Category: Health

…Ministry of Social Development sensitises communities across 16 LGAs on health risks and legal consequences

The Kwara State Ministry of Social Development has embarked on a statewide sensitisation campaign across all 16 Local Government Areas to raise awareness about the dangers and legal implications of female genital mutilation (FGM).

The initiative, organised in collaboration with the Global Hope for Women and Children Foundation (GLOHWOC) and supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), aims to curb the harmful practice and promote the health and rights of girls in the state.

Speaking during the tour, the Commissioner for Social Development, Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam, PhD, warned that those who continue to engage in FGM risk facing prosecution under Nigerian law. Represented by the Director of Social Welfare, Elder Kayode James, she highlighted the long-term health complications of the practice, including infections, infertility, reduced sexual function, and psychological trauma.

At stops including Bode Saadu, Ijagbo, Ira, Okaka, Taiwo, and Isale Koko, the Commissioner explained that FGM not only violates the rights of girls but also exposes them to diseases such as tetanus, hepatitis B, and HIV, often due to the use of unsterilised instruments.

She urged community members to report individuals involved in the act to the appropriate authorities, reinforcing the state government’s zero-tolerance stance on FGM.

Also speaking during the campaign, Deputy Director of Social Welfare, Alhaji Hamzat Fatai, described FGM as a harmful traditional practice that must be eradicated. He advised the public to rely only on certified medical personnel for any form of circumcision and to avoid roadside practitioners.

Community members at the various locations pledged their support for the government’s efforts, promising to spread awareness and discourage the practice in their localities.

… The two-day workshop prepares frontline doctors ahead of the 2025 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention campaign.

#KwaraRising

In a proactive move to strengthen healthcare delivery and eliminate malaria, the Kwara State Government has conducted a two-day intensive workshop for medical doctors on the management of severe malaria. The Training of Trainers workshop, themed “Strengthening Clinical Capacity for Early Detection, Effective Management, and Reduction of Mortality from Severe Malaria,” was organized by the Kwara State Ministry of Health.

The capacity-building initiative forms part of the state’s larger malaria control strategy, which includes the upcoming 2025 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) campaign. This program will deliver preventive antimalarial drugs house-to-house to children aged 3 to 59 months in 11 eligible local government areas across the state.

Declaring the training open, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Oluwatosin Fakayode, emphasized the critical importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment, especially for children under five and pregnant women—two groups most vulnerable to severe malaria complications.

“Severe malaria remains a significant public health concern, despite the progress we’ve made. This training reinforces our resolve to equip doctors with the tools needed to save lives,” Dr. Fakayode said, while commending Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his consistent investment in health system strengthening.

Alhaja Latifat Abdullahi, Programme Manager of the Malaria Unit, lauded the doctors for their dedication and stressed the value of continuous professional development. “Your commitment to this training shows your passion for better outcomes. We encourage you to translate this knowledge into improved patient care,” she said.

Dr. Oladapo Kazeem, Head of Malaria Case Management, presented key insights into Nigeria’s malaria landscape, revealing that the country still accounts for 24% of global malaria deaths. However, he celebrated Kwara’s notable progress, citing a drop in malaria prevalence among children under five from 26% in 2015 to 6% in 2021—a feat attributed to increased access to ACTs and robust public health interventions.

By sharpening clinical competencies and preparing healthcare workers for the SMC campaign, the Kwara State Government continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to reducing malaria-related deaths and achieving a malaria-free future.

… Shortlisted candidates to appear on May 21 and 22 at Commission headquarters in Ilorin; no rescheduling for absentees, says Permanent Secretary.

#KwaraRising

The Kwara State Civil Service Commission has scheduled oral interviews for candidates shortlisted for various medical and healthcare positions in the state civil service. The interviews will take place on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, and Thursday, 22 May 2025, at the Commission’s headquarters on Ahman Patigi Road, GRA, Ilorin, beginning at 8:00 a.m. on both days.

According to a statement from the Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Hajia Kifayat Jimoh, the interview exercise is part of the ongoing recruitment process to strengthen the state’s healthcare workforce.

The breakdown of the interview schedule is as follows:

● Wednesday, 21 May 2025: Consultants, Resident Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists, Medical Records Officers, and Medical Laboratory Scientists.
● Thursday, 22 May 2025: Health Attendants and Cleaners.
Hajia Jimoh urged all shortlisted candidates to adhere strictly to their assigned dates and arrive early with the necessary documentation, stressing that no make-up interviews will be granted to absentees.

The recruitment drive reflects the Kwara State Government’s commitment to boosting healthcare delivery by filling critical vacancies with qualified professionals across state health facilities.

Oniye Munirat Abimbola, Press Secretary of the Civil Service Commission, reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to conduct a smooth and transparent interview process.

…Governor AbdulRazaq backs local pharmaceutical industry for sustainable health services

#KwaraRising

The Kwara State Government has announced a strategic partnership with Sam Pharmaceutical Company Limited to strengthen the drug supply chain system across state-owned hospitals. The move, led by the Kwara State Hospital Management Board (KW-HMB), is aimed at promoting indigenous pharmaceutical companies while enhancing access to quality healthcare for residents.

Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr. Abdulraheem Malik, made this known during a facility inspection of Sam Pharmaceutical Company Limited in Ilorin. He commended the company’s long-standing contribution to the state’s economy and employment of local youths, describing the partnership as a significant step toward economic empowerment and healthcare reform.

“This moment is historic for Kwara State, as the government collaborates with indigenous pharmaceutical companies. All credit goes to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq,” Dr. Malik said. He stressed that the partnership underscores the government’s commitment to empowering local enterprises without compromising on the quality of drugs provided to hospitals.

While expressing confidence in the capacity of Sam Pharmaceutical Company to deliver quality medications, Dr. Malik emphasized that only firms adhering strictly to quality assurance standards will be engaged, as the well-being of Kwarans remains the administration’s top priority.

Speaking on behalf of the company, Pharm. Salami Isaac, Superintendent Pharmacist, appreciated the government’s support, noting that the partnership marked a major milestone in the company’s history. He assured the state of their dedication to maintaining high pharmaceutical standards for the benefit of patients and healthcare providers.

Also present during the facility tour were key officials of the Board including Pharm. Mustapha Jimoh, Director of Pharmacy; Pharm. Lovet Oladele, Project Coordinator of the Kwara State Essential Drugs Programme (EDP); Pharm. Mustapha Hasiat; Mr. Adamu Usman, Press Secretary; and Mr. Moshood Ibrahim, Admin Officer.

…Governor AbdulRazaq prioritizes health sector development, supports young specialists

The Kwara State Government has once again demonstrated its commitment to healthcare development with the prompt disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to 37 resident doctors in the state civil service.

According to the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, this marks the third consecutive year that the state has fulfilled its obligation to support medical professionals with the MRTF—an initiative that significantly eases the financial burden of specialist training.

Dr. El-Imam expressed appreciation to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his consistent support to the health sector, describing the gesture as a clear demonstration of the administration’s priority on human capital development.

“The MRTF is not just a financial intervention—it is a statement of this administration’s priorities and values. Our resident doctors are the future of our healthcare system, and this support ensures that their journey to becoming specialists is not hindered by financial constraints,” she said.

The Commissioner added that the prompt disbursement was intended to help the young doctors focus on their clinical education and deliver quality healthcare to the people of Kwara State.

She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for health workers and ensuring access to quality, affordable, and sustainable healthcare services across the state.

…Third round of the Big Catch-Up campaign targets children aged 0–5 in Baruten, Ilorin East, and Ifelodun LGAs

#KwaraRising

The Kwara State Government, in partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and other health partners, is set to launch the third round of the Big Catch-Up vaccination campaign. Scheduled to run from Saturday, April 12 to Thursday, April 17, 2025, the campaign aims to immunize over 80,000 children against life-threatening vaccine-preventable diseases.

This round of the campaign is focused on bridging immunity gaps among children who missed their routine immunization doses, particularly those affected by disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KWSPHCDA), Professor Nusirat Elelu, disclosed this during a strategy meeting held at the Agency’s headquarters in Ilorin.

Professor Elelu emphasized that the campaign will cover three Local Government Areas—Baruten, Ilorin East, and Ifelodun—identified as having the highest number of unimmunized children in the state. She described the Big Catch-Up as a vital strategy to strengthen routine immunization services and protect vulnerable children from preventable diseases.

“Immunization remains one of the most cost-effective and proven public health tools for saving lives,” she said. “This campaign is a continuation of our commitment to ensuring that every child in Kwara is protected, no matter where they live.”

The Executive Secretary called on parents, caregivers, school heads, religious and community leaders, as well as Islamic institutions, to fully support the exercise by ensuring eligible children—those aged 0 to 5—are available for vaccination. She reassured the public of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines, which are provided free of charge by the State Government.

Professor Elelu reiterated the government’s dedication to promoting child health and well-being through sustained access to immunization, noting that the vaccines will be administered across all health facilities and outreach posts in the targeted LGAs.

“The Kwara State Government, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, remains unwavering in its commitment to the health and safety of all residents, especially our mothers and children,” she added.

The Big Catch-Up campaign is part of Kwara’s broader strategy to achieve universal health coverage and reduce child mortality through proactive, community-based health interventions.

…Third round of the Big Catch-Up campaign targets children aged 0–5 in Baruten, Ilorin East, and Ifelodun LGAs

#KwaraRising

The Kwara State Government, in partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and other health partners, is set to launch the third round of the Big Catch-Up vaccination campaign. Scheduled to run from Saturday, April 12 to Thursday, April 17, 2025, the campaign aims to immunize over 80,000 children against life-threatening vaccine-preventable diseases.

This round of the campaign is focused on bridging immunity gaps among children who missed their routine immunization doses, particularly those affected by disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KWSPHCDA), Professor Nusirat Elelu, disclosed this during a strategy meeting held at the Agency’s headquarters in Ilorin.

Professor Elelu emphasized that the campaign will cover three Local Government Areas—Baruten, Ilorin East, and Ifelodun—identified as having the highest number of unimmunized children in the state. She described the Big Catch-Up as a vital strategy to strengthen routine immunization services and protect vulnerable children from preventable diseases.

“Immunization remains one of the most cost-effective and proven public health tools for saving lives,” she said. “This campaign is a continuation of our commitment to ensuring that every child in Kwara is protected, no matter where they live.”

The Executive Secretary called on parents, caregivers, school heads, religious and community leaders, as well as Islamic institutions, to fully support the exercise by ensuring eligible children—those aged 0 to 5—are available for vaccination. She reassured the public of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines, which are provided free of charge by the State Government.

Professor Elelu reiterated the government’s dedication to promoting child health and well-being through sustained access to immunization, noting that the vaccines will be administered across all health facilities and outreach posts in the targeted LGAs.

“The Kwara State Government, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, remains unwavering in its commitment to the health and safety of all residents, especially our mothers and children,” she added.

The Big Catch-Up campaign is part of Kwara’s broader strategy to achieve universal health coverage and reduce child mortality through proactive, community-based health interventions.