Health

Tuberculosis: CSOs, Media Partner for Effective Awareness Campaigns in Bauchi

Published

9 months ago

August 6, 2024

Civil Society Organisations in Bauchi State have explored partnership with the media to enhance tuberculosis control through effective awareness campaigns in the state.
Grace Maikudi, the Executive Director of LANGA Women Development Initiative, a CSO, made this known at a TB sensitisation forum for CSOs on Tuesday in Bauchi.

TB remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in regions with high prevalence rates, according to Ms Maikudi.

“Civil society organisations and media play crucial roles in public health awareness and education. TB is a contagious disease. Therefore, effective awareness campaigns are essential to educate the public, reduce stigma and promote early detection and treatment.’’

She said that the forum was organised by LANGA and funded by USAID and Palladium for the CSOs to understand the budget cycle and strategies to push for a budget line for TB control in the state.

Ogala Ogala, the organisation’s Programme Manager, also speaking, said that CSOs were vital in community outreach and advocacy.

“They provide information about TB symptoms, prevention and treatment options. They also offer support to individuals affected by TB, including counselling and treatment adherence support as well as lobbying for improved TB policies and funding,” he stated.

Mr Ogala also identified the media as instrumental in shaping public perception and disseminating information.

“The collaboration will enhance broadcasting accurate information about TB prevention, symptoms and treatment. It will also help in running targeted campaigns to reach diverse audiences and addressing and reducing stigma associated with TB through positive messaging,” he said.

The programme manager further said that the partnership would create a platform for public discussion and question-and-answer sessions with health experts.

He said that media engagement with CSOs would be working with local radio stations, newspapers and community blogs to address TB within specific communities in the state.

Health

FG Unveils Zinc Rich Rice to Combat Malnutrition

Published

8 minutes ago

April 30, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

The Federal Government has launched two new rice varieties, FARO 71 and FARO 72, in a bold move to fight malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies among vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, unveiled the fortified rice in Abuja, highlighting its potential to improve health outcomes while boosting food security.

Developed in collaboration with HarvestPlus and the National Cereals Research Institute, the rice varieties are enriched with zinc, supplying up to 40 percent of the daily recommended intake.

Aside from their nutritional benefits, FARO 71 and FARO 72 are designed to deliver high yields, resist pests, and withstand drought — qualities expected to appeal to farmers and improve national productivity.

With Nigeria reportedly losing $1.5 billion annually to nutrient deficiencies, the government hopes these fortified staples will play a critical role in reversing the trend and promoting public health through agriculture.

Health

FG Boosts Nursing Enrollment to 115,000 to Bridge Healthcare Gap

Published

2 days ago

April 28, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

In a major move to tackle Nigeria’s growing healthcare workforce shortage, the Federal Government has increased the annual enrollment of nursing students from 28,000 to 115,000.

The announcement was made on April 28, 2025, by the Federal Ministry of Education, highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare and education sectors under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The surge, surpassing the original target of 110,000 students, is the result of collaboration between the Ministries of Education and Health & Social Welfare.

The milestone was achieved thanks to the leadership of Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and support from industry experts, the Nigerian Council of Nurses and Midwifery, and teaching hospitals.

Health

Battle Against Malaria Gains New Fire

Published

2 days ago

April 28, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Oso Abidemi

Determined to stamp out malaria, major health organizations stormed the University of Lagos with a sweeping campaign of education, free testing, and drug distribution.

Themed “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” the outreach united Green Life Pharmaceuticals, Green Life Hospital, Seagreen Pharmaceutical, and Clearline HMO in a powerful push to fight the disease that continues to ravage communities across Nigeria.

Hundreds of students and residents turned up for free malaria tests, prevention kits, and vital health education. Organizers stressed the urgent need for community action, with a special focus on empowering young people to drive change.

Peter Nwosu, Executive Director of Green Life Pharmaceuticals, described the campaign as more than a symbolic gesture.

“We are here not just to mark a day but to make a real difference,” he declared, calling for sustained efforts against the deadly scourge.

Speaking for Clearline HMO, Dr. Oghenerukevwe Peretomode warned that climate change is fueling malaria through flooding and rising temperatures.

She called for stronger government support, innovation, and personal responsibility, urging Nigerians to use treated nets and maintain clean surroundings.

Chris Ikeagu, General Manager of Green Life Hospital, said the choice of UNILAG was deliberate.

“Youth are the key to this battle. They will take the message home,” he said, stressing that early detection and treatment remain vital weapons in the fight.

The event stood as a fresh rallying call for Nigerians to take the malaria fight personally, seriously, and urgently.