Health
COVID-19: Urgent Need for African Governments to Upgrade Health Systems
By Kester Kenn Klomegah
Amid multifold theories and disinformation spreading around the COVID-19 in Africa, it is important for African governments to consider strengthening the existing health systems and infrastructures, and allocate substantial funds for health research and production of basic equipment, for attaining sustainable development goals set in the African Agenda 2063, according to experts.
Over the years, most African countries with the exception of South Africa, Botswana and a few others have not improved much on their healthcare system since independence, partly as a result of pure negligence on the part of senior officials who prefer to be treated abroad. The leaders of Cameroon, Nigeria and Zimbabwe are notorious for spending long periods of time abroad in hospitals, according to Dr Chipo Dendere, Zimbabwean Professor of African Politics at Wellesley College in Massachusetts.
As Dendere further noted in a discussion with IDN, “African leaders have to start thinking seriously about issues of healthcare or people will die. They have to realize that going abroad is no longer an option. In all, it is significant for the leaders to focus on financing sustainable public health system, make investment in the health sector using public and natural resources. Public/private partnerships have never hurt, but have to be seriously considered”.
Particularly because Africa’s population is growing, and presents future health challenges, she added. Dendere, however, stressed that various debt relief efforts by international organizations should not be an end itself, and instead African leaders must necessarily look for long-term solutions for existing pitfalls in the sector.
In the month of April, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB) have offered debt relief to African countries. The IMF is set to provide $11 billion to 32 countries in sub-Saharan Africa that have requested assistance in fighting the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the region’s economies.
These steps by the IMF and its partners – the World Bank, World Health Organization, the African Development Bank and the African Union – will support domestic measures including transfers to vulnerable households, monetary and fiscal policy responses, Abebe Aemro Selassie, the director of the IMF’s African Department, said in a statement.
In a similar argument, Charles Prempeh, a lecturer in Africana Studies at the African University College of Communications (AUCC), Accra and doctoral candidate at the University of Cambridge, explained in an email to IDN that there are a lot of deficiencies – ranging from poor health policies through inadequate funding of health infrastructure to training and research – that have characterized the health sector in Africa.
In his view, amid the fast spreading coronavirus in some regions, it is simply “providential” that the African continent has not recorded high numbers, compared to the western countries. But it is also true that even with the relatively smaller number of cases that most countries in Africa have recorded, they have come under disproportionate strain.
Prempreh argued that over the years, many African leaders travelled abroad (including South Africa) in search of medical care. While many African countries have research institutions, designed for studying so-called orthodox and indigenous medicines, the existence of these institutions has not yielded the expected results of enhancing the quality of healthcare on the continent, he said, adding: “In many cases, these health research institutions have been starved of funding.”
Consequently, many countries in Africa are looking up to the west to find an antidote to COVID-19 that has held the world hostage. This has implied that few Africans have invested in exploring the extent to which indigenous medicine could potentially provide an answer to the current health crisis. It is, therefore, not surprising that the COVID-19 pandemic provides lenses to peep into the deep cracks in the entire health system in Africa. It also provides important lessons for African leaders to learn now to invest in the health sector, Prempreh concluded.
Beyond all the arguments raised above, Dr Antipas Massawe, a former lecturer from the Department of Chemical and Mining Engineering, University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, East Africa, strongly insisted that “the scale of the challenges facing the health sector is tremendous, it requires extensive investment of resources and state to direct focus on the development agenda”.
Acknowledging that Africa is a huge continent of vast inequality where almost two-thirds still live in abject poverty and years of neglect has left the health system in tatters, Massawe added: “As compared with most of the other advanced countries that have global competitive healthcare systems, African countries spend peanuts within the budget on bolstering health infrastructure in Africa.”
The African governments should create the environment conducive for the evolution of competitive healthcare systems through prioritization. Governments have to work toward the empowerment of wealth creation endeavours, adopt system approach that would enable to understand the interdependence of African problems and outline how to tackle questions of the largely weak health as fast as possible, he suggested.
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), in a new report on the coronavirus pandemic, underscored that the economic implications of this disease are detrimental not only to public health systems but also the economy and sociocultural lives of the entire population of Africa.
The ECA makes explicitly clear that as the pandemic continues to impact the continent’s struggling economies whose growth are expected to slow down from 3.2 percent to 1.8 percent, within this short period it is likely to push close to 27 million people into extreme poverty.
The report launched virtually in mid-April titled, “COVID-19: Protecting African Lives and Economies” says Africa’s fragile health systems could see additional costs being imposed on them because of the growing crisis that has to-date, resulted in thousands infected Africans.
Dr Vera Songwe, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA said: “To protect and build towards the Continent’s shared prosperity, $100 billion is needed to urgently and immediately provide fiscal space to all countries to help address the immediate safety net needs of the populations.”
Africa, notes Songwe, is particularly susceptible because 56 percent of its urban population is concentrated in slums or “informal” dwellings and only 34 percent of African households have access to basic handwashing facilities. Among others, she proposes that intellectual property on medical supplies, novel testing kits, and vaccines be shared to help Africa’s private sector play its role in the response, and most importantly policies must be firm and clear on good governance to safeguard health systems, ensure proper use of emergency funds.
In a widely circulated letter, various co-signatories in April, including 100 leading academics and writers, have called on African leaders to govern with compassion and see the current global health crisis as a chance for a radical change of direction. “Like a tectonic storm, the COVID-19 pandemic threatens to shatter the foundations of states and institutions whose profound failings have been ignored for too long. It is impossible to list these, suffice it to mention chronic under-investment in public health” in Africa notes the letter.
As a continent that is familiar with pandemic outbreaks, Africa has a head start in the management of large-scale health crises. But the belief is that “emergency” cannot and should not constitute a mode of governance. Beyond the state of emergency, however, African leaders can and should propose to their societies a new political idea of Africa, says the letter.
In consequence, it continues, the coronavirus pandemic reveals the deficit of a collective continental response, both in the health and other sectors. More than ever, we call upon leaders to ponder the necessity to adopt a concerted approach to governance sectors related to public health, fundamental research in all disciplines and to public policy.
In the same vein, health has to be conceived as essential public good, the status of health workers needs to be enhanced, hospital infrastructure needs to be upgraded to a level that allows everybody, including leaders themselves, to receive adequate treatment in Africa. Furthermore, failure to implement these reforms would be cataclysmic. For it is in the most trying moments that new/innovative orientations must be explored and lasting solutions adopted.
Today, Africa comprises 54 sovereign countries, most of which have borders that were drawn during the era of European colonialism. In the 21st century, however, the number of armed conflicts in Africa has steadily declined.
The improved stability and economic reforms have led to a great increase in foreign investment in many African nations, mainly from China, which has spurred quick economic growth in many countries, seemingly ending decades of stagnation and decline. Africa is now at risk of being in debt once again, particularly in sub-Saharan African countries.
Although it has abundant natural resources, Africa remains the world’s poorest and least-developed continent, the result of a variety of causes that may include corrupt governments and policies fraught with dubious methods. Africa is the world’s second largest and second-most populous continent after Asia. With an estimated 1.3 billion people as of 2019, it accounts for about 16% of the world’s population.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Members of the National Union of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employees protested at the Lagos office of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), disrupting operations in reaction to the ban on sachet alcohol.
The protesting union members barricaded the agency’s premises in Isolo, meaning staff who arrived early to resume duty were forced to remain outside the complex.
Recall that NAFDAC has continued the ban on alcoholic beverages sold in sachets and PET bottles below 200 millilitres, despite calls from certain quarters, including the picketers.
The union is demanding the immediate unsealing of affected factories and production lines, warning that sustained enforcement of the policy could trigger significant economic consequences across the industry.
It is the second time this month that union members disrupted the Lagos NAFDAC office over what they described as the agency’s refusal to comply with an alleged federal government directive to suspend enforcement of the ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets.
The union claimed that directives had been issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Office of the National Security Adviser, calling for the suspension of enforcement and the reopening of sealed production lines.
However, NAFDAC dismissed the claims, maintaining that it had not received any official instruction from the Federal Government to halt enforcement of the ban on sachet and PET-bottled alcohol.
Meanwhile, police officers were later seen at the NAFDAC Isolo premises, which dispersed the blockade to allow NAFDAC staff back into the premises.
Representatives of the Director-General of NAFDAC later engaged the protesting union in talks, but the meeting ended without resolution as demonstrators insisted their agitation would continue.
Union leaders presented their concerns during closed-door discussions with a director within the agency and the Special Assistant to the Director-General. However, no agreement was reached.
The protesters are urging NAFDAC to reconsider what they describe as the strict enforcement of the ban on sachet alcohol. Instead, they want the agency to focus on regulating access to such products, particularly by restricting sales to minors, while intensifying public enlightenment campaigns on responsible consumption.
Despite this, protesters say they will not stop until their demands are addressed.
As companion animals live longer and owners expect more from routine care, modern veterinary clinics have evolved into centers offering advanced diagnostics, specialty surgery, and integrative therapies. For busy professionals juggling work, travel, and online business demands, knowing which clinic delivers comprehensive care is essential. Frisco vet services illustrate how these modern practices combine cutting-edge technology, multidisciplinary expertise, and client-focused workflows. This article outlines the infrastructure, service offerings, and decision criteria that indicate a clinic capable of providing contemporary, evidence-based care while keeping visits efficient and stress-free for both pets and owners.
What Defines A Modern Veterinary Clinic
A modern veterinary clinic is defined less by a single piece of equipment and more by an integrated approach that combines up‑to‑date technology, specialized staff, and clinic design that prioritizes safety and comfort. These clinics treat animals with complex conditions, run efficient workflows, and communicate transparently with owners.
Key Infrastructure And Technology Investments
Contemporary clinics invest strategically in diagnostic and treatment modalities that materially change outcomes: digital radiography for rapid imaging, in‑house laboratories for same‑day blood work, ultrasound for real‑time organ assessment, and advanced surgical suites with anesthesia monitoring. Investment also includes infection‑control systems, reliable HVAC, and sterilization equipment. These capital decisions reduce turnaround time for diagnoses and support complex procedures that previously required referral.
Staffing, Specialization, And Continuing Education
Staffing reflects clinical ambition: veterinarians with specialty training (DACVS, DACVIM, DACVECC), certified veterinary technicians, and support staff trained in low‑stress handling. Modern clinics often host visiting specialists or maintain referral relationships with tertiary centers. Importantly, clinics that prioritize continuing education schedule regular training, subscribe to current literature, and engage in case reviews, actions that keep protocols current and improve outcomes.
Clinic Design For Safety, Flow, And Comfort
Design matters. Logical patient flow minimizes cross‑contamination and stress: separate entrances for healthy and sick patients, dedicated isolation wards, and distinct surgical zones. Comfortable client areas, clear signage, and private consultation rooms improve communication and compliance. For pets, non‑slip surfaces, quiet recovery areas, and pheromone‑friendly environments reduce anxiety, which in turn improves diagnostic accuracy and post‑procedure recovery.
Advanced Diagnostic Capabilities
Diagnostics are the backbone of modern pet care. Faster, more precise tests enable tailored treatment plans and earlier interventions.
Advanced Imaging: Digital X‑Ray, Ultrasound, CT, And MRI
Digital X‑ray provides high‑resolution images with immediate availability and easier sharing for remote consults. Ultrasound is indispensable for soft‑tissue evaluation and guided biopsies. CT and MRI, once exclusive to academic centers, are now present in many referral clinics, allowing detailed assessment of complex fractures, thoracic disease, neurologic conditions, and staging of cancer. Image quality and interpretation, often augmented by teleradiology, lead to more confident surgical planning and prognostication.
Laboratory, Point‑Of‑Care Testing, And Genomic Diagnostics
In‑house labs produce same‑day CBCs, chemistry panels, and cytology, accelerating decision‑making. Point‑of‑care tests for infectious agents, endocrine disorders, and clotting function add convenience without sacrificing reliability. Genomic diagnostics, from breed‑specific risk panels to tumor genomics, are increasingly accessible, enabling targeted therapies and risk stratification for hereditary conditions.
How Diagnostics Inform Preventive Care And Personalized Medicine
Diagnostics underpin preventive medicine: heartworm antigen tests, thyroid screening, and wellness blood panels reveal problems before clinical signs appear. Personalized medicine emerges when diagnostics inform individualized vaccination schedules, dietary plans, or monitoring frequency. The result: care that reduces emergency visits and improves long‑term quality of life.
State‑Of‑The‑Art Surgical And Interventional Services
Surgery in modern clinics spans routine spays and neuters to complex orthopedic reconstructions and image‑guided interventions.
Minimally Invasive, Laser, And Image‑Guided Procedures
Minimally invasive techniques, arthroscopy, laparoscopy, and endoscopy, reduce pain, shorten hospital stays, and speed return to function. Laser surgery provides precision and reduced bleeding for soft‑tissue procedures. Image‑guided interventions, such as CT‑guided biopsies or fluoroscopy for foreign body retrieval, allow targeted treatments that were once riskier or impossible.
Anesthesia, Pain Management, And Perioperative Safety
Anesthesia protocols are more nuanced today: individualized drug selection, multimodal analgesia, regional blocks, and continuous monitoring (ECG, capnography, pulse oximetry) improve safety. Preoperative assessment, including risk stratification and optimization of comorbidities, reduces complications. Recovery protocols emphasize early mobilization and aggressive pain control to prevent chronic pain syndromes.
Postoperative Rehabilitation And Recovery Protocols
Rehabilitation is an expected component of surgical care. Physical therapy, hydrotherapy, and tailored exercise plans reduce muscle atrophy and improve joint function. Clinics often provide home‑care instructions and scheduled reassessments to track progress and adjust protocols. These programs turn good surgical outcomes into durable functional gains.
Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care – Frisco
Advanced Therapeutics And Specialty Treatments
Beyond diagnostics and surgery, modern clinics deliver advanced therapeutics that extend and improve life quality.
Regenerative Medicine: Stem Cells And PRP
Regenerative modalities like mesenchymal stem cell therapy and platelet‑rich plasma (PRP) injections aim to stimulate healing in tendon, ligament, and osteoarthritic conditions. While still an evolving field, controlled studies and clinical experience show promising functional improvements for select patients. Clinics offering these therapies combine careful case selection with measurable outcome tracking.
Oncology, Neurology, Cardiology, And Other Specialties
Specialty services allow complex, multidisciplinary care. Veterinary oncologists provide staging, chemotherapy, and radiation planning: neurologists manage seizure disorders and spinal disease: cardiologists use echocardiography and interventional procedures for congenital heart defects. Integration with imaging and lab diagnostics enables cohesive care pathways that mirror human tertiary centers.
Integrative Therapies: Physical Rehab, Acupuncture, And Nutrition
Integrative care recognizes the value of adjunctive treatments. Acupuncture and targeted nutrition plans complement medical therapy for chronic pain and mobility issues. Nutritional counseling, including therapeutic diets for renal, cardiac, or dermatologic disease, is standard in clinics focused on long‑term outcomes.
Improving Pet And Client Experience With Technology
Technology enhances both clinical care and client experience, especially for owners who need efficient, transparent services.
Telemedicine, Remote Monitoring, And Virtual Follow‑Ups
Telemedicine extends access for triage, follow‑ups, and behavioral consultations. Remote monitoring devices, activity trackers, continuous glucose monitors, and wearable ECGs, provide objective data between visits. Virtual follow‑ups reduce travel burdens and let clinicians adjust care in real time, improving adherence and satisfaction.
Electronic Medical Records, Client Portals, And Scheduling Tools
Electronic medical records (EMRs) streamline documentation and support coordinated care. Client portals give owners access to vaccination histories, lab results, and discharge instructions. Integrated scheduling and automated reminders decrease no‑shows and improve preventive care compliance, a benefit both to clinics and busy clients.
Pain Management, Behavior‑Based Care, And Low‑Stress Handling
Client experience is inseparable from pet comfort. Modern clinics train staff in low‑stress handling techniques and behavior‑based protocols that reduce fear and aggression. Transparent pain‑management plans, clear cost estimates, and follow‑up communications foster trust and better outcomes.
How To Choose The Right Modern Clinic For Your Pet
Choosing a clinic requires practical criteria and an understanding of trade‑offs between convenience, specialization, and cost.
Questions To Ask: Credentials, Equipment, And Outcomes
Prospective clients should ask about specialist credentials, the availability of imaging and lab services, and the clinic’s approach to anesthesia and pain control. Request examples of similar cases and expected outcomes. A clinic that welcomes such questions is often more transparent and results‑oriented.
Cost, Insurance, And Referral Pathways
Advanced care carries higher costs. Discuss fee structures, payment options, and whether the clinic works with pet insurance. Understand referral pathways: does the clinic refer to or host board‑certified specialists? Clear referral and co‑management policies indicate maturity and a networked approach to care.
Evaluating Reviews, Accreditation, And Collaboration With Primary Vets
Look for consistent reviews that mention communication, follow‑up, and outcomes rather than isolated flashy cases. Accreditation (AAHA in the U.S.) or affiliation with universities can signal adherence to higher standards. Finally, the best specialty clinics collaborate with primary care veterinarians, ensuring continuity rather than competition.
Conclusion
Modern veterinary clinics for advanced pet care combine technology, specialization, and thoughtful design to deliver better diagnostic accuracy, safer surgeries, and more personalized therapies. Pet owners benefit when clinics pair capabilities with clear communication, transparent costs, and collaborative care models. For professionals, including small business owners and busy entrepreneurs who value efficient, outcome‑driven services, selecting a clinic that integrates advanced diagnostics, robust perioperative care, and client‑centric technology yields the best chance for sustained pet health. As veterinary medicine continues to mirror human healthcare in capability and complexity, informed choices and trusted partnerships between owners and clinics will determine the real value of those advances.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
An Ibadan-based herbal company, Ar-Rahmon Khabul Herbal Nigeria Limited, has been sealed by the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA).
The state government, in a statement signed on Friday by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Dotun Oyelade, revealed that the herbal firm was shut down due to environmental violations and public health concerns.
The leader of OYRLEA, Mrs Aderonke Aderemi, explained that the action was taken after multiple petitions from residents alleging persistent offensive odour and health challenges linked to the company’s operations.
She noted that the state government swung into action “to protect public health, preserve environmental standards, and enforce regulatory compliance across the state.”
It was gathered that investigations identified tobacco leaf as a major component in its production process, generating a strong, putrid odour deemed hazardous to residents and capable of posing serious health risks to the surrounding community.
“Joint inspections by officials revealed that the company operates a herbal production facility within a densely populated residential area, in clear violation of environmental and public health standards,” the statement said, adding that further findings from the inspection include the emission of harmful and toxic gaseous substances into the atmosphere, the discharge of wastewater into a nearby community water body, the installation of a chimney deemed too short and directly facing residential buildings, and the accumulation of solid waste within the premises despite claims of engaging a waste contractor, among others.
Prior to the enforcement action, the agency had issued an abatement notice directing the company to cease operations and relocate within 21 days in accordance with the Oyo State Environmental, Sanitation and Waste Control Regulations.
OYRLEA, along with the agencies that carried out the enforcement, reiterates that air pollution, hazardous waste discharge, and improper waste management are violations of environmental laws.
Mrs Aderemi reaffirmed OYRLEA’s commitment to sustained monitoring and enforcement to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all residents.
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