Health
E-Health Devices Critical To Nigeria’s Healthcare Devt, Says Banigo
In a compelling address at the 5th Annual Legislative Summit on Health, Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, emphasized the transformative potential of e-Health devices and digital health solutions for Nigeria’s healthcare system. Representing the Rivers West senatorial district, Senator Banigo underscored the critical need for multilayered health activities and multi-sectoral collaboration to achieve significant improvements in health outcomes across the nation.
Held in Abuja, the summit themed “Improving Legislative Stewardship and Accountability for Universal Health Coverage,” brought together federal and state legislators, healthcare experts, and dignitaries including the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, and the World Health Organisation’s representative in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Mulombo. The event focused on strengthening legislative efforts to ensure universal health coverage and enhancing accountability in healthcare delivery.
Senator Banigo articulated the urgent need for innovative solutions in the face of Nigeria’s vast population and the limited number of healthcare professionals. “Health is a multilayered activity and a multi-sectoral collaboration that requires legislators to work together to provide legislation, implement policies, and track funds effectively,” she stated. Banigo highlighted how e-Health devices could bridge significant gaps in healthcare accessibility, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
In a statement released by her media team in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Banigo elaborated on the practical applications of e-Health platforms. “We can develop platforms that can be accessed through simple phones, even in remote villages, to provide health education and interventions,” she said. She emphasized the importance of practical and impactful solutions that target grassroots communities, especially those that benefit vulnerable and impoverished populations.
Senator Banigo also highlighted the role of accountability and effective care in achieving better health outcomes. She called on legislators to engage in knowledge sharing, peer reviews, and information exchanges to foster a more transparent and efficient healthcare system. Reflecting on past health crises, she recalled the cholera outbreak where timely health education and interventions via mobile phones could have prevented many deaths. “We are not talking about pretentious things; we are talking about what will impact communities at the grassroots level,” Banigo stressed.
The annual legislative summit provided a platform for robust discussions on health policy and the role of legislation in health sector improvements. Attendees, including federal and state legislators and health experts, deliberated on strategies to enhance legislative stewardship and accountability. The presence of prominent figures like the Minister of Health and the WHO representative underscored the summit’s significance and the collective commitment to advancing Nigeria’s health agenda.
As the summit concluded, it was clear that the integration of e-Health solutions and a stronger legislative framework could pave the way for a more inclusive and meffective healthcare system in Nigeria. Senator Banigo’s advocacy for digital health solutions resonated with the attendees, highlighting a path forward that leverages technology to meet the healthcare needs of Nigeria’s diverse and expansive population.
In a bid to reduce the country’s planet-warming emissions, the UK government has announced a £180 million investment in solar panels for hundreds of schools and hospitals across the country.
This move is part of the government’s efforts to achieve its long-term climate goals and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The investment, which is the first major project from Great British Energy, the government’s new state owned energy company, is expected to provide solar panels for 200 schools and 200 hospitals.
This will not only help reduce energy bills but also cut carbon emissions and promote sustainability.
According to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, “Great British Energy’s first major project will be to help our vital public institutions save hundreds of millions on bills to reinvest on the frontline.”
He added that the project will help reduce the financial pressure of energy bills on schools and hospitals.
The announcement has been welcomed by schools, unions, and NHS estate managers, who have long been advocating for measures to reduce energy costs.
Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary, said that the investment is a “step in the right direction” and will help schools manage energy bills, which have been a significant financial burden in recent years.
However, not everyone is optimistic about the investment.
Andrew Bowie, shadow energy secretary, argued that the government’s net zero plans will make the country “poorer.”
He claimed that the investment will lead to increased reliance on foreign powers like Russia.
In contrast, energy experts believe that investing in renewable energy will reduce the UK’s reliance on imports.
Jess Ralston, energy analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, said that the investment in solar panels will improve energy security and reduce the amount of gas imported from countries like Russia.
The first solar panels are expected to be installed by the end of the summer, with a focus on areas of “highest need.”
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has suspended health contracts worldwide, leaving critical healthcare programs and assistance in jeopardy.
The decision, part of a review aimed at aligning
foreign aid with the Trump administration’s “America First” policy, has resulted in the termination of more than 90% of global health
programs, including those addressing HIV, malaria, maternal health, and other vital services.
The sudden and widespread cuts have sparked
widespread concern among health experts and organizations, who warn that the move will have devastating consequences for millions of people worldwide.
“The US funding cuts are dismantling the system. HIV treatment is crumbling. TB services are collapsing… Lives are on the line,” said International AIDS Society President Beatriz Grinsztejn, whose organization is not directly affected by the cuts.
In South Africa, several of the largest US-funded HIV/AIDS programs have been informed that their funding will not resume, leaving vulnerable groups, including LGBT+ individuals and sex workers, without access to critical healthcare services.
A major global non-profit working on malaria and maternal and newborn health has also had most of its contracts cancelled.
The US State Department has remained tight-lipped about the criteria used for the terminations, and it remains unclear how many organizations worldwide have been affected.
However, documents reviewed by Reuters confirm that UNAIDS, the UN agency dedicated to tackling HIV and AIDS, has had its contract with USAID cancelled.
The move has sparked widespread criticism, with many arguing that the cuts will undermine global health progress and put millions of lives at risk.
“This is a devastating blow to global health efforts,” said a spokesperson for the Global Health Council. “The US has long been a leader in global health, and these cuts will have far-reaching consequences for some of
the world’s most vulnerable populations.”
CARICOM and the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) have partnered to strengthen biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts across the Caribbean. This collaboration aims to enhance data collection, support sustainable ecosystem management, and protect the region’s rich biodiversity. By advancing the understanding of ecosystems and species trends, CARICOM and UNEP-WCMC are empowering Caribbean nations to make more informed environmental decisions. The initiative includes training local experts, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and fostering partnerships to promote resilience against climate change and biodiversity loss. This joint effort supports global conservation goals while preserving the Caribbean’s natural heritage for future generations. Join us in celebrating this significant step toward a healthier, more biodiverse Caribbean!
Welcome to the highly anticipated 23rd volume of Diaspora Watch, your indispensable source connecting the vibrant African diaspora around the world! This edition is packed with captivating stories and in-depth analysis.
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Diaspora Diva – Aisha Bowe
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 40
UK Invests £180 Million In Solar Panels For Schools And Hospitals
Diaspora Watch 20th Edition (October 14-20, 2024): Your Trusted Source for Global News and Insights
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