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Covid-19: Delivery Of Routine Services Dropped In All Tertiary Hospitals, Says Ehanire

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Health
Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Health

… Cooks , Food Vendors To Wear Masks, Or Risk Losing Customers

…the End Of Covid-19 Outbreak Will Come , When We Get Vaccine.

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Health on Thursday said that the delivery of routine services in all tertiary hospitals in Nigeria has reduced drastically as a result of Covid-19 lockdown.

Adding that, the latest statistics from the National Health Management Information System (NHMIS) indicates that Out-Patient visit dropped from 4 million to about 2 million, Antenatal visits from 1.3 million to 655 thousand, Skilled Birth attendance from 158,374 to less than 99,000, while immunization services dropped to about half.

This was as, Ehanire warned all cooks and Food vendors to wear masks, or risk losing customers. Face masks should become commonplace.

He made this known on Thursday during the daily briefing on the presidential Task Force on Covid-19, in Abuja, while adding that all these have as yet undetermined consequences, which the easing of the lockdown should hopefully address.

He further stated that the downside of easing the restrictions needs to be balanced of with a collective determination by all of us, not only to comply with protective and prophylactic advisories, but to encourage relatives, friends, neighbours and customers to do same.

Ehanire added that, the use of facial covers like masks in places where social distancing may be difficult or impractical, should be supported and emphasized through donation of masks to the population, as an act of goodwill.

He also enjoined workplaces to institute such requirements and ensure that all workers are masked and knowledgeable about COVID-19 and by extension share it with their families and relations.

According to him, “We have also deployed commodities like PPE and other supplies to States and Federal Health Institutions, and in addition continued with supplies to laboratories to forestall delays arising from shortages.

“These measures and others are to address the needs reported to us by the FMoH team, presently deployed in Kano, which has paid exploratory visits to Jigawa, Bauchi and Katsina and is preparing to pay to Sokoto and Borno very soon. Part of the needs already identified is the urgent necessity of on-site laboratories with molecular diagnostic capacity, to reduce the presently extended turnaround time for results.

“Practical, hand-holding training has been requested for some of the health systems with little or no experience in Infectious disease management. To this end, more personnel is to be deployed from the Federal Infectious Disease Specialist Hospital, Irrua, while the kind offer of Lagos and Ekiti State Governors will also be drawn upon. Stepdown training will be a priority in the entire exercises to build capacity down to the level of community health workers in a bid to sustain delivery of services”, he added.

The Minister further stated that, “As we inch towards significant milestones in our COVID-19 statistics, we are looking at all options to adjust our approach to the emerging situation. The Federal Ministry of Health and its Agencies particularly the Nigeria Center for Disease Control has scaled up training of case managers, Infection Prevention and Control, case finding, Emergency Patient Transportation Systems, Surveillance Outbreak Response Management Analysis System (SORMAS), down to training of hygienists, stretcher bearers and security personnel. This will increase confidence in the health system, reduce instances of desertion and improve overall performance.

“The Federal Ministries of Health and FCT held a ministerial meeting today and agreed on a firm, synergistic collaboration and cooperation framework to respond to the challenges of COVID-19 in the Federal Capital Territory. A joint committee led by the HMSH and including the Perm Secretaries of both Ministries has been created to manage the newly donated ThisDay Dome COVID-19 treatment facility. The initial medical team is to be headed by the CMD of ISTH Irrua. An inspection visit was also paid to the 600 bed COVID-19 treatment center at Idu, a flagship project of the FCT.

“Yesterday, the 13th of May 2020, 184 new confirmed cases were recorded in 22 states. A breakdown of the cases by states shows Lagos(51), Jigawa(23), Bauchi(16), Katsina(16), Kano(14), FCT(10), Rivers(10), Kwara(9), Delta(5), Kaduna(5), Sokoto(4), Oyo(4), Kebbi(3), Nasarawa (3), Osun(3), Ondo(2), Ebonyi(1), Edo(1), Enugu(1), Anambra(1), Plateau (1), Niger (1) 6 deaths were recorded in the same period. This brings to 4,971 the total number of cases which have been confirmed in the country with 164 deaths. So far, 1070 cases have been treated and discharged”, he stressed.

He added that they shall engage State Commissioners of Health and their staff through the IT platform to continue training and retraining of health workers in the states as more information on COVID-19 is received, to ensure learnings and exchange of ideas and experiences of other countries is shared.

In addition, we have been in discussion with multinationals and our development partners such as WHO and Global Fund plan our needs and processes. Funds are also being repurposed for use in further increasing our diagnostic capacity and providing personal protective equipment for our health care workers.

Meanwhile, the Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu said the end of this outbreak (Covid-19) will come , when we get the vaccine.

He added that, getting a vaccine does not mean that we will have access to it. We have heard of a vaccines to humanbaseviralogy for the last ten years but because the vaccine cost about $50 per shut we don’t have access to it in Nigeria.

So we have to engage globally, to insist on equitable access to this vaccine when they are develop. We also do that by looking inward, by engaging globally, by making the case for access to this vaccine.

We must engage globally by having more access to diagnostic, theraupitics measures and to everything we need to fight this diseases.

As we look inwards, we must also look outward because no country can solve this problem by themselves, we have to work with others

Covid-19: Founder Of DAAR Communications, High Chief Dokpesi Returns home Having Tested Negative

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Raymond-Dokpesi
Raymond-Dokpesi

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

The Founder and Chairman Emeritus of DAAR Communications , High Chief Raymond Dokpesi Returns home from Isolation and Treatment Centre, after testing nagative twice.

He made his new status known in his statement of appreciation to Nigerians, on Thursday in Abuja.

The statement reads in bits: “The past weeks have provided us with a first-hand experience of the enormous challenge before us as a country. We are better acquainted with the personal sacrifices many Nigerians are making to ensure that we collectively defeat this pandemic. This cuts across the policymakers, the care providers and even the cleaners whose job puts them at constant risk of exposure.

“I am exceptionally indebted to God Almighty for keeping and protecting me and my entire family all through our isolation at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada Isolation Centre.

“My gratitude goes to many Nigerians in the county and in the diaspora for their outpouring of concern and prayers.

“However, special mention must be made of the SGF, Mr Boss Mustapha & Chairman PTF, who not only sympathised with me & my family but also personally made both video & voice calls on several occasion to ascertain our well-being.

“My appreciation goes to the Hon. Minister of Health Dr Osagie Ehanire, the Medical Team and other members of the PTF, the CMD UATH – Gwagwalada – Prof Bisallah Ekene, Head of Isolation Center – Dr Tahir, Rivers State Governor – His Excellency, Nyesom Wike and other serving & former State Governors too numerous to mention, Fmr President & Head of State, His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, Former President of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency,
Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR, Former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (Rtd), GCFR, Gen Abdusallami Abubakar (Rtd), former Vice President Alh. Atiku Abubakar, GCON, Elder Statesmen, Alh. Bamanga Tukur, CON, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Odili, Sen. Ken Nnamani, Chief Nnia Nwodo, Chief Bitrus Pogu, Sen. Francis Alimekhena, Sen Ben Obi, Chief Tom Ikimi, CON, General Aliyu Gusau (Rtd), Gen Akinrinade, Dr Auwalu Anwar, the D.G NBC, Fmr I.G of Police – Solomon Arase and members of the National Assembly.

“I thank all PDP Chieftains and Party stalwarts across political divide, Chief Emeka Offor, Sen Ifeanyi Ararume, Chief Acho Ihenacho, King Sunny AdeChief Dr Olasupo Allibalogun, Fatai Bello-Omeiza, Oba Otudeko, Chief Akomolafe, Prince Folusho Phillips, Chief Shobanjo, Traditional Rulers across the federation and particularly The Okumagbe of Uwanno, Chief George Oshapii, the Arch Bishop of Abuja Diocese – Ignatius Kaigama, Bishop Mathew Kukah and all the catholic church clergy who offered masses for us, Islamic Scholars, Chief Tom Adaba, Mac Emokpore, Prof Anya Anya, Dr Abiye Sekibo, Sen Lee Maeba, Rt. Hon Austin Opara, Media Proprietors & practitioners, Management and Staff of DAAR Communications Plc., entire members of my family, friends and well-wishers.

“It is my firm belief that with well thought out policies, coupled with targeted and highly coordinated investment in the health system, Nigeria’s fight against COVID-19 may become the catalyst for the much-needed reform in the health sector”, the statement further stated.

Covid-19 Pallatives: Aliyu Attributes FCT Distribution Success To Security Personnel’s

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu
Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJAThe FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu has hinted that success of the FCT Palliative distribution exercise is attributed to the sacrifices made by personnel drafted in from various security and paramilitary outfits in the Territory, .

While adding that the security personnel defiled the scourging sun and rains, to ensure that the palliatives were served to the most vulnerable ones of the society.

She gave this hint on Thursday, during the FCT Administration’s donation of 500 bags of 10kg rice, 250 cartons of noodles and 250 packs of table water for the benefit of the personnel.

Aliyu also used the occasion to commend the personnel, who are also involved in enforcing COVID-19 lockdown directives, for ensuring that so far, there was no incident of harassment or whatsoever encountered in the FCT.

Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu with the FCT covid-19 enforcement team

Her words: “The much we are seeing achieved as a success in this (FCT) Palliative distribution exercise wouldn’t have been possible without your sacrifices.

“You defiled the scourging sun and rains, and sometimes you cross rivers, to ensure that the palliatives were served to the most vulnerable ones of the society.

You went to the very end of difficult terrains of the FCT , to ensure that no one was left out . You all stood tall, you were resolute not to strike anyone, but to abide by the rules until normalcy was restored.

Covid-19 p alliatives to be distributed by FCT

“We are here with very important men of our society. Very important in the sense that they sacrifice their own lives to safeguard our own lives, we appreciate you all.

“I say a very big thank you very on behalf of the FCT Administration.
To all of you across the various security outfits and volunteer groups in the FCT. We have a little token for you, not because is enough but just to say that we appreciate you.”

Responding, the Chairman of the FCT Ministerial Task Team on COVID-19 lockdown enforcement, Comrade Ikharo Attah thanked the Minister for the initiative, while adding that this gesture demonstrates that the FCTA actually cares for gallant personnel.

According to him, “When we sit and watch these gallant men, most of whom in the last two months had not seen their families for more than three times.

“Throughout our operations, we are bold to let the world know that the people (security personnel) here did not flog anybody, they did not kick anybody, and they did not injure anybody.

“And by God’s grace they will all return gallantly to their respective domains after the defeat and exist of COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have to say that those people who want to learn from FCT team, a team guided by very highly intelligent military and service heads of the various security outfits in FCT,” he stated can do so.

Aliyu Congratulates New Chief Of Staff, Says Appointment Well Deserved

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Ibrahim-Gambari
Ibrahim-Gambari

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, on Thursday congratulated the newly appointed Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, while describing the appointment as well deserved.  

In her congratulatory message she personally signed and made available to Newsfucos media in Abuja, she noted that the appointment of Gambari was in recognition of his wealth of experience, locally and internationally, stressing that it was also a testimony to Mr. President’s firm confidence in his ability to help steer the ship of state at the very heart of government.    

She, however, expressed the confident that his appointment would usher in a new era in the discharge of Mr. President’s second term so that the citizens of this great country continue to witness the delivery of promised programmes by the progressive platform, the All Progressives Congress.  

The letter reads in parts: “I would like to offer you my most sincere congratulations upon your assumption of the new responsibility as the Chief of Staff to the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.  

“Your assumption of office today, in recognition of your wealth of experience, locally and internationally, is a testimony to Mr. President’s firm confidence in your ability to help steer the ship of State at the very heart of government.  

“It is an eloquent testimony of Allah’s grace in your life’s journey and the milestones you have crossed in your glorious service to humanity. I am therefore confident that your appointment shall usher in a new era in the discharge of Mr. President’s second term so that the citizens of this great Country continue to witness the delivery of promised programmes by our progressive platform, the All Progressives Congress.  

“I take this opportunity to pledge my dedicated cooperation and look forward to tapping from your tremendous wealth of experience as we work to serve the nation productively under the leadership of our amiable President.  

“Once again, I congratulate you on this well-deserved
appointment”.  

Every Day: Additional 950 Nigerian Children Under Five Could Die Without Urgent Action Amist COVID-19, UNICEF Warns

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Peter Hawkins
UNICEF Representative in Nigeria


TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

Every day, an additional 950 Nigerian children could die from preventable causes over the next six months as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts routine services and threatens to weaken the health system, UNICEF has said.

While adding that, globally, 6,000 additional children under five could die every day.

The estimate is based on an analysis by researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, newly published in The Lancet Global Health journal.

In a commentary to the Lancet report, UNICEF warns these disruptions could result in potentially devastating increases in maternal and child deaths. 

The analysis offers three scenarios of the potential impact of COVID-19 in 118 low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. In the worst-case scenario, the estimate is that an additional nearly 173,000 under-five deaths could occur in just six months, due to reductions in routine health service coverage levels – including routine vaccinations – and an increase in child wasting.

In Nigeria, these potential child deaths would be in addition to the 475,200 children who already die before their fifth birthday every six months – threatening to reverse a decade of progress in ending preventable under-five child mortality in Nigeria.

About 6,800 more Nigerian maternal deaths could also occur in just six months.

UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said, “Under a worst-case scenario, the global number of children dying before their fifth birthdays could increase for the first time in decades, while adding that, “We must not let mothers and children become collateral damage in the fight against the virus.”

Also, Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Nigeria’s Country Representative, said, “We have made steady progress in  reducing preventable child and maternal deaths in Nigeria over the last 20 years – and it would be devastating if that progress is lost or reversed – devasting for Nigerian families, communities and for the country as a whole.”

The under-five mortality rate has declined gradually over the last two decades in Nigeria – from 213 deaths per thousand in 1990 to 120 today. This is likely due to improved access and coverage of key lifesaving interventions at primary health care and community levels and improved immunization rates.

But in countries with still overall weak health systems, like Nigeria, COVID-19 is causing disruptions in medical supply chains and straining financial and human resources. Visits to health care centres are declining due to lockdowns, curfews and transport disruptions, and as communities remain fearful of infection.

According to the modeling, and assuming reductions in coverage in the worst-case scenario, the 10 countries that could potentially have the largest number of additional child deaths are: Bangladesh, Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Uganda and United Republic of Tanzania.

The 10 countries that are most likely to witness the highest excess child mortality rates under the worst-case scenario are: Djibouti, Eswatini, Lesotho, Liberia, Mali, Malawi, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone and Somalia.

“The estimates in this new study show that if, for whatever reason, routine health care is disrupted, the increase in child and maternal deaths will be devastating,” said Peter Hawkins.

“What this study also shows is the critical importance of continuing to provide of life-saving services during these challenging times. We need to continue to deliver children into a safe pair of hands at a well-equipped clinic; we need to continue to ensure newborns receive their essential vaccinations and have their births registered; and we need to continue to ensure children get the essential nutrition they need to survive and thrive beyond their first day and throughout their childhoods.”

NAFDAC: Claims For Cure Of Covid-19 Must Be Subjected To Clinical Evaluation, Trails

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
DG of NAFDAC
DG of NAFDAC



TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

Prof Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye ,the Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Wednesday hinted that any claim of cure for Covid-19 must be subjected to clinical evaluation through well controlled, randomized clinical trials following an approved clinical trial protocol.

While adding that in a bid to discover a cure, the public has witnessed quite a number of claims from different quotas Complementary & Alternative Medicines Practitioners, Traditional healers, and the Academia.

She gave this hint in a press statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, saying, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) as at the time of this press release has only received application from one company for a product the company is presenting (for approval) to the Agency for the treatment of the symptoms of Covid-19, and not for the cure of Covid-19 as a disease.

Her words: “No vaccine yet exists to prevent further spread of the virus, the huge burden of developing a cure or at best, a treatment for this deadly virus rests squarely on the shoulders of the medical world, of which Nigeria is no exception.

“The rush to mitigate the mortality and morbidly resulting from the COVID 19 pandemic has resulted in acceleration of product development, repurposing of formulations, off label use of therapeutics and the search for a vaccine to prevent COVID 19.

“That Africa as a continent is blessed with diverse plants and herbs that constitute a source of food and medicine is incontrovertible. The drugs of today’s modern society are products of research and development by major pharmaceutical companies. Among the most important raw materials researched and developed are naturally occurring materials obtained especially from plants. It should be mentioned also, however, that many plants are similarly very poisonous. As the Agency that has been saddled with the mandate of safeguarding the health of the citizenry, NAFDAC will continue to make sure that only medicinal product (including herbal remedies) that have proven safety data will be approved for use by the public”, she explained.

Adeyeye hinted that the Agency lists herbal medicines based on historical perspective on the use of the products after carrying out toxicological and microbiological evaluations in the laboratories to ensure that they are, at the minimum, safe. The listing status is valid for two years and is renewable.

She further stated that, “It does not validate the efficacy claims being made for the products hence, the labels must bear a disclaimer informing the consumer “The claims have not been evaluated by NAFDAC”. This minimum requirement of ‘proof of safety’ is the Agency’s way of encouraging production of herbal remedies from the country’s rich diversity of plants.

“Part of the efforts to advance herbal products development informed the setting up of the Nigerian Herbal Medicine Product Committee (HMPC) by the Director General, NAFDAC. The platform brings together Manufacturers, Academia, Researchers and relevant stakeholders by bridging the gap often created between traditional medicine practitioners (possible patent holders) and drug manufacturers, whose responsibility it would be to formulate the products. This collaboration, brokered by the Agency, aims at translating research of herbs into products of commerce with proven safety & efficacy. The committee has met three times since inception, on March 15, 2019, September 6, 2019 and the most recent one being a virtual meeting on Thursday May 8, 2020”, she said.

She stressed that, a Call for expression of interest for the COVID-19 related medicines was made; several researchers and practitioners have responded and are being guided to submit such medicines to NAFDAC for expedited review. The Agency continues to encourage all stakeholders to present the products of their research findings and allow these remedies go through internationally recognized process of approval through pre-clinical and where applicable, clinical trials.

She added that, NAFDAC is committed to encouraging and supporting sponsors with appropriate guidance to expedite the development of effective interventions to treat or prevent COVID-19.

Covid-19: FG To Re-examine Treatment Strategy

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Dr. Osagie Ehanire
Dr. Osagie Ehanire

… As FG Partners WHO On Treatment Tegimen Solidarity Trial In FCT, Lagos, Others

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire has hinted that the federal government is considering to reexamine the treatment strategy used in containing the dreaded coronavirus.

While adding that the Federal Government is cooperating with the WHO on treatment regimen Solidarity trial with the following states enrolled; Lagos, FCT, Ogun, Kaduna, Sokoto and Kano.

Saying, Senior management of the Federal Ministry of Health and clinical case managers in our hospitals, this participated in a multinational teleconference with Chinese medical and academic experts in Beijing, where much insight was gained into the treatment strategy of China and other matters of common interest were discussed.

He made this known on Monday in Abuja at the daily briefing on the presidential Task Force on Covid-19, saying, the learnings from this intervention are invaluable in reexamining our methods.

He further stated that, “It is important that our response to COVID-19 be a concerted national, collaborative drive, to stand a better chance of being effective. This requsite synergy cuts across tiers of government, levels of care and builds on partnerships to get it right for Nigeria. It must be sustained and or extended, with room for interstate collaboration. So far, our efforts are yielding result as shown in states where panic and scare were initially rife, but now subsumed.

” As restrictions are eased, I urge citizens to adhere to NCDC guidelines of safety and public health advisories on infection prevention and control. These include mandatory use of cloth masks outside of homes and physical distancing. With regard to the use and maintenance of masks, it is important to emphasize that the mask must cover both your mouth and your nose, most especially during face-to-face conversation. It should not be under your chin, lest the purpose is defeated. Cloth masks must be washed with soap and water daily and sundried or ironed

“Kogi and Cross River States have not reported any cases, but we are optimistic that we can work with the State Health Ministry to validate this in due course, when we engage the State authorities. A team from the FMoH, made up of experts from various specialties, including NCDC, is on standby to proceed to Calabar as soon as travel arrangements can be made, taking with them, resource to support the health system

“As at the end of yesterday, Nigeria has ramped up testing by 1,127 to a total of 27,078 tests, which yielded 4,399 cases in 35 States, with a gender ratio of 70 to 30 percent for men and women. 778 persons have been discharged home and we have sadly recorded 143 datalities, giving a case fatality rate of 3%. The new cases breakdown is as follows: Lagos 81, Jigawa 35, Bornu 26, Kano 26, Bauchi 20, FCT 13, Edo 12, Sokoto 10, Zamfara 7, Kwara 7, Kebbi 4, Gombe 2, Taeaba 2, Ekiti 2, Ogun 2, Osun a Bayelsa 1”, he stressed.

Speaking on the Ministerial Task Team deployed to Kano State to assist in the containment effort and provide direction in managing the COVID-19 situation has made significant gains, together with line directors from the Federal Ministry of Health and the Irrua Team, the following milestones are being attained: Enhancing community confidence; Continuous training snd capacity building to increase the pool of trained healthcaret workers (doctors, nurses, hygienist, etc), food handlers; More than 100 ambulance drivers and patient handlers have been trained, who have since been rendering service; The surveillance and Epidemiology pillar organized a training session for state workers who have commenced field work ; and The investigation into unexplained deaths in the State is yet to complete its work.

On Katsina, the minister said that the Presidential Task Team lead by Dr. Gwarzo and three experts including Infectious disease specialists visited Katsina state for situation analysis and were able to offer support. A detailed report is awaited and is expected to provide a roadmap to addressing the challenges in line with the response pillars; A contingent of the FMoH team in Kano will also visit Bauchi State on a fact finding mission, and engagethegovernment to map out needs; and A team will later visit Sokoto at the invitation of the State authorities on a similar mission.

With our entry into the community transmission phase, there is an increased role for the NPHCDA, who shall now play a stronger role in the health sector response architecture. This will include activities from case finding to case management of asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic cases, he added.

He, however, urged Health workers at the frontline, our human resources, trainers, and hands-on practitioners alike, who make care possible and the most important element of our response. Your contributions are recognised and we doff our hats to your service.

He added that, the ThisDome treatment center, a project of the Coalition Against COVID-19 (Cacovid) is complete and ready for commissioning tomorrow. The Minister of FCT will participate in the event. This center is fully self contained, coming with a PCR Laboratory, a fully equipped ICU and an incinerator. This over 260 bed facility adds tremendous boost to the FCT capacity and capabilities.

He urged Nigerians to observe daily advisory on personal and respiratory hygiene at all times, to cough and sneeze into disposable tissue and dispose of it, or into your sleeve, avoid crowds, practice frequent handwashing and use sanitizers.

Covid-19: High Volume Of Casualties Produced Within Short Time, Challenged Most Established Health Systems Globally, Ehanire

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Nduka Obaigbena
Nduka Obaigbena

…FCT Almost Reached The Target Of 1000 Bed Spaces, Bello

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire on Tuesday revealed that, during a pandemic like the COVID-19, the high volume of casualties produced within a short time, has challenged even the most established health systems in the world, by occasioning embarrassing shortages of equipment, bed spaces and treatment facilities.

He added that, even on global television screens, we have seen otherwise resilient health systems collapse before our eyes. Providing facilities and bed space for Isolation and treatment overnight became some of the most vital measures that could be taken to support the Health System in infection Prevention and control.

He gave this revelation at the handing over ceremony of the THISDAY DOME Treatment and Isolation Centre to the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) , in Abuja, saying, is a landmark achievement in collaborations between public and private sectors to fight a common enemy and rescue our country and people from the grip of the raving coronavirus disease.

Ehanire hinted that Prevention of the spread of COVID-19 from one patient to the other or to health care workers and visitors is critical in limiting disease progression and flattening the epidemic curve.

According to him, “The case for all hands to be on deck to tackle the worst single Public Health Emergency of our generation, has been well made. The nature of this virus makes the identification and isolation of infected persons and their contacts a public health imperative, the importance of which cannot be overemphasized and an expedient measure in the fight against the highly infectious pathogen. It is critical for the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria and globally.

“Since the first confirmed case of covid-19 was announced on 27th February 2020 in Nigeria, there has been a steady surge in the number of cases and the epidemic curve to the extent that as at 11pm last night, there were two hundred and forty two new cases with 4,641 cases confirmed, 902 discharged and 150 deaths recorded in 34 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. Community transmission that necessitates urgent response is already with us.

“It this realization, on the side of Nigeria’s private sector, who took it upon themselves to rise to the occasion that brings me at this juncture to mention and appreciate the contributions of the Coalition Against COVID-19 (known now as CA-COVID) and in connection with the event of today, the Sahara Energy Group and THISDAY Media & Technology Group for the donation of this THISDAY Dome Temporary Treatment & Isolation Centre. The Centre has not just added to the number of available bed spaces, but saved the Nigerian health sector the anxiety of looming shortages. It comes with the following:
Sahara Foundation Wards and ICU Centre complete with Ventilators, X- Ray and Dialysis;
THISDAY 54gene Testing Mobile Lab complete with reagents – with scalable 200 – 1000 tests per day; THISDAY 98 – Room Hotel & Conference Centre next door for medical staff for 6 months;
CBN Medical Grant in direct support to FMoH and FCDA for day to day management of the Isolation Centre; and An industrial grade medical incinerator.

” This is a fully comprehensive treatment center, professionally designed and equipped and repurposed to meet the pressing demands of the day. As H.E. the President has said, even if it turns out we don’t use it, we are thankful to have it. This facility was built to the highest quality standards of Infectious Disease protocols, by well experienced hands. I wish to extend my profound gratitude to the Chairman and members of the CACOVID-19 group. The Chair and my colleagues of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 are thankful for this consideration. We recognize the Chief Executive Officer of Sahara Energy Group, the Chairman THISDAY Media & Technology Group and other distinguished partners, who contributed to the success of today’s event”, he added.

Earlier, the FCT Minister, Mallam Mohammad Musa Bello with this facility, the FCT has almost reached the target of 1000 bed spaces. Within the FCT we have in existence, three treatment isolation centres, one of which was just handed over to us yesterday at Idu boasting a capacity for 500 beds. With your support in the next coming weeks we will be done with the pandemic.

Saying, there is no doubt in the long run, it will add to the bed spaces available within the territory for us to be using as treatment and isolation centre.

He, however, thanked the chairman of PTF and his members for providing this facility.

Similarly, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu said , she is optimistic that Nigeria will come out stronger.

Saying, we must uav realized the areas to strengthen our Institutions and the capacity building in human resources. 

Also, the Chairman of Thisday Newspapers, Mr Nduka Obaigbena said the Isolation and Treatment Centre is one facility that can solve the problem of Covid-19 and thought he should give it out to fight this scourge.

According to him, We can test 200 person per day, and get result within 24hours.We are ready, willing, able and available to the federal government to defeat this pandemic.

Flour Mills Support FCTA’s Efforts At Curbing COVID-19 Spread

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu
Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, has donated Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) and palliative items to support the FCT Administration’s efforts to cushion the effect of Covid-19 lockdown.  

Presenting the items to FCT Administration, Non Executive Director of Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, Hajia Salamatu Suleiman, said the firm has dedicated its efforts at working with stakeholders in the private sector and government to curb the spread of the virus.  

Suleiman, however, hinted that the firm had also procured over $1.5 million worth of medical materials, including COVID-19 testing kits, ventilators and Personal Protective Equipment, in addition to the donation of N1 billion to the private sector Coalition Against Coronavirus (CACOVID), stressing that the efforts would rapidly beefed up Nigeria’s testing capacity for the virus.  

The spokesperson, however, commended the efforts of the federal government, the FCT Administration and the FCT COVID-19 committee for the steps taken so far to contain the spread of the coronavirus in the territory.  

Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, FCT Minister of State receives Personal Protective Equipments donated by Flour Mills of Nigeria

According to her, “the coronavirus pandemic is undoubtedly the biggest threat that humanity is facing today. The impact of the virus across the world has been devastating to say the least.  

“For us, this is troubling and that is why like several well-meaning Nigerians across the country, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc is dedicating its best efforts at working with stakeholders in the private sector and government to curb the spread of the virus”.  

She said the medical supplies of which the FCT has specifically earmarked as a beneficiary, would facilitate 100/day field-testing capacity, 35,000 laboratory-based testing capacities and provide about 331,000 pieces of PPE, including N95 masks, coveralls, protective gloves and protective eyewears.  

Receiving the items on behalf of the administration, FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, thanked the management of the firm for performing its corporate social responsibility especially at this critical period of COVID-19 pandemic.  

She said that the donation would go along way to cushion the effect of sit-at-home especially among the vulnerable ones in the society, as the donation would also aid health workers on the frontline.  

Items donated include 4,000 cartons of 70g noodles, 1,000 N95 face masks, 10,000 protective gloves, 30 coveralls (Tvek), 100 coveralls (No woven) and 30 eyewears.  

Covid-19: FG Releases Mandatory Institutional Quarantine Guidelines, NCDC CREW Kit For Returnees From Diaspora

By
Toyin Adebayo
-
0
Dr. Osagie Ehanire
Dr. Osagie Ehanire

… Says New Infection Of Health Workers

…. Molecular Laboratories Now 25
Across States

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

The Federal Ministry of Health through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has printed mandatory institutional quarantine guideline and NCDC CREW kit for returnees from diaspora, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire has hinted.

This is as the Health is working with its agencies, other organs of Government and multinational organizations in continuous efforts to control transmission with tried, tested and innovative measures.

He gave this hint at the daily briefing of the presidential Task Force on Covid-19 on Tuesday in Abuja, saying, the nature of this outbreak, as we have observed in other countries, is such that the sustainability of any strategy may be challenged as time goes on, by evolving realities at home and across the globe.

The minister, therefore, encouraged the organs of State maintaining vigilance at our borders, including our Port Health Services, to keep up the good work and not to tire or relent.

According to him, “The FMoH has been closely monitoring and reviewing the unfolding situation in some States, where covid19 appears to have gained ground. We had responded to the situation in Kano by dispatching a team of medical experts to provide technical support to the State Ministry of Health.

Dr Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Health

“I am happy to inform that the team has done well in their assignment and has reported a lot of success in helping to stabilize the State’s Health system and assuage the disquiet among health workers, who are to restart routine service delivery.

“No new infections of health workers has been reported in recent times, as those who have recovered are awaiting certification to resume work. A FMoH delegation of experts is presently in Bauchi State on a fact finding mission to work with Bauchi State government and look into reports of unexplained deaths in Azare, Bauchi State. The similar missions to Katsina and Jigawa identified needs in those States, which include the need for a molecular laboratory in Katsina to reduce the backlog of pending tests and the turn-around time for results. This will be looked into. Other high burden areas or States grappling epidemic control issues will be offered similar support. In this connection, I must commend the ongoing initiative being developed by the Governors’ Forum, to give each other mutual support, by rallying available human resource for Health volunteers from States, to support other States with high burden and manpower shortages. I am encouraged by my recent discussions with Their Excellencies the Governors of Lagos and Ekiti States in this respect”, he explained.

Ehanire added that, we continue to ramp up COVID19 testing capacity by adding 3 new molecular laboratories to our network: at Benin City and 2 in Port Harcourt, which brings the present total to 25. An Expert Advisory Committee will assist with an audit of our laboratory processes with a view to offering suggestions on strategies to reduce testing turn-around time an other user interest matters.

The number of isolation centres and beds nationwide is increasing with the This-Day Dome, commissioned in Abuja today, and providing the most comprehensive panel of medical services for COVID-19, including lab testing ICU, and dialysis. It handed over to Federal Ministry of Health and the FCTA and signals a landmark in collaborations between public and private sectors to fight a common enemy, he added.

According to him, “The Centre has:Wards and ICU Centre with Ventilators, X- Ray and Dialysis;
A 54gene Testing Mobile Lab complete with reagents – with scalable 200 – 1000 tests per day; A Hotel & Conference Centre next door for use by medical staff for 6 months; and A CBN Medical Grant in direct support to FMoH and FCDA for day to day management of the Isolation Centre An industrial grade medical incinerator.

“The laboratory services in this centre is no doubt a great boost to our testing capacity in Abuja and with the treatment centre will enhance our capacity to handle confirmed positive cases. We shall make this facility operational in the coming days. I use this opportunity to again enjoin State Governors to continue to ensure they reach the isolation capacity target of 300 beds in every state of the Federation, while calling on Philanthropists to support their efforts, including expanding the capacity for tracing, testing isolation and treatment.

“As at this morning, 12th of May 2020, 242 new covid-19 cases were confirmed in Nigeria, giving a total of 4641 in 34 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, with unfortunately 150 fatalities recorded. 902 cases have happily been cured and discharged from care. The 242 new cases reported are from Lagos 88, Kano 64, Katsina 49, Kaduna 13, Ogun 9, Gombe 6, Adamawa 4, FCT 3, Ondo 1, Oyo 1, Zamfara 1, Borno 1, Bauchi 1, Rivers 1”, he stressed.

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