The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Category: Health

  • WHO endorse RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine for children.

     

     

    The World Health Organization on Wednesday endorsed the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine, the first against the mosquito-borne disease that kills more than 400,000 people a year, mostly African children.

    The decision followed a review of a pilot programme deployed since 2019 in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi where more than two million doses were given of the vaccine, first made by the pharmaceutical company GSK in 1987.

     

    After reviewing evidence from those countries, WHO said it was “recommending the broad use of the world’s first malaria vaccine”, the agency’s director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

     

    The WHO said in a statement it was recommending the widespread application of the vaccine among children in sub-Saharan Africa and in other regions with moderate to high malaria transmission.

     

    Many vaccines exist against viruses and bacteria but this was the first time that the WHO recommended for broad use of a vaccine against a human parasite.

    “From a scientific perspective this is a massive breakthrough,” said Pedro Alonso, Director of the WHO Global Malaria Programme.

     

    The vaccine acts against plasmodium falciparum — one of five parasite species and the most deadly.

     

    Malaria symptoms include fever, headaches and muscle pain, then cycles of chills, fever and sweating.

     

    Every two minutes, a child dies of malaria, according to the World Health Organization.

     

    Before the newly recommended vaccine can reach African children, the next step will be funding.

     

    “That will be the next major step… Then we will be set up for scaling of doses and decisions about where the vaccine will be most useful and how it will be deployed,” said Kate O’Brien, Director of WHO’s  Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biological

    (AFP)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.punchng.com

     

  • Enugu State Government Committed to Building a Healthy Food System

    Enugu State Government Committed to Building a Healthy Food System

    The wealth of a state is characterised by the health of her people. Thomas Edison once stated that, “a time comes when the doctors of the future will no longer treat the human frame from drugs, but rather will cure and prevent diseases with nutrition”. This statement is finding expression in our time as the Enugu State Government under the leadership of our amiable Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Lawrence Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has shown undaunted commitment to building a healthy food system in the State in accordance to the United Nations goal of ensuring a healthy and affordable food system for all.

     

    Speaking at the recent event of the 51st Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) held at the Amadeo Event Centre Enugu, the Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Planning; Dr. David Okelue Ugwunta, thanked the Nutrition Society of Nigeria for choosing Enugu State as the host state for its 51st Annual Conference with theme “Promoting Healthy Diets through Food System Transformation”. He emphasized that Enugu State Government led by the Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is highly sensitive to issues of nutrition and food systems.

     

    Hence, this has prompted the setting up and inauguration of the Enugu State Committee on Food and Nutrition made up of MDAs involved in nutrition and food systems under the coordination of the State Ministry of Budget and Planning on the 21st of July, 2020.
    The adoption of National Food and Nutrition Policy as well as the domestication of the Multi-Sectoral Strategic Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition.
    Hosting of the South-East regional dialogue of United Nations Food Systems Summit in Nike Lake Hotel, Enugu in April, 2021, Participation of Enugu State in the ongoing UNICEF Progressive Action on Resilient Systems for Nutrition through Innovation and Partnership (PARSNIP) amongst other food system interventions.

     

    Wrapping up his speech, Dr. Ugwunta urged the stakeholders in the food systems to promote indigenous foods which are more nutritious, making social protection programmes more nutrition sensitive, promotion of food marketing and regulation standards and an enabling environment for food systems activities to thrive.

    The Chairman of the Occasion, Prof. I.A Onimawo stated that many of our nutritionist sometimes find it difficult to relate food system to nutrition probably because it is not included in the curriculum, rather they see it as agriculture. However he noted that a lot of discussion has been going on in National University of Commission concerning the curriculum of Nutrition.

    In a welcome address, the President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Prof. Wasiu O. Afolabi noted that the United Nations and relevant stakeholders across the globe have been working assiduously toward understanding and managing the complex choices that affect the future of food systems and accelerate progress towards SDGs. Hence the theme of the conference, “Promoting Healthy Diets through Food System Transformation” which is aptly in line with the global concern on how to meet the challenge of providing adequate and healthy food to the world while ensuring that the environment is protected to support life.

    The keynote speaker, Dr. Adeyinka Onabolu explained that the food system entails all the aspects of feeding and nourishing people beginning from food production, harvesting, processing, packaging, transporting, marketing and finally consumption of food.

    In her words, “excessive focus on agriculture and food security in Nigeria over time has brought about unintended consequences of creating a food environment that is not diverse and is unable to provide an adequate variety of affordable, safe and nutrient dense foods”. Thus the resulting challenges causing 21 foodborne diseases estimated (at about $16 billion ) to cause an annual loss of human capital; stunted growth in 37% of children under 5, 58% of anemia in women of reproductive age, obesity, Type 2 diabetes among others.

     

    Dr. Onabolu also stated that the food system in Nigeria has been vulnerable to post harvest losses, climate changes, erosion, conflicts and many more. However, despite these challenges, increasing access to healthy foods which includes reframing policies and actions across all relevant domains of food system to ensure delivery of high quality diets, making evidence-based policy and public investments in healthy and sustainable foods and diets, incentivizing women and youth-led enterprise at scale to grow and sell currently underutilized indigenous nutritious crops; using ‘Red Dots’ on the labelling of foods items that are not healthy amongst others are solutions proffered to these challenges bedeviling the country’s food system.

    Also at the event were, the immediate past president of NSN, Dr. B.I. C Brai; Dr. Salisu Maiwada A; Vice President North NSN, Dr. Folake Samuel; National General Secretary, Dr. Patricia Ukegbu, Honourable Commissioner for Health; Asso. Prof Ikechukwu Obi, Hon. Com. for Information; Barr. Chidi Aroh represented by Mrs Amaka Eloike; Dieticians, Food Scientists and other Stakeholders.

    By: Chukwuka, Ifunanya Judith
    PRO/Information Officer Ministry of Budget and Planning.

  • Breaking~The SOUTH EAST DEBATE’21; Former Nigeria First Lady,Prof Uche Azikiwe MFR to attend as Mother of the Day.

    Breaking~The SOUTH EAST DEBATE’21; Former Nigeria First Lady,Prof Uche Azikiwe MFR to attend as Mother of the Day.

    .…Says it is a noble initiative….

    The Convener & Her Excellency, Prof. Azikiwe

    The SOUTH EAST DEBATE’21, an inter higher institutions Debate Competition on RESTRUCTURING Continues to gain more weight and endorsements as the Wife of the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Prof. Mrs Uche Azikiwe will attend the event as the Mother of the Day.

    The Emeritus Professor of Sociology Education and Women’s Studies was delighted when the Convener of the biggest academic event in South East, Monday Diamond Ani and some Members of the Local Organizing Committee which includes the LOC Chairman Chukwuma Ephraim Okenwa (CEO), Prince Tochukwu Nwanjoku, Amb. Gabriel Odih and co paid her a courtesy visit at her residence in Nsukka, Enugu State.

    Her Excellency, Prof. Mrs Uche Azikiwe welcomed the Team and promised to be at the event to play the motherly role expected of her and for the love and value of the Nation.

    The event which is slated to hold on October 20, 2021 at The Base Event Center by 10am promises to be something to watch out for in the entire Southeast of the nation.

  • Nigeria’s health sector faces total shutdown as JOHESU issues 15-day ultimatum

    Nigeria’s health sector faces total shutdown as JOHESU issues 15-day ultimatum

    The current challenges in the Nigeria public hospitals could further be compounded as the joint health sector workers union has issued a 15-under day ultimatum to the federal government.

    The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Association say they will commence an indefinite strike if outstanding welfare issues are not sorted within the period.

    This comes as the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) are still on strike over the government’s failure to meet their own demands too.

    Biobelemonye Josiah, JOHESU’s national president, in a letter addressed to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, and other relevant stakeholders on Saturday in Abuja, said that the 15-day ultimatum was necessitated by the non-challant attitude of the government to the plight of its members.

    According to Mr Josiah, the welfare issues include adjustment of Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHES) as was done with Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) since 2014, payment of all withheld April and May 2018 Salaries of our members and withheld Salaries in Federal Medical Center, Owerri, JUTH and LUTH, review of the defective implementation of COVID-19 Special Inducement and Hazard Allowance, implementation of National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Consent judgment and other court judgments, increase in retirement age from 60 to 65 years for health workers and 70 years for Consultant Health Professionals.

    ”Others are payment of reviewed hazard allowance in terms of payment that guarantee fairness and justice to all concerned, payment of actual 30 per cent consolidated basic shift duty allowance to Nurses/Midwives and others.

    ”Payment of teaching allowance to members on CONHESS 7 and 8 (Nurses, Midwives and others) and proper placement of Nurse Graduates and Interns,” he said.

    JOHESU president also said others include payment of outstanding salaries of intern health professionals and all the Tertiary Health Institutions, proper implementation of the consultant pharmacist cadre for pharmacists in the public sector, among others.

    According to him, “you will recall that up till the time of writing this letter, the Federal Government has not deemed it fit to honour the Terms of Settlement entered into with JOHESU since September 2017.

    ”This is especially the upward review of CONHESS Salary Structure as agreed, to be completed within five weeks from the date of agreement amongst other requests.

    ”Government did not deem it fit to address these key issues during the duration of the last seven days’ warning strike and has only met with JOHESU on July 12,” he said.

    Mr Josiah said that in July 2020, that the health minister agreed that a mistake was made by the government in the payment of COVID-19 Special Inducement and Hazard Allowances.

    He noted that the shortfall was in the payment of 50 per cent Basic of Consolidated allowances to all those Health Workers.

    He added that up till the time of his letter, the shortfall has not been paid and to make matters worse, the government decided to again wrongfully pay 10 per cent of Consolidated Basic Allowances to JOHESU members affected by the shortfall of April and May 2020 in June.

    “This is in contravention of the spirit and content of the MoU signed on April 21, 2020.

    ”JOHESU, in compliance with the provision of Section 41 of the Trade Disputes Act Cap.T8 LFN 2004, is constrained to give the Federal Government of Nigeria 15 days ultimatum with effect from September 3.

    ”This also is to inform you that with effect from midnight of September 17, all our members in the Federal Health Institutions shall embark on an indefinite strike action in all state and Local Government health institutions.” You are all placed on red alert for the strike, if the Federal Government foot drags in attending to our demands,” he said.

    Mr Josiah, however, noted that JOHESU had shown maturity, selflessness and patriotism in the face of extreme provocations and government’s nonchalant attitude on the welfare of its members.

     

    (NAN)

  • 2021 Democracy Edition’s Personality of the Time- Amb. Dr. Ugwu Ikechukwu Odo

    2021 Democracy Edition’s Personality of the Time- Amb. Dr. Ugwu Ikechukwu Odo

    2021 Democracy Edition’s Personality of the Time- Amb. Dr. Ugwu Ikechukwu Odo

    Amb. Dr. Ugwu Ikechukwu Odo is a miracle to humanity. He betters and saves lives on a daily basis as a doctor, philanthropist, educator, a pillar of motivation, a pillar of positive example, a true definition of what it means to conquer impossibilities, and many more.

    He holds an MB, Bsc degree from the University of Nigeria, a post graduate diploma in Family Medicine from the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.

    Dr. Odo is a private investor in hospital and allied Health Care Services. He owns and operates MERIDIAN HOSPITAL LIMITED, as her group medical doctor. The 25-year-old Meridian Hospitals is about the best private hospital in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He is the International President of Pilgrims Africa Health Foundation which is a non-governmental organization committed to health support campaigns in Nigeria through free medical missions, human capital development and social advocacy. He also is the National President, Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN).

    In 1995, Dr. Odo decided to start a privately owned hospital after his attempt to secure a visa to the USA failed the fifth time. The dream to start a hospital did not just seem impossible, anyone then would say, and with apt justification, that it was impossible, especially because he lacked the financial strength to do so, knowing well how cost-demanding such a project is. But where there is a will, there is an assurance of success. In his words, “I set out begging from friends and strangers alike. I saw the good, the bad and the ugly. After begging for six months, I was able to finally pay up the rent. Then, I begged and borrowed materials to partition the rooms in the building.”

    Dr. Odo continued by sheer determination, hard work, God’s grace, a faith in oneself and a total belief that possibilities knows no bounds, till Meridian Hospitals attained the height it has in the society today. He and his team live by an awareness of what their journey is about and what their values are and a total commitment to them. Today, Meridian Hospital has broken bounds and grown beyond the expectations of many, and is presently equipping her newly constructed branch in Nkanu west LG, Enugu state. Dr. Odo decided to bring the wonders of the hospital to his home, after all, for the Igbos, wealth is best when it’s taken home.

    Dr. Odo is marked by how he holds his patients and humanity at the highest level of importance.
    Meridian Hospitals renders timely attention and care to her patients, in most cases, without deposits and writes off bills for those that are incapable of affording them. He treats the deaf and dumb free and even gives out donations and Christmas packages to villages and communities. He is a man with a large heart, who understands what it means to live for one another. With his wealth and achievements, one would think pride will take over him. But no, Dr. Odo is humble to the core, both in relating with his patients and people in general, regardless of class.

    As the International President of Pilgrims Africa Health Foundation, he has touched lives in various communities, as it concerns medicare and general human wellbeing, not to mention scholarships to indigent students. Through him, Pilgrims Africa Health Foundation has awarded scholarships to over 15 students of various tertiary institutions in his home, Obuoffia, Awkunanaw. The students do receive the sum of N100,000 annually until their graduation from their respective institutions. Some who never thought they would survive as students were given a bright hope all because of this miracle in human form, Amb, Dr. Iyke Odo. The scholarship is aside the tuition of hundreds of other students that he pays in his community, and other random persons that come to him for help who never regretted it.

    He also, with some support from Pilgrims Africa Health Foundation, built an ultra-modern library in his community, Obuoffia. The library has one of the best e-library departments there is in any community library around. His community will always be thankful for the rare gift that he is.

    Dr. Ikechukwu Odo holds lots of awards including the Award of World Ambassador for Peace, United Nations POLAC, The African Leadership Excellence Award in Medicine, London 2018, The Nelson Mandela Life Achievers Merit Award and lots more.

    Amb, Dr. Ugwu Ikechukwu Odo is a commanding force on everything he touches. He does everything with diligence, love, determination and an overall care for humanity. He stays true to his oath as a medic, with dedication and defiance.

    His personality is worth celebrating over and over again. Amb, Dr. Ugwu Ikechukwu Odo is not just the Personality of the Time, he is one of the personalities of the century, far above par.

     

    Watch out for the Independence edition’s Personality of the Time. 

  • FG approves Sinopharm vaccine

     

    The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) said NAFDAC had approved Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV COVID-19 vaccine, to step up efforts to battle a third wave of infections in the country.

     

    The Executive Director, NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, said this on Tuesday, in Abuja, at the National Vaccines briefing.

     

    The BBIBP-CorV, also known as the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine or BIBP vaccine, is one of two inactivated virus COVID-19 vaccines.

     

    He said it was developed by Sinopharm’s Beijing Institute of Biological Products “sometimes written as Beijing Bio-Institute of Biological Products,” resulting in the two different acronyms BBIBP and BIBP, for the same vaccine.

     

    “It completed phase 3 trials in Argentina, Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru and United Arab Emirate (UAE), with over 60,000 participants. BBIBP-CorV shares, similar technology with CoronaVac and Covaxin, other inactivated virus vaccines for COVID-19.

     

    “Its product name is SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine ‘Vero Cell’ not to be confused with the similar product name of CoronaVac,” said Shauib.

    He added that the approval was recently granted by NAFDAC and the vaccine had also received the World Health Organisation (WHO) certification.

     

    The NPHCDA boss said, “NAFDAC has approved Sinopharm vaccine, the approval was done three days ago; and yes, Sinopharm vaccine has also received WHO certification.

    “So, it is a potential vaccine that we could use.

     

    “There are so many vaccines out there, but one thing that we are very clear about is that we are not going to use all the available vaccines in Nigeria.

     

    “At some point, we are going to draw a line in terms of the number of vaccines we would use, so that we can keep a close watch on the number of vaccines we are utilising in Nigeria,” he said.

     

    NAN also reports that the Moderna vaccines donated by the United State of America, to step-up efforts to battle a third wave of infections in the country had been deployed to 29 States.

     

    The 29 states, out of the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, were said to be prepared to receive the vaccines.

     

    According to NPHCDA, “Readiness here means that the states’ ultra-cold chain equipment are fully functional and able to store the vaccines at the required temperatures.

     

    “Also, the states must have back-up storage facilities such as Walk-in cold room, Walk-in freezer or chest freezers with reliable 24-hr power supply.

     

    “Additionally, the 29 states had trained their health care workers who will monitor the equipment and the vaccines, which was one the immunisation requirement by states to access the vaccines.

     

    “The agency is also calling on the 29 governors to continue to provide the needed oversight and resources, to ensure that the vaccines are secured and maintained in the required temperatures.

     

    “And that all eligible persons are mobilised to access the vaccines to protect themselves, their families and their communities against COVID-19,” Shuaib said. (NAN)

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.thenationonlineng.net

  • NMA asks FG to withdraw suit against striking doctors

     

    The Nigerian Medical Association in Enugu State has urged the Federal Government to withdraw the case instituted against the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors to bring about an amicable resolution.

     

    Chairman of NMA Enugu State Branch, Dr Jude Onyia, made the call in Enugu while speaking to newsmen.

     

    The Ministry of Health, and the Federal Government through the Ministry of Labour approached the National Industrial Court through an ex-parte motion praying for an order of interlocutory injunction restraining NARD in all States of the Federation from further continuing with the industrial action embarked on August 2.

     

    Onyia noted that at no time had court suits brought amicably settlement of industrial disputes.

     

    “For a harmonious settlement to be reached, dialogue is the only answer.

     

    ”Resident doctors have remained the main professional workforce in tertiary health institutions in the country. They constitute over 50 per cent of the workforce,” he said.

     

    The chairman noted that the medical consultants might be working but it might not be effective; the number of patients to be attended to would be reduced as well.

     

     

     

    He noted, “The striking doctors are enjoying the sympathy of the general public”, adding that it would be in the best interest of all for amicable settlement and plights of doctors looked into objectively.

     

    “The National Executive Council of the NMA will be meeting on Wednesday, in Benin, where we hope to discuss the strike extensively but the Federal Government must withdraw the suit against NARD.

    “The government needs to also withdraw the circular by the Head of Service removing House Officers and NYSC doctors from the scheme of service.

     

     

    “There should be a relative atmosphere of peace for dialogue and round table discussion, which is the needed negotiation to take place,’’ he said.

     

    He lamented the insensitivity of the paltry N5,000 given to doctors as hazard allowance in the face of their exposure to dreaded diseases such Lassa fever, Ebola, and COVID-19, which had claimed the lives of some doctors already.

     

    “The government and entire nation have to rally round our doctors to check their exodus from the country, which portends more danger for the health sector and well being of the entire citizens.

     

    “If the current number of doctors still giving service in the country, is further reduced, it will surely tell on the health system of the country and the burden will be enormous.

     

    “The capacity of the medical system to have a good number of doctors to attend to unforeseen nationwide health emergencies would be hampered,” he warned.

     

    NARD began its strike on August 2, over what it called the failure of the government to meet its demands after they entered a memorandum of action in 2014.

     

    One of the demands was for the withdrawal of the circular by the Head of Service removing House Officers and NYSC doctors from the scheme of service.

     

    NARD also wants the federal and state governments to address the issues of  welfare, training, and service delivery.

  • Gov Ugwuanyi increases CONHESS for Health workers from 41 percent to 60 percent

     

    Health professionals and workers in Enugu State under the auspices of Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), yesterday went wild with jubilation as Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi announced an upward increase of their Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) from 41 percent to 60 percent, effective from September 2021, in spite of the nation’s economic, security and public health challenges.

     

     

     

    Gov. Ugwuanyi made the announcement when he addressed a delegation from JOHESU comprising members of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) and Medical and Health Workers Sector Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), at the Government House, Enugu.

     

     

    Members of JOHESU were at the Government House, Enugu, on a Thank-you visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi for his benevolence and unflinching commitment to the welfare of health workers in the state.

     

    Presenting their address, the State Chairman of JOHESU, Comrade Ezekiel Omeh, told Gov. Ugwuanyi that “we are very grateful to the Almighty God who has chosen you, Your Excellency, to actualize the implementation of Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for the health professionals and workers in Enugu State”.

     

    Comrade Omeh disclosed that “CONHESS is a dream that has eluded us for the past 11 years but made real by you (Ugwuanyi) in the month of May 2021”, adding: “We thank you and salute your political wisdom to be used as a vessel to actualize God’s will. We appreciate your kind heart and show of love”.

     

     

     

    Speaking further the JOHESU Chairman said: “Your Excellency, we are happy that today, you have placed us at par with our peers and contemporaries in the health industry who have been enjoying the CONHESS which is the appropriate Salary Scale operational in the Country since 2010.

    “We are aware that in the previous times before your coming in as Governor, the Economy was good enough to implement CONHESS for us but our agitations for it then resulted in giving us more pains than relief.

     

    “To assuage the situation, Your Excellency (Ugwuanyi) approved 10 percent CONHESS in 2018 and in 2021, you approved additional 31 percent making a total of 41 percent CONHESS.

     

    “You also gave us COVID-19 allowance that lasted for upward of one year when other states, including Federal Government, had withdrawn the payment.

     

    “We also appreciate your aggressive investment in the health sector in Enugu State. To mention a few, we are impressed and grateful for the transformation of Poly Clinic Asata to General Hospital, Uwani Health Centre to a General Hospital, renovation and reconstruction of Udi General Hospital, Awgu General Hospital and School of Midwifery, Awgu, reconstruction and renovation of Nsukka General Hospital, Enugu-Ezike General Hospital, the phenomenal progress in construction of permanent site of ESUT Teaching Hospital at Igbo-Eno and building of new General Hospitals in different Local Governments in the state that are ready for commissioning.

     

    “These and other people-oriented projects are simultaneously going on in the state, all for the betterment of the health and welfare of the citizens despite the escalating harsh economic conditions and social unrest in the country.

     

    “You have demonstrated how democratic government can be run with full participation of the citizenry, including workers. Hence our ability to get CONHESS approved and implemented Minimum Wage and its adjustment, COVID-19 allowance, 13th Month Salary all through dialogue and your show of understanding, transparency and prioritization of the welfare of workers and citizens.

     

    “We appreciate your responsiveness to the yearnings of the people especially workers. Your disposition to govern Enugu State with the fear of God and Rule of Law has turned the state to be the most relatively peaceful state in the country and South East in particular.

     

    In their remarks, the State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Comrade Virginus Nwobodo and Comrade Benneth Asogwa respectively, endorsed the address by the leadership of JOHESU, stressing that the workers of Enugu State deeply appreciate all that Gov. Ugwuanyi is doing for the people of the state “in this time of scarcity and economic meltdown”.

     

    They added that it was only during the administration of Gov. Ugwuanyi that the workers of Enugu State visit the Government House without carrying placards in protest, saying that “we are in Government House today to register our appreciation”.

     

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.vanguardngr.com

  • Resident Doctors turn down FG’s Memorandum of Understanding

     

    Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has distanced itself from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) drafted by the Federal Government and vehemently refused to sign the document as a commitment to ending its ongoing industrial action.

     

    The association described the MoU as a veiled punishment for doctors, who are to bear the brunt of government’s failures.

    Resident doctors on August 1 commenced a strike over alleged failure of the Federal Government to implement an agreement bordering on salaries and allowances.

     

    Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, had dragged the association before the National Industrial Court to adjudicate on the matter.

     

    The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), on Friday, led the resident doctors to a meeting summoned at the instance of President Muhammadu Buhari to resolve the nationwide strike.

     

     

     

    Briefing newsmen, yesterday, after the meeting with representatives of the Federal Government in Abuja, NARD National President, Okhuaihesuyi Uyilawa, said he could not sign the MoU as a result of an undisclosed clause.

     

    “We rejected the MoU; we didn’t sign it because we feel we are being punished for the failures of those in government.”

     

    He announced the nationwide strike would continue and the association would continue with the court case.

     

    Uyilawa, however, disclosed NARD leadership would have to present the new MoU to its members before he could sign the document.

     

    On his part, Ngige said all other unions in the negotiation, including the NMA and the Medical and Dental Consultants of Nigeria have signed the new agreement.

     

    The minister said the meeting did not discuss the issue of ‘No Work No Pay’ but that all parties at the meeting agreed to an out-of-court settlement. He said the Federal Government would begin implementation of the MoU today.

     

    “The meeting agreed we need to let this matter go. Therefore, the budget office of the federation should start from the 2021 service vote to start paying. And if we have any leftovers, we roll it into 2022.

     

    “Coming to hazard allowance, everybody agreed the discussion is still ongoing and therefore the government wants to finish it up. We agreed with the NMA position that they don’t want to discuss holistically anymore as an association and that they have their own peculiarities that are not the same with other health workers.

     

    “We are going to do two meetings, one for NMA and affiliates and one for JOHESU. But we are taking the meetings concurrently so that we don’t run into troubled waters. We are starting next week,” Ngige said.

     

    Ngige disclosed the NMA has been directed to submit a written position on the controversial withdrawing of doctors under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and house officers from the scheme of service to point out the anomaly in the circular.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.sunnewsonline.com

  • Covid 19: Buhari and his aides go on Isolation after trip to UK

     

    Mr Buhari and members of his entourage returned to Nigeria last Friday after about two weeks in London, UK.

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari will go on isolation in line with COVID-19 protocols after spending about two weeks in London, United Kingdom, the presidency has said.

     

    Also billed to go on isolation are officials of the government who accompanied the president on the trip.

    They include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba; National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno (rtd) and Director General of National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ahmed Abubakar.

     

    Mr Buhari and members of the delegation, who travelled to London on July 26, returned to Nigeria on Friday after about two weeks.

     

    They were received at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja by his Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Gambari; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Muhammad Bello, security chiefs as well as some presidential aides.

     

    Presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, said the officials would go on isolation in line with the guideline for international travels.

     

    “Mr President and all of those on his delegation will be isolated in line with NCDC guidelines for international travel. They all tested yesterday (Friday) and will follow up with another test in due course,” Mr Shehu told the Guardian newspaper on Sunday.

     

    While in London, Mr Buhari joined other world leaders to attend the Global Education Summit.

     

    The summit, co-hosted by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, successfully generated about four billion dollars out of the targeted five billion dollars for the transformation of the education sector in low income countries, including Nigeria.

     

    Mr Buhari appeared on a panel of discussants with a live audience alongside his counterparts from other African countries, including Mr Kenyatta, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, President Faure Eyadema of Togo and President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi.

     

    The summit focused on topical issues including Education’s Reset – Learning from COVID; Transforming the Child’s Learning Journey; Gender Equality in and Through Education; Ripple Effect – Education’s Impact on Sustainability, and Financing for Impact – Volume, Equity, Efficiency.

    At the summit, Mr Buhari pledged to increase the budget for the education sector in Nigeria by as much as 50 per cent over the next two years.

    Messrs Buhari and Johnson, also held bilateral talks, during which the two leaders appraised the war against different forms of terrorism in Nigeria, and agreed that the judicial process be allowed to run its course.

     

    The Nigerian leader also used the opportunity of the trip to undergo a medical check-up.

     

    Mr Buhari and members of his family routinely travel to the UK for medical treatment.

     

    While he was away, members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) began a strike over repeated failure of his administration to implement agreements signed with them.

     

    Before departing London, Mr Buhari visited former Lagos State governor and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, who is believed to be on a medical trip to London.

     

    Meanwhile, some persons whom the president interacted with in London have tested positive for COVID-19.

    Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the UK, Sarafa Isola, and other staff of the embassy had received the president upon his arrival at the airport in London.

    The High Commission in Central London was shut down on Thursday for 10 days.

    On March 6, Mr Buhari together with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, received the first doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

    Former Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, died of the pandemic in April 2020.

     

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.premiumtimesng.com

  • Enugu Traditional Rulers outlaws Girl Child Marriage

     

    The Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council has outlawed girl-child marriage and other forms of gender-based harmful practices in the state.

     

    This is contained in a communique issued at the end of a multi stakeholders’ strategic conference between the council and WomenAid Collective.

     

    The conference was organised in partnership with the Ford Foundation with support from Enugu State Ministries of Gender Affairs, Chieftaincy Matters and Justice and the 50/50 Action Women of the state.

     

    The communique, signed by the Chairman of the council, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, stated that the council was committed to the abolition of the obnoxious practice of sacrificing the girl child to shrines.

     

    Agubuzu said the council condemned all forms of violence against women and girl child and was committed to their empowerment in the state.

     

    He further said the council was committed to the abrogation of harmful traditional widowhood practices, including disinheritance of widows.

     

    “We are committed to implementing the Supreme Court judgment that females have a right to inherit property from the family estate, whether married or not.

     

    “We are also committed to actions to codify communal laws and regulations that will protect women and girls,” he said.

     

    The royal father said the council supported the inclusion of women in the process of decision making on issues that affect them.

     

    He also said the council encouraged the inclusion of women in community leadership.

     

    He said the traditional institution would, henceforth, mediate in human and women’s rights’ cases, in line with state, national, regional and international human rights laws.

     

    He said the council had begun to sensitise residents of the state to do away with anti-human customs that still existed in Southern Nigeria.

     

    “Subsequently, we will have an Enugu State that is free from all forms of violence against women and girl child,” Agubuzu said.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.vanguardngr.com

  • NCDC: Cholera death toll now 816

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    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control on Monday said medical interventions would not stop the outbreak of Cholera in the country.

    This is just as it put the current death toll at 816.

    This was contained in a statement by the centre’s Director General, Chikwe Ihekweazu, and titled ‘Cholera in Nigeria: Urgent call to strengthen water, sanitation and hygiene.’

     

    According to the statement, the NCDC is working with other agencies and partners to ensure that the spread of the disease is adequately curtailed.

     

    The statement partly read, “The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control is leading the national response to an outbreak of cholera across states in Nigeria. This has been exacerbated by poor access to clean water, open defecation, poor sanitation, and hygiene.

     

    “Between January 1 and August 1, 2021, 31,425 suspected cases of cholera, 311 confirmed cases and 816 deaths have been reported from 22 states and FCT.

     

    “The affected states are Benue, Delta, Zamfara, Gombe, Bayelsa, Kogi, Sokoto, Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Kebbi, Cross River, Niger, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Yobe, Kwara, Enugu, Adamawa, Katsina, Borno and FCT.

     

    “Following an increase in the number of cholera cases, the National Cholera Emergency Operations Centre was activated on the 22nd of June 2021. The EOC which is hosted at NCDC, includes representation from the Federal Ministries of Environment and Water Resources, National Primary Health Care Development Agency World Health Organisation and partners.

    other support.

     

    “A reactive oral cholera vaccine campaign led by NPHCDA was conducted in Bauchi LGA, Bauchi State from 24th to 28th July 2021.

     

    “But none of these medical interventions will solve the underlying issues leading to cholera outbreaks.”

     

    Iheakweazu explained that since Cholera is a waterborne disease, the risk of transmission is higher when there is poor sanitation and disruption of clean water supply.

     

    He added that wrong disposal of refuse and practices such as open defecation endanger the safety of water used for drinking and personal use.

     

    Such situation, he explained, leads to the spread of water-borne diseases such as cholera.

     

    He warned that without proper water, sanitation and hygiene, Nigeria remains at risk of cholera cases and deaths.

     

    The NCDC boss added, “The long-term solution for cholera control lies in access to safe drinking water, maintenance of proper sanitation and hygiene.

     

    “We continue to advocate to state governments to prioritise action for solutions that ensure access to and use of safe water, basic sanitation and good hygiene practices in communities.

     

    “Additionally, we urge Nigerians to keep their environments clean, only drink or use water that is boiled and stored safely, ensure food is cooked and stored in a clean and safe environment, avoid open defecation and wash their hands regularly with soap and running water.

     

    “Cholera is preventable and treatable; however, it can be deadly when people who are infected do not access care immediately. Nigerians are advised to visit a health facility immediately, if they have sudden onset of profuse watery diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and weakness.

     

    “As the NCDC continues to work with partners to lead the health-sector response to cholera outbreaks, we call for an urgent improvement in access to clean water, proper sanitation and hygiene.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.punchng.com