Health

ASR Africa Partners USAID With $500,000 ASR Africa Donation To Curb Tuberculosis And HIV In Nigeria

Published

5 months ago

October 20, 2022

ASR Africa Partners USAID With $500,000 ASR Africa Donation To Curb Tuberculosis And HIV In Nigeria

…to provide TB LAMPS, renovate 10 existing diagnostic centres, purchase laboratory reagents, and dignity kits under partnership

Olushola Okunlade Writes

The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) – the brainchild of Industrialist, philanthropist, and founder of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has partnered with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) with a donation of USD$500,000 as part of efforts to curb tuberculosis (TB) and HIV in Nigeria.

This donation will be drawn from the Annual ASR Africa Fund for Social Development and Renewal.

Presenting the donation award letter at a ceremony in Abuja, Ubon Udoh, Managing Director of ASR Africa, reiterated that ASR Africa is committed to the development of Nigeria’s healthcare sector stating that the end-to-end diagnosis to treatment partnership with USAID will provide additional capacity and expand ongoing efforts aimed at tackling tuberculosis and HIV across Nigeria. This will include the provision of 11 loop-mediated isothermal amplification diagnostic machines, also known as TB-LAMPs, laboratory reagents, and consumables, as well as 1,200 dignity kits for survivors of gender-based violence across selected states in Nigeria. In addition, about 10 Tuberculosis Directly Observed Therapy (DOT centers) will be renovated across the country. These TB-LAMP diagnostic machines will enable 11 facilities to effectively diagnose TB, which continues to be a challenge in under-resourced health facilities across Nigeria from where those diagnosed will be placed on treatment at the TB DOT centers to be renovated by ASR Africa.

In 2019, the Southern Swamp Associated Gas Solutions project was commissioned, and the SPDC JV is planning to reduce associated gas flaring further through its Forcados Yokri gas-gathering project, of which large parts are set to be completed in 2022. Despite such efforts to reduce continuous flaring, unfortunately flaring intensity (the amount of gas flared for every tonne of oil and gas produced) at both SPDC- and SNEPCo-operated facilities increased in 2021 owing to short-term operational issues. Flaring from SPDC-operated facilities increased by around 5% in 2021 compared with 2020. The increase was primarily because of the extended outage of the gas compression system in SPDC’s shallow-water operations. The system was restored and became operational from January 2022. Flaring at SNEPCo-operated facilities rose by around 160% in 2021 compared with 2020. This was mainly because of an increase in flaring on the Bonga floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel. Repairs to a flex-joint on the Bonga FPSO’s gas export riser in the second quarter took longer than expected, in part because of weather conditions. While repairs were under way, the FPSO continued to produce oil and therefore flaring was necessary for safety reasons. The repairs were safely concluded in July 2021. Although flaring intensity levels rose in 2021, SPDC and SNEPCo over the last 10 years have almost halved the combined amount of hydrocarbons they flare from 1.5 million tonnes in 2012 to 0.8 million tonnes in 2021. This reduction is the result of a strict flaring reduction management process and both SPDC and SNEPCo will continue to work in close collaboration with joint-venture partners and the government to make progress towards ending routine flaring of associated gas. NIGERIA LNG EXPANSION UNDERWAY Global demand for LNG continues to grow as the world increasingly seeks reliable supplies of lowercarbon energy. Shell’s investment in Nigeria’s gas infrastructure for export is expected to help 6 This is according to a data provided by global research and consultancy business Wood Mackenzie. the country benefit further from revenues. Shell Gas B.V. and its partners took a final investment decision in 2020 on a new LNG processing unit – known as Train 7 -- at NLNG. The expansion is expected to create around 12,000 jobs for Nigerians during construction and stimulate growth of the local oil and gas service sector, with 55% of engineering and procurement of goods and services being sourced in-country. Train 7 is expected to ensure Nigeria’s continued place as a global player in a lower-carbon energy source. Once operational, Train 7 will add around 8 million tonnes per annum of capacity to the Bonny Island LNG facility, taking the total production to around 30 million tonnes per annum. In 2021, NLNG began awarding procurement and construction contracts. Early works started at the site. The first phase of the worker village is expected to be ready for occupancy in 2022 and the new material offloading facility ready for use by the end of 2022. NLNG’s Train 7 is expected to come onstream in the middle of the 2020s. KEY LICENCE RENEWED FOR DEEP-WATER SNEPCo has interests in four deep-water blocks in the Gulf of Guinea, two of which it operates. Today, nearly one-third of Nigeria’s deep-water oil and gas production comes from the Bonga and the nonoperated Erha fields.6 Since production began in 2005, Bonga alone has produced more than 950 million barrels of oil with the 2021 average oil production per day at 105,000 barrels. The Bonga FPSO vessel has a total production capacity of 225,000 barrels of oil per day and 150 standard cubic feet of gas export per day. In 2021, the availability of the FPSO vessel increased to 80% from 70% in 2020. In addition to Bonga, SNEPCo’s exploration activities have led to several significant discoveries of oil and gas over the last two decades, including the Bolia and Doro fields (Shell interest 55%). Nigeria Briefing Notes Helping to power Nigeria’s economy 13 In the right investment climate, SNEPCo believes that there are opportunities to expand. In 2021 the OML 118 (Bonga) production sharing contract was renewed and the lease extended for 20 years. Bonga North and Bonga South West Aparo (BSWA) oil fields are two such potential opportunities. Bonga North is a proposed tie-back project to the existing Bonga FPSO with Phase 1 comprising 14 wells. BSWA is a development of a new FPSO with Phase 1 comprising 23 wells. SUPPORTING RENEWABLE ENERGY STARTUPS Millions of Nigerians are excluded from the country’s power grid and Shell Companies in Nigeria have established and provided substantial funding for a not-for-profit, impact-investing company called All On. Operating as an independent company, All On works to bring reliable electricity – often from renewable energy sources -- to off-grid urban and rural customers. This support aims to build a solid pipeline of viable businesses that can create the scale required to address Nigeria’s access to energy gap. In December 2019, SPDC and SNEPCo made a significant additional 10-year financing commitment of $160 million in All On, bringing the total commitment to $200 million. By the end of 2021, All On had provided investment capital to over 40 renewable energy start-ups in its portfolio – an increase of more than 30% from 2020. One such company is Infibranches Technologies Limited, to which All On has committed $2 million, which is expected to enable the indigenous technology company to expand sales of solar home systems via its more than 13,000 agent banking partners across Nigeria. With the support of the Rockefeller Foundation, the All On Hub was established in 2020 to provide nonfinancial support and build the capabilities of off-grid energy entrepreneurs. In 2021, the hub supported 81 ventures – nearly double the 41 supported in 2020. Also in 2021, All On, Odyssey Energy Solutions and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet launched a $10 million equipment financing facility as part of the DART pilot programme in Nigeria. 7 Hydraulic flying leads support the delivery of hydraulic fluid and/or chemicals between subsea equipment. 8 Subsea trees are an assembly of valves and other components used to monitor and control the production of a subsea well. DART will combine demand pooling, aggregated purchasing of solar equipment, and access to affordable finance to unlock economies of scale for solar companies, achieve cost savings for end-users, and accelerate the growth of the renewable energy sector in Nigeria and beyond. DEVELOPING LOCAL CONTENT AND SKILLS Shell Companies in Nigeria contribute to the growth of Nigerian businesses that can provide technical and support services to the industry. This includes the manufacture of tools and technical kits, the operation of helicopter flights in the Niger Delta, and strategic partnerships between foreign and local companies to stimulate technology transfer and capacity development. While there are government-required programmes in some areas, such as the Nigerian and Community Content Strategy embedded in the Assa North/Ohaji South gas development project, Shell Companies in Nigeria deliberately seek to contract local businesses wherever possible. In 2021, Shell Companies in Nigeria awarded $800 million worth of contracts to Nigerian-registered companies. Of these, 92% were companies with at least 51% Nigerian ownership. SNEPCo has awarded major engineering and construction contracts to companies that are indigenous, have local staff, or possess domestic capabilities in the country. At present, the manufacture and rebuild of hydraulic flying leads7 (HFLs) is being carried out in-country by wholly indigenous companies. Pressure Controls Systems Nigeria Limited, another Nigerian company, continues to refurbish old subsea trees.8 Sometimes, a lack of access to capital hinders Nigerian companies from competing for and executing contracts effectively. Shell Companies in Nigeria have provided access to nearly $1.6 billion in loans to 901 Nigerian vendors under the Shell Contractor Support Fund since 2012. These loans help improve their tendering opportunities.

Speaking on the partnership, Abdul Samad Rabiu, founder of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative for Africa (ASR Africa) said “We are pleased to partner with USAID on tuberculosis and HIV control in Nigeria. ASR Africa will continue to invest its resources toward tackling pressing developmental issues in health, education, and social development across Africa in line with its mandate. ASR Africa’s contribution of dignity kits will also strengthen services for survivors of gender-based violence, including medical and psycho-social services at Sexual Assault Rescue Centers, also known as SARCs, that are supported through USAID’s President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program”.

On her part, Anne Patterson, the Mission Director, USAID Nigeria represented by Rachel Goldstein – USAID Office Director for HIV & Tuberculosis, thanked Abdul Samad Rabiu, Executive Chairman of BUA Group and Founder of ASR Africa for invigorating the fight against Tuberculosis and HIV in the country adding that the partnership with ASR Africa Initiative will provide critical support to reducing the burden of the disease and ensure a better quality of life for those affected.

USAID has partnered with the government of Nigeria on the tuberculosis response since 2000, and the HIV response since 2003. This has contributed to a reduction in tuberculosis-related deaths, by nearly 50 percent. Through PEPFAR, USAID is providing comprehensive life–saving HIV treatment services for over 663,000 people and procuring and delivering medicines for over 1.9 million Nigerians on antiretroviral treatment.

Know More About ASR Africa: The brainchild of African Industrialist, Philanthropist, and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) was established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting health, Education and Social Development within Africa.

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Related Topics:#abdulsamadrabiu #AbdulSamadRabiuCON #ASR #asrafrica #health #healthcare #HIV #tuberculosis #USAID

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Health

Rose of Sharon Foundation Hosts Free Bi-Annual Healthcare Program For Widows, Their Children, And Orphans

Published

1 month ago

February 15, 2023

Business Echo Magazine

Rose of Sharon Foundation Hosts Free Bi-Annual Healthcare Program For Widows, Their Children, And Orphans

…”Access to quality healthcare should be a basic human right,” – Alakija

Olushola Okunlade Writes

The Rose of Sharon Foundation (ROSF), in partnership with CHECK Medicals, a healthcare organization with skilled medical personnel and facilities, recently held its bi-annual healthcare program for widows, their children, and orphans.

The program which was designed to provide sustainable physical, mental, and emotional health care catered to the overall well-being of over 300 beneficiaries and contributed to their improved health standards and quality of life.

The services offered during the program were General Consultation/Treatment, Eye care with the Provision of Eyeglasses, Dental Care, Laboratory tests (Blood and Urine), Physiotherapy Services, Medications Dispensary, Screening for Surgeries, Cancer Screening, and Trauma Management.

“Access to quality healthcare should be a basic human right,” said Apostle Folorunso Alakija, Nigerian businesswoman and founder of the Rose of Sharon Foundation. “In keeping with God’s divine mandate to cater to widows, the foundation remains committed to making a difference in the lives of widows, their children, and orphans by providing them with essential healthcare services.”

Dr. Bowei, the Country Manager for the Foundation, added: “Like most of our initiatives, we recognize that a program on healthcare is vital for curbing the health challenges and trauma experienced by widows, their children, and orphans as a result of the cultural mistreatment faced by this marginalized group in Nigeria. That is why the Foundation is offering a comprehensive healthcare service within the first quarter of the year to ensure that our beneficiaries receive the care and support they need for a healthy and fulfilling life.

As usual, we encourage well-meaning Nigerians to continue to partner with us to provide other services, as we work together to create a brighter future for widows, their children, and orphans.”

Know More About Rose of Sharon Foundation: The Rose of Sharon Foundation (ROSF) is a registered non-profit, faith-based, non-governmental organization focused on alleviating the plight of widows, their children, and orphans, through programs that guarantee financial independence and educational opportunities, and assure greater self-esteem and ease of socioeconomic integration.

Since its inception, the RoSF has directly impacted the lives of over 4,262 widows through vocational training, interest-free loans, residential/business accommodation, access to medical care, and educational scholarships to over 1,971 widows’ children and 322 orphans. This makes it one of the few NGOs in the country to provide widows with this level of assistance.

Widows & Orphans Healthcare Program: The widows and orphans healthcare program is a structured bi-annual healthcare program for widows, children, and orphans. We offer free essential medical services in partnership with healthcare organizations. The program includes consultations, treatments, drugs, lab tests, eye care, dental care, physiotherapy, surgery screenings, cancer screenings, and trauma management to ensure the physical, mental, and emotional health of our beneficiaries and enhance their quality of life.

More information is available at www.theroseofsharonfoundation.org or Follow the Rose of Sharon Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube

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Health

Access Bank W Initiative Hosts Webinar To Show Love To Parents Of Children With Special Needs

Published

1 month ago

February 15, 2023

Business Echo Magazine

Access Bank W Initiative Hosts Webinar To Show Love To Parents Of Children With Special Needs

Theme: Love Beyond Eros!

Written by Rashidat Olushola Okunlade

Access Bank W Initiative is hosting the first webinar of the year 2023 to celebrate February as the season of Love by showing love to parents of children with special needs.

Children, like all humans, have a natural need to love and be loved. Hand in Hand’s approach helps parents of children with special needs, from a wide range of communities to build or strengthen the all-important parent-child connection.

This webinar will showcase a solid parent-child connection that builds children’s social, emotional, and cognitive functioning. By supporting parents emotionally and providing practical tools for the emotional support of children, W Initiative will help parents strengthen their parent-child connection.

The Webinar will address how parents can follow an approach that will enhance their children to make smarter choices, not out of fear of punishment, but because they are less stressed, more connected, and attuned. Their children also build confidence in themselves, which allows them to act from their own values and not those of their peers.

The challenge of strengthening families and reducing family stress is real. And so is the solution, and W Initiative has taken up to address.

The webinar tagged “LOVE BEYOND EROS!” will hold on February 23, 2023, on Thursday, 23rd February 2023 by 4:00 pm (GMT+1) via Zoom.

Access Bank women’s wing said: “For our first webinar this year, the W Initiative presents the topic “Love Beyond Eros” where we will have heart-to-heart conversations with our distinguished speakers to bring a fresh perspective on how to better understand and show love to parents of children with special needs.

Participants are to click on the link to register https://linktr.ee/Wcommunity_

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Health

Sara By Wema Bank Hosts Valentine’s Day Webinar

Published

1 month ago

February 13, 2023

Business Echo Magazine

Theme: Love, Productivity, and Your Sexual Health

Written by Olushola Okunlade and Moninuola Sulaiman

Sara by Wema Bank will on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, hold Let’s Talk Sex, Love, and Productivity on Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day is considered the most romantic day of the year. So it is not merely coincidental that the week surrounding Valentine’s Day is promoted by corporate organisations.

These are a few things you need to consider before you partake in a lover’s spree this Valentine’s Day, as it is very common for lovers to get ‘reckless’ and ‘adventurous’ during this period.

Speakers at the webinar will address discussion to make sure participants’ Sex, Love, and Productivity are not in any form of danger.

Sara is a female proposition by Wema Bank Plc. It is a platform that seeks to provide women with solutions that help them participate in, wholly contribute to, and fully benefit from the growth opportunities available in Society.

Sara by Wema Bank is for every woman: young female professional adult, irrespective of her class or socio-economic status. It is a proposition designed with the sole purpose of improving the financial, economic, health, and social life of women.

The Sara proposition will be of invaluable benefit to women from different walks of life and backgrounds. As part of the efforts by SARA by Wema Bank to build its community for supporting women, Wema Bank is a signatory to United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEP). We are committed to making a difference for gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community.

Whatever your plans, take out an hour to join the SARA by Wema Valentine’s Day Webinar, let’s talk “Love, Productivity and Your Sexual Health”.

Host – Valerie Ike- Media Personality & Co-host of the ”Lowkey relatable podcast”

Speakers – Iretioluwa Oba Okojie – Clinical Sexuality, Master Sexpert Toluwani Binutu – Medical Doctor & Health Influencer

Date – February 14, 2023

Time – 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Venue – Zoom

Click here to register now, you’ll be glad you did!

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