The Lumine News

Category: Health

  • #JariCares Health Insurance Scheme Yields Result As Beneficiary Delivers And Named Baby, Jarigbe Aliyu

    #JariCares Health Insurance Scheme Yields Result As Beneficiary Delivers And Named Baby, Jarigbe Aliyu

     

    The impacts of JARI CARES Insurance Scheme has started yielding results as one of the beneficiaries of the scheme who resides in Ogoja, Mrs Munira Mohammed Aliyu, delivers a baby boy yesterday 5th May, 2025 at the General Hospital, Ogoja.

    Mrs Aliyu is one of the 500 constituents who benefited from the JariCare Health Insurance Policy, financed by Sen Jarigbe Agom.

    According obtained from the JariCare Health Insurance Scheme, Mrs Aliyu is one of the 90 female beneficiaries of #Jaricare who are pregnant.

    The excited Mrs Aliyu commended the goodwill of Sen Jarigbe Agom to have initiated the health insurance scheme considering the high cost of medical bills, wondered how she will have raised the money to pay the hospital bills.

    She used the opportunity and prayed God to grant the heart desires of Sen Jarigbe Agom, even as he extend his magnanimity to others who are in need, and named her child, Jarigbe Aliyu.

    Reacting to the development, the Director General of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency, Chief Godwin Iyala, expressed satisfaction with the development and hinted that Mrs Aliyu should be discharged from the hospital without paying any money as her billed has been paid for and covered in the JariCare Health Insurance Scheme.

    A right activist and promoter of #JariCare Health Insurance Scheme, Agba Jalingo, has insisted that Health Insurance Scheme is the best way to go as medical outreaches remedial remedial measures.

    Commenting on the development, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, represented by his Constituency Officer, Mr Egar Mgbantu, thanked God for the safe delivery of new baby and noted that JariCare Health Insurance Scheme, is not a means to repay or settle political allies, but targeted at the most vulnerable population.

    He welcomed the new baby named after him and stressed that he is more interested in providing the needed representation to his people.

  • C’River Concludes Plans For Integrated Measles Campaign

    C’River Concludes Plans For Integrated Measles Campaign

     

    By: Nakanda Iyadim

    The Cross River State Primary Health Department Agency in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and partners wishes to announce the commencement of an integrated measles vaccination campaign across the 18 Local Government Areas.

    In a release signed by the Commissioner for Information, Dr Erasmus Ekpang indicates that the exercise which is free of charge will commence on Saturday, September 21, 2024 and end on Sunday ,September 29, 2024 in all health facilities and designated public facilities.

    Parents and caregivers are advised to avail themselves of this opportunity by getting their children and wards from day old to 59 months vaccinated against measles and other killer diseases during the immunization exercise in all designated vaccination centers across the State.

    Ekpang further added that officials from the Primary Health Care Development Agency with reflective crested vest shall move from house to house to administer the measles vaccines on the children and should be welcome by residents to ensure successful implementation of the programme.

  • Avoid Cooking Beans With These Two Ingredients, They Destroy The Liver

    Avoid Cooking Beans With These Two Ingredients, They Destroy The Liver

     

    Everybody knows that cooking beans take quite a long time than other foods like rice, yam, potatoes, etc. This has made most Africans look for alternative means of cooking beans so it will get done quickly without wasting their energy and fuel. Some people don’t understand that some of these techniques of cooking beans are very harmful to the body and can damage vital organs of the human body.

    Most of these ingredients are very dangerous and can cause us several health conditions. It is very easy to avoid this, all you need to is to be patients while cooking your beans. You should adhere to the normal method of cooking beans. This will help in maintaining a good dieting habit.

    I have observed that many Nigerians prepare their meal with paracetamol and potash just to help them save time and fuel while cooking. My dear, if you are among the group of people doing this you need to stop now.
    Potash and Paracetamol are mostly used by Nigerians in cooking their meal. This can damage your liver which is one of the vital organs of the body.

    These wrong methods of cooking have caused many people to lose their lives, and some are having one medical problem or the other. To avoid this, you should use a pressure pot in cooking your meal. This makes it cook faster and saves your energy and time. For those who can’t afford a pressure cooker, you should wait for your food to be done properly without adding any dangerous ingredients that put your life at risk.

    My dear, ignorant kills, you should not risk your life and don’t say most we stop eating everything. Life is too short and you should live the best out of it. Stay alive and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

  • Otu Flags Off 2023 Insecticidal Treated Nets Mass Campaign, First Round Of Maternal Newborn And Child Health Week

    Otu Flags Off 2023 Insecticidal Treated Nets Mass Campaign, First Round Of Maternal Newborn And Child Health Week

     

    The Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu, today officially flagged off the 2023 Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) Mass Distribution Campaign and First Round of Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) at Channel View Hotels, Calabar. This biannual campaign aims to reduce child mortality by combating malaria in pregnant women and newborns, ensuring that each household possesses Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) as a protective measure against malaria-carrying mosquitoes.

    The integration of the Insecticide Treated Net campaign with the Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) guarantees that expectant mothers and newborns in Cross River State have access to a comprehensive range of health services. These services include immunizations, postnatal and prenatal care, family planning, counseling on nutrition, and other essential healthcare provisions.

    About 2.9 million ITNs will be distributed across 1027 designated points in the state, encompassing churches, schools, health centers, and other designated locations. Therefore, all parents and pregnant women are strongly advised to visit these designated locations to receive their ITNs.

    During his address, the Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, emphasized the severity of malaria as an ongoing public health challenge. He stated that, “Malaria as we all know is a monster that has been living with us for a very long time. Today, as we speak someone where is dying of malaria. If we don’t take responsibility, no one will do it.” The Governor stressed that the success of the campaign relies not only on the distribution of ITNs but also on the conscientious utilization of these nets by every expectant mother and child for a healthier future in Cross River State.

    In her speech, the wife of the Cross River State Governor, Her Excellency, Rev. Mrs. Eyoawan Edet Otu, graciously accepted her role as the Net Ambassador for Cross River State. She pledged to “be the role model for correct and consistent usage of ITNs, and will strive to mobilize support in providing an enabling environment for malaria programmes to be implemented”.

    The event was graced by the presence of the US President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), a major donor agency, and its implementing partners, including UNICEF, USAID, and WHO. Also in attendance were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, the Head of Service, Mr. Timothy Akwaji, and many other dignitaries.

    Highlights of the ceremony included the symbolic presentation of an ITN to the Deputy Governor for distribution, the investiture of Rev. Mrs. Eyoawan Bassey Otu as the Cross River State Net Ambassador, a net hang-up demonstration by the Demand Team, and captivating traditional dance performances.

  • CRSG Marks WHO Diamond White Jubilee @ 75, Commends Her Unrelenting Support 

    CRSG Marks WHO Diamond White Jubilee @ 75, Commends Her Unrelenting Support 

    By Kenneth Anam

    The streets and suburbs of Calabar went agog as the Cross River State Ministry of Health alongside other partners, agencies and health Organizations graced the streets in display of eventful and colorful spree to celebrate The World Health Organization (WHO) a topmost ranking Non Governmental Organization as she marked her “Diamond White” jubilee anniversary of 75 years of meritorious services to humanity.

    The event which was themed “Walk the Talk” witnessed a 7km health walk to celebrate World Health Organization (WHO) who will officially mark her 75th anniversary on the 7th of April in celebration of her unending and unrelenting supports to countries across the globe witnessed beehives of activities and soul thrilling success stories.

    On the 7th of April 2023 ̶The World Health Day ̶ the World Health Organization will observe its 75th anniversary. In 1948, countries of the world came together and founded WHO to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable – so everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health and well-being.

    This dream which has seen all works of live join the WHO on a journey to achieve Health For All and to motivate action to tackle the health challenges of today and tomorrow has witnessed milestones achievements and memorable moments that has aided in serving lives through quality health initiatives and interventions.

    The event which had the Commissioner for Health, Permanent secretary, all Directors, Heads of units and Focal Persons in charge of Health programs in the State in attendance, kicked off at the Mary Slessor Roundabout in the early hours of the day and saw a carnival walk of advocacy and health sensitization through the routes which ended at NAKS Hotel Pavilion, Ndidem Usang Iso Road Calabar.

    Speaking at the event the Commissioner for Health Dr. Janet Ekpenyong who was in an ecstatic mode said the walk was organized to signify our resolve to continue to support “Health for All” as the mandate for which WHO is known for above all a way of sending a message of solidarity and unfettered commitment to the WHO who have been a faithful and worthy partner to the state over the past decades through their unwavering supports and commitments to saving lives.

    The Commissioner appreciated all partners present at the event as she further eulogized and lauded the WHO for being so consistent and supportive in tackling diseases, building capacity and improving interventions and health services from immunization,support programs and lots more. She however ceased the opportunity to solicit more support from the Organization for the state even as she pledged that the Cross River State Government through her office will continually provide enabling environment and necessary partnership for them to thrive in their implementations and goals .

    Also speaking at the event, the State coordinator for WHO Dr. Olatunde
    Yewande, revealed that the activity will not end only in the capital city but will snowball to other parts of the state like Ogoja Local Government Area on Tuesday in Collaboration with other partners to ensure that everyone in Cross River State irrespective of social status are carried along and have access to health in line with the general program of work and Sustainable Development Goals that have been set to enhance “Health for All”.

    She however thanked the Cross River State Government for her total cooperation and supports in ensuring they play the role of good partners as they’ve always been at the organization’s beck and call thereby profering a seamless stay and operation for their various projects and implementations.

    Also present at the event were PS SMOH, DIRECTORS AND STAFF OF SMOH AND SPHCDA, NANNM Chairman, NHIS, NPHCDA, RED CROSS, Heartland alliance and others.
    Memorable moments accompanied by photo ops to mark the epoch event followed suit with preparations for other activities scheduled to take place in the coming days.

    Hearty Congratulations to WHO on this milestone celebration and wishing them more fruitful, successful and impactful years of services to humanity.

  • C’River Govt Partners Zipline, Launches Drone Distribution Centre

    C’River Govt Partners Zipline, Launches Drone Distribution Centre

     

    In line with the resolve of the Cross River State Government to provide quality, affordable, accessible and timely healthcare services and delivery to Cross Riverians, the State governor, Sen Ben Ayade, on Tuesday 24th January 2023 commissioned The Zipline Project Distribution Centre that will ensure a drone-powered instant drug logistics delivery to Cross Riverians, especially those in hard-to-reach areas.

    Speaking during the commissioning,  Gov Ayade reiterated that the Zipline Project is part of his administration initiative to curb issues relating to poor and untimely health delivery services and mortality especially in difficult and hard-to-reach terrains. He further stated that the drone centre in Ogoja will serve well over 300 health centers as this will aid in reinvigorating our primary healthcare structures whilst curbing and solving the many complaints of logistics and ineffective health care delivery.

    He however assured of governments unfettered commitments and supports to Zipline stating that the Cross River State Government will partner with the company effectively and financially, via the provision of drugs, blood and other necessary items for effective delivery.

    The Commissioner For Health Dr Janet Ekpenyong, expressed gladness for a dream came through under His Excellency’s administration. She thanked the governor for staying true to his words of ensuring that his administration delivers quality and digital health service innovations to Cross Riverians.

    Dr.Ekpenyong recanted that “today’s commissioning of the Ziplibe Distribution Centre, was an outcome of the mandate by the governor to the former commissioner for health Dr Betta Edu and herself to understudy a similar feat that was ongoing in Ghana and ensure an immediate implementation in the state.

    “I am optimistic that the berthing of this project will boost health delivery system of the state and serve Cross Riverians aptly from the hills of Obanliku to the creeks of Bakassi, as this same project will be launched in Akamkpa to serve the southern Senatorial District and part of central not covered”

    She thanked Her Excellency, Dr Linda Ayade for this vision, and also thanked the former Commissioner for health Dr Betta Edu for laying the foundation and other stakeholders for all their support.

    The General Manager of Zipline Nigeria Limited Mrs Catherine Obiaze, lauded the resilient efforts of the state government to ensuring this vision came to fruition. She retorted that her company will deliver and provide top-notched and unique services that will ensure meeting real time demands of drugs, blood and other services to seemingly hard-to-reach locations in the state.

    She added that Zipline operates a 100 percent local content policy in her workforce of dedicated and professional engineers and other workers.

    The event witnessed a test run launch of one of the drone system machines by the Governor to the amazement of all.

    The event which held at Ndok,Ogoja Local Government Area, witnessed a massive turnout of state dignitaries H.E Sen.Prof.Ben Ayade CON the governor of Cross River state and his amiable wife Dr Mrs Linda Ayade, the deputy governor Prof Ivara Esu, the APC gubernatorial candidate and his wife Sen Prince Bassey Edet Otu and Rev Mrs Eyoanwan Otu and a host of many other state functionaries who were part of the Northern Senatorial District campaign.

  • C’River Health Commissioner, Charges Medical Supritendents To Focus On Delivering Effective Heath Care

    C’River Health Commissioner, Charges Medical Supritendents To Focus On Delivering Effective Heath Care

    By Ukongikwen Adie

    The Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Janet David Ekpenyong, has charged Medical Supritendents In the state owned hospitals to focus on delivering effective health care to the citizenry despite the challenges of shortage of manpower in the health sector.

    Dr Ekpenyong gave the charge during a review meeting and progress report on their performance for the year 2021/2022 with all Medical Supritendents of general and cottage hospitals in the state, held in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

    In her words, “I want to acknowledge your efforts in your various hospitals despite the many challenges you are faced with.

    “Despite these seemingly challenges, I charge you to do everything humanly possible to improve and focus on giving your clients quality health care from the moment they walk into the hospital.

    “While waiting for government interventions, you have to make judicious use of your imprest to enhance facilities in your various hospitals”.

    Ekpenyong further emphasized the need for the hospital administrators to improve on their revenue generation especially for hospitals that are primary health care facilities.

    She assured of further interface with the Medical Supritendents to proffer solutions to their challenges.

    Ekpenyong added that “With His Excellency, Sen Ben Ayade’s approval, more hands would be brought in at all levels to ensure quality health care delivery in the state”.

    Earlier, the Medical Supritendents in the state owned hospitals, took turns to presented their reports, in the following order; Medical Superintendents of General Hospital Calabar, Lawrence Henshaw Memorial Hospital Calabar South, Eja Memorial Hospital Itigidi, General Hospitals Ogoja, Obubra, Akampka and Okpoma, Cottage hospital Akpet Central and the Eyecare Programme in School of Health Technology, Calabar.

    Principal among the complains brought by the Medical Superintendents were: acute shortage of manpower, inadequate facilities, encroachment on hospital land, security and inadequate power supply amongst others as some of the challenges affecting their effective delivery.

    They called on the government to employ more hands as they are currently grossly understaffed and as a result, health care delivery services are affected.

  • Cholera Outbreak: CRSG Moves To End Chain Of Transmission

    Cholera Outbreak: CRSG Moves To End Chain Of Transmission

     

    The Cross River State Government have intervened Swiftly following reports of many feared killed by suspected cholerae outbreak in Ekureku, Abi Local Government Area with about 30 people currently receiving treatments in various health facilities within Abi and Yakurr Local Government Area of the State.

    The incident which occured with an index case on Thursday, December 15th 2022 was said to have been excalated after the consumption of a contaminated water from the village drinking source.

    Addressing news men after a visit to the Community and the health facilities where those affected are recuperating, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong regretted the unfortunate incident which she said would have been averted if simple protocols were taken into consideration.

    According to her, prior to her visit, the state Government had deployed a response team together with representatives from the world health organization, the Nigerian Red Cross and Wash Program who had intervened accordingly, and rescued many lives.

    The DG who was with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr Iwara Iwara, representatives from the state epidemiologist, World Health Organization, Red Cross and others said

    “The State Government find this incident quite unfortunate and sympathize with families who have been affected.
    Because of how fast the transmission rate of cholera is, we have recorded deaths with many other victims hospitalized in various government owned facilities and graciously, responding to treatments.

    We are applying every possible means to hault transmission as we have gone across the community sensitizing the people on the possible ways of managing the disease as well as speaking to the community leaders to support the state Government by lending their voices to ensure their communities adhere to hygiene protocols to end cholera and other related illnesses”.

    She also added that samples had been taken and sent for confirmation, while treatments of the water source and fumigation in on course.
    The team also distributed drugs, consumables and other commodities needed for their response.

    Cholera can be caused by contaminated water or food source and as such everyone is advised to maintain good personal hygiene, boil water and food before consumption, regularly wash hands to kill germs , and always report cases of suspected incidences early to the health experts.

  • Mediatrix Development Foundation, Faith Care International Stage Free Medical Outreach

    Mediatrix Development Foundation, Faith Care International Stage Free Medical Outreach

    By Elijah Ugani

    Mediatrix Development Foundation has released the plan for a mega free medical outreach in partnership with Faith Care International.

    A release made available to TheLumineNews and signed by the Chief Operating Officer of Mediatrix, Mr Jeffrey Adamade, indicates that the 5-day medical outreach which is to commence on November 26th to November 30th 2022, will be held at Obudu German Specialist Hospital.

    The release further requests members of the public to take advantage of the opportunity to access medical services.
    The services to be rendered during the outreach will include surgery, dental care, laboratory services, consultation.

    Mediatrix Development Foundation has continued to partner with Faith Care International to stage this medical outreach in Cross River State since 2016. Previous outreaches were held in Obudu, Ogoja, Ikom, Ugep, Itigidi, Odukpani and Calabar South.

    Mediatrix Development Foundation is a pet project of the wife of the Cross River State Governor, Dr Linda Ayade, who sits on the board as President.

  • Rima, Magna Decks And Diana Ogar Memorial Foundation Takes Diabetes Campaign To Rural Communities

    Rima, Magna Decks And Diana Ogar Memorial Foundation Takes Diabetes Campaign To Rural Communities

    By Admin

    As part of the activities to commemorate the 2020 World Diabetes Day 2022, Rima and Magna Decks of the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) in collaboration with Beatrice Diana Ogar Memorial Foundation (BEDODMEF) has taken public enlightenment campaign on diabetes, free counselling and distribution of testing kits to rural communities of Kakum, Bebuagbong, Bebuabie and Bebuatsuan in Ipong Ward of Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria.

    The campaign which held on Saturday 19th November 2022 at the Kagbong Primary Health Care Centre, aimed at raising awareness on the dangers of diabetes mellitus, signs and prevention as well unraveled the importance of regular testing for diabetes.

    Speaking during the exercise, Dr Nicholas Akan (Capoon, Rima Deck) maintained that “World diabetes day was created by IDF and World health Organization in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes.

    “World diabetes day became an official United Nations day in 2006 with the passage of United Nation Resolution 61/225. It is marked every year on 14 November, the birthday of Sir Fredrick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922”

    A 4 Blood Glucose Monitoring System for self testing were donated one each to the 4 health Centres of Kakum, Bebuagbong, Bebuabie and Bebuatsuan.

    The enlightenment campaign seek to:

    Create public awareness about the dangers of diabetes in these rural communities.
    Educate the target population on preventive measures against diabetes.
    Enable the chosen population know their diabetes status.
    Support those diagnosed of diabetes with some form of medical interventions.
    Encourage regular exercises/walk out aimed at reducing excessive body weight.
    Create a data base of diabetic cases to inform policy formulation.

    With the 2022 World Diabetes Day theme, “education to protect tomorrow,” the International Diabetes Federation has launched a global survey to explore the levels of access that healthcare professionals and people living with diabetes have to diabetes education.

    Receiving the test kits on behalf of Ipong ward for delivery to the various health centres, the ward Focal Person, Mrs Elizabeth Ugi, commended the organizers of the programme and assured of proper usage.

    Rima Deck of the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has its headquarters in Makurdi, Benue State. Its jurisdiction stretches from Obanliku and Obudu in Cross River State, to Benue and Nasarrawa States.

    Magna Carta Deck of the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) covers Shire areas which includes, West Midlands, East Midlands and some parts of London all in England.

    Beatrice Diana Ogar Diabetes Memorial Foundation (BEDODMEF), was established with the mission to prevent diabetes and improve the health conditions of people living with diabetes, while the vision is to reduce the number of diabetics.