Category: Health

  • Africa advances HIV fight: 7 nations meet UNAIDS targets, 21.3m on treatment – WHO Regional Director

    Africa advances HIV fight: 7 nations meet UNAIDS targets, 21.3m on treatment – WHO Regional Director

    The African region has emerged as a global leader in advancing the 95-95-95 UNAIDS HIV targets, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti.

    In a statement on Friday, to mark World AIDS Day 2024, Dr. Moeti highlighted the significant strides made in testing, treatment, and viral suppression across the continent.

    Dr. Moeti revealed that seven African countries have already achieved the 95-95-95 targets, which aim to ensure 95% of people living with HIV are diagnosed, 95% of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.

    “The region’s overall rating currently stands at 90-82-76, underscoring its impressive progress in bridging treatment gaps and improving health outcomes.”

    According to the regional director, about 21.3 million people are now on antiretroviral treatment, raising their life expectancy.

    Despite having the highest HIV burden globally, and comparatively fewer resources to fight the epidemic, African countries have made significant progress. Dr. Moeti noted that the change in the trajectory of the epidemic over the past decade is evidence of the notable successes in HIV control and response.

    She explained that HIV is a complex health challenge, inseparable from social determinants such as poverty, gender inequality and violence, and complicated by stigma and discrimination, especially amongst marginalized populations.

    “Protecting human rights is a key component of achieving universal HIV care and breaking down these life-threatening barriers to access.”

    “As we come together with the international community to mark World AIDS Day 2024 on 1 December, this year’s theme, “Take the rights path: My health, my right!” is a timely reminder of our responsibility to safeguard human rights as we pursue the goal of HIV elimination by 2030,” Dr. Moeti noted.

    She emphasized that World AIDS Day also provides an opportunity for reflection on the achievements.

    Botswana and Namibia recognized for maternal HIV transmission control
    Dr. Moeti highlighted Botswana and Namibia’s remarkable achievements in curbing mother-to-child HIV transmission rates. Botswana has earned a silver-tier status, while Namibia holds a bronze-tier status for achieving the required indicators of the “Path to elimination of HIV” criteria introduced in 2017.

    Expanding access to biomedical prevention methods
    The African Region is also implementing effective biomedical HIV prevention methods. With countries quickly adopting and implementing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) recommendations and ensuring increased access to options such as oral and long-acting injectable PrEP, and the dipivefrine vaginal ring.

    Dr. Moeti lauded these advancements but stressed the need to ensure universal accessibility to maximize their impact.

    “Despite the increased availability of scientific knowledge and tools for preventing new HIV infections, and effectively treating people living with HIV, the value of these innovations depends on their universal accessibility,” she said.

    “This is an issue that requires further investments and policy reforms going forward.”

    The need to tackle stigma and discrimination
    Dr. Moeti emphasized the collective obligation to protect human rights, specifically ensuring that health care is available to everyone, without any discrimination, regardless of their HIV status, background, gender or where they live.

    “Stigma and discrimination cannot be allowed to undermine the gains and impede our progress, “she cautioned.

    She also emphasized that it is indeed possible to eliminate HIV with the combined efforts of governments, partners, health care providers, civil society and, crucially, communities.

    “Communities are key partners in co-creating strategies and jointly implementing interventions to address human rights-related barriers to care, and we must ensure their voices are heard,” she added.

    Strengthening health systems amid challenges
    The HIV response in Africa faces challenges from recurring disease outbreaks that strain already fragile health systems.

    Dr. Moeti emphasized the importance of strong, integrated, and person-centred healthcare approaches to meet the needs of vulnerable populations optimally.

    The HIV response is complicated by the ncreasing incidence of disease outbreaks in the African region, which negatively impact our already struggling health systems.

    Dr. Moeti stressed “As we accelerate our response to the epidemic, it is important that we remain mindful that strong health systems and integrated, person-centred approaches to health care are essential to optimally meet the multiple needs of our vulnerable populations,” she said.

    Renewing the commitment to an AIDS-free generation
    Reflecting on the achievements and ongoing challenges, Dr. Moeti called for a renewed commitment to eliminating HIV. “By protecting everyone’s right to health and reducing new HIV infections, we can achieve an AIDS-free generation and ensure the sustainability of the HIV response.”
    As the global community pushes towards the goal of HIV elimination by 2030, Dr. Moeti reaffirmed the importance of collective efforts from governments, civil society, healthcare providers, and communities.
    She urged that all stakeholders uphold the rights of individuals living with or at risk of HIV and ensure equitable access to care.
    “Let us use this World AIDS Day to reflect on our progress, address the gaps, and commit to ending AIDS as a public health threat,” she concluded.

     

     

  • NMA Lagos to FG: Boost doctor pay or risk losing more healthcare talent to ‘Japa Syndrome’

    NMA Lagos to FG: Boost doctor pay or risk losing more healthcare talent to ‘Japa Syndrome’

    In a bid to stem the growing migration of Nigerian doctors to better-paying countries, the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Lagos Chapter, has called on the Federal Government to implement a policy enabling a regular review of doctor remuneration based on economic realities.

    The call was made at the 2024 National Physician’s Week, an event aimed at honouring Nigerian physicians’ dedication and highlighting the systemic challenges they endure in their profession.

    Speaking at the event, Chairman of NMA Lagos, Dr. Babajide Saheed, addressed the urgent need to retain healthcare professionals in Nigeria, citing poor remuneration as one of the most significant factors driving the “Japa Syndrome,” which refers to the mass emigration of professionals seeking better opportunities abroad.

    Dr. Saheed noted: “Today, ‘Japa Syndrome’ is not a new phenomenon. Our medical and dental practitioners are leaving all sectors of Nigeria for countries that offer them fair compensation and a dignified working environment.

    “While Nigerian governments have voiced concern over the brain drain in healthcare, we have yet to see tangible actions addressing the push factors driving doctors out of the country.”

    Dr. Saheed explained the NMA’s push for “universal applicability” in doctor remuneration across Nigeria, whereby the same minimum wage structure, specifically the Consolidated Medical Salary Scale (CONMESS), would apply to all doctors, irrespective of location.

    He added that Federal and State governments should adjust salaries according to the country’s rising cost of living and inflation, without waiting for doctors to resort to strikes.

    He said: “Sadly, we have not achieved universal applicability in Nigeria, despite years of negotiations. This inconsistency has created an internal brain drain, with doctors leaving poorly paid state roles for federal employment or higher-paying states. This has left many states struggling to maintain adequate healthcare staffing.”

    According to Dr. Saheed, Nigeria’s doctors face some of the lowest remuneration rates globally, which, combined with the country’s high cost of living and inflation, has eroded the purchasing power of medical salaries.

    “Our doctors deserve pay that reflects their skills and sacrifices. An ongoing review of doctor remuneration, adjusted for economic conditions, is vital for retention in Nigeria’s healthcare sector,” he asserted.

  • Home » Health » Stakeholders call for reforms in nursing education, healthcare access Health October 29, 2024  Stakeholders call for reforms in nursing education, healthcare access

    Home » Health » Stakeholders call for reforms in nursing education, healthcare access Health October 29, 2024 Stakeholders call for reforms in nursing education, healthcare access

    Stakeholders have called for urgent reforms in nursing education and healthcare access, highlighting the critical need for enhancements to improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

    They made the call in Ibadan, Oyo State at the 14th Annual General Meeting and National Scientific Conference of the Association of General Private Nursing Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPNPN), with the theme, “Nurses’ Education, Economic and Political Advancement in Nigeria: Challenges and the Way Forward.”

    Delivering his keynote address, the Head of Nursing at the Federal University, Oye, Ekiti, Prof. Adelani Tijani, emphasised the integral role of nurses in advancing Nigeria’s healthcare system.

    Tijani pointed out that the profession faces numerous challenges, including inadequate training and limited access to advanced education, adding that, “Without substantial reforms in nursing education, the potential contributions of nurses will remain underutilised.”

    He underscored the need for a curriculum that addresses current healthcare demands and prepares nurses for emerging challenges.

    “Nurses must be equipped with the right education and resources to navigate the socio-political landscape effectively,” he stated.

    Tijani also highlighted the economic and political factors that influence nursing practice in Nigeria, stressing: “The current economic climate severely impacts our capacity to deliver quality care.

    He called for a collaborative approach among educational institutions, government, and healthcare providers to develop comprehensive training programmes that equip nurses with the necessary skills to address these challenges.

    “Addressing these challenges is not just a matter of professional development; it is essential for national progress,” he concluded, urging stakeholders to prioritize nursing education in policy discussions.

    While declaring the event open, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, represented by Dr. Adewumi Ajetunmobi, the state’s Commissioner for Health, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and access.

  • NMA to Lagos: Allocate 15% of Budget 2025 to healthcare

    NMA to Lagos: Allocate 15% of Budget 2025 to healthcare

    Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Lagos Chapter, on Tuesday, urged the Lagos State government to allocate 15 per cent of its 2025 Budget to healthcare, and said it is in line with the Abuja Declaration of 2001.

    The association of doctors, which faulted the healthcare system, lamented that it was overstretched, infrastructure was dilapidated and medical practitioners were overworked.

    They spoke at the NMA Lagos State Physicians’ Week 2024, with the theme: ‘Ensuring Applicability on Remuneration: A Panacea to Talent Retention in the Healthcare Industry.’

    Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Occasion, Dr Adebayo Aderiye, in his remarks, also argued that the  Civil Service Commission, CSC, should not determine the salary structure of healthcare workers, saying they were underpaid.

    Aderiye said: “We all know about the Abuja Declaration in 2001. African countries gathered here and made a decision that in order to improve the healthcare in Africa, all countries must make sure that their health budget is no less than 15 per cent of their national budget. But years later, I think it is only Mauritius that has done that.

    “Some countries and states have reduced their health budgets. Some increased theirs, but only a few countries were able to make that much of an increase. Now, in Nigeria, where the declaration was made, nothing much has been done. This year, it was 4.6 or so. Last year, it was 4.7. That is not so much. Until we do that, we will be having problems with health.

    “I want to appeal to the representative of the First Lady, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, to help us tell her that in Lagos, we want to achieve 15 per cent health budget. In Abia, it was 15 per cent. In Bauchi, it was over 15 per cent. In Yobe, they allocated more than 15 per cent. It is also the same in Kaduna. I remember that some years back, we went as far as 8 or 9 per cent and even promised to hit the figure, although we know that there are competing priorities, health must be number one.”

    On his part, National President of NMA, Prof Bala Audu, represented by Chairman of NMA Lagos, Dr Babajide Saheed, in his remarks, lamented the rate at which experienced and skilled healthcare professionals, were leaving Nigeria for opportunities abroad.

    Audu said: “This mass exodus, known as brain drain, is merely a symptom of individual decisions. It is a consequence of a system that fails to offer fair compensation for career fulfillment. Fair remuneration is more than just a salary figure, it is a recognition of our value, a moivator for excellence and a safeguard against burnout. In any industry, but particularly in healthcare, adequate compensation reflects the time, emotional energy and personal commitment healthcare professionals invest. When a healthcare worker is remunerated fairly and equitably, they feel valued and respected. This respect, in turn, fuels dedication, strengthens their commitment to patient care and fortifies the larger health ecosystem.”

  • NAFDAC alerts Nigerians on recall of Nivea black & white deodorant

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning regarding the recall of a specific batch of Nivea Black & White Invisible Roll-on Deodorant (50ml).

    This deodorant, which claims to provide 48-hour protection in African climates, is being recalled due to safety concerns.

    The affected batch (number 93529610) contains a chemical known as 2-(4-tert-Butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde (BMHCA), which is prohibited in cosmetics because it may harm the reproductive system, pose risks to unborn babies, and cause skin irritation or burns.

    NAFDAC released this notice following a warning from the European Union Rapid Alert System for Dangerous Non-Food Products in Brussels. The agency urged importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to prevent the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the affected Nivea Roll-on with the specified batch number.

    The notice stated: “The recalled Nivea product is reported to contain 2-(4-tert-Butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde, a chemical prohibited in cosmetic products due to its potential to cause harm to the reproductive system, impair the health of an unborn child, and cause skin irritation and burns to users.”

    The product is manufactured in Germany and has the Bar Code Number 42299882. NAFDAC advised the public to cease the sale and use of the affected batch and to submit any stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.

    Additionally, healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report any adverse events related to the use of regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office, via email at pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng, through the E-reporting platform available at www.nafdac.gov.ng, or via the Med-Safety application, which can be downloaded on Android and

  • NAFDAC warns against circulation, sale of unregistered Foula condoms

    NAFDAC warns against circulation, sale of unregistered Foula condoms

    By Chioma Obinna

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians against the illegal circulation and sale of Foula condoms, an unregistered brand found on the market.

    According to NAFDAC’s Post-Marketing Surveillance Directorate, unregistered Foula condoms, packaged in threes, have recently been discovered in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, and Zango, Katsina State.

    In its Risk-Based Post-Marketing Surveillance study on registered condoms in Nigeria, the Directorate noted: “The condom is not registered by NAFDAC for use in Nigeria, and the product’s labeling is not in the English language.”

    The agency emphasized that condoms, when properly registered and used correctly, are effective in preventing unintended pregnancies and protecting against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. However, the circulation of unregistered brands like Foula compromises safety, quality, and effectiveness, thereby increasing risks associated with condom failure.

    NAFDAC cautioned: “The purchase and use of poor-quality condoms adversely impact condom promotion efforts. If condoms leak or break, they cannot provide adequate protection.”

    NAFDAC has instructed its zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and remove the unregistered products from circulation. It advised importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and consumers to remain vigilant within the supply chain and only obtain medical products from authorized and licensed suppliers, carefully checking the authenticity and physical condition of products.

    The Directorate urged healthcare professionals and consumers to report any suspicion of substandard or falsified products to the nearest NAFDAC office,  or via email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.

    Additionally, NAFDAC encouraged the reporting of any adverse effects related to medical products or devices to their offices or through the E-reporting platform on the NAFDAC website at www.nafdac.gov.ng, or via the Med-safety app, available on Android and iOS stores, or by emailing pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.