NIGERIAN SCIENTIST DEVELOPS CANCER DRUGS FROM AFRICAN PLANTS

Mansurah Abdulazeez discusses how her visionary plant research could help in fight against tumours
Mansurah Abdulazeez is a molecular biologist at the Center for Biotechnology Research, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria. Her research aims to identify potent anticancer agents in African plants. Last November, the government of Spain awarded her their Science by Women Fellowship. And in June, she won a Nigerian National Research Grant of N31 million (US $86,000) from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund. The journal Nature asked Abdulazeez about her life and research.

What can you tell us about your scientific background?
Growing up, I always enjoyed science. I originally wanted to become a medical doctor, but I ended up studying biochemistry during my undergraduate studies at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Nigeria. I got my master’s degree, and then my PhD there, studying antihypertensive and anticancer activities of African plants. I was also a visiting scholar at Chiang Mai University in Thailand for six months as part of my PhD research.

What does your research focus on?
My research is aimed at identifying potent, safe and effective anticancer agents from Nigerian plants. We have screened and confirmed the cytotoxic activities of extracts of the drumstick (Moringa oleifera) and soursop (Annona muricata) trees as well as the native Nigerian shrub Peristrophe bicalyculata on cervical carcinoma and fetal lung carcinoma cell lines. We also studied what anticancer mechanisms these plants exhibit. We found that these plants act in the body through a variety of mechanisms — there is no single mode of action for all plants.

Why is the study of African plants important for cancer research?
It is well documented that these plants have an enormous, largely unstudied anticancer potential. Research into herbs such as Guiera senegalensis, which is used by traditional African healers and known as ‘Sabara’ by locals, has led to the discovery of several anticancer drugs. In my view, this demonstrates how the study of African plants can result in the development of valuable drugs.

What is your advice to young African women who want to pursue science?
Participate in local and international conferences that are relevant to your fields of study, so as to keep yourself updated on cutting-edge research tools, methodologies and funding opportunities. Always ask for support from senior colleagues — and family members — whenever you need it. Remain focused, tenacious and hard working.

NHIS to deploy robust ICT to drive reforms for rapid transformation- Prof. Sambo

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) says it will deploy a robust Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to drive fundamental reforms that will transform the scheme into a result-oriented public institution.

The Executive Secretary, Prof. Mohammed Sambo said this during when he visited the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Dr. Ibrahim Oloriegbe at the National Assembly complex, in Abuja.

Mr Ayo Osinlu Head, Media & Public Relations disclosed this in a statement, on Thursday in Abuja. Osinlu said Sambo, who assumed office on July 15, had continued to inspire internal and external support for the scheme, by series of consultations aimed at building consensus around the reforms.

Sambo, while intimating the senator of his reforms and strategy, said the deployment of ICT, would solve 80 per cent of unacceptable transparency challenges in the processes.
He added that such equipment would further afford the scheme the platforms for effective, real-time monitoring and evaluation.
“The process for the fundamental reforms will transform NHIS into a result-oriented public institution, well positioned for its mandate as a catalyst for socio-economic and human capital development.
“The reforms are anchored on the tripod of three-point Rebranding Agenda, including value reorientation, transparency and accountability, while accelerating the drive to achieving universal access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians,’’ sambo said.
He further highlighted ten action points from the white paper on Independent Fact Finding Panel, investigated during the recent crisis in the organisation as additional undertakings of government which aimed at repositioning the scheme.
This, he said, would particularly be in the areas of staff audit, financial management systems, procurement, internal audit and labour relations.
The NHIS Boss, however, requested the assistance of the senate committee on health, through legislative and advocacy engagements, for ongoing efforts to rebrand and reposition NHIS to operate effectively as the nation’s healthcare delivery system.
In his remark, Oloriegbe congratulated the NHIS executive secretary, describing his appointment as critical for the agency and the nation especially at this time.
Oloriegbe said there was mounting pressure for practical and quick results from the organisation under the new leadership.
He, however, promised the consistent support of the committee and the 9th senate, which he described as “a better assembly that works for the people.”
Oloriegbe advised the NHIS boss to give immediate attention to challenges of the scheme, particularly in areas of human resources, stakeholder interests and minimal coverage.