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FCT, Oyo, 5 other states on ‘red alert’ over fears of COVID-19 third wave

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The Nigerian government has put six states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on a red alert as part of the preventive measures against a third wave of the pandemic.

The states include Lagos, Oyo, Rivers, Kaduna, Kano, Plateau.

According to the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 (PSC), the decision followed the confirmation of the Delta Variant of COVID-19 in the affected states and the FCT and the rising number of infections and hospitalisation in the country.

It noted that the importation of Delta Variants into the country shall be minimised by strengthening surveillance at all Points of Entry (POE) and sustaining the current restrictive measures against travelers arriving from India, Brazil, Turkey and South Africa.

In a statement by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) who is also the chairman of Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 (PSC), Boss Mustapha, on Saturday, urged all state governors and religious leaders to be mindful of the potential for wider spread of the virus during large gatherings, especially during the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

The committee further admonished all states of the federation to increase their state of preparedness and continue to enforce all protocols put in place to stem the increasing cases of COVID-19.

It is said the enforcement of the protocols became important “given the renowned greater ease of the spread of the Delta Variant. These steps are critical as we begin to see worrisome early signs of increasing cases in Nigeria.

“The PSC shall continue to minimise the importation of Variants of Concern into the country by strengthening surveillance at all Points of Entry (POE), embracing extant quarantine protocols and sustaining the current restrictive measures against travelers arriving from India, Brazil, Turkey and South Africa.”

The Presidential Screening Committee, while felicitating with Muslim faithful on the occasion of the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir, urges all state governors and religious leaders to be mindful of the potential for wider spread of the virus during large gatherings.

It reminded all Nigerians and resident to stay safe always and recommended some preventive measures for a safe Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

These measures include decentralisation of Eid Prayer to neighbourhood Friday Prayer Mosques (outdoor); suspension of Durbar activities; and observation of limitations on all indoor gatherings.

 

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NAFDAC Shuts Maiduguri Market Over Sun-Dried Drugs After Flood

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has ordered the immediate closure of the Gomboru drug market in Maiduguri following severe flooding that submerged the area and contaminated the drugs sold within the market.

In a statement posted on its official X handle, NAFDAC disclosed that the decision was made after reports surfaced that contaminated drugs, which had been washed and sun-dried for resale, were being sold at the market.

“After the recent flooding in Maiduguri that submerged the Gomboru drug market where contaminated drugs were washed and sun-dried for resale, the @DGatNAFDAC ordered the immediate closure of the market to conduct a thorough shop-to-shop removal of these compromised drugs,” the agency wrote.

The flooding, which ravaged Maiduguri, was triggered by the rupture of the Alau dam on the Ngadda River, located 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of the city.

The floodwaters claimed at least 30 lives and displaced 400,000 residents, leaving large parts of the city and surrounding areas in devastation.

NAFDAC’s intervention is aimed at safeguarding public health by preventing the sale and consumption of contaminated drugs.

The agency has mobilized teams to inspect the market and ensure the removal of all compromised pharmaceutical products.

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Cholera Outbreak: Rep Oseni Urges Residents to Prioritise Hygiene, Safety Measures

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Engr. Aderemi Oseni, Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State has expressed deep concern following the recent outbreak of cholera cases in the state.

Cholera, a highly contagious bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated water and food, poses significant health risks, particularly in densely populated areas with inadequate sanitation.

Oseni urged residents of Oyo State, especially those in his constituency, to prioritise hygiene practices and strictly adhere to recommended safety measures, emphasising the critical importance of proactive measures to halt the disease’s spread.

In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, the state capital, the lawmaker underscored the necessity of maintaining clean water sources and practicing proper sanitation methods.

“Cholera outbreaks can be significantly reduced if we all take responsibility for our hygiene habits and ensure our surroundings are clean,” he stated.

The APC chieftain also stressed the urgency of seeking prompt medical attention at the first signs of symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, which are characteristic of cholera.

“Early detection and treatment are crucial in combating cholera and preventing its spread. Access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation are fundamental rights that must be upheld, especially during health crises like this,” he asserted.

Oseni further called for unity and collective action in combating the cholera outbreak.

He expressed confidence that through concerted efforts and vigilant adherence to preventive measures, communities can contain and ultimately overcome this challenging public health issue.

“By working together, maintaining vigilance, and prioritising hygiene practices, we can effectively mitigate the impact of cholera on our communities,” the lawmaker concluded.

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Ondo Resident Doctors Begin 14-Day Warning Strike

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Resident doctors at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) in Ondo State have initiated a 14-day warning strike, as confirmed by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).

The strike action, led by the association’s President, John Matthew, highlights various grievances, notably the non-payment of seven months’ salaries to new members.

Matthew added that the strike also addresses the non-payment of palliative to House Officers since February, the failure to disburse the February Hazard Allowance despite prior assurances from the state government, and the ongoing shortage of staff due to resignations.

Matthew lamented the drastic decrease in resident doctors, citing a decrease from 150 doctors to a mere 26 in recent months.

In response to the situation, he urged management to prioritise the full payment of arrears owed to members, immediate payment of the February 2024 palliative to house officers, and prompt disbursement of the February hazard allowance.

The association further called for urgent measures to address the critical shortage of clinical manpower within the institution.

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