, I’ve been using bisacodyl to pass stool; honestly, I’m tired of using it every time I need to use the restroom.”

I asked her further, “Do you take enough water?” To which she replied, “I don’t like taking water; in fact, I hardly take it.” So I said, “I can see why you always have constipation. Here is my suggestion: postpone the use of any drug for now; take between 3-4 bottles of water within the next 12 hours. You can add some lime or orange juice or anything natural to have a better taste. Eat foods rich in fibre and fluid. Follow my instructions faithfully; then give me the feedback tomorrow.”

When I resumed at the pharmacy the following day, the person that welcomed me was my dear customer.  She was profoundly grateful for the advice and shared her testimony about the “magic” she had witnessed in the middle of the night just by taking enough water and fibre.

Perhaps, you’ve been struggling with constipation repeatedly for some time. I suggest that you, too, try my result-oriented strategy and find out its efficacy for yourself. Adequate hydration keeps things flowing along your gastrointestinal tract, which helps to maintain normal bowel function and prevents constipation. When you don’t get enough fluid, the colon pulls water from stools to maintain colon hydration, and the result is constipation.

Adequate fluid and fibre intake is the powerful combination against constipation, because the fluid pumps up the fibre and acts like a broom to keep your bowel functioning properly.

Your body loses fluid continuously through breathing, urine, skin evaporation, stool and sometimes through vomiting. It is therefore pertinent for your water intake to be more than your water output in order not to be dehydrated.

I believe that water is one of the most important nutrients that the human body needs to function optimally. Drinking enough water helps maintain the balance of body fluids. Water functions in the body include, digestion of food, transportation of nutrients, circulation of blood, creation of saliva and maintenance of body temperature. Thus, adequate intake of water helps to maintain proper functioning of the body.

Water helps energise muscles. Cells that don’t maintain their balance of fluids and electrolytes shrivel, which can result in muscle fatigue. Therefore, drinking enough water helps cells to maintain their balance of fluids and electrolytes thereby functioning optimally.

Do you aspire to have a radiant skin? Water helps keep the skin looking good while dehydration makes our skin look dry and wrinkled. The way forward is to drink enough water daily for proper hydration.

One of the essential functions of water is to help detoxify your kidneys. The kidney is a detoxifying agent. It cleanses your body of toxins, as long as your fluid intake is adequate. When you are drinking enough water and eating water-rich foods, urine flows freely, is light in colour and free of odour. When you are not drinking enough water and eating water-rich foods, urine concentration, odour and colour increase because the kidney traps extra fluid for bodily functions. In fact, the unhealthy habit of chronically drinking too little water, may lead to kidney stones, especially in temperate climates of the world.The main toxin in the body is Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUA), a water-soluble waste that is able to pass through the kidney to be excreted in the urine.

I personally recommend eight glasses of water a day, although I consume more than that. Indeed, I drink water like a fish and it aids my brain and mind to function optimally as a thinker. I’ve never experienced constipation in the past seven years.

Listen to your body. When your body feels dehydrated or you are thirsty, simply go and take water. Drinking enough water should become your habit. Be intentional, be conscious and remain hydrated.

ACTION PLAN: Make it a habit to start your day with one full glass of water. Drink three to four bottles of water in a day. Eat fruits rich in liquid (watermelon, orange, grape etc)

AFFIRMATION: It is in my best interest to always be hydrated. I commit to a healthy lifestyle.

Pharm. Sesan Kareem

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Margaret Obiageli Olele is the director of corporate affairs for Pfizer Nigeria, Ghana and East Africa. She is responsible for the communication activities and public affairs engagements of the company in the countries.

She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Literature from the University of Benin, a Masters of Arts degree in English from the University of Ibadan, a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos and a Master of Science degree in Mass Communication (specialising in Public Relations and Advertising) from the same university.

Olele also attended the British Standard Institute, United Kingdom, where she became qualified as an internal Auditor for Quality Management System ISO 9001.2000, as well as Environmental Management Systems ISO 1800. Thereafter, she was made the management representative for Quality Management System at the West African Seasoning Company.

Having served for over a decade with the West African Seasoning Company, an affiliate of Ajinomoto Group, Japan, she joined the pioneer private broadcast media outfit in Nigeria, Clapperboard Network Television. Thereafter, in July 2010, Maggie, as she is fondly called, joined Pfizer Global Pharmaceuticals as associate director, Public Affairs and Communications. With  superlative performance records, she became the director in the same role by 2012.

As an experienced publicist with numerous track records, she was in 2013 seconded to the role of director, Tenders and Institutions, where she infused her experience in the area of public affairs, providing fresh insights into the opportunities around growing Tender Business in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia.

For three years consecutively, the astute Maggie combined her corporate affairs role with health & value, tender, and key account management for Pfizer in Nigeria, Ghana and East Africa; and she successfully led her team to achieve outstanding success in business with non-traditional customers.

She gallantly set the pace in the company’s diversification into East Africa and held, at various times the position of general manager for marketing, regulatory, new product development, public relations and corporate communications. She currently represents Pfizer in different committees, including the Advertising Standards Panel of the Advertising Regulatory Agency in Nigeria (APCON).

Maggie has also served the pharmaceutical industry in various capacities. She was the head of publicity for the Association of Nigerian Representatives of Overseas Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (NIROPHARM) from 2013 to 2015.She also lent her voice to the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, to drive a special campaign on the safe use of medicines.

The Pfizer director of corporate affairs  is happily married with children.

Shun drug abuse and misuse, Lagos ALPs advises students

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As part of its commitment to school intervention programmes that promote moral and health education, the Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPs) Lagos Chapter, has advised Nigerian students to shun drug abuse and misuse because of its potential dangers to their health.

The advice was given during a recent programme organised by ALPs and held within the premises of Reagan Memorial Secondary School, Yaba, Lagos State.

 According to the organisers, the programme was centered on moral education, environmental health, gender mainstreaming, drug abuse and misuse and personal hygiene advocacy.

In her opening speech at the event, ALPs chairperson, Pharm. Modupe Ologunagba, noted that the programme was part of the ideals of the association, urging the students to shun irrational use of drugs and other unwholesome conducts, in order to safeguard their future and reduce the burden of diseases in the society.

Ologunagba, a lecturer in the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, revealed that the association’s ultimate goal is a society that is free of health challenges and other social vices, adding that the programme was very important as it was aimed at catching the students young and ensuring that they knew some relevant facts regarding their health and moral values before reaching adulthood.

Addressing the students on the topic, “Drug Misuse, Abuse and Self-Medication among Nigerian Adolescents”, Pharm. (Mrs) S.N. Lan called on the students to always be cautious of what they swallowed in the name of drug taking, saying the menace of drug misuse and abuse had eaten deep into the society, especially among adolescents.

“A drug refers to a substance that could bring about a change in the biological function through its chemical actions. Drugs could thus be considered as chemical modifiers of the living tissues that could bring about physiological and behavioural changes,” Pharm. Lan explained.

ALPN
ALPs executives with some students of Reagan Memorial Secondary School, Yaba, Lagos, during the event

Lan, a former chairperson of Lagos chapter of ALPs, therefore advised the students not to handle or use drugs without prescription from medical experts, saying drug misuse is an act of taking drugs in an improper way and that pharmacists are the only experts trained to handle drugs.

Also, while lecturing the students on “Healthy Living”, Pharm. (Mrs) Omolara Ebitigha, a principal pharmacist at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos, advised the students on some steps they could take to achieve complete wellness, including eating healthy food, engaging in proper exercise and maintaining a clean environment.

“Health is a complete state of complete mental and physical alertness, that is, the person is fit to do everything. Environmental health is also very important as it comprises those aspects of human health, including quality of life, that are determined by physical, chemical and biological, social and psychological factors,” he said.

In their reactions to ALPs gesture, the duo of Favour Joe and Ibe Praise, who were Junior Secondary Students, appreciated the association for the programme, adding that it was an eye-opener for them as many of them had gained a lot from  it.

Earlier in her appreciation speech, the principal, Reagan Memorial Secondary School, Mrs Titilayo Amune, who thanked ALPs for the programme and gifts donated to the school, said that the programme was apt, noting that the best time for the young ones to be built for future challenges is when they are still in their teenage years.

Why charlatans are thriving at pharmacists’ expense – Pharm. Achonye

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In this exclusive interview with Pharmanews, Pharm. (Chief) Emeka Achonye, an elder in the pharmacy profession and managing director, Citygate Pharmacy, Aba, Abia State, takes a closer look at some topical issues affecting pharmacy practice in Nigeria, especially the seemingly intractable challenge of invasion by charlatans. Excerpts:

Tell us a bit about your early days

I grew up in Lagos, where I had my post-primary education before being admitted to study Pharmacy at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, where I graduated in 1977. Sincerely speaking, one of the best things that have happened in my life is that I studied Pharmacy. It has helped me to meet and interact with so many people, as well as touching so many lives.

Luckily for me I have seven children and, to the glory of God, three of them are pharmacists. Right now, I am also practising in my own pharmacy in Aba, Abia State. To the glory of God, I see myself as one of the senior citizens in the profession and I am aging gracefully because, in a short time, I will be 70. So, I thank God for what He has done for me.

 

Tell us about your pharmacy and how it was at the beginning

I started working as a medical representative from 1979, when Pharmanews was established. At that time, once you were a medical rep what people used to identify you with was the Pharmanews sticker.

I started as a medical representative in Enugu and, later, I was transferred to Lagos, where I worked as Lagos area manager for SKF. I later left SKF and joined Roche, now Swipha, as area manager in charge of the entire Eastern and South South States, while I was based in Aba.

It was after I had spent eight years at Roche as area manager that I opened my own pharmacy, Citygate Pharmacy, around 1987. That was how I became a community pharmacist. But, along the line, I discovered that I was not getting enough to do, and that was what motivated me to go into publishing, with some inspiration from Pharmanews.

My first publication was a directory of all pharmacists in Abia State, where I come from. Later on, I added another one which is the directory of all community pharmacists in the 36 states of the federation, including their phone numbers. The goal was to improve networking and communication among pharmacists. This has been keeping me busy and helping me to tackle the problem pharmacists are having with traders taking our job from us. It has also been helping me to earn some money to add to what I get from the pharmacy.

 

Is the directory an annual publication?

Not at all. it is biennial (published every two years) because of the stress involved in information gathering. Besides, it is tasking and I always like to give it my best; so we still operate biennially for now.

 

As a stakeholder, how would you assess community pharmacy practice, especially here in the east where you practise?

No community pharmacist here in the east is finding it easy, with the challenge from drug fakers. The charlatans have virtually hijacked the profession from the professionals. I have always advised those who care to know that pharmacy practice has gone beyond buying and selling of drugs only, and I have used myself as a good example to them. I have said it times without number that pharmacists are not supposed to sit in their premises, waiting for people to come and buy drugs only.  There are so many things that they can still do to make ends meet.

I am now into publishing, and coupled with the little sales we are making in the pharmacy, I am getting fulfillment and I am happy. The only aspect of Pharmacy that traders can hijack is just buying and selling and the pharmacist’s role is beyond that. I have always wondered  how someone could spend five years in the university and end up as ordinary trader. Really, we pharmacists should endeavour to do more than mere trading.

 

How lucrative is community pharmacy practice in this part of the country?

Community pharmacy practice is very lucrative here in the east, but one must be ready to work very hard. I remember when we were in the university, we usually worked for almost 24 hours daily, with little or no time for social activities. It is quite unfortunate nowadays that most pharmacists, as soon they leave the university, they stop making efforts and become lazy. Many of them believe that their struggles and toiling have ended as soon as they have their degrees.

Moreover, for pharmacy practice to be lucrative, one must have a passion for the profession and must be ready to continually develop himself. I have practised the profession for the past 39 years and what has helped me is continuous and never-ending personal development.

 

How would you compare pharmacy practice when you started to the way it is now?

Pharmacy practice when I started was quite different from what we have today. We were very few then and the competition was not much. However, I will say it was the early practitioners that actually killed this profession because they were the ones that allowed charlatans and traders to hijack the profession from them.

Pharmacy then was very easy to practice and money was coming in effortlessly; so the practitioners became lazy as competition wasn’t there. You won’t believe that between 1960 and 1970, there were pharmacists who duplicated their licences, updated them and individually registered up 50 non-professionals, who would in turn pay them royalty, while they would be in their shops drinking and making merry. That was the beginning of our problem.

They (early practitioners) allowed charlatans to discover the lucrativeness of drug-selling and they (charlatans) started making better efforts, even more than pharmacists. They established cooperative societies and had stronger association, even better than the practitioners. Sometimes they contributed money for any of their members that was in need and, with that, they had more money to do business. And because of their strong ties, they usually got stocks at cheaper rates, but we pharmacists were still doing ‘one-man show’ and before we knew it, the profession had been hijacked from us.

If a patient went to buy a drug from a patent medicine vendor and the drug was not available, the vendor could freely go to his colleague to get the drug, and at the end they both shared the profit. No pharmacist would ever do that. In fact, no pharmacist would tell you to go to another pharmacy to buy what he didn’t have and that has continued till today.

 

If you hadn’t been a pharmacist, what other profession would you have practised?        

Sincerely, if I were not a pharmacist, I would still have studied Pharmacy; in fact, nothing but Pharmacy. Pharmacy is a profession that gives me joy and I have never regretted being a pharmacist.

 

As an experienced pharmacist, how do you think the challenge of drug faking could be tackled?

As a matter of fact, the problem of drug faking in this country is the same with the challenge of ‘the Nigeria factor’, as they call it. It was disclosed recently by the outgoing UK Prime Minister, Mr David Cameron that Nigerians are ‘fantastically corrupt’ and that is the bitter truth. So, the challenge of drug faking would only be surmounted if corruption could be eradicated totally because there is nothing to gain in deceiving ourselves.

Majority of Nigerians see nothing wrong in cutting corners in the quest to make money. Our value system is so bad that people are ready to get money by all means, even if they have to kill, kidnap or destroy other people. What I am saying in a nutshell is that it is the quest to make more money in a crooked way that encourages drug counterfeiting. And it is until people realise the supremacy of God and have His fear in their minds that thing will get better. Until we kill corruption in the country, drug faking and other vices will never be eradicated.

 

What advice do you have for young pharmacists who are aspiring to come into community practice?         

My advice to them is that they should have hope that things will change for the better very soon in pharmacy practice. I told some of my colleagues when we were discussing that the challenge we are having in the practice today had happened in the UK before and they overcame. What I am saying in essence is that this evil will not last forever as God will intervene in our case.

With determination and dedication, those who are determined to practise the profession genuinely will triumph and all the challenges we are facing today will become history. It is possible that this happens in our own time, or the generation to come, but it will surely happen.

So, they (aspiring community pharmacists) shouldn’t have any fear as pharmacy practice is the only profession that gives one satisfaction and fulfillment if practised properly and passionately.  

 

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