Category: Health

By Ovat Abeng

Anambra Government through the State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (APHCDA), has flags off free vaccination of Human Papiloma virus vaccine (HPV) in the state.

The flagged off ceremony took place at Michael Tansi Secondary School, Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Area of the State, on Tuesday.

Declaring the exercise open, the state governor’s wife and the founder of Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, Dr. Nonye Soludo, announced that the free vaccination will help curbed the spreed of cervical cancer among women in the state.

She also noted that the vaccination will provide lasting solution to cervical cancer.

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According to Mrs Soludo, “Today is a significant day in our journey towards enhancing the health and well-being of women and girls.

“We have gathered here to address a pivotal development in the realm of public health-the introduction of the Human Papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine for girls aged 9 to 14 years.

“I am deeply honoured to stand before you as we embark on this important initiative that promises to safeguard the future of our children and tackle a significant health challenge head-on.

“Cervical Cancer is a scourge of our society and is fast becoming one of the leading causes of deaths among women.

“Every year in Nigeria, cervical cancer silently manifests in about 12,000 women and takes the lives of 8000 promising women.

“This disease destroys the lives of these women taking them away from their families just as they reach the prime of their lives, leaving husbands without wives, children without mothers and families in financial ruins.

“In my capacity as the first lady of Anambra state through the healthy living initiative, we are already offering free cervical cancer screening and treatment at some health facilities in the state to provide early detection, screening and treatment for the wives and daughters of Ndi Anambra.

“Let us come out en masse and get ourselves and our daughters 25 years and above screened to know our health status.

“Ndi Anambra, something great is happening in our state. I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the efforts of the state government who through the Ministry of Health and the Anambra State Primary Health care development Agency (ASPHCDA) and Partners, WHO, UNICEF, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), IVAC and SAWO are supporting our efforts by taking our home-grown campaign of healthy living to the next level.

The women of our future generation no longer have to wait and hope that “cervical cancer will not be their portion.” Solution is here!

“Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine is here to provide lasting protection for our girl child aged 9-14 years before they get exposed to the virus that is the primary cause of Cervical Cancer!

“Cervical cancer is going to become a thing of the past in Anambra state! With this Gardasil4 HPV vaccine, we will protect our girls and future leaders from this disease.

“No husband will become wifeless and no child will be rendered motherless in Anambra state because of cervical cancer.

“The government of Anambra state has done well to support our initiatives. Ndi Anambra, I enjoin you to do well to support our government in protecting our families.

Traditional Rulers and Religious leaders, pass the good news to your congregants and subjects. Get your girl child aged 9-14 years vaccinated against HPV to protect them from Cervical Cancer.

“Teachers, open your schools and allow all your eligible pupils and students to get vaccinated.

“Parents and guardians, take your eligible daughters and wards to the Primary Health Centres (PHC) and designated vaccination points to get vaccinated and protect their futures.

“Our children and our future, come out and get vaccinated. Tell all your friends aged 9-14 year old that you are going to take the HPV vaccine to protect your future from Cervical Cancer!

“The HPV Vaccine is free! Safe! Effective!”

In closing, the introduction of the HPV vaccine for girls aged 9 to 14 years marks a significant milestone in our mission to improve the health and well-being of our state’s young girls. We re-iterate our commitment to reducing the burden of cervical cancer on Anambra and providing our girls with a healthier, brighter future, the governor’s wife concluded.

In their separate remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike and the Executive Secretary/CEO of ASPHCDA, Pharm. (Mrs.) Chisom Uchem, said the vaccine is expensive and out of the reach for most parents in Anambra but the state government under governor Chukwuma Soludo’s watch is providing this vaccine free of charge and one of the reasons why Gardasil  HPV vaccine was selected is the fact that it is a one dose vaccine that offers a life long protection,” the duo affirmed.

In his brief contribution, the South East Coordinator of World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Chukwumunya Igboekwu, noted that Anambra State has already taking the lead in prevention of the virus through the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative.

By Ovat Abeng

A mega rally on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine uptake was held at the weekend in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State to up-scale ongoing sensitization in the area.

The rally was implemented by Education and Research For Sustainable Development (ERSD) in partnership with International Vaccine Access Centre (IVAC), Direct Consulting and Logistics (DCL), National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Women Advocates for Vaccine Access (WAVA) and Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN) with funding from GAVI through John Hopkins.

Speaking at the rally which also served as grand finale of one-month daily sensitization, Executive Director, ERSD, Dr Judith Ani said the free vaccine administration to kick off on Monday, May 27, 2024 is for girls between the ages of 9 to 14.

Ani, member of one of the Civil Society Organizations working with IVAC in Anambra urged parents to take advantage of the opportunity to ensure their daughters within the age brackets were vaccinated.

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She said, “Cervical cancer has been found to be the second leading cause of cancer related deaths among women globally. The cause has been found to be Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

“Before now, some of the residents were expressing fears that the vaccine were targeted at killing Nigerians to reduce African population, but with the information being passed across, those doubt are being allayed.

“With this rally, those ignorant about the vaccine are beginning to understand what HPV is all about and the importance of having the vaccine.

“We urge parents to allow their children to take the vaccine because parental consent is critical. On the part of the girls, we want them to understand that their health is important and the vaccine is in their own interests.

“They have to convince their parents on the need to take the vaccine which is 100percent safe and effective for cervical cancer prevention, having been tested in several countries.

“They should disabuse their minds from the rumours flying around that the vaccine is unsafe.

“ERSD acknowledges support received from Medical Women Association of Nigeria(MWAN) Anambra State Chapter, MWAN National Maternal and Child Health Committee, Nkwo Nnewi Central Market, St. Joseph Cakes and Events and Kenan Multilinks.”

A consultant paediatrician, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) and President, Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) Anambra State chapter, Dr Amaka Onubogu regretted high mortality rate of the cancer, revealing that no fewer than 8,000 cases were recorded annually with over 6,000 death.

“Initially, it costs about N80,000 to vaccinate a child, which majority cannot afford. In fact, our study in public and private schools in Nnewi shows that only 3 were vaccinated.

“That’s why government has decided to make it free. This is the first time it’s being introduced in Nigeria as part of routine vaccine. It came in two phases, and this is the second phase which is going on in 21 states across the country.

“We’ve been into aggressive campaign in markets, churches, schools, stakeholders. The pediatrics association in February trained immunization champions across the country with the support of the international body.

“Similarly, Nigeria Medical Association also trained immunization champions through the support of IVAC and these trainings were castigated at the local levels,” she added.

Also speaking, Technical Assistant for Clinton Health Association Initiative, Akpan Patrick said his organization was offering technical assistance to the state for the introduction of HPV into routine immunization and ensure access to vaccine to the public.

He identified hesitance and non-compliance to the vaccine as part of the challenges always encountered during vaccination.

“One of the challenges we encountered during the phase 1 and which may likely occur is hesitant and non-compliance. Others are inadequate sensitization, fears borne out of rumors in the internet that government is partnering with white people to reduce African population which is quite untrue.

“Since we anticipate these challenges, we’ve put up lots of strategies, including rumors management tools to curtail the rumor, advocacy, brought in stakeholders and other gatekeepers, including traditional and religious leaders, school heads, teachers to reach out to the targeted audience.

“About 89 million girls are expected to be vaccinated across the country, while we’re targeting about 476,664 girls in Anambra,” he disclosed.

By Ovat Abeng

Anambra State Government in collaboration with World Health Organisation (WHO) had stepped up healthcare facilities monitoring to eliminate quackery and improve quality healthcare services to residents.

Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike who disclosed this on Tuesday at the official launch of Anambra State Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Unit (ASHAFAMU) and its E-platform said the government would not tolerate illegal health practices.

He said the unit set required minimum standards for operations of health facilities both in public and private health sectors.

“When we resumed office, 80 per cent of healthcare services is being driven by the private sector without regulations. This is why many quack doctors are operating health facilities in the state.

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“This is also the reason Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration in partnership with WHO decided to establish ASHAFAMU to ensure quality healthcare for all residents of the state.

“With this unit, Anambra’s ASHAFAMU will become the second government-owned accreditation body in Nigeria after Lagos state to guarantee patients’ safety.

“The state government will no longer tolerate unprofessional practices, quackery, lack of qualified medical personnel to non-registration of facilities and lack of basic equipment which can compromise the health and the wellbeing of patients,” he said.

Obidike appreciated WHO and the state’s ICT agency for designing the ASHAFAMU e-platform.

Chairman, House Committee on Health and member representing Aguata Constituency ll, at the state Assembly, Mr Tony Mobuike urged health providers in the state to embrace the provisions of the accreditation policy.

“Now there is a legal framework to close down health facilities for non-compliance, arrest and prosecute quack healthcare providers,” he said.

Also speaking, Anambra state Coordinator, WHO, Dr Bonos Mohammed said the establishment of the unit would protect and safeguard the health of citizens.

He pledged WHO’s continued support to the state to ensure ASHAFAMU achieve its mandate and sanitize the health sector.

Managing Director Anambra state ICT Agency, Mr Chukwuemeka Agbata, said accredited health facilities would be uploaded for easy tracking, location and to verify accreditation status.

“Residents should visit this e-platform as it will serve a hospital directory and for feedback purposes,” he added.

By Ovat Abeng

The founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Centre for Herbal Medicine and Centre for Psychic and Healing Administration (CPHA), Awka, Anambra State, Chief Dr Mrs Flora Ifeanyichukwu Nkemakonam Ilonzo has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and governors of 36 States of the federation to invest into herbal tea cultivation and production.

Ilonzo gave the charge in her message on May 21st, 2024 world tea day, a day set aside by the United Nations at her December 21, 2019 resolution aimed at creating awareness and fostering collective actions towards sustainable production and consumption of tea with a view to fighting hunger and poverty.

She averred that investing into local or herbal tea productions across the country would help the country to diversify her economy, as well as create jobs while improving the health and wellbeing of the populace.

According to her, this could be achieved by mapping out lands across local government areas and communities for cultivation of different species of African medicinal plants otherwise referred to as herbal gardens, including where they could easily be processed and transform to herbal teas before distribution, exportation or consumption.

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The herbal expert whose teachings, researches and remedies provided with regards to phytomedicine had been authenticated and praised by various International recognized health institutions like the World Health Organisation (WHO), also urged the citizenry to cultivate and harness herbal teas at their homes, assuring that she will assist the country to navigate through this.

The philanthropist who is renowned for using herbs in resolving frictions between man and nature within and outside Nigeria, further argued that drinking herbal teas could help in preventing or recovering from  chronic diseases because plants have different signatures showcasing health remedies they could provide if well utilized.

She said: “Tea, a beverage that has been cherished for centuries especially by our forefathers, offers not only a delightful and soothing experience but also holds the remarkable medical and therapeutic benefits. It contains antioxidants that help combat free radicals in our bodies, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain types of cancer.

“Additionally, tea has been found to promote weight management, improve digestion, and boost the immune system. These health benefits make tea an excellent choice for those seeking natural and holistic remedies to support their well-being. By harnessing local tea cultivation, we have an opportunity to not only enhance our economy but also improve public health.

“Cultivating tea within our own borders allows us to tap into a growing market that values organic and locally sourced products. This can lead to job creation, especially in rural areas where tea plantations can thrive. The tea industry can become a significant contributor to our economy, attracting investment, creating employment opportunities, and fostering sustainable growth.

“In conclusion, the harnessing of local tea cultivation is a pathway to both economic prosperity and improved public health. By investing in tea plantations, we can create employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and position Nigeria as a key player in the global tea market.

“Simultaneously, promoting tea consumption can lead to healthier lifestyles and contribute to the overall well-being of our population. It is crucial that we recognize and seize this opportunity, supporting initiatives that promote and develop the tea industry. Together, let us embrace the potential of local tea cultivation and work towards a future where Nigeria shines as a leader in both economic and health advancements.”

By  Ovat Abeng

Anambra State Ministry of Health has suspended the salaries of a medical doctor and two nurses caught diverting patients from government owned hospital, Ekwulobia General Hospitals, Aguata Local Government Area of the State.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike expressed his disappointment on the attitude of the healthcare workers for their inhumane treatment to patients stressing that those involved will not receive salaries until further notice.

Dr. Obidike cautioned that the administration of Governor Charles Soludo will not tolerate such behaviour going forward.

He explained that Government intention in establishing hospitals is not to make profit but rather to  render quality and affordable care to the public while ensuring universal health coverage in the state.

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“Those involved will also face full extant law of the civil service and I feel so sad discovering that healthcare workers are behaving badly and are no longer upholding the ethics that guides their profession.

“Let me make it public now that we have Taskforce that monitor the activities and engage patients for their feedback regarding satisfaction with services rendered.

“That being said, we have been able to discover those sabotaging government efforts in repositioning of our hospitals for optimal healthcare delivery service to the people.

“We will continue to fish them out one by one and we don’t act on hear say but with evidence,” Dr. Obidike said.

He urged the public to call the following numbers: 09063227856, 08035657865, 08036681476.

“Please, if not satisfied with services rendered in All the Government owned Health Facilities across the state call the listed numbers above.”

State Hospital Administrator, Dr. Frank Ifeanaeme confirmed that the healthcare workers actually committed an offense by diverting patients to private hospitals.

“For me it is a pure sabotage that they indulged themselves in this and it is unprofessional.

Dr. Ifeanaeme said that their actions can never be justified, according to him it is unacceptable in the civil service rule.