Category: Uncategorized

By Adekunle Yusuf

Of all measures designed to stop all forms of malnutrition, the food-based approach is the most cost-effective approach. That was the view of professionals in the nutrition and healthcare industry at the Protein Challenge Webinar Series 5, themed: ‘Bridging the Knowledge Gap.’ This, experts said, begins with adequate nutrition in the first 1,000 days of life and adequate maternal and adolescent nutrition.

Prof. Henrietta Nkechi Ene-Obong of the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, said mothers need to be encouraged to engage in exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and to continue breastfeeding for two years. Adequate complementary feeding should also be promoted, the professor of human nutrition said. “Plant protein alone is not adequate to support maximum growth and development in infants and children. Plant proteins should be supplemented with animal source foods like fish, poultry and eggs.”

Prof. Ene-Obong also added that capacity must be developed to bridge the knowledge gap, and put such knowledge into action. She explained that proteins are made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of the body tissues; hence they are found throughout the body. Pregnant and lactating women need extra proteins to help in the development of the foetus and milk production, she noted. She added that healthy adults need to consume an average of 0.8g of protein per kilogram of body weight, for individuals with minimal to intense physical activity. In family meals, it is important that carbohydrates with proteins are mixed, she said. “For example, rice and beans, yam and eggs. We must ensure that infants and young children consume foods from at least four food groups, including grains, roots and tubers; legumes and nuts; dairy products; flesh foods and eggs; vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables (like carrots and sweet potatoes) and other fruits and vegetables.”

READ ALSO: Tackling acute malnutrition in Jigawa amid COVID-19

Also lending her voice, Dr. Ifeoma Akeredolu, Chief Lecturer, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Yaba College of Technology, said that protein deficiency still lingers in Nigeria because of ignorance and poverty. She explained that many people are unaware of the dietary guidelines, adding that the food-based dietary guidelines in Nigeria are all outdated. She called for a review and update of the guidelines, in accordance with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) standard. She also encouraged people to develop exciting recipes, to create variety in meal planning.

Dr. Bimbo Oyedokun, a medical expert and a healthcare management consultant, said that protein deficiency can be medically detected and treated. Symptoms of protein deficiency include poor mental functions, limp hair, pale skin and dental problems. He argued that e-health services and medical technology can be used to mitigate protein deficiency in Nigeria.

 

By Adekunle Yusuf

With Coronavirus infections still wreaking havoc in the country, another serious public health crisis seems to have crept in like a thief in the night, killing dozens in different parts of Nigeria. What authorities initially claimed to be a strange ailment, now known to be yellow fever, has killed over 50 lives in different parts of the Enugu States since September when it began spreading undetected in the communities.

The strange ailment has since been confirmed by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) as yellow fever, an acute viral haemorrhagic disease that can kill within 10 days if symptoms become severe. Apart from Enugu, authorities in Delta State have also confirmed that the strange disease ravaging the state is yellow fever.

According to the Health Commissioner in Delta State, Dr. Mordi Ononye, yellow fever has claimed about 22 lives already in the state. “The preliminary sample test carried out linked the mysterious death to yellow fever. Samples have been sent to the World Health Organisation Regional Reference Laboratory Center in Dakar, Senegal, for further confirmation. We are taking steps to prevent the incident from escalating. The disease had claimed about 20 cases with over seven active cases being attended to at the Federal Medical Hospital, Asaba.’’

In Bauchi State, yellow fever has killed 8 people in the Ganjuwa Local Government Area of Bauchi State; while that eight others are receiving treatment, according to the Executive Chairman of Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed. He said the samples of some patients were taken and the result confirmed that they had yellow fever. “One of our supervisors went to the local government for polio immunisation and found out that the eyes of some were yellow, as well as their urine. When the samples were taken and examined, it was confirmed that they had had yellow fever. However, those who died were not confirmed positive for yellow fever.”

READ ALSO: Anambra vaccinates 5.5 million against yellow fever

According to NCDC director-general, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Delta notified the NCDC about cases presenting with symptoms of yellow fever on November 2, while Enugu State followed suit on November 3. Most of the cases had symptoms including fever, headache, fatigue, jaundice, and vomiting (with or without blood), he said. “As of November 6, three samples from Delta and one sample from Enugu State tested positive for Yellow Fever at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital Laboratory in Edo and the NCDC’s National Reference Laboratory in Abuja.”

Ihekweazu said the NCDC had activated an incident management system to coordinate response activities and had sent Rapid Response Teams to the two states. “They are carrying out active case searches, risk communications, and community engagement as well as ensuring prompt management of cases, while our sister agency, the NPHCDA is planning a vaccination campaign.” Since September 2017, the viral infection has continually hit many states in the country, with thousands of infections recorded yearly during outbreaks in Kwara, Ebonyi, Cross River, Benue, Gombe, Sokoto, Kastina, Yobe, Kogi, Osun, Edo, Bauchi, Borno, and Kano.

Executive Director of Grace Schools, Mrs. Iyiola Edun, bagged a Bachelors of Arts Degree in History from the University of Kent at Canterbury and a Masters of Arts Degree in Comparative History from the University of Essex.

She later completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Lagos. She speaks on roles of women in the society, impact of COVID-19 on learning and parental issues among others.

ENHANCING THE LEARNING PROCESS

We have embarked on several measures to accelerate learning and deliver qualitative teaching for our students. Covid-19 has also enabled us to be more pro-active and dynamic in our teaching endeavor.

We had to adopt three approaches as students were not forced to come to school. The three learning methods are online , Hybrid – 3 days in school, 2 at home and 5 day physical attendance in school.

The strategy we adopted was the use of questionnaires for parents to choose what they want. The fees were different and they had choices. Basically learning remains the same thing but it is now left to parents to supervise their children.

HUGE COST OF COVID-19

It should not be overemphasised that Covid pandemic affected schools more than any other sector. We invested huge sums of money on data for our teachers. We also had to procure germicidal lamps from overseas. We paid in dollars and they came through courier to facilitate speedy delivery. We obtained the lamps before school resumed and they were fixed in all the classrooms. We also invested a lot of funds in sanitising the entire school compound. We had to invest huge funds with view to cushion the effects of covid-19. The school had to stop some extra-curricular activities to aid social distancing.

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON LEARNING

Before the advent of Covid, we actually prepared about the possibility of setting up online learning schooling for our students. We started the test run already before lockdown and launched the school into a new technology. We already installed things place and the process commenced with the training of all our teachers. There were some teething problems associated with such novel ideas but we were able to overcome. Some parents were not patient during this period but it eventually became a success. It is an innovation we adapted to aid learning and facilitate the teaching process. Some of the students also took time to get accustomed to it but eventually, they enjoy the system better through interactions and engagement session with their peers online.

It is impressive to note that some the students even in the primary school developed their own videos and started their own YouTube channels. These are primary school pupils who are brilliant. The students are more independent and more technically sound. I joined some of the classes through zoom it was a great experience. The investment in ICT has impacted positively on our students as well as our teachers. The role of technology cannot be underestimated in view of its relevance to accelerate the learning process.

THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE SOCIETY

I was brought up by a very strict mum. My mother had strength in talking which she used in passing across key messages.   My mum didn’t give anything on a platter of gold. She ensured that I work to earn whatever I deserve. I was exposed to several things through my mother and she ensured that I had the basic fundamentals of becoming a woman of repute. It has become imperative for women to create an enabling environment and monitor their children. The role of women cut across the home and the society. It is also important for women to know the peculiarities of every individual child.

Women should engage in profitable ventures and gain inspiration to live a fulfilled life. It is important for women never to be discouraged in any way. There are myriad of challenges facing women in our society but women should not quit. I have had strong women in my life who have also provided the platform for me to rise beyond my challenges. My Master’s thesis was on women and how they cope with challenges and life in my life generally. It is important for women to have confidence in themselves. Women should strive to be independent and never be a burden on the society.  In Nigeria being a woman is at disadvantage because we are referred as second class citizens already. Women should also endeavor to obtain sound education, which no one can take away from them. They need to have the courage and confidence to face life. They should not see themselves as inferior in any way. A lot of women are undergoing stress and they are unable to seek professional counsel and this causes serious threat to their health. They should belong to a network of positive women who can tackle challenges together and discuss issues. Women should seek help when they have challenges. There are professionals to seek and find people. There are professional counselors in churches. They should also engage in hobbies and some activities that will give them inspiration. The older women should also provide counseling for the younger ones in order to support them in life

PARENTAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Parents need to be alive to their responsibilities. A lot of Nigerian parents have abandoned their functions to the school. It is the responsibility of the parents to teach their children basic values such as politeness and courtesy. It should be emphasised that the school is meant to reinforce the training parents give their children. Parents should not abdicate their responsibilities to the school. Parents should teach their children basic values so that schools can deliver qualitative learning. Charity actually begins at home. Parents blame schools for performance but they also need to be involved in the learning process. It has been observed over time that parents are non-challant about the performance of their children academically. The other side of it is that they (Parents) blame the school while neglecting their own roles and responsibilities. Parents need to exercise patience in rating schools and this is more of a Nigerian mentality as parents are quick to blame schools for poor standard. Teachers need to be accorded respect as we are more like parents to the children.

Our Reporter

As the founder and CEO of Exigent Design and Build, Brandon Heitmann believes in the importance of valuing the client above all others.

He says it’s important that the client feels they are getting 100% what they want before receiving any money from them.

Unlike other companies on the market, Exigent will spend as much time as necessary with a client before ever securing a financial payment from them. With this genuine investment into each client, Brandon and his team showcase that their clients can put their full trust in Exigent.

Taking just one glance at their reviews, this determination and hustle is evident.Their company has a 5-star rating on Google, Houzz, and Facebook, as well as a 6-figure following base on Instagram.

After sitting down with a client during their initial design consultation, the team won’t rest until the client is satisfied with the work done on their property. Brandon and his team have been known to change the design time and again, until the customer is happy with the results. The Exigent Team continuously works with clients and their unique budgets to create beautiful designs and landscapes for every one.

Brandon feels that this reputation would be tarnished if they broke the trust of even one client. He explains, “You can’t be the best in the world without being the most honest. Now, if you don’t believe that we are the right company for your job, just give us a call and let’s prove it!”

The name, Exigent, means rapid response, and with this business mindset, Brandon has made a name for himself in the exterior design building industry. At Exigent, the team strives to be there for their clients 24/7, even after the crew has cleaned up and left.

With action, persistence, and a winning mindset, Brandon and his team set themselves far and above any of their competitors. While there are tons of landscaping companies out there, the Exigent difference is the drive and hustle Brandon leads his team with.

Looking to the future, Exigent is committed to growing their company and expanding so they can reach more people and build them their dream property. Last year in 2019, they had the best season ever and were able to grow their revenue by 700% from 2018’s season.

Brandon exclaims, “None of our success would have been possible without our clients’ belief in us.”

 

Our Reporter

Final results from Pfizer Inc’s COVID-19 vaccine trial showed its shot had a 95 per cent success rate and two months of safety data, paving the way for the drugmaker to apply for an emergency U.S. authorization within days, it said on Wednesday.

The vaccine’s efficacy rate, the highest of any candidate in late-stage clinical trials so far, pleased experts who had already said that interim results showing Pfizer’s shot was over 90 per cent effective were very encouraging.

Pfizer said there were 170 cases of COVID-19 in its trial of more than 43,000 volunteers and only eight people with the disease had been given the shot rather than a placebo, meaning the vaccine had a 95 per cent efficacy rate. Of the 10 people who developed severe COVID-19, one had received the vaccine.

“The data is very strong,” said Ian Jones, a professor of virology at Britain’s University of Reading. “It’s looking like a really contender.”

Pfizer said it expects the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s vaccine advisory committee to review and discuss the data in a public meeting that will likely be held in December.

The final analysis comes just a week after initial results from the trial showed the vaccine was more than 90 per cent effective.

Moderna Inc on Monday released preliminary data for its vaccine, showing 94.5 per cent effectiveness.

The better-than-expected results from the two vaccines, both developed with new messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, have raised hopes for an end to a pandemic that has killed more than 1.3 million people and wreaked havoc upon economies and daily life.

However, while some groups such as health care workers will be prioritized in the United States for vaccinations this year, it will be months before large-scale rollouts begin.

Pfizer said the efficacy of the vaccine developed with German partner BioNTech SE was consistent across different age and ethnic groups, a sign that the immunization could be employed broadly around the world.

Efficacy in adults over 65 years, who are at particular risk from the virus, was over 94 per cent.

Equity markets strengthened slightly on the Pfizer news. Europe’s STOXX 600 and the U.S S&P 500 futures both rose about 0.3 per cent to hit highs for the day. The moves were small, however, compared with the jump when Pfizer first announced the vaccine was more than 90 per cent effective on Nov. 9. The reaction in European government bonds and in currencies was muted.

READ ALSO: Sylva links petrol price increase to COVID-19 vaccine discovery

Pfizer shares rose 3 per cent in premarket trade while BioNTech’s U.S.-listed shares jumped 8 per cent.

Pfizer said its vaccine, BNT162b2, was well-tolerated and that side effects were mostly mild to moderate and cleared up quickly.

The only severe adverse event that affected more than 2 per cent of those vaccinated was fatigue, which affected 3.7 per cent of recipients after the second dose. Older adults tended to report fewer and milder adverse events.

Moderna named five categories of severe side effects experienced by at least 2 per cent of those who received its vaccine. It listed fatigue at a frequency of 9.7 per cent, muscle pain at 8.9 per cent, joint pain at 5.2 per cent, headache at 4.5 per cent, pain at 4.1 per cent and redness around the injection site at 2 per cent.

Pfizer’s final results come as the virus is running rampant around the world, placing an enormous strain on health care systems with record numbers of new cases and hospitalizations.

The approach of winter in the northern hemisphere in tandem with the holiday season is expected to worsen case numbers as people spend more time indoors and have family gatherings.

“With hundreds of thousands of people around the globe infected every day, we urgently need to get a safe and effective vaccine to the world,” Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said.

Pfizer and BioNTech also said they plan to submit the data to other regulatory agencies around the world and submit data from the study to a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Pfizer reiterated that it expects to make as many as 50 million vaccine doses this year, enough to protect 25 million people and then produce up to 1.3 billion doses in 2021.

Of the dozens of drugmakers and research groups racing to develop vaccines against COVID-19, the next data release will likely be from AstraZeneca Plc with the University of Oxford in November or December. Johnson & Johnson says it is on track to deliver data this year.

(www.newsnow.co.uk)

Our Reporter

A leading training institute for higher education, Executive Trainers Limited, has presented a template for the management of the crisis in the citadel of higher education.

This was the crux of a one-day virtual discourse held recently with the theme: “Crisis Management, Communication Strategies and Community Engagements in Higher Education”.

In her opening remarks, the Chief Executive of the institute, Dr (Mrs) Ajoke Ogunsan, stressed the need for all key players in education to embrace the subject matter.

Ogunsan flagged off the discourse by giving a brief educational background of the guest speaker, Dr. Oyet Gogomary Isreal.

In his presentation, the guest speaker began by stating that results are obtained from a properly managed crisis.

“Rewards are received after good results emerge; thereafter, recognition and finally validation are successive by-products from a crisis,” he said.

He highlighted occurrences such as business crises and the diverse effects of such occurrences with specific emphasis on the pandemic and End Sars protest across the Country. He pointed out the role of leadership in crisis management while enjoining institutions to create departments that can handle institutional crisis management; prepare a crisis management plan, crisis management response, and so on.

The academic pointed out the types and stages of the crisis. He stressed that the ability to control a crisis hinges on curtailing every crisis at the prodromal stage.

READ ALSO: COVID-19: Executive Trainers highlights coping strategies for higher education

He, however, expressed behavioral attitude to crisis and how institutions should act to control the possible result of any looming vulnerability which could metamorphose to the crisis.

“Poor communication could degenerate a crisis scenario. vulnerability assessment, facts, and timeliness, sympathy, empathy, sincerity, truthfulness, and ownership can de-escalate a looming crisis. I advise that there should be a crisis management centre possibly in the Senate with all the facilities needed to meet an emergency need. There are two crisis response strategies: Primary and secondary,” he said.

In a swift reaction, Mustapha Idiaro from Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State, made three points currently brewing crisis in tertiary institutions.

According to him, they are — Government’s inability to fulfill promises and honor agreements with institutions; a need to introduce crisis management courses in the institution’s curriculum; an introduction of crisis management as a skill acquisition during the NYSC orientation of youth corp members, every year.

Agency Reporter

Syria’s veteran Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem died on Monday at the age of 79, Syria’s Council of Ministers and Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Syrian state media said al-Moallem died at dawn Monday, but did not reveal the cause of death.

Al-Moallem, known for his calm and soft-spoken voice, served as Syria’s ambassador to the United States from 1990 until 1999.

He had been Syria’s foreign minister since 2006. He was also named deputy prime minister in 2012 and has held both portfolios since then.

Al-Maollem was regarded as the country’s top diplomat and was known for his loyalty to Syria’s ruling Al-Assad family.

Born in 1941, he studied economics at Cairo University in Egypt and graduated in 1963.

READ ALSO: Russian airstrikes kill three civilians in Syria

He started working at Syria’s foreign ministry in 1964 and served in several diplomatic missions abroad.

Al-Moallem was known for his long press conferences, in which he chiefly defended the position of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad since the Syrian uprising started in 2011.

The top Syrian diplomat was married and has three children.

He also wrote four books, which include, Palestine and Armed Peace 1970, Syria in the Mandate Period from 1917 to 1948, Syria from Independence to Unity from 1948 to 1958, and The World and the Middle East in the American Perspective.

(dpa/NAN)