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COVID-19: NGF Constitutes Sub-committee, Pledges Functional Isolation Centres

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The Nigeria Governors‘ Forum (NGF) sets up seven-member  sub-committee to review the trend of the Corona virus and global failing in petroleum price, as well advice State governments on required measures to address the challenges on the economy.

The chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Gov.

Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, disclosed this while reading the communiqué issued after the forum meeting held on Wednesday night in Abuja.

Fayemi said that the committee to be chaired by Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, is expected to submit its report as soon as possible.

Fayemi also expressed the governors’ pledge to work with the Ministry of Health to set up functional test and isolation centres in each state in Nigeria.

“The Forum received an update on the COVID-l9 pandemic from the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire.

“Governors pledged to work with the Ministry of Health to set up functional test and isolation centres in every state in the country.

“After an extensive discussion of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and falling oil prices in the Nigerian economy and the revenues of states governments, the forum constituted a sub-committee consisting of the Governors of Kaduna (Chair), Kebbi, Ebonyi, Ogun, Nasarawa, Edo and Jigawa states.

“The committee is to comprehensively review the trend and advice State governments on the set of actions required to address challenges in our economy,” Fayemi said.

Fielding question on the call by the Senate that President Muhammadu Buhari to address the nation on Corona Virus, the Ekiti state governor said what the nation needed was regular information and not necessarily from the president.

“Everyday, I noticed that we received address. There is a COVID -19 taskforce that have been put together by the Federal Government and that taskforce addresses the nation almost on daily basis.

“We have seen the minister of health, secretary to the government of the federation briefing the nation.

“What the nation needs is information, regularly delivered in order to keep the citizens informed about steps to take. Really, it should not matter who is given this conference on daily basis,” Fayemi said.

On other resolutions of the meetings, the NGF  chairman said that the forum commiserated with the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on the unfortunate Sunday fire incident in Abule-Ado in the state, in which over 20 lives were lost.

Fayemi said that a delegation of the forum would visit Lagos on Saturday to support the governor of Lagos state.

“The Forum received a presentation on fostering values-based leadership from the Africa Leadership Initiative West Africa led by its Chairperson, Mrs Amina Oyagbola. Members resolved to engage with the Institute through its Secretariat.

“The Forum received a presentation from Laoye Jaiyeola, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group on the NGF-NESG Economic Roundtable (NNER).

“NNER is a joint platform created by both institutions to facilitate public private dialogues and develop joint programmes geared towards building competitive advantages of States across clusters, geographic corridors and economic belts.

“Governors adopted a strategy to operationalise the NGF-NESG Economic
Roundtable and committed to constitute a Steering Committee to provide governance to the partnership.

“Finally, the Forum received a presentation and invitation from the Global Citizen led by its vice Chairperson, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede to co-host the Global Goal Life Festival in Lagos.

“The Forum pledged to work With the non governmental organisation to provide a unique opportunity for Nigeria to showcase and expand her SDG efforts at the global stage.”

He added that the forum welcomed Hope Uzodinma Gov. of Imo, to his first NGF meeting since his resumption as Governor.

Ehanire in an interview with newsmen after his presentation, said he was at the forum meeting to brief governors on how Corona virus spread abroad and how it came into Nigeria and what the Federal Government had done so far.

The minister expressed his joy about the response and wiliness of the governors to tackles the virus in their respective states.

“They asked questions about our strategies, our approach and how it affects their states and how they can have access to materials to be able to respond.

“I did not need to make an effort to remind the governors on what they should do because they all offered to play a role which was very good.

“In fact, they want to know the cost of building an isolation centres, the cost of the equipment and the kits. They want us to present them with them cost tomorrow. We are happy that there is such engagement by the governors,” Ehanire said.

The minister said that Nigeria now had eight confirmed cases and government was trying to manage the information.

Others present at the meeting include NGF Deputy Chairman, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State; governors of Kaduna, Edo, Imo, Taraba, Kano,Ogun, Osun, Adamawa, Niger and Nasarawa.(NAN)

Health

Mental Illness: Kebbi Gov’t. Offers Free Treatment to 23,542 Patients

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The Kebbi Government says it offered free treatment to 23,542 patients with mental illness
at the Zauro Psychiatric Medical Outreach from 2023 till date in the state.

The Commissioner, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sani-Aliyu, made this known at the weekly ministerial press
briefing organised by the state’s Ministry of Information and Culture.

He said “the ministry intervenes in cases of mental health and other social challenges.

“Between May 2023 and now, 23,542 patients with mental illness cases received treatment and medications at the Zauro Psychiatric Medical Outreach in Birnin Kebbi.

On regulation of the conduct of Almajiris, Sani-Aliyu disclosed that a unit had been established to carry out a demography of Islamiyya and Almajiri schools in the state.

He added that the aim is to identify age and number of pupils, their various origins, parents and their living conditions for appropriate actions.

He added that “over 1,500 cases have been handled by the state Hisbah under the Shari’a Department of the ministry to usher peace, tranquility and brotherhood in our society.”

On partnerships, the commissioner said that the ministry facilitated the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the state government and Qatar Foundation.

This, he said, would result to the construction of over 200 boreholes and other social amenities for the teeming populace.

“Furthermore, the ministry will establish linkage with the Indonesian Embassy on possibilities of strengthening bilateral cooperation in economic, socio- cultural and education cooperation,” he said.

Sani-Aliyu said that the state government had liaised with the ministry to intervene in cushioning the effect of hardship faced by the people before, during and after Ramadan in the state.

“The areas we intervened are: Ramadan feeding at designated Mosques across the state, targeting 11,400 persons per day and the vulnerable groups Ramadan intervention for girls’ schools and women groups in centres across the state by Wife of the Governor, Hajiya Nafisa Idris, targeting 1,700 families.

“Others are the joint house to house Ramadan packages in Birnin Kebbi and women groups at designated centres in three emirate headquarters outside Birnin Kebbi, targetting
14,000 families, among others.”

The commissioner commended Gov. Nasir Idris for the idea to use religion to reduce moral decadence, youth waywardness, vices and crimes through moral education and counselling in liaison with relevant government agencies.  (NAN)

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Tuberculosis Claims 1,869 Lives in Kwara in 2023–Commissioner

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Dr Amina El-Imam, the Kwara Commissioner for Health, has submitted that in 2023, Tuberculosis claimed about 1,869 lives in Kwara.

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a serious bacterial infection of the lungs, with symptoms such as persistent bad cough, chest pain, and breathlessness

El-Imam, who spoke on Monday in Ilorin while delivering a speech at the commemoration of the 2024 World Tuberculosis Day, explained that the disease continues to claim over 4,000 lives daily globally.

She stressed the importance of investigating all cases and ensuring that patients receive anti-TB drugs.

“It is only when all active cases are treated that we can break the chain of transmission of Tuberculosis.

“The Kwara State Ministry of Health remains committed to finding cases of Tuberculosis wherever they may be.

“We are intensifying community sensitization and active case search using our well-established structures of community informants, surveillance officers, and community TB/HIV workers,” she affirmed.

El-Imam highlighted the Kwara Government’s collaboration with partners to ensure zero costs for Tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment for patients.

She acknowledged Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s commitment to strengthening the state’s capacity for Tuberculosis diagnosis and services across all wards.

Also speaking, the wife of the Kwara governor, Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, represented by Alhaji Ganiyu Opeloyeru, the Director-General of Ajike People’s Support Center, reiterated government’s commitment to eliminate tuberculosis and promote a healthy Kwara.

Abdulrazaq urged all Kwara residents to report suspected tuberculosis cases in their communities to reduce the risk of infection.

Also, Dr. Oluwatosin Fakayode, the Director of Public Health, emphasized the importance of citizens supporting the various healthcare efforts of the present administration to help reduce TB spread, echoing this year’s theme.

Reports says that highlight of the 2024 World TB Day includes an outreach to Mandate Market, Ilorin, where people were tested for Tuberculosis free of charge. (NAN)

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2024 WTBD: WHO Raises Alarm Over 2.5m People Infected in 2022

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By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The World Health Organization, WHO, has raised alarm over 2.5 million people that were infected with Tuberculosis, TB in Africa in 2022.

In a statement issued by WHO, to commemorate 2024 World Tuberculosis Day, WTBD, and made available to journalists in Abuja.

WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, in the statement said 

In 2022, there was a 20% increase was recorded in identified paediatric TB cases compared to the previous year.

She lamented that TB continues to be the second leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, surpassing the toll of HIV/AIDS. 

The statement reads, “Since then, a 20% increase has been recorded in identified paediatric TB cases compared to the previous year.

This signifies a positive step, indicating a more practical approach to recognizing TB in children and a decisive push to end this ancient disease.

According to Dr. Moeti, “Today, we reflect on our progress while recognizing the challenges in our efforts to eliminate it as a public health threat. 

“TB continues to be the second leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, surpassing the toll of HIV/AIDS. According to the latest report, about 2.5 million individuals contracted TB in 2022 in the region, equating to one person every 13 seconds. 

“Additionally, the number of TB deaths in 2022 reached 424,000, resulting in the loss of one life every minute—even when TB is preventable and treatable. These figures underscore the urgency of our collective action in addressing the ongoing TB epidemic and highlight the need for sustained efforts to end it.

“WHO African Region supports our member states’ fight against TB in Africa by setting strategic directions, developing monitoring tools, like the African TB scorecard with the African Union, and ensuring progress towards the End TB Strategy. 

‘Our Organization is dedicated to generating and sharing knowledge on effective TB control methods. We support countries by updating TB treatment guidelines to reflect the latest practices and expanding access to rapid diagnostic tools. Emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation, the WHO African Region encourages knowledge exchange and collaborative efforts across countries, significantly advancing the mission to eliminate TB as a public health threat in Africa.

“In the WHO African Region, we celebrate another milestone: diagnosing 70% of TB patients, marking a substantial reduction in missed cases and propelling us closer to our goal. This achievement is a testament to the relentless efforts of our Member States and partners, showcasing what can be accomplished through a shared vision and concerted action.

“Between 2015 and 2022, our region achieved a remarkable 38% reduction in TB deaths, surpassing the initial End TB Strategy milestone of 35% by 2020. From 2015 to 2022, the region also saw a 23% reduction in new TB cases, exceeding the initial End TB Strategy target of 20% by 2020. All this underscores the effectiveness of implemented strategies and renewed commitment from countries.

“However, while the reduction in TB deaths is commendable, it still falls short of the 2025 End TB Strategy target of a 75% reduction. Similarly, the 23% decline in TB incidence misses the mark of the 50% reduction target for 2025. This highlights the need for continued and intensified efforts to meet these ambitious goals”.

She decried, the “Challenges such as delayed diagnosis, limited access to new tools and technologies, and the ongoing threat of multi-drug resistant TB require continued vigilance and sustained efforts”.  

She therefore tasked stakeholder to join WHO in providing resources, enhancing community engagement, conducting research, and forming private-sector partnerships. 

“Through this unified action, we can address the challenges of TB in Africa and achieve our goal of its elimination as a public health threat.

“I urge all our Member States to prioritize a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root causes of the disease while bolstering our efforts in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. 

“I urge health leaders to intensify their commitment to strengthening health systems, ensuring equitable access to TB care, and scaling up innovative interventions. 

“Investing in research and developing new tools, including vaccines and improved diagnostics, is essential to accelerate progress. 

“Furthermore, countries must prioritize addressing the social determinants of TB, such as poverty, inequality, and limited access to healthcare, to achieve sustainable outcomes. Collaboration across sectors and borders is paramount. 

“I firmly commit to supporting all our Member States and partners with unwavering determination for a world free of TB. Set”, she said.

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