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UNICEF, Niger Govt. Mobilise 1800 Women To Promote Breastfeeding

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UNICEF, Niger Govt. Mobilise 1800 Women To Promote Breastfeeding—-The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with Niger Ministry for Primary Healthcare has mobilised 1,800 women to promote exclusive breastfeeding in the state.

Gerida Birukila, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Kaduna, said that mobilising that number of women was an attempt to break the world record for highest number of lactating women breastfeeding simultaneously.

Birukila spoke at a programme in Minna to mark the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for 2024 breastfeeding week is : “Closing the Gap, Break the Record, Break Barriers: Breastfeeding Support for All”.

Commemorated  from Aug. 1 to Aug.7 annually, world breastfeeding week raises awareness on the importance of breastfeeding and providing support to mothers.

Birukila, who was represented by Mrs Grace Odeyemi, UNICEF Consultant in Niger, said the event was to create awareness and dismantle stigma surrounding breastfeeding.

“We are challenging harmful norms and practices, such as the introduction of water and other pre-lacteal feeds for babies in the first six months.

“We are here to empower mothers with the knowledge and support to make the best choices for their children’s health including approval for extended paid six months maternity leave,” she said.

She added that the effort was to achieve the World Health Assembly’s target for exclusive breastfeeding and go beyond 50 per cent target.

In her address, Hajiya Fatima Bago, Wife of Niger Governor, advocated for implementation of policies that would help breastfeeding mothers balance their need and daily responsibilities.

Bago, represented by Hajiya Jummai Abubakar, Wife of Niger SSG,  donated 100 bags of rice to the first batch of 100 women to support them and their families.

Also, Dr Bello Turku, Commissioner for Secondary and Tertiary Health, said the event was to showcase the need to improve support to mothers to practice optimal breastfeeding.

He urged mothers to breastfeed their infants exclusively in the first six months of life for improved child’s nutrition.

One of the mothers, Malama Saratu Usman, pledged to educate other mothers in her community on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding.

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EL-Lab Medical Diagnostics And Research Centre Secures ReAccreditation To ISO 15189:2022

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EL-Lab Medical Diagnostics And Research Centre Secures ReAccreditation To ISO 15189:2022

 

EL-Lab, a leading Medical diagnostic centre in Lagos earns renewed Accreditation from the Nigeria National Accreditation System (NiNAS), affirming its continued technical competence in medical laboratory testing.

 

A medical diagnostic centre with branches across Lagos, EL-Lab is the First Indigenous medical laboratory in Nigeria to attain the ISO 15189 status in Nigeria ten years ago. Till date, Nigeria may have less than 50 medical laboratories in both public and private categories to meet this standard.

 

EL-LAB has maintained this accreditation status for ten (10) years and currently holds this qualification from two (2) accreditation bodies in Nigeria, namely Medical Laboratory Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) and Nigeria National Accreditation System (NiNAS)

 

This achievement of reaccreditation and transition to ISO 15189:2022 for Medical testing, following a rigorous reassessment by Nigeria National Accreditation System (NiNAS) confirms that EL-Lab continues to meet the requirements of ISO 15189:2022, the internationally recognised standard governing quality and competence in medical laboratories. It sets out requirements covering everything from sample handling and testing procedures to staff competence and quality management, giving patients, clinicians, and partner institutions confidence in the accuracy and reliability of results.

 

For a medical diagnostic laboratory, reaccreditation is no small feat. It requires laboratories to demonstrate, through an independent and thorough assessment, that its systems, processes, and personnel consistently deliver results in line with international best practice. NiNAS, as Nigeria’s national accreditation body, conducts these assessments to ensure that accredited laboratories maintain the standards necessary for both local and global recognition.

 

By retaining this accreditation, EL Lab reinforces its position as a trusted provider of medical testing services within Lagos and the broader Nigerian healthcare system.

 

Speaking on this, the Managing Director of EL-Lab, Dr Elochukwu Adibo mni said; “This achievement reflects the laboratory’s commitment to quality assurance, staff training, and process improvement, factors that lead to more reliable outcomes for patients and referring clinicians”.

 

For more information about EL-Lab Medical Diagnostics, visit their website:  https://el-lab.org/

 

 

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Sri Lanka on Alert as Nipah Virus Cases Emerge in Eastern India

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Sri Lanka on Alert as Nipah Virus Cases Emerge in Eastern India—-Sri Lanka has stepped up monitoring measures following reports of a Nipah virus cluster in India’s eastern state of West Bengal.

Health authorities across parts of Asia have also heightened vigilance over the emerging situation, the Daily Mirror reported.

Health officials said Sri Lanka is tracking developments at the regional level and remains in contact with international health monitoring systems.

While no cases have been reported locally, authorities have indicated that preparedness measures are in place should the situation evolve.

The alert follows confirmation by Indian authorities of at least five Nipah virus infections in West Bengal, including cases among healthcare workers.

The development has prompted several countries in the region to strengthen preventive measures, particularly at international airports.

Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease transmitted between animals and humans and, in some instances, through human-to-human contact.

It is classified as a priority pathogen by the World Health Organisation due to its epidemic potential and the severity of illness it can cause. Past outbreaks of the Nipah virus have been associated with high fatality rates, ranging from 40 per cent to 75 per cent. (Xinhua/NAN)

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