Connect with us

Uncategorized

Medical Experts Advocate for Universal Health Coverage and Effective Primary Health Care

Published

on

Kindly share this post

To strengthen health security and a decentralized health system in Nigeria with regards to epidemic preparedness, the Federal Government of Nigeria has been encouraged to not only pay keen attention to strengthening human resources for health security but also set data and accountability structure at the national and sub-national levels.

Leading the charge at a health security policy dialogue organized by the Nigeria Health Watch in Abuja recently, Peter Hawkins, country representative, UNICEF, spoke passionately about Nigeria’s response to COVID-19 and its preparedness for possible future epidemics.

He said: “We can affirm that Nigeria did a remarkable job to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for instance stretched and brought on its a-game despite the challenges in the sector. Also, many initiatives like the Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) were timely interventions by the Federal Government and private institutions.

He also added that “whilst we got several things right, much more could have been done. Knowing that the pandemic is not over, and we might be at the beginning of many other, there is a need to tighten efficiency within the sector. One of the key areas to focus on is sealing the big black hole in managing human resources as Nigeria is losing its key health personnel to other nations”.

The policy dialogue, themed “Decentralising Health Security, Lessons from COVID-19” featured two panel sessions joined by a plethora of leading voices in the health sector. It dissected issues around Nigeria’s current response structures to epidemics as well as the role of private sectors in strengthening the health security structures at the national and sub-national levels.

Speaking specifically about strengthening Nigeria’s health security and the sub-national level structure with regards to pandemic preparedness, Dr. Patrick Nguku, Country Director, AFENET, said “We cannot achieve health security across the national and subnational levels if we do not achieve a universal health coverage (UCH) and have a robust primary health care.

Also speaking on the same topic, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, Director General, NCDC advocated for multi-level collaboration amongst key stakeholders within the states and specific bodies.

He said, “part of our Key focus at NCDC is to give keen attention to sub-national support activities. We have seen how collaborations with key bodies like the Red cross have spurred improvements in the sector, especially at the local levels. We will continue to drive initiatives to ensure Nigerian health security is strengthened”

Addressing how public-private partnerships can be strengthened, Dr. Aliu Isreal, National Laboratory Manager, Clina-Lancet Laboratories said “We cannot over emphasis the role of public and private partnership.

“For players like us in the private sector, solving customers’ challenges sits at the heart of what we do. And as we continue to place priority on meeting the customers’ needs, we are propelled to improve our system or mode of operation. This by extension improves the health sector”.

The forum had in attendance many leading voices in the health sector including Dr. Ngozi Azodoh, Director Health Planning, Research and Statistics; Dr. Olaolu Aderinola, Head Response Division Department of Health Emergency, Preparedness; Dr. Ifeanyi Nsofor, Senior New Voices Fellow, Aspen Institute Washington DC; Dr. Patrick Nguku, Country Director, AFENET; Dr. Njide Ndili, Country Director, PharmAccess Foundation; Dr. Festus Soyinka, Director, Public Health Ogun State Ministry of Health; Dr. Alex Okoh; Director Public health, FMOH; Dr. Yahaya Disu, Director, Risk Communication NCDC; Niniola Williams, Managing Director, DRASA Health Trust; Dr. Anne Adah-Ogoh, Head of Policy, private and sector health alliance of Nigeria; Dr. Omokhudu Idogho, Managing Director, Society for Family Health; Dr. Emmanuel Agogo, Country Director, Resolve to Save Lives.

Over the years, Nigeria Health Watch led by Vivianne Ihekweazu has continued to champion policy dialogues that bring together stakeholders from the public sector, civil society, and the private sector to present issues that affect the public health of Nigerians, discuss potential solutions and opportunities for progress, and chart actionable recommendations for policy action.

 


Kindly share this post

Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

Uncategorized

Brands Jostle for CVA 2024 as Consumers Vote

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Ongoing voting for brands on the Consumers Value Awards portals, consumers expressed brand satisfaction with their votes.

Over 40 categories of brands are listed based on consumers’ nominations on the Consumers Value Awards portal for voting as Value-for-Money brands in the 2024 edition of the award.

Consumers cast votes for brands to express satisfaction among various brands.

Presenting the one-month result, Akonte Ekine, CEO of BrandXchange, said the initiative is transparent and objective. It’s the consumer position on brands as nomination and voting drive the platform.

According to him, in the Telecommunications category (MNOs), MTN leads with 51.1% of the votes recorded in the first month, Spectranet has 47.6% of the votes in the Internet Service Provider segment, and MTN has 69.2% votes for ISP under the MNOs.

In the ongoing 3rd edition voting, two new categories of sanitary pad and Ice Cream are experiencing consumers’ attention as Always Sanitary Pad leads the segment with 63.6%, Just Delight Ice Cream at 36.2% and Viva Detergent at 41.7%.

Other leaders on the voting platform of Consumers Value Awards based on consumer preferences in the first month under home appliances (Television, Refrigerator, Air conditioner and washing machine) are Samsung 40%, Haiier Termocool 40%, Lontor 40% and Haier Termocool 42.9% respectively.

Trophy leads Alcohol Beverage with 50% of the votes, and Pepsi takes 62.5% of ⁠Carbonated Drinks. It is a tie among consumers on the cooking oil and regular Toot paste as Kings Oil and Power Oil achieved the same vote of 50%, Colgate Toothpaste and Close Up Toothpaste also tied with 26.7% votes each in the categories while Dabur Toothpaste leads in the herbal toothpaste category with 55.6%.

Lafarge Cement leads with 62.5% in the Cement, Dangote Sugar has 55% of the votes in Sugar, Leadway Insurance has 57.1%, Eva leads the Table water category with 38.5%

Other leaders in various segments based on consumer votes on the Consumers Value awards platforms are Maltina 40%, Dettol 37.5%, Peak Milk 80%, Golden Penny Spaghetti 80%, Indomie Noodle 85.7%, Checkers 90%, GTB 66.7%, OPay 62.5%, Morning Fresh 62.5%, and Gala Sausage Roll 94.4%.

Also, knorr Cube 57.1%, Lipton Tea Bag 83.3%, Vaseline 71.4% and Golden Morn lead their sectors, Milo and Bournvita tied with 50% of the vote each as leaders alongside MTN and Cadbury tying with 40% votes under Consumer-Friendly brands.

Vitafoam 44.4%, Guinness Stout 83.3%, Mobil Engine oil 100% (International Engine Oil Brand), Oleum Oil 100% (Made in Nigeria Brand), Hypo and Harpic 50%, Fearless 33.3%, Abidec 80%, Reload Kids 60% Reload Adult 66.6%, and Bet 9ja 50%

The voting will close on 30th June 2024.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Sterling One Foundation Partners UNIDO, Others to Launch ESG Series

Published

on

Kindly share this post

The Sterling One Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable development and empowering professionals to drive social impact across Africa, has partnered with Price Waterhouse Coopers Nigeria, UNIDO-Investment Technology Promotion Office, Nigeria, Lagos Business School Sustainability Center, Sterling Bank, NGX Group, the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry to unveil  the first edition of its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Series.

The partnership aims to support professionals in understanding, implementing, and reporting sustainability progress, in alignment with global standards.

According to a signed statement by the Foundation, the ESG Series was birthed following a workshop held at the 2023 edition of the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) where it was discovered that there was a significant knowledge gap on the subject within the African development ecosystem as well as the private sector.

They commended all the excellent partners who have made the series possible noting that their commitment will strengthen professionals’ competencies in integrating ESG principles into organizational frameworks, and drive positive change while advancing the adoption of ESG principles and increased investment into the economy from local and global investors.

Over the years, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations have evolved from optional to essential for organizations, making the significance of incorporating ESG principles into business plans to enhance sustainability and corporate responsibility, for organizations an increased priority. Statistics indicate that ESG-focused institutional investments are projected to reach $33.9 trillion by 2026.

Through this series, the Foundation said it aims to demystify ESG concepts among the private, public, and development sectors in Nigeria and Africa while highlighting their tangible business benefits, to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary for successful ESG integration in their organizations.

The one-day virtual event gives insight through in-depth sessions featuring thought leaders from private sector impact makers, development partners, international non-governmental organizations, and government agencies.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Uche Ikejimba Secures Sixth Consecutive AMVCA Nomination With Best Unscripted M-Net Original Nod

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Uche Ikejimba, Award-winning producer, has secured her sixth consecutive Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award nod. The organizers made the nomination announcements on Sunday, March 24, 2024, across all Africa Magic channels. It saw Ikejimba clinch a nom in the ‘Best Unscripted M-Net Original’ category for What Will People Say.

In 2022, Ikejimba received two nominations for ‘Best Africa Magic Original Drama Series’ for Unmarried and Dilemma. She secured two other nominations in 2023 in ‘Best Unscripted Original’ for Come Play Naija and ‘Best Original Drama Series’ category for Unmarried.

Speaking about her latest nomination, Ikejimba said, “I’m very humbled and beyond grateful to be receiving my sixth consecutive AMVCA nomination. Anyone who knows me will acknowledge that I often put my blood, sweat and tears into the shows I produce. After Truth won its nomination in 2020, I’ve been holding on patiently for a second win and I hope this is the year. So, here’s my hearty congratulations to my fellow nominees and a huge thank you to the AMVCAs organisers for honoring me.”

Ikejimba is one of Africa’s most-sought after serial producers, and has earned herself the title, ‘Reality TV Series Savant’, with work on 100% Naija, Vodafone Icons, Naija Sings, Calabar Festival Diaries, Big Brother Reunion, Shoot Your Shot, What Will People Say, Come Play Naija, and the more recently airing Husband Material and Overall Best.

She came into the world of Television production as an associate producer on Moments with Mo, the first and only syndicated daily talk show in Africa at the time. However, she has also proven that her talents go beyond producing reality shows or unscripted serials, and she can run with the best in producing original drama series.

In 2016, she landed her first commissioned project with Africa Magic titled Hustle. The series about a young man’s first time in Lagos became an instant hit and ran for three seasons, with 360 episodes. She created, wrote and produced Blink’s original 26-episode drama series titled Truth. The show won an AMVCA for ‘Best TV Series’ in 2020. That same year, she produced and wrote the hit series, Unmarried. The show ran for four seasons and ended on a high.

Off the success of these drama series, she produced Africa Magic’s Dilemma, a 260-episode telenovela. She produced Shallow and the recent Africa Magic fanfavourite original, Manfriend. The show follows the women of the King family and their dysfunctional relationship with the men in their lives. She also produced Showmax’s first original law limited series, AGU in 2023. Her first feature length film, Phantom is a co-production and is also nominated for several awards such as the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF).

Uche Ikejimba has beaten many odds to become a producer and remained steadfast in her commitment to producing the best shows Africa has ever seen. As the continent prepares for the milestone 10th AMVCA, the Reality TV Series Savant and producer extraordinaire is content to celebrate her sixth consecutive nomination. Find out if she clinches her second AMVCA win when the awards air live across all Africa Magic channels on May 11, 2024.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending