Aging with HIV

Aging isn’t easy for any of us. Our bodies aren’t quite as fast as they used to be, recovery time is longer and we have a few more aches than when we were younger.

So is it actually harder for people living with HIV to age well? 

Research shows that it is. 


Specifically, they experience:

• Increased likelihood of living with more than one adverse health condition at once (multimorbidity), including hepatitis C, hypertension, cognitive dysfunction and frailty.

• Stigma both from HIV infection and from aging. Negative stereotypes of aging, including viewing older people as needy, senile and less useful than younger people, persist and can be added to the negative stereotypes and overt discrimination of HIV infection. Stigmas can lead to increased symptoms and decreased quality of life. We can all help reduce these negative stereotypes by learning the facts about HIV and aging, respecting this population, and fostering hope and empowerment among aging adults with HIV.

• Increased burden of symptoms, such as fatigue, pain and depression, perhaps worse in HIV-positive women. This negatively influences everything from daily functioning to employment to quality of life.

• Focus on HIV-related health issues at the expense of non-HIV-related health promotion and disease prevention.

There is no magic bullet for aging well, no matter your health status. Everyone needs to take their medications as prescribed, get a good night’s sleep, manage stress and see a health care provider regularly. However, there is new evidence that suggests that three promising, nonpharmacological strategies can help adults with HIV.

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Increasing the amount, intensity and frequency of physical activity. In HIV-positive adults, physical activity can improve cardiovascular health, can reduce distressing symptoms such as fatigue, and may improve cognitivefunctioning. In the general population, it reduces all types of chronic health conditions, including hypertension, diabetes and depression, but its effect on these conditions in aging adults with HIV has not yet been tested in a large clinical trial. Yet, we also know that most HIV-positive adults do not engage in regular, intense physical activity.

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Eating a nutritious, balanced diet can reduce chronic health conditions and may reduce symptom burden, but there has been less research on this since HIV became a chronic disease. What we do know is that limiting alcohol consumption is a critical part of the aging, HIV-positive person’s diet.


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Positive social interactions can improve HIV treatment adherence and aspects of quality of life and can reduce symptom burden. While researchers aren’t sure which types of interactions are the best, there is increasing evidence that regular, formal, paid employment can be beneficial. My research team also reported that volunteerism, activism and being involved in a spiritual community can also be sources of helpful social interactions.


Yet these strategies can be hard to engage in, particularly for a historically marginalized population that is dealing with aging for the first time. Several investigators, including my team, are studying new ways to help this aging population.

Over the past three years, a research team conducted a clinical trial with 109 HIV-positive adults to see if a group-based intervention improved exercise and healthy eating. In November, at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, they reported that behavioral intervention reduced carbohydrate intake, specifically the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. However,  failed to improve physical activity in aging adults with HIV. Recently, others have reported that their interventions also did not increase physical activity, and suggest that a new, personalized approach to initiating and maintaining physical activity in this population is needed.

Breakthroughs in this area can lead to new treatment strategies to help not only HIV-positive adults age well, but also others who are living with complex chronic conditions.

So while we focus on curing HIV, we must also recognize that a cure is likely several decades away. In the meantime, millions of people struggle to age well with HIV. Our HIV-positive brothers and sisters have shown incredible resiliency over the past 36 years. Together, we undoubtedly will find innovative and personalized strategies to overcome these struggles.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article here

How To Boil Eggs

I'm not a cook but I'm just being SPONTANEOUS! 

This article just bumped into me and it hit me real hard... I will love to share the pain or  better still, I will rather like to take the pain to share a revelation some of us have known for quite some time! 

This will be an eye opener to those of us who think we know how to cook! (ITSS)

IYKYK

Enjoy:

Don’t just throw cold eggs into boiling water! 

The sudden change of temperature can lead to “shocked,” or unevenly cooked, eggs or even worse—cracked, damaged eggs. Instead, heat the eggs gently using the water. This allows for a gradual, even cook that equals the perfect hard-boiled egg.

You’ll know that your egg is perfectly cooked if it has an opaque, yellow center. The yolk of an overcooked egg, on the other hand, will turn a greenish-gray color.

Stick to the formula below for a perfect boiled egg, every single time:

• Place a single layer of raw eggs in the bottom of a medium or large saucepan. 
• Fill the pan with water to about 2 inches over the eggs.
• Place the pan on high heat. 
• Bring to a boil. 
• Remove the pan from the heat. 
• Cover, and let the eggs stand for 12 minutes.
• Run the eggs under cold water or place in an ice bath to cool. 
• Peel the hard-boiled eggs, and enjoy.

Whether you want a completely cooked boiled egg or a slightly softer boiled egg, use this trusted timeline:

Soft-boiled egg (slightly runny center)

Let the eggs sit in the water after it comes to a boil for 4 to 5 minutes.

Slightly firmer yolk (custard-like texture)

Leave the eggs in the water for 6 minutes.

Firm yolk (still a bit creamy with some liquid)

Leave the eggs in the water for 10 minutes.

Completely hard-boiled egg (for deviled eggs or egg salad)

Leave the eggs in the water for 12 minutes.

How long do hard-boiled eggs last in the refrigerator? 

You can safely refrigerate the eggs in their shells for one to 1½ weeks. (Did you know that!)

Let me know what you think about this piece in the comment box below.

msn

MSF RECRUITMENT NOTICE

RECRUITMENT NOTICE

The French Section of Médecins Sans Frontiéres is recruiting for its project in Jahun:

Health Promotion / lnformation-Education-Communication (HP/IEC) Supervisor

CONTEXT

 Médecins Sans Frontiéres is a private, non-profit international humanitarian organization dedicated to providing medical assistance to populations in crisis, without discrimination and regardless of race, religion, creed or political affiliation.

MAIN PURPOSE:

Implement and supervise educational activities/campaigns to increase awareness of the targeted population to promote prevention and seek early consultation in the health facilities in the project area, in close collaboration with the Outreach Activity Manager  

• ·        Health Promotion.
• ·        Networking with stakeholders involved in mother and child care.  
• ·        Advocacy and community mobilization.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• ·        In close collaboration with the Outreach Manager: participation to the definition and update of the communication/lEC strategy
• ·        Participate in identification of indicators in order to monitor HP activities, results, achievement and use the concrete tools to measure and follow up those activities   Networking with stakeholders involved in mother and child care
• ·        Design messages for a targeted audience, with guidance from Outreach manager, medical team leader, project coordinator.
• ·        Implement activities of health education and awareness (women group or association, sessions in schools, community, government offices, or any other) Advocacy and community mobilization for improved involvement in mother and child care

REQUIRED SKILLS AND CONDITIONS:

• ·        Public Health background/medical background
• ·  Previous experience in the field of Community mobilization, Health promotion needed.
• ·        Communication skills with people from broadly diverse backgrounds.
• ·        Fluent in spoken and written English and Hausa
• ·        Flexibility in tasks and working hours.

WORK LOCATION

Jigawa State (Nigeria).

CONTRACT

208 working hours per month.

REMUNERATION

Monthly Gross salary of N213,231. (Two hundred thirteen thousand two hundred and thirty one naira only)

TO APPLY

Submit your C V, copies of diplomas, qualifications and a cover letter with contact details to the MSF Admin' Office in Jahun ("Application Box" at the Watchmen Desk). With reference (HP/IEC Supervisor)

Applications can be submitted in person or by email to: msff-jahun-recruitment@paris.msf.org 

Deadline for the submission of applications: 3 rd January 2017

Please make sure to submit your application on or before this date.

NB: only SUCCeSSfUl applicants will be called for interview.

Notice: No monetary transactions. neither demands of favours in kind, nor other types of tavouritism will be tolerated in the recruitment process.

MSF reserves the right to refuse hiring of a candidate having benefitted from such acts. All illicit demands of these types may be pursued through the judicial system.

Adolescent Pregnancy

Adolescent or teenage pregnancy is pregnancy in under the age of 20.

Adolescent pregnancies occur in most parts of the world but a higher percentage are in developing countries. 

The average adolescent pregnancy and birth rate in middle-income countries is more than twice as high as that in high-income countries, with the rate in low-income countries being five times as high.

Note: a girl can become pregnant from sexual intercourse after she has begun to ovulate which can be before menarche, but usually occurs after the start of her periods.

Half of all adolescent births occur in just seven countries: Bangladesh, Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria and the United States (WHO, 2016)

Risks associated with adolescent pregnancy include:

• ·        Low Birth Weight
• ·        Premature Labor
• ·        Anemia
• ·        Pre-Eclampsia/Eclampsia
• ·        Obstructed Labour
• ·        UGF (Uro-Genital Fistulas)
• ·        Post-Partum Haemorrhage
• ·        Depression

Adolescent pregnancies can be reduced with education where both the individual and her family are made aware of the health and social implications.



 Michael Akaka, 2016. Adolescent Pregnancy. ©Knightmode

Protect Yourself Against Zika Virus

For those of us living in the US. Zika has arrived in the United States, but there are ways to protect yourself against the mosquito-borne virus.

With no vaccine or drugs to treat Zika, concerns about the virus are growing. Florida reported five new non travel-related cases of the virus last week.

How can you fight back against this threat?

The military takes steps like Permethrin- treated uniforms, DEET or Picaridin loaded repellent applied to skin, properly worn uniforms to reduce skin exposure and Permethrin treated bed nets. With deep experience working in mosquito-infested areas, it is well worth applying their best practice to home defense.

• Fight back

A layered, combined defense is the best strategy. The military recommends it, as do the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.

Know what the insiders know and arm yourself with these four things: repellent, invisible shields, clothing and nets. Here are some top picks.

• ·        Military Grade Repellent

Insect repellent is an excellent way to combat Zika and other mosquito-transmitted threats. What are some of the best options?

About three decades ago, the military began working closely with 3M to develop a better way to defeat mozzies. Ultrathon Lotion was born -- militaries all around the world use it in jungles and other mosquito dense areas.  The product, which is available for $10.50, is designed so that the DEET evaporates slowly, giving you about 12 hours or protection.

Consumer Reports tested a number of repellents and found that the two most effective products against Aedes mosquitoes used 20 percent Picaridin: Sawyer Picaridin and Natrapel 8 Hour.  Both are also popular choices with some special operations forces around the world.  Sawyer is available for $9.99 and Natrapel for $7.18.

• ·        Invisible Shield

Don’t let mosquitoes drive you indoors. Set up an invisible shield to help you enjoy the final days of summer. Deploy Thermacell tech and a secret weapon based on a colorful flower to create a safe zone.

Thermacell products run via a small butane cartridge that heats up a small mat. The mat is saturated with something called allethrin, which mimics the chrysanthemum flower. As this mat heats up, the allethrin evaporates, creating a safe, odorless, invisible 15-foot x 15-foot zone. It is safe for pets and the entire family.

The products repel mosquitoes that transmit the Zika virus, as well as other threats like West Nile virus, according to the manufacturer.

Priced at $39.99, the Scout Lantern launched a few months ago and offers a defensive perimeter for the likes of backyard barbecues, camping and hunting.

Whether running errands or running those morning miles, you can also bring a Zika shield with you by carrying the $24.99 handheld Repeller.

• ·        No Fly Zone Clothes

Expectant mothers … arm yourselves with a different sort of pregnancy clothes.  Get some daisy inspired defense. The CDC recommends you try to limit your time outdoors, but if you do go outdoors then you should keep your skin covered. Aim to wear protective clothes like long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

For extra anti-Zika armor, choose clothing with permethrin. What’s permethrin? It is a synthetic version of a chemical produced naturally by daisies.

In 2016 Consumer Reports testing, the top performer was LL Bean’s tech. The fabric in their No Fly Zone line is lightweight, offers sun protection at UFP 50+ - and is treated with permethrin.

For women, the No Fly Zone Pants and No Fly Zone Hoodie offer permethrin protection.  The hoodie is available for $79 while the No Fly Zone Pants are $99.

The LL Bean No Fly Zone Trail Shirt, made with the same material, is available for between $49 and $69. The Men's No Fly Zone Zip-Leg Pants are available for $99. The zip off pants are marked left and right to save time.

However, clothing that uses Permethrin doesn’t eliminate the need for repellent on your skin, but can certainly enhance defense against Zika. 

• ·        Squash sneak attacks

Don’t let those mosquitoes sneak attack while you sleep. Insecticide-treated nets are more effective than untreated nets. Choose a tightly-woven net with enough fabric to tuck under your mattress. Research has proven that insecticide-treated nets dramatically reduce the risk of mosquito-borne threats to pregnant women and children.

Approved by the WHO, Olyset net technology incorporates permethrin into the actual fibers of the net. It releases it slowly over a number of years giving you long-lasting, enhanced mosquito protection.

The Pramex net, which uses Olyset technology, is available for $39.99.

• ·        Don't be that person

If you do travel to a potential Zika area, then remember to use repellent for three weeks after you return. This is very important. 

Why? 

The symptoms for Zika aren’t necessarily obvious so you could return home, be enjoying a BBQ and a local mosquito could bite you. 

You in turn could be infecting it with Zika. That mosquito could fly away and then bite someone in your family, your pregnant friend, a neighborhood child– so you could accidentally infect others.

...FoxNews

What You Need To Know About HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS has been with us for some decades now with the medical world battling to get a cure or a vaccine. Meanwhile, there are a lot of misconceptions and myths which we should all be aware of... and that is the purpose of this article.

 This will also serve as a reminder of the basic facts about HIV/AIDS.

• Prompt treatment can turn this deadly disease into a chronic disease. 

• Timely anti-retroviral treatment (ART) can help at every stage of the disease, slowing, or even preventing, progression to the next stage.

• HIV stands for the human immunodeficiency virus, a mighty microbe that attacks the immune system. The immune system is your body’s defense against any infection.

• HIV is spread through body fluids, such as blood and intimate contact. It is not spread through casual contact, such as being in the same room as someone who is infected, breathing the same air as someone who carries the virus, or by touching toilet seats or doorknobs. 

• You cannot get HIV from water fountains nor from exercise equipment at the gym. 

• You cannot get HIV from hugging, kissing, or shaking hands with an HIV-positive person. 

• It is not spread through mosquitos. 

• The most common ways HIV spreads are through sex and used needles. 

• You cannot tell who has HIV by looking at the person, especially since one out of seven people with the virus do not know they have it.

• The virus can replicate rapidly once it has entered a new host. 

• Symptoms similar to the flu – headache, body aches, fatigue, and nausea – may occur two to four weeks after the initial infection but many people have no symptoms for years.

• The HIV virus destroys the immune system, depleting the body’s ability to fight infections. 

• Infections rare in those with healthy immune systems can take advantage of the opportunity to attack someone with an immune deficiency, someone without strong defenses. 

• These destructive “opportunistic” infections include rare fungal, bacterial or viral diseases in the lungs, brain, eyes, or stomach. 

• With depleted immunity and opportunistic infections, the HIV infection progresses to AIDS, acquired immune deficiency syndrome. 

• The dramatic weight loss and muscle wasting, chronic diarrhea, respiratory problems, blindness, and dementia that occurs with AIDS are the damage of opportunistic infections the body can no longer resist.

• The sooner a person knows he or she is infected and starts treatment, the better his or her chances of keeping the infection off its destructive path.

Pharmacy Storekeeper

Médecins Sans Frontières is a private, non-profit international humanitarian organization dedicated to providing medical assistance to populations in crisis, without discrimination and regardless of race, religion, creed or political affiliation.
 

Job Description

Receive orders and deliveries, identifying potential disparities against cargo manifest or others and reporting them, and stores materials in accordance with the system in force, in order to ensure continuous availability. It includes:
*Ensure correct fill in entries on the stock cards and software
*Prepare orders of the different consumption units (departments, wards, other), ensuring the packaging and proper dispatching. Reporting any anomalies or changes in consumption patterns to the Pharmacy Supervisor. Also inform Pharmacy Supervisor as soon as stock reaches alert limit
*Carry out or participate in regular inventories.
*Report missing material/ damage/ robbery.
*Control warehouse limited access to authorized personnel and ensure doors and other exists are secured.
*Ensures good storage conditions of all items in the pharmacy.
*Control warehouse facilities in order to ensure materials good keeping conditions. It includes:
*Monitor temperature in the warehouse and ensure that products requiring cold chain are suitably stored and transports received and prepared appropriately according to MSF Supply and Cold Chain protocols
*Ensure cleanliness of premises (stock pharmacy).
*Maintain refrigerating equipment in close collaboration with the logistics department…
*Follow up stock levels with regards to alarms thresholds, stock out, expiry dates and drugs to expire in the following 6 months. Make a report and passes it to the supervisor

Required Skills and Conditions

*Knows how to read, write and count in English language (paper management)
*Medical profile non-mandatory but preferred, especially knowledge in pharmacy preferably a Pharmacy technician or Assistant.
*Maximum 2 years professional experience in relevant field.
*Previous MSF work experience is a boost

Work Location

Jahun Jigawa State, (Nigeria).

Contract

208 working hours per month and roster flexibility required.

Method of Application

Submit your CV, qualifications and a cover letter with contact details to the MSF Admin’ Office in Jahun (“Application Box” at the Watchmen Desk).

Applications can be submitted in person or by email to: msff-abuja-recruitment@paris.msf.org

Deadline for the submission of applications: 20th August 2015.

Please make sure to submit your application by this date.

NB: only successful applicants will be called for interview.

Notice: No monetary transactions, neither demands of favours in kind, nor other types of favouritism will be tolerated in the recruitment process.

MSF reserves the right to refuse hiring of a candidate having benefitted from such acts. All illicit demands of these types may be pursued through the judicial system.

Nurses and Midwives at Irrua Teaching Hospital

Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, is a twenty (20) year old healthcare facility with a 375 bed capacity, offering diverse and specialized services in various aspects of healthcare. It is the only functional government owned hospital in the local government. The hospital is owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria and it is also a teaching hospital for teaching students of Ambrose Alli University's College of Medicine, Ekpoma. located in Edo State. ISTH is currently seeking to employ suitably qualified candidate to fill the position below:

1. Job Title: Nursing Officer II

Location: Edo
Department: Nursing Services

Qualifications
B.Sc Degree in Nursing Science (B.Sc N. OR B.NS-From National University Commission Accredited Institution)

Remuneration
As applicable in the Teaching Hospital set up.

2. Job Title: Staff Nursing/Staff Midwife II

Location: Edo
Department: Nursing Services

Qualification
Candidates must be a Registered Nurse/Registered Midwife

Remuneration
As applicable in the Teaching Hospital set up.

Application Closing Date
18th September, 2015.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their applications to:
The Chief Medical Director,
Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital,
P.M.B. 08,
Irrua,
Edo State.

Health Jobs at Management Sciences for Health

Management Sciences for Health (MSH) saves lives and improves health, especially among the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people, by closing the gap between knowledge and action in public health. Our mission is to save lives and improve the health of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people by closing the gap between knowledge and action in public health.

Community Care Specialist

 
Overall Responsibilities

The objective of the Community Care Specialist position is to manage the MSH ProACT PHDP/Care and Support portfolio including HIV prevention, OVC services in a manner that strengthens linkages and synergy between community-based and facility-based services; in partnership with the state government, other implementing partners and the community itself.
 
Management responsibility

Together with ProACT headquarter and State Staff spearhead the effective and efficient implementation of the HIV prevention, OVC, Care and Support services, provided under the ProACT project.
Member of the State Project Management Team that is responsible for overall project performance.

Specific Responsibilities

*Provide technical input in the development of an integrated State project plan in collaboration with the State Teams.
*Together with the Clinical Care Specialist, take lead in the establishment of comprehensive HIV and TB services in supported health facilities.
*Conduct targeted advocacy to LGA and community leaders for implementation of OVC, care and support services and HIV prevention programs in target LGAs.
*Provide technical assistance to the implementing health facilities and target communities on HIV prevention programming, Care and Support including HTC, adherence support systems, and client retention strategies.
*In collaboration with the SCMS lead, monitor stock levels of Prevention, Care and Support commodities and OI drugs in the State and ensure timely procurement and distribution.
*Network with LGA, grantee CSO and community partners in the LGA to establish a functional referral system for clients between clinical and community-based HIV/AIDS services.
*Ensure timely relevant technical support to all grantee CBOs.
*Liaise with the M&E team to ensure functional monitoring, evaluation and reporting of HIV sexual prevention program, care and support/OVC services as required in the project PMPRepresent MSH ProACT project at the state and LGA level on matters of HIV Prevention, OVC and care and support.
*Document programmatic achievements and keep the State Team Leader informed on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis.
*Be part of the state capacity building and supervisory team ensuring quality HIV prevention program, OVC, care and support services are delivered
*Participate in activities to scale-up prevention interventions to target communities

ACCOUNTABILITY:

*Supervision:  Works independently with authority from the State Team Leader, within strategy and policy guidelines.
*Decision Making: Makes decisions with regards to work responsibilities and is accountable for them.
*Responsibility over data or information: Has access to information within project, and is responsible for guiding program data generation and management.

Qualifications

*Nurse with a graduate degree in a public health.  Social Worker with a graduate degree and  extensive experience working with PLHIV may be considered.
*Experience in HIV Sexual prevention programming and working with key populations, preferably in Nigeria. 
*Significant experience in HIV/AIDS Programs with a focus on HIV Care and Support, OVC in resource poor settings in Africa, preferably Nigeria.
*Experience working with CSOs and community structures as well as managing, and supervising allied health professionals.
*Experience with HIV/AIDS programs supported by bilateral agencies such as CDC/USAID and international agencies such as WHO and World Bank preferred, particularly those related to sub granting to CSOs, HTC, treatment adherence and provision for orphans and vulnerable children.
*Excellent oral and written communication skills and fluency in English.

Method of Application

Interested and suitably qualified candidates should click here to apply online.

Other jobs available too.

NURSE AND MIDWIFE SUPERVISORS WITH MSF MAIDUGURI

RECRUITMENT NOTICE

The French Section of Médecins Sans Frontières is recruiting for its project in Maiduguri:

1 NURSE SUPERVISOR

Context

Médecins Sans Frontières is a private, non-profit international humanitarian organization dedicated to providing medical assistance to populations in crisis, without discrimination and regardless of race, religion, creed or political affiliation.

Job Description

Patient care:

*Provision of quality patient care within the facility.
*Ensures that M.S.F. policies and protocols are strictly adhered to at all times.
*Medical orders and instructions are adhered to.
*Proper sterile and aseptic techniques in wound management at all times
*Maintain up to date bed status reports and document patient movements into and out of the unit.
*Report any irregularities and take action to remedy any inconsistencies.

Human resources:

*Maintain appropriate staffing levels at all times.
*Assist with recruitment, orientation and ongoing training of team members.
*Ensure that roster and allocation of staff corresponds with demand.
*Participate in evaluation and performance appraisal of team members.
*Management of the team

Supply:

*Ensure the provision of materials and supplies as required.
*Supervise orders, supplies and consumption of all stock and act on any noted irregularities.
*Maintain documentation that accurately reflects consumption, ordering and supplied stock.
*Ensure that sufficient and appropriate materials are available at all times to complete the required tasks.
*Ensure the correct sorting and storage of medical and non-medical items within the facility.

Requirements

*Nurse and midwifery qualification. *Minimum 2 years of nursing experience and MSF experience is desirable
*Fluency in spoken and written English and Hausa language
*Strong work ethic: punctuality, responsibility and flexibility
*Managerial and organisational capacity, initiative
*Respectful and courteous attitude to staff and patients
*High level of motivation and ability to learn

Work Location

MSF Maiduguri project – Maimusari clinic – NIGERIA

Contract

Local contract – 208 working hours per month and roster flexibility required.

How to Apply

Submit your CV, copies of diplomas, qualifications and a cover letter (with reference NURSJU15) with contact details to: msff-abuja-recruitment@paris.msf.org

Applications can also be submitted in person at the following address: Plot 82, OLD GRA (behind Lagos house) Kolo Road Galtimari, Maiduguri, Borno state, Nigeria

Deadline for the submission of applications: 29th June 2015.

NB: only successful applicants will be called for interview.

 

The French Section of Médecins Sans Frontières is recruiting for its project in Maiduguri:

1 MIDWIFE SUPERVISOR

Context

Médecins Sans Frontières is a private, non-profit international humanitarian organization dedicated to providing medical assistance to populations in crisis, without discrimination and regardless of race, religion, creed or political affiliation.

Job Description

*Supervise and organize the daily activities in the maternity according to MSF policy
*Maintain a high level of organization of all the services
*Ensure the service is always sufficiently staffed to provide quality services
*Ensure protocols are respected
*Ensure high level of hygiene in the ward
*Ensure that all patients in the unit are treated with dignity and respect at all times
*Assist and supervise all medical and non-medical activities in Maternity following MSF protocols
*Adhere to work schedule as per roster and on-call requirements
*Manage the maternity staff
*Manage the pharmacy items and stock
*Manage the medical and non-medical equipment
*Manage the equipment which needs to be sterilized
*Supervise Maternity maintenance in logistic

Requirements

*Nurse and midwifery qualification. *Minimum 2 years of nursing experience and MSF experience is desirable
*Fluency in spoken and written English and Hausa language
*Strong work ethic: punctuality, responsibility and flexibility
*Managerial and organisational capacity, initiative
*Respectful and courteous attitude to staff and patients
*High level of motivation and ability to learn

Work Location

MSF Maiduguri project – Maimusari clinic – NIGERIA

Contract

Local contract – 208 working hours per month and roster flexibility required.

How to Apply   

Submit your CV, copies of diplomas, qualifications and a cover letter (with reference MIDSJU15) with contact details to: msff-abuja-recruitment@paris.msf.org

Applications can also be submitted in person at the following address: Plot 82, OLD GRA (behind Lagos house) Kolo Road Galtimari, Maiduguri, Borno state, Nigeria

Deadline for the submission of applications: 29th June 2015.

 

NB: only successful applicants will be called for interview.

 

Closing Date: 29/06/2015

HIV drugs should be given at diagnosis

HIV drugs should be given at the moment of diagnosis, according to a major trial that could change the way millions of people are treated.
People currently get antiretroviral therapy only when their white blood cell levelsd rop.
But a US-led study has now been cut short as early treatment was so beneficial for patients.
The United Nations Aids agency has called for everyone to get immediate access to the drugs.
Around 35 million people are living with HIV and more than 2 million start antiretroviral therapy each year.
The discovery of drugs to attack the virus has profoundly changed the way the disease is treated.
But there has been fierce debate about when treatment should start.

Timing

World Health Organization guidelines say treatment should start when there are fewer than 500 white blood cells in every cubic millimetre of blood.
The trial on 4,685 people in 35 countries, organised by the US National Institutes of Health, compared this approach with immediate treatment.
The trial started in 2011 and was due to run until the end of 2016.
But an interim analysis of the data showed that cases of Aids, deaths and complications, such as kidney or liver disease, had already been halved by early treatment.

All patients on the trial are now being offered antiretroviral drugs.
The director of NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Anthony Fauci, said: "We now have clear-cut proof that it is of significantly greater health benefit to an HIV-infected person to start antiretroviral therapy sooner rather than later.
"Moreover, early therapy conveys a double benefit, not only improving the health of individuals but at the same time, by lowering their viral load, reducing the risk they will transmit HIV to others.
"These findings have global implications for the treatment of HIV."

Early access

Michel Sidibe, executive director of at UNAids, argued: "Every person living with HIV should have immediate access to life-saving antiretroviral therapy.

"Delaying access to HIV treatment under any pretext is denying the right to health."

Dr Steve Taylor, the lead HIV Consultant at the Birmingham Heartlands HIV Service, told the BBC the trial was hugely important.
"Not least that they will they will change the way HIV treatment is prescribed in the UK and around the world.

"Based on this study, people will be able to access treatment much earlier than currently, which is good for their own health and will reduce HIV transmission."

Deborah Gold, chief executive of the National Aids Trust, said: "These exciting results should dramatically change the approach to treatment for people living with HIV, both in the UK and internationally

BBC.com

State Immunization Consultant at UNICEF Nigeria

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria is supporting the Government of Nigeria to strengthen prevention of and response all forms of violence against children. In particular, assistance will be provided to strengthen the child protection system, including through modelling the system in four States, in order to demonstrate the impact of a well-functioning child protection system, to develop a common model for operationalizing the Child Rights Act at State level and to develop standardized tools, including regulations, working protocols and training manuals to govern the system.

If you are a Nigerian national who is a passionate end committed professional and wants to make a lasting difference for children, the world's organization would like to hear from you.

We are recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Title: State Immunization Consultant

VN No.: VN-NGR-25-2015
Location: Nationwide
Level: Junior Level
Type of Appointment: Special Service Agreement (SSA) for 9 month

Purpose / Objective of the Consultancy
*To support Government of Nigeria in its goal of reducing vaccine preventable diseases through strengthening immunization systems by providing technical support to States' Ministry of Health in the area of polio eradication , other SIAs and routine immunization.
*The incumbent will provide technical support to the State Ministry of Health (State Primary Health Care Development Agency/Board) to accelerate quality implementation of routine immunization as a means to sustain polio eradication in the polio-free states as well as to improve further the reduction in morbidity and mortality from vaccine preventable and other diseases.

Major Tasks to be Accomplished:
*The Consultant will provide technical support to EPI State Team (particularly the social mobilization and Vaccine security committees) on all aspects of routine immunization for both EPI/PEI in the assigned State in line with the UNICEF mandate for vaccine security and social mobilization.

Minimum Qualification
Bachelor's Degree in Business/Health/Material Management/Engineering or equivalent (minimal).
Master's Degree in Public Health/Pharmacology, Business, or Engineering is an advantage.
Experience in managing cold chain system for vaccine or other related medical supplies and providing immunization services is desirable.
At least 5 years progressively professional work experience with at least 2 years at providing technical support in the area of Logistics, supply chain management, cold chain.
Fluency in English.

Application Closing Date
26th March, 2015.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their application, accompanied by an updated CV's in English and a completed United Nations Personal History Form to:nrecruit@unicef.org

HMO NURSE

KBL Healthcare Limited, a reputable Health Maintenance Organistion (HMO) is currently recruiting to fill the following position:

Position: HMO Nurse

Location: Abuja, Nigeria.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Attends to patient and treats patient as required.

Assists the Company Physician during scheduled day of consultation and gives treatment as directed.

Records, updates and controls Employee’s medical/clinic records.

Prepares requisition for medicines and supplies and maintains up-to-date records and actual quantity of the inventory.

Follows Good Manufacturing Practices, safety procedures and guidelines and company rules and regulations.

Informs HR Manager, HR on all matters affecting clinic related activities or services.

Effectively designs, recommends, & implements health and safety programs of the company to ensure zero accident and maintains healthy and sound employees.

Qualifications/Requirements:

RN/Midwifery/Degree Nursing

Below 35 years

Must be a Female

Interested in a career with HMO industry

HMO experience would be an added advantage (not compulsory)

Method of Application:

All potential job applicants should send their CVs and applications to:

info@kblhealthcareng.com

Application Deadline: 13th March, 2015