Pets can help people with mental health problems

NaijaAgroNet:

The first attempt to systematically review existing evidence has shown that pet ownership could help people with mental health problems, reports NaijaAgroNet.

The study of 17 research papers by academics at the Universities of Manchester, Southampton and Liverpool, concluded that pets could help people manage their long-term mental health conditions.

Published in BMC Psychiatry, the study reviewed papers on the impact of animals including cats, dogs, goldfish, hamsters and finches on their owners with mental health problems

The team searched 9 databases and looked for unpublished literature which identified 8,145 articles which were screened for inclusion. 17 articles were included in the final review.

The studies found that pets helped the owners to manage their feelings and provided a powerful distraction from the stress of having mental health problems.

The animals were seen as being non-judgemental about their owners and helped alleviate loneliness.

And some pets were seen as helpful in terms of encouraging physical activity such as walking the dog but also allowing them to engage socially with other pet owners.

Even the hamster owner said that merely cleaning its cage and feeding the animal gave her a purpose.

However, though the benefits were clear, some of the  qualitative data identified negative aspects of pet ownership as well.

Dr Helen Brooks from The University of Liverpool said: “This review suggests that pets can provide benefits to those with mental health conditions.

"However, further research is required to test the nature and extent of this relationship and  the range of roles and types of support pets confer in relation to mental health.

"Pets by provided acceptance without judgement, giving unconditional support, which they were often not receiving from other family or social relationships.”

Dr Kelly Rushton, from The University of Manchester said: “We feel that pet ownership has a valuable contribution to mental health, so should be incorporated into individual care plans of patients.

“This sort of intervention also offers an opportunity to involve patients in their own mental health service provision through open discussion of what works best for them.”

One of the studies included in the review was their own NIHR-funded study from 2016.

 Isaac Oyimah/GEE

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Lagos PHSAI boss demands more funding for family planning

NaijaAgroNet:

The Lagos State chairman of the Public Health Sustainable Advocacy Initiative (PHSAI), Mr. Ayo Adebusoye has demanded more funding for the family planning activities and campaigns in the centre of excellence, reports NaijaAgroNet.

Speaking on the interventions by the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on family planning, at a three-day Pathfinder’s AFP SMART Media Advocacy Workshop in Lagos, recently, Mr. Adebusoye while giving the Lagos State Family Planning (FP) Status, highlighted some of the challenges faced by PHSAI with top on being lack of funding.

He stressed the need to monitor budget, saying that “if you don't know what was budgeted, how can you monitor or follow up,” insisting that non release of fund for FP is a factor hindering the achievement of FP2020 goals and advocated for more funding.

Also, he mentioned that population growth rate which is at about 3.2 per cent, Total Fertility Rate (TFR) stood at about four births per women.

He decried what is at stake and how low adoption is affecting Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR). MMR is highest among the poor. Lagos state goal overall CPR of 74% by 2020 and the purpose is to avert 2.6 million unintended pregnancies and 8000 maternal life saved.

Mr Adebusoye similarly talked about the background and objectives of PHSAI as well as the activities of the group.

He talked about how the agenda and FP budget tracking indicators, disbursement and expenditure will be focused on in this New Year, 2018; expressing confidence that PHSAI was fundamentally established to work closely with FB Media Advocacy Working Group.

The workshop was organised by Pathfinder International Nigeria with some international partners.

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Commodity prices broadly steady says FAO

NaijaAgroNet:

United Nations agency, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has said that food community prices broadly steady , reports NaijaAgroNet.

According to the FAO Food Price Index which averaged 169.5 points in January, nearly unchanged from the previous month, as rising prices for staple grains and palm oil were offset by declining quotations for sugar, butter and cheese.

The FAO Cereal Price Index rose almost 2.5 percent from December, as the effect of large supplies was more than offset by concerns over weather and a weaker U.S. dollar. The index, which covers wheat, rice and coarse grains including maize, is 6.3 percent higher than its January 2017 level.

FAO's Food Price Index is a trade-weighted index tracking international market prices for five major food commodity groups.

The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index was virtually unchanged in January, as palm oil values rose moderately while those for sunflower and rapeseed oils weakened.

The FAO Dairy Price Index declined 2.4 percent from December 2017.  Lower international price quotations for butter and cheese – spurred by abundant supplies in the northern hemisphere and Australia - outweighed higher prices of milk powders.

The FAO Sugar Price Index declined 1.6 percent to more than 30 percent below its year-ago level, driven by strong production outcomes and consequently ample export availabilities.

The FAO Meat Price Index was almost unchanged month-on-month, as weak import demand for poultry and pigmeat offset stronger demand for ovine meat and reduced quantities of bovine meat offered for sale from Oceania.

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2019: Make family planning political agenda - Salami

NaijaAgroNet: 

The Associate Director, Pathfinder International Nigeria, Dr. Habeeb Salami has tasked the Nigerian media to make family planning a political agenda for the forthcoming general elections in 2019, reports NaijaAgroNet.

Welcoming participants to a three-day Pathfinder’s AFP SMART Advocacy Workshop in Lagos recently urged media practitioners especially in the health sector to ensure that family planning attains agenda status in the next year elections.

“We should let health issues be among campaignable issues as election time is around the corner against 2019,” he charged.

Dr. Salami who lead the Pathfinder’s team on behalf of the Country Director, explained the importance of the workshop for media practitioners, saying its to form a formidable media group that will do a focused-advocacy on family planning.

According to him the overall aim is to achieve an increase in the uptake in Contraceptive Prevalent Rate (CPR) rate by 74 per cent in two-year time, that is, by 2020.

Opportunities, he said, are abound in the media to get policy makers to do the needful, stressing that the current state of “our health indices are too bad for us as a country.”

He also said that there have been calls on why another group is being created because there are other advocacy groups, insisted that “Pathfinder wanted a very focused and evidence-based advocacy.”

The workshop moderated by the Communications Officer at Pathfinder International, Mrs. Somto Atuanya, alongside, Mrs Yemisi and Mrs Edirin Aderemi, while other speakers at the event included Dr. Sidiat Okaga, Dr. Folashade Oludare and Mr. Ayo Adebusoye among others.

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Worldwide Cereal production now @2,640m tonnes

NaijaAgroNet:

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has updated its forecast on the worldwide cereal production as at the end of 2017 to stand at 2,640 million tonnes, reports NaijaAgroNet.

This, NaijaAgroNet also discovered is 13 per cent higher than 2016 and an all-time record high.

The forecast, NaijaAgroNet gathered, has been raised by 13.5 million tonnes since December, with coarse grains driving the bulk of the increase, due largely to higher maize output expected in China, Mexico and the European Union.

Also, FAO raised its 2017 production forecasts for wheat, due to expectations of bigger harvests in Canada and the Russian Federation, and for rice, following an upward revision in China.

NaijaAgroNet reports that projected cereal utilization in the 2017/18 season was also raised, now up 1.4 per cent from 2016/17. Just as the upward revision includes a notable jump for coarse grains, whose use for livestock feed is forecast to reach an all-time high on the back of sizable increases projected for Brazil, China, the EU and Mexico.

As cereal output, NaijaAgroNet report, is seen expanding more than utilization, stocks are projected to rise above their already high opening levels, leading to a comfortable world stocks-to-use ratio of 27.7 percent, the highest since 2001/02.

In a related development the international trade volumes, are expected to contract slightly for all the major cereals except maize.

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Marie Claude Bibeau on tour of West Africa

NaijaAgroNet:

The Canadian Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, is on working visit of West African States, reports NaijaAgroNet.

The visit, NaijaAgroNet gathered is part of Canada’s re-engagement with Africa and its commitment to work together to address challenges facing the continent.

 the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, will travel to West Africa from February 1 to 8, 2018.

During her 7-day visit to Senegal and Benin which coincides with International Development Week, the Minister met with woman leaders, development partners and government officials, as well as representatives of La Francophonie institutions, to discuss issues of mutual concern, including efforts to advance the rights of women and girls in Africa.

Further, discussions would focus on education, the need for greater access to sexual and reproductive health services; decreasing child, early and forced marriages; and providing humanitarian assistance in countries affected by drought and conflict.

Minister Bibeau will revisit Benin for the first time since she started her career in the West African country in the 1990s. She will also participate in Replenishment 2020, the Global Partnership for Education’s Financing Conference, from February 1 and 2 in Senegal to reiterate Canada’s long-term commitment to quality education.

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Pix: Marie-Claude Bibeau - Canadian Minister

Merck Foundation marks World Cancer day 2018

NaijaAgroNet:

The Merck Foundation, a non-profit company and a subsidiary of Merck KGaA Germany has marked the 2018 ‘World Cancer Day’ by creating awareness around cancer and building cancer care capacity aimed at increasing the limited number of oncologists across Africa and developing countries, reports NaijaAgroNet.

The chief executive officer (CEO) of Merck Foundation Dr. Rasha Kelej recently visited Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Science, Tanzania to meet the alumni of ‘Merck Oncology Fellowship Program’ with the aim to evaluate the impact of the one and two-year medical oncology fellowship programs conducted in Tata memorial center in India. Through ‘Merck Oncology Fellowship Program’ foundation has trained the first medical oncologist in Tanzania, Dr. Christina V. Malichewe.

During her visit to Tanzania Dr. Rasha Kelej emphasized, “We strongly believe that building professional capacity is the right strategy to improve access to quality and equitable cancer care in the continent. Dr. Christina is one of the 59 future oncologists, Merck Foundation has committed to train for Africa.”

In June 2017, BIO Ventures for Global Health (BVGH), and the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), released a white paper on the African continent’s emerging cancer crisis.

Over 20% of African countries have no access to cancer treatments at all, while access is limited and sporadic in other countries. Later-stage diagnosis in African patients contributes to poorer outcomes. For example, 5-year female breast cancer relative survival rates are 46% in Uganda and 12% in The Gambia, compared with around 90% in developed countries.

The first medical oncologist in Tanzania, Dr. Christina V. Malichewe said, “I can now make difference for my patients. We don’t have medical oncology to manage patients through chemotherapy, we only have clinical oncologists and radiotherapists. Thus, one-year medical oncology fellowship in India has enabled me to save many lives, every day. Thanks to Merck Foundation for this opportunity in Tanzania.”

During her meeting with Dr. Christina, Dr. Rasha Kelej said “I’ve enjoyed every moment with her, witnessing the great impact she makes every day on her patients' lives. Through her, we transform people's lives every day.”

Hon. Sarah Opendi, Uganda Minister of State of Health said, “Merck Foundation and ministry of health of Uganda have been partners for a very long time, we have been working together on various issues with special focus on cancer and infertility. We appreciate the efforts of Merck Foundation in building cancer care capacity in Uganda and other African countries, and we hope soon we would have world class cancer facilities and expert locally in our beloved country.”

The first fellow for ‘Merck Oncology Fellowship Program’ from Uganda Dr. Sekitene Seei Buwambaza said, “Merck Oncology Fellowship program is very important to me because it is giving me an opportunity to learn and improve on the way, I have been doing things concerning the management of cancer patients. It is also ushering me into the new trend that cancer care and research is taking in this 21st century. A bond with Merck Foundation as an alumnus is going to keep me updated with new developments in cancer care.”

Fellowship Program’ from Uganda, Dr. Musana Othiniel, an obstetrician and gynaecologist from Uganda, “Uganda as a country lacks a national cancer screening program yet cervical cancer and breast cancer remains the most common cancers and accounts for the highest proportion of cancers requiring treatment. The country also has a shortage of good gynae-oncology clinicians, researchers and educators in Uganda hence limiting access for women with cancer to screening, diagnostic and treatment services.”

He further added, “The ‘Merck Oncology Fellowship Program’ will expand my knowledge on the selection of appropriate clinical and research methodology used in gynae-oncology. I hope to improve my skills in carrying out appropriate and evidence-based clinical diagnosis and treatment but also empower me with excellent clinical education skill to mentor other young health workers in gynae-oncology.”

Isaac Oyimah with agency report/GEE

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Malnutrition: Kim commends Senegalese Cellule de Lutte

NaijaAgroNet:

The President of World Bank Group, Mr. Jim Yong Kim has commended the Senegal-based Cellule de Lutte contre la Malnutrition over its activities to reduce malnutriton in the country, reports NaijaAgroNet.

Kim who is in the capital of Senegal, Dakar for a three-day working visit, said it was inspiring to meet the Senegalese commitment, which he described as great progress in reducing chronic malnutrition.

“In large part thanks to the community-based approach implemented by Cellule de Lutte contre la Malnutrition,” he said.

Kim also expressed delight over meeting with some of the people making it happen.

“We are proud supporter,” he asserted.

NaijaAgroNet further recalls that Mr. Kim was in Senegal for a three-day working visit.

This, NaijaAgroNet gathered, was in conjunction with the visit of President Emmanuel Macron of France.

NaijaAgroNet also gathered that the visit follows the One Planet Summit which both Kim and Macron co-hosted in Paris in December 2017, and seeks to demonstrate commitment to joint action on adaptation to climate change.

President Macron and World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim will also travel with President Macky Sall of Senegal to Saint-Louis, a historic town under threat from coastal erosion.

“I want to congratulate the Government of Senegal for its leadership on climate change mitigation and adaptation. I am looking forward to visiting Saint-Louis, where efforts to stop coastal erosion are a great example of how the Government can work with the international community to initiate collective action for the region. The World Bank Group is committed to helping Senegal, West Africa, and countries around the world address the effects of climate change,” Kim said.

During his visit, the World Bank Group President will hold bilateral meetings with President Sall and President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré of Burkina Faso. He will also attend a high-level session on global education challenges.

Kim will reiterate the World Bank’s commitment to strong partnership with Senegal and with France in support of African development.

He will also seek the government’s leadership in improving educational outcomes and creating quality educational opportunities for all. “Human capital is essential for sustained long-term growth and rising living standards,”Kim said. “Transformational change in education will allow Senegalese to capitalize on technological change and leapfrog into the 21^st century economy.”

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Climate change: Yong Kim begins 3-day working visit in Dakar

NaijaAgroNet:

The President of World Bank Group, Mr. JimYong Kim is now in the capital of Senegal, Dakar for a three-day working visit on issues concerning climate change, reports NaijaAgroNet.

This, NaijaAgroNet gathered, was in conjunction with the visit of President Emmanuel Macron of France.

NaijaAgroNet also gathered that the visit follows the One Planet Summit which both Kim and Macron co-hosted in Paris in December 2017, and seeks to demonstrate commitment to joint action on adaptation to climate change.

President Macron and World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim will also travel with President Macky Sall of Senegal to Saint-Louis, a historic town under threat from coastal erosion.

“I want to congratulate the Government of Senegal for its leadership on climate change mitigation and adaptation. I am looking forward to visiting Saint-Louis, where efforts to stop coastal erosion are a great example of how the Government can work with the international community to initiate collective action for the region. The World Bank Group is committed to helping Senegal, West Africa, and countries around the world address the effects of climate change,” Kim said.

During his visit, the World Bank Group President will hold bilateral meetings with President Sall and President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré of Burkina Faso. He will also attend a high-level session on global education challenges.

Kim will reiterate the World Bank’s commitment to strong partnership with Senegal and with France in support of African development.

He will also seek the government’s leadership in improving educational outcomes and creating quality educational opportunities for all. “Human capital is essential for sustained long-term growth and rising living standards,”Kim said. “Transformational change in education will allow Senegalese to capitalize on technological change and leapfrog into the 21^st century economy.”

 Isaac Oyimah/GEE

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5m people to benefit from improved water supply, wastewater services

NaijaAgroNet:

A US$210 million World Bank project will improve the quality of drinking water supply and wastewater services to 5 million residents in Baghdad who suffer from water shortages and the outbreak of waterborne diseases due to inadequate infrastructure, rapid population growth, and the inflow of internally displaced people, reports NaijaAgroNet.

The Baghdad Water Supply and Sewerage Improvement Project, approved today by the World Bank Group’s Board of Executive Directors will support the Mayoralty of Baghdad and the Baghdad Water and Sewerage Authorities through improvement in utility management, and generate employment during the construction, operation and maintenance stages of implementation. The project will also help reduce the incidence of water-borne diseases and improve the quality of life, health, and sanitation.

“The recently completed National Water and Land Strategy (2015-2035) indicates that Baghdad will need substantial investments in its water supply and wastewater treatment systems over the next 20 years. Given limited availability of public funding, attracting commercial finance will be critical for implementing this ambitious strategy”, said Saroj Kumar Jha, World Bank Mashreq Regional Director. “In close coordination with the International Finance Corporation, this project will focus on creating a more favorable business environment, and on supporting the preparation of feasibility studies and transactions to enable private sector participation in the water sector.”

The residents of Baghdad deal with daily water service interruptions, especially during the hot summer months. Baghdad is one of the governorates impacted by outbreaks of waterborne diseases. Leakage from sewer pipes contaminates potable water networks and groundwater aquifers, which aggravates health and environmental problems. Contaminated water supply and improper disposal of sewage force families to spend a significant fraction of their income on medical treatment and to purchase bottled water. 

“Water supply and sanitation have immediate and major impacts on the quality of life of citizens”, said Thikra Alwash, Mayor of Baghdad. “We are committed to improving public services for the residents of Baghdad and to alleviating the burden households face on a daily basis in getting clean and reliable water supply. We are confident that improved access to these services can significantly strengthen people's trust and confidence in the state and contribute to building social cohesion when it is most needed”.  

“Major cities like Baghdad face a growing population but have inadequate water infrastructure and service delivery capacity”, said Abdulhamid Azad, Lead Water Resources Specialist and Project Team Leader. This project will improve the city’s water and sanitations services as well as support the Baghdad Water and Sewerage Authorities in improving their institutional knowledge and preparedness in relation to water security and urban water management. 

"Also, the project will finance capacity-building activities targeted to female technical and managerial staff to increase their professional skills and allow for career advancement within the Water and Sewerage Authorities.”  

The project will finance the construction of a service reservoir with a total capacity of 135,000 cubic meters, which will help the city manage its water supply better in case of climate-induced droughts. The project will also rehabilitate existing sewerage pumping stations thus reducing the public health effects of untreated wastewater discharged into the Tigris. The project will contribute to the reduction of physical losses by replacing about 130 km of water supply distribution network and the creation of district metering areas. 

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