Zaid Danmasani

MBBS Student | President, FUGUMSA | National Deputy Director, Budgets, Planning & Strategy NiMSA | Student Welfare & Healthcare Access Advocate | Usman Mareri

[Dr Mohammad Usman Suleiman @mohagirei]

THE ISSUE AROUND THE RECENT US-CDC UPDATE REGARDING EXTENDED ARTEMETHER-LUMEFANTRINE TREATMENT DURATION OF 5DAYS.

Recent discussions among some Nigerian healthcare professionals and members of the public regarding the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) update on extending Artemether-Lumefantrine (AL) treatment duration for malaria require proper contextual understanding.

It is important to clarify that the CDC recommendation of extending Artemether-Lumefantrine treatment to five days (10 doses) is not a universal recommendation for malaria treatment worldwide. Rather, it represents a specific response within the United States healthcare setting, particularly for travellers returning from malaria endemic regions who are managed in a population with different epidemiological characteristics from malaria endemic countries such as Nigeria.

The CDC’s position was informed by observations from a limited number of malaria cases managed in the United States. The report involved 47 patients, of whom 40 received Artemether-Lumefantrine and seven received Artesunate-Pyronaridine. Treatment failures, including some cases of severe malaria, were documented. However, such findings should be interpreted within the context of the study population, sample size, and healthcare setting in which the observations were made.

In countries where malaria transmission is endemic, treatment recommendations are developed using broader evidence from different regions, including clinical trials and continuous therapeutic efficacy studies. This is because malaria behaves differently in populations with varying levels of immunity. Individuals living in malaria endemic areas often develop partial immunity due to repeated exposure, unlike non immune travellers who acquire malaria after visiting endemic regions.

It is also important to understand that treatment failure does not automatically mean drug resistance. A treatment failure simply indicates that the expected treatment outcome was not achieved. The underlying causes may be varied and can include parasite factors, patient factors, drug absorption, adherence issues, reinfection, or true resistance. This is why molecular correction using PCR methods is essential to differentiate recrudescence (return of the original infection) from reinfection.

The National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) continues to apply evidence based approaches to protect the effectiveness of available antimalarial medicines. A national Antimalarial Drug Resistance (AMDR) strategy has been developed to strengthen resistance monitoring, improve preparedness and provide strategic options should resistance challenges emerge.

For now, the recommended practice remains clear: suspected malaria cases should undergo parasitological confirmation before treatment whenever possible. We must continue to trust quality Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) and strengthen malaria microscopy capacity among laboratory personnel.

The current recommendation remains the use of approved ACTs, including Artemether-Lumefantrine, as a three day treatment course for uncomplicated malaria in Nigeria, in accordance with national guidelines.

Regarding special populations, Artemether-Lumefantrine remains an option for confirmed malaria infection in pregnant women during the first trimester when clinically indicated, while treatment choices in later trimesters should follow national recommendations. Artesunate-Pyronaridine requires careful consideration because WHO guidance remains limited due to insufficient pregnancy safety data.

The fight against malaria requires collective responsibility. Preserving our antimalarial medicines depends not only on identifying resistance early but also on ensuring rational prescribing practices and avoiding unnecessary modifications of treatment regimens without local evidence.

[Dr Mohammad Usman Suleiman @mohagirei]

UPDATE TO ALL MEMBERS ON WORK HOUR REGULATION (AND EXCESS WORKLOAD)

Good evening Distinguished NARDITES!

The leadership of NARD ably led by the Strategic P-MUS (Garkuwan Matasan Arewa), is pleased to update all members on a significant development arising from the deliberations of the FMoHSW Ministerial Committee on Work Hour Regulation and Casualization of Doctors.

Following extensive engagements and a comprehensive nationwide situational assessment involving 6,350 healthcare personnel across the six geopolitical zones, the Committee has developed a National Policy on Work Hour Regulation for Health Institutions in Nigeria.

The findings clearly demonstrated the urgent need to address excessive work hours, burnout, fatigue, inadequate rest, and the associated risks to healthcare workers and patient safety.

NEWLY RECOMMENDED WORK HOUR GUIDELINES

The following key provisions have been recommended under the new framework:

1. Maximum Weekly Work Hours:
Healthcare personnel shall work a maximum of 48 hours per week, including weekends. Any authorized excess hours shall be appropriately compensated.

2. Maximum Shift Duration:

- Day shift: 8 hours maximum

- Afternoon shift: 6 hours maximum

- Extended shifts exceeding 12 hours shall be limited to emergency situations only.

- All authorized excess hours must be adequately compensated.

3. Maximum Call Duty:

- A maximum of two call duties per week, including weekend calls.

- Calls must be equitably distributed among eligible personnel.

- A maximum of one weekend call per month.

4. Maximum Consecutive Duty Period:
There shall be an absolute maximum of 24 continuous hours of duty, inclusive of call duty.

5. Mandatory Rest Periods:

- A minimum of 12 hours between regular shifts.

- Mandatory 24-hour post-call rest following weekday calls, Saturday calls, Sunday calls, and public holiday calls.

6. Mandatory Break During Duty:
A minimum one-hour break after six hours of continuous work, including shift and call duties, shall be provided. Breaks should be appropriately staggered to ensure uninterrupted patient care.

7. Equitable On-Call Distribution:
Call duties shall not exceed two per week and one weekend call per month, with equitable distribution among eligible healthcare personnel.

8. Compensation for Excess Work Hours:
Authorized excess work hours must be properly documented and adequately compensated above the normal hourly rate, or appropriately balanced through structured time-off. This provision must not be abused by institutions.

9. Protected Research and Development Time:
Healthcare personnel in all institutions should have protected time for research and professional development, subject to approval by the appropriate National or Institutional Health Research and Ethics Committee.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

These recommendations are without prejudice to the stipulated maximum shift, call and rest durations, particularly in genuine emergency situations where patient safety and continuity of care may require exceptional arrangements.

We are pleased to inform all members that these recommended guidelines have been forwarded to all MDs/CMDs for implementation across all health institutions.

Hospital Managements and Heads of Departments are expected to take appropriate steps towards full compliance of these guidelines.

We strongly encourage all Centre Leaderships to engage their respective Managements and follow up on the implementation of these guidelines.

Members are encouraged to remain vigilant, document cases of non-compliance and channel legitimate concerns through their center leadership for necessary action by NARD.

We await the release of the second document addressing casualization and abusive locum appointments soon.

[Dr Mohammad Usman Suleiman @mohagirei]

The POINT is….

Thank you Association of Resident Doctors Federal neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu and Family..

I am honored!

[Dr Mohammad Usman Suleiman @mohagirei]

🎉 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR DEAR P-MUS – THE STRATEGIC HELMSMAN OF NARD 🎉

“On behalf of the entire NARD NOC, E-NOC, NEC Members, the Crown Prince of NARD, and every NARDITE across the federation, we proudly celebrate an exceptional leader, an uncommon strategist, and the indefatigable 001 of NARD—Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman (Garkuwan Matasan Arewa), the President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors.

“Great leaders do not merely occupy positions; they inspire movements, redefine possibilities, and leave footprints that time cannot erase."

Today, we celebrate a man whose name has become synonymous with vision, courage, and purposeful leadership. A leader who does not wait for opportunities to appear but creates them.

A man whose eloquence commands attention, whose intellect earns respect, and whose strategic brilliance continues to inspire confidence within and beyond the medical profession.

P-MUS is not merely leading NARD; he is writing a remarkable chapter in its history.

Through resilience, wisdom, and unwavering commitment, he has transformed challenges into opportunities and given resident doctors a stronger voice on the national stage. His interventions have resonated far beyond the walls of our hospitals, making his name a familiar refrain across the media landscape and among Nigerians from every walk of life.

“Leadership is measured not by the applause that follows, but by the lives that are transformed."

Sir, over the past eleven months, your stewardship has been nothing short of extraordinary. You have championed the welfare of doctors with uncommon courage, negotiated with remarkable tact, and demonstrated that strategic leadership is built on vision, empathy, and decisive action. Little wonder many affectionately wish your tenure could continue even longer—a testament to the profound impact of your service.

Beyond the boardroom and negotiation table stands a brilliant physician. As a Senior Registrar I in Pulmonology, you continue to distinguish yourself in both clinical and interventional pulmonology, exemplifying excellence in medicine while simultaneously steering the affairs of thousands of resident doctors with remarkable dexterity.

And yes, as a passionate Arsenal supporter, your unwavering faith in the Gunners remains as steadfast as your commitment to NARD—always ready to remind Manchester United supporters and every rival that true champions never stop believing!

As you mark another glorious year, we pray that Almighty Allah grants you enduring good health, divine protection, greater wisdom, abundant prosperity, and even higher platforms for service. May your influence continue to transcend the medical profession, and may your legacy remain a beacon for generations of leaders to come.

May your days be filled with favour, your path illuminated with success, and your future adorned with greater accomplishments.

Happy Birthday, our Strategic Militant, our Cerebral Leader, our P-MUS.

Dr. Divine Irole
NARD VP I
06:08:26”

Thank you NARD and NARDites

[FUGUMSA @fugumsaofficial]

FUGUMSA marks World Malaria Day with impact 💙
Today, we reached out to Damba Community with both action and education—screening over 200 people and enlightening more than 400 on malaria prevention and early care.
#FUGUMSA #NiMSA #WorldMalariaDay #CommunityHealth #FutureDoctors

[Zaid Danmasani @zaid_danmasani]

As President of the Federal University Gusau Medical Students' Association (FUGUMSA), I had the privilege of leading our"Pad a Girl"Initiative in commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026.Together, we reached out to Students of GGDSS Damba. #FUGUMSA #WMHD #

[Zaid Danmasani @zaid_danmasani]

As President of the Federal University Gusau Medical Students' Association (FUGUMSA), I was honoured to lead our association's participation in the NAZAMS Health Week, a programme dedicated to promoting health awareness, preventive care, and community engagement.

[Zaid Danmasani @zaid_danmasani]

As President of the Federal University Gusau Medical Students' Association (FUGUMSA), I had the honour of leading our team in a community outreach to commemorate World Malaria Day 2026.#WorldMalariaDay #EndMalaria #FUGUMSA #NiMSA #Malariaconsortium #SMEP #WHO

[Zaid Danmasani @zaid_danmasani]

Leading the Fight Against Malaria, One Step at a Time. As President of FUGUMSA, I had the privilege of leading ourWorld MalariaDay RoadShow Rally, taking malaria awareness beyond the classroom and into our community.#WorldMalariaDay #EndMalaria #FUGUMSA #NiMSA #Malariaconsortium