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CFAO Healthcare Acquires 30% Stake in Goodlife Pharmacies from LeapFrog Investments as Part of Strategic Partnership

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• Eurapharma, CFAO’s healthcare division, becomes a significant minority shareholder in the leading East African pharmacy chain and digital health platform
• Synergies between Eurapharma’s wholesale operations and Goodlife’s retail distribution network to give East Africans better access to quality drugs and services
• Transaction is first partial sale for LeapFrog Investments’ healthcare platform

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 29th, 2022
LeapFrog Investments (“LeapFrog”) today announced that it has sold nearly 30% of its shareholding in Goodlife Pharmacies (“Goodlife”), East Africa’s leading healthcare and retail pharmacy chain, to Eurapharma (“CFAO Healthcare”), the healthcare division of the CFAO Group and a foremost wholesale distributor of quality pharmaceuticals in Africa, where it owns and operates subsidiaries in 23 countries.

A Fortune Impact 20 company, Goodlife was established in 2014 and has grown into the largest private pharmacy chain in East Africa, with nearly 100 locations in Kenya and in Uganda that reach 1.7 million people.

This transaction will be the first partial sale for the LeapFrog healthcare team, investing out of LeapFrog Emerging Consumer Fund III, which launched in 2017. LeapFrog first invested in Goodlife in 2017, and will remain the majority shareholder, while bringing on board an experienced pharmaceutical group with the expertise to help take Goodlife to even greater heights. In a separate transaction announced earlier this month, Goodlife raised US$12 million in debt financing from Proparco, the French Development Finance Institution.

Focus on innovation has enabled Goodlife to rapidly transform from a traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacy chain to an integrated, omnichannel health hub. Its holistic services include basic laboratory diagnostics and telemedicine services through key partnerships, loyalty programs, and a comprehensive digital platform. During the pandemic, it has also developed a digital e-commerce platform to better serve patients.

Building on this success, Goodlife has an ambitious expansion plan, aiming to operate more than 250 stores by 2025 and to broaden its reach to over 8.5 million people, half of whom earn between $2-10 per day. Goodlife will intensify its social impact through the launch of a new format and brand offering specifically designed for lower-income populations.

To execute the expansion plan, Goodlife has sought a strategic partner in CFAO Healthcare, which is entering Goodlife as its 2nd-largest shareholder with a 30% stake.

The combination of Goodlife’s retail pharmacy network & brand, and CFAO Healthcare’s existing wholesale distribution capabilities & portfolio products will create strong synergies beneficial to the business, the market, and the general public. The vision is for Goodlife to become an African champion in the retail pharmacy & healthcare space.

“Goodlife has built strong brand recognition in East Africa,” said Goodlife’s CEO, Amaan Khalfan. “We hope to offer all East Africans affordable and accessible high-quality medicines and grow our operations to offer more jobs, better healthcare, and more sustainable supply chains. Eurapharma’s investment in Goodlife strengthens our ability to provide reliable healthcare products and superior customer experience through our pharmacy network and via our digital platform – an element which enabled continued access to critical healthcare products through the pandemic. Goodlife Pharmacy will continue to work in marginalized areas, taking the same quality of care and providing products at the right price points for these markets. In addition, we will be working with local Kenyan manufacturers to create additional demand for Kenyan manufactured pharmaceuticals.”

Jean-Marc Leccia, CEO at CFAO Healthcare, said, “For the past decade, Eurapharma/CFAO Healthcare has been actively pursuing a strategy of value-chain integration, first upstream with our entry into the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, and now downstream with the Goodlife transaction. This is the first step towards establishing CFAO Healthcare as a major retail pharmacy player in Africa. By being an integrated operator across pharmaceutical manufacturing, wholesale, and retail distribution, we’ll be able to better serve our partners and, more importantly, African patients. Always with the same unwavering goal of contributing to the improvement of healthcare outcomes throughout the Continent.”

“We are delighted to join hands with CFAO Healthcare for this significant milestone for Goodlife,” said Dr. Felix Olale, Partner and Co-Head of Global Healthcare Investments at LeapFrog. “Their investments will help realize our collective vision of creating a healthcare ecosystem that addresses consumer needs across categories in a unified, vertically integrated, and digitally-enabled manner. At its core, Goodlife is addressing the accessibility gap to high-quality, affordable healthcare products and services across East Africa. This new chapter in Goodlife’s journey will continue to improve healthcare at scale in the region.”

 

About Goodlife
Goodlife Pharmacies is the largest pharmacy chain and health hub in East Africa, reaching 1.7 million people with access to essential medicines across nearly 100 locations in Kenya and Uganda. Goodlife provides trusted pharmaceuticals and high-quality over-the-counter medicines to its patients, as well as individual customer care, beauty and personal care products, and digital and home delivery services. Goodlife was founded in 2014 and since its inception, the Company has worked to lower the barriers for patients to access high quality healthcare in the region to receive world-class services, medicines, and experience. Through this approach, Goodlife is having a direct impact on the quality of life and wellness of East Africa’s growing population and revolutionizing how healthcare is delivered in the region. For more information, go to: www.goodlife.co.ke

About CFAO Healthcare
Previously known as Eurapharma, CFAO Healthcare is a leader in the African pharmaceutical market. It handles distribution of pharmaceutical products and medicines in more than 23 countries in Africa through a streamlined supply chain, ensuring integrity every step of the way, from warehouse to pharmacy. In addition to its services as a wholesaler-distributor and agent for world-renowned laboratories, Eurapharma also produces licensed drugs in Morocco and Algeria. Its commitment to the continent promotes employment based on local skills and the innovations of international pharmaceutical companies. For more information, go to: www.cfaogroup.com and www.eurapharma.com.

About LeapFrog
LeapFrog invests in exceptional businesses in Africa and Asia, partnering with their leaders to achieve leaps of growth, profitability and impact. Founded in 2007, LeapFrog’s companies now reach 261 million people across 35 countries with healthcare or financial services. LeapFrog investee companies have also grown on average at 26 per cent annually from the time of investment. They now provide jobs and livelihoods to 130,000 people. Inspired by LeapFrog’s strategy of Profit with Purpose, LeapFrog has raised over US $2bn from global institutional investors, including $500m recently committed by Temasek to LeapFrog and future funds. LeapFrog was ranked by Fortune as one of the top five Companies to Change the World, alongside Apple and Novartis, the first private investment firm ever listed. For more information, go to: www.leapfroginvest.com.

Media Contacts
Paul Cohen
Milk & Honey PR
paul@milkandhoneypr.com
+1 718 715 2107

Goodlife Pharmacies Raises US$12 Million in Debt Financing from Proparco to Strengthen Its Commitment to the Healthcare Sector Across East Africa

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Proparco Makes Significant Investment in the Leading East African Pharmacy Chain and Digital Health Platform to Ensure Access to Quality Medicines and Healthcare Services for 1.7 Million East Africans

 

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 02, 2022

Goodlife Pharmacies, East Africa’s leading healthcare and retail pharmacy chain, today announced that it has raised US$12 million in debt financing from Proparco, the French Development Finance Institution.

Goodlife is the largest private pharmacy chain in East Africa and has grown its pharmacy and health hub network to nearly 100 locations across Kenya and Uganda. These outlets now reach 1.7 million people, providing access to over 18 million essential medicines and healthcare services. Goodlife Pharmacies’ continued growth provides employment to over 350 professionals, over 60% of whom are women. Goodlife is widely recognized for its professional continuous development activities, promotion of career opportunities, and the continued strengthening of quality standards of practice across the country, through its links with the various regulatory bodies.

Proparco’s financing will enable Goodlife to continue to flourish in Kenya and Uganda and to expand its network to 250 pharmacies by 2025, broadening its reach to over 8.5 million people, half of whom earn between $2-10 per day. Proparco’s support for Goodlife Pharmacies is part of its ambition to support the strengthening of the pharmaceutical sector in Africa.

Over the last five years, and with funding and operational support from LeapFrog Investments, Goodlife’s majority shareholder, Goodlife has expanded its network over five times and has introduced several key innovations to drive its rapid transformation from a traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacy to an integrated, omnichannel health hub. Its holistic services include basic laboratory diagnostics and telemedicine services through key partnerships, loyalty programs, and a comprehensive digital platform. Goodlife has also had immense social impact by increasing its reach to emerging consumers by over 100%, developing a digital e-commerce platform in the midst of the pandemic, and adding complementary healthcare services to its offering. These efforts have greatly improved access to high-quality medicines and created a one-stop-shop for healthcare in the region.

Through its partnership with Goodlife, Proparco will help contribute to the continued emergence of a leader in the African consumer healthcare space. Proparco’s financing package will support Goodlife’s continued growth and expansion across the region, strengthen its supply chain, and further drive the Company’s rapid transformation into an integrated digital healthcare platform. The funding will also support the launch of a new format and brand offering to support lower income populations with their healthcare needs and increase access to trusted and affordable pharmaceutical products.

Jean-Benoît du Chalard, Regional Head for East Africa at Proparco, said, “Proparco’s investment in Goodlife supports a rapidly growing pharmacy and digital healthcare brand that is committed to delivering trusted healthcare products and services. The team at Goodlife have shown great discipline building effective healthcare solutions and we have great confidence in their ability to further scale their platform for the benefit of all. With the right financing, private healthcare businesses like Goodlife can create much-needed jobs and help drive both an economic and health-related recovery from COVID-19 in Africa.”

Goodlife’s CEO, Amaan Khalfan, said, “Proparco’s investment in Goodlife strengthens our ability to continue to change lives by getting quality and affordable medication to African consumers, including low-income people who historically have not had access to essential medicines. At its core, Goodlife is addressing the accessibility gap to high-quality, affordable healthcare products and services across East Africa. Through this approach, Goodlife continues to have a direct impact on the quality of life and wellness of East Africa’s growing population and is revolutionizing how healthcare is delivered in the region.”

Dr. Biju Mohandas, Partner and Co-Head of Global Healthcare Investments at LeapFrog, said, “With its world class leadership and operations, Goodlife has improved healthcare at scale in the region. Goodlife has grown in the past four years from a small pharmacy chain into East Africa’s largest pharmacy group – a development lauded by FORTUNE magazine as ‘a lightning-fast business success story.’ Goodlife has established a new role for pharmacies as health hubs that, frankly, provides a model not just for the developing world but for global approaches to healthcare. Proparco’s investment will help ensure that Goodlife realizes its ever-ambitious growth plans.”

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PROSTATE CANCER

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The prostate is a gland in men which helps make fluid to carry sperm. It sits underneath the bladder and surrounds the tube that carries urine out of the body.

What can go wrong?
Just like any other cancer, sometimes the cells in the prostate can grow uncontrollably this is known as prostate cancer.

Who is at risk?
• Men and in particular those above the age of 50 and are at higher risk.
• Family history of prostate cancer or breast cancer because it means you are more likely to inherit the mutated gene.
• Recent research shows a link between obesity and prostate cancer.
• Obesity and poor diet
• Poor lifestyle decisions e.g. not exercising

Prostate Cancer in Kenya:
In 2020, The Global Cancer Observatory reported a total of 3,412 new cases of men diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in Kenya.

The exact number of people living with prostate cancer in Kenya is unknown as so many people are not screened for it as they show no symptoms.

When can you see symptoms?
You will start to see signs when the cancer presses against the tube you urinate through but when you will see symptoms depends on where your cancer has started growing in the prostate.

Symptoms are:
• Needing to pee more frequently.
• Difficulty in starting to pee.
• Long time to pee.
• Weak flow.
• Feeling that bladder has not emptied fully.
• Blood in urine or blood in semen.

When to see a doctor?
If you have any above symptoms bring them to your doctors’ attention.

Diagnosis for Prostate Cancer
Screening for Prostate Cancer is done through these 4 common ways;

• Urine sample to check for infection.
• Prostate-Specific Antigen testing
• Digital rectal examination
• Biopsy to diagnose prostate cancer.

Further testing for advanced prostate cancer could include an MRI Scan, CT Scan or PET Scan.

Treatment for prostate cancer

The aim is to cure or delay symptoms and prolong life so your doctor will decide what treatment will be best for you depending on:

• The stage of cancer you are on
• Whether your cancer is in the same place or if it has spread to different parts of your body
• The size of the tumour.
• Your general health

Types of treatment:
• Active surveillance and watchful waiting are two approaches to keep an eye on the cancer. If the cancer progresses then other methods for treatment will be recommended.

• Surgically removing the prostate gland is used to cure the cancer if it hasn’t spread very far. However, you will not be able to conceive through sexual intercourse after removing your prostate.

• Radiotherapy uses radiation to kill cancerous cells. However, you should be aware of the side effects that are associated with radiotherapy.

• Brachytherapy is a form of radiotherapy where the radiation is delivered inside the prostate gland. This type of treatment was designed to minimise damage to other tissues.

• Hormone therapy is often used with radiotherapy but it can sometimes be recommended after radiotherapy to stop the cancerous cells growing back by stopping the production or inhibiting testosterone. If Hormone therapy doesn’t work steroids might be used.

• Trans-urethral resection of the prostate does not cure prostate cancer but relieves pressure or any other symptoms you might have with urination.

• High-intensity focused ultrasound is used to treat localised prostate cancer by releasing sound waves to kill the cancer cells.

• Cryotherapy is a method of killing cancer cells by freezing them.

• Chemotherapy is used to treat prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It does not cure cancer but can keep it under control. However, there are side effects.

How can you help yourself?

• Do annual screenings for prostate cancer. Book an appoint with our partner doctors at My Health Africa or call 0705 -110011 to speak to a medic
• Find out more about your treatment and side effects from your doctor
• Aim for a healthy diet and exercise regularly
• It will be a very hard process, so find someone to talk to.
• Ask your doctor if there are any groups for support.

References:
(1) https://cancerresearchkenya.org
(2) https://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/populations/404-kenya-fact-sheets.pdf
(3) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749208111000660?casa_token=ubuP0UcpkWMAAAAA:PXG6BSl_bUxAH29cdzEjIEFpjfrlNXoa9UMb6-EY71eO6KDv3QPfHtP8IYN9Bk7AlH_OVPu3U08
(4) https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40659-017-0140-9

 

THE DIABETIC FOOT

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When you have diabetes, you have a risk of developing foot problems. For example, you can get severe foot infections on the soles of your feet, ankles and sometimes on your leg. Don’t worry, there are simple steps you can take to prevent foot infections from getting worst but speak to your doctor for more advice.

 

Why do diabetics have a risk of developing foot infections?

 

  • Diabetics have a poor blood circulation, it’s caused by glucose damaging blood vessels. This means, if you have cuts or sores they will heal at a slower rate.
  • The second cause of foot infection is the loss of sensation because of poor blood circulation but high blood glucose can also damage your nerves. So, when you can’t feel for example, a cut. Bacteria will start growing and infection will increase.
  • Another cause is glucose, bacteria can use glucose as fuel to grow and infect the site of injury faster.

 

What happens if you don’t treat your sores, cuts and ulcers?

  • If you don’t treat your sores, ulcers or cuts. They can become infected or the infection will get worse.
  • When ulcers are infected, sepsis can occur and lead to gangrene of the toe.

 

What are signs of a serious foot problems?

If you see any of the following signs speak to your doctor for more advice.

  • Tingling sensation or pins and needles.
  • A dull ache.
  • Shiny, smooth skin on your feet.
  • Hair loss on your legs and feet.
  • Loss of feeling your legs and feet.
  • Your feet don’t sweat.
  • Wounds or sores that don’t heal.
  • Cramps in your calves when resting or walking.
  • Blisters and cuts that you can see but don’t feel.
  • Foul smell coming from an open wound.

 

Tips on how to prevent foot problems?

  • Manage blood glucose levels, blood pressure and cholesterol.
  • Get expert advice.
  • Check your feet every day.
  • Make sure your footwear fits.
  • Eat a healthy balanced diet and stay active.
  • Be careful when you cut your nails.

 

You can check your blood pressure for free at one of our Goodlife stores. Along with free blood sugar and cholesterol tests.

Factors that could increase your risk of getting breast cancer

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In 2020, 6799 new cases of breast cancer were reported in Kenya! The cause of breast cancer is still not fully understood because some women develop breast cancer and others don’t – and in rare cases it also applies to men.

However, there are some factors that could increase the risk of developing breast cancer in women.

  • Research shows that the risk of getting breast cancer increases with age. Most breast cancers are diagnosed after the age of 50.
  • If you have a close relative who has breast cancer or ovarian cancer. You could have inherited the mutated genes BRCA1 or BRCA2 which increases your risk of breast cancer.
  • If you have had previously breast cancer or benign breast tumors, this increases the risk of those cells growing abnormally.
  • If you have been exposed to too much of the hormone oestrogen for example, from hormonal replacement therapy, oestrogen stimulates breast cells to grow.
  • If you are overweight or obese your body produces too much oestrogen.
  • Drinking alcohol can damage cells and can also stop cells repairing.
  • Long term exposure to radiation therapy

Risks of developing Breast Cancer in Men:

  • Genes and Family history – inheriting the mutated genes BRCA1 or BRCA2 increases your risk of breast cancer.
  • Conditions that increase the level of oestrogen in your body.

Check out our blog on how to do a self-breast exam and check for lumps here. We have also partnered with Dial Daktari and My health Africa, in case you need further consultation, kindly book an appointment with them.

How to do a breast self-exam and check for lumps

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Every woman’s breasts are different so it’s important to be aware of how your breasts normally look and feel as this will help you notice any changes.

How to check for lumps in 5 steps:

  1. 1. Start by standing in front of a mirror, with your undergarment off, make sure there is good lighting. Then begin looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and hands on your hips. Check whether your breasts are their usual size, shape and colour. Check to see if you have any bulging of the skin, dimpling, redness, a rash, swelling, or has your nipple changed position.
  2. 2. Now, raise your arms and look for same changes.
  3. 3. While still looking at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples.
  4. 4. Next, feel your breasts while lying down. The use your right hand to feel the left breast and then the left hand to feel the right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion using different pressures.
    Make sure you cover the entire breast from your collar bone to the top of your abdomen (top to bottom) and from your armpit to cleavage (side to side).
  5. 5. Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing up or sitting. Use the same hand movements described in step 4. If you see any changes, bring it to your Doctor’s attention

A little reminder, your breasts can change:

  • During your menstrual cycle, a hormone changes the texture of your breast that could make them feel lumpy (your glands swell for a possible pregnancy). If you don’t get pregnant your breasts will go back to its normal size. Your breasts could also feel sore and painful.
  • After Menopause your breasts might feel soft, less lumpy and less firm.

So be aware of how your breasts normally feel and look during these periods and after.

Breastfeeding

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Congratulations you are a mum!

Breastfeeding is different for every mum and baby so don’t worry. It can be quicker for some than others. There are alternatives to breastfeeding but breastfeeding is encouraged for the first 6 months of a baby’s life (World Health Organisation 2021)

You can check your health and baby’s health on our Goodlife App.

Diet

You don’t need to follow a special diet during breastfeeding. Just eat a healthy diet which includes:

  • At least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. One portion is 80g of any fruit and vegetable but you need 5 portions for example, one portion of banana, one portion of spinach, one portion of carrots, one portion of mango and one portion of courgette! So you could spread your portions out across the day but It should make up to one-third of your diet a daily.
  • Starchy foods such as potatoes and rice should make up the other one-third of your diet.
  • Plenty of fibre which is found in your vegetables and fruit along with your starchy foods
  • Protein, such as chicken, lean meat and two portions of fish are recommended a week.
  • Dairy foods, such as milk, cheese and yoghurt
  • Drink plenty of fluids

Tip. Vegetables and fruit along with your starchy foods are your main food groups because this is where you will get the majority of your energy from. Think about the plate you have in front of you Every plate you have should have one third veg and fruit, one third starchy foods and the rest is filled with protein and dairy or dairy alternatives. But be mindful about the amount of calories and vitamins.

Nutrients

What nutrients you need as a mum:
A healthy balanced diet will provide all of the nutrients your body needs during breastfeeding. If you would like some advice, you could speak to a qualified nutritionist at one of our Goodlife stores and get a vitamin test all for free. Some of the nutrient requirements have additional amounts to make sure there is enough in your breastmilk for your baby whilst meeting your body requirements. You can do this by adding a bit more of the food sources below to your diet, or supplements are available from our Goodlife stores if your diet can’t meet the recommended requirements.

Water soluble Nutrients

Type of Nutrient What it does Recommended amounts: Recommended additional amounts Sources:
Thiamin (B1) Helps the development of the baby’s nervous system. 0.8 mg/d 0.2mg/d Whole grains, nuts, meat, fruit and vegetables
Riboflavin (B2) Release energy from food and important for heart health 1.1 mg/d 0.5 mg/d Mushrooms, milk, eggs, legumes and green vegetables.
Niacin (B3) Release energy from food and prevents pellagra 13 mg/d 2mg/d Meat, wheat, eggs, dairy products.
B12 Plays a role in the nervous system. 1.5 ug/d 0.5mg/d Meat, fish, cheese, eggs, milk
Folate Helps in healthy blood cell formation and role in nerves system. 200 ug/d 60 ug/d Green leafy vegetables, peas, bananas, oranges.
Vitamin C Protects cells from damage and aids Iron absorption. 40mg/d 30 mg/d Citrus fruits, berries, green leafy vegetables, peppers

Fat Soluble Vitamins

Type of Nutrient What it does Recommended amounts: Sources:
Vitamin A Eye health, cell growth and helps immune system. Diet should contain 350ug. Carrots, green leafy vegetables, dairy products, milk, mangoes and apricots
Vitamin K Normal blood clotting and bone structure. Safe intakes 1ug/kg/d Green leafy vegetables, dairy products and meat.
Vitamin E Protects cells from oxidative damage Safe intake is 3mg/d but depends on your calorie intake. Vegetable oils, nuts and seeds.

Supplements you want to include:

Vitamin D

The amount of vitamin D found in breast milk correlates with the diet. The diet can’t meet requirements so 10 ug/d is recommended. You can find an array of supplements at our Goodlife stores but if you are not sure which one to get, you are always welcome to ask for advice in one of our shops or online! We would be happy to help 😃

A few little tips and hints for breastfeeding:

  • Hydrate!
  • The baby’s suckling will stimulate your milk supply and the amount.
  • Learn a bit more about positioning and attachment by asking your nurse, midwife or doctor.
  • Learn your baby’s cues when he or she is hungry and getting enough milk.
  • Nursing pillows might make it more comfortable.
  • Wear comfortable breastfeeding clothes such as a poncho or a nursing bra could help.
  • Skin-to-skin contact will help the baby feel calm and warm.
  • Some supplements might help stimulate your milk supply.
  • Wear breast pads, this can stop your clothes becoming wet from breast milk.
  • Nipple cream for sore or itchy nipples.
  • Find the right type of breast pump for you. It could be manual or electric.
  • Don’t forget about the milk storage bag after using a breast pump. You can get different sizes or storage bottles.
  • Sterilize bottles and bottle teats! You can get sterilising fluid or tablets
  • Different size feeding bottles and teats.
  • Nipple shields or protectors.
  • You can find supplements, breast pads, nipple cream and breast pumps, milk storage bag , storage bottles, nipple shields, sterilising fluid or tablets at one of our Goodlife stores.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding for your baby?

  • It will help you and your baby bond.
  • There is a natural, satiety hormones in breast milk that will make your baby feel full, this is beneficial in the long term because it might reduce the risks of childhood obesity.
  • Breast feeding is the best and natural source of nutrients for the baby because it’s safe for their kidneys and digestive tract.
  • Protein is easy to digest from breastmilk.
  • Contains enzymes which could improve baby’s digestion.
  • It has inflammatory mediators that can help the baby fight infection as their immune system develops.
  • Breast milk also has an amino acid that helps develop the brain and retina.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding for mums?

  • It might help you lose weight.
  • It is a natural contraceptive for up to 6 months. If you continuously breastfeed.
  • Might reduce the risks of type 2 diabetes
  • Might reduce the risk of breast cancer.

What should you avoid during breastfeeding?

  • Smoking : reduces milk volume and your baby could die of sudden infant death syndrome
  • Illicit drugs : Will have the same harmful effects on the baby like it does on the mother.
  • Alcohol : can reduce the baby’s hunger and reduce the production of milk.
  • Caffeine : might make baby’s irritable.
  • Medicinal Drugs : Ask about possible side-affects that could occur during breastfeeding because some medicinal drugs are compatible but others not. You can ask a Goodlife pharmacist or ask for a doctor to come to one of our Goodlife stores for a consultation.

What about everyday personal care for Mum and Baby?
A gentle reminder for mums, try not to forget about your personal care routine. It might get very hectic once you have a little one and you might be new to motherhood! Remember to maintain your hygiene by

  • Cleaning your face and moisturize!
  • Washing your hair, body and clean your nails.
  • Brush your teeth.

Carry deodorant, lip balm, tissues and face wet wipes (and baby wipes) in your bag. These few essentials could be very useful! Not to mention a water bottle. Stay hydrated.

For your baby, you have to be careful of the products you use, as your baby’s skin is very sensitive! Products that are gentle for baby’s is important so they don’t have a allergic reaction.

A few essentials that you might like to get for your baby but make sure they are designed for baby’s!

  • Diapers
  • Nappy ointment
  • Baby shampoo
  • Baby bubble bath
  • Baby wet wipes
  • Baby moisturising lotion (used daily)
  • Baby powder.
  • Baby sun cream.

Topical products to prevent or treat:

  • Baby creams to helps treat eczema, rashes, cuts and grazes.
  • Baby jelly to prevent dry, itchy or rough skin.

Accessories:

  • Neck chew Bib.
  • Baby nose cleaner.

Others:

  • Baby mozzie repellent

You can find these products at one of our Goodlife stores. But it’s important to be advised by a pharm tech or beautician to avoid any allergic reactions from these topical products. It will also help you understand the different choices of products 😃

Kenya to get first batch of vaccines in next 45 Days

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Dr Tanya, an assistant professor in Paediatrics Infectious Disease at Mt Sinai and daughter of Prof Kama Rogo receives her Covid [Moderna] vaccine in New York City. [Courtesy]

The first shipments of the Covid-19 vaccine are expected to arrive in Kenya in the next 45 days.

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said on Friday Kenya anticipates deliveries of the coronavirus vaccines to start at the end of this month or mid-next month as the country assess its range of vaccine options.

“We have ordered vaccines. We are hoping that the vaccines will be here by the end of January or up to the second week of February,” said Kagwe.

The Health CS further said Kenya had developed protocols that would guide how the jabs would be given and that frontline medical workers would be given priority.

Not compulsory

“We have a system to indicate who will be first to get the vaccines,” Kagwe said, further revealing that vaccination would not be compulsory.

The government intends to start the inoculations with the healthcare workers, police officers, teachers and students, Kagwe explained.

While no firm date of delivery for the tranche of vaccines was given, the news offers a glimmer of hope to a country brought to its knees by the ravaging respiratory disease as numbers of infections and deaths continue to rise.

Kagwe said the country was also in discussion with Synopharm in China in its quest to get vaccines.

“We are looking at all the other vaccines that have been approved within the World Health Organisation (WHO) so that we will not be relying only on one type of vaccine.”

The ideal thing to do, said Kagwe, would be to use several vaccines so that the efficacy chances would be higher.

Among the options that the Ministry of Health is considering is the AstraZeneca and Oxford University vaccine. Kenya, through the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri), has been collaborating with Oxford and the vaccine trial is currently ongoing at the Kemri-Wellcome Trust Research Programme facility in Kilifi.

Just last week, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK approved the AstraZeneca vaccine for use in the UK.

Kenya has ordered 24 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, which is preferred over other approved vaccines, for its ease in distribution because it does not require special refrigerators.

Kenya is among 92 low and middle-income countries and economies that will be able to access Covid-19 vaccines through the Covax scheme, which is run under WHO.

The scheme guarantees developing nations an equal opportunity to access the vaccines regardless of income level. Through Covax, countries such as Kenya expect a share of at least 1.3 billion donor-funded doses of approved vaccines this year.

Covax has ordered 470 million doses of the Oxford vaccine, 500 million of the Janssen and 200 million of the Sanofi, according to a platform run by Duke University, which is tracking the orders for the vaccines.

Vaccinate programme

Kenya is seeking some 24 million doses through this programme to vaccinate about 20 per cent of the population. Kenya made its application to Covax on December 7.

Some countries in Africa such as Egypt have negotiated bilateral deals with vaccine manufacturers in China.

Egypt received the first batch of a Chinese coronavirus vaccine on December 10. The vaccine was developed by China National Pharmaceutical Group, Sinopharm.

Unicef, which is coordinating the delivery of the vaccines under Covax, is recruiting a consultant whose job will be, among others, assessing Kenya’s preparedness to handle the virus.

The consultant will review relevant documents, tools and materials on Covax vaccine, including the vaccine readiness assessment tool to understand the local context and preparations towards vaccine introduction.

Source : The Standard Media, Nairobi ,Kenya,  1/3/2021

”Maximising you and your baby’s health during pregnancy “

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Twenty-eight-year-old Mercy is expecting her first child. She is excited to go through the experience and prepare for the baby. Every day, Mercy prays for the success of the pregnancy and to give birth to a healthy baby who will do great things in life. Her dreams are similar to the desires that most parents have for their offspring. “I want the child to have everything good for him in life. I want him to be smart, confident, outgoing and caring. This will make me happy,” she says. According to health experts, pregnant women like Mercy need to be aware that the journey towards the improved well-being of children begins with the actions mothers take when babies are still in their wombs. They note that a major action for mothers is the adoption of healthy balanced diets, which provide important nutrients required for improved pregnancy outcomes. Key among them is the vitamin D nutrient, which performs many crucial roles in the body. A new study published in the Nutrition Journal shows that mothers’ vitamin D levels during pregnancy are associated with their children’s intelligence. Based on the research, higher levels of the nutrient among expectant mothers may lead to improved brain development and greater childhood Intelligence Quotient (IQ) scores. Despite the significance of vitamin D on maternal and child health, the study also identified significantly lower levels of the nutrient among dark-skinned women. This is due to the high levels of melanin (the pigment that gives skin colour), which are usually present in dark-skinned people compared to light-skinned people. Melissa Melough, the lead author and research scientist in the Department of Child Health, Behaviour and Development at Seattle Children’s Research Institute states: “Vitamin D deficiency is common among the general population as well as pregnant women. But black women are at greater risk. Melanin pigment protects the skin against sun damage. But by blocking ultra-violet rays, melanin also reduces vitamin D production in the skin. Because of this, we weren’t surprised to see high rates of vitamin D deficiency among black pregnant women in our study.” “I hope our work brings greater awareness to this problem, shows the long-lasting implications of prenatal vitamin D for the child and their neurocognitive development, and highlights that there are certain groups providers should be paying closer attention to. Wide-spread testing of vitamin D levels is not generally recommended, but I think health care providers should be looking out for those who are at higher risk, including black women,” said Melough. Foods that contain higher levels of vitamin D include fatty fish, eggs and fortified sources like cow’s milk and breakfast cereals. However, Melough notes that vitamin D is one of the most difficult nutrients to get in adequate amounts from our diets. The best source of vitamin D is the sun, which usually stimulates the production of the nutrient in the skin. People are thus encouraged to purposefully find time to bask in the sun and expose their skin to the heat each day for about 20 to 30 minutes (in the morning or afternoon). Aside from Vitamin D, pregnant women are advised to build a healthy eating plan focusing on whole foods that give higher amounts of other nutrients required for the optimal functioning of the body.They include protein, vitamins, minerals, healthy fat (like olive oils, avocados or nuts) complex carbohydrates (like brown rice, sorghum or whole wheat products), fibre and fluids. Once the child is born, exclusive breastfeeding, for the first six months also plays a significant role in boosting the intelligence of children. Past studies have found that milk increases the levels of certain chemicals in babies’ brains that are linked to neurodevelopment

Source ‘’Business Daily” 25/11/ 20 and Nutrition Journal, USA