By Ngozi Nwoke
One of the high points of the 2023 Annual General Meeting of the Lagos State Medicine Dealers Association (LSMDA) was that it offered perspectives and created awareness on various factors that cause health challenges. This is in line with its theme: “Unifying partnership for effective quality health care services delivery.”
Mrs. Dike Uju, general secretary of Mushin chapter of the association, spoke on hepatitis B. According to her, it is a deadly virus that can be transmitted from mother to child during child birth, unprotected sex with an infected partner and unsterilised sharp objects.
She said: “Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease. The virus is commonly transmitted from mother to child during birth and delivery. In early childhood, as well as through contact with blood or other bloody fluids during sex with an infected partner, unsafe injections or exposures to sharp instruments.
“WHO estimates that 296 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B infection in 2019, with 1.5 million infections each year. In 2019, hepatitis B resulted in an estimated 820,000 deaths mostly from cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer). Hepatitis B can be prevented by vaccines that are safe, available and effective.
“Hepatitis B is commonly spread from mother to child at birth especially from infected mother to an uninfected child during five years of life. Hepatitis B is also spread by needle stick injury, tattooing, piercing and exposure to infected blood and body fluids such as saliva, menstrual, vaginal and seminal fluids. Transmission of virus may also occur through reuse of contaminated needles and syringes or sharp objects.
“Most people do not experience any symptoms when newly infected. Some people have acute illness with symptoms that last several weeks such as yellowing of the skin and eyes(jaundice),dark urine, feeling tired, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Acute hepatitis B can lead to death. Although most people will recover from acute illness. Finally, I encourage the general public to be health wise.”
Prince Unadike Oto also noted that bad breath, which is medically called halitosis, can be embarrassing. He said: “Bad breath is medically called halitosis. It can result from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Bad breath can also be made worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits.
“Halitosis most often starts in the mouth . Poor oral hygiene allows food particles to collect on the surface of the tongue between the teeth or along the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth. Naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth odour down those food particles releasing chemicals that have a strong odour.
“Saliva helps wash food particles from your mouth. Thus people with dry mouth are at an increased risk of experiencing bad breath. Some medications, mouth breathing and smoking all can contribute to dry mouth. Infections in the mouth, such as dental caries (tooth decay) periodontal (gum) disease or mouth sores related to other conditions may contribute to bad breath. Surgical wounds from extracted teeth also can be a source of halitosis.
“The bacteria film called plaque that occurs naturally in your mouth can build up if not removed regularly through good oral hygiene practices. The bacteria in plaque gives off an odour that affects your breath. Diet is a common bad breath culprit.
“Food such as garlic and onions, in particular, can foul your breath. Once your food is digested, chemicals that cause odour can be absorbed into our bloodstream and from there into your lungs. These chemicals that are exhaled. Diets high in protein and sugar also have been associated with bad breath. Bad breath can be by-product of certain health conditions; it may result from infection in the nose, throat or lungs: chronic sinusitis post nasal drip, chronic bronchitis: or disturbance in your digestive system.
“Almost all causes of bad breath and taste disorders involve a group of anaerobic sulphur producing bacteria that live below the surface of the tongue, in the throat often in the tonsils and between the teeth. Causes of bad breath includes, dry mouth, post nasal drip, high protein diet like red meat, beans, smoking, alcohol, in beverages or in your mouth wash, hormonal changes, medications which have dry mouth effects, excessive use of old fashioned oral products containing alcohol and sodium lauryl sulphate.
“The best way to treat bad breath is to practice good oral hygiene, mechanical reduction of malodor (bad breath) can be achieved by reducing the intraoral bacteria count by disrupting the tongue biofilm, thus decreasing the production of volatile organic compounds (VOC), (VSC). The common methods include tongue brushing, tongue scraping, chewing gum and mouthwash.
“Flossing the inter dental surfaces and brushing the teeth helps in the reduction of microflora. Brush your teeth three times a day, massage the gum and tongue with the tooth brush, mix one teaspoon of salt to a glass of water and gargle with this three times daily. Mix a pinch of baking soda to your toothpaste, it keeps away bad breath. Drink a cup of unsweetened black tea as this also remove the mouth bacteria.
“Preventing bad breath is always easier than treating it. By developing the right habit, you can effectively help prevent it. Eat food rich in fibre and use mouth wash. Drink green and black teas, Avoid drying medication, clean your mouth after eating meat, fish or dairy products. Stop smoking, breathe through your nose instead of your mouth and drink water.”
Earlier, in his address, the president of the association, Chief Alphonsus Okoroji, noted that the government, regulatory bodies and members of the LSMDA need to achieve a reformed and improved distribution channel in the pharmaceutical products, adding that this is the time when advocacy should be valued over every other paradigm of policy implementation.
Okoroji said: “It gives me great pleasure to cordially welcome you to this most apex event of LSMDA, our Annual General Meeting tagged, ‘unifying partnership for effective quality healthcare services delivery’ As the holy book says, there is time for everything. The executive appreciates the tireless efforts of all members in meeting the health care needs of our communities. Their contributions have undoubtedly helped the wellbeing and prosperity of our society.
“Amidst the challenges, your resilience and unwavering spirit continued to positively impact the lives of countless individuals. Through your commitments to providing quality products and services, you have become in our collective pursuit of a healthier and stronger Lagos state. This Annual General Meeting presents a significant opportunity for Lagos State Medicine Dealers Association to strategize for the future. As 2023 brings new possibilities and aspirations, it is crucial that we utilize this platform to collaborate, exchange ideasß and renew our commitment to excellence.
“Through fostering unity and collaboration among members, the association has consistently set the benchmark for professionalism and ethics in the pharmaceutical sector. I encourage you all to continue nurturing this strong foundation, ensuring that every decision made during the AGM is driven by the best interests of quality service delivery. I thank the 2023 AGM organizing committee for their commitments and efforts that have resulted in our gathering here today. God bless you.
“I extend my best wishes for a successful AGM. May your discussions be productive, your connections strengthened, and your vision emboldened. Together, let us pave the way for a brighter future, where the Lagos State Medicine Dealers Association continues to lead with integrity, compassion and unwavering healthcare accessibility.”
The treasurer of the association, Mr. Chukwu Emeka Agwu, said: “LSMDA is a prominent cornerstone of the pharmaceutical industry in Lagos State. Your dedication and commitment to ensuring the availability of life-saving medications have been commendable. It gives me immense pleasure to witness this momentous occasion and extend my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you. Your tireless efforts in meeting the healthcare needs of our communities have undoubtedly contributed to the wellbeing and prosperity of society.
“Amidst the challenges that the medicine dealers industry faces, your resilience and unwavering spirit continue to positively impact the lives of countless individuals. Through your commitment to providing quality products and services, you have become an indispensable asset in our collective pursuit of a healthier and stronger Lagos State.
“This AGM presents a significant opportunity for the Lagos State Medicine Dealers Association to come together, celebrate achievements, address concerns, and strategize for the future. As 2023 brings new possibilities and aspirations, it is crucial we utilize this platform to collaborate, exchange ideas and renew our commitment to excellence. I encourage you all to continue nurturing this strong foundation, ensuring that every decision made during this AGM is driven by the best interests of our members and the wider community you serve.
“We are grateful for a successful and fruitful AGM. All our discussions will be productive for the growth of the association. Together, we shall pave the way for a brighter future, where the Lagos State Medicine Dealers Association continues to lead with integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication to improving healthcare accessibility. Thank you for your outstanding contributions towards the betterment of our society. I look forward to witnessing the remarkable outcomes of this momentous gathering.”
Mr. Hope Udodinma, the secretary general of the association, said: “We acknowledge your support, which culminated in the success of this event. We also appreciate your presence which cannot be quantified. You all are wonderful people. Regards also to the many companies that in spite of the crunchy economic situation still believe in LSMDA as they continue to partner with us. May the Almighty crown your efforts with success and grant you your heart desires. We wish you journey mercies to your destinations.”