Connect with us

Health

Coronavirus: Scientists Optimistic About Vaccines for all

Published

on

Share

Scientists developing COVID-19 vaccines are optimistic that by the end of next year, all people everywhere will have access to safe and effective treatments against a disease which has disrupted the entire planet.

Principals from BioNTech and Oxford University – both pioneers in the COVID vaccine rollout – participated in an online dialogue on Friday, held under the special session of the UN General Assembly devoted to the pandemic.

“There is no other option. We have to achieve it. And we can achieve it, and we will achieve it,” said Professor Uğur Şahin, Chief Executive Officer of BioNTech, whose vaccine developed with pharmaceutical giant Pfizer was this week approved for emergency use in the United Kingdom.

Research and development of COVID-19 vaccines is taking place in record time, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Currently, more than 150 candidates are at various stages of development, at least 15 of which are in late-stage human clinical trials. Four are effective, according to interim results.

“We are in a very exciting stage now where we are seeing efficacy results coming out, and the first vaccine licences. And what we need to do is continue with the collaboration because we need more vaccines than the ones we’ve heard about today,” said Professor Sarah Gilbert from Oxford University, partners on a vaccine with pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.

“And so, it is on us as scientists to continue to collaborate and make available the information that’s going to help the development of the other vaccines, because that’s the way we are going to get the most vaccines for the world.”

A UN statement said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has repeatedly underlined the need to make COVID-19 vaccines “a global public good”, affordable and available to all, through the COVAX facility: a global mechanism which aims to deliver two billion doses by the end of 2021.

So far, some 189 countries are engaged in COVAX, which is led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and WHO.

BioNTech wants its vaccine to be distributed as widely as possible, which is why it is working with countries and COVAX, said Dr. Özlem Türeci, Chief Medical Officer.

“What we see is that this can only work as a global effort, and as a relentless collaboration,” she said.

However, fears have been raised over equitable distribution of the vaccines. Speaking during a later dialogue, Seth Berkley, the Chief Executive Officer of GAVI, emphasised how global collaboration is the only way to keep the planet safe.

“If everybody was doing bilateral deals, it would be very hard to make sure the supplies exist for everyone,” he stated.

Meanwhile, funding for vaccines for all remains an obstacle.

COVAX is the vaccine pillar of a global partnership to speed up development of coronavirus tests and medicines, known as the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, which is facing an overall shortfall of $28 billion.

Distributing the vaccines will be a further huge challenge, requiring intense planning and coordination at the global level.

The statement said countries will have to get ready for what could be the world’s largest and fastest-ever procurement, which will include ensuring the low temperature-controlled environments to store and transport vaccines, known as a cold chain, is in place.

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) will coordinate procurement of the vaccines, as well as personal protective equipment (PPE) for lower income countries.

Henrietta Fore, UNICEF Executive Director, recalled that earlier in the pandemic, many poorer nations faced hurdles in buying PPE for their health workers, either due to high costs or low supplies. This will not be the case with vaccines.

“What the COVAX Facility is doing is it is trying to bring that equitability, that fairness to the markets,” she said. “And fortunately, countries have signed up…countries that are in the lowest income areas, and the highest income, so that we can all help each other. Because this crisis will not be over for any of us unless we solve it everywhere.” (PANA/NAN)

Health

Int’l Day of Boychild: EFCC, Others Decry Impact of Cybercrime on Youth’s Mental Health

Published

on

Share

By David, Torough Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and various stakeholders have raised the alarm over the detrimental effects of cybercrime on the mental health of young boys in the society.

This was noted during the annual essay competition organized by the Great Achievers Initiative for Youth and Community Development (GAIYD) in Abuja.

The event, held in celebration of the International Day of the Boy Child 2025, focused on the theme “Boy’s Health and Wellbeing” and the essay topic, “Where are the Mentors? The Missing Role Models for Boy’s Growth and Development.

The Chairman, Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, who was represented by the Commission’s head of Enlightenment and Reorientation, Aisha Muhammad, emphasized the urgent need for integrity and guidance among youth.

“Girls are just there for the enjoyment, either the boyfriends or the wives, and that’s it. They are just there as a supporters club, so the boys are the ones doing this,” she stated.

Olukoyede explained that the EFCC has established integrity clubs in primary and secondary schools to instill ethical values.

“We have zero tolerance clubs in the tertiary institutions, trying to catch them young, to instill the spirit of integrity and talk to them about what they should know, what they shouldn’t do,” he added.

The discussion highlighted the pervasive threat of cybercrime, which poses significant risks to the mental health of young boys.

The EFCC Chairman warned that cybercrime can lead to anxiety, depression, and stress.

“The issue of mental health and well-being of the male child is crucial and it is at the heart of the 2025 International Day of the Boy Child Celebration.

“The weight of secrecy, fear of detection, and potential prosecution can be overwhelming,” he cautioned.

Olukoyede therefore called for collective responsibility from parents, educators, and mentors to guide young people towards positive alternatives and foster digital literacy.

Also speaking, the wife of Ooni of Ife, Her Regal Majesty, Olori Temitope Enitan Ogunwusi, addressed the gathering, urging stakeholders to be proactive in supporting boys.

The Olori emphasized the importance of being a voice for boys. She challenged adults to reflect on their roles in nurturing boys.

“Who is going to be the voice for our boys? As a mentor, as a parent, as a guardian, are you a voice for your boy or for your boys? How have you been a voice for that boy child? For that son that you birthed?,” Ogunwusi queried.

The Olori further encouraged boys to recognize their potential and urged parents to be positive role models, emphasizing that the responsibility of raising boys falls on the entire community.

“You have God’s kind of mind. Everything that determines your future is right here in your head.”

The Keynote speaker at the event, Kayode Adaramodu addressed the critical issue of mental health, emphasizing the importance of healthy habits and open communication.

“You need to sleep well. Sleeping is very, very important. Exercising is very important. Open communication, developing open skills, positive information, embracing the good side of social media. Learning, connecting with people, and having opportunities to express yourself. These are good ways of promoting your mental well-being,” Adaramodu urged.

He therefore encouraged boys to seek professional help when needed and to utilize mental health resources available to them.

“And you can also find professional help and resources. Psychologists are there. These are people who study human behavior, the way we think, the way we feel.

“The same way you have WhatsApp, the same way you have Facebook, TikTok, and other things like that, for entertainment. To also take care of your mental health related issues, there are apps out there that can help you to become mentally alert and resourceful,” he said.

Speaking earlier, the Founder of GAIYD, Dr. Hillary Akpua, noted the need for a dedicated focus on the boy child and expressed gratitude for the growing advocacy for boys.

“If you have not been paying attention to your boys, please start doing so. Send them for training where they can develop more because the girls you are training today might meet the boy you left untrained tomorrow. I’m sure you won’t want that girl you are busy training today to marry such an untrained boy.

“In order word, for the efforts we put into raising our female children not to be counterproductive eventually, we really need to do better in raising these young men God has blessed us with,” Akpua said.

The highlight of the event was the official launch of One Boy One Skill Project by Olori Temitope Enitan Ogunwusi. The project is aimed at engaging young male adults in different vacations to empower for the future ahead.

Also, there was presentation of prizes to winners of the essay competition.

While the first position received a scholarship worth 150,000 Naira, the second position was awarded 100,000 Naira, and the third position received 50,000 Naira.

Additionally, consolation prizes were provided for runners-up and sponsored gifts for all participants.”

GAIYD, a non-governmental organization dedicated to community and human development, places special emphasis on the growth and empowerment of the male child.

Continue Reading

Health

FG Promises Access To Eye Care For Every Nigerian

Published

on

Share

Dr Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare says the Federal Government will ensure that every Nigerian has access to the eye care they need.

Salako said this in Abuja on Thursday at the Eyeball Summit organized by the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN).

The summit’s theme was “Shaping the Future of Eye Care in Nigeria: Strengthening Systems Through Strategic Alliances”.

According to Salako, the theme is quite apt and aligns with the ministry’s current line of investment in the health sector.

He said that it also aligned with the overall goal of the Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure that Nigerians are provided with the healthcare they need at any point in time without financial hardship.

He said that in the face of rising challenges, such as the increasing burden of visual impairment and the growing demand for eye care services, the ministry may not address the issue of eye health in isolation.

“By working together, we can ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of their geographical location or economic status, has access to the eye care they need.

“This summit serves as an important platform to collectively strategise and propose concrete solutions that can strengthen the eye care system in Nigeria.

“It can not be optimally productive without strategic alliances, collaboration and cooperation.

“It is through partnerships that we can pool resources, share expertise and develop innovative solutions to overcome the gaps in eye care provision,” Salako said .

According to him, it will include increasing awareness about the importance of regular eye check-ups, ensuring that the necessary infrastructure and human resources are in place to support the delivery of services.

He said that the partnership would also promote eye health friendly policies and provide continuous professional development training to ensure that eye health care givers are up to date in their knowledge and skills.

“The government is committed to ensuring that you have the necessary tools, policies, and an enabling environment to carry out your work effectively.

“Under this administration, we will continue to expand access to affordable eye care services, which are critical in a country where a large proportion of the population live in underserved areas,” he said.

Dr Obinna Awiaka, Registrar of the board, said that the summit was, a testament to their collective commitment, resilience, and aspiration.

Awiaka said that it symbolised the board’s relentless pursuit of excellence, the prioritisation of knowledge, innovation, partnership, and an unyielding devotion to preserving and enhancing the gift of sight for all Nigerians.

According to him, in an era marked by rapid technological change, shifting patient needs, and complex healthcare challenges, it is imperative that the custodians of vision health, stay ahead of the curve.

“We must constantly evolve, embracing innovation while upholding the highest ethical and professional standards.

“The theme speaks to a fundamental truth: No single entity, no matter how skilled or committed, can achieve transformative change alone,” he said.(NAN)

Continue Reading

Health

FG Pledges Mentorship, Leadership Support For Boy Child

Published

on

Share

 The Ministry of Youth Development has reaffirmed its commitment to creating platforms that promote mentorship and leadership development for the boy child.

Mr Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, said this on Friday in Abuja during a news conference to commemorate the International Day of the Boy Child.

The day is marked annually on May 16, with the 2025 theme, “Boys’ Mental Health and Well-being.

Olawande stated that the government believed every boy, regardless of background or economic status, deserved quality mentorship to help him thrive.

“As a government, we are committed to creating platforms that promote mentorship and leadership development for the boy child.

Through initiatives like this, we can provide them with the support they need to succeed,” he said.

The minister emphasised that the goal was to empower Nigerian youth, including boys, with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities necessary for success.

“In today’s world, many fathers have little time for their children, especially their sons. This can negatively impact their development and well-being,” Olawande noted.

He stressed the importance of mentorship in filling that gap: “Without positive male role models, many boys struggle to develop the skills and values needed to become responsible, productive members of society.”

He added that mentorship offered guidance, support, and helped boys build self-confidence, make sound decisions, and form positive relationships with adults.

Olawande also acknowledged the United Nations for recognizing the significance of supporting boys through mentorship, saying the International Day of the Boy Child reflected global commitment to promote their well-being and development.(NAN)

Continue Reading

Read Our ePaper

Top Stories

Uncategorized4 hours ago

New Frontiers are not about Bullets, Guns, it’s About Brains, Says Obianime

ShareFrom Mike Tayese, Yenagoa A Prof. of Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Portharcourt, Prof. A.W. Obianime has said that the prospect...

Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson
POLITICS5 hours ago

Youth Leader Urges Stakeholders to Rally behind Dickson for 2027

ShareFrom Mike Tayese, Yenagoa A Youth Leader from Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Alhaji Letugbene has called on stakeholders in Ekeremor...

NEWS5 hours ago

APC Isoko South Passes Vote of Confidence on Tinubu, Oborevwori

ShareFrom Francis Sadhere, Delta The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Isoko South Local Government Area has passed a resounding vote...

NEWS5 hours ago

Enugu Reiterates Commitment to Host NBA Annual General Conference

ShareFrom Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu The Enugu State Government has reiterated its commitment to hosting a seamless and memorable Annual General...

NEWS5 hours ago

Adequate Assets Management is a Joint Effort, Says Adeleke

ShareFrom Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo Citizens of Osun State have been enjoined to ensure proper management of government assets in ensuring...

NEWS5 hours ago

Int’l Day of Boychild: EFCC, Others Decry Impact of Cybercrime on Youth’s Mental Health

ShareBy David, Torough Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and various stakeholders have raised the alarm over the...

NEWS5 hours ago

Kwara Police Arrests 16 Armed Robbers in Joint Operations

ShareFrom Samuel James, Ilorin The Kwara State Police Command has arrested 16 suspected armed robbers and kidnappers in a crackdown...

NEWS5 hours ago

North Central Forum Calls for Equitable, Fair Representation at NCDC

ShareFrom Samuel James, Ilorin The North Central People’s Forum (NCPF), a non-partisan coalition of stakeholders from six states and FCT...

NEWS5 hours ago

I have Renovated over 60 Schools within Two Years – Wike

ShareBy Laide Akinboade, AbujaThe Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike at the weekend said he has renovated over 60...

NEWS5 hours ago

Kaduna Farm Set to Launch Africa’s Largest Centre Pivot Irrigation System

ShareFrom Nicholas Dekera, Kaduna Illaj Integrated Farm (IIF) in Kaduna is preparing to launch the largest centre pivot irrigation system...

Copyright © 2021 Daily Asset Limited | Powered by ObajeSoft Inc