Health

A Physician’s Path In The Fight Against HIV/AIDS: From Empowerment To Desperation

Published

10 months ago

December 4, 2023

The HIV/AIDS pandemic engulfed Africa, including my native Kenya, in the late 1990s and early 2000s. As young healthcare practitioners, we faced a difficult reality right out of medical school: the epidemic was widespread and we lacked resources.

When we would get together for ward rounds at the local hospital, our professors would usually announce that, because of the large number of end-stage AIDS patients, they would only review the two or three non-AIDS patients with us because there was nothing we could do for the others, who we would have to cover.

Young physicians like me were therefore faced with the task of caring for a large number of end-stage AIDS patients who had essentially come to the hospital ready to die.

It was an agonizing encounter that would change my views on healthcare for all time.

The diagnosing process presented the biggest obstacle. Pre- and post-test counseling was essential for patients. Every test is required to be conducted at a medical facility. The lack of qualified counselors—often simply the hospital matron in a 400-bed facility—posed a significant obstacle to testing.

Then, patients had to wait a week or longer for the results of the intricate and time-consuming diagnostic tests. Worse, counseling patients after testing came up positive almost felt like giving them the death penalty.

HIV/AIDS was also associated with a great deal of stigma. I’ve known surgeons who, in the case that a patient tested negative for HIV or had clinical AIDS, would outright refuse to operate on them. Regretfully, it was common in the community for people to avoid shaking hands or even exchanging utensils with family members or those who were diagnosed with clinical AIDS.

My decision to open one of the earliest HIV Comprehensive Care Clinics in government service before the development of life-saving antiretroviral medications (ARVs) was driven by the circumstances. We were based in the Kilifi District Hospital, which at the time was a very rural facility on Kenya’s coast. I decided to lovingly refer to it as “The Family Clinic,” and the Kemri-Wellcome Trust Malaria Research Center was a little bright spot of optimism.

My employer provided a little pharmacy of medications and my time to treat opportunistic illnesses. As a result, I could operate an HIV clinic one day a week. Even though it was straightforward, that was among my best professional decisions to date.

I spoke with people who frequently experienced depression after receiving a diagnosis for a large portion of my time. But I do recall one young woman. She went as MC and was a 27-year-old local woman.

MC made his money as a moonshine salesman. He frequently showed up at the clinic inebriated, exuberant, and full of optimism—the kind of patient one never forgets. She was always upbeat and joyful despite her condition, and I recall having a lot of laughs with her.

I counseled her to reduce her alcohol use and to prioritize her well-being and her kids. We grew close friends over time. It was astonishing that even though she was aware of the seriousness of her illness, she never gave in to depression.

With no effective medication, many of my patients who had advanced to clinical AIDS passed away as my patient count increased. I started second-guessing my career. I eventually packed up and moved to London to finish my education, where I later started a career in the pharmaceutical sector. I was asked back to the Kemri-Wellcome Trust Research Unit for an anniversary celebration ten years after I had left.

The Family Clinic had entirely changed into a well-run, professional establishment when I got back, from a small, run-down room next to the TB clinic. It was much larger and more advanced, so even though I felt a little rusty, I accepted the invitation to see a few patients again.

My first client entered the room. She appeared joyful and in good health. Did I remember her, she asked. I sketched nothing. But I knew it was MC when she gave me an embrace! Because ARVs were developed a few years after I left, she survived. I was reminded by this poignant reunion that, despite how hopeless things may appear, there is always hope. Start now, even if you’re not sure where it will finish.

Diagnoses and treatments are now available to even the most marginalized groups. Thanks to early identification and the development of ARVs, clinical AIDS cases have decreased and are now practically nonexistent. Additionally, the stigma has lessened because knowledge and education are widely accessible.

In the long run, the virus still exists, therefore we need to protect the progress we have accomplished. We must keep up our dedication to community-led projects, research, and development.

The member nations of the World Health Organization (WHO) decided to adopt a resolution this year on “Strengthening diagnostics capacity.” More people in the continent have access to therapy since early diagnosis is prioritized.

Given that diagnostics have previously received incredibly little funding, this is a huge breakthrough. However, a settlement is not legally enforceable, and financing is never certain. Local governments have to acknowledge the necessity of strategically reallocating finances.

The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), one of the most well-known supporters committed to eradicating HIV/AIDS by 2030, is facing an uncertain future. We cannot yet let up, particularly in light of the criticism leveled at our major funders.

The financial distribution of resources for public health should balance spending on both diagnosis and treatment. Governments can use public-private partnerships to harness private resources to treat more patients by working together to find the optimal formula. Continuous investments in human capital with a medical focus are essential, and when all these foundation elements fall in place, an end to HIV/AIDS might be approaching.

Cheers to survivors who, like MC, permit themselves to live with optimism. While we are proud of our accomplishments thus far, let’s keep working together to improve healthcare systems, promote patient access, and end stigma.

Health

Measles: Over 1m children for vaccination in Anambra

Published

1 day ago

October 4, 2024

New National Star - News

Delight Chinedum

No fewer than 1.1million children from Anambra State are targeted to be vaccinated against measles in a week long Supplementary Immunisation Activity, SIA, Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency has said.

State Health Educator, Uju Onwuegbuzina, gave the statistics at the Zonal Meeting ahead of the 2024 Integrated Measles Campaign with the theme – ‘Immunisation: A Community Responsibility for a Healthier Future’.

The 2024 Integrated Measles Campaign
organised by United Nations Children’s Funds (UNICEF) and the National Orientation Agency would be implemented in Anambra, Benue, Enugu, Cross River and Kogi states.

Onwuegbuzina said the state had received 1,227,113 doses of the measles vaccines for the vaccination of children in 330 wards across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.

She said the Measles vaccination is scheduled to start on Oct 12 and end on Oct. 18, in all health facilities, designated fixed and mobile posts in communities, churches, schools and markets.

Assuring the preparedness of the Agency for a hitch-free exercise, Onwuegbuzina however identified certain security-compromised areas which she said had posed serious challenges in reaching children for vaccination.

She listed the areas to include Ihiala, Nnewi South, Orumba South and Ogbaru as the security prone council areas.

She said, “To ensure no child is left behind and for us to meet the target of vaccinating 1,168,679 children, we will use indigens of these security-compromised areas to carry out the campaign since they know the areas better.

“Anambra is ready for implementation as we have commenced media engagements to intensify awareness, advocacy visits to traditional, community and religious leaders as well as training of vaccination teams.

“This campaign is very important to protect our children from this killer disease and secure their future. So, we encourage parents and caregivers, to bring out their children for vaccination.

Social and Behaviour Change Specialist, UNICEF, Dr Hilary Ozoh described the media as critical to achieving the national target of 95 per cent coverage during the vaccination campaign

He revealed that the vaccination was for children from 9 to 59 months of age, as well as eligible children irrespective of previous vaccination history.

“We appeal to the media to write data-based stories targeted at informing, educating and enlightening Nigerians on the measles campaign to ultimately improve health services in the state.

Health

TB Survivors Highlight Ignorance, Stigma, Poverty in Nigeria

Published

2 weeks ago

September 25, 2024

New National Star - News

By Aaior K. Comfort

Advocacy for Increased Awareness on Treatment and Prevention

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a critical health challenge in Nigeria, exacerbated by low awareness and limited access to treatment. Many individuals live with TB unknowingly, leading to delayed diagnoses and heightened transmission risks. Despite Nigeria ranking highest in Africa for TB burden, awareness sits at a mere 25%.

Good Health Weekly recently spoke with TB survivors, shedding light on their experiences, struggles, and the urgent need for enhanced awareness and healthcare services.

Survivor Stories: Pain and Ignorance

Abdulsalam Abdulquadri, a TB survivor, recounted his harrowing journey. “I was dying. I could not breathe or sleep well,” he shared, describing how a minor chest pain spiraled into a life-threatening condition. Despite seeking help from traditional healers, his health worsened until he began coughing up blood.

He initially dismissed the pain, thinking it was a result of lifestyle choices. “I didn’t even know what was wrong with me,” he said. His ordeal led him to spiritual healers, but their remedies proved ineffective. It wasn’t until he was taken to a private hospital, misdiagnosed initially, that he finally received the proper treatment for TB.

Kadiri Oluseyi: A Survivor’s Journey

Kadiri Oluseyi’s story reflects a similar struggle. Living with HIV and unaware of her TB infection, she self-medicated with cough syrups until her condition deteriorated. Discrimination and stigma compounded her challenges, leading her to seek spiritual remedies, which only delayed her treatment.

“I passed out and found myself in a hospital,” she recalled. After being diagnosed with both TB and HIV, she faced discrimination from healthcare providers. “I lost my teaching job due to stigma,” Kadiri explained. Despite these hurdles, she persevered, ultimately becoming an advocate for TB and HIV awareness.

The Stigma Surrounding TB

Both Abdulsalam and Kadiri’s experiences highlight the significant stigma associated with TB in Nigeria. This stigma often leads to isolation and delayed treatment, further complicating recovery efforts. Abdulsalam’s realization that he had TB came only after persistent symptoms led him to seek proper medical care.

Health experts emphasize the critical need for increased awareness and education about TB symptoms and treatment. Dr. Olusola Sokoya from the Lagos State TB, Leprosy, and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme noted that only 30% of Nigerians recognize the signs of TB, hindering effective intervention.

Expert Recommendations for Combating TB

At a recent media workshop themed “Strengthening Media Partnership and Collaboration for TB Control in Lagos State,” health officials advocated for better education regarding TB symptoms. They emphasized that successful TB control requires at least 80-90% of the population to be informed.

Mrs. Stella Makpu from the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme highlighted the necessity of private sector involvement in TB initiatives. “TB is a preventable and treatable disease, but it continues to pose a public health threat in Nigeria,” she stated.

Conclusion: A Call for Action

The experiences of TB survivors like Abdulsalam and Kadiri underscore the urgent need for increased awareness, improved healthcare access, and reduced stigma surrounding the disease in Nigeria. Experts agree that a collaborative approach, engaging both the public and private sectors, is essential to effectively combat TB and improve the health of Nigerians.

Recent reports indicate that TB is the 13th leading cause of death globally, with Nigeria ranking as one of the top countries for TB cases. As the battle against TB continues, raising awareness and fostering community support remain crucial for reducing the disease’s burden and saving lives.

Health

Hospital Enhances Preventive Care in Nigeria with New Procedures

Published

2 weeks ago

September 25, 2024

New National Star - News

By Aaior K. Comfort

To combat the high costs associated with curative therapies, Medic Partners Multi Specialist Hospital has launched a range of advanced procedures aimed at preventing medical challenges before they arise. The newly opened multi-specialist wellness center, located in Victoria Island, aims to assist Nigerians in navigating the challenging economic climate by providing preventive care and increasing health awareness.

Focus on Preventive Medicine

The Chief Medical Director and preventive care specialist, Dr. Busola Ayelowo-Eso, stated that the alarming prevalence of preventable diseases in Nigeria inspired the establishment of the center. “Many Nigerians adopt an ‘if it’s not bothering me, why should I worry?’ attitude toward health,” she noted. Dr. Ayelowo-Eso emphasized the need for greater awareness of preventive medicine, pointing out that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends annual medical check-ups, yet many Nigerians only visit hospitals when they feel unwell.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Medic Partners has invested in advanced diagnostic and treatment services to promote early detection and management. The facility boasts state-of-the-art imaging technologies, including digital X-rays and 4D ultrasounds, which offer high-resolution images for accurate diagnoses. Additionally, it operates a fully automated laboratory that provides comprehensive services, from routine blood work to specialized diagnostics like genetic testing and molecular diagnostics.

The center is equipped with a six-bedded dialysis unit and a fully functional cardiac unit, alongside a comprehensive wellness program.

Commitment to Quality Healthcare

Chief Executive Officer Akin Eso emphasized the center’s focus on exceptional patient experience and adherence to international standards. “We aim to bridge the gap for those seeking quality healthcare locally, thus reducing the need for medical tourism,” he said, highlighting the team’s assembly of top medical experts and technologies.

The facility employs approximately 40 medical professionals and 15 support staff, covering various specialties, including family medicine, dermatology, cosmetic surgery, nephrology, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and geriatrics.

“At Medic Partners, we are transforming healthcare delivery to ensure quality and personalized care,” Eso affirmed, adding that the center prioritizes seamless and comfortable patient interactions tailored to individual needs.