Health

Jigawa Records Second Highest Takers of COVID-19 Vaccine

Published

4 years ago

02/04/2021

By Adedapo Adesanya

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has disclosed that Jigawa State recorded the second-highest takers of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines in Nigeria after Lagos State.

In a press release, the world health body noted that Jigawa has the second-highest turnout for the vaccine.

According to WHO, authorities in the North-Western state of the federation received 68,520 doses of the vaccine and 33,508 persons have been vaccinated by March 29. The state has recorded 518 of the 162,593 COVID-19 cases in Nigeria by the same date.

“Only two weeks into the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines in Nigeria, Jigawa State is recording impressive results as authorities accelerate efforts to distribute doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, millions of which are available across Nigeria.

“The vaccines were delivered to the country from the Serum Institute of India(SII) in early March,” the release noted.

According to Mr Hassan Shaibu Kwallam, the State Immunization Officer, the state had to face some challenges as there were claims of vaccines causing infertility in women while others have claimed that vaccines will be administered to the country’s political elite only.

But working with local communities, the state has overcome a huge part of the fear, state officials noted.

Getting Jigawa’s residents to turn out was possible largely due to the influence of traditional and religious leaders, according to Mr Kwallam.

“Our strategy has been a very simple one. We have the buy-in of the local health workers and we also have the cooperation of the traditional leaders. That has made the vaccination process go smoothly,” he added.

Nigeria received 3.9 million vaccines in March out of an expected 84 million doses through the COVAX Facility, co-led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, WHO and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations(CEPI), in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund, the World Bank, and other partners. COVAX is one pillar of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, a global collaboration to hasten production and fair access to COVID-19 tests, treatments and vaccines.

An additional 41.3 million vaccine doses through the Africa vaccine acquisition task team(AVATT) and the African Union are expected in April.

Testimonies

On a recent weekday, community health worker, Mrs Balkisu Yahaya, bared her arm and felt the small prick of the needle as she got her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine from a colleague. In return, Hajiya Balkisu vaccinated her colleague too. The two are health workers deployed as vaccination teams to immunise against the COVID-19 disease in Nigeria’s Jigawa State and are some of the first to get the jab.

“I have taken the first dose and I am now very very happy,” Hajiya Balkisu, who works at the Sakwaya Primary Healthcare Center in Dutse, the capital, said. “It’s good so I can protect myself first before protecting others.”

Mrs Balkisu says the turn out signifies some vaccination success despite instances of Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy among some residents.

Since the start of the pandemic last year, unfounded theories about the origin of COVID-19 as well as rumours about the vaccine’s safety have spread widely across the internet and social media space in Nigeria.

When it was time for His Royal Highness, the Emir of Hadejia to get his first jab on a recent Monday, he did it publicly, opting to take the vaccine at the Hadejia General Hospital in the Hadejia Local Government Area (LGA) where many in his community could see. After the Emir received the injection, he held up his green vaccine card, with a QR code stamped on it, for proof.

“I hope to dispel the rumours that a different vaccine, safer and more potent, is being administered to only very important personalities,” the Emir said. “Coming out like this will build trust and confidence in the minds of many that harbour this misconception and will lead to a higher turn-out for vaccine rollout. I am sure of it.”

Mr Ahmed Mohammed Sani, Emir of Gumel who received his vaccine last Wednesday says partnerships between local leaders and health workers increase chances of success when it comes to immunisation.

“I am presenting my humble self for the COVID-19 vaccination before all so everybody can do the same,” the Emir said.

“What we, as an emirate had successfully done during the polio eradication initiative, is a clear testimony of our sustained ability to convince our communities in support of any public health interventions brought up by the government.”

Only health workers like Mrs Balkisu and traditional leaders were targeted for the first phase of the roll-out, to protect health personnel and build trust among communities.

WHO noted that phase two (which targets adults aged 50 and older) and then phase three (for ages between 18 and 49) are due to have commenced. Those who successfully receive their first jabs are expected to take their second doses after 12 weeks.

No Need for Fear

Back in Jigawa, Mrs Balkisu said she has had to convince many that the slight fever some feel after taking the vaccine was normal – she felt it too and it went away in a day, she added.

Dr Sunday Audu, WHO Jigawa state coordinator echoed her message. “There is no reason for hesitancy. There have been no reports of any serious Adverse Effect Following Immunization (AEFI) in the state. It is only a minor inconvenience but it would be beneficial for more people to get their doses so we can protect ourselves and our neighbours.”

WHO has supported in training the 162 vaccination teams deployed across the 27 LGAs of Jigawa and added that it will continue supporting the coordination, training, monitoring and supervision of health care workers till all doses are used up.

“I will advise my colleagues and everyone else to put their mind at rest,” Mrs Balkisu added as she attended to people waiting to be vaccinated. “Don’t think too much about the inconvenience of the jab. Just relax and you will be fine. It’s much less painful than contracting Covid-19 and falling sick.”

Like Polio, Like COVID-19

It’s not the first time Jigawa has successfully immunized thousands despite some pockets of hesitancy, health authorities say. When the Polio disease was endemic in Nigeria and parents were reluctant to get their wards vaccinated, health workers also turned to traditional and religious leaders for advocacy support. This culminated in the huge success recorded in 2020 when Nigeria was declared polio-free after years of fighting the disease.

Health

Staying Fit This Rainy Season with Fitness Essentials

Published

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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

3 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.