Health

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

Published

11 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.

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

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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.