Health
Rising Star Footbal League Brings Relief to Over 100 Pregnant and Sick Women
By Joel Ajayi
The Rising Stars Football League (RSFL) brought smiles to the faces of over 100 pregnant and nursing mothers, as well as sick patients, at the Primary Health Care Center in Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Driven by a desire to support underprivileged individuals, RSFL covered maternity bills and provided essential supplies from registration through delivery, including routine medication, easing financial burdens for many.
In line with their commitment to community development, RSFL representatives visited the hospital on Wednesday, paying for the maternity needs of pregnant women and supporting nursing mothers. This compassionate gesture aligns with RSFL’s ongoing mission not only to promote youth talent in sports but also to give back to society.
Speaking at the hospital, RSFL Project Coordinator Ifeanyi Kama emphasized that the support extended to these women is part of the organization’s promise made during the 2024 Rising Stars Football League season. “RSFL is more than football; it’s about helping communities and developing individuals. We’re creating opportunities for those who lack them, believing that sports can shape better futures and stronger communities,” Kama said.
He further explained RSFL’s outreach efforts beyond football: “We’re reaching out to people in hospitals, schools, and markets, even assisting associations like Okada riders and security outfits. Seeing the joy on people’s faces is a privilege. I feel a sense of joy, as if I could fly. We all know how challenging life in Nigeria is now, and even a small gesture can be life-changing.”
Kama noted that the RSFL plans to extend its outreach to other regions, including an upcoming visit to Lagos.
Expressing gratitude, one of the beneficiaries, Hannah David, a pregnant mother, shared, “I’m so grateful they came to our aid. Many of us cannot afford delivery materials, and RSFL has helped us from registration to delivery. In this tough economy, their support means everything.”
Another expectant mother, Amaka Chukuma, echoed this sentiment: “We deeply appreciate RSFL for paying all our antenatal bills and providing delivery items. Their generosity is truly noble, and we can’t thank them enough.”
Miss Friday Lora, a midwife at the center, lauded the RSFL initiative, saying, “What RSFL has done here is remarkable. Many mothers lack the finances to buy necessary items for their pregnancies. This support in paying bills and providing delivery essentials will make a lasting impact. You can see the joy it brings.”
The Rising Stars Football League continues to make a meaningful difference, bringing hope to communities and demonstrating the power of sports to create lasting, positive change.
Health
Pate advocates healthcare investment for UHC in Nigeria
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Ali Pate,, has emphasised that investing in healthcare was crucial for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria.
He made this statement on Thursday in Abuja at the commemoration of UHC Day 2024, themed “Health on the House Government.”
Pate underscored that healthcare investment was not solely the responsibility of the federal government, but a collective effort that included states and non-state actors.
“It is not only the Federal Government’s responsibility; states and global partners can do more.
“Non-state actors can also encourage others to prioritise greater investment, as good health is not achieved cheaply.
“Quality healthcare is not inexpensive, and for every investment made in health, the returns are far greater,” he said.
He highlighted that investments in healthcare would bring considerable dividends.
“For instance, a one dollar investment in combating Tuberculosis yields 43 dollars in return, while one dollar spent on immunisation generates multiple returns.
“By preventing pneumonia, we save both money and lives, which significantly impacts the economy,” he said.
Regarding the federal government’s efforts toward UHC, Pate noted that the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (HSRII) had already made a positive impact.
However, he acknowledged that the country still had a long way to go in terms of healthcare delivery.
According to him, over the past year, 238 facilities have been upgraded to functional level two, with an additional 320 facilities currently undergoing upgrades.
He said that states have also taken the initiative to upgrade 2,600 facilities using impact funds, and the Project Hope programme was providing incentives to upgrade another 2,000 facilities.
“More than 8,000 facilities are receiving direct funding through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) across all 36 states.
“Additionally, two million people have been enrolled in health insurance in the past year.”
The Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako, encouraged health workers to continue advancing the health system and called for greater public education on the importance of saving for healthcare.
He emphasised that saving for health was essential, just as one would save for car repairs.
Dr Walter Mulombo, the World Health Organisation’s Country Representative to Nigeria, stated that UHC was fundamentally a political choice.
He commended President Bola Tinubu’s leadership in UHC reforms, particularly his focus on sustainable and innovative financing.
“If Nigeria delivers on UHC, it will have a domino effect on Africa and the world,” he said.
Mr Dave Conalogue, Co-Chair of Health Development Partners in Nigeria, highlighted the positive changes brought about by development partners.
He emphasised their increasing support for government systems, including pooling resources and providing on-budget support to strengthen healthcare delivery.
NAN
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