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World TB Day Event: Federal Ministry of Health, LASG, USAID/ SHOPS Plus Unveil New 16 Modular GeneXpert Machine

Published

4 years ago

March 25, 2021

World TB Day Event: Federal Ministry of Health, LASG, USAID/ SHOPS Plus Unveil New 16 Modular GeneXpert Machine at EL-LAB Medical Diagnostics Lagos

The Federal Ministry of Health, Lagos State Government and USAID/SHOPS Plus unveiled a 16-Module GeneXpert Machine, the first of its kind in the country, on Monday, March 22nd, 2021 at the Diagnostics Complex of EL-Lab in Festac Town, Lagos.

According to WHO, TB is a major public health concern in Nigeria with the country ranked 6th among the 30 high TB burden countries globally and about 15 percent of the global gap in TB case notification.

The machine, which is for molecular diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB), was purchased by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its funded Sustaining Health Outcomes through the Private Sector Plus project (SHOPS Plus) for the government of Nigeria to facilitate case detection in the private sector. The machine was launched at EL-Lab Ltd, one of the leading indigenous medical diagnostic and research centres in Nigeria, with a view to closing the gap in TB case detection, notification, and treatment. EL-Lab is one of the 118 engaged stand-alone laboratories trained by SHOPS/Plus and has been very active in PPM Mix activities in Lagos State.

Mrs. Ayodele Iroko, the Senior Private Sector Advisor USAID/SHOPS Plus who anchored the event started by commending all private sector partners that have remained committed to the proactive screening, testing, and treating of TB in their various communities. She also encouraged all engaged health professional associations to work tenaciously at expanding the pool of private sector TB providers by scaling up engagement to include more of their members while facilitating efforts to integrate tested approaches into facilities service provision for ownership and sustainability.

In his opening remarks, the National Coordinator, National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP), Dr Chukwuma Anyaike identified two main national goals as regards TB; to find the missing cases, and to ensure all cases found are adequately treated.

He applauded the efforts of the private sector partners, citing the increase in TB case finding and recent times but also emphasised that there is still a lot of room for improvement. Anyaike also stressed the need for more up-to-date statistical data on TB cases in Nigeria.

Anyaike described the introduction of the 16-Module GeneXpert Machine as a “milestone” and encouraged optimal use of the machine to achieve maximal results. He pointed out, however, that the mission goes beyond case finding, to ensuring treatment for all cases. He encouraged stakeholders to re-strategize and think outside the box in order to “fish out all TB cases.”

Omosalewa Oyelaran, Deputy Director at USAID Nigeria office for HIV/AIDS & TB also commended the efforts of all stakeholders and encouraged them to take up the challenge of finding and treating all cases of TB in Nigeria. She expressed her excitement about the launching of the 16-Module GeneXpert Machine stating that it will increase the testing capacity, allowing patients to know their status and be placed on treatment as quickly as possible. Oyelaran expressed her organization’s commitment to supporting private sector engagement while encouraging them to take ownership and add value to success stories. She also encouraged all stakeholders to continue to raise awareness around the upcoming World Tuberculosis Day.

In a brief goodwill message, Mr. Mayowa Joel, the Executive Director of STOP TB Partnership expressed gratitude to USAID and SHOPS Plus for their efforts in facilitating and supporting private sector engagement. He emphasized the need to strengthen and sustain the public -private collaboration.

Individual remarks were also given by Dr Makinde Akinlemibola, Chairman, Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, Lagos State; Mr. Clement Olaifa, Chairman, Lagos State Association of General & Private Nursing Practitioners of Nigeria, Mr. Anorue C.J Chairman, Guild of Private Medical Laboratory Directors, Lagos State. Pharm. Lawrence Ekhator – Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Lagos State. Each pledged their commitment to vision of 100 percent case finding and treatment, promising to improve their contributions with sustainable strategies, particularly emphasizing their willingness to work with the government in achieving the common goal.

The Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, through its registrar and CEO, Dr Tosan Erhabor also congratulated EL-Lab Diagnostics on the official unveiling of the First ever 16 modules GeneXpert machine in Nigeria. He also pledged his commitment, on behalf of the organization, to scale up TB case finding and treatment.

Dr Bolanle Olusola –Faleye, TB Technical Director of SHOPS Plus, while sharing the successes of the involvement of the private sector commended the synergy between the private sector and government, as well as the high level of dedication demonstrated by partners and donors.

Expanding further on these successes, Mr. Elochukwu Adibo, CEO of EL-Lab Medical Diagnostic Ltd explained that the involvement of the private sector is gradually ensuring that Nigeria’s unenviable ranking as 6th globally among the high burden countries and first in Africa with high burden for TB becomes a thing of the past.

He noted that the adoption of GeneXpert MTB/RIF test as the entry point diagnostic tool for TB case detection was done in 2016, and Federal Government’s wisdom in engaging the private health sector has tremendously helped to increase case detection and treatment.

Adibo stated that out of over 4000 networks of standalone Laboratories under Guild of Private Medical laboratory Directors, (GMLD), the Hon. Minister for Health donated a 4-module GeneXpert machine on September 4, 2018, to EL-lab Medical Diagnostics, Lagos.

EL-Lab, applying private sector efficiency, optimized testing with the machine which brought about significant improvement in TB case detection and testing with a tremendous support and partnership from the USAID /SHOPS Plus program network and their technical/logistic excellence.

He pointed out the need for infrastructure and logistics upgrade, especially with regards to power supply to meet the demand for uninterrupted service delivery. He also called on the government and all concerned parties to remove the bottlenecks in the current partnerships to enable unhindered private sector contribution, to meet Country goals and National Strategic Plan for TB which will ultimately improve Nigeria’s global ranking.

Speaking before formally unveiling the new 16 modular machine, Dr Agbolagorite Olurotimi, Director of Disease Control, Lagos State who represented the Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, Prof Emmanuel Akinola Abayomi commended the private sector for their contributions at all levels, to the case finding and treatment of TB cases. He particularly commended EL-Lab’s commitment in testing samples both from government and private facilities. He urged stakeholders to continue to work at the desired goal, as Nigeria still has a long way to go with regards to TB case finding and treatment. He promised to investigate the identified bottlenecks that hinder private sector involvement and encouraged stakeholders to keep identifying and reporting such hindrances.

After his speech, the Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, Prof. Emmanuel Akinola Abayomi, who was represented by Dr Agbolagorite Olurotimi with other guests led by Dr Elochukwu Adibo proceeded on a walk-through tour of the laboratory that culminated into the formal cutting of ribbons and unveiling the new machine to the joy and excitement of both the physical and virtual audience present at the event.

Testing of samples from public and private health institutions was demonstrated using the

new 16 module GeneXpert machine.

Mr. Ifeanyi Okekearu, the Chief of Party of SHOPS/Plus commended the involvement of all partners and appreciated their time at the event.

PHOTO CAPTION:

(L-R) Lawrence Ekhator – Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists Lagos State, Prince Elochukwu Adibo –Laboratory Director, EL-LAB Diagnostics and National President, Guild of Private Medical Laboratory Directors, Dr Agbolagorite Olurotimi – Director of Disease Control Lagos State representing the Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, Mrs Ayodele Iroko – Senior Private Sector Advisor, USAID/SHOPS Plus, Dr Makinde Akinlemibola – Chairman, Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, Lagos State

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Deadly Stampedes Spark NASRE Outcry: ‘End Poverty, Save Lives'”

Published

5 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Deadly Stampedes Spark NASRE Outcry: 'End Poverty, Save Lives'"

NASRE Demands Action as Food Stampede Tragedies Expose Systemic Failures”

The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has condemned the rising death toll from food queue stampedes, which claimed 67 lives across Nigeria in just four days, labeling it a “heartbreaking reflection of systemic failures.”

In a statement on Monday, NASRE’s Media Director, Lateef Owodunni, described the tragedies as a grim consequence of worsening poverty and the government’s inability to protect its citizens.

The group first mourned the victims of a December 18 stampede at a Christmas funfair in Ibadan, where 35 children tragically lost their lives.

“This horrific incident highlights the dire need for better planning and safety measures at public events, especially those involving children,” Owodunni stated.

NASRE also expressed sorrow over the deaths of 10 people, including children, during a food aid distribution at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Abuja. Offering condolences to affected families, the group described the incident as a “wake-up call for the nation’s conscience.”

The association further decried the fatal stampede at a rice distribution event in Anambra that killed 22 people and injured 32 others, calling for immediate reforms in the management of relief efforts.

“These tragedies paint a grim picture of a nation plagued by poverty and failing social support systems. Acts of charity should not lead to preventable deaths. The government must revamp its approach to palliative distribution to prioritize safety and dignity,” Owodunni emphasized.

NASRE stressed that the root cause of such tragedies is deep-seated poverty and urged the government and private organizations to implement sustainable solutions.

“No Nigerian should lose their life in the pursuit of food or assistance. This is a national disgrace and a call to action for all stakeholders to safeguard the well-being of our most vulnerable citizens,” the statement concluded

society

Family Accuses Kwara Police of Torturing Man to Death Over Debt, Investigation Underway

Published

11 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Family Accuses Kwara Police of Torturing Man to Death Over Debt, Investigation Underway

The death of 35-year-old Jimoh AbdulQodir Tunji in the custody of the Kwara State Police Command has left his family and the local community in shock, with accusations of police brutality emerging after the man’s tragic passing.

Tunji, a poultry farmer, was allegedly arrested on Friday, December 20, following a petition filed by his employer over an unpaid debt of N220,000. His family has accused police officers of torturing him to death while in custody, a claim that has sparked widespread outrage.

A heartbreaking video surfaced online on Sunday, showing Tunji’s grieving mother and relatives accusing the police of causing his death. In the emotional footage, his mother tearfully cried out, “My son did not kill anyone. He only owed someone. They have killed my son. Please, come to my aid. The police at the headquarters have killed my son. His name was Kadri. He was a good boy in the community. They beat him to death in police custody. They didn’t allow us to see him. Blood was gushing out of his nose.”

In response to the allegations, the Kwara State Police Command released a statement confirming the incident. The police spokesperson, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, stated that Tunji had been invited by the police on charges of obtaining money by “false pretence” and confirmed that an investigation had already begun to determine the cause of death.

“The Kwara State Police Command is aware of an unfortunate incident that led to the tragic loss of one Mr. Jimoh AbdulQodir, which occurred on December 20, 2024,” the statement read. “The deceased was invited on an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence to the sum of N220,000. Discreet investigations into this incident have commenced to ascertain the cause. Further developments on the outcome will be communicated as it progresses, as no stone will be left unturned.”

The case has drawn significant attention, as it marks the third time in under five months that the Kwara State Police have been implicated in the death of a suspect. Earlier this year, police officers were accused of causing the deaths of 27-year-old Suleiman Olayinka, an asthmatic patient, and Kwara State Polytechnic student Ishola Abdulqoyum, who was allegedly fatally shot by officers in September.

In a bid to ensure accountability, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, instructed the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to take over the investigation into Tunji’s death. The IGP expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and reassured the public of a thorough and impartial investigation.

During a meeting with the family on Sunday, the IGP said, “The IGP has ordered the FCID to handle the case with utmost diligence and ensure a conclusive and impartial investigation. He further reassured the family and the general public that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability, professionalism, and respect for human rights.”

The case has reignited concerns about police brutality in Kwara, as the region grapples with rising incidents of alleged police violence. As the investigation unfolds, the family and the public are closely watching to see if justice will be served.

society

Seven Dead in Light Aircraft Crash in Jalisco, Mexico

Published

11 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Seven Dead in Light Aircraft Crash in Jalisco, Mexico

At least seven people have died following the crash of a light aircraft in a remote, heavily forested area of Jalisco, western Mexico, local authorities confirmed on Sunday.

The aircraft, a Cessna 207, was en route from La Parota in the neighboring state of Michoacan when it went down. Jalisco Civil Protection reported the crash site was in an area difficult to access, complicating rescue and recovery operations.

In a statement on social media, Civil Protection confirmed that “preliminary reports” from the scene indicated that seven people had died. Their identities have not yet been released, and authorities are working to confirm further details.

The agency also mentioned that a fire at the crash site was extinguished, and risk mitigation efforts were carried out to prevent additional damage. “We are waiting for forensic investigators to arrive to remove the bodies and rule out the presence of other victims,” the statement added.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with authorities working to gather more information on the incident.