Health News Of The Week

Cross River Confirms Mpox Case in Obudu, Ramps Up Containment Efforts
The Cross River government confirmed a case of mpox in the Okoshe community of Obudu LGA as of August 24, 2024, following an earlier report by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Initially denied by the state’s health commissioner, Henry Ayuk, the case was later validated by the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja. The government is now working to prevent an outbreak, with the commissioner, assuring that measures are being taken to contain the spread, including activating the Mpox Emergency Operation Center and directing local health teams to collaborate on mitigation efforts. The Nigerian Medical Association has urged the government to enhance surveillance due to the state’s vulnerability.
Peoples Gazette Nigeria - August 26, 2024

WHO Launches $135M Global Plan to Tackle Mpox, Targets High-Risk Groups
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a global Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan (SPRP) to combat human-to-human transmission of mpox, running from September 2024 to February 2025 with a funding requirement of $135 million. The plan emphasizes global, regional, and national coordination to enhance surveillance, ensure equitable access to diagnostics and vaccines, reduce animal-to-human transmission, and empower communities. Strategic vaccination will target high-risk individuals, including healthcare workers. The plan follows a public health emergency declaration by WHO on August 14, with WHO collaborating closely with international and regional partners, including Africa CDC, to lead response efforts, especially in the most affected regions. 
Peoples Gazette Nigeria - August 27, 2024

Northern Nigeria's First Geriatrics Ward Opens at AKTH, Enhancing Elderly Care
Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) has launched the first dedicated geriatrics ward in northern Nigeria, the Hajiya Ruƙayya Hassan Geriatrics Ward. The 25-bed facility focuses on elderly care, addressing conditions like arthritis, dementia, and diabetes. This marks a significant advancement in geriatric care in the North, following the establishment of Nigeria's first geriatric center in Ibadan. With over seven million elderly Nigerians in need of specialized care, the Federal Government plans to expand geriatric services nationwide through the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) and other initiatives.
Newsdiaryonline - August 26, 2024

NAFDAC Exposes Hazardous Bread Brands, Warns of Health Risks from Banned Additives
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised serious concerns about the safety of bread in Nigeria, revealing that several bread brands have failed laboratory tests. NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed that harmful chemicals, including the carcinogenic substance potassium bromate, were found in many bread samples across the country. Nutritionists and public health experts have warned about the severe health risks, including cancer, associated with consuming such substandard bread. NAFDAC has pledged to intensify monitoring and enforcement, urging consumers to be vigilant and report any suspicious products. The agency's actions highlight ongoing challenges in ensuring food safety in Nigeria, particularly within the bakery industry, where the use of banned substances and poor hygiene practices remain significant issues.
Independent - August 26, 2024

Nationwide Strike by Resident Doctors Over Abduction of Colleague
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) initiated a nationwide warning strike to protest the continued detention of their abducted colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola-Olawale. The strike, which began at midnight on Monday, August 26, 2024 and was called off on 2nd September, 2024 followed  the expiration of a two-week deadline given for her release. Dr. Popoola was kidnapped on December 27, 2023, in Kaduna State, along with her husband and nephew. While her husband was released in March 2024, Dr. Popoola and her nephew remain in captivity. The association expressed frustration over the lack of progress by security agencies in securing her release.

Independent - August 26, 2024