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Malaria Consortium – Established in 2003, Malaria Consortium is one of the world’s leading non-profit organizations specializing in the comprehensive prevention, control and treatment of malaria and other communicable diseases among vulnerable and underprivileged populations. We increasingly find our work on malaria can be effectively integrated with other similar public health interventions for greater impact and therefore expanded our remit to include child health and neglected tropical disease interventions. We work in Africa and Asia with communities, governments, academic institutions, and local and international organizations, to ensure effective delivery of services, which are supported by strong evidence.

Malaria Consortium, through funding from the Philanthropy Funding supports NMEP and SMEP in Bauchi, Borno, FCT, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kogi, Nasarawa, Oyo and Plateau States to implement Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC). SMC involves the administration of monthly treatment courses of a combination of antimalarial drugs with the objective of maintaining therapeutic antimalarial drug concentrations in the blood throughout the period of transmission (rainy season) to prevent malaria.

Job Title: Qualitative Research Assistant
Locations: Bauchi and Osun

Purpose of the Assignment

  • The purpose of this assignment is to conduct research and other field activities for quantitative and qualitative research to test the two behaviorally informed and final interventions designed to increase insecticide treated nets (ITNs) in selected areas of Osun state in Nigeria. We will evaluate the interventions separately.
  • Each intervention will be implemented in a cohort of around 150 households, forming a community or group of contiguous communities. The two interventions will be evaluated separately.
  • The study will employ both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection to provide measures of operational feasibility, acceptability among users and intermediaries involved in delivering the intervention, and the cost of the intervention.
  • The quantitative sample is expected to be representative of the demographic characteristics of the population residing in the location selected.
  • The study will employ the framework developed by Bowen et al. which proposes eight areas of focus that a feasibility study may address: acceptability, demand, implementation, practicality, adaptation, integration, expansion, limited-efficacy.

Scope of Work

  • In this study we will pilot the two interventions, which employ different behavioural mechanisms, in a real-life setting. Each intervention will be piloted in a separate location and with separate communities.
  • We will use both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection to provide measures of operational feasibility, acceptability among users and intermediaries involved in delivering the intervention, and the cost of the intervention.

Specific tasks
Specific tasks for Qualitative Research Assistants (FGDs/Interviews):

  • Participate in the training activity on the use of FGD and KII topic guide and process.
  • Participate in the pre-test and finalization process for the interview guide
  • Participate in identifying and recruiting of participants for FGDs and KII
  • Depending on the assignment, collect data using the interview guide and the observation guide provided, facilitate FGDs, take notes during FGDs.
  • Document all the findings in the provided FGD guide.
  • Ensure the interviews and FGDs are accurately recorded.
  • Compile and sort the recorded interview records as directed by the supervisor.
  • Transcribe all recorded (audio) interviews.
  • Ensure anonymity of respondents and develop a relationship of trust and safe space during interview exercises with respondents.
  • Transcribe Verbatim and translate interviews and FGDs.
  • Ensure that data is handled in accordance with the approved research protocol.
  • Ensure the integrity of data and the accurate storing as directed by the supervisor.
  • Take all mandated steps to guarantee the protection of personal data.
  • Report to the supervisor any issues or concerns that may impact compliance with the research protocol.
  • Identify and report any challenges faced that could affect the quality of the data.
  • Ensure the integrity of data from collection to storage.
  • Ensure project equipment is used with care and is protected from damage.
  • Promptly report any safeguarding risks and incidents.
  • Present the data to the supervisor at the end of each day.
  • Report to the supervisor before and after the day’s work for further direction.
  • Follow confidentiality and security procedures to ensure respondent privacy is protected.
  • Submit all interview and FGD records (audio) and transcribed files to the research officer.

Person specification: Qualitative research assistants
Essential:

  • OND / HND or a BSc in a relevant academic field.
  • At least 2 years experience in collecting data for qualitative studies.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Computer literacy to be able to work on electronic recording devices.
  • Good interpersonal and social skills.
  • Strong written and verbal skills in Yoruba.
  • Strong written skills in English.

Desired:

  • Resident in Osun state.
  • Good communication skills and experience in participatory methodology.
  • Previous participation in Malaria Consortium’s qualitative research.
  • Innovative, motivated, and able to work with minimal supervision.

Application Dealine 2nd June, 2025.

Method of Application 

Interested and qualified candidates should:
CLICK HERE TO APPLY online

Note

  • For this position, previous working experience with MC and in SMC are added advantages.
  • Kindly note that applicants who do not follow this specification will be disqualified.
  • Only Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
  • Kindly note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and as a result, the process may conclude before the advertised deadline. Therefore, early applications are highly encouraged.
  • NB: Malaria Consortium does not accept or ask for payment during recruitment. We also would not accept hardcopy CVs; all applications should be sent through the above link.

The post Qualitative Research Assistant at Malaria Consortium (2 Openings) appeared first on Advert By Dotifi .Com Domains for Advert By Dotifi .Com Domains for almajiri.com.ng Hausa Music Blog, Entertainment ,News and Gossips .

By 9jabook

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From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5 The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Article .From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5: The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Report on the Shifting Landscape of Substance Abuse in Nigeria Nigeria faces a severe and evolving drug crisis, particularly among its youth. What began with the widespread abuse of Tramadol has progressed through mixtures like “Canadian” to newer pharmaceutical diversions such as Exol-5. This shift reflects deeper issues: easy access to prescription drugs, weak regulation, socioeconomic pressures, and aggressive street-level marketing. NDLEA operations and health studies reveal a public health emergency that threatens an entire generation. Phase 1: The Tramadol Epidemic (2010s–Early 2020s) Tramadol, a synthetic opioid prescribed for moderate to severe pain, became Nigeria’s most notorious street drug. Cheap, potent, and widely smuggled (often from India and other Asian countries), it offered users energy, euphoria, and pain relief — appealing to commercial drivers, laborers, students, and young men seeking confidence or stamina. Scale of the Problem: Millions of tablets seized annually by NDLEA. High prevalence among young males aged 15–35. Linked to increased crime, sexual violence, organ damage (kidney failure, seizures), and mental health breakdowns. Contributed to broader opioid misuse alongside codeine cough syrups. Government responses included tighter import controls and public awareness campaigns, but these only displaced demand to other substances rather than eliminating it. Phase 2: The Rise of “Canadian” (Mid-2020s) “Canadian” or “Canadian Loud” emerged as a popular code for high-grade cannabis (often indica-dominant strains) or cannabis mixed with other synthetics. It gained traction as users sought alternatives or combinations to Tramadol’s effects. This phase marked a move toward imported or locally cultivated premium weed, sometimes laced with stronger chemicals. Youths in urban centers like Lagos, Kano, Jos, and Onitsha embraced it for its perceived “cleaner” high compared to opioids. However, it fueled polydrug use — combining cannabis with opioids, sedatives, or alcohol — amplifying health risks. Phase 3: Exol-5 – The Current Threat (2024–2026) Exol-5 (Benzhexol Hydrochloride / Trihexyphenidyl 5mg), originally a prescription medication for Parkinson’s disease and drug-induced movement disorders, has become the latest pharmaceutical being heavily abused. Why Exol-5? Euphoric Effects: Users report intense euphoria, hallucinations, and a sense of detachment — making it attractive as a cheap “upper” or escape. Accessibility: Sold over-the-counter or on the black market despite being a controlled prescription drug. NDLEA has seized millions of pills in single operations (e.g., 3.1 million pills in Kano in late 2024, and over 5.6 million combined with Tramadol in other busts). Street Names: Exol, Artane, Benzhexol, “Farin Mallam” (in Northern Nigeria). Demographics: Prevalent among youths, laborers, and even psychiatric patients who divert prescriptions. Studies show abuse rates as high as 25% among certain outpatient groups. Health Consequences: Anticholinergic toxicity: Confusion, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, and in high doses — delirium, psychosis, seizures, and heart issues. Long-term: Cognitive impairment, addiction, exacerbated mental health disorders. Often mixed with Tramadol, codeine, or cannabis, creating dangerous synergies. In cities like Jos, Exol-5 sits alongside diazepam, Rohypnol, and Tramadol on street markets, easily available to teenagers and young adults. Why This Evolution Continues Supply-Side Failures: Porous borders, corrupt officials, and overproduction of pharmaceuticals enable diversion. Demand Drivers: Unemployment, poverty, peer pressure, trauma, and the pursuit of performance enhancement (e.g., for “hustle” culture). Weak Regulation: Many pharmacies sell restricted drugs without prescriptions. Online and street vendors fill gaps. Displacement Effect: Cracking down on one substance (Tramadol/codeine) pushes users and dealers toward the next available option. NDLEA reports ongoing large seizures, but the problem persists due to high profitability and low risk for mid-level distributors. Broader Impacts on Nigerian Youths Education: Increased dropout rates and poor academic performance. Mental Health: Rising cases of psychosis and depression. Economy: Lost productivity among the working-age population. Crime and Violence: Drug-fueled robberies, cultism, and family breakdowns. Public Health System Strain: Overburdened hospitals treating overdoses and chronic complications. Young people aged 15–39 remain the hardest hit, with national surveys showing drug use prevalence significantly above global averages. What Must Be Done Stronger Enforcement: Consistent prosecution of corrupt enablers and large-scale traffickers. Regulation: Crackdown on rogue pharmacies and better tracking of prescription drugs. Prevention & Rehabilitation: School programs, community outreach, and expanded treatment centers (currently woefully inadequate). Economic Alternatives: Address root causes like youth unemployment. Public Awareness: Honest campaigns highlighting real dangers of “Exol-5” and similar drugs. Conclusion From Tramadol’s opioid grip to “Canadian” cannabis culture and now Exol-5’s anticholinergic highs, Nigeria’s drug crisis is mutating faster than responses can contain it. Exol-5 represents the dangerous new frontier — a legitimate medicine turned youth destroyer due to misuse and greed. Without urgent, multi-layered intervention — combining supply disruption, demand reduction, and socioeconomic support — an entire generation risks being lost to addiction. The time for half-measures is over. Nigeria’s future depends on winning this fight.