Health
FG Begins Second Action Plan to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigeria has launched the Second National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR 2.0) towards combating the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when infections become harder to treat as microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve, becoming resistant to drugs and developing the ability to survive treatments that once killed or inhibited their growth.
The World Health Organization (WHO) describes AMR as one of the top global public health threats facing humanity, with 4.95 million human deaths estimated to be associated with bacterial AMR worldwide in 2019.
During the launch and ministerial briefing of the AMR action plan in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, disclosed that a situation analysis on AMR found that it is not only among the country’s population but also among animals, crop-sourced food, and the environment.
According to a statement, the milestone aligns with the political declaration endorsed in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting (UNGA-HLM), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s health sector renewal initiative, and Nigeria’s commitment to global health security.
The Minister described AMR as a threat that is growing at an alarming rate and endangering decades of medical progress. “AMR threatens the foundation of modern medicine, rendering routine procedures, surgeries, and treatments less effective, and at times, ineffective. AMR, unaddressed, can surpass cancer as a leading cause of mortality globally.
“The economic consequences are equally dire, with projections estimating global losses of over $100 trillion.
The Second National Action Plan on AMR outlines strategies for improving antimicrobial stewardship, enhancing surveillance and detection capabilities, promoting research and development and strengthening healthcare systems,” he said.
AMR is driven by the overuse and misuse of antimicrobial drugs in humans, animals, and agriculture.
The environment plays a pivotal role in the transmission of antimicrobial-resistant organisms. Wastewater from pharmaceutical companies, healthcare facilities, and agricultural activities, which often contain high levels of antibiotics, contributes to the spread of AMR in the environment.
With this strategic plan, Nigeria aims to reduce these environmental factors and strengthen surveillance systems to detect and monitor AMR in environmental samples.
In his remarks, WHO Country Representative Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo reiterated that the world has reached a critical milestone in understanding the environment’s impact on antimicrobial resistance.
WHO is a key technical partner in developing this NAP-2.0 , providing guidance on global best practices and supporting the federal government in aligning its strategies with the Global Action Plan on AMR launched in 2017.
Commending Nigeria Centre For Disease Control (NCDC) and partners and stakeholders on developing Nigeria’s National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Dr Mulombo said, “AMR threatens our time, economy and development. It’s a moral imperative and a career-defining challenge. If left unchecked, antimicrobial resistance may claim millions of lives and wreak economic havoc.
“It is predicted to cause over 39 million deaths in the next 25 years, surpassing current mortality rates. This alarming projection underscores the urgency for collective action.”
“AMR is multifaceted, requiring an integrated multi-dimensional approach. Critical factors include irrational antibiotic use, lack of access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene, inadequate healthcare infrastructure and the limited funding for research and development.”
Health
FG Begins Vaccination Against Mpox in FCT, Six States
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has commenced the vaccination against Monkeypox, now known as Mpox.
Business Post reports that Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory, were selected as pilot states for the vaccination.
An average of 631 persons are expected to be vaccinated across the seven states with two doses of the Mpox vaccine. A buffer for 50 persons will be kept at the national in case of an upsurge in other states.
NPHCDA in a statement posted on its verified X account confirmed the exercise, stressing that the vaccination will help to protect communities and safeguarding health of the people.
In a related development, according to the latest update by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), there are 1,442 suspected cases of Mpox from 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, while the number of confirmed cases of the infection was 118 from 28 states and the FCT.
“To prevent the spread of Mpox, we strongly advise the public to avoid contact with animals that may carry the virus, including sick or dead animals in affected areas, avoid handling materials that have been in contact with infected animals, limit unnecessary physical contact with individuals who are infected, practice frequent handwashing with soap and water, and ensure that animal food products are thoroughly cooked before eating.
“It’s also important to use protective clothing and gloves when handling sick animals or their tissues. Similarly, health workers are advised to follow standard safety protocols including droplet precautions when treating patients, use protective equipment including masks, gloves, and gowns, during patient care, and be vigilant for symptoms of Mpox, especially fever and rash, among other measures.”
Health
AXA Mansard Health Partners LUTH in Blood Donation Drive
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Over 250 pints of blood have been donated by AXA Mansard Health to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba.
The blood was donated by more than 100 employees of the leading health insurance company in Nigeria through its volunteering programme tagged AXA Hearts in Action.
The initiative is part of the company’s blood donation drive aimed at contributing to positive societal and environmental impacts through employee volunteering, and expertise related financial support and in-kind donations.
According to the Chief Client Officer of AXA Mansard, Ms Rashidat Adebisi, “Through the AHIA, our employees do not just give time to great causes; we work together for a better future.”
“We share our time, knowledge and expertise as a people with a shared purpose of acting for human progress by protecting what matters through initiatives like this,” she added.
Ms Adebisi said the blood drive is a shining example of the philosophy in action, where collective contributions serve as a reminder that true impact often involves giving more than just money. It’s about putting one’s heart in action – an idea embedded in AXA’s corporate culture.
On his part, the chief executive of AXA Mansard Health Limited, Mr Tope Adeniyi, said with hospitals frequently experiencing blood shortages, events like these serve as a lifeline for patients in need.
“We are proud to contribute to the local healthcare sector and provide much-needed support to hospitals such as LUTH, ensuring that they have resources essential to saving lives,” he added.
Also commenting, the Head of Corporate Services and Public Relations at LUTH, Omolola Olubukunola Fakeye, thanked the firm for the “generous support,” which has made a “meaningful difference to our blood bank and ultimately to the lives of patients.”
“Blood donations are invaluable in many critical treatments, and initiatives like AXA Mansard’s blood drive bring immense relief to healthcare system.
“We are sincerely grateful for this partnership and the dedication of AXA Mansard’s employees,” Fakeye stated.
AXA Hearts in Action operates globally, she urging AXA employees everywhere to engage with and give back to their communities.
Through diverse projects – from health initiatives like this blood drive and medical outreaches to environmental efforts like the AXA Week for Good “Trash-to-Treasure” waste management project – AXA staff have opportunities to make a lasting difference on issues that matter.
For AXA Mansard, every act of social service brings them closer to the communities they serve, helping build a world where giving back is not only about charity but about lasting, positive change.
Health
US Buys 4.8 million Swipha Malaria Doses for Nigeria, Others
By Adedapo Adesanya
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has committed $2.3 million to procure 4.8 million doses of life-saving malaria tablets from Swiss Pharma (Swipha) in a landmark partnership that will expand access to essential medicines in Nigeria and West Africa.
This procurement, to be facilitated through the U.S. Government’s President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), underscores the United States’ dedication to advancing Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure and ensuring life-saving treatments reach vulnerable communities.
For years, Nigeria has faced significant challenges in procuring affordable, high-quality medicines due to the high cost of production and the inability of many local pharmaceutical companies to meet international quality standards.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), fewer than 10 per cent of medicines manufactured in sub-Saharan Africa meet global standards, limiting local companies’ ability to supply essential drugs and meet healthcare needs.
These barriers have particularly affected access to medicines for malaria and child health, as local production has often fallen short of both quality and quantity requirements.
In response, USAID partnered with Swipha in their efforts to attain World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification for sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (SP) tablets, a vital medicine for malaria prevention during pregnancy.
Swipha is now the first pharmaceutical company in Nigeria and in West Africa to achieve this WHO certification, marking a critical step forward for the region’s pharmaceutical capacity.
“USAID’s support was pivotal in helping us reach this milestone,” said Swipha Managing Director, Mr Frederic Lieutaud.
“The WHO prequalification not only validates our commitment to producing high-quality medicines but also enhances our capacity to scale production and serve both local and international markets with trusted, essential medicines.”
With the WHO prequalification, Swipha is well-positioned to expand its reach, supplying these essential medicines to international donors and procurement agencies, ultimately strengthening healthcare delivery across Nigeria and the broader West African region.
This achievement also represents a significant boost to Nigeria’s healthcare system by enhancing local manufacturing capacity and contributing to public health efforts to combat preventable diseases.
During her visit to Swipha’s facility in Lagos, USAID Mission Director to Nigeria, Ms Melissa Jones, commented “This achievement is a testament to the power of collaboration in improving healthcare in Nigeria.
“We are proud to have supported Swipha in reaching this milestone and look forward to continuing our partnership to ensure more quality medicines reach those who need them most. Together, we are building a healthier future for Nigeria.”
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