Annual Report 2017

Annual Report 2017

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Together, we shall BEAT ASTHMA

 Annual Report 2017

CONTENTS
Review of 2017 and Prospects for 2018 ......................................................................................... 1
Amaka Chiwuike-Uba Foundation (ACUF)................................................................................... 3
Identity, Vision and Mission.................................................................................................. 3
Vision 3
Mission 3
Governance and Management................................................................................................ 3
Strategic Approaches ............................................................................................................. 4
Centres of Excellence ............................................................................................................ 4

Center for Asthma, Allergy and Respiratory Conditions (CAARC) .................................4

Centre for Innovation, Youth, Rural and Sustainable Development (CIYRSD)...............5
Centre for Leadership and Global Education (CeLGE).....................................................5
Programmes, Projects and Activities in 2017 ................................................................................. 6
Research................................................................................................................................. 6

Review of Previous Studies on Assessment of Facilities and Resources available for

Asthma Management in Nigeria ........................................................................................6
Education and Training.......................................................................................................... 8
Advocacy, Policy Analysis and Dialogues ............................................................................ 9

The Amaka Chiwuike-Uba Annual Asthma Conference...................................................9

Radio/TV On-Air Programmes........................................................................................11
Development and Production of Factsheets and Information Fliers................................12
Networking and Partnerships............................................................................................... 13

Volunteers and Associates ...............................................................................................13

Partnerships......................................................................................................................13

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REVIEW OF 2017 AND PROSPECTS FOR 2018

During the year 2017, research, education and training and advocacy were predominantly
the programmes of the Foundation. Activities in the year commenced with the research and
studies on the assessment of previous studies on the ‘Assessment of Facilities and
Resources available for Asthma Management in Nigeria’. The review commenced in
February in 2017 with the findings from the studies forming the background for the theme
of the 1st Amaka Chiwuike-Uba Annual Asthma Conference held in July 2017.

The successful implementation of the studies was climaxed by the production of the first-
ever documentary on Asthma in Nigeria, titled “Together, we shall BEAT ASTHMA’ which
was presented at the Asthma Conference on July 2017. The period leading to the
Conference was very challenging.

The research and annual asthma conference have impacted significantly on the country in
many ways. It has led to an increased awareness on asthma prevalence, causes and
management, with over 90% impact on the knowledge of asthma among the conference
participants. Furthermore, the competency to manage asthma was impacted positively by
over 90% among the Conference participants as a result of the information shared during
the conference. Among other thing, stimulation of demand for implementation of health
reforms, sustained evidence-based stakeholder dialogues for asthma management facilities
and resources improvement were catalyzed following the findings from the research. While
the study was implemented through close collaboration with Knowledge and Policy
Management Initiative and the Human Rights Volunteer Corps, the annual asthma
conference was organized in collaboration with Nigerian Medical Association, Nigerian
Thoracic Society, Knowledge and Policy Management Initiative and the Human Rights
Volunteer Corps. The GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) supported the Conference with a donation of
70 units of Peak Flow Meters.

Besides the research and annual asthma conference programme, the year 2017 recorded
milestones in other programmes of the Foundation. There was considerable progress in
other areas including education and training, advocacy, networking and partnerships. The
Foundation developed, published and disseminated factsheets, asthma information fliers
and newsletters. The Education and training programmes continued under the Schools
Asthma Awareness Creation programme, with visits to some schools in Enugu and Imo
States of Nigeria. Meanwhile, the ACUF Newsletter which made its debut in the year 2017
proved to be a valuable tool of communication and feedback with stakeholders. During the
year 2017, ACUF also featured in many radio live phone-in programmes in Asaba, Abuja,
Owerri and Enugu. On the other hand, getting the funding to carry out the proposed
programmes, projects and activities of the Foundation effectively remained a major
challenge. There were myriad logistics and coordination problems which diminished

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research, intellectual and programmatic outputs. The situation underscores the need for
institutional strengthening, development of infrastructure, enhanced human resources and
better, more predictable funding to ensure more robust, sustained and longer-term
organizational development and programming.

The prospects for 2018 look very positive. There is large scope for greater programming
opportunities, interventions and research in the increasing demand for research and
analytical work as bases for public policy and as evidence tool for advocacy by private sector
and civil society groups. The expected milestones for the year 2018 include the
establishment of Asthma Crisis Management Centres in at least three States in each of the
geo-political zones, the continuation of the Physicians Asthma Management Education
(PAME), Asthma and Respiratory Management Workshop for Practice Nurses, Schools’
Education and Training Workshops on Asthma Management, Radio and TV Programmes on
Asthma, Development, Printing and Distribution of Asthma Management Toolkit and
Handbook, Development, Printing and Distribution of Asthma Basics for Children,
Development, Printing and Distribution of Educational Resources and Forms (manuals,
action plans, reference cards, factsheets, etc) on asthma, Bringing Youth to Services and
Youth Entrepreneurship Projects.

The landmark steps for laying the sustainable framework for organizing Amaka Chiwuike-
Uba Annual Asthma Conference is expected to be concluded in 2018 and the 2 nd Annual
Asthma Conference held in July 2018. Also, it is envisaged that ACUF will enter into
sustainable long-term collaborative programming with other organizations, particularly the
Nigerian Medical Association, Nigerian Thoracic Society, the Nigerian Alliance for Non-
communicable Diseases to carry out the programmes of the Foundation and also develop
materials for health sector reforms in Nigeria.

In order to remain dynamic and proactive, the Foundation will articulate a five-year strategic
plan, 2019-2024. By the strategic plan, the Foundation will enunciate the framework guide
for institutional strengthening and programming during the five year period. The framework
will proffer critical niche strategies, programme thrusts and implementation models to
enhance and sustain ACUF’s vision, mission and objects.

Furthermore, the Foundation will continue to develop its information and communication
technology (ICT) resources for improved networking capabilities. We shall work to develop
more strategic sources of funding in order to ensure sustainable long-term programming.

Together, we shall BEAT ASTHMA and improve the quality of life of people.

Chiwuike Uba, CPA, FCNA

Executive Director

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AMAKA CHIWUIKE-UBA FOUNDATION (ACUF)

IDENTITY, VISION AND MISSION

The Amaka Chiwuike-Uba Foundation (ACUF) was registered as an Incorporated Trustee by the
Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria in 2016. It is established in memory of Mrs.
Amaka Chiwuike-Uba, as a not-for-profit, non-partisan, non-governmental and charitable
organization devoted to improving the quality of life of people; especially, helping those with
asthma and other respiratory diseases live a better life.

ACUF carries out its objectives through facilitation of evidence-based socio-economic research,
policy dialogues/advocacy, training and education and networking.

VISION
The Foundation envisions a society with better breathing, better living, and a happier,
united and prosperous people.

MISSION
The Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life of people; especially, those with
asthma, allergy and other respiratory diseases through research, education and training,
networking and advocacy.

GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The Foundation has Board of Trustees, comprising internationally accomplished and
respected persons and professionals. ACUF’s head office is in Enugu, south-east Nigeria. It is
headed by an Executive Director, working with a good number of programme, research and
administrative staff. A key approach to executing its programmes is through a network of
local and international experts who are affiliated to ACUF as Volunteers, Associates and
Members of International Advisory Council. Most of the Volunteers and Associates are
medical practitioners and other professionals with at least a Degree in Social Sciences,
Management or related disciplines. By end of 2017, the Foundation has Thirty Nine (39)
Volunteers and Associates, mostly medical practitioners and other professionals, each with
at least a Masters Degree in Social Sciences and related Disciplines.

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STRATEGIC APPROACHES
ACUF broad programme objectives are carried out through four major Strategic Approaches
of Research, Education & Training, Advocacy, Policy Analysis & Dialogues; and Networks &
Partnerships.

Responsive and proactive research- critical socioeconomic, health/clinical and allied

research to extend the frontiers of knowledge as well as provide evidence for
informed policymaking.

Facilitating links and dialogue between policymakers and key stakeholders including
private sector and civil society.

Convening expert forums on key medical, socioeconomic and development

questions.

Sub-national, National and International Networking and Collaboration.

Provision of educational resources that inform patients, medical practitioners and

the general public about latest clinical advances, management and treatment
options for asthma disorders.

Provision of technical assistance for policy and institutional reforms, training and
capacity building.

CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE
To effectively and strategically carryout the programmes, projects and activities of the
Foundation, ACUF established three Centres of Excellence, as follows:

Center for Asthma, Allergy and Respiratory Conditions (CAARC)

The Centre for Asthma, Allergy and Respiratory Conditions (CAARC) is focused primarily, to
educate, advocate and provide services to those suffering from asthma (including their
families and caregivers) to better manage asthma. CAARC stimulates and facilitates research
(independent and collaborative), education and training, workshops and community events
relevant to the prevention and management of asthma and other respiratory diseases. The
outputs from the research are, in addition to, direct impact on patients’ asthma
management, inform, inspire and influence policies.

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Centre for Innovation, Youth, Rural and Sustainable Development (CIYRSD)

CIYRSD is established to facilitate innovations in science and technology by creating a
purpose driven and effective channel to help industries and business establishments to
compete and prosper in the face of global competition, turbulent market conditions and fast
moving technologies by providing high-quality, independent analysis and innovative and
practical recommendations. CIYRSD maintain and develop the relationship business-training
in the latest development areas of knowledge for achieving the strategic objectives of
poverty reduction, inclusive growth and sustainable development. CIYRSD works on
processes of innovation and change through facilitating innovation, brokering knowledge
and supporting capacity development.

Centre for Leadership and Global Education (CeLGE)

The Centre for Leadership and Global Education (CeLGE) is focused on improving the
education and competencies of private and public leaders; including artisans, professionals,
executives and managers at global levels. It equips leaders to rise above barriers and
provides global experiences to leaders. CeLGE collaborates with other institutions of higher
education, non-profit organizations, business, churches and others to design customized
international leadership and education programs and trainings.

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PROGRAMMES, PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES IN 2017

RESEARCH

Review of Previous Studies on Assessment of Facilities and Resources available for

Asthma Management in Nigeria

Purpose and Objectives

The basic purpose of the study is to promote evidence-based advocacy for health reforms in
Nigeria, most especially, on issues related to asthma and asthma management. Within this
setting, the study seeks to provide comprehensive and authoritative assessment of asthma
management environment in Nigeria, with emphasis in Enugu. The assessment will provide
the evidence tool for more informed, credible and effective advocacy by asthma patients,
medical practitioners, and civil society organizations. The goal is to stimulate reforms in the
policy, regulatory and institutional environment for asthma management in Nigeria.

Project Components
The study consists of four mutually reinforcing and complementary components. The four
components include research, survey, dissemination and advocacy. The research
component involves the review of previous studies on assessments of facilities and
resources for asthma management in Nigeria. The survey component involves regular quick
surveys to collect, collate and analyze data on availability of basic asthma management
home facilities and medicines in pharmaceutical shops across the states, as well as empirical
evaluation of the indicators for asthma management. The dissemination component
involves the development and publication of reports and documentary on the availability of
facilities for asthma management. The reports would then be communicated to elicit
feedback and utilization. The advocacy component involves the establishment of
mechanisms for the engagement and dialogue between public and private sector and civil
society (including asthma patients and their families).

The principal partners in the Study are the Foundation, Human Rights Volunteer Corps and
Knowledge ad Policy Management Initiative (KAPOMI)

The major findings and achievements of study are as follows:

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Findings
The review of previous studies showed that 1 facilities and human resources in Nigerian
hospitals were not enough to support standard internally endorsed resources for asthma
care. Most tertiary hospitals in Nigeria lacked the services of respiratory physicians,
internists and pediatricians. In addition, available basic infrastructures were asthma clinics
(0%), clinic registers (20.6%), and hospital protocol (17.6%), doctor’s attendance of asthma
CME (8.8%) and nurse educator with a bias for asthma (14.7%). Furthermore, only 38% of
tertiary hospitals had peak flow meter, 29.4% had spirometer, 15.6% had skin allergy test
kits, and 38.2% had pulse oximeter while 17.6% had arterial blood gases analyser. Nebuliser
and spacer were available in 41.2% and 20.6% of tertiary hospitals respectively. Oral short
acting beta 2 agonist (SABA) was available in 79.4% of the hospitals and 79.4% had
glucocorticosteroid. Others were theophyllines (76.5%), SABA (metered-dose inhaler MDI:
76.5%, Nebules: 35.3%). Long acting beta 2 agonist (LABA) and steroid fixed dose
combination inhaler (50%) was available in 50% of tertiary hospitals. Glucocorticosteroid
nasal spray was available in 33.3% of tertiary hospital and <10% reported the availability of
anti-cholinergic and chromoglycate inhaler and oral leukotriene antagonist. Standard
oxygen delivery system and self-educational support materials were available in 52.9% of
tertiary hospital. In Enugu, no pharmacy has spirometer and oximeter in stock. Most of the
pharmacies in Enugu have Ventolin tablet, inhaler and nebules. The implication of the above
situation is that if any asthma crisis arises, the chances of attending to and maybe, saving
the life of the patient is slim.

Achievements
Increased stakeholder awareness on asthma and various options for asthma
management.

Stimulated the demand for implementation of reforms in various areas of health

reforms in the states;

Improved informational resources for evidence-based advocacy for good health

governance and facilities;

Engendered greater interest and action in removing asthma triggers in our

environment among the citizens;

Revealed the latent data weaknesses and inadequacies in the various private, state
and government hospitals, including ministries, departments and agencies;

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Desalu OO, Onyedum CC, Iseh KR, Salawu FK, Salami AK. Asthma in Nigeria: Are the facilities and
resources available to support internationally endorsed standards of care? Health Policy 2011;99:250-4.

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Catalyzed sustained evidence-based stakeholder dialogue for improving facilities and
resources for asthma management at state level; and

Increased the prospects for peer review and coordination between the medical
practitioners and State’s ministries of health

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

During the year, the Foundation organized Spirometer Training Course on the Application,
Measurement and Interpretation of Spirometry for Practice on October 17, 2017.

The Foundation also visited some schools in Enugu to educate the students on Asthma
Triggers, ways to avoid the triggers and various options for asthma management. Some of
the schools visited were:

Brightland International Academy Enugu

ACUF visited Brightland International Academy, Enugu on 6 th November 2017. Brightland
Academy has a student population of over 200 pupils. After the general lecture and
interactive session between ACUF and the students and teachers on asthma and asthma
management, a special session was held with about 10 of students who are suffering from
asthma on options on asthma management and inhaler usage techniques.

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th
Bishop Otubelu Juniorate, Enugu - 9 November, 2017

Graceland College Enugu – 15th November, 2017

ADVOCACY, POLICY ANALYSIS AND DIALOGUES

During the year, ACUF intensified its national and international networking and outreach
programs with partner and collaborating institutions, both within and outside the country. The
Foundation organized and participated in several national and international conferences and
workshops. Some of these conferences are given below.

The Amaka Chiwuike-Uba Annual Asthma Conference

Background
The flagship annual asthma conference of the Foundation tagged the 1st Amaka Chiwuike-
Uba Annual Asthma Conference held at Roban Hotels, Enugu on the 6 th of July 2016 with the
theme: Improving the quality of life of Nigerians: The role of timely and accurate diagnosis
and management of asthma.
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The Conference organized by ACUF in collaboration with the Nigerian Medical Association,
Nigerian Thoracic Society, Human Rights Volunteer Corps and the Knowledge and Policy
Management Initiative was chaired by Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’abba (former Speaker, House
of Representatives), had H.E. Dr. Emmanuel E. Uduaghan as the Distinguished Guest of
Honour and in attendance were the Minister for Health, Minister for Education and the
Minister for Science and Technology.

With an attendance of over 350 participants, the Conference enjoyed huge media
reportage--- over 700 media mentions by media organisations in Nigeria and outside Nigeria
(including the Reuters, yahoo news, fox news, etc).

Objectives of the Conference

The Conference’s overall objective was to provide a platform/forum to brainstorm and
share information the diagnosis and management of asthma and other respiratory diseases
as well as make recommendations to the government on ways to improve the quality of
lives of those suffering from asthma.

Conference Main Activities

The Conference featured presentations on Diagnosis and Management of Asthma by a
renowned Pulmonary Specialists. The presentations were followed by a series of discussions
and analyses by a select group of discussants/experts who responded to the presentations
from their own base of knowledge, experience and expertise. The Conference also had
questions and answers session as well as action planning session.

Achievements and Impact of the Conference

Awareness creation on the prevalence and causes of asthma. More than 90% of the
Conference participants reported that the Conference highly impacted on their
knowledge of asthma

Review and evaluation of the progresses and challenges in the diagnosis and
management of asthma. In realization of the challenges in the diagnosis and
management of asthma, ACUF in collaboration with the Nigerian Medical
Association, Imo State branch is establishing the first Asthma Crisis Management
Centre in Owerri. The Centre will be commissioned in 2018;

Education and training to both those suffering from asthma and those in the position
of managing asthma patients (health care providers, schools, etc) on various ways to
manage asthma. More than 90% of Conference participants reported that the
Conference impacted positively on the competence to manage asthma. In addition,

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over 84% of non-respiratory specialist doctors in attendance, agreed that there are
needs and professional practice gaps amongst non-pulmonary specialists in the
diagnosis and management of asthma;

Diagnosis and provision of asthma medications and management equipment to

those suffering from asthma. 100% of participants who identified themselves as
suffering from asthma received free Peak Flow Meters. The Peak Flow Meters were
donated to the Foundation by the GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Nigeria ; and

Articulation and submission of actionable policy recommendations to the

government to promote improvement in facilities and human resources in Nigerian
hospitals. More than 85% of the participants who are medical practitioners and
heads of government ministries, departments and agencies reported that the
conference recommendations on policy and alternatives have very high impact and
applicable to health policy reforms.

In the flagship Conference, ACUF participated in other Conferences held in Nigeria during
the year under review. Some of the Conferences are as follows:

The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room Strategy Meeting on the State of the Nation
held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja on October 2017

AfriHeritage’s Big Ideas Podium on Electricity: Key Ingredient to Nigeria’s Economic

Development and Unity held on 26th June 2017

Radio/TV On-Air Programmes

Addressing the health information needs of the society requires a multi-stranded approach
to building infrastructural and institutional capacity for providing content. This also requires
the recognition of the practical and cost effective technologies that people (especially the

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poor and illiterate) use to obtain information and its strategic role in realizing better health
outcomes in the society. Evidently, radio provides a focus for community discussion and
dialogue (including everyday social communication practices, gossip, debate, chat, etc).
Therefore, health information may be passed from radio listeners to non-listeners and in the
process the boundaries between targeted risk groups, audiences and wider societal impacts
may be closed and make targeted outcomes easier.

In recognition of the identified critical role of radio and tv on achieving health outcomes,
ACUF embarked on massive radio programmes in 2017. To ensure effective communication
and interactions, the radio programmes were live and a phone-in programmes tagged
‘Together, we shall BEAT ASTHMA’.

The following live radio phone-in programmes were held in 2017.

An hour programme on Dream FM, Enugu, 29th June 2017

An hour programme on Solid FM, Enugu, 4th July 2017
An hour programme on Hot FM, Abuja on 17th August, 2017
An hour programme on DBS, Asaba on 5th September, 2017
An hour programme on Bridge FM, Asaba on 5th Sept. 2017
An hour programme on Hot FM, Owerri on 7th Sept. 2017

Impact of the Radio Programmes

Most listeners who called in during the programme confirmed that their knowledge of
asthma and the triggers of asthma increased; hence, an enhanced knowledge on ways to
manage asthma. The programme also increased citizens’ demand for improved facilities for
asthma diagnosis and management from their respective state governments. This
apparently made our discussions with some of the State’s Commissioners of Health during
our courtesy visits.

Development and Production of Factsheets and Information Fliers

As part of the advocacy tools, ACUF developed, produced and disseminated many factsheets
and information fliers on asthma and asthma management in 2017. Ten thousand (10,000)
copies of asthma information flier were produced and disseminated during the annual
asthma conference and during our schools asthma education and awareness programme.

In addition, weekly factsheets on asthma were produced and disseminated through social
media platforms and handles.

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Achievements
Increase in demand for information and educational resources on asthma by the
public from ACUF

More pulmonary experts are volunteering to work with ACUF to develop more
education and training materials for information and guidance purposes. We are
currently working on Asthma Management toolkit for children and adult. The toolkit
will be launched in 2018.

Increase in the self-identification as asthma patients from people suffering from

asthma, as a result of trust on and for ACUF programmes.

NETWORKING AND PARTNERSHIPS

Volunteers and Associates

The programmes of the Foundation connect Volunteers and Associates with the various
programme network/ groups. The Foundation networks Volunteers and Associates is a novel
scientific networking arrangement that provides rich opportunities for intellectual self-
enhancement, academic interaction and mutual learning. The Foundation provides needed
peer networking facilities, training and capacity building, quality assurance, administrative
coordination and scientific supervision. By the Foundation’s programme network, Volunteers
and Associates have a credible platform for international networking with scientific institutions,
research organizations and professional and civil societies.

Partnerships
The Foundation in 2017 established collaborations/partnerships with the following Institutions:
Solid FM, Enugu
Hot FM, Abuja
Hot FM, Owerri
Dream 92.5 FM, Enugu
Bridge FM, Asaba
Daily Trust Newspapers, Abuja
Urban Radio, Enugu
The Human Rights Volunteers Corps (HRVC)
The Knowledge and Policy Management Initiative (KAPOMI)
The Nigerian Thoracic Society (NTS)
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) – National
The Nigerian Medical Association, Enugu State branch
The Nigerian Medical Association, Imo State branch

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