Health and Life Style
COVID-19: Benue index case cries to Buhari, British govt to rescue her from Ortom
By Yemi Itodo
A 54-year old Susan Okpe, who was said to be the Benue index case of Corona Virus, has cried on President Muhammad Buhari of Nigeria and the British Government, to evacuate her from Benue state. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom had on Saturday, 28th March, announced that Mrs. Okpe was the Benue’s first recorded case of Corona Virus, also known as COVID-19.
Mrs. Okpe, a British Nigerian, arrived the country on Saturday, 21st March via Kenya Airway, for the burial of her mother slated to hold early next month.
According to a family source, Mrs. Okpe ran series of tests before leaving the United Kingdom with all results showing negative to COVID-19.
“When she arrived Benue State on the 23rd of March, she was running temperature, perhaps, due to the fatigue of traveling, an experienced Doctor was contacted and tests were conducted and she was being treated for malaria and typhoid.
“When the NCDC contacted me, on the invitation of the Benue State government, I gave my consent that she should be tested. But as I speak with you, none of us has seen the test result, not even the Medical Director of the Cottage Hospital who assisted the NCDC to get samples, has seen the result. We only got to see through the television where the Governor announced her name”, the source hinted our reporter.
Meanwhile, in a message sent via WhatsApp to our reporter, Mrs. Okpe appealed to the Federal Government and the UK Government to move her out of Benue State.
“I have kept my cool, but am now sick with swollen gums, being stooling throughout the night, no nurses or medical attention. My crime is that am a British who came into Nigeria, particularly Benue State; felt feverish, took myself for check up because I have travelled longer than usual.
“After examinations, I was told by the doctor my temperature was high and I said keep me for observations as I did not experience any before I left London, passed from Lagos to Abuja my temperature was like any other passenger was being monitored by the authorities.
“Back to my self presentation and request for isolation which was done, I was told by the doctors that the standard procedure was to call for a test from the state ministry of health of which two gentle men came to do a throat and nose swoop.
“After two days, by now my temperature has normalised from 38:2 to 36:4 the record are there to be verified. Only to be told by the Doctor after asking why am I still kept in the hospital, a friend now came in to tell me that a press conference is being done with my name that I have Covid-19, on air, on social media, without my knowledge.
“I went mad as a human being and demanded to see the Medical Director who told me he was fighting for me; how, why and for what and with who I don’t understand, still fuming the next thing was armed men, ambulance and a siege round the hospital for me to be removed for what I don’t know.
“As someone who knows the principles of the law (weather it works in Nigeria or not I can’t tell), I said I was not moving without a reason, I was surrounded and to stop the embarrassment to my family and poor junior sister who I think is not fair on, I went down to speak with the Deputy Governor for thirty minutes and he assured me I was safe, will be cared for, though not sick with any symptoms, also that the following day the health commissioner and medical doctors from the state will come and see me.
“I told him that if the state is insisting that am ill I should be taken to Abuja to be tested, I have never in my life seen a staged played drama with human life and politics like this before, I want the world, Nigerians, Benue state to hear my side and verify am not a Covid-19 positive, left my children behind in London they are healthy till this moment”, Mrs. Okpe cried out.
She pleaded with the authorities concerned to take her to any standard center and verify her claims, as there was no single facility in Benue to even handle or manage any case, should it be true that Benue had a case.
Already, our reporter gathered that, the Consulate General of the UK in Nigeria had been contacted by Mrs. Okpe, whose fundamental rights have been grossly breached and arrangements were underway to get the Presidency to help the British Embassy evacuate her citizen from Benue State, before it results to death.
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Health and Life Style
Don Calls for Government Intervention To Tackle Diabetes Mellitus Havoc
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
A Professor of Medical Physiology, at the Federal University, Lokoja, Magnus Anyakudo, has called on government at all levels to expedite urgent action in tacking the alarming case of Diabetes Mellitus across the globe in order to save millions of lives.
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Prof. Anyakudo made the call on Thursday while delivering the university’s 35th Inaugural Lecture held at Adankolo campus, Lokoja.
Our Correspondent reports that the topic of the lecture was “Nutrition, Your Health: Unlocking the Power of Evidenced-Based Dietary Strategies for Diabetes Mellitus.”
The lecturer said that the call became necessary in view of the country’s diabetes burden in the midst of health, economy and social issues.
According to him, the economic burden of diabetes is substantial, with estimated global healthcare expenditure reaching 772 billion dollars in 2018 and 1.015 trillion dollars in 2024.
He said “Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disease for which there is no known cure as at now, but understanding the risk factors can help individuals to take proactive steps to reduce their chances of developing it through lifestyle changes and regular health screening.
“To tackle this escalating burden of diabetes mellitus in Nigeria, just like other Non-Communicable Disorders, prevention is the key.
“For those with higher risk, consulting healthcare professionals for personalised advice is recommended.
“There is the need, therefore, for joint or collaborative efforts to identify risk factors and control the modifiable ones among them through well-informed and planned nutritional strategies.”
He appealed for support to those already living with the disorder to promote a culture of health and wellness in the society.
“We should support research and education initiatives that aim to improve diabetes prevention and management. Our own mission is to improve the lives of people living with diabetes and prevent diabetes in those at risk.”
The professor advised people to always eat a balanced diet that comprised a variety of whole, unprocessed foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats.
“Endeavour to drink plenty water each day and limit sugary drinks, avoid baked foods and white bread, engage in regular physical activity such as walking to improve insulin sensitivity and overall health.
“Get adequate sleep and manage stress level – engaging in stress-reducing activities, such as yoga or meditation, which improves insulin sensitivity”, he added.
Ealier in his remarks, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, the FUL Vice-Chancellor, said that the university has a responsibility to ensure its research reaches beyond journals into clinics, marketplaces, and homes.
He said “we must strengthen partnerships between our researchers and health services, work with industry and civil society to develop wholesome food environments.
“We should also support public education campaigns that make healthy choices easy choices.
“By this inaugural lecture, Prof. Anyakudo has honoured the academic tradition, offered
knowledge that empower families, influence clinical practice, inform policy makers and guide public health practitioners.”
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Health and Life Style
Ogori/Magongo LGA Emerges Overall Best In PHC Quality Service Delivery Award
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Ogiri/Mangogo Local Government Area, has emerged the overall best winner among the 21 local government areas of Kogi State, in quality Primary Healthcare (PHC) service delivery.
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The State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, rewarded the outstanding LGAs and personnel during the Commissioning of 80 Revitalised PHCs facilities in Lokoja.
The governor announced various categories of cash prizes awards for recipients as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.
The Ogiri/Mangogo LGA, who emerged the overall winner got a star prize of N5 million from the Governor, the first position in each Senatorial District got N3 million each, second position got N2 million.
The individual health officer with outstanding performance across LGAs in healthcare delivery received N250,000 each.
The governor noted that the commissioning of 80 revitalised PHC facilities is under the First phase of the state’s healthcare revitalisation programme supported by the World Bank and National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (PHCDA) under the IMPACT project.
The event also featured a stakeholders’ engagement meeting and handing over of medical equipment and commodities to 239 PHCs across the state.
The governor described the award’s recognition as both a reward for excellence and an incentive for health workers to deliver better services to citizens.
“This initiative is to encourage healthy competition and inspire improved service delivery in our PHC system,” the governor said.
Ododo noted that the commissioning of the 80 revitalised PHC facilities was a monumental achievement, acknowledging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to healthcare development through substantial federal support and strategic appointments.
The governor thanked all the relevant stakeholders and partners for their support and cooperation towards improving quality healthcare delivery to the people of Kogi State.
Ododo hailed President Bola Tinubu for several appointments that he had painstakingly given to Kogi State.
He particularly commended the appointment of Dr Muyi Aina, a Kogi State indigene, as Executive Director of NPHCDA, describing it as a recognition of merit and a boost to the state’s healthcare advancement.
The governor commended Tinubu for always being passionate of the health and welfare of Nigerians especially the people of Kogi State.
According to Ododo, the health intervention will ensure quality healthcare services to the people of the state.
The governor urged the award recipients to let the honour spur them to do more by giving quality service delivery to the people of the state.
Gov Ododo reaffirmed his commitment to continue to follow the footsteps of Mr President to continue to support and provide quality healthcare delivery for the people of Kogi State especially the vulnerable.
The governor urged communities to safeguard the revitalised facilities against vandalism to ensure their sustainability.
“It is our collective responsibility to protect the facilities for the benefit of people, the community and the state at large,” Ododo stated.
The governor also promised to introduce a monitoring mechanism to track service delivery, drug dispensation, and facility management across PHC centres in the state.
In his remarks, Dr Muyi Aina, the ED, NPHCDA, commended Governor Ododo for his visionary leadership and expansion of the state’s health insurance scheme despite limited resources.
Dr Aina lauded the quality and commitment of Kogi State’s health workers and urged the governor to sustain the leadership challenge as a model for service excellence.
The NPHCDA boss explained that the PHC Leadership Challenge was designed to reward officers who demonstrate excellence in prompt report submission, empathy in client relations, diligence, efficiency, and accurate data management.
The Kogi Commissioner for Health, Dr Abdulaziz Adams Adeiza, commended all stakeholders for their contributions.
The commissioner disclosed that the surveillance and feedback committees have been established to ensure sustainability and accountability in the sector.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (KSPHCDA), Dr Mu’azu Omeiza Musa, thanked Governor Ododo for his unwavering support to the healthcare sector.
He expressed optimism that the administration’s interventions would drastically reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in the state.
In her reciprocative gesture with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Executive Chairman of Ogirimangogo LGA, Hon Rosemary Ohiezu, appreciated the State Government and the NPHCDA for considering her local government worthy of the award.
Hon Ohiezu further commended the governor for his humility and for always listening to his people and prioritising their welfare by ensuring quality healthcare delivery.
She commended the management and staff of the LGA for working tirelessly to make the award possible.
According to Ohiezu, the PHCs in the LGA have given the opportunity to the people at the grassroots especially the vulnerable to easily access quality healthcare services without the need to travel far distance.
Hon Ohiezu advised other LGA Chairmen to always have a mutual interactions with their HODs’ Health to know their challenges and go round to monitor their activities for effective service delivery.
The governor later handed over medical equipment and commodities donated by the Federal Ministry of Health, the NPHCDA, and other development partners to the respective PHCs.
Gov. Ododo subsequently made a symbolic commissioning of the revitalised modern PHC at the Old Market Lokoja, with the state-of-the art health care and water facilities.
The awards cut across the three senatorial districts with the following winners: Kogi Central: 1st – Ogori/Magongo LGA, 2nd – Ajaokuta LGA; Kogi East: 1st – Bassa LGA; 2nd – Ofu LGA; and Kogi West: 1st – Mopa-Muro LGA; 2nd – Kogi LGA.
Overall Best: Ogori/Magongo LGA.
Ends
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Health and Life Style
Measles & Rubella vaccine: FCTA laments deficit of 1.2m unimmunized children, threatens to seal non compliance schools
By Wumi Tewogbadl, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), on Thursday, said out of 2.6 million that is the target, 1.6 million have been immunized and a deficit of 1.2 children unimmunized.
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And she blamed the situation on some major private schools, refusal to allow access of immunization officers to their children.
Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary for Health and Environment, stated this while briefing media in Abuja.
Fasawe, lamented that those that are not compliying are denying such children their fundamental rights and this is unacceptable.
And, FCT Health Insurance Scheme [FHIS] supported 600 vaccination teams in the six Area councils with reflective jackets.
She said “However, while we celebrate this success, we must also confront the challenges that threaten the full realization of our campaign goals. It has come to our attention that several schools and institutions within the FCT refused access to vaccination teams.
“This non-compliance not only denied eligible children protection against measles and rubella but also disrupted the daily implementation plans of the campaign. Such actions are deeply concerning because they undermine public health gains and put our children at unnecessary risk.
“The Child Rights Act (CRA) of 2003, as domesticated in the FCT, guarantees every child the right to health and protection from preventable diseases. Specifically, Sections 13 and 14 of the Act place a legal obligation on parents, guardians, and institutions — including schools — to ensure that every child is fully immunized.
“Denying a child access to vaccination is, therefore, not merely an administrative lapse; it is a violation of a fundamental child right”.
She also said for those schools who refused compliance, might be sanction and their schools can be sealed.
“Failure to comply with these directives will attract administrative sanctions under existing FCT Education and Public Health Regulations”, she noted.
She revealed that her secretariat have already started compliying the names of schools in Abuja, that refused to comply.
“In response to the current situation, the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat has taken the following actions:
Compiled a comprehensive list of non-compliant schools and institutions;
Initiated targeted advocacy and community sensitization activities;
Issued letters to affected schools reminding them of their legal responsibilities under the CRA; and
Finalized plans for a three-day mop-up exercise involving 132 vaccination teams to reach unvaccinated children across affected areas”, she noted.
In order to strengthen enforcement and ensure sustainability, she said, the Administration has approved the following directives for all public and private schools:
Mandatory immunization verification during admission, re-admission, or transfer;
Maintenance of a Child Health Register in every school;
Collaboration with nearby Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) for on-site immunization sessions;
Regular inclusion of immunization awareness in school assemblies and PTA meetings; and
Submission of monthly compliance reports through the Education Secretariat to HSES.
She commended the governing body of Stella Maris School, Abuja, for their full support of the ongoing immunization drive and their eagerness to welcome the vaccination team and being an example of compliance.
She therefore appealed to all parents to ensure their children are allowed to be vaccinated in line with the Child Health Act at school. Immunization is safe, effective, and essential for protecting every child.
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