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COVID-19 Vaccination: Don’t be Misled, FG Urges Nigerians

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By Laide Akinboade

The Federal Government has urged Nigerians not to be misled by those who are spreading misconceptions about COVID-19 vaccines.

The Chief Executive Officer, Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, Faisal Shuaib stated this while briefing journalists on update on COVID-19 vaccination, he said COVID-19 vaccine does not create any magnetic effect around the vaccination site or any part of the body for that matter, neither does it cause the body to light up an electric bulb.

According to him, “We must take informed steps to guard ourselves from being misled by those who are spreading misconceptions about COVID-19 vaccines. It is important for our media to understand that the TRUTH, which they hold so high in principle, is at war with falsehood, and therefore every effort must be made to ensure that people are vaccinated against COVID-19 if we want TRUTH to be victorious.

“Today I would like to make very clear and demonstrate publicly that COVID-19 vaccine does not create any magnetic effect around the vaccination site or any part of the body for that matter, neither does it cause the body to light up an electric bulb. It is also a well-known fact that persons with wet, moist, or sticky skin can have objects stuck to their skin especially in smooth areas. Strong friction also allows for objects to stick to the skin. COVID -19 vaccines do not contain any metal – this is another fact! So how can it generate magnetic field or light an electric bulb? “.

The NPHCDA boss lamented, “As you may already be aware, we are witnessing an increasing wave of COVID-19 misinformation and disinformation that should leave any patriotic Nigerian wondering how long mischief makers want the world to remain in the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic itself. The creativity with which some people misinform others and spread misconceptions about COVID-19 vaccination calls for more deliberate, decisive, and consistent steps to counter as well as provide correct and accurate information that will help more people to make informed decision to get vaccinated against COVID-19. 

“It is unfortunate that the right of the public to true and accurate information on matters of collective concern is being threatened by just a few others who are taking advantage of the social media to mislead people about their health. Let me quickly state here that this breach of public right to true and accurate information about COVID-19 vaccination is a challenge to the media, which should be taken seriously”. 

He also noted that, “It is evident that Nigeria has made significant progress towards utilizing the 4 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine we got from COVAX facility, and that is why our vaccine roll out has been described as the best in the African sub-region. As the country prepares to receive additional vaccine supply to commence phase 2 of its strategic vaccination plan, our attention has been drawn to, yet another level of disinformation targeted at discouraging people from seeking vaccination against COVID-19.

“The anti-vaccination elements have come up with magnetic conspiracy, in which they claim, and are deceiving people with videos, that COVID-19 vaccine creates magnetic field around vaccination site and can cause the body to light up an electric bulb. 

“As ridiculous as this and other conspiracy theories are, vulnerable people believe them and are therefore continuing to take the risk of avoiding COVID-19 vaccination. Although the people who are manufacturing conspiracy theories about COVID-19 are in the minority, the virulence of the social media increases their reach. For this reason, ladies, and gentlemen, it has become necessary for us to confront the false theorists if we really want Nigeria and the world to overcome COVID-19 and recover from its adversities. 

“At the onset, it was claimed that COVID-19 was introduced to justify developing vaccines that would be used to depopulate Africans. Those who came up with this theory said that anybody who takes the vaccine would die immediately. Today, as we all can see, nearly 4 million doses of the vaccine have been administered in Nigeria and we have not recorded any case of death linked to the vaccination”.

“On seeing this reality, the rumour mongers changed their narratives into saying that the vaccines used in Europe and America are not the same as the ones used in Africa. Again, as evidence have come to show, it is now clear that the COVID-19 vaccines used in Europe, America and elsewhere in the World are the same used in Nigeria and other countries in Africa. The conspiracy theorist went silent about this claim and are now saying that anyone who takes the vaccine will die after two years. Nigerians are predominantly a country of Muslims and Christians. We know that these religions are clear that no-one knows the year of the day they will die. So why would we even pay attention to such spurious claims?

“Let us not forget that this same falsehood of children dying after vaccination was spread about Polio vaccine, but after many years, children who took polio vaccine are still alive and have grown into adulthood and having their own children, as expected. There has not been any case of a child’s death that is linked to polio vaccination, and many more children have been born to discount another claim that polio vaccination would lead to infertility. 

“.Today as I speak, 2,495,632 people have been vaccinated with the first dose, while 1,370,130 have received their second dose of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria. Overall, Nigeria has successfully utilized 3.9M doses, representing 96% of the 4,024,000 doses of the vaccines received in the country. Nigeria is poised to achieve 100% utilization of the doses of vaccine it has received in the next few days. This is to ensure that people are protected against COVID-19, and normalcy is restored.” 

Shuib who publicly  proofed

 that the magnetic conspiracy theory is false, as COVID-19 vaccine does not create any magnetic field on any part of human body, neither can it cause the body to light an electric bulb. 

 He, therefore, reiterated the commitment of the government in providing safe and effective vaccination against COVID-19 in Nigeria.

Health

TB: Nigeria’ exceeded WHO’s targets by 15% despite covid-19 – Experts

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By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The National Coordinator of the African Coalition on Tuberculosis in Nigeria, Ibrahim Umoru, recently said despite Coronavirus (Covid-19) challenges, Nigeria was able to exceed World Health Organisation, WHO’s by 15%.

Umoru stated this at the community sessions of the just concluded National TB conference in Abuja, where delegates from over 20 countries shared their country-specific experiences on TB elimination.

He emphasized the need for resources and commitment, as exemplified during the COVID-19 pandemic in achieving the goal of ending TB by 2030 in Nigeria.

He therefore urged for broader collaboration, political will and realignment of priorities, Umoru explained if well meaning corporations and individuals prioritized and champion TB cause like other causes, the end of TB fight is imminent.

According to Umoru, “With the right diagnostics, resources, and support, we can achieve the 2030 goal,” he said.

Similarly, Deborah Ike, the Executive Director of the Debriche Health Development Centre (DHDC), highlighting the challenges being confronting Nigeria in the fight against TB stress the need to break all barriers in order to meet the 2030 target for TB eradication.  

Ike noted that a lot more needs to be done in the areas of education and awareness as stigmatization and discrimination remain major barriers.

“Even though testing and treatment are free in Nigeria, many still die because they’re afraid to access these services. 

“Some people avoid seeking treatment because they fear being judged. 

“Others have lost jobs due to TB, which not only worsens their economic situation but can also lead to further psychological and physical decline.”  

Ike emphasized the critical need for effective information dissemination to combat stigma, adding that it is important for people to understand that a person on treatment can no longer spread the disease, unlike one who has refused to be treated.

“This knowledge will reduce fear, encourage treatment, and help cut the chain of transmission”.
 
A Director for Tuberculosis at Breakthrough Action Nigeria, Dr Bolatito Aiyedigba, highlighted some of the innovations used to increase case detection such as the Check Am slogan, to encourage community people to test their lingering coughs.

”Some of the innovations were introduced during the COVID-19 era, COVID came with cough and cough is usually associated with tuberculosis as well. So it could be tuberculosis. Not every cough is due to COVID, so check it.

”Cough is due to different kinds of illnesses. And until you check, you will not know. And we also worked with the national TB hotline, when they call, they are directed on what to do, asked more questions and their fears are allayed, so they can get the appropriate testing. So that really, really helped. In addition to all the other innovations that came into the facility, testing was also improved.”

Aiyedigba also informed that the stigmatisation of people living with TB is still very high in Nigeria, noting that the country needs to tackle the menace.

”This is the next line of action that we’re going to tackle. Because now we’re fighting the TB cases, we’re putting them on treatment but we have to address the issue of stigma.

”And the stigma starts from self-stigmatisation, there’s no need to stigmatise yourself for having tuberculosis because tuberculosis is curable and treatable.

National TB Conference is an annual event organisedthe Stop TB Partnership Nigeria. The 2024 edition , themed “Public-Private Partnership and Integrated Service Delivery: Panacea to End TB in Nigeria,” was organised by the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

The three day event brought together Representatives from Stop TB Partnership Geneva, public health experts, community and civil organisations, private and public stakeholders from across the world, amongst many others.

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Health

Malnutrition: 40% children are stunted in 2023 – FG

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By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Federal Government, FG, at the weekend revealed that about 40% of the 35 million under 5 children in Nigeria are stunted in 2023.Director and Head of Nutrition Department, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi, revealed this at the 8 annual conference, organized by the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists, ANHeJ, in Abuja.

She said 8% are wasted, 27% are under weight, and 29% are Successfully breastfed, SBF.
The theme for the two day conference was, ‘SWAP effectiveness in addressing poor health outcomes: The role of the media’.According to her, ” Globally, Nigeria is raved 2 and 1 in Africa in the number of children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition, SAM.
Furthermore, research shows that, 31% of women consumed Iron and folic acid (IFA) supplements during pregnancy and out of the 35 million children under 5 years of age population, 14 million children are stunted while 3 million are wasted. “Out of 7 million children born per year in Nigeria 42% are breastfed within an hour of birth. 29% exclusively breastfed upto 6 months of age . 3% breastfed upto 23 months of age. 23% receive diverse diet (minimum 5 groups). 11% receive minimally acceptable diet . 26% vitamin A supplementation coverage” .Bako-Aiyegbusi, who enumerated the causes of malnutrition in Nigeria which include, inadequate food intake, lack of dietary.diversity , and infectious diseases. On what the federal government is doing, she said the government has done the revised National policy on food and nutrition in Nigeria which provide an overarching framework for multisectorial action, to reduce malnutrition in the country. Earlier, the FG also reiterated its commitment to accessible health policies and services that are geared towards achieving improved health outcomes in Nigeria.The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, who was represented by Dr. Angis Ikpe, of the policy and planning department of the Ministry, explained that in order to achieve improved health outcomes in the country, the Ministry have embraced the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) strategy to unify the efforts of thegovernment, partners, and stakeholders, maximizing impact, enhancingaccountability, and eliminating redundancies.According to Kachollom, the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (HSRIl) exemplifies the government unwavering commitment to revitalizing the health sector “Through targetedinvestments, we aim to strengthen primary healthcare (PHC) systems to deliver efficient maternal and child health services, tackle Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDS), address Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), and confront infectiousdiseases. “These efforts also include a robust, ongoing response to HIV/AIDS andTuberculosis and Malaria.In the field of Maternal and Child Health, we remain unwavering in our commitmentto enhance service delivery and improve health outcomes.”The strengthening ofovision Primary Healthcare (PHC) systems, bolstered by the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), has significantly increased access to vital services in underserved communities. Notably, the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction InnovationInitiative (MAMII) exemplifies these efforts by offering free cesarean sections to eligible women, thereby improving maternal and neonatal outcomes.”The Permanent Secretary also commended the invaluablecontributions of health journalists in shaping public perception and holding stakeholders accountable, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working hand-in- hand with the media in promoting health awareness, countering misinformation, andensuring transparency and accountability within the health sector.The Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), Dr Patrick Dakum, in his good will message commended ANHEJ’s consistency in sustaining the forum for the press and stakeholders in the health sector together, deliberate on pertinent issues, and forge a way forward for better health in Nigeria. Dakum noted that the theme of the conference is apt, as the importance of collaboration in strengthening health systems can not be overemphasized. He further said the IHVN remains committed to aligning its activities with the Government of Nigeria’s health sector plans. Recognising other roles of the media, such as holding the government accountable to its people and encouraging better domestic funding for health programs and research, commended ANHEJ for the initiative in ensuring that the health needs of all Nigerians are met. The President of ANHEJ, Mr Joseph Kadiri, earlier in welcome address, said theme of the conference is aimed at addressing the numerous challenges confronting Nigeria’s health sector, such as inadequate funding, inefficient resource allocation, and poor service delivery. “As journalists, we play a vital role in promoting health awareness, education, and advocacy. Through our reporting, we can hold stakeholders accountable for their actions and policies, provide a platform for marginalized voices to be heard, promote evidence-based health information and best practices, and advocate for policy changes and increased funding for health programs.”He noted that despite the media’s potential to enhance SWAp effectiveness, several challenges persist, including limited access to health information and data, inadequate training and capacity building for health journalists, and insufficient funding for health reporting and programming. The President further reiterates ANHEJ’s interest in supporting the federal government and development partners in the amplification of their activities through its health promotion reportage and programmes.

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Health

Nigeria Exceeds 2024 Health Insurance Target, Hits 95% of 2027 Goal – DG NHIA

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The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) says 19.2 million citizens have enrolled into health insurance scheme surpassing its 2024 target

Dr Kelechi Ohiri, Director-General, NHIA, disclosed this in Abuja, at a Universal Health Coverage (UHC ), day commemoration roundtable to reflect on Nigeria’s UHC quest, identify challenges, and chart a course of action.

The roundtable was part of the activities lined up for the commemoration of the 2024 UHC Day

It was to reflect on Nigeria’s UHC quest, identify challenges, and chart a course of action.

Ohiri said this feat was a significant milestone in NHIA’s efforts to expand access to healthcare for Nigerians under health insurance scheme.

According to him, this achievement surpasses the 2024 target and places the nation at 95 per cent of its ambitious 2027 presidential coverage goal.

He attributed the success to strategic policy reforms, effective collaborations with stakeholders, and an unwavering commitment to universal health coverage (UHC)

“We are proud to announce that 19.2 million Nigerians have been covered by health insurance.

“This surpasses our 2024 target and places us within striking distance of achieving 95 per cent of the 2027 presidential target,” he said.

He said that the NHIA had worked tirelessly to implement innovative strategies.

“This include the expansion of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) and partnerships with state health insurance agencies to ensure affordable and accessible healthcare for all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable populations,” he said.

According to him, the milestone reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare as outlined in the National Health Act.

He urged state governments and private sector stakeholders to intensify efforts aimed at sustaining the momentum and bridging the remaining gaps in health insurance coverage.

He said that the achievement came amid ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, including funding limitations, infrastructure deficits, and inadequate human resources

However, the NHIA boss expressed optimism, noting that the agency’s strategic roadmap for 2025–2027 includes scaling up digital enrollment processes and integrating informal sector workers into the insurance scheme.

“With the theme of this year’s UHC Day, health should reflect the type of government the country has and must make decisions that represent its aspirations.

“We should prioritise Primary Health Care,(PHC), as the bedrock of our health system,” he said.

Dr Muhammad Lawal, the Commissioner for Health, Yobe, said that UHC was a reality and we must work towards it.

Lawal said that there should be no negotiation for the health of the people, most especially the vulnerable segment of the population.

Dr Bolanle Olusola-Faleye of the USAID LHSS Project, said that it was a remarkable time to celebrate 2024 UHC Day with the presence of reforms such as the Sector Wide Approach (SWAP).

Olusola-Faleye said that SWAp had shown evidence of success in the states through the harmonised Annual Operational Plan (AOP), ensuring alignment of priorities.

Public health advocates have lauded the progress, describing it as a significant step toward achieving UHC in Nigeria.

Dr Garfa Alawode, Co-convener of the UHC2023 Forum, said that it was a commendable accomplishment.

Alawode, however, said that there was still more to do to ensure that every Nigerian can access affordable and quality healthcare services.

As Nigeria inches closer to its 2027 health insurance target, Alawode called for sustained political will, increased funding, and effective monitoring.

“This is to ensure that the gains are not only maintained but also translated into improved health outcomes for all citizens ” he said.

NAN recalls that UHC Day is a global advocacy day to raise awareness about the importance of equitable, affordable, and accessible healthcare for all individuals without financial hardship.(NAN)

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