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Africa COVID-19 cases top 3 million, first wave peak surpassed

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As COVID-19 cumulative cases in Africa top 3 million and daily case numbers exceed the first wave peak, the continent is now confronted with emerging variants of the virus. Revamped public health measures are ever more critical to avert a runaway surge in infections that could stretch health facilities to the breaking point.

An average of 25, 223 cases were reported each day between 28 December 2020 and 10 January 2021 in Africa, which is nearly 39% higher than the July 2020 two-week peak of 18 104 daily average cases. Yet numbers may rise further in the coming days in the wake of travelling, gathering and festivities over Christmas and New Year holidays.

Overall cases in the region have risen steadily since mid-September 2020, with a steeper rise from late November. In addition, a new variant of the virus called 501Y.V2 is circulating widely in South Africa, accounting for most of the new infections during the second wave.

Mutations of the virus are unsurprising as the more the pandemic spreads the higher the likelihood of changes. However, preliminary analysis finds the 501Y.V2 variation to be more transmissible. Genomic sequencing has found the variant present in Botswana, the Gambia and Zambia.

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Deeper investigations are underway to fully understand the epidemiological implications, but at present there are no indications the new variant increases the severity of the disease.

“Even if the new variant is not more virulent, a virus that can spread more easily will put further strain on hospitals and health workers who are in many cases already overstretched,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa. “This is a stark reminder that the virus is relentless, that it still presents a manifest threat, and that our war is far from won.”

Nigeria is also carrying out more investigations on a variant identified in samples collected in August and October. While for now there are no reports of the COVID-19 variant circulating in the United Kingdom cropping up in the African region, further investigation is needed.

With WHO support, African countries are reinforcing genome sequencing efforts, which are key to finding and understanding new variants as they emerge and to help blunt their impact.

WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention network of genome sequencing laboratories in Africa is supporting governments with training and data analysis on genome sequencing, bioinformatics and technical expertise. WHO has also developed guidance on containing new variants and is assisting countries to manage and safely transport samples for sequencing and analysis.

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While much progress is being made in building genome sequencing capacity, the more than 5000 sequences which have been conducted so far in the region account for just 2% of global sequencing data.

“We call on all countries to increase testing and sequencing of the virus to swiftly spot, track and tackle new COVID-19 variants as soon as they appear. To defeat an agile, adaptive and relentless enemy, we must know and understand its every move, and double down on what we know works best against all variants of the virus,” said Dr Moeti.

“We must not become complacent. We must persist with the proven public health measures that helped stop the spread of the virus during the first wave – that’s physical distancing, constant handwashing and wearing masks in public spaces.”

Dr Moeti spoke during a virtual press conference today facilitated by APO Group. She was joined by Prof Francisca Mutapi, Professor in Global Health Infection and Immunity, University of Edinburgh, UK, and Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

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Photos: Saudi Medical Team Make History, Separate Nigerian Conjoined Twins

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In a monumental achievement for medical science, a team of Saudi professionals at the King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital has completed the separation surgery of Nigerian conjoined twins, Hassana and Husaina.

The directive for this historic achievement came from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing healthcare.

The complex procedure, initiated on Thursday morning, was the result of meticulous planning and execution by a dedicated team of 38 medical experts. This group included consultants, specialists, technicians, and nursing staff, all working in harmony to address shared areas in the lower abdomen, pelvis, lower spine, and lower spinal nerves of the twins.

The surgery, unfolding in nine carefully planned stages, lasted approximately 14 hours. Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court, Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), and head of the medical team, expressed confidence in the success of the procedure, citing a noteworthy 70% success rate.

“This is a momentous occasion that showcases the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing medical science and providing compassionate healthcare globally,” he said.

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The successful separation of Hassana and Husaina commemorates the 60th operation conducted by the Saudi programme for separating conjoined twins. Over the past 34 years, this programme has offered care to 135 conjoined twins from 25 countries.

Dr. Al Rabeeah expressed heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the Saudi leadership for their steadfast support of the programme.

He said, “The successful separation of Hassana and Husaina exemplifies the Kingdom’s dedication to humanitarian causes and its role as a leader in global healthcare.”

The Press Attaché at the Saudi embassy in Abuja, Mohammed Alsahabi, remarked on the accomplishment, stating, “This remarkable feat underscores the strong collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria in healthcare. We take pride in contributing to the improvement of these twins’ lives and their families.”

The separation of Hassana and Husaina represents not just a medical triumph but also serves as a symbol of hope for numerous individuals confronting similar challenges globally.

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Pregnant Girls Rescued in Anambra’s Baby Factory Raid { Photos}

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Five pregnant girls ranging from 14 to 21 years were rescued by security operatives during a raid on the facility on February 7, 2024.

Security operatives in Umunya, Anambra State, have rescued no fewer than five pregnant girls during a raid on a baby factory.

The joint effort, orchestrated by the Anambra State Ministry of Health and regional security agencies, uncovered a disturbing reality behind the facade of the facility.

The facility is identified as ‘Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity located on a road along the Tansian University, Umunya

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, revealed during a Wednesday briefing that the establishment, named ‘Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity’ along a road near Tansian University, Umunya, was deceptively operating as a hospital while serving as a hub for child trafficking.

“We found that some hospitals that are not registered are operating in the state. We have created data that will capture the hospitals in the state so that people will be able to have quality, good healthcare.

The Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, briefs journalists.

“Unfortunately, in one of the hospitals that we came for inspection, we found out that in our data system, they were not registered. We came here to verify and look at what is happening,” the commissioner said.

Obidike said the facility lacked registration with the Anambra State Government, adding that seven nurses on duty fled during the raid.

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The commissioner specified the ages of the victims, ranging from 14 to 21 years, stressing Governor Charles Soludo’s commitment to addressing this menace.

Five pregnant girls ranging from 14 to 21 years were rescued by security operatives during a raid on the facility on February 7, 2024.

“Unfortunately, the hospital is not registered and activities are suspected to be very fraudulent. So we decided to just see the senior doctor in the hospital and all the seven nurses.

“They locked us outside. Before they opened the gate, they followed the back and ran away. Seven to eight of them ran away. We saw little girls here that are pregnant, some of them ranging from 14, 15, 16 and 21 years,” he added.

 

 

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Diphtheria Outbreak Claims 10 Lives in Jigawa

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In a tragic turn of events, Jigawa State has been hit by an outbreak of diphtheria, with at least 10 people losing their lives.

The outbreak has spread across 14 local government areas, raising concerns among health officials and the local population.

The State Ministry of Health officially confirmed the outbreak during a press briefing held in Dutse on a somber Sunday.

Dr. Salisu Mu’azu, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, revealed that, as of now, two cases have been officially confirmed in Kazaure and Jahun local government areas.

However, the situation is far from contained as an alarming 91 suspected cases are under investigation, with samples sent to Abuja for confirmation. What makes this outbreak particularly troubling is that it has struck areas with a history of zero-dose routine immunization against diphtheria.

“So far, we have confirmed two cases in Kazaure and Jahun local government areas, while additional samples have been sent to Abuja for confirmation,” he said.

Dr. Mu’azu emphasized the urgency of the situation, prompting the ministry to launch a swift investigation, collecting crucial information and data from the affected regions.

Authorities wasted no time in alerting the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHDA) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to coordinate a comprehensive response.

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“The state government is actively preparing to administer vaccines as soon as they become available”, Mu’azu stressed the urgency of the situation.

The roots of this outbreak can be traced to the disruptions in healthcare services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The suspension of routine immunization during that period has posed a significant challenge in combating such epidemics.

In response, the NPHDA and NCDC have taken a proactive approach, closely monitoring the situation and collaborating closely with the State Ministry of Health to ensure a swift and effective response aimed at containing the outbreak.

Local communities have been urged to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to any directives issued by health authorities to mitigate the further spread of diphtheria.

The tragic loss of lives in Jigawa State serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of maintaining robust healthcare systems, even during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

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