Category: Medical

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has commended the Nigerian Police Force for arresting an alleged fake medical doctor, saying it would strengthen its fight against quackery in the medical profession. Dr Benjamin Olowojebutu, Chairman, NMA Lagos, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos. Olowojebutu noted that medical quackery was a dangerous practice that posed a threat to the wellbeing of citizens and delivery of quality healthcare in the state, and country. 'The arrest is a welcome development to the health sector; we would expose these quacks and ensure that Lagos does not suffer further morbidity and mortality from their nefarious activities. 'We are glad that our work on anti-quackery has started yielding progress as we are determined to weed out quacks from the medical profession,' he said. The chairman pledged that NMA Lagos, with support of the Ministry of Health, Health Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), and the Police, would eradicate quacks from the state. He said that the association would hold an Anti-Quackery Summit soon, after which it would present a white paper to the Lagos State Government on anti-quackery. Olowojebutu warned hospitals to refrain from employing staff whose certificates and licenses had not been verified by the MDCN toward safeguarding the health of the populace. NAN reports that the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, on May 7, announced its arrest of a 37-year-old medical practitioner, with suspected forged certificates at Skylink Medical Centre, Elepe-Ikorodu. The police said it arrested the suspect who claimed to be the Managing Director of the health facility based on intelligence gathered by the command through members of the Elepe community concerning the activities of the suspect. It said it recovered two suspected forged certificates of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State and Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) after conducting a search of the facility. It further revealed that the hospital complex had been sealed, pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Management of Asaba Specialist Hospital has conducted a comprehensive health screening programme for its staff to promote the well-being of the hospital's workforce. Dr Peace Ighosewe, the Chief Medical Director of Asaba Specialist Hospital, who spoke during the exercise in Asaba, said it was designed to ensure that all staff benefitted from the same services offered to patients. She said that the management prioritised the health and well-being of its staff as the screening was aimed at boosting their morale and productivity as well as commemorating this year's World Day for Safety and Health at Work. The screening included medical tests such as fasting lipid profile, electrocardiogram (ECG), eye screening, diabetes screening, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) Test and Breast Self-Examination demonstration. There was also a lecture series and a staff workout exercise unveiled on May 4, which will henceforth be held on a bimonthly basis. Ighosewe expressed gratitude to the Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori-led a dministration for prioritising the welfare of healthcare workers in Delta State and creating conducive environment for the hospital to flourish. She also extended her appreciation to the Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, for his support and approval of the project. Ighosewe advised other hospitals to emulate the gesture; showing love and care for their workers' health and well-being. She said it would encourage staff to work better and increase harmony among team members. Dr Ngozi Onwueme, a Consultant Cardiologist, commended the management for organising the exercise, stating that many staff members who benefitted were carrying out the tests for the first time. She said that new diagnoses were made and treatment had commenced for some staff members. Staff members who participated in the programme expressed their appreciation for the initiative, which showed that the hospital cared about their well-being. Ogala Priscilla, a staff member, laude the management for the initiative. 'I want to thank the management for this thoughtful screening exercise; we appreciate their efforts,' she said. Ngozi Ossai, a cleaner at the hospital, said she was delighted to be a beneficiary of the medical screening. 'I want to thank the management for including me in the screening; I am very grateful,' she said. On his part, Azubuike Aweni, thanked the management for looking after the well-being of staff members. 'I want to thank the hospital for this kind gesture, most especially the Medical Director, Dr Peace Ighosewe, for her thoughtfulness,'' he said. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The UN Women, UNAIDS and others have called on the newly inaugurated Board of Trustees (BOT) members of Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASWHAN) to mobilise resources and implement strategies to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. They made the call at a three-day inaugural BOT meeting and resource mobilisation training for management board members and staff on Monday in Abuja. Ms Patience Ekeoba, the National Programme Officer and Focal Person for HIV/AIDS, UN Women, said that the board members, who have experience on HIV/AIDS, should promote the activities of the association and ensure they became part of decision making in the HIV/AIDS response. She said 'we are hoping that the board will be able to drive resource mobilisation because it has been one of the challenges of the association over the years. 'The board tried a lot in trying to mobilise funds by writing proposals and others in the past. We believe members will be able to bring in their leadership and mobilise fund ing that they need not just for the national level, but at the state and community levels too.' Dr Leopold Zekeng, the UNAIDS Country Director, said the inauguration of the BOT would strengthen ASWHAN activities and address the challenges faced by women and girls living with HIV/AIDS. He said 'achieving gender equality, advancing women's empowerment and fulfilling the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls are crucial to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and in ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. 'Four decades of the HIV response heralded significant success, yet, much more is needed, particularly in terms of ensuring women and girls are not left behind.' He added that by addressing gender inequalities, patriarchy and discrimination, a society where women and girls are less vulnerable to HIV would be created. The country director reiterated UNAIDS's commitment to ensure that women and girls have their rights fulfilled and empowered to protect themselves against HIV with access to treatment, care and support. On his part, Dr Pat Matemilola, a board member and former Coordinator, Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), pledged the network's support to the association and to explore other areas like education, nutrition and others that would promote ASWHAN. He said 'the board of trustees will help to broaden views and make ASWHAN not to concentrate too much or narrow the field too much on HIV/AIDS. 'The fact that ASWHAN is under NEPWHAN has become a limiting factor, so once they are able to break free and launch into other areas that are not strictly HIV, they will make a lot of progress.' Mrs Esther Hindi-Maliki, the National Coordinator of ASWHAN, said with the inauguration of board members, there would be more engagements and advocacies with partners on various thematic areas, apart from HIV/AIDS. She said 'we will mobilise resources because you cannot work without financial and other resources. 'So, we will look for resources to do ou r interventions and implementations and hopefully the future of ASWHAN will be bright. 'And with this Board of Trustees and cooperation of the management will work to ensure that we implement and intensify sensitisation and advocacies with partners.' Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigeria Suicide Prevention Advocacy Group has called for a holistic approach to prevent and address the determinants of suicide in the country. Dr Oluwatosin Adekeye, Deputy Director, Clinical Psychology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, made the call at the 2nd Virtual Meeting of the Group on the topic: 'Determinants of Suicidality in Nigeria'. Adekeye called for the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders to addressing the determinants of suicide, saying that effective prevention and intervention of requires a multilayered approach. He said that the increasing rate of suicide and its corresponding devastating effects made it pertinent for stakeholders including governments, families, policy-makers and organisations to collectively look at the issue with a view to addressing it. According to him, suicide is a behaviour motivated by the desire to escape unbearable psychological pain. He identified psychological risk factors of suicide to include bulling, social rejection, quality o f life and lack of care, saying that sadness, anxiety and hopelessness were the key causative factors of suicide in Nigeria. Adekeye, who called for increased advocacy on suicide, provision of support through prevention and treatment, emphasised the need for decriminalisation of suicide to pave the way for effective suicide prevention and control in Nigeria. 'Effective prevention and intervention require a multilayered approach that encompasses community engagement, healthcare service enhancement and robust policy support. 'Hence, the need for social support system and education of the populace on the psychological determinants of suicide and how to cope with them,' he said. Speaking, a Consultant Psychiatrist, Prof. Jibril Abdulmalik, identified gender as a biological risk factor for suicide, saying there was a strong genetic history in connection to suicide. Abdulmalik, an Associate Professor of Psychiatry, UCH Ibadan, said that men were at higher risk of suicide than women. According to him, men tend to commit suicide four times more than women. Alhaji Abubakar Bichi, a Social Worker at the Federal Medical Centre, Kano, said that poverty and unemployment had become the major economic factors affecting suicidality in Nigeria. Bichi, also the National President, Association of Medical Social Workers of Nigerian (AMSWON), said the burden of economic pressures such as debt, inability to meet daily needs and uncertainty about future could lead to increased level of stress and anxiety, leading to suicide. He decried that mental health services were barely available in the rural communities, as the country only have six Federal Psychiatric hospitals basically located at the urban cities. 'Mental Health, though, might be a long term health condition, is treatable that an individual with the condition can live a normal life. 'Unfortunately, in many Nigeria communities, mental health issues are often stigmatised and perceived as sign of weakness. 'The social and economic determinants are the major causative f actors of mental health conditions and suicide in Nigeria, hence the need to address them. 'The Government should implement mental health policies and laws and provide the enabling environment for the citizens to be meaningfully engaged. 'Let there be more job opportunities so that people will gainfully be employed and the basic amenities be made available,' Bichi said. Prof. Ibrahim Wakawa, Medical Director, Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital Maiduguri, said there was need for a public pronouncement by the Federal Ministry of Health that suicide has became a public health pandemic. According to him, there is need for proper control and monitoring of the means of access to suicide like snipper, by the relevant authorities. He noted that poverty alleviation needed to be really considered a priority if significant achievement would be made in prevention of suicide in Nigeria. Earlier, Prof. Taiwo Sheikh, the Group Coordinator, said that mental health, including determinants of suicide, affect millions of people across Africa, adding that stigma and cultural misconceptions often compound these issues. In his welcome speech, Sheikh, also a consultant psychiatrist, said that insufficient public spending on mental health and suicide prevention was a major barrier to providing assistance to those in need. According to him, effective suicide prevention can only take place through a whole-of-society approach that involves the government, civil society organisations and community leaders. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Emeka Ahanonu and Ugo Alilionwu are from the same family. Following frequent hospital admissions in early childhood, they were later diagnosed with sickle cell disease. Their family, living in a village in the eastern part of Nigeria, did as much as they could to manage their condition. With time, cost of medication and care became burdensome for the poor family, coupled with the rising cost of living. Meeting up with medications, hospital appointments, adequate nutrition and observing other conditions necessary to manage the condition became tougher. Sadly, Ahanonu and Alilionwu passed on within an interval of about four years, at the ages of 11 and 14, respectively. In a related development, Chisom Chukwuneke, 17, who was the best candidate in the 2019 West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination in her school, died after a battle with blood cancer. At her demise, her father, Mr Felix Chukwuneke, wrote, 'As restless and worried as I can be, I promised to do everything humanly possible. We wen t to South Africa. We were happy at your initial recovery, not knowing the war was just to begin.' Young Chukwuneke died in 2020. Again, Onome Eka's family got to know she had Type 1 Diabetes when was 12 years old. Keeping up with her treatment with insulin was an ordeal. It was expensive. Payment was out of the pocket. Getting needed treatment as and when due was difficult. Thus, Eka passed away some months later. However, Akida Abdul, 10, and Emmanuel Anga,15, of Kondoa District in Tanzania have been able to live with SCD and Type 1 Diabetes respectively, having access to a PEN-Plus clinic in their community. In spite of their families' lack of funds for their treatments, the clinic has been able to bridge the gaps in financing, accessibility and other issues that could have limited them from having access to care. The World Health Organization (WHO) approach to addressing severe Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) through an integrated outpatient service at first-level hospitals is called integrated PEN -Plus (package of essential interventions for severe NCDs). It aims to mitigate the burden of severe NCDs among the poorest children and young adults by increasing accessibility particularly in low and middle-income countries. On Aug. 23, 2022, the 47 member-states of the WHO/Afro region voted to adopt PEN-Plus strategy to address severe NCDs at first-level referral facilities. According to WHO, NCDs such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, are increasingly becoming the main cause of mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. NCDs, also known as chronic diseases, are non-transmissible diseases of often long duration. Examples of NCDs include mental health conditions, stroke, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, sickle cell disorder, and chronic lung disease. They are driven largely by behaviours that usually start during childhood and adolescence. Such behaviours include physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, tobacco use and harmful use of alcohol. However, sometimes, they are genetic or congenital. The d iseases are accountable for 37 per cent of deaths in 2019, rising from 24 per cent in 2000 largely due to weaknesses in the implementation of critical control measures including prevention, diagnosis and care. In Africa, between 50 per cent and 88 per cent of deaths in seven countries, mostly small island nations, are due to non-communicable diseases, according to the 2022 World Health WHO NCDs Progress Monitor. Globally, it is estimated that one in two disability-affected lives and one in five deaths among adolescents are caused by NCDs. In the Africa, the number of people living with diabetes, for example, is expected to reach 47 million by 2045, up from 19 million in 2019. 'The growing burden of NCDs poses a grave threat to the health and lives of millions of people in Africa: over a third of deaths in the region are due to these illnesses. 'What is particularly concerning is that premature deaths from non-communicable diseases are rising among people younger than 70 years,' said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Moeti, who joined the International Conference on PEN-Plus in Africa (ICPPA2024) virtually, said it was time to prioritise person-centred approach to NCDs. The four-day conference, from April 23 to April 25, 2024, had the theme, 'Prioritising Person-Centered Approach to Chronic and Severe NCDs - Type 1 Diabetes, Sickle Cell Diseases, and Childhood Heart Diseases.' It was hosted by the Tanzania Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization African Region (WHO-Afro), in partnership with the HELMSLEY Charitable Trust and NCDI Poverty Network. The meeting centred around inequitable access to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care, seeking commitment to advocate increased focus on chronic and severe non-communicable diseases within existing healthcare delivery systems. Moeti said: 'The surge in the number of NCDs on our continent over the past two decades is driven by increasing incidences of risk factors, such as u nhealthy diets, reduced mental activity, obesity, and air pollution.' She urged African governments to step up efforts and embrace the PEN-Plus initiative to ensure that targets would be met. 'Severe NCDs such as Type 1 Diabetes, rheumatic heart disease and sickle cell disease, more frequently affect children and young adults, the majority of Africa's population. 'Africa must invest more now in addressing NCDs with adequate and sustained resources. 'We are continuing to invest in reducing the high burden of premature mortality from chronic and severe disease within the context of Universal Health Coverage. 'Despite our member-states' efforts, we have a huge challenge in NCDS in Africa,' she said. According to the official, data from low-income countries shows that 26 per cent of total health spending is due to NCDs, second only to infectious and parasitic diseases. 'This means it is urgent to give these often-neglected diseases the priority and attention they deserve.'' She said that the rapid evoluti on with a higher mortality rate had not been adequately recognised because of inadequate investment and lack of diligence in knowing the diseases. Also, Elke Wisch, UNICEF Representative in Tanzania, who represented the UN Resident Coordinator in Tanzania, noted that children had become at great risk of NCDs. 'Beyond the general picture of NCDs, we also have severe conditions that pose acute stages in individuals affected by these conditions. 'Diseases such as sickle cell anemia, rheumatic heart diseases and Type 1 Diabetes do not only affect adults but also impact children and adolescents in significant numbers here, in Tanzania, and other countries in Africa.'' Wisch said that the diseases, if not priority attention, would remain a cause of mortality in children and adolescents. 'The United Nations system is consciously aware of the profound impact that NCDs have on individuals, families and entire societies and nations. 'These diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer diabetes and chronic r espiratory diseases, pose significant challenges to our healthcare systems and the well-being of our countries.' Recognising the gravity of the consequences of not addressing NCDs, especially for children and adolescents, Mr James Reid of Helmsley Charitable Trust, suggested ways to address the situation. He advised that all efforts and investments in addressing NCDs should be focused on integrating NCD care seamlessly into existing health systems. 'The key to achieving UHC lies in expanding primary healthcare, especially in low-resource and humanitarian settings. 'Collaborative, cross-sector strategies, innovative investments and a focus on integrating NCD care into existing health systems are all keys to achieving health for all,'' he said. He said that successful models such as PEN-Plus had demonstrated the effectiveness of empowering nurses and mid-level providers to integrate NCD care into the ongoing continuum of primary healthcare. Through the PEN-Plus initiative, governments in the African regio n are working on strengthening preventive measures, promoting healthy lifestyles and ensuring access to quality healthcare services at the primary healthcare levels where many people seek healthcare services. Also, SDG 3.4 calls for all member-states to reduce premature deaths from NCDs by one-third in 2030 through prevention, treatment and promoting mental health and well-being. However, a number of low- and middle-income countries are not on track to actualising SDG target 3.4 to reduce NCD mortality. From the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the same indices resonate, with NCDs and other conditions rising and threatening the continent's vision of achieving and building an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa driven by its own citizens. However, as highlighted in the AU Agenda 2063, addressing the menace will also involve addressing these conditions with a multi-faceted approach. Dr Mohammed Abdulaziz, Head, Division of Disease Control and Prevention, Africa CDC, af firmed that a multi-faceted and integrated approach to solving some of the major health system obstacles in the delivery of NCDs Treatment and Prevention and Control Plan, was needed. 'Our approach must prioritise the individual and families impacted by NCDs. 'We must ensure equitable access to essential medicines and services for everyone for everyone.'' According to him, as agreed by the AU heads of state, there is need to set up a pool procurement mechanism to strengthen and see if this will help in getting essential medication and access to health products for these high-burden diseases. Also, he stressed the need for the integration of data which should be collected nationally, through surveillance. Achieving these goals, he said, also required bridging the funding gap for Africa for the NCDs programmes across the continent. 'We have no choice but to also push for domestic finance. We know that very few of our countries are reaching the 15 per cent mark budget for health, the Abuja declaration. 'I f we can show to all what we are doing, that our government should, in putting more funding into health, put more in the area of NCDs, it will be good to help us reach that target''. In conclusion, the path ahead toward addressing NCDS requires collaboration, communication, innovation and a human-centred approach. There is need for increased investment toward prevention, research and care for childhood NCDs, with access to equitable care and support given priority attention, leaving no one behind. These can be achieved when governments and leaderships are committed to stepping up efforts and embracing initiatives such as the PEN-Plus initiative, to ensure that targets are met. In so doing, aside adults, African children and adolescents can hope for a brighter future without the scare of living with or sliding into eternity with NCDS, when it could have been prevented or optimally-managed. At present, 20 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are at various stages of initiating, implementing or scaling up PEN-Pl us. It is estimated that no fewer than 10,000 people are receiving treatment for severe NCDs in PEN-Plus Clinics across 11 Sub-Saharan countries. By 2030, the WHO's goal is for 70 per cent of African region member-tates to have national plans for integrated care, NCD training for health workers, and essential medicines in district hospitals. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Emeka Ahanonu and Ugo Alilionwu are from the same family. Following frequent hospital admissions in early childhood, they were later diagnosed with sickle cell disease. Their family, living in a village in the eastern part of Nigeria, did as much as they could to manage their condition. With time, cost of medication and care became burdensome for the poor family, coupled with the rising cost of living. Meeting up with medications, hospital appointments, adequate nutrition and observing other conditions necessary to manage the condition became tougher. Sadly, Ahanonu and Alilionwu passed on within an interval of about four years, at the ages of 11 and 14, respectively. In a related development, Chisom Chukwuneke, 17, who was the best candidate in the 2019 West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination in her school, died after a battle with blood cancer. At her demise, her father, Mr Felix Chukwuneke, wrote, 'As restless and worried as I can be, I promised to do everything humanly possible. We wen t to South Africa. We were happy at your initial recovery, not knowing the war was just to begin.' Young Chukwuneke died in 2020. Again, Onome Eka's family got to know she had Type 1 Diabetes when was 12 years old. Keeping up with her treatment with insulin was an ordeal. It was expensive. Payment was out of the pocket. Getting needed treatment as and when due was difficult. Thus, Eka passed away some months later. However, Akida Abdul, 10, and Emmanuel Anga,15, of Kondoa District in Tanzania have been able to live with SCD and Type 1 Diabetes respectively, having access to a PEN-Plus clinic in their community. In spite of their families' lack of funds for their treatments, the clinic has been able to bridge the gaps in financing, accessibility and other issues that could have limited them from having access to care. The World Health Organization (WHO) approach to addressing severe Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) through an integrated outpatient service at first-level hospitals is called integrated PEN -Plus (package of essential interventions for severe NCDs). It aims to mitigate the burden of severe NCDs among the poorest children and young adults by increasing accessibility particularly in low and middle-income countries. On Aug. 23, 2022, the 47 member-states of the WHO/Afro region voted to adopt PEN-Plus strategy to address severe NCDs at first-level referral facilities. According to WHO, NCDs such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, are increasingly becoming the main cause of mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. NCDs, also known as chronic diseases, are non-transmissible diseases of often long duration. Examples of NCDs include mental health conditions, stroke, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, sickle cell disorder, and chronic lung disease. They are driven largely by behaviours that usually start during childhood and adolescence. Such behaviours include physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, tobacco use and harmful use of alcohol. However, sometimes, they are genetic or congenital. The d iseases are accountable for 37 per cent of deaths in 2019, rising from 24 per cent in 2000 largely due to weaknesses in the implementation of critical control measures including prevention, diagnosis and care. In Africa, between 50 per cent and 88 per cent of deaths in seven countries, mostly small island nations, are due to non-communicable diseases, according to the 2022 World Health WHO NCDs Progress Monitor. Globally, it is estimated that one in two disability-affected lives and one in five deaths among adolescents are caused by NCDs. In the Africa, the number of people living with diabetes, for example, is expected to reach 47 million by 2045, up from 19 million in 2019. 'The growing burden of NCDs poses a grave threat to the health and lives of millions of people in Africa: over a third of deaths in the region are due to these illnesses. 'What is particularly concerning is that premature deaths from non-communicable diseases are rising among people younger than 70 years,' said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Moeti, who joined the International Conference on PEN-Plus in Africa (ICPPA2024) virtually, said it was time to prioritise person-centred approach to NCDs. The four-day conference, from April 23 to April 25, 2024, had the theme, 'Prioritising Person-Centered Approach to Chronic and Severe NCDs - Type 1 Diabetes, Sickle Cell Diseases, and Childhood Heart Diseases.' It was hosted by the Tanzania Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization African Region (WHO-Afro), in partnership with the HELMSLEY Charitable Trust and NCDI Poverty Network. The meeting centred around inequitable access to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care, seeking commitment to advocate increased focus on chronic and severe non-communicable diseases within existing healthcare delivery systems. Moeti said: 'The surge in the number of NCDs on our continent over the past two decades is driven by increasing incidences of risk factors, such as u nhealthy diets, reduced mental activity, obesity, and air pollution.' She urged African governments to step up efforts and embrace the PEN-Plus initiative to ensure that targets would be met. 'Severe NCDs such as Type 1 Diabetes, rheumatic heart disease and sickle cell disease, more frequently affect children and young adults, the majority of Africa's population. 'Africa must invest more now in addressing NCDs with adequate and sustained resources. 'We are continuing to invest in reducing the high burden of premature mortality from chronic and severe disease within the context of Universal Health Coverage. 'Despite our member-states' efforts, we have a huge challenge in NCDS in Africa,' she said. According to the official, data from low-income countries shows that 26 per cent of total health spending is due to NCDs, second only to infectious and parasitic diseases. 'This means it is urgent to give these often-neglected diseases the priority and attention they deserve.'' She said that the rapid evoluti on with a higher mortality rate had not been adequately recognised because of inadequate investment and lack of diligence in knowing the diseases. Also, Elke Wisch, UNICEF Representative in Tanzania, who represented the UN Resident Coordinator in Tanzania, noted that children had become at great risk of NCDs. 'Beyond the general picture of NCDs, we also have severe conditions that pose acute stages in individuals affected by these conditions. 'Diseases such as sickle cell anemia, rheumatic heart diseases and Type 1 Diabetes do not only affect adults but also impact children and adolescents in significant numbers here, in Tanzania, and other countries in Africa.'' Wisch said that the diseases, if not priority attention, would remain a cause of mortality in children and adolescents. 'The United Nations system is consciously aware of the profound impact that NCDs have on individuals, families and entire societies and nations. 'These diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer diabetes and chronic r espiratory diseases, pose significant challenges to our healthcare systems and the well-being of our countries.' Recognising the gravity of the consequences of not addressing NCDs, especially for children and adolescents, Mr James Reid of Helmsley Charitable Trust, suggested ways to address the situation. He advised that all efforts and investments in addressing NCDs should be focused on integrating NCD care seamlessly into existing health systems. 'The key to achieving UHC lies in expanding primary healthcare, especially in low-resource and humanitarian settings. 'Collaborative, cross-sector strategies, innovative investments and a focus on integrating NCD care into existing health systems are all keys to achieving health for all,'' he said. He said that successful models such as PEN-Plus had demonstrated the effectiveness of empowering nurses and mid-level providers to integrate NCD care into the ongoing continuum of primary healthcare. Through the PEN-Plus initiative, governments in the African regio n are working on strengthening preventive measures, promoting healthy lifestyles and ensuring access to quality healthcare services at the primary healthcare levels where many people seek healthcare services. Also, SDG 3.4 calls for all member-states to reduce premature deaths from NCDs by one-third in 2030 through prevention, treatment and promoting mental health and well-being. However, a number of low- and middle-income countries are not on track to actualising SDG target 3.4 to reduce NCD mortality. From the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the same indices resonate, with NCDs and other conditions rising and threatening the continent's vision of achieving and building an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa driven by its own citizens. However, as highlighted in the AU Agenda 2063, addressing the menace will also involve addressing these conditions with a multi-faceted approach. Dr Mohammed Abdulaziz, Head, Division of Disease Control and Prevention, Africa CDC, af firmed that a multi-faceted and integrated approach to solving some of the major health system obstacles in the delivery of NCDs Treatment and Prevention and Control Plan, was needed. 'Our approach must prioritise the individual and families impacted by NCDs. 'We must ensure equitable access to essential medicines and services for everyone for everyone.'' According to him, as agreed by the AU heads of state, there is need to set up a pool procurement mechanism to strengthen and see if this will help in getting essential medication and access to health products for these high-burden diseases. Also, he stressed the need for the integration of data which should be collected nationally, through surveillance. Achieving these goals, he said, also required bridging the funding gap for Africa for the NCDs programmes across the continent. 'We have no choice but to also push for domestic finance. We know that very few of our countries are reaching the 15 per cent mark budget for health, the Abuja declaration. 'I f we can show to all what we are doing, that our government should, in putting more funding into health, put more in the area of NCDs, it will be good to help us reach that target''. In conclusion, the path ahead toward addressing NCDS requires collaboration, communication, innovation and a human-centred approach. There is need for increased investment toward prevention, research and care for childhood NCDs, with access to equitable care and support given priority attention, leaving no one behind. These can be achieved when governments and leaderships are committed to stepping up efforts and embracing initiatives such as the PEN-Plus initiative, to ensure that targets are met. In so doing, aside adults, African children and adolescents can hope for a brighter future without the scare of living with or sliding into eternity with NCDS, when it could have been prevented or optimally-managed. At present, 20 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are at various stages of initiating, implementing or scaling up PEN-Pl us. It is estimated that no fewer than 10,000 people are receiving treatment for severe NCDs in PEN-Plus Clinics across 11 Sub-Saharan countries. By 2030, the WHO's goal is for 70 per cent of African region member-tates to have national plans for integrated care, NCD training for health workers, and essential medicines in district hospitals. Source: News Agency of Nigeria