Health

Kano state reintroduces waste disposal bins in commercial vehicles

Published

3 months ago

January 13, 2025

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The Kano State government has launched a new initiative to address the rising problem of indiscriminate waste disposal and promote proper waste management.

The program includes the reintroduction of waste disposal bins in public transport vehicles, including tricycles (Adaidaita Sahu) and buses, as well as the placement of bins at strategic locations such as major roads, motor parks, and marketplaces.

Speaking during the official launch of the Kano State Waste Management and Refuse Disposal Initiative, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Hashimu, said the measures were designed to encourage responsible waste disposal and ensure a cleaner environment.

“These waste bins will allow commuters to dispose of their trash responsibly while on the move. Littering on the streets will no longer be condoned,” Hashimu stated. “We are working closely with the Ministries of Transportation and Commerce to tackle waste management challenges across the state effectively.”

Dr. Hashimu also revealed the government has revived street sweeping services across the state. According to the commissioner, backlog salaries owed to street sweepers have been cleared, and they are now being deployed to key locations, including major roads and public spaces.

“The reintroduction of street sweepers is part of a broader waste management strategy aimed at reducing waste accumulation, creating jobs, and ensuring that Kano remains one of the cleanest states in Nigeria,” Hashimu said.

He called on residents to take responsibility for their surroundings by using the waste bins provided and avoiding littering.

Health

Ogun unveils new strategy to fight HIV/AIDS

Published

2 days ago

April 24, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

HIV/AIDS

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Ogun State Government has unveiled a new strategic plan aimed at achieving zero infection and ensuring sustained treatment and care for people living with HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, made this known at the opening of a three-day stakeholders’ engagement meeting towards developing the State HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan for 2025-2027 in Abeokuta on Wednesday.

Coker, represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Tayo Lawal, affirmed that the new development would play a significant role in the lives of the people living with HIV.

The Commissioner stated that, “it’s no longer news that donors are drastically withdrawing their support, unlike during the World Bank era when support was at its peak. We’re all witnesses to the current state of HIV response in the country.

“However, the fight against the disease cannot be won by the government alone; a multisectoral response to HIV must be fully activated. Every stakeholder must come together to fight this epidemic.”

In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr. Kehinde Fatungase, emphasised the need to develop a technical work plan that would guide the state’s efforts over the next two years, utilising available resources effectively, despite the existence of a National Strategic Plan.

Representatives from the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, APIN Public Health Initiative, and Civil Society on HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, showed commitment towards supporting the planning and implementation of the strategic plan.

Health

12,000 women diagnosed with cervical cancer annually – Minister

Published

5 days ago

April 21, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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About 12,000 Nigerian women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually, despite the disease being largely preventable, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Mohammed Ali Pate, has disclosed.

The Minister made the disclosure during the launch of the cervical cancer vaccine campaign and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine integration sensitisation exercise held at Government Girls College, Bauchi.

According to him, “There is the need for greater awareness among stakeholders as part of efforts to eliminate cervical cancer in Bauchi State and across Nigeria.”

With the HPV vaccine, Pate stated that the disease can be prevented if vaccination is administered early to individuals who are susceptible to the virus and at risk of eventually developing cervical cancer.

He assured the commitment of the President to the cause and recalled the official flag-off of the HPV vaccination campaign in October 2023.

The Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, Dr Usman Malami, in his remarks, explained that cervical cancer is one of the few cancers with a known cause.

He added that it makes it one of the most preventable forms of cancer, stressing that since they already know what causes it and what can provide lifelong immunity, vaccination becomes a critical tool.

Health

Katsina targets three million children for polio immunisation — Official

Published

1 week ago

April 16, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Polio-Victims

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The Katsina State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SPHCA) says it is targeting not less than three million children during the polio immunisation campaign scheduled for 26 -29 April.

Its Executive Secretary, Shamsudeen Yahaya, made the disclosure on Tuesday at a media dialogue with UNICEF, Katsina State Government officials and partners on polio and routine immunisation in the state.

Mr Yahaya said the exercise was aimed at creating awareness of the importance of immunisation in saving children from preventable deaths.

He, therefore, urged the media to continue to enlighten caregivers and other stakeholders on the importance of immunisation.

He revealed that the state has 1,636 health facilities providing routine immunisation services for children.

Mr Yahaya said the government would engage 3,700 independent monitors to ensure that each eligible child is reached during the campaign.

In his remarks, the Officer-in-Charge (OIC), also the Nutrition Manager of UNICEF Kano Field Office, Karanveer Singh, stressed the need to immunise every child against polio and other deadly diseases.

Mr Singh revealed that polio is highly infectious, warning, “Once a child is infected with the virus, he or she is permanently paralysed.”

The officer explained that every round of immunisation is important, as is immunising every child until the virus is completely eradicated.

He added that immunisation is the backbone of any eradication programme, hence the need for caregivers and other stakeholders to intensify efforts in ensuring that all children below five years are fully immunised.