Zamfara Reopens 45 Out Of 75 Schools Shuts Over Insecurity

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October 12, 2022

Zamfara State government has reopened 45 out of the 75 schools it closed down over insecurity, the Ministry of Education declared on Wednesday in Gusau.

Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Kabiru Attahiru, made the disclosure when he received members of the state’s Technical Team on Education in Emergencies who paid advocacy visit to the ministry.

The state government directed the shutting of the schools in September 2021 following the abduction of students of Government Day Secondary School, Kaya, in the Maradun Local Government Area of the state.

“While reopening the schools, we categorised them into three groups – Green, Yellow and Red.

“Green were schools located in areas without security threats, the Yellow group is for schools located in areas with little threat of insecurity, while the Red ones were schools in those areas with high security risks,’’ Attahiru explained.

He said all the 75 schools fell into the Red group at the time of their closure as it was dangerous to allow them to remain open.

“Today, I am happy to inform you that as a result of improvement of security in the state, we reopened 45 out of the 75 schools, while only 30 of the schools remained shut.

“Government and security agencies have been working together to ensure improved security in the state.

“We are hoping for more improvement in security in the state so that we can reopen the remaining 30 schools,’’ he said.

The permanent secretary commended the EiE team for the visit and assured of the ministry’s commitment to continue to partner with all stakeholders to promote the education sector in the state.

“This is a welcome development. I consider this team as partner in progress. I am giving you assurance of total support and cooperation of the ministry,’’ he added.

Earlier, the team leader, Sa’adatu Abdu-Gusau, said that the visit was to advocate for the establishment of Education in Emergencies Working Group in the state.

Abdu-Gusau who is the Director, Planning Research and Statistics in the ministry, said the advocacy visit was also part of activities to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child.

In his remarks, the team’s deputy leader, Dr Ahmad Hashim, said the EiE team was formed by the Development Research and Project Centre.

“The DRPC is an NGO based in Kano working on girls’ education, public health and livelihoods, among others,’’ Hashim said.

He appealed to the ministry to give necessary support and cooperation to ensure that the objectives of the EiEWG were achieved.

This, he said, could be done by implementing the national policy on safety, security and violence-free schools and safe school activities in Zamfara.

Monkeypox cases soars to 481 -NCDC

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Cleopatra Okohai

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October 12, 2022

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The number of confirmed cases of monkeypox in the country has increased to 481, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

This is even as the suspected cases stand at 1,180.

The Director-General of the NCDC, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa made this known at the ministerial press briefing held on Tuesday, in Abuja.

He said the country had also recorded seven deaths from monkeypox so far in the year.

Monkeypox is a rare viral zoonotic infectious disease (an infection transmitted from animals to humans) that occurs sporadically, primarily in remote villages of Central and West Africa, near tropical rainforests.

Adetifa said, “In Nigeria, we have 1,180 suspected cases, 481 confirmed cases, and seven deaths this year from monkeypox.

“Globally, Since January 1, 2022, 107 member states have reported more than 71,237 laboratory-confirmed cases to WHO, including 26 deaths.

“Our response continues with the development of monkeypox risk communication materials, provision of support to states with case identification, SORMAS reporting also.

“With regards to infection, prevention and control, we continue to train IPC focal persons and develop IPC guidelines.

“Laboratory activities have continued and are being strengthened in areas of sample collection and genomic sequencing.”

On Lassa fever, he noted that there had been 933 confirmed cases and 173 deaths of Lassa fever as of Week 39, from 25 states and 102 local government areas.

He said, “Of all confirmed cases, 71 per cent are from Ondo, Edo and Bauchi States.

“Our response activities continue in all areas, particularly in areas of state advocacy, IPC support, and laboratory diagnostics.”

Nigerian Doctors in UK lament Exploitation, Slave Labour

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Cleopatra Okohai

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October 12, 2022

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Doctors recruited from Nigeria to work in the United Kingdom hospitals have lamented that they are being exploited.

The doctors believe they are being overworked and fear they may put their patients’ health at risk.

This is according to a BBC investigation published on its website on Tuesday.

The investigation showed evidence of how a British healthcare company recruited doctors from Nigeria to work in private hospitals under conditions not allowed by the National Health Service.

One of the doctors who spoke with journalist, Augustine Enekwechi, a Nigerian doctor, who worked at Nuffield Health Leeds Hospital in 2021, said he was approached by NES Healthcare, a private company that specialises in employing doctors from overseas, and was offered a visa sponsorship and a potential job.

The doctor said he failed to notice that the NES contract opted him out of the law that protects UK workers from excessive working hours and left him vulnerable to a range of salary deductions.

Enekwechi added that his hours were extreme – on-call 24 hours a day for a week at a time – and that he was unable to leave the hospital grounds. He says working there felt like being in “a prison”.

“I knew that working tired puts the patients at risk and puts myself also at risk, as well for litigation,” he says. “I felt powerless… helpless, you know, constant stress and thinking something could go wrong,” he was quoted as saying.

The British Medical Association, however, described the situation as “shocking” and say the sector needs to be in line with the NHS working practices.

Another doctor, Dr. Femi Johnson, who worked at another hospital said he was also expected to work 14 to 16-hour days and then be on call overnight.

“I was burnt out,” he says. “I was tired, I needed sleep. It’s not humanly possible to do that every day for seven days.”

Johnson added that when he needed a break, the NES was entitled to deduct money from his salary to cover the cost of finding a replacement doctor.

“In situations like that, I always make that internal discussion with my inner self – ‘Femi are you doing right by yourself and are you doing right by the patient?’” he said. “Unfortunately, I haven’t always been able to answer that question.”

The BMA and the front-line lobbying group the Doctors’ Association have given the BBC’s File on 4 and Newsnight exclusive access to the findings of a questionnaire put to 188 Resident Medical Officers. Most of the doctors were employed by NES but some were with other employers.

It found that 92 per cent had been recruited from Africa and most – 81 per cent – were from Nigeria. The majority complained about excessive working hours and unfair salary deductions.

Dr. Jenny Vaughan from the Doctors’ Association said she received many complaints from Resident Medical Officers and says the UK healthcare system has developed into two tiers – one for NHS doctors, the other for international recruits working in the private sector.

“No doctor in the NHS does more than four nights consecutively because we know that it’s frankly not safe,” said Dr. Vaughan.

“This is a slave-type work with… excess hours, the like of which we thought had been gone 30 years ago.

“It is not acceptable for patients for patient-safety reasons. It is not acceptable for doctors,” Vaughan said.

The Deputy Chair, BMA Emma Runswick said the situation was a “disgrace to UK medicine”.

“Our international colleagues have come a long way to the UK, and have found conditions so exploitative it beggars belief.”

Meanwhile, NES Healthcare told BBC that “feedback about doctors’ experiences” with the company was “extremely positive”. It says it provides doctors “with a safe and supportive route to pursue their career choice in the National Health Service, and in the UK healthcare system more generally, and that their work is of “great benefit to the British public.”

Recent reports says that 10,000 doctors who obtained their degrees in Nigeria currently practise in the UK.

FG Begins Emergency Ambulance Service

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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October 12, 2022

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The Nigeria Government will begin the pilot phase of the emergency ambulance services on Friday in Abuja to facilitate access to first aid and healthcare in life threatening situations.

The Chairman of the National Emergency Medical Treatment Committee (NEMTC), Dr Felix Ogedegbe said this in Abuja during a Bi-Weekly Ministerial Media Conference anchored by the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire.

According to him, the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) committee was inaugurated four years ago and mandated to work on the rollout of an ambulance service for Nigeria.

He said that the aim was to ensure that Nigeria got to the point of joining other countries in the world that have national emergency medical services.

Ogedegbe said that with this system, Nigerians that need emergency medical care could call a three-digit number and have the response made to them immediately.

He said that the nation was known for negative health indices leading to high mortality rates, which most times were as a result of the inability to access medical care on time.

Ogedegbe said that several trials had been carried out in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as the pilot state and that a call to 112 goes straight to the emergency communication centre, which then goes to the medical dispatch system to get the ambulance to respond to the emergency.

He urged all states to emulate the readiness of the FCT and ensure all requisite structures and new medicines are proficient and empowered in an expedited rollout. The operational arm of the third disbursement gateway, designated in the National Health Act (NHA), with five percent of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund for Emergency Medical Treatment meant to provide urgent health service to Nigerians.

It addresses a serious weakness in Nigeria’s health system, which makes no provision for physical and financial access to First Aid and healthcare in case of life threatening emergencies of any type. The Federal Ministry of Health in February signed a multi sectorial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and inaugurated of the Implementation Manual for operationalising NEMSAS.

Pres. Buhari Swears-In Ariwoola As Chief Justice Of Nigeria

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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October 12, 2022

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President Muhammadu Buhari has sworn-in Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Justice Ariwoola took the judicial oath of office on Wednesday in a brief ceremony at the Council Chambers before the commencement of the weekly meeting of the Federal Executive Council meeting.

The ceremony was witnessed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan.

Others were the justices of the Supreme Court, Governors of Oyo and Ondo states, Sheyi Makinde and Rotimi Akeredolu.

Justice Ariwoola was appointed as Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on June 27 this year, following the resignation of his outgone predecessor, Justice Tanko Muhammad, on health grounds. The new CJN has been serving in an acting capacity since then.

In his first interaction with the media shortly after he was sworn-in, the CJN appealed to politicians to allow the judiciary function properly as the 2023 elections approach while promising reforms at the country’s apex court.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who also spoke to Journalists, expressed gratitude to President Buhari on behalf of the people and government of the state for appointing one of them as Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, President Buhari is presiding over a virtual meeting of the Federal Executive Council with some Ministers physically attending with others attending from their various offices in Abuja.

Before the commencement of the meeting, the council observed a minute of silence in honour of former Minister of Special Duties, Vincent Ogbulafor, who served as Minister under the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo.

Primary Health Care Boss Commends President Buhari On Award Received

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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October 12, 2022

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The Executive Director National Primary Health Care Development Agency in Nigeria, Dr. Faisal Shu’aib says the National award given to him by President Muhammadu Buhari is a call for more service in advancing the course of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

Dr Shu’aib made the remark shortly after he received the award of Officer of the Order of the Niger OON, among the 447 recipients of the National Honours in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to Dr Shu’aib, “the award is not just for him but for the entire staff of Primary Health Care Development Agency nationwide.”

He encourage the staff of the agency, considering the award as the commitment of the agency to promoting Primary Heath and a call to offer more service to Nigerians.

Dr Shu’aib told the staff that working with them was a great honour in moving the agency forward.

He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the award and for supporting the agency.

Speaking on behalf of development partners Dr Folu, congratulated Dr Faisal Shu’aibu for the honour given to him and urged him to do more.

Also, speaking on behalf of the Directors in the Agency Dr Eric Nweze, expressed happiness for being part of the successes recorded in promoting Primary Heath Care in Nigeria.

He urged the Directors and Staff of the Agency to consider the award given to their boss as a call to diligent service to humanity.

He encouraged the awardee not to rest on his responsibility but continue to the commitment to advancing the course of services to humankind.

He said; “Integrity, selflessness, dedication and Godliness were attributes that led to the success.”

On behalf of Health Union members, Mr Kingsley Yahya extolled Shu’aib achievements in promoting Primary Heath Care and his effort in building the capacity of staff as well as welfare packages.

FG To Partner With Oyo On Integrated Measles Campaign

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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October 12, 2022

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The Federal Government has declared its readiness to partner with the Oyo State Government and other healthcare stakeholders to reduce child mortality and morbidity across the state, by embarking on integrated measles campaign for children between 9 months and 5 years.

The integrated campaign, which includes measles and polio immunisation, would cut across all the 33 local government areas in the state.

The Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr Muyideen Olatunji, who disclosed this at a news conference held in Ibadan, the state capital, noted that the vaccination exercise would commence on the 20th of October, 2022.

Olatunji, who was represented by the Director of Public Health, Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr Johnson Osoko, assured that the vaccines were completely safe to be administered

He explained that the idea of including other health interventions to the vaccination exercise was strategically programmed in line with the state government’s drive to ensure qualitative health care delivery to people at the grassroots.

The Programme Manager, Oyo State Emergency and Routine Coordination Center, Dr Adeyemi Adewole, noted that officials for the mass measles vaccination campaign had been well trained and as such there was no need for any anxiety or skepticism during the exercise, adding that there would be fixed posts and mobile points to allow for better coverage.

He stated that “The fixed posts would be our various health facilities, the vaccines will be available there. Then the mobile points will be places like markets, schools, where people can easily access. So if you have a child that is between the ages of 9 months and five years, you can just bring the child up for measles vaccination. Also other vaccines are available that will be administered. They can give vitamin A supplementation just to make sure the child is well protected.”

In their various goodwill messages, representatives from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), UNICEF and other partners, were unanimous in harping on the need for collaboration to ensure reduction in infant mortality and morbidity rate in the state.

They urged the media to help sensitise the public through the dissemination of well-established information.

Research shows that about one in every six children in Nigeria dies before age five due to poor access to basic and improved healthcare services, resulting in high rate of child mortality and morbidity.

U-23 Team Begin Training Ahead Of Tanzania Qualifier

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Emenike Agu

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October 12, 2022

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The U-23 national team held their first training at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan on Tuesday, ahead of their 2023 Africa U-23 Nations Cup qualifier against Tanzania.

Coach Salisu Yusuf took charge of the session with a bunch of the invited players already in camp.

The Nigerian U-23 team will prepare for eight days, before jetting out Oct 18 for the first leg in Dar es Salaam, scheduled for the weekend of October 21-23, 2022.

A final squad for the game will be selected before the team depart.

Nigeria host Tanzania for the second leg at the Lekan Salami Stadium Ibadan on October 29.

The U-23 Africa Cup of Nations will be staged in Morocco June 2023.

The competition serves as qualifiers for the men’s football event of the Olympic Games, with the top three teams advancing to Paris 2024.

Tobi Amusan Nominated For Women’s World Athlete Award

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Emenike Agu

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October 12, 2022

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The world 100m hurdles champion and world record holder, Tobi Amusan, has been listed among the 10 nominees for the Women’s World Athlete of the Year organised by World Athletics.

The athletics body made this known in a press release published on their website on Wednesday, October 12.

The body had further mentioned that the 10 nominees had been selected by an international panel of athletics experts, from all six continental areas of World Athletics.

Amusan alongside Kenyan’s Faith Kipyegon, who is the current World 1500m champion and Diamond League 1500m champion, were the only Africans to nominated.

The statement read, “This week marks the opening of the voting process for the 2022 World Athletes of the Year ahead of the World Athletics Awards 2022.

“World Athletics is pleased to confirm a list of 10 nominees for Women’s World Athlete of the Year. These athletes were selected by an international panel of athletics experts, comprising representatives from all six continental areas of World Athletics.

“It has been another memorable year for the sport and the nominations reflect some of the standout performances achieved at the World Athletics Championships Oregon22, World Athletics Indoor Championships Belgrade 22, one-day meeting circuits and other events around the world.”

The athletic body also added that fans would also be able to vote online via the World Athletics social media platforms and the top five finalists would be announced on Monday, October 31.

“The World Athletics Council and the World Athletics Family will cast their votes by email, while fans can vote online via the World Athletics social media platforms. Individual graphics for each nominee will be posted on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube this week; a ‘like’ on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or a retweet on Twitter will count as one vote.

“The World Athletics Council’s vote will count for 50% of the result, while the World Athletics Family’s votes and the public votes will each count for 25% of the final result.

“Voting for the World Athletes of the Year closes at midnight on Monday 31 October. At the conclusion of the voting process, five women and five men finalists will be announced by World Athletics.

“The winners will be revealed on World Athletics’ social media platforms in early December.”

Indian Authorities Stop Production Of Cough Syrup Linked To Gambian Deaths

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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October 12, 2022

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India has stopped the production of cough syrup at a factory of Maiden Pharmaceuticals after World Health Body, W.H.O reported the medicine may be linked to the deaths of dozens of children in the Gambia.

India’s health minister in Haryana state, Anil Vij, said authorities halted production after an inspection of a Maiden factory near the town of Sonipat in the state revealed 12 violations of good practices.

The W.H.O said last week that laboratory analysis of four Maiden products – Promethazine Oral Solution, Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, Makoff Baby Cough Syrup and Magrip N Cold Syrup – had “unacceptable” amounts of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, which can be toxic and lead to acute kidney injury.

India’s health ministry said last week that samples of all four Maiden products that had been exported to the Gambia had been sent for testing to a federal laboratory and the results would “guide the further course of action as well as bring clarity on the inputs received/to be received from WHO.”

Gambian police, in a preliminary investigation report on Tuesday, said that the deaths of 69 children from acute kidney injury were linked to the cough syrups made in India and imported via a U.S.-based company.

There were earlier reports that quoted the Haryana drugs controller as saying that Maiden did not perform quality testing of propylene glycol, diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, while certain batches of propylene glycol did not have the manufacturing and expiry dates.

Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are used in antifreeze and brake fluids and other industrial applications but also as a cheaper alternative in some pharmaceutical products to glycerine, a solvent or thickening agent in many cough syrups.

Maiden says on its website it has an annual production capacity of 2.2 million syrup bottles, 600 million capsules, 18 million injections, 300,000 ointment tubes and 1.2 billion tablets at three factories.

It said it sells its products at home and exports to countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

The cough syrups had been approved for export only to the Gambia, India says, although the W.H.O says they may have gone elsewhere through informal markets.