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French Ambassador Visits Maamobi General Hospital in Ghana

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By Dipo Olowookere

A delegation led by the French Ambassador to Ghana, Mr François Pujolas, visited the Maamobi General Hospital where a medical research program sponsored by France is being undertaken for the preventive treatment of malaria in pregnant women

Ghana is one of many countries benefitting from the “5% initiative” that was launched by France at the end of 2011, as an indirect contribution to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

The 5% initiative is a program through which the French government dedicates an amount equivalent to 5% of its national contribution to the Global Fund to supporting grants that have been disbursed by the Fund.

The project at the Maamobi hospital is therefore only one of the fruits of this initiative which has contributed €268,000 for the implementation and evaluation of a preventive treatment of malaria in pregnant women.

In 2013, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended a modified sulfadoxine-based treatment and Ghana was one of the first countries in which this treatment was experimented.

The French Institute of Research and Development (IRD) thus proposed to work together with the Noguchi Institute of the University of Ghana and the School of Public Health, in order to evaluate the implementation of these new WHO recommendations on preventive chemotherapy against malaria during pregnancy.

A test campaign is underway at the Maamobi hospital. The visit of the ambassador was therefore symbolic of France’s continuous support towards the project.

The delegation was welcomed by the hospital authorities including the Medical director, Dr. Dorcas Anfu-Okine and the Head of Department, Dr. Emmanuel Ameh. A presentation on the intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) program was made by Prof. Quakyi and Dr. Nicaise Ndam, the senior research officer at the IRD in Ghana, after which a presentation of the impact of the project on the Maamobi hospital was given by Dr. Anfu-Okine. Representatives from the Ghana Health Service were also present to give their perspective of the project’s impact on malaria prevention in Ghana.

The Ambassador, in his speech, touched on the relevance of the Global Fund, especially to Africa. He brought to light the fact that the Global Fund has made treatment and prevention a reality for millions of people. To date, the Fund has disbursed over $4 billion per year to over 100 countries. France contributed to its creation and still contributes (€360 million representing 12 % of the multilateral fund), in order to fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. “France is the second contributor of that global fund in order to fight the 3 main diseases.”

In Africa and here in Ghana rates of HIV transmission have declined significantly in almost every region, including the hardest-hit countries. Mortality rates are also declining now that treatment is available. In fact, mortality due to tuberculosis has fallen by over a third since the 1990s. Regarding Malaria, and the specific project presented on that day, he encouraged the researchers and pledged the full assistance of France to help achieve the ultimate goal of developing a vaccine for pregnant women.  He also stated that “very soon an official report will be submitted to the World Health Organization and to the Government of Ghana.”

More generally His Excellency underlined the strength of the cooperation between France and Ghana. He said that “this project is at the core of French Diplomacy in Ghana. Diplomacy is about creating a most prosperous world for everybody in every country. But it is not only done through security and stability but also through the wellbeing of individuals”.

There was then a tour of the facility during which the French delegation were shown the maternity wards, paediatric wards and the laboratories. The hospital heads took the opportunity to express their appreciation for the financial and technical aid that the French embassy had provided.

France has been a leader in this international partnership; as the top European donor and the second highest donor worldwide, her annual contribution of which brings more than 6 million US dollars to Ghana (out of a total of 50 million going to Ghana).

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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Sault Tribe Enacts Smoking Ban in Kewaunee

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Ban smoking Sault Tribe

Health and comfort have become increasingly essential issues lately, and this has not gone unnoticed in entertainment venues. The Sault Tribe, which operates the Kewadin Casino, has decided to ban smoking in five gambling establishments. This innovation is aimed at creating a healthier environment for all visitors and employees.

Health and comfort come first

Tribal representatives emphasized that people’s health is their top priority. The decision to ban smoking was a logical step toward positive change. “As a tribal government, we are focused on improving health, and the move to ban smoking in casinos is the right step forward,” notes one tribal speaker. This means caring about the health of visitors and the well-being of the employees who work in these facilities daily.

The Sault Tribe has been actively gathering opinions from its customers and employees, and the results have been unequivocal: many are in favor of banning smoking. “We have heard from many customers and employees that a smoking ban is the right step forward,” states a tribal spokesperson. Such feedback confirms that concern for health and well-being is becoming increasingly important to the gambling industry.

What will change at Kewadin casinos?

In the weeks following the passage of the amendments, Kewadin casinos located in Sault Ste. Marie, St. Ignace, Manistique, Christmas, and Hessel will begin implementing the new policy. The smoking ban will be in effect in all establishments, including gaming rooms, restaurants, and recreational facilities. This approach will not only make the casino experience more enjoyable for non-smoking visitors, but it will also create a safer environment for employees who spend much time in the gaming rooms.

Positive implications for business and society

The adopted initiative will not only bring health benefits but will also affect the success of businesses in the long run:

  • The actions taken also emphasize the Sault Tribe’s social responsibility. They are not just in business but also show concern for the well-being of their customers and employees, making them an example for other gambling establishments.
  • Banning smoking in Kewadin casinos will create a more pleasant environment for both non-smokers and those looking to quit smoking. Smoking in public places often makes other visitors uncomfortable, and this move will help eliminate the unpleasant odour and smoke, thus creating a more pleasant atmosphere throughout the gaming rooms, restaurants, and other recreational areas.
  • The changes may attract a new audience interested in entertainment but previously avoided visiting casinos because of the smoking environment. This can lead not only to an increase in the number of guests but also, as a result, to increased profits for the establishment.

At the same time, avid smokers, which are still quite a lot, will be less likely to visit land-based casinos, where they are forbidden to relax in the usual way. Especially since today, they do not have to visit these establishments to satisfy their gambling needs.

Analyzing the search engine allows you to quickly find many popular operators, including 1win, with the largest number of gambling entertainment. And you can access these games without having to leave home. To register on 1win, it is enough to fill in a few fields in the appropriate window and develop a password. It takes less than a minute to do this and deposit money into your account. Moreover, most of the games can be played in a free demo.

Chippewa Tribe aims to create a “smoke-free” space that combines a healthy environment with the opportunity to relax and enjoy gambling. The new approach to business reflects and supports global trends aimed at caring for public health and reducing the negative impact of tobacco smoke on the health of others.

Recall that earlier, scientists told us about the new harm of smoking. According to new data, the negative impact of this bad habit on the immune system persists for several years after a person quits smoking.

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SpecSMART Eye Clinic Takes Affordable, Quality Care to Ikeja, Environs

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SpecSMART Eye Clinic

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The dream of residents of Ikeja and its environs enjoying affordable and quality care has now become a reality as a result of the opening of a new branch of SpecSMART Eye Clinic in the Opebi area of the capital of Lagos State.

SpecSMART Eye Clinic, a leading provider of optometry services in Lagos, commenced operations in Nigeria’s commercial capital in 2022.

Since then, it has been offering top-notch eye care to residents of the metropolis, especially those living on the Island. It has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality primary eye care and optical products.

However, to extend its services to Lagosians living on the Mainland, it has now opened a new branch in Ikeja, reinforcing its commitment to providing accessible, affordable eye care to a wider community.

Business Post gathered that the clinic’s state-of-the-art services are supported by a team of skilled optometrists and opticians, utilizing cutting-edge digital equipment.

The new Ikeja location will offer a wide range of services, including Automated Eye Examinations using advanced digital equipment for precise diagnosis and personalized care.

In addition, clients will enjoy on-the-spot lens glazing for single vision, bifocals, and varifocals, with additional lens coatings, with services to be rendered seven days a week from 9 am to 9 pm on Mondays to Saturdays, and on Sundays and public holidays from 10 am 7 pm.

Also, the clinic has over 950 frames, ranging from affordable home brands to premium designer options, priced from N18,000, and has flexible appointment scheduling with 24-hour online booking via SpecSMART’s website.

The facility has partnerships with leading HMO providers in the country and offers glaucoma management and other essential eye health services.

According to the company, its introductory packages start from N30,000 and include consultation, frame, and single-vision lenses.

“With the opening of our Ikeja branch, we are ready to serve more individuals who need accessible, cost-effective, and reliable eye care.

“Our aim is to create a positive impact in Nigeria’s optometry sector by combining advanced technology with a patient-centred approach,” the Practice Head and Medical Director of SpecSMART, Dr Adaeze Nwoko, stated.

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FG Begins Vaccination Against Mpox in FCT, Six States

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Monkeypox mpox

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.”

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