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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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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
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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.

Covid-19: Uniform Personnel Allegedly Obstruct Mobile Court Proceeding In Abuja

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Ikharo Attah
Chairman FCT covid-19 enforcement task force

…as Mobile Courts Convict Over 9,000 Violators

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

There was a little distruption on Sunday at LifeCamp district of the nation’s capital where one of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) COVID -19 Mobile Courts was sitting.

It all started when some alleged uniform personnel obstructed the proceedings of a mobile court, insisting that a taxi driver who was apprehended and brought to the court for overloading his car against social distancing presidential directives, will not be tried by the magistrate.

The Chairman, FCT Ministerial Enforcement Task Team on COVID-19, Comrade Ikharo Attah confirmed the incident , saying, the alleged assailants took to their heels when noticed that reinforcement contingent of the team was arriving the court location.

Attah, however, warned that the FCT Administration would not tolerate rascality of any kind from any group of persons, also revealed that the Mobile Courts have so far convicted over 9,000 violators of COVID 19 restrictions orders.

According to him, the convicts paid various fines with supervised community services as sentences for their offences, while others who were found to be innocent were duly acquitted and discharged.

“We got information that some acclaimed uniform personnels were obstructing the proceedings of a mobile court at Life Camp. As we were approaching the location, the said personnels left the taxi driver and fled.

” The magistrates in the courts need all the support from Enforcement officers to dispense justice. He warned that the FCT administration would deal decisively with anyone who attempt to make the court vicinity uncomfortable for the dispensation of justice”

” so far over 9,000 persons have been convicted by the mobile. While many others were discharged and acquitted. The magistrates work round the clock to ensure that all cases are dispensed with, hence the need for no one to distract or stampede them”, he stressed.

FCTA Charges Cemetery Workers, Mourners On Use Of PPEs, Social Distancing During Burial

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
FCT TASK FORCE TEAM ON COVID-19 VISIT CEMETERY WORKERS 1
FCT TASK FORCE TEAM ON COVID-19 VISIT CEMETERY WORKERS 1

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

The Ministerial Enforcement Task Team on COVID-19, of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Sunday charged cemetery workers and mourners on use of Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) and observance of social distancing during burial rite

Chairman of the Enforcement Team, Comrade Ikharo Attah said his team invaded the Gudu cemetery during its early morning patrol, when it noticed an unusual gathering there.

According to explained that though the deceased was not confirmed to have died of Coronavirus, but there was need to counsel both family members and cemetery workers to be safety conscious by observing necessary health protocols at burial sites.

According to him, the FCT administration was making efforts to prevent any action capable of undermining the fight against COVID -19.

FCT Task Force Team on covid-19 address Cemetery workers in Abuja

He, however, enjoined the cemetery workers to always wear their face masks , hand gloves and other Personal Protective Equipments during the period, he also cautioned mourners not to disregard social distancing during the burial particularly while offering the final prayers.

Attah also warned the cemetery workers not to abuse any extant environmental laws by improperly disposing their burial items immediately after every internment.

His words: “Though the families said their loved ones did not die of conronavirus, but by natural causes, it is fundamentally important to enlighten them on measures needed to contain the spread of coronavirus”.

Minister of State For Health Inaugurates National Health Research Committee

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnibe Mamora
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnibe Mamora

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

Despite the development of the National Health Research Policy and Priorities in 2014, health research in the Nigeria has largely been uncoordinated with lack of synergy between the various research institutions, the academia and policy makers, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora has said.

He added that, health research has often been dictated by the preferences of the researchers and institutions, without recourse to the priority health needs of the country as documented in the National Health research Policy.

The Minister of State lamented that the “Excellent research findings are probably gracing the shelves of libraries in the various institutions without having the desired impact on the health system due to this disconnect between the institutions and policy makers.”

Mamora further stated that, these are some of the reasons adduced by the the Minister of State for putting a health research committee in place to fill the yearning gap.

He made this known while inugurating the National Health Research Committee (NHRC) Friday, 8th May, 2020 comprising of erudite researchers who had made their marks in the field and could only bring their experience and expertise to bear for the benefit of the nation at this time of COVID-19 pandemic.

The minister announced Dr. Babatunde Salako, the Director General (DG) Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and a renowned Nephrologist to chair the National Committee with the Director of Health Services in Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Mrs. Adebimpe Adebiyi, mni as the Secretary to the Research Team.

Other members include: Professor Abdulrazak Habib, Department of Medicine; Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH); an Infectious Diseases expert; Professor Lawal Bulbis, the Vice Chancellor, Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, a Biological Chemist; Professor Onwujekwe Obinna, Department of Health Administration/Management & Pharmacology/Therapeutic; University Of Nigeria, a renowned Health Economist; Dr Obi Adigwe , the Director-General National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), a Pharmacist; Associate Professor Peter Oladosu, NIPRD, also a Pharmacist; Professor AMS Oduola, the Director, University of Ibadan’ Reserach Foundation, Ibadan, Nigeria, a Public Health practitioner; Dr Reuben A. Ocholi, the Chief Executive of the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau, and Veterinary Medicine expert.

Others include Dr Clement Maseko of the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, a Veterinary Medicine Practitioner; Professor Haruna Yusuph of the Department of Medicine, University Of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, a Clinical Immunology/Infectious Disease; Dr Musa Garba of the Department of Medicine, University Of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, an expert on Infectious Disease; Professor Ogoina Dimie, the Chief Medical Director of the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, Bayelsa, also an Infectious Disease expert; and Prof. Asogun Danny of the Department of Community Medicine, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo, who is a Public Health expert.

Dr. Mamora therefore charged the NHRC members to see their appointment to this Committee as a challenge for them to ensure that the research findings are collated and made ready to solve the nation’s health challenges. The Honourable Minister of State charged the body to “collate the researches from the respective institutions and translate the same to policy for evidence based health interventions.” “We are counting on your wealth of experience evident in your individual accomplishments at your various research domains over the years”, he charged.

The Minister of State further charged the Committee to note that “The World Health Organisation (WHO) is currently supporting the Ministry to develop a National Research for Health Strategic Plan (NRHSP) which should form the basis for the implementation of prioritized research activities to strengthen leadership, coordination and funding for health research in the country.”

He added that “A team comprising stakeholders in health research was constituted to work with WHO and the Ministry to develop the NRHSP and charged the newly inaugurated National Health Research Committee to collaborate with the team to actualise this strategic plan as well as the Operational Plan.

Mamora declared to the inaugurated Committee members that their job is enormous “and this becomes more so now that we are faced with the COVID- 19 pandemic.” He said that the global community is involved in research to find the most effective strategy to slow down and eventually halt the spread of the virus. “Nigeria shouldn’t be an exception.”

He, however, urged the Committee to quickly develop a COVID -19 Research Agenda for the country, adapting the WHO Research Roadmap to our local situation and commence the aggregation of all COVID-19 researches in the country.

Furthermore, he charged the Committee to swiftly identify and source for funds, within and outside the country to carry out relevant research, pledging that Federal Ministry of Health on its part will give all the necessary support. He added that even when the expectation from this Committee is great, given the calibre of professionals in it, he will be awaiting clear deliverables in the next couple of weeks.

The Chairman of the inaugurated NHRC accepted on behalf of members to serve diligently, thanking the Honourable Minister for giving them the opportunity to do so.

Covid-19: FG, Seek Measures To Check Transmission , Control Spread

By
Toyin Adebayo
-
0
Minister for Health, Dr. OsagieEhanire
Minister for Health, Dr. OsagieEhanire

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

As the COVID-19 pandemic increases and progresses to community transmission level in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) and other organs of Government are continuously seeking measures to check or break transmission and so control the spread, with tried, tested and also innovative measures and guidelines, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, has hinted.

He added that, they identify all positive cases and isolate both the symptomatic and asymptomatic, to safeguard the health of the rest of the population as well as provide care to the symptomatic.

Ehanire gave this hint during the daily briefing of the presidential Task Force on Covid-19 on Friday in Abuja, saying, this includes our efforts at intensively building the expertise of critical care doctors and nurses, to utilize ventilators and other appliances being allocated to Intensivecare hospitals, nationwide.

The sustainability of the strategy may be challenged as time goes on by the evolving realities across the country, he opined.

The Minister further stated that, the Federal Ministry of Health is continuously monitoring and reviewing the situation and responding with the dispatch of teams of experts to provide technical support to high burden areas or States grappling with epidemic control issues.

Minister, Dr Osagie Ehanire and Minister of State for Health, Dr Olorunnibe Mamora
Minister, Dr Osagie Ehanire and Minister of State for Health, Dr Olorunnibe Mamora

According to him, “the FMoH holds daily situational analysis via teleconference with Directors of the Ministry of Health, Medical Directors of Federal Hospitals and members of the Ministerial Expert Advisory Committee and other relevant stakeholders, such as NPHCDA, NCDC, NAFDAC in attendance. This enables real time reporting on incidents in the field and immediate solution or mitigating steps. The Ministerial Response Action Plan of the Federal Ministry of Health is ready next week.

Speaking on the updates, Ehanire said
the Ministerial Technical Team deployed to Kano State by FMoH to support the State in handling the ravaging community spread and providing direction in managing the COVID-19 situation has gained very significant community acceptance and is now generating a pool of trained and updated health workers, including over 100 ambulance drivers and patient handlers. The Ambulance service is now running smoothly and rendering invaluable service to support Kano citizens in the face of the lockdown.

He also, said that, the ministerial technical team comprising of various specialists, was set up and deployed to Katsina State to assess the situation and provide, and also report on needed support. They will be rebuilding public confidence in the health system and creating awareness about the reality of covid19, as well as encouraging health workers, who will be trained and retrained to show more commitment. They will also ensure health workers are well protected by providing working materials and PPEs.

He added that calm has been restored in Gombe state Isolation centres.

According to him, ” FMoH this morning deployed a multi-sectoral technical team on a fact finding mission to Jigawa State at the request of the State Executive Governor. The challenges in Jigawa revolve around repatriated Almajiris, of whom many have tested positive for covid19. The team includes doctors and nurses, who will support the State Ministry of Health in setting up and accrediting their Isolation and treatment centers.

“The Ministry of Health team sent to Kogi State has returned to Abuja, without mission accomplishment. New efforts will be made to engage Kogi authorities for resolution of differences. A team will visit Bornu State for the same purpose in due course.

“State Commissioners of Health will be engaged on a continuous basis to monitor readiness and preparedness, and address matters arising”, he explained.

He, however, urged shall Healthcare cworkers and all citizens of the usual advisory; but also that with the increasing figures, we are approaching a difficult area in our COVID-19 response, which we all can still influence by adhering more strictly to all the safety, infection prevention and non pharmaceutical injunctions that have been repeatedly given here.

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