Concerns Over HPV Vaccine Roll Out In Nigeria

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October 31, 2023

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the cause of common dermatologic diseases as well as of various other types of cancers. Globally, it represents the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI).

The infection is often naturally cleared by the host immune system within one or two years, otherwise it can persist silently in infected individuals, with varying pathological effects, such as cancer onset and progression.

HPV infections are often transmitted through micro-wounds incurred during sexual intercourse or through other types of skin-to-skin contact, making transmission possible through penetrative and non-penetrative sexual contact.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which causes different types of cancers, including Cervical Cancer (cc), has been said to be the leading cause of cancer deaths among women warranting the recommendation of vaccination.

Thus, vaccines against hpv became first available in 2006. Currently there are six licensed hpv vaccines: Three bivalent, two quadrivalent, and one nonavalent. Four of these vaccines are who prequalified

The hpv vaccine was approved for females in 2006 and for males in 2009.

Nigeria recently introduced the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine into its routine immunization system, aiming to reach 7.7 million girls – the largest number in a single round of HPV vaccination in the African region. Girls aged 9–14 years will receive a single dose of the vaccine.

As part of the immunization process, a five-day mass vaccination campaign in schools and communities will be carried out during the inaugural rollout in 16 states and the federal capital territory. The vaccine will then be incorporated in routine immunization schedules within health facilities, with the second phase of the vaccination introduction set to start in may 2024 in 21 states.

Meanwhile parents and expert are however worried about potential vaccine side effects which have been seen to be life threatening, persistently leading to significant disability or incapacitation and even worse of all, in some cases leading to death.

The vaccine is being provided for free by the federal ministry of health through the national primary health care development agency with support from gavi – the vaccine alliance, united nations children’s fund (unicef), world health organization (who) and other partners.

Some parents have already cited concerns about safety for declining to get the HPV vaccine for their kids. With the percentage of parents who declined the HPV Vaccine for their kids due to safety concerns doubling by the day as a result of reports of serious health issues after HPV vaccination consistently surfacing.

Expert have also raised concern about the vaccines, (gardasil 4) being able to only prevent 4 variants of the hpv, with 2 being high risk and other 2 being low risk. Also the manufacturers gavi clearly stated that “we do not protect you from all cervical cancers” Meaning protection is not guaranteed from other hpvs that can cause cervical cancer, even after getting vaccinated, further raising concerns as to why the vaccine is necessary or made compulsory.

Now another concern that has been raised by parents and stakeholder include question as to if getting the hpv vaccine is the best solution or prevention method from getting infected.

In addition to these concerns are the reports of severe and life threating side effects from those who have recieved the vaccination in other countries, so much so that victims of these adverse vaccine effects have sued the manufacturers and the cases are still in court.

The above concerns then begs the question of why government is pushing for vaccination as opposed to other safer means of preventing HPV, such as sponsoring regular cervical screening exercises and early detection programmes, as in the case of Breast Cancer and other Cancers.

Written by Cleopatra Okohai.

100 Dead Or Missing In Mexico After Hurricane Otis

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Angel Gimalo

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October 31, 2023

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The number of people dead and missing due to Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 storm which hammered the Mexican Pacific resort city of Acapulco last week, has risen to 100, the government of the southern state of Guerrero said on Monday.

Otis battered Acapulco with winds of 165 miles per hour (266 km per hour) on Wednesday, flooding the city, tearing roofs from homes, hotels and other businesses, submerging vehicles, and severing communications as well as road and air connections.

Looting broke out as the city’s population of nearly 900,000 became increasingly desperate for food and water.

The government of Guerrero, Acapulco’s home state, said in a statement 46 people were dead and 54 others were missing.

On Sunday, Mexico’s federal civil protection authorities said there were 48 dead, comprising 43 in Acapulco and five in nearby Coyuca de Benitez. Among the dead are a U.S. citizen, a Briton and a Canadian, according to Guerrero’s government.

Many residents of Acapulco were still struggling to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives on Monday afternoon.

Also Read: Pollution Levels: Air Quality Worsens In New Delhi

Sixty-two-year-old Rumualda Hernandez from the Renacimiento neighborhood a few miles back from the shore, urged the government to send help after walking 10 blocks from her wrecked home to get water from a cistern to wash clothes caked in mud.

Fishermen and workers on tourism yachts gathered at Acapulco’s Playa Honda on Sunday afternoon to look for missing colleagues and friends, worried officials were not doing enough.

Luis Alberto Medina, a fisherman, said he was searching for six people who worked in the harbor.

During a regular government press conference President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador urged local authorities to ensure that basic goods were being delivered to Acapulco’s population.

The cost of damage from the hurricane could climb as high as $15 billion according to estimates, and Mexico has sent some 17,000 members of the armed forces to keep order and help distribute tons of food and supplies in Acapulco.

Kwara poly Trains Staff on Leadership, Ethics

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Nzubechukwu Anodo

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October 31, 2023

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The management of the Kwara State Polytechnic (Kwarapoly), under the leadership of Engineer Abdul Jimoh Muhammed, has recently organised a two-day specialised leadership and professional ethics training for both academic and non-academic staff of the polytechnic.

Speaking at the training programme, the Rector, Engineer Muhammed, said that his experience during his training at the institute in Kuru informed his decision to bring them down to Kwarapoly.

He said one of the mandates of the institute is to train people towards becoming better leaders in their various fields of endeavour.

Engineer Mohammed added that the workshop was organised to enhance leadership qualities in the Polytechnic staff with the aim of meaningfully impacting the development of the institution.

The Rector also expressed gratitude to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq for his support in elevating the polytechnic and the entire education sector in the state.

The workshop with the theme “Strategic Leadership, Ethics, and Policy Making Training” is organised for staff on CONTEDISS 7 and above.

The Director General, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Professor Ayo Omotayo described the management of the institution as leaders who are interested in the progress and development of the staff of the Polytechnic.

The DG NIPSS, represented by Professor Shola Adeyanju, said that it is the first time the institute would be moving out of its base in Kuru, Jos, to organise training for people since its inception.

He lauded the initiative of the Rector and urged all participants to make judicious use of the opportunity, adding that seasoned facilitators were selected to train them.

FUL Presents N1M Cheque Each To Best Graduating Students

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Nzubechukwu Anodo

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October 31, 2023

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The Federal University Lokoja has presented checks of one million naira each to the two top graduating students who excelled at the 6th and 7th convocations.

The two outstanding students are Zafirah Eneyamire Isah, the best graduating student in the 2020/2021 Accounting Department, and Mariam Oiza Ibrahim from the 2021/2022 set of the Chemistry Department.

The funds presented to these outstanding students were a pledge made by Rt. Hon. Dr. James Faleke during the recently concluded 6th and 7th convocations.

During the check presentation, the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Akinwunmi Olayemi, expressed his gratitude to Hon. Faleke for honouring his commitment.

He emphasized that this reward would serve as a motivation for other students to work diligently.

The Vice-Chancellor while encouraging all students to remain focused and work hard, he commended the two female beneficiaries, urging them to continue pursuing academic excellence.

Prof. Olayemi also advised the recipients to utilize the money wisely, suggesting they consider using it to pursue their postgraduate degrees.

He disclosed that the university’s policy is to offer employment opportunities to the best postgraduate students when needed and if they continue to excel.

Prof Olayemi further explained that in the future, the university would consider graduates of the institution for employment within the university system and urged Hon. James Faleke to make this reward an annual event to enhance academic competitiveness.

Both beneficiaries, Zafirah Eneyamire Isah, the best graduating student in 2020/2021, and Mariam Oiza Ibrahim, the best graduating student in 2021/2022, expressed their gratitude to Hon. Faleke for his generous gesture.

Zafirah Eneyamire Isah, overwhelmed with joy, offered prayers for Hon. Faleke and assured that she would make judicious use of the funds.

Mariam Oiza Ibrahim expressed her happiness, stating that the money would enable her to continue her studies and she thanked the donor for his support.

Kenya Teachers Union Urges KNEC Not To Delay Payment Of Invigilators, Supervisors

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Nzubechukwu Anodo

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October 31, 2023

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The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has urged the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) not to delay payment for teachers who are taking part in invigilation, supervision and marking of the examinations that have kicked off across the country.

Secretary General Collins Oyuu said KNEC over the years have taken the work done by teachers for granted by overstaying with their payments.

Oyuu said teachers have now done their work by preparing the candidates for Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and should not be subjected to more misery.

He said the teachers have done their part and candidates are now sitting the exams but KNEC is not serious with these examinations. KNEC has left teachers to have a very negative attitude towards these exams.

He said teachers have volunteered to help in the uptake of the examination papers, with no allowances paid.

Speaking in Siaya County, Oyuu told the Chief Executive officer KNEC, David Njeng’ere to take up the matter and ensure teachers get their dues in time.

He told teachers to carry out their duties during the examinations period diligently assuring them that the Union will not forget about them while demanding for their pay.

Oyuu said KNEC has a budget for teachers who take part in the delivery of the examinations and wondered why it always drags its feet when payment is demanded.

Senate Uncovers ₦‎14 Billion Illegal Salary Increase In Minting Company

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faith Jegede

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October 31, 2023

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A new financial scandal involving the Board of Directors of Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company Plc has been uncovered.

The Senate has uncovered how the Board of Directors of Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company Plc allegedly paid an N14bn salary increase to all its staff members without the approval of the National Salaries Wages, Incomes and Wages Commission.

The Chairman of the Senate Public Accounts Committee, Senator Ahmed Wadada, discovered during a session in the Red Chamber in Abuja when the management of NSPMC appeared before the committee concerning the 2019 report of the Auditor-General of the Federation.

The report of the Auditor-General revealed that between 2016 and 2019, the NSPMC’s Board of Directors approved N14bn for salaries and allowances without the approval of the salaries and wages regulatory body.

Under Article 3, the NSIWC Act, 1990 stipulated that the commission shall advise the Federal Government on national income policy; recommend the proportions of income growth which should be Utilised for general wage increases and inform the Federal Government of current and incipient trends in wages and propose guidelines within which increase in wages should be confined, among others

In his written submission, however, the Managing Director of NSPMC, Ahmed Halilu, claimed that the company did not need any approval from the salaries and wages regulatory body because it was registered under the Companies and Allied Matters Act.

However, the managing director later admitted before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts that it was wrong not to seek approval from the NSIWC before implementing the new salaries and allowances increase for the company.

Halilu further said, “It has come to our notice that we must obtain approval before salaries increase.It is salaries paid over three years.

On this ground, it was not misappropriated considering the volume of works done by thousands of staff over this period.”

In their responses, nearly all members of the committee were displeased with the illegal payment, pointing out that the public funds were spent without due process.

The Deputy Whip of the Senate, Senator Nwebonyi Onyeka, said that government money was spent without due process and the misappropriated fund should be refunded.

Pollution Levels: Air Quality Worsens In New Delhi

By

Angel Gimalo

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October 30, 2023

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The air quality in India’s capital worsened on Monday, with pollution levels rising to the highest this year, as low cool-season winds and more burning of stubble in neighbouring states combined to usher in a return of the annual scourge of bad air.

New Delhi is the world’s most polluted mega-city and as a result, the average life span is down by more than 10 years, the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute said in August, adding that India was responsible for about 59% of the world’s increase in pollution since 2013.

“Delhi is facing the worst pollution levels of this season and the situation is unlikely to improve for the next few days,” said a senior official at the Ministry of Earth Sciences’ SAFAR monitoring system.

The Delhi government has launched an anti-dust campaign to contain pollution, putting restrictions on construction work while sending out water-sprinkling machines to try to clear dust from the air.

But the air quality index in the city of 20 million people, where few use air purifiers or wear masks to protect themselves, rose to 346 on a scale of 500, indicating “very poor” pollution conditions, according to ministry’s System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research.

Anything above 60 is considered unhealthy.

In some parts of the city, the AQI rose past the 400 mark, indicating “severe” pollution levels, government data showed.

The index measures levels of airborne PM2.5 particles that can be carried deep into the lungs, causing deadly ailments like cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Also Read: https://ln247.news/aerial-photography-revealing-dramatic-contours-shapes-of-land/

The burning off of crop stubble in fields in neighbouring states, while less than last year, was contributing to the pollution in the capital, said the SAFAR official, adding that a drop-off in the wind was aggravating the problem.

The capital’s more than 10 million vehicles, more than in any of India’s other cities, compound the problem with their exhaust fumes.

“I’m facing breathing trouble. It feels like something is stuck in my throat,” said resident Om Prakash Singh.

War in Sudan: town of Nyala at the heart of clashes between al-Burhan and Hemedti

By

Henry Williams

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October 30, 2023

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Negotiations continue in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to try to reach an agreement on a ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Darfur, in eastern Sudan. But on the ground as at the negotiating table, Generals Hemedti and al-Burhan seem unwilling to give up.

Until now, the rare truces obtained by negotiators have never lasted more than a few days. Since the resumption of discussions on Thursday October 26 in Saudi Arabia, the fighting has not stopped in Darfur. The town of Nyala is at the heart of clashes between the Rapid Support Forces (FSR) of General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, known as Hemedti, and those of General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

Nyala, a former commercial crossroads town in the region, is a key town in the control of South Darfur, not far from the Central African Republic and South Sudan. According to residents, the city is now controlled by the FSR, who patrol the neighborhoods using hundreds of armored vehicles.

The takeover of Nyala would be an important step forward in the RSF offensive on Darfur. The city indeed has an airport, which would allow for faster resupply of General Hemedti’s troops.

Finally, controlling such a region would give greater weight to the FSR at the negotiating table. According to observers, this is therefore an important step in the conflict currently taking place which could make the successful conclusion of discussions in Saudi Arabia even more difficult .

Israel Hamas Conflict: Egypt Warns of Further Escalation

By

Henry Williams

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October 30, 2023

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Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Saturday warned against any escalation of the conflict in Gaza, saying the region risked becoming a “ticking time bomb”.

Regardless it doesn’t look like both sides are prepared to de-escalate hostilities. President Al-Sisi said his country’s sovereignty should be respected after drones were intercepted after entering Egyptian air space on Friday.

Israel on Friday said it was the target of the drones which it blamed on Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi movement. Egypt’s military said the drones, which fell on the Egyptian towns of Taba and Nuweiba near the Israeli border, injuring six, originated in the southern Red Sea. It did not say who launched the drones.

Sisi held a peace summit last Saturday and has called for aid to be allowed into Gaza, the release of hostages, and a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Meanwhile Egypt refuses to let in refuges fleeing the conflict.

Begs the question over sincerity of those who claim to support their Arab brothers in Palestine but refuse to grant them refuge.

Innercity Missions Commissions Charity School In Iguobazuwa, Edo State

By

Precious Obazee

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October 30, 2023

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The Inner City Missions network of free schools is providing education for indigent children in deprived communities.
From one school in Ikeja Lagos, the Inner City Missions for Children now has a network of 13 schools spread across Africa and Asia, providing free and quality education to the most vulnerable.
The latest of the organisation’s education interventions is situated in Iguobazuwa, a community in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State.