A review of stakeholders and interventions in Nigeria's electricity sector

In this paper, we explored the interplay between the electricity market structure, methods of electricity trading and different stakeholder dynamics within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) with a view to understanding how these interplays impact on various forms of interventions in the Nigerian electricity sector. We started off by exploring the market structure and electricity trading system within the Nigerian electricity sector and reviewed the various stakeholder groups within centralized and decentralized electricity systems in Nigeria's electricity sector by highlighting their core responsibilities and the dynamics at play in satisfying their interests. This study revealed that: (1) external stakeholder groups (such as donor agencies and multi-lateral organizations) exert more influence in Nigeria's electricity sector through financial interventions; (2) lack of coordination and engagement among various stakeholder groups pose a challenge to effective electricity infrastructure interventions that address the needs of people in society. The study concludes by highlighting the implications of these challenges and the need to address the rising complexities and uncertainties for better stakeholder involvement in addressing the salient challenges in the sector

A standardised Phase III clinical trial framework to assess therapeutic interventions for Lassa fever

BACKGROUND: Only one recommendation currently exists for the treatment of Lassa fever (LF), which is ribavirin administered in conjunction with supportive care. This recommendation is primarily based on evidence generated from a single clinical trial that was conducted more than 30 years ago-the methodology and results of which have recently come under scrutiny. The requirement for novel therapeutics and reassessment of ribavirin is therefore urgent. However, a significant amount of work now needs to be undertaken to ensure that future trials for LF can be conducted consistently and reliably to facilitate the efficient generation of evidence. METHODOLOGY: We convened a consultation group to establish the position of clinicians and researchers on the core components of future trials. A Core Eligibility Criteria (CEC), Core Case Definition (CCD), Core Outcome Set (COS) and Core Data Variables (CDV) were developed through the process of a multi-stakeholder consultation that took place using a modified-Delphi methodology. RESULTS: A consensus position was achieved for each aspect of the framework, which accounts for the inclusion of pregnant women and children in future LF clinical trials. The framework consists of 8 core criteria, as well as additional considerations for trial protocols. CONCLUSIONS: This project represents the first step towards delineating the clinical development pathway for new Lassa fever therapeutics, following a period of 40 years without advancement. Future planned projects will bolster the work initiated here to continue the advancement of LF clinical research through a regionally-centred, collaborative methodology, with the aim of delineating a clear pathway through which LF clinical trials can progress efficiently and ensure sustainable investments are made in research capacity at a regional level

Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness among Pregnant Women in a Secondary Health Facility in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Background. Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BP/CR) concept is based on the premise that preparing for birth and being ready for complications reduce all three phases of delay to a bad obstetric outcome. Objectives. To determine the knowledge of BP/CR with its determinants and BP/CR index among pregnant women in Abakaliki, southeast Nigeria. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was done between 1st March 2019 and 31st July 2019 among 450 randomly selected antenatal attendees at Mile Four Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria. The data were obtained using a pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire adapted from the maternal and neonatal health program handbook of the Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynaecology and Obstetrics (JHPIEGO). The data obtained were analyzed using percentages, chi-square, and odds ratios. The level of significance is at P value 0.05). However, only booking in the 1st or 2nd trimester was a significant determinant of the respondent’s adequate knowledge of BP (AOR=0.63, 95% CI 0.40-0.98) and CR (AOR=0.62, 95% CI 0.39-0.97). Identification of transport and saving of money was the commonest birth plan while the commonest danger sign known to the participants was bleeding. Conclusion. This study revealed that knowledge of BP/CR is suboptimal. The determinant of this knowledge is antenatal booking. It is recommended that women should have adequate antenatal care education to improve their knowledge of BP/CR. This will help to increase the low BP/CR index seen in our study