Health
Preventive management, panacea for public infrastructure decay, carnages
With tears rolling down his cheeks, a young medical Doctor lamented the preventable death of his female colleague: “On many occasions, the elevator had stopped while we were inside it.
“We report every time. The elevator is supposed to carry 630kg maximum, that’s eight people.
“Once you open the elevator and see two people already, you just have to wait for the next batch.
“It was faulty and they knew about it.
That’s why we’re not going to take this. Dr Vwaire Diasso was a very diligent house officer. She was very hardworking”.Dr Diaso lost her life on Aug. 1, in the faulty elevator that crashed from the 10th floor of the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island just two weeks to complete her housemanship.
She reportedly entered the elevator at the Doctors’ quarters, to collect her food from a dispatcher who was waiting for her downstairs.
Stakeholders have observed that the tragic death of Diasso, like many carnages, witnessed on the nation’s deplorable highways, as well as hundreds of casualties of collapsed buildings are preventable and avoidable.
They noted that, for decades, Nigeria has been in throes of collapsed buildings and deplorable highways resulting in carnages.
According to a recent report by the Building Collapse Prevention Guild, Nigeria witnessed a total of 553 building collapses between 1974 and ending on April 13, 2023.
The report, made available to newsmen, indicated that Lagos state had recorded a high collapse with over 326 buildings caving in the last 49 years.
It would also be noted that the most recent of the preventable tragedy was the Aug. 14 collapse of the iconic Zaria Central Mosque, during Friday prayers, which left no fewer than 12 worshippers dead and many injured
Although full investigations had been launched to ascertain the cause(s) of the collapse of the Mosque constructed in the 1830s, but, the Emir of the area told newsmen that a crack had been discovered in one of the walls.
Some of the stakeholders interviewed during a survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), noted that facilities management and maintenance were not being practiced the right way in Nigeria .
Dr Samuel Imonikhe, a lecturer in the Department of Building, School of Environment Studies, Auchi Polytechnic, said Nigeria practiced corrective maintenance culture, which allows a total degeneration of infrastructure before undertaking repairs.
The practice, according to him, made the cost of maintenance almost the same as the cost of constructing a new facility.
He underscored the need for the country and construction experts to adopt preventive maintenance culture – a regular routine inspection of infrastructure with the intention of noticing minor issues and fixing them before major ones develop-.
According to him, facility management must be built into every project from the beginning to ensure adequate maintenance plans for facilities throughout their lifespan.
“Why should we allow our roads, buildings and other facilities to degenerate to such bad levels before maintenance?” he retorted.
Imonikhe also called for synergy among built environment professionals to guarantee quality assurance in the construction sector to curb infrastructure decay and building collapse.
To further expose the negative impacts of the corrective maintenance culture being practiced in the country, NAN beamed its torchlight to some iconic public infrastructure across the country, many of which are in deplorable state.
Example is Muda Lawal Stadium in Abeokuta, the first in Ogun state, where a number of world-class soccer stars had played football, but presently in sorry state due to many years of neglect.
Formerly known as Asero Stadium, the sporting facility was renamed in 1992 after Nigeria’s late legendary midfielder, Mudashiru Babatunde a.k.a. Muda Lawal who guided the country to its first African Nations Cup title, at the 1980 African Nations Cup.
The multi-sports facility with estimated 20,000-capacity used to be the home of Abiola Babes in the 80s, where many Nigeria’s soccer stars, Friday Ekpo, Yisa Shofoluwe, Toyin Ayinla, Raymond King among others, played their games.
Unfortunately, a large portion of the abandoned stadium sitting on large expanse of land has been turned into a park for heavy duty vehicles by the state government
Apart from weeds, bushes and thorns within the main complex, the football pitch has become bald and undulating, while the running tracks have been washed away.
A worker of the Ogun Sports Council, the body in charge of the facility, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the situation as “unfortunate.”
“It is unfortunate that the stadium which could have served as a platform for youths to exhibit their talents and for us to harness them is in a state of ruin and they (youths) have been joining bad gangs,” he said.
NAN visit to the tomb of the late Prime Minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa in Bauchi, further buttressed the wrong maintenance approach adopted by the nation.
The iconic infrastructure which supposed to be tourists destination and money spinner for the sector is also in bad shape
The grand edifice which contained the remains of Balewa, the first Prime Minister of newly independent Nigeria needed the attention of the relevant authorities.
A senior tour guide, at the mausoleum who pleaded anonymity said: “the major challenge here is that the roof to the tomb is leaking anytime there is rainfall and the leakage is right from the gate up to the grave site.
“We are in collaboration with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments.and we have written a letter stating the problem to them as well as the Bauchi State Government.
“We hope that the parties will join hands to find lasting solutions to the problem’’.
The guide, however, noted that there was strong collaboration between the management of the tomb and the security agencies in the state on effective protection of the structure against vandalism.
In Ibadan, Oyo state, Cocoa House, the first skyscraper in Nigeria and tropical Africa, is gradually losing its glory as a result of inadequate maintenance.
The 23-storey building built with Cocoa proceeds in 1965 by the government of the defunct Western Region led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Ladoke Akintola, was one of the most visible and enduring legacies of the early political leaders in the South-West.
NAN recalled that in Jan. 2021 one person was killed while three others were injured when the Cocoa House elevator suffered mechanical failure and collapsed.
It was gathered then, that the faulty elevator of the multistory building crashed while four technicians were working to restore it
When NAN visited the legacy building on Tuesday, it was discovered that only three of the four lifts in the skyscraper were functioning.
A tenant who craved anonymity said that the security closed circuit cameras in the building did not cover every floor in the building.
The occupant added that the fire fighting pick up van provided by the Oodua investment company,manager of the facility, could not do much in case of fire incident.
Prof. Oyesoji Aremu, Chairman Osun State Education Summit said the decline of Cocoa house legacy began when the edifice got burnt in 1985.
According to him, the administration then, tried to salvage the building from whatever remained of the ruins to avoid a total wreck but after that it did not regain its first glory.
“This can be said in terms of beehives of activities that it was once noted for as well as the ambience and aura that people look out for..
“There are no more activities that we used to have at Cocoa house in the past.
“Although people still have their businesses and shops there, but it is no longer attracting the kind of attention it used to attract,” he said.
Of equal concerns is the recent report that some road fittings installed on the Second Niger Bridge, commissioned by the immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari in May last year, were stolen by suspected vandals.
The 1.6km bridge linking Asaba, Delta State with Onitsha, Anambra State and other South-East states which was named after President Buhari has been described as a national asset
Reacting to the sad development the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Aderemi Adeoye told NAN that his Command in collaboration with the Delta state command had begun 24-hour surveillance of the bridge.
He said that the patrol would be both mobile and static, stating that the operation has been scheduled among divisions to cover night and day surveillance.
The steps by the Police boss had, however, attracted backlash from stakeholders who believed that security agents should be proactive and not reactive in their approaches to safety and protection of public facilities.
The stakeholders blamed the security agencies for the second Niger Bridge vandalism as well as unabated theft of gully inlets, manhole covers and other flood containment infrastructure in cities, particularly, the Federal Capital Territory.
NAN observed that despite their weight, manhole covers were being stolen in the FCT, by scavengers and unpatriotic individual leaving the holes open and posing a grave danger to unsuspecting motorists and pedestrians.
The stakeholders called on the Police to provide constant surveillance security and close circuit cameras against theft of manhole covers and other public infrastructure.
They also called for collaborative support of residents by reporting any unusual or suspicious observations to relevant security agencies for prompt action in order to forestall the ugly situation.
The stakeholders also recommended stiffer penalties, including death sentence, for culprits of public infrastructure theft and vandalism.
Specifically, they argued that rail track vandalism, should be treated as a capital offense because its consequences could be fatal resulting in death of passengers.
As Mpox continues to devastate countries, especially in Africa, the WHO Africa Region says African countries are capable of diagnosing Mpox, thereby making for early detection.
Dr Abdou Gueye, Regional Emergency Director, World Health Organisation Africa Region (WHO AFRO), made the assertion in a virtual interview in Lagos.
Providing updates on WHO’s field efforts since the declaration of the mpox outbreak, Gueye said that WHO had been working effectively and collaborating with all entities to stem the public health emergency.
The Africa CDC declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security on Aug. 13.
On its heels, on Aug. 14, the WHO Director-General declared the resurgence of mpox to be a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), requiring a coordinated international response.
This was necessitated by the advice given by the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR or Regulations) Emergency Committee regarding the upsurge of mpox 2024, during its first meeting held on Aug. 14.
It had noted that the ongoing upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and a growing number of countries in Africa, constituted a PHEIC under the provisions of the International Health Regulations.
Also, given the detection and rapid spread of a new clade of mpox in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, its detection in neighbouring countries that had not previously reported mpox, and the potential for further spread within Africa and beyond.
Gueye emphasised the importance of early detection, robust health systems, and community engagement.
He said that some of WHO’s efforts included supporting diagnostic capabilities, treatment guidelines, and community engagement across African countries.
“All the African countries are capable of diagnosing mpox. Thanks to our work and collaboration with all the entities.
“We checked with all our countries. 45 countries out of the 47 were able to do the diagnostic and the genomic sequencing, and we were able to support the two additional countries.
“We also worked with the countries to develop guidelines on the treatment and the care about mpox, and also, we provided some reagents.
“ The treatment of mpox is very rare, but as soon as it is possible, we try to make it available to the African country
“In the framework of the Public Health Emergency of International Concern, we have raised the advocacy for all partners that are capable of donating or contributing to supporting countries, and are put in touch with countries that need it,’’ he added.
According to Gueye, WHO is also working to make sure that all manufacturers that can produce vaccine, diagnostic and therapeutic are being put in touch with those who can fund it.
This will enable enough production for Africa, particularly also for low and middle-income countries.
He said close collaboration was also ongoing with researchers, all to stop Mpox.
“We are working in close collaboration with researchers to make sure that all the vaccines, therapeutic and diagnostic that are in the pipeline will be accelerated.
“This is in order to diversify the possibility and the tools to fight against the disease,” he said
Giving an insight into the current outbreak, he explains Mpox to be a viral disease, previously known as monkeypox.
According to him, it traditionally existed in West and Central Africa, with two viruses that are slightly different.
“The one in West Africa was called the clade two, and the one in Central Africa was called the clade one in 2022.
“An outbreak occurred, and the virus went beyond the traditional border and went through to some countries where it was never seen before.
“It affected some particular communities, mainly men who have sex with men.
“And the outbreak was addressed by the international community, but also by the affected community, and it was controlled.
“What happened in 2024 is there is a new outbreak with a new strain that is different to the one that existed before, that usually was seen in DR Congo, but has a little mutation.
“That made it more contagious, but also more serious, because the mortality rate increased.’’
He said that the outbreak was localised initially in North Kivu and South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, spreading in Congo first but also in neighbouring countries, including Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya.
According to him, when the outbreak reached that level, the WHO D-G called for an emergency committee to advise him, and the emergency committee advised to raise the highest alert possible in public health.
“We say the public health emergency of international concern, which means to make sure that the international community will be mobilised.
“Also, the mobilisation will be coordinated in order to stop the outbreak before it becomes more difficult to control.’’
Report says that the multi-country outbreak of Mpox has led to 116 countries and territories in all WHO regions reporting 99,176 confirmed cases and 208 deaths between May 2022 and June 2024.
The latest global mpox rapid risk assessment at the beginning of August 2024, showed that mpox risk in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring countries is high.
In Nigeria and other countries of West, Central and East Africa where mpox is endemic, it is moderate.
However, individual-level risk is largely dependent on individual factors such as exposure risk and immune status, regardless of geographic area, epidemiological context, biological sex, gender identity or sexual orientation. (NAN)
The Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA) and the state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on health insurance for its pensioners.
Speaking at the signing of the MoU on Monday in Kaduna, the Director-General (DG) of KADCHMA, Abubakar Hassan, said the benefits of the scheme for the pensioners were immense.
He explained that with the health insurance, pensioners would have access to health care services from any public or private health facility across the state without having to spend from their pockets.
With this, Hassan said, pensioners could receive the care they needed without worrying about the financial burden that often comes with accessing healthcare
services.
He disclosed that the annual premium for the health insurance scheme was N10,600, thereby making it affordable for the pensioners.
“This will facilitate access to quality healthcare to our pensioners, in line with the promises of governor Uba Sani’s administration to provide access to quality care through a state contributory health insurance scheme.
“As the State Health Insurance Manager, our objectives are clear. We aim to enroll more residents into the scheme to make healthcare more affordable and secure a
sustainable funding basis for our health facilities.
“We also seek to extend health insurance cover to poor and vulnerable citizens through the basic health care
provision fund, as well as enroll persons employed in the informal sector into the contributory health insurance scheme.
“Our ultimate goal is to build consensus
across the state for adopting contributory health insurance as the most affordable way to access healthcare in public facilities,”Hassan said.
He thanked the State’s Pension Bureau and the state chapter of NUP for embracing the scheme.
He urged other organisations, associations and bodies to follow suit and enroll their members in the social insurance scheme.
Also, the Chairman of NUP, Kaduna Chapter, Mr Aboman Ladan, said the MoU signing marked a significant milestone in their efforts towards ensuring that their members have access to quality healthcare without financial burdens.
“We believe that our pensioners deserve the best, and this scheme will go a long way in improving their overall well-being,”he said.
Ladan commended KADCHMA for their commitment to making healthcare affordable and accessible to all, while urging their members to take advantage of the scheme and enroll in the health insurance program.
Doing so, he said, the pensioners would live healthy and fulfilling lives, free from the worry of medical expenses.
Also, the National representative of the NUP, Ahmed Garzali, described pensioners as the most vulnerable, who were affected most by fuel subsidy removal.
He said the health insurance for their members in the state is a step toward addressing their out-of-pocket spending on health, while calling for sincerity of purpose and full implementation of the MoU.
Earlier, the state’s Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Umma Ahmed, said the collaboration between KADCHMA and the NUP marked a monumental step in the state government’s collective efforts towards ensuring the health and well-being of its pensioners.
Ahmed added that Sani’s leadership was instrumental in advancing healthcare initiatives that prioritise the well-being of every citizen, particularly senior citizens who have served the state with distinction.
She also said that Kaduna State Government recognised that the health of every citizen was a priority, which extended especially to its pensioners who have dedicated their lives to serving the state and nation.
By enrolling pensioners into the State Contributory Health Scheme, the commissioner said, they were taking proactive steps to safeguard the pensioners health and enhance their quality of life in retirement.
According to her, the contributory health scheme plays a critical role in reducing the financial burden of medical expenses, particularly for those in their later years who are often more vulnerable to health challenges.
“The Kaduna State Health Insurance Scheme is designed to provide comprehensive and affordable healthcare coverage, ensuring that no one, regardless of age or economic status, is left behind.
“The partnership between KADCHMA and the NUP is a strategic initiative that aligns with our vision of universal health coverage for all residents of Kaduna State.
“This MoU is more than just a document; it is a covenant that reaffirms our shared commitment to upholding the dignity and well-being of our pensioners.
”It symbolises our dedication to creating a health system that is inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of every citizen,” she said.
She assured the pensioners that the government would implement the agreement effectively, while ensuring that the enrollment process is seamless, transparent, and accessible to all eligible pensioners.
“By doing so, we will not only fulfill our promise of providing quality healthcare but also demonstrate our commitment to the values of empathy, respect, and service,”Ahmed said.(NAN)
The Director-General of WHO, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, says more than 18,000 suspected cases of Mpox have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC) this year, with 629 deaths.Ghebreyesus disclosed this on Friday during an online news conference.He said that the cases included more than 5000 cases and 31 deaths from the eastern provinces of North and South Kivu, where the new clade 1b strain had been spreading.
“The number of reported cases of clade 1b has been rising rapidly for several weeks. “Fortunately, relatively few deaths have been reported in recent weeks.’’According to him, in addition, 258 cases of clade 1b have been confirmed in Burundi, four in Rwanda, four in Uganda, one in Kenya and one each in Sweden and Thailand.“We also remain concerned about outbreaks of clade 1a in other parts of DRC.“This morning, I returned from DRC, where yesterday I had the honour to meet with His Excellency President Félix Tshisekedi to discuss the outbreaks.“I thanked the president for his leadership in the response to the outbreaks, demonstrated by the government’s commitment of 10 dollars to the response.I assured him of WHO’s full support, together with the Africa CDC and other partners.’’Ghebreyesus said he also had the opportunity to meet with the UN Country Team, where they discussed coordination of the Mpox response among UN agencies, under the government’s leadership.He that they discussed the critical importance of clear communication with people at risk of Mpox and strong engagement with communities and local partners.“I also met with global and local health partners to discuss scaling up routine immunisation for other diseases, including polio, measles and malaria, and mobilising frontline polio workers to support the Mpox response.“WHO is working to accelerate access to and delivery of vaccines.“The manufacturers of the two vaccines submitted their applications for emergency use listing last Friday and we are working to review those applications as fast as possible.“The safety and efficacy of vaccines are our highest priority. We will not take short cuts.’’According to him, the two main buyers of vaccines for low-income countries, Gavi and UNICEF, require WHO emergency use listing to buy vaccines for use in countries that have not issued their own national regulatory approval.“Last week, I gave Gavi and UNICEF the green light to proceed with procuring vaccines, in parallel with the EUL process.“However, WHO emergency use listing is not a barrier to vaccines being deployed in DRC.’’The director-general said that DRC’s medicines regulator approved both vaccines in June and the government had requested bilateral donations of vaccines from high-income countries with large stockpiles.He said that together with the Africa CDC, WHO had also helped to secure donations from the European Union and some of its Member States.“WHO is working with the Africa CDC, GAVI, UNICEF, CEPI and HERA to set up a coordination mechanism to allocate the donated vaccines and increase access in affected countries.“On Thursday, we also invited manufacturers of Mpox diagnostics to submit an expression of interest for emergency use listing.’’The WHO boss said that on Friday, the first expression of interest was received.“Over the past two days, we have also convened a meeting of researchers to identify research priorities and to foster a coordinated and collaborative approach to the development of vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics.“It is vital to stress that although vaccines are a powerful tool, they are far from the only tool.“There are many things that WHO and our partners are doing to prevent and diagnose infections and treat the sick.’’According to him, the outbreak of clade 1b Mpox is occurring in one of the poorest and most insecure regions of DRC, complicating the response.“Despite these challenges, hundreds of WHO personnel are on the ground in DRC and the other affected countries, working with our partners to stop transmission and bring these outbreaks under control.“With the government’s leadership and close cooperation between partners, we believe we can stop these outbreaks in the next six months.“But what this region of DRC needs more than anything else is a political solution to the long-running insecurity,” Ghebreyesus said.(NAN)
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