Category: Medical

Namibia is facing a severe health burden, with metastatic breast cancer patients frequently detected at a late stage, complicating treatment and outcomes.

This was said by Rolf Hansen, Chief Executive Officer of the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN), on the sideline of the Pink Friday campaign held in Windhoek. Pink Friday is aimed at rallying Namibians in a united stand against breast cancer.

In Namibia, more than 540 women are diagnosed with a form of breast cancer annually, he said.

Hansen said that while the situation of late detection is not uncommon in lower and middle-income countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, it is imperative that Namibia takes proactive steps towards change.

“Through concerted efforts and a determination to address this challenge, we can drive the change needed to reshape the narrative and provide hope that can save lives,” he said.

Hansen also said the vision to combat breast cancer in Namibia encompasses the establishment of rural breast screening programmes, specialised breast clinics, and the enhancement of district screening units with state-of-the-art equipment.

“CAN eagerly anticipates ongoing collaborations with the Ministry of Health and Social Services, as well as other key stakeholders, to transform this vision into a reality,” he said.

The CAN CEO added that breast cancer is a global concern and in Africa, it presents specific challenges that demand focused attention.

“Together, we can make a meaningful impact and provide vital support to those affected by this disease,” concluded Hansen.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

The Federal Government says it has made plans in a new policy plans for cancer survivors to be catered to adequately.

The Director-General, National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Dr Usman Aliyu, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

According to him, the plan is contained in one of the three cancer policies aimed at aiding cancer prevention and treatment in Nigeria the Federal Government will inaugurate soon.

He said that the institute has since its establishment in January, been working on the policies that are expected to ensure that cancer prevention, treatment and research into all cancer issues are put on the front burner.

“We have drafted our second National Strategic Cancer Control Plan. The first one that was ever drafted for the country was for 2018 to 2022 which has expired, but I’m happy to announce to you that the institute has drafted a new cancer plan.

“It is a five year plan that will span from 2023 to 2027 and that is all encompassing. The plan will be a leading guide to all the activities of cancer in the country and it cuts across the area of cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care and even survivorship for the first time.

“We are having this component of cancer survivorship in our plan for survivors, which is actually a neglected area.”

Aliyu also said that the institute has finalised work with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other partners to develop the nation’s first National Cervical Cancer Control plan 2023-2027.

He said that the plan would give direction on how the institute intends to follow in agenda of WHO in the elimination of cervical cancer by 2030.

He also said that being a research institute, research was a very strong component of NICRAT, but that it could not just dive into it without having an agenda.

“So we have drafted the first National Cancer Research Agenda 2024-2028 for the country that will give way and pave a direction for cancer research in Nigeria”, he said.

The D-G said that all the documents would be inaugurated during the 2023 International Cancer Week scheduled for Oct. 23 to 26 in Abuja, with the theme ‘Addressing Cancer Care Disparities through Research and Improved Access to Treatment’.

He said that the theme was aimed at addressing the disparity in cancer care as there were renewed calls by the oncologists globally to try and close the gaps.

“If you look at the disparities that we have in the areas of maybe the race, ethnicity and even tribal, it is gross, so the concept was coined out of what the global scientists are focusing on now.

“If you look at America, they are pumping a lot of resources in the area of cancer prevention, research and treatment but they are not getting the outcome they are expecting then they embarked on research.

“In 2022, we had almost 19.7 million new cases and more than 10 million deaths from cancer and there is a report that by the next few decades this is going to increase by 70 per cent.

“About 80 per cent of this number is going to emanate from Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC) or which is majorly Sub Saharan Africa.”

He added that it was a pointer to something being wrong which indicates the disparity in cancer care.

Aliyu also said that this informed the decision to begin to look into how to close that gap.

He said that the week would also feature interactive sessions and presentation on cancer registries, adding that cancer registries are the key to getting data on cancer.

“In the area of research, the Institute is already working on how to carry out a general cancer mapping for the country. This is important because we want to standardise the data that we have in the area.

“We mapped out all the cancers that we have using the cancer registries that we have, the research tools and even the individual hospitals that are not in the cancer registry.

“The data will be more robust and more reliable than just making an estimate based on other diseases or what our neighbours have to take decisions on Nigeria as well in other area of cancer.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Board of the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE Abuja) says the project is on track to successfully accomplish its mission of providing world class medical care.

The AMCE will also conduct innovative and groundbreaking research, facilitate development initiatives, and offer educational programmes in collaboration with esteemed international organisations

Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), made the assertion during the inaugural board meeting of AMCE in Cairo, Egypt, on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the AMCE Abuja, a landmark and visionary initiative by Afreximbank, entails the implementation and operationalisation of a 500-bed quaternary level medical facility.

The AMCE will offer a wide range of services and specialisations including oncology, cardiology, hematology, and general care capabilities.

It will also provide a full range of medical services, including diagnostics, treatment, nuclear medicine, surgery and post-surgical care.

It will operate in collaboration with the Kings College Hospital, London (KCH), leveraging KCH’s diagnostic, clinical and capacity building expertise to become a world class healthcare institution.

Through establishing both international and Pan-African partnerships, AMCE Abuja will ultimately become a prominent global reference and a leading destination for medical tourism in the region.

At the inaugural board meeting of the AMCE Abuja, the Board endorsed the appointment of Oramah as its Chairman and appointed Mr Amr Kamel as his alternate.

The appointment of Oramah reflects his significant contributions to and vision for the project, as well as his exemplary leadership qualities, which have led Afreximbank to remarkable growth.

Other members of the AMCE Abuja Board include Prof. Ghulam Mufti, Prof. Adedayo Onitilo, Dr Anwar Alhaq, Mr Emmanuel Assiak, Mr Brain Deaver and Dr Zahoor Khan.

Dr Aisha Umar; His Excellency, Namadi Sambo; Mr Amr Kamel, Ms Oluranti Doherty, Mr Olusola Babalola, and Dr Gloria Rowland are also members.

Speaking, Oramah said: “ I am delighted to chair this first meeting of the AMCE Board.

“This project is of great significance to our continent.

“With Africans being among the largest importers of medical services globally due to a lack of modern, affordable, and well-equipped medical facilities, technologies and personnel on the continent who especially deal with lifestyle diseases.

“This facility, with an initial capital investment of nearly USD 300 million, is by far, the single largest private healthcare investment both in Nigeria and on the continent.

“It will be the first of many facilities being considered across Africa and will serve as the headquarters for AMCE on the continent.”

At the meeting, the board also approved the proposal of the AMCE executives to organise a medical conference in the first quarter of 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria.

The conference will serve as a unique platform for African leaders, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to exchange insights, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities in the realms of medical and scientific fields.

This would be with the goal of increasing awareness and collaboration in the areas of research, innovation, and public health throughout the continent.

According to the board, the conference will align discussions and outcomes with the objectives of the African Union and the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), by supporting the healthcare goals outlined in “Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.”

Commenting, Brian Deaver, CEO of AMCE Abuja, said: “The AMCE initiative is a great step forward in addressing the continent’s healthcare needs.

“Its success will require strong leadership, commitment, and collaboration.

“The decisions taken at this first board meeting represent an integral step in ensuring that beyond these broad objectives, the AMCE can fulfil its mandate of delivering quality healthcare across Africa.

“And we are honored to have Professor Oramah as Chairman of the Board.”

NAN also reports that a significant focus of the AMCE Abuja will be to perform innovative and ground-breaking research, development and educational programmes.

This will be in partnership with leading global institutions such as the KCH, the Christies Manchester and University of Wisconsin, USA, in order to develop additional insights into diseases and treatment trends to improve the quality of care available in Nigeria and the West African region.

The facility will also provide first-class medical equipment and infrastructure that include PET CT scans, Cyclotrons that will produce nuclear isotopes.

Also, Linear Accelerators for radiotherapy, chemotherapy suites, fully equipped modular theatres, HTR/ HDR machines, among many others which are currently not available in sub-Saharan Africa in order to deliver superior quality of diagnostic and specialty services.

With the initial capital outlay for the first phase of the AMCE Abuja at nearly 300 million US dollars, the facility is by far, the single largest private healthcare investment in Nigeria.

This investment is set to rise to 700 million US dollars upon completion of the second phase of the project.

The construction of AMCE Abuja started in 2022, and it is projected to be completed and inaugurated in 2025. (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), has launched a groundbreaking research project on Mpox formerly known as Monkey Pox in the country.

The Director General, of NCDC, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, who made the disclosure at the launch on Monday in Abuja, said that it would pave the way for a healthier future.

Adetifa emphasised the importance of knowledge, unity, and determination in tackling the challenges posed by pox.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Mpox, is the most important global human orthopoxvirus infection since smallpox was eradicated in 1979.

Since the virus re-emerged in Nigeria in 2017, we have continued to experience annual outbreaks of the virus.

From 2017 till date, we have recorded 2,668 suspected cases, 975 confirmed cases and 14 deaths with Lagos and Rivers States accounting for the highest burden of the disease.

Adetifa said that the project, which involved collaboration with dedicated researchers and institutions, aimed to unravel the unknowns of mpox and bridge the gap between clinical and One Health studies.

He said that this marks a significant step forward in mpox research and demonstrates the NCDC’s unwavering commitment to protecting the health of Nigerians and the world at large.

The DG highlighted the power of research and the strength of collaboration in combating infectious diseases.

“By working together, we can move closer to a world free from the threat of mpox and ensure the wellbeing of future generations.

“This research project represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to address public health challenges.

“It serves as a testament to the country’s commitment to leveraging scientific knowledge and partnerships to safeguard the health of its citizens and contribute to global health security,” he said.

As the project progresses, he said, it was expected to generate valuable insights into mpox, paving the way for improved prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.

“With the dedication of the NCDC and its partners, a brighter and healthier future free from the threat of mpox is within reach,” he said.

He said that the research project would be completed over two years and would cover thematic areas namely;

The clinical characteristics and natural history of mpox disease, the essential epidemiological parameters and factors associated with infection and transmission.

“The experience of people infected with mpox and those close to them.

To address the thematic areas identified, two studies on mpox will be done.

“The Clinical Study which will help address knowledge gaps in the clinical understanding of the virus and the natural history of infection.

“The One Health Study would help to increase understanding of the dynamics of infection and transmission in the Nigerian context,” he said.

Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, Commissioner for Health, Rivers State, said that the launch marked a significant milestone in the country’s mission to improve its understanding and provide evidence to strengthen mpox outbreak prevention, response and control in the country.

Oreh said that similar endemic settings of the mpox virus through the research project titled “Epidemiological and clinical investigation of mpox in Nigeria: A multi-disciplinary research project to inform case management and outbreak prevention and control” was commendable.

Prof. Gwenda Hughes, co-project lead, Deputy Director for Research, UK-Public Health Rapid Support Team (UK-PHRST), said the team was delighted to be part of the collaboration between NCDC and other partners to better understand the clinical characteristics, a pattern of infection and spread of mpox in Nigeria.

Hughes, who is also Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), said that MPOX disease has greatly affected Nigerian communities, especially in recent years.

“The UK-PHRST will support Nigerian colleagues to answer important scientific questions through this extensive research programme and will also help deliver training of local laboratory staff and field teams.

“Our microbiology specialists have already provided lab equipment and shared expertise to help build local diagnostic capabilities for mpox.

“Ultimately, through co-creation and by taking a partner-led approach with our Nigerian colleagues, we aim to support improved case and contact management and inform the development of effective control measures for mpox both in Nigeria and globally,” he said.

Dr Alao Mitchell, Veterinary Officer, a representative from Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, called for the equipment of relevant agencies to carry out their functions efficiently.

He said it would help in mapping out wildlife disease hotspots, organizing the sale of bushmeat and wildlife artefacts, formulating effective policies, enforcement of existing wildlife laws and even making new ones where they were necessary.

Mitchell, however, said that the battle to prevent and control Mpox was on, and all hands must be on deck to achieve success.

“The government cannot achieve these laudable plans by itself, and many in this room, including other partners, will have to support in the spirit of collaboration, which is very evident here today,” he said.

Dr Chinwe Lucia Ochu, co-project lead from the NCDC said, “The mpox outbreak in Nigeria had a profound impact on lives, particularly among key populations, emphasizing the vulnerability of marginalized communities.

Ochu said that the NCDC played a pivotal role in mitigating this crisis.

“This collaboration underscores the critical importance of surveillance and understanding transmission within the One Health space, where collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health is imperative to protect our global well-being,” she said.

She said that the 2022 global outbreak which affected over 100 countries, coincided with the country’s largest outbreak with 762 confirmed and over 2000 suspected cases.

“Though the increase is likely attributed to improved reporting and testing capacities, there remain important gaps in clinical and epidemiological knowledge of mpox in the Nigerian context,.

“These include the loss of protection from routine smallpox vaccine, that has hampered the development of effective control measures and led to annual outbreaks,” she explained.

NAN, recalled that the 2022 global outbreak of the virus, NCDC, the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH), the Pandemic Sciences Institute at the University of Oxford, UK-PHRST

An innovative partnership between the UK Health Security Agency and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, funded with UK aid by the UK Department of Health and Social Care),

Amongst others were stakeholders in Lagos and Rivers States agreed to collaborate on a multi-disciplinary research project aimed at addressing knowledge gaps on mpox that would improve the public health response to the virus in Nigeria and beyond. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Government on Thursday in Abuja inaugurated three policy documents to improve vision and eye health in the country.

The inauguration was with support from Sightsavers Nigeria and other partners as part of activities to commemorate the 2023 World Sight Day.

Dr Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, said the policy documents and unveiling of the Refractive Error Initiative were part of government’s strategic guidelines to improve eye health in the country.

The documents included: The National Eye Health Strategic Development Plan (2024-2028); Diabetic Retinopathy Screening and Management Guideline; and the Nigeria Glaucoma Guidelines and Toolkit.

Alausa said about 24 million Nigerians were living with treatable sight loss, majorly caused by untreated cataract and uncorrected refractive errors, hence the initiatives would aide in addressing it.

He said: “These initiatives will build the foundations to deliver change across the life course.

“Access to eye health services for school children through school eye health programmes, establishing the potential to unlock learning for millions of children being held behind.

“Integration of eye health services into primary healthcare to ensure treatment of basic issues and delivery of spectacles, ensuring working age people and the elderly access timely treatment, and early detection and referral of those with cataracts.”

According to him, these interventions will be coordinated through the National Eye Health Programme (NEHP) in the ministry.

He added that the 3 to 4-year long-term road map to improve access to refractive error services to build capacity of personnel, improve population education, reduce the cost and strengthen surveillance would be implemented in collaboration with partners.

“This will be implemented by the NEHP in partnership with multiple stakeholders, expand training of primary health workers in eye health, provide key platform for the delivery and integration of eye care services.

“Development of a sustainable procurement and delivery process for spectacles by upgrading existing eye care departments one state at a time.

“A philanthropy component will dispense free glasses to the poor to be verified by social registers.

“A spectacle revolving system from a seed of donated glasses will provide subsidised glasses to other citizens,” he said.

Alausa added that the initiative was to strengthen the eye health system to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), empowering Nigerians to learn, earn and thrive.

Dr Oteri Okolo, the National Coordinator, NEHP Programme at the ministry, said about 1.3 persons in Nigeria were blind, hence the commitment to eye health activities through implementation of national policies, plans and guidelines for systematic implementation nationwide.

Okolo said the National Eye Health Strategic Development Plan (2024-2028) policy document represents the commitment of the government to the attainment of the highest quality of eye health for its people.

She explained that the diabetic retinopathy screening and management guideline was a framework critical to making the needed impact by increasing the opportunity for prevention and prompt treatment at early stages.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Glaucoma Guidelines and Toolkit outlines collective action, based on an integrated patient-focused model is meant to tackle Glaucoma in the country.

“Implementation of both guidelines by the NEHP will begin in a few weeks with an initial training of healthcare providers with funding and technical support from Novartis, Sightsavers and Glaucoma Net of the International Centre for Eye Health, London, through the Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, University of Abuja.

“We hope for full implementation and whole country scale up in the nearest future as government and the private sector increases investment in eye health.

“Government cannot do this alone. Quality services to tackle glaucoma should be present in all secondary and tertiary facilities while registers for all diabetic patients embedded with a call, re-call system for annual screening and scheduled treatment where indicated is the goal,” she said.

In his part, Dr Sunday Isiyaku, the Country Director at Sightsavers, emphasised the importance of eye health on the lives of individuals, families and communities, help nations to thrive, reduce poverty and inequality.

Isiyaku added that prioritising and investing in eye health will enable the country to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the Sustainable Development Goals and meaningful development.

He, therefore, pledged that Sightsavers would support the Federal Ministry of Health implement the national policies to improve vision and eye health of its citizens.

“The national eye health strategy is a roadmap to improving eye health services.

“This strategy is a guiding document to steer the direction of eye health for the next five years,” he said.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling by the First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, as a Vision Champion. (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

WHO Representative to Nigeria, Walter Kazadi, has stressed the importance of the media in advancing understanding of mental health and substance disorders.

He said this during a two-day training for journalists on mental health in Abuja on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training, attended by 40 journalists, is part of activities to commemorate the 2023 World Mental Health Day.

The day is annually celebrated on Oct. 10 to raise awareness and drive actions that promote and protect mental health as a universal human right.

The global commemoration has “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right” as this year’s theme.

The WHO boss, therefore, said mental health is intrinsic and instrumental to the lives of people as it could influence how they think, feel and act.

Kazadi said journalists play vital role in educating the public on mental health.

He added that “there is need to build your capacity on mental health issues, given the importance of the work you do.”

Dr Tunde Ojo, the National Coordinator, National Mental Health, Ministry of Health, advised journalists to always seek mental health experts’ views and make proper research before writing on issues that affect mental health.

According to him, mental health is a state of complete physical, mental and social welfare and not merely the absence of disease.

Ojo said “even the use of language can cause unintentional harm and reinforce stigma. But when you get it right, you have the power to transform lives.”

He said stories about individuals with mental health challenges could increase awareness and reduce stigma around the condition.

He also encouraged journalists to be empathetic when interviewing someone with mental health and not to ask inciting questions and protect the source when possible.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria