Paradise News

Category: Health

  • Anambra philanthropist offsets medical bills of over 100 patients at Ojukwu Varsity Teaching Hospital

    Anambra philanthropist offsets medical bills of over 100 patients at Ojukwu Varsity Teaching Hospital

    By Ovat Abeng

    A philanthropist and founder of the Ide Global Movement, High Chief Azubuike Austin Ekweozor, (Ide Umuawulu, Nwanayoeze), has offsets medical bills of over one hundred patients worth five million naira at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University teaching hospital (COOUTH), Amaku-Awka, Anambra State.

    The gesture took place during the hospital’s 2024 End-of-Year appreciation and award ceremony held at the COOUTH premises in Awka, on Friday.

    Speaking to Journalists shortly after offsetting the medical bills, Chief Ekweozor, said the gesture was part of his ongoing commitment to humanitarian service to the less privilege in the society.

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    While wishing the people of the State a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year in advance, Ekweozor, also called on the people to remain law-abiding citizens during the holiday period and to continue their support to the administration of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, in its mission to position Anambra State as the Light of the Nation.

    It was gathered that the Philanthropist in appreciation, was recognize with a Humanitarian Service Award by the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the teaching hospital, Dr.Joe Akabuike.

    The award was presented to him by Dr. Amaechi Nwachukwu on behalf of the CMD.

  • Cross River Ministry of Health Launches Statewide Volunteer Training to Combat Mpox

    Cross River Ministry of Health Launches Statewide Volunteer Training to Combat Mpox

    The Cross River State Ministry of Health with support from the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), has concluded a comprehensive training program for 200 community-based volunteers to strengthen the state’s response to the Mpox outbreak. With 117 suspected and 14 confirmed cases reported across eight LGAs, the need for proactive, localized health interventions has never been more urgent.

    The training focused on Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) as well as surveillance strategies. Volunteers have been trained to identify and monitor Mpox cases, trace contacts of confirmed patients, and provide critical psychosocial support to affected individuals. They will be deployed to endemic communities for active engagement and education on disease prevention.

    The collaboration between the NRCS and the Ministry of Health marks a significant national effort to empower community members in public health decision-making and disease management.

  • Cancer Centre takes fight against breast cancer to secondary schools in Cross River 

    Cancer Centre takes fight against breast cancer to secondary schools in Cross River 

    By Christian Njoku 

    Asi Ukpo Comprehensive Cancer Center has taken the fight against breast cancer to secondary schools in Cross River.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Centre which commenced its campaigns to schools in the month of Oct., generally accepted as the breast cancer month visited The Federal Government Girls College, (FGGC) Calabar on Oct. 18.

    Others were Saint Ane’s Highschool on Oct. 30 and Holy Child Secondary School on Nov. 7 to educate young girls on the dangers of breast cancer and how early detection could save lives.

    In an interview with NAN, on Thursday in Calabar, Mr Yegwa Ukpo, Executive Director of Asi Ukpo Cancer Center said they embarked on education of students because they were gradually seeing younger people coming forward with breast cancer diagnosis.

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    According to him, “if this kind of knowledge is instilled in the child it will be easier for the new generation of women to be able to get treatment when and as they should.

    “We also have the problem of stigma occasioned by culture, so, our campaigns are also to reinforce actions against the culture of denial of diagnosis while urging those engaging in faith and herbal cure to also visit an oncologist to increase their chances of healing,” he said

    Speaking further, Ukpo said cancer treatment was a multi-faceted and multi-disciplinary approach adding that even an oncologist does not handle cancer treatment alone without radiologists, medical physicists, radiotherapists, oncology nurses among others.

    He called on Nigerians especially the women and girls to be committed in carrying out proper personal breast examination which enhances early detection.

    On his part, Dr Maurice Nandul, a Clinical Oncologist with Asi Ukpo Cancer Centre said, targeting students was the way to go because they were young, still learning, capable of absorbing information and passing it across to others.

    Nandul said the challenge with cancer management in Nigeria was late presentation by a bulk of the patients, hence the need for regular screening which would go a long way in the fight against cancer.

    In their responses, the principals of the schools visited, thanked the centre for the enlightenment, adding that they would continue to reemphasize the information with students, especially that of personal breast examination.

    (NAN)

  • Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Facilitates 202 Free Surgeries in CSDON/WSF Medical Outreach

    Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Facilitates 202 Free Surgeries in CSDON/WSF Medical Outreach

    Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, in collaboration with the Child Survival and Development Organisation of Nigeria (CSDON) and the World Surgical Foundation, has successfully completed a five-day, free Medical Mission at the Calabar Women and Children Hospital, Murtala Muhammed Highway, Calabar. The Mission held from Monday, October 28th, to Saturday, November 2nd, 2024, the outreach provided free surgical care to residents of Cross River South, exceeding its target with 202 surgeries performed.

    The medical mission offered a range of surgical interventions, including treatments for fibroid, goitre, lipoma, hernia, appendix, lumps, and other minor bumps. Additionally, free bus services were available to transport patients from designated locations across Odukpani, Bakassi, Akpabuyo, and Calabar South, ensuring accessibility for those in need. These buses facilitated daily pickups, enabling participation from various communities.

    Speaking on behalf of Senator Ekpenyong, his representative, Charles Ekanem, commended the collaborative effort between CSDON, the World Surgical Foundation, and local health workers. Ekanem emphasized the Senator’s commitment to enhancing healthcare access, particularly for vulnerable populations who might otherwise lack access to essential surgical care. “Senator Ekpenyong’s focus on healthcare outreach aims to improve community well-being and foster sustainable healthcare access in Cross River South,” Ekanem stated.

    Read Also: Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Announces Free Medical Outreach For Constituents

    Gabriel Adim, representing the Child Survival and Development Organisation of Nigeria, highlighted the power of partnerships in delivering impactful healthcare services. “CSDON is dedicated to initiatives that support the health and survival of children and families,” Adim noted. “Through our collaboration with Senator Ekpenyong and the World Surgical Foundation, we can provide essential surgical interventions to those who might otherwise go untreated.” Adim also praised the volunteer medical teams and local coordinators for their commitment to the outreach’s success.

    Beneficiaries, including Felix Andem and Florence Ekong, expressed their gratitude for the free medical care. Andem, who underwent surgery for a hernia, shared, “This outreach has changed my life. I have been struggling with this condition for years but could not afford surgery until now.” Florence, who was treated for fibroids, echoed this sentiment, stating, “The free medical outreach came at the perfect time for me. I am grateful to Senator Ekpenyong and the mission partners for this life-changing opportunity.” Their testimonials underscore the positive impact of the outreach on the community.

  • Anambra Govt Flags Off Integrated Measles Campaign

    Anambra Govt Flags Off Integrated Measles Campaign

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra Government has flagged off it integrated measles campaign across the 21 local government area of the State.

    The flagged off ceremony held at the Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) Okpouno, in Awka South Council Area, on Saturday.

    Declaring the ceremony open, the State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, informed the people that the vaccination exercise is offer free of charge.

    Soludo who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam  Ben Obidike said that the programme was a symbolic event to show that the state was ready to commence active comprehensive vaccination to preventable diseases which may cause harm to the children.

    According to him, the vaccination is free in all the PHCs across the state. We are encouraging people, particularly, the nursing mothers not to be afraid of visiting any PHC centre nearest to them.

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    “The measles vaccine will be administered to children aged nine to 59 months respectively. Immunization officials have been deployed to all the PHC’s to ensure effectiveness and transparency.”

    Commending the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF and other health partners, the governor urged the Immunization coordinator in the state to ensure that the vaccines are always available across the 21 LGAs health facilities.

    In her speech, the Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), Pharm Chisom.Uchem while also commending WHO UNICEF, and other health partners for their continues support in ensuring quality health care services in the state, announced that the exercise is scheduled for 2nd-8th November, 2924.

    The ASPHCDA boss noted that the essence of the Integrated Measles Campaign is to stop the spread of the outbreak, save lives of young children and curtailed burden on the health care system in Anambra State.

    WHO Coordinator in South East Nigeria, Dr Chukwumuanya Igboekwu, in his remark, expressed happiness that WHO has been part of the process in safeguarding and preserving the lives of Anambra residents.

    According to Igboekwu, the measles campaign is a promotion of Primary Health which is the foundation of a strong health system and the most viable pathway for health security and universal health coverage.

    “What we are doing here today, is a tri-partite partnership between the communities, the state government and the development partners, and before the end of governor Soludo administration, we will take the health care system in Anambra to the greatest position so that other states and other countries in the world can come and study what is happening in the State, the coordinator stated.

    In their separate remarks, the Chairman of Awka South Council Area, Prince Chinedu Okafor, represented by the council health supervisor, Hon Frank Ajezu and the Councilor, Okpouno ward, Hon Kenneth Okonkwo while urging mothers/caregivers to ensure their wards partake in the vaccination exercise, noted that the people of the area will key fully into the programme.

    They also promised to publicized the programme across the communities that constitute the council area.

  • World Mental Health Day: Anambra Govt Intensifies Campaign Against Depression, Drug Abuse, Dissociative Disorder Among Residents

    World Mental Health Day: Anambra Govt Intensifies Campaign Against Depression, Drug Abuse, Dissociative Disorder Among Residents

    By Ovat Abeng

    As part of activities to marked this year 2024 World Mental Health Day Celebration, the Anambra State Government has intensified awareness campaign to curtailed depression among residents in the state.

    The State Commissioner for Health Dr Afam Obidike disclosed this while briefing Journalists at his office on Thursday to commemorate the day.

    He said the exercise has already commence across the 179 communities in the state.

    According to the Commissioner, the World Mental Health Day was established on October 10,1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health. Since then, it has been observed every year with the aim of raising awareness in the global community about critical mental health agendas through collaboration with various partners to take action and create lasting change in society.

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    “Over the years, this day has gained momentum, becoming a platform for governments, organization and individuals to develop initiatives that focus on various aspects of mental health care. Consequently, World Mental Health Day is being observed across the globe today.

    This day aims to raise awareness about mental health issues such as Anxiety disorders, behavioral and emotional disorders in children, bipolar affective disorder, Depression, Dissociation and dissociative disorders, Eating disorders, Obsessive compulsive disorder, paranoia, schizophrenia, dementia, substance abuse disorders, etc and mobilize efforts in support of mental health care worldwide.

    The theme for this year is “Mental Health at Work” which emphasizes the importance of taking collective action to ensure that workplaces foster mental health, protect against harm, and support those who need help.

    According to a Mental Health Survey conducted recently, nearly 10.6 per cent of adults suffered from mental health disorders, affecting 1 in 8 persons globally.

    In this years World Mental Health Day, my ministry is uniting with partners such as the WHO, CHAI, Red aid, AHNI, to highlight the vital connection between mental health and work because evidence shows that a safe healthy working environments can act as a protective factor for mental health as hunger, victimization, other unhealthy conditions including stigma, discrimination, and exposure to risks like harassment and other poor
    working conditions, can pose significant risks, affecting mental health, overall quality of life and consequently participation or productivity at work.

    “With 60% of the global population in work, urgent action is needed to ensure work prevents risks to mental health and protects and supports mental health at work.

    It is essential for governments at all levels, private employers, the organizations which represent workers and employers, and other stakeholders responsible for workers’ health and safety to work together to improve mental health at work. Action to address mental health at work should be done with the meaningful involvement of workers and their representatives, and persons with lived experience of mental health.

    “By investing efforts and resources in evidence-based approaches and interventions at work, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive at work and in life.

    “Today, ladies and gentlemen, the overall objective of the day for us in Anambra state is to raise awareness of mental health issues around such as depression, anxiety, substance
    abuse, post traumatic stress disorder, etc especially in this post covid era and economic hardship and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

    “For this reason, Mr governor, the governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, just approved the Implementation of the new minimum wage in the state this October and we as a government has now employed health workers for our hospitals and just last month trained them in management of some common mental health disorders.

    “Mr governor equally gave us support and my ministry established a mental health unit for coordination of mental health in the state as stipulated in the national mental health policy as agreed by all of us during the national council of health meeting as well as improving access to the patients care at the neuropsychiatric hospital, Nawfia community in Njikoka local government area of the State.

    “Dear Ndi Anambra and her esteemed workers let’s improve our mental health by observing some of these strategies.:
    Fostering open communication, Prioritizing sleep and good nutrition, Exercising, Seeking help when needed, Avoiding conflict with colleagues, Encouraging work free balance, Respecting your superiors, Observing approved leaves, Limiting work outside work hours etc.

    “On my part, I and my management team will ensure a state where mental health is valued, promoted, protected, and where every resident has access to evidence based mental,” Dr. Obidike concluded.

    Speaking briefly also at the briefing, the State Mental Health Programme Coordinator, Dr. Uchenna Okeke, appeal to the people to joined the campaign to raid Anambra State off of the mental health disorders.

  • Diabetes: Our members are turning to quacks, spiritualists – group laments

    Diabetes: Our members are turning to quacks, spiritualists – group laments

    By Christian Njoku

    Network of Persons Living with Diabetes in Nigeria has disclosed that their members were turning to quacks and spiritualists following the hike in the cost of medication for diabetes.

    Mr Bernard Enyia National Coordinator, Network of Persons Living with Diabetes in Nigeria made the call on Thursday in Calabar during a patient advocacy campaign to the Cross River House of Assembly.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that diabetes is a condition that happens when someone’s blood sugar (glucose) is too high; it develops when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or any at all.

    Enyia who appealed for urgent action on the insulin crisis in Cross River and beyond said the cost of essential diabetes medicine such as insulin had skyrocketed from N3,500 in 2022 to N26,000 in 2024.

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    He said glucometers now cost N30,000 and test-strips have increased to N15,000 adding that an average person living with diabetes spends over N150, 000 monthly on treatment which had subjected them to untold hardship.

    “The economic downtown and inflation in the country has forced many of our members to abandon their prescribed drugs to cheaper alternative from chemists, spiritualists and trado-medical drug vendors.

    “This has led to more and more complications of our people as many are breaking down, some are dying, increasing the number of widows widowers and orphans, while the state and Federal government are not doing much about curbing the menace of diabetes.

    “The essence of this activity is to cry-out to government to earmark a percentage of the budget to tackle diabetes care because up till now, there is zero per cent of Cross River budget that is meant for diabetes,” he said.

    Responding, Mrs Kate Ubi, Clerk Cross River House of Assembly who spoke to the campaigners in the absence of the Speaker of the house, said the members of the house were out of Calabar for an official engagement.

    Ubi appealed to the diabetic patients to send their representatives to come back to the house from Sept. 2, so as to have a better and robust engagement with the speaker and other legislators.

    NAN also reports that the campaign which started from the complex of the state Ministry of Health saw the patients distributing flyers on the plight of an average diabetic in the nation following the hike in price of medication.

    (NAN)

  • Dr Janet Ekpenyong seeks Proactive Measures, Prompt Response To Flooding As Fear for Suspected Polio Outbreak Rises

    Dr Janet Ekpenyong seeks Proactive Measures, Prompt Response To Flooding As Fear for Suspected Polio Outbreak Rises

    A public health expert and former Cross River state Commissioner for Health, Dr Janet Ekpenyong has called on all authorities to expedite actions in finding immediate solutions to the recent flooding across the country to  Prevent disease outbreak especially Diarrheal diseases and other vaccine preventable diseases, such as Wild Polio Virus.

    She stated this while appearing as guest on the SilverBird Television breakfast show while answering questions on the impact of the recent flooding activities in the country.

    Dr Janet Ekpenyong noted that, an urgent need for the resettlement of flood victims as well as the provision of their essential needs has become imperative to cushion concerns over outbreak of vaccine preventable diseases, air and water borne diseases.

    “There’s need to resettle them urgently to protect them from diarrheal diseases such as, Cholerae, typhoid as these people have little or no access to clean drinking water, other challenges like malnutrition because displaced people don’t have access to food and vector diseases, such as malaria, due to the poor and unhygienic environment.

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    She called for the collaboration and support from both the Private, States and Federal Government to find a lasting solution in adapting to global warming and it’s consequential effects on our daily lives, to prevent any humanitarian crises such as what I’d been experienced in Borno state.

    She noted that adequate sensitization of citizens living in coastal regions should be intensified irrespective of resistance from residents over claims of ancestral ownership and cultural practices.

    “There should be preparations in states through sensitization for residents to leave flood prone areas while also working on projections on flooding and engaging in proactive measures”.
    She commended the proactive efforts of the Federal government in setting up a disaster relief fund and other measures taken so far to address flooding challenges in the country.

    She expressed devastation to the Suspected cases of Wild  Polio Virus noting that the nation had over the years worked hard in eliminating the virus and keeping the borders safe from it’s attack.

    So far, over 300,000 people are said to have been displaced in the recent flooding in Borno state with a further prediction of twice this figure if an urgent response isn’t put in place.

  • Cross River Governor Bassey Otu leads call for dedication to nursing profession

    Cross River Governor Bassey Otu leads call for dedication to nursing profession

    …Cross River College of Nursing Sciences Itigidi Holds 4th Matriculation Ceremony

    The Cross River State College of Nursing Sciences, Itigidi, celebrated its 4th Matriculation and Capping Ceremony on Friday, with the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, representing Governor Bassey Otu as the special guest. Dr. Ayuk congratulated the newly admitted students, urging them to take their studies seriously and to embrace the responsibility that comes with a career in healthcare. He emphasized that nursing is a profession rooted in service, requiring a lifelong commitment to learning and care for others THE PARADISE has confirmed.

    Dr. Ayuk’s message reinforced the state government’s dedication to healthcare and education, stressing the importance of the College of Nursing Sciences, Itigidi, in producing the next generation of skilled healthcare professionals. “The Governor’s vision for education and healthcare is clear—Cross River State must continue to lead in training professionals who will serve not only locally but also nationally,” he said.

    The ceremony also witnessed Hon. Cyril James Omini, Member representing Yakurr 1 State Constituency at the Tenth Cross River State House of Assembly, announce scholarships for 50 students—20 Nursing students and 20 Midwifery students. His generous support, coupled with Rev. Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu’s sponsorship, was widely appreciated as a significant contribution toward the academic and professional growth of the students.

    In her address, Mrs. Uduak Spencer Efem, Special Adviser on Nursing Education to Governor Bassey Otu, highlighted that nursing is more than just a profession—it is a calling. She emphasized the importance of service, empathy and dedication in the nursing field, urging students to develop these qualities during their training. “Nursing is a calling. It’s not easy to serve someone you don’t know, especially when they are vulnerable. This profession requires compassion as well as empathy and our students must develop this sense of duty before they complete their training,” Mrs. Efem said. While extolling the virtues of the governor Bassey Otu as pragmatic, Efem also described the wife of the governor as the ‘Florence Nightingale of our time’. She urged students to resist the temptation of seeking opportunities abroad, which has become a growing trend in the profession.

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    Dr. Margaret Mombel Opiah, Chair of the Governing Council, echoed the governor’s remarks, congratulating the students and reminding them of the discipline required to excel in their studies. She expressed gratitude to Rev. Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu, wife of the Governor, for sponsoring 10 students, covering their entire academic journey. Dr. Opiah encouraged other stakeholders to follow this example and invest in the future of healthcare through education.

    Provost of the College, Mrs. Ruth Ita Ebong, commended the students for their hard work and dedication to the program. She reassured them of the institution’s commitment to providing both academic and moral guidance throughout their studies, emphasizing the importance of discipline and perseverance.

    The keynote lecture was delivered by Dr. Enyieko Ohora Osim, Pioneer Provost of the College of Nursing Sciences, Ogoja. Dr. Osim explored the evolving relationship between nursing and politics, urging the future healthcare leaders to be involved in shaping policies that affect the healthcare sector. She called for active participation from nursing professionals in the political sphere to ensure better resource allocation and healthcare policy improvements.

    The event, attended by dignitaries including Obol Eteng, Head of Service, concluded with a call to the matriculants to uphold the dignity of the nursing profession and excel in their pursuit of becoming future healthcare leaders.

  • C’River: Mpox case confirmed in Obudu community, Health Commissioner reveals

    C’River: Mpox case confirmed in Obudu community, Health Commissioner reveals

    By Kingsley Agim

    A monkeypox (Mpox) case has been confirmed in Okoshe community in Obudu local government area of Cross River state, the Ministry of Health has revealed.

    The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Egbe Ayuk, made the revelation, Saturday, in Calabar, informing that a report from the National Reference Laboratory, Abuja, had confirmed a case of Mpox from Obudu in Cross River State.

    Dr. Ayuk further informed that his Ministry was, on Monday 19th August, notified of a presumptive diagnosis for Mpox or Chickenpox by the State Epidemiologist of Ebonyi.

    “A Sample was then sent to the national reference lab from there. The result returned Saturday, 24 August 2024, positive for Mpox and negative for Chickenpox.

    “The case, a female is from Okoshe village in Obudu local government area. She was at Federal Medical Centre, Abakaliki to access care,” he added.

    The Commissioner said that investigation about her travel history is ongoing, to ascertain  what took her primarily to Ebonyi, as there is no medical history or referral from Obudu.

    “While the investigation of the travel history of the case is ongoing, the state government is responding actively to mitigate any outbreak in Obudu,” he assured.

    Ayuk said he has directed the Mpox Emergency Operation Center to be activated immediately, with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Ekpo Ekpo as the Incident Manager.

    He also directed that mitigation activities by the Obudu local government area response team with support from the State team to commence immediately.

    Some of these mitigation measures, the Commissioner mentioned, include Line-listing of symptomatic contacts; quarantine of close/symptomatic contacts at General Hospital Sankwala – Obanliku; sample collection from    symptomatic contacts, immediate movement of samples to the State hub, sensitization on preventive measures and awareness at churches,  schools, communities and immediate movement of commodities to General Hospital Sankwala, among others.

    As a long term measure to check any spread of the disease, Ayuk notified that plans are underway for monthly financial support to surveillance teams in the LGAs for active case search at health facilities and communities across the State, supportive supervision by the State and LGA teams, Establishment and equipment of an isolation ward in all government hospitals and positioning of case management, provision of infection prevention and control commodities in all LGAs, as well as health promotion and advocacy on personal hygiene.