Day: June 20, 2024

Prof. Peter Akah, a professor of Pharmacology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has organised a free healthcare services to over 1,000 residents of Okporo Community in Orlu Local Government Area of the state.

Akah, former acting Vice Chancellor, Imo State University, who hails from the community, also inaugurated a Clinic in the area.

He said that the project was initiated to address the health challenges of the vulnerable members of Umunyem-Umuebele Village in Okporo Community, especially the aged, women and children.

‘Sincerely, if I had 20 calls in a day, 18 of them ask for money to buy drugs, not even food. I know how much it is to pay for consultancy, let alone hospital bills and I can imagine what people in the village go through,’ Akah said.

According to him, many of the villagers are moving around with malaria and typhoid, prostate cancer, ulcer, diabetes and partial stroke without proper medical attention.

Reacting to the development, the President of the town’s union, Chief John Egolu, thanked Ak
ah for the health outreach and establishment of a clinic in the area.

‘A visit to the facility shows that there are beds and full theatre for surgery and there is a promise that more equipment would be brought, subsequently.

‘This vision of our dear son, Prof. Akah, is that which will in no small measure help our people, especially by getting healthcare services closer to them,’ he said.

A 67-year-old stroke patient, Mr Charles Okechukwu, said the gesture was ‘God sent to help the less privileged in the community. We have never seen this type of medical care in our village.’

Another beneficiary of the health mission, Mrs Fidelia Ibemike, 89, said the health facility had brought healthcare services closer to the people.

Ibemike said that the facility would reduce the sufferings usually encountered in traveling to other communities for medical treatment.

She said that many aged persons have died in their homes because they lacked the money to seek medical attention.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

An Epidemiologist, Dr Japhet Olugbogi, has warned Nigerians against using mixture of carbonated drink and seasoning cubes as prevention and treatment measures for cholera disease.

Olugbogi, former Head of NMA Lagos COVID-19 response and Medical Officer of Health at Ifelodun LCDA, gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

He gave the warning in response to several social media posts touting the use of Coca-Cola and Maggi combination as a prevention and treatment for cholera.

Olugbogi said the mixture was not a medical solution, noting that toxicology tests from the combination might be harmful for the health and well-being of individuals.

‘That combination I believe is more expensive than using Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS). Why would anybody want to substitute ORS for Maggi and Coca-Cola?.

‘That’s alarming. ORS is a solution that’s tested, proven and trusted to treat cholera or diarrhea or gastroenteritis disease.

‘If somebody has hypoglycemia (low sugar
), of course, the individual can be given Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Sprite, Miranda or Fanta or any of those carbonated drinks but in measured doses.

‘Combining Coca-Cola with Maggi for cholera treatment is not a medical solution,’ he said.

The public health expert emphasised that cholera could be easily treated through prompt administration of ORS or preparing the salt and sugar solution to help individuals.

He recalled that during the COVID-19 and Ebola outbreak, some people promoted using salt water to bathe as a cure for the diseases, stressing that it was a hoax that caused complications and death to some individuals.

Olugbogi cautioned the public against practicing things seen online, stressing that health advisory from physicians and health regulators should be strictly adhered to, to ensure health safety.

On preventive measures against cholera, Olugbogi advised that people washed their hands with soap and running water, before and after eating, and after using the toilet.

‘Washing our hands with soap an
d water alone is a huge step in controlling and preventing this viral outbreak.

‘Apart from that, people should ensure they keep their waste safely in containers away from flies because flies pick up germs and bacteria from the waste or fecal matter and drop them when they perch on food items.

‘We should also dispose of refuse properly, maintaining good hygienic practices is critical to reduce transmission of cholera,’ he said.

He advised that vegetables and fruits should be washed thoroughly before consuming them and water boiled before drinking.

Olugbogi advised that proper washing of utensils such as spoons, cups, plates, glass cups, mugs, before eating with them.

‘Cholera is transmitted from contaminated hand to mouth; so, if we can clean our hands, utensils and any item containing things that we put in our mouth, then we can prevent cholera from spreading,’ he said.

Data from Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) show that Nigeria recorded no fewer than 1,141 suspected and 65 confirmed cases o
f cholera, resulting in over 30 deaths from Jan. 1 to June 11, 2024 in 30 states, NAN reports.

Lagos State on June 11, alerted residents that the state had recorded an excess report of severe gastroenteritis cases leading to 60 hospitalisations and five deaths mainly from patients presenting late with extreme dehydration.

The state’s Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, on June 15, disclosed that laboratory tests confirmed that the outbreak was due to cholera with the identified strain being highly aggressive and contagious, with potential for widespread transmission.

As at June 20, Lagos cholera outbreak had increased to 21 fatalities and 401 infections from multiple LGAs in the state.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Rotary Club Ogba, in partnership with Rotary Foundation, has commissioned its District’s Grant Project by donating a Bubble Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (bcPAP) system to the Pediatric Unit of Airbase Hospital, Ikeja.

The event which held on Wednesday was part of the club’s commitment to supporting humanitarian causes.

Chief Babajide Awesu, President, Rotary Club Ogba, said that the donation was a testament to the club’s dedication to supporting lives.

Awesu said that the club was proud to make a difference in the lives of others, and that the equipment would undoubtedly save many young lives.

He said this was not the first time the club had supported the hospital, having previously donated essential equipment which had been effectively utilised.

Group Capt. Adebayo Bello, representative of the Commander of the 661 Nigeria Air Force Hospital, expressed his gratitude for the donation.

He said that the bcPAP system was worth millions of naira and exactly what the pediatric unit needed at this t
ime.

‘This equipment will greatly enhance our ability to provide quality care to our young patients, and we are deeply grateful to the Rotary Club Ogba for their generosity,’ Bello said.

Also, Dr Eden Igbage, a Consultant Pediatrician, expressed her joy and appreciation for the support.

Igbage said that the donation was a timely intervention for the hospital.

‘We are thrilled to have partners like the Rotary Club Ogba who share our commitment to providing excellent healthcare services,’ she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bcPAP system is designed to aid the respiratory system of babies, and its donation is a significant boost to the hospital’s pediatric unit.

The Rotary Club has a long history of engaging in projects that support human life, with numerous initiatives undertaken regularly in schools, villages, and hospitals to promote human development.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Adamawa Government have begun the distribution of farm inputs to 187,250 farmers in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States.

Speaking at the event on Thursday at Jabbi-Lamba, Girei Local Government Area, Adamawa, Mr Dominique Kouacou, FAO’s Nigeria/ECOWAS Representative, said that the support followed the seeming escalation of food insecurity in the country.

Represented by Mr Luc Manga, Head of Office, North-East, Kouacou, said that a large population of people in the North-East were at the risk of facing food insecurity.

Kouacou said that the intervention, supported by the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), USAID, Norway’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, and Swiss Development and Cooperation was targeted at benefiting about 26,750 households.

‘In all, the intervention will benefit no fewer than 187,250 individuals across the the three states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe,’ he said.

The FAO representative, said that a total of 5,350 h
ouseholds and 37,450 individuals would benefit from the programme in Guyuk, Madagali, Michika and Girei areas of Adamawa.

‘They will receive essential inputs such as cereal seeds, legume seeds, vegetable seeds and NPK fertilisers.

‘This collaborative effort is geared towards restoring and strengthening food security in the state.

‘It is also aimed at supporting the communities to restart their individual means of livelihood, improve food production and foster economic resilience,’ he said.

Earlier, Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri, said that the collaboration was a significant milestone in the effort to transform agriculture in the state and the North-East region at large

Represented by Prof. David Jatau, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Fintiri commended FAO for the support, describing it as timely and impactful.

‘Agriculture is not just a sector, it is a way of life. Your support has been instrumental in building resilience in our agriculture sector and ensuring food security.

‘From these initiatives, the farmer
s will receive high quality seeds, fertiliser and other inputs that will help to produce high yielding crops,’ he said.

The governor said that the state government was already providing training supports to farmers to improve their skills and competence.

‘Our intention is to develop sustainable agricultural practices that will ensure long-term food security for our people,’ he said.

Halilu Bello, a beneficiary, appreciated FAO and the state government for the initiative, saying that the inputs would help the farmers to eliminate hunger and rebuild their sources of livelihood.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that FAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations that is leading international efforts to eliminate hunger.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has initiated a water quality analysis following a cholera outbreak that has resulted in the deaths of 30 people across several states.

Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday that this was necessary following continued reports of outbreak in many parts of the country.

According to him, the ministry’s concern highlights the severity of the waterborne disease, which is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and spreads rapidly through contaminated water or food.

He said the symptoms of cholera include vomiting, severe dehydration, and diarrhea, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.

‘In response to the outbreak, teams from the National Water Quality Reference Laboratories in Lagos, Enugu, and Sokoto have been dispatched to collect water samples and investigate the presence of Vibrio cholerae in the affected areas.

‘Additionally, the ministry is coordinating with State Technica
l Working Groups and Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agencies (RUWASSAs) through the WASH in Emergency Technical Working Group (WiETWG) to address the outbreak comprehensively’.

Shinkafi said that before the outbreak, the National WASH in Emergency Technical Working Group had already trained state working groups on preparedness, prevention, and response strategies, as well as hygiene promotion and water safety planning.

These states, he said have now intensified their community sensitisation efforts to reduce cholera cases and are promoting campaigns against open defecation, a known transmission route for the disease.

He however urged Nigerians to take precautions to protect themselves and their families by boiling or treating drinking water before consumption.

The permanent secretary called on all Nigerians to always wash ehands with soap under clean, running water regularly, especially before eating and after using the toilet.

He said the ministry will continue to provide updates in collaboration wit
h the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) as the situation evolves.

‘Let’s wash fruits and vegetables with safe water and salt before eating.

‘Let’s also seek medical attention immediately if experiencing symptoms of cholera, such as vomiting, severe dehydration, and diarrhea.

‘Together, we can overcome this challenge and prevent further loss of lives’.

NAN quotes the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention as saying ‘as of 11 June 2024, 1,141 suspected cholera cases had been recorded across 30 states in Nigeria since January 2024.”

The 10 states that recorded 90 per cent of the cases are mostly located in the South (Bayelsa-over 400 cases, Lagos, Abia, Cross River, Delta, Imo States), with some situated further north (Katsina, Nasarawa, Zamfara.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigerian Army on Thursday, put to operation two new Bell UH-1 Helicopters to herald its aviation unit and to strengthen its counter-insurgency operations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two helicopters arrived the Nigeria Police Air wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at about 4:37 p.m.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, said the journey to realising the dream of army aviation had come to reality with delivery of the two helicopters.

Lagbaja said the renewed drive to have an aviation wing started in 2014 when the former COAS, retired Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah, established and operationalised the army aviation coordination office with a 10-year implementation plan segmented into three phases.

‘I am glad that, as conceptualised 10 years later, we have today, taken delivery of our first set of platforms.

‘The journey, as predicted by the initial dreamers, has not been easy but here we are today by the grace of God, realising ou
r dream.

‘We are new to this business, and as newcomers, we must acknowledge our forerunners like the NAF, NN, and the NPF.

‘We are on our learning curve in the aviation business, and we hope it will be a pleasant experience that will enhance our operational successes,’ he said.

Lagbaja said the new helicopters would be a game-changer for the army in its operational activities, adding that the platforms would be used for casualty evacuation, reconnaissance and surveillance.

He said new platform would ensure flexibility in providing support to troops in the field in terms of casualty evacuation, supply and insertion of troops in critical areas.

The Coordinator of Nigerian Army Aviation, Brig.-Gen. Musa Alkali, said the introduction of the advanced air platforms marked a new chapter in the army’s operational readiness and ability to respond swiftly and effectively to diverse security challenges.

Alkali said the platforms were not just an addition to army fleet but a leap forward in its quest for excellenc
e and efficiency toward getting its aviation unit operational.

He said the journey had been defined by rigorous planning, meticulous execution, and unwavering support of the Nigerian army leadership and partners.

According to him, the acquisition of these air platforms is a clear demonstration of our resolve to continuously improve and adapt in the face of evolving security landscapes.

‘These platforms will significantly bolster the reconnaissance, surveillance, and air mobility capabilities, thereby enhancing our overall operational effectiveness.

‘As we integrate these platforms into our operations, let us also remember that the true strength of our aviation lies in the skilled and courageous personnel who operate and maintain these machines.

‘Their professionalism, dedication, and expertise are the bedrock upon which our success is built,’ he said.

The Consultant, retired Maj.-Gen. Emeka Onwuamaegbu, commended the leadership of the Nigerian army for making the aviation unit a reality.

He said the Ni
gerian army invested in him so much to become an aviation professional but could not render the service to the army because of the absence of aviation unit until his retirement.

‘The army invested so much in me in this aspect of military operations but unfortunately, I didn’t use those skills when I was in service.

‘It was a great pleasure a few months ago when I heard that the Nigerian army was about to operationalise the aviation corps, and I met the Chief of Army Staff, and he trusted me to be involved.

‘These platforms will form the foundation for the growth of the Nigerian army,’ he said.

NAN reports that the COAS had in 2023, disclosed that President Bola Tinubu, had approved acquisition of the initial 12 MD 530F Cayuse Attack Helicopters for actualisation of army aviation.

He said the acquisition of the new attack helicopters was part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to boost operational capabilities of the army aviation to appropriately respond to contemporary and emerging security t
hreats.

The attack helicopters are still being expected.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria