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
Under-five mortality reduced by 16.7% between 2018 and 2023- Pate
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Muhammad Pate, says the death rate of children under five years of age has reduced by 16.7 per cent between 2018 and 2023.
He disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Health Sector-Wide Joint Annual Review (JAR).
The NAN reports that JAR is a crucial platform for advancing the principles of the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), bringing together stakeholders to reflect on progress made, evaluate challenges and identify areas for further improvement.
According to Pate, the figure is based on the pre-population health outlook report of the soon to be reviewed Nigeria Demographic and HealthSurvey (NDHS) conducted in 2023.
He added that there were also significant improvements in infectious diseases, ranging from 40 per cent reduction in diarrheal diseases,24 per cent reduction in Tuberculosis and 12 per cent reduction in HIV.
“So, in spite of the pervasive sense that there are difficult challenges, Nigeria is beginning to move, which with this political commitment,we can accelerate in the right direction.
“Also, 17 states have already shown improved performance in modern contraceptives and six have already doubled.”
Pate explained that in the last one year, based on the data-driven diagnostic assessment of the health sector, a strategic blueprint with an overallgoal to save lives was developed to reduce both physical and financial pain and ensure good health for all Nigerians.
He added that the blueprint, comprising four pillars of governance, underpins the efforts being made and the collective approaches being taken to enhance the sector.
He alluded to the health compact that was signed by the president, which had the buy-in of all the state governors, adding that there are significant progress in that regard.
He said that “by Quarter Three of 2024, we have already met 31 out of 41 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across the presidential commitments andare on course to surpass all our targets for 2024.
“Also, N45 million has already been disbursed through direct facilities to states and several facilities have been revitalised.”
Pate, however, said that in spite of the successes recorded, there were still challenges that needed to be improved on.
He mentioned affordability of care, data sources, coverage of children with zero dose immunisation and malnutrition as some of the areas that require attention.
The minister assured Federal Government’s commitment to prioritise health issues, in line with the principles of the sector-wide compact that was signed.
He urged state governments to also commit to improved budgetary allocation for health, while seeking stronger convergence of financing and technicalsupport from development partners.
The Governor of Imo, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, while delivering a keynote address, said that one of the landmark initiatives introduced by the Federal Governmentin the enhancement of the efficiency of the health sector was the SWAp.
Uzodinma, who spoke on behalf of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), said the SWAp promotes the “One Budget, One Plan, One Organisation and One Report”.
He added that the approach was further solidified by the signing of the Health Sector Renewal Compact by President Bola Tinubu, Pate and the 36 governors and developmentpartners.
He explained that “the signing of this compact is a powerful demonstration of our collective commitment to universal health governance and underscoresthe critical importance of collaboration between the Federal Government, the states and local government areas to achieve our health goals.
“The recent results of the NDHS reinforces why this collaboration is essential.”
Uzodinma, however, said that although there have been some improvements in health indicators particularly in reducing the final impact of the health crisis, thefigures remain unacceptably high.
He stressed the need for collaboration among stakeholders to recognise the unique challenges each state faces, while maintaining shared focus on achievingbetter health outcomes for all Nigerians.
He reiterated the commitment of the NGF to continue to honour commitments to build a more resilient, inclusive and effective healthcare system thatmeets the needs of Nigerians.
The review, which started on Wednesday, will end on Friday.
NAN
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