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Category: Health

  • Customs, NAFDAC sign MoU to combat illicit drugs and harmful products

    Customs, NAFDAC sign MoU to combat illicit drugs and harmful products

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to combat the rising influx of illicit pharmaceutical products and other harmful substances into Nigeria.

    The MoU was signed during the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) conference on Thursday in Abuja.

    Speaking on the significance of the partnership, the Comptroller-General of NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, described the MoU as the culmination of years of dedicated dialogue and coordination between the two agencies.
    This partnership is a response to a major scourge we are facing in the country,” he remarked, emphasizing the MoU includes a comprehensive scope of collaboration, particularly in intelligence sharing, which involves the exchange of intelligence between both agencies.

    Adeniyi highlighted one of the agreement’s central elements: intelligence sharing between the two agencies.

    “Sometimes, at midnight, NAFDAC DG sends intelligence to me, saying, we learn that a suspicious container may be birthing in the morning. This kind of real-time information flow is critical to our joint efforts,” he noted.

    The customs chief recounted a recent state of emergency declared at one of Nigeria’s ports, explaining that reports indicate the move was merely a scratch on the surface of illicit pharmaceutical products entering Nigeria’s markets.

    He called for a unified response to end the circulation of such harmful items, saying, “It is time for all of us to say, collectively, that this will be the beginning of the end. We are going to save Nigeria and the future of our kids from these dangerous products.”

    NAFDAC DG emphasizes daily impact on Nigerians
    Prof. Moji Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC, described the MoU as a significant and necessary step, given the daily impact of the products regulated by her agency on Nigerians. “We consume at least two of our regulated products every day—food and healthcare items. This partnership is about ensuring that the food, drugs, and healthcare products we take are safe and of the highest quality,” she stated.

    Addressing national security concerns
    Prof. Adeyeye further explained that the threats posed by unregulated and illicit products pose not only public health risks but also national security threats, citing how some approved chemicals could be misused by criminals and terrorists.

    “We have ghost companies that are not on our lists. This MoU marks the beginning of the end of such practices,” she affirmed.

  • Measles cases surge by 20% globally, over 10 million people infected in 2023

    Measles cases surge by 20% globally, over 10 million people infected in 2023

    Measles cases globally have increased by 20% from 2022, with over 10 million people infected, revealing inadequate immunization coverage is driving the surge in cases.

    Worldwide, there were an estimated 10.3 million measles cases in 2023, according to a newly released report from the World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    About 107,500 people died from measles worldwide in 2023 and children under 5 were mostly affected, new data shows.
    Measles is one of the world’s most contagious infectious diseases caused by a virus. With two doses of the measles vaccine, it is preventable; yet more than 22 million children missed their first dose of measles vaccine in 2023.

    Vaccine coverage falls short of the required 95%
    Globally, an estimated 83% of children received their first dose of measles vaccine in 2023, while only 74% received the recommended second dose.

    At least coverage of 95% or greater of two doses of measles vaccine is needed in each country and community to prevent outbreaks, the study showed.
    “Measles vaccine has saved more lives than any other vaccine in the past 50 years,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

    “To save even more lives and stop this deadly virus from harming the most vulnerable, we must invest in immunization for every person, no matter where they live.”

    Also, CDC Director Mandy Cohen said the number of measles infections is rising around the globe, endangering lives and health.
    “The measles vaccine is our best protection against the virus, and we must continue to invest in efforts to increase access.”

    As a result of global gaps in vaccination coverage, 57 countries experienced large or disruptive measles outbreaks in 2023, representing a nearly 60% increase from 36 countries in the previous year, the study revealed.
    All regions were affected except the Americas, and nearly half of all large or disruptive outbreaks occurred in the African region.

    High death rates despite being a preventable disease
    Measles is a highly contagious and serious airborne disease which have killed 107,500 people and, children at age 5 died more due to measles in 2023.

    Although this is an 8% decrease from 2022. “Far too many children are still dying from this preventable disease,” they said.
    The agencies explained that the slight reduction in deaths was mainly because of the surge in cases that occurred in countries and regions where children with measles are less likely to die, due to better nutritional status and access to health services.
    The agencies cautioned that as measles cases surge and outbreaks increase, the world’s elimination goal, as laid out in Immunization Agenda 2030, is “under threat”
    By the end of last year, 82 countries had achieved or maintained measles elimination.

    Just this week, Brazil was reverified as having eliminated measles, making the WHO Americas Region once again free of endemic measles.

    All regions, except for Africa, at least one country in all WHO regions has eliminated the disease.
    The agencies have called for urgent and targeted efforts by countries and partners, particularly in the African and Eastern Mediterranean regions, and in fragile, conflict-affected, and vulnerable settings, to vaccinate all children fully with two doses of measles vaccine.

    “This requires achieving and maintaining high-performing routine immunization programmes and delivering high-quality, high-coverage campaigns, ” they said.

  • Global surge in synthetic opioid, psychoactive drug use demands urgent health action – WHO

    Global surge in synthetic opioid, psychoactive drug use demands urgent health action – WHO

    Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), has called for immediate global action to address the escalating crisis of synthetic opioid and psychoactive drug use.

    Speaking at the COP29 UN Climate Conference in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan, Ghebreyesus shared a clip via his X handle, emphasizing the critical public health toll of this crisis.

    He warned, “No country is immune,” urging world leaders to prioritize the public health impacts of non-medical drug use, both legal and illegal.

    He highlighted that drug use disorders are wreaking havoc on public health systems globally. “We are facing a mounting crisis,” he noted, revealing that approximately 64 million people are affected by drug use disorders, with synthetic opioids and psychoactive drugs at the forefront.

    This epidemic is responsible for an estimated 600,000 deaths each year.

    He stressed the necessity of addressing public health impacts across all drug types, adding, “We cannot address the drug problem without addressing the public health impacts of the non-medical use of both legal and illegal drugs.”

    Synthetic opioids are man-made drugs mimicking natural opioids, often more potent and addictive, like fentanyl. Psychoactive drugs alter brain function, affecting mood and perception, including substances like alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine.

    WHO’s four-pillar strategy for tackling the drug crisis
    In outlining WHO’s strategic roadmap, Ghebreyesus presented four critical priorities designed to mitigate the global drug crisis:

    “First, prevention, treatment, and harm reduction services must be scaled up by expanding access to cost-effective evidence-based treatment and harm reduction services.”

    “Second, surveillance and early warning systems must be improved to monitor emerging drug trends so public health agencies can respond swiftly and tailor interventions to evolving risks.”

    “Third, we must address stigma and discrimination, including at the institutional level, so that people who use drugs can access the care they need safely.”

    “Fourth, even as we try to prevent harm from drug youth, we must ensure safe and timely access to controlled medicines for those in need.

    We can strike a balance between policies that protect people from the harms of drug use while enabling access to treatment and care for those in need.” He added.

    Ghebreyesus reaffirmed WHO’s commitment, saying, “We remain committed, working with the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) , member states, civil society, and other partners to find solutions that protect health, are evidence-based, and grounded in human rights.

  • Nigeria needs 11.6m toilets to end open defecation by 2030 – Minister

    Nigeria needs 11.6m toilets to end open defecation by 2030 – Minister

    Nigeria needs an additional 11.6 million toilets to achieve its 2030 target of becoming Open Defecation Free (ODF), according to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev.

    Utsev, revealed on Friday that the Federal Government will unveil the Clean Nigeria Campaign Strategic Plan next Tuesday, aiming to accelerate progress towards the nationwide 2030 Open Defecation-Free target.

    Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja ahead of the strategic plan’s launch and the commemoration of the 2024 World Toilet Day, themed “Toilets: A Place for Peace,” he noted that achieving ODF status involved more than building toilets.
    He said that while huge progress had been made, ensuring access to and proper use of these facilities remained a crucial challenge.

    “About 11.58 million toilets have been built so far as an intervention for Nigeria to achieve ODF and efforts are still ongoing to provide more sanitation facilities,” Utsev disclosed.

    He explained that the challenge is not only the number of toilets available but also raising awareness and encouraging their consistent use.

    “This is why we are elevating the campaign to a higher level. The Vice President will lead the relaunch of our strategy in a more impactful way,” he said.

    Funding and partnerships
    Utsev acknowledged funding challenges, stating that while the initiative required an annual budget of N10 billion, only N5 billion had been released so far.

    Despite the shortfall, development partners like UNICEF have made significant contributions by providing toilet facilities, training, and awareness campaigns.

    “Our partners do not provide funds directly but support through the supply of toilets and training programmes, their efforts have been invaluable in driving this campaign forward,” he said.

    The minister also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to achieving ODF status in Nigeria.

    Progress and remaining challenges
    He said since the launch of the campaign in 2019, 135 local government areas and over 30,000 communities had achieved ODF status, with more areas undergoing verification.

    According to him, despite these achievements, the road to universal sanitation remains long, especially in underserved and vulnerable communities.

    “Ending open defecation is about more than toilets, it’s about improving health, boosting productivity, and enhancing the dignity and safety of our citizens,” the minister emphasized.

    Utsev called on the media, private sector, and local communities to join the effort to raise awareness and ensure behavioral change at all levels.

    He, however, urged renewed and collective action to achieve a cleaner and healthier Nigeria.

    “The campaign remains a critical component of Nigeria’s efforts to improve sanitation and public health, with the 2025 ODF target in sight but requiring sustained momentum to achieve,” he said.

    On strategic advocacy efforts, the minister said the ‘Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign’ strategy will be relaunched on Nov. 19, coinciding with the World Toilet Day.

    “Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead the event, which aims to strengthen collaboration among state governors, community leaders, civil society organizations, and development partners.

    “We are calling on governors, community leaders, and partners to actively participate in this campaign,” he said.

    What you should know
    The theme for the 2024 WTD highlights toilets as a place of peace, protection, and progress, essential for public and environmental health.
    WTD is celebrated annually on November 19 to inspire action to tackle the global sanitation crisis and help achieve SDG 6, which promises sanitation for all by 2030.
    The activities highlighted for this year’s celebration include the launch of the Clean Nigeria Campaign Strategic Plan by Vice President, Kashim Shettima on November 19, 2024, at the State House in Abuja, a commemoration event by the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Kano State Government on November 19, 2024.

  • Antibiotic resistance could claim 39m lives by 2050 – WHO warns

    Antibiotic resistance could claim 39m lives by 2050 – WHO warns

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), predicting that it could claim 39 million lives by 2050 if urgent global action is not taken.

    This was revealed by Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO’s Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, in her keynote speech at the Fourth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Saudi Arabia on Friday,

    She emphasized that the broader impact of AMR, is not affecting just health, but global well-being, stating conflict exacerbates AMR and makes it even more deadly.

    Beyond the loss of lives, AMR is expected to have severe global consequences, including extreme impacts on overall well-being and economic stability.

    WHO emphasized that addressing AMR not only saves lives but also requires global peace and stability, as conflicts can exacerbate the toll of AMR.

    However, she said, if no action is taken, “39 million people will die of antibiotic resistance between now and 2050, there will also be extreme impacts on the overall well-being of people around the world.”

    She added that there is a need to ensure access to existing antibiotics and accelerate the development of new ones, which remains critically important.

    The conference, themed “From Declaration to Implementation – Accelerating Actions Through Multi-Sectoral Partnerships for the Containment of AMR,” focused on enhancing the global response to AMR. This includes strengthening governance, promoting evidence-based policymaking, ensuring sustainable financing, and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration.

    Dr. Balkhy pointed out that financial investment alone will not solve the issue.

    “There is a need for true partnerships and commitments at all levels. Investing in better quality health care is the smartest that we can do on antimicrobial resistance.”

    “By committing to timely interventions. we could save $99 billion in healthcare costs annually by 2025, and the economy could be $990 billion larger by 2050.”

    “The political commitments and collaborative efforts are extremely important in the fight against AMR,” she said.

    The urgency of addressing antimicrobial resistance
    Also speaking at the conference, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed the immediate threat posed by AMR and the urgent need for global action to combat it.

    “The same is true of antimicrobial resistance,” Dr. Tedros said, drawing a parallel to the urgency of addressing climate change. “AMR doesn’t just threaten to make the medicines on which we depend less effective; it’s happening now. We’re not just talking about the risk of people dying from antibiotic-resistant infections; they’re dying now – 1.3 million people every year.”

    Dr. Tedros emphasized that tackling AMR action is equally as urgent as climate action. He referenced the Political Declaration on AMR adopted at this year’s UN General Assembly, noting its ambitious goals to mitigate the impact of bacterial AMR.

    “The political declaration agreed at the General Assembly set clear targets for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and financing, which should ultimately reduce deaths from bacterial AMR by 10 percent by 2030,” Dr. Tedros stated.

    The WHO Director-General called on governments, stakeholders, and the international community to work collaboratively to translate commitments into action, ensuring that lives are saved, and the effectiveness of life-saving medicines is preserved for future generations.

    Key priorities for implementing the political declaration on AMR
    Ghebreyesus highlighted three major priorities for implementing the Political Declaration on AMR, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

    Dr. Tedros emphasized the need for sustainable financing, urging both domestic and international sources to invest in AMR responses. “I urge Member States and development partners to join the AMR Multi-Partner Trust Fund, as called for in the Declaration,” he said.

    With a modest target of US$100 million, Dr. Tedros called for greater financial resources to fund national action plans, aiming for 60% of countries to have these plans in place.

    The WHO head also stressed the importance of equitable access to quality antimicrobials, noting the paradox of AMR: inappropriate use contributes to resistance, while many also suffer due to lack of access. “Addressing AMR means increasing access for those who need them while preventing the overuse and misuse that drives antimicrobial resistance,” he said.

    Lastly, Dr. Tedros highlighted the urgent need for research, development, and innovation to address the “dry antimicrobial pipeline.” He pointed to the SECURE initiative, a global effort led by WHO and the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARD-P), as an essential step in improving access to both new and existing antimicrobials.

    “The threat of AMR is right here and right now, but so are the solutions,” Dr. Tedros concluded. “Let us seize this opportunity to accelerate action on AMR, commit to stronger collaboration, and protect the medicines that protect us.”

  • Medical laboratory scientists vow to tackle national health security threats

    Medical laboratory scientists vow to tackle national health security threats

    The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) has vowed to tackle the growing threats to national health security.

    Speaking at the 60th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association in Owerri, the AMLSN President, Dr. Casmir Ifeanyi, stressed the need for urgent action to address these challenges.

    He noted that while resources are being mobilized for kinetic approaches to physical security, a lot needed to be done to address national health security.
    Ifeanyi described health security as the bedrock of national security and called on President Bola Tinubu to assemble health experts for insight into national health security issues.

    “There are many conversations about mobilisation of resources for kinetic approach to national security but the conversations about national health security, which is the bedrock of national security, has become compromised.

    “A security meeting by the National Security Adviser should have health security experts in attendance to provide insight into national health security threats,” he said.

    Medical laboratory scientists’ role in health decision-making
    Describing medical laboratory scientists as vital contributors to healthcare, Ifeanyi stated that as the second critical stakeholder of health globally, medical laboratory scientists provide over 70 percent of the data required for medical decisions and over 80 percent of data required for medical planning.

    He advocated for stronger investments in laboratory services and research to improve Nigeria’s health outcomes.
    He commended the president for the Executive Order on local production of diagnostics and pharmaceuticals for affordability by Nigerians, saying that the guideline for its optimization should become commonplace.
    “As a nation, we must strengthen our laboratory services, by strengthening collaborations between contingent states and improving investments in medical laboratory research,” he said.

    Addressing brain drain in the health sector
    The AMLSN President also addressed the challenge of medical brain drain confronting the country.

    Ifeanyi, argued that the policy document launched by the Federal Ministry of Health to address the brain drain facing Nigeria’s health workforce, “is a step in the right direction, but seeks to frustrate health workers from leaving the country rather than addressing the real reasons for their exodus”.
    He frowned at the section of the policy which, he said, denies health workers a leave of absence.
    He described it as “a violation of public service rules by the government, which only tends to frustrate rather than discourage”.

    He urged the adoption of a more holistic and people-friendly approach to addressing brain drain, aligned with existing laws.

  • Nigeria, 9 others join global fight against cervical cancer

    Nigeria, 9 others join global fight against cervical cancer

    As world leaders gather in Rio de Janeiro for the G20 Summit, attention turns to the fight against cervical cancer. The Christ the Redeemer statue will be lit in teal, symbolizing a global effort that includes Nigeria and nine other countries raising awareness through advocacy and campaigns.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) in a statement on Sunday, said, this effort is among many around the globe joining to mobilize efforts on a worldwide “Day of Action for Cervical Cancer Elimination.”   

    Adding that other countries are marking the day with campaigns to provide human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and screening, launching new health policies to align with the world’s first-ever effort to eliminate cancer, and raising awareness in communities.
    Nigeria’s role in the global campaign

    Nigeria is actively participating through advocacy initiatives spearheaded by the Nigerian First Ladies Against Cancer. These efforts aim to raise awareness of cervical cancer prevention and push for equitable access to vaccination and screening.

    Four years after 194 countries committed to eliminating cervical cancer, WHO reports that significant progress has been made, including HPV vaccine introductions in 144 countries, over 60 countries now include HPV testing in their cervical screening programmes and 83 countries include surgical-care services for cervical cancer in health-benefit packages.
    Despite these advancements, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted ongoing challenges.
    “While we are making progress, we still face huge inequities, with women in low-income countries bearing most of the burden.

    “Only with strong leadership and sustained investment can we achieve our shared goal of equitable access for communities most in need,” he said.

    Ghebreyesus also thanked all the health workers who are playing a critical role in this global effort.

    Global initiatives for the day of action
    Marking this campaign for the fourth year, governments, partners, and civil society are organizing various activities and commitments. These include:

    Chile will announce a pilot for self-collection with HPV testing, which will be incorporated as part of its health care reform and universal primary health care.

    China: Medical schools and hospitals will host a series of academic lectures, health runs, and illuminations to raise awareness across 31 cities.

    Democratic Republic of the Congo will host a 3-day forum to launch a national strategy for cervical cancer elimination, concluding with a march through Kinshasa for cervical cancer awareness.

    Ethiopia, with support from Gavi, will launch an HPV vaccination campaign aiming to reach over 7 million girls.

    India: Civil society groups in different states will host a series of activities that include awareness campaigns and trainings for health-care professionals.

    Ireland will launch its Action Plan to achieve cervical cancer elimination, one year after announcing its goal to achieve this milestone by 2040 on the Day of Action in 2023.

    Japan’s Ministry of Health, local municipalities, and hospitals will illuminate over 70 landmarks across the country during their annual Teal Blue Campaign.

    Nigeria will raise awareness through advocacy led by the Nigerian First Ladies Against Cancer.

    Rwanda will announce its goal to reach the 90-70-90 targets by the year 2027, three years ahead of the WHO goal.

    South Africa’s Department of Health will roll out health provider trainings in 3 provinces.

    Push for better tests
    WHO is launching new guidance on Target Product Profiles (TPPs) for HPV screening tests.

    “This technical product outlines preferred standards for new HPV tests. The tests should be able to function even in remote areas in low- and middle-income country settings where disease burden is highest.

    “The TPPs highlight the importance of tests that give women the option to collect their own samples for testing; and the value of tools that enable HPV testing in settings closer to where women receive care,” the statement reads.

    The new publication aims to support innovation in the HPV testing market, emphasizing high-performance, low-cost, and accessible solutions, particularly transformative in resource-limited settings.

  • Nigeria to host 5th global antimicrobial resistance ministerial conference in 2026

    Nigeria to host 5th global antimicrobial resistance ministerial conference in 2026

    Nigeria has been announced as the next host of the bi-annual High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in 2026.

    The announcement was made during the just-concluded 4th edition held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from 15 to 16 November under the leadership of Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Health, Fahad Al-Jalajel.

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, has confirmed the success of the 4th bi-annual High-Level Ministerial Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and pledged Nigeria’s readiness to host the next edition in 2026.
    In a post on his X account, Pate wrote, ” I thank Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Health, Fahad Al-Jalajel, and the Saudi Ministry of Health for their outstanding leadership in addressing AMR.”

    “We will learn and build upon your success for the 5th edition in 2026. Counting on the Troika process for smooth transition and the quadripartite. Nigeria is open to welcoming all member states in 2026,” he wrote, expressing Nigeria’s readiness to build on Saudi Arabia’s success and continue the fight against AMR.

    Pate emphasized the urgent need to address AMR, calling it a “silent but wicked problem” that impacts lives and livelihoods every day.

    According to him, “We need to enhance preventative measures, using one health approach, and advance access and rational use of effective antimicrobials to save lives while promoting research and innovation to develop more effective tools.,” he said.

    The 4th AMR meeting in Jeddah brought together global health leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to address the escalating AMR crisis.

    Delegates reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening National Action Plans and promoting access to vital medicines.

    The Jeddah commitments
    According to the Saudi Press Agency, the ministerial conference culminated in the approval of the Jeddah Commitments, marking significant progress in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance.

    The conference themed: “From Declaration to Implementation”, had ministers, health experts, and stakeholders from around the world address the urgent need for coordinated action to address AMR.
    The Jeddah Commitments build on the Political Declaration on AMR adopted at the 79th United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR in September.
    The Jeddah Commitments include strengthened governance, enhanced surveillance and stewardship, capacity building, research and development, and public awareness building through educational initiatives.
    Speaking on the adoption of the Jeddah Commitments, the Saudi Minister of Health said he believes the commitments drive the global AMR agenda forward with impactful actions. “It’s time to act,” he said.
    Mr Al-Jalajel also announced Nigeria as the host of the 5th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on the issue.

    “To maintain momentum, we propose a stronger mechanism, the troika system, to drive forward action and implementation through 2025 and 2026 until the 5th Ministerial Meeting. I look forward to working with Nigeria as the newest member of the troika,” he added.

    Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve and no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat. This increases the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death.

    AMR targets set by world leaders at UNGA79
    During the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79), world leaders committed to tackling AMR by adopting ambitious targets. Key goals include:

    Reducing drug-resistant infections.
    Promoting responsible antimicrobial use.
    Strengthening global surveillance systems.
    Investing in innovation and research.
    Scaling up prevention measures.
    Adopting a One Health approach to address AMR across human, animal, and environmental health.
    These commitments reflect a global consensus on the need for a coordinated, long-term approach to combating AMR.

  • Health carousel’s PassportUSA program offers international nurses pathway to US careers

    Health carousel’s PassportUSA program offers international nurses pathway to US careers

    Health Carousel International (HCI), through its PassportUSA program, is offering internationally trained nurses a clear pathway to becoming Registered Nurses (RNs) in the United States.

    Designed to help nurses navigate the complexities of the immigration process, the program provides personalized support for individuals seeking to advance their careers while addressing critical healthcare staffing shortages in the US.

    According to HCI, PassportUSA connects skilled nurses with leading US healthcare organizations, helping them achieve their American dream while providing essential services to patients across the country. Since its launch, the program has successfully helped over 3,000 international healthcare professionals start careers in the US.
    Key requirements for participation
    To join the PassportUSA program, candidates must meet several requirements. First, applicants must be nurses with bedside experience and proficiency in English. Additional qualifications may be needed depending on the individual’s situation. The program is open to both nurses already authorized to work in the US and those who are internationally trained and seeking to enter the US workforce.

    “We offer life-changing opportunities at leading US healthcare organizations, where you can provide expert care and address critical staffing shortages,” said the agency.

    Step-by-Step pathway to success
    The journey to a US nursing career through PassportUSA involves several key steps, each aimed at making the process as efficient and supportive as possible.

    1. Initial Consultation – Prospective applicants begin by speaking with a recruiter to assess their eligibility and discuss the specifics of life and work in the US. This conversation helps determine if PassportUSA is the right fit for their career goals.

    2. Visa Preparation and Filing – Once accepted into the program, applicants are guided by an International Program Associate (IPA) who assists with the necessary visa documentation. The program also covers costs for test preparation, including the English proficiency exam and the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination).

    3. Visa Petition and Approval – With the support of HCI’s experienced legal team, applicants file their visa petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once the visa is approved, a priority date is assigned, securing the applicant’s place in line for visa processing.

    4. Job Placement and Credentialing – After visa approval, participants work with HCI to explore job opportunities at US healthcare facilities. HCI submits resumes and coordinates interviews, ensuring each candidate finds a placement that aligns with their skills and lifestyle. Applicants are also assisted with the credentialing process to meet US licensing requirements.

    Comprehensive support throughout the process
    Throughout their journey, candidates receive ongoing support. HCI’s legal team helps applicants gather the remaining documents for the National Visa Center (NVC), ensuring a smooth path to approval.

    Once the NVC deems an applicant “documentarily qualified,” the individual is eligible for an embassy appointment. Upon arrival in the US, HCI’s team provides housing assistance, travel logistics, and orientation to help workers settle into their new roles.
    Additionally, the PassportUSA program offers specialized services like NCLEX preparation and reimbursement for licensing expenses, ensuring participants are fully equipped to succeed in their new roles.
    HCI also provides career advancement opportunities through its Clinical Ladder program, which helps nurses continue to grow professionally.

    Additional benefits for nurses and families
    HCI’s PassportUSA program not only supports the professional development of nurses but also offers assistance for family members. Qualified participants can bring their immediate family members to the US without any waiting periods or delays. The program also provides premium processing options for faster visa approval, and financial support for travel and housing costs.

    “At Health Carousel, we are committed to the success of our nurses and their families,” the spokesperson added. “Our goal is to provide them with all the tools they need to build a fulfilling career in the US while ensuring a smooth transition for their loved ones.”

    With its comprehensive services, the PassportUSA program offers an ideal opportunity for internationally trained nurses to advance their careers and contribute to the US healthcare system, addressing critical workforce needs across the country.

  • Shettima launches ‘Grand Challenges Nigeria’ to revolutionize healthcare with local solutions

    Shettima launches ‘Grand Challenges Nigeria’ to revolutionize healthcare with local solutions

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has launched ‘Grand Challenges Nigeria’ (GCNg), a national innovation programme aimed at revolutionizing Nigeria’s healthcare landscape through locally developed solutions.

    The initiative, which is part of the global Grand Challenges network, will focus on maternal and child health challenges in the first phase.

    Launching the initiative on Monday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Shettima  said to the audience that the initiative became necessary following an urgency occasioned by the rapid pace at which the world “is evolving in the realms of science and technology.” 
    He emphasized the importance of contextualizing solutions to national challenges, citing this as “a cardinal message” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, just as he said the initiative will promote groundbreaking research and build local expertise, among others.

    In a statement issued by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said: “This initiative is more than a response to problems; it is an avenue to promote groundbreaking research, build local expertise, form strategic partnerships, and engage communities in co-creating culturally relevant solutions,” Shettima said.

    He explained that the programme will integrate with existing government healthcare initiatives, including the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and the Nutrition 774 programme.

    “What Grand Challenges Nigeria promises is transformative: a Nigeria where every child has access to proper nutrition, where every family can rely on the quality of our healthcare system, and where our public health metrics continue to improve year after year,” Shettima noted.

    Call for proposals and global integration
    The Vice President also announced an immediate call for proposals on “Advancing Innovative Solutions for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health, while explaining that the initiative will address various challenges, from infectious diseases to food security and climate resilience.

    “Our gateway to innovation is rooted in recognising our place within the global community,” he stated, adding that “we must believe that our progress is intertwined with the progress of the rest of the world.”

    Shettima emphasised that the Tinubu administration is “steadfast in its resolve to provide the support needed to turn our aspirations into lifelines for our people.”

    The Vice President expressed anticipation for witnessing the ingenuity of Nigeria’s best minds, “whose innovations will receive the funding and support they deserve through this initiative.”

    In his keynote remarks, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, said the Grand Challenges Nigeria is aimed at developing local solutions to critical issues confronting Nigerians.

    The Minister noted that the model aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 8-point agenda using innovation to drive prosperity and growth, and in the process, empowering researchers and innovators.

    Stakeholders endorse initiative
    Chief Nnaji said the ministry remains committed to fostering growth, using innovation, even as he assured that the Grand Challenges Nigeria will prioritise key goals investment in education and environmentally sustainable projects, among others.

    On his part, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Hon. Chike Okafor, commended the commitment of the Vice President and the dedication of the Federal Government to the launch of the initiative, noting that the programme would go a long way in complementing existing efforts in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in Nigeria.
    He pledged the support of the House of Representatives for the Grand Challenges Nigeria framework, especially as it impacts food security and nutrition across the country, noting that he was looking forward to a rewarding collaboration with stakeholders to deliver on its vision.
    In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, His Highness, Muhammad Sanusi II, said the responsibility of addressing the issues of malnutrition and food insecurity requires focused efforts and collective actions, which, according to him, the Grand Challenges Nigeria initiative is designed to contain.
    He expressed hope that by adopting the framework of the Grand Challenges Nigeria, Nigerians would be at the forefront of finding solutions to problems in the country, thanking the Federal Government for believing in the efficacy of the initiative.
    The chairman commended the leadership of the Vice President as chairman of the Nutrition Council of Nigeria and a key promoter of advancing nutrition and related agenda across the country.
    In the same vein, the President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Prof. Salisu Abubakar, commended the leadership demonstrated by the Vice President in the launch of the initiative, noting that it would help address health challenges by leveraging locally resourced and researched solutions/approaches.

    He pledged the support of the society in ensuring that solutions adopted through the programme are inclusive and adaptable to Nigerians, especially in improving their health and wellbeing.