The Federal Government has said it is taking proactive steps to protect the citizens from climate-related health risks as climate change increasingly impacts health systems worldwide.
The Senior Programme Officer to the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. DOGARA OKARA, said this at the Joint Annual Review meeting in Abuja.
OKARA who said the move served as a vital platform for driving the Sector Wide Approach in Nigeria, shared insights on the ministry’s recent efforts to assess and address climate vulnerabilities, especially in high-risk zones like the North-west and North-east.
He outlined how the ministry adopted the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) operational framework to guide its approach.
“Little Fingers” is a Special Report on HIV infection amongst babies and children in the state, which is possible through Mother to child Transmission. Statistics speak to babies contracting the virus and having to take Antiretroviral drugs from infancy.
The report curated by Inspiration FM’s senior health correspondent; IMA DEM, shows how women living with the virus are looking away from a potent intervention – Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV – PMTCT, due to stigmatisation and discrimination. This is further increasing the number of new infections in the state and putting more infants at risk.
“Little Fingers” is simply advocating the Anti stigma and discrimination law in Akwa Ibom to improve the HIV epidemic control. It is believed that with safe spaces for infected persons and even persons not infected, Akwa Ibom can cut back on new infections.
Statistics show that about 12,000 new infections were recorded in 2023 alone, over 3,000 infants and children are on treatment in Akwa Ibom ( data obtained by ECEWS; an organisation providing treatment and care interventions), as the numbers could be more, and over 160,000 residents are currently on treatment. Also research carried by another organisation; CCCRN reflects that discriminatory attitudes towards Persons living with HIV – PLHIVs in Akwa Ibom is high, buttressing a report by the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey – NDHS which reported that 61% of residents discriminate against infected persons.
Ending AIDS is the target, and part of the strategies to attain this is highlighted in this Special Report.
National Orientation Agency in Akwa Ibom State has begun to educate people on the prevalence and prevention of the mpox disease in the state.
The Agency’s fear came as a report from the State Ministry of Health indicated that Akwa Ibom recorded eight mpox cases, noting that staff had been dispatched to the affected councils since last week after receiving instructions.
The agency’s Coordinator in the state, MKPOUTOM MKPOUTOM, stated this, while interacting with newsmen on the activities of the agency, in Uyo.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has expressed dissatisfaction over the poor treatment of its members, urging the government to intervene.
The association stated that for the lingering crises in the health sector to be resolved, the government needs to prioritize and improve the health care delivery to Nigerians.
This position was made known by the National President of the Association, DR. BALA AUDU in Uyo, while briefing newsmen on the 2024 National Physicians Week holding in Akwa Ibom. He added that the event aims at recognizing Nigerian physicians’ dedication and highlighting the issues inherent in the sector.
AUDU emphasized the urgent need to retain health workers and boost the profession, while noting that poor treatment is the fundamental factor that propels health workers to seek better opportunities abroad.
The association aims to harness the collective strength of its members to advance in the health sector, hence the need for tangible actions to address the situation.
