FG Reaffirms Commitment To Tackling Tobacco Use By Children

FG Reaffirms Commitment To Tackling Tobacco Use By Children

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackle tobacco use by children in Nigeria. Dr Jamila Ibrahim, Minister of Youth and Social Development, made the commitment in Abuja on Friday when Ms Bintou Camara, Regional Director, Tobacco Control Programme (AFRO) Campaign for Tobacco – Free Kids paid her a courtesy visit. Ibrahim said that tobacco smoking among children was a big challenge facing the country. The minister said Nigeria needs to partner and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to educate Nigerian to understand the health implication of tobacco smoking among young people. “We will focus on adolescent heath. It is the area we need to be proactive in putting mechanisms in place to achieve a preventive approach tobacco smoking among the kids. “We must work with the act that bans tobacco smoking in public places especially to prevent second hand smoke,” she said. Also speaking, Camara said that the organisation was in the country to campaign and educate Nigerians on the danger of tobacco smoking. “We are the leading advocacy organisations in the world that advocate against tobacco smoking. “We are focusing on tobacco control.“Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths that is why is it important that we tackle tobacco prevention,” she said. According to her, tobacco companies target the young people in other to safe guard their profits. Camara said that it was important to tackle tobacco control because the world was facing an incredible enemy that may affect public health issues. She said that the organisation had been working for more than 25 years to educate the youths on the danger of tobacco smoking. “The organisation has fought to protect children and save lives from cause of preventable death. “Our vision is a future free of the death and disease caused by tobacco. Because tobacco has killed enough,” Camara said. According to her, it is the tobacco industry that is searching confidently to target young people in other to safe guard the profit over public health. She said that Nigeria was the most important market in Africa and probably the world with beautiful, powerful and strong number of young people in the continent. “Most important thing for us is to raise awareness, educate youths on the consequences of tobacco use. “Tobacco smoking has killed eight million people a year and out of the number 1.2m die from second hand smoke which means you don’t have to be a smoker, you can die from it, suffer from it whether you want it or not,” she said. Camara said that the country had passed the tobacco smoking law, saying that implementation and enforcing was most important, especially for the young people. She described tobacco as the entering way to other drugs that generates negative consequence which include mental health, lost of productive life, lost of good health, and education among others.

Water Supply: PEWASH Constructs 3,321 Facilities In 19 States – Prof Utsev

Sanitation: PEWASH Constructs 3,321 Facilities In 19 States – Prof Utsev

The Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation, Hygiene, (PEWASH) initiative has constructed 3,321 facilities, serving an estimated population of about 5,262,189 people across 19 states of the federation. This was revealed on Thursday by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, saying the programme conceptualized and launched by the Federal Government on 7th November, 2016, as a national collaborative and partnership intervention between key stakeholders, to increase access to water supply and sanitation in Nigeria towards achieving the SDG 6.1 and 6.2, by 2030 in the rural areas is achieving it purposes. He said the programme focuses on “Out-put” (Projects) instead of “Input” (Funds) in the rural water supply and sanitation financing, providing an opportunity to transform the WASH sector to deliver results at required scale by adopting “Counterpart Matching Projects”.  “The goal of PEWASH is to contribute to improvements in public health and eradication of poverty in Nigeria, through equitable and sustainable WASH interventions.” According to him, since inception of the programme, 35 State Governments and FCT have signed the PEWASH Protocol (PP), with Rivers State outstanding. “Under the FGN PEWASH Component, it has constructed, rehabilitated and upgraded 2,046 water supply facilities in 19 States of: Kano, Ogun, Bauchi, Osun, Ondo, Jigawa, Plateau, Ekiti, Gombe, Kaduna, Cross River, Kwara, Delta, Katsina, Oyo Sokoto and Nasarawa States, and serving an estimated population of about 3,729,000 people “Under the State PEWASH Component, they have constructed, rehabilitated and upgraded a total number of 1,275 facilities and 761 sanitation facilities, serving an estimated population of about 1,533,189 people, with a total of 19 participating States across the 6 geo-political zones. “The PEWASH programme introduced an innovative technology of sustainable drinking water solutions in Kano and Ogun States, with construction of five (5) Nos. Water health Centres in Ogun State in 5 LGAs which were completed and commissioned; “While additional 5 Nos. AQtap Water Kiosks Dispenser with integrated revenue collection in 5 LGAs of Kano State, are still ongoing in Nasarawa, Fagge, Dala, Ungogo, and Kumbotso LGAs; He said the programme still faces the challenges of poor funding commitment by some state governments.

FG To Advance HIV/AIDS Response — Minister

FG To Advance HIV/AIDS Response — Minister

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate, on Wednesday affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing the HIV response in Nigeria during a performance review meeting hosted by the U.S. Centre for Disease Control (CDC) in Abuja. The third Biannual Performance Review and Stakeholder Engagement meeting aimed to share experiences, successes, and lessons with funders and CDC/PEPFAR partners in Nigeria. Represented by Dr. Anyaike Chukwuma, the Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), Pate emphasized the progress made in combating HIV and acknowledged the crucial support provided by the U.S. CDC and the U.S. Government. He highlighted achievements, challenges, and plans in the fight against HIV, underscoring the importance of sustainable financing, improved governance, and enhanced healthcare outcomes. Pate explained that the government’s agenda and collaborative efforts with stakeholders aimed to ensure a resilient and sustainable healthcare system in the country. Key interventions included the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) and the National Health Insurance Act. He also mentioned restructuring the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) into the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to strengthen the healthcare system. The U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, Mr. David Greene, praised Nigeria’s efforts toward achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals. He highlighted the operation of key population-led One Stop Shops and innovation hubs for adolescents and youth. Greene expressed pride in partnering with Nigeria and the potential of an integrated health service delivery platform. Dr. Gambo Aliyu, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), emphasized the impact of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in combating HIV/AIDS. He stressed the need for continued progress and sustainability, transitioning from an emergency response to managing HIV as an endemic global situation. Aliyu underscored the importance of collective responsibility, engagement, and discussions for achieving HIV epidemic control in Nigeria beyond 2030.

FG Reveals Alarming 41% Contamination Of Public Water Supply

FG Reveals Alarming 41% Contamination Of Public Water Supply

The Federal Government has pledged to end continuous contamination of drinking water sources, as no fewer than 41 per cent of the country’s public water supply were contaminated with faeces. The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said this at the launch of the Nigerian Roadmap for Water Quality Management and Guidelines for Rural Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Surveillance in Abuja on Tuesday. Utsev said the roadmap was an opportunity to change the poor narrative of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) indices in the country. According to him, the 2021 WASH Normal Outcome Routine Mapping 3 shows that 67 per cent of population have access to basic water supply services, while only 13 per cent have access to safely managed drinking water services. He said the report revealed that contaminated water at the source and at the point of consumption stood at 68 and 70 per cent, respectively. Utsev, who was represented by Mrs Elizabeth Ugoh, the Director, Water Quality Control and Sanitation in the ministry, said all states had the responsibility to provide potable water for their population. “However, only 28 out of the 36 states have urban water supply utilities or state water agencies with 16 states having fully functional urban utilities, while 12 were partially functional. “About 41 per cent of all taps fed by urban water utility supply are contaminated with faecal matter. “A conscious effort must be made for access to improved water sources to ensure that water safety measures that minimise drinking water contamination from the source to the point of use are in place,” he said. The minister said the event was an opportunity for all stakeholders to ensure that sustainability was achieved, as many water supply utilities were poorly managed, leading to breakdown and abandonment. Mrs Zuliat Mohammed, the Desk Officer, Village Level Operation and Maintenance (VLOM), said many water utilities had not been managed sustainably, saying there is need for continuous capacity building to change the poor narrative. She expressed optimism that the meeting would bring out actionable plans to be implemented in states so as to encourage ownership especially at the community level. The desk officer added that the VLOM strategy would provide the blueprint for managing Nigeria’s drinking water quality in a sustainable manner. Madam Hauwa Diagne, a representative from the World Bank, said there was an urgency to accelerate access to potable water supply and sanitation services, following poor statistics nationally and locally. She urged states to collaborate adequately to ensure that WASH issues were addressed in a sustainable manner, saying ‘it is no longer business as usual”. Mr Nanpet Chuktu, the WaterAid Head of WASH, said the event was an opportunity for Nigeria to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals six, as its 2030 deadline drew close. He noted that climate change had led to an increase and huge threat to water quality, citing drought in northern Nigeria and excessive rainfall and flash flooding in Southern Nigeria, urging states to do more in water quality testing. Dr Dickson Kadiri, who gave an overview of the roadmap, said it gave clear direction for Water Quality Management in Nigeria and specified roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders. Kadiri however expressed optimism that states would do more by playing their parts in implementing the roadmap so as to accelerate progress in water and sanitation access and for the SDGs. 

Environmental Degradation: Sanwo-Olu Seals Mile 12, Owode Onirin Markets

LASG Reopens Ladipo, Mile 12 Markets

Lagos State government has sealed the Mile 12 International Market and the Owode Onirin Market on Friday for creating environmental malfeasance. The Ministry of Environment and Water Resources stated in Ikeja, that the markets were sealed because of indiscriminate dumping and burning of refuse, the filthy environment, and blocked drains. It stated that the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, directed the Lagos Waste Management Agency and “KAI’’ to seal the markets. “The reasons for sealing the markets are not unconnected with the indiscriminate dumping and burning of refuse, filthy environment, blocked and littered drains. “The action also followed illegal and indiscriminate parking and abandonment of trucks on the highway leading to the two markets, impeding free flow of traffic,’’ the ministry stated. 

98% Children With Diphtheria Not Immunised – Minister

98% Children With Diphtheria Not Immunised – Minister

The Coordinating Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has said that 98 per cent of unvaccinated children were infected with diphtheria in 19 states. The Minister, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, made the disclosure at the Northern Traditional Leaders’ Committee on Primary Health Care Service Delivery (NTLC) Quarterly Review Meeting on Wednesday in Abuja. The meeting was organised by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). The NTLC meeting is a platform for the NPHCDA and its partners to engage traditional leaders on their roles and responsibilities toward improving primary healthcare delivery in their communities. The minister called for the implementation of a rapid vaccination campaign. He said that the 19 states must come together to save the lives of vulnerable children. Pate said that the ministry and other stakeholders had come together to aggressively tackle the diphtheria challenge that had persisted for months. He said that efforts were being made to ensure that the challenge would not linger. “The key focus of these collaborative efforts is to improve local governance and enhance delivery of essential services. “This involves including all relevant stakeholders in the conversation, not just the Federal Government. “Leaders at all levels, including your highnesses and representatives from the private sector, are actively working together to address the pressing diphtheria issue that affects our people,” he said. The minister said that a major milestone was the upcoming launch of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in Nigeria later in October. “This vaccine not only aims to prevent cervical cancer in the years to come, but also emphasises the importance of engaging our royal fathers and strengthening the health system to ensure efficient delivery of vaccines. “It acknowledges that different population segments require different approaches with childhood vaccination programmes catering for younger age groups, and COVID-19 vaccinations targeting adults,” he said. He said that technical experts involved in the efforts had reassured the country of the safety and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine. “Their expertise and responses to various questions have instilled confidence in recommending its utilisation to protect our girls and prevent future health complications,” he said. He said that the collaborative approach taken by state governments and other stakeholders set an example not only within the sub-region but also for all in the wider space. “The unity and evidence-based decision-making exhibited by all members involved in this venture highlight the commitment to address health challenges and protect the well-being of all Nigerians. “This united front signifies a significant step forward in addressing the ongoing health challenge and paves the way for a more coordinated and effective response. “With the combined efforts of state governments, other stakeholders and technical experts, there is optimism that this collaborative approach will yield positive outcomes and bring about much-needed solutions to improve public health,” he said. He expressed gratitude to traditional leaders across the country for longstanding support of public health initiatives. Pate praised their unwavering commitment to the well-being of the people and credited them with the successful fight against wild poliovirus in Nigeria. He said that Nigeria’s remarkable progress in polio eradication had far-reaching implications. “The fact that we don’t have children paralysed by wild poliovirus now is thanks to your leadership and the commitment of more than 100,000 traditional leaders,” he said. The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, appealed to Nigerians to live in peace for the unity of the country.

NCDC Registers 1,968 Lassa Fever Cases In 28 States

NCDC Registers 1,968 Lassa Fever Cases In 28 States

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), has registered 1,068 Lassa fever infections across 112 local government areas in 28 states of the federation. The NCDC said this via its official website on Tuesday in its Lassa Fever Situation Report for Week 37 (September 11 -17, 2023). The centre indicated that 75 per cent of the cases were detected in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi States. Lassa Fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus. It is primarily found in West Africa, particularly in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Nigeria. The virus is transmitted to humans through contact with the urine or faeces of infected rodents, specifically the multimammate rat.  According to the NCDC, there are currently 7,352 individuals with suspected cases and the infection has resulted in the unfortunate loss of at least 181 lives in the country. The centre said that the case-fatality ratio of the infection stood at 16.9 per cent. “Cumulatively from week 1 to week 37, 2023, 181 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate of 16.9 per cent which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2022 (19.1 per cent). “In total for 2023, 28 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 112 local government areas. “Seventy-five per cent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from these three states (Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi) while 25 per cent were reported from 25 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases. “Of the 75 per cent confirmed cases, Ondo reported 35 per cent, Edo 29 per cent, and Bauchi 11 per cent. “The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 1 to 93 years, Median Age: 32 years). “The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.9. The number of suspected cases increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2022,” it said. It is regretted that in 2023 Lassa fever infected 49 healthcare workers across the country. The agency said that the National Lassa Fever Multi-partner, Multi-sectoral Emergency Operations Centre had been activated to coordinate the response activities at all levels. It added that prevention of Lassa fever involves avoiding contact with rodents and their droppings, practising good personal hygiene and taking precautions when caring for infected individuals. The NCDC said that early diagnosis and prompt medical care are crucial in managing the disease and preventing complications.

Nigeria has recorded appreciable success on UN TB control –FG

Nigeria has recorded appreciable success on UN TB control –FG

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare says the country has made significant progress in the implementation of the 2018 UN High-Level Meeting (UNHLM) declaration on Tuberculosis (TB) control. Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, its Director of Public Health, said this on Thursday in Abuja at the Pre-UNHLM on TB National Stakeholders’ Consultation. The event was organised by Stop TB Partnership Nigeria in collaboration with the National TB and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP). The 2018 UNHLM on TB resulted in the adoption of the Political Declaration on the Fight against TB in September 2018. Nigeria committed itself to implementing the declaration to achieve the targets set forth. TB remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with the country ranking among the top 10 with the highest burden of the disease in the world. Anyaike, who was represented by Dr. Urhioke Ochuko, a Deputy Director who currently oversees the Childhood Tuberculosis Unit, said that Nigeria had increased the number of TB cases detected and treated. “We have detected more than 285,000 cases; we had a 60 per cent achievement of the target in 2022,” he said. He said the country had also strengthened health systems. “Nigeria has prioritised the strengthening of its health systems to improve TB control, including the training of healthcare workers and the establishment of more TB treatment centres. “TB preventive treatment for Nigerians has also improved significantly from the pre-2018 levels,” he said. He said that the Nigerian government had shown increased political commitment to TB control with some additional funding to TB control by the government and partners. He, however, said that there were still significant challenges that the country was facing in achieving the targets set forth in the political declaration. The official listed the challenges to include inadequate funding, low child TB case detection and low enrolment of diagnosed DR-TB patients on treatment, He called on participants to equally explore the possibility of more investment for TB treatment as well as innovative TB financing strategies to match funding with the multiple interventions being rolled out. Mr Mayowa Joel, Executive Secretary of Stop TB Partnership, said that the 2023 UNHLM special session would serve as an opportunity for a comprehensive review of the political declaration. “The theme of 2023 UNHLM on TB is: ‘Advancing science, finance and innovation, and their benefits, to urgently end the global TB epidemic by ensuring equitable access to prevention, testing, treatment and care,” he said. He said that the UNHLM on TB is the most significant political meeting ever held on TB and the biggest opportunity to raise the political priority of TB. “It secured commitment from Heads of State and governments for a coordinated global response, resulting in a substantial increase in financial resources for TB. “That led to millions of lives being saved from premature deaths from TB,” he said. He emphasised the need for Nigeria to develop a comprehensive and coordinated response to UNHLM.