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Oba Buari calls for upgrade of Omupo Township Hospital… Seeks More Roles for Traditional Rulers

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The Olomu of Omupo in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Muhammad Yaqub Adebayo Buari, has appealed to the Kwara State Government to upgrade the Omupo Cottage Hospital to enhance healthcare delivery for the community.

The royal father also called for the establishment of a tertiary institution in the area to boost its socioeconomic development.

Oba Yaqub made the appeal during the commissioning of the new Aganju Olomu and the 2024 Oba Igba Festival held in the community over the weekend.

“Today, the Omupo Cottage Hospital is the third-highest revenue-generating health facility for the Kwara State Government in the southern region. The hospital serves about 10,000 patients and was recognized as the best service provider of 2023 by the Kwara State Health Insurance Agency,” the monarch said.

He emphasized the strategic role of traditional rulers, noting that they are the closest to the people.

“We are in a unique position to ensure that the government meets the needs of the people and that the people, in turn, trust and collaborate with the government to achieve common goals,” he said.

The Olomu of Omupo urged the Kwara State Government to expand the roles of traditional rulers and provide them with better support.

“This vital role can only be achieved in a conducive, modern environment, which is why we have constructed the new Aganju Olomu,” he added.

According to him, the new facility will serve not only the people of Omupo but also traditional rulers and residents of 38 towns and villages within the Omupo District.

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The monarch also congratulated Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on the numerous impactful initiatives and projects his administration has implemented to elevate Kwara State.

On behalf of his forebears and the Council of Chiefs, Oba Yaqub expressed gratitude to the sons and daughters of Omupo, as well as their in-laws, friends, and well-wishers, for their support in building the new Aganju Olomu and organizing the annual festival.

In his remarks, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by his Chief of Staff, Prince Abdulkadir Aliyu Mahe, commended the Olomu of Omupo for fostering peace and driving progress in the community.

The governor, who commissioned the new Aganju Olomu, described the event as a testament to the monarch’s visionary leadership.

“Under the leadership of Oba Muhammad Yaqub Adebayo Buari, with the support of the Omupo Descendants Union and other stakeholders, Omupo is undergoing remarkable transformation,” he said.

The governor praised the royal father’s commitment to peace, unity, and progress, which has created an environment where the people of Omupo thrive.

Governor AbdulRazaq congratulated the Olomu of Omupo and the entire community on the successful event.

Speaking at the event, the Secretary-General of the Omupo Descendants Union (ODU) and representative of its National President, Alhaji Tajudeen Adigun, highlighted the community’s efforts to remodel the palace to meet the evolving roles of traditional rulers in fostering peace and development.

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Adigun congratulated the Olomu of Omupo and the entire community, while also urging the state government to upgrade the Olomu of Omupo’s stool to First-Class status.

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HealthCommunityNews

Kwara commences Routine Immunization Vaccine Catch-up

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By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

The Kwara Government has commenced the Routine Immunization Vaccine Catch-up across the 16 local government area of the state.

The News Agent of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the routine vaccine is for children aged zero to 59 months, across the nearest health facilities and vaccination posts in Kwara.

Speaking to newsmen in Ilorin on the sidelines of the Stakeholders meeting on the routine immunization, Dr. Michael Oguntoye, the Director of Primary Health Care System, explained that the meeting is on the integrated health campaign across 16 LGAs.

According to him, special emphasis will, however be placed on three LGAs that have not reached pass mark on previous immunization exercise in the state.

He listed these areas to include Ilorin East, Ifelodun and Baruten LGAs.

Oguntoye explained that these areas recorded a significant population of children that missed the vaccinations, due to a number of reasons including COVID-19.

He warned that they have potentials to re-infect other children and spread life threatening diseases to them.

The expert observed that some people, especially fathers, are still posing challenge to effective immunization campaign in the state.

According to him, parents go as far as requesting for palliatives and incentives before allowing their children to get immunized.

The director reminded that these vaccines are free to the citizens in the country, however they are very expensive for the Federal Government to acquire.

“Immunization is the most celebrated public health interventions across the world. Though immunization is coming to people free, government is not getting it free. The government pays for this vaccine,” he said.

He stated that each single dose of vaccine to a child cost above N70,000, while noting that the free administering of the vaccine is all part of the dividend of democracy.

Oguntoye pointed out that each LGA in the state have their peculiar problems they pose to the immunization campaign, adding that the ministry of health have ensured these challenges will be mitigated.

“However, due to a number of factors like ignorance, low awareness and false rumours, a lot of mothers and caregivers or even fathers prevent their children from being vaccinated.

“About 60 percent of diseases are preventable with immunization. Vaccines saves lives and prevent out of pocket expenditures for the family,” he said.

He also warned that those that refuse to allow their children get immunized are letting their children get sick and over burden the healthcare sector.

Oguntoye also warned that preventing their children from getting immunised increaes chances of poverty in the country, as money that should be spent else, is concentrated in treatment of diseases.

He added that the vaccines prevent diseases including Tuberculosis, Titera, Pertussis, Tetanus, and Pneumonia which is one of the leading causes of death in this age group.

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HealthEducationNews

Neurologist calls for review of current method of residency training in Nigeria

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Prof. Kolawole Wahab, a Consultant Neurologist, University of Ilorin has said Nigeria is due for a review of current method of post graduate residency training, calling for improved financial inclusion and digital access which is impacting health care positively.

Wahab made the observation in Ilorin while presenting his speech on the theme: “Reshaping Residency Training in Nigeria, Digital Technology, Financial Inclusion and their Impact on Residency Training”.

The Lecture was delivered at the 41st Annual General Meeting and Sir Adebola Aderibigbe Scientific Conference organised by the Association of Residents Doctors – University of Ilorin (ARD UITH).

He posits that leveraging financial inclusion and digital technology access will revolutionise under graduate and post graduate medical training and improve the health indices of the country.

Wahab noted that when Financial Inclusion improves, it means the medical centers and individuals can have access to credit and when Digital Technology Residency training improves, it will impact health care service delivery positively.

He emphasised the adoption of various methods of financial inclusion and digital health to be adopted by training institutions to improve quality of knowledge to be gained by residents Doctors.

Also speaking, Prof Kayode Osagbemi who discussed the sub- theme: “The Effect of Climate Change on Emerging and Re-emerging Diseases: Bridging Reality and Research for Holistic Health care” advised all to go green by planting trees and ensure they improve on good environments.

Osagbemi urge governments to increase awareness creation, strengthen public health programmes, collaboration among relevant agencies, coordinate research on infectious diseases surveillance and control to effectively tackle the menace.

Speaking earlier, Dr. Yusuf Muhammed Jamiu, the President, Association of Residents Doctors Kwara State chapter noted that the advancement in digital technology that have reshaped every aspect of lives including health sector have not been fully achieved in Nigeria.

He assured that the association will continue to deliver quality Healthcare to the people.

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HealthNews

Resident doctors lament high cost of living in Nigeria

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By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

The Association of Resident Doctors, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (ARD-UITH) has lamented that the devaluation of naira has negatively impacted the cost of living of members.

The President of ARD-UITH, Dr Yusuf Jamiu, stated this Monday in Ilorin during a news conference organised to mark the 2024 Annual General Meeting and Sir Ademola Aderibigbe Scientific Conference.

Jamiu stated that the conference is expected to provide opportunity to discuss how technology and better remunerations for health workers can turn around the challenges facing the health sector.

He pointed out this can possibly reverse the twin evil of manpower crisis and Japa syndrome.

He observed that despite the challenges, the association still continue to provide quality healthcare services to Nigerians.

“We were able to advocate for better welfare for our members and in conjunction with hospital management, repair of call rooms and provision of bedsheets for doctor call rooms.

“We were also able to build in research interest among resident doctors by carrying out a lecture series where complex research processes were demystified through collaboration with consultants,” he said.

The ARD-UITH president also advise Nigerians to adopt back-yard gardening of greeneries so as to get the necessary nutrition required for health.

He added that this becomes a necessity as a result of the inflation on food stuffs.

Jamiu explained that the AGM is week-long event including free medical outreach and eye surgery for indigent people living in Kwara.

He added that the theme of the week is entitled: “Reshaping Residency Training in Nigeria Digital Technology, Financial Inclusion and their Impact on Residency Training”.

According to him, the sub-theme for the AGM is entitled: “The Effect of Climate Change on Emerging and Re-Emerging Diseases: Bridging Reality and Research for holistic Healthcare”.

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EducationHealthNews

Prof Afolayan advocates for urgent mental health reforms in Nigeria

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Professor Joel Adeleke Afolayan from the Department of Nursing Science at the University of Ilorin has called for urgent reforms to address society’s widespread neglect of mental health.

Delivering the university’s 267th inaugural lecture titled, “Mind Over Matter in the Removal of the Thick Veil of Negligence,” Professor Afolayan emphasized how societal indifference to mental health stifles personal potential and societal progress.

In his lecture, the Professor Nursing urged for a shift in both cultural and policy perspectives on mental health. He argued that negligence of both personal and institutional prevents recognition of mental health’s vital role in individual lives and collective resilience.

“Negligence robs us of our potential, stifles growth, and hinders progress,” he stated, suggesting that addressing this indifference could unlock new pathways for societal development.

Central to his message was the concept of “Mind over Matter,” higlighting the resilience of the human mind in overcoming adversity.

Drawing on ideas from Buddhism, Hinduism, and Stoicism, Professor Afolayan advocated for cultivating mindfulness, self-awareness, and positive thinking to improve mental well-being. Although some may dismiss this as lacking scientific basis, he noted its metaphorical power in inspiring people to harness mental strength to face challenges.

Among his recommendations, Professor Afolayan called for policy changes that prioritize mental health, increased funding for mental health services, and greater access to care.

He also emphasized the importance of inclusive community practices, urging society to promote diversity, challenge stereotypes, and build stronger social connections.

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In particular, he advocated for the full implementation of Nigeria’s National Mental Health Act of 2023, which he hailed as a milestone in advancing mental health services in the country.

Highlighting the critical role of nursing in mental health care, Professor Afolayan pointed to studies linking mental health issues, such as anxiety, to poor academic performance.

He stressed the need for a supportive culture within educational and healthcare institutions, warning that without proper support, nurses face high risks of burnout and compassion fatigue.

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Professor Afolayan, however, urged individuals, communities, and policymakers to work collectively to remove the barriers of negligence surrounding mental health.

He envisioned a more compassionate and resilient society where mental health is recognized as a top priority, emphasizing that education and awareness are key to dispelling stigmas associated with mental illness.

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HealthCommunityNews

Demand for FP commodities surge in Kwara – Official

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By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

A Registered Public Health Nurse, Mrs Habibat Basiru-Shittu, at the Kulende Primary Healthcare Centre in Zango, Ilorin has disclosed that the centre is out of stock of some Family Planning commodities due to upsurge in demand.

Shittu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview that the high demand has resulted to out-of-stock of some FP commodities in some PHCs.

She attributed the high demand of family planning method of child spacing to economic situation in the country.

According to her, other factors includes increased sensitization and awareness campaign on FP in the state.

Shittu disclosed that over 1000 people have been recorded since the beginning of 2024.

She explained further that in September alone about 151 people came to access FP at the Centre.

The Registered Nurse who is also a Midwife explained that some men bring their wives and some parents bring their teenage daughters to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

She added that due to massive awareness, even Fulani herders bring their wives and demand for FP commodities for child spacing.

“Although our commodities are subsidized and affordable, there are some days that they are administered free of charge.

“Our men also come for condoms, and they allow their wives to access FP, however there has never been a record of any man who request for vasectomy,” he said.

Also speaking with NAN, Mrs Lateefa Abdulfatai, one of the patient who came to access FP, explained that she has three children and she spaced everyone of them.

She said that the subcutaneous injections is quite popular with women.

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On her part, Mrs Fatima Abdulwahab, a petty business owner and patient also expressed satisfaction with the method she is using.

She added that she has not recorded any side effect, and pledged to continue to use FP to space her children.

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HealthNews

Nigerian healthcare workers face financial disparities – Kwara NMA

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By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

The Kwara Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has expressed concerns that healthcare workers in Nigeria face significant financial disparities, even within the same system.

The Chairman of NMA-Kwara branch, Prof. Abdulrahman Afolabi, stated this on Monday in Ilorin during a news conference organised as part of the activities of the 2024 Physician’s Week

The theme for the Physician Week is entitled: “Ensuring Universal Applicability in Renumeration: A Panacea to Talent Retention in the Healthcare System,”.

Similarly the sub-theme is entitled: “Mitigating the Impact of Infectious Diseases: Addressing the Monkeypox Outbreak and Beyond”.

Afolabi explained that pay structures vary widely depending on location, institution and cadre, creating a fragmented remuneration system that is neither sustainable nor competitive on a global scale.

According to him, many doctors and healthcare workers find themselves overworked and underpaid.

He said: “Inconsistency in salaries is evident not only across the country but even within similar healthcare or academic institutions.

“These disparities, most especially in the academia discourage young and talented healthcare professionals from entering or staying in the workforce ultimately exacerbating the burden on those who remain,” he said.

The NMA-Kwara chairman observed that globally, countries recognize the importance of fair remuneration and invest in competitive salary packages and attractive benefits to retain healthcare talents.

He appealed to government at all tiers to ensure uniform implementation of salary structure, the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

Speaking on the sub-theme, Afolabi explained that the African Union has declared Monkeypox diseases as a public health emergency.

He pointed out that Nigeria currently recorded about 42 cases across 16 states of the federation.

He described the disease as zoonotic, which is transmitted from animals to humans, adding that it is an orthopox virus with symptoms similar to Smallpox.

Afolabi disclosed that the physician week will dwell on the disease, the types, the spread modalities, symptoms, signs, investigation required and mode pf monitoring among others.

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Kwara Health Insurance reviews premium – Official

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By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

The Kwara State Health Insurance Agency, on Friday in Ilorin, announced an upward revision of the health insurance premiums among the enrollees in the state, effective from December 1, 2024.

The Executive Secretary, of the Agency, Dr. Olubunmi Jetawo-Winter, stated this during a news conference with newsmen.

She explained that the hike is to accommodate the rising costs of drugs, consumables, and provider payouts to continue providing high-quality healthcare services.

According to her, the number of enrollees has increased to 70,000 in the last two months due to inflation among the people.

She explained that informal sector premium is N15,500 per person per year, which is up from N6,000.

“Formal sector premium N18,000 per person per year (up from N9,000); family package (for a total of 6 members) for the informal sector: N75,000; family package (for a total of 6 members) for the formal sector: N87,000,” she said.

The executive secretary described the increment as a difficult decision for Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and the agency, ” given the continuing economic hardships that many families face, and despite the result of the actuarial reviews done”.

She, however, said that the scheme needed to adjust the old premiums to accommodate the rising costs of drugs, consumables, and provider payouts to continue providing high-quality healthcare services.

Jetawo-Winter, said that reviews are supposed to be done every three years, and that the State had not reviewed in the last seven years since the initial analysis was done to commence implementation of the scheme.

She also said that the adjustments had been considered and implemented in most states in Nigeria long before now, especially after the COVID pandemic.

“Citing already existing premiums in neighboring states, Kogi state informal sector plan was already at a rate of N15,000 since the last four years, Ondo state’s individual plan is N18,000, also implemented years ago.

“The NHIA just increased all their drug and consumable tariffs and capitation to their providers. The pricing of these tariffs is derived from premiums, paid by enrolled beneficiaries.

“Kwara is the last state to adjust tariffs nationwide, while other states continue to review even after their already increased premiums,” she said.

The executive secretary pointed out the State Health Insurance remains one of the most affordable and reliable ways to access healthcare.

“The scheme ensures access to healthcare services for 365 days a year, covering registration, consultations, investigations, admissions, treatments, surgeries, drugs and consumables, etc. as outlined in the benefits package,” she said.

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HealthCommunityNews

Screening: Kwara targets about 200,000 people on non-communicable disease

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By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

The Kwara Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam has said that the state government will commence screening a total number of 196,913 persons for non-communicable diseases.

Dr Amina El-Imam,.the Kwara Commissioner for Health stated this on Thursday in Ilorin during a news conference organized in preparation for the state-wide campaign on “Project 10 Million: Know Your Numbers Control Your Numbers”.

According to her, the screening will commence from October 28 to the 3rd of November 2024.

“The Ministry of Health will offer free screenings for these diseases at all the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) primary health facilities located in the 193 wards of the state and many of the secondary health centres,” she said.

The commissioner stated that trained healthcare professionals will measure blood pressure and blood sugar levels, offer personalised health advice, and provide resources for further care.

“We shall also launch a public awareness initiative to educate everyone about the risk factors associated with hypertension and diabetes,” she said.

She explained that the screening is for four non-communicable diseases wreaking havoc on the people, including breast cancer, cervical cancer, hypertension and diabetes.

According to her, there is already state-wide breast and cervical cancer screening exercise for women in the State which commenced from 21st October and ends 12th December 2024.

She explained further that the screening exercise will be strategically located across Primary Healthcare Centres and also in religious houses and universities.

Speaking further, El-Imam observed that the initiative of the Nigeria Health Commissioner’s Forum, aims to screen 10 million Nigerians for two of the deadliest non-communicable diseases; hypertension and diabetes, across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“Hypertension and diabetes are often referred to as silent killers. They affect millions of people worldwide, often without any noticeable symptoms until serious complications like stroke arise.

“This is why early detection and proactive management are crucial. This is the main essence of Project 10 Million, enabling and empowering the citizens of Kwara with knowledge of their vital signs.

“Such as their blood pressure and blood sugar numbers and providing them with resources necessary to control these numbers, thereby improving health and well-being,” she said.

El-Imam therefore appealed to people in the state to get screened for these diseases, adding that it is free, while drugs will be available and referrals will be made.

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Polio: Kwara targets over 1 million children across 16LGs – Official

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By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

The Kwara State Government, on Tuesday in Ilorin, announced preparations for a Polio Vaccination Campaign, with a target of vaccinating over one million children across the state’s 16 Local Government Areas.

Dr Nusirat Elelu, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency stated this while addressing newsmen in Ilorin.

She explained that the Agency has commenced the implementation of a three-day Local Immunization Days (LID).

“Preparation has also been concluded to roll out another round of polio campaign in the State.

“Immunization provides protection against life-threatening vaccine preventable diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, diarrhea, influenza, meningitis, and cancers and can reduce most post-neonatal under-five mortality,” she warned.

The Executive Secretary of the Agency explained that the routine immunization will protect children across the nook and crannies of the state

According to her, the Agency is implementing a three-day intensive routine immunization program for children under the age of two years.

“To this end over 300,000 children less than two years will be reached with life-saving vaccines within three days to protect them against childhood killer diseases.

“The exercise is taking place across all the apex Primary Health Care Facilities and outreach posts in the 193 wards of Kwara,” she said.

She explained that the exercise commenced Monday 21st to Wednesday 23rd October 2024.

Similarly, the executive secretary disclosed that another round of Out Break Response to circulating Mutant Variant of Polio is scheduled to start on Saturday 26th October to 29th October 2024 and will target over a million children.

She noted that the campaign is meant to prevent childhood paralysis due to polio virus.

The Executive Secretary enjoined all parents, care givers, religious houses, schools, Quranic institutions to make eligible children available for vaccination as the teams moves from houses, markets, religious houses and schools.

“All children zero to five years are expected to be vaccinated irrespective of their previous vaccination status.

She reiterated that the vaccine is safe, efficacious and does not have overdose.

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