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Madagascar: WHO to fight plague, provides 1.2 million doses of antibiotics

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World Health Organisation, WHO, has provided 1.2 million doses of antibiotics to control plague in Madagascar.

Dr Charlotte Ndiaye, WHO Representative in Madagascar said, “If detected in time, plague is a curable disease. Our teams ensure that all people at risk have access to safeguards and treatment”.

This week, WHO delivered 1,190,000 doses of antibiotics to the Ministry of Health and partners, and an additional 244,000 doses are expected in the coming days.

The different types of medicines will be used for curative and prophylactic purposes. The doses delivered can treat up to 5,000 patients and protect up to 100,000 people who may be exposed to the disease.

Medicines are distributed to health facilities and street clinics throughout the country, with the support of the Ministry of Health and partners.

WHO is also addressing serious shortages of disinfection products and personal protective equipment for health professionals and for safe burials.

WHO and the Ministry of Health teach local health workers to identify and manage patients and to seek out people who have been in close contact with symptomatic patients for treatment protective.

Most of the 231 cases, including 33 deaths, notified by the Ministry of Health since August, are cases of pulmonary plague – a more dangerous form of the disease that affects the lungs and is transmitted in close contact with a person sick coughing.

Bubonic plague and pulmonary plague are curable if common antibiotics are administered early. Antibiotics can also prevent infection in people who have been exposed to plague.

WHO has released $ 1.5 million (US $) in emergency funds immediately to assist the country immediately until more funding is received.

WHO is calling for $ 5.5 million (US $) to effectively respond to the outbreak and save lives.

 

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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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