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Tag: World Health Organisation (WHO)

  • Ebola Virus: NCAA calls on airline to be vigilant

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has called for a high level vigilance by the airlines operating international and regional flights into the country on measures to curtail the possible spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

    Part of the measures is for pilots in command of any aircraft to report to air traffic controllers any suspected case of communicable disease on board their flight in line with civil aviation regulations.

    The NCAA directed that in the  case of any suspected case of communicable disease on board an aircraft, aircrew are to fill the General Declaration (Gen Dec) and Public Health Passenger Locator forms in line with Nigerian civil aviation regulations.

    The NCAA disclosed this on Tuesday in a statement by its spokesman, Sam Adurogboye.

    According to Adurogboye, the NCAA has directed airlines to carry out the measures,  to forestall the EVD infiltration.

    This was contained in a circular with ref no. NCAA/DG/AMS/Vol.1/196, dated 11th May, 2018, dispatched to all operating airlines.

    In the circular, all airlines were informed of the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of Congo on 8th May, 2018.

    The statement reads: “However, the outbreak of EVD in DRC is yet to be declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a Public Health Event of International Concern (PHEIC).

    ” Notwithstanding, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Ministry of Health and all other relevant agencies  taken concerted steps to ensure the virus does not creep into Nigeria.

    Read Also: Ebola screening takes off at Lagos international airport, others

    “Therefore to forestall the EVD infiltration, the Regulatory Authority has therefore directed all airlines to carry out these measures in the interim.

    Pilots-in-Command of an aircraft are to report to Air Traffic Control (ATC) any suspected case of communicable disease on board their flight in line with Nig.CARs 18.8.22.4.

    “In case of any suspected case of communicable disease on board an aircraft, aircrew are to fill the General Declaration (Gen Dec) and Public Health Passenger Locator forms in line with Nig.CARs 18.8.17.4 and 18.8.22.5 respectively.

    “Completed General Declaration and Public Health Passenger Locator forms are to be submitted to the Port Health Services (PHS) of the destination Aerodrome.

    “Airlines are to ensure they have on-board valid and appropriate number of First aid kits, Universal Precaution kits and Emergency Medical kits in line with Nig. CARs 7.9.1.12.”

    It further reads: “Airlines are to refresh the knowledge of their crew members in the handling and communicating with ATC of any suspected case of communicable disease on board.

    “Airlines are to contact Port Health Services for clearance before importing human remains into the country.

    “Airlines are to report to the Authority in writing of any suspected case of communicable disease in flight.

    “The circular signed by the Director General has since been sent to all the airlines.

    “The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will continue to collaborate with all relevant agencies to ensure that the Public Health Emergency Contingency Plan (PHECP) developed for the guidance of aviation stakeholders are adhered to. This will prevent the importation of any communicable disease into the country through our air borders (Airports).”

  • World Malaria Day: Ready to beat malaria

    World Malaria Day was established in May 2007 by the 60th session of the world health assembly.

    The day was established to provide education and understanding about the much dreaded disease – malaria, and to raise the consciousness of the people on the “year long intensified implementation of national malaria control strategies including community –based activities for its prevention and treatment in endemic areas.”

    This day seeks to raise awareness about the disease, the serious and sometimes fatal disease that plagues most tropical regions.

    It was proclaimed by the world health organisation. It is celebrated annually on April 25.  

    Find below some very interesting quotes and facts about the disease:

    1. The theme for this year’s celebration is Ready to beat malaria.
    2. Only the female Anopheles mosquito can transmit malaria.
    3. After the mosquito bites, it usually takes 2 to 4weeks to display symptoms.
    4. Usually, the mosquito only bites between 9pm and 5am. Making a mosquito net over the bed is a very effective tool in its prevention.
    5. There are over 100 species of the parasite, the most deadly being the plasmodium, falciparum, found in Africa.                      

    Yearly, World Health Organisation ( WHO ) partners with organizations (private, government and nongovernmental organization) commemorate the day.

    The Theme underscores the collective energy and commitment of the global malaria community in uniting around the common goal of a world free of the disease.

    It highlights the remarkable progress achieved in tackling one of humanity’s oldest diseases.

    It manifests itself in a sundry of ways and symptoms, including:

    1. Moderate to severe shaking chills
    2. High fever
    3. Sweating
    4. Headache
    5. Vomiting
    6. Diarrhea
    7. Nausea

    Below are a few (though not exhaustive) ways to prevent it:

    1. Determine your level of risk
    2. Always use a bed-net impregnated with insecticides
    3. Use mosquito repellent
    4. Go for long sleeves
    5. Insect repellent again
    6. Check the malaria risks – Get an antimalarial (if necessary)
    7. Follow your prescription carefully

  • Avail your children of immunisation, Obaseki urges parents, guardians

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo has called on parents and guardians to ensure their children will participate in this year’s National Immunisation Plus Days ( NIPDs ) Africa Vaccination Week.

    Obaseki, represented by his deputy, Mr Philip Shaibu, made the call in Benin on Friday during the flag-off of the 2018 First Round National Immunisation Week.

    He said that the flag-off ceremony was meant to sensitise the people of the state on the importance of immunising the children against child-killer diseases that were preventable with vaccines.

    The governor said that his government placed high premium on Primary Health Care, saying that it was regrettable to see future leaders suffering from preventable diseases which often led to death.

    Obaseki said that the state had not recorded any case of Polio since 2009.

    He said that he would continue to implement strategies and activities that would ensure that “every child is vaccinated and immunised’’.

    The governor said that his administration would continue to strengthen immunisation activities and would provide a holistic approach to prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases, thereby reducing infant and child morbidity and mortality.

    Earlier, the Edo National Facilitator with World Health Organisation ( WHO ), Mrs Kate Ogiugo, gave an assurance to the state government that no child would be left out.

    She said that every eligible child in the state would be vaccinated.

    Ogiugo appealed to all parents to bring their children for the vaccination, saying that the vaccines were effective and safe for children.

    NAN

  • Lassa fever: WHO, NCDC synergise with Edo govt to end scourge

    Lassa fever: WHO, NCDC synergise with Edo govt to end scourge

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have commencedwork with the Edo State Government to bring to an end the Lassa Fever outbreak in the country.

    They commended the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, for the state government’s purposeful and strategic response to the current Lassa fever outbreak in the country.

    Coordinator, Lassa Fever Outbreak Response Team in Nigeria, Dr. Emmanuel Musa, relayed the commendations when he led the surveillance team from the WHO and NCDC on a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State and said that his team will be stationed in the state to tackle the disease.

    In his remarks, Governor Obaseki expressed appreciation to the WHO and NCDC teams for supporting the state’s effort to contain and control the spread of Lassa Fever disease in the state.

    He said the outbreak threatens the wellbeing of people in the state, a situation he will not tolerate, noting, “My administration takes public health and wellbeing of people in the state seriously. This accounts for the speedy response of the government in mobilising resources to control the spread of the disease.”

    According to Obaseki, “With the team of experts deployed to the state by WHO, we should be able to get things right. There is need for us to be proactive and not always wait for the outbreak before responding.”

    Musa said, “The prompt response of the state government led by Governor Obaseki in containing the outbreak of Lassa fever disease in the state is highly commendable. The approach adopted to halt the spread of the disease was strategic. We commend the state government for the facility set up to assist the Institute for Lassa Fever Control and Research at the Specialist Hospital, Irrua. This includes the Isolation Center and Emergency Operation Center.

    He added, “The team of experts from the WHO and NCDC were the first six experts deployed to Edo State to complement the state government’s effort in controlling the spread of the disease. The team will work alongside the state government’s response team to halt the spread of the disease. This team is also ready to work with the team put in place by the government to curtail the spread as they have been in the state for about four weeks now.

    “Other partners will be mobilise to Edo State to assist the state government contain the spread of Lassa fever disease. The WHO is concerned and decided to mobilise experts to Nigeria to help out.”

    Read Also:Edo marshal plans to combat Lassa fever

  • Borno free of cholera outbreak – Commissioner

    Borno free of cholera outbreak – Commissioner

    The Borno Government on Thursday declared that the state is cholera free sequel to the successful control of an outbreak of the disease.

    The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Haruna Mshelia, made this known at a news conference in Maiduguri.

    He said the state government in collaboration with World Health Organisation ( WHO ) and development partners had effectively controlled the cholera outbreak which was first recorded on August 16.

    “Today, we are more than two weeks without any case reported and this signifies that we have come to the end of this outbreak,’’ Mshelia, who was represented by Dr Muhammad Ghuluze, said.

    “The preparedness of the health cluster to respond to cholera outbreak; effective partner coordination, and swift activation of the emergency operation centre, efficient case management and surveillance were the strong points that helped disrupt transmission and reduce mortality by about one per cent,” he said.

    Read also: Cholera spreads through IDPs camps in Nigeria – UN

    Mshelia disclosed further that over 5,000 cases of the disease were recorded with 61 deaths in the six affected local government areas of the state.

    He listed the affected areas as Jere, Maiduguri, Dikwa, Monguno, Mafa and Guzamala.

    The commissioner attributed the outbreak to the weakening health system due to Boko Haram insurgency and over population at Internally Displaced Persons ( IDPs ) camps.

    According to him, the state government has inoculated 950,000 persons against the disease as part of effort to prevent future outbreak.

    Mshelia reiterated the state government commitments to enhance quality healthcare delivery in the state.
    He commended WHO and other organisations for their contributions to the improvement of healthcare services in the state.

    NAN

  • World AIDS Day: Let’s fight the scourge

    World AIDS Day: Let’s fight the scourge

    By Moses Emorinken

    World AIDS Day is observed every 1st of December. It is a day dedicated to spreading awareness about the dreadful Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome ( AIDS ).

    The theme of this year’s World AIDS Day is “Right to health”. The World Health Organization highlights the need for all 36.7 million people living with HIV and those who are vulnerable and affected by the epidemic, to reach the goal of universal health coverage.

    Today, we join the World Health Organisation ( WHO ), United Nations ( UN ) and other global organisations to campaign for global public health.

    We also remember those who have lost their lives to the disease and commiserate with those that have lost friends, colleagues and family members.

    The battle against this disease is not a one-man fight but a collective battle to reduce its effect to the barest minimum.

    Whether we like it or not, we all share a common destiny, and as such must contribute our quota to securing and creating a safe and healthy society that we can all be proud of.

    Recent statistics from The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS ( UNAIDS ) reveal that in 2016, Nigeria had 220,000 new HIV infections and 160 000 AIDS-related deaths.

    There were 3,200,000 people living with HIV in 2016, among whom 30% were accessing antiretroviral therapy.

    Among pregnant women living with HIV, 32% were accessing treatment or prophylaxis to prevent transmission of HIV to their children.

    An estimated 37,000 children were newly infected with HIV due to mother-to-child transmission. Among people living with HIV, approximately 24% had suppressed viral loads.

    Also, globally, UNAIDS statistics revealed that:

    In 2016 (June 2017) an estimated:

    1. 20.9 million [18.4 million–21.7 million] people were accessing antiretroviral therapy

    2. 36.7 million [30.8 million–42.9 million] people globally were living with HIV

    3. 1.8 million [1.6 million–2.1 million] people became newly infected with HIV

    4. 1.0 million [830 000–1.2 million] people died from AIDS-related illnesses

    Major Populations most affected by HIV in Nigeria are:

    1. Sex workers, with an HIV prevalence of 14.4%.
    2. Gay men and other men who have sex with men, with an HIV prevalence of 23%.
    3. People who inject drugs, with an HIV prevalence of 3.4%.

    Nigeria’s HIV epidemic affects all population groups and geographic areas of the country. It is the second largest epidemic globally.

    We need to begin to take decisive actions as individuals, organisations and government to tackle this pervasive disease threatening our collective survival. The extent to which we can extinguish this scourge depends heavily on each of us.

    Although Since 2010, new HIV infections have decreased by 21% and AIDS-related deaths have decreased by 6%; there is still need for further research to improve the current available treatment plans.

    Difference between HIV and AIDS:

    HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This virus leads to infection and weakens the immune system.

    It is pertinent to know that HIV can be transmitted from one person to another. On the flip, AIDS is a condition that is acquired only after a person has contracted the HIV infection, and it is the final stage of the HIV infection.

    Mediums of HIV transmission:

    1. Unprotected sex (anal or vaginal).
    2. Sharing contaminated sharp objects like needles, syringes etc. Also, the use of unsterilized clippers for barbing and shaving hairs can be a source of contracting the virus.
    3. Receiving unsafe injections, blood transfusions, tissue transplantation etc.

    Treatment of HIV:

    HIV can be suppressed by the administration of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs.

    It cannot be cured at the moment, but its effect can be weakened, thereby strengthening the individual’s ability to resist infections.

  • UNDP constructs 300 houses for IDPs in Borno

    UNDP constructs 300 houses for IDPs in Borno

    The United Nations Development Programme ( UNDP ) has begun the construction of 300 housing units for internally displaced persons in Borno, the agency said in its fact-sheet.

    The prospective beneficiaries are victims of the Boko Haram insurgency in the state.

    The data made available in Maiduguri on Thursday show that the projects are in Ngwom community in Mafa Local Government Area.

    The UN agency stated that 288 of the houses were under construction, while work on the remaining 12 had not stated.

    The agency also stated that it constructed a clinic,  288 market stalls, 20 shops, as well as six classrooms, one administrative block and a store at the primary school in the community.

    It stated that the clinic would be equipped by the World Health Organisation ( WHO ).

    The agency said it had also distributed 210 bags of assorted fertilisers, 105 knapsack sprayers and 120 goats to farmers in the community.

    The agency also stated that it distributed  2,100kg of   sorghum seeds, 2, 100kg of millet seeds, 2, 362.5kg of cowpea seeds and 24 cartons of chemicals to farmers.

    It also highlighted some of its proposed projects, including a police out-post, borehole, installation of solar equipment at the clinic, distribution of agricultural inputs for fish farmers and livelihood support.

    It also proposes to provide unconditional grants to women and young girls, train youth entrepreneurs on micro and small business enterprises and train local government officials.

    “The training is to build the capacity of local government officials on provision of basic community services, maintenance of public infrastructure, planning and monitoring skill,” it stated.

    NAN

  • NAFDAC refutes report of 70% fake drugs in Nigerian markets

    NAFDAC refutes report of 70% fake drugs in Nigerian markets

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control ( NAFDAC ) has denied reports that 70 per cent of drugs in the country are fake and described such information as false and misleading.

    NAFDAC spokesperson Abubakar Jimoh while reacting on the report on Sunday in Abuja said the statement from the acclaimed expert was displeasing and false.

    Jimoh said that the report was just a mare statement without referring it to a particular study or research work.

    One Mr Andrew Nevin, an Economist and Financial Services Advisory Leader of Project Blue PWc Nigeria in a key note address at a conference by Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria in Umuahia recently said 70 per cent of drugs in Nigeria are fake.

    Nevin also stated that Africa records 100,000 deaths arising from counterfeit drugs related ailments annually.

    Jimoh explained that the fight against counterfeit drugs had been heightened from 2001 to date and had led to a drastic reduction in fake drugs in the market.

    He said that in 2001, when this kind of report appeared in public, the agency conduct a systematic study and in 2005, NAFDAC in collaboration with World Health Organisation (WHO) did another research.

    He disclosed that the study done with WHO showed that the prevalence of counterfeit drugs in circulation was 16.7 per cent for all categories of drugs.

    According to him, the agency puts a lot of efforts to fight counterfeiters by introducing TruScan machine in 2010 to detect fake drugs in the market.

    The Spokesperson noted that another research conducted in 2012 indicated that the prevalence of counterfeit medicines in circulation in the country had gone down to 6.4 per cent.

    He said that the same year, a separate research by the agency on anti malaria drugs which Nigerians consume more showed counterfeited ones have dropped to 19.6 per cent.

    He stated that the 2011 WHO’s study revealed that there was 20 per cent fake drugs in Africa which the result was almost the same with that of NAFDAC conducted in 2012.

    Jimoh added that in 2014 the result of a study by NAFDAC in conjunction with United State of Pharmacopia (USP) showed that the country only had 3.6 per cent of fake anti malaria drugs in the market.

    He said that the result of a research work on fake drugs between his agency and USP conducted in 2017 were being awaited.

    “The counterfeiters in the country engage more in anti malaria drugs because they know the patronage is high and with awareness created and introduction of various devices by NAFDAC, we have been able to reduce such counterfeit malaria drugs drastically.

    “Getting such unresearched work from acclaimed expert undermines our efforts, it is unfortunate and very painful,” he said.

    He said that NAFDAC remained committed and determined to fight counterfeit drugs in the country.

    NAN

  • Enugu LGC kicks-off routine immunisation

    Enugu LGC kicks-off routine immunisation

    The Enugu State Immunisation Officer, Dr Udodirim Madu, has urged parents to avail themselves of the opportunity of immunisation provided by the State Government to safeguard the lives of their children.

    Madu made the call during the official flag-off of routine immunisation in Nkanu West Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday.
    He outlined numerous benefits of routine immunisation to include reduction in number of death and disability from number of diseases that affect children in their infant stage.

    Madu assured parents, especially women, of government’s determination to continue improving the primary health care service delivery in the state.

    A representative of the World Health Organisation ( WHO ), Mrs Onyinye Emefiena, said the essence of the exercise was to ensure that every child gets the maximum possible protection from vaccine-preventable diseases.

    Emefiena said that the WHO would continue to partner the state government to ensure that each child in the state is protected against child killer diseases and other infectious diseases as well.

    The Caretaker Chairman of the council, Chief Chika Igwesi, said that the exercise and other laudable programmes of the council area would affect the lives of the people from the area.

    Igwesi lauded Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for the support he has being giving the council as well as the free child and maternal healthcare service in the state.

    In a goodwill messages, the traditional ruler of Eziaba Community in Agbani, Igwe Sampson Nnamani, urged women to avail themselves of the opportunity provided by the government to safeguard the lives of their children by bringing them out for immunisation.

    “I am using this medium to call all my subjects as well as people living in other communities in this council to co-operate for us all to have healthy children,’’ Nnamani appealed.

    Mrs Ogechi Ugwu and Mrs Blessing Nnamani, nursing mothers, expressed gratitude to the state government for the exercise.

    In separate interviews at the event, they thanked the state governor his health team for making it possible.

    More than 100 nursing mothers and children under the age of five converged from different parts of the council for the immunisation and to receive gift items from the wife of the council’s caretaker chairman, Dr Rall Igwesi

    NAN

  • Plague kills 124 in Madagascar

    Plague kills 124 in Madagascar

    A plague epidemic in Madagascar has killed 124 people since August in an outbreak that hit the island’s two main cities the hardest, authorities said on Wednesday.

    Plague is endemic in Madagascar, but the outbreak that has caused 1,192 suspected cases since August is especially worrying because it started earlier in the season than usual and hit urban rather than rural areas.

    In addition, two thirds of the cases are of the pneumonic plague, the deadliest form of the disease.

    “The total number of cases (1,192) is already three times higher than the average annual total,” the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management said in a report on Wednesday.

    Last week a World Health Organisation ( WHO ) report said the death toll stood at 94.

    The capital Antananarivo and Toamasina, the two largest cities in Madagascar, an island in the Indian Ocean, were the most affected, with 55 per cent of cases recorded there.

    To date 54 medical staff have been infected, it said.

    The report said that of an estimated 9.5 million dollars in aid needed to counter the epidemic, only 3 million dollars has been raised.

    Read Also: Outbreak of Cough, Measles kills 17 children in Kano