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Welcome to the month of March. Here are some updates for you.

Industry Updates

Advocacy for Free Maternal Health Services in Nigeria

Nigeria's Maternal Mortality Rate is still among the highest in the world, with an estimated 512 deaths per 100,000 live births.

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa says that one in seven global maternal deaths occurs in Nigeria. That is more than 50,000 women dying per year in Nigeria. About 95 per cent of deaths during childbirth are, however, preventable.

To reduce the high rates of maternal deaths in Nigeria, the government must prioritise health and ensure free access to maternal health services especially in rural communities, says Prof. Oladapo Ladipo the president, Association for reproductive & family health (ARFH) at the summit organized by the association of nigeria health journalists (ANHEJ) with support from Advocacy in Child and Family Health at Scale (PACFaH@scale).

Edo strengthens primary healthcare delivery, begins recruitment of professionals

The Edo State Government has commenced the recruitment of professionals into the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), as part of ongoing reforms to strengthen the delivery of affordable and quality healthcare in the state.

Some of the health professionals being recruited are Medical Doctors, Health attendants, Medical Laboratory technicians, Pharmacy technicians, Medical Records technicians, Community Health Extension Workers, and Nurses/Midwives.

The Edo State Government under the leadership of Governor Obaseki has revamped over 50 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state, fitted with technology and powered with solar energy to ensure minimal downtimes, and transferred staff from the Ministry of Health to the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

The government is progressing with its vision of building one standard primary healthcare centre in every ward in Edo with well-trained staff and technology before 2024.

With the progress the Adopt a Healthcare Facility Programme is making to revitalize Primary Healthcare Centres in Nigeria, we are moving to Edo state and the process has begun with series of stakeholder engagements ongoing.

Follow our social media pages for the progress made so far

PSHAN to host Webinar in March

We are pleased to announce that the second edition of the PSHAN Periscope webinar, coming up on the 29th of March 2023.

The webinar will bring together experts in the private and public sectors to discuss improving maternal health in Nigeria through collaborative interventions.

Scan barcode or click HERE to register to attend virtually

Member Spotlight

Aliko Dangote Foundation

The Aliko Dangote Foundation is dedicated to adding value to people’s lives across Africa by facilitating health, education, and empowerment initiatives. As the largest private foundation in Sub-Saharan Africa, its mission is to enhance opportunities for social change through strategic investments that improve health and wellbeing, promote quality education, and broaden economic empowerment opportunities.

Recently, The Aliko Dangote Foundation flagged off its one-off and unconditional micro-grants programme in Niger State with 25,000 disadvantaged women as beneficiaries. The foundation has also pledged $100m to fight malnutrition.

Founded by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, with Ms. Zouera Youssoufou as its CEO, the Aliko Dangote Foundation adopted 44 Primary Health Centers spanning each of the local governments in Kano State.

Health Tips

Take enough water. Water is important for most processes your body goes through in a day. When you drink water, you replenish your stores. Without enough water, your body and its organs can’t function properly. Drinking enough water can also help you look your best. For example, a 2018 research review looked at the ways that water can keep your skin looking healthy. Enough water keeps the skin, your body’s largest organ, healthy and hydrated. Along with drinking your 9 to 13 daily cups of water, try to eat fruits and vegetables.

Sleep well: To improve your sleep, consider simple self-care tips — such as sticking to a sleep schedule and relaxing before bed. A good night's sleep isn’t only a dream. If you find it hard to get sleep, ask your doctor about other treatment options. The amount of sleep you need depends on various factors — especially your age. While sleep needs vary significantly among individuals, consider these general guidelines for different age groups:

Don’t self-medicate: While self-medicating may offer some relief in the short-term, over time it only exacerbates your problems. Self-medication is a big problem today. Substances are affordable, available, and often advertised, making it all-too easy to turn to substances to relieve uncomfortable feelings. Taking medication or multiple medications orally can lead to intestinal and digestive problems. Snorting can damage your sinus passages’ lining, and injections can lead to abscesses and infections. And these are the milder damages that self-medicating can produce. Medicines are created for specific uses. Mixing it with drugs that counteract or increase the drug’s effects, you could experience nausea, vomiting, seizures, and even respiratory or heart failure. With the right treatment from a licensed medical doctor, you will not need to self-medicate.