Home Health
Category:

Health

HealthGovernanceNews

ARD-KWASUTH applauds AbdulRazaq over payment of MRTF, CONMESS

by Editor
written by Editor

The Association of Resident Doctors, Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (ARD-KWASUTH) has commended Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara on the payment of 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) with two months arrears.

The President of ARD-KWASUTH, Dr Abdulfatai Abdulazeez, made the commendation on behalf of the Association on Sunday in Ilorin

He disclosed that the government has also commenced the payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) allowance.

Abdulazeez observed that the prompt payment of MRTF to the doctors marks a significant milestone.

According to him, this also demonstrates the administration’s dedication to investing in the next generation of medical professionals.

He observed that the present administration has shown commitment in prioritizing the health and wellbeing of Kwarans.

“Your exemplary commitment to residency training has paved the way for a brighter future for healthcare in Kwara,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to the present administration while describing the gesture as a “historic milestone achieved”.

The president of the ARD-KWASUTH also commended the governor for prioritizing the health and wellbeing of people in Kwara

0 comment 71 views
0 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail
HealthNews

World Immunization Week: Kwara targets 1.2 million children

by Editor
written by Editor

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

The Kwara Government says it is targeting about 1.2 million children for vaccination as the World Immunization Week commences.

The theme for the 2025 World Immunization Week is entitled: “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible”.

Speaking to newsmen on Friday in Ilorin, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency explained that the Week is commemorated to celebrate the wins of vaccination.

According to her, immunization is one of the most effective public health intervention.

She added that it is also a fundamental right, a shared responsibility and an important investment in our future.

“Vaccines have saved over150 million lives over the past 50 years of Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), reducing infant mortality by 40 percent and protecting people from more than 30 deadly diseases,” she said.

The Executive Secretary stressed that the theme emphasizes the importance of ensuring everyone, regardless of age or location, has access to life-saving vaccines.

“The Week is aimed at ensuring that there are sustained global efforts to reach every child and adult with vaccines.

“This includes strengthening national immunization programs, addressing vaccine hesitancy, and ensuring equitable access to vaccines, especially for vulnerable populations,” she said.

Elelu pointed out that we can make a difference by advocating for stronger immunization programs, supporting community-based immunization initiatives, and ensuring that everyone has access to the life-saving power of vaccines.

She enjoined mothers and caregivers, to ensure that their children get the life-saving vaccines to protect vulnerable children against diseases.

Also speaking, Dr Michael Oguntoye, the Director Primary Healthcare System of the Agency stated that about 1.2 million children, between the ages of zero to five years would be captured during the week.

He added that the immunization will ensure that children that were missed previously can still get immunized to prevent them from any diseases.

“This is to create awareness for people to demand for immunization services,” he said.

Oguntoye also assured that the immunization will also cover communities that are flashpoint of insecurity.

He explained that the state government has deployed security agents, as well as local vigilante groups to support all activities of the health intervention.

According to him, this will ensure children in those communities are not left behind and their health are protected.

The Agency commemorated the week with Sensitization Walk across Ilorin metropolis to create awareness of week.

0 comment 20 views
0 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail
HealthNews

Health insurance: Kwara to enrol 14,000 people with Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDs – official

by Editor
written by Editor

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

The Kwara State Health Insurance Agency (KWHIA) will commence the enrollment of people with Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDs in the health insurance scheme by June 12.

Dr Olubunmi Jetawo-Winter, the Executive Secretary of the Agency stated this on Wednesday in Ilorin during a meeting with stakeholders on implementation of the initiative in Kwara.

She explained that the scheme will enrol everybody living with tuberculosis and HIV/AIDs across the 16 Local Government Area of the state.

According to her, the population of the state that are being covered by Global Funds are vulnerable people who have access to the management of their disease state.

Jetawo-Winter pointed out that these vulnerable groups however, do not have access to other sources to cater for other ailments outside thier conditions.

She stated that these groups are considered vulnerable as they have low immunity and prone to having many illnesses.

“They don’t have the luxury of building immunity like so many other people due to the kind of medication that they are already taking.

“Therefore they really need health intervention for them to be able to manage their diseases in a holistic way,” she said.

The executive secretary added that people with HIV/AIDs, and tuberculosis who have malaria, infections, surgery or gets pregnant will now have the unfettered access to health care services that can support other health issues.

She noted that the health insurance cover is renewable at the end of one year when it expires, and that provision will be made for renewal.

Jetawo-Winter appealed to these vulnerable groups to access the facilities they receive thier HIV/AIDs and Tuberculosis drugs intervention and get registered for the scheme.

Also speaking, Mr Seun Ogunniyi, a member, House Committee on Health and Environment, commended the Agency’s efforts and commitment in ensuring the health of the citizenry.

He enjoin the Agency on proper orientation and implementation of the scheme across all the LGAs.

0 comment 20 views
0 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail
HealthNews

NGO appeals to Kwara Govt. for expanded access to UCH

by Editor
written by Editor

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

The Universal Health Coverage for Women in Global Health, Nigeria (WGH), has appealed to the Kwara State Government to enhance access to the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) scheme.

This appeal aims to ensure that all citizens, especially women, have access to essential healthcare services.

The call was made by the Project Officer, Dr Sienne Orogun, during a conference titled “Using Local Strategies and Structures to Boost Universal Health Coverage,” held on Tuesday in Ilorin.

Orogun highlighted that policies were already in place to make health insurance more affordable for vulnerable groups.

She urged the government to take further steps to implement these policies effectively and ensure basic healthcare was accessible to everyone.

Orogun expressed confidence in Nigeria’s commitment to achieving UHC, a goal aimed at ensuring all citizens could access quality healthcare without experiencing financial hardship.

In her keynote address, Kwara’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam, emphasised the importance of simplifying the registration process to boost enrolment numbers.

She noted that the state government was making significant progress towards allocating 15 per cent of its budget to the health sector, as well as focusing on capacity building and the retention of skilled healthcare professionals.

El-Imam assured the audience that Kwara was on track to achieving UHC, with local strategies already yielding positive outcomes.

She reiterated that UHC was a key strategy to strengthen the healthcare system and promote sustainable development, with the state adopting homegrown solutions to address specific challenges in the healthcare sector.

While acknowledging the progress made, she also highlighted challenges such as funding constraints and shortages of healthcare workers.

She urged continued collaboration and innovation to overcome these obstacles and ensure equitable healthcare access for all.

0 comment 25 views
0 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail
HealthNews

Neurological disorder: Paediatric Neurologist urges FG to include ADHD in NHIS

by Editor
written by Editor

Dr. Oluwasola Oke, a Consultant Paediatric-Neurologist at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile Ife, has called for the inclusion of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) into National Healthcare Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Oke told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview on Tuesday in Ilorin that the cost of managing the condition is astronomical.

According to him, a sachet of 10 tablets costs N50,000 and almost unaccessible for the ordinary Nigerians.

He added that apart from the high cost of management, the drug is also scarce and can only be found in places such as Lagos or outside the country.

Oke explained that government can subsidize these drugs for the citizens through the NHIS.

He described ADHD as one of the commonest neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention among children.

“These inattention includes having short attention span, difficulty keeping on task or staying organized, hyperactivity, restless, or talking excessively.

According to him, Nigeria carries the burden of ADHD in children at about 4.6 to 8.7 percent and Africa is at 5.4 to 8.7 percent, while globally it is at 5 to 10 percent.

The expert who also teaches at the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, of OAU pointed out that many people still misunderstand ADHD and assume the affected children are mentally unstable, stubborn or difficult.

“ADHD behaviours frequently occur across multiple situations such as school, home and at work,” he said.

The Neurologist pointed out that people should desist from labelling children with ADHD as stubborn, spoilt, difficult or abnormal.

The expert further said some people erroneously believe the children lack home training or are spiritually attacked, adding that the condition is not a curse or spiritual punishment.

Oke warns that “beating such a child or taking them for endless deliverance will not cast it out. Instead of blaming spirits, the affected child needs to see a specialist”.

Similarly he added that children with ADHD need the right learning method, supportive environment and patience, while saying that some of them can be intelligent and excel in music, art or mathematics.

The Paediatric Neurologist appealed to government and caregivers to address challenges in procuring drugs and management of children with ADHD.

He also warned against stigmatizing the children and enjoined people to bring their ward to specialists who can manage the condition through Behavioural therapy and use of drugs.

Oke therefore appealed to people to show love and understanding to these children, who can be managed to be productive in life.

0 comment 20 views
0 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail
HealthNews

Kwara commences Round 3 Big Catch-up vaccination – Official

by Editor
written by Editor

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

The Kwara Government will on April 12th commence Round-three Big Catch Up (BCU) vaccination for children between the ages of two years and five years.

Prof. Nusirat Elelu, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency stated this on Friday in Ilorin while speaking at a One-day Stakeholders Engagement Meeting. 

Elelu who was represented at the programme by the Director Community Health Services, Mrs Rukayat Ayodeji stated that the BCU campaign was designed to bridge the gap in immunization coverage and will round up till 17th of April.

According to her, this is particularly for zero dose children and those that are non- compliant people, whose children may have missed their scheduled vaccinations. 

Elelu added that the programme aims to strengthen Routine Immunization (RI) which protects children from vaccine preventable diseases, save lives and help to ensure that all eligible children are fully immunized.

She explained further that the BCU vaccination campaign will take place in three low performing immunization LGAs such as Ifelodun, Baruten and Ilorin East.

Also speaking, Dr Dupe Shittu, the State Mobilization Officer of the Agency disclosed that the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDS) for the ages zero to five years, will commence by April 26th to 29th.

According to her, the NIPDS are designated to vaccinate children and protect them from the poliomyelitis.

IMG 20250412 WA0004

Shittu pointed out that this will increase the immunity of children from polio which causes paralysis.

She added that health workers and volunteers will be available in a house to house campaign, religious houses and Schools, among others to administer two drops into the mouth of eligible children.

Also speaking, Mr Isiaka Jimoh, the UNICEF Consultant for Big Catch Up, enjoined all stakeholders to take ownership of the programme and enlightened people on the importance of vaccination.

He called for the need to support long-term immunization programs that continually “catch up” and reach under-immunized (UI) children.

Jimoh noted that this will contribute to more robust and sustainable public health outcomes in Kwara.

IMG 20250412 WA0003
0 comment 23 views
0 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail
HealthNews

World Health Day: UITH-experts call for increased support for maternal, newborn health

by Editor
written by Editor

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

The Head of Department of Epidemiology and Community Health of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Prof Shola Abduraheem has called for increased support for maternal and newborn health in Nigeria.

AbdulRaheem made the call on Monday in Ilorin while speaking at the commemoration of the 2025 World Heath Day themed: “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,”.

The theme focuses on maternal and newborn health, in order to prevent deaths and prioritise women’s health.

He explained that the theme is apt and significant as it emphasizes the importance of taking care of mothers and newborn children for a healthy nation.

“The day is significant in the sense that we need to appreciate what women do and the roles they contribute in making healthy family,” he said.

He advised the nation on the need to take care of mothers and newborn as much as possible, saying that there is need to improve the health indices of mother and child in Nigeria.

Also speaking, Prof Hadijat Raji, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) said when women are supported, they deliver healthy babies.

“This ensures that the baby reaches its full potential. It is important that the woman is healthy before embarking on pregnancy, this increases higher chances of healthy pregnancy and the survival of the new born,” she said.

In her presentation, Dr Bilqis Alatishe-Muhammad, Hospital Consultant, Department of Epidemiology and Community Health of UITH observed that factors that increase maternal deaths includes anemia, lack of healthcare facilities, and transportation.

Her presentation was entitled: “Unveiling the Patterns: A Deep Dive into Maternal and Child Health Dynamics in Kwara”.

Alatishe-Muhammad also She listed other factors to include, post partum haemorrhage, hypertension and lack of skilled personnel among others.

She therefore called on the government to improve funding on maternal and child health care and also ensure access to healthcare for women.

0 comment 11 views
0 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail
HealthNews

Kwara State Govt to Commence Training of Graduate Intern-Nurses …As NMCN approves training

by Editor
written by Editor

The Kwara State government has secured the approval of the Nursing & Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to commence the training of graduate intern nurses in Kwara State for the first time in the history of the State.

The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Hospitals Management Board, Dr Abdulraheem Malik, disclosed this today during the Board’s management meeting where he mentioned that Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin and General Hospital, Offa, will both be the pioneer hospitals for the internship training.

According to Dr. Malik, “this is yet another great step in the right direction by the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq towards laying a solid academic foundation that will last a lifetime in our health sector, closing manpower gaps, and sustaining the improvements we have achieved over the years in our healthcare service delivery.” Adding that, it further confirmed that the health of Kwara residents is one of the cardinal goals of the present administration.

“This trust reposed on us by the regulatory body will not be taken for granted and all preconditions that got us here today will be sustained. If you recall we recently secured a similar approval from the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) to start training graduate pharmacist interns,” Dr. Malik affirmed.

The Executive Secretary further urged all the stakeholders in the health sector to put all hands on deck at ensuring that healthcare services are professionally delivered at all times to Kwarans.

“Kwara State has now joined the league of states in the country who train intern pharmacists and nurses. The management of the Hospital Management Board is actively working on getting accreditation to add Medical Laboratory Scientists to the State’s list of internship training”, he disclosed further.

In her remarks, the Director of Nursing Services (DNS), Mrs. Oyewole Risikat, urged the prospective graduate nurses to make good use of the opportunity as many resources have been committed to healthcare training programmes in Kwara State to enable them compete favourably well with their counterparts all over the world.

Also speaking, the Director of Medical Services and Training, Dr. Femi Joseph commended the Kwara State government and the doggedness of the Executive Secretary, Dr Abdulraheem Malik for the exemplary leadership he has brought to bear in the Agency.

0 comment 11 views
0 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail
HealthNews

Kwara Govt trains 25 Medical Personnel on obstetric care

by Editor
written by Editor

The Kwara State Government has trained 25 medical personnel in Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEMONC) to enhance the safety of mothers and children during delivery.

The Kwara Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam, stated this at the Flagg-Of ceremony of a 14 day State Residential Training of Trainers on CEMONC in Ilorin.

In her remarks, the Commissioner noted that the training is aimed at improving the safety of pregnant women and the new born as well as reducing maternal mortality, especially during delivery.

El-Imam further explained that the essence of the training is to equip those on the frontline, who were experts in obstetric and health care to further improve on their skills.

“This training will enhance your clinical skills and competence among others. It will also help you more in leadership. It is high time therefore to groom leaders to match your technical skills with current reality, now is time to train other professionals in the field”, she added.

The Commissioner reiterated government’s efforts at upscaling healthcare delivery in the state, disclosed that the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) had approved five facilities in Kwara State, to be at the frontline of fighting maternal mortality and providing Caesarian sections for free in the state.

She maintained that the gesture is not unconnected with government’s efforts at ensuring access to free medical services, across the state.

She therefore enjoined residents to remain grateful to the Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq, for the kind gesture.

Earlier, the UNICEF representative, Dr Hadiza Aliyu, had commended the State Government for bringing quality healthcare services to citizens, attributing the success story to the leadership quality of the Governor.

She explained that the state under the watch of Governor AbdulRazaq had created enabling environment for development partners to work.

0 comment 18 views
0 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail
CommunityHealthNews

Cancer: Community Pharmacists screen 100 women in Kwara

by Editor
written by Editor

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Kwara Branch, has organized a sensitization programme and screened 100 women for breast and cervical cancer.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the screening is part of the activities for the Second Edition of Kwara ACPN 2025 Business Summit, and commemoration of the Cancer Awareness Month in February.

The theme of the summit is entitled: “Optimizing Community Pharmacy Practice”.

Speaking at the programme, Mrs. Munirat Bello, the ACPN Chairman in Kwara explained that the month of February is dedicated to sensitizing the public on what is cancer and the prevention.

She explained that the key messages focuses on breast and cervical cancer.

According to her, the cervical cancer, when detected early can be reversed and treated, but if not detected early, untill it is 80 percent in advanced stage, there is nothing that can be done.

She urge women to be vaccinated against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) that causes cervical cancer.

Bello lamented that Nigeria has high burden of cancer cases especially cervical cancer, when compared to places like the United Kingdom where cases are almost zero.

Similarly, the ACPN chairman said the Business Summit is to impart best practices in business innovation for members.

She stated that pharmacy is a profession, but also has business outlook to it, adding that it entails having financial knowledge, accounting, book-keepiing and also inventory management.

Bello commended the Federal Government on the efforts to sanitize the country from the proliferation of fake drugs in the market that endanger the lives of people.

In his address, Mr. Ambrose Ezeh, the ACPN National Chairman said the cancer screening and sensitization is part of the functions of the association to ensure a healthy society.

He also observed the need for members to acquire the knowledge of how to optimise their business and make it flourish.

Ezeh emphaised the need to use technology in their business, adding that software can be used to document all they want to do.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), National President, Mr. Ayuba Ibrahim enjoined members to change the way they do business.

Ibrahim observed that the first place of call in Nigeria in accessing drugs is the community pharmacist, while tasking them to show good image to the public and carry out their assignment diligently.

In her goodwill message, Dr. Amina El-Imam, the Kwara Commissioner for Health described community pharmacists as the image of pharmacy in Nigeria, who contribute to national development.

The Commissioner, who was represented by the Director, Pharmaceutical Services, Hajia Barakat Olanrewaju, noted that the use of technology by community pharmacist is crucial.

She encouraged members to be innovative and acquire new partnership by working with other health stakeholders.

0 comment 32 views
0 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail
Load More Posts