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January 29, 2021 NIGERIA SECURES ADDITIONAL 41 MILLION COVID-19 VACCINE DOSES
IFMUYONEWS

NIGERIA SECURES ADDITIONAL 41 MILLION COVID-19 VACCINE DOSES

The federal government has secured an additional 41 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, although the date of its delivery into the country remains unknown, as vaccine manufacturers struggle to meet global demand, in time.

Minister of Health, OSAGIE EHANIRE, made this known during an interview with newsmen bordering on the order and payment for the covid-19 vaccines.

EHANIRE noted that the 41 million doses were secured as part of efforts by an African Union task team, to help countries on the continent gain equitable access to vaccines.

Countries are expected to make a down-payment of about 15 per cent for the vaccines and repay the cost over a five to seven-year period.

Meanwhile, the Covax vaccines expected in February are expected to be free, for the first 20 percent of the population, but the country will pay for the “logistics of delivery and administration.”

January 28, 2021 GOVERNOR UDOM EMMANUEL COMMENDS RATE OF WORK ON IKOT OKU IKONO FLY OVER PROJECT
IFMUYONEWS

GOVERNOR UDOM EMMANUEL COMMENDS RATE OF WORK ON IKOT OKU IKONO FLY OVER PROJECT

The level of work currently going on at the Ikot Oku Ikono Fly Over project has gotten great commendations from governor UDOM EMMANUEL.

The governor expressed his satisfaction at the pace and quality of the work execution, when he undertook inspection of the projecton Wednesday.

He expressed dismay over the excellent work done as against some negative information that has been making rounds about the fly over project, adding that the firm handling the project has assured of completion and delivery as scheduled.

According to the governor, the project would have been completed sooner but for the emergence of covid-19 last year which ravaged the world and forced companies to close for business.

He however noted that the bridge when completed with all its adjourning structures, will be the longest in the state and called on the people of the state to appreciate the concept, brought to bare in the project.

Governor UDOM further decried the paucity of funds and lackadaisical attitude of National agencies towards assisting in infrastructural development in the state, emphasizing that the situation notwithstanding the state would not relent in the development of infrastructures.

Earlier, the Regional Manager, Julius Berger PLC, Mr. JUERGEN FISCHER, commended the state government for keeping to the contract agreements and assured that the flyover project will be completed in May 2021 while the adjourning structures, including roundabouts, access roads and service lanes will be completed in August.

IFMUYONEWS

POOR ACCESS TO DIABETES MEDICATIONS UNSETTLES PATIENTS IN AKWAIBOM.

  • cost of drugs overwhelming patients.
  • irregular drug intake leaves patients more prone to Covid19.
  • 3 patients die since the start of 2020.
  • Diabetes drugs should be free of cost

BY IMAOBONG DEM

Vulnerable group of persons who are more prone to COVID19 infection have had to face even more dire situations, in the wake of the ongoing Pandemic.

More susceptible to COVID19, persons living with Diabetes Milletus in Akwa Ibom state are having to deal with not just preventing coronavirus by adhering to the standard guidelines, but need to keep up with regular medication intake to maintain their blood glucose level .

Blood Glucose control for an individual living with Diabetes is essential to the management of the disease, and to maintain this, access to medications; in the form of tablets or insulin, is critical, particularly, in a season where patients are more susceptible to COVID19. These were the emphasis of consultant Endocrinologist based in AkwaIbom, DR SAM ONUNG during a chat with Inspiration FM.

Dr Sam ONUNG noted that for persons living with Diabetes to have a good outcome if they get hit by COVID19, a good Blood Glucose level is vital, and this can increase their chances of survival.

Diabetes mellitus, is a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism characterized by impaired ability of the body to produce or respond to insulin, and thereby maintain proper levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood (Encyclopedia Britanican 2020).

COVID-19 is a new and potentially serious coronavirus. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of the disease as a public health emergency of international concern. Over 23 million people around the world have been known to be infected, while over 1million persons have died (IDF 2020).

Concerns for affected persons in AkwaIbom

Mr NNAMSO EMODO, a civil servant who resides in uyo, the city centre of the state is living with Diabetes; he was diagnosed of the disease 10 years ago. “I spend as much as 36,000 naira every month to buy my medications; this is because I can afford it , but most patients I know cannot afford the drugs which are obviously not cheap”.

Mr EMODO  is speaking from a vantage position as the chairman of the Diabetes Association of Nigeria, DAN, AkwaIbom State Chapter. “Life has become harder for members of the DAN, since the outbreak of COVID19, and the situation is dismal because non-adherence to Diabetes medications make patients more prone to Covid19.

He further revealed that so far 3 persons have died since the start of the year due  to their inability to purchase the needed drugs. “Patients are thinking of using the little money they have to feed, he stated”. Mr EMODO is mostly baffled that even palliatives given to citizens to alleviate the impact of the COVID19 lock down in the state did not get to any of the members of DAN.

“Many patients choose to stay away from the hospital because they cannot afford to buy the prescribed drugs. A lot of them have resorted to prayer houses, churches, hoping to get healed since they cannot buy the drugs”.

Mr NNAMSO went ahead to express appreciation to the specialist Doctors who care for them in the state. He said that the Doctors are doing a lot to save lives. According to him, they ensure the patients are well furnished with appropriate information, as well as indepth knowledge about the disease. “These resources they ensure we get at the clinic. The Doctors also go as far as paying for some of the patients’ medications from their pockets”. he added.

“Many patients choose to stay away from the hospital because they cannot afford to buy the prescribed drugs. A lot of them have resorted to prayer houses, churches, hoping to get healed, since they cannot buy the drugs” .

He is however concerned about how far the assistance from the medical doctors will go. “Many more patients will die if these drugs are not made free cost and more accessible to patients. If patients living with HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis could get free medication, then Diabetes should be given even more attention”.

Diabetes killing more persons than other diseases combined.

Consultant Endocrinologist at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, UUTH,  DR SAM ONUNG is one of the specialists who treats persons living with Diabetes in Akwa Ibom state. He also coordinates activities of the Diabetes Association of Nigeria, DAN, in the state.

Dr ONUNG told Inspiration FM that Diabetes treatment  should be given free of cost to patients because the disease is killing more people than other diseases such HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria; combined.

Dr SAM ONUNG highlighted that AkwaIbom has a high Prevalence of diabetes. According to him , going by the current estimated Population of the state, and a pooled prevalence rate of Diabetes in the South South region at 8.5%, the estimated prevalence of Diabetes in Akwa Ibom state is at least three hundred thousand. This is higher than the current HIV prevalence rate of 5.5% for AkwaIbom state.

A 2018 journal published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information showed that the highest prevalence of Diabetes in Nigeria is seen in the south-south region.

‘The Prevalence is disturbing’;  says the Vice President of  the Diabetes Association of Nigeria, DAN, in the South South region of the country; Dr IBITROKOEMI KORUBO, who is an endocrinologist with the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, UPTH.

Dr KORUBO established that Diabetes is the commonest cause of amputation in persons affected with the ailment in the geo-political zone. “Every day in South South Nigeria, 3-4 persons are getting amputated due to complications from diabetes. This is just one of the outcomes of the complications arising from this disease”.

The medical expert is perturbed that the seriousness of diabetes is underplayed. “It is a very serious condition that requires more attention”. he said .

“Every day in South South Nigeria, 3-4 persons are getting amputated due to complications from diabetes. This is just one of the outcomes of the complications arising from this disease”.

Why Government needs to show commitment.

Foreign agencies who offer intervention show interest when the affected state is able to reflect that there is a burden.

Government commitment is very crucial in this regard according to DR KORUBOR; “These partners are not seeing a problem because we are not specifying how bad the situation is, and government must lead by example”.

The call for political will towards the fight against diseases in Nigeria tops the agenda at health discussions.

The relevance of government funding borders on the sustenance of work already started by the interventionist agencies when they subsequently close out at the completion of their tenure, and accomplish their own part of the agreement.

It also draws attention to the need for domestic funding as external funding for health interventions dwindles.

Additionally, the cost of Health care is borne totally by AkwaIbom citizens, as they pay out-of-pocket for services. Presently, citizens anticipate the conclusions on the state health Insurance bill. This bill which had been passed by the State House of Assembly and awaiting assent by the state governor is aimed at reducing the cost of health care on citizens.  

Diabetes Risk in children is on the rise. A survey  by Doctor NDTV finds that just like diabetes affect adults, children are getting affected too. Medical experts therefore maintain that if this disease is now a Pediatric issue, then it needs adequate awareness and intense considerations.

Long term solution noteworthy.

It is profound for assistance to come from international partners whose presence are felt in the management and efforts towards eliminating other diseases in Nigeria.

But, of immense concern for DR SAM ONUNG is the ability to sustain structures that will be put in place by these agencies when they eventually assist and subsequently decide to close out. “We must learn to take ownership of these problems, domestic funding remains relevant in the long run. Government can fund the provision of medication for people living with Diabetes”.

“The National health Insurance has to work too to enable patients access drugs to manage this disease. Even when we claim that we cannot leave it all to the government to handle, let them for starters show interest and commitment towards this cause”.     

Dr ONUNG further specified that it is alarming that with the large number of COVID19 deaths recorded globally, majority of persons that have died had diabetes, increasing the need to stop ignoring the Disease as countries still battle COVID19 spread.

Prevention of the disease remains key Dr ONUNG stated, as well as early detection. This can help people manage the disease for better outcome.

The stance on Prevention and early detection was corroborated by patients living with the disease in AkwaIbom who believe that compulsory medical checks for everyone who visits a clinic will help detect diabetic cases early enough and reduce the incidence of the disease.

Prevention of Diabetes Mellitus Is Key
Early detection is fundamental

 

IFMUYONEWS

AKWAIBOM HEALTH STAKEHOLDERS INSIST ON DOMESTIC FUNDING FOR MALARIA

BY IMAOBONG DEM
HEALTH CORRESPONDENT

Conversation on resource mobilization and non-dependence on external funding for Malaria was the crux of discussions at an Advocacy workshop held in AkwaIbom state.

The workshop organized by President Malaria Initiative- PMI; a USAID funded project in collaboration with Nigerian Interfaith Action Association – NIFAA, opened deliberations on avenues to improve domestic funding and resource mobilization for Malaria Programme.

The 3 day brainstorming session held at Um-neak hotel in Uyo from the 31st of August to September 2, 2020.
Key players in AkwaIbom’s Malaria elimination Programme deliberated to identify advocacy challenges, while also working at addressing them, to achieve the development of a realistic structure for resource mobilization in the state.

Malaria Funding and provision of resources in Nigeria have been driven by foreign agencies and donor Partners over the years with support from the governments of every state.

Total funding for Malaria control and elimination reached $2.7 billion in 2018. Contributions from government of Malaria endemic countries amounted to US$900 million , representing 30% of total funding, the World Health Organisation – WHO reports.

The target therefore is sustaining the gains of the State Malaria elimination programme through adequate funding and resource availability.
Malaria remains endemic in Nigeria. A WHO data indicates that nineteen countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and India carried almost 85% of global malaria burden. Six countries accounted for more than half of all Malaria cases worldwide with Nigeria contributing 25% to this rate. Still, the Malaria prevalence has been projected to rise in most affected countries in 2020, where Nigeria is categorized, due to the Covid19 disruptions (WHO, 2020).

Also, the current situation of Malaria burden in AkwaIbom was captured with indication that the state had the highest Malaria prevalence (23.2%) among children under 5 years in South South Nigeria (NDHS 2018).

With these established facts on the burden of Malaria in Nigeria, and AkwaIbom, the state’s typography encourages breeding of the Anopheles Mosquitoes; the vector responsible for Malaria Parasite transmission. “Continuous efforts to reduce the burden is significant”, Director of Health Services in AkwaIbom’s Ministry Health, Dr GODFREY AKRO says.
Dr Akro maintains that domestic funding is achievable. “the funds are there, lets create strategies to access them”, he stipulated.

Similarly, the State Malaria Elimination Programme Manager, Dr JOHN OROK says Individuals in the AkwaIbom should not leave the fight against Malaria to government and Partners alone; “Various people, Philanthropists, have been supporting their individual Malaria programmes to close the funding gap”, he added.

Coordinating the dialogue which focused on issues affecting Advocacy in AkwaIbom, the Social and Behavior change communication and advocacy manager at NIFAA, Mr IFEANYI KALU said that channeling the advocacy to the right quarters will enhance improved planning, implementation, and coordination of malaria activities.

Mr IFEANYI conveyed his gratification at the end of the 3 day workshop. According to him there were revelations on critical aspects of the Malaria struggle, which key actors in the Malaria fight needed to improve upon, towards attaining Zero Malaria cases in the state.

The discourse by these relevant actors ascertained the current situation with Budgetary allocation for Malaria programmes in AkwaIbom, and how the funding and resources can be augmented.

The Stakeholders identified that there is need to shore up the budget for Malaria elimination programmes in AkwaIbom, sustain the existence of a workable Database that shows consistent Malaria Prevalence and mortality rate (30% of deaths in under 5 children are attributed to Malaria ; DHIS AUGUST 2020). Such database is considered a vital tool that can boost resource mobilization and allocation of funds exclusively for Malaria

In this regard, Barrister PETER SALIFU, an administrator at NIFAA articulated his view on access to accurate Data for the Morbidity and Mortality from Malaria specifying that Data availability remains a selling point for increased Funding.

The target to eliminate Malaria globally is 2030. The present actualities where the gains made over the years towards realizing Zero Malaria cases in Nigeria are being reversed due to certain challenges, is enough to leave our sleeves rolled up, motivate stakeholders to work relentlessly and ensure that the hard work put into the end Malaria initiative is not wasted.

The push to change the narrative in Nigeria’s Malaria elimination project with improved advocacy championed by NIFAA and PMI, is currently being implemented in AkwaIbom, Cross River, Ebonyi, and Oyo states.

A follow up workshop to develop workable advocacy tools aimed at advancing domestic funding, enlarging the resources for the Malaria Project in AkwaIbom subsequently held in the same month of September.

Developing the advocacy tools, stakeholders that can make domestic funding realizable were identified, and ways with which they will be engaged to ensure they run along with the End Malaria vision by committing financially and otherwise were mapped out.

Furthermore the role of government was recognized as critical. The need to evoke the government’s political will was considered premium. Consequently, the current state of funding for malaria in AkwaIbom was established comprising the budget allocated and released every year for the state Malaria Elimination Programme, SMEP, the Funding gaps, and what can possibly work in the long term to sustain the elimination project for Malaria.

We need to do our work holistically such that when we present our Advocacy for more government involvement in Funding Malaria in AkwaIbom state, the government will be convinced that this is indeed necessary and achievable”, Mr IFEANYI KALU emphasized.

The task ahead is daunting, attaining ZERO MALARIA cases in AkwaIbom starts with every individual, and it simply reflects the urgent need for every citizen of the state to take responsibility for the elimination of Malaria, he further asserted.

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