NEWS
Hepatitis Kills More Nigerians Than Any Other Virus
…Hepatitis Kills More Nigerians
By Prosper Okoye
Hepatitis has been ranked as the deadliest virus in Nigeria, compared to other common deadly viruses in the country, according to experts.
They said on Friday that the high death rate is caused by negligence.
Speaking during a medical outreach to mark the 2023 World Hepatitis Day in Loko-Tiye, a semi-urban community in Nassarawa State, the Program Director of Sam Empowerment Foundation (SEF), Kiema Ogunlana, said her organization is committed to reducing this health threat.
“Our main focus is on health, vulnerable children’s programs, community empowerment, and civil engagement,” she said.
She added that several interventions have been carried out across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, showing positive results.
“We aim to reach the most difficult-to-access communities like Loko-Tiye, which are underserved, to ensure that their livelihoods are improved,” she added.
Shortly after the team arrived, Nancy Ibrahim, a young adult living in the community, attended the event.
Read Also: World Hepatitis Day: Cross River Targets 5,000 for Screening, Vaccination
“I don’t feel well,” she said, looking upset with bloodshot eyes.
Nancy told DAILY ASSET after her session that she was on her way to the health center when she saw the event.
“I had tests for Typhoid, Malaria, Blood Sugar, and Hepatitis, and I was given free drugs and the Hepatitis vaccine,” she said with a smile, adding that she is hopeful of getting better soon.
According to the SEF Program Director, citing world health statistics, “one in every 10 persons is likely to be a carrier of the hepatitis virus.
“In line with this year’s global hepatitis theme: ‘we are not waiting,’ we need to stop the spread,” she said, calling for joint efforts to increase awareness of the virus.
“Since the virus can be spread through contact and not necessarily through sexual intercourse, we need to double efforts in testing, and those who test positive should get treatment, while those who test negative should be fully vaccinated.
“This is a call to everyone who hasn’t been tested to locate the nearest health center and get tested, as our health is our wealth. If you’re unhealthy, you can’t contribute to nation-building,” she advised.
Mrs. Ogunlana also acknowledged SEF’s President, Dr. Aisha Achimugu, saying: “Without her unwavering support, we wouldn’t have been able to touch the lives of the people.”
“The hepatitis virus directly attacks the liver,” said Chibueze Okechukwu, the Daisy Oak Program’s Manager,
“It’s not a death sentence, but people often don’t pay attention, which is why it’s killing more people than the HIV/AIDS virus today,” he added.
Loko-Tiye community was chosen for the event based on an earlier needs assessment, which showed that a significant population is susceptible to the virus, according to the NGOs.
Before the event started, the team visited the village head, whose palace entrance hosted the event.
With a bow and muttered greetings, the team entered the home of Chief Ibrahim Shekwagu, known as the “Dakachi of Loko-Tiye.”
Welcoming the group, Shekwagu, speaking through an interpreter said the outreach is a noble effort.
The aged Chief, who was looking happy, noted that times have changed as the community used to have no cases of the virus, but lately, it has started experiencing it.
Moreover, he encouraged the organizations to hold the health program more often since there are no health facilities very close to the people.
However, the Director of Optimum Vaccine Limited, Philip Ameh, assured the Chief that the organizations would continue to work with the community to minimize the virus’s impact.
He said vaccines would be provided at a subsidized cost of 1,000 Naira, even though they are sold for 3,000 to 4,000 Naira in government hospitals and even more in private clinics.
DAILY ASSET reports that the event witnessed a large turnout by community member; and ended with children dancing on the makeshift dance floor.
NEWS
FCTA Moves to Curb Medical Tourism
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
Federal capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has pledged to provide the necessary support for the successful completion and operation of the African Medical Center of Excellence, with a view to reversing medical tourism.
The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, made this pledge during a site tour of the state of the art facility, of African Medical Centre for Excellence, billed to be operational in early 2025.
Mahmoud noted that the partnership between the African Export-Import Bank and Kings College Hospital London to establish the 170-bed hospital was a testament to the commitment to advancing clinical care, training, and research in specialty areas such as oncology, cardiovascular services, hematology, diagnostics, and general medical services.
The minister further added; “The potential impact of this initiative in reversing medical tourism and reducing healthcare worker migration is commendable.
“I am encouraged by the prospect of over 1000 workers being employed to support the hospital’s operations.
“Therefore, I am fully committed to ensuring that the Federal Capital Territory Administration provides the necessary support for the successful establishment and operation of the African Medical Center of Excellence.
“We are happy to see, that the 6.5 hectares of land, which was donated by the Federal Capital Territory Administration, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, as part of the host country agreement, has been developed to accomodate this hospital.”
While conducting the minister round the project, the Chief Executive Officer, African Medical Center of Excellence, Mr. Brian Deaver, commended the FCT Administration for the strategic partnership.
He used the occasion to inform the minister that the management staff of the medical centre are looking forward to further contributions of the Administration to improvement in the management of non communicable diseases in the territory.
Deaver stressed that the potential benefits of the location of this hospital in Abuja is significant, just as he expressed confidence that the partnership would yield positive outcomes for the healthcare sector in the region.
NEWS
Ortom, Ode, Asemakaha Felicitates With Alia on 58th Birthday
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
Former Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, the incumbent Deputy Governor, Barr Sam Ode and the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), Dr Raymond Asemakaha, Wednesday, extended their felicitations to the State Governor, Rev Fr.
The former governor in a statement signed by his Media Aide,Terver Akase and made available to newsmen in Makurdi, prayed God to grant Governor Alia the wisdom and health to steer the affairs of the state.
He maintained that God would grant Alia the enablement to surmount all challenges fronting his administration and wished him a memorable birthday celebration and many more years ahead.
The statement read in part: “Your Excellency, as you celebrate, I pray that God grants you wisdom, good health and strength to enable you to continue to steer the affairs of our dear state.
“Leadership comes with its numerous challenges, but I have no doubt that with God’s grace and guidance, all problems are surmountable.”
Similarly, the Deputy Governor of the State, Barr. Sam Odeh, on behalf of the State Executive Council (SEC), prayed that Governor Alia’s birthday would be a celebration of his uncommon passion for speedy transformation of the state.
“On behalf of the Benue State Executive Council, I write to warmly felicitate with Your Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Executive Governor of Benue State on the occasion of your 58th birthday anniversary.
“As you mark your years of existence on earth today, we heartily join your family, the good people of Benue State and the entire nation in wishing Your Excellency a very happy birthday.
“May your 58th birthday be a celebration of your positive energy and uncommon passion for speedy transformation of Benue State. As Governor of our dear state, you have, in the last one year, demonstrated pragmatic leadership with selflessness and dedication, by rendering quality service to the good people of Benue.
“Your ability to turn challenges into opportunities is truly admirable. We have every reason to celebrate you today, because your transformation drive has brought the state to national and global prominence with many laudable initiatives and partnerships that are now yielding positive results in various sectors of Benue economy.
“Happy Birthday! Your Excellency, you are truly a special gift to the state and a beacon of inspiration for us all. May your birthday mark the beginning of a new chapter filled with even greater successes and fulfillment.
“We pray that the Almighty God will continue to uphold, keep and strengthen you for His glory and to the benefit of humanity. Congratulations and happy birthday!, Ode stated”.
On his part, the MD/CEO, BIPC, Dr Raymond Asemakaha, on behalf of the management and staff of the company, said the governor had so far demonstrated visionary leadership, tireless efforts, and unwavering commitment to the transformation of Benue State.
Governor Alia’s exemplary governance and dedication to the welfare of the people are truly inspiring, stressing that this milestone birthday marks the beginning of another remarkable year filled with wisdom, good health, and unparalleled success.
NEWS
CBN Unveils Strategy to Boost Remittances
By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has activated plans to double foreign-currency remittance flows through formal channels by granting 14 new International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) Approval-in-Principle (AIP).
This was disclosed in Abuja on Wednesday, by the Bank’s Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs.
She said, “This will spur liquidity in Nigeria’s Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEX), augmenting price discovery to enable a market-driven fair value for the naira.
“It will be recalled that the CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, had recently declared: “We’ve set ourselves a target to double remittance flows into Nigeria within a year, a goal I firmly believe is within reach.
“We are wasting no time driving progress to remove any bottlenecks hindering flows through formal channels permanently. We have a determined pathway and a sequenced approach to tackling all challenges ahead, working hand in hand with key stakeholders in the remittance industry,” she stated.
Continuing, Sidi Ali, said that the CBN viewed increasing formal remittance flows—one of the major sources of foreign exchange, accounting for over 6% of GDP—as a means of reducing the historical volatility in Nigeria’s exchange rate caused by external factors, such as fluctuations in foreign investment and oil export proceeds.
The increase in the number of IMTOs is one of the primary actions initiated by the CBN’s remittance task force, overseen by Governor Cardoso as a collaborative unit pulling together specialists to work closely with the private sector and market operators to facilitate the ease of doing business in the remittance ecosystem in Nigeria.
The task force was established as a direct result of an executive learning session with IMTOs during the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings held in Washington DC, United States of America, in April 2024. The task force will meet regularly to implement strategy and monitor the impact of its measures on remittance inflows.