Health

FG Partners with US CDC to Enhance Infection Prevention and Control in Nigeria

Published

4 months ago

July 31, 2024

The federal government of Nigeria has teamed up with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to advance robust Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practices across the country.

The collaboration was officially launched on Monday in Abuja with the inauguration of the National IPC Technical Working Group (TWG). Prof. Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Minister of Health and Social Welfare, underscored the critical importance of effective IPC measures in his address, which was delivered by Dr. Jide Idris, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Prof. Pate highlighted the pressing issue of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), which pose a severe threat to public health in Nigeria. He noted, “Approximately 44 percent of patients admitted to our hospitals acquire at least one HAI during their stay. This not only leads to severe complications but also incurs significant economic costs.” He stressed that improving IPC and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) practices is crucial for various healthcare programs, including Maternal and Child Health and combating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

The Minister praised the National IPC Program, known as “Turn Nigeria Orange,” for its significant achievements in establishing IPC protocols across tertiary hospitals. He described the establishment of the TWG as a pivotal move towards addressing key recommendations from the Joint External Evaluation and aligning with the vision of a healthcare system that is accessible, equitable, and responsive.

Chukwuma Anyaike, the Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, who spoke on behalf of the NCDC DG, emphasized that IPC is foundational to a resilient health system. “IPC is not merely a set of protocols but the bedrock upon which a resilient health system is built. It serves as our first line of defense against the spread of infectious diseases,” Anyaike said. He referred to past outbreaks such as Ebola and COVID-19 as evidence of the gaps in existing IPC programs, reinforcing the need for comprehensive infection prevention and AMR strategies.

Dr. Farah Husain from the US CDC also addressed the event, stressing the significance of strong IPC programs. “IPC is a vital part of healthcare and public health. Strong IPC programs not only protect patients and reduce infections but also safeguard our healthcare workers and help combat antimicrobial resistance,” Husain explained. Reflecting on the historical collaboration between Nigeria and the CDC, Husain recalled, “Since the Ebola outbreak in 2014, IPC has been a continuously growing area of support. We helped develop the IPC curriculum and national guidelines and launched the national IPC program, which led to the creation of the Orange Network.”

Dr. Husain expressed pride in the ongoing partnership, affirming, “Through this Technical Working Group, we aim to make Nigeria a model for strong, coordinated, and sustainable IPC. We look forward to continuing our partnership to safeguard the health of all Nigerians.”

Education

Adeleke Donates N40m to UNIOSUNTH, Promises Staff Recruitment

Published

5 days ago

December 3, 2024

Samson Adeyanju

By Cynthia Abah

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, announced a N40 million donation to the Osun State University Teaching Hospital (UNIOSUNTH) on Monday, with N20 million designated for both patients and staff.

The governor also pledged to recruit additional staff to improve service delivery and directed the immediate installation of solar lights within the hospital’s premises.

The announcement followed a tour of the hospital’s facilities, during which the governor expressed his appreciation for the staff’s dedication, calling the hospital “the last hope of our people.”

He emphasized his administration’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services across the state.

Adeleke stated, “I want to appreciate the management of this hospital. This hospital is the last hope of our people, and I want to thank the staff for doing a great job.”

He further promised to address the staffing shortages and ensure that recruitment efforts would be carefully planned to provide sustainable salaries.

Board Chairman of the hospital, Barrister Niyi Owolade, praised the governor for his ongoing support, calling him “a true light” and expressing optimism about further improvements under his leadership.

Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Babatunde Afolabi, also thanked Governor Adeleke for his generous contributions.

He highlighted the hospital’s need for modern equipment and additional staff to enhance its operations and pledged to work closely with the governor’s administration to strengthen the state’s healthcare system.

In addition to his donation to the hospital, Governor Adeleke announced the approval of N3.3 billion for retirees in Osun and a commitment to secure shares in the Segilola project for the state.

Health

Niger State Vaccinates Over 444,000 Girls Against HPV

Published

2 weeks ago

November 22, 2024

Admin

By Gabriella Ogbu

Niger State has successfully vaccinated 444,658 girls against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) as part of a health campaign aimed at reducing the risk of cervical cancer.

Although the state set a target to immunize over 500,000 girls, particularly those aged 9 to 14, the campaign has made significant strides in protecting the health of young females across the region.

Daniel Jiya, the Director of Food and Drugs and Project Manager of the State Emergency Routine Immunization Coordination Centre (SERICC), confirmed that Niger State is now ranked third in Nigeria’s nationwide HPV vaccination initiative.

This is a major achievement in the fight against cervical cancer, which claims approximately 8,000 lives annually in Nigeria.

The HPV vaccine, which is safe and effective, has proven to be a crucial tool in preventing cervical cancer.

The state’s efforts are part of a broader national push to reduce these deaths and protect the health of young girls across the country.

“We are proud of the progress we have made in Niger State,” Jiya stated. “Our goal is to provide every eligible girl with the protection they need against HPV and, in turn, reduce the risk of cervical cancer for future generations.”

The vaccination campaign is seen as a key component of Niger State’s public health strategy, and officials have emphasized the importance of continuing this effort to ensure the safety and well-being of girls in the region.

The state’s ongoing commitment to the cause is expected to yield long-term benefits for public health, as it joins the fight to eliminate cervical cancer in Nigeria.

Health

AEPB Champions Campaign Against Open Defecation in FCT

Published

3 weeks ago

November 20, 2024

Admin

By Njoku Chijioke

The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has intensified its campaign against open defecation in the suburbs of the territory.

The campaign, organized to mark the 2024 World Toilet Day, was held with the theme, “Toilets are a Place for Peace.”

Mr. Braimah, spokesperson for AEPB, highlighted that the initiative is aimed at promoting good hygiene practices among rural communities across the FCT.

Through the Department of Environmental Health and Safety, AEPB has been conducting awareness programs in rural areas, educating residents about the health risks associated with open defecation.

Mr. Braimah emphasized the importance of every household having access to a functional toilet and adopting proper hygiene practices for the health and well-being of families and communities.

World Toilet Day, observed annually on November 19, aims to celebrate the importance of toilets while raising awareness about the lack of safe sanitation facilities for many people around the world.