Connect with us

Broadcasting

JAAIDS, CFC Promote Safe Motherhood in Nigeria

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Communicating for Change (CFC) and Journalists Against AIDS (JAAIDS) recently hosted a roundtable discussion on Safe Motherhood in Nigeria, also considering the role of HIV and Aids in infant and maternal health.

Globally, Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality rates, with 1,100 deaths per 100, 000 live births and a lifetime risk of maternal death of 1 in 18; consequently approximately 1 in every 9  maternal deaths worldwide occur in Nigeria alone.  For women infected with HIV and Aids, the benefits of using Anti Retroviral Therapy
(ART), or in Preventing Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) are lost if a mother goes on to die in childbirth.  

To help address these issues, JAAIDS and CFC invited the media, various civil society organizations as well as medical practitioners to discuss the issue of Safe Motherhood in Nigeria and the role of HIV and Aids. The panel at the roundtable comprised of Dr Akerele, Unicef consultant, Dr Adeyanju, physician at Adeoyo Maternity Hospital, Abosede Oladayo of Hope Worldwide Nigeria and Olayide Akanni, executive director, JAAIDS. The roundtable was chaired by Eugenia Essell, general manager, CFC.

During the discussion, many factors that jeopardize women’s safety were considered, including unsafe abortions and a lack of education and awareness, with many women using unskilled traditional birth attendants instead of professionally trained midwives and doctors.
When available, the cost of medical care and the accessibility of healthcare centres are often barriers to women using their services, especially for those living in remote rural areas. Additionally, poverty and a lack of good nutrition can also cause infant and
maternal mortality and low weight births. Also, many women do not have the authority to demand healthcare for themselves, but are instead reliant on their families’ approval, often waiting for a complication to occur before seeking medical attention. All of the
attendees present at the roundtable agreed on the urgent need to address maternal mortality, where thousands of women die for exercising their natural right to procreation.

Whilst there has been some improvement in maternal healthcare and HIV/Aids, for example, the introduction of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) programmes and the implementation of a national Integrated Maternal Newborn and Child Health (IMNCH) strategy, more still needs to be done. The 2015 deadline for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is gradually looming and Nigeria still has a
long way to go to before meeting goals 5 and 6, to reduce child mortality and to improve maternal health.  

Dr. Tajudeen Akerele Unicef HIV/Aids consultant, said: ‘Nigeria ranks 9th highest in the world in terms of maternal mortality, however many deaths can be averted with knowledge and low cost precautions. If women receive appropriate care during and after their pregnancy, both at home and at the community level, the chances of
maternal and infant mortality are significantly reduced.
Additionally, to reduce maternal and child mortality, it is important that healthcare providers deliver quality services in a child and mother friendly way, that  mothers are provided with a regular supply of quality drugs, and that infants receive proper immunization.’ 

Dr. Adeyanju of Adeoyo Maternity Hospital, Ibadan, said: ‘It is important that men take an interest in their partners and offer support as male involvement can make a positive difference to maternal health; all too often, women seek medical support only in
the event of an emergency and as a last resort, which causes delays to receiving treatment. All women expecting to be pregnant should consult their doctor to diagnose and treat any pre-existing conditions, before they become detrimental to the health of the
mother and her baby. Finally, I am calling for improved capacity in healthcare centres and labs, with the establishment of effective patient tracking systems, so infections and complications can be effectively monitored and  treated.’ 

Abosede Oladayo, Aids Ambassador, Hope Worldwide Nigeria, said: ‘I am an HIV positive woman, who is married and has given birth to my children without passing on HIV; I use my experiences to encourage other women who have faced discrimination and stigma as a result of their HIV and Aids status. Many women are afraid to disclose their
condition to their husbands and families which means they do not receive appropriate medication, either for themselves or their children, which results in unnecessary and avoidable deaths. I am calling for increased awareness and information of HIV and AIDS, in order to promote discussion and visibility, limit maternal mortality and reduce the stigma associated with HIV and Aids.’

 


Kindly share this post

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Comments

Broadcasting

Celebrating a Visionary Leader Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR at 65

Published

on

Kindly share this post

By Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA)

Today, we celebrate a leader whose unwavering commitment to “Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere” is turning bold ideas into real impact for Ndi Anambra.

As someone privileged to lead the Anambra State ICT Agency, driving e-governance initiatives, and now the Geeks & Founders Alliance for Soludo (GEFAS), a coalition of tech professionals, founders, and enthusiasts advancing technology and championing the re-election of Governor Soludo, I see first-hand how Mr. Governor’s vision keeps challenging us to push boundaries: from digitizing government operations to expanding free Solution WiFi, deploying smart solutions, and driving public-private partnerships that create jobs and make Anambra truly work for the people.

Today, under his visionary leadership, the combination of solid physical infrastructure, livable cities, and a growing digital backbone is fast positioning Anambra as an attractive hub for talent, investment, and innovation- a destination and not a departure lounge

Leadership is not about lofty speeches but clear action, and Governor Soludo has shown us that bold decisions, like removing Right of Way charges to drive connectivity, can transform an entire ecosystem.

As we mark his birthday, we rededicate ourselves to this vision: a smarter, more connected, and prosperous Anambra that works for all.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Governor, Oluatuegwu!

Here’s to more impact, more solutions, and a future that keeps rising.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Broadcasting

Court Upholds AVRS Legal Rights to Licence Audiovisual Works in Hotels

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has upheld the statutory right of the Audiovisual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS) to licence hotels and other business establishments for the public use of audiovisual works (movies and films) transmitted within their premises via Pay-TV subscriptions.

Court Upholds AVRS Legal Rights to Licence Audiovisual Works in Hotels

This is a landmark judgment that reaffirms the rights of Nigerian copyright holders and strengthens the creative ecosystem.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who gave the judgment, dismissed the case filed by Reiz Continental Hotel Limited against AVRS, where the hotel sought a declaration that it could not be compelled to pay copyright fees for audiovisual content (movies and films) accessed through subscription-based broadcasting.

In the ruling delivered on Thursday, July 24, the court held that AVRS, by virtue of its status as assignees of copyright in several audiovisual works, and approved collective management organisation (CMO) pursuant to Section 88 of the Copyright Act 2022, had demonstrated the legal basis of its licencing activities, and was entitled to issue copyright licences to users of audiovisual works belonging to it, including the Plaintiff (Reiz Continental Hotel Limited). Abuja Formula 1 Grand Prix ticketsNigerian cuisine recipes

The court rejected the claims of Reiz Continental Hotel that it was merely a recipient of broadcasts from a pay subscription television service, and therefore not liable to any licence from AVRS.

It held that the activities of Reiz Continental Hotel, operating a hospitality business, which is profit-driven, and possessing several television sets, which transmit audiovisual content, were carried out in contravention of sections 11(b), (c) and (f) of the Copyright Act in respect of the rights held by AVRS.

The court also held that the acts of transmission of audiovisual works by Reiz Continental Hotel, since done in the context of business, were in contravention of section 36(1)(a) and (g) of the Copyright Act, unless licensed by AVRS.

According to the court, the provision of section 36(1)(g) of the Copyright Act, 2022, renders a person liable for infringement of copyright for performing or causing to be performed for the purposes of trade or business or the promotion of a trade or business, any work in which copyright subsists.

The court further held that participation in a collective licencing agreement by the Hotel Owners Forum Abuja (HOFA), of which Reiz is a member, was binding on Reiz and stopped it from denying the validity of the agreement with AVRS.

Speaking on the judgment, Mike O. Akpan, legal counsel to AVRS and principal partner, Alpha-Edge Legal, said that the judgment is not only a legal victory for AVRS and its members, but also a significant affirmation of Nigeria’s commitment to upholding copyright law and protecting creative enterprise. Nigerian cuisine recipes

He added that it establishes a strong precedent for copyright enforcement across the hospitality sector and other commercial users of protected content.

Reacting to the landmark judgment, Mr. Mahmood Ali-Balogun, chairman of AVRS, said: “This judgment is a profound moment for members of AVRS. It affirms the legitimacy of our collective licencing structure and ensures that copyright owners in the film and movie sector are rightfully protected under the law.

“AVRS has always approached licencing with openness, fairness, and a readiness to dialogue. Today’s court decision is a win for our members, the film industry, for Nigerian creators, and for the nation. It strengthens the foundation upon which the creative economy can grow and attract investment.”


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Broadcasting

NDPC Hides MultiChoice Privacy Violation Details Despite FOI Request- FIJ

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has refused to release details of the data and privacy rights violation for which it fined MultiChoice Nigeria, despite receiving a Freedom of Information (FOI) request from FIJ.

NDPC Hides MultiChoice Privacy Violation Details Despite FOI Request- FIJ

FIJ otherwise Foundation for Investigative Journalism, is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that combats injustice, holds power to account and speaks for the voiceless.

In its announcement on July 6, the NDPC said it had fined MultiChoice Nigeria N766,242,500 for breaching the data and privacy rights of subscribers and even those who are not necessarily subscribers.

FIJ emailed the data protection commission an FOI request on July 9.

The commission acknowledged the receipt of the email that same day and added: “It has been forwarded to the relevant department and we would respond soon.”

Fifteen days later, FIJ got no other response from the NDPC.

In Nigeria, FOI requests have a seven-day timeframe, and it starts counting as soon as a public institution receives a request for public information.

FIJ understands that holidays, which include a Sunday and a public holiday, are to be excluded in the computation of the timeframe.

The receiving institution is mandated, within those seven days, to either provide the requested information or explain in detail why it is unable to do so based on the provisions of the FOI Act.

Established under the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, the NDPC’s tasks include safeguarding data privacy, enforcing regulations and promoting responsible data handling in the country.

When the Commission announced the N766.2 million fine against MultiChoice Nigeria, it said the company had violated the privacy rights of subscribers and allowed the illegal cross-border transfer of personal data of Nigerians.

MultiChoice Nigeria operates through various subsidiaries, such as DStv and GOtv. The NDPC said it launched an investigation into the company in the second quarter of 2024.

“NDPC found, among others, that Multichoice violated the data privacy rights of subscribers and their friends who are not necessarily subscribers,” the statement issued by NDPC read in part.

“The Commission also found that Multichoice carries out illegal cross-border transfer of personal data relating to data subjects in Nigeria. The depth of data processing by Multichoice is patently intrusive, unfair, unnecessary and disproportionate.”

FIJ’s FOI request aimed to understand the extent of the data and privacy breaches committed by MultiChoice Nigeria, the remedial measures directed by the NDPC and the specific channels through which the company collected the personal data of Nigerians.

Two weeks after the request was submitted, the NDPC has refused to respond.

Section 7, sub-section 4, of the Freedom of Information Act (2011) states, “Where the government or public institution fails to give access to information or record applied for under this Act or part thereof within the time limit set out in this Act, the institution shall, for the purposes of this Act, be deemed to have refused to give access.”

According to the Act, where a case of wrongful denial of access is established, the defaulting officer or institution commits an offence and is liable on conviction to pay a N500,000 fine.

At the time of this report, there was no publicly documented case of the NDPC granting an FOI request to share more details after an investigation.

In 2023, FIJ detailed how the Nigerian government often violated the FOI Act. Journalists at top newspapers in the country noted that government agencies had a habit of disregarding FOI requests, despite being legally obligated to respond.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending