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Feature: The Devastating Effects of African Leaders’ Unappeasable Appetite for Foreign Healthcare

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In the past few days, Nigerian social media has been awash with stories about President Muhammadu Buhari’s medical trip to London. Agitations continue to get rife daily as people call on the 78-year-old leader to return home and fix his country’s poor health system instead of seeking medical attention overseas.

Buhari flew to London on 30th March for a “medical check-up” and is billed to return home in the second week in April. Since he came to power in 2015, the retired general has flown to the British capital several times and spent more than 175 days seeking health care. In 2017, he spent over 150 days receiving medical care in the U.K. after temporarily handed over power to his vice Yemi Osinbajo.

This regular occurrence has been the reason for many Nigerian’s outcries, especially as his state of health has become a sensitive topic in the country. Of course, it is hard to blame Nigerians for venting their frustrations, given the 2010 experience when one of their former presidents, Umar Musa Yar’Adua, died while on medical attention in Saudi Arabia.

Yar’Adua’s state of health was shrouded in secrecy, leaving Nigerians in doubt of his capability to lead the most populated country in Africa. His absence, health, and eventual death almost created a leadership vacuum in the country, as he didn’t hand over power to his then-vice president, Goodluck Jonathan, who later became president and ruled the country for five years.

Interestingly, this insatiable appetite for foreign medical care isn’t peculiar to Nigerian leaders. Health tourism has become a common trend among several African leaders. Many past and present presidents have shown that they prefer overseas to local health care. Presidents Ali Bongo of Gabon, Patrice Talon of Benin Republic, former presidents Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria and Jose Eduardo Dos Santos of Angola are other African leaders known for this practice.

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During his time as Zimbabwe’s president, Robert Mugabe was also a regular visitor to health facilities abroad, snubbing his country’s health system. The 95-year-old leader, who left power in 2017 after ruling the south African country for 37 years, later died in a Singaporean hospital in September 2019.

Other African past leaders who died while seeking medical treatment abroad include two Zambia’s presidents Levy Mwanawasa 2008 in France and Michael Sata 2014 in Britain, Gabon’s Omar Bongo December 2009 in Spain, and Ethiopia’s Meles Zenawi August 2012 in Belgium.

Many African leaders have neglected their country’s health system for years. And this explains the poor conditions of facilities across the continent. The year-long negligence has left the health sectors in many African countries in a sorry state. Many hospitals lack basic facilities such as beds and personal protective equipment (PPE).

For this reason, African leaders don’t have faith in the system they provide and oversee. This explains why they and their families fly abroad for even the most basic medical treatment. Apart from a very few countries, such as South Africa, which has been improving its health sector, it is hard to find the state of the art medical facilities in many African countries.

 

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The continent loses a huge amount of money to this high rate of health tourism. For example, Nigerians spend $200 on health tourism every year to India alone, and their overall annual medical tourism spending is estimated to be $1 billion. In 2016, findings showed that Africans spent a whopping $6 billion seeking healthcare abroad. Medical tourism is a luxury that can only be enjoyed by few people.

Those suffering the greatest burden of this year-long negligence of Africa’s healthcare are its citizens, most of whom are low-income earners. They are left with no choice but to use the deplorable facilities at home while their leaders get the best care abroad.

Consequently, the effects of these disappointing practice include high child and maternal mortality rate, high cases of infectious diseases, and low life expectancy, which have become perennial challenges across the continent. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, malaria still accounts for hundreds of thousands of deaths in Africa, and most of these deaths are in children ages 5 and below.

A World Bank’s child mortality report shows that 1 in 13 sub-Saharan African children die before they reach the age of 5. Many African countries, especially the sub-Saharan African region, also have alarmingly high maternal mortality ratios. In Nigeria, for instance, the maternal mortality ratio is 814 per 100,000 live births. In most developed countries, the lifetime risk of a pregnant woman dying during the stage of pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum or abortion is 1 in 4,900, but in Nigeria, it is 1 in 22.

The continent is also home to countries with the lowest-ranked life expectancy. On the global ranking, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Lesotho, Chad, and the Central African Republic occupy the bottom five, with 55.92, 55.75, 55.65, 55.17, and 54.36 life expectancy, respectively. The figures show a huge difference when compared with countries like Hong Kong, Japan, and Switzerland with an average of 85 years old.

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Poor infrastructure is another problem in the system. In 2019, there were reports of bare-handed surgeries by physicians in Zimbabwe because of the nonavailability of gloves. At the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, there were reports of ventilators shortage across various African health facilities, and this further revealed the year-long rot in the system. Somalia’s health sector had nine ventilators, and only three were available in the Central African Republic. And in Nigeria, with over 200 million population, there were only 100. Most African counties also lag far behind in the WHO’s recommended hospital bed per population ratio.

The system also experiences a shortage of medical professionals. According to the WHO, the ideal doctor per population ratio is 1:1000, but in Africa, the current reality shows 1:10,000. This shortage is projected to reach 4.3 million by 2035. On top of that, many of the few available professionals migrate daily to Europe, the Americas, and Asia in search of greener pasture, as the condition at home is anything but favourable to healthcare workers.

For example, in the U.K. medical care sector, 1 in 10 physicians are from Africa. Many of them have settled in the European country for years and have been granted indefinite leave to remain – an indication that Africa has permanently lost those talents to another country that value them more. Other countries like the USA, Australia, and Canada also have several African trained professionals in their health sectors. These nations with some of the best medical system in the world gain yearly from Africa’s investments in doctors. Unfortunately, their gain is Africa’s loss. Findings show that it costs African countries an average of $21,000 to $59,000 to train a doctor. So, putting together these figures, Africa loses billions of dollars to those countries where its doctors migrate to in droves. And the more this continues, the more the continent will keep suffering a shortage of skills in its health system.

Just like other basic amenities, good healthcare has been an unaffordable and inaccessible luxury for most Africans. It is high time African leaders started getting their priorities right and improve their countries’ healthcare. They also need to stop galivanting across various overseas health facilities and use the same system their citizens use. There must be a significant improvement in the continent’s healthcare funding to bridge the gap that has left the system in critical condition. This will restore people’s faith in Africa’s healthcare and reduce the high volume of medical tourism.

Olusegun Akinfenwa is a political correspondent for Immigration News, a news organization affiliated with Immigration Advice Service London. IAS is a leading U.K. immigration law firm that helps people migrate and settle in the U.K.

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Gavi and UNICEF welcome approval of new oral cholera vaccine

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Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and UNICEF welcome the news that a new oral cholera vaccine (OCV), Euvichol-S, has now received WHO prequalification and can be made available to countries around the world. The prequalification of this new product will help EuBiologics, the manufacturer, produce more volumes of vaccine, faster, and at a lower cost – a key step to expanding supply amidst the ongoing acute global upsurge of cholera outbreaks.

Today’s approval will help increase the overall supply of OCV available in 2024, with approximately 50 million doses now forecasted to be available to the global stockpile this year, compared to 38 million in 2023. Euvichol-S is an important product innovation: a simplified formulation of Euvichol-Plus that reduces the number of vaccine components – delivering a vaccine that studies have shown remains equally effective against key cholera serogroups while lowering production cost and complexity – thus allowing for larger volumes to be produced faster.

Cholera has been surging globally since 2021, with high case fatality rates despite availability of simple, effective and affordable treatment. The large number of outbreaks has led to unprecedented demand for vaccines from impacted countries. While global OCV supply has increased eighteen-fold between 2013 and 2023, the large and sustained spike in demand has put a strain on the global stockpile of OCV. Partners and countries are working urgently on cholera response, prevention and control measures in the face of this crisis, and have called on countries, manufacturers and others to support. Most recently, Gavi, UNICEF and partners announced the largest ever global deployment of cholera diagnostics to support surveillance and response.

“Prequalification of Euvichol-S represents a lifeline for vulnerable communities around the world,” said Dr Derrick Sim, Managing Director of Vaccine Markets & Health Security at Gavi. “Every vaccine dose delivered through Gavi programmes today represents years of planning and investment to shape the market so supply matches countries’ needs. The approval of this new product could not have come at a more important time given the acute upsurge of cholera outbreaks we are seeing worldwide. We commend EuBiologics for their role in ensuring countries around the world have access to cholera vaccine as part of their response toolkit.”

EuBiologics is currently the only supplier of OCV to the global stockpile, although other manufacturers are expected to have products available in the coming years. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance works to shape the OCV market, and funds the global stockpile of OCV doses, along with transport and vaccination activities in lower-income countries. UNICEF leads on procurement and delivery of doses to countries. Use of the stockpile for emergency response is overseen by the International Coordinating Group for Vaccine Provision (ICG), led by WHO.

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“Despite cholera being preventable and easily treatable, children continue to suffer from this potentially fatal disease. UNICEF has already secured access to all the available doses of the just-approved vaccine and will deliver these to the countries at the highest possible speed,” said Leila Pakkala, Director of UNICEF Supply Division. “The approval means that UNICEF can increase the procurement and delivery of cholera vaccines by more than 25%, pushing back harder on deadly cholera outbreaks.”

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Isap Music Drops ‘Naomi’ As First Single of The Year

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Ghanaian Hip-Life/Hip-Hop artiste, Isap Music has today officially released his premiere single of the year, “Naomi” on all digital streaming platforms.

The new single is an Afrobeats record that boarders on the thin line between love and obsession.

Isap Music opens with a reassurance for that special someone as he plans to put a ring on her finger soon. His sweet-singing voice together with the charming lyrics not only wins the heart of “Naomi,” but the listener as well.

On the DCM Records produced track, Isap Music brings a different energy to his first single of 2024, building a strong anticipation for subsequent releases as the year progresses.

However, until then, “Naomi” is simply one of the best Ghanaian Afrobeats songs released so far this year.

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Isap Music’s spectacular performance on the two minutes 27 seconds track has everything; vocals, lyrics, storytelling and ad-libs, all on point.

It’s hard to believe such a good song was produced from another person’s experience but that is exactly how the song came to life.

In an online interview with Amplify Ghana, Isap Music disclosed that “Naomi” was inspired by a friend.

“The love song was actually inspired by a friend who was so much into his girl that he couldn’t stay a day without hearing her voice,” he said.

The latest single comes after his collaboration with 2022 VGMA Best Rap Performance award winner Lyrical Joe, Suuparstar TZ and Siicie on “Yesu Frɛwo” released last year.

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Isap Music is one of the exciting new voices in the music scene. This new release, “Naomi” continues his streak of superb releases. Gaining recognition as one of the few street preachers, Isap Music’s versatility as an artist is of no doubt. He continues to share different messages and produce bangers in many genres.

“Naomi” by Isap Music is currently available on all digital streaming platforms.

Listen to “Naomi”

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Immediate Nexus: Your Gateway to Free Investment Education in 2024

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Within the ever-changing financial environment, it’s an issue of immense importance that an investor remains at the forefront. Immediate Nexus is a beacon that avails the indispensable resources and insight to navigate an investor through manning the complexities in investment come 2024 and thereafter. Let’s delve into why immediate-nexus-ai.com is your ultimate gateway to free investment education in 2024.

Understanding Immediate Nexus: Your Gateway to Free Investment Education in 2024

It is nothing less than a whole ecosystem to be built with the idea of allowing investors at different levels of experience to obtain the knowledge and tools needed to gain a foothold in this business. Whether you are a seasoned investor or one learning the ropes of how to dabble in the finance world, the Immediate Nexus has got your back.

The Evolution of Investment Education

Traditional teachings of investment have a very short shelf life due to the fast pace with which technology and the trend of the global markets move. Immediate Nexus fills that need by providing modern investors with current, readily accessible, practical information.

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Free Resources for All

But what really strikes the most is the kind of free education toward all people without having any expense of seminars or the elite high-cost memberships. Truly, Immediate Nexus advocates that financial literacy should be made available to all, no matter where you come from or belong in terms of background or current financial status.

Expert Insights and Analysis

Investment can be cumbersome to wade through, especially for beginners. Immediate Nexus makes it easier with an expert insight and analysis curated from none but the best sources. Be it market trends or effective investment strategies, everything is there to make your decision wise.

Harnessing the Power of Community

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It doesn’t need to be a lonely journey. Immediate Nexus is a dynamic, live community where investors network, share ideas, and draw wisdom from one another. That interactive approach makes it conducive to learning at the same time, availing valuable networking opportunities.

Why Choose Immediate Nexus?

While Immediate Nexus may be a new kind of educational platform, in many ways, it is poised to soon become the go-to solution for those seeking to grow and succeed in the world of investing. Here are ten great reasons why you need to make it your go-to resource this year.

  • Holistic Content: From the guidelines of a beginner investor to the strategies which are to be followed at an advanced level, Immediate Nexus encompasses and provides information relevant to every single stage an investor might be in.
  • User-Friendly Interface: The platform friendliness comes with ease of navigating through the site, intuitive design, and a friendly interface.
  • Timely Updates:** Actual happenings in the capital and financial markets, economic development, and investment opportunities.
  • Interactive Learning: Engjson Quizzes, Interactive Tutorials, and Live Webinars assist learners in polishing skills and strengthening their learning.
  • Community of Trust: Be a part of an elite community of like-minded investors, share knowledge and support each other in growth.

Conclusion

Your Gateway to Free Investment Education in 2024 is not a platform—it’s a revolution, an immediate nexus revolutionizing ways people think about investment education. Equip your financial future with all the expert insights and resources that you would have needed, including a lively community. Join the movement today and take your first steps toward financial freedom.

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Mastering Bitcoin Trading: The BitLQ Matrix Advantage: A Path to Financial Freedom

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The financial opportunities, though, in mastering the trading Bitcoin are huge in this dynamic world of cryptocurrency. BitLQ Matrix strategy stands like a beacon of assurance and profitability among the myriad strategies available. This paper, therefore, seeks to detail the encapsulated greater benefits within the bitlq.app Matrix and illustrate how one could optimize his trading to achieve financial freedom.

Understanding Bitcoin Trading

Bitcoins are the first and leading cryptocurrency ever to evolve, and it altered the thinking of how the world used to look at finances. Bitcoin trading is a process through which one can speculate on the price movements of them and, in turn, takes home profits by analyzing the markets and makes a deciding move. Trading in bitcoins is very demanding in nature since it is very unpredictable. Good knowledge and strategic acumen are expected to surge through the market fluctuations victoriously.

Embracing the BitLQ Matrix Advantage

Mastering Bitcoin Trading: The BitLQ Matrix Advantage

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The BitLQ Matrix is not some trading strategy but a whole, complete framework aiming to trade optimal results while controlling risks most efficiently. This revolutionarily uses LQ to guide traders through informed considerations in making decisions for the best possible profits with the least possible vulnerability to market volatility.

Liquidity: The Backbone of Trading Success

Liquidity is the base that underlies any trading pursuit to support transactional ease and participation in the market. Priority to the BitLQ Matrix trade is given, executed seamlessly without slippage, or at least at the most minimal level, for the efficient trade execution at the best entry and exit levels.

Quantity: Balancing Risk and Reward

In this respect, good risk management becomes highly imperative while trading in Bitcoins, and with the BitLQ Matrix, there is a good balance since traders can put in the emphasis on the importance of trade quantity. By doing so, the traders will accurately calibrate the position sizes to market conditions and the risk-taker’s risk-bearing ability to ensure they make a better risk-reward ratio and protect the capital from likely losses.

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Quality: Elevating Trading Standards

Quality, in this case, regards the level of trades executed within BitLQ Matrix. This gives traders the opportunity to spike up their trading standards further, promoting the desired consistency and profitability from their undertakings.

Unveiling the Benefits

The BitLQ Matrix offers a plethora of benefits to traders seeking to master Bitcoin trading:

  • Increased Precision: With these details of liquidity, quantity, and quality at disposal, traders can be able to execute their trades with pinpoint accuracy, zero error tolerance, and hence reap all the profitability possible in their trades.
  • Risk Mitigation: The strategy of risk management integrated into BitLQ Matrix enables traders to be in a position where they could avert their possible losses and preserve capital in times of market downturn.
  • Consistent Profjson: The BitLQ Matrix principles will assure that you profit on a consistent basis, fostering sustainability for long-time success in trade.

Conclusion

This exciting journey into Bitcoin trading within the BitLQ Matrix soon turns into an adventure of financial independence and prosperity in one of the most lively and fast-changing cryptocurrency markets. You apply liquidity, quantity, and quality principles toward revealing limitless opportunities for profit multiplication and growth sustainability. Seize the advantage today and embark on your path to financial freedom with the BitLQ Matrix.

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Nana Quasi-Wusu Celebrates 10 Years In Broadcasting

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Renowned multiple Award winning Ghanaian media personality and a Humanitarian, Nana Quasi-Wusu, popularly known as PM, commemorates a decade in media as a broadcast journalist filled with exceptional stories and excellence. (more…)

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BLISS GVS PHARMA GHANA DONATES MEDICINES AGAIN TO CAPE COAST TEACHING HOSPITAL

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Spearheading the initiative for the fourth consecutive year, Bliss GVS Pharma’s campaign, “Act for Africa: A Malaria-Free Continent,” aims to provide crucial medical support to combat malaria, particularly in vulnerable communities.

In a significant stride towards eradicating malaria from the African continent, Bliss GVS Pharma Ghana reaffirms its commitment to corporate social responsibility by donating over GHC 250,000 worth of medicines to Cape Coast Teaching Hospital and Winneba Trauma Hospital to commemorate approaching World Malaria Day 2024.

The gesture underscores Bliss GVS Pharma’s dedication to ensuring that every individual gets access to high-quality medicines, particularly in regions heavily burdened by malaria. The donation encompasses anti-malarial and other essential medicines like LONART, GSUNATE, Fricks, Gacet and many more.

The driving force behind this noble vision is the Managing Director of Bliss GVS Pharma, Mr. Gagan Sharma. His unwavering belief in the fundamental right to healthcare motivates the company’s endeavours to make a tangible difference in the fight against malaria.

Pharm Rosemary, the representative of Bliss GVS Pharma, underscored the company’s steadfast commitment to malaria eradication, she said it is our social duty to contribute towards ensuring that no one is deprived of essential healthcare, especially in the battle against diseases like malaria. Through our ‘Act for Africa’ campaign, we aim to play our part in making Africa a malaria-free continent.”
Dr. Eric Kofi Nyedu, Chief Executive Officer of Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, who lead a delegation to receive the items expressed profound gratitude for Bliss GVS Pharma’s benevolent gesture, stating, ” We’re grateful for Bliss GVS Pharma’s generous antimalarial and other essential medicines donation, which strengthens our ability to treat patients, especially during peak malaria season and health outreaches in villages around the Cape Coast enclave. We have identified that Bliss GVS is dedication to improving community health through our partnership and we will always recommend them”
The donation of GHC 276,000 worth of medicine symbolizes Bliss GVS Pharma’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and its belief in the transformative power of collective action. By partnering with healthcare institutions such as the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital and Winneba Trauma Hospital, the company endeavours to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve access to malaria treatments.

In addition, the students of the Cape Coast Nursing and Midwifery College were engaged in a health talk where resource persons equipped them with topics on personal and vaginal hygiene, malaria prevention, and spread.
On World Malaria Day 2024, as the global community unites to amplify efforts against malaria, Bliss GVS Pharma Ghana stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a healthier, malaria-free future for Africa.

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