Health

Immunization Cheapest Way to Prevent Diseases—Consultant Paediatrician

Published

8 years ago

10/11/2017

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A Consultant Paediatrician with interest in Respiratory and Paediatrics, Dr Bamigboye Olatomi, has disclosed that the best and cheapest way to prevent diseases especially among children is simply by immunisation.

In an interview with the media, including Business Post in Lagos last week, Dr Olatomi, who is also the Medical Director of Lagoon Hospital in Lagos, listed the benefits of getting children vaccinated against diseases.

Speaking on an infection of the lungs, Pneumonia, the medical expert said when a child is vaccinated, the immune system is strengthened to fight against any disease or infection.

“When we give a vaccine, what we want the body to do is to produce antibodies, which are of two types, antigens and antibodies.

“What the antibodies do is to mop up those antigens in your system so that they cannot cause an infection.

“So what vaccines actually do is to strengthen the immune system by giving antibodies the power to fight infections,” she said.

Dr Olatomi defined vaccination as a process in which a substance is injected into the body of an individual to resist an infection.

She said this substance usually contains proteins from some of the bacteria that causes this infection or are engineered bio-medically.

According to her, when these vaccines are given to an individual, they are expected to create a solitude of that infection in the individual, making the taker unable to have an active infection such that the body can respond by producing antibodies against such substances.

Speaking on who is more prone to pneumonia between children and adults, Dr Olatomi said, “Pneumonia is caused by a lot of organisms and not just the pneumococcal bacteria that is the strand.

“Both the young and old are prone to pneumonia. Also, people with sickle cell, asthma, those with renal issues or anyone with a chronic illness are prone to the disease.

In addition, she said those who have reason to remove the spleen, an organ in the abdomen, which helps to fight that infection, are prone to pneumonia and must take pneumococcal shots.

On the vaccines for pneumonia, Dr Olatomi said one is not vaccinated against the disease once in a lifetime and that the doses depend on the age of the receiver.

“For now, we have the national programme on immunization in the country and the pneumococcal vaccine has already been added to the routine vaccines given to children and they have the number of doses they are expected to take.

“Children have three doses and a shot might be enough for adults, but those with other chronic illnesses might need an extra shot to build immunity. So, the number of doses is age dependent and it also depends on some medical condition.

On the risk of not being vaccinated against pneumonia, the medical expert said, failure to be immunised is associated with increased morbidity, which she said is one of the contributors to the under-five mortality.

“When a child is not vaccinated against the disease, he would be exposed to the infection then you will not be able to mount an immune response to fight the infection.

“If you don’t have the vaccine, it usually predisposes you to invasive pneumococcal disease such that you have a very severe form of the disease, which can lead to a lot of things like increased hospitalisation of the child, loss of school days for adults, loss of economic man hours. Also, it has an effect on the economy, school attendance, increased spending on health.

Dr Olatomi then advised government to improve pneumococcal vaccination rates in Nigeria, saying when “you give the immunization, you have less children coming down with the invasive pneumococcal disease and so our spending on health will be reduced.

“The under-five mortality will drop and absenteeism in schools will reduce because when a child is admitted, a parent has to stay with the child in the hospital. The parent has to also run around, making such parent unable to be involved in economic activities.

“Immunization is the cheapest form of intervention you can make to avert preventable diseases in general. It is the cheapest form, the cost of immunization is far lower than the cost of having to treat a child or an individual suffering from vaccine preventable diseases.

Dr Olatomi, who spoke on this year’s World Pneumonia Day celebrated globally on the November 12, of every year, stated that in the national programme, “We give the BCG, which is for tuberculosis. We have what we call the pentavalent vaccine, the vaccine has for dysteria, has for whooping cough, it has the one for tetanus, it has the one for hepatitis and it has the one for influenza bacteria and we have the pneumococcal vaccines, which have three shots.

“The BCG is given at birth and we have the oral polio and we also have the injectable polio vaccines and then those are taken at birth.

“The BCG, the oral polio and the hepatitis B are mainly to prevent the transmission of disease from the mother to the child.

“When the child is 9 months old, we give measles and yellow fever vaccines; that is the immunization for the National Programme.

“However, there are a lot of other vaccines that are available, which we can avail ourselves, including the rotavirus, which is not yet in the programme. It is available to be taken.

“We have the meningitis vaccine, and a host of others for the adult. There is also the chicken pox vaccine.

“We mostly emphasise that these vaccines are given from childhood and this is because when you give a child a healthy start in life, it helps them later in life.”

Health

Staying Fit This Rainy Season with Fitness Essentials

Published

1 week ago

03/07/2025

Business Post Contributor

As Nigeria embraces the rainy season, bringing cooler temperatures and increased rainfall, maintaining a consistent fitness routine presents unique challenges. Despite the tempting allure of staying indoors, staying active is crucial for both physical and mental well-being. This seasonal shift has also highlighted the growing accessibility of online shopping platforms, providing convenient avenues to acquire essential fitness gear and tools.

A prime example of this modern approach is King Oluwaferanmi Monsurat, a 22-year-old self-proclaimed “gym rat” and part-time University of Lagos student. Seamlessly integrating fitness into her busy daily life in Lagos, Oluwaferanmi’s adoption of online shopping for fitness essentials highlights a wider trend among Nigerians seeking to stay active regardless of the weather.

Embracing indoor workouts

The rainy season offers an ideal opportunity to wholeheartedly embrace indoor exercises, with online purchases setting the stage for these routines. For gym-goers, this becomes a prime time to make full use of equipment like treadmills, ellipticals, and weights for comprehensive workouts. Many are even sporting new finds from platforms like Temu, a direct-from-factory model known for connecting consumers directly with manufacturers, offering a wide selection of quality products at competitive prices.

For those preferring to exercise at home, the options are abundant. Bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, squats, and planks require no special equipment and offer effective full-body workouts, perfect for quick sessions before or after a downpour. Additionally, Yoga and Pilates are excellent for flexibility and strength, with countless online tutorials readily available to guide your practice.

To further energise your home workout, simply turn up your favourite music, whether it’s Afrobeats or another genre, and dance! It’s a fun, high-energy way to burn calories and significantly boost your mood. Many fitness instructors now offer virtual classes, from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to Zumba, allowing you to easily join guided sessions from the comfort of your living room.

Holistic wellness beyond the gym

Online platforms have become crucial to the overall wellness journey of consumers like Oluwaferanmi. She highlights how affordable e-commerce options can introduce new wellness solutions, noting that platforms like Temu make products such as juicers and air fryers more accessible, even for those who might otherwise struggle with the cost. This newfound accessibility is profoundly changing how many Nigerians approach personal wellness, moving beyond just gym wear to invest in appliances that promote healthier eating habits.

Outdoor workouts

For those who prefer outdoor workouts despite the rainy season, proper attire is crucial. Ensure you have good quality waterproof or water-resistant gear, including a running vest to keep essentials secure and enhance safety. Opt for moisture-wicking base layers to prevent chafing in humid conditions, and choose running shoes with excellent grip to navigate wet pavements safely.

Staying fit also hinges significantly on proper nutrition and hydration. Despite cooler temperatures, it’s vital to remain well-hydrated throughout the day. Incorporate immune-boosting foods and focus on balanced meals to adequately support your body’s needs.

Stay motivated and adapt your routine

Don’t let the weather derail your fitness journey; instead, adapt your goals as needed, focusing on what’s achievable given the conditions. Social media posts from individuals like @Xclusivetosin, who has already declared it’s “time to get that summer body” with new Temu purchases, and @SeunPhillips4, who has also invested in Temu gym clothes, highlight how accessible fitness apparel is making it easier to stay active indoors during this season.

They are not alone. A recent IPSOS survey found that 80% of respondents globally believe Temu offers value for money, with shoppers reporting average savings of 24%. More than half said they would recommend the platform to others, underscoring its growing reputation as a go-to destination for smart, savvy shopping.

Embrace the rainy season as an opportune moment to explore new fitness avenues and diversify your routine.

Health

TikTok Appoints Nigerian Doctor, Others as Mental Health Ambassadors

Published

1 week ago

01/07/2025

Modupe Gbadeyanka

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Popular social media platform, TikTok, has joined the campaign to address digital harms through innovation, collaboration, and empathy, with the aim to create responsible online environments for African users, and has appointed a few medical practitioners as its ambassadors.

The company recently held an inaugural programme tagged Digital Well-being Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, bringing together policymakers, mental health experts, NGOs, and industry leaders across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Delegates from South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and beyond gathered to further strengthen efforts to support and protect community well-being on the platform.

The summit provided a platform for open dialogue on enhancing online safety tools, promoting digital literacy and access to experts, fostering a balanced online environment.

A comprehensive suite of new tools and partnerships were introduced, including the expansion of TikTok’s global $2.3 million mental health fund to Sub-Saharan Africa, expanded local in-app helplines, and an industry-first meditation feature for all TikTok users.

With this expansion, three Sub-Saharan African organisations have been selected as inaugural regional recipients, including the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative, and Kenya’s Mental360.

These organisations will receive funding and platform support to develop locally relevant, evidence-based content that raises awareness, reduces stigma, and encourages open dialogue around mental health in African communities.

The event also spotlighted ongoing efforts such as TikTok’s #MentalHealthMatters campaign, which continues to promote positive mental health practices across the globe. Together, these actions are designed to support balanced digital habits, providing communities with access to reliable information.

As part of its commitment to empowering users to manage their online experience, TikTok has introduced a guided meditation experience in Sleep Hours – an in-app well-being experience automatically enabled at 22:00 for all users under the age of 18. Anyone above this age can choose to turn it on. This feature, the first of its kind in the industry, was piloted in March 2025 and is available worldwide.

As part of its ongoing partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), TikTok has officially introduced its new Mental Health Ambassadors, a diverse group of verified healthcare professionals from the WHO Fides Network.

The inaugural cohort of Mental Health Ambassadors includes Sanam Naran from South Africa, Dr Claire Kinuthia from Kenya, Doctor Wales from Nigeria, and Doctor Siya from South Africa.

Speaking, TikTok Global Head of Trust and Safety Outreach and Partnerships, Valiant Richey, said, “People come to TikTok to learn, share their experiences, and connect with communities around the world. That’s why we’re proud to introduce tools that not only support digital wellbeing, but also empower our community, especially young users, with a safe, supportive space to explore and navigate complex emotions.”

Also, the Minister of Basic Education in South Africa, Siviwe Gwarube, said, “We commend the private sector’s efforts to foster digital literacy and create a safer online environment for all. Such efforts reflect the government and the private sector’s collective responsibility to inspire creativity, empower communities, and connect young people to the digital world.”

Health

NPF 2025: SUNU Health Courts Healthcare Stakeholders for Industry Growth

Published

2 weeks ago

26/06/2025

Modupe Gbadeyanka

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A leading Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), SUNU Health Nigeria Limited, has hosted the 2025 National Providers Forum (NPF).

The event, held on Wednesday, June 24, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was themed Bridging the Gap: Building a Stronger HMO-Provider Relationship.

It brought together a diverse group of healthcare stakeholders, who discussed significant advancements in the nation’s healthcare sector.

A hallmark of this year’s forum was its inclusive approach. While many providers gathered physically in Port Harcourt, a significant number also participated virtually, joining online from across the country. This hybrid format ensured broader participation, allowing a wider array of voices and perspectives to contribute to the discussions, truly reflecting SUNU Health’s dedication to nationwide impact.

Discussions at the forum spanned a wide range of critical topics, including innovative healthcare delivery models, leveraging technology for improved patient outcomes, navigating regulatory landscapes, and strategies for sustainable growth in a dynamic environment. Interactive sessions and expert presentations provided attendees with actionable insights and fostered a spirit of shared learning and problem-solving.

In his keynote address, the Managing Director of SUNU Health, Dr Patrick Korie, emphasised “how a good HMO-Provider relationship directly leads to improved patient care, increased operational efficiency by streamlining processes, and ultimately enhanced credibility for the entire healthcare system.”

Underscoring the company’s commitment to responsiveness, he revealed that the organisation conducted a comprehensive survey with providers and clients to truly understand their perspectives.

According to him, this direct feedback has informed SUNU Health’s strategic decision to reorganize internal procedures to enhance partnerships.

He said key actions include establishing regular, transparent communication channels, disseminating clear guidelines, and committing to timely payments within a 30-day cycle for PHIS and NHIA, strictly adhering to operational guidelines.

The medical practitioner added that SUNU Health has embraced new technology for communication and claims submission and will routinely conduct continuous data analytics to identify areas for improvement. Concluding his remarks,

“At SUNU, which means ‘our own,’ humanity is at the centre of all our initiatives. Therefore, building a stronger relationship between us and our providers is not just an objective; it is essential for delivering the quality healthcare services our communities deserve,” he stated.

Also, the Chief Operating Officer of SUNU Health, Dr Faith Nwachi, emphasized the significance of partnership in healthcare.

“The National Providers Forum is more than just a gathering; it’s a testament to our belief in the power of partnership. We are committed to empowering our providers with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to deliver exceptional care.

“The insights gained today will undoubtedly fuel our collective efforts to elevate healthcare standards across Nigeria and drive sustainable industry growth.”

The NPF is part of NHIA regulatory requirement for accredited HMOs. It served as a crucial platform for engagement, designed to strengthen relationships with healthcare providers and discuss strategies for enhancing the quality and accessibility of medical services across Nigeria.

The forum concluded with a reinforced sense of collaboration and a shared vision for the future of Nigerian healthcare, as participants lauded the initiative for its relevance and the opportunity it provided to network, share best practices, and collectively chart a course towards a more robust and responsive healthcare system.

SUNU Health plans to leverage the outcomes and feedback from the NPF 2025 to refine its strategies, develop new support programs for its network, and continue advocating for policies that promote healthcare excellence.