*THE NECO/WASC BROUHAHA: BEFORE YOU CRUCIFY SOLUDO.*

24/08/21

Joe C Anatune*
Writes from Awa.

DANIELS G.O

*THE NECO/WASC BROUHAHA: BEFORE YOU CRUCIFY SOLUDO.*

Cee Cee Soludo is certainly not your usual politician who strives at all times to be politically correct in order to win election. Always, his public interventions are geared to improving the quality or standards of living of the critical mass. His prescription that Anambra should not low the standards of qualification for political leadership recruitment is spot on. It is a timely advice that should be taken seriously if Anambra must join the rest of world to explore and exploit the benefits of the 4th industrial revolution.
Emma Onyeacholam, burly, Uke born and prodigiously intelligent says Soludo is 1000% correct. We shall come back to Onyeacholam shortly.

Aspiration is one major attribute that helps any society to develop and grow. Luckily, Ndigbo Anambra have aspiration as part of their DNA. For example, parents who didn’t have the benefits of formal education, have been known to invest heavily so that their children get sound and quality education in order to compete in an increasingly digitalising world. Why? Aspiration.

We are aware that all over the world, national and international standards are minimum requirements that ensure safety for human consumption and preservation of the environment. Progressives organizations that have attained leaderships in their fields go beyond such minimum.
The result is that they become industry or category leaders.

Soludo is propelled by a burning desire to transform Anambra into one state smart Megacity that will be the safest, most prosperous and happiest in Africa where the world will come to invest, live, work and relax. That is the next level. Both global trends and local context support this imperative.

Emma Onyeacholam, says that will be uphill tasks for NECO holders especially those with questionable ones.
Hear Emma “ANAMBRA IS TOO INTELLECTUALLY ENDOWED THAT ANYBODY WITH WASC SHOULDN’T QUALIFY TO PICK FORMS NO MATTER HOW WELL HE FARED IN HIS VILLAGE MEETINGS, OR HIS BANK ACCOUNT BALANCE.

What does he know about Agro robotics, which is Where the world is headed? Does he know that AI will reduce the physical workforce by 90% in 30 years? Does he know that in some cities now, all petrol stations are now entertainment Parks. That apart from electric cars, Japan drives some cars with water ? What does he know? If not getting allocation and sharing. I am actually insulted that some of us are still looking backwards.

What will a WASC holder be discussing in WEF forum, or UN economic summit, or Cloud intelligence & optimization, or genetic therapy. Does he even understand the simple elements of global warming? If you don’t understand where the world is going, and don’t have the basic knowledge to understand it even when explained by experts, how can you lead me there?

We should stop magnifying mediocrity or deodorising intellectual poverty in the present clime in the name of equality of individual intelligence. Why not go for stark illiterates if education is so unimportant . Governance has gone more than getting the monthly allocations from Abuja and sharing.

Prof Soludo is 1000% correct.”

Now, those whose campaign stock in trade is to climb on Soludo’ s Goodwill to hug limelight need to tell us how such minimal standard will elevate Anambra.

Unknown to the minimalists, the ability to call a spade a spade for public good is one of the factors majority of Ndi Anambra want Soludo as their next Governor.

Two days after his Awa visit, a four nice of mine asked me- how is ‘ Choludo’ Uncle? The game is over!

Be of good cheer!!

*Joe C Anatune*
Writes from Awa.

COVID-19: WE’VE RECORDED 135 DEATHS IN THIRD WAVE, AS PANDEMIC CASES RISE IN LAGOS – SANWO-OLU

24/08/21

DANIELS G.O

Distribution of Moderna Vaccine Starts Wednesday’ – Governor

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has confirmed the record of 135 fatalities in the current third wave of the pandemic, highlighting the havoc being wreaked by deadly strains of the virus spreading in the country.

The Governor during a briefing on Monday at the State house, Ikeja revealed that the State has taken the delivery of Moderna vaccine from the Federal Government.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed the State received a little above 300,000 doses of Moderna vaccine to boost the State drive towards achieving herd immunity.

The test positivity rate, the Governor added, has also increased to 12.1 per cent in the past weeks, compared to seven per cent recorded at the end of July, 2021. This, he said, resulted from non-adherence to the laid-down health protocols designed to stop the spread of the pandemic.

Sanwo-Olu said the situation called for more responsibility, urging the residents to adhere to the preventive protocols put in place by the Government.

He said: “We are now clearly in the middle of third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and Lagos has remained the epicenter of the disease in Nigeria. Test positivity rate currently stands at 12.1 per cent, compared to 1.1 per cent at the end of June, and seven per cent at end of July. As at August 21, 4,387 positive cases are currently being managed actively in-community.

“Over the course of managing the COVID-19 pandemic, about 5,551 patients have been admitted into our various COVID-19 care centres in Lagos, with 506 registered fatalities. Of these deaths, 135 have sadly, happened in this current third wave. I commiserate with all residents who have lost loved ones to the pandemic. We share in your pain and grief. As a society and as a Government, it is for us to redouble our efforts to defeat this devastating pandemic.”

The increment in positive cases, Sanwo-Olu said, has also shot up oxygen demand at the Government-controlled isolation centres, with the State supplying 400 cylinders daily to patients with severe cases.

At the beginning of the third wave, it was learnt that 75 cylinders were consumed per day at the isolation centres.

Sanwo-Olu said the State would be ramping up its oxygen plants in the coming days, as he projected that the demand for oxygen may shoot up in the next few weeks.

From next Wednesday, the Governor said Lagos would start the distribution of the first dose of Moderna vaccine across 150 centres set up in the State for the exercise. Increasing vaccination, the Governor said, will stem cases of fatalities, urging residents to get the vaccine.

He said: “In terms of treatment of severe cases, we have seen a gradual increase in the uptake of oxygen during the current wave. Utilization has increased from 75 cylinders per day at the beginning of this third wave, to over 400 cylinders per day, currently. With our modelling suggesting that we may be requiring even more oxygen supply over the next few weeks, we are exploring several ways of increasing our oxygen capacity.

“One of the major pillars of our mitigation strategy for the third wave is vaccination. We are seeing that countries that have vaccinated a large percentage of their population are recording drastic reductions in the numbers of COVID-19 related deaths. This is one of the reasons why we have not spared any cost to ensure that the vaccines that have been provided by the Federal Government are made available to every resident that meets the requirements for the vaccination programme.”

As part of the strategy to stem the cases, Sanwo-Olu said the State Government identified 5,998 Persons of Interest and had successfully isolated 4,500 of them, most of whom arrived from red-listed countries.

INFORMATION ON SECOND PHASE OF THE COVID VACCINATION EXERCISE IN LAGOS STATE

24/08/21

DANIELS G.O

INFORMATION ON SECOND PHASE OF THE COVID VACCINATION EXERCISE IN LAGOS STATE

Lagos State will commence the administration of the MODERNA vaccine for citizens who have not received any of the earlier COVID vaccine from Wednesday 25th August, 2021 at 183 designated vaccination sites located across the State.

*ELIGIBILITY*
👉🏽 People aged 18 years and older
👉🏽Healthcare workers who are at a high risk of exposure
👉🏽 Senior Citizens with or without underlying health conditions such as Diabetes, Hypertension etc
👉🏽Persons who recovered from COVID-19

*To access the Vaccine* ,
👉🏽Proceed to register or enrol for the vaccine via the NPHCDA E-Registration portal: https://nphcda.vaccination.gov.ng/
A vaccination ID
will be generated, and a confirmation text message and email will be sent to each enrollee after
successfully registering for the vaccination
👉🏽 Successful enrollees should then proceed to any of the 183 vaccination sites picked at the point of registration with the vaccination ID, confirmation text along with a
means of ID to get the first dose of the MODERNA vaccine.

*TIME*
As indicated on the E-registration portal. MODERNA vaccine will be administered in two sections.
👉🏽First Section: 9.00am – 12.00Noon
👉🏽Second Section: 12.00Noon – 3.00PM
Successful enrollees are advised to visit sites picked at the point of registration as scheduled.

👉🏽 Enrolees will be issued a COVID Vaccination Card which has a barcode as confirmation immediately after recieving the vaccine and scheduled for a second dose for complete protection.

Kindly note that ONLY pre-registered persons would be allowed in and attended to at the vaccination sites.

Eligible Persons are therefore advised to Pre-register on the NPHCDA E-Registration portal before visiting the Vaccination sites. This is mandatory.

The decision to get vaccinated is yours to make.

MODERNA Vaccine is Safe, Effective and Free.

Get Vaccinated!
Protect yourself, Protect your loved ones, Protect your Community!

COVID 3RD WAVE MITIGATION: LAGOS TO SANCTION ERRING INBOUND PASSENGERS …

22/08/21

DANIELS G.O : PUBLISHER

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

PRESS STATEMENT

COVID 3RD WAVE MITIGATION: LAGOS TO SANCTION ERRING INBOUND PASSENGERS

· To Intensify Enforcement of International Travel Protocols

· Warns Citizens Against Abetting international travelers who violate federal COVID guidelines

The COVID-19 Third Wave that Lagos and other parts of Nigeria are experiencing is as a direct result of importation of cases from other countries where the pandemic is very active. This is why the travel guidelines are so important in minimizing the impact on our citizens and economy. Lagos State Government has observed a disturbing trend of false accusations by some defaulting international travelers about the implementation of COVID travel protocols as laid down by the Federal Government, especially around inbound travelers from the RED listed Countries like South Africa, India, Brazil and Turkey.


Of note is the case of Adesola Adeleke, who flew in from South Africa. She attempted to bypass the system established to safeguard our citizens and as a result has put several innocent people at potential risk of contracting COVID-19.


Adesola Adeleke originally arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) on the 25th of July 2021 alongside seven other passengers on Rwandan Airline in transit from South Africa at 1:30pm. After the usual rigorous reconciliation of headcount at the Port Health Authority, it was discovered that six of the passengers, including Adeleke, could not be accounted for. Even though Adeleke had made the required payment for COVID tests and the mandatory isolation prior to leaving South Africa, she left the airport in Lagos knowing full well that she was contravening the law and her passport was retained by the Nigerian Port Health Authority.

However, 10 days later, on the 5th of August 2021, the Medical Director of the Mainland Hospital (Infectious Disease Hospital), Yaba, Dr. Abimbola Bowale reported that Adeleke who was now on an absconded list had returned because she could not retrieve her passport without fulfilling her obligation to quarantine at one of the designated hotels of her choice in Lagos. Her payment was confirmed, and she was informed she had to continue her quarantine for the next 7 days before being released. This information was communicated to her, and she was also provided with a list of available isolation hotels. She selected an option for her isolation, which only caters for accommodation without feeding. This was brought to her attention that feeding would be a separate arrangement with the hotel.

It is worthy of note that hotels that are utilized for the isolation of ‘Passengers of Interest’ (POIs) from the red listed countries also accommodate other guests on the condition that entire floors are dedicated to isolating these passengers without mixing with other guests. Whilst it is partly the responsibility of the hotel to inform passengers of their need to stay within their rooms, it is the responsibility of the passengers in quarantine to adhere to the laid down protocols or face the consequences of the law if otherwise.


Adeleke’s day-two test was conducted on the 6th of August 2021 and the result came out negative, but her day seven test on the 14th was positive which required extension of her isolation. She argued that she could not have been positive and requested a repeat test. A new sample was done by the Lagos State Government at no cost to Adeleke, which was performed on the 16th of August 2021 and released on the 17th of August 2021. The repeat test returned positive.

On the 17th of August, the hotel management called our attention to a man at the facility, claiming to be Adeleke’s father, attempting to forcibly take her away, irrespective of her status. The hotel was asked to allow her to leave as they were being violent and creating a scene. Since this incident, Adeleke has made sensational news to avoid being penalized for her actions. In summary, she avoided initial isolation by absconding to Ibadan, despite being aware of the protocol and only returned to try and collect her passport.

Following our investigations and evidence produced, her claims are totally false, and she would be made to face the consequences of the Coronavirus Law of 2021 based on the allegations that have been levelled against her in a court of law.


We make bold to say that we are not deterred by this frivolous campaign to ridicule the Federal and State public laws targeted to mitigate the third wave of infections and halt the spread of COVID, particularly because the deadly new strains have the potential to cause massive sickness and death.


Since the commencement of the isolation of passengers from the red listed countries, the Lagos State response has successfully quarantined 4,448 passengers as at the 19th of August 2021 and identified 58 POIs who tested positive to the COVID-19 virus despite a negative test on arrival; and would have hitherto contributed to the ongoing third wave which has claimed over 500 deaths recorded at our isolation centers. The State Government is, in fact, now more committed than ever to fully implementing all COVID protocols without fear or favor. Our conviction of ensuring public health security and safety outweighs any other considerations.


Severe sanctions await inbound travelers and passengers who flout the protocol of the Federal and State COVID pandemic law. Citizens need to realize that we are in the middle of a serious pandemic and that it is through shared responsibilities that we can overcome this pandemic. Residents are also encouraged to resist the urge of supporting passengers in defaulting the required protocols.

Signed

‘Tunbosun Ogunbanwo


Director, Public Affairs

Ministry of Health, Lagos State.

22nd August 2021

COVID 3RD WAVE: CORPORATE ENTITIES DONATES MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, CONSUMABLES TO LAGOS

20/08/21

DANIELS G.O

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

PRESS RELEASE

COVID 3RD WAVE: CORPORATE ENTITIES DONATES MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, CONSUMABLES TO LAGOS

Lagos State Government today received medical equipment and consumables from two corporate entities – the New Born Essential Solutions and Technologies (NEST 360), and the Capital Market Support Committee on COVID-19 for the effective management of the third wave of COVID-19 in the state.

Items donated by NEST 360 represented by Dr. Opeyemi Odedere and Capital Market Support Committee on COVID-19 represented by the Chief Executive Officer of NASD-OTC Exchange, Mr. Bola Ajomale are; oxygen concentrator, radiant warmer, suction pumps and oxygen spitter.

Other items donated by the corporate entities include: 400 units of kn94 face marks, 400 units of face shields, hand held pulse oximeters and 2000 units of reusable protective suits.

Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi while receiving the materials at his office in Ikeja from representatives of the organizations commended the donors for recognizing that the battle against the virus is still on and raging.

He disclosed that government is currently undergoing stress in both in human and material resources as well as finance and economy because of the COVID pandemic adding that donations and support from the private sector and partners have always helped to ensure that the State is a step ahead of the virus.

While noting that the State is not out of the woods yet, the Commissioner stated that it is important to bear in mind that the virus is going around in circles. He added that it is not certain if the third wave is going to be the last wave or the state has to learn to live with COVID stressing that the fight against the infection is a shared responsibility that must be borne by all if the State is to triumph.

He said: “We are happy that you recognize that we are not out of the woods yet. COVID is going around in circles and waves, and as you know we are in our third wave now, we don’t know whether this will be the last wave or whether we are going to learn to live with COVID as a factor of life. We are very grateful that you recognized that the battle is still on”.

Abayomi stated that the Lagos State government remains committed to winning the war against COVID adding that the overarching goal of the government is to strike a balance between the management of the public health crisis and the economy. He noted that the responsibility of the government is to ensure that both citizens and the economy are healthy.

“Our objective is two fold, public health of our citizens and the economy. As a government it is our responsibility to ensure that both our citizens and economy are healthy. So it is a delicate balance between managing a public health crisis and managing the economy”, He said.

While assuring that the donated equipment and materials will be adequately deployed and put to good use, the Commissioner stated that some of the equipment will go a long way in assisting the government in its home base case management system.

“Some of these devices here are useful in terms of assessing the magnitude of systemic damage on the body and helps us to define the treatment we should adopt. As you know we are managing most patients at home because we are diagnosing thousands of patients and there is no room to keep all patients in a formal isolation centers which is not unique to Lagos.

“So, some of these devices will help us to know which patients should stay at home and which patients should be moved to the isolation centre”. He said

Speaking in the same vein, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Olusegun Ogboye opined that the COVID response in Lagos State would have been an uphill task without the support of the private sector adding that the State government will never take any support received from the private sector for granted.

He restated the commitment of the present administration to achieving its health and environment mandate of the THEMES agenda assuring that the State government will not relent in policy making and implementation geared towards the provision of qualitative health care delivery in the state.

Ogboye appreciated the donors and other stakeholders for extending their hands of support to the government in this perilous time adding that the support received by government gives a ray hope in the onslaught against COVID.

Signed

Tunbosun Ogunbanwo

Director, Public Affairs

19th August, 2021

UNICEF CONDEMNS DEATH OF 3 CHILDREN THROUGH UNEXPLODED ORDINANCE

15/08/21

DANIELS G.O

PRESS RELEASE

The United Nation’s Children Fund, UNICEF on Saturday, August 14, condemns the deaths of three children in Borno, north-east Nigeria, who were reportedly killed by unexploded remnants of war.

A statement by UNICEF Nigeria country representatives Peter Hawkins and released by Communication Specialist, Folashade Adebayo says the avoidable deaths of the children as young as 12 years who were playing on Mblu Bridge in Ngala, is yet another sad reminder that children remain direct and indirect targets of the protracted conflict wracking north-east Nigeria.

UNICEF notes that While three children have sadly lost their lives, three others are in critical conditions as two others nursing injuries sustained.

UNICEF says that In 12 years of protracted conflict in the north-east, thousands of children in the region have been killed, maimed, abducted, displaced, and experienced multiple violations of their human rights, adding it is deeply worried that conflict-affected children continue to be casualties of war.

UNICEF used the statement to extend its deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the families of the children killed, stressing that No family should have to go through this and no child should fall victim to unexploded remnants of war while playing,.

UNICEF says Children are at particular risk from unexploded ordnance, which are small enough to pick up or kick around, and which children can mistake for toys or objects of value and Such weapons account for over half of those killed or injured by landmines and other explosive remnants of war globally.

It says These deaths are unacceptable, calling on All sides in the ongoing conflict to protect children and prioritise their wellbeing at all times.

It further calls for Playing fields, schoolyards and communities as a must to be safe and habitable for children,’

According to UNICEF Children’s lives should not be at stake in a conflict they didn’t start, highlighting the need to address the shrinking safe spaces for children and ensure that children especially those already affected by conflict are protected and have a chance to survive and fulfill their potential.

LAGOS FULLY ACTIVATES COVID-19 OXYGEN TREATMENT AND SAMPLE COLLECTION CENTRES

11/08/21

DANIELS G. O

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

PRESS RELEASE

LAGOS FULLY ACTIVATES COVID-19 OXYGEN TREATMENT AND SAMPLE COLLECTION CENTRES

As part of efforts to mitigate the effect of the third wave of COVID-19 infection in Lagos State, the State Government through its Incident Command Structure has fully activated 10 COVID Oxygen Treatment and Sample Collection Centres as well as20 Local Government Area (LGA) Based COVID Sample Collection Sites.

Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi who disclosed this today while reviewing reports of operations at the centres noted that the centres which were established during hit of the first and second waves of the global pandemic have been rejigged and reinvigorated to provide swift oxygen therapy to residents who require it and easy access to COVID testing for citizens who needed to test for COVID infection.

He explained that the 10 COVID Oxygen Treatment and Sample Collection Centres were established as dual purpose facilities and strategically located in 10 local government areas with a high burden of COVID infection cases to provide oxygen support and serve as COVID sample collection base to residents.

According to him, “the 20 Local Government Area (LGA) Based COVID Sample Collection Sites are community-based sites operated by the Medical Officers of Health in each of the 20 LGAs and supervised by the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board in collaboration with the Lagos State Biobank to increase the ease of access of residents to testing”.

“The reactivation of these centres and sites are part of the strategies adopted in response to the recent increase in COVID-19 infection occasioned by the third wave of new strains. The Oxygen Treatment Centres will support patients with Oxygen while the LGA Based Sample Collection Sites will service patients with any of the COVID symptoms or who are exposed to a confirmed COVID case”, Abayomi noted.

He noted the State government is doing all within its powers to ramp up testing and improve on its management of COVID cases by providing citizens with support and seamless access to quality and efficient COVID care services to lower the curve of COVID third wave and prevent the infection from further spreading.

The Commissioner urged citizens who will be visiting these centres to observe and adhere strictly to all non-pharmaceutical interventions of face mask use, social distancing and hand hygiene as part of the protocols to prevent spread of the infection at the sites. He noted that officials at the sites have been instructed to ensure full compliance to COVID protocols.

Find attached the list of the centres and sites.

Signed

Tunbosun Ogunbanwo

Director, Public Affairs

12th August, 2021

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT SHUTS 20 PHARMACIES AND PATENT MEDICINE STORES

11/08/21

DANIELS G. O

PRESS RELEASE

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

PRESS RELEASE

LASG SHUTS 20 PHARMACIES AND PATENT MEDICINE STORES

Lagos State Taskforce on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods has shut 20 pharmacies and patent medicine stores at Shomolu, Bariga and Oworonshoki Areas of the State.

Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi who disclosed this Thursday after reviewing the report of the recent monitoring, inspection and enforcement exercises carried out by the Taskforce, explained that the affected pharmacies and patent medicine stores were shut for contravening regulations guiding the operations of pharmacies and patent medicine stores, including indulging in illegal practices and failing to comply with regulatory standard.

“The sealing of the affected pharmacies and patent medicine stores was in accordance with the provisions of Section C34 of the Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods Miscellaneous Provision Act of 1999”, he noted.

Abayomi explained further that the affected pharmacies and patent medicine shops were sealed for offences including inappropriate storage conditions of drugs, absence of licenced pharmacists during business hours, selling of drugs not on the approved list and the display of expired drugs for sale.

While noting that only licensed patent medicine vendors are authorized to sell drug products in their original and approved pack size as produced by the manufacturing companies, he stated that the law prohibits wholesaling of drugs by patent medicine vendors and also prohibits wholesalers from operating beyond their scope.

According to the Commissioner, the recent operation by the Taskforce is in continuation of the war being waged against fake drugs and illegal drug shops in Lagos by the Governor Babajide led administration.

Abayomi promised that the activities of the State Task Force on Fake Drugs would not only be sustained, but intensified until stakeholders in the pharmaceutical value chain appreciates the need to adhere strictly to the provisions of the law.

Speaking in the same vein, Director Pharmaceutical Services in the Ministry, Mrs. Oyebisi Omolambe said that the State Government will not relent in its efforts to stop the inherent dangers associated with the operations from unlicensed pharmaceutical outlets and drug shops.

She added that the Task Force through the Pharmaceutical Inspectorate Unit (PIU) of the Pharmaceutical Services Directorate has been re-energized to intensify the on-going war against fake, expired and substandard drugs being peddled by unlicensed and illegal premises.

“This closure is thus part of the government’s renewed efforts to sanitize the drug distribution system and curb proliferation of fake drugs in the State” She said.

The enforcement and compliance raid by the State Task force on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods was carried out in collaboration with the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Pharmacists’ Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Federal Taskforce on fake drugs and the Police Officers from Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Task Force) of Lagos Police Command.

Signed

Tunbosun Ogunbanwo

Director, Public Affairs

12th August , 2021

MODULAR HEALTH CARE FACILITY, A LATEST INNOVATION IN LAGOS STATE

10/08/21

DANIELS G.O

PRESS RELEASE

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

PRESS RELEASE

LAGOS LAUDS MODULAR HEALTHCARE FACILITY INNOVATION

… To Partner Organization on Deployment of the facility to improve health access

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has described the Modular Healthcare Facility (MHF), recently launched by Alpha Mead Healthcare Management Services (AMHS) as an exciting innovation that will boost access to healthcare in Nigeria.

The MHF, is a fully-equipped healthcare facility that can be built and operational within 30 days. It is a prefabricated, customizable, and transportable porta cabin with installed medical equipment and healthcare technology applications that can be set on wheels, coupled together, and start operations in a few days. The MHF is equipped with Radiology Information System, Picture Archiving Communication System (RISPACS), Enterprise Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Telehealth infrastructure for real-time reporting of investigation and remote consultation.

Speaking to journalists after the inspection and walkthrough of the MHF at the Gbagada General Hospital earlier today, the Commissioner said: “It’s innovative; nice. It’s well organized and clean. It has a robust array of facilities within it and can be used in specific locations. I’m happy to see it’s an indigenous product; it has all the required technical backdrops. It’s also energy conscious. It’s mobile”.

The Commissioner also expressed the Government’s willingness to collaborate with AMHS to deploy the facility, noting that the MHF will come handy in interim and stop-gap situations where the government hasn’t erected physical structures yet. “I can see opportunities here,” he noted.

Briefing the Commissioner before the walkthrough of the facility, Engr. Femi Akintunde, Group Managing Director, Alpha Mead Group – the parent company of AMHS, disclosed how the company came by the exciting innovation and its benefits.

He explained that Alpha Mead was inspired by the need to take quality healthcare facilities to all Nigerians and reduce the construction timeline of a healthcare facility to less than 30 days – saving the time lost to design, construction, equipment installation and commissioning of regular brick and mortar healthcare facilities.

Akintunde further explained that the MHF is not a replacement for hospitals but designed to complement gaps in healthcare, especially leverage its mobility feature.

The GMD, who thanked the State Government for allowing the company to set up the facility at the Gbagada General Hospital, further disclosed that the MHF leverages technology to connect patients with medical doctors anywhere through its telemedicine facilities.

On his part, Managing Director, AMHS, Kunle Omidiora, said the facility is coming to bridge the widening gap in access to quality healthcare in Nigeria.

He said: “From whatever lens one chooses to view the challenges with the healthcare sector in Nigeria today; whether financial, personnel, equipment, systems or technologies; the biggest challenge with Nigeria’s healthcare sector is that of access to quality healthcare”.

“This challenge is costing our nation a great deal. For example, a USAID report noted that Nigeria shoulders up to 10% of the global disease burden. The report noted further that this situation is caused by lack of access to quality healthcare facilities and workers, particularly in the rural areas”.

He furthered that challenge can be put in context when squared against 2019 data from Nigeria Health Facility Register (NHFR).

“According to the report, Nigeria has 40,345 registered hospitals and clinics to serve the 201 million population. This simply implies that one healthcare facility is responsible for an estimated five million Nigerians”, Omidiora explained.

Signed

Tunbosun Ogunbanwo

Director, Public Affairs

W.H.O CONFIRMS MARBURG VIRUS,A DISEASE WORSE THAN COVID-19 IN WEST AFRICA

10/08/21

DANIELS G.O

PRESS RELEASE

WHO ON MARBURG VIRUS

The world health organisation africa regional director moeti matshidiso has confirmed the outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Guinea.
The confirmation was made in a press release while applauding Guinea health workers for their alertness and quick investigative action.
This is the first time Marburg virus, a highly infectious disease that causes hemorrhagic fever has been identified in Guinea and in West Africa.

Marburg, which is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola, was detected less than two months after Guinea declared an end to an Ebola outbreak that erupted earlier this year. Samples taken from a now-deceased patient and tested by a field laboratory in Gueckedou as well as Guinea’s national haemorrhagic fever laboratory turned out positive for the Marburg virus. Further analysis by the Institut Pasteur in Senegal confirmed the result.
The WHO regional director says the Marburg virus has potential to spread far .

She stated that the WHO is working closing with Guinea health authorities to implement a swift response that builds on guineas past experience and expertise in managing ebola which is transmitted in a similar way.

Marburg virus is transmitted to humans from fruit bats. Like Ebola, which comes from the same family of viruses, it is spread between people via direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces or materials.

WHO says Efforts are underway to find the people who may have been in contact with the patient.