Lifestyle - Women Times

5 Times When Women are More at Risk of Blood Clots

by Women Times on August 3, 2023

Thrombosis, or blood clotting, can affect people of all ages, races, and genders. And while both men and women are at risk of getting a blood clot, there are several stages in a woman’s life when that risk may be higher.

Thrombosis is the formation of blood clots in the circulatory system, which can be dangerous if the clot blocks blood flow to vital organs, causing serious complications, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).

According to the World Thrombosis Day (WTD) campaign, blood clots can happen to anyone at any time. Surgery, hospitalisation, and cancer raise the risk for everyone, but certain ages and factors in a woman’s life increase the possibility of getting a thrombosis.

Pregnancy
In general, women may be at a slightly higher risk of developing thrombosis during a pregnancy and shortly after delivery. A woman’s body undergoes significant hormonal changes when she is pregnant, says Dr. Helen Okoye, a leading Nigerian thrombosis specialist who is part of the World Thrombosis Day (WTD) steering committee.

“A pregnant woman’s blood becomes more prone to clotting to prevent excessive bleeding during childbirth, which places her at an increased risk of a DVT and PE. The risk of thrombosis remains elevated for a few weeks after childbirth. During this time, the body slowly returns to its pre-pregnancy state, and the risk of clotting decreases gradually,” explains Dr. Okoye.

Hormonal contraceptives
Some forms of hormonal contraceptives, particularly those containing estrogen, can also increase the risk of blood clot formation, although the risk is generally considered low. Women who use combined oral contraceptives (containing both estrogen and progestin) or hormone-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs) may be at a slightly higher risk of thrombosis.

Hormone replacement therapy

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves taking hormones to alleviate menopausal symptoms and manage hormonal imbalances. Women undergoing HRT may have an increased risk of thrombosis, particularly if the therapy includes estrogen, says Dr. Okoye. “Although the risk of thrombosis with HRT is generally low, it is higher than in women who are not taking hormone therapy. The risk may also be more for women who have additional risk factors, such as a personal or family history of blood clots, obesity, or a sedentary lifestyle. If you are using or considering HRT, discuss the potential risks with your healthcare provider,” advises Dr Okoye.

Medical conditions

Certain medical conditions, such as obesity and some inherited blood clotting disorders, can elevate the risk of thrombosis in women. Conditions that affect hormone levels, like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can also contribute to an increased risk of thrombosis, and some autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which is much more common in women, can lead to an increased risk of blood clotting. Additionally, women with specific types of cancer may have a higher probability of getting a thrombosis.

Strokes

If a blood clot obstructs the flow of blood to a part of the brain, it can cause a stroke, the severity of which depends on the size and location of the blocked blood vessel

Women have some differences in stroke risk compared to men, points out Dr. Okoye. Stroke is more common in women than in men, with a 1 in 4 risk of stroke for women after age 25. Stroke is also the fifth leading cause of death for women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Women, like men, can experience strokes at any age, but there are certain life stages and factors that can increase the risk of stroke in women. “Women tend to live longer than men on average, and stroke risk increases with age. Since stroke is more common in older individuals, the longer life expectancy of women contributes to their higher overall stroke incidence,” explains Dr. Okoye.

Pregnant women, especially those with certain conditions like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or clotting disorders, may also have an increased risk of stroke.

The weeks following childbirth can also be a time of increased stroke risk for some women, particularly if they experienced complications during pregnancy or delivery.

Women who experience migraines with aura may also have a higher risk of stroke, especially if they have other risk factors such as smoking or using oral contraceptives. Atrial fibrillation is another red flag.

“This heart rhythm disorder is more common in women and significantly increases the risk of stroke due to the potential for blood clots forming in the heart and traveling to the brain. Hypertension is also a significant risk factor for stroke, and it can affect women at any age,” says Dr Okoye.

Lessen the risk

It is important to note that each woman’s risk of stroke or thrombosis is influenced by a combination of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and medical history.

“Women need to be aware of their own personal risk factors and manage any existing health conditions they may have,” advises Dr Okoye. “If you’re concerned at all, consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice and risk assessment. Regular medical check-ups, adherence to prescribed medications, and a healthy lifestyle are all ways to reduce your risk of thrombosis,” she says.

“Strive to maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of blood clots, so follow a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats,” advises Dr Okoye. “If you smoke, stop as soon as possible. Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of blood clots. And drink lots of water to keep your body well-hydrated, which can help prevent blood from thickening and forming clots.”

Staying active is crucial, too. According to the WTD campaign, regular physical activity helps improve blood circulation and reduces the risk of blood clots. WTD campaign’s

2023 theme is “Move Against Thrombosis”, and they advise people to incorporate exercise or regular movement into their everyday routine.

It’s important for women to be aware of all the above risk factors and what they can do about it, concludes Dr Okoye. “If you have questions about your risk of thrombosis, it’s essential to speak with your healthcare provider. They can assess your individual risk factors and provide appropriate guidance and preventive measures if needed.”

Finally, familiarise yourself with the signs and symptoms of blood clots, such as swelling, pain, tenderness, warmth, and redness in the affected area. If you suspect a blood clot, seek immediate medical attention.

Entertainment

EeZee Conceptz Global Launches Esther Oji’s ‘Aka Ngozi’ Music Video

by Women Times on May 19, 2023

EeZee Conceptz Global has officially released another soul-lifting sound by the awesomely talented Minister Esther Oji.

The music video is a single gospel track, titled: ‘Aka Ngozi’, a celebration of the grace and mercies of God excellently created and delivered by the grace of God to bless the lives of all music lovers all over the world.

The thrilling music video, which is a sonorous blend of dance and instrumental display, also featured a comic cameo by popular Ghanaian comedian, actor, and TV presenter, Akwasi Boadi, a.k.a Akrobeto.

According to the anointed singer, the ‘Aka Ngozi’ music video was spiced with a unique production approach adopted by her record label EeZee Conceptz Global. “It’s definitely something unexpected. Crafted with excellence and spirituality. Not the regular approach but exceptionally away from the usual. Trust me it’s beautiful and most of all it would bless you, “she said.

Minister Esther Oji, – who recently joined the big EeZee Conceptz Global family, said the experience has been that of growth and expansion, which will propel her to achieve more goals in the gospel music space. She said: “I’ve been with EeZee Conceptz Global for almost 10 months now. The journey so far has been a great experience and a growth and expansion phase. It’s a whole new phase for me. It’s like I’m on a football field and there’s no stopping, I have to keep moving, and score as many goals for the Kingdom.”

The anointed music minister was unveiled with a maiden album – on the EeZee Conceptz Global label in 2022. The seven-track album titled “Sound of Heaven”, contained hit tracks such as ‘Mighty Chorus’, ‘Emmanuel’, ‘More Than Enough’, ‘Dependable Jesus’, ‘Worthy Jesus’, ‘Idi Ebube’ and ‘Highest Praise’.

The enthusiastic Minister Esther Oji hinted that she has more music loading. “A lot is cooking. Tracks are loading. So much to bless the world,” she said.

The new ‘Aka Ngozi’ music video is available for live streaming and download

Entertainment

AMVCA 2023: Top Female Nominees to Watch Out for

by Women Times on April 23, 2023

The Nigerian film and movie industry and the continent at large are gearing up for another exciting edition of the prestigious Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA) organized by MultiChoice. This year’s nominees list is a testament to the growth of the film and movie industry in Nigeria. Among the nominees are some A-list female acts who are no strangers to the AMVCA stage. Listed in no particular order, here are four female nominees to watch out for.

Funke Akindele

Funke Akindele, popularly known as Jenifa, has made her mark on the big screen. She won the Best Actress in a Comedy award at the 2016 Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards for her lead role in the show Jenifa’s Diary. She repeated the feat in 2020 and earned nine nominations in 2022, including Best Actress for her movie ‘Omo Ghetto’. This year, Funke Akindele’s ‘Battle on Buka Street’ has garnered ten nominations, surpassing her previous record.

Mercy Johnson

Mercy Johnson’s career in the Nigerian film industry speaks for itself. She has been recognized for her onscreen talent with multiple AMVCA nominations, dating back to 2013 when she was nominated for Best Actress in a Comedy, alongside Funke Akindele. In 2022, she was nominated for her role in the movie ‘The New Normal’ as Best Supporting Actress. This year, she is a contender in the category for Best Actress in a Comedy/TV Series.

Osas Ighodaro

Osas Ighodaro, a former beauty queen and winner of the Best Actress in a Drama Series at the 8th edition of the AMVCAs, has been in the acting industry since 2014. She also co-hosted the 2014 Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards. This year, she is gunning for a consecutive grab. Osas is a contender for the Best Actress in a Drama, Movie, or TV Series category for her performance in the movie ‘Man of God’.

Bimbo Ademoye

Bimbo Ademoye is a rising star in the Nigerian movie industry, known for her versatile acting skills and ability to take on multiple roles. She has been nominated for three awards at the 9th Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA), including Best Actress in a Comedy, Best Online Social Content Creator, and Best Actress in a Drama. She began her acting career in 2014 with the short film ‘Where Talent Lies’ and was nominated for Best Actress in a Comedy/TV Series at the AMVCA in 2018 and 2022 for her roles in the films ‘Backup Wife’ and ‘Breaded Life’, respectively.

Other returning AMVCA nominees to watch out for include Sola Sobowale, Ini Edo, Nse Ikpe-Etim, and Toni Tones. Voting has commenced. Visit Africa Magic website – www.africamagic.tv/amvca to vote for your favourite nominee(s).

The AMVCA 9 will be a three-day event from May 18-20, 2023, celebrating the talents of African film production, culture, fashion, music, and more. The awards are proudly brought to you by Africa Magic in Association with Multichoice and sponsored by Amstel Malta and Zagg Energy Drink. Join the conversation using the hashtag #AMVCA9 and follow @africamagictv for live tweets.

Health

Lagos First Lady Hands Over Sick Bay to Dolphin Junior High School

by Women Times on April 4, 2023

Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has handed over a modern sick bay to Dolphin Junior High School in the Simpson area of Lagos Island, saying the facility represents the commitment of the state government to the welfare and well-being of students in the state.

The First Lady, it would be recalled, had on December 6, 2021, visited the school in furtherance of the global 16 days of advocacy against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) to sensitize the students on the menace of sexual abuse and harassment within the academic environment.

The advocacy visit also afforded the First Lady the opportunity of donating some educational equipment including laptops, industrial cooking gas, and materials on SGBV to the school.

As part of the activities, the school leadership had urged the First Lady to help in facilitating a sick bay in order to take care of the health of students within the academic environment, especially to administer basic life support treatment in the event of injuries and other urgent medical needs.

Speaking at the handing over, the First Lady said she was excited that the sick bay was now a reality and that medical personnel attached to the facility would be able to swiftly move to save lives in the event of medical emergencies.

“I am excited that we have delivered this project through a partnership between the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, and other stakeholders.

“The welfare and well-being of our students are paramount to the administration of Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and no stone will be left untouched to ensure that we replicate the modern sick bay in all our public schools,” the First Lady said.

In his remarks, the Principal of the school, Mr. Taiwo Akinlabi expressed profound appreciation to the First Lady, saying the facility will be properly utilized for the intended purpose.

He said the students were indeed appreciative of the kind gesture of the First Lady, saying the sick bay would go a long way in helping to safeguard the health of students.

Health

Access Bank, HACEY Health Initiative Team Up to Curb Female Genital Mutilation

by Women Times on March 20, 2023

As part of one its initiatives of supporting women, Access Bank PLC has partnered with HACEY Health Initiative to commemorate this year’a International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

The programme was held across high prevalence zones and about 1,240 individuals benefited from the education in Osun, Oyo, Ekiti and Ebonyi.

Specifically, eight schools — two schools from each of the four states — were targeted, leading to 1,068 students being impacted by the campaign.

As a result, nine religious centres — three in Osun State and two religious centres each from Oyo, Ekiti and Ebonyi — were reached.

These efforts have contributed to the fight against FGM in Africa. However, the war is far from over. Findings by the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), most women in several African countries — including Egypt, Somalia, Gambia and Sierra Leone — believe the practice should be upheld. Therefore, as a global community, we need to amplify efforts to eradicate the practice of FGM.

As the world continues to celebrate women this month, Access Bank’s W Initiative, through the platform of its forthcoming conference, would continue its charge to challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and foster women inclusion, the bank said.

In addition, the conference will provide a platform for women and their male counterparts to learn from vibrant thought leaders about the role we must play towards achieving gender parity by #Embracing Equity from a personal, sectorial and industry-led perspective.

Globally, “minority” groups have suffered some of the greatest inhumane treatments in history. From racism to colourism and sexism, these acts have adversely and irreversibly affected millions of people across the world.

Of those minorities, women have suffered many iterations of cruelty, and female genital mutilation (FGM) may be said to be the cruelest.

This ritual cutting or removal of some or all of the external female genitalia is considered a violation of human rights against children as it is mainly performed on girls between infancy and 15 years of age.

FGM has risked the lives of over 200 million young women in 30 countries of Africa, according to WHO reports, and Nigeria alone accounts for 10 per cent of global cases. The report identifies Osun state as having the highest prevalence of circumcised women in the country (77 per cent), closely followed by Ebonyi (74 per cent) and Ekiti (72 per cent).

This practice has, over time, been seen to have far-reaching, almost absolute and fatal consequences. These consequences range from complications in childbirth to hemorrhage and death.

Cumulatively, over 2,000 young girls, CBOs, traditional rulers and policymakers participated and benefitted from the programmes in the three states. In addition, about 500,000 Nigerians were reached virtually with information, education and communication materials.

Furthermore, to ensure impactful and scalable results, traditional leaders, government and community leaders were engaged in dialogue sessions to advocate for the abandonment of FGM practices in their various communities.

Health

5 Reasons Why Some Women Bleed After Sex

by Women Times on February 23, 2023

By: Ayobami Sanusi

Bleeding after sex is a little bit more common among women than their male counterparts. The medical name for this is “postcoital bleeding”. Sadly, many women experience bleeding after sex more frequently than not.

Some minor things can cause bleeding, but if you notice yourself bleeding more often, it is important to seek professional help from your doctor. According to Susan York Morris on Healthline, below are reasons why some women bleed after sex.

1. Losing virginity

This is very normal because women are born with a hymen that covers the vaginal opening. While having intercourse for the first time, it will tear causing the woman to bleed. This is the reason why some women may bleed after having sex for the first couple of times.

2. Sexually transmitted diseases(STI)

One of the symptoms of STI is bleeding during sex amongst many other symptoms. This is common among people who have chlamydia or gonorrhoea. If you find yourself bleeding after sex, it could be that you have STI.

3. Cancer

Bleeding after sex is also a common symptom of cervical or vaginal cancer. It could be that you have cancer. You should not hesitate to see your doctor immediately.

4. Vaginal dryness

If the vaginal is dry, it can lead to bleeding. One of the major factors leading to vaginal dryness is the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Other factors include, having intercourse before being fully aroused friction during intercourse douching chemicals in feminine hygiene products, laundry detergents, and pools.

5. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)

As a woman gets older, especially when she stops menstruating, her body produces less estrogen. When the estrogen levels are lower, several things happen to the vaginal.

As a result of the low estrogen level, the body produces less vaginal lubrication making the vaginal dry and inflamed. It also reduces the elasticity of the vagina. The vaginal tissues become more fragile and are susceptible to tearing and irritation which can lead to pain and bleeding.

Credit: Nigerian Tribune

Sport

FIFA Women’s World Cup™ Trophy Tour is ‘Going Beyond’ to Inspire Global Excitement

by Women Times on February 16, 2023

The FIFA (www.FIFA.com) Women’s World Cup™ Trophy Tour begins this month and will visit all 32 of the tournament’s participating nations – more countries than ever before; The tour is ‘Going Beyond’ to inspire people of all ages to get excited about the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™; The tour’s Skills Drills will encourage women and girls worldwide to join the celebration by showcasing their footballing ability and creativity

The biggest-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup™ Trophy Tour will embark on a game-changing global journey this month, stoking excitement across the planet ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™.

The tour will take the iconic Trophy to all 32 of the tournament’s participating nations – more countries than ever before – and will inspire people of all ages by ‘Going Beyond’ to celebrate the rocketing popularity of the women’s game. At the heart of this mission will be a unique opportunity for members of the public to get creative and showcase their footballing ability to a global audience.

Skills Drills will give willing participants worldwide the chance to try out fun football challenges that become tougher over time and then share their imaginative efforts on TikTok.

As the Trophy travels from stop to stop, selected women and girls who have participated in Skills Drills will join FIFA Legends, local national team stars and other famous faces to highlight the game’s emerging talent and increase the buzz around the Women’s World Cup.

As the campaign’s dedicated skills coach, Female Football Freestyle world champion Lia Lewis will set the challenges to her more than 3.9 million followers on TikTok, as well as across FIFA’s social media and FIFA+. She will also pass on her tips to youngsters at a send-off event on 18 February in Melbourne / Naarm, Australia before the tour’s first official stop in Japan on 25-26 February.

The Trophy will crisscross the globe by visiting Asia, Africa, South America, North America and Europe before landing in all nine Women’s World Cup host cities in the final weeks before the start of a tournament on 20 July that promises to go Beyond Greatness™.

Key dates on the tour schedule include stops in China PR on 9-11 March, South Africa on 22-23 March, Brazil on 29-30 March, USA on 10-14 April, Canada on 19-20 April, Germany on 2-3 May, England on 13-14 May and France on 20-21 May.

Several countries will also be part of the tour for the first time ever, including Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Morocco, the Philippines, the Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, Vietnam and Zambia.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy Tour is a spectacular global celebration of the women’s game, giving fans, families and future football enthusiasts an opportunity to be inspired and become part of a truly special journey,” FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura says.

“It is a fantastic opportunity to experience the most coveted prize in women’s football in person and hear from the game’s legends. The tour will inspire people worldwide by shining a spotlight on the skills and creativity that demonstrate why women’s football has such a bright future.”

The full route of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ Trophy Tour is as follows:

*schedule subject to change

Dates	Member Association	Dates	Member Association
25-26 Feb	Japan	4 May	Denmark
27 Feb	Korea Republic	6-7 May	Sweden
1-2 Mar	Philippines	8 May	Norway
4-5 Mar	Vietnam	10 May	Republic of Ireland
9-11 Mar	China PR	13-14 May	England
20 Mar	Morocco	16 May	Italy
22-23 Mar	South Africa	18 May	Netherlands
24 Mar	Zambia	20-21 May	France
26 Mar	Nigeria	22 May	Spain
29-30 Mar	Brazil	2-4 June	Auckland, NZ
31 Mar	Argentina	7-12 June	Sydney, AUS
3 Apr	Colombia	14-16 June	Melbourne, AUS
7 Apr	Costa Rica	17-20 June	Hamilton, NZ
10-14 Apr	USA	22-25 June	Dunedin, NZ
16 Apr	Jamaica	28-1 Jun/Jul	Brisbane, AUS
19-20 Apr	Canada	2-4 July	Adelaide, AUS
29-1 Apr/May	Switzerland	7-10 July	Perth, AUS
2-3 May	Germany	12-14 July	Wellington, NZ

The dates of the stops in the final three countries to qualify via the Play-off tournament will be integrated following their confirmation.

Entertainment

The Real Housewives of Abuja Premieres, Meet The Socialites That Stepped Out For It

by Women Times on February 12, 2023

It was a night of glamour and style as Showmax premiered its latest original, The Real Housewives of Abuja at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, on the 11th of February, 2023.

Hosted by Media Personality and Content Creator, Hawa Magaji, the event had in attendance diplomats and top executives across various sectors, as well as celebrities and influencers. Some of the guests in attendance included The South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Thami Mseleku; ex-BBNaija housemate, Jackie B; entrepreneur and influencer Oby Ohakim; and actress Ivie Okujaye among others.

The Real Housewives of Abuja which is set to debut on Showmax February 17, 2023, follows the luxurious lives of six influential women in Abuja – Arafa, Comfort Booth, OJ Posharella, Princess Jecoco, Samantha Homossany and Tutupie as they navigate their opulent lives, relationships, family and businesses in the powerful city of Abuja.

The South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Thami Mseleku, OJ Posharella and other guests

Speaking at the premiere, Opeoluwa Filani, General Manager, Showmax Nigeria said, “We are thrilled to introduce our latest Showmax Original, The Real Housewives of Abuja, which is the second installment of NBC’s The Real Housewives Franchise in Nigeria. At Showmax, we pride ourselves on delivering the best entertainment to our viewers, and this show isn’t any different. The fans are definitely in for a treat and we cannot wait for everyone to see it.”

The Producer of RHOAbuja and Creative Director of Delmedia Productions, Delmwa Deshi-Kura spoke on the work that was put into producing the show. According to her, “it took a village to make the Real Housewives of Abuja. In casting for the show, we ensured to put together the best cast that will deliver the drama and authenticity that this franchise has come to be known for, as well as bring their individual fabulousness into the show. And I daresay they delivered on all fronts.”

Opeoluwa Filani, John Ugbe, Steve Babaeko and Shumani Gereda

RHOAbuja is the latest in Showmax’s slate of original content for the year. The show will premiere exclusively on the streaming platform on the 17th of February, with a new episode dropping every week.

Fans can join the conversation on social media with the official hashtag, #RHOAbuja

Entertainment

Meet The Real Housewives of Nairobi

by Women Times on February 8, 2023

Shortly after announcing The Real Housewives of Abuja, which marks the second Nigerian instalment of the smash-hit franchise, Showmax has revealed the cast for The Real Housewives of Nairobi (RHONairobi), premiering on Showmax on 23 February 2023, with new episodes dropping every Thursday.

First announced in September 2022, The Real Housewives of Nairobi will follow five influential and successful women as they navigate their lavish lifestyles, relationships and careers in Nairobi, Kenya.

RHONairobi joins a library of other successful African adaptations such as Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban, with the latter now into its third season; Lagos, which was among the top 10 most-watched shows of 2022 on Showmax in Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa; and Abuja, which premieres on Showmax on 17 February 2023.

And the housewives are:

Susan Kaittany is a serial entrepreneur and owner of Posh Palace Hair Studio and Spa and Polished, with the latter being a luxury fragrance and skincare shop. The mother of two left her law profession behind to pursue modelling and travelling before venturing into lifestyle and beauty entrepreneurship.

Vera Sidika is a media personality and entrepreneur. Married to singer Brown Mauzo, she is one of Kenya’s most talked about celebrities and alongside her entrepreneurial ventures into the Spa and Herbal Tea industries, Sidika has more recently expanded her talents to music. She has one daughter, with one more child on the way.

Sonal Maherali is a luxury influencer, fashion collector and entrepreneur. She established her niche through luxury vlogging in 2010 and the mother of four has since founded Simba Maharani, a luxury clothing and shoe line. Maherali is also an advocate for mental health awareness.

Minne Kariuki is an actress and entrepreneur, she is also married to Jaguar’s former manager and businessman Charles Muigai with whom they have two daughters. The youngest of the five housewives, Kariuki is sassy, bold and unapologetic about who she is. Currently, she is also starring in the Showmax Original drama series Single Kiasi.

Lisa Christoffersen is an interior designer, author, business owner, rally driver and luxury safari curator. Christoffersen is the founder of Lioness Rally, the first women-only rally team in Kenya, and Lifestyle Nairobi, an artisanal space in Nairobi’s diplomatic hub of Gigiri, featuring an art gallery, restaurants, a spa, organic shops and fashion houses.

Speaking about why these women were selected and why they’re the embodiment of The Real Housewives of Nairobi, Denise Mwende, Showmax Content Specialist in East Africa said, “Each of the ladies has a strong personality and sure identity of themselves. They are hardworking, affluent, influential and unapologetic women who are not ashamed to live large and live well because they have earned it. They’re also a representation of the diverse communities we have in Kenya.”

The Real Housewives of Nairobi is produced by Eugene Mbugua’s D&R Studios (formerly Young Rich Television) and is part of The Real Housewives franchise licensed as a format by NBCUniversal Formats, which is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group.

Watch the teaser trailer here: https://youtu.be/aJb-iZbbAyY

Health

Firms Partnered to Launch AI-driven Portable 3D Breast Ultrasound Scanner to Help Women in Nigeria, Others

by Women Times on February 1, 2023

Abdul Latif Jameel Health, part of international diversified family business Abdul Latif Jameel, has announced a new distribution agreement with iSono Health, a medical technology company in San Francisco, USA, with the vision to transform breast care with automated imaging and artificial intelligence (AI).

The partnership, announced on the first day of Arab Health 2023, the Middle East’s most influential healthcare event, will see Abdul Latif Jameel Health become the exclusive distributor of iSono Health’s ATUSA scanner in the Global South, making it available to hundreds of millions of women in an initial 31 countries covering the Middle East and North Africa, Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

The female-founded iSono Health is transforming breast imaging with a first-of-its-kind, compact automated whole breast ultrasound system featuring a unique wearable accessory and an intuitive, intelligent software for automated image acquisition and analysis. The patented and FDA cleared ATUSA system is a compact ultrasound scanner that captures 3D images through automated scanning of the whole breast in just two minutes, independent of operator expertise. The device connects to laptop or tablet for real-time image acquisition and 3D visualization; the data is transferred to a secure cloud for storage. The ATUSA system is designed from ground up to seamlessly integrate with machine learning models that will give physicians a comprehensive set of tools for decision making and patient management.

Maryam Ziaei, PhD, Founder and CEO, iSono Health, said: “This new partnership is a significant milestone in our history and an important step forward in making our ATUSA scanner accessible to millions more women across the world. Working with Abdul Latif Jameel Health will empower so many more women to access the healthcare they need, to improve patient experiences and to bring peace of mind.
“We have been able to develop a scanner which takes two minutes to scan and makes breast imaging painless and convenient. We’re very much looking forward to bringing this technology to the region and making a lasting, sustainable impact.”

According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is the world’s most prevalent cancer; one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Access to personalized and efficient breast imaging is critical in every step of patient journey from screening to detection to treatment, surgery, and monitoring. The ATUSA system is designed to offer enhanced efficiency, consistent accuracy, and a comfortable patient experience, therefore making 3D breast ultrasound imaging accessible to patients and physicians at point of care, around the world.

The agreement will see Abdul Latif Jameel Health distribute the ATUSA scanner across the Middle East and North Africa as well as African markets including South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria, in addition to South Asia covering India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal, and Southeast Asian territories of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand and Brunei.

Akram Bouchenaki, Chief Executive Officer, Abdul Latif Jameel Health said: “Working with Maryam Ziaei, and Shadi Saberi, co-founders with PhDs in Engineering, and the whole iSono Health team has made it clear what a perfect synergy we share in our vision to improve access to healthcare, eliminate the disparity in health equity across the world, and how using state of the art health tech will help us achieve these goals. Their ATUSA scanner is one of the most innovative pieces of technology I have witnessed in my career, and I know it will very soon become one of the most valuable products used by physicians and for healthcare systems. This is an important moment for those in medical imaging but more importantly for women’s health across the Global South.”

Last year, Abdul Latif Jameel Health announced the creation of its new international commercial ecosystem, helping to accelerate access to modern medical care and drive health inclusivity across the Global South. The network of confirmed partners will cover key markets across a wide geographic area and will see on-the-ground distribution of Abdul Latif Jameel Health approved products into hospitals, clinics and medical institutions to fast-track health inclusion for those who need it most.

Akram Bouchenaki added: “At Abdul Latif Jameel Health, we are delivering on our promise of offering an integrated ‘one-stop’ managed service to medical devices, pharmaceutical products, diagnostic and therapeutics manufacturers to afford them multi-market access more rapidly than they could manage individually. We will distribute their products to the populations that can most benefit from them sooner, meeting unmet medical needs, driving healthcare inclusivity, and in parallel, opening the unrealized commercial potential of these markets.”

Since its launch in 2020, Abdul Latif Jameel Health has developed strong relationships with renowned health partners utilizing innovation and industry disruptive approaches to deliver healthcare in more efficient ways. Partners include Butterfly Network, EQRx, Cyberdyne, Evelo Biosciences, Melody International, Holoeyes Inc., and now, iSono Health.

Abdul Latif Jameel Health was created as a response to the ongoing global disparity in access to modern medical care, focusing on accelerating healthcare inclusion across the Global South. Reflecting the Jameel Family’s long-established commitment to innovating for a better future, Abdul Latif Jameel Health works in the commercial environment to address tangible real-world needs today, for a better tomorrow. It works with partners from around the world to open and grow new markets for distribution of existing solutions and investing in the future of MedTech.