Health
Ecobank Leads Campaign to ‘Finish’ Malaria
By Dipo Olowookere
Pan-African financial institution, Ecobank Group, has spearheaded an initiative aimed to put an end to the scourge on malaria on the continent.
The lender with operations in 33 Africa countries recently launched the first-of-its-kind Zero Malaria Business Leadership Initiative.
The bank worked together with other organisations like the Dakar-based not-for-profit strategic communications and advocacy organization, Speak Up Africa, and the United Nations on the campaign.
The initiative supports the Pan-African Zero Malaria Starts with Me Movement, led by the African Union and the RBM Partnership to End Malaria launched two years ago today by African Heads of States at the 31st African Union Summit in Nouakchott.
The collaboration will support malaria-affected countries across the continent, starting with Benin, Burkina Faso and Senegal by advocating for stronger political will, increased funding, and stronger targeted disease elimination responses. The campaign’s objectives are three-fold:
Foster domestic resource mobilization for sustained financing of malaria control and elimination programs
Mobilize businesses and business leaders to contribute to the reduction and elimination of malaria;
Leverage Ecobank’s networks and partners to reinforce or create collaborative platforms.
“Ultimately, ending malaria will increase prosperity across Africa, by creating a healthier workforce that can drive economic growth. The Ecobank Group is thrilled to collaborate with Speak Up Africa, the RBM Partnership to End Malaria and the African Union on the Zero Malaria Business Leadership Initiative, and to use its position as a platform for coordinated action against this treatable and preventable disease”, says Paul-Harry Aithnard, Regional Executive UEMOA, Ecobank.
Originally launched in Senegal in 2014, Zero Malaria Starts with Me engages political leaders, the private sector and communities to take action to protect themselves from malaria, and the new initiative will continue to progress this mission. To date, 15 countries across the continent have rolled out their own national Zero Malaria campaigns.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over $10 billion is needed to implement national strategic plans for malaria control in 30 African countries over the next three years.
However, despite all the efforts made by governments, funding for the fight against malaria remains a challenge. An annual $2 billion in additional global funding is required to reach all those at risk of malaria, outlining the importance of private-sector engagement.
“To become the generation to end malaria, it is crucial that we increase funding to fight this disease to protect everyone at risk. There is an incredible opportunity for the private sector to join the fight, and we are thrilled to see the Ecobank Group leading the way with the Zero Malaria Business Leadership Initiative.
“By increasing private-sector funding and engagement, we will unlock valuable resources and mobilization, that will go a long way in helping us rid the African continent of malaria once and for all”, highlights Dr Abdourahmane Diallo, CEO of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria.
Malaria remains one of the continent’s deadliest diseases, with more than 400,000 fatalities in 2018 alone. Malaria not only impacts the health of communities across Africa but prosperity too, as the disease limits economic growth and increases poverty amongst the workforce.
Amira Elfadil Mohammed Elfadil, Commissioner for Social Affairs, the African Union, comments, “We are incredibly proud to play our role in the Zero Malaria Starts with Me Movement, and this new Business Leadership Initiative is an important step to engaging Africa’s flourishing private sector.
“The fight to end malaria continues to be one of our continent’s biggest challenges, but our people have shown incredible commitment to end suffering and achieve progress against this deadly, but preventable disease. We hope that other organisations join our movement and support this noble cause.”
Although global investments in the malaria fight have helped to save 7 million lives and prevent more than 1 billion cases of malaria since 2000, COVID-19 now threatens these hard-won gains. WHO estimates that in the worst-case scenario, the new virus could double malaria deaths in 2020.
“Everyone has a role to play in the elimination of malaria, which is what the Zero Malaria Starts with Me campaign embodies.
“Private sector participation in malaria control and elimination is key, and Ecobank Group is a leader who is well-placed to bring more like-minded partners and resources to the table.
‘Together, we can work to move malaria higher up on the political agenda by creating a strong network for action. We call for more businesses to join us in our mission of freeing communities from the burden of malaria”, concludes Yacine Djibo, Executive Director, Speak Up Africa.
Health
Modern Veterinary Clinics For Advanced Pet Care
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.
Health
Oyo Seals Ar-Rahmon Khabul Herbal Over Health Concerns
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.
Health
NAFDAC Receives Seized Pharmaceutical Products from Rivers Customs
By Bon Peters
The Port Harcourt Area I Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over pharmaceutical products intercepted at the Omagwa International Airport recently to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The spokesman for the command, Mr Barilule Aanee, an Assistant Superintendent of Customs 1, said in a statement that the items were given to NAFDAC on February 12, 2026, at the NAHCO Shed of the airport, where the seizure occurred.
The Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, disclosed that the interception was made during routine examination and intelligence-driven scrutiny at the NAHCO Shed by officers of the Command in collaboration with relevant agencies.
She disclosed that six packages of pharmaceutical products, including Menotrophin 150 IU injections, Progesterone, and Isifrane, as well as three packages of medicaments containing Tramadol Ratiopharm injections, were discovered in two separate consignments.
The products, according to the statement, were neither properly declared nor accompanied by the mandatory NAFDAC certification required for lawful importation into Nigeria.
The Customs Area 1 chief further revealed that one shipment, originating under the name Zecho Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited for Elite Health Pharmacy Ltd, with Airway Bill No. 020 34858250, weighing 135 kilograms and amounting to 4,300 units, transported by Lufthansa Cargo Airline, was among the seized products.
More so, another consignment on Allied Airway Bill No. 574 34543283 from Amsterdam was falsely declared as spare parts.
She emphasised that regardless of the importer or volume involved, “no pharmaceutical product is permitted entry into Nigeria without proper declaration and regulatory clearance from NAFDAC.”
Comptroller Atuluku commended the diligence of the Customs Intelligence Unit and all officers involved, stressing that sustained interagency cooperation remained vital to strengthening enforcement and preserving the integrity of the nation’s supply chain.
While receiving the items, the Deputy Director of the NAFDAC Port Inspection Directorate, Pharm. Adepoju Bayo Raufu, thanked the customs for its vigilance and prompt handover of the intercepted items.
He assured that the agency would subject the items to appropriate regulatory procedures in line with its mandate to safeguard public health.
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