Health

Anambra Governor’s wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo has urged men within the ‘risk age’ brackets to embrace the prostrate surgery package recently introduced into the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme.

Mrs Soludo who stated this in Awka while reacting to introduction of the new health package into the state’s insurance programme, noted that with prostate diseases being one of the most common among men within certain ages, the new package will help greatly in not only detecting prostate-related sicknesses but treating them as well.

Just recently, the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo directed for the inclusion of prostratectomy in the services of Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA).

The new package, according to the Executive Secretary of ASHIA, Dr Simeon Onyemaechi, will include other services such as Computed Tomography Scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Hormonal profile for male and female, among others.

Assessing the new health service, the governor’s wife explained that with how it has been systematically arranged, beneficiaries have a lot to gain from, apart from just regular screening and treatment.

She noted that considering the prevalence of prostate-related diseases among men, the new move would help to take the count down in Anambra State and write off phobia associated with the such diseases.

Mrs Soudo further urged men above the age of forty and residing in Anambra State, who have not enrolled in ASHIA, to do so immediately in order to benefit from its amazing packages.

To enroll in the Anambra State Insurance Scheme, intending registrants will have to pay the sum of twelve thousand naira only, which covers their insurance for one year.

The Koninklijke Nederlandse Centrale Vereniging (KNCV) Tuberculosis (TB) Foundation Nigeria, with support from United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and collaboration of the Anambra State Ministry of Health (SMOH) has activated the Wellness On Keke (WOK) project.

The WOK program which was flagged off at the Eke-Awka Market Hall which is a mobile intergrated healthcare services delivery for COVID- 19 vaccination, Blood Pressure (BP) and Blood sugar measurements. Also, for TB screening and testing services with Portable Digital Xray and TB LAMP. The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Health, Dr Afam Obidike while flagging off the event expressed gratitude that the concept includes screening of other chronic diseases apart from TB. “I am glad that screening for Diabetes, Hypertension and even COVID-19 vaccination are all integrated into the WOK project and that it is mainly for rural areas.

“It is an aim of the government for Ndi Anambra to have access to adequate healthcare and this project will give people easy access to know their numbers and receive their COVID-19 vaccination while screening for TB. `It is good that we work closely in the project, to ensure that people benefit from it extensively,” Dr Obidike said, while thanking KNCV for the concept and hoping that the WOK serves the people of the state adequately.

The Executive Director, KNCV Nigeria, Dr Bethrand Odume said KNCV remains grateful to the support received from the State’s Health Sector since the start of its TB long project in the state. According to him, KNCV TB Foundation was funded by USAID to support TB treatment and cure in 14 states in Nigeria including Anambra State. “Just recently KNCV received another global grant from USAID to scale up COVID-19 vaccination across seven states in Nigeria of which Anambra State is inclusive. “In most of our interventions, Anambra State has been prioritised because of the relationship and result received since the start of the global and TB long project.

“Now, the package we have here is called Wellness On Keke (WOK). It is a local initiative concept by KNCV with funding from USAID to enable us deliver adequate healthcare to people in very hard to reach communities. “The beauty of this project is that, it could be seen as a one-stop-shop for TB diagnosis, chronic disease screening and COVID-19 vaccination,” he said.

The Eke-Awka Chief of Staff, Mr Charles Anierobi on behalf of the market Executive Chairman, Mr Jude Emeka Agummadu and his team of the Eke-Awka Market thanked the State Government, SMOH and the KNCV foundation. He urged the market people to take advantage of the exercise and know their numbers while checking their status as it was for the benefit of all.

Also present at the event was representative from the SMOH, Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) and the Awka South Local Government Health Authority (LGHA) team among others.

No fewer than thirty five dogs of different species have received vaccination against Rabies at Omogho Community, Orumba North Local Government Area in line with the ongoing free Anti-Rabies Vaccination Camping.

The exercise, officially inaugurated by the Anambra State Government last week, is aimed at achieving free Rabies society by 2030.
Monitoring the compliance level and general conduct of the exercise in the council area, a monitoring team from the state Ministry of Agriculture, led by the Director, Veterinary Services, Dr. Basil Ideh disclosed that after the campaign, the state government will commence mop-up of stray dogs across communities.

While charging dog keepers to ensure that their dogs are vaccinated every year, Dr. Ideh made them understand that Rabies is a vaccine preventable disease.
Also speaking, the Area Veterinary Officer for Orumba North Council Area, Dr. Ugochukwu Ezeonuegbu, said that the exercise, planned on community by community level, has successfully covered, Ufuma and Omogho Communities, while Nanka and Awgbu Communities will take their turns next week as most communities in the council area do not allow dog keeping.

Dr Ezeonuegbu, who lauded the enthusiasm of dog keepers to vaccinate their dogs, announced that the free Anti-Rabies Vaccination Camping will officially end on October five 2022.

Some of the dog keepers, whose dogs were vaccinated, including Mr. Chibuzo Okeke, Mrs. Ifeoma Okeke and Mrs. Grace Nwankwor, applauded the Anambra State Government for availing them the opportunity to vaccinate their dogs free of cost.
The exercise climaxed with a roll call of the dogs starting with Mali, Kebbi, Willy, Pal, Whisky, among others, with exhibitions of intellectual behaviours.

Doctors under the aegis of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) have suspended a strike ultimatum to the Federal Government to meet their demands, particularly the payment of the newly-reviewed Medical Residency Training Fund and implementation of the new hazard allowance, among others.

NARD President, Dr. Godiya Ishaya, confirmed this to The Nation in a chat on Thursday in Abuja.

The decision was after members of the association held a virtual meeting on Wednesday to decide the next line of action.

Dr. Ishaya explained that the National Executive Council (NEC) members decided to suspend the strike ultimatum because of the level of progress made by the Federal Government in meeting some of its demands.

The resident doctors on July 30, 2022, gave a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to implement its agreements or risk an indefinite strike.

On August 21, 2022, the association extended the ultimatum by another two weeks which elapsed on September 5, 2022.

He said: “We have actually suspended the ultimatum. We noted progress being made and the payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund, and most of our members are actually seeing their money. On the issue of the hazard allowance, we have been able to confirm that the Honourable Minister for Finance has approved the payment.

“With the progress, we felt it was not necessary to continue with the ultimatum again, and the remaining issues can be resolved on the table.”

Anambra state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike says HIV prevention is a task that must be accomplished in the state.

Dr. Obidike made this assertion during a two-day stakeholders meeting organized by the Anambra state Aids Control Agency (ANSACA) held in Awka.

News Echo reports that the Health Commissioner represented by the Director of Public Health in the ministry, Dr. Afam Anieme said that HIV prevention is a task that must be accomplished and sustained in Anambra state, even as he regretted that the pattern of transmission of the disease has made its prevention a bit difficult.

Dr. Obidike maintained that the Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration is determined to give Ndi Anambra the best of medical services in all ramifications and urged those working in the HIV prevention field to do more to ensure that the transmission of the disease is drastically reduced in the state.

The Executive Director, Anambra State Aids Control Agency, Mr. Johnbosco Ementa said that the meeting was for the stakeholders to cross-fertilize ideas on how best for them to discharge their duties effectively and efficiently.

Mr. Ementa noted that Anambra is the fifth highest in Nigeria in terms of HIV transmission among people under the ages of fifteen to forty nine years, a situation he said the agency is working tirelessly to ensure its reduction and that plans are underway to domestic the 2014 HIV Anti Stigma Bill in Anambra state.

One of the participants, Mr. Franklyn Atogwu described the meeting as crucial, as according to him, it afforded them the opportunity to interact, share knowledge and challenges with a view to addressing them.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi, Prof Joseph Ugboaja has restated the commitment of his administration to positively transform the hospital and take the name of the host community to Nigeria and Africa with a five star performance.

NAUTH’s boss, restated his commitment to make the health institution a medical tourist center by making it one of the best five of such institutions in the country during a birthday party organized by Committee of Friends headed by Chiedu Otitodirinna Azubuike, in his honour.

The birthday party was hosted by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturer(IVM) Chief Innocent Chukwuma in his residence over the weekend.

Prof Ugboaja noted with relish that his administration has hit the ground running as the movement to permanent site of institution has taken off in full gear.

He appreciated the staffers of NAUTH for their cooperation and support for his administration even as he assured them that he would avail them the best operational environment so that they can fully key into his dreams and aspiration for the health institution.

The CMD, said that the management is already looking into the issues of conversion and promotion of deserving staffs of the hospital noting that the issue would be addressed soon.

Earlier in his speech, the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) of NAUTH, Dr Ugochukwu Ezejofor commended the CMD for the developmental strides he has occasioned in just a year in office, noting that the hospital has never had it so good.

He pointed out that barely a year that the incumbent CMD took over the reins at the hospital, his top notch performance and achievements were unprecedented.

Similarly, the President General (PG) of Uruagu-Nnewi, Chief Innocent Okoli in a comment said that the new CMD of NAUTH has performed magic that has positively and radically transformed landscape and service delivery of the hospital.

He urged Prof Ugboaja to keep the flag flying even as pointed out that more work will continue to be the reward for hardwork.

Anambra State Government in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), and Malaria Consortium (MC) with support from GiveWell Open Philanthropic funding, on Sunday commenced distribution of 3.8 million insecticide treated nets through a door-to-door approach in all Anambra communities. News Echo reports that the effort is to eliminate malaria in the state.

This was earlier disclosed at a media orientation on Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN) distribution at the Conference Hall of Anambra State Ministry of Health,last Friday, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr Afam Cyril Anaeme said the media roundtable was necessary for Ndi Anambra to be well sensitized of programme. The Commissioner, who said the objective of the ITN mass campaign is to ensure that “for every two persons in Anambra State, there is one bed-net to sleep inside” urged households to ensure that they have someone at home to collect the nets. According to him, household registration and simultaneous distribution of net will commence from August 7 to August 17, 2022.

He said the 2022 Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) mass distribution is free for every household in the state. “The newly collected nets must be aired under a shade for 24hrs before hanging and sleeping inside. Bring down the old nets and hang the new ones. “The mass distribution is led by the Anambra State Ministry of Health through the State Malaria Elimination Programme with Malaria Consortium providing technical support as the implementing partner”, he stated. The commissioner maintained that despite the challenges posed by the rainy season and others, they have succeded in moving the nets to all the 21 local government area of the state and urged residents of the state to cooperate with those recruited for the distribution. Contributing, the ITN Campaign Manager for Malaria Consortium, Mrs. Laitan Adeniyi, advised ndi Anambra to desist from using the net for other purposes as witnessed in the past.

One of the facilitators and Drug Demand Consultant, Malaria Consortium, Farouk Mohammed, urged the media to keep malaria issues on the front burner and provide adequate publicity before, during and after the campaign.

Also, the Technical Worksroom Adviser, Malaria Consortium, Dr Titi Akinlalu, who gave an overview of ITNs Campaign process disclosed that they have done the micro and macro planning processes for the exercise, adding that the distribution process, which will commence on Sunday, will be followed by a post implementation process and urged the media to follow the processes in order to educate the public better. The sate Malaria Programme Manager, Nonso Ndibe, who observed that the last nets were disributed in the state was in 2014, advised residents to use the nets for the right purpose to help eliminate malaria in the state.

… Targets 8000 beneficiaries in council areas

Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) has flagged off “Operation Healthy Ayamelum phase 1” in Ifite’Ogwari Community. The program is targeted at enrolling eight thousand pregnant women, women of childbearing age, and the elderly from the eight communities of the council area into the health insurance scheme.

Declaring the event open during the weekend, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike who stated the readiness of the government in implementing Universal Health Coverage for all said that Prof. Charles Soludo’s administration understands the peculiar health system challenge in the local government and promises that in a few months from now, the Primary Health Centres in the communities will be fully operational. “It’s disheartening that women in this area die of childbirth complications that could have been easily resolved.

In the next four to six months, we are going to fix the PHC’s to attend to the primary needs of the locals before going to the secondary system which ais St Joseph Catholic Hospital Ifite Ogwari. “Mr. Governor is serious about ensuring universal health coverage for all Ndi Anambra and this policy starts from functional Primary Health Centres and we are committed to that “, the Commissioner reiterated. Dr. Obidike thanked the initiators of the project, Dr. Chima Onuekwe and Rev. Fr. Basil Ekwunife for magnanimously giving their people access to free medical care.

For the Executive Secretary of ASHIA, Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi , the program was unique in the sense that the beneficiaries will access quality health care completely free of charge. “After paying ASHIA annual premium the beneficiary is expected to pay only 10 percent of the charges incurred in the hospital but Fr. Basil Ekwunife who is an illustrious son of the community has also taken care of that, so the health care is now 100 % free.” On his part, Dr. Chima Onuekwe who is the initiator of the project was optimistic that the program will eliminate the health challenges being faced by Ayamelum Community.

He stated that the premium will be for one year after which the sponsors and partners will review the value added as well as the utilization rate but hopefully there will be an extension. “It is the first phase and we are prioritizing the population but the target is to register 1000 persons per community.

“If somebody paid 12000 for you to access quality health services, I think you should take the opportunity but we have to review the utilization rate and see possible ways for renewal with our sponsors.” Dr. Onuekwe pleaded with the beneficiaries to utilize the scheme and access quality health care as defaulters will be replaced with willing persons. Rev.Fr. Basil Ekwunife, the manager of St. Joseph Catholic Hospital Ifite Ogwari, noted that it was the best to give quality health care to the people because according to him, the community is made up mainly of agrarian people.

The management of the hospital will bear the 10% charges expected of the beneficiary so that health care delivery will be completely free. The beneficiaries and other community leaders including former local government chairman, Hon. Udoji Amedu expressed delight to the initiator, St Joseph Catholic Hospital, and the State Government. Mrs. Maureen Elo Gwacham, and Dr. Obiora Chira candidates of APGA and Labour Party respectively for Oyi /Ayamelum Federal Constituency enrolled One Hundred people each into the scheme.