As the third wave pandemic winds down, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, highlighted that weekly COVID-19 infections in Africa had declined by more than 20%, the greatest seven-day drop in two months.
However, due to the impact of more transmissible variations, the rate of slowing is slower than in prior rounds.
According to the report, the continent registered over 165 000 cases in the week ending September 5th, a 23 percent decline from the previous week but still more than the weekly instances recorded at the peak of the first wave.
The more contagious Delta variant that partly fuelled the third wave has been dominant in several countries that experienced COVID-19 surge. In southern Africa, for instance, where more than 4000 COVID-19 genome sequencing data was produced in August, the Delta variant was detected in over 70% of samples from Botswana, Malawi and South Africa, and in over 90% from Zimbabwe.
Moeti made this known during a virtual press conference on Thursday, facilitated by APO Group. She was joined by Professor Alan Christoffels, Director of the South African National Bioinformatics Institute, and Dr Christian Happi, Professor of Molecular Biology and Genomics and Director at the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases at Redeemer’s University in Nigeria.
Her words; “While COVID-19 cases have declined appreciably, the downward trend is frustratingly slow due to the lingering effects of the more infectious Delta variant.”
“We are spearheading critical work and supporting countries in scaling up pathogen surveillance through genome sequencing to detect and respond effectively to COVID-19 variants.”
“In collaboration with the South African National Bioinformatics Institute, WHO is at the forefront of the efforts to set up the Regional Centre of Excellence for Genomic Surveillance and Bioinformatics in Cape Town. The centre will support 14 countries before being expanded to serve more countries. Last year, WHO and partners established a COVID-19 sequencing laboratory network in Africa which has to date produced nearly 40 000 sequencing data.
“The continent lags far behind the rest of the world when it comes to sequencing, with only 1% of over 3 million COVID-19 sequences conducted worldwide occurring in Africa.
“The third wave has shown us how variants can hijack the efforts to tame the pandemic. Countries must step up surveillance because without genomic information, variants can spread undetected. You can’t fix what you don’t measure.”
Moeti hinted that, WHO has also recently provided financial support to countries including Eswatini, Sao Tome and Principe and Senegal to reinforce genomic surveillance. To date, the dominant Delta variant has been detected in 31 African countries, while the Alpha and Beta variants have respectively been identified in 44 and 39 countries.
The C.1.2 variant initially identified in South Africa has so far been detected in 130 cases in 10 countries globally, including five in Africa. Although the variant has exhibited concerning mutations, there is no evidence that it is more transmissible or may affect vaccine efficacy, but more research is needed.
As Africa’s third COVID-19 pandemic wave eases off, vaccine shipments to the continent continue to grow, with around 5.5 million doses received through COVAX in the first week of September. However, only around 3% of the continent’s population is fully vaccinated.
“To ultimately tip the scales against this pandemic, our best efforts to reduce transmission through public health measures must be met by a significant step-up in vaccine supplies and vaccinations,” Dr Moeti said.
Also on hand to respond to questions were Dr Nicksy Gumede-Moeletsi, Regional Virologist, WHO Regional Office for Africa, Dr Richard Mihigo, Coordinator, Immunization and Vaccines Development Programme, WHO Regional Office for Africa, and Dr Thierno Balde, Regional COVID-19 Deputy Incident Manager, WHO Regional Office for Africa.
Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has reaffirmed the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s (FCTA) commitment to developing rural communities, in line with presidential deliverables.
She said this at the official inauguration of landmark projects carried out by the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), noting that the FCT Administration has stayed focused on completing all projects rather than abandoning any, in keeping with the current administration’s policy of continuity.
The newly constructed office block, Jiwa Community Town Hall, Primary Health Care Centre at AMAC Housing Estate in Sabo Lube, and Block of Classrooms at Zhidna are among the projects inaugurated by the minister.
Aliyu noted that while the government strives to provide essential infrastructure and maintain existing ones, given the limited resources at its disposal, it cannot do so alone, and she urged residents of benefiting communities to justify the government’s investment in their communities by ensuring proper maintenance of these projects for the areas’ overall development.
According to him ; “In line with the current Administration’s philosophy of continuity, we in the FCT Administration have remained focused on completing every project rather than abandoning any.
“As we proceed on the onerous task of developing the FCT and meeting the yearnings of its growing population, I wish to reiterate the commitment that we shall continue to do our best in the FCT Administration to break new frontiers in pursuit of excellence. Governance is centred on service delivery and our mandate demands no less”.
Aliyu, however, commended the leadership of Abuja Municipal Area Council for taking the lead in infrastructural provisions to rural communities, while urging other area councils to follow suit.
Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido, said the quest towards the development of the area council has assumed a holistic approach that spanned across human and infrastructural development, assuring that the council remain undaunted to service delivery.
He called on all and sundry to join hands with the council in the building process, the council boss also called on opposition to desist from “pull him down syndrome” so that the leadership of the council could deliver the much desired dividends of democracy to the people.
Other projects to be completed according to him include the Karshi Community Plaza, the Karshi Community Radio, amongst others.
The Lagos State Police Command has detained three male suspects in the grisly murder of Morenikeji Stephen Oluwaniyi, a 27-year-old Uber driver, and the theft of his Toyota Corolla saloon car.
The offenders were apprehended by detectives attached to the Meiran Police Division, Lagos State, according to a statement issued by the Command’s Spokesperson, CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu.
He stated that: “the suspects, Rilwan Nasiru, 27; Sodiq Taiwo, 23 and Oladimeji, 20 booked UBER service online, lured the driver to Meiran area and strangled him to death. The suspects, after the dastardly act, dumped his body on the Abule Egba bridge, along the Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway and made away with his Toyota Corolla Saloon car with Reg. No. KSF 830 GX.
Following a report by victim’s fiancée at the Police Division on 6th September, 2021, detectives immediately put in motion investigation mechanisms which led to the arrest of the suspects in their criminal hideouts, and recovery of the stolen car.
“The Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, pleased with the breakthrough but saddened by the incident, has directed that the case should be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police while commiserating with the victim’s family, has assured that no stone would be left unturned to diligently prosecute the case. He further admonishes UBER drivers and others operating a similar business to be security conscious always and be wary of the passengers who patronize them.
Governors elected on the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) platform have stated they will present their resolutions to the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on Thursday, ahead of the party’s national convention.
During their meeting on Wednesday in Abuja, the governors were briefed by former governors, ministers, and lawmakers. They also met with the party’s candidate for the governorship election in Anambra, Valentine Ozigbo.
The party will announce the composition of its national convention committee members at its NEC meeting on Thursday. The national convention is set for October 30th.
“You will hear from us at the NEC meeting tomorrow (Thursday),” Aminu Tambuwal, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Sokoto state governor, told reporters shortly after the meeting, which lasted more than six hours.
He also stated that the party is on track in regards to the November 6 governorship election in Anambra.
Recall that the governors called an unusual meeting on Tuesday to discuss concerns plaguing the party.
Prior to the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Thursday, the governors announced that they will address party concerns and tactics to reposition the PDP.
The governors had in a statement by its Director General, CID Maduabum, explained that the extraordinary meeting “will discuss party matters and strategies to reposition the PDP ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party taking place tomorrow, 9th September, 2021.”
The PDP Governors had further re-assured all PDP members, stakeholders and the nation of their commitment, determination and loyalty in the patriotic task of dislodging the failed APC government that has brought nothing but misery and pain to all Nigerians.
The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has threatened to shut down all Globacom Nigeria Limited offices in Abuja due to a N1.3 billion telecommunications duct debt.
As a result, the Authority has set the telco a seven-day deadline to pay or face having their business and switch premises shut down.
Hussein Monguno, Chairman, Finance and General Purpose Committee of the 7th FCDA board, told journalists during a visit to some of the telecommunications’ critical infrastructures in Abuja that the move was part of the effort to recover the over N7.8 billion debt owed to FCDA by several telecommunication companies.
He claims Globacom has never paid the leasing agreement since the beginning of complete deregulation of the telecommunication duct network in 2004.
Monguno believes Globacom Nigeria Limited has failed to demonstrate any commitment, despite other telecoms companies responding positively
According to him; “When we were sworn in to this board, the minister find it necessary to constitute a committee for debt recovery. When the committee was constituted.
“There are about 7.8 billion naira or thereabout debt, being owed to FCDA by different telecommunication companies, we wrote them a letter. We invited them to come and either accept or disagree with the billing system because FCDA has a very good billing system.
“Some of them actually paid. As I speak now, MTN is actually on credit, and several others have payed, but the case of Glo is quite different. They have never responded and they are the highest debtors of N1.3 billion.
“FCDA has built this infrastructure to give them an enabling environment to operate. They have to reciprocate our effort by paying for the service. So, if they don’t pay the debt, we know what to do. They have signed an agreement, and the content of the agreement is very rich. We can do quite a lot, we can seal up this place and we can also disconnect them.
When asked on the negative impact the disconnection would cause its customers, the Chairman said “subscribers can choose to go to other network. Why will you have a network that will not be able to pay their debt?”
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Zaliha’u Ahmed, said all efforts made to recover this debt has failed and every attempt to get M/s Globacom Nigeria Limited to reason with FCDA and make payments of their indebtedness has fallen on deaf ears.
She hinted that, Globacom’s indebtedness to FCDA on the lease of telecommunications duct amount to N1.3 billion.
Her words; “We will not hesitate to seal up all their operations, with a view to ensure that they pay the debts.
“For the past six months, we have been writing them. We have written several letters and several reminders. We have invited them for meetings, but they disregard all these, so we don’t have any other option than to do what we are doing.
“If we conceal their operations, maybe it will send a message and it’s not only to Globacom but to anybody that refuses to pay the statutory services.”
The Executive Secretary explained that liberalization of the telecommunication industry in the country commenced in the year 2000 while the FCDA commenced full liberalization of the authority’s telecommunication duct network in the 2004.
She said that the district infrastructure provided in the FCT is of world class and it is composite in nature (encompass all the infrastructure above and those Underground).
“The Telecommunication Duct Network in the Federal Capital Territory is one of the underground infrastructure provided to house the Telecommunication Industry.
“Each and all telecommunication service providers are allowed to lease 1/4 duct space in the available duct network provided in the city at a token.
“Over the years, many Telecommunication service providers has leased the various length of telecommunication duct in the Federal Capital Territory spanning across the developed districts of the Federal Capital City (FCC) of which one of such lessee is M/s Globacom Nigeria Limited with commencement date of 2004.
“However it is pertinent to note that M/s Globacom Nigeria Limited being an indigenous National Telecommunications carrier has over the years defaulted in the renewal of the “lease rate as agreed in the agreement entered with the Authority”.
“In 2018 the 7th FCDA Board, brought to the notice that M/s Globacom Nigeria Limited indebtedness to the FCDA on the lease of Telecommunication Duct is in the tune of N755,389,830.54 Million and this continues to grow as the years elapsed to N1,337,441,027.60.
She also hinted that ; “Efforts made to recover this debt has failed and every attempt to get M/s Globacom Nigeria Limited to reason with FCDA and make payments of their indebtedness has fallen on deaf ears.
“The Authority issued a warning letter to M/s Globacom Nigeria Limited has equally received no response.
“This has left the Authority with no choice but to give M/s Globacom Nigeria Limited business premises, reiterating the Authorities desire to recover its indebtedness or face their business and switch premises being sealed up.
“Globacom Nigeria Limited is hereby given 7 working days to make payment to the authority or face being sealed up. This is just the beginning of the recovery of the authority’s Debt owed by the Telecommunication Industry.” She said
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) stepped up its anti-crime efforts in the Mpape neighborhood, dismantling various illegal marketplaces, warehouses, and a scrap dumps.
The demolition in Mpape will continue until the second quarter of next year or until the administration is satisfied that the residents are ready to comply with Town Planning Acts, according to the Chairman of the FCT Ministerial Committee on City Sanitation, Comrade Ikharo Attah, who was fielding questions from journalists in Mpape, Abuja.
He said, “Today work is a little massive than we thought because we removed some massive structures, that are on the roadside, no allocation, no building plan, no papers at all and they harbour the pantakers and criminals that led to the blocking of the road.
“Knowing that the structures are blocking the road and knowing they don’t have document we had to come in here. The road market at Mpape has been a problem, youg saw what we saw this morning , the place was impassible, we have notified the Bwari Area Council Chairman, Mr John Gabaya, and he promised to rebuild the market and make it modern .
“We told him that the market cannot be by the roadside, the market must give way because it was impeding the free flow of traffic and more than 85% of the market have been converted to residential shanties, and that contravenes the urban and regional planning Acts, so we came in here to actually remove them and you can see the work we have done today and Mpape is looking cleaner everyday.
” From the way we are seeing Mpape, it may enter 2nd quaters of next year. Once we clear Mpape, we see them coming back. We will not stop coming until Mpape residents comply with Town planning Act and Land use Act”.
Speaking on the issue of security and resistance, he said only two people were arrested and they were suspected to be high on drugs and they would be handed over to the security agencies.
While also speaking on the side occupied by indigenes, he said, “The other side is the organic settlement but we have cleared the roadside, we had to clear the obstruction on the roadside. They are suppose to take 20 meters from both side but we had to reduce it to 7 meters pending the time they the indigenes are resettle or relocated or reintegrated into the FCT”.
Similarly , the Commander, Joint Security Team, ASP Idowu Azeez, said only 3 people were arrested, someone that was trying to incite people and the other that was caught with dangerous weapon and has been taken to the station for profiling.
More so, the Secretary FCT, Command and Control Department of Security Services , Mr Peter Olumuji, said the shanties constituted security threat to the community, saying, residents had complained to them that their children were being raped.
Fatima Waziri-Azi, Ph.D has been appointed Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) by President Muhammadu Buhari.
This follows the Hon. Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq’s recommendation that the Ministry “urgently need to intensify existing capacity in the NAPTIP in order to achieve its Key Result Areas as identified.”
Fatima Waziri-Azi was recommended based on her “pedigree, significant experience, and established track record to take the agency ahead and consolidate on what has been accomplished thus far,” she said.
Waziri-Azi is a Women’s Rights advocate, a campaigner against domestic and sexual violence, and an expert in Rule of Law. She is the former Head of Department of Public Law at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.
Dr. Faisal Shuaib, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), has stated that the Delta variant is highly contagious, more than twice as contagious as previous COVID-19 variants, and that the longer a community/society goes without vaccination, the more likely the virus will mutate into more virulent forms.
Furthermore, we have vaccines that halt the mutation process and prevent disease-related fatalities.
As a result, he encourages us to take advantage of the federal government’s efforts to keep residents safe and secure from the virus.
Shuaib gave this hinted on Tuesday while addressing journalists on the status of Nigeria’s phase II COVID-19 immunization rollout.
According to him , “I am glad to inform you that our phase II COVID-19 vaccination with Moderna and AstraZeneca has now fully commenced in all the 36 states and FCT. I want to particularly urge all those who received their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine before 8th July, 2021 to visit the nearest designated health facility and receive their 2nd dose. The list of vaccination sites across the country is available on the NPHCDA website. It has also been published in the Daily Trust and The Nation newspapers.
“As of 6th September 2021, a total of 3,600,858 eligible Nigerians have so far received their 1st dose of COVID-19 vaccine. This is made up of 2,551,738 persons vaccinated with AstraZeneca vaccine and 1,049,120 persons vaccinated with Moderna vaccine. Therefore, 1,576,011 persons have been fully vaccinated with AstraZeneca vaccine. We have now restarted the administration of AstraZeneca as first dose in all designated health facilities. The decision to re-open AstraZeneca for first dose administration is hinged on the fact that we received an additional 1,394,480 doses of vaccines through the COVAX facility. You may recall that at previous briefings I did inform you that as we receive additional supplies, we will open it up for first dose administration.
“We also received 1,123,200 doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine late evening on Saturday 4th September 2021 through the AVATT platform, coordinated by the African Union Commission, as part of the 39,800,000 doses procured by the Federal Government of Nigeria. The NAFDAC team have already taken samples for analysis and are currently scanning the codes to ensure proper serialization of the vaccine.
“In recognition of the fact that some workers may find it difficult to leave their duty post to the vaccination site, we have introduced and expanded in-situ corporate vaccination. This entails making special arrangement for eligible staff, dependants and retirees of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government (MDAs) and the private sector to get vaccinated in their office premises.
“MDAs, public and private corporate organization that require staff to be vaccinated should visit www.nphcda.gov.ng to fill the request form. These services would be provided at no cost to the Ministries, agency/cooperate bodies. States and LGAs should please note that no fees/levies should be mandated from the cooperate bodies when teams are sent to provide these services”, he said.
Shuaib further hinted that, “There have been questions raised by some, about a few vaccinated individuals who have contracted COVID-19 infection. Where such rare cases of COVID-19 infection occur in individuals who have received the vaccination more than 14 days prior, it is called breakthrough infection. The observation is that in these individuals, the disease is usually milder than those who were unvaccinated. Vaccination prevents one from severe disease, hospitalization and death. If our communities continue to remain unvaccinated, we will keep endangering our citizens most especially those who are vulnerable, elderly or immunocompromised. I encourage us to be our brother’s keepers and adhere to all measures to not just protect ourselves, but our loved ones, friends and communities. Taking the jab is a first step towards taking responsibility.”
NPHCDA boss added that, they have been inundated with questions about why the UK insists Nigerians who have been fully vaccinated are still required to isolate upon arrival in the UK. The reason is quite simple: We in Nigeria also require fully vaccinated UK citizens to isolate for seven days despite being fully vaccinated. In diplomatic circles, this is often referred to as the principle of reciprocity. Nigeria alongside countries like France and the Netherlands are listed as amber countries by the UK Government based on criteria such as the number of populations immunized and incidence rates of COVID-19 infection. Individuals from Countries listed as amber countries are required by the UK Government to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival and be quarantined for a few days. Regardless of a vaccine type or vaccination status, if a Nigerian with a Nigerian passport travels to a Country on their green list and spends 14 days there before going to the UK, they would not be quarantined in the UK because they are coming from a green listed country. Likewise, if a German or Australian that is currently from their green listed country travels to a country like France, Ghana or Italy which is on their amber list like Nigeria, and such an individual spends 14 days or more in these countries before departing to the UK, such an individual would be made to do a COVID-19 test and quarantined, regardless of their vaccination status. Just like Nigeria, every Country has its own COVID-19 travel rules, protocols and guidelines for travellers coming from other Countries. So, this should be a motivation for all eligible Nigerians to get vaccinated, in order for us to increase our population coverage and return back to normalcy.
Also speaking on the issue of recognizing the Indian made Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine also known as Covishield, this is really more of a documentation matter, rather than a quality issue. We got these vaccines through WHO and COVAX. So COVAX and WHO are pursuing the issue across the globe, rather than each Country addressing it separately. The WHO and COVAX have so far gotten 15 Countries to recognize the Covishield vaccine. They are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. They are working on getting more countries to recognize the documentation.
He however stated that finally, we should all remember, no country is safe until all countries achieve herd immunity. He urged you all to remain vigilant of mischief makers who have now resorted to producing fake news on COVID-19 vaccination. A lot of time, energy and resources have been invested by Nigeria and the rest of the world to end this pandemic. It is therefore incumbent on us to ensure the success of this vaccination campaign by arming ourselves with correct and reliable information and resisting every attempt to be misguided on COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination. The conspiracies around COVID-19 vaccines are exactly what they are: mere conspiracy theories that are not based on verifiable evidence. If we interrogate these theories carefully, we will come to the realization that they are carefully worded to mislead. Therefore, we should disregard them completely because we know better, he stated.
Similarly , the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo said globally, WHO is calling for a moratorium on boosters until at least the end of September, to enable at least 10% of the population of every country to be vaccinated.
He added that, vaccine injustice is a shame on all humanity and if we don’t tackle it together, we will prolong the acute stage of this pandemic for years when it could be over in a matter of months.
According to him; “In Africa, the third wave appears to have stabilized but the number of new cases is still very high with almost 248 000 reported in the past week.
“The trend we see is that each new wave strikes Africa faster and harder, reaching a higher number of new cases more rapidly than the previous wave. This puts an increasing strain on already stretched health facilities and health workers.
“It is useful to point out that vaccine supplies to Africa continue to rise, spurring vaccine uptake.
“The increasing vaccine supplies raise hopes that the continent will meet the target of vaccinating 10% of the population by the end of September”, he stressed.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Tuesday stormed some of the city’s most feared flashpoints, arresting 14 suspects, recovering dangerous weapons, and demolishing their shanties in what appeared to be a swift response to public outcry over the city’s ongoing criminal activities and attacks on residents.
The manhunt had the most impact on the Central Business, Wuse, and Jahi Districts, near Bolingo hotels and Church Gate Towers.
Several suspects were apprehended during the raid, which was led by Comrade Ikharo Attah, Chairman, FCT Ministerial Committee on City Sanitation, where he discovered that majority of the underdeveloped plots of land within the city center had been converted into criminal habitations.
Attah, who decried the speed with which criminals were illegally converting all accessible spots into hideouts, warned undeveloped plot owners to clear their plots of criminal activity and begin development.
He added that the revelations uncovered at some of the raided places were frightening, and he asked that the operation be ramped up with all resources available.
Malma Muhammad Musa Bello, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has underlined his determination to muster enough political will to put an end to the illegalities and criminalities, according to him
His words:” We discovered there have been so much intra-city robbery, so from our check we found that the criminals live among the people in shanties, so today we have to commence intensive operations around the Central Business, Wuse and Jahi Districts.
” Most people in Abuja have experienced robbery experience and these places are where the criminals live. We found fresh Indian hem growing and suspected drug addits.
” The FCT Minister is giving us enough political will to continue, so the illegalities can’t continue. Today’s operations were by two teams that have gone round the city, and have reduced the illegal shantiesby over 75 percent”.
Meanwhile, the Secretary FCT Command and Control, department of Security Services, Mr. Peter Olumuji, stated that the operations were in response to the residents complaints of incessant criminal attacks.
He noted that the invasion of these criminal hideouts was to send a signal to all criminals that effective policing of the city has come to stay
While saying that, the operations will not end until, until insecurity is frontally combated for all residents to have a sense of security and safety.
Dr. Faisal Shuaib, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), revealed on Monday that the environmental polio virus had infected 121 children across the federation.
This outbreak, according to him, affected 121 people in various parts of the country.
Saying that more than half of the states have at least one case, we are gaining control of the situation and are optimistic that we will be able to overcome it.
Shuaib gave this hinted at the Northern Traditional Leaders’ Committee (NTLC) on Primary Health Care (PHC) Delivery’s Third Quarter Review Meeting.
According to him; “With the different disease outbreaks that we are currently contending with, it is imperative that our approach becomes more integrated. This is because they are all interwoven. Amidst COVID-19, we have Cholera, CVDPV2 which is as a result of suboptimal routine immunization in some parts of the country. As we conduct outbreak response campaigns, we need to find a way to integrate our responses for efficient utilization of available resources and to enhance confidence in our people. Integration will also enhance our determination to continue to safeguard our wild polio virus free status. Consequently, Your Highnesses, mobilization, sensitization, advocacy and role modelling efforts should target multiple interventions simultaneously”.
Fielding questions from newsmen on the nature of the polio virus, he said, “There is a clear distinction from the wild polio virus that have been eradicated in Nigeria and the whole Africa continent from the current outbreak of different types of polio virus.
“This is a virus that exist where there is low routine immunization care, where women don’t take their kids for immunization shot against polio, measles and yellow fever like our parents back then used to do. Where there is no full routine immunization and where there us poor water and sanitation then you begin derived to see that the virus is mutating just as you see in COVID-19 mutating same thing applies to polio virus.
“We would be able to mount outbreak responses to make sure that the tools that we are using will ensure that this outbreak stood. We are in control of the situation, hopefully before the end of the raining season, we will be able to carry out enough campaign to make sure we are able to cover this.
“One other thing that is going to help us is that we don’t see this attack again is the increase in immunization coverage. Since 2016 were we recorded 33% of routine immunization it has now increased to about 71% and double the routine immunization coverage, we still have to get to about 90% before we stop seeing this outbreaks of this diseases. We are not there yet, but the unprecedented increase in routine immunization coverage is going to help us. One thing that is clear is that globally there has never been such an increase in routine immunization coverage like we are seeing in Nigeria.
“We will continue to work with traditional rulers, they have been very instrumental to convincing their subjects to take their children for routine immunizations.
“The meeting is in how we can focus on different diseases and the root causes. We can not chase every diseases like cholera, chase CVDPV2, chase Yellow fever, we have to look at the bottom line, this is because people don’t have good water and not observing environmental sanitation.
“The traditional rulers are working on how they could increase the knowledge of their subjects and how they can understand the link between poor water availability and poor environmental sanitation and the need to clear up their environments”, he explained.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of Northern Traditional Leaders’ Committee, His Royal Highness, Emir of Argungu , Alhaji Samaila Muhammadu Mera stated that, they have been sensitising their subjects on the need to take their children for routine immunizations.
We are leading by example , we have taken our COVID-19 jabs, most district and village heads have taken their.
He also assured that, they will also ginger their subjects to follow suit.
More so, the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo commended the Northern Traditional Leaders for their commitment to the agenda to ensure that Primary Health Care services remains priority for Nigerians and in reducing the risk of preventable diseases and death in our communities.
He added that the role of traditional leaders in eradication of diseases such as small pulse , Ring warm and lately polio are some of the things that really come to mind that their commitment is indeed in the morning right direction.
He also hinted that, we anticipate that this meeting will rekindle the spirit of of volunteerism and caring for each other in our communities to sustain primary healthcare.
Also, the UNICEF Country Representative, Peter Hawkins hinted that Nigeria has a very good immunization infrastructures and certain that we will come out of the outbreak of the environmental polio in no time.
He said, 120 children have so far been infected in 2021 with environmental polio, while adding that, Nigeria account for 70% of polio cases across the continent.
Hawkins further stated that, the out break is across the country and the government of Nigeria and their partners have responded exceptionally well.
According to him, 78 million vaccines had already been utilized through out Nigeria and 50million more are expected in the next months to counter the outbreak.
He noted that, they are implementing the outbreak response to contain the spread of the virus just as we fought wild polio virus together before, we need to fight the pandemic, polio and strengthen routine immunization.
Meanwhile, Dr Omotayo Bolu, the Director Immunization, U. S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is (CDC) also commended the traditional leaders for breaking barials to getting children vaccinated across the country, saying, we will not be here today, if not for the work you have done.
She said, Nigeria has one of the highest number of children with CVDPV2 and also the highest number of unimmunized children globally.
She, however, urged the traditional leaders to prevail on their subjects to bring their children for routine immunizations, saying, we have been successful in getting Nigeria out of wild polio virus, you can help us break the transmission.
