HEALTH NEWS OF THE WEEK

Nigerian Resident Doctors Dilemma: Unpaid Allowances Fuel Strike Threat
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has threatened to embark on a fresh industrial action over non-payment of accoutrement allowances owed to their members. This was disclosed in a communique issued after its general meeting in Kaduna State while informing all its chapters to give a two-week ultimatum to the chief medical directors and managing directors (CMDs/ MDs) to pay the owed allowance immediately.

NCDC Launches Initiative To Enhance Public Health Infrastructure
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has launched the National Genomics Sequencing Consortium to enhance public health infrastructure. Genomic sequencing is crucial for rapid pathogen identification, disease surveillance, and outbreak detection. However, Nigeria currently lacks a centralized genomics data repository, which hinders data sharing. Dr. Jide Idris emphasizes the need to establish such a repository and improve connectivity between disease control programs nationally and regionally. 

Nigeria Strengthens HIV Response With New $933m Global Fund Grant
The Global Fund’s Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) has allocated $933 million to Nigeria for addressing HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria from 2024 to 2026. Specifically, $340,095,438 is dedicated to the HIV grant, with NACA leading the coordination of the multisectoral response. Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of NACA,emphasizes building on past successes and aims for a domestically driven HIV response that ends AIDS as a public health threat through efficient and sustainable efforts. 

Menstrual Hygiene: Foundation Advocates Access To Sanitary Pads
Adinya Arise Foundation (AAF) advocates for providing access to sanitary pads for women and young girls in Nigeria to protect their dignity. During a policy dialogue on International Menstrual Hygiene Day, AAF emphasized the importance of addressing menstruation health, especially for vulnerable populations facing poverty and displacement. The foundation aims to empower women and improve maternal health through initiatives like “Pad A Girl A Month.” Other stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, also recognize the need for accessible hygiene materials to support girls’ education.

Achieving Cervical Cancer-free Generation
UNICEF’s health specialist, Dr. Ijeoma Agbo, highlighted the global impact of cervical cancer and the importance of the HPV vaccine. In Nigeria, the vaccine targets girls aged nine to 14, aiming to prevent cervical cancer. The first phase covered 16 states, and the second phase will include the remaining states. UNICEF emphasizes vaccine safety, effectiveness, and the need for public awareness. Parents are urged to ensure their daughters receive the vaccine at healthcare centers, as it is cost-free and crucial for preventing cervical cancer.