The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Abakaliki

  • Nigeria records lowest number of Lassa fever

    Nigeria has recorded the lowest case of Lassa fever ever, as the week ended. According to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) outbreak control efforts have been intensified, and only five new confirmed cases of Lassa fever were reported in the week that ended on the 15th of April.

    NCDC described it as the the lowest number of cases reported in a single week since January this year, adding that this also marks the eighth week of continuous decline in new confirmed cases showing that the efforts to control the outbreak are bearing fruit.

    The Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole said he is happy, “with the reduction in the number of cases, thanks to the efforts that we have all devoted to this. However, now is not a time to rest on our oars. We will continue to intensify efforts to prevent, detect and respond to Lassa fever and ensure that Nigeria plays a leading role in the global efforts to tackle this disease”.

    Since the onset of this year’s outbreak, the Ministry of Health through the NCDC, State Governments and partners led by the World Health Organisation (WHO) have coordinated response activities. This includes the deployment of Rapid Response Teams to the affected States, deployment of supplies to treatment centres, training of hospital staff on how to prevent the transmission of the virus in hospital settings, community education and other activities.  Federal and State Governments have also improved the facilities to manage cases across the country especially at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Edo, Federal Medical Centre Owo, Ondo and the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi.

    Despite the reduction in cases, the period of highest risk of Lassa fever has not passed. Therefore, NCDC, States and partners continue to strengthen surveillance activities across the country. This has led to the detection of new sporadic cases in some States, as seen recently in Abia and Adamawa States and a re-enforcement of control measures in those States.

    In addition to these, critical meetings are being held with stakeholders to review and harmonise national protocols for Lassa fever diagnosis and treatment. A nationwide training by NCDC in collaboration with Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital on the management of patients with Lassa fever is scheduled to begin in May this year. This aims at improving the skills and competence of a critical mass of health workers in managing cases of Lassa fever in Nigeria.

    NCDC reiterated that prevention of Lassa fever is everyone’s responsibility, “Prevention relies primarily on promoting good community hygiene to discourage rodents from entering homes. Other effective measures include storing grains and other foodstuff in rodent-proof containers, proper disposal of garbage far from the home, and maintaining clean households. All foods must be cooked thoroughly, and family members should always be careful to avoid contact with blood and body fluids while caring for sick persons. When symptoms similar to Malaria are noticed, visit the nearest health facility and insist on a rapid diagnostic test from the healthcare workers.”

    Healthcare workers are urged to continue maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever when handling patients, irrespective of their health status. Lassa fever should be considered in patients with fever, headache and malaise, in whom malaria has been ruled out with a rapid diagnostic test (RDT), especially when patients are not getting better. Health workers should adhere to standard precautions including wearing protective apparels when handling suspected Lassa fever patients.

     

  • 101 persons die of Lassa fever–MSF

    A humanitarian medical organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) on Saturday called for proactive vigilance in Nigeria against Lassa fever, as 101 persons have died in the recent outbreak of the disease .

    MSF also called Doctors without Borders disclosed that 101 persons were confirmed dead of the disease of the 146 total deaths recorded since the outbreak in the country.

    MFS’s Field Communication Manager, Maro Verli, made the disclosure in a statement issued in Maiduguri.

    The statement quoted Claire Lansard, MSF’s Emergency Coordinator, as saying that 1, 781 suspected cases of the disease were recorded at various facilities in the country between December 2017 and March 2018.

    Lansard said: “the current outbreak is the largest in recent years, with 1,781 suspected cases; of which 408 were confirmed, and 146 deaths while 101 were confirmed to be Lassa fever.

    “However, the number of cases reporting to health facilities has declined in the recent weeks according to figures from the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control.

    “Health workers have also been affected by the outbreak, with deaths occurring amongst nurses, healthcare assistants and doctors become infected by treating patients who were not aware they had the disease or by working without adequate protective equipment such as gowns, gloves and masks”.

    Lansard stressed that vigilance was required despite reduction of the cases in the past two months.

    He explained that the disease could first appear with very mild symptoms, but if people are worried that they might be infected, they should visit the nearest health centre.

    “Lassa is a viral hemorrhagic fever that occurs every year in Nigeria between December and March.

    “The disease is spread to humans through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected multimammate rat and could then spread between people in the same way.

    “Though it starts with symptoms such as fever, nausea and headaches, in around one in five people it could lead to more serious symptoms such as organ failure.

    “The numbers of cases have reduced in the past few weeks; we still need to be vigilant to protect patients and health workers against Lassa fever.

    “MSF has long-term experience caring for people affected by viral hemorrhagic fever, and helping health services to protect staff as they care for these patients. We are pleased to be sharing this technical expertise with the Nigerian Health Services, and to be working together to tackle this outbreak,” Lansard said.

    Verli disclosed further that the organisation had scaled up activities in collaboration with health institutions to respond to severe outbreak in areas where the disease manifested.

    He said that MSF teams had been working in three of the most affected states; Bauchi, Ebonyi and Ondo, to control the disease.

    The communication manager revealed that the organisation had erected an isolation facility in Bauchi with capacity to treat six persons, while the team was providing training to personnel of the Ministry of Health on how to treat patients.

    He added that the organisation had also donated drugs to care for those suffering from the disease and worked with the most affected communities to create awareness on the symptoms of the disease.

    “MSF is working in collaboration with the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, to support and strengthen the functioning of the Virology Centre dedicated to treat patients with Lassa fever.

    “The team is also providing training and equipment to staff working in the Virology Centre and to those working at the entry points of the hospital where they could come into contact with patients who might come to the hospital for treatment without knowing that they have Lassa fever.

    “These include emergency, gynaecology and obstetrics departments as well as emergency departments for adults and children. The training being provided will also help the hospital team to prepare for another outbreak next year,” Verli said.

    Similarly, the organisation trained health workers in Ondo; where 28 deaths were recorded of the 287 suspected and 98 confirmed cases.

    Verli said that apart from the training exercise, MSF donated Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) kits to eight health facilities and rehabilitated the only isolation ward in  Akure, Ondo State.

    The project, he said, included rehabilitation of the isolation ward, construction of a waste management area, triage, ambulance pathway and other minor works in the hospital.

    MSF also trained health workers in Anambra state on how to treat patients and to set up an isolation facility, adding that the team had been deployed to Ebonyi sequel to effective control of the outbreak in Anambra.

    According to him, MSF was also running an extensive child and reproductive health projects in Sokoto and Jigawa; provision of care to children affected by lead poisoning in Zamfara and Niger States as well as victims of sexual violence in Port Harcourt.

    MSF has also been providing healthcare services to people affected by conflict in northeastern state  since 2014.

  • Police arraign transporter for alleged stealing

    The police on Monday arraigned a transporter, Timothy Oyinbe, 32, in  an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing N100,000, belonging to a company, Chukwu bu Ikem Motors.

    The accused, who resides at No. 10, Ogota Road, Abakaliki in Ebonyi, is facing a two-count charge of disobedience to regulations and stealing.

    The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

    The Prosecutor, Sgt. Emmanuel Ajayi, told court that the accused committed the offences on March 17 at No. 169, Abeokuta Express Way, Iyana-Ipaja, near Lagos.

    Ajayi alleged that the accused disobeyed the rules and regulations of the company by taking the company’s bus beyond the booked destination and collected N100, 000 from passengers.

    Read Also: No information on Leah, say Police

    The offences contravened Sections 122 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The News men report that Section 287 stipulates a seven-year imprisonment for offenders.

    The Magistrate, Mrs G.O. Anifowose, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 with one surety in like sum.

    She said that the surety must be gainfully employed and should also have his address verified by the court.

    Anifowose adjourned the case until April 11 for mention.

    NAN

  • Distribution of PVCs begins mid May, says INEC

    Distribution of PVCs begins mid May, says INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) says the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards ( PVCs ) to their owners will begin by middle of May.

    The Ebonyi INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner ( REC ), Prof. Godswill Obioma disclosed at a strategic security interactive meeting on Wednesday in Abakaliki.

    Our reporters,  reports that the strategic meeting involved INEC officials, representatives of security outfits involved in the conduct of election as well as the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

    Obioma said that the commission would commence the distribution of the PVCs to eligible electorate, who registered between 2017 and 2018.

    He urged security officials, who were yet to register, to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) to register.

    He further urged members of the security agencies, who transferred from other locations, wishing to transfer their cards to Ebonyi to approach any INEC office nearest to them for the transfer.

    He warned against double registration, noting that any double registration would result to cancellation and disqualification of the voter.

    “We have concluded arrangements for the distribution of the Permanent Voter Cards to their owners and the exercise begins by mid May and will involve those who registered between 2017 and 2018.

    “We have begun early to plan for the 2019 elections and I want to assure you that we will do our best to eliminate factors that will compromise outcome, credibility and integrity of the elections.

    “Let me use the opportunity to urge officers who have not registered to register and those wishing to do card transfer to visit any INEC office for the update,” Obioma said.

    The resident commissioner said that the strategic meeting was part of the early preparatory arrangements by the commission aimed at mobilising its critical partners and stakeholders.

    He said that the interactive security meeting would deepen collaboration between the security operatives and the commission and boost proper security arrangements and understanding ahead of the elections.

    According to him, the meeting is running concurrently at the three Senatorial zones of Ebonyi including Ebonyi South, Ebonyi Central and Ebonyi North Senatorial zones.

    “The briefing is called cluster briefing running concurrently at the three Senatorial zones of the state which has in attendance all security agencies involved in the Inter Agency Consultative on Election Security (IACES).

    “The aim is to plan properly, especially in the areas of security and the idea is to share information on the proper conduct of elections.

    Read Also: 2019: INEC inaugurates teams to drive elections’ projects plan in Ebonyi

    “The commission is making plans in earnest for smooth, transparent and credible elections and we need adequate security to ensure safety and security of INEC staff and materials,” he said.

    He explained that IACES had set up a security sub-committee to identify number of security personnel to be deployed to polling units and voting points.

    He said that security operatives that would be involved in the election would undergo a joint training programme on election security.

    He said the training would enable the operatives imbibe high ethical standard before the elections as well as equip them with knowledge of security strategies developed by INEC to ensure credible poll.

    Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi and chairman of IACES, Mr Titus Sumba-Lamorde said security operatives would ensure that safety of voters, INEC materials and officials are guaranteed during the elections.

    The Commissioner, who was represented by DSP Linus Iwuanyanwu, Divisional Police Officer, Izzi Police Division, charged operatives who would be engaged in the election exercise to display professionalism and high ethical conduct.

    He said that IACES and the commission would address all security concerns that would be articulated in the meeting with a view to enhancing proper security arrangements before, during and after the elections.

    “Security agencies will ensure proper synergy and collaboration to enhance security of INEC sensitive and non-sensitive materials including election officials during the elections,” Sumba-Lamorde said.

    He said the meeting was part of the Election Projects Plan and  contributions to enable the commission to effectively plan on security matters for the election.

    Our reporters,  reports that security agencies in attendance include: Army, Police, Department of State Security, Prisons, Civil Defence, Road Safety, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency and NOA among others.

    NAN

  • Police arrest three cult members over killing of teenager

    Police arrest three cult members over killing of teenager

    The Police in Ebonyi have arrested three suspected members of a secret cult group over the death of one Michael Okoro, 19.

    Okoro, according to the Police, was killed at Oroko Onuoha in Abakaliki, the state capital by members of a rival cult group when the two groups clashed.

    Police spokesman in the state, Loveth Odah confirmed the incident to our Reporter.

    She said the victim was not, murdered but died from injuries he sustained after a clash between Junior Python and Black Pander cult groups.

    “Cult boys clashed at Oroke-Onuoha. The police swung into action and arrested about three of them. In the course of the clash, one person died”.

    “He was not murdered but he died during the cult clash. He resides in Kpirikpiri but he was not killed in Kpirikpiri. One person was injured and he later died. The suspects we arrested confessed that it was a cult clash. We have started investigating the matter”, she said.

    But the victim’s mother, Mrs Clara Okoro denied that his son is a member of a cult group in the state.

    Mrs Okoro in an interview at the family’s 3 Muoneke Street Abakaliki residence said the son worked at Cement factory at Nkalagu.

    She said though Michael was only 19 years, he had already become the breadwinner of the family.

    Read Also: Police arrest robbery suspect

    Mrs Okoro who was in a pensive mood while speaking to out reporter, said the victim was helping her to take care other three other siblings.

    “He returned from where he worked at a cement factory in Nkalagu. He brought money for the WAEC fee of his younger brother as he promised. I think it was because of the WAEC fee that he returned because they were paid that day”.

    “He gave me the money before going out to watch football match that evening. After several hours, he didn’t return even when it was time for our family dinner”.

    “So, in the morning, I went to pay the WAEC fee. When I returned, I still didn’t see him. I became more worried. It was somebody that approached me and told me that Samuel is dead.

    “I don’t know if he quarrelled with anyone because he does not live here but in Nkalagu community where he worked.”, Mrs Okoro said.

  • Police in FCT arrest five armed robbery suspects

    Police in FCT arrest five armed robbery suspects

    The Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Mr Sadiq Bello, said the command had arrested 5 suspects who specialised in dispossessing people of their cars and jewelry at gun point.

    The suspects are: Sunday Okhomode, 30,  (principal member of the gang); of No 35, Obabayibe, Abakaliki, Ebonyi; Meshak James, 23, of phase 3, Kubwa, Abuja and Amusu Koku, 28 of Koroduma, Abuja, who specialises in changing colours of stolen cars.

    Others are: Kunle Obajemi, 49 of Kuje junction who specialises in changing chasis numbers on the dash board of stolen vehicles and Suleiman Isa, 26 of Jiwa , Gwagwa, who buys stolen jewelry from the gang.

    Bello made the disclosure while briefing newsmen on the arrest by operatives of the command on Tuesday in Abuja.

    He said that items recovered from the suspects are:  Five vehicles including a BMW X6 car; four pistols; eight rounds of live ammunition and a face mask.

    He said that the face mask, four pistol, eight rounds of live ammunition and a face mask, were recovered from Vital Care Hospital in Kubwa phase three, owned by Dr  Ola Jimade.

    The commissioner said that the items concealed in a bag in the office of the doctor, were recovered during execution of the search a warrant in the suspect`s hospital.

    He said that the doctor who was the leader of the gang was on the run.

    He said that the arrest of the syndicate was sequel to a reported case of armed robbery incident in Maitama in November 2017, where a BMW X6 car and large quantities of gold were carted away.

    Bello said that four of the stolen vehicles had been identified by their respective owners who were robbed at gun point.

    He said that the gang’s modus operandi was to gain access into the houses of their targets by blaring the horns of their cars at the gate.

    He said that investigation was ongoing to recover more vehicles and to arrest other fleeing members of the gang.

    Bello said that the suspects would be charged to court on completion of investigation.

    In a related development, the command had also arrested Destiny Abang, 32, from Boki East in Cross River while trying to steal a car from Area 8, Garki, Abuja.

    The commissioner of police said in the course of investigation, the suspect confessed to have stolen several cars within Garki and environs that were taken to Boki for sale.

    Bello said the investigation led to the recovery of 13 cars.

    They include: Five Mazda 323 saloon car, a Golf three car, three Toyota corolla cars, a Nissan primera car, a Mazda 626 car and a Toyota Highlander car.

    He advised members of the public to always make thorough checks on vehicles by insisting on seeing the original copies of particulars before buying to avoid buying stolen cars.

    The commissioner also urged the public to cooperate and collaborate with police for peace and tranquility in the territory.

    NAN

  • 2019: APC pledges to provide credible leadership in Ebonyi

    2019: APC pledges to provide credible leadership in Ebonyi

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), says it will provide credible and people-oriented leadership in Ebonyi, if the party produces the governor in the 2019 general elections.

    Mr Eze Nwachukwu, the acting state chairman of the party, stated this on Thursday in Abakaliki, at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the party secretariat.

    He said that APC would right the wrongs in the state if elected in the forthcoming 2019 governorship poll.

    Nwachukwu said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led administration of Gov. Dave Umah, had failed to deliver good governance and credible leadership .

    “We will provide credible, qualitative and people -oriented leadership, anchored on good governance and rule of law.

    “We will right the wrongs in Ebonyi when our party takes the mantle of leadership of the state and we pledge not to fail our people.

    “We assure party faithful and residents of Ebonyi , APC remains focused and committed to peaceful, violence free and credible elections in 2019 in Ebonyi.

    “Our party is the most vibrant opposition party and is poised to take over power from the ruling PDP, ” Nwachukwu said.

    He said , the party has the highest population of registered members in the state, and that APC would translate its numerical strength to electoral victory in the forthcoming general elections.

    ” If elections are conducted right now in Ebonyi and all our party members voted for the party, we are sure to win with a landslide”.

    He announced, the national secretariat of the party had approved voter sensitisation rallies for Ebonyi, to sensitise the people on the need to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).

    “In line with the directive from the national headquarters of our party, APC in Ebonyi will commence a tour rally of the 13 local government areas of the state to mobilise, educate, and sensitise eligible voters on the need to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration.

    Read Also: APC’s report on restructuring a ruse – PDP

    “Registration and collection of the voter cards is the only qualification to vote in the elections; any eligible voter without his or her voter card will have no business at the polling booths during election, ” he added.

    Nwachukwu urged party faithful and APC supporters to ensure that they effectively participate in the CVR exercise and other vital electoral processes.

    He advised the electorate against selling their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and urged them to report those who would engage in the illicit selling and buying of PVCs to the Police.

    “It is a criminal offence to engage in selling or buying of voter cards and you must report those found to indulge in such illicit transactions.

    “Your voter card is your property and the only right you have as a citizen to freely exercise your voting rights to elect your political representatives, selling it means automatic disenfranchisement.

    “There is no rule in the civil service that requires your voter card for employment or empowerment and no bank will require you to submit your voter card to give you loan.

    “You must resist any attempt that will make them disenfranchise you and stop you from exercising your civic right in 2019, ” he said.

    The news also reports,  the party distributed 22 brand new vulcanising machines donated by the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, to assist indigent party members who trained in vulcanising.

    NAN

  • 2019 : NGO tasks INEC on credible elections in Ebonyi

    2019 : NGO tasks INEC on credible elections in Ebonyi

    An Ebonyi based non-governmental organisation (NGO ), Advocacy For Good Governance, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) to conduct free, fair and credible general elections in Ebonyi in 2019.

    Mr Okenwa Uka, the Coordinator of the NGO made the appeal at a media briefing on Tuesday in Abakaliki.

    According to him, the enthronement of responsible and credible leadership is achievable if the processes leading to the emergence of those leaders are free, fair and devoid of manipulation or undue interference.

    Ukah  urged INEC to shun acts that could derail the smooth conduct of the elections in Ebonyi and ensure that people’s vote counted.

    He said that the group has embarked on sensitisation of the electorate to ensure that eligible voters in the state participated in the electoral process, especially in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).

    “We are committed to ensuring that only credible, good and service oriented leaders emerged in the forthcoming 2019 general elections in Ebonyi.

    Read Also: INEC  ‘ll obey timely, legitimate Electoral Act amendment’

    “We have organised series of symposia, seminars and sensitisation campaigns to educate, sensitise and mobilise our people to take active part in the election of their representatives.

    “Good governance begins with the people taking active stand against emergence of corrupt, non-credible, wicked leaders; and the only way to do this is by active involvement in the electoral process.

    “We are appealing to INEC to ensure that the 2019 general elections were not only free, fair and credible but also to ensure that leaders emerged through popular votes,” Uka said.

    He appealed to all residents of the state who were yet to register to take advantage of the ongoing CVR to register and obtain their voter cards.

    He also urged those whose Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were either lost, defaced or have changed residency to go to INEC for update.

    “We are using this medium to appeal to every eligible electorate in the state who have lost their PVCs or whose PVCs are defaced to approach any INEC office nearest to them to have their PVCs updated.

    “The desire of our group is to ensure that no qualified adult voter is left out in the process of choosing our next political representatives in 2019, and we are committed to the ideal, “he added.

    NAN

  • Ebonyi contains spread of Lassa fever

    Ebonyi contains spread of Lassa fever

    The Ebonyi State Government on Friday said that it has contained further outbreak of lassa fever reported in the state since January 14th

    Dr Daniel Umezurike, the state Commissioner for Health disclosed this in Abakaliki during a sensitization program on the disease.

    Newsmen reports that the program was organised for health personnel and members of the public on ways of preventing the deadly disease.

    Umezurike said that the quick intervention of the state and federal governments in the provision of logistics and manpower, with collaboration of stakeholders helped in containing the disease.

    “The successful treatment and discharge of three suspected patients from the hospital on Jan. 25 signified the conclusion of our damage control in containing the disease.

    “We are presently focusing on intensive enlightenment of the populace to prevent a resurgence of the disease and ensure that they are abreast with its preventive measures.

    “We had six suspected cases of the disease in the state with four deaths, as nine suspected patients were admitted in hospitals over the disease,” he said.

    He commended the state governor,c for releasing N5million for equipping of the Virology Centre in the state.

    The commissioner added that the centre would be fully operational next week.

    “The admission wards at the Specialist Hospital Irrua, Edo are filled with suspected patients, as the Federal Ministry of Health provided tents at the hospital to contain more patients.

    “We intend to ameliorate the situation with experts working assiduously to ensure that all units in the virology centre become fully operational.

    “The dialysis machine has been test-run and is operating perfectly, while the experts are working to ensure that the laboratory section becomes operational soon.

    READ ALSO:No confirmed case of Lassa fever in Abuja – Director 

    “Lassa-fever tests are biologically-molecular in nature and relevant technicians undergo higher, intensive training due to the disease’s complex nature,” he said.

    He urged the people to stop embalming corpses at home, engaging in traditional throat surgery, and bush burning to ensure that Lassa-fever is totally controlled.

    “I urge traditional rulers, opinion leaders, Local Government Areas to relay this information at the grassroots and ensure that the people comply with it,” he said.

    Dr Chamberlain Nwele, state Head of Service, also commended organizers of the program and urged the people to ensure that the disease was permanently checked.

    “The people should realise that the increased rate of bush burning in our communities makes rats, the disease’s primary vector to relocate to homes.

    “We should, therefore, take suspected victims to nearest hospitals and ensure that our surroundings are generally kept clean,” he said.

    Dr Nnenna Ajayi, a physician at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, in her lecture entitled, “Lassa fever and the Community’’ remarked that the disease was preventable and curable.

    According to him, the disease does not have minor or severe level because once it is treated; the person is free and should not be discriminated against.

    NAN

  • Lassa outbreak: Fistula Centre evacuates patients from hospital

    Lassa outbreak: Fistula Centre evacuates patients from hospital

    Following the recent outbreak of Lassa Fever in Ebonyi state, the National Obstetric Fistula Centre (NOFIC), Abakaliki has evacuated its patients from the hospital following outbreak of Lassa fever at the nearby Virology Centre of the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA).

    This is even as the state House of Assembly on has summoned contractors that built N350million ultra-modern virology centre to appear before it over allegations that they did not fully equipped the hospital after they were paid by the state government.

    Both NOFIC and the Virology centre were built by the state government and taken over by the federal government.

    The two institutions are located inside the premises of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, close to each other with a wall separating them from each other.

    The Nation had reported how two doctors at FETHA and a nurse had died in a fresh Lassa fever outbreak in the hospital.

    Another doctor is said to be in critical condition at Irrua Lassa fever Specialist Hospital, Edo state though The Nation could not independently verify this report.

    Worried by the outbreak of the disease in FETHA, management of the National Obstetric Fistula centre evacuated all the patients in the hospital to an undisclosed hospital.

    When The Nation visited NOFIC, no patient was seen at the wards.

    A staff of the hospital who spoke confidence said all the patients in the hospital were evacuated to another hospital.

    “You know this hospital is located beside this virology centre and some of the patients including the deceased were taken to the virology centre before being evacuated to Irua Specialist hospital where some of them died early this week.

    “So, our management feel it is very imperative to evacuate all our patients out of our hospital even though the virology centre has been fumigated”, he said.

    He disclosed that some of the patients that were evacuated from the hospital just passed through surgery.