Nation

Experts Urge FG To Include Kidney Treatment In NHIS

Published

3 years ago

March 12, 2021

Two public health officials, yesterday, called on government to widen the scope of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to accommodate kidney treatment.

The duo, Dr Kingsely Aputauzo, a physician with Ikoyi Prison and Dr Samuel Akingbehin, a former President of Environmental Health Officers’ Association of Nigeria (EHOAN), made the call in separate interviews with The Tide source in Lagos.

They spoke in commemoration of the 2021 World Kidney Day, which has, as its theme, “Living Well with Kidney Disease’’.

The public health officials said that the inclusion would lessen the financial burden on patients and increase their chances of survival.

Aputauzo, while speaking on the prevalence of the disease, said that Nigerians were prone to the disease owing to the prevailing environment in the country.

The official advised people to always take enough water, avoid intake of alcohol and smoking.

According to him, living in the tropical region of the world, where Nigeria is located, poses some challenges that advance the risk factors to the disease.

“Our environment is a hot one; this alone subjects people to dehydration and loss of body fluid, a condition that can cause kidney malfunction, if not regularly replaced through water intake.

“The prevalence is higher in rural areas where many are into farming; cultivation of large hectares manually under harsh weather conditions can cause constant body respiration and loss of water,’’ he said.

He stressed the need for regular medical check-ups, saying that this could assist in detecting the disease at early stage and medication administered to stop its progression to dangerous stages.

Aputauzo added that with the inclusion of kidney treatment in NHIS, cases where patients’ treatments were stopped for lack of funds would be addressed and lives saved.

Similarly, Akingbehin, while speaking on smoke-free environment, urged government and civil society organisations to intensify efforts towards prohibition of smoking in the public.

He said that in spite of the high prevalence of kidney disease in the country, many people were still exposed to partial smoking in public spaces by others.

“Cigarette smoking in public space is a bad trend, but we can control it through legislation, thereby reducing the risk factors to the barest minimum,’’ he said.

According to him, since NHIS is a public pool and some of the risk factors of kidney disease are environmental, patients ought to be included in the scheme to save them from financial burden.

Nation

VCDF in Partnership with LDSVA Sensitise Women on Gender Equality, Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

Women, the pillars of our society, are resilient and determined as they play essential roles in nurturing families and leading businesses. Despite facing challenges like limited financial resources and unequal opportunities, they persist, inspiring generations and driving positive change.

In honour of Women’s History Month, Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), in collaboration with Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO) and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), embarked on a transformative journey to empower 100 community women, focusing on sexual and domestic violence prevention, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, on March 27, 2024, in Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State.

When women are empowered, they become catalysts for progress, influencing not only their own lives but also the lives of their families and those around them. The programme gave the women the opportunity to acquire knowledge on tools that can help their businesses grow, also providing a safe space for women to learn and connect with others, making them feel more confident and capable in making decisions for their businesses.

Distinguished guests present at the event were Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi, Head of the Field Operations Department, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat, Community Development Committee Chairman of Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State, and Mrs. Adenike Akintoye, Head of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Unit, Eti Osa LGA.

While giving her feedback, Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat said, “community-driven efforts like this initiative are instrumental in driving sustainable change and enabling women to realise their full potential.”

Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi noted during her closing remark, “training women in our communities will improve their livelihoods and contribute to household income, thereby leading to better standards of living.”

This collaborative initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), which aim to ensure everyone is treated equally and reduce differences between people.

VCDF will continue to educate and empower women for a greater inclusion in society, supporting their advancement and ensuring their meaningful participation in all spheres of life. Together, let us continue to champion the cause of women, celebrate their achievements, and pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all.

Nation

Ibom Developers Supports 160 Women with Skill Acquisition Training in Akwa Ibom

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

Empowering women with vocational skills is a vital step towards fostering gender equality and inclusive growth in society. This effort involves equipping women with practical expertise that can be applied across various aspects of life, including professional, personal, and entrepreneurial settings. Ibom Developers’ recent initiatives to provide skill acquisition training to women in its host communities aim to help them thrive in society.

On April 8, 2024, Ibom Developers commenced its ongoing skill acquisition training programme, themed ‘Virtuous Women’ in Egwenwe and Okoroinyong communities.
Dignitaries, including His Royal Highness Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community; Mr. Warribo Isaiah, Community Development Chairman, Egwenwe Community; Pastor Johnson Christian Ubulom, Youth President, Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Sarah Evans Nfeija, Health Officer, Egwenwe Community; and representatives from Okoroinyong community, were present at the inaugural event.

This skill acquisition programme aims to empower 160 women in these communities with expertise in catering, packaging, hairdressing, wigging, ventilation, and styling. The program took place from April 8 to April 20, 2024, at Egwenwe Town Hall and Okoroinyong Town Hall in Eastern Obolo LGA, Akwa Ibom State, imparting essential entrepreneurial skills to the women in the communities.

During the inaugural event, Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community, expressed, ‘‘This empowerment initiative will provide our women with the autonomy and decision-making power they need to become self-sufficient contributors to the growth and development of our community.’’

The participation of women in several economic activities makes their upliftment a potent strategy for economic growth. Their involvement expands the workforce, cultivating heightened innovation and efficiency within the community.

Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community, emphasised, “Access to training tailored to the needs of women allow them to develop specialised skills. I am glad that this programme has offered options that suit our women’s preferences and goals.’’

Acquiring skills for livelihood elevates family status and unlocks entrepreneurial avenues. Ibom Developers is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship among women and supporting socio-economic empowerment in local communities.