Health
Saraki’s wife, Toyin, WHO walk the talk in Abuja
THE Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) in partnership with the World Health Organization, (WHO) have embarked on a 7.2 km walk in Abuja.
The walk, aims at driving home the Global Health for All Challenge and combat non-communicable diseases, was led by wife of the Senate President, Mrs Toyin Saraki, who is also the Founder President of the WBFA and World Health Organization Representative, Head of Mission in Nigeria, Dr Wondi Alemu and in collaboration with the ministry of Youths and Sports Development.
The walk, was also targeted at promoting healthy lifestyle practices towards the Africa Health Transformation Agenda of the World Health Organisation.
No fewer than 2000 people who participated in the walk which started from the Millennium Park in Abuja, went through major streets distributing handbills to sensitize the people and motorists on the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles.
Tagged ‘Abuja Walk the Talk’, stakeholders were invited to walk, run or dance along a 7.6 kilometer route road walk to promote healthy lifestyles and a healthy populace.
Founder-President of Wellbeing Foundation Africa, Mrs. Toyin Saraki, World Health Organization Representative and Head of Mission in Nigeria, Dr Wondi Alemu and Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu at the WHO Global Health For All Challenge Walk the Talk Road Walk in collaboration with the Wellbeing Foundation Africa
Other participants include, the Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu; representative of the Minister of Youths and Sports and other dignitaries.
According to the WHO, globally 1 in 4 adults are not active enough, and insufficient physical activities is a key risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes.
Speaking at the end of the walk, Mrs Saraki expressed gratitude to the country office of the WHO for collaborating with the Wellbeing Foundation in driving home the health for all initiative.
According to her, “it is the first time a country office of the WHO has actually done this walk, and the Wellbeing Foundation Africa is delighted to collaborate with the WHO to work towards Universal Health Coverage for all, especially in Nigeria.
“To stay healthy, I believe everyone should have at least 35 minutes of walking three times a week, as this helps the cardiovascular system, especially with blood circulation.
“This years’ walk was wonderful with over 2,000 people turning out to partake in the 7.6km walk, and I hope that next year we will have over 20,000 people come out to participate”, Mrs Saraki added.
Remarking, the WHO Country Representative, Dr Wondi Alemu noted: “Exercise should continue on a personal basis, at least three times a week with a minimum duration of 30 minutes, all year round.
“This Abuja Walk the Talk road walk is an opportunity to get people to take exercising seriously and practice what we talk about with regards to frequent exercise for healthier life”.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has ordered the immediate closure of the Gomboru drug market in Maiduguri following severe flooding that submerged the area and contaminated the drugs sold within the market.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, NAFDAC disclosed that the decision was made after reports surfaced that contaminated drugs, which had been washed and sun-dried for resale, were being sold at the market.
“After the recent flooding in Maiduguri that submerged the Gomboru drug market where contaminated drugs were washed and sun-dried for resale, the @DGatNAFDAC ordered the immediate closure of the market to conduct a thorough shop-to-shop removal of these compromised drugs,” the agency wrote.
The flooding, which ravaged Maiduguri, was triggered by the rupture of the Alau dam on the Ngadda River, located 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of the city.
The floodwaters claimed at least 30 lives and displaced 400,000 residents, leaving large parts of the city and surrounding areas in devastation.
NAFDAC’s intervention is aimed at safeguarding public health by preventing the sale and consumption of contaminated drugs.
The agency has mobilized teams to inspect the market and ensure the removal of all compromised pharmaceutical products.
Engr. Aderemi Oseni, Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State has expressed deep concern following the recent outbreak of cholera cases in the state.
Cholera, a highly contagious bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated water and food, poses significant health risks, particularly in densely populated areas with inadequate sanitation.
Oseni urged residents of Oyo State, especially those in his constituency, to prioritise hygiene practices and strictly adhere to recommended safety measures, emphasising the critical importance of proactive measures to halt the disease’s spread.
In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, the state capital, the lawmaker underscored the necessity of maintaining clean water sources and practicing proper sanitation methods.
“Cholera outbreaks can be significantly reduced if we all take responsibility for our hygiene habits and ensure our surroundings are clean,” he stated.
The APC chieftain also stressed the urgency of seeking prompt medical attention at the first signs of symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, which are characteristic of cholera.
“Early detection and treatment are crucial in combating cholera and preventing its spread. Access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation are fundamental rights that must be upheld, especially during health crises like this,” he asserted.
Oseni further called for unity and collective action in combating the cholera outbreak.
He expressed confidence that through concerted efforts and vigilant adherence to preventive measures, communities can contain and ultimately overcome this challenging public health issue.
“By working together, maintaining vigilance, and prioritising hygiene practices, we can effectively mitigate the impact of cholera on our communities,” the lawmaker concluded.
Resident doctors at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) in Ondo State have initiated a 14-day warning strike, as confirmed by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
The strike action, led by the association’s President, John Matthew, highlights various grievances, notably the non-payment of seven months’ salaries to new members.
Matthew added that the strike also addresses the non-payment of palliative to House Officers since February, the failure to disburse the February Hazard Allowance despite prior assurances from the state government, and the ongoing shortage of staff due to resignations.
Matthew lamented the drastic decrease in resident doctors, citing a decrease from 150 doctors to a mere 26 in recent months.
In response to the situation, he urged management to prioritise the full payment of arrears owed to members, immediate payment of the February 2024 palliative to house officers, and prompt disbursement of the February hazard allowance.
The association further called for urgent measures to address the critical shortage of clinical manpower within the institution.
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