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Expert recommends preferential COVID-19 vaccination for SCD patients under 16

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COVID-19 Vaccine
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Dr. Patrick Obinna, an hematologist, based in Abuja, has suggested that Nigerians with Sickle Cell Disease(SCD), who are below 16 years old, should be eligible for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination.

Obinna in an interview with News Agency Of Nigeria(NAN) on Friday, in Abuja said that SCD patients were vulnerable to severe COVID-19.

NAN, reports that SCD is a collective name for a set of inherited chronic conditions.

It covers a spectrum, from milder to severe forms of SCD but with support, people with SCD can have a good quality of life.

SCD is associated with episodes of severe pain called sickle cell painful crises.

The expert said that the impact of COVID-19 on the routine management of SCD patients in the country had been substantial and complex.

He added that clinicians now needed to ensure that patients received appropriate care for SCD in balance with the challenges posed by the pandemic.

“News is evolving rapidly about COVID-19 and its vaccines. Early results from the COVID-19 vaccine trials are very promising, although the true benefits and risks will not be known until a larger number of people receive the vaccine.

“ I am surprised that SCD patients were not listed as one of the populations vulnerable to severe COVID-19, to be vaccinated immediately in the country.

“Sickle cell disease raises the risk for serious problems with COVID-19, especially when compared to the same age in the general population,” he said.

According to him, Nigerians with health condition such as kidney failure, sickle cell anaemia or type 2 diabetes should be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in the country and should be contacted for the vaccine.

Obinna recommended that, based on current information across the globe, people with sickle cell disease should receive COVID-19 vaccination immediately.

“I have patients that have been held up in their homes since the beginning of this pandemic.

“They are afraid to go out because they know that if they were to get COVID, their chance of being hospitalised, getting really sick or dying is higher than the average population.

“Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder that causes red blood cells to be misshaped. The red blood cells are not able to carry oxygen well, which affects the whole body.

“The benefits of vaccination outweighs the risks for people with SCD. Vaccination is worthwhile compared to the risks of having COVID-19 disease in people with SCD,” he advised.

He advised that people with SDC should consult with their doctors or health care providers about whether their personal medical condition causes an exception to this general recommendation.

He stressed that the fact that SCD affects the immune system should not cause a safety problem for COVID-19 vaccines.

Obinna urged SDC patients, who have receive their jabs, and not to relax their precautions right after getting the vaccine.

“They might still get infected in the few weeks following vaccination. You could still give infection to those around you.

“Continue to wear a mask covering your nose and mouth. Wash your hands often. Maintain physical distance. Avoid crowds, and avoid people who are ill,” he advised. (NAN)

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Health

Tinubu Introduces Initiatives To Enhance Healthcare

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President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
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President Bola Tinubu has introduced two new healthcare initiatives: the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA)-Healthcare Expansion Programme and the retraining of 120,000 frontline health workers.

The aim of these programs is to enhance the health and social well-being of Nigerians, foster economic development, and establish Nigeria as a healthcare hub in Africa.

During the launch of these initiatives in Bauchi State on Friday, August 16, 2024, the president, represented by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, highlighted that these projects will complement the ongoing expansion of cancer infrastructure and equipment in six federal teaching hospitals.

He stated that beyond providing essential healthcare to Nigerians, the facilities will reverse the trend of outbound medical tourism.

Tinubu added that upon completion of the first phase, the NSIA, through its subsidiary, Medserve, will operate the largest chain of oncology and diagnostic centres in West Africa, with the capacity to train up to 500 clinicians over three years, in addition to enhancing clinical trial and research capabilities.

He said: “This programme will serve as a blueprint for future healthcare infrastructure projects, propelling us towards our national healthcare goals: saving lives, reducing suffering, and ensuring health for all Nigerians.

“The second initiative, the launch of the retraining of 120,000 frontline health workers, is a personal performance indicator for me as the African Union (AU) Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership. We all know that health workers and other professionals are the backbone of our healthcare system.

Shettima: Tinubu not in power to make money, he’ll reform education

“By equipping them with the latest skills and knowledge, we ensure they are well-prepared to meet the evolving healthcare needs of our population.”

Underscoring the viability of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), President Tinubu, according to a statement issued by his spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, affirmed that the nation’s productivity and wealth depend on the vitality of its people, adding that basic healthcare is a fundamental human right, as well as a matter of long-term national security.

Tinubu emphasised that his administration will continue to prioritise healthcare, enhance preventive measures, and invest in health education while fostering health equity and justice.

Also speaking, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed thanked Tinubu for his investments in the health sector.

Mohammed said: “We thank Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the giant strides he is making in the health sector.

“Even those of us in the opposition party, we are federalists and appreciate the work and collaboration with Mr President’s team here, with both the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Health, to kick off this impactful project for all Nigerians.”

 

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Shaibu Relocates Office Out Of Edo Govt House

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Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy Philip Shaibu
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy Philip Shaibu
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The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shuaibu has commenced the relocation of his office to an area outside the vicinity of the Government House.

The development follows last of Shuaibu’s suit filed at the Federal High Court to stop alleged plots by week’s withdrawal   the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, to remove him from office.

The new office is situated at No. 7, Dennis Osadebey Avenue, close to the Government House.

Sources close to the deputy governor said  that a letter was sent by the Head of Service to the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor instructing her to supervise the movement of civil servants and files to the new office.

It was also gathered that the new office is not habitable as there is no electricity, is waterlogged, and the office spaces are significantly small.

The state government had however insisted that the deputy governor’s new office is within the confines of the area designated as the Government House.

 

 

 

 

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NARD SET TO CALL OF STRIKE AFTER SENATE’S INTERVENTION

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Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, other members of the Senate with NARD officials
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••• Cancels Planned National Protest

Striking members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) are set to call off their two week old strike after a closed door meeting with Principal Officers of the Senate on Tuesday.

Adressing the media shortly after the closed door meeting with President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and other Principal Officers of the Senate, National President of the association, Dr Emeka Innocent Orji, stated “we had a very fruitful meeting with the Senate led by the President of the Senate and from our discussions with them, we are very hopeful that when we table our discussions today before the NEC, something positive would come out.

“From our interaction with the President of the Senate and the practical demonstration he did before us today, we are very confident that there would be light at the end of the tunnel in the next 24 hours.

“Because of the intervention of the President of the Senate, who is the number three citizen and the assurance he has given us, our planned national protest has been cancelled while the decision on the ongoing strike would be taken as soon we meet, he assured.

Speaking in the same vein, Senator Akpabio, thanked the medical doctors for honoring the Senate by calling off their planned national protest and also working towards calling off the strike.

According to him, ” I thank you onbehalf of the Senate for honoring us with your decision not only to cancel the planned public protest, but to also call off the strike in the interest of the suffering masses.

“Your demands are well noted and let me assure you that as soon as a Minister in charge of Health is appointed, the Senate will work with him or her to expeditiously adress all your grievances. The President Bola Tinubu-led administration is Doctors friendly and that explains the large number of medical practitioners he has appointed into his cabinet.

“Strike by medical practitioners should not be allowed even for a day because of the impacts it creates in the polity and that is why the Senate is determined to ensure through interactions and consultation with relevant offices, amicable settlement of the impasse is reached,” he stated.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio (3rd from left), Dr Emeka Innocent Orji (middle) Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele and Senator Ireti Kingibe (first from right)after a meeting with national officers of NARD in the office the President of the Senate on Tuesday.

 

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