Health

ABCHEALTH, UNAIDS Sign Partnership MOU For Improved Healthcare Industry In Africa

Published

1 year ago

May 6, 2022

ABCHEALTH, UNAIDS Sign Partnership MOU For Improved Healthcare Industry In Africa

…“Africa’s healthcare systems demand significant investments to meet the needs of their growing populations – Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede

Olushola Okunlade Writes

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the African Business Coalition for Health (ABCHealth) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to partner on joint initiatives that will improve access to quality healthcare across Africa.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Erasmus Morah, UNAIDS Country Director, and Dr. Mories Atoki, ABCHealth Chief Executive Officer on Thursday, May 5, 2022, in Lagos Nigeria. It covers the areas of cooperation that capture UNAIDS’ strategic priorities as articulated in its Global AIDS Strategy 2021-2026 as well as ABCHealth’s strategic priority of leveraging partnerships to drive sustainable development in Africa’s health space.

Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of the African Business Coalition for Health and Founder and Chairman, Coronation Capital Limited, spoke about the partnership; “Africa’s healthcare systems demand significant investments to meet the needs of their growing populations, changing patterns of diseases, and the internationally agreed development goals. Governments alone cannot carry the burden; the continent’s private sector must play a role and for us to achieve significant impact, the actions must be cohesive. Our coalition of businesses will continue to foster strategic alliances like this to address the health challenges the continent currently faces.”

Speaking, Dr. Morah said; “I am delighted to sign this MoU between the UNAIDS Country Office for Nigeria and ABCHealth, to signify the growing partnership between our two organizations. We both share the common goal of playing a more enhanced role in Nigeria’s HIV and health sector response, accelerating equitable access to care, addressing institutional barriers to social justice, and mobilizing stakeholders in more fully resourcing for health. I eagerly look forward to using the opportunity of our new relationship to reduce inequalities that increase people’s vulnerability and put communities at the center of the response to HIV, including other health challenges such as COVID-19.”

Zouera Youssoufou, Chief Executive Officer of Aliko Dangote Foundation and Board Director of ABCHealth spoke about the potential benefits of the partnership between ABCHealth and UNAIDS. She said, “Since inception, we have been building the coalition into a powerful force that can make a real impact by translating words into action. Africa’s health and healthcare industry need to be reformed and developed and Africa’s private sector must play its part; COVID-19 revealed this much. However, leaving this responsibility to governments alone is not realistic –ABCHealth provides a platform that responsible corporates, businesses, philanthropists, and development institutions can trust to support their commitment to transforming the continent’s health space.”

Dr. Mories Atoki, the Chief Executive Officer for ABCHealth concluded saying; “Africa’s health sector is about to experience a significant shift due to the increasing interest that critical stakeholders in both the private and public sectors are showing to enhance health outcomes and improve livelihoods. We, therefore, urge businesses who truly believe in the health and wealth of Africa to join our Coalition so that we can achieve the desired impact.”

Related Topics:#ABCHEALTH #healthcare #UNAIDS

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Sanwo-Olu’s Medical Palliative Excites Lagos Pregnant Women

Published

1 month ago

August 15, 2023

Business Echo Magazine

Sanwo-Olu's Medical Palliative Excites Lagos Pregnant Women

By Gboyega Akosile

“My husband did not want me admitted initially because of the cost. But we were told the care is completely free. We didn’t believe it until I started getting treatment without anyone asking us to pay a dime,” were the words of a 37-year-old expectant mother, Omowunmi Odeyemi, to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State when he paid a surprise visit to Island Maternity Hospital, Lagos Island on Sunday.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who had earlier rolled out a health palliative, along with other relief measures such as 50% reduction in the cost of public transportation, to cushion the hardship being experienced by residents as a result of fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government, paid an unannounced visit to the hospital on Sunday night. The governor’s health palliative covers the cost of normal pregnancy delivery, Caesarean section and antenatal care in state-owned hospitals.

In Sanwo-Olu’s words during the surprise visit, “I need to see things for myself to know where our intervention is specifically and generally needed”.

The story of Odeyemi, which is that of one out of a thousand pregnant women in Lagos, is that of a lost hope renewed by Governor Sanwo-Olu. The lost hope of the pregnant woman and her husband was rekindled by the Governor’s timely intervention, her narration revealed.

Weeks ahead of Odeyemi’s scheduled delivery, the expectant mother was compelled to take admissions due to her unstable blood pressure — the condition that led to two previous miscarriages. However, footing the hospital bill became the stumbling block as the expectant mother and her husband could not afford to pay the bills for a prolonged admission at the hospital.

The fear and uncertainty of the couple were erased by the news that Governor Sanwo-Olu, under the health palliative scheme, had covered the medical expenses of all pregnant women using state-owned hospitals.

Resting their hopes on Governor Sanwo-Olu’s health palliative, Lagosians will never need to break the bank for normal pregnancy deliveries, Caesarean sections, and antenatal care.

A beneficiary of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s free antenatal and caesarean section at the Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital, Yemisi Agboola could not curtail her joy as he thanked the Governor for the palliative in the health sector, which made her enjoy free medical care at the hospital.

Agboola, the mother of a healthy set of twin babies said, “I did my antenatal here and I delivered through Caesarean section and I was informed that the Lagos State Government had settled my bills. I want to use this medium to appreciate the Lagos State Governor for this initiative and I pray that God bless him and God bless Lagos State.”

Another beneficiary, Motunrayo, said Governor Sanwo-Olu’s palliative took away the financial burden that would have been on her.

Her words, “I am a beneficiary of what the Lagos State Government has done. I had my baby through Caesarean section on Monday and I am so grateful and very joyous when I found out that it has already been paid for. I want to thank the government and the medical practitioners here; they were so helpful. It is soothing that the financial burden has been taken off by the government.”

Suliat Adeniji, who was all smiles and radiated the joy of motherhood, started her antenatal in March 2023 at Ayinke Hospital, Ikeja, but was transferred to Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital to continue her journey to motherhood.

Adeniji, who was visibly happy, while speaking on the good gesture of Governor Sanwo-Olu, expressed the shock she got when she was notified that her medical bills had been settled by the Lagos State Government.

Narrating her experience, she said, “A few weeks ago, I had an issue with my blood pressure – it was dwindling. So, I had to rush down there. There was a strike but they said they would attend to me because I was a booked patient there. They have started the treatment but it (keeps) going up and down so my Consultant said they had to deliver the baby for it not to affect both mother and child.

“I was brought to Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital. When we got here, we approached the Finance Department to pay for the services but they declined and started the necessary treatment. On behalf of my family, I thank the Lagos State Government, Governor Sanwo-Olu and the hospital management for the gesture. We really appreciate it.”

Akosile is the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Health

Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation Raise Awareness, Support For Parkinson’s Disease

Published

2 months ago

August 10, 2023

Business Echo Magazine

Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation Raise Awareness, Support For Parkinson's Disease.

#MOVE4PD AWARENESS WALK FOR PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Rashidat Olushola Okunlade

“#MOVE4PD”, an Awareness Walk for Parkinson’s Disease, was organized by the Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation on Saturday, 5^th August 2023.

Participants from diverse backgrounds braved the wet weather to raise awareness and support for those aﬀected by Parkinson’s Disease.

In spite of the rain, many people gathered from 8:00 am in sporty attire, displaying unwavering enthusiasm. The walk started at the Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Centre in Alaka Estate, Surulere; continuing through the Estate onto Western Avenue and ending at the Teslim Balogun Stadium also in Surulere. Participants demonstrated options of movement – walking, dancing, and boxing. We saw commitment to the cause in unique ways, the goal being to raise awareness, combat stigma, and improve access to healthcare for Parkinson’s patients in Nigeria.

Mrs. Morin Desalu, Chair of the Board of Trustees, celebrated people with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers, hailing the dedication and solidarity displayed during the event. John Akinola, Senior Programs Manager, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response by about three hundred people and the movement it has sparked.

After the Walk, all gathered on the Volleyball pitch of the Teslim Balogun Stadium to participate in a lively yet powerful learning session, when people with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers shared their real-life experiences. The Lagos State Sports Commission played host at The Teslim Balogun Stadium and various corporates, including FanMilk Plc, Pfizer, Reliance HMO, Lifeline Children’s Hospital contributed to the success of #MOVE4PD by sending teams of walkers. Not to be left out, there were NGOs like Bring Back Our Language (BBOL) and Parkinson’s Africa.

Left-Right: Mother to Omotola Thomas, Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease Warrior and Founder of Parkinson’s Africa, Mrs. Okupe; Chair, Board of Trustees, Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation (ADPF), Mrs. Morin Desalu; and Chair, Governing Board, ADPF, Mr. Offong Ambah, at the #MOVE4PD Awareness Walk for Parkinson’s Disease which held on Saturday, August 5, 2023.

Left-Right: Caregiver to a person living with Parkinson’s disease, Mrs. Agunbiade; A person living with Parkinson’s disease, Mrs. Deborah Ifeanyi; Chair, Board of Trustees, Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation, Mrs. Morin Desalu; CEO TreeWater Retreats Ltd, Mrs. Julia Jacks at the #MOVE4PD Awareness Walk for Parkinson’s Disease which held on Saturday, August 5, 2023.

Families who have nursed patients with Parkinson’s disease were kind enough to share their stories and, as bequeathals, there were teams representing these families. The Omotola Thomas Team was present to celebrate her continuous walk with Parkinson’s disease as a Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) warrior. The O.B. Lulu-Briggs Team celebrated the journey of Chief Olu Benson Lulu-Briggs (1930 – 2018), led by their matriarch, Lady Seinye Lulu-Briggs. The Mobolaji Johnson Team celebrated the journey of the foundation Governor of Lagos State, Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson (1936-2019). The Wuraola Ogunyemi Team celebrated the life of Dr. Mrs. Wuraola Ogunyemi (1928-2015); and finally, the Adewunmi Desalu Team celebrated the inspiration behind the Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation, Dr. Adewunmi Desalu (1943- 2019), especially in this year that would have been his 80^th birthday.

The Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation, a non-profit organization, provides care, support, and resources to those impacted by Parkinson’s disease by driving advocacy and increasing access to healthcare options for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. The fight against Parkinson’s disease in Nigeria is fresh but fosters hope and collective determination.

Health

Wema Bank Commemorate World Malaria Day 2023, Collaborates With Karis And Eleos Hope Foundation

Published

5 months ago

May 3, 2023

Business Echo Magazine

By Moninuola Sulaiman

The World Health Organization reports that the highest incidents of malaria outbreaks and deaths are recorded in Africa with over 234 million cases and more than 593,000 deaths in 2021 alone.

The report further states that nearly 80% of malaria deaths in the African Region in 2021 were among children under the age of 5. This has led to heightened awareness and advocacy for malaria prevention, treatment, and care across the continent.

In line with one of their core Corporate Social Investment pillars – Health, Wema Bank, a leading financial institution in Nigeria, partnered with Karis and Eleos Hope Foundation for the World Malaria Day 2023 commemoration.

The event took place on Tuesday, 25th April 2023, at Idi Araba Community, Oworoshoki with over 500 beneficiaries within the community impacted. The residents were enlightened on the importance of good personal and environmental hygiene for malaria prevention as well as appropriate treatment measures.

The Bank donated free insecticide-treated mosquito nets to the community with the provision of free medical check-up facilities and waste disposal bags by Karis & Eleos Hope Foundation and LAWMA respectively.

The residents were also engaged in a financial literacy session by representatives of the Bank for their economic empowerment, development, and growth.

Speaking about the event, Abimbola Agbejule, Head, Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility, Wema Bank reiterated the Bank’s commitment to providing meaningful solutions for societal impact through community-centered initiatives amongst others.

In her words, “We are delighted to partner with Karis and Eleos Hope Foundation to celebrate World Malaria Day 2023. It is an opportunity for us to create awareness about the importance of malaria prevention with the aim of reducing malaria cases and deaths in our communities. As a Bank, we are committed to promoting initiatives that enhance the well-being of Nigerians.”

The event was a great success; the Baale of the Idi Araba Community, Alakoso Oriyomi Akeem Bashir, and the residents expressed their appreciation to the Bank for the mosquito net donations and knowledge imparted at the event.