Chioma Umeha

There is no doubt that the issue of counterfeit drugs will soon be a past thing as a nation-wide survey of the quality of anti-malaria medicines in the country has revealed a drastic reduction of counterfeit anti-malaria drugs from 19.6 per cent in 2012 to 3.6 per cent in 2015.  A statement signed by Dr. Abubakar Jimoh, Director (Special Duties), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) announced the result of the survey which shows a landmark achievement by the food and drug agency. The statement said: “National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has accomplished a landmark feat as the result of a nation-wide survey of the quality of anti-malaria medicines in Nigeria revealed a drastic reduction of counterfeit anti-malaria drugs from 19.6 per cent in 2012 to 3.6 per cent in 2015.”  The National survey on quality of anti-malaria medicines which was conducted in six geo-political zones in the country was jointly undertake

It’s a myth that laziness causes bedwetting. Millions of children wet the bed – but why? And how can you help? “I call it the hidden problem of childhood,” says Howard Bennett, MD, a paediatrician and author of Waking Up Dry: A Guide to Help Children Overcome Bedwetting. “Unlike asthma or allergies, it’s just not talked about outside the house.” Bedwetting: The secret problem That secrecy about bedwetting makes the situation tougher for kids and parents alike. “Ninety percent of kids think they’re the only ones who wet the bed, which makes them feel even worse,” says Bennett. Yet bed-wetting children are far from alone. Though children naturally gain bladder control at night, they do so at different ages. From 5 to 7 million kids wet the bed some or most nights — with twice as many boys wetting their bed as girls. After age 5, about 15% of children continue to wet the bed, and by age 10, 95% of children are dry at night. Wet beds leave bad feelings all around. Frustr

To ensure provision of qualitative and affordable healthcare services to the people of Ogun State, the State government has granted HIV positive patients free access to treatment in all health facilities in the State.  The Director, Ogun State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OGSACA) in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Toyin Adeyemi, made this known during HIV Counselling and Testing Outreach (HCT) with the support of the World Bank Supported Community HCT Outreach (WBSCHCTO) to community members, at Ifo and Odeda Local Government Areas of the State.  A Youth Corp member being tested for HIV He said out of 6,577 members of the Communities registered for the counselling exercise, 2,447 were counselled and tested while 2,424 were negative. Dr. Adeyemi said the free counselling and testing exercise was aimed at capturing the total numbers of HIV infected persons in the State, adding that the Governor was interested in the plight of the infected members of the public.  “The Gove

…  As NIROPHARM wants ECOWAS common external tariff retained  Hard times await Nigerians who depend local health services for treatment of chronic diseases such as cancer, asthma, heart and kidney disease, among others, unless the recent calls by stakeholders are heeded to by the government to maintain zero tariffs on certain imported drugs, insisting that this will ensure more affordable drugs for patients with such diseases.  Stating this in Lagos, were members of the Nigerian Representatives of Overseas Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (NIROPHRAM), who tasked government to renew its commitment to improving the well-being of Nigerians and to stand firm in upholding Economic for West African States’ (ECOWAS) Common External Tariff (CET) which it is a signatory. The President of the association, Lekan Asuni, said the call was also germane in ensuring that input into local pharmaceutical manufacturing, such as raw materials and packaging is allotted zero per cent importation tariff

That breakfast is the most important meal of the day is not news. However, new study has shown how harmful missing that first meal may be. A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that women who skipped breakfast even once a week were 20 per cent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who ate a meal every morning.  The study looked at data from more than 45,000 women who were initially free of cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes, and assessed their eating patterns over a six-year period. Those who chose to forego breakfast but ate frequently (four or more times a day) had a greater risk of developing diabetes, while a lower body mass index (BMI) seemed to mitigate some of the danger associated with irregular breakfast consumption.  Translation: skipping breakfast isn’t a smart idea for anyone, but seems to be even more harmful for those who are overweight. According to the study, male breakfast skippers are also at risk. Ano

… Says products causes liver, kidney diseases  The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians to beware of expired products which have been illegally revalidated and pushed into the market as they could lead to terminal diseases such as liver and kidney diseases which are currently on the rise in the country.  NAFDAC reiterated the notice during the week when it uncovered an illegal factory loaded with various expired condiments worth millions of Naira even as it arrested a 24 – year- old, Victor Ebuka Okeke in connection with the expired products. This was following a special raid and enforcement operation in some markets in Lagos by the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate of the agency. The factory which was originally a one- room shop was used to stock and revalidate expired food products, particularly food condiments.    Leader of the team and Assistant Director, Enforcement Directorate, Mr. Shaba Mohammed exhibiti

‘Reverse Common External Tariff, NDDG policy to save us’ The embattled Nigeria pharma industry which has been struggling amidst harsh socio-political, economic and religious crisis and conditions recently cried out that it might witness collapse with the take-off of both the Common External Tariff (CET) and a wholesale implementation of the National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG). Pharm. Simon Okey Akpa, Chairman, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN) and Managing Director, SKG Pharma Limited, made an SOS (save our soul) appeal, when he addressed an international conference recently in Lagos. CHIOMA UMEHA (HEALTH EDITOR) who was there has the excerpts. Background of challenges of Nigeria pharma industry It is a fact that essential medicines are critical to healthcare delivery in any country, and Nigeria is no exception. With a population above 160 million people growing at an average rate of three per cent, a robust

Concerned about the prevalence of Hepatitis and the alarming rate of Hepatitis infection in the country, Fidson Healthcare Plc, has called on all Nigerians to embark on nationwide preventive actions against the menace of Hepatitis virus in the country, in commemoration of the World Hepatitis Day on July 28.  A statement signed by Sylvester Iriogbe, Assistant Manager, Corporate Communication and Corporate Services on Wednesday, said that the pharmaceutical company which among the leaders in the industry, advised Nigerians to prevent viral hepatitis infection by getting tested, vaccinated and seeking adequate treatment for the string of hepatitis viruses, known as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, which affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, causing acute and chronic liver diseases.  The company made this call, following various media reports on statistics credited to the Federal Ministry of Health, which states that over 20 million Nigerians are presently infected with th

Globally over one billion people live with disabilities (15 per cent of world population), while 17 million people live with Cerebral Palsy (CP).  Out of this number, children between zero and 18 years make up between 93 million and 150 million,   even as majority of people of them are adult. Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive neuro-developmental condition initiated early in life that persists into adulthood and could lead to loss or impairment of motor function. Experts are worried over the pains that   children and adults   living with CP go through as a result of neglect by the families, society and government, during the different life stages.  Aging for those with CP has to do with progression of developmental changes that ultimately lessen a person’s ability to cope successfully with internal needs and with the demands of the environment. During the early stages of aging (infancy, childhood, adolescence) skills and capabilities continue to increase; in the middle s

…Setback to research, development of drugs  Unless there is quick intervention by government to address the appalling issue of dearth of funds in many public institutions, especially the health sector, attainment of quality research and proper health indices may remain a mirage. Giving the indication recently was the management of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) who lamented the dwindling state of the foremost research institution in the country.  A look at the state of infrastructure within the Yaba (Lagos) premises of the institute showed several dilapidated structures, even abandoned projects. According to the management, the institute has not received a dime for capital expenditure from the Federal Government this year. And to raise capacity of researchers and avail some equipment, NIMR is currently on self-help – crying for public support.  This was confirmed at a recent symposium to commemorate fifth year anniversary of Prof. Innocent Ujah as the Di

Lagos State Government has dissociated itself from fake advertorials making the rounds on the internet about admission into the State School of Nursing.  A statement signed by Adeola Salako, Director, Press & Public Relations, said that the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Modele Osunkiyesi, who made this known on Thursday, through a signed disclaimer notice to the public stated that the attention of the Ministry of Health has been drawn to the activities of some unscrupulous group of people who place the fake advertisements on the internet.  She further revealed that these dubious people invite unsuspecting individuals to pay into their personal accounts. She urged members of the Public to disregard any information on the internet about purported admission forms adding that all enquiries regarding admission into the State School of Nursing should be channeled to the Coordinator, Lagos State School of Nursing Complex, Alimosho General Hospital, Igando. She

Snoring happens when you breathe through the mouth during sleeping, thereby producing that awfully embarrassing loud noise. Snoring has been medically researched to lead to eventual health issues.  There are a lot of so called remedies and quick fix pills and medicines and contraptions that are out in the market these days. Some have attempted stop snoring through surgery. But it is often good advice to resort to natural methods first. Most of these natural methods are not only effective, but also possess several advantages like having no side effects.  It is also a more permanent cure without breaking the bank. Sleep on your side. This allows you to breathe through your nose and not through your mouth. This opens up your nasal passages as opposed to sleeping on your back which pushes air to be breathed out through your mouth; thus making you snore.  Exercises.  Do exercises that help to stop snoring naturally. These are non-evasive choices that focus on controlling th

Nigeria is one step closer to achieving the goal of eradicating polio in 2017, as it has been one year since the last case of polio was reported in the country, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) said yesterday.  Geoffrey Njoku -  Media and External Relations,  NPHCDA  The NPHCDA statement, which was signed by Media and External Relations, Geoffrey Njoku, said the last case of polio in Nigeria was reported exactly a year ago, in a 16-months-old boy from Sumaila LGA in Kano State. If all pending laboratory investigations return negative in the next few weeks, Nigeria will officially be taken off the list of polio-endemic countries.  However, Nigeria will only be certified polio free by WHO in 2017, provided it maintains its zero case status, further strengthens its surveillance system, improves routine immunization and maintains high quality campaigns. Consequently, achieving one year without polio is just one of the hurdles the country needs to su

• Dismisses allegation of  corruption  The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has refuted any malpractice in the agency, especially financial mismanagement, which it has attributed to false claims in some quarters with ulterior motives.  A press statement yesterday, signed by the Director, Special Duties, Abubakar Jimoh, NAFDAC said it has been inundated by concerns from stakeholders and strategic partners following a recent publication attributed to a director of finance and accounts, Ademola Mogbojuri, accusing the Director-General of the agency, Paul Orhii of corrupt practices. Jimoh said the agency was forced to react to the publication because of the damage it might cause the organisation, if it is allowed to stand. He said: “The publication would have been ignored except for the wrong information it would send to the public.  “We wish to state categorically that these allegations are baseless, false, misleading and frivolous bec

Mrs Funmi Lawal, a Dietician with Wuse General Hospital, Abuja, has advised hypertensive patients to eat the right foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, to lower their blood pressure. Lawal said on Monday in Abuja, that whole grains had more fibre and nutrients than refined grains.  According to her, lifestyle intervention is the first line of treatment and the foundation for treating hypertension. “You can control your blood pressure by maintaining a healthy weight; and focus on whole grains because they have more fibre and nutrients than refined grains. “For instance, use brown rice instead of white rice; whole-wheat pasta instead of regular pasta and whole-grain bread instead of white bread. “Look for products labelled 100 per cent whole grain or 100 per cent whole wheat. Grains are naturally low in fat; so, avoid spreading on butter or adding cream and cheese sauces.’’  In addition, she recommended the inclusion of legumes, nuts, lean poultry, fish, and low-