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PTF Warns COVID-19 Patients Against Attack of Health Workers

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By Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Covid-19 Monday, handed down a stern warning to the patients of the novel Coronavirus to desist from what it described as ”sad reports of frontline health workers receiving threat to lives, experienced detention by patients they are actually nursing to health and suffered other forms of harassment.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of PTF, Mr Boss Mustapha gave the warning at the national daily briefing in Abuja.

He said, ”it is inhuman and unacceptable that patients engage in acts of locking them up and making demands that these frontline officers, most of the time do not have the capacity to address.

According to him, they (fronline health workers) have received threats to lives, experienced detention by patients they are actually nursing to health and suffered other forms of harassment.

”Let me underscore the fact that these frontline workers constantly put their lives on the line to make sure persons infected are provided with the best care possible to enable them to become healthy citizens again, ” the PTF Chairman said.

Mustapha said that the Presidential Task Force on PTF COVID 19 views such behaviour as reprehensible and should be deprecated.
The PTF therefore, called on all State governments to take this up appropriately.

He said that the PTF was identifying and assessing all low to medium and high burden areas with a view to assessing and modifying its strategy, explaining that it would involve
drilling down from all tiers of government to community level.

Also, the PTF Chairman revealed that as part of efforts to support the States in the establishment of the Isolation and treatment centres, the Catholic Bishops Conference has volunteered all the 425 hospitals and clinics nationwide for adaptation and use as isolation centres.

”Governors are encouraged to please approach Catholic Bishops in their states to access these facilities, ” he added.

He also reminded subnational authorities that, as a further cost-effective measure, the Nigeria Institute of Architects has pledged the pro bono services of its members to modify, design and supervise all COVID-19 related projects nationwide.

He urged that this offer be taken up speedily.

The Chairman further stated that the PTF has continued to review the relevant policy and protocols so that its actions and decisions are most effective and the nation can properly take COVID-19 positive cases out of circulation to avoid the spread of the virus.

”We have recognized a significant role for community ownership, guidance, acceptance and implementation and the PTF will introduce appropriate inclusive policies in the coming weeks. You will all be apprised of developments on this in due course, ” he said.

This, he stressed, served as a notice to traditional religious and community leaders to brace up for deeper involvement as the PTF develops the protocols to strengthen community ownership in the National Response.

“While we continue to work on all options, the PTF wishes to repeat the dangers inherent in lack of compliance with guidelines issued,” the SGF stated.

”We must always remind Nigerians that Mr. President took a painful and difficult decision to ease the restrictions by approving revised measures that will maintain a balance between the safety of Nigerians and giving them the opportunity for some level of economic activities, that will sustain their means of livelihood especially, the poor and vulnerable who depend on daily means of subsistence.

”The eased restrictions must therefore not become an excuse for us to lead the lives we were used to, pre-COCID-19 days. I wish to re-iterate that the world today has completely changed from what we used to know and if we want to continue living the old ways, the cost would be enormous.

”Contracting COVID-19 is not a death sentence but disregarding the guidelines for its avoidance, as guided by experts, is a costly self-voyage. Unfortunately, such choices can not be made by individuals but the collective and we are all resolute in stamping this scourge out of Nigeria, ” he said.

He further said that the completion of the first week has provided the PTF COVID-19 an opportunity for a mid-phase review of the impact of the guidelines put in place to drive our National Response.

”I am also sure that, Nigerians have equally focused on the pandemic and have done their assessment of progress made, especially as it relates to compliance.

”One gratifying outcome of the assessment we have all undertaken as stakeholders is our convergence of thoughts on the level of compliance with the guidelines and how our individual and collective responses could improve and/or jeopardize our ability to contain the coronavirus.

”During the first week, the country generally witnessed increased number of positive cases. This is attributable to our expanded capacity for testing with the opening up of more testing centres and laboratories. As at today there are 21 laboratories nationwide including private laboratories and we continue to engage with more private laboratories.

”Similarly, we wish to confirm that States have been encouraged strongly to set up isolation centres, wards (including ICU) with a minimum of 300 beds each. This will help accommodate levels 1 & 2 cases.

”However, with the increase in numbers, we are beginning to experience a shortage of bed spaces in the isolation centres, especially in the high burden areas. We are conscious of the need to take care of different categories of persons e.g. People living with disabilities, terminal conditions and other underlying factors / co-morbidities.

”We have also been able to complete the evacuation of two batches of Nigerians from the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America. We would continue working with our Missions overseas and other relevant partners to ensure the evacuation of others with clearly defined rules of engagement, ” the PTF chairman said.

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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