Health

Federal Government Collaborates With Gavi For Urgent Cholera Vaccine Support

Published

10 months ago

June 29, 2024

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The Federal Government has collaborated with the Vaccine Alliance, Gavi, to ensure emergency vaccine donations in case of a shortage, as cholera outbreaks are expected to surge across the country.

This move comes as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) activates its Emergency Operation Centre to coordinate response efforts and contain the spread of the disease.

Gavi’s CEO, Dr. Sania Nishtar, expressed concern about the ongoing cholera outbreak in Nigeria and assured support for the government’s response, including requesting emergency vaccine doses if needed.

The NCDC’s Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, explained that the Emergency Operation Centre will serve as the nerve centre for coordinating response efforts across the country, supporting affected states, and facilitating rapid communication, data analysis, and decision-making processes.

Meanwhile, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, emphasized the need for a multi-sectoral approach to address the social determinants of health and prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases like cholera.

Health

Katsina targets three million children for polio immunisation — Official

Published

16 hours ago

April 16, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Polio-Victims

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The Katsina State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SPHCA) says it is targeting not less than three million children during the polio immunisation campaign scheduled for 26 -29 April.

Its Executive Secretary, Shamsudeen Yahaya, made the disclosure on Tuesday at a media dialogue with UNICEF, Katsina State Government officials and partners on polio and routine immunisation in the state.

Mr Yahaya said the exercise was aimed at creating awareness of the importance of immunisation in saving children from preventable deaths.

He, therefore, urged the media to continue to enlighten caregivers and other stakeholders on the importance of immunisation.

He revealed that the state has 1,636 health facilities providing routine immunisation services for children.

Mr Yahaya said the government would engage 3,700 independent monitors to ensure that each eligible child is reached during the campaign.

In his remarks, the Officer-in-Charge (OIC), also the Nutrition Manager of UNICEF Kano Field Office, Karanveer Singh, stressed the need to immunise every child against polio and other deadly diseases.

Mr Singh revealed that polio is highly infectious, warning, “Once a child is infected with the virus, he or she is permanently paralysed.”

The officer explained that every round of immunisation is important, as is immunising every child until the virus is completely eradicated.

He added that immunisation is the backbone of any eradication programme, hence the need for caregivers and other stakeholders to intensify efforts in ensuring that all children below five years are fully immunised.

Health

We must stop contaminating our rivers and streams in the name of ‘odinani’ (tradition)—- Gov Chukwuma Soludo ‎

Published

4 days ago

April 13, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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‎In a recent address to All Progressives Grand Alliance supporters in Awka, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo raised concerns about pollution of local streams and rivers by native doctors during rituals. He stated, “We must stop contaminating our rivers and streams in the name of ‘odinani’ (tradition). Many depend on that water for drinking and cooking.”
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‎According to Daily Trust, Governor Soludo urged practitioners to be responsible, saying, “If you must perform rituals, use a container—like a bucket—and carry out your practices there. Do not pollute our public water sources.” He emphasized that polluted water can lead to serious health issues, declaring that “we do not want that for our communities.”
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‎He addressed the backlash from a crackdown on native doctors suspected of criminal behavior: “I am not targeting legitimate traditional worshipers but those who defraud and deceive people.” His aim is to eliminate fraudulent actors while respecting cultural practices.
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‎He highlighted the need for balance: “We can embrace our traditions while ensuring the safety and health of our communities.”
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Health

NAFDAC Begins Gradual Reopening of Shops at Ogbo-Ogwu Drug Market in Onitsha

Published

6 days ago

April 11, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced the gradual reopening of shops at the Ogbo-Ogwu drug market in Onitsha.

This development follows the agency’s closure of the market on February 10, 2025, due to concerns over the sale and distribution of counterfeit, unregistered, and substandard drugs.

The unsealing exercise is being led by a Deputy Director of NAFDAC, Mr. Tunji Omoyemi.

According to NAFDAC, traders whose shops meet the required safety and documentation standards are being cleared to resume business operations.

Addressing the traders, the market chairman, Mr. Ndubuisi Chukwulota, urged full cooperation with the agency to facilitate the swift resumption of commercial activities.