Author: Helen Okechukwu

A Nigerian virologist and Chairman of the Expert Review Committee on COVID-19, Prof. Oyewale Tomori, has alerted that out of the 100 laboratories set up in Nigeria during the COVID 19 scourge ,that over 60 of them are presently non functionalHe, therefore ,doubted Nigeria’ s preparedness to tackle the disease despite the newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant in some other countries.the country.Tomori disclosed this at the 10th Annual International Bioethics Forum held recently at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research in Yaba, Lagos State. “…They have a page where they list over 60 laboratories that are not functioning anymore. So,…

Following the passing of the bill into law,overnor Ahmed Ododo has endorsed the upgrade of Okene Reference Hospital to Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Teaching Hospital. The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, in Lokoja today told journalists about the development. According to Fanwo, this development aligns with the National Universities Commission’s(NUC) approval of full-time medical courses to ensure sustainability. The degrees to be obtained include the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme, among others.Fanwo added that the rigorous teamwork between key parties in the state to achieve this initiative. The significant stakeholders…

Apparently to avoid casualties during and after the festive period, the Rivers State Police Command has banned the use of fireworks, crackers, and knockouts across the state.The State Police Commissioner(CP) Mustapha Balagave the directive today ,adding that the use of fireworks poses grave danger to lives and properties in the state. This order was conveyed in a statement made available to journalists yesterday through the force spokesperson, Grace Iringe-koko. The CP advised residents in the state to maintain a friendly and conducive environment during and after the celebration period, assuring them of security. “The Rivers State Police Command wishes the…

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has disclosed that at least three bodies have been recovered from the boat mishap that occurred around 7pm on December 14 at the Agatu Local Government Area, Benue State. It would be recalled that,the New Daily Post had reported that a boat ferrying traders returning from Ocholonya Market, from Agatu to Nasarawa State, capsized, leaving at least 20 people dead. In a statement yesterday,the NEMA said about 23 people still remained unaccounted for as the search operation was still ongoing. The NEMA said, “The victims of this unfortunate event were primarily traders from Odenyi…

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has said its agency will sanction anyone found guilty of violating public health standards in the country. The agency’s warning came after it denied the approval for use of circulated Lung Detox Tea or Lungitox (Smokers Pride) herbal tea, claiming their product is safe for consumers. It further described the claim of its approval as misleading, unfounded and false, alleging that the impression created by the producers is that the consumption of the product makes smokinghealthy.In a post shared yesterday on her verified X handle , the agency’s Director-General…

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised fears that governments’ less spending on health care has severe consequences for people’s finances, which could lead to increased hardship. A recent WHO’s report which covered two years( 2020- 2021), explained the influence of the average per capita government spending on health sector across countries’ income groups during the years under review. The published report titled, “Global Spending on Health: Emerging from the Pandemic,” aligns with the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day campaign held yearly on December 12.This year’s campaign centred on improving financial protection for people everywhere to access the health services…

To strengthen Nigeria’s public healthcare system, the European Union (EU) Delegation said it will procure solar powered equipment in five Nigerian states.The states are ,:Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Enugu, Ogun, and Plateau. The initiative to provide technical support for the Nigeria Solar for Health Project (NISHP) and the NISHP programme spans four years (2024 – 2027) The Head of Co-operation, EU Delegation, Massimo De Luca,disclosed this yesterday during the 2nd Steering Committee meeting of the Technical Assistance for the NISHP held in Abuja.He further explained that the EU is committed to providing quality projects for efficient energy supply. Also, Mr Sunday Owolabi,…

Have you ever wondered why you have a protruding stomach lately? Some persons have been complaining of their stomachs growing bigger, looking like pregnant women. Most of these persons have been thinking lately on how to get rid of this concern. Anyways, to get your desired-sized stomach, you have to watch out what you consume as food, because it might be the reason why you are having a protruding stomach lately. Tips to cut for a flatter stomach and better health: Some of the beverages you consume contain additional sugar, which contributes to your belly fat, such as sodas, fruit…

To prevent the outbreak of the COVID-19 variant in Nigeria, the Federal Government (FG) has ordered for mandatory health declaration from inbound passengers over new COVID-19 XEC The disease was recently reported in Australia and 22 other countries. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare gave a directive to the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors to activate alert systems in all hospitals over high index suspicion of COVID-like symptoms in patients.In a report, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention confirms that filling out health declaration forms is mandatory to tackle this COVID-19 variant. Also, the…

To check malaria scourge in Nigeria ,the FederalGovernment in partnership with some states has commenced has the first roll out of the anti- malaria vaccine.Nigeria is rated as one of the countries globallywith the highest numbers of malaria deaths.The newly approved R21/Matrix-M vaccine by the World Health Organisation (WHO) aims to protect children between the ages of 5 to 15 months.Data revealed that malaria claims the lives of a large population of Nigerians annually, which is a factor in its rise, placing the disease at the third global death record. The two states in Nigeria, Bayelsa and Kebbi, heavily hit…