Paradise News

Category: Health

  • 14-year-old creates new cancer treatment that’s affordable

     

    A 14-year-old was recently named “America’s Top Young Scientist” for inventing a soap that is capable of treating skin cancer.

    According to a press release from 3M, Heman Bekele, a ninth-grade student from W.T. Woodson High School in Annandale, Virginia, won this year’s award from Discovery Education and 3M. “America’s Top Young Scientist” is one of the nation’s top science competitions for middle school students.

    “I believe that young minds can make a positive impact on the world,” Heman said. “I have always been interested in biology and technology, and this challenge gave me the perfect platform to showcase my ideas.”

    According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, skin cancer is currently the most common cancer in the United States, resulting in annual treatment costs of about $8.1 billion. To address the nationwide health concern, Heman created a skin cancer treatment soap solution that would be affordable for the average American. Heman plans to refine his soap solution over the next five years and launch a nonprofit organization to distribute the affordable solution to “communities in need.”

    Sharing images of this year’s “Top Young Scientist” winner, Goodable tweeted, “He was just named America’s top young scientist after he invented a bar of soap that can treat skin cancer. It costs just 50 cents, and he plans to create a non-profit to distribute it to communities in need. He’s only 14.”

    As “America’s Top Young Scientist,” Heman received the grand prize of $25,000 earlier this month at 3M’s headquarters, which is located in St. Paul, Minnesota.

    According to 3M’s press release, Heman spent the past four months competing against the other nine finalists in order to win the competition’s last challenge events at the company’s headquarters on Oct. 9 and 10. “America’s Top Young Scientist” finalists were evaluated based on their presentation skills, passion, research, incorporation of STEM principles, innovative thinking, ability to inspire others, and ingenuity, according to 3M.

    “The need for scientists and innovators to develop solutions for the world’s biggest challenges has never been greater. This year’s Young Scientist Challenge finalists have demonstrated the skills required to reimagine what’s possible—intelligence, curiosity, collaboration, and resilience,” John Banovetz, 3M executive vice president, said. “The magnitude and complexity of the issues these young minds are working to solve is inspiring. Congratulations to this year’s finalists—we can’t wait to see what you do next!”

     

    Source

  • Pharmacists express worry over persistent increase in medicine insecurity in Nigeria

    Pharmacists express worry over persistent increase in medicine insecurity in Nigeria

    By Ovat Abeng

    Pharmacists are greatly worried that the lack of control of drug distribution in Nigeria which they say is in a chaotic state has continued to increase medicine insecurity in Nigeria.

    This anxiety and proffering solutions to the problem especially in Anambra state formed the major focus of discussions, lectures, speeches, and research paper presentations at the thirtieth Annual Scientific Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, Anambra State Branch, in Awka, over the weekend.

    The theme, “Challenges and implications of medicine insecurity in a chaotic drug distribution system: The role of pharmacists”, speakers at the conference highlighted the indices of medicine insecurity to include scarcity and unavailability of essential and lifesaving medications, widespread circulation of counterfeit, fake, adulterated, and unwholesome medicines and the prevalence of open drug markets which are all at embarrassing levels in the country.

    They said that the situation will remain unabated until policy makers, industry stakeholders, and other health professionals recognize and include pharmacists in the scheme of things to manage the challenges faced in the medical system in Nigeria.

    Read Also: NANS commends Sen Ifeanyi Ubah defection to APC

    Leading the park in proffering solutions to the medicine insecurity challenge and in addressing the chaotic drug distribution system in Nigeria, a public health advocate and immediate past chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Rivers State Branch, Pharm. Chima Ogbu, in a keynote speech, stated that because public health crises do not recognize social classes, the solutions and the implementation of Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria Act 2022 must be carried out without pandering to personal, group, or sectional interests.

    Pharmacist Ogbu, who insisted that drugs can never be food and must only be administered by a professional, called on the Federal Government to set up a national body that will be responsible for gathering and sharing information on demands for and supply of medicines in the country.

    In their separate speeches, the National President of PSN, Prof. Cyril Usifoh and the Chairman of the Occasion, Pharm. Olumide Akintayo underscored the critical roles of pharmacists in addressing the state of the health sector in the country and emphasized that they must consciously and subconsciously support the implementation of policies developed to address unguarded and uncontrolled drug distribution.

    On the part of the Anambra State government, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike reassured the commitment of the Governor Chukwuma Soludo administration to ensuring that the Coordinated Wholesale Centre, Oba and the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Hub, Ogboji take off soon while expressing hope that when fully operational, the centre and the hub will greatly address the challenges of open drug market distribution not just in the state but in the South East region as a whole.

    Earlier in a welcome address, the Chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Anambra State Chapter, Pharm. Josephat Obasi explained that the scientific conference which is in its thirtieth edition celebrates the excellence in the pharmacy profession in the state while expressing hope that the solutions advocated by the speakers at the conference will be properly applied and given the political will to reshape the public health status of Nigeria.

  • Are you ‘fully vaccinated’ against COVID-19? Omicron might change that

    For the most up-to-date news and information about the coronavirus pandemic, visit the WHO and CDC websites.

    Nearly 205 million people in the US are now fully vaccinated for COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meaning they’ve received the two shots of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine or one of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. However, recent evidence strongly suggests
    booster shots are needed to protect against the new omicron variant.

    As the omicron variant spreads quickly through the US — now accounting for about 73% of new infections — health officials and other organizations are discussing what it means to be “fully vaccinated.”

    “We’re looking into the definition right now,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Wednesday during a White House briefing about changing how the CDC defines “fully vaccinated.”

    “That evaluation is currently underway,” she said. “But to be very clear, our recommendations are to get boosted.”

    On Tuesday night, Dr. Anthony Fauci, chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden, was asked on MSNBC if the definition of fully vaccinated would be updated to include boosters shots. His answer? “You know, it very well might.”

    The CDC hasn’t budged on officially changing the definition yet. Its COVID-19 booster page currently states, “Everyone is still considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-shot series, such as the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as the J&J/Janssen vaccine.” The Wall Street Journal reports that the Biden administration is considering using the phrase “up to date” instead of “fully vaccinated.”

    Some colleges and universities aren’t waiting for public health agencies to decide. On Nov. 23, Wesleyan University in Connecticut became the first college to make boosters mandatory for students, starting in 2022. Other northeastern colleges have followed suit in recent weeks, including Syracuse University, Smith College and New York University. A list of colleges requiring boosters shots can be found at BestColleges.

    Here’s what we know today about why the CDC may change the definition of fully vaccinated from two shots to three. For more, where’s the latest on the Moderna booster shots, what you need to know about the Pfizer antiviral pill and how to pick between the vaccine boosters.

    Can you get COVID if you are fully vaccinated or receive a booster?

    While two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine combined with a booster shot doesn’t provide complete protection from a COVID-19 infection, the vaccines offer a sturdy defense against catching the virus and suffering serious illness. Walensky on Wednesday said an unvaccinated person has a 10 times higher risk of testing positive for COVID-19 and a 20 times greater risk of dying when compared with those who are vaccinated and boosted.

    How many COVID vaccine doses do you need to be considered ‘fully vaccinated’?

    According to the CDC, you’re fully vaccinated two weeks after you receive the second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, or two weeks after a single dose of Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine.

    The CDC also considers you fully vaccinated if you received any single-dose vaccine listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization or any combination of the two-dose vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Administration or listed by the WHO for emergency use.

    Why would the definition of ‘fully vaccinated’ change from two doses of the mRNA vaccines to three?

    This month, as preliminary studies showed omicron’s ability to infect those who are considered fully vaccinated, the definition began shifting, if not formally, then practically, from two doses of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID vaccine to three.

    “As far as I’m concerned — I make it very clear — if you want to be optimally protected, get boosted,” Fauci said Sunday on CNN’s State of the Union, when asked if three shots will become the standard.

    Robert Wachter, chair of the University of California at San Francisco’s department of medicine, said he thinks the definition change is coming soon.

    “It’s increasingly clear that if you have three shots, you’re in pretty good shape,” Wachter said during an online discussion about COVID-19 hosted by the San Francisco Chronicle on Dec. 10.

    “I think we will stop calling people with two shots fully vaccinated within a week or two,” he said. “Omicron is going to make that case quite vividly.”

    covid-19-vaccines-regular-endless-booster-shots-syringes-winter-2021-cnet-101

    Will we need an omicron-specific booster to guard against the virus?

    If two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are not enough to guard against omicron, would we need a variant-specific booster to restore protection? According to Fauci, no. “At this point, there is no need for a variant-specific booster,” Fauci said on Wednesday.

    But getting from the two-dose definition to three will take work. The CDC says more than 204 million people right now are “fully vaccinated” with the Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson vaccines. That’s 61% percent of the total US population. However, 60 million in the US have received a booster — just under 30% percent of the population.

    “That’s why getting more Americans vaccinated and boosted is central to the president’s plan to fight COVID and confront omicron this winter,” Jeff Zients, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, said during Wednesday’s White House briefing.

    What about if you got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?

    This week, the CDC recommended people get one of the mRNA vaccines — Moderna’s or Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine  — instead of Johnson & Johnson’s. The recommendation came a few days after a preliminary study out of South Africa suggested the Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine may produce “virtually no antibody protection,” against omicron, Bloomberg News reported.

    CNET reached out to Johnson & Johnson for a comment but didn’t immediately get a response.

    What happens next?

    Vaccine makers are already pushing for three doses as the new standard. “Although two doses of the vaccine may still offer protection against severe disease caused by the omicron strain, it’s clear from these preliminary data that protection is improved with a third dose of our vaccine,” Pfizer Chairman Albert Bourla said in a statement on early results about the Pfizer vaccine’s continued effectiveness.

    The next step would be for the CDC to change its definition of what it means to be “fully vaccinated.”

  • Magnet Rumours Put People Off the COVID-19 Vaccine

    By Ogar Monday and Sekyen Dadik (Nigeria), Cece Siago (Kenya)

    Samuel Edem said he will not take the COVID-19 vaccine because of the claims 9n social media that it makes people magnetic.

    Referring to a video shared in a WhatsApp group; the media practitioner based in Abuja, the Nigerian capital said “I saw the video of people who took the vaccine becoming magnetic. I don’t think I want to take that risk now. I will wait for a while before I submit myself for vaccination.”

    This form of misinformation and disinformation spread by some social media users continue to act as a clog on the wheel of progress being made by authorities in both Nigeria and Kenya to curb the spread of the Coronavirus in the countries.

    In one of such viral video, a group of people claimed they took the vaccine and the injected spot is magnetic and attracts spoons, keys, phones and could also light a bulb.

    Also amplifying the false claim, Nigerian based preacher, Evangelist Ebube Joseph Ezeaguba in a five-minute, thirty-eight seconds long video shared on WhatsApp, said that those who took the vaccine become magnetic, with items like metals sticking to their arms.

    Videos with those false claims are now causing fear, not only to those unvaccinated but to those vaccinated too.

    The video has scared me

    While many people laughed at and brushed off the magnet videos, they were others who believed the fake claim leaving themselves and their loved ones to the mercies of contracting the virus.

    Despite being one of the few persons eligible for the limited dose of the vaccine, Farhiya Hussein, a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya said she has not turned up at any of the vaccination sites due to some of the side effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine she has seen in videos shared on social media, claims that have all been false.

    “I am waiting for a different type of vaccine. Maybe, Pfizer or Sputnik, this is because I have read so much about AstraZeneca and its effects that I cannot put my life on the line anymore,” she said.

    Dispelling the claims

    To debunk the claims, we spoke to people who had taken the vaccines and some medical experts in Nigeria and Kenya.

    Frank Uche, a student at the University of Calabar, South-South Nigeria said he had taken 2 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine with no effect of any such as portrayed in the video.

    “I have tried following the videos I was seeing on social media about the magnetic capacity of the vaccine at the site of injection. I tried the experiment with metals like spoons, needles and bottle covers on my left hand. But there was no magnetic effect,” Uche said.

    A real estate developer, Timothy Makama in Kaduna, North-West Nigeria on his part said “all those claims on the injected site being magnetic are false claims, it is not true because I took the first shot of the AstraZeneca vaccine in march 2021 and about to take the second dose. When these videos came out, my wife placed a spoon on my arm but it did not magnet, they are not true”.

    “Though I had fears that something could happen but when I took it there was no any reaction sincerely and until now I have not experienced any Adverse effect”, he said.

    For Joyce Musa Mato, a teacher with the Kaduna State Primary Education Board who has taken the first and second jab of the AstraZeneca vaccine, she has not experienced any magnetic impact on the vaccine spot.

    There is no scientific backing to the claim that the vaccine makes you magnetic – experts

    Experts in Nigeria and Kenya have advised those still sitting on the fence to quickly visit the nearest vaccination centre and get vaccinated so as to protect themselves and their loved ones from the virus.

    Responding to the electromagnetic claims on the vaccines, Dr Simji Gomerep, said these claims are fictitious as no one has presented such a case to the COVID-19 Case Management Team in Plateau State Nigeria.

    According to him, “There are quite a number of people that have taken the vaccines, these people should try it to see if this is true. These claims are fictitious as we have not seen any case like that. People just produce videos and begin to post such fake news just to dissuade people from accepting the vaccination.”

    Gomerep, a Consultant Physician and the Case Management Lead for COVID-19 in Plateau State, in North Central Nigeria, said, “I have taken the two doses of the vaccine and my body is normal and does not magnetize anything. These videos are fictitious and people should disregard them completely, there is no truth in that.

    “There is no medical explanation for such claims. Those videos are just produced with the aim of deceiving people from accepting these vaccines which have been scientifically proven to be efficacious and we have seen it in developed countries and with the third wave of the pandemic; those coming down with severe symptoms are unvaccinated people. It further tells us that these vaccines are helping in the control of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

    “I am a case manager but I have not seen one person that is experiencing any of those claims, not at all, so these things are not true”, he said.

    An Epidemiologist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute, the largest research institute in Kenya, Francis Angira on his part said: “The vaccines have taken so long to be studied and developed. Several trials have also been done to ensure that they have no negative effects on humans.”

    He encouraged everyone to receive these vaccines as they have been scientifically proven and are not wishful products that someone woke up to produce, there is a scientific process from pre-clinical to clinical studies to ascertain that it has value in preventing this disease.

    Conclusion

    From conversations with those who have taken the vaccines and medical experts in both Nigeria and Kenya, it becomes clear that these claims are not true, as such the COVID-19 Vaccine does not make its recipients magnetic.

    This publication was produced as part of IWPR’s Africa Resilience Network (ARN) programme, administered in partnership with the Centre for Information Resilience (CIR), the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), and Africa Uncensored. For more information on ARN, please visit the ARN site: https://africaresiliencenetwork.com/

  • Lafarge Africa, MDF offer FREE Medical aid to 6 Cross River Communities

    By Frankie Ifop

    Six (6) communities in Akamkpa and Akpabuyo local government areas of Cross River State have benefited from the free medical outreach being carried out by Lafarge Africa in partnership with Mediatrix Development Foundation (MDF), with support from the Cross River State Ministry of Health and Primary Health Care Development Agency.

    The 6 communities are Mfamosing, Mbobui, Akwa Ikot Effanga, Akansoko, Ekong Anaku and Abiati and the outreach is to run for 12 days – from May 11-23, 2021 respectfully.

    Speaking during the flagging off of the exercise at the Mfamosing Health Care Centre upgraded by Lafarge Africa in Akamkpa local government area, Mrs Folasade Ambrose, Director Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainable Development, Lafarge Africa Plc said the free medical outreach is in line with the company’s objectives to provide health care and safety to its host communities.

    Ambrose who was ably represented by Mr Inyang Bassey, Communications and Public Affairs Manager in-charge of Lafarge Operations within the South-East region said Lafarge has been embarking on such outreach since 2002 when it was United Cement (UNICEM).

    “This is just in line with our Corporate Social Responsibility where we look at health and safety as one of our pillars. We believe that health is wealth. So, what we are doing here today is actually taking healthcare services to the community. That’s why we call it medical outreach.

    “This is done in partnership with Mediatrix Foundation, which is an NGO also responsible for managing healthcare activities within the health sector. In addition, we can see that we have equally partnered with Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, which is also under the supervision of the State Ministry of Health”, he said.

    Continuing, Bassey said “Lafarge as a company came into limelight in Cross River State in 2015, and that being the issue before now, I’m sure we all know that we used to have a company that’s call UNICEM. So right from 2002 when UNICEM started operation in Cross River State, we have been embarking on copious, various healthcare activities across our communities. So if you are asking me for the number of years, I can tell you it’s far more than 15 years since the existence of UNICEM and now Lafarge that we have been embarking on life interventions like this.

    “This exercise is like giving back to the community. Whether we like it or not every business, everything entity, every brand operating, even banks do what we call Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Then talkless of us in the mining industry. Let me also blow your mind that by the Act that establishes mining operation, there’s what they call community development agreement, which is an agreement established by the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development that actually ensure that the community and the company work hand in hand. So this is not an attempt or factor to pacify the community, but a way of ensuring that the community understands the fact that we are here to support each other. It’s a mutually benefit relationship. So we are doing this as a way of giving back to the community, and to ensure that when you are engaging with stakeholders they must be healthy and sound to have constructive discussion and relationship. So if the health of the people is not paramount to you as a business then it means that the interest of the people to live healthy is not part of what you are advocating. So, we are advocating for a healthy workforce and also the healthy well-being of our stakeholders which this community is also part of it”, he added.

    Speaking after declaring the outreach opened, Dr Janet Ekpenyong, Director General, Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency said impactful interventions from organisations like Lafarge is what the state needs to fight toe-to-toe with the pandemic that already affecting the world.

    “As part of our strategy to see how we can take services very close to people in the community, especially this period we are fighting against the pandemic, it calls for very high impact intervention that would at least try to bridge some of the gaps that may have existed in terms of availability of healthcare services as well as utilisation of those services; and that’s why every now and then we try to bring in outreaches and her Excellency, Dr Linda Ayade who is very concerned about the health of our citizens in collaboration with Lafarge and the Primary Healthcare Agency, decided to carry out this intervention in Mfamosing and other communities to ensure that people of these communities can access quality healthcare services. We know how it’s been, especially in this pandemic like I stated earlier…access and utilisation of available services have been a huge problem and whenever we have such outreach, we use that opportunity to reiterate the importance of coming to a health facility to access healthcare and of course carry out health education and as well as see how we can provide other healthcare services that the people really need.

    “So, I’m very pleased with the turnout. People are really taking advantage of this opportunity and I am hoping that at the end of the day we will be able to reach out and help to improve a lot of lives as well”, Ekpenyong said.

    She further stated that aside from Lafarge and other organisations who are trying to affect the lives of Cross Riverians, those who are yet to should try as it will go a long way in helping the government and the people.

    “It’s very important that any organisation that’s actually in Cross River State should try as much as possible to see how they can affect the lives of people directly. And you will agree with me that when you carry out such outreach or intervention you are actually reaching out to people directly. So I will encourage them to emulate Lafarge as well as what several other organisations are doing. But we want to encourage them that they should try as much as possible to implement things like this that would directly have positive effects on the lives of the community where they are resident. If you are able to improve on the lives of people who may be in the community where you exist you are bound to get more community support to enhance your productivity or whatever you are doing in that community. That would really go a long way to help. So we encourage them to try as much as possible to emulate what Lafarge is doing and see how we can all put our hands together to continue to improve on the health of Cross Riverians.

    “His Excellency Senator (Prof.) Ben Ayade is very committed to seeing that Cross River State achieves Universal Health Coverage – that means people having access to quality healthcare services wherever they are. And of course, with such partnership with Lafarge, they have supported the state in the past to even build a health post and even health centres. We are hoping that as many communities as possible will be able to have their own health post because it is expected that every community should have at least a health post. And we are also trying to link up some communities that don’t have for now… Link them up with the nearest health facility. We will always carry out similar outreaches in those communities where healthcare workers actually take the services to them. They are some health intervention such as immunisation, antenatal services and even some ANC services. Healthcare workers will actually take the services close to them. But even at that, His Excellency is really committed to seeing that every community in Cross River State should have a functional health post. And I am certain that with support such as Lafarge, we will definitely achieve that in no time”.

    On his part, Mr Jeffrey Adamade, Chief Operating Officer of Mediatrix Development Foundation said they have partnered with Lafarge Africa for over 6 years to carry out free health outreaches in the state like this one.

    “What we are doing here today is a partnership that we have had with Lafarge for over 6 years now. Mediatrix is a health partner to Lafarge, implementing health activities in the 6 host communities in Akamkpa and across Akpabuyo local government areas. This is a very important aspect of their CSR and today we are in Mfamosing healthcare centre. It is a facility-based intervention. So members of the community are mobilised to come to the facility to receive various kinds of services. We have eye care services, we have malaria services, we have pre-HIV testing, Hepatitis testing, we are dispensing drugs and we are also doing consultations. As you can see the crowd is building up even though today is the introductory part of the whole 12 days of activities we are going to have with these communities. We have 2 days in each of the 6 communities. We are going to be here tomorrow again, then we now move to another community. But all of the health activities we are going to be having are going to be facility-based. So there’s the aspect where the state government comes into it because we know that most of these persons are supposed to be directly or indirectly affected by the services that are provided by the state government.

    “Lafarge being a community-friendly organisation, and also Mediatrix being a community-based NGO – that’s why you have most of the persons in the community coming out in their mass. We have drugs that will go round. We just want to say thank you to Lafarge, thank you to Cross River State Government for providing this platform where we can actually show our expertise as have done over the years”, He said.

    Adamade boasted that with the support from Lafarge Africa and the State Government, they can accommodate any amount of persons as long as they come out for the outreach. “Of course, Lafarge is not a small organisation and Lafarge is supporting this project. So we will attend to as many persons that can be mobilised to the facility where we will be carrying out the services. I cannot give you an estimated number, but I can tell you that in previous occasions where we have had this particular activity we reached out to virtually thousands of persons. I know that last year we did not go to the 6 communities, but this year that we will go to the 6 host communities, we are very optimistic that a whole lot of persons would be affected by this.

    “Mediatrix Development Foundation is over 8 years old now. We have been partnering with Lafarge for the last 6 years. And Lafarge, even beyond the health outreaches, Lafarge has been partnering with Mediatrix in other interventions like World Aids Day, and many other interventions we have been working with Lafarge. But I think this is a more targeted and streamlined intervention for the host community.

    “Everybody should come out and take advantage of this free medical outreach. Out of pocket expenditure, as long as health is concerned, is a big challenge in Nigeria. So when you have it free like this, everybody is encouraged to come out and get the available services”, he added.

    Evang (Ntufam) Alphonsus Bassey, a member of the Community Relation Committee (CRC) representing one of the host communities said the free medical outreach came timely as the people are trying to recount their losses in the post-pandemic era.

    He said: “The outreach came as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility. It’s part of our planning for the communities to benefit – and we are so grateful to Lafarge because we have a lot of issues we are suffering here and it’s not easy for you to have government attention. This is not the first time they are doing this. In most cases, they do it almost yearly, if not because of the COVID-19 that came. This is another pilot one that has come and we are so happy that they have come to take care of the poor people that cannot access services in the health system easily. We are ever grateful to Lafarge and we pray God should continue to bless Lafarge so that we will continue to benefit more”

    The beneficiaries thanked Lafarge Africa and MDF for always putting the people first with its CSR. Anom Emerencia Ndep, a Cameroonian refugee staying in Mfamosing who benefited from the free medical outreach said at first she and her neighbours thought it was a scam as they have been deceived by many who come to aid them but later demand money from them.

    “Yesterday morning, I saw a town crier on a motorcycle announcing the free medical outreach, so I decided to come. I had some eye problem, they checked me and gave me glasses in which I can see and read clearly. I was also tested for malaria – I and my baby and they gave us malaria drugs because my baby was having fever on and off and it turns out in the test to be malaria. I did not pay any money for it – everything was given to me free of charge.

    “I thank Lafarge, Mediatrix, Cross River State Government and all that helped organised this free medical outreach for recognising us in Mfamosing, especially for people like us. First, I thought it was a scam because people used to come like this and after registration, they will ask us to pay N30,000 – but I decided to come and try my luck and luckily for me this time, everything was free. I will go and tell others to come and benefit too”, she said.

    Various health services like Malaria testing and treatment, pre-HIV testing, Hepatitis testing, drug dispensation, consultations and others were being carried out during the free medical outreach.

  • CRSG SEEKS PUBLIC PRIVATE PRTNERSHIP ON HEALTH

    By David Ejishie, MOI Officer, Reporting for Ministry of Information and Orientation
    Cross River State Government has sued for Public Private Partnership in order to improve on health service delivery in the State, and Nigeria at large.
    The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Betta Edu, made the call in Calabar during the handing over of the renovated lying-in-ward Primary Health Care Centre, Ediba Qua Clan, Calabar Municipality, to Cross River State Government, by the Calabar Akin Lions Club, District 404A2 Nigeria.
    Dr. Edu, who described the gesture of the Akin Lions Club as a ‘laudable contribution to humanity’, noted that with the renovation of the health care centre, the quality of clinical and non-clinical healthcare services will be further strengthened.
    The Health Commissioner commended the leadership of the Akin Lions Club for embarking on the project, adding that the renovation of the Ediba Health Care Centre will complement the State Government’s policies in the health sector, which she said are geared towards providing quality and affordable health care services to Cross Riverians and residents in the State.
    Also speaking, the Director General, Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong Calabar Akin Lions Club for their selfless service to humanity and call for more private partnership on health.
    Earlier, the President, Calabar Akin Lions Club, Lion Emana Asuquo noted that the most important benefit of being a Lion is the satisfaction and recognition that comes with serving the less privileged in our immediate community and making positive differences.
    She assured that the Akin Lions Club will continue to support government in providing basic amenities for the society.
    Highpoint of the event was the handing over of the health care centre to the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Betta Edu on behalf of the State Government.

  • VULNERABLE PERSONS ASSURED OF FREE/QUALITY HEALTH SERVICES UNDER AYADECARE

    By Roseline Irek

    The Cross River State Health Insurance Agency (CRSHIA) has assured Cross Riverians that the State’s Health Insurance Scheme, popularly called AYADECARE, will cater for the health needs of vulnerable persons in the State.

    The declaration was made recently at the Palaces of the Paramount Ruler of Bakassi/Chairman Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, Dr Etim Okon Edet and the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South/Muri Munene of the Efuts, His Royal Majesty,  Muri (Prof.) Itam Hogan Itam.

    CRSHIA’s Director General, Chief Godwin Iyala, who led the Special Adviser on Health, Dr Edem Ushie and Regional Manager, South-South of United Healthcare  International Limited, Miss Josephine Onyebi Odeh, on advocacy visits, said of a surety, the Federal and State Governments will soon be applauded because of the availability of the Federal Government’s basic health care from which the State could draw from and the engagement of third party administrators (TPAs) who are already on ground to run the scheme.

    Chief Iyala maintained that enrollment for the scheme would start in a couple of months at the Agency’s Office located at Minika Davis (School Road), Off Atekong Drive, State Housing Estate, Calabar.

    Chief Iyala disclosed that those to enjoy the Scheme’s free and quality health care includes elderly persons, Pregnant women and Children below five (5) years, reiterating that one of the main objectives of the State Government for the Scheme is for the rich to give a shoulder to the poor; hence the contributory payment of One Thousand Naira (N1, 000) per enrollment.

    The DG disclosed that a survey conducted by the Agency revealed that the expenditure for average healthcare for a person in the State is at least N64,000 per annum, while the State Health Insurance scheme would put one man’s healthcare expenditure at N12,000 only, adding that it is advantageous to purchase a yearly family package of N45,000, thereby leaving each enrolled person’s fee at N9,000 per year.

    Chief Iyala added however that treatment for Cancer is not included in the insurance package because of the huge account involved in cancer management. He called on the Royal Fathers to educate their subjects to receive the healthcare insurance scheme with open hands and that the elites should give a helping hand to the less privileged in their communities.

    Responding, the Paramount Ruler of Bakassi/ Chairman, Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Dr. Etim Okon Edet, said his initial fear when he was informed of the visit of the CRSHIA Team, was that his people were going to be used for a pilot scheme as done by other programmers.

    His Royal Majesty said he was giving his full support to the scheme, maintaining that the people would pay up the N1,000, but would not accept failure.

    In the same vein, the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, HRM Muri (Prof.) Itam Hogan Itam, who commented on the deplorable state of the health of the elderly and malnutrition symptoms in children in his domain, described the AyadeCare Programme as a welcome idea, assuring that he would wholeheartedly encourage his people to participate in the scheme.#

  • As Nigeria records first case of Coronavirus, CRSG takes preventive measures, sets up Emergency Operational Center

    In a Statement by the Honourable Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu, it reads: “The state government has set up the Emergency operational Center that has been running for two months with all key stakeholders involved chaired by the Honorable commissioner for health.
    “We have Indentified 3 isolation centers across the state 1 in General Hospital Ogoja and 2 in calabar. The permanent Isolation center built by UCTH is been supported by state government.
    “5600 personal protective materials have been distributed to health workers across the state and other key stakeholders including port health,” she said.

    BREAKING: FIRST CASE OF CORONA VIRUS DISEASE CONFIRMED IN NIGERIA

  • BREAKING: FIRST CASE OF CORONA VIRUS DISEASE CONFIRMED IN NIGERIA


    The Federal Ministry of Health has confirmed a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) case in Lagos State, Nigeria. The case, which was confirmed on the 27th of February 2020, is the first case to be reported in Nigeria since the beginning of the outbreak in China in January 2020. 
    The case is an Italian citizen who works in Nigeria and returned from Milan, Italy to Lagos, Nigeria on the 25th of February 2020. He was confirmed by the Virology Laboratory of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, part of the Laboratory Network of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. The patient is clinically stable, with no serious symptoms, and is being managed at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, Lagos.  
    The Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Health has been strengthening measures to ensure an outbreak in Nigeria is controlled and contained quickly. The multi-sectoral Coronavirus Preparedness Group led by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has immediately activated its national Emergency Operations Centre and will work closely with Lagos State Health authorities to respond to this case and implement firm control measures.
    I wish to assure all Nigerians that have we have been beefing up our preparedness capabilities since the first confirmation of cases in China, and we will use all the resources made available by the government to respond to this case.
    We have already started working to identify all the contacts of the patient, since he entered Nigeria. Please be reminded that most people who become infected may experience only mild illness and recover easily, but it can be more severe in others, particularly the elderly and persons with other underlying chronic illnesses. All Nigerians should take care of their health and maintain hand and respiratory hygiene to protect themselves and others, including their own families, following the precautions below:
    1.    Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
    2.    Maintain at least 1 & half metres (5 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
    3. Persons with persistent cough or sneezing should stay home or keep a social distance, but not mix in crowd.
    4. Make sure you and people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene, meaning cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or into your sleeve at the bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
    5. Stay home if you feel unwell with symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing. Please call NCDC toll free number which is available day and night, for guidance- 0800-970000-10. Do not engage in self-medication 
    6. Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19 through official channels on TV and Radio, including the Lagos State Ministry of Health, NCDC and Federal Ministry of Health.
    Citizens must not abuse social media and indulge in spreading misinformation that causes fear and panic. The Federal Ministry of Health, through Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, will continue to provide updates and will initiate all measures required to prevent the spread of any outbreak in Nigeria.
    Dr Osagie Ehanire
    Hon. Minister of Health

  • Massive Jubilations : Commissioner for Health Commissions two PHCs in Okonde & Odor-Nta. Ikom, Cross River State.

    “As more communities key into the vision of Governor Ayade to achieve universal health Coverage, the Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu accompanied by the DG Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency Dr Janet Ekpeyong commissioned two primary health care facilities in Ikom Local Government area of Cross River.

    Determined to ensure that cross riverians get the best from the health sector, the governor Sen Prof Ben Ayade has indeed declared operation health care facility in every community of the State which evidently showcases his passion and desire to ensure that his people live healthy lives even those in hard to reach areas of the State where access might be a challenge.

    Within 24hrs, the State Governor Sen Prof Ben Ayade ably represented by the Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu has successfully commissioned two health care facilities all in Ikom LGA, a border town that deserves a lot of attention. Speaking on behalf of the Governor, the health boss thanked the good people of Bosoghor community of Okonde village and Odor  Nta in Ikom LGA and conveyed His Excellency’s goodwill message to them. In her words; Cross River is set to achieve Universal health Care taking health services to those who need it the most. We are proud of your efforts that has resulted in two befitting primary health facilities. We will ensure the are well staffed and supported to deliver best of Care. We charge the occupants of this community to always access this facility and protect it as well. Sen Prof Ben Ayade will provide water for you, delivery kits, solar power and every other needed equipments that will make this place convenient for you all., in addition to all that exist presently.”

    She, as always sensitized the mammoth crowd on the importance of regular hand washing, effect of open defecation, bush burning, use of LLINs provided by the State and pleaded with the chiefs to make a law ensuring that all pregnant women who fail to use the health facility pays a fine as well as mothers who refuse to immunize their babies get fined. She informed them of Ayade care asking all to key into it.

    The DG of CRSPHCDA Dr Janet Ekpenyong appreciated the Governor for giving all to see that CRS take the lead in health care service delivery as well as achieving Universal Health Coverage for his people. She solicited that mothers and children as well as every other member of that community access the facility at all time. She gave detailed health talk on maternal and child health, Lassa fever and other common illnesses affecting children. She promised that the State will continue to do more in Primary health care as it is key to achieve Universal Health Coverage.

    The clan head of Bosohor Community Okim Amba Ndifon and that of Okondi Chief Ndoma Erek in a vote of thanks after pouring liberation which is a common norm in ikom LGA thanked the administration of Governor Ben Ayade for giving ikom LGA the best of everything, the health commissioner Dr Betta Edu for her numerous achievements and strides in the health sector. They thanked the DG Dr Janet Ekoenyong for sustaining the legacies of the former DG. The host community expressed their happiness and love for Governor Ben Ayade by using his name to compose so many songs, sang his praises and rededicated their willingness to always support him till the end of his administration.