Connect with us

Health

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

Published

on

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.

 

Comments

Health

Oyo: Tragedy As Bride-to-Be Among Four Dead in Suspected Lassa Fever Outbreak

Published

on

By

 

The Oyo State Ministry of Health has closed two hospitals in Saki West Local Government Area following a suspected outbreak of Lassa fever, which has claimed four lives.

The fatalities, confirmed by the Oyo State Rapid Response Team (RRT), include three males and a 32-year-old female who was preparing for her wedding. The closure of the hospitals aims to contain the spread of the disease and ensure thorough decontamination.

In a press statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, revealed that the RRT was dispatched to Saki following distress calls from residents reporting mysterious deaths.

Findings and Immediate Actions

The RRT, comprising health officials, representatives from WHO and the Red Cross, and local health authorities, conducted a comprehensive investigation into the outbreak.

Preliminary findings suggest that an apprentice at one of the affected hospitals, who had recently returned from Iwajowa Local Government Area, might have introduced the infection.

The team disclosed that the deceased exhibited symptoms consistent with Lassa fever, such as craniofacial bleeding. The hospital owner, who was among the deceased, initially self-medicated with antimalarials and antibiotics before seeking hospital care when his condition worsened.

Containment Measures

Both the hospital where the fatalities occurred and the facility that admitted the hospital owner were shut down for decontamination.

Contact tracing efforts are ongoing, focusing on high-risk individuals who had contact with the deceased during their illness or burial.

Affected health workers were trained on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols, and public awareness campaigns were conducted to educate residents about Lassa fever.

Samples have been collected from a symptomatic individual, pending laboratory confirmation. Line-listing of contacts is underway to identify potential cases and prevent further spread.

Collaborative Efforts

The RRT also paid an advocacy visit to the Okere of Saki’s palace to brief traditional authorities on the situation. Local government officials in Saki West were engaged to coordinate containment strategies.

Reports indicate that while the outbreak initially affected Saki West, it has extended to Iwajowa and Kajola Local Government Areas.

Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) in the affected LGAs have been instructed to commence preliminary containment measures as the State RRT ramps up its response.

Call for Vigilance

The Ministry of Health has urged residents to remain vigilant, report any symptoms suggestive of Lassa fever, and adhere to preventive measures.

These include proper hygiene practices, avoiding contact with rodents, and seeking medical attention promptly if symptoms arise.

Continue Reading

Health

Oyo: Oseni to Launch Mobile Clinic Initiative to Revitalize Rural Healthcare

Published

on

By

A member representing Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency of Oyo State at the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has announced a plan to launch a “Mobile Clinic” programme aimed at providing essential healthcare services directly to rural communities across the constituency.

Scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2025, this initiative underscores Oseni’s commitment to expanding healthcare access, particularly for underserved populations.

Speaking on Saturday at the 10th-anniversary celebration of God’s Knot Hospital in Ologuneru, Ibadan, the lawmaker, who also chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), highlighted the programme’s primary objective: bringing healthcare closer to the people.

“Every community deserves attention; healthcare should never be bound by geographical barriers,” Oseni stated.

He explained that the mobile clinics would deliver essential health check-ups, screenings, and preventive care in remote areas, allowing residents to access quality healthcare without traveling long distances.

As part of his broader healthcare agenda, Oseni informed, through a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, that he has already facilitated the construction of two fully equipped maternity centers within his constituency, both slated for commissioning before December 2024. He also disclosed plans to establish two modern general hospitals in 2025, further strengthening his commitment to building a healthier community.

The lawmaker expressed interest in collaborating with God’s Knot Hospital on the mobile clinic project, calling for partnerships to support sustainable healthcare initiatives that enhance the quality of life for vulnerable populations in the constituency.

“I resonate deeply with the mission of God’s Knot Hospital,” Oseni shared, adding that such partnerships would significantly improve healthcare in Oyo State”.

The anniversary event attracted distinguished guests, including former Ondo State Governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, whom Oseni commended for his contributions to healthcare, particularly through the Mother and Child Hospitals that transformed maternal and child healthcare in Ondo State.

Oseni urged philanthropists, government bodies, and international organizations to support healthcare projects like the upcoming mobile clinics, emphasising that the improvement of healthcare services is a shared responsibility.

 

 

 

Continue Reading

Health

NAFDAC Shuts Maiduguri Market Over Sun-Dried Drugs After Flood

Published

on

By

 

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.

Continue Reading

Trending