Paradise News

Category: Health

  • Anambra Govt Initiates More Measures To Promote Food Safety, Hygiene

    Anambra Govt Initiates More Measures To Promote Food Safety, Hygiene

    By Ovat Abeng

    To ensure that residents eat hygienic food and drink safe and potable water especially, in various healthcare facilities in Anambra State, stakeholders on food safety and hygiene, water, sanitation, and hygiene have been inaugurated in Awka.

    Inaugurating the committee, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike said that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration is passionate about food safety in the state, as his government is committed to ensuring that Ndi Anambra eat good and safe food that are not contaminated under any guise.

    The Commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Obiageli Uchebo pointed out that food safety is one of the most significant issues in the state and Nigeria in general, as most people eat out on daily basis and charged the stakeholders to take their job seriously, even as he commended Governor Soludo for the ongoing provision of potable water in the state.

    Giving an overview of the programme, the State Food Safety and Hygiene Coordinator, Dr Rose Amasiani said that the group was created in April 2021, and that the aim was to enhance the understanding of stakeholders on the importance and principles of domestication of food safety and hygiene programme in Anambra.

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    Dr. Amasiani revealed that there are about six hundred million cases of food borne illnesses annually and about four hundred and twenty thousand food related deaths yearly, urging all hands to be on deck in championing the campaign of food safety, water, sanitation and hygiene.

    The State Director of Public Health, Dr Afam Aneme noted that the campaign needs all the relevant stakeholders to key in and help to propagate the gospel of eating good and safe food, as well as drinking potable water in their various homes and hospitals.

    Earlier in his address, the Anambra State Chairman of Food Vendors Association of Nigeria, Comrade Obi Madubugwu assured that they will do everything humanly possible to deliver on the mandate given to them by involving all the relevant stakeholders to sensitize and educate the citizenry.

    Speaking on behalf of the Transition Committee Chairmen, the Transition Committee Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Dr. Anslem Onuorah promised that they will give the association all the necessary support for them to excel, stressing the need for a robust and massive sensitization of the people.

    The event, which was packaged by the Anambra State Ministry of Health in conjunction with the State Association of Food Vendors, attracted all the relevant stakeholders, representatives of the Ministry of Agricultural, Civil Society Organizations, among others.

  • Minister moves to check “japa” syndrome, enhances sustainable workforce

    Minister moves to check “japa” syndrome, enhances sustainable workforce

    By Christian Njoku

    Prof. Mohammad Pate, Minister of Health and Social Welfare has moved to check the high rate of migration of healthcare workers out of Nigeria, popularly known as the “japa syndrome.”

    This was observed with the commencement of a five day intensive refresher training of over 100 frontline healthcare workers in Cross River.

    The five day training which commenced on Monday April 15, 2024 but was officially flagged-off by Dr Henry Ayuk, Cross River’s Commissioner for Health on Tuesday was part of the initiative of the minister, through the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, (NPHCDA).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training which focuses on 120,000 healthcare workers in public institutions across the country would enhance the competencies of the healthcare workers in different areas.

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    Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Mr. Julius Idoko, Coordinator of NPHCDA in Cross River said the training was to build the capacities of health workers across the nation.

    According to him, to curbing the continuous exodus of healthcare professionals from the nation was one of the major reasons why the initiative was conceived.

    “We said, if we continue to engage and improve the capacity of our health workers, there will be no reason for them to ‘japa’ and that is what we are doing.

    “NPHCDA will also provide kits and even stipends to the trained health workers following the response it will get after this training; so, we are not just looking at training alone but motivation of the health workers,” he said.

    Officially declaring the event open, Ayuk said the training was very important for Cross River because of the state’s peculiar health challenge which was the dearth of staff.

    He said the training which would not just focus on one item or disease programme  would strengthen the skill of available health workforce in the state and enhance clinical outcomes.

    “Apart from the training, the state government was looking at equipping about 450 PHCs in the next one year through support from the Federal Government, World Bank and Gov. Bassey Otu’s medical programme,” he said.

    Similarly, Dr. Vivian Otu, Director General of Cross River’s Primary Healthcare Development Agency, (CRPHCDA) while commending NPHCDA, said the trained workforce in the state, would cascade the training to the new health workers that would be recruited soon in the state.

    Other organisations that were present in the 5 day training of healthcare workers in Cross River include the World Health Organisation, (WHO) University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), the United Nations Children’s Fund, President’s Malaria Initiative, (PMI) among others.

  • Na’ar Youth Swagger 2024: Over 5000 to receive free healthcare in Cross River

    Preparations have been finalised for a two-day medical outreach as part of a week-long activities of the 2024 “Na’ar Youth Swagger” event scheduled to take place at the U.J Usuene Stadium in Calabar.

    The Na’ar Youth Swagger which has “Resurrection: The Spectacle” as this year’s theme, is an annual worship event with the primary aim of saving souls and providing a non-denominational worship experience that goes beyond mere entertainment.

    In a statement signed by the Coordinator of the event, Pst. Christal Tawo Esq., on Monday, the programme is a way of further encouraging upcoming and home-based gospel artists, the sum of N1 million would be given to one selected act who gains the most votes from the public.

    He also noted that the annual event will kick-start on the 26th of March with the medical outreach whose objective is to assist no fewer than 5000 people.

    He said the medical services to be provided include: free health checks and tests, consultations, eye checks, free glasses, free surgeries mosquito-treated nets, free scaling and polishing of teeth procedures, and free haircuts, amongst others.

    Speaking on the initiative, the event coordinator emphasised that Na’ar Youth Swagger is not limited to churchgoers but also extends its invitation to everyone living in Cross River and beyond.

    “The movement predominantly focuses on soul-harvesting, commencing with a medical outreach and culminating in the main event at the UJ Esuene Stadium,” he stated.

    He said that the main event, which is expected to attract an audience of at least 25,000 people and 100s of thousands more viewers around the globe, will feature gospel artists such as Frank Edwards, Prinx Emmanuel, Great man Takit, Dr Panam Percy Paul and Dr KJ.

    According to him, “Na’ar Youth Swagger began over a decade ago and has since grown beyond its roots in Cross River, evolving into a global movement with participants from countries such as China, Japan, and many more.

    “This power-packed worship experience not only seeks to uplift spirits but also possesses the potential to positively impact the state’s and Nigeria’s economy as a whole.

    “The medical outreach during Na’ar Youth Swagger 2024 is expected to benefit over 5000 individuals, providing them with essential medical services they may otherwise not have access to.

    “The provision of free eye surgeries, eyeglasses, and dental care, including cleansing and whitening procedures, will significantly improve the health and well-being of the recipients.

    “By extending its invitation to all residents, regardless of their religious background, Na’ar Youth Swagger demonstrates its commitment to serving the community and addressing the healthcare needs of the region.

    “The outreach aligns perfectly with the movement’s overarching objective of making a tangible difference in people’s lives.

    “Na’ar Youth Swagger has gained significant traction over the years, attracting prominent gospel artists and an exceptionally large audience. With its global reach expanding annually, the movement garners attention from millions worldwide, promoting not only spiritual upliftment but also socioeconomic growth and development.

    “The anticipated viewers from around the world tuning into Na’ar Youth Swagger 2024 further demonstrates the movement’s influence as a global platform for gospel music and worship.

    “The event serves as a testament to the power of gospel music in bringing people together and creating a positive impact on communities,” Tawo said.

  • Int’l Women’s Day: C’River pledges health intervention for women living with HIV

    Int’l Women’s Day: C’River pledges health intervention for women living with HIV

    By Solomon Azu

    The Cross River State Government has  pledged health intervention for the Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDs in Nigeria (ASWHAN).

    The state focal person on Prevention from Mother to Child Transmission PMTCT, in the State Agency for the Control ofAIDS,Mrs Rose Ekum stated this when the state government patner with ASWHAN to commemorate the International Women’s Day 2024 in Calabar.

    The programme which was organized with the support from UN Women and other partners, highlighted the importance of investing in women to accelerate progress.

    While reaffirming the state government’s commitment to supporting people living with HIV in the state, she emphasized the need for inclusive policies and initiatives that uplift and empower women, particularly those facing health challenges.

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    In her remarks, the State Coordinator of ASWHAN, Mrs. Beatrice Ntui who underscored the 2024 theme entitled: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”, called on religious leaders to preach non-discriminatory messages in places of worship, advocating for the right of women living with HIV to marry partners of their choice without stigma or discrimination.

    She also called on government both at national and state levels to include women living with HIV in Social Investment Fund, Conditional Cash Transfers, include women living with HIV in palliative distribution and create employment opportunities for them.

    The state coordinator further called on donor partners to support ASWHAN with funding and technical support to help build the capacity of its members, especially the support groups at the grassroots to enable them engage with their communities and to advocate for their rights.

    “We are also calling on small and medium enterprise organisations to include ASWHAN in their skill acquisition and economic empowerment programmes to train our women in different business skills, support them with small scale grant to boost their businesses.

    “We are calling for support to enable us form cooperatives to empower women economically because women living with HIV are suffering with no source of income and are burdened with children and other dependents to take care of.

    “We want ASWHAN to be engaged in prevention from mother to child transmission programme implementation to prevent any child from being born with HIV,” She emphasized.

    In her address, the  Cross River Coordinator, Network of People Living With HIV/AIDs in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), Mrs Cecilia Ofum, commended Gov. Bassey Otu for his unwavering support for women’s rights and his commitment to placing women in high-esteem positions within his administration.

    She observed that the celebration served as a beacon of hope and solidarity, reaffirming the collective determination to create a more inclusive and equitable society where every woman can thrive and contribute to progress.

    She disclosed that the body is  implementing GC7 in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory and has advertised for recruitment for Mentor Mothers.

    She called on NEPWHAN &  ASWHAN to work together to better the lot of women in the state.

  • Jennifer Etuh Foundation, Pro-Health International Take Free Medical Outreach To 2,811 People In Obubra

    Jennifer Etuh Foundation, Pro-Health International Take Free Medical Outreach To 2,811 People In Obubra

    A total of 2,811 patients have benefited from the recently concluded Free Medical Outreach programme by Jennifer Etuh (JEF) in collaboration with Pro-Health International in Obubra LGA of Cross River State.

    A statement by the Program Manager, Jennifer Etuh Foundation, Mr Joseph Otu, which was made available to some newsmen in Calabar, said the outreach programme commenced between 25th-30th January, 2024 as the Jennifer Etuh Medical Centre, Ochon, Obubra was commissioned on January 26, 2024 by the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk.

    In a bid to enhance healthcare across the state and its neighbouring environment, the outreach played host to a dedicated team of skilled medical professionals on-site to offer an array of services which included: Medical consultations General and specialized surgeries, Ophthalmology, Dental care, Free Medications, Health promotion, Obstetrics and Gynecology, General medical services and Laboratory services.

    Breakdown of final Statistics from the programme as confirmed by the Board Chairman the Foundation, Mr. Thomas Etuh, showed that General Surgeries were carried out in 91 patients, Eye Surgery – 100, Eye Care patients seen – 681, Eye glasses given-414, Laboratory test done-1,432, Laboratory patients screened-566, Pharmacy patients seen -1,137, Dental patients seen – 224, Dental Procedures- 605, Health Promotion-148 and
    Consulting patients seen – 1,567. Thus a grand total of patients seen stood at 2,811.

    Read Also: Drone technology is bridging vaccination gap in rural Cross River – Health Practitioner

    Etuh said since inception, “JEF has intervened in the education and empowerment of women and girls from different walks of life with support ranging from educational fees, full scholarship, menstrual hygiene kits, palliative, relief materials to internally displaced victims of insecurity, Vocational skills training , training on Improved agricultural practices for women farmers and educational starter packs starter packs for children”.

    The vision of the JEF encompasses a multifaceted approach to creating a society where underprivileged women and girls have access to quality education, healthcare, and skill acquisition programmes.

    He said, “we are contributing our bit towards a Nigeria where no female is hindered from realizing her full potential due to financial constraints or limited resources and opportunities.

    The Foundation started in
    January 2021 and has so far built five hospitals and they are: Jennifer Etuh Medical Center, Jennifer Etuh Medical Center (JEMC), Tula, Gombe State and the Jennifer Etuh Medical Centre, Ochon in Obubura LGA Cross River State.

    The hospitals established by JEF are being managed by different institutions with a credible track record of hospital management.

    The Jennifer Etuh Specialist Hospital in Kagoro is managed by Bingham University. Jennier Etuh Medical Center in Kogi by Catholic Diocese of Idah, Jennifer Etuh Medical Center – Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Jennifer Etuh Medical Centre, Tula, Gombe State is being managed by the foundation

    The latest which is the Jennifer Etuh Medical Centre, Ochon in Obubura LGA, Cross River is being managed by Pro Health International led by Dr. Iko Ibanga.

    The Foundation recognizes the importance of maintaining effective follow-up, monitoring, and learning processes and to achieve this, Etuh said, “the foundation has implemented a strategy of employing community-based field officers who serve as the primary point of contact between the hospital management and the foundation. These officers play a crucial role in reporting activities and deliverables to the foundation’s office, establishing a seamless flow of information.

    “This proactive approach enables ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and learning within the foundation. By collecting and analyzing relevant data, the foundation can make informed, data-driven decisions regarding the operations and progress of the hospitals. This valuable information helps identify areas of improvement, recognize successful practices, and make necessary adjustments to enhance the overall quality of healthcare services provided”.

    In addition to the field officers, he said “the Jennifer Etuh Foundation maintains an active role in overseeing and supporting the management of these hospitals. This commitment ensures that the hospitals consistently deliver high-quality healthcare services to the communities they serve. By actively participating in the management process, the foundation can provide guidance, resources, and support to address any challenges that may arise.

    “Through this collaborative approach, the foundation fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in the healthcare sector. By leveraging ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and learning, the Jennifer Etuh Foundation strives to create sustainable positive impact and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the communities it serves”.

    JEF was officially launched  on February 16, 2021 in memory of the late Mrs. Jennifer Rematu Etuh who lived an exemplary humanitarian life. She was passionate about supporting the needy, creating opportunities to uplift disadvantaged women and girls she came in contact with by giving them educational and vocational support and other access to other economic empowerment opportunities.

    During her last moments she gave explicit instructions on the vision of the Foundation, it’s intervention and the sitting of six hospitals across the six geopolitical zones.

    Jennifer Etuh Medical Centre, Ochon in Obubra LGA is the fiith in a series of full-service hospitals to be built by Mr. Thomas Etuh and Jennifer Etuh Foundation in memory of his late wife, Mrs Jennifer Ramatu Etuh, who was called to glory on 26th January 2020.

  • Drone technology is enhancing vaccination in Cross River rural communities – Health Practitioner

    Drone technology is enhancing vaccination in Cross River rural communities – Health Practitioner

    By Kelvin Obambon 

    Mr Augustine Okutu, the Community Health Officer  in Ijiraga Community Primary Healthcare Centre, Yala Local Government Area has disclosed that the use of drone technology was bridging vaccination gap in rural Cross River.

    Okutu stated this on Monday during a visit by journalists to the facility to ascertain the effectiveness of the use of drones powered by Zipline to enhance provision of vaccines, drugs and other medical consumables in rural areas.

    Zipline is one of the world’s largest autonomous delivery system, specializing in on-demand drone delivery. It partnered with the government of Cross River with its facility in Nduk in Ogoja LGA to support the government in delivering on its mandate of providing access to healthcare to rural dwellers.

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    According to the community health officer, the drone system has helped them to reduce their preaching of the importance of vaccination and immunisation in rural areas.

    “The dramatic way in which the drones drop the vaccines from the sky is a source of advert for us; the people believe the vaccines and drugs dropping from the sky are more sophisticated.

    “Now, there is an increased demand for immunisation and vaccination with the vaccines that dropped from the drones and not the ones from our cold chain stores.

    Speaking further, Okutu said the drone technology has saved them the cost of moving out of the health facility to look for drugs and other medical needs.

    He said the people believe that the items  delivered by the drones were from trusted sources noting that the acquisition of fake or expired drugs was eliminated.

    Similarly, Mr Raphael Obok, Focal Person for the Primary Healthcare Centre in Nfuma, Yala LGA said the response for vaccination has increased as people now come on their own to be vaccinated.

    “We no longer travel to get or store drugs and vaccines but from the comfort of our facility we just call or text Zipline and in a matter of minutes, we get what we need through a drone delivery.

    “The drone technology has come as a fulfillment of all the parameters of primary healthcare which include, affordability, availability and accessibility,” he said.

    Earlier, in an interview with Dr. Henry Ayuk, Cross River’s Commissioner for Health, he said what Zipline was doing in the state was commendable and a fulcrum of healthcare delivery.

    He added that the state was consolidating plans to ensure that there was another Zipline facility in Akamkpa, Local Government Area that would service the Southern Senatorial District of the state.

  • How to use Bitter Kola to improve your s3x life, combat STDs

    By Frank Ulom

    Bitter Kola, also known as Garcinia kola is a vital plant, especially it seed as it is used to treat many healthy problems.

    Proven and published on the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH journal, Bitter Kola does not only increase s3x drive, it also improves the s3xual performance of men who consume it.

    It is said that the best of medicines come with a bitter taste: Undeniably, bitter kola is one of them.

    The usage of bitter kola is not limited to traditional activities alone. As a matter of fact, the fruit, seeds, nuts, and bark of the plant have been used for centuries in folk medicine to treat ailments from coughs to fever.

    The bitter plant, which is believed to contain a high source of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, and B3, fiber, calcium, potassium, and iron, also carries other antioxidants.

    Owing to this, research was carried out by accredited institutions to find out the possible healing attributes of the bitter plant.

    The results of the research are not only amazing, they’re incredible as well.

    Here are some of the incredible health benefits of bitter kola:

    1. It improves s3xual potency

    Studies have shown that when it comes to the improvement of s3xual performance, especially among men, bitter kola is royalty.

    Bitter Kola does not only increase sex drive, it also improves the sexual performance of men who consume it.

    And in other to be effective, it is advisable to chew the kola for at least two minutes before intercourse.

    So you have it: Improve your performance in bed by chewing bitter kola.

    2. Remedy for osteoarthritis

    Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone that causes pain and stiffness, especially in the hip, knee, and thumb joints.

    It is a common form of arthritis.

    And according to the National Institutes of Health, the causes of Osteoarthritis can include joint injury, obesity, and aging.

    However, researchers at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria tested the effects of bitter kola against arthritis symptoms and the result concludes that bitter kola significantly reduced inflammation and pain.

    It also increased joint movement in patients that had osteoarthritis symptoms.

    3. It combats STDs

    Since the emergence of s3xually transmitted diseases (STDs), noble scientists have been battling night and day to bring lasting solution the plague.

    Although their battle may seem somewhat difficult as a result of the complicatedness of the diseases, results have shown that seed and leaf of bitter kola have antibacterial activity on clinical isolates of Staphylococcus Aureus, Escherichia Coli (E. Coli), Salmonella Typhi and Streptococcus Pyogenes.

    4. It improves the function of the lungs

    The fibers and lung tissues are not only strengthened when bitter kola is consumed regularly in a considerate amount, it also stabilizes any other counter effect.

    In addition, it helps in the maintenance of good respiratory tract as well as treating chest cold.

    Still wondering why some smokers move along with bitter kola?

    5. It improves immunity system

    Bitter kola has a high amount of antioxidant. This high amount of antioxidants found in bitter kola does not only help fight bacteria and other illnesses, it also helps the body to increase its immunity levels.

    And when the immunity level of the body is increased, it becomes strong enough to fight against any foreign contaminant.

    6. It is antimalarial agent

    Studies have shown that chemical constituents in bitter kola have antimalarial properties. This is why traditional healers have for many years prescribed bitter kola for the treatment of malaria infections.

    Additionally, the stem, bark, and seeds of bitter kola are used to treat acute fever, inflammation of the respiratory tract and throat infections.

    7. It fights glaucoma

    Glaucoma is a condition of increased pressure within the eyeball, causing a gradual loss of sight.

    Glaucoma could result in permanent blindness if left untreated.

    However, bitter kola has been found to be an amazing remedy for the eye.

    According to the LUTH journal, when bitter kola is eaten, at least twice a day, it could successfully reduce the eye pressure.

  • Anambra Govt Will Not Rest On Its Current Success In Health Sector, First Lady

    Anambra Govt Will Not Rest On Its Current Success In Health Sector, First Lady

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra governor’s wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo has assured that the current administration is keen on consolidating current milestones recorded in the state’s health sector.

    Mrs Soludo stated this in her address at the 2023 annual surveillance and routine immunization programme performance review and award meeting organized by the Anambra State Ministry of Health in collaboration with World Health Organization, WHO in Awka, on Friday.

    Part of the activities of the event was to honour individuals and transition committee chairmen that have supported primary health care accessibility in the grassroots, and have also done very well in promoting surveillance and routine immunization in their local domains.

    In her speech at the event, Mrs Soludo explained that the present administration has made significant efforts in promoting childhood and other immunization activities in the  21 local government areas of Anambra State.

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    She mentioned the inputs of traditional rulers and transition committee chairmen in the just-concluded Outbreak Response one and two, noting that the local stakeholders showed excellent commitment by coordinating expanded health teams of their respective health authorities to improve vaccination rates in Anambra State.

    She also praised the impact of implementing partners like World Health Organization, WHO, UNICEF and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, and promised that despite the recorded achievements in state’s health sector, the present administration is determined to achieve more.

    Earlier in his remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, hailed the the influence of the governor’s wife in the implementation of most health sector reforms in Anambra State, especially in the area of primary health.

    In their respective remarks, the Anambra State Coordinator of WHO, Dr Abdulnasir Adamu, and the UNICEF representative, Dr Olusoji Akinleye, disclosed that Anambra State has performed so well in the national immunization ratings, primary health care index and maternal and infant mortality control, pointing to the impact of the governor’s wife healthy living crusade in the results.

    Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to transition committee chairmen whose local government areas won the challenge, as well as health workers who were adjudged to have performed optimally in their respective jobs.

    The Commissioner for Environment, Engineer Felix Odimegwu, the Executive Secretary of Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Pharmacist Chisom Uchem, TC chairmen from Anambra East and West, Anaocha, Idemili South, Awka South, Nnewi North and South, were at the event.

  • Anti-microbial resistance high in Nigeria – RFPTN raises alarm

    Anti-microbial resistance high in Nigeria – RFPTN raises alarm

    By Ovat Abeng

    Reform Forum of Pharmacy Techns in Nigeria (RFPTN) Anambra State Chapter, has expressed worries over alarming rate of Anti-microbial Resistance (AMR) in Nigeria.

    The alarmed was contained in a statement signed and made available to Journalists in Awka on Monday, by the State Chairman of RFPTN, Engr (PhT) Ugochukwu Ohazuruike.

    He said AMR is one of the biggest threat to global health, food security and development today.

    He said differentiating viral from bacteria infection is vital to limiting AMR in the society.

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    According to Ohazuruike, “it is important to be certain you are dealing with a bacteria or viral infection. Viral infection do not respond to antibiotics. Only antibiotics for bacterial infection.

    “Injudicious use of antibiotics can further lead to Antimicrobial resistance(AMR).

    -AMR is a global health and development threat, it requires organ multifactorial action inorder to achieve the sustainable development goals. (SDGS).

    “World Health Organisation (WHO), has declared that AMR is one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity.

    -MISUSE and OVERUSE of
    Antimicrobials are the main drivers in the development of drug-resistant pathogens.

    -Lack of clean water and sanitation and -inadequate infection prevention and control promotes the spread of microbes, some of which can be resistant to Antimicrobial treatment.

    “Without effective antimicrobials, the success of modern medicine in treating infections, including during major surgery and cancer chemotherapy, would be at increased risk.

    “We are moving towards post Anti-biotics era where common infections and minor injuries can once again kill. This is as a result of AMR/Drug resistant bacteria

    “AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time and no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death

    “ANTIMICROBIAL include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitic. They are medicines use to prevent and treat infections in humans, animals and plants.

    “AMR disadvantages include; increased death rate, increased disability, Prolonged hospital stay, Prolonged illness,The need for more expensive medicine and Financial challenges(expensive intensive care) while causes are; inappropriate antibiotics prescribing, over prescription of broad spectrum antibiotic, shortage of rapid diagnostic facilities, poor quality Antibiotics, poor sanitation, global travel, excessive Antibiotics use in Agriculture, Increasing high risk patient population, Inadequate infection control and misuse of Antimicrobial.

    On the role of RFPTN in tackling AMR, Ohazuruike, who is also the Managing Director of Eagle in Ovary Medical Diagnostic Centre/Clinical Support Services Onitsha,  advice patients on symptomatic treatment, Disposal of old/unused antibiotics, Promote appropriate use of antibiotics, Educate patient on AMR and it’s importance, Advice patient about potential AEs interactions and what to do if they occur, Advice prescriber on guidelines adherence.(Nigerian treatment guidelines, standard treatment guidelines), Educate patient about compliance, Ensure antibiotics quality by guarding against counterfeits, Uphold common dispensing regulations, Educate patient on infection prevention and control.

    Ohazuruike, equally charged Pharm techns to also make intelligent use of Information from the reference books BNF, EMDEX, MATINDEL to help curbed the situation.

  • Gavi injects over $1.8bn for manufacturing of vaccines in Africa

    • Gavi’s Board today approved the establishment of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA), a financing instrument that will make up to US$ 1 billion available to support sustainable vaccine manufacturing in Africa
    • Efforts to translate pandemic learnings into concrete action further include the establishment of a US$ 500 million First Response Fund to ensure immediate financing for vaccine response in the event of a future pandemic, as well as extraordinary support for countries to close routine immunisation gaps created during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • The Board approved the inclusion of the new multivalent meningococcal vaccine into the Gavi portfolio, as well as the shortlist of new vaccines for Gavi’s next Vaccine Investment Strategy
    • The Government of France and Africa CDC, alongside with European and international partners, will co-host a high level event in June 2024 to officially launch the AVMA mechanism as well as Gavi’s investment case to support its next replenishment 

    The Board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance today announced a series of decisions that will help lower-income countries tackle backsliding from the COVID-19 pandemic and be better prepared to respond toUS future health emergencies. The decisions were taken during a two-day meeting hosted by the Government of Ghana in Accra, Ghana, from 6-7 December.

    Concrete action in support of African vaccine manufacturing, future pandemic response

    Following more than 18 months of close collaboration between Gavi, the African Union and Africa CDC, the Board today approved the establishment of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA). AVMA is an innovative financing mechanism aimed at establishing a sustainable African vaccine manufacturing industry capable of improving the region’s resilience in the face of pandemics, outbreaks and other health emergencies as well as the health of global vaccine markets. AVMA was designed through an extensive consultation process that involved partners, donors, industry, civil society, and others.

    Gavi, as one of the largest purchasers of vaccines in the world, is thus sending a powerful signal to global markets that it will support African vaccine manufacturing. AVMA aims to make up to US$ 1 billion available to manufacturers at key moments in the development process as a way of helping offset high start-up costs and provide assurance of demand. By focusing on “priority” antigens, product profiles, and vaccine platforms, as well as constructing clear incentives for both “fill and finish” and drug substance production, AVMA will also support global vaccine markets by targeting clear unmet needs and help establish a thriving, sustainable, end-to-end African vaccine manufacturing ecosystem.

    AVMA is the final pillar of Gavi’s regional manufacturing strategy, with the first three pillars approved by the Board in December 2022. With this Board approval, Gavi can now consult widely on the final operational framework for AVMA, including the establishment of an inclusive steering committee, and processes for governance, monitoring and course-correcting as needed. These final pieces will be reviewed by the Board in June 2024, following which AVMA will be officially launched in that same month during an event co-hosted by France and Africa CDC, alongside with European and international partners.

    Building even further on the theme of ensuring learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic are met with concrete actions, the Board also approved a US$ 500 million investment in a First Response Fund, part of a broader Day Zero Financing Facility, to ensure financing is immediately available from the start of a future pandemic. This decision responds to one of the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, where it took time to fundraise in support of the effort to ensure equitable access to vaccines, slowing down the ability to respond quickly to countries’ needs, and contributing to vaccine inequity. This investment is combined with Board approval to dedicate US$22 million to support pandemic prevention, preparedness and response activities across a broad coalition of vaccine-related partners and processes, including countries, civil society, strengthening immunisation and outbreak response activities, and aligning with international pandemic-related deliberations and mechanisms. This effort seeks to ensure a coordinated playbook for potential pandemic response, coverage of any gaps, and increased transparency and knowledge sharing across the full ecosystem. This Board decision will help create an inclusive approach, ahead of a potential future emergency, to ensuring all partners are ready to contribute in a coordinated response.

    “Today’s historic decisions illustrate the very best of our Alliance – collaboration across the full range of immunisation partners, constantly seeking to learn and improve, and most importantly, taking concrete action,” said Professor José Manuel Barroso, Chair of the Gavi Board. “Gavi has worked closely with the countries, the African Union, Africa CDC, G7, G20, and other donors, WHO, UNICEF, civil society, industry, and experts to put into place innovative mechanisms that have the power to reshape our approach to regional manufacturing and pandemic response, and we are grateful for the continued commitment of our Board to the effort to ensure no one is left behind with immunisation.”

    Supporting countries to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic

    Gavi’s Board also recognized the need for exceptional support to countries to close immunity gaps created during the COVID-19 pandemic, approving an initial amount of US$290 million to provide fully funded doses to help countries “catch-up” children who missed routine vaccinations. The amount approved is an initial estimate and is likely to evolve as countries finalise their plans. Given the urgent and one-time nature of this push, the Board recommended a permissive approach that waives country co-financing requirements, but strongly emphasized the need for robust country plans with risk mitigation measures including assessments of in-country vaccine stocks, phased supply to avoid wastage, and strengthened Alliance capacity to provide technical support.

    Funding for AVMA, the First Response Fund, supporting a pandemic ready coalition of vaccine partners, and routine immunisation catch up activities is planned to be secured from COVID-19 savings available through the Gavi COVAX AMC’s Pandemic Vaccine Pool, and has been extensively discussed with the donors to this mechanism.

    Expanding access to new vaccines

    The Board approved the inclusion of the new multivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MMCV) into the Gavi portfolio, which means at-risk countries will now be able to conduct mass preventive campaigns against multiple strains of meningococcal meningitis and then introduce the vaccine into routine programmes. Gavi has already helped countries to conduct outbreak response, preventive campaigns and routine vaccinations with the meningococcal A conjugate vaccine, leading to the near elimination of meningitis A outbreaks – a remarkable achievement. The new vaccine will help countries protect against additional strains before they become a larger issue, particularly significant as countries deal with an increasing number of outbreaks of several infectious diseases. Both vaccines are currently available for use in the Gavi-funded global emergency stockpile of meningitis vaccines.

    The Board also confirmed the proposed shortlist for Gavi’s 2024 Vaccine Investment Strategy, which will determine the new vaccines that the Alliance plans to introduce over the next strategic period from 2026-2030. The shortlist includes vaccines against tuberculosis (TB), group B strep, shigella, dengue, and potentially continued support for COVID-19, as well as the establishment of a stockpile for vaccines against hepatitis-E. The Board also approved the exploration of a learning agenda for vaccines against chikungunya and mpox, where Gavi will work with partners to continue to monitor the epidemiological situation. This Board decision now allows Gavi to work with partners to develop investment cases related to these vaccines, which will come back to the Board for approval in 2024.

    “These decisions allow our Alliance to continue to execute on our core mission, expanding access to lifesaving vaccines,” said David Marlow, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. “Gavi can now make these new innovations available to the lower-income countries that need them the most, helping protect millions more against deadly infectious diseases.” 

    Following extensive country and partner consultations throughout 2023, the Board also met on the sidelines of the formal meeting to discuss the design of the Alliance’s next five-year strategic period. The consultation process will continue through the first half of 2024, with the final strategy discussed for approval in the first half of US2024. This strategy will inform the investment case for Gavi’s replenishment, which will seek to raise funds in support of the Alliance’s work during the 2026 to 2030 strategic period.

    France and Africa CDC to host high level event in support of Gavi replenishment, AVMA launch

    At the Board meeting, the representative of the Government of France, on behalf of President Emmanuel Macron, announced that France, alongside with its African, European and international partners, will co-host a high level event in France in June 2024 for the official launch of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator. Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General, Africa CDC, subsequently announced that Africa CDC will co-host the event. The representative of the Government of France also announced that France, on this occasion, will host the launching of Gavi’s investment case, in support of its replenishment, which will raise funds for immunisation in lower-income countries for the 2026 to 2030 strategic period.

    “France is honored to co-host, together with our African, European and international partners, a high-level event to take place in France in June 2024 to celebrate the collective success of Gavi and AVMA. Learning lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic, building health sovereignty in support of partners’ regional production agenda, and achieving vaccine equity must remain our top priorities On this occasion, we will be thrilled to support Gavi’s leadership and unique contribution to global health by launching its 2026-2030 investment case,“ said Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, French State Minister for Development, Francophonie, and International Partnerships

    Appointments and Process Updates

    • Omar Abdi, Deputy Executive Director for Programmes at UNICEF, was appointed Vice-Chair of the Board, replacing Sarah Goulding, Assistant Secretary and Principal Specialist, Gender Equality, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia