The Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly Of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU) has declared its intention to embark on seven-days warning strike by mid-night of September 13, 2020 if Federal Government fails to meet up with its demands.
While adding that, JOHESU has placed red alert across the states local government health institutions for their readiness if federal government foot-drags in attending to their demands.
Speaking on behalf of the association, the National Chairman, JOHESU Comrade Biobelememoye Josiah made the declaration known in Abuja while briefing newsmen on the state of the Nation and outstanding welfare packages for JOHESU members.
Josiah said the Federal Government did not ensure total and full implementation of the July 1, 2020 agreement between JOHESU and the Federal Government when it disbursed the third tranche of the allowance for June 2020.
He added that some of their demands which are specific court judgements, collective bargaining agreements and MoUs have been treated with levity and outrightly violated for almost a decade in some instances.
On their demands he added that, “At the peak of negotiations with this federal government team, it offered #6.5billion which was rejected because it was grossly below the #22.6billion prepared by National Salaries Incomes and Wages Commission as agreed in the 2017 terms of settlement”
On the state of the nation, he rejects the recent hike on patrol price, describing it as insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians.
“It is worrisome that when other countries are offering palliatives as well as reducing inclination towards social dysfunction, our leaders appear to be sowing seeds of hardship and bitter pills to bring depression to the doorstep of citizens”
Two Corps members of batch B 2019, Miss Ilori Ayotola Deborah, batch number FCT/19B/5861 and Mr. Ilozumba Patrick Chiagozie, batch number FC/19B/6140, have gained automatic employment into the services of Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for their outstanding performance during their one year mandatory youth service in the territory.
They also bagged ministerial award in recognition of their immense contributions to rural communities especially during the peak of COVID-19 pandemic.
While presenting the award to the deserving corps members, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, applauded them for exhibiting what she described as “consciousness and selflessness” during their one year mandatory service.
She used the occasion to pledge that the FCT Administration would continue to appreciate those who have worked hard to promote the unity of this country especially during service year, stressing that the NYSC scheme has continued to foster unity among different ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.
Her words ; “Today marks another milestone in the history of our younger ones especially the two outstanding corps members. During the processes of growth, we all look forward to a time when we will be appreciated, a period where someone will tap you on the shoulder and say you have done well.
“Today happens to be the day for these young lads. You will get so many awards and laurels with the way you are going and with your antecedent, the sky is the limit for both of you. From your citations, you have exhibited consciousness and selflessness in service.
“Nobody will hear about you if you choose to carry out your normal duties, but you must do extraordinary things to be treated extraordinary. The Governing Board finds you worthy for this honour, and I have no doubt in my mind that you deserves this award after listening to your citations.
She continued; “You are indeed outstanding. When I listened to the citation of Ilori Ayotola Deborah, I was really proud of a young beautiful lady who is selfless and committed to duty. The administration will therefore continue to appreciate those who have worked harder to promote the unity of this country. The period of youth service, ushers you into a completely new environment, new culture, new faces to cohabit with and understand and learn from each other.
“Once again, we appreciate you for your outstanding performance and to inform you that there is always a space for you in the FCT Administration. We are waiting for your response because you must make FCT proud and I will be the happiest person to see you among those that will be receiving the presidential award. The two corps members, if interested should be engaged in the services of FCT Administration and I believe that it will encourage other corps members to stand-out”.
Earlier in her remarks, the Acting Secretary, FCT Social Development Secretariat, Mrs. Delichukwu Onyedima, said corps member Ilori Ayotola Deborah, who hails from Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti state was born on February 27, 1994. Ilori, had her tertiary education at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun state where she studied Linguistics, and served as Welfare Coordinator of the Youth Support Network.
A Nigerian Youth Forum targeted at reproduction health of young adolescents. She was also a member of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) CDs group.
While corps member, Ilozumba Patrick Chiagozie, who hails from Anambra state graduated from Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka where he obtained a degree in Fine and Applied Art and passed out with a Second Class Upper.
He was deployed to the Federal Capital Territory for his youth service and posted to Federal Inland Revenue Service for his primary assignment. He served as a Federal Engagement and Enlightenment Tax Team Officer.
The Federal Government on Friday said it has received samples of Russia’s COVID-19 vaccine.
This is just as whole the world is jostling to find safe and effective vaccine to combat the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic that is ravaging the world.
Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire while receiving the samples vaccine on behalf of the Federal government, stated the vaccine would be “quickly referred” to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) as well as the Nigeria Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), amongst other agencies, for review and possible validation.
He said that, Nigeria has been participating in series of knowledge exchange and contacts with different research bodies and countries to find solutions to the COVID-19 challenge and has contacted the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nigeria for right of access immediately the Russian COVID-19 Vaccine was announced.
Ehanire stated that, a Ministerial Team is expected to be raised to continue further engagement with the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nigeria on the vaccine as well as other areas of interests highlighted at the meeting.
Earlier, the Russia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Alexey Shebarshin, delivered the samples to the Minister of Health said Russian-made COVID-19 Vaccine finally here.’
He further hinted that countries such as U.A.E, S/Arabia, Mexico etc have expressed interest in the Russian COVID-19 Vaccine and requested that Nigeria puts together a team to interface with his Embassy to drive the process of human trials not just for the Russian COVID-19 Vaccine but to explore further disease and health areas where the Russian Federation has expertise to manage with vaccines.
Shebarshin, however , said he was in the Federal Ministry of Health to formally hand over the Russian-made Vaccine against COVID-19 to Nigeria with an aide memoir which explains the details for Nigerian teams to study and get ready for further researches, patronage and application.
It would be recalled that, one of the National dailies had earlier reported that Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, saying, his country approved a vaccine offering “sustainable immunity” against the lethal coronavirus.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Yusuf Tukur Buratai on Thursday expressed the determination of the Nigerian Army to end armed banditry and terrorism that has bedeviled some parts of the country.
He made this known during a courtesy visit on Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, while on operational tour of army units and formations in Gombe to those areas within the theatre of operation lafiya dole in the Northeast and the Northwest.
He, however, applauded the government and people of Gombe State for being proactive in maintaining peace in the zone that has been battling with security challenges.
Buratai also thanked the government of Gombe State for appropriating a large portion of land for the construction of the permanent site of the 301 Artillery Brigade Barracks.
He added that, the Nigerian Army is determined to end all forms of criminality in the country and called on the people to partner the Army towards achieving the goal.
He, therefore, appealed to the Governor not to relent in supporting the Nigerian Army, particularly the Nigerian Army University Biu which he said was established to address the educational needs of the people in the North East and the country as a whole.
In his response, the Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya lauded the Nigerian Army for its relentless war on terror as well as other forms of criminality bedevilling the nation.
He said that the Nigerian Army has contributed immensely in restoring peace in the North East and the country as a whole adding that, prior to the appointment of Lieutenant General Buratai as the Chief of Army Staff, the security situation in the region was precarious.
According to him, “As a matter of fact, the Chief of Army Staff has done a lot and we must express our happiness and pride that our son has reached the zenith of his career and has done so very well to Nigeria and the whole world”.
Yahaya informed the visiting Army Chief that Gombe has been a home for individuals fleeing crisis from neighbouring states of Borno, Adamawa, Yobe and Taraba, adding that the State Government has been providing succour to everyone who seeks refuge in the state.
He added that, in the spirit of support to the Nigerian Army and Nigerians, the Gombe State Government sacrificed its NYSC permanent Orientation Camp for use as a rehabilitation centre for repentant Boko Haram insurgents.
The Governor stated that, his administration will continue to support the Nigerian Army in carrying out its constitutional mandate of maintaining peace and protecting the nation’s territorial integrity.
On the Nigerian Army University Biu, Governor Inuwa Yahaya assured the Chief of Army Staff that his administration will partner the institution for the benefit of the people of the state.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, has said that it has refunded the sum of Seventy Four Million, Five Hundred and Forty Nine Thousand Naira (N74,549,000.00) to 2020 Intending Pilgrims who requested to collect back their deposit.
The Spokesperson of the Board, Muhammad Lawal Aliyu gave the revelation in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja.
According to him , a total of 74 intending pilgrims who made deposit to the Board in respect of the 2020 Hajj that could not hold due to Covid-19 pandemic have so far collected their money.
The Public Relations Officer, however, advised Intending Pilgrims who have made deposit and are still willing to collect their money to do so before the end of this month as the Board is finalizing arrangements for the commencement of registration for 2021 Hajj exercise from 9th of September as directed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
He further stated that , the refund of money collected is a continuous exercise but emphasised the need for early declaration of interest in order not to derail preparation for the forthcoming Hajj operation.
He also disclosed that all deposits not claimed would automatically be rolled-over as deposit against 2021 Hajj exercise.
Lawal added that, prospective Intending Pilgrims who wish to perform the 2021 Hajj through the Board can deposit a minimum of N1,000,000.00 (one million Naira) only via a Bank Draft payable to the “FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board Abuja” before the release of the actual fare by the Federal Government.
The statement also warned all intending pilgrims who are yet to return their completed application forms or submit their International Passport to do so to enable the Board facilitate early registration formalities and process their travel documents.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire has hinted that the Federal Government has beginning to see a situation where the number of those treated for Covid-19 and discharged exceeds the number of positive cases detected.
While these figures may seem reassuring, they may be deceptive, and we cannot assume that the curve is flattening, since we are yet to perfect due diligence on our side, he added.
The Minister gave this hint on Monday at the Presidential Task Force briefing on Covid-19 , in Abuja, saying, testing has, for example, dropped quite significantly, due to reduced sample collection across many States, for reasons that are not clear in all cases.
According to him; “Lagos, for example, tested over 35 thousand in July and just under 20 thousand in August, while Kano dropped from 23 thousand in July to just under 4 thousand in August. These are just examples that show that there is more work to do and many more challenges ahead. I shall commission a study group of the Ministerial Experts Advisory Committee to begin processes to examine this development, to bring up new knowledge which can guide response or may have an implication on government decision making.
“With a total of 1,013 deaths recorded so far, the case fatality rate has also dropped slightly to 1.88%, the gradual fall is possibly an indication of improvement in response and treatment strategies to contain covid-19 and also a common global trend. As long as we still record deaths from this disease, there is no room for complacency until we meet our goal to reduce fatality rate to less than 1%.
“Our target is to test 2 million Nigerians for covid-19, of which we have achieved barely a quarter and to scale up to 4 million persons. For this, collaboration with State and FCT health sector structures is crucial. We urge all State organs not to relent in strengthening surveillance and setting up sample collection sites in all LGAs, and even in all wards of the hotspot LGAs”, he further stated.
Ehanire stated that, in the past 24 hours, we recorded just 138 COVID-19 positive cases in Nigeria, one of the lowest numbers in many months, giving a total of 53,865 positive cases out of 403,347 tests conducted as of August 31, 2020. In the same 24 hour period, 199 persons were discharged from hospital, giving us total successful treatment of 41,513 patients.
He added that, the logistics for sample retrieval and testing must be assured, as the Federal government makes provision for at least one laboratory in every State, with only Niger, Kebbi and Taraba now outstanding. Most of the laboratories are, however operating well below capacity. Plans have been concluded to set up and optimize laboratories in all states.
He also said that, as plans for Lagos and Abuja airports to reopen for commercial international flights become reality, we must raise our vigilance level. It is our collective interest and responsibility to guard against new cases entering our country undetected. In this regard, we must review our protocols to ensure early detection, isolation and treatment of any positive case. While this protocol may cause inconvenience, like delays at the airport, it is a small price to pay for our safely and health, especially for travellers. Our contribution as individuals is simple: to keep each other safe by wearing our masks and observing social measures.
The Minister, they strive to bring COVID-19 under control, we endeavour to keep our eyes on other diseases that contribute to mortality, especially of women and children in Nigeria. Malaria is one such example, for which we continue to strengthen routine services in our primary health care facilities.
He added that, this morning, we disseminated the report of 2018 Malaria Therapeutic Efficacy Studies (TES) for three artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACT), which were tested in Enugu, Kano and Plateau States. These studies are conducted at interval, to detect drug resistance to malaria parasite, early enough to have treatment that works.
According to him, the findings from the study show the three ACTs to be efficacious against uncomplicated malaria, though there have been reports of malaria parasite resistance to Artemisinin in some Asian countries. No resistance was observed in studies done in Nigeria. It is wise to test all fever cases and be sure it is malaria, and to treat only confirmed cases with Artemisinin Combination Therapies (ACTs).
The Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye has revealed that, there is possibility that chloroquine could effectively treat Covid-19 at the early stage of infection.
She buttressed her point, saying, a research shown that chloroquine is effective for the treatment of COVID-19 at the early stage of infection.
While adding that, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had earlier hinted that the drugs may not be effective for the infection.
The NAFDAC boss gave this hint, during a virtual news conference in Abuja, saying, “In June, the FDA withdrew its approval for the emergency use of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19.
She added that; “chloroquine can be used prophylactically and that countries like Ghana and Senegal have also embraced the clinical use of chloroquine for treatment.
“It is not only one drug that is effective for COVID-19 treatment but that it depends on the stage and the phases of the disease.
“On March 20, this year, I had a press briefing. At that time, people did not understand what clinical trial treatment meant. Once they hear treatment, they think you can use it anyhow. But clinical trial treatment is a research study to see whether the drug will work or not.
“In the press briefing, I said I was going through literature to see what others have done and I saw in a particular literature, a reliable publication of an article, about chloroquine and remdesivir.
Adeyeye continued; “They said in the cell culture, remdesivir and chloroquine killed COVID-19 viruses, that is, invitro – in the laboratory. But you cannot translate that to humans unless a clinical trial is done.
“I kept looking. About two weeks or so later in early March; there was a publication where 100 patients were treated with chloroquine across ten hospitals in six cities, including Wuhan. It said that all of them recovered from the symptoms. They called it that time pneumonia symptom.
“In the cells; in the lab, remdesivir and chloroquine killed COVID-19. We did not know that the disease has four stages that include pre-exposure, early-stage, severe stage and post-infection.
“At what stage would they be more effective? We didn’t know at that point. Now, we are realising that chloroquine is effective at the early stage”, she explained.
Adeyeye added that reports have also shown that remdesivir works at the last stage of the infection.
She, however, noted that the cost of treating a patient with chloroquine was cheaper than remdesivir.
NAFDAC boss added that, “Now we are talking of remdesivir. We met with Gilead , the maker of remdesivir about two months ago and they came. They said they have licensed their drug to five Indian companies and one Pakistani company,” she said.
She revealed that, “To treat an average patient will cost about $10 with chloroquine and cost about $2,500 with remdesivir.
His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has appealed to the Federal , State Governments, the National and State Assemblies to rise up to the new challenge by providing the needed funding, legislative and Policy support to jump start African Traditional Medicines (ATM).
The Oba also recommended to the National and State Assemblies nation wide to appropriate money for research and development of ATM in the 2021 Budget.
Saying, the current economic downturn occasioned by Covid-19 pandemic compels us to seek effective diversification of the economy, while enjoining the Central Bank of Nigeria and Bank of Industry to set aside special grants for the development of ATM.
He made this known at a press conference to celebrate the African Traditional Medicine Day and Launch of the Pan African Foundation for Traditional Medical Research and Development (PAFIMERD).
He, however, noted that Covid-19 pandemic has created a new opportunity and virile conditions for our Indigenous herbal medicines to thrive.
While hinting that, he sought ways of ameliorating the sufferings Nigerians and stop avoidable deaths of our People through promotion and Development of African Traditional Medicines.
According to His Imperial Majesty ; “I am happy to announce that My Virasol herbal Medicine is one of the over 40 herbal Medicines submitted to NAFDAC for registration as immune booster against Covid-19 disease. I am very glad the herbal remedy has passed NAFDAC Laboratory tests and the registration number will be out this week.
“The Virsol immune boosting herbal medicine is one of the series of herbal remedies developed under the aegis of my new initiative , Pan African Foundation for Indigenous Medical Research and Development (PAFIMERD) for which I am launching today to the glory of Almighty God.
“The PAFIMERD has the following noble objectives: To create a formidable and virile organisation and platform for the promotion and growth of African Traditional Medicine (ATM); To conduct and support research and development of African Medicine especially herbal medicines; To mobilise and create an African wide Intervention Fund for research and development of ATM.
“To initiate and support policies, laws and regulations for the growth of ATM; To undertake any other activity geared towards promoting the growth of ATM; andTo serve as a rallying point and clearing house for all private initiatives and Researches in ATM.”
Oba Ogunwusi added that, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has set aside 31st August for the Celebration of Africa Traditional Medicine every year. This year’s celebration is historic in the sense that the global covid-19 pandemic which ravaged the world in the last six months has brought to the front burner the significance and strategic importance of Africa Traditional Medicine to our healthcare delivery systems in Nigeria and Africa at large.
He further stated that, the Covid-19 pandemic has challenged and put on trial orthodox Medicines and repositioned African Traditional Medicines as credible alternative sources of therapy and cure for several illnesses and diseases.
He stated that , PAFIMERD is in the process of signing an MoU with National Institute for Pharmaceuticals Research and Development (NIPRD).
The NIPRD Director General, Dr Obi Adigwe has been a great source of inspiration for the Foundation and we shall be collaborating to harness the huge potentials of our Indigenous herbal medicines which should naturally be a major source of foreign exchange earning like in China and India, he added.
He, however, noted that he is optimistic that with a strong collaboration between PAFIMERD, NIPRD and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control ( NAFDAC) we shall soon change the negative narrative of our African Traditional Medicine and reposition it as a major foreign exchange earner to the Country.
The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who is also the Chairman of the National Council on Nutrition has highlighted poverty as a major factor exacerbating malnutrition.
According to him, poverty has been worsened by COVID-19 pandemic and the displacement of large populations as a result of banditry and insurgency.
He made this known at the virtual National Nutrition Summit held yesterday in Abuja.
The Vice President, however, identified the 2016 review of the National Nutrition Policy and the 2017 reconstitution of the National Council on Nutrition as major steps that the government has taken to turn the tide on the issue of nutrition in addition to progressive increases in nutrition allocations.
He commended the conference for what he described as “important conversation on Nutrition”.
Earlier, the wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Oludolapo Osinbajo, who represented First Lady of Nigeria, Dr. Mrs. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari charged stakeholders to end the scourge of malnutrition ravaging Nigerian children so that they can survive, thrive and possess the requisite cognitive ability to handle the future. To ignore this, she said, is to mortgage our future, “because tomorrow, we would not have competent young adults to run government, businesses or even academia.”
While adding that; “By now we are certain that the Government and people of Nigeria are not oblivious of the nutrition situation in the country. We have also made some progress in recent years, especially having more stakeholders talking about Nutrition, and getting more nutrition-sensitive budget lines at Federal and State levels.”
Mrs. Buhari also drew attention to the current global pandemic, which has worsened the situation by moving all attention and resources towards the containment of the COVID -19 virus, and unconsciously excluding vulnerable children in the process. She stated that their lives are equally as important.
She, however, expressed hope that all stakeholders will strengthen their resolve to make and follow through with their commitments on Nutrition.
Other speakers at the event includes the Minister of Health, Prof. Osagie Ehanire and Minister of State for Finance, Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba; both stated that there is clear relationship between malnutrition and underdevelopment with Nigeria having the highest rates of malnutrition in Africa and second highest in the world, calling for more concerted effort to address this negative trend.
Dr Osagie Ehanire, the Minister of Health has revealed that suspected COVID-19 emergencies can now be diagnosed on site.
According to him, this will drastically reduce Turn around and waiting Time, and allow better utilization of Observation rooms.
Ehanire gave this revelation at the Presidential Task Force briefing on Covid-19 on Thursday in Abuja, saying, we are continuing with plans to reduce case fatality rate to less than 1%, by optimizing response activities and cooperation with States according to the challenges they have.
While adding that, a new state molecular laboratory is currently being optimized in Kebbi and Bayelsa States, while a Gene Expert machine have been set up at National Hospital Abuja and the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital Gwagwalada, as was announced some weeks ago.
This means that suspected COVID-19 emergencies can now be diagnosed on site, which will drastically reduce Turn around and waiting Time, and allow better utilization of Observation rooms.
He stated that, this is a major advancement in handling distress experienced by patients arriving as emergencies in these hospitals. The UATH has also found access to supplementary medical oxygen supply, courtesy of the generosity of the Nigeria Air Force, who has a good oxygen plant in Yola.
As at today, 27th August, 2020, we have recorded 53,021 COVID-19 positive cases out of 391,502 samples tested while 40,281 persons have been treated and discharged. Sadly, we have lost 1,010 persons to the virus with a case fatality rate of 1.9%
Ehanire added, they be deploying material and human resource assets from the polio eradication to surveillance and fighting other disease outbreaks, including the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
While adding that, they shall sustain our interest in developments around covid-19 around the world and seek opportunities to exchange ideas with countries and organizations investing in new knowledge.
He further added that, training and retraining on infection prevention and Control is ongoing in all our facilities as well as ensuring availability of PPEs as an investment to continue the reduction in health worker infections. He also called on health workers to ensure judicious and prudent use of these PPEs materials, while observing full IPC measures.
Finally, I wish to remind all of us that COVID-19 is still with us and will be for the foreseeable future, till there is a vaccine available for it. We are exploring all options and opportunities to ensure that when vaccines are available Nigerians will be among beneficiaries. This includes assisting NAFDAC to reach the International Maturity Level to assure products and processes, and encouraging our researchers to work towards the development of vaccine candidates.
With the imperative to reopen our economy, relax local and international air travel to support restoration of livelihoods, the experience in other countries is that covid infection rates have gone up, in some cases, dramatically. We must strive therefore, not to lose our attention to preserving lives or lose the gains we have made over the months. The onus lies not only with the Ministry of Health, but is a shared responsibility with the populace.
Our safest, easiest and cheapest option of achieving a balance remains adherence to non-pharmaceutical measures, as we have preached so many times. With these measures, we can balance or uphold our indices.
