wapcp, napa, ipmin set expectations for incoming president

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PSN election: WAPCP, NAPA, IPMIN set expectations for incoming president

Ahead of the forthcoming 94th national conference of the Pharmaceutical

Society of Nigeria (PSN), which will witness the election of a new president that will pilot the affairs of the Society for the next three years, different associations and groups within the pharmaceutical sector have outlined the attributes and

agendas they expect from the incoming leader.

Speaking with Pharmanews in separate interviews recently, the leaderships of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (WAPCP), Nigeria Chapter; the Nigerian Association of Pharmacists in Academia (NAPA); as well as the Indian Pharmaceutical

Manufacturer and Importers in Nigeria (IPMIN), unanimously stated that the incoming PSN president must be one with an unblemished record, and who has demonstrated consistent commitment to the advancement of the pharmacy profession in Nigeria.

They added that the

By Ranmilowo Ojalumo

NOVEMBER 2021 Vol. 43 No.11

Pharm. Obiajulu Onwuzor, marketing manager Zolon Healthcare Limited; Pharm. Pius Okonji, national sales manager , Zolon Healthcare Limited; Prince Jide Kosoko; Pharm. Niyi Daramola, Product Manager, Zolon Healthcare Limited; and Pharm. Chris Ani, product manager,Zolon Healthcare Limited, during the launching of ZOMAL anti-malaria product at ACPN 2021 National Conference, held in Abeokuta, recently.

Pharmanews November 2021 Layout.indd 1Pharmanews November 2021 Layout.indd 1 10/25/2021 6:39:23 AM10/25/2021 6:39:23 AM

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PHARM.(SIR) KENNEDY IZUNWA, FPSNPharmacist Kennedy Chukwuemeka Izunwa is the

managing director and chief executive officer of Foundation Pharma Group, with interests in pharmaceutical retail, wholesale, distribution, importation, and, most recently, representing multinational partners as sole representatives here in Nigeria. He is an executive member of the Association of Pharmaceutical Importers of Nigeria APIN), where he holds the position of technical director.

Born in Ukpor, Anambra State, on 3 November 1963, Izunwa is a 1986 graduate of Pharmacy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Enugu State, with particular interest in pharmacognosy and ethno-medicine. An experienced, analytical and result-oriented professional, he has over 30 years of professional experience in hospital, clinical and community practice, as well as in importation, sales and marketing of pharmaceutical and allied products.

Izunwa has contributed immensely to the practice and advancement of the pharmacy profession in Nigeria. He has been a member/chairman of several health committees, including the steering committee on tackling the chaotic drug distribution system in Nigeria, set up by the Federal Ministry of Health; as well as the committee on drug abuse, established and overseen by the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm)

A Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Izunwa has also served the pharmacy profession nationally and internationally in various capacities, including: member, presidential task force on capacity audit of local pharmaceutical manufacturing companies; technical coordinator, Pharmaceutical Coordinated Wholesale Central Projects (CWC); member, 12-man Federal Government delegation to India to understudy drug distribution system. He was also a member of the technical working group of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) workshop on response to drugs and related organised crimes in Nigeria.

Izunwa, an ardent Catholic and Knight of St John, is a passionate promoter of public health. He has provided community health services at various levels, which include educating the public on the use of both indoor residual spraying (IRS) and insecticide treated nets(ITNs) in the malaria prevention programme.

He is a member of many national and international organisations, including the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), African Pharmaceutical Forum (APF), Nigerian Association of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Scientists in the Americas (NAPPSA), Nigerian German Business Association (NGBA), and the Lions Club International.

Pharm. Izunwa, fondly called Kaycee, by his friends and close associates, is happily married to Pharm. (Mrs) Kelechi Izunwa, and the marriage is blessed with five lovely children.

Sir Ifeanyi AtueyiFPSN, FPCPharm, FNAPharm, FNAPPSA, FNIM

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“The only walls that exist are those you have placed in your mind. And whatever obstacles you conceive, exist only because you have forgotten what you have already achieved.” ― Suzy Kassem

“I am so grateful for my troubles. As I reflect back on my life, I have come to realise that my greatest triumphs have been born of my greatest troubles.” ― Steve Maraboli

“You can have everything you want if you can put your heart and soul into everything you do.” ― Roy T. Bennett

“When your desires are strong enough, you will appear to possess superhuman powers to achieve.” ― Napoleon Hill

“The reason people fail to reach their goals is because they give up too early. They don’t

understand that most successes are built upon foundations of multiple attempts.” ― Richelle E. Goodrich

“Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end. It’s not a day when you lounge around doing nothing; it’s a day you’ve had everything to do and you’ve done it.” ― Margaret Thatcher

“There are no secrets to success: don’t waste time looking for them. Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty to those for whom you work, and persistence.” ― Colin Powell

“I am not where I am because of luck. I am where I am because I took risks others weren’t willing to take. The world rewards the risk takers. It always has. It always will.” ― Dan Pearce

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3Pharmanews November 2021 Vol. 43 No. 11 Editorial }}

NIMR Foundation: A revolutionary approach to healthcare intervention

The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research has, again, demonstrated its commitment

to the research and development of home-grown medicines, with the recent launch of the NIMR Foundation. According to the Institute, the private, not-for-profit organisation was established to support government’s efforts in funding of translational healthcare research in Nigeria.

Explaining the rationale for setting up the Foundation as a separate arm of the NIMR, Chairman, Incorporated Trustees for NIMR, and Minister of Works, Housing and Environment, Barrister Babatunde Fashola (SAN), stated at a media parley that the Foundation “will do everything that NIMR is currently doing and should be doing, given the broad mandate imposed by the law establishing the Institute back in 1977 from a service perspective. The differentiating factor is that the Foundation will utilise resources mobilised from mostly the private sector, rather than depend on funding from government as NIMR does.”

Fashola further said: “NIMR Foundation has identified a mix of short, medium and long-term revenue streams in mobilising predictable and sufficient funding for its activities. These are: Donations (in cash or kind) from individuals, corporate bodies, and organisations in Nigeria and worldwide; endowments from philanthropists and other well-meaning individuals; grants from individuals, trusts, initiatives, local and international governments,

private and non-governmental organisations within and outside Nigeria; and income from commercial ventures and investments.”

This is a pragmatic and progressive move from the prestigious Institute, considering the criticality of funding to meaningful research efforts, as well as the bureaucratic bottlenecks that have often bedevilled research funding by the Nigerian government over the years. And in what appears to be an auspicious start for the Foundation, during its official inauguration, financial pledges to the tune of billions of naira were made by distinguished Nigerians, including the 14th Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (Muhammadu Sanusi II)

Sanusi had, at the event,

single-handedly pledged to rally support by mobilising Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike to raise the seed fund of N10 billion for the Foundation, towards the development of the nation’s healthcare system through cutting-edge research and technological innovations. Bearing in mind the spontaneity with which communicable diseases spring up and pose medical emergencies to the health industry, NIMR’s continued efforts towards bolstering the availability of quality home-grown medicines, coupled with its penchant for research-based medical innovations, are highly commendable and reflect its willingness to reposition the country’s healthcare system for increased efficiency.

It is worth noting that, despite several health interventions by the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH),

Africa’s largest economy still faces some of the worst public health challenges, including the highest global burden of malaria, a high burden of HIV and tuberculosis, emerging infections such as Lassa Fever, recurrent outbreaks of cholera, meningitis and yellow fever, as well as increasing levels of non-communicable diseases. These are all pointers to the fact that government’s provision for healthcare are grossly inadequate for the needs of the populace, which calls for private investors’ participation in the sector.

The NIMR Foundation is thus a welcome development that should be supported by all well-meaning Nigerians. If well managed, funds accruing to it would be channelled into the provision of research grants, training and other sundry obligations, as planned by its Board. We call on other institutions, agencies and organisations to take a cue from the NIMR and develop significant projects that will have transformational impacts on the health sector and the nation, in general.

It must also be emphasised that the establishment of the NIMR Foundation must not be seen by the government as a substitute for its expected financial commitments towards healthcare research and development in the country. Rather, the government must see this as a wakeup call to be more sensitive to the health needs of its citizens and increase allocation to healthcare funding. Presently, the country’s health indices are, to say the least, appalling, and require immediate interventions.

It must also be emphasised that the establishment of the NIMR Foundation must not be seen by the government as a substitute for its expected financial commitments towards healthcare research and development in the country. Rather, the government must see this as a wakeup call to be more sensitive to the health needs of its citizens and increase allocation to healthcare funding.



DISEASE OF THE MONTH FOR 2021

Reflection }

}

By Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi

It is usual to honour people with awards after they are dead for services provided when alive.

Sometimes, institutions, buildings, streets, and so on, are named after the deceased. Events and prizes are established in memory of those who have contributed immensely in their lifetime.

When such honours are bestowed on people, it is the living relations and friends who receive them. They also express their gratitude to those who honour their dead relations. The person in whose name the honour is bestowed is no longer alive and has no knowledge of, nor can benefit from this noble gesture. It is a fact that posthumous award is of no value to the honouree but to the people alive.

I remember one prominent man from the southeast of Nigeria calling for the recognition and honouring of people who have made s i g n i f i c a n t contributions while they are still alive. He said that a n y o n e appreciating h i s own services should do so while he is alive. He considered it valueless when honoured after his death.

Of course, the man has good reasons for his opinion and many people think like that. Indeed, people should always be appreciated for their good works. This encourages them to do more and also encourages other people to emulate them. Everyone naturally likes to be appreciated.

In the same way, God rewards people for the good things they do in this life. God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. The Bible contains many promises of blessing for those who obey and serve Him. In fact, the blessing of God in this life is an earnest desire of everyone.

However, the Word of God considers more important the eternal reward than the temporary ones. In Luke 14:14 Jesus said, “And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” Also, in Matthew 16:27, he said, “For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.” Here, the emphasis is on the rewards believers receive after this life.

Certainly, God blesses us here on earth and gives us temporary rewards for our good works and faithful services to Him. The rewards the Bible teaches are not like the plaques, trophies, medals, houses, fat cheques, street names, and so on. These rewards are not given because of our prayers but because of what is done while on earth.

A little understanding of how and when God pays backs for our services is necessary to avoid a feeling of disappointment. Sometimes, one may ask why someone faithfully serving God here may not be receiving visible rewards to show for it. God has not promised that our services to Him will be fully rewarded here. But it does not mean that He does not care for us here.

The Bible emphasises rewards after this life

because whatever Christians or believers receive here on earth is temporary. Even if a believer lives for 120 years and enjoys God’s blessings, it is still a very short period, when compared with eternity.

Believers are assured of eternal

rewards after judgement. The

judgement for believers is the judgement seat of Christ for the purpose of r e c e i v i n g r e w a r d s for their f a i t h f u l s e r v i c e .

All of us will give account of what we have done after trusting Jesus Christ as our Saviour. 2 Corinthians 5:10 (NIV) says, “For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”

All believers will stand before God and be individually judged. This judgement is not to determine who will enter heaven. The sins of believers will not be an issue at the judgement seat of Christ because they have already been forgiven. Psalm 103:11-12 (NIV) says, “For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him: As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.”

Believers are judged for the purpose of receiving their rewards, the unbelievers are judged for condemnation. Romans 8:1 (NIV) says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Those who believe in our Lord Jesus Christ are not condemned but those who do not believe are condemned already.

Believers are encouraged to do things right in God’s sight always, with the assurance of receiving rewards both here and hereafter. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV) says, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” This is a strong motivation for living a truly Christian life to show that we love God. Christians shall enjoy eternal life and heavenly rewards.

Merits of posthumous awards4 Pharmanews November 2021 Vol. 43 No. 11

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Pharmanews November 2021 Vol. 43 No. 11 5Selling Champion }

}

Sales objectionBy George O. Emetuche

“Some will, some won’t, so what? Next!”- Brian Tracy

A sales professional who dislikes sales objection needs to be taught Sales

101. Yes, I know that sales objection is the number one reason people run away from sales, but the good news is that sales objection isn’t the end of the road. When you know the art of selling, you overcome sales objection. For me, sales objection is fun! It’s part of the game. Nothing good comes easy.

Sales objection can be negative news for the salesman who doesn’t know the art of selling. It occurs when there is a pause in the salesperson’s progression. The sales professional may have finished his or her beautiful presentation and suddenly a voice comes up with expressions like: “Your price is high.” “Your terms aren’t good enough.” “I have another supplier.” “It’s not in our budget.” “Come back in two months.” “My boss is not around”, and so on.

What do you do when you hear these objections? Do you give up and go home, without doing anything to turn the table? This is when you bring out the salesmanship in you.

The three factorsDuring my media tour in the

south east in September, 2021, I was a radio guest on Business Matters hosted by Ifeoma Melody Ajumobi (“The Sparkling Woman on Radio”) of Solid FM, Enugu. We talked about attributes of good sales professionals. I took time to enumerate three factors that lead to success in sales profession. They are:

The team (people)The products or servicesThe strategy (tactics)

If you get these three elements right, you will succeed in your selling. Handling sales objections is a function of the third factor, strategy.

Note that tactics is a subset of strategy. You need to deploy the right tactics to handle sales objections.

We have a broad training module on how to handle sales objection but I will explore some thoughts here to give value.

Objection or rejection isn’t bad news

Sometimes, the salesman may even encounter the “elder brother” of sales objection, which is sales rejection! Sales rejection is a more serious case. Here, the prospect says, “Sorry, I don’t want to deal!” The sales rejection scenario doesn’t give the salesman an opportunity to explore tactics. It’s case closed!

But in all these, the salesman must keep moving forward because there is sales target to meet. Some will, some won’t, so what? Next! No matter the situation, you must move on with the right mindset, reaching out to the right prospects and presenting your offerings, convincingly.

Let’s look at these famous people and the objections or rejections they encountered:

Oprah Winfrey – Fired as an evening news reporter of Baltimore’s WJZ–TV because she couldn’t separate her emotion from her stories.

Walt Disney – Fired from the Kansas City Star in 1919 because he ‘‘lacked imagination and had no good ideas.’’

JK Rowling – Rejected by dozens, including HarperCollins, until a small publisher in London took a chance on Harry Porter.

Steve Jobs – Fired from the company he started, Apple, but was desperately brought back in 1997 to save it. Apple is now the most valuable company in the world.

Abraham Lincoln – Demoted from Captain to Private during war, failed as a businessman and lost several times as a political candidate before becoming president.

The list is limitless. Steps in handling objectionsHear the prospect outGently explore the objectionsAnswer the objectionsSee if the objection is dealt

withLead him or her to a close I believe that sales objection

is not a bad case. It helps you to tell more about the value you are bringing to the table. It helps you to prove your case. Conquer objections now! Go and win in the marketplace.

On behalf The Selling Champion Consulting Limited and Nigeria Sales Conference, we congratulate Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria as they hold 94th Annual National Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Please reach us today for cutting-edge training of your sales team and workforce. We are accredited by Nigerian Council For Management Development. Order a set of our seven bestselling books and one audio book @ normal price of N25, 500 only and get autographed copies and free delivery anywhere in Nigeria! Please call, 08186083133, 07060559429 or visit, www.thesellingchampionconsulting.com, or www.nigeriasalesconference.com

Buy Books by George O.

Emetuche from bookshops or super stores near you:

1. The Selling Champion. 2. The Art of Selling. 3. The 25 Unbreakable Laws

of Sales. 4. The 11 Irrefutable

Principles of Success. 5. Everything is Possible. 6. Be Inspired. 7. Succeeding With Your

Spouse.


6 Pharmanews November 2021 Vol. 43 No. 11


Patrick Iwelunmorwith

Email: [email protected]:08135439281

Disease marketing in Nigeria

According to Wikipedia, “Marketing refers to the process an organisation

undertakes to engage its target audience, build strong relationships to create value in order to capture value in return. It is one of the primary components of business management and commerce.” Google adds that “marketing is the activity, set of institutions, and processes for creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large.”

Disease marketing is any range of activities that encourages the display of any form of sickness or disease with the intention of drawing sympathy and financial aid from members of the public. In Nigeria, it has become a seriously rising menace that the Nigerian government and relevant agencies are supposed to checkmate before it turns to an international embarrassment for the country. Investigations by this writer shows that it has become the norm on major streets of highly populated Nigerian cities.

People suffering from diseases, ranging from leg ulcers to different kinds of tumours, are

displayed at the centre of roads, with accompanying music and emergency alms collectors who receive the monetary contributions from passersby, on behalf of the afflicted. Most of these diseases which come in form of open sores are not well dressed and attract flies. This scenario alone is not good for the health of passersby and people living around such areas.

Allowing the sick to use their sicknesses to solicit money should not be arbitrarily done. Government must know that there are very grave social implications in allowing the trend to continue. Apart from the obvious dangers that the diseased themselves are exposed to, they are also usually manipulated by people who claim to help them raise funds. We have seen cases of similar fund-raising in which the monies collected were made away with by the so-called fundraisers.

Due to the chaotic vehicular traffic situations in most Nigerian cities, these disease marketers or traffic beggars may end up being knocked down by reckless drivers or find themselves in the middle of social unrests that could affect their wellbeing. For instance, during the Jos sectarian crisis of 7 September,

violence.Moreover, some of these

beggars who flaunt their ailments to elicit public sympathy could also be targets of ritual- killers and body-part merchants. Tina Nwezw, et al, in a research titled, “An assessment of the trainability of beggars and the destitute in Abakaliki Nigeria: Implication for policy on their health, vocational rehabilitation and social reintegration”, echo some of the concerns raised by this writer: “The negative impacts of begging and destitution to the health and socio-economic development in Nigeria are indisputable. For instance, beggars and destitute persons have been known to suffer diverse chronic illnesses that end up not getting the required medical attention for as long as their lives continue to tick like a clock.

“Beggars equally contend against dehumanising occurrences of ritual decapitation, rape, rejection, commercialised body parts plundering, hunger, lynching and physical assaults born out of hatred for their persons”.

The writers also bemoaned the lack of government policy in regulating the activities of beggars and the destitute who fall into the vulnerable group, especially in low and middle income countries

(LMICs): “Unfortunately, there is no public policy that regulates begging and destitution. Neither is there any health policy that outlines guidelines for their healthcare, rehabilitation and meaningful re-integration into society. This is a common situation in the LMICs including most African countries. The current global emphasis on health equity demands that the health and social-wellbeing of the vulnerable like the beggars and the destitute be taken into consideration in the policy making process.”

As a matter of urgency, the government in Nigeria, from the federal to the local level, should take the matter of this vulnerable group into serious consideration. Like every other Nigerian, they deserve to be protected by the laws of the land and should be accorded special privileges because of their conditions.

Regulating the disease marketing/begging industry should be a major policy thrust of any well-meaning government, as most nations of the world are working towards the actualisation of health equity. The Lagos State government has a lot of work to do in this regard. Being the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, Lagos State is one of the places where these beggars run to in search of succour and their presence in major roundabouts casts a dark shadow on the toga of excellence with which it has been known for decades.

2001, this writer witnessed the gruesome murder of beggars, especially lepers, who were caught up in the stampede that ensued during the


Pharmanews November 2021 Vol. 43 No. 11 7

}

}Industry News

As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) and in commemoration

of this year’s World Pharmacists Day, on 25 September, Greenlife Pharmaceuticals Limited, has taken public health campaign to residents of Ilupeju, Obanikoro, Oshodi and its environs.

The health campaign and screening exercise, held in front of the pharmaceutical company, in the heart of the Ilupeju, had in attendance several members of the community, which included market women, artisans, civil servants and students.

Speaking on the rationale behind the initiative, Pharm. Derick Osondu, national sales manager, Greenlife, who was also on ground to lend a hand in the screening and consultations, said: “We decided to organise the health campaign and free screening exercise to give back to our community and to promote healthy living among Nigerians.”

According to him, regular health screening is good as it involves checking patients’ current health status and risks, adding that “if any problems are found, the healthcare provider will provide information on treatment plans and ways that you can prevent health issues in the future, as well as refer the person to the Greenlife Clinic close by”.

The free health screening featured free health consultation and counselling, fasting blood sugar test, blood pressure check, malaria parasite test, free drug administration, among others.

Also speaking at the programme, Head of Admin and Public Relations, Kema Ezeasor, explained that the event was organised as part of the company’s contribution to improving public healthcare, as well as identifying with pharmacists all over the world as they mark the special day, adding that Greenlife as a responsible company recognises their immense contributions to the healthcare sector of the country.

Speaking further, Ezeasor noted that regular health screening and awareness can help detect health problems before they become complicated and sometimes untreatable, adding that by getting the right health services, screenings, and treatments, people are taking steps that will help them live longer and have a healthier life.

She advised the public to consider their health first in everything they do, adding that looking healthy is not always an indication that one is free from diseases.

Aside from health screening, consultation and free drug administration, the Greenlife team also gave health talks and educated the populace on what to do to prevent diseases and better manage their health.

While appreciating Greenlife, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs Iyabo Ganiyu, said she was delighted for the good gesture from the company, adding that the free screening exercise and lecture were of great benefit to them as residents of the community.

Another beneficiary, Mrs Usamotu Sanni, an octogenarian, enjoined other healthcare providers and organisations in the country to take a cue from what Greenlife had done and reach out to assist people in enjoying better health as a way of giving back to the society.

Greenlife conducts free health screening, drug administration on over 200 Ilupeju residents

By Adebayo Oladejo

A cross-section of the management team of Greenlife Pharma at the health outreach.



8

}

}Heroes of Healthcare

By Ola Aboderin


Growing up in the city of Lagos between the ‘60s and ‘70s, Adejare had

always thought of becoming a teacher, just like his parents. He was passionate about education and not only was he willing to acquire as much knowledge as he could but also keen to pass on same to as many people as possible. However, just what he was going to be teaching was not exactly clear to him as at then. Fast-forward to some 60 years later, that aspiring youngster has become not just a distinguished professor at the world’s first standard school of pharmacy (the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, PCP) but also editor-in-chief of Remington, the most authoritative publication on the science and practice of Pharmacy globally.

Anyone familiar with “The Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy” can easily imagine what it would take to be its editor-in-chief, and what it means for Adejare to be the first black person to assume the prestigious position. First published in 1886 as The Practice of Pharmacy by the renowned Prof. J. P. Remington, the publication has become the definitive encyclopaedia for all aspects of the science and practice of pharmacy and is used for pharmaceutics, therapeutics, and pharmacy practice courses. Interestingly, the Remington edited by Adejare is a special bicentennial edition, meant to celebrate 200 years since the founding of PCP in 1821.

Adeboye Adejare is a celebrated professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, with special interests in drug discovery and targeting, mechanisms of neurodegeneration (as observed in Alzheimer’s and similar diseases), the chemistry of fluoroaromatic compounds, and pharmaceutical profiling. A prolific and consummate researcher, he has, over the course of his extensive career, been the principal investigator on more than 30 grant and contract awards from the National Institutes of Health, as well as other government agencies and pharmaceutical companies. These efforts have resulted in over 50 publications, five patents and over 100 presentations at national and international conferences. Several of his students have received graduate degrees (MSc. and Ph.D) and are employed in

assistance was solicited. As he would later explain, “They were great clinicians but did not know much about how to optimise the compound – how to do something to it that might have led to novel compounds and possibly drugs, as well as to a patent.”

Adejare studied the compound and helped to develop new ones that can be of use in radiation therapy for cancer patients – thereby improving the efficacy of the therapy and giving radiologists more flexibility with how much radiation to use on their patients. He has increasingly become a specialist in the anti-cancer arena, writing several publications and a producing a patent.

Awards and recognitionsAdejare was the recipient

of the highly-competitive 2014 Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Programme (CADFP) - an initiative of the Institute of International Education that encourages African-born researchers in the United States and Canada to share their acquired research skills with colleagues in African universities through collaborative work. Within the period of the Fellowship, Adejare worked with Prof. (Mrs) Chinedum Babalola, who was then dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan. The two accomplished scholars spent the period exploring drug discovery, analysis, and development. Adejare also seized the opportunity to give several lectures, while collaborating on many other initiatives.

In February 2015, University of the Sciences honoured Adejare with the 2015 Founders’ Day Faculty Award of Merit, during the university’s 194th Founders’ Day ceremony. On that occasion, Dr Heidi M. Anderson, former provost and vice president of academic affairs at USciences, described Adejare as “an accomplished researcher, who has been widely published and nationally respected. He truly exemplifies the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of the USciences’ Founders.”

In 2019, Adejare again won the CADFP, which saw him returning to Nigeria to work with Prof. Gloria Ayoola of the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Lagos, to increase the research competitiveness of the pharmacy faculty and graduate students.

Adeboye Adejare: The definitive authority on pharmaceutical sciences

academia and the pharmaceutical industry. He has also served as mentor to several postdoctoral associates, MacArthur and Fulbright Fellows, as well as visiting faculty members.

Pathway to prominenceAdejare had his elementary

and secondary education in Lagos State. Thereafter, he sought admission into higher institutions in Nigeria and the United States. He was accepted to Bard College at Simon’s Rock in Massachusetts, for an associate’s degree programme, and he decided to take the offer. He was at the college between 1975 and 1977.

By the end of his two-year programme at Bard, he had decided to study Chemistry. He thus enrolled in the undergraduate Chemistry programme at the University of Iowa. Upon graduation, he immediately went for his master’s degree in Chemistry in the same institution and completed it in 1980.

Within the course of his undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, Adejare’s interests had increasingly tilted towards Pharmacy and Medicinal Chemistry, but not in the conventional way. According to him, “I was not interested in seeing one patient at a time or giving drugs to one patient at a time. I wanted to be involved in discovering new medicines that thousands of people around the world would be taking. One way to get that done was through Medicinal Chemistry.” With his

career path decided, Adejare enrolled for his PhD programme in Medicinal Chemistry at Ohio State University (OSU). He was outstanding in his research efforts, such that towards the end of the programme in 1985, he received a Fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and was also offered a postdoctoral position that summer at OSU.

It was during his time as an assistant lecturer at OSU that Adejare realised that people were living longer and diseases associated with aging were going to be a major issue in the years to come. “That was probably where I needed to go – to put my tent,” he said. From then on, he centred his research on the areas of design and syntheses of small organic molecules to probe neurodegeneration, particularly Alzheimer’s disease.

After his stint at Ohio, Adejare spent several years as a Fellow at NIH. Thereafter, his teaching and research career took him to the University of Missouri-Kansas City and Idaho State University. He joined the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy (now part of the University the Sciences), Philadelphia, in 2003, and since then, his research outputs have been exponential.

Over the years, Adejare has also extended his research to the anti-cancer field. In 2010, clinicians at the University of Pennsylvania discovered compounds that act as radiosensitizers, agents that make cells more sensitive to radiation. They however could not do much with their discovery and Adejare’s

Prof. Adeboye Adejare




(Contd from last edition)F. Blink rateThe best way to use this

technique effectively is by getting a baseline of the suspect. While newborn babies only blink one to two times a minute, the average blink rate for an adult is four to 14. Any deviation from these could be because of fatigue, disease, medication that causes dryness in the eyes, or anxiety. The blink is a way the eye gets lubrication (aqueous humour).

An increase in the blink rate is a sign of nervousness, which may or may not be as a result of some kind of guilt. A decrease is a sign of cognitive load. Similarly, eye contact decrease or increase means nothing without reference to baseline. It is a common myth that whoever is not able to look at you in the face and respond to a probing question is a liar. Unless you make reference to the baseline of the suspect, you cannot categorically conclude that he or she is guilty.

Crime downplay“Did you rape Victoria Jones

two nights ago?” This was the question directed at a suspect and his response was “I did not take advantage of her.” To a layperson or someone without any skill on how to catch a liar, it is easy to gloss over such a statement but several red flags can be seen from that statement.

Anytime a crime suspect tries to give his or her own version, as it were, of a crime in question, using

How to catch a liar (4)

seen as a deceptive gesture at the point where there is a deviation from the baseline (hot spot). It means the suspect is holding a piece of information back. However, even though hands restriction can signal deception, do not immediately conclude without a baseline to serve as a benchmark.

Unlike the closed gesture, open arm gestures most times show that the individual is truthful. That is because the nerve connection between the brain and other parts of the body used for expression cannot be compared with that of the hands/arms. This is why the gestures made with the arms cannot be overlooked as they serve as a valuable resource material in getting to know what is on the inside.

Don’t miss the next edition.Culled from the book “How to

catch a liar without polygraph” Instagram (@dipomacjob)

(07062456737 Text message)

}

} Body LanguageBy Dipo MacJob (Dr Write)

gestures typical of someone hiding something. That is the real value of this technique. It is a strong nonverbal cue leading to unfolding the hidden secret.

The two common types engaged in are the arm-fold gesture and the hands-in-pockets gesture, as seen in the pictures below.

It is important to note that the use of these gestures do not suggest that a lie is being told, not necessarily.

a tone or words that attempt to reduce the gravity, magnitude or the seriousness of the crime being spoken about, then such a gesture may be a deceptive one. Some other examples you can find that may warrant suspicions include the following:

“Did you hit your brother with a cutlass?” “I didn’t hurt him.”

“Did you gossip about me?” “I didn’t say anything bad about you.”

Self castigationWife: “Honey, you have

forgotten that today is my birthday”. Husband: “Of course I know. I

would be the biggest fool with an incomplete brain as a husband to forget the birthday of a woman so wonderful like you.” Oops! Why such a rain of abusive words at yourself just to prove something? This response appears sincere but the fact is, the words with which the husband describes his ineptitude in this scenario are unnecessarily weighty. It is a red flag of a guilty husband in this context, to say the least.

The qualifying statements used in appreciation of his wife after having abused himself are only compensatory statements to cover up a defect in the relationship with his partner.

Closed gestures In other to apply this technique

adequately, you need to pay keen attention to the point at which the suspect deviates from the baseline to utilise any of the closed

However, it does show some kind of d i s c o m f o r t i n t e r n a l l y which could be driven by guilt of telling lies. Again, this is reliable only when the baseline considerations have been

noted.

Concealment of the hands is





Disease of the Month }

}

Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood

sugar (glucose). Glucose is vital to health because it’s an important source of energy for the cells that make up muscles and tissues. It’s also the brain’s main source of fuel.

The underlying cause of diabetes varies by type. But, no matter the type of diabetes, it can lead to excess sugar in the blood. Too much sugar in the blood can lead to serious health problems.

Chronic diabetes conditions include type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Potentially reversible diabetes conditions include prediabetes and gestational diabetes. Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. And

prediabetes is often the precursor of diabetes, unless appropriate measures are taken to prevent progression. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy but may resolve after the baby is delivered.

Symptoms of diabetesDiabetes symptoms are caused

by rising blood sugar.

General symptoms: The general symptoms of diabetes include:

Increased hunger, increased thirst, weight loss, frequent urination, blurry vision, extreme fatigue, sores that don’t heal.

Symptoms in menIn addition to the general

diabetesType 1 diabetes: This type is

an autoimmune disease, meaning the body attacks itself. In this case, the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are destroyed. Up to 10 per cent of people who have diabetes have Type 1. It’s usually diagnosed in children and young adults but can develop at any age. It was once better known as “juvenile” diabetes. People with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. This is why it is also called insulin-dependent diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes: With this type, the body either doesn’t make enough insulin or the body’s cells don’t respond normally to the insulin. This is the most common type of diabetes. Up to 95 per

symptoms of diabetes, men with diabetes may have a decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction (ED), and poor muscle strength.

Symptoms in womenWomen with diabetes

can also have symptoms such as urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and dry, itchy skin.

However, diabetes symptoms vary, depending on how much blood sugar is elevated. Some people, especially those with prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes, may sometimes not experience symptoms. In Type 1 diabetes, symptoms tend to come on quickly and be more severe.

More on types of

cent of people with diabetes have Type 2. It usually occurs in middle-aged and older people. Other common names for Type 2 include adult-onset diabetes and insulin-resistant diabetes. Our parents or grandparents may have called it “having a touch of sugar.”

Prediabetes: This type is the stage before Type 2 diabetes. The blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be officially diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes: This type develops in some women during their pregnancy. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after pregnancy. However, if you have gestational diabetes you’re at higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later on in life.

Less common types of diabetes include:

Monogenic diabetes syndromes: These are rare inherited forms of diabetes accounting for up to 4 per cent of all cases. Examples are neonatal diabetes and maturity-onset diabetes of the young.

Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes: This is a form of diabetes-specific to people with this disease.

Drug or chemical induced diabetes: Examples of this type happen after organ transplant, following HIV/AIDS treatment or are associated with glucocorticoid steroid use.

Causes of diabetesThe cause of diabetes,

regardless of the type, is having too much glucose circulating in your bloodstream. However, the reason

Management of diabetes mellitus




While still grappling with the pieces of my shattered hope of getting a B.Pharm

anytime soon, I received another blow, the impact of which was amplified by its suddenness. Let me say it, by the way, that one of the mysteries of life that we may never be able to fully unravel until the afterlife is why some good people die so young, while some terrible ones simply do not depart.

Towards the end of 1962, my uncle, who had been notable for his exceptional intelligence, diligence and honesty, received a well-deserved career boost when he was appointed Adviser on Teachers Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Lagos. Almost immediately, he was seconded to the Commonwealth Education Council Secretariat in London as Deputy Director. As should be expected, the news of this double promotion was received with great joy. Not only were we delighted that his hard work and sound character had been noticed far beyond the borders of eastern Nigeria and Nigeria, as a whole, but it gave us – me, in particular – the hope that he would make arrangements for me to study overseas, as soon as he had settled down in London.

Thus, after all arrangements had been concluded that he should take up the appointment in London, my uncle, alongside his driver and his two brothers set off for Lagos in his car. The plan was for him to board his flight to London from there. Sadly, news soon reached us that they had been involved in a ghastly accident at Owo, in Ondo State. That accident immediately claimed the lives of his driver and one of his brothers (Rufus). His other brother (Edwin) sustained minor injuries. My uncle, though badly injured, initially clung to life but died a few days later at the University College Hospital,

(Excerpts from MY LIFE AND PHARMANEWS by Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi)

Ibadan, on 16th December, 1962. The impact of this calamity

upon my family and the Okija community, in general, was truly catastrophic. On my part, I must say that aside from my uncle’s wife - who understandably was so devastated by the tragedy, that it still beats my imagination how she eventually managed to pull through – I was arguably the most affected by the untimely death. I could not have had a better guardian in the whole world. In fact, I can say that I was the person that he invested in more than any other person

because, as at the time he died, his oldest child, John, was just about nine years old. So, I was like his adopted first son and he gave me all the love that a father could ever give to his child.

As may have been noticed, my uncle usually started his letters to me with “My dear Christopher” and would end with “Yours affectionately”. At a time, he had to lovingly caution me in one of his letters, when it appeared that I had not fully understood the way he wanted me to see him. He said in that letter, which was a reply to the one I had earlier sent to him:

“Thanks for your letter. That was the second time you addressed me as ‘Mr Erinne’ – how drily official.”

This shows the depth of affection he had for me, an affection that manifested in words and in deeds, and would create a profound vacuum in me for many years after his demise.

D i p l o m a

Tola Ayuba and Demola Odusote. There was only one female, named Omolaja, in the department.

In the set of 1963, I made friends with the likes of Bruno Nwankwo, Chuks Chukwumerije, Sam Agboifo, Ebenezer I. C. Okoye and Godwin Offor; while in the set of 1965 were good friends like Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi and Mutanda Anohu.

Our lecturers included Dr V. Walters, Dr George O. Iketubosin, Miss Stella Rivers and Dr Ayodele Tella (pharmacologist, later a Professor). I fondly remember these lecturers because each had a significant influence on me. Dr Walters was the one who caused me to keep a beard. He was bearded and because I loved his beard I left mine to grow like his. Dr Iketubosin was the first Nigerian to obtain a PhD in Pharmacy, specialising in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. Miss Stella Rivers took special care of me because, as I said earlier, when I arrived late to the campus, she organised laboratory work in Pharmaceutics for me to cover what I missed.

I also recall that it was during those diploma years that Mr Ebenezer Ogunlana (now Professor) joined the departmental staff as a demonstrator, having graduated from Nottingham University, UK. Dr J.D. Kulkarni was the head of Pharmacognosy Department, with Mr M.B. Patel as his assistant. I particularly remember Dr Kulkarni because he enjoyed smoking cheap Galleon brand of cigarettes in the class. He always introduced himself as “Doctor, and Patel as “Mister”. Mr Philip Emafo (now Dr) from the Pharmacy Department of the University College Hospital (UCH), was our part-time lecturer in Pharmaceutics.

}

}Autobiography

continues next edition

A SEASON OF TURBULENCE (2)

ReminiscencesAs my uncle would have wanted

me to, I forged ahead with my studies and did not allow the series of sorrows I had experienced to break my spirit. Instead, I tried to make my stay in school as profitable and exciting as possible.

I recall that in the Department of Pharmacy, we were about 60 students altogether, with about 20 in each year. We all knew one another closely. My classmates included Eugene Okonkwo, Bona Obiorah, Pius Ogwueleka, Moses Azuike, Lambert Eradiri, Dennis Okolo,




continued from page 11

Disease of the Month


Management of diabetes mellituswhy the blood glucose levels are high differs depending on the type of diabetes.

Causes of Type 1 diabetesThe exact cause of Type 1

diabetes is unknown. What is known is that the immune system which normally fights harmful bacteria or viruses attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This leaves the person with little or no insulin. Instead of being transported into the cells, sugar builds up in the bloodstream.

Type 1 is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors, though exactly what those factors are is still unclear. Weight is not believed to be a factor in type 1 diabetes.

Causes of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes

In prediabetes which can lead to Type 2 diabetes and in type 2 diabetes, the cells become resistant to the action of insulin, and the pancreas is unable to make enough insulin to overcome this resistance. Instead of moving into the cells where it’s needed for energy, sugar builds up in the bloodstream.

Exactly why this happens is uncertain, although it’s believed that genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of Type 2 diabetes too. Being overweight is strongly linked to the development of Type 2 diabetes, but not everyone with Type 2 is overweight.

Causes of gestational diabetes

During pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones to sustain the pregnancy. These hormones make the cells more resistant to insulin.

Normally, the pancreas responds by producing enough extra insulin to overcome this resistance. But sometimes the pancreas can’t keep up. When this happens, too little glucose gets into the cells and too much stays in the blood, resulting in gestational diabetes.

Risk factorsRisk factors for diabetes

depend on the type of diabetes.

Risk factors for Type 1 diabetes

Although the exact cause of Type 1 diabetes is unknown, factors that may signal an increased risk include:

• Family history. The risk increases if a parent or sibling has Type 1 diabetes.

• Environmental factors. Circumstances such as exposure to a viral illness likely play some role in Type 1 diabetes.

• The presence of damaging immune system cells (autoantibodies). Sometimes family members of people with Type 1 diabetes are tested for the presence of diabetes autoantibodies. If a person has these autoantibodies, such as an increased risk of developing Type 1 diabetes. But not everyone who has these autoantibodies develops diabetes.

• Geography. Certain countries, such as Finland and Sweden, have higher rates of Type 1 diabetes.

Risk factors for prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes

Researchers don’t fully

understand why some people develop prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes and others don’t. It’s clear that certain factors increase the risk, however, including:

• Weight. The more fatty tissue you have, the more resistant your cells become to insulin.

• Inactivity. The less active you are, the greater your risk.

Physical activity helps you control your weight, uses up glucose as energy, and makes your cells more sensitive to insulin.

• Family history. Your risk increases if a parent or sibling has Type 2 diabetes.

• Race or ethnicity. Although it’s unclear why, certain people — including Black, Hispanic,

American Indian, and Asian American people — are at higher risk.

• Age. Your risk increases as you get older. This may be because you tend to exercise less, lose muscle mass and gain weight as you age. But Type 2 diabetes is also increasing among children, adolescents, and younger adults.

• Gestational diabetes. If you developed gestational diabetes when you were pregnant, your risk of developing prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes increases. If you gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds (4 kilograms), you’re also at risk of Type 2 diabetes.

• Polycystic ovary syndrome. For women, having polycystic ovary syndrome — a common condition characterised by irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, and obesity — increases the risk of diabetes.

• High blood pressure. Having blood pressure over 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) is linked to an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes.




MAY &BAKERBROMAT



Pharmanews November 2021 Vol. 43 No. 11 15Disease of the Month



• Abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels. If you have low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good,” cholesterol, your risk of Type 2 diabetes is higher. Triglycerides are another type of fat carried in the blood. People with high levels of triglycerides have an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. Your doctor can let you know what your cholesterol and triglyceride levels are.

Risk factors for gestational diabetes

Pregnant women can develop gestational diabetes. Some women are at greater risk than are others. Risk factors for gestational diabetes include:

• Age. Women older than age 25 are at increased risk.

• Family or personal history. Your risk increases if you have prediabetes — a precursor to Type 2 diabetes — or if a close family member, such as a parent or sibling, has Type 2 diabetes. You’re also at greater risk if you had gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy, if you delivered a very large baby or if you had an unexplained stillbirth.

• Weight. Being overweight before pregnancy increases your risk.

• Race or ethnicity. For reasons that aren’t clear, women who are Black, Hispanic, American Indian or Asian American are more likely to develop gestational diabetes.

ComplicationsLong-term complications of

diabetes develop gradually. The longer you have diabetes — and

the less controlled your blood sugar — the higher the risk of complications. Eventually, diabetes complications may be disabling or even life-threatening. Possible complications include:

• Cardiovascular disease. Diabetes dramatically increases the risk of various cardiovascular problems, including coronary artery disease with chest pain (angina), heart attack, stroke, and narrowing of arteries (atherosclerosis). If you have diabetes, you’re more likely to have heart disease or stroke.

• Nerve damage (neuropathy). Excess sugar can injure the walls of the tiny blood vessels (capillaries) that nourish your nerves, especially in your legs. This can cause tingling, numbness, burning, or pain that usually begins at the tips of the toes or fingers and gradually spreads upward.

• Kidney damage (nephropathy).

• Skin conditions. Diabetes may leave you more susceptible to skin problems, including bacterial and fungal infections.

• Hearing impairment. Hearing problems are more common in people with diabetes.

• Alzheimer’s disease. Type 2 diabetes may increase the risk of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease. The poorer your blood sugar control, the greater the risk appears to be. Although there are theories as to how these disorders might be connected, none has yet been proved.

• Depression. Depression symptoms are common in people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Depression can affect diabetes management.

PreventionType 1 diabetes can’t be

prevented. However, the same healthy lifestyle choices that help treat prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes can also help prevent them:

• Eat healthy foods. Choose foods lower in fat and calories and higher in fiber. Focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Strive for variety to prevent boredom.

• Get more physical activity. Aim for about 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity on most days of the week, or at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week.

• Lose excess pounds. If you’re overweight, losing even 7 per cent of your body weight — for example, 14 pounds (6.4 kilograms) if you weigh 200 pounds (90.7 kilograms) — can reduce the risk of diabetes.

Don’t try to lose weight during pregnancy, however. Talk to your

The kidneys contain millions of tiny blood vessel clusters (glomeruli) that filter waste from your blood. Diabetes can damage this delicate filtering system. Severe damage can lead to kidney failure or irreversible end-stage kidney disease, which may require dialysis or a kidney transplant.

• Eye damage (retinopathy). Diabetes can damage the blood vessels of the retina (diabetic retinopathy), potentially leading to blindness. Diabetes also increases the risk of other serious vision conditions, such as cataracts and glaucoma.

• Foot damage. Nerve damage in the feet or poor blood flow to the feet increases the risk of various foot complications. Left untreated, cuts and blisters can develop serious infections, which often heal poorly. These infections may ultimately require toe, foot or leg amputation.





Products of natural origin are the source and root of modern medicine and serve as the

basis of curing many infirmities, as effective home remedies.

In more recent times, natural nutrients have taken on unusual impetus, having been increasingly proven to be the answer for healing that is sound, economical and without the many side effects that many other synthetic medications usually have.

The most recent investigations have demonstrated that vitamins, minerals, healing plants, bee products, polyunsaturated fatty acids and other natural products, taken in adequate dosage, produce optimal health by preventing most illnesses, strengthening the body’s defence (immune system), and fighting off diseases.

Among the plants that are found in nature, there are many that have managed to make an impression within the area of natural medicine for their healing and nutritional properties. These include:

Aloe vera - contains amazing healing properties, such as inhibiting pain and reducing inflammation. It is excellent as a coagulant, cicatrisant, cell regenerator, digestive, detoxifier, rehydrator. It contains 17 of the 23 amino acids required by the body.

Garlic - which also belongs to the lily family, like aloe vera, has served humanity for millennia with its antibiotic, germicidal, revitalising and healing properties.

Potent natural remediesOther wonders of nature

are honey and bee pollen. Both contain the majority of vitamins and minerals that the human body needs for its proper functioning. Not to mention royal jelly and bee propolis, that in addition to the essential elements, contain substances synthesised by the same bees. They are of great use for the functioning and regeneration of cells, such as growth hormones, enzymes and vitamins, in addition to other healing properties.

Another great contributor of the Orient is ginseng. It is recognised for its adapting and energising functions. When combined with golden sage or aloe vera, it produces great therapeutic results.

Also from the Orient, we have Garcinia cambogia, whose properties helps in maintaining a correct body weight by inhibiting appetite and transforming fats into energy.

The fruits from Chinese Lycium and liquorice help a person during times of inflammatory disorders, in addition to strengthening capillaries due to the flavonoids they contain.

One plant of unequalled therapeutic value is ginkgo biloba, whose endless attributes improve circulation and cerebral activity.

Also from the Orient, we have the fo-ti plant and the schizandra plant, as well as the Reishi mushroom which increase longevity and helps alleviate

They provoke the immune system to function inadequately and therefore become easy prey to infections and diseases of every kind.

It is necessary to have a mental period of peace and tranquillity daily, including faith in God, and positive and harmonious thoughts. This influences our good health, physical as well as mental.

aily exercise, deep relaxation, enthusiasm in all our activities, breathing pure air, sunbathing and drinking plenty of pure water are other necessary elements for great health.

(Culled from Guide to Natural Remedies for Health and Well-Being by Enrique Garza Gutierrez)

About the Author:Mrs. Chima Ejimofor is the

Lead Partner of Infinite Health Consult, and is available for the purchase of these Nutritional Supplements, Health Talks and Wellness Seminars. She is based in Lagos, Nigeria. Telephone/WhatsApp: 07033179632, email: [email protected]

By Chima Ejimofor

}

}Food & Nutrition

problems related to old age by supplying energy and increasing the life span.

Health is developed through:

1. Correct nutrition and diet: vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, oxygen, water, sunlight etc

2. Positive thoughts and attitudes.

3. Adequate exercise, for maintaining flexibility and well-conditioned bone structure.

Mental and physical hygiene

When we provide the body with foods that contain many toxins and few natural nutrients, the body fills up with poisons that inhibit its proper functioning and healing. Therefore, it is highly recommended, in the majority of cases, to submit oneself to a detoxification process, based on fasting, before any treatment. The elimination of red meats from our diet and eating more fruits and vegetables is a great help in keeping the body clean of impurities.

On the other hand, we ought to consider the intoxication that our mind suffers from the thoughts and negative emotions that lead us to damaging nervous states, such as anxiety, tension or stress. This leads to mental poisoning, which is reflected in the whole body through sicknesses of psychosomatic origin. These include stress, nervousness and depression, to name only a few.





Disease of the Month

doctor about how much weight is healthy for you to gain during pregnancy.

To keep your weight in a healthy range, focus on permanent changes to your eating and exercise habits. Motivate yourself by remembering the benefits of losing weight, such as a healthier heart, more energy, and improved self-esteem.

Sometimes medication is an option as well. Oral diabetes drugs such as metformin (Glumetza, Fortamet, others) may reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes but healthy lifestyle choices remain essential. Have your blood sugar checked at least once a year to check that you haven’t developed Type 2 diabetes.

DiagnosisDiabetes is diagnosed and

managed by checking the glucose level in a blood test. There are three tests that can measure blood glucose levels: fasting glucose test, random glucose test, and A1c test.

Fasting plasma glucose test: This test is best done in the morning after an eight-hour fast (nothing to eat or drink except sips of water).

Random plasma glucose test: This test can be done any time without the need to fast.

A1c test: This test, also called HbA1C or glycated hemoglobin test, provides your average blood glucose level over the past two to three months. This test measures the amount of glucose attached to hemoglobin, the protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen. You don’t need to fast before this test.

Oral glucose tolerance test: In this test, the blood glucose level is first measured after an overnight fast. Then you drink a sugary drink. Your blood glucose level is then checked at hours one, two, and three.

Gestational diabetes tests: There are two blood glucose tests if you are pregnant. With a glucose challenge test, you drink a sugary liquid and your glucose level is checked one hour later. You don’t need to fast before this test. If this test shows a higher than normal level of glucose, over 140 ml/dL, an oral glucose tolerance test will follow.

Who should be tested for diabetes?

If you have symptoms or risk factors for diabetes, you should get tested. The earlier diabetes is found, the earlier management can begin and complications can be lessened or prevented. If a blood test determines you have prediabetes, you and your healthcare professional can work together to make lifestyle changes (e.g. weight loss, exercise, healthy diet) to prevent or delay developing Type 2 diabetes.

How is diabetes treated?Treatments for diabetes

depend on your type of diabetes, how well controlled your blood glucose level is, and your other existing health conditions.

Type 1 diabetes: If you have this type, you must take insulin every day. Your pancreas no longer makes insulin.

Type 2 diabetes: If you have this type, your treatments can include medications (both for diabetes and for conditions that are risk factors for diabetes), insulin, and lifestyle changes such as losing weight, making healthy food choices, and

being more physically active.Prediabetes: If you have

prediabetes, the goal is to keep you from progressing to diabetes. Treatments are focused on treatable risk factors, such as losing weight by eating a healthy diet (like the Mediterranean diet) and exercising (at least five days a week for 30 minutes). Many of the strategies used to prevent diabetes are the same as those recommended to treat diabetes (see prevention section of this article).

Gestational diabetes: If you have this type and your glucose level is not too high, your initial treatment might be modifying your diet and getting regular exercise. If the target goal is still not met or your glucose level is very high, your healthcare team may start medication or insulin.

How does diabetes affect the heart, eyes, feet, nerves, and kidneys?

Blood vessels are located throughout our body’s tissues and organs. They surround our body’s cells, providing a transfer of oxygen, nutrients, and other substances, using blood as the exchange vehicle. In simple terms, diabetes doesn’t allow glucose (the body’s fuel) to get into cells and it damages blood vessels in/near these organs and those that nourish nerves. If organs, nerves, and tissues can’t get the essentials they need to properly function, they can begin to fail.“Proper function” means that your heart’s blood vessels, including arteries, are not damaged (narrowed or blocked). In your kidneys, this means that waste products can be filtered out of your blood. In your eyes, this means that the blood vessels in your retina (area of your eye that provides your vision) remain intact. In your feet and nerves, this means that nerves are nourished and that there’s blood flow to your feet. Diabetes causes damage that prevents proper function.

How does diabetes lead to amputation?

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to poor blood flow (poor circulation). Without oxygen and nutrients (delivered in the blood), you are more prone to the development of cuts and sores that can lead to infections that can’t fully heal. Areas of your body that are farthest away from your heart (the blood pump) are more likely

The study showed that pooled prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the six geopolitical zones were 3.0 percent in the northwest, 5.9 percent in the northeast, 3.8 percent in the north-central zone, 5.5 percent in the southwest, 4.6 percent, in the south-east, and 9.8 percent in south-south zone.

The study further reveals diabetes screening programmes are few across the States and have limited impact, adding that the steady increase of diabetic foot, a major complication of diabetes mellitus is equally worrisome, as many people living with diabetes lack basic knowledge and information about diabetes foot care even as reliable support for diabetic foot care programmes are largely unavailable, leading to poor outcomes for the patient.

Nigeria is currently the most affected country in Africa. It is estimated that over four million Nigerians are living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes and findings show that more than 50 percent of the persons with diabetes in the country are unaware that they have the disease.

More than 1 in 3 people with diabetes will develop” a complication of the eyes known as diabetic retinopathy. There is also a high prevalence of complications such as diabetic foot among diabetics who risk suffering nerve damage and end up losing their limbs from amputation.

In a research finding titled “Diabetes in Nigeria: Impact, Challenges, Future Directions”, Ogonna Oguejiofor, Charles Odenigbo and Chikezie Onwukwe of the Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Nnewi campus, advised that African Governments should reverse the current trend where DM occupies very low priority in their national health care agenda, saying diabetes must compete for political attention and financial involvement.

It added that Information on the humongous costs of diabetes care, direct, indirect, and total costs in Nigeria and other developing nations needs to be evaluated and documented, such that policymakers and policy drivers will appreciate the need to focus on introducing early, cost-effective interventions for both primary and secondary prevention

“Diabetes programmes must be integrated and evidence-based, highlighting the scale of the problem and areas for effective intervention. This will help trigger shifts in current public health priorities and augment comprehensive efforts from multiple stakeholders – countries, international organizations, academic institutions, civil society, and the private sector – in combating the still evolving diabetes epidemic”.

Myths around DiabetesThere has been a common

notion that diabetes is caused by excessive consumption of sugar or certain types of foods, but according to the expert who spoke at a Capacity Building Workshop on Diabetes for Health Journalists in Lagos ahead of the 2017 World Diabetes Day, it is not sugar or foods that cause diabetes.

Dr. Ifedayo Odeniyi, an Endocrinologist and a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Medicine, College of Medicine,



to experience the effects of poor blood flow. So areas of your body like your toes, feet, legs, and fingers are more likely to be amputated if an infection develops and healing is poor.

Can diabetes cause blindness?

Yes. Because uncontrolled diabetes can damage the blood vessels of the retina, blindness is possible. If you haven’t been diagnosed with diabetes yet but are experiencing a change in your vision, see a primary healthcare provider or ophthalmologist as soon as you can.

Can diabetes cause hearing loss?

Scientists don’t have firm answers yet but there appears to be a correlation between hearing loss and diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, a recent study found that hearing loss was twice as common in people with diabetes versus those who didn’t have diabetes. Also, the rate of hearing loss in people with prediabetes was 30% higher compared with those who had normal blood glucose levels. Scientists think diabetes damages the blood vessels in the inner ear, but more research is needed.

Diabetes mellitus in Nigeria: The past, present, and future

Diabetes has been described as the next epidemic in Nigeria, saying with the growing number of people living with diabetes mellitus, the disease is considered worrisome and as an explosion in the number of diabetic patients may be imminent if urgent measures are not taken to address the trend.

According to the World Health Organisation, WHO, estimates for Nigeria, show that 4 million Nigerians are diabetic, and nearly 4 to 11 per cent of the population lives with diabetes. It added that it is getting commoner worldwide with the number of affected people rising yearly with projections showing that Africa and Nigeria in particular, is likely to experience the highest increase in the near future.

According to a report by Good Health Weekly, currently, in Nigeria, diabetes care is poorly coordinated, especially at the primary and secondary public health care centres, as many Nigerians are living with undetected diabetes and even for those that have been diagnosed, just a fraction is receiving proper care and treatment.




DANA



Pharmanews November 2021 Vol. 43 No. 11 19Disease of the Month

continued from page 17Management of diabetes mellitusUniversity of Lagos, explains that diabetes is a problem with the body’s handling of glucose, adding that most people believe that when they have diabetes, it is because they eat too much sugar, but it is not correct.

“Diabetes is not as a result of consuming sugar or sugary things, but rather, it is as a result of the body’s inability to handle the glucose in the body. “The glucose comes from all the food we eat whether it is meat, carbohydrate, protein, or fat; so, in their normal forms, the body does not recognize them. The only thing the body recognizes is glucose as a source of energy; when eating `eba’, `fufu’ foods prepared from cassava, rice, and others, the body changes them to glucose,” he said.

Odeniyi added: “The body needs glucose for energy for us to

move around, eyes to see, brain to function and for every part of the body to function well. However, before the body can make use of this glucose, one hormone is very important and that is insulin. After we have eaten and glucose is in the system, the pancreas produces insulin, which lies on body cells, when the body senses there is glucose in the system, and when it does that, the channel is opened for the insulin to go into the body cell for them to be broken down into energy, carbon dioxide, and water. So, insulin can be likened to be the key that opens the door for glucose to go in.

However, in a contrary development, Dr. Sule Bathnna, an expert and consultant endocrinologist, in a lecture on how to prevent and manage diabetes at the investiture of the Emir of

Misau, Alhaji Ahmad Suleiman, as chairman board of directors of the Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN), Bauchi State chapter, warned people living with diabetes against consuming honey or zero sugar soft drinks, which he said are harmful to them.

The consultant endocrinologist submitted that both honey and zero sugar drinks were not good for the consumption of diabetics, adding that they must abstain from consuming them as they were harmful to their health. He, however, said those without diabetes could consume such drinks and honey as they were better alternatives for sugary ones for them.

Speaking at the 9th edition of The Panel, an annual retail business summit, organised by Pharmalliance at Classique Place, Oregun, Lagos, Dr. Akinyele Akinlade, consultant

endocrinologist, Lagos General Hospital, disclosed that no matter how unrelated problems that take patients to the clinic are, diabetes should never be ruled out.

Akinlade explained that where a woman is suffering from infertility, diabetes should not be ruled out. He added that the same can equally be said of a man suffering from impotence, adding that a huge number of people have diabetes without even knowing it. Diabetes is the leading cause of death in our patients today. In 2015 alone, it was reported that 14.2 million people were affected in Africa.

Article compiled by Adebayo Oladejo, with additional contributions from medicinenet.com, News Medical Lifesciences, Bloomberg, Wikipedia, ADA, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, WHO, Healthline, NAN, The Punch, The Vanguard, Premium Times, Daily Post, Tribune, Others.

emerging candidate must have proven, over the years, to be competent enough to take the pharmaceutical industry to greater heights and at the same time representing the collective interest of the industry as against the selfish interest of a few individuals.

The stakeholders further charged pharmacists who will be voting at the forthcoming conference to be mindful of the quality, personality and professional capacity of the candidate they will be choosing, noting that this will ensure that the best candidate among the contestants is elected to lead the Society.

Chairman of IPMIN, Mr Varkey Varghese, asserted that the incoming president of PSN should be someone who has a track record of successful leadership and can set very high standards that will make indelible impacts in the history of the Society.

Varghese, who is also the managing director of Jawa International Limited, added that the new president should be someone with an innovative approach to problem solving.

He said, “The person to be elected as president at the conference must be someone that can take the PSN to greater heights and make it more visible by his innovative actions. The person must be someone who will be able to fulfil the Society’s dream, by completing the headquarters building project. Again, I want to implore all pharmacists to live based on the oath they have taken and keep the profession high among its equals.”

On her part, chairman of WAPCP Nigeria, Pharm. (Dr) Margaret Obono, stated that the incoming PSN president should be known to be competent, committed, running a successful pharmacy practice, as well as being married and having a stable home.

In her words, “We expect that every pharmacist who wants to be elected to serve in the national executive committee of the PSN, especially the

presidential position, should be someone already established and competently running a profitable pharmacy practice. He or she should be someone with a stable home or marriage. He or she should have passion, commitment for the pharmacy profession. He or she should be well connected and have political goodwill.

“The incoming president and his executive committee are expected to move the pharmacy profession to a higher level than it is now. They should address and sort out the implementation of the pharmacist consultant cadre. This is to enable the consultant pharmacists get paid for their impact in the health sector - not just to get paid but to get appropriate remuneration for their services.

“Many fellows are reluctant to build their capacity because of uncertainty over corresponding increase in remuneration. The issue of chaotic drug distribution system is expected to be tackled also headlong by the new president for the benefit of the health of Nigerians”.

Speaking on the conference, Obono, who is a consultant clinical pharmacist, applauded the selected theme, “COVID-19 Lessons: Broadening and Strengthening the Nigerian Pharmaceutical/Health Sector”, saying is it the right time to leverage the lessons the nation has learnt from the pandemic to strengthen the healthcare sector. Obono noted that the lessons learnt so far from the pandemic can get the country out of medicine insecurity for the benefit of the Nigerian citizens, as well as helping to improve the nation’s economy.

She also urged Nigerian pharmacists not to be discouraged by the many challenges currently dogging the profession, especially that of inter-professional rivalry in the health sector.

“What we need to do is to strategise on dissemination of information to the populace. We need to consciously let the populace know who a pharmacist is, his duties and benefits in improving their quality of health. We need to win

the hearts of patients so that they will be able to know the experts on drugs”, Obono said.

Also speaking, NAPA chairman, Dr Ezekiel AkinkunmI, said: “The quality of who becomes president is very important and the critical thing is love for the profession and the professionals, which will serve as the catalyst for service. It’s important that the candidate to be elected also has credible antecedents.

“Luckily, we are blessed in the pharmacy profession. Look, for example, at our Presidential candidates. I have not seen such an array of juggernauts before. I’m humbled by their curriculum vitaes. But we look forward to what the person has to offer in term of service, beyond the juicy CV.

He continued, “We are not looking for a boss but a servant-leader and a co-labourer. We look forward to leaders who will be pathfinders, creating ways in the muddy waters of our profession. We look forward to a president who will make a positively strong difference and take us out of the rhetorics.”

Akinkunmi also said he expects that the approaching conference will be one with a difference, considering the selected theme, which he said would help to strengthening the health sector, adding that members of his association are set for a rewarding outing in November.

He said, “You will agree with

me that COVID-19 have changed the total landscape of our world. Whether we like it or not, a new world is emerging, thanks to COVID-19. We’ve had lots of experience with the pandemic. Yet, there is still much more to know. We have learnt a lot and we are still learning.

“As stakeholders in the health sector of the country, it’s time pharmacists in Nigeria started putting together the lessons from the pandemic so that we can broaden and strengthen our sector and not miss out important things. This is what this conference will begin to address. The theme is apt, concise and timely.

Further speaking on behalf of his colleagues in academia, Akinkunmi said, “As critical stakeholders in the PSN project, we are all getting ready to be part of this conference. Colleagues in all schools of pharmacy are looking forward to a good time in Port Harcourt, come November. Garden City 2021 promises to be a conference with a difference and we look forward to a time of great and memorable inter and intra professional interactions, education and enlightenment.”

The NAPA leader equally charged pharmacists in the country to always uphold the sanctity of the profession, while renewing their commitment towards providing the needed pharmaceutical care to the populace.

continued from front page

PSN election: WAPCP, NAPA, IPMIN set expectations for incoming president

Mr Varkey Varghese Chairman of IPMIN

Pharm. (Dr) Margaret Obonochairman of WAPCP Nigeria




OCULUS

In reaffirmation of its commitment to the wellbeing of patients across

the globe, Pfizer recently held a week-long awareness campaign to highlight the paramount place of patients in healthcare delivery services, especially as it relates to their pharmaceutical products.

With the theme, “Patients Are Our Why”, the sensitisation programme, tagged “Patients in Focus”, the company announced that the programme signified a renewal of its target of being the most patient-centric company.

Speaking at the flagging off of the campaign in Lagos, Pfizer Nigeria’s Manager and Cluster Lead, West Africa, Olayinka Subair said the initiative was another avenue to promote patient care, which involves prevention, treatment, and management of illness, as well as the preservation of physical and mental well-being through services offered by health professionals.

According to Subair, “Patient care consists of services rendered by health professionals or non-

Pfizer renews commitment to patients’ advocacy

By Temitope Obayendoprofessionals for the benefit of patients.

“Our focus is always on the patients, as we deploy r e s o u r c e s to bring t r e a t m e n t s that extend a n d significantly improve their lives. We consistently seek to co l labora te w i t h stakeholders to support and expand access to r e l i a b l e , a f f o r d a b l e

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}Industry News

purpose at Pfizer is global: to develop breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. For our work to be meaningful, every function of Pfizer needs to understand the importance of engaging patients, caregivers, and advocates in our work.

“Patients in Focus week will showcase where we have

in the goal of being the most patient-centric company and to achieve health equity,” he said.

The Pfizer country manager also highlighted other benefits of the week to the pharma giant and patients, saying it afforded the Pfizer team a platform for sharing global success stories and best practices that empower and inspire all, as well as allowing them to host and participate in a variety of activities and events that projects the importance of patients in pharmaceutical activities.

made an impact on patients’ lives and empower colleagues to learn from each other and continue putting the patient first in everything we do.”

Emphasising the place of patient advocacy in pharmacy practice, Subair noted that it is critical to ensure patients’ conditions are being improved. He added that it is an opportunity for Pfizer to further its on-going commitment to patients by ensuring all its employees have the knowledge and resources to incorporate patient voices into their work.

“This effort, led by the Global Patient Advocacy Team, brings Pfizer one step closer

Pharm. Olayinka Subairhealthcare in communities all around.”

The Pfizer head further explained the company’s strategy in making the “Patients in Focus” week an unforgettable experience for every patient in the world.

He said, “We are made up of many local markets and differing functions, but our




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spread November 2021.indd 2spread November 2021.indd 2 10/25/2021 6:41:18 AM10/25/2021 6:41:18 AM



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The Faculty of Pharmacy, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, has stated

that its present priority is to embark on productive research and collaborations that will contribute to solving the various challenges plaguing the Nigerian health sector.

Dean of the faculty, Professor Musa Yerima, disclosed this in a recent interview with Pharmanews, stressing that the faculty is aware of the myriad of challenges facing the country’s health sector and thus making effort to produce students that will bring about the needed solutions.

Yerima noted that, although the faculty was established in 2008, the standard of training has been very high, in comparison with other schools of pharmacy in the country.

He said: “The faculty, with the support of the university management, is doing everything possible to comply with the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) and the National University Commission’s benchmark minimum academic standards.

“Our focus at the faculty is mainly to be improving research and collaborations that will be productive in solving pressing challenges in the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry and the health sector. So, what we are focusing on is to keep producing quality pharmacists that will help in solving the health challenges in Nigeria and the world at large.

“Added to that is to further improve the standard and quality of pharmacy education both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

“Our aspiration for our students is clearly defined - we want them to become the best pharmacists in the world in different areas of pharmacy practice: academia and research, industry, hospital and community practice.”

Also commenting on the nation’s overdependence on drug importation, Yerima disclosed that the faculty is equally striving towards new pharmaceutical product development, so as to bridge the gap.

According to him, “The faculty is doing a lot on drug development, especially from natural sources. The faculty is planning effective collaborations with relevant stakeholders, with the aim of providing necessary raw materials for local production of essential drugs.

“We have many grant-winning researches that focus on this area. Other aspects like pharmacotherapy, pharmaceutical analysis and dosage form development have also received much attention from many research teams in the faculty.

“The faculty has a world class, state-of-the-art Center for Advanced Medical Research and Training (CAMRET), where our researchers conduct most of their works. Discoveries are made regularly in the faculty.

“Various research groups in the faculty have grants and are working on cancer research, Biotechnology and antivenin

activity of certain plants at the CAMRET. The faculty has 25 new offices and laboratories built and furnished by TETFund.”

The dean also told Pharmanews that the faculty is currently working on the establishment of a Drug Manufacturing Unit, with the support of the university management. He added that the faculty is already working hard on commencing its PharmD programme, stressing that the university senate had already passed the proposal.

Regarding the security of the faculty students, in view of the current challenges of insecurity in the northern part of the country, the dean stated that the school is a safe place to study and has never experienced any security threat to date.

“The faculty is located in the University Teaching Hospital, which is located in the heart of Sokoto town. Moreover, the university management has provided measures to improve the security on our campuses. The slogan of our university is “the most peaceful University in Nigeria”. This is no coincidence because we have never recorded any case of insecurity on any of our campuses,” Yerima said.

The dean further called on pharmacists in the country to rise up as a united entity to tackle the challenges bedeviling the nation’s health

UDUS pharmacy faculty keen on tackling health sector challenges - Dean

Ranmilowo Ojalumo

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}University News

Professor Musa Yerima

sector. He said: “I want to appeal to

pharmacists to use their training and competency in both the public and the private sector to help reduce the Nigerian health

burden. We should all unite and see ourselves as one “Pharmily”. Also, our young colleagues should the avoid get-rich-quick syndrome which could lead to unethical practices.”



26 v Pharmanews November 2021 Vol. 43 No. 11

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Although the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has

temporarily called off its nationwide strike action, the attitude of the government is being keenly observed by stakeholders to ensure that the right things are done towards forestalling any further breakdown of communication between both parties.

According to NARD President, Dr Godiya Ishaya, the temporary suspension of the strike was to afford it the opportunity to sort out some logistics bordering on its members remuneration.

“We are suspending the strike for six weeks to give room for movement in some of the items we noticed a stalemate. There was a stalemate in the enrolment of our members into the IPPIS and payment of their arrears,” he said.

Ishaya had blamed the prolonged strike on government’s refusal to come to the negotiation table. He echoed the fact that, rather than seek constructive avenues towards the early resolution of the imbroglio, government was adamant on its stance and preferred to go to court.

“The government was invoking the trade dispute article 41 - that is, the ‘no work, no pay’ rule. And since our members have been enrolled into IPPIS, it means there was not going to be any salary into their accounts. Without them being paid, they won’t get their arrears; that was a stalemate we felt we should give a window,

Lest government plays the monkey’s trick on NARD

to see if the gover nment can start paying them s a l a r i e s and push their arrears into their accounts,” he added.

Although gover nment had stopped the payment of their r e s i d e n c y and has also refused to pay their

Speaking on the deplorable state of things with government, he called for wisdom and understanding to prevail, adding that things cannot be allowed to continue the way they were. According to him, “We cannot pretend that all is well. We had to look at some of the things that have unravelled since 2 August. As you know, I’m a man of peace and my leadership is for peace. And we really want to resolve this once and for all, so we can move on. Nigerians are suffering and we can’t allow it to continue.”

While Ujah’s intervention, as well as FG’s transformed attitude and NARD’s new leadership should be commended for the temporary suspension of the strike, observers continue to hope that reason prevails to the fullest. Many have been calling on the government to reciprocate NARD’s gesture by providing them with at least 80 per cent of their demands for a start, while the remaining 20 per cent is provided overtime. This is imperative in view of the colossal infrastructural deficit that has continued to haunt our health facilities in Nigeria.

It is ironical that President Mohammdu Buhari keeps running to London for medical care while the federal government continues to fault the redemptionist efforts of NARD which can only be expressed through strike actions. It is hoped that this suspension will spur government into taking progressive actions that would better the lot of government hospitals in the country.

While the g o v e r n m e n t has not shown e n o u g h maturity and understanding with the doctors, Ngige’s n e w - f o u n d passion for a swift resolution of the matter, coupled with the intervention of the NMA l e a d e r s h i p , must have had a great effect on the resident

Patrick Iwelunmor

salaries for the duration of the strike action, NARD has vowed to resist any move aimed at cajoling them to forfeit their salaries.

Ishaya said: “On the issue of ‘no work, no pay,’ we have not agreed to forfeit our salaries. The strike was unnecessarily prolonged because of the government’s response to the strike. Instead of sitting on the table, the government decided to go to court and that kept prolonging negotiation.”

Some observers have pointed out the roles played by other stakeholders in resolving the stalemate between NARD and the Federal Government. The media was awash with moves made by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) as well as the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, to resolve the dispute.

doctors who in turn decided to heed the call of the NMA.

NMA President, Professor Innocent Ujah, during the meeting that inspired the suspension of the 58-day NARD strike, said he was motivated by the understanding of the new leadership of NARD which he said was ready to resolve the crisis, especially due to the untold sufferings Nigerians had been subjected to medically.

“I’m here with the newly elected officers of NARD. They came to me and we had a meeting - very cordial, meaningful interaction. And after that, I told them that I had secured appointment to introduce them to you which I thought should be private but even if it goes on CNN, it means we have opened a new chapter, very positive chapter because a chapter can be bad,” he said.

Dr.-Dare-Ishaya




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SEAGREEN

who have been religiously brainwashed into thinking that the virus is another gimmick from the pit of hell.

This writer has had encounters with pastors who openly condemned the COVID-19 vaccine, describing it as an avenue to inflict the 666 mark of the beast on people. No wonder they are hell-bent on dissuading their members from taking the vaccine. But all this is a product of unbridled ignorance. Any religion or doctrine that does not support causes that promote the wellbeing of humanity should search its conscience carefully. In most cases, ignorance and the emergence of strange doctrines create so much confusion in the society and it would take much reorientation for such anomalies to be checked.

It is fundamental to the fight against COVID-19 that public enlightenment and education should be taken seriously. People who are misinformed or brainwashed with controversial doctrines and religious sentiments can be freed from the shackles of mental slavery, especially as issues concerning the dreaded virus are of life and death.

It is expected that the World Health Organisation is making strategic efforts towards ensuring that certain religious views on COVID-19 do not hamper the progress the world has recorded in checkmating the spread of the virus. Of all the strategies being deployed in the fight against the dreaded virus, stemming the tide of ignorance and misinformation remains the greatest and most urgent.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, some schools of thought have continued to argue that the virus

does not exist and have constituted themselves into a stumbling block against efforts to curb the spread of the virus. Their arguments stem from their belief that the virus is a creation of the western world to cast fear into the minds of people all over the world in order to manipulate them.

Even while the virus was sending millions to their graves across different countries of the world, proponents of these schools of thought refused to accept the reality on ground. Instead, they always had excuses to rubbish all the facts that showed that the virus was indeed real and ravaging the world.

It was quite frustrating to realise that while the entire world was fighting through medical and scientific interventions to curtail the spread of COVID-19, some people were

COVID-19: Stemming the tide of ignorance

By Patrick Iwelunmor

of misinformation and disinformation about the novel coronavirus. In Nigeria, information casting doubt on the existence of the coronavirus is spread especially through social media channels, but also through other informal channels. Some religious leaders with considerable influence have doubted the existence of the virus, and shared conspiracy theories on its origins and the interventions instituted to prevent further spread of the virus.”

Nurturing the dangerous notion that COVID-19 does not exist is even more worrisome than refusing to get vaccinated. Those who believe the virus does not exist are often found to live their lives carelessly, defying all the safety protocols and exuding unfounded confidence. For such persons, the virus usually strikes them in droves and the hope of survival becomes dampened due to their prejudiced mindset. This set of people are not too different from those

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}COVID-19 Matters

propagating a campaign of falsehood, based on their collective ignorance. It was not until notable figures of the world started dying from the

virus that some of these skeptics began to rethink their ignorance-propelled beliefs about it. While a smaller fraction from these groups were converted into believers of the existence of COVID-19, the rest have continued to hold on to their warped worldview about the virus. No wonder all the campaigns geared towards the acceptance of vaccination were initially encountering bottlenecks in terms of persuasion. These doubting Thomases have infiltrated the minds of many with their contagious disbelief.

In Nigeria, many notable public influencers, especially religious leaders with large followership, have come out publicly to say that COVID-19 does not exist. They even went a step further to discourage members of their ministries from taking the vaccines. While many view the position of these religious leaders as an expression of sheer ignorance, others see them as agents of misinformation who have formed an ungodly alliance against a campaign aimed at safeguarding the health of humanity.

In the article, “COVID-19, Misinformation, and the Law in Nigeria”, Cheluchi Onyemelukwe highlights the negative role misinformation played in slowing down the progress in the fight against COVID-19: “The spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria has been paralleled by the spread




}

}Natural MedicineBy Pharm. Ngozika Okoye

B. Pharm., MSc (Clinical Pharmacy), MPH, FPCPharm (Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency)

Lime and health

Limes, botanically known as Citrus aurantifolia (Fam: Rutaceae), are sour, round, and

bright green citrus fruits. They are called karemi lemu in Hausa, oroma nkirisi or afofanta in Igbo and osan wewe in Yoruba.

Constituents Lime is very rich in vitamin

C and antioxidants. Other constituents of lime include calories, carbohydrates, protein, fat, fibre, iron, calcium, pyridoxine, thiamine, niacin, folate, phosphorus, and potassium. Lime also contains phytochemicals like flavonoids, limonoids, kaempferol, quercetin, polyphenols, limonene, and terpenes.

Preparations Lime is available as whole fruit,

juice, fruit, peel, and oil. It may be taken naturally or used as a flavour for water, foods and beverages.

Pharmacological actions/health benefits

Because they are loaded with nutrients, limes may help to improve immunity, fight respiratory diseases like pneumonia, reduce the risk of heart diseases and certain cancers, prevent kidney stones, aid iron absorption and promote healthy skin.

Though people use lime for scurvy, malaria, sickle cell disease, gastrointestinal disorders (such as constipation, indigestion and peptic ulcer), piles, vaginal infections, and many other conditions, there is no strong scientific evidence to support these uses.

The flavonoid-rich oil that is extracted from limes may be extensively used in decongestants such as balms, vaporisers, and inhalers due, to the presence of kaempferol. An animal study found that feeding rabbits lime peels and juice helped slow down the progression of atherosclerosis. One study found that people who ate more citrus fruits had a significantly lower risk of kidney stones.

Limes are high in citric acid, which raise levels of citrate and bind stone-forming minerals in the urine, thereby preventing kidney stones. Foods high in vitamin C, such as limes, may help prevent iron deficiency anaemia, by improving the absorption of iron from plant-based foods.

In-vitro studies indicate that citrus fruits may suppress the growth or spread of colon, throat, pancreas, breast, bone marrow, lymphomas, and other cancer cells. An animal study in 2010 showed

that lime essential oils may help prevent weight gain and excess food consumption. Also, the citric acid present in lime might also be an excellent fat burner.

Hesperidin, a flavonoid present in lime, helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body, another heart-healthy benefit. The acids in lime react with the gastric juices of the stomach, resulting in alkaline reactions. The flavonoids and the alkaline reaction collectively may stimulate the healing process of peptic and oral ulcers.

In cosmetics, lime oil is used as a fragrance component. The antioxidant and astringent properties of lime can be helpful in reducing wrinkles, removing dead cells and diminishing dark spots. It might help to build collagen, rejuvenate the skin, and improve overall skin texture. It may also help reduce body odour. Limes are used as a natural cleaning agent and to neutralise odours. Some studies show that they have antimicrobial properties

Adverse effectsLime can cause allergy

symptoms, such as swelling, hives, and breathing difficulties. It may cause digestive symptoms, such as acid reflux, heartburn, nausea,

vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Eating many limes can increase risk of cavities, as the acid in limes can erode tooth enamel. Topical application of lime may cause phytophotodermatitis.

Economic valueTwenty pieces of the medium-

sized lime fruit cost about N1000.00 in the Nigerian market. A 250ml bottle of lime juice costs about N900.00 in shops. Lime has many uses in health, pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industries. There is need to improve on the storage/preservation of lime to avoid wastage because there are also prospects in the cultivation, sales and distribution of lime.

References: Raman R (2019) Limes: A

Citrus Fruit with Powerful Benefits. Healthline. March. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/limes#nutrition. Accessed: September 26, 2021.

Citrus aurantifolia




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Pemason Nigeria Limited recently launched a new product called Loadanew. Kindly tell us about the product and why you think it is needed at this time in the Nigerian market?

As you rightly noted, the name of the new product is called Loadanew tonic. Loadanew is a complete and wholesome hematinic supplement from the stable of Greenhope Healthcare Ltd, which is a subsidiary of Pemason Pharmaceuticals limited. We believe that Loadanew is exactly what people have been waiting for because it is the complete formula with all the blood-forming factors and vitamins, alongside amino acids and other minerals.

The product is a pleasantly flavoured, protein-fortified, blood-forming-factor balanced, hematinic syrup, designed to help sick people quickly recover from their debilitating and destabilising health conditions that compromise the effective functioning of their body systems; while on the other hand, helping healthy people maintain the equilibrium of factors and nutrients necessary for optimal cell, organ and body function. These features are the things that make Loadanew very relevant for the maintenance of the health of our growing population in Nigeria

Anaemia is major challenge for pregnant women and patients living with sickle cell disease. What are some innovations of this product that will make it more beneficial to people in this category. Can it also be used as prophylaxis for anaemia prevention and other related disease conditions?

Yes, Anaemia is a major challenge for pregnant woman. In fact, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that anaemia affects more than half (60 per cent) of pregnant women in developing countries, including Nigeria. About 7 per cent of them are further categorised as severely anaemic. The reason is understandable - pregnant women are considered two human beings in one. The nutritional habits of the average pregnant woman in developing countries are barely able to take care of the needs of one person, how much less when they are two.

In pregnancy, the metabolic, anabolic, catabolic, nutritional, haematologic requirements and activities usually need to increase or even double to take care of the extra being carried. This is why we have ensured that Loadanew is fortified with the extra nutritional

Why Loadanew is best tonic for health maintenance – PPM, Pemason

Greenhope Healthcare Limited, a subsidiary of Pemason Pharmaceuticals Limited, recently launched Loadanew, described as a wholesome haematinic supplement formulated to advance the art of healthy living among the population. In this exclusive interview with MOSES DIKE, the Product

Portfolio Manager of Pemason, Pharm. Charles Chinwuba explains the benefits of the product and how it will redefine the standards of health maintenance. Excerpts:

ingredients they need to prevent shortfalls or to take care of it where it already exists. The constituents and their doses are carefully selected and calculated to tune-up all the blood forming organs and activities in the body, as well as support optimal functioning of the system for a healthy life.

It is also effective as a preventive tonic, even before the anaemia manifests. Remember, prevention is always better and cheaper than cure.

Pemason is known for its strong brands in the ethical market. The launch of Loadanew appears to be a slight diversification into the OTC market. Is this part of the company’s strategic marketing plan?

Yes, as you rightly noted, Pemason is known for its strong ethical portfolio, especially in the cardiovascular and antibiotic categories. We have driven that ethical “train” for long, since inception. But recently, management thought about “softening” our portfolio a little bit, by launching into the OTC market, for purposes of diversification. It is purely strategic and we have a couple of products in that category under consideration. At the fullness of time, we will make them available.

Pricing and effective distribution are major challenges for new products in Nigeria. What measures are you putting in place to ensure that

this product is available and affordable to patients across

Nigeria?As for the pricing of

Loadanew, we have carefully analysed the constituents and that is what the patients stand to gain - having obtained them as raw materials (API) from the purest of sources and compared their doses mg per mg with the available brands presently in the market - and can assure you that whatever penny a customer or patient spends on Loadanew is money well spent.

Loadanew offers the customer the best combination of nutrients and these include blood-forming factors, multivitamins, minerals, amino acids and immune enhancers at the highest concentration for the amount spent, vis-a-vis the amount required to deliver the needed effects in the body.

As for the distribution, we, trust and are relying on the effective network of Pemason Pharmaceuticals Limited, which has at least one medical/sales representative in all states of the federation.

The reps themselves are supported by our effective and capable distributors scattered all over different geo-political zones of the federation. We are confident that Nigerians will find this product available at affordable prices.

Pharm. Charles Chinwuba

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You recently completed your tenure as AHAPN national chairman and you are again vying for the PSN ex-officio post. What informed this decision?

Of a truth, I completed my tenure as national chairman of AHAPN a short while ago. That office afforded me the opportunity of interfacing with government on behalf of hospital and administrative pharmacists. My sole reason for wishing to contest for this new office is to bring the experience I have garnered in the last three years to bear in the incoming PSN National Executive Committee.

The new executives will benefit from the experience some of us have acquired over the years, such that we shall hit the ground running, a kind of continuation from where the

I will strengthen collaboration between pharmacists and other professionals - Amibor

In this exclusive interview with Temitope Obayendo, Pharm (Dr) Kingsley Amibor, immediate past national chairman, Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN),

reveals how he is going to tackle the challenge of inter-professional rivalry in the healthcare sector, if elected unofficial member of the PSN executive committee, in the forthcoming elections. He also discloses how he will deploy his wealth of experience to assist the new National Executive Committee (NEC) in achieving its objectives. Below is the full text of the interview:

current NEC will stop. Besides, my passion in serving the pharmacy profession did not start today; it dates back to my university days, when I served the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria Students (PANS), UNIBEN Branch, with utmost passion and dedication. And that earned me my first award for meritorious service from a pharmacy group.

The zeal and passion to serve Pharmacy has continued to this day, and has seen me serve the PSN technical arms and branches in various capacities. In AHAPN for example, I rose through the ranks from being chairman of the Federal Medical Centre Asaba Chapter, to being vice-chairman for Delta State and, later, chairman of the

Additionally, I have had the rare opportunity of practising in the industrial sector for over ten years, rising to top management positions and ultimately becoming a member of the prestigious Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN). This afforded me the opportunity of appreciating the challenges of the manufacturing sector first-hand. So, when matters concerning the industrial sector are discussed at NEC, I will be available to render advice from a practical point of view, and not just textbook knowledge.

When it comes to the academic sector, I am very passionate about research. To date, I have published several articles, including original research articles in local and peer review journals across the world, which is not a mean feat.

I am also a pharmaceutical journalist, having founded and sustained journals for AHAPN in every chapter that I have been privileged to serve, including being pioneer editor-in-chief of the various journals at inception. And of course when it comes to community practice, I have had the privilege of serving as locum pharmacist to several community pharmacies in this country.

So, from whatever angle you may want to view it, I am not a stranger to any arm of pharmacy practice. I have received adequate training and experience for leadership in Pharmacy, not just as unofficial member. As unofficial member, I will collaborate with the president and other NEC members to ensure that the aims and objectives of the PSN are fulfilled.

The unhealthy rivalry among health professionals has been a major challenge for some time now. The view that the medics are always trying to lord it over other practitioners in the health sector is especially widespread among pharmacists. How would you address this issue and facilitate the much needed inter-professional collaboration?

Your question is very apt considering the unhealthy rivalry in the healthcare sector of today. Don’t forget that the PSN already has a committee on inter and intra professional harmony relations in the health sector. I also mentioned earlier that I served as one of the PSN representatives on the Federal Government Committee on harmony in the healthcare sector.

So, if elected into office, I will collaborate with the president and other NEC members and work towards attaining peace and harmony in the healthcare sector, while ensuring that Pharmacy is given its rightful place as a frontline health profession.

entire state; and then to national vice-chairman and, ultimately, national chairman. I equally served PSN Delta State as assistant secretary, before serving as a member of the PSN National Executive Committee (NEC) and Council, in addition to several other committees of the Society and technical arms.

In all of these positions, I discharged my duties with utmost passion and due diligence and it is not a surprise that I was decorated with several awards from the various bodies I served, as a testimony to my commitment, dedication and zeal. Suffice it to say that for each body or group that I served, I always left them better off than when I met them. This is the driving force behind my decision to vie for the office of PSN national unofficial member, which is simply anchored on adding value to PSN and assisting in building the PSN of our collective dreams.

As a contestant for the PSN unofficial member position, what do you intend to achieve if elected?

You see, it is not just enough to occupy an elective office, the bottom line is, what value is the occupant bringing or adding to that office? I have been a member of PSN NEC by virtue of my office as national chairman

of AHAPN. I contributed to the dynamism, good governance and achievements of the current NEC. I am fully conversant with the operations of NEC and as such will be of immense value to the forthcoming NEC, since I will be a ready source of information and advice on matters relating to the government, the healthcare sector, and hospital practice, and so on.

Pharm. (Dr) Kingsley Amibor

I am also a pharmaceutical journalist, having founded and sustained journals for AHAPN in every chapter that I have been privileged to serve, including being pioneer editor-in-chief of the various journals at inception. And of course when it comes to community practice, I have had the privilege of serving as locum pharmacist to several community pharmacies in this country.




Lagos ACPN champions police healthcare, pledges harmonious relationship

By Adebayo Oladejo

As part of activities to mark this year’s World Pharmacists Day on 25

September, members of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Lagos State Chapter, have conducted free medical screening and donated drugs to all the 14 Area Commands of the Nigeria Police Force in the state.

The outreach by the community pharmacists, which took place at the premises of the police commands, offered an opportunity for the ever-busy officers to access free health counselling and screening for diabetes, hypertension, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol, hepatitis, among others.

Speaking at the Area F Police Command, Ikeja, the Chairman, ACPN, Lagos State, Pharm. Lawrence Ekhator, explained that World Pharmacists Day is commemorated to highlight the contributions of pharmacists to the world, adding that they were at the command to show the public that pharmacists are at their service always.

According to the ACPN boss, the theme of the global event “Pharmacy: Always trusted for your health”, was chosen to

project the benefits of pharmacy practice, as well as the numerous contributions of pharmacists to the healthcare sector.

He said health screening is important because many people

are coming down with chronic disease conditions and health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and other silent killer diseases, due to ignorance about their health conditions.

Also speaking, Pharm. (Mrs) Vivian Ibeh, zonal coordinator, Ikeja ACPN, explained that the medical outreach was organised by the ACPN as part of its contribution to improving public health, saying the association recognises the role played by the officers and men of the Nigerian Police in protecting lives and maintaining law and order in the nation, adding that it initiated the move to foster a harmonious relationship with the premier security personnel.

“In 2020, during the unprecedented lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, community pharmacists enjoyed a good measure of safety in their mandatory service to humanity because the officers and men worked tirelessly round the clock to guarantee security.

“Therefore, we have decided to provide a wide range of health checks and vital screening, ranging from comprehensive eye check-ups, HIV screening, hepatitis screening, lipid profile tests, deworming exercise, free drugs, free consultation and referrals, health education among others”, she said.

Corroborating the zonal coordinator, Pharm. Daniel Egwu, one of the elders of the profession in the zone, said the pharmacists had come for advocacy and collaboration, adding that the two cannot work together unless they agree.

While thanking ACPN for the laudable programme, Ali Zongo, Area Commander, Area F Police Command, Ikeja, Lagos State, said he was delighted that an association like ACPN could visit the officers with such a beneficial programme.

Zongo, who was accompanied by other top-ranked police officers from the command, commended ACPN’s friendly disposition, while promising that the command would continue to relate cordially with the pharmacists in the state.

He added that the command

had established a good relationship with pharmacists in the state and developed a way of handling issues between them without rancour, adding that the police would respond to any issue that might arise between them.

Zongo said: “The police should be seen by every citizen as a force they can trust and have confidence in and be able to walk up to them and lay their complaints without any fear. If they see us as a threat, information that could be helpful in our duties will be kept away from us. So, I want to reiterate that police is your friend and will continue to be your friend.”

Also, at the Area H Police Command, Pharm. Benjamin Onuchukwu, zonal coordinator, Alapere, Ikosi, Iseri, Ketu, Ojota, Magodo (AIIKOM Zone) of ACPN, explained that the free medical screening and awareness was organised by the ACPN as part of the association’s contribution to improved wellbeing of the populace, saying that was the second time the ACPN would be visiting the command for such gesture.

Onuchukwu, however, dismissed the insinuation of a frosty relationship between the men of the Nigeria Police Force and the community pharmacists in the zone, saying since he took over as the coordinator of the zone, the relationship had been cordial.

While thanking ACPN for the laudable programme, ACP Tunde Adeniran, Area Commander, Area H Police Command, Ogudu, said he was delighted about the outreach.

He also debunked the rumour of a hostile relationship with the healthcare providers, adding that the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Akeem Odumosu, had been mandated to maintain a good relationship with major stakeholders in the state.

He however appealed to the healthcare providers to report any form of drug abuse or fake drug case to the police for proper action, adding that the police and pharmacists could work together to rid the society of fake and counterfeit medicines.

A cross-section of the senior officers of the Area F Police Command, in a group photograph with community pharmacists at the health outreach.

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}Health & Wealth}Emotional intelligence in uncertain times for leaders (5)

By Pharm. Sesan Kareem

Emotional intelligence helps leaders to develop self-awareness, social awareness, empathy, social

skills and resilience in their leadership journey. For months, we have discussed this theme in a simple but practical manner, with the chief aim of helping leaders to survive, then thrive during tough times. By the way, tough times do not last, but tough leaders do.

In this edition, I am going to share with you 10 action strategies that will help you to navigate uncertainties and overcome stress and the challenges of leadership.

Below are the 10 helpful action strategies:

1.Positive self-talkGreat leaders are those who have

formed the habits of communicating to themselves positive words of affirmation. They understand the power of self-talk and use it consciously to shape their dominant thoughts and belief system. While the majority of people allow circumstances or situations to influence their self-talk in a negative way, leaders and achievers use the same circumstances or situations to remind themselves about the greatness and power that God has deposited within them through positive self-talk

2. Positive reappraisal Successful leaders in different

spheres of life are those who find positive lessons, meaning and insights in all situations, especially the negative ones. They always see the bottle half-full, instead of half-empty. They have developed the discipline of sieving wisdom and positivity from failures, mistakes and disappointments. They have mastered the skills of turning lemons to lemonade. They have perfected the habit of looking at life’s events through positive lens.

3. AcceptanceReal leaders are those who

understand the power of acceptance.

They quickly accept what they can’t change and focus their energy on what they can. They know how to differentiate their circle of concern from their circle of influence. They don’t waste resources on what is out of their control. Rather, they invest their time, energy and capital on what is under their influence.

Government policies, dollar exchange rate, the economy, amongst other things, are not under your control. However, who is on your team, how valuable your products are, how big and important the problem you are solving in the marketplace is, are all under your influence. Focus on them.

4. Seeking professional help Smart leaders know that they

don’t know it all and they don’t have all the answers. So, they surround themselves with other smart leaders - mentors, advisors, boards, consultants and assistants - to help them make informed decisions on a daily basis in their business.

Seeking professional help has been a powerful strategy for many top business leaders I have studied and met in the last 10 years. At Sesan Kareem Institute, we provide business leaders with tools, strategies and global perspectives to solve difficult problems and make better decisions for their teams and organisations.

5. Healthy habitsSuccessful entrepreneurs and

C-suite appreciate the importance of good health and optimum being. Therefore, they strive to develop healthy habits of eating right, sleeping well and exercising regularly. Without health, you can’t perform your duties effectively as a leader, or lead your people to a new level of growth, performance and profitability.

More often than not, business leaders justify lack of adequate sleep and rest due to their busy schedule. However, studies have shown that the average top CEO spends just 90

minutes doing what matter most in and on the business.

6. Short-term distraction Leaders must learn how to take

short breaks on the job to recalibrate themselves. Take a brisk walk, once in a day, to check on your people while they work. Prepare your tea or coffee by yourself, listen to your favourite music for few minutes.

My point is, find short-term distractions when you feel tired, bored or stressed. Use your daily break and annual leave to focus on self-care.

7. Problem-solving skillsLeaders are rewarded for the

problems they solve. Great leaders are those who have the insight, tools and strategies to solve higher problems. You must keep honing your problem-solving skills as a leader. “Continuous and never ending improvement” must be your watchword.

Have you ever encountered a problem that you couldn’t solve as a leader and you felt overwhelmed? Fortunately, you spoke with your mentor or consultant and he or she gave you a simple solution to the same problem that had caused you stress. Why? Your mentor or consultant has developed higher problem solving skills. Period.

8. Social supportLeadership is filled with

uncertainties, challenges and judgement. What people often see are the perks of being a leader; the other side they fail to see or perhaps acknowledge is the price of leadership. Therefore, smart leaders surround themselves with positive social support. They surround themselves with good friends, a caring spouse, and trusted relationships they can lean on during difficult times. Having a good support system can make the burden of leadership easy to carry for leaders.

9. Constructive activityManaging people from different

backgrounds is difficult. Growing a business in the midst of uncertainties

For questions or comments, mail or text sesankareem2@gmail. com/08072983163

isn’t for the fainthearted. Achieving profitability year in, year out, isn’t easy. Experienced leaders know this intuitively; however, they have also learnt to engage in constructive activities outside the business environment to effectively deal with the ups and downs of running a business.

Volunteer for a good cause; golf, if you can afford it; be a member of the Rotary. Find what gives your life a meaning outside work and engage in such constructive activities regularly.

10.VisualisationLeaders are visionaries. They

picture the future they want and work towards it daily. They are dreamers - turning vision into reality, dream into fruition and plans into results. They set new rules for the game. They don’t give up easily because they are pioneers, working everyday to make our world a better place.

Your vision must be a driving force for your actions. See your ideal results often in your mind every day, and keep working on it, until your turn them to tangible outcomes.

ACTION PLAN: Identify which ones of the above action strategies you currently use to cope with stress, uncertainty and life challenges. Then, commit to add three new strategies to complement the existing ones.

AFFIRMATION: I am a leader of men. I am a problem-solver. I am blessed and highly favored.

Sesan Kareem serves as Founder/Principal Consultant, Sesan Kareem Institute, www.seaankareem.com.ng. He trains, teaches and inspires leaders to achieve peak performance.




Pharm. Olabode Ogunjemiyo, AHAPN national chairman, receiving his certificate of return from the electoral officer, during his swearing-in ceremony, recently.

Congratulations, once again, on your success at the polls. Now that you have emerged national chairman of AHAPN, what are your goals for the association?

Let me start by saying that our goals are skewed towards the welfare of our members, as promised during our electioneering campaign. We intend to see to the full implementation of the new consultant cadre through strong advocacy and working with the relevant stakeholders.

We also wish to have an insurance scheme for our members. This has become a necessity as members are lost on regular basis without benefits. We have to put a compensation plan in place to cushion the effects of the devastation arising from sudden loss of lives and those of our beloved ones.

We intend to make strategic advocacy to stakeholders across the three tiers of government,

Consultant cadre implementation, improved welfare for members, my key priorities –new AHAPN ChairmanWith fierce opposition mounted against the implementation of the consultant cadre for hospital pharmacists, coupled with stiff

resistance to their participation in ward rounds, the newly elected National Chairman of the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN), Pharm. Olabode Ogunjemiyo, has vowed to fight for the needed changes. In this exclusive interview

with Temitope Obayendo, Ogunjemiyo reveals steps that he and his executives will take to resolve the challenges confronting their members, as well as the plans that will be implemented to improve their welfare. Excerpts:

community/opinion leaders and other critical stakeholders our priority. This will enable us reach our people at all levels and bring them into the association proper. We also intend to see to the registration of AHAPN as a trade union to empower us to negotiate for better welfare of our members.

We intend to have exchange programmes for our members to enhance their practice. We have also planned to have a mentorship programme for the PSN-YPG, towards the sustained growth and development of the future of our profession.

How do you intend to consolidate on the achievements of your predecessors?

I wish to congratulate my predecessor, Pharm. (Dr) Kingsley Amibor, for the successes recorded during his tenure. Let me quickly add that I was a part of that administration

best of times for hospital pharmacists as medical doctors are not ready to recognise them as part of the ward round team or in pharmaceutical care matters. How would you resolve this bottleneck?

It is very unfortunate the type of healthcare system we find ourselves with in this country. Healthcare is teamwork. Every health professional has his defined roles to play in the health team. Even the cleaners are important; otherwise our workplaces will be messed up. What then is a team? A team is defined as a group of people who perform interdependent tasks to work toward accomplishing a common mission or specific objective.

The focal point or the most important person in the hospital is the patient. Without patients, we are out of jobs. No single professional can lay claim to be the owner of the patients. We

all work together in the hospital setting for the betterment of the patient.

The issue of ward round or pharmaceutical care isn’t a new concept. In institutions where joint ward rounds are done, there are better results to show for it. It even breeds a better relationship among the team. It is laughable that doctors do not want pharmacists to be part of the ward rounds, even when they know the immense benefits. They go to other climes and they see what happens but their ego wouldn’t allow such to be implemented here.

We will continue to speak to their conscience to allow global best practice to have its way in the country. Anyone that claims to be the leader of the team shouldn’t work in isolation; otherwise that leader will only lead himself without followers, and eventually land in self-destruction.

What aspect of pharmacy practice in Nigeria do you consider as requiring the most immediate attention?

As far as we in AHAPN are concerned, the area that needs the most immediate attention is that of the consultant cadre approved for pharmacists.

It is unfortunate that despite various extant circulars for the implementation of the consultant cadre for pharmacists, the CMDs/MDs, in connivance with the Minister of Health and the NMA, have vowed not to implement the directive.

The only federal health institutions where letters have been issued to that effect, nothing is happening. Other institutions where their boards of management have approved the cadre for their pharmacists, letters haven’t been issued to them. The same story we hear from the various hospitals is that the Minister of Health has instructed that the implementation should be put on hold.

Recently, we heard that they want to take the issue back to the National Council on Establishment (NCE) holding in November, 2021. The question is, what are they taking the already approved consultant cadre back to the NCE to do? Are they saying that NCE didn’t know what they were doing before giving approvals?

Let me conclude by saying that AHAPN has written a protest letter for non-implementation of the consultant cadre in the public sector by the MDs/CMDs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Minister of Health and the Minister of Labour and Employment. I wish to thank the relevant bodies who have been part of this success story. Aluta continua.

where I served as the national treasurer. I played active roles in the processes leading to those achievements.

The process of running the a d m i n i s t r a t i o n for success is not new to me. I know where we were and I’m aware of where we stopped. I will work in unison with my ever determined executives who are hungry for success.

The immediate past chairman is also part of our executive committee; so his wealth of experience will also play out. He has laid a good pedestal for the new executives to flourish. We will ride on that, even as we work through committees for the achievement of our goals. Success is actually our watchword.

It appears it’s not the

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It is very unfortunate the type of healthcare system we find ourselves with in this country. Healthcare is teamwork. Every health professional has his defined roles to play in the health team. Even the cleaners are important; otherwise our workplaces will be messed up.

Pharm. Olabode Ogunjemiyo




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Why PharmD still poses a challenge for pharmacy schools – PANS-OAU president

How do you feel emerging the new national chairman of ACPN, and what do you think contributed to your emergence at the last election held in Abeokuta, Ogun State?

I feel very happy because when your colleagues trust you to the extent of putting you in the position of authority, it’s a great honour. So I feel very happy and continue to remind myself that to whom much is given, much is equally expected. It’s a call to serve, as it calls for a lot of responsibility.

Did you see your victory coming?

I wouldn’t say I didn’t see it coming. To the glory of God, I had given it all to the profession - from being secretary and then chairman, ACPN, Rivers State; to being chairman as well as secretary, PSN, Rivers State, I was actually expecting a bigger responsibility. And to the glory of God, it came. But in a nutshell, my emergence was God’s work, and not by my power or doing.

What are your plans for ACPN for the next three years and how do you intend to achieve them?

Before I was elected, what I was crazy about was the pharmacists’ empowerment programme. So, now to the real work, my plans are encapsulated in a concept that I call “The Dream”. It is a dream that has to be fulfilled in order to enhance the growth of community pharmacy practice in Nigeria. The first part of it is the “Community Pharmacy Expansion Scheme”. The second is the “Clean Medicine Initiative”, which has to do with the drug distribution system in Nigeria. The third is what I have termed the “Depth and Growth of Pharmacy Practice”. The fourth is the “Leadership Trust Project.”

ACPN now one big family after elections, says Oladigbolu

F ollowing the recent election that saw him emerge as the new National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Pharm. Wale Oladigbolu has appealed to his members across the country to look forward to a greater ACPN under his watch, adding that, with

the elections and the usual intrigues over, it is time to get down to work. Oladigbolu, a Fellow of PSN, while speaking with Adebayo Oladejo, at his office in Lagos recently, expressed gratitude to God for making the ACPN witness a successful transition, while equally reiterating his plans for community pharmacists in the country. Excerpts:

Under the Community Pharmacy Expansion Scheme project, we will aggregate 100 million funds for community pharmacy expansion (CPES Fund) for onward lending to young and few experienced pharmacists, who will establish pharmacies in underserved areas and undergo training under our “Build to Win” programme.

Under the Clean Medicine Initiative, we will start a clean medicines campaign, with focus on a rational medicines distribution system. We will advocate for an IT-based supply chain platform for medicines in Nigeria and also have a dedicated, working team on a proper drug distribution system. Under the project for the “Depth and Growth of Community Pharmacy”, we will have an extemporaneous preparations revival programme, which includes training and advocacy for additional credentialing and vaccine administration in community pharmacies.

So, whatever is being done now, my job is to maintain the system, sustain it and develop it. So, from the administration of the secretariat to what the community pharmacists are already benefiting from, we shall do our best to sustain the tempo, as well as boost it.

At present, what is your assessment of community pharmacy practice in Nigeria, compared to what is obtainable in the advanced world?

Honestly speaking, we are not yet there. Although I have noticed some development over the years, we are still very far from where we ought to be. In fact, we are so far, to the extent that we are not close at all. The government’s recognition for the profession is not there, and it is very important as it

is the recognition that will drive government policies to do what is right for Nigerians. Community Pharmacists are doing a lot, but we are the least recognised. So the government has to come down so that they can look at what we do and use them to make policies.

Also, if you noticed during the COVID, in countries like South Africa and Argentina, not to talk of the advanced countries, the coverage of vaccination for COVID-19 was high, but in Nigeria, we are still below 2.5 per cent. So the missing link is that community pharmacists who have been well-trained are not given permission to administer vaccine, as it is being done outside the country, so the government has to come out to accommodate the community pharmacists if we really want to achieve herd Immunity.

How do you see the continuous professional wrangling among healthcare practitioners in Nigeria?

It portrays us as a very unserious set of people. There are so many resources in the healthcare sector to go around if we get our act right and understand one another very well, and it doesn’t have to bring down any profession. So I will appeal to other leaders and stakeholders to ensure that this wrangling stops and begin to see ourselves as a family, while we begin to benefit from the profession God has bestowed on us.

The physicians should respect the pharmacists; the nurses should not look down on laboratory scientists, and it goes on and on like that. The patients will benefit from it.

The health sector, for years, has been contending with many problems, including incessant strikes by health workers to

protest at various times. Are there other measures that can be taken to solve health sector problems without strike actions by the health workers?

The Nigerian health sector is overburdened and this is because the government does not know the process to follow to unburden it. The resources voted for the sector are low compared to our population, and even from the low resources, people are not benefiting as much as they should.

Some of these resources are been frittered away through corrupt practices and this is because we are not getting the best to manage the healthcare facilities and institutions. It is high time we liberalised it and ensure that only the best get to those positions, and set up a mechanism to evaluate performance.

The theme of the forthcoming PSN Conference is “COVID-19 lessons: Broadening and strengthening the Nigerian p h a r m a c e u t i c a l / h e a l t h sector”. From your experience and interactions, how apt is this theme, considering the challenges facing the country presently?

The theme is quite apt and timely as we need to learn from the lessons of COVID-19. When the challenge hit Nigeria, it was very hard on us and a lot of businesses were closed down. So, we need to really learn more on how to stand in the gap as community pharmacists and ascribe the right responsibility to ourselves as practitioners.

We also need to know how to practise self-sufficiency in health commodities. Imagine how very essential health kits like face masks, gloves, and others became very scarce during the COVID pandemic. So it’s a big lesson to us.

What other grey areas in the profession do you think the stakeholders in the profession need to tackle at the conference?

We can’t stop talking about the challenges with our drug distribution system in Nigeria as it is a big challenge to us. We have a very terrible drug distribution system in Nigeria and we can’t fold our arms and pretend that all is well, when it is not.

The second one is the issue of vaccine administration right for the community pharmacists. If we make the community pharmacists active participants in vaccine advocacy and administration, then our country will begin to get it right because they are in the right position to tackle the misinformation in the system. They are trusted and respected in the communities. So, the inability of the Nigerian health system to recognise the community pharmacists appropriately is one of the problems facing the sector.

There were issues, rivalries and animosities that preceded the elections. How is the situation of things now?

It is one big family now. The elections are over, and as I said during the swearing-in ceremony, democracy is still the best form of government. If we had an alternative, we would have used it. So we have to realise that it doesn’t start or end with us, and three years is not a long time.

However, my job as the national chairman is to bring everybody into the fold so that all the values and potentials that we have individually can be harnessed for the great benefit of ACPN. So right now, there is no division in the family.

Pharm. Wale Oladigbolu




Planning for 2022 sales and other objectives Pharm. Tunde Oyeniran

Sales. Marketing. Leadership. ManagementThis is the season of planning for sales and marketing leaders, especially if your

company runs a January-to-December calendar (as most do). If you’re in this category, you should be putting finishing touches to your 2022 sales plans. If you have not started, you are almost late. But the good news is that you might find this piece useful in crafting a robust and practical plan for the next year. If your financial year cycle gives you more time, then you are in luck.

What is planning?Planning is inevitable for things

we are well aware will happen in the future, as encapsulated in this saying, “By failing to plan, you are planning to fail”. This means that failure to plan is also a plan!

Another feature of planning is that it happens before the execution and result, as implied by, “It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark”

What then is planning? I will describe it as deciding in advance what to do, how to do it, when to do it and who to do it. It involves anticipating the future and consciously choosing a future course of action. According to Haimann, “Planning is the function that determines in advance what should be done”.

While a goal is a desired future state that an organization attempts to realise, planning is the act of determining the organisation’s goals and the means for achieving them. A plan is a blueprint for action that specifies:

What is to be done - in numbers preferably and SMART

resources and resource allocations

actions necessary for attaining goals

schedules

Note that planning is: goal-oriented a continuous process forward-looking involves choice directed towards efficiency

Benefits of planningThe question is, “why should

we plan?” Here is a shortlist of benefits:

Focuses attention on objectives and result

Helps to determine new opportunities

Guides decision-makingHelps to anticipate and avoid

future problemsHelps to develop effective

courses of action (strategies and tactics)

Helps to comprehend and provide for the uncertainties and risks with various options.

Helps in setting standards

Challenges of planningObstacles on the way of proper

planning include:Lack of accurate information

and data. Everyone who has had to plan in Nigeria will easily come against this obstacle. It is even more so in the pharma industry for lack of openness and data gathering cooperation.

It costs time and money to do a plan. Both are usually in short supply for sales managers.

Resistance to change by those who will run and implement it and those who will be affected by it, as it often requires doing things differently.

Lack of ability to plan. Leaders

Par Excellence

with

sales managers are assess based on target. The difference is usually between 10 and 20 per cent.

Sales budgeting process Below is a summary of the

process to develop a useful sales budget:

Situational analysis – sales managers have to look at the magnitude of past differences between budgeted and actual figures and the reasons for these differences.

Identification of problems and opportunities - the actual potential threats and challenges have to be assessed and addressed to determine the probabilities of occurrence and their impact.

Development of sales forecast – A manager is equipped to forecast sales, using one of the various methods. Projections are made about the anticipated levels of sales by territory, product or type of account. It is expressed both in units and dollars.

Formulation of sales objectives – once the forecast has been developed, the sales force has to be told what sales target to strive at and what objectives to pursue.

Determination of sales tasks – the sales manager and the sales force have to carry a broad array of sales activities, ranging from recruitment to evaluation, and from prospecting to after-sales service.

Specification of resource requirement – that is, the resources that will be required to implement the specified activities and achieve the objectives.

Completion of projections – here, all the input and requests from the various units of the sales function are assembled and tied into a comprehensive package.

Presentations and review –present and defend the sales budget proposal before the management.

Modification and revision – sales managers have to engage in a series of compromise sessions. Here, the sales targets and budgets might be adjusted by the higher management, reflecting both the needs of the corporation and the true potential of the marketplace.

Budget approval – final levels are eventually approved and authorised for both the sales and the selling expense budgets. Here, onwards budgets are reviewed periodically looking at the on-going market conditions and other external forces.

Finally, you must know that sales budget and sales target are not exactly the same, though sometimes used interchangeably. Needless to say that there is a very direct relationship between them and that sales target is necessarily higher than sales budget

Tunde Oyeniran, a Sales/Marketing Strategist, Selling/Sales Management Trainer and Personal Sales Coach is the Lead Consultant, Ekini White Tulip Consulting Limited, Lagos. We deliver Training, Recruitment and Field Force Management Solutions .Feedback. Channels 080-2960-6103 (SMS/WhatsApp) /[email protected] or check out https://fb.me/EkiniWhiteTulipConsulting

knows that effective planning requires knowledge and skills which are not automatically possessed by those whose responsibility it is to plan.

False sense of security, by figures generated and assumptions that have been made.

Environmental constraints, especially from issues outside the control of the planners (remember COVID-19) and policy somersault by governments!

What to plan Planning is multi-dimensional,

certainly with many of the items interlinked and interconnected. It is even important to point out that sales figures achieved are consequences of a selling process and execution of activities. Sales do not just happen. Such activities must be planned to ensure good result and desired outcomes. Below are my items to plan:

Sales: What products, SKUs, categories? What quantities do you want to sell? When? (specific period performance, say per quarter). Better to focus on volume than value/naira. Volume plans are more useful, realistic, accurate and easy to track.

Activities:Number of calls per day

(doctors, specialists, pharmacists, nurses, hospitals, institutions, wholesalers, key accounts, wholesalers, distributors, etc.)

Types of calls (Healthcare professionals, specialists/consultants, trade, retail, administrators, primary/secondary/tertiary hospitals, public/private, etc.).

Events and meetingsCoverage. Would you need

to cover new territories? If you want quantum growth, you need to plan to significantly increase your geographical, professional coverage, etc. What new market/target indication? What new products are you putting in the market? Would you need to reduce your product list to a manageable proportion?

Headcount: How many more (or less) reps would you need to achieve your plan/objectives? Do they need training? How many managers would you need to effectively supervise them?

Prospecting and lead generations. To grow (which is compulsory) you need to expand your customer base and get new customers. You need to plan how, how many and where these will come from

Other business-development activities and promotions

Budgeting The chart below is an overview

of budget and budgeting.

overheads, cash-flow, expenditures, including cap Ex, profitability, etc. It is a thus a serious business!

Sales budgeting therefore involves estimating future levels of revenue from sales, selling expenses, and profit contributions of the sales function. From the foregoing, there are three dimensions of sales budgeting:

Sales budget – projection of revenue computed from forecast unit sales and average prices.

Selling expense budget – amount that the department may spend to obtain the revenues projected in the sales budget.

Profit budget – merged sales budget and the selling expense budget to determine gross profit. This I have found, from experience, is usually ignored by most sales managers. Yet, how will the company survive and grow if it is ignored by chief revenue officer?

Sales forecastingSales forecasting is estimating

a company’s sale for a specified future period. Sales forecasting provides the starting point for assumptions used in various planning activities. It is also used for short-term financial control systems. The financial budget is dependent upon the sales forecast for the projected revenue figures.

There are five levels of concern in sales forecasting: Market potential, sales potential, actual sales forecasts, sales quotas, and sales budgets. Let’s break them further down:

Market potential – This is the highest possible expected industry sales of a good or service in a specified market segment for a given time period. For instance, the market potential for the sales of computer in Lagos state might be two units annually. This is based on buyers’ ability and willingness to buy.

Sales potential – refers to an individual firm’s market share of the market potential, where market share is defined as the percentage of market controlled by a particular company or product. It is the

maximum sales a firm can hope to obtain.

Sales forecasts – is the sales estimate the company actually expects to obtain, based on the market conditions, company resources, and the firm’s marketing plan. The sales forecast is less than the sales potential, since it is based on realistic set of circumstances.

Sales quota/target – is a sales

The first thing you need to be aware of is that sales budget drives many parts of the organisation: production/importation schedule,

goal assigned to a salesperson, region or team. It is usually derived from the sales forecasts. Sales goals and objectives sought by management.

S a l e s budgets – a m a n a g e m e n t plan for the e x p e n d i t u re s to accomplish sales goals.

This is derived from sales target, but is like a more realistic target. Most Sales managers are assessed based on budget, while lower-level




Olfen




Infants and Maternal Health


Garden City 2021: Young pharmacists set goals and expectations

As organisers intensify preparations towards this year’s edition of the annual conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), holding from 1 to 6 November, in the Garden City of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, pharmacists across the country are gearing up for another exciting opportunity to learn, network and discuss ways to advance the pharmaceutical space for greater impact. Aptly

themed “Covid-19 Lessons: Broadening and Strengthening the Nigerian Pharmaceutical/Health Sector”, the imminent largest gathering of pharmacists in Nigeria is set to further highlight the increasing relevance and roles of pharmacists in the contemporary healthcare landscape. Our reporter, Omolola Famodun, asked some young pharmacists about their expectations from the conference. Their views are presented below:

I expect a conference that presents the most current, cutting-edge information and

presentations that will enlighten pharmacists, broaden the horizon of their perspectives and solve lingering challenges grappling with the pharmacy profession.

Obviously, there’s the need for implementation. As such, I expect pharmacists to, without sentiments but with and for the growth of Pharmacy, see to the emergence of a worthy leader. Without mincing words, great expectations abound for outstanding entertainment and fun during the conference.

The Garden City conference promises to be a time when the old will meet the

young, the experienced meet the amateur. For me, it is a time for great minds from different walks of the profession and beyond meeting to share grand ideas and bring forth novel

I am a regular conference attender and I am prepared for Garden City 2021 conference,

to learn and network. The period of the COVID-19 pandemic brought a change in the healthcare space, innovations, research methodology etc. Genuinely, I will be expecting lectures dedicated to public health/epidemiology to prepare young pharmacists for better career paths in future.

During this conference, I anticipate extraordinary lectures from astute leaders on emerging roles for pharmacists in healthcare delivery. Also, I wish to know about innovations to improve healthcare delivery and possible directions on the future of healthcare in Africa as a continent.

An election to the prestigious office of the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) will be held during this conference. It is an election that I anticipate so much, due to the wealth of experience of the contestants. I am praying for the best candidate to emerge

A time to rub minds and birth novel possibilities –Pharm. Stephen Nzereogu

possibilities. So, as a young pharmacist

who will be in the midst of the plethora of events, I expect to utilise the conference to increase my view and knowledge of the opportunities both within and outside the profession. This will help to bring about an increase

I expect problem-solving presentations and emergence of worthy leader –Pharm. Rewhandamzi Boms

Lectures on public health will be of utmost relevance – Pharm. Princewill Okitche

and a seamless election as the PSN is dire in need of an astute administrator to move the profession forward.

I will also be looking forward to network with captains of industries, company representatives and my fellow young pharmacists because the future is bright and we have to gather all the resources to keep the flag high.

This will be my first PSN conference and I’m specifically drawn to the

theme. We have come a long way in creating awareness about the roles that pharmacists play in the healthcare sector and the society at large and this standard we have reached must be maintained by pharmacists. As such, I believe that this year’s conference will provide me with the knowledge and experiential opportunity I need to play a vital role in achieving this.

Also, this year’s conference will be a great opportunity to connect and learn with other colleagues in the profession; and being an election year, I would be happy to actively participate in the whole election

The theme holds great promises of beneficial knowledge – Pharm. Ama Ekanem

process, cast my votes and be a part of the birthing of a new government.

As a young pharmacist and this being my first experience, there are

different expectations I have about the PSN conference. I expect to meet and interact with colleagues from diverse areas of professional practice, with the aim of exploring opportunities that could be beneficial to my career.

I also want to be able to acquire better understanding of the conference and some aspects of PSN activities. I would love to see the fun aspect of my seniors and colleagues in the profession, aside from the regular official lifestyle we see daily. I would also love to get cutting-edge information about the profession and about life that can be transformational.

Also, since it is an election

An opportunity to interact, explore and witness the elections – Pharm. Amaka Ebirim

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year, I would love to witness the electioneering process being free and fair, as we preach amidst the campaign tussle. Above all, I would love to be really entertained and have fun.

the quality of life of the common man. It is also an opportunity for me to make valuable contacts and networks that will enhance my maximal utilisation of the knowledge gained.




At the Nigerian Healthcare Awards 2021, held in Lagos, the state’s Commissioner

for Health mentioned that the state had lost 14 healthcare professionals to COVID-19. Healthcare professionals have always been positioned to provide basic health services to the general populace. The rigorous training that doctors, pharmacists, nurses and other members of the clinical team undergo in school prepares them to serve humanity by managing and treating diseases and ailments. This could range from minor to major ailments and the degree of specialty required for the varying cases may differ and further necessitate even more training. Despite this range, the core responsibility of the HCP (healthcare provider) does not change across the disease spectrum. The HCP is responsible for restoring health and vitality through proper diagnosis and treatment of ailments.

Regardless of their levels in the healthcare chain, these professionals are still humans who could fall prey to the same diseases

What is the worth of your life? (A national conundrum)

By Pharm Morenikeji Haruna,PSN-Young Pharmacists Group, Lagos

they manage and treat. While they might sometimes be considered immortal, they have frailties just like every other human. This reality of their limitations births the question, “What is the worth of your life?”

This question calls for introspective analysis, as well as an observation of the practice environment, to understand and appreciate the need for care - both selfcare and the care provided by the healthcare system to which we belong.

Of an estimated 5.9 million healthcare workers in the world, research has shown that the disease burden caused by sharp injuries is about three million per year. About 40 per cent of hepatitis B and C infections and 4.4 per cent of HIV among healthcare workers were due to needle stick injuries. About 1,000 healthcare workers die annually, due to occupational HIV. These figures show that the healthcare professional truly risks his or her life while trying to save

sources are staggering, yet there doesn’t seem to be any structure in place to reduce these numbers. With the knowledge of this, who will bell the cat? Will this responsibility fall on the patients, the government and the institutions these workers report to or will the caregiver have to bear the responsibility alone?

In Nigeria, several challenges have been reported within the health sector, especially in training, funding, employment and deployment of the health workforce. With these challenges deeply seated in the sector, the government seems to take a backseat in addressing the care of healthcare workers. The responsibility of self-care is majorly on the professionals’ shoulders.

Although subjected to rigorous and sometimes inhumane treatment, medical staff work hours on end without breaks, due to consistent short-staffing in the healthcare facilities. Even when

sick, some healthcare professionals are compelled to resume shifts in spite of their ill-health. The government, which a lot of them work for, also does not handle the state of health of these professionals as a priority and this negligence on the part of the government can sometimes lead to far-reaching effects on the healthcare system. A recent example is the strike action by the National Association of Resident Doctors in Nigeria, due to perceived lack of concern for their plight. The resident doctors had to embark on an indefinite strike to prove their point; yet, so far, no significance change has been made.

If the government will not take this responsibility and even still pays a paltry sum of N5000 as “hazard allowance”, then who cares about the health and life of the HCP? The demand to compensate families of those who lost their lives in service against COVID-19 has not been met and the current health ministry refuses to budge. If the Ministry of health will not respond to agitations by members of the health sector, then who cares? The story is not much different for HCPs working for private institutions. Who will look out for these supermen and women as they work?

The pharmacist’s burden

Taking a leaf from this, it is good to note that a lot of the demands being agitated for (by the resident doctors) are not exclusive to the doctors. Pharmacists are not left out of this ill-treatment. Therefore, we need to stand together now more than ever. As a professional body, we need to care for each other - the older employees for the younger ones and vice versa. We also need to look out for our health individually.

Dear (young) pharmacist, do you maintain a healthy lifestyle, as you encourage your patients to? Do you cut down on junks and take supplements to boost your immunity? Do you exercise and drink water regularly? Do you get adequate rest? Are you vaccinated against communicable diseases, such as hepatitis B? Have you taken the COVID-19 vaccine? These questions and more should be asked so that we are not just caring for others but also for ourselves.

We are well aware that our current society may not be the most enabling of environments. However, we must rise up to the responsibility to care for ourselves, so that we who treat others may also enjoy good health and longevity. No one can place a value on your life. Neither the government nor the patient can. Only you can state what you are worth as a professional. So, take care of yourself - you deserve it!

What are your expectations as a (young) pharmacist navigating the Nigerian healthcare system? Optimistic or downright hopeless about our current state? Please share with us. We would like to hear from you.

that of others.

Caring for the caregiverReports from various

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Miraflash




Why everyone in pharma marketing should join SPSM – Baale

By Omolola Famodun

Prof. Lere Baale, CEO, Business School Netherlands, Nigeria,

has urged pharmacists across the country to join the newly launched pharmaceutical group called Society for Pharmaceutical Sales and Marketing of Nigeria (SPSM), saying it will significantly help in honing their sales and marketing skills.

He stressed the need for pharmacists to have good understanding of the principles of sales and marketing, saying this will help them to differentiate between the two activities, which are often misunderstood by many.

Baale was the keynote speaker at the official launch of SPSM on 6 October, a hybrid event, which was graced by other eminent pharmacists, including Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, publisher, Pharmanews; Pharm. Tunde Oyeniran, president, SPSM; Pharm. Gbenga Falabi, national secretary, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN); and Pharm. Ignatius Anukwu, chief operating officer, Alpha Pharmacy and Stores Ltd.

The keynote speaker highlighted the difference between sales and marketing, saying while marketing is the entire process of getting people interested in a company’s products and services, sales is specifically about selling those products and services.

Sales and marketing should be aligned, he said, as they share same system of communication, strategy and goals that enable them to operate complementarily. He added that there is a need for organisational teams to work together so that they can deliver impact in marketing activities, boost sales effectiveness and ultimately grow revenue.

According to him, “Historically, sales and marketing have worked in ‘silos’- that is to say, segmented from each other. Marketing would own the top of the funnel and sales would own the bottom. Organisations must now approach alignment as a necessary key factor of delivering a seamless customer experience.”

Pharmacists must also be aware of what marketing does for sales, he said, stressing that in a tightly aligned organisation, marketers focus on guiding buyers through the early stages of their journey in preparation for engagement with sellers later on.

“Once a deal is closed, many organisations will also continue to market in order to deliver additional solution value. This means that to support sales, marketing must educate buyers, nurture and qualify leads, provide competitive intelligence, influence the market and consistently engage customers.

“Through these actions, marketing supports sales by ensuring that buyers are educated, interested and engaged, as one is more likely to start, or continue, doing business with them”, he stated.

The accomplished pharmacist and entrepreneur further revealed that top major marketing priorities should include generating more leads/demands, converting leads to customers/revenue, aligning sales and marketing, understanding the return on investment of marketing

activities and reducing the cost acquisition.

Pharm. Falabi, a special guest at the event, commended the efforts of the convener, Pharm. Oyeniran, in making the programme a successful one. He also appreciated Prof. Baale for taking the participants through the business world.

membership. People should feel free to join the association.”

Highlighting the essence of SPSM, Oyeniran, said: “The pharma sector is faced with many challenges which include inadequate knowledge, poor ethics and lack of integrity among s t a k e h o l d e r s , credit giving sales and indebtedness

president stressed the need to create a voice and presence on behalf of all individuals engaged in pharmaceuticals sales, distribution, marketing, irrespective of their background or course of study.

In his words, “SPSM wants to promote interest, causes, education, skills, research and knowledge of pharmaceutical sales and marketing professionals and to encourage and advance knowledge, information dissemination, education and training, as well as the research into the art and science of pharmaceutical sales and marketing practice.”

“We want to cooperate, collaborate and interact with all stakeholders in the pharma sector, including but not limited to healthcare practitioners, government, relevant MDAs, health and pharmaceutical regulators/institutions, pharmaceutical value chain members, etc. to assure ethical use, sales and promotion of drugs and medicines in Nigeria in the overall interests of patients and the general public.”

by government. Being on this platform will help to fight all these inadequacies.”

He added that the Society’s key objectives are to foster unity among members and pursue the individual and group interests of pharmaceutical sales and marketing professionals in Nigeria.

Speaking further, the SPSM

“This 45 minutes lecture took me two weeks to learn from a university in Boston, and it must not be taken for granted,” Falabi said. He added: “This association will help to foster sales and marketing in the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, as the group is ready to collaborate in order to increase

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areas would you require assistance from government, individuals and corporate bodies?

In view of the times we are in - with the challenges of insurgency, kidnapping, armed banditry and the COVID-19 pandemic) - some of our partners and cleft patients continue find it difficult to provide and access treatment respectively.

Also, lack of awareness and information about treatment among people living with cleft continues to hamper our programmes here in Nigeria.

The media is therefore seen as a critical stakeholder in pushing for community awareness and sensitising

the general public about what Smile Train is doing and the solution it provides to people living with cleft lip and/or palate.

What is your advice to families whose wards have this disorder?

Parents who have children with cleft should know that they are normal children just like every other. They can live normal, healthy, productive lives. But, most importantly, parents should know that there is now a solution, and it is 100 per cent free courtesy of Smile Train. We have about 54 partner hospitals across the 36 states of the federation plus the FCT.

Kindly tell us what Smile Train is about.

Smile Train is the world’s largest cleft-focused organisation. It has a model of true sustainability, aimed at providing training, funding and resources to empower local medical professionals in over 70 countries to provide 100 per cent free cleft surgeries and other forms of essential cleft care in their own communities.

It is important to note that every three minutes, a baby is born with cleft lip or palate and sometimes both of them. Many of these children around the world are living with untreated cleft and as a result, most of them have difficulties eating, breathing and speaking. In Africa alone, over 32,000 children are born with a cleft lip and/ or palate annually.

What exactly is cleft and why are there many misconceptions about it?

A cleft is a congenital defect that occurs when certain body parts and structures do not fuse together during foetal development. A cleft can involve the lip and/or the roof of the mouth, which is made up of both the soft and hard palate.

How would you describe the prevalence of orofacial cleft in Nigeria and why did Smile Train decide to tackle this particular health issue in children?

Nigeria has enormous untapped potential for cleft surgeries, with an estimated yearly cleft birth of over 6,186, according to data obtained from the World Bank. Instead of doing a bit of this and a bit of that, Smile Train decided to choose one specific problem that affects children and try to solve it.

Smile Train chose to focus on cleft because by doing so, we can be much more effective and productive and help to bring relief to patients, especially children, having this challenge. To do this, we work with many cleft surgeons, hospitals, and research programmes.

Cleft is a significant problem affecting the lives of millions of children globally. The impact of cleft surgery is

With Smile Train, children with clefts can now get free treatment - African Regional VP

By Moses Dike

Cases of orofacial clefts (cleft lip and cleft palate) among babies and children in some rural African societies have often been beclouded by myths and superstitions. Consequently, children affected by the congenital defect are either mistreated or untreated. In this exclusive interview with Pharmanews, Mrs Nkeiruka Obi, African regional director and vice president of Smile Train, the

world’s largest cleft-focused organisation, speaks about the defect and how her organisation has, over the past 20 years, been providing free cleft surgeries, as well as quality cleft care to over 1.5 million children around the world. Excerpts:

dramatic, immediate and permanent. The cure for cleft has already been found; a simple surgery that can cost as little as $250 and can take as little as 45 minutes. Once a cleft is treated, it never comes back.

From your researches, what would you say is responsible for this disorder in children and are there steps that could be taken to prevent it?

No one knows exactly what causes cleft, but most experts agree that the causes of cleft lip and/or palate are multi-factorial and may include a genetic predisposition, as well as environmental issues, such as drug and alcohol use, smoking, maternal illness, infections or lack of Vitamin B, also known as folic acid. In most cases, it is not known what has caused a cleft lip and/or palate, but research is ongoing to better understand the condition.

Smile Train is known to carry out free surgeries to correct clefts in children. How are you able to do this? Do you get needed assistance from individuals, corporate bodies and the government?

As earlier mentioned, Smile Train leverages a model of true sustainability that provides training, funding and resources to empower local medical professionals in over 70 countries to provide 100 per cent free cleft surgeries and other forms of essential cleft care in their own communities. Beyond surgery, our local partners provide speech therapy, psychological support, nutritional services, orthodontics, and other essential forms of care to ensure that children with clefts have everything they need not only to just live but thrive.

Smile Train has, over the past 20 years, supported safe and quality cleft care to over 1.5 million children and will continue to do so, until every child in need with a cleft has access to the care they deserve and to live a full and normal productive live.

What are the major challenges you face in trying to bring relief to children and families whose wards have this dysfunction? And in what

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Mrs Nkeiruka Obi




Dr Olubukola Olusola Oyetunde nee Dada,

Energy drinks: Any risk of infertility?By Pharm. (Dr) Onyinye Chiekwe

Side effects often associated with the consumption of energy drinks include increased heart

rate, increased blood pressure, damage to the teeth, kidney problem, risk of diabetes, as well as caffeine overdose symptoms like hallucination, anxiety, palpitations, insomnia, dehydration and headache.

So, what sparked the rumour that energy drinks cause infertility or sterility? And is there any truth to it? Is it just another attempt to discourage consumers from purchasing energy drinks?

What is in your energy drink?Have you ever been deathly

tired at work (or in school) and felt like all you needed was a quick boost of energy to come alive and get through the day? For some, this is where energy drinks come in. Energy drinks are beverages that are usually consumed to overcome tiredness or promote mental alertness. They contain large amounts of caffeine, added sugar or sweeteners and other additives.

Depending on the brand, the composition of energy drinks varies and it often includes caffeine, taurine, B vitamins, sucrose, glucose, carbonated water, Guarana, Ginseng etc. On their own, some of these ingredients are not harmful and may be beneficial, when taken in their recommended daily doses. However, when mixed with other energy drink ingredients like sugar and caffeine, side effects are exacerbated. This may be due to a potentiation effect.

The active ingredient in energy drinks is caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that is “generally regarded as safe” (GRAS) and has a maximum daily dose of 400 mg in healthy adults. The caffeine content in most energy drinks could range from 80mg, to as high as 320 mg in

a 250 ml of energy drink. However, other ingredients in energy drinks like Guarana and Yerba also contain a considerable amount of caffeine. Quite often, this caffeine is not included in the total caffeine value presented on the container. Thus in the presence of Guarana and Yerba, the total caffeine present in the energy drink may be more than the amount indicated.

Ginseng, B-vitamins and taurine are other additives in most energy drinks. Taurine is an amino acid present in the brain, muscle tissues, heart and eyes and naturally occurs in meat, fish and dairy products. It is said to increase mental alertness and increase the capacity for physical activities, when used as a supplement.

Ginseng is an umbrella term for different species of a particular plant. Ginseng is said to increase energy levels and mental activity in individuals who feel weak or tired and provide sharper cognitive function. Again, individually, these substances are considered to be safe supplements. However, when they are used in combination with caffeine in energy drinks, the side effects of caffeine are worsened.

Another harmful combination is the mixing of energy drinks with alcohol. Mixing energy drinks and alcohol increases the potential to abuse alcohol. Higher rates of binge drinking and risk of alcohol dependence are associated with alcohol mixed with energy drinks than alcohol alone. Also, studies have revealed that when an energy drink (or caffeine) is consumed alongside alcohol, the urge to drink more alcohol is more than when alcohol is consumed alone in the same quantity. This led to the warning that caffeine should not be considered GRAS when mixed with alcohol.

Despite the adverse health

events associated with energy drinks, however, their sale and consumption have grown exponentially since their introduction in the 1960s. The global energy drink market is expected to grow by 7 per cent between 2020 and 2025, with global sales reaching $57.4 billion in 2020. In Nigeria, the energy drink market segment is forecasted to have a yearly consumption growth of over 6.5 per cent by 2022.

Energy drinks and infertilityTo add to the alarming side

effects is the claim that energy drinks cause infertility in humans. However, this claim remains unproven. Several studies about energy drinks and their effect on the male reproductive system have been conducted with largely inconclusive results.

Results from studies regarding the effect of energy drinks on the reproductive system varied. In some studies, the result showed that caffeine from coffee, tea and cocoa drinks did not affect semen parameters, while other studies revealed that there seemed to be a slightly negative effect of caffeine-containing soft drinks on semen volume, count and concentration. Also, caffeine intake seemed to be associated with DNA breaks and aneuploidy (abnormal number of chromosomes). This suggests that caffeine intake may negatively affect male reproductive function through sperm DNA damage.

A number of animal studies have also been conducted. A study on the effect of energy drinks on the reproductive system of female rats revealed a decrease in the diameter of mature Graafian follicle and diameter of the oocyte on the administration with an energy drink. Another study on male rats showed a decrease in sperm

concentration on administration with an energy drink.

These are rather inconclusive – since, first of all, they are not human studies and more importantly, as noted earlier in the article, energy drinks come in varying ingredients and at different concentrations. So there is not enough information to permit generalisation

The question remains: Do energy drinks cause infertility? Based on the above evidence, the negative effect of energy drinks on the human reproductive system cannot be ruled out, so more research should be done to eliminate all vagueness and provide clarity as to whether energy drinks pose real problems to fertility.

What is clear, however, is that overconsumption of energy drinks can have devastating consequences. Thus, moderation is key.

14 November is World Diabetes Day

Are sugar-free caffeinated energy drinks safe for diabetic individuals? Before now, the answer would have been a simple yes. Usually, sugar-free beverages have their sugar replaced with artificial sweeteners. Sweeteners were initially known to be safe for diabetics since they don’t elevate blood sugar. However, recent research has revealed that this may not be so and artificial sweeteners could elevate blood sugar and worsen diabetes.

Also, more studies have shown that artificial sweeteners may alter an individual’s gut bacteria which may induce glucose intolerance in both non-diabetics and diabetics. Besides, high caffeine consumption can worsen blood sugar problems, as studies have suggested that diabetics who consume caffeine had higher and longer blood sugar spikes than those who don’t. So, it is safer to stay away.

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JUHEL




By Prof. ‘Lere Baale

Moving up to extraordinary leadership

Let’s share an important story of how rejections and failing forward have helped to fuel a passionate desire to become an extraordinary leader. At ages 11 and 12, a young boy (we’ll call him Dammy) applied through entrance examinations twice to the Military School, Zaria, with the aim of joining the armed forces. He was rejected on both occasions. He decided to change to a technical school to help him quickly gain vocational expertise, in order to raise money and see if he could help support his parents to pay the fees of his siblings.

It was when Dammy was trying to secure admission to a technical college that he met a reverend father who advised that it was better for him to go to a secondary school. He eventually secured admission into a Catholic missionary secondary school. His five-year experience in the school changed him and impacted his life to date. He was able to enjoy special academic scholarship for indigent students and was significantly inspired while being provided with close guidance and counseling by two major personnel, Reverend Sister Margaret and Reverend Father McComboy.

These two inspiring destiny helpers supported Dammy morally and financially, not just in his secondary school but also through A-Level and till the end of his undergraduate studies at the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. The great and huge Kashim Ibrahim Library of the university was of tremendous help to him, as he was unable to buy any textbook throughout his undergraduate years.

If Dammy hadn’t been rejected by the military school, nor failed in other attempts, he would not have learnt how to fail forward. Besides, neither of the priceless rich encounters with the inspiring destiny shapers like Rev. Sister Margaret and Rev. Father McComboy would have taken place; and his knowledge of leadership would certainly have remained very ordinary.

Your university is not good enough

While out of Ahmadu Bello University with his first degree, Dammy pursued employment as a management trainee in a number of multinational firms. During one of his encounters, he was reminded that he did not attend the right university. This fuelled his long-time ambition to pursue a postgraduate degree in a cosmopolitan city. He eventually completed his MBA degree at age of 25 in the University of Lagos. The MBA significantly impacted his career growth and his continuous search for the qualities of extraordinary leaders.

You are too young and too good for promotion

Dammy passionately applied himself to every assignment in his place of work and enjoyed rapid promotions, until he became a member of the board of a multinational company at 36. As he edged towards the peak of his career, many reasons were advanced why he had to be “slowed” down. The common ones he readily remembers are – “too lenient with workers to be a good leader” or “you are too young to be promoted” or “too good an asset to be allowed to leave the country for international roles”.

Despite experiencing different kinds of humiliations and frustrations, Dammy vigorously continued with his desire to learn more - even from his negative experiences - about what it takes to be an extraordinary leader. One sad day, after the loss of one of his younger brothers, he had an unpleasant encounter with a leader who was used to talking down on him and questioning the quality of his education from his first degree to his MBA. He realised that he had had enough, with a significantly bruised ego. He came to his senses and remembered that “regardless of what anyone says, everyone is naturally endowed with what it takes to be a leader; everyone needs to start from his areas of strength, doing what he is passionate about and makes him happy.”

Dammy knew he had been a passionate reader and teacher; so he prioritised his daily activities and created more time for reading, teaching, writing and actively leading, because he knew that readers always begin the journey to extraordinary leadership through the route of whatever they choose to read and act on.

You too can become extra ordinary, if you learn how to passionately read and take action by applying your knowledge on whatever you have read. In other words, if Dammy had not been rejected; if he had not leant to fail forward; if the quality of his degrees had not been questioned; if he had not been considered too young to be promoted, the article you’re reading right now might never have been written.

Such a story as above is not alien to many who have passed through certain career paths and become better leaders today. Don’t give up. People you come across in your career or life may create a cage of limitations for you and tell you many reasons why you cannot be a good leader. Don’t worry; start somewhere, from the very centre of what God has already endowed you with - your strengths, passions,

abilities, personality, experience - and make a definitive choice to succeed in leadership, no matter what you are going through.

Choose to succeed where others have failed. That is the beginning of the journey of extraordinary leadership. You must continuously beat the standard you have achieved yesterday. It is a journey of life.

F a i l u r e s along the road to extraordinary leadership

As Steve Jobs once said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something – your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”

The truth is, it happens just like that. What seems like the end of the road may just be a cul de sac. It feels like rejection. It feels like failure. But it isn’t. You simply ran out of road on that route. Time to back up, turn around, and look for a new route to get to where you want to go. And as long as you keep

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The objective of this series is to guide the ordinary leader to do extra little things that will help move them up into extraordinary leadership level.

smiling and moving forward, the road ahead to extraordinary leadership is going to be far better than you can imagine – because, eventually, despite all its twists and turns, it leads to happiness.

So if you’re currently struggling, hang in there. Remember, sometimes the best thing that can possibly happen to you in the long run is not getting exactly what you want right now.

In the journey of life for extraordinary leadership, many lessons have emerged studying many extraordinary leaders. We should all try to learn from them and leave leadership legacies wherever we find ourselves.

Fired up by rejection and failures




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What are your plans for the PSN, if elected president?

My vision for PSN is a united and progressive pharmacy family, where pharmacists are increasingly relevant, respected and adequately remunerated for their invaluable contributions, networking with the healthcare team and other professionals for the growth and development of Nigeria.

We can achieve this by ensuring an enabling environment for pharmacists and the implementation of responsible use of medicines by

I will make PSN a united, progressive pharmacy family – Usifoh

Professor Cyril Usifoh has been a stakeholder within the pharmacy family in Nigeria and beyond. An academic and astute supporter of the cause of the pharmacy profession, he is one of

the strong contenders for the position of the national president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN). In this exclusive interview with PATRICK IWELUNMOR, he unveils his plans for the PSN.

building constructive partnership, increasing the visibility of PSN and pharmacists in the Nigerian and global environment, increasing the revenues of PSN to accomplish its mission and increasing effective communications with the core operating principles of accountability, professionalism and transparency.

Specifically, the following issues shall be in front burner under my presidency of PSN: ensuring assent to the pharmacy bill, institutionalising the PharmD

programme and the consultant cadre agenda, establishment of the National Postgraduate College of Pharmacists to complement our consultant cadre agenda, while also working with NAFDAC, PCN and relevant stakeholders.

Others are: improving the visibility of pharmacists and pursuit of the pharmacy tower project and all other business concerns of PSN. I will provide a purpose-driven leadership for all technical and interest groups of PSN.

Why do you think you are the right man for the PSN presidency?

I am one of the few pharmacists who dotted the PSN National Council in, at least, four various capacities as chairman, PSN (Edo State), chairman, NAPA, editor-in-chief, PSN and dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin.

Therefore, I have the requite experience, exposure, acceptability, capacity and drive to deliver on the above agenda as PSN President.

What are your achievements within the pharmacy family in Nigeria?

I ensured the implementation of PharmD and graduated the first set of students in the University of Benin. I worked with the PSN executives and facilitated the full implementation of consultant pharmacist cadre in Edo State.

As editor-in-chief and subsequently chairman of the editorial board, I invigorated and improved the quality production of

the Nigerian Journal of Pharmacy and ensured its online visibility, with acceptable scientific research publications.

I have mentored and supervised not less than 18 PhD students, five of whom are full professors and some others that are currently under assessments for promotion.

My research findings have found enormous value and are recognised nationally and internationally, leading to my recipient of the May and Baker Award for Professional Excellence. I presented several keynote addresses/presentations at national and international conferences, symposia and scientific meetings.

As PSN Chairman, I ensured that slots for internship were increased in Edo State and the remuneration for pharmacists registering community premises was the highest in the country. I have attracted grants (Tetfund, University, NGOs and international organisations) both for personal research and the University of Benin. I have secured international placement for postgraduate students out the country.

As an academic, do you think you will have the time for PSN activities?

My academic pursuits never hindered my service as PSN chairman, NAPA chairman and editor-in-chief. As a public servant and professor at the peak of my career, I have all the time to serve as president and, to the extreme, have the opportunity to request for leave of absence with pay. I strongly believe in teamwork and, as president, I will ensure that I delegate duties where necessary and monitor implementation.

In this brief chat with Pharmanews, Ojo reveals his vision and agenda for Nigerian pharmacists, if elected as next PSN president. Excerpts:

You are a prominent pharmacist who has played significant roles in the development of the pharmacy profession in the country. Having chaired several PSN committees and groups, why are you specifically interested in the presidency of the Society?

I have served Pharmacy in all of my adult life, beginning from the university to date. In the process, I have acquired knowledge, experience and expertise to build a greater Pharmacy in Nigeria. I hold a strong belief that we can change the narrative for our profession with the right combination of knowledge, skills and competence at my command.

You contested in the last

I will vigorously pursue signing of Pharmacy Bill into law – Lolu Ojo

By Temitope Obayendo

Pharm (Dr) Lolu Ojo is the founder and managing director/chief executive director of Merit Healthcare Limited, which has been in operation since 2005. A presidential aspirant of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), he has served the Society in various other capacities.

He is presently chairman, Research, Documentation and Industry Liaison Committee of the PSN; as well as director of organisation, Action Programme on COVID-19 Pandemic, Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm). He was also chairman, PSN Conference Planning Committee (2008 and 2017); chairman, PSN National Drug Distribution Committee (2014–2015); as well as having been national chairman, Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP), from 2009 to 2013. An active member of various professional groups, Ojo is Fellow of Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy; Fellow, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and Fellow, Courier, and Logistics Management Institute.

PSN presidential election in 2018. Can you mention likely factors that prevented your emergence as president then, and what are your chances of winning now?

Yes, it is true that I contested the 2018 election and the basis for winning or losing belongs to our past and history. My conviction is that the road to success is constantly under construction. We are here now as part of the construction process. We have a brighter chance to win this time and we will do our best to get it.

The vision is for an appointed time and we believe this our time. However, this is not a compulsive pursuit. We will get there, if it is the will God.

What are your goals for the PSN?

- We will turn PSN into a Society that cares for its members; that impacts the lives and practice of members positively; that adds value to

the community; that will make Pharmacy in Nigeria to stand tall in the comity of nations

The outgoing president of PSN succeeded in securing the consultant cadre for pharmacists

the bill into law with vigour and the arsenals at our disposal.

It has been observed that pharmacists are often absent when major decisions are taken in the health sector. How do you hope to bridge this lacuna in legislative process?

The right placement is necessary to get things done. We will leverage our network of mentors, friends and stakeholders to ensure that Pharmacy is there in the right places and at the right time.

but has not been able to prevail upon the presidency to sign the Pharmacy Bill into law. On your emergence as the PSN president, how would you make this long-awaited desire of pharmacists come to fruition?

Leadership is a continuum. We will ensure that the consultant cadre is implemented in all national and state public hospitals. We will do much more to make the practice conducive and comfortable for colleagues. On the Pharmacy Bill, it’s all about advocacy and lobbying. We will pursue the signing of

Pharm. (Dr) Lolu Ojo

Professor Cyril Usifoh




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What is your vision for the PSN and how do you intend to actualise it?

My vision is for PSN to be recognised as a society whose members are valued, well-paid, well-organised, highly motivated and accessible healthcare professionals, responsible for the provision and rational use of safe, effective and affordable medicines, pharmaceutical care and the promotion of public health and quality of life.

I will make pharmacists more valued, highly motivated - Ayuba

Pharm. Tanko Ayuba is one of the contenders for the presidency of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN). A passionate visionary who values hard work and excellence, he bares his mind on his achievements at the PSN Kaduna Chapter and his lofty plans for the pharmacy family in

Nigeria, in this exclusive interview with PATRICK IWELUNMOR.

To what extent are you prepared to mount the saddle of PSN leadership?

I have deliberately prepared myself to be the president of PSN from graduation. That was why I joined the Kaduna State PSN executive committee, as a young pharmacist in the early 90s. I held different positions and rose to become the PSN chairman. I then moved up to become the first deputy president and

unofficial member of NEC.Having gained valuable

experience in PSN leadership over the years, I felt I was ripe for the position of president and made an attempt to contest in 2015. My ambition faced stiff oppositions, the strongest being the fact that I was under employment and would not have the time to perform effectively. I was disqualified for a flimsy reason but I took it in good faith. I did not make any attempt in 2018 because I was still working. I waited for the right time and 2021 is the right time because I am now retired and I have all the time I need to dedicate to the PSN presidency.

What contributions have you made to the pharmacy profession in Nigeria?

My contributions to the pharmacy profession in Nigeria have been detailed in my profile and CV and are too numerous to mention here. However I will mention a few, which include: Kaduna State PSN chairman, deputy president, and unofficial member of NEC, desk officer and councillor of the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association.

I represented PSN to form the Assembly of Healthcare Professionals. I was project director, PSN PACFaH; chairman,

PSN Trade Union Committee; chairman, and now advisor, PSN Abuja Liaison Office Building Committee; chairman, PSN Ad-Hoc Committee on Presidential Committee on Harmony in Health Sector (2010); rapporteur/participant, PSN Pharmacists Summit (2012); member, panel of judges; member, Group Dynamics Session at PSN National Conference (2008); and member, Electoral Committee of PSN National Conference (2006).

How would you describe the performance of the out-going president?

The out-going President has given his time and energy to the job and achieved a lot but the job of a PSN President is a continuous one and I intend to consolidate on his achievements, continue where he stopped and move on.

Your advice to voters during the election

The PSN needs someone with vision, mission, goals and objectives, knowledge, experience in leadership and track records of achievements to lead it now. Someone who is highly connected politically and socially. Pharmacists should, therefore, support Pharmacist Ibrahim Tanko Ayuba (FPSN) to be the next PSN president.

I will create a PSN that works for all - OrumwenseBy Temitope Obayendo

You contended for the post of the PSN president in 2018 and you are still in the race for the 2021 election. What is the propelling force behind your ambition?

The propelling force, simply put, is my desire to serve man and to serve God. My faith, as a Catholic, makes me to understand that we serve God through service to mankind. In this case, it will be through Pharmacy as a profession.

Also, I believe that I have the ideas, the requisite leadership qualities, the will and the strength to turn around the fortunes of the PSN and to make the Society more responsive to matters concerning the community, our country, and

Pharm. (Dr) Daniel Orumwense, a contender for the office of the president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, is the director and head of department, Federal Medical Centre,

Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. He is also an adjunct lecturer of Clinical Pharmacy in the Faculty of Pharmacy, Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, as well as a dissertation supervisor and clerkship preceptor of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (WAPCP).

In this exclusive interview with Pharmanews, Orumwense highlights his programmes for pharmacists, if elected PSN president. Excerpts:

individual pharmacists. Indeed, I have done some introspection and I came to the conclusion that I can make a huge difference that will impact positively on lives.

Going through my profile, you will see that I have served and still serving the Society in various capacities – as PRO, DPS, chairman or member of committees. I am not tired; I am not expired. This time, I want to serve the Society at the highest level of our profession. Therefore, I am propelled to contest for the office

of practice will continuously be improved upon, as the highest standards of ethical practice will be encouraged.

I will facilitate the recognition of community pharmacists as primary healthcare providers and the community pharmacy as a primary healthcare centres; ensure that NHIS and other managed care schemes engage the services of pharmacists and that pharmacists are accordingly and appropriately remunerated. I will pursue pharmacist-initiated prescription rights, full implementation of the NDDG, local drug production to improve on the contribution of the pharma sector to the national gross domestic product (GDP), as well as gainful employment and improved status of pharmacists.

I will also work towards lower prices of medicines and pharmaceuticals, thereby improving affordability. Also to be pursued are safety of products and consumers; assured future for our all pharmacists, especially the younger ones; advocacy for a special salary scale for pharmacists or a single spine salary for all health workers, based on the 2009 job evaluation report.

How would you consolidate on the gains of Pharm. (Mazi) Sam Ohuabunwa’s administration, if you emerge as PSN president?

I will build bridges of co-operation and collaboration within and outside the Society. I will build new partnerships and relationships. It is important to state that government and governance is a continuum; therefore, I will continue from where he stops. The policies and programmes of PSN will continue. We will review what we need to review with a

view to strengthening the existing structures and building new ones, as may be required.

I intend to give specific assignments to holders of offices like the deputy presidents and unofficio members. We shall continue to employ the group and committee system to carry out our activities. This will give many a great sense of belonging. We shall recognise and reward hard work and loyalty to the society

I intend to make wide consultations across all sections of the Society - the technical/ interest groups, past presidents, the Board of Fellows etc. We will hold periodic town hall meetings in order to get some first-hand information from pharmacists. Attention will be given to all groups and their matters will be attended to promptly, with a view to addressing their concerns.

Also to be prioritised is actualisation of the proposed unionisation of the public sector pharmacists and ensuring that private sector pharmacists have a better deal and improved returns on investment. The Pharmacy Tower project will proceed as planned, and the Abuja project will get maximum attention. The secretariat will be strengthened for maximum effect. We will intensify effort to raise funds and apply same judiciously.

We will encourage colleagues to practise ethically. We will partner with the PCN, NAFDAC and other relevant agencies to sanitise the practice of Pharmacy and to check infiltrators and encroachers. We will enforce discipline and promote comradeship and fraternity within the society. Our mantra shall be “A PSN THAT WORKS FOR ALL”

We shall protect everyone and give hope to our young pharmacists for an assured, brighter and better future.

of president for the purpose of creating a PSN that works for all.

What objectives have you set for yourself, if elected to pilot the affairs of PSN as president?

My vision is to make the interest of the public and pharmacists uppermost in all considerations at all times. We will create a PSN that works for all. We pharmacists must prosper from the works of our hands for the benefit of society and to the glory of God.

We will advocate very strongly and pursue an agenda that will secure the assent of the president on the Pharmacy Council Bill. We will ensure that standard

Pharm. (Dr) Daniel Orumwense

Pharm. Tanko Ayuba

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The Chairman, Board of Fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (BOF-PSN), Prof.

Mbang Femi-Oyewo, has charged aspirants in the forthcoming PSN presidential election to let the spirit of harmony run among them, so as to maintain the noble legacy of the pharmacy profession.

She made the call during a recent interactive session between the Nigerian Association of Pharmacists in Academia (NAPA) and the presidential candidates preparing for the election to be held at the upcoming annual PSN conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Femi-Oyewo, who was the chairman of the event, held virtually and moderated by the National Chairman, NAPA, Dr Ezekiel Olugbenga Akinkunmi, commended the contestants for presenting themselves at this critical time to serve the Society.

She noted that, going by the

Femi-Oyewo harps on comradeship, as NAPA hosts PSN presidential candidates

By Ranmilowo Oalumopedigrees of the contestants and their score cards, each of them is qualified to be the next PSN president, adding however that it is a known fact that only one of them will eventually be elected at this time.

The BOF-PSN chairman saluted the contestants’ camaraderie so far and urged them to continue in that spirit to the election and beyond it.

Addressing the four candidates, Femi-Oyewo said, “Of all the professional societies in Nigeria, the PSN has been known to conduct the most peaceful and organised election, with no election and post-election issues - like snatching of ballot boxes, going to courts or settling of crises - as has been reported in some other professional associations. You must therefore ensure that you maintain this noble legacy.”

Earlier in his remarks, Dr Akinkunmi noted that NAPA, as the mother of all the technical

arms of PSN and being a body of intellectuals, decided to organise the interaction as a way of contributing to the success of the PSN election. He assured the contestants of NAPA’s support to whoever eventually emerges as the president.

Having responded to the questions posed to them, each of the contestants promised to uphold the ethics of the pharmacy profession and make the PSN greater, if elected as the president of the society.

Also present at the interactive session were the two immediate past national chairmen of NAPA, Prof. Martins Emeje and Prof. Emmanuel

Executive Council of NAPA and other pharmacists from all over the country and beyond also participated in the programme.

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Ibezim, who also made good contributions to the interactions. The National Secretary, Dr Adebanjo Adegbola, who was the time keeper of the session, as well as other members of the National

Prof. Mbang Femi-Oyewo

The Centre for Ethics and Self- Value Orientation (CESVO), a Kogi State-based

international non-governmental organisation (NGO), that investigates corruption and promotes ethical leadership and value reorientation, has recently honoured the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), under the leadership of Pharm. Remi Oladigbolu, as well as the immediate past national chairman, Dr Samuel Adekola, with awards of integrity.

According to the Centre, the ACPN was honoured for being rated among the top ten most ethically responsible national associations in Nigeria doing the nation proud in their field of endeavours. It added that Adekola was honoured as an Integrity Icon, a status it said is exclusively reserved for incorruptible leaders and union leaders in Nigeria serving the nation and reducing poverty amongst the citizenry.

Explaining the motive behind the recognitions, the Executive Director of CESVO, Prince Salih Yakubu, noted that the ACPN by the NGO’s ethical rating scored over 77 per cent to rank amongst the overall ten shortlisted non-state actors organisations after its secret investigations in Nigeria as a most ethically responsible association in 2021.

“Ours is to thank and appreciate people doing us proud while putting public criminals on their toes for holding us down for decades in our quest to develop as a nation. We have continuously been holding leaders accountable for over 15 years now and will not be deterred, until our country becomes ethically grounded in all ramifications,” Yakubu said.

According to him, only 10 evaluated organisations, including ACPN, met its leadership integrity test, in 10 out of its 21 thematic areas which included public accessibility; emotional intelligence; due process application; participation in community affairs; ethical uprightness; contribution to the social well-being of members and less-privileged; transparency and accountable leadership; office attendance; quality assurance public project and policy

Group honours ACPN, Adekola with integrity award By Adebayo Oladejo

implementation; national interest consideration; and self- discipline, among others.

On the selection process, Yakubu said, “We annually engage our 1500 volunteers and whistleblowers structured across the 774 LGA’s in Nigeria to distribute questionnaires, conduct opinion polls, and have interviews with informants. This is geared towards tapping information from citizens about their feelings concerning the policy and project performances of government at all levels.

“During this process, corrupt practices are exposed; we blacklist and commend where necessary. We are budget-trackers. We ensure corroboration between what is approved in the budgets and what is on the ground, and we conduct due diligence on contractors handling the public projects.

“The Centre is not only out to investigate and expose corruption in the country, we are also complementing this with human capital development tagged ‘train-the-trainers ethical retreat’.

“The said project is targeted at 20000 working class in 2000 organisations secretly assessed

and certified with our credence certificate. Our aim is to help minimise corruption in the country.”

Reacting to the award presentation, Pharm. Oladigbolu, said, “I heartily express our profound appreciation to the executives and members of (CESVO) for this honour to us as an association. Considering the fact that we are a professional association, being recognised alongside well-known personalities and associations means a lot to us. It will surely encourage us to do more.”

He further stressed that one of the gaps in achieving better health outcomes in the country is for the federal and state governments to accord community pharmacists the rights and privileges to do more for the citizenry, adding that pharmacists can stand in the gap because people have trust in them and they are very close to the community.

Speaking in the same vein, Dr Adekola appreciated CESVO for recognising his achievements while at the helm of affairs of ACPN, despite the challenges he encountered. He promised not to

Prince Salih Yakubu, executive director, (CESVO); Pharm. Ambrose Eze, national secretary; Pharm. Wale Oladigbolu, national chairman, ACPN; Dr. Samuel Adekola, immediate past national chairman; and Pharm. (Mrs) Asore Omokhafe, national treasurer, at the programme.

let the Centre down, adding that he would continue to strive to provide purposeful leadership and quality representation for the pharmacy profession.

The highpoints of the programme were the presentation of a certificate of credence to the ACPN, which certified the association as the most ethically grounded, with the least corruption perception index; and the issuance of ethical leadership and conduct compliance certificate to the national chairman which is a certificate only reserved for leaders found to be ethical in character and conduct, while all the national executive members responsible for the daily running of the association were issued professional ethics compliance award for their efforts so far.

While appreciating CESVO, the duo of Pharm. Ambrose Eze, national secretary, ACPN; and Pharm. (Mrs) Omokhafe Ashore, national treasurer, thanked the Centre for considering the association worthy of such recognition while assuring of their continued commitment to better service delivery to the good people of Nigeria.




Pharmacist interns, in collaboration with the Pharmacy Department,

Federal NeuropsychiatricHospital, Yaba, Lagos, have appealed to the Federal Government to set up more specialist hospitals across the country, in order to reduce the burden on the few existing facilities.

The interns, also known as 30 beautiful minds (30BM), made the plea during an awareness programme organised to mark this year’s World Mental Health Day, on 10 October.

Mental health is a state of wellbeing in which an individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.

According to experts, symptoms of mental health challenges include pulling away from people and usual activities, feeling numb, feeling helpless or hopeless, having persistent unpleasant thoughts and memories, hearing voices or believing things that are not true, and thinking of harming oneself or others.

Recent statistics place the global prevalence of mental illness at close to one billion people, and one out of every seven 10-19 years old experiences a mental disorder. It is also known that people with severe mental disorders, such as schizophrenia die at least 10 years earlier than the general population.

Speaking on the theme of the programme, “Mental health in an unequal world: Need for mental health equity” the keynote speaker, Pharm. (Mrs) Olawunmi Peters, said Mental Health Day is centered on access to mental health, a cause she said she is very passionate about.

Peters explained how health inequalities are plaguing access to quality mental health services, noting that inequalities are the biases and unnecessary disparities in peoples’ health across apopulation or among a specific group of people.

“These differences always contradict the principles of social justice and ultimately affect the life expectancy and quality of life of the disadvantaged person or group,” she added.

She narrated a story of one of her patients, who went through mental health disorder, saying: “There is a very good example of a patient who I came across about six years ago - let’s call her Esther. Life dealt with Esther in a very bad way and society only helped to make things even more difficult.

“I met Esther when she was 30 years old, unmarried and newly diagnosed with clinical depression. Out of frustration of being unmarried, Esther soon began to slip into depression and even contemplated suicide twice. She would sleep for long hours and began to fall back on her work deadlines. Soon enough, she lost her job as a bank manager and had to move in with her widowed mother. She also started eating a lot, gained excess weight and totally lost interest in life.

“You see, Esther’s mum lived in Ibadan and Esther would often be ridiculed for being unmarried, fat and ‘crazy’. With little or no income, the thought of travelling such a long distance to access care at Yaba and

Mental health: Intern Pharmacists task FG on specialist hospitals

receiving medications discouraged her as she could hardly afford the bill any longer. And truly there are many Esthers in this world.”

Peters stated that the Nigerian government and the populace must recognise that mental health is an important component of healthcare and universal health coverage, adding that the World Health Organisation, having identified mental health as an area for accelerated implementation, recently published a comprehensive mental health action plan.

The keynote speaker lamented that access to mental healthcare continues to be uneven, as individuals who live in rural areas are unable to access treatment at urban facilities where the services are provided. She cited poor road network and lack of transportation services contribute to this inaccessibility.

According to her, “Other examples that cause inequality in accessing mental health services include income, gender discrimination, gender orientation, marital status, tribe or educational qualifications.”

Continuing, she said: “As pharmacists at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, we are constantly looking for ways to bridge this gap in income by

sourcing for quality and affordable medicines for low-income earners.

“One way we do this is through our active negotiation with suppliers to get the best and unbeatable price for antipsychotics nationwide. And this is why our prices for high-end branded antipsychotics remain the lowest anywhere in the country. Yet, we also go above and beyond by sourcing generics whose quality control analysis is top-notch.

“We provide private counselling for women who need the privacy of a counselling cubicle, especially when sensitive information needs to be given. Knowing the diverse ethnic nature of our country, we are conscious of providing drug information and health education in different languages to overcome language barrier.

“Continuous sensitisation and advocacy of mental health by pharmacists helps to destigmatise mental illnesses and this activity cannot be over-emphasised,” she said.

Also speaking at the event, Pharm. Oluwakemi Adaeze Ebire, chairperson, Planning Committee, said that the symposium marked the end of the interns’ mental health week, put together by her team members, with the aim of giving back to the hospital and the

community as an appreciation for the opportunity given to them to serve.

Ebire said: “Our event started on 6 October 2021 with a tutorial college outreach where we reached out to over 200 young adults on substance abuse. We spoke extensively on the role of the environment in substance abuse and the need for teenagers to build values and be assertive. Special thanks to our very own Pharm. Christopher Agwu for an awesome presentation on substance abuse.

“This journey started as a weird idea a few months ago and I’m so proud of the work my team and I have put into this to make it a reality. I would like to thank Mrs Peters for her unending support; as well as the deputy directors, assistant directors, chief pharmacist, senior and principal pharmacists, for their support, donations, word of advice and for always being in our corner.

“Finally, I would like to emphasise the need for us to be mental health advocates at all times. Let’s preach the mental health gospel at work, in school, in church, in meetings, in family chats. Always advocate for mental health equity, educate people and be the voice of change.”

The interns who organised the event included Pharmacists Damilola Lawal (chief intern); Victor Funsho-Balogun (deputy chief intern); Ebire Oluwakemi, Adekunle Adeleke; Fatima Ismail; Chidubem Obi-Agina; Jennifer Ugochukwu; Ahly Fasasi; Ogochukwu Orabueze; Peter Ozioko; Oyindamola Lawal; Olayinka Adeyanju; Toluwani Aderemi; Ayobami Aiyeolemi; Oluwadamilola Eyelid; Chijioke Ifeme; Chiamaka Orabuchi; Paul Ugwuaroh; Chinyerem Nwankpa; Bryan Okwuba; Mojisola Oladunni; Ngozi Nwachokor; Anthonia Okonkwo; Victor Ojeah; Ginikachi Okorie; Odo Christopher; Olajide Temitope; Paul Ugwuona; Adanna Osegbo and Sejoro Tonuewa, who have chosen to be collectively identified as 30BM

Intern Pharmacists set 2020/2021 (30 Beautiful Minds), and Pharmacists of Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba during their mental health symposium

Members of The Management Committee, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Yaba and some Members of 30Beautiful Minds.

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FOUNDATION




Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Oyo State

Chapter, Pharm. Adegboyega Oguntoye, has stated that one of the most effective ways to solve a collective problem such as a pandemic is through the collaborative efforts of every stakeholder, including government, policymakers and health professionals, saying such synergy expedites the end of any health sector challenge.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of this year’s Oyo State PSN Pharmacy Week, themed: “Pharmacists as Frontline Care Providers in Public Health, Epidemic and Pandemic”, held at the Gamaliel Onosode Banquet Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oguntoye emphasised that central to solving the most critical public health issues are healthcare professionals, government, and policymakers.

The Oyo PSN boss noted that even though there are brilliant health professionals, policymakers, as well as governments, “the brilliance across the board has never been luminous in a way that is telling of the summative skill of each individual”, adding that segregation is one of the main reason things are the way they are.

Oguntoye said, “In our haste to shine, we have put gametes on a show and call them babies, and we forget that broomsticks are only effective in a bunch. This is a call to everyone whose actions are decisive to the Nigerian health sphere to hasten towards teamwork, as knowledge is infinitely extensive.

“As individuals, we are bound to overlook vital details once in a while, but we all would not overlook the same important points. So, we can make up for one another in the places we fall short as health professionals.”

Also speaking at the event, Pharm. Wale Oladigbolu, national chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), noted that the theme of the programme was apposite, adding that the right time to celebrate the pharmacy profession and pharmacists as frontline care providers is here and that Pharmacy Week offers the best opportunity to tell the world about the indispensable role of pharmacists nationwide.

According to Oladigbolu, the current COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the fore the major usefulness of pharmacists all over the world, especially as regards healthcare provision, saying pharmacists are sacrificing a lot to ensure healthcare provision is made available at all times.

In her keynote address, Pharm. Folashade Lawal, a Fellow of the PSN, and chief executive officer, Victory Drugs Limited, Lagos, noted that Nigeria has one of the fastest-growing populations globally,

Oyo PSN solicits stakeholders’ support in health sector efficiency- As Odeku, Ajagbe, Oyewo, others receive Icon of Pharmacy awards

By Adebayo Oladejo

adding that primary healthcare is the gateway for its teeming population to access healthcare.

She emphasised that community pharmacists, as primary care providers, are the best positioned for disease prevention and health promotion, saying they are visited by the ill and the healthy.

Lawal further noted that Nigeria is plagued with poor healthcare access, saying that in terms of access to and quality of healthcare, Nigeria was ranked 142 out of 195 countries according to a Lancet report.

“Therefore, outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics have mount pressure, especially on our primary care facilities, such that the closer the people are to the community, the bigger the share of stress from disease”, she said.

While calling for the inclusion of pharmacists, especially community pharmacists, in primary healthcare delivery and as frontline care providers, Lawal, a clinical pharmacist of repute, revealed that pharmacists, by virtue of their expanding roles, patient-focus shift, easy accessibility and sound training, are great resources for all levels of health prevention and promotion.

Her words: “Pharmacists offer invaluable interventions in epidemics and pandemics. Pharmacists in Nigeria, like their colleagues in other countries, can contribute more to curbing disease outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics, if accorded the needed support by policymakers.”

Speaking earlier, the Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Oyo State, Dr Muftau Ayoola, said the state government had been implementing programmes that

would ensure total care for all residents, from infancy to old age.

According to Makinde, “In healthcare, the government has continued to prioritise the needs of the vulnerable. The government is improving and equipping secondary healthcare facilities. Adeoyo Maternity Hospital is gradually returning to its former glory, with the procurement of state-of-the-art equipment. It has completed the high dependency wing of the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital. It is now fully equipped and functional.

“It is also keeping to its promise of ensuring that each of the 351 wards in Oyo State has a functioning Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) before the end of our subsisting mandate.”

The highpoint of the weeklong event was the series of categories of awards bestowed on some distinguished personalities in the pharmacy profession in the state by the leadership of PSN, Oyo State, in appreciation of their support to the growth of pharmacy practice in Nigeria, especially in Oyo State.

Recipients of the awards included Prof. Oluwatoyin Odeku, immediate past Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan; Pharm. (Dr) Abiola Adekunle; Pharm. (Mrs) Mopelola Oderinde; Pharm. Rasaq Rustum Ajiboye; Pharm. Oluwayemisi Moradeyo Oyewo; Pharm. Kunle Amusan; and an Octogenarian Pharm. Oluwaloni Ajagbe, who were honoured with the “Icon of Pharmacy” award.

Others were Alhaja Fatima Adetoke Rahamon; Mrs Kawthar Odukoya; Engr Adesoji Olawole Adeyemi; Barrister Saheed Abiola-Peller, and Mrs Olubunmi Arinola Ajayi, who were honoured with “Friends of Pharmacy” wards.

Also Prof. Adebola Olufunmilayo Jaiyeoba; Mrs Olubunmi Omolola Ajibade; Chief Olugbeni Akinkoye; Mrs Sherifat Bolanle Shofela; Dr (Mrs) Olayinka Olabisi Ishola; Pharm. (Mrs) Christie Omofuma; Prof. Oluwole Osonubi; Mrs Funmilayo Adenike Adegoke; Chief (Mrs) Kehinde Amole; Pharm. Mrs Morenike Bamgbola; Mrs Mojisola Tokunbo Allen; Mrs Margaret Modupe Ogunye; Mrs Ololade Adetokunbo Olunuga; Mrs Ayanjoke Fashesin; Mrs Abiodun Adebola Itiola; Pharm. Olusola Oyeleke Ogunsola, were given the “Spouse of Fellows” award.

Moreover, Pharm. (Mrs) Yejide Olukemi Oseni, director, PCN, South West Office; Pharm. (Mrs) Olanike Onaolapo Olatawura; Pharm. (Mrs) Olusola Oludotun Porter and Pharm. (Mrs) Titilope Bose Sopeju were given special recognition awards by the Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPs), Oyo State Chapter.

In another category, Fresh FM, 105.9, Ibadan, Oyo State, was given the “Media Award of Excellence” for its efforts in promoting public health safety through its popular “Ultra Loro” programme on radio.

Awards of appreciation were also given to the immediate past executives of the PSN in the state, led by Pharm. Abiodun Ajibade.

Other dignitaries at the event were Pharm. Lolu Ojo, managing director, Merit Healthcare Limited; Prof. Babatunde Ekanola, acting vice-chancellor, University of Ibadan; Prof. S. O. Idowu, dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan; Pharm. (Hon) Leke Ogunsola, chairman, Osun State Primary Healthcare Development Board; Pharm. Yejide Oseni, director, PCN, South-West Office, among many others.

Dr Oladapo Adetunji, chairman, Planning Committee, Oyo PSN Week 2021; Mrs Kawthar Odukoya, of Vanguard Pharmacy; her husband, Pharm. Taofik Odukoya, CEO, Vanguard Pharmacy and Pharm. Adegboyega, PSN chairman, Oyo State, at the award ceremony.

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BIOMEDICAL




and Health Screening, organised by the Young Pharmacists Group of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN-YPG), Osun State Chapter, in commemoration of this year’s World Pharmacists Day.

Commending PSN-YPG for organising the programme for residents of the state, Oyetola said the gesture was in line with the vision of his administration to ensure that every citizen of the state has access to good medical care.

He used the occasion to outline some of the achievements the state had recorded so far in the health sector, saying there was no local government in the state that had not benefited from his acclimatisation’s qualitative healthcare service delivery.

“When I assumed office, I made sure we renovated all the health centres across the state with modern equipment and trained professional personnel, while we didn’t owe health workers salaries,” he said.

Also speaking, Pharm. (Dr) Siji Olamiju, special adviser to the governor on public health, noted that the theme of the global event, “Pharmacy: Always trusted for your health”, was chosen to reflect the benefits of pharmacy practice, as well as the numerous contributions of pharmacists to the healthcare sector.

He said health screening is important because it has been discovered that a lot of people are coming down with chronic disease conditions and health issues, like high blood pressure,

diabetes, and other silent killer diseases, as many are ignorant of their health status.

Explaining the motive behind the free outreach , the Chairman, PSN-YPG Osun State, Pharm. Ayokunle Omoniyi noted that YPG is an interest group of the PSN, with membership open to all pharmacists licensed by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) who are not more than 35 years of age or more than five years post-graduation from an accredited pharmacy school.

Omoniyi added that the initiative was aimed at enhancing the health of the residents, as well as commemorate World Pharmacists Day 2021, which is usually celebrated every 25 September globally.

Stressing that the gesture was part of their social responsibilities, the group chairman assured that PSN-YPG Osun, as a responsible body, would continue with such initiative as a means of contributing its quota to the development of healthcare in the state, saying the programme would help the beneficiaries learn more about their health.

He said, “We realised that many people do not know a lot of things about their health and it is scary. Some of them have their blood pressures up to 190/80 and when you tell them they are hypertensive, they don’t believe you. Some people don’t even know they have low sugar. I am very happy PSN-YPG Osun has been able to help them.

“We have a free medical

Oyetola tasks young pharmacists on professionalism, dedication to service

screening for all of the people who come here to present themselves to the officials. You’ll be registered. Your vitals would be taken and you go see the medical doctor for interpretation and consultation. Then, the pharmacists would attend to you and give you drugs to help manage and/or treat the condition”.

He advised the people to desist from consulting quacks just as he educated them on the adverse effects of taking drugs that are not being prescribed by the doctors.

While speaking, the Secretary and Coordinator of PSN-YPG Medical and Health Outreach, Pharm Emmanuel Atoyebi said they came to Osogbo, the state capital of Osun to cater for over 1000 people.

Atoyebi who said they organised the programme to commemorate this year’s World Pharmacy Day said the theme of this year’s celebration is “Pharmacists: Always Trusted for your Health”.

He further explained that the medical and health outreach featured point of care testing, a free medical consultation and pharmaceutical care, free medications, health awareness on drug abuse, and sexual health.

“As part of our way of giving back to society, we are aiming at getting the very poor who may not be able to access medical facilities for fear of funds to get some kind of free medical service. What we’re doing is to check the blood pressure, sugar levels, we offering sexual

A cross-section of Osun PSN-YPG members at the health outreach.

education to the people, we are offering tuberculosis tests and HIV tests.

“We get pharmaceutical companies, corporate organizations,s and other individuals such as The Living Initiative (TLI), De-Shalom Pharmaceuticals, amongst others as sponsors to support this vision and supplement what we have put down.

“We want people to be healthy. We are looking at this as one of the ways of contributing to society. We have drivers, market men, and women who may at times not afford healthcare, and most of the time they patronised quacks, that’s why this programme is targeted toward them”, he stated.

He, however, charged the people to always consult medical doctors and pharmacists whenever they notice they have health challenges instead of consulting people who are not well trained.”People who patronize non-professionals are putting their health at risk, which is very dangerous for them. So, I, want to admonish them to always patronise pharmacists or they go to hospitals.”

Some of the beneficiaries, among whom are; Chief Mrs. Latona Mujisat, iyaloja, Orisunbare market, Mr. Adeleke Oyetunji, and Latona Amina said, “It is only God who can reward and will bless these people for their initiatives. See all the things they have given to us for free, we really appreciate them.”


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BSN




NEIMETH




The National Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria,

ACPN, Pharm. Adewale Oladigbolu, has stated that the incessant strikes in the healthcare sector is a further proof of the need for government at levels to recognise community pharmacists as primary healthcare provides.

Oladigbolu said it is a known fact that Nigeria’s health indices are not encouraging, when compared with other countries in the world, adding that the situation can be improved with better recognition and engagement of pharmacists.

According to him, “In the league of nations that have a developed healthcare system, Nigeria cannot be found among the top 50. One of the missing gaps in achieving better health outcomes is for the federal and state governments to accord community pharmacists the right and privileges to do more for the people of our great country.

“This is very important in a country like ours where maternal and child mortality is very high. Pharmacists can stand in the gap because people have trust in them and they are very close to the community”.

Oladigbolu, who made the remarks at his inauguration as ACPN chairman, promised not to run a better executive but a different regime.

“When you set out to compete, you won’t be able to do anything, so we are going to run this administration differently,” he assured.

Appreciating and soliciting the support of his executive committee and other members of the society, Oladigbolu said: “Where I had the opportunity to serve in the past, what I enjoyed doing most is bringing people together for greater harvest and that will be my focus. I will celebrate each and every one and raise your potentials, tap into it in such a way that pharmacist services in Nigeria will be better.

“Let me seize this opportunity to thank all the community pharmacists in Nigeria for the trust repose in my team. I want to assure all of you that we will ride on the shoulders of our leaders past and with innovation to take our association to greater heights.

“We have made campaign promises and then it is my wish that you will support me to bring them to reality. I can’t do it alone. In the past, for the positions in which I had served, I made little promises and tried as much as possible to deliver beyond expectations. This time around, the stake is higher. So I require all of you to come around and support.”

The new ACPN helmsman also appreciated the immediate past chairman of the association, Dr Samuel Adekola, for his sacrifices and passion for pharmacy development in Nigeria.

Addressing him, he said: “One thing we can’t take away from you is your passion for pharmacists and leadership potential. God will continue to be with you for all your contributions towards the development of ACPN in Nigeria over the past three years. I am also using this opportunity to say Happy World Pharmacists Day

ACPN charges FG, states to recognise pharmacists as primary care providers

- As Oladigbolu assumes office By Adebayo Oladejo

2021 to every pharmacist in Nigeria and across the world.”

Speaking while handing over, Adekola expressed readiness to offer assistance to the new executives anytime he is called upon.

In his words, “As a matter of fact, I want the new executives to succeed more than I did. I want you to achieve greater things for this our great association than I did. That is the only way I can be happy and I will continue to offer advice where necessary.”

The new members of the executive include Pharm. Ambrose Eze, national secretary; Pharm. Nkiru Chuka Okoye, assistant national secretary; Pharm. Ashore Omokhafe, treasurer; Pharm. Samuel Babatunde, national financial secretary; Pharm. Kenneth Ujah, publicity secretary; Pharm. Okwor Ikechukwu, national internal auditor; and Pharm. Babajide Giwa, national editor-in-chief.

L-R: Pharm. Eze Ambrose, national secretary; Pharm. Bridget Otote, national vice-chairman; Dr Samuel Adekola, immediate past national chairman; Pharm. Wale Oladigbolu, national chairman, and Pharm. (Rev) Daniel Ajayi, immediate past national vice-chairman, during the handover ceremony held in Lagos recently.

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conduct research that drive formulation of relevant policies, as well development of vaccines, medicines and technologies to address the nation’s healthcare needs.

Blaming the manpower shortage on drain in the health sector, the leadership of the Foundation maintained that there is an urgent need to reverse this challenge through a sustained funding mechanism over the next decade, stressing that this is the principal mission of the Foundation.

They disclosed that the Foundation aims to systematically train a critical mass of junior and mid-level researchers to become global leaders who are also able to perform high-quality, cutting-edge research and develop home-grown solutions to the nation’s healthcare system challenges.

Former Lagos State Governor and now Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, who also doubles as NIMR Foundation governing board chairman, along with the 14th Emir of Kano and Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Muhammad Sanusi II, a trustee of the board, at the public presentation of the foundation recently, pledged to rally support in mobilising Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike to raise the seed fund of N10 billion for the development of the nation’s healthcare system through research and technological innovation in the

L-R: Executive Director, NIMR Foundation, Dr Olajide Sobande; NIMR DG, Babatunde Salako, and former CBN Governor, Muhammad Sanusi II, at the public presentation of NIMR Foundation in Lagos recently.

health sector.Speaking at the event,

Fashola stated that although the Foundation’s financial and personnel structures are designed to perpetuate and accelerate the core missions of the NIMR, there is a difference between the two, considering the rationale behind the setting up of the Foundation.

This, according to him, includes promoting the advancement of medical research with a view to enhancing the health and well-being of the entire citizenry; raising funds for research capacity strengthening activities on behalf of NIMR; sourcing for, receiving and administering funds and grants from funding and donor agencies that cannot directly fund government organisations, as well as developing and administering activities that complement the mission and mandate of NIMR.

Fashola said: “NIMR Foundation has identified a mix of short, medium and long-term revenue streams in mobilising predictable and sufficient funding for its activities. These are donations (in cash or kind) from individuals, corporate bodies, and organisations in Nigeria and worldwide; endowments from philanthropists and other well-meaning individuals; grants from individuals, trusts, initiatives, local and international governments, private and non-governmental organisations within and outside Nigeria; and income from commercial ventures and investments.”

Also speaking on the reason for establishing the Foundation, Director General, NIMR, Professor Babatunde Salako, said although Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy with potentially the highest concentration of medical schools and universities on the continent, the country faces some of the worst public health challenges, including the highest global burden of malaria, a high burden of HIV and tuberculosis, emerging infections such as Lassa Fever, recurrent outbreaks of cholera, meningitis and yellow fever, as well as increasing levels of non-communicable diseases.

He also acknowledged the massive brain drain occurring in the health sector, saying promising juniors, mid-level and well-trained senior researchers are often brain drained because of lack of research funds to enable them conduct high quality research in country.

Salako said, “In addition, there is little or no enabling environment to transform research into innovations, strategies and evidence for policies. It is therefore not surprising that most research works conducted in the country are not linked to health product and/or policy.

“Healthcare research and development remains a competitive strategy for most advanced nations of the world and they work closely with the private sector in driving this agenda. This is the purpose and the mission of the NIMR Foundation.”

In the same vein, Muhammad Sanusi II, the former CBN governor, asserted that Nigerians need to know the gravity of the poor healthcare indices recorded by the country annually, urging that the grim statistics shouldn’t just be seen as ordinary numbers but that “human beings who are behind the statistics should be considered.”

He said: “I have always said that if we look at the statistics and you don’t think of the human beings, you don’t really put in the amount of effort which you may be expected to put to work. For instance, the simple things like the rate of inflation is just a number but when you look at the common men and women who are struggling to find garri and who are unable to eat because of the inflation, then you become more interested in finding solutions.

“So all these health figures that we have - infant mortality, maternal mortality, life expectancy and so on - we need to think of the human beings behind the figures. We need to think of someone’s mother or child, sister or aunt who has died as a result of these problems. Then we should understand that we need to attach a sense of urgency to it.”

He noted that the latest World Bank Development Report has shown that Nigeria keeps going backward, not just in terms of per capita income but access to education and healthcare, “even in relation to other sub-saharan African nations.”

NIMR Foundation to expand Nigeria’s healthcare capacity with N10 billion fundraising


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BIOMEDICAL


PHARMANEWS NOVEMBER 2021 VOL. 43 NO.11

Published by PHARMANEWS LIMITED, 8, Akinwunmi Street, Mende, Maryland, P.O. Box 2213, Ikeja, Lagos State. Tel: 08033015991, 08057235128 E-mail:[email protected], [email protected]. Website: www.pharmanewsonline.com. Editor :Patrick Iwelunmor -08135439281

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By Adebayo Oladejo

Worried by the country’s recurrent poor healthcare indices,

as well as its ranking among countries with the worst public health challenges in Africa, the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) Foundation is set to change the narrative through a N10 billion fundraising.

This, according to the Foundation, is for the development of impactful home-grown medical research, promotion of innovation, discovery and commercialisation of technology, and capacity building for healthcare products, especially medicines and vaccines.

The governing board of the Foundation also noted that a major factor behind Nigeria’s healthcare challenges is shortage of world class researchers and scientists to

NIMR Foundation to expand Nigeria’s healthcare capacity with N10 billion fundraising

By Adebayo Oladejo

By Temitope Obayendo

The Governor of Osun State, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, has urged young pharmacists

to be dedicated to their calling, while demonstrating a high level of professionalism consistent with international standards.

Stressing that pharmacists are key to achieving the goals and objectives of the strategic health sector reform in Nigeria,

Oyetola charged the young professionals to discharge their duties with a view to improving healthcare delivery in the country.

The governor, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Rafiu Isamotu, made the remarks at the recent Free Medical Outreach

Oyetola tasks young pharmacists on professionalism, dedication to service- As Osun PSN-YPG offers free medical care to Osogbo residents

L-R: National Publicity Secretary, PSN, Pharm. (Mrs) Ijeoma Okey-Ewurum; PSN President, Pharm. (Mazi) Sam Ohuabunwa and PSN Deputy President, South, Pharm (Dr) Ejiro Foyibo, at the pre-conference media briefing, held recently.


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