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January 9, 2025 HMPV: NCDC Assures Nigerians of No Immediate Threat
IFMNEWS

HMPV: NCDC Assures Nigerians of No Immediate Threat

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has assured Nigerians that the country is not under any immediate threat from the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).

Addressing concerns about the virus, which has caused outbreaks in some parts of the world, NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris explained that the situation in Nigeria remains stable.

“Let me emphasize, there’s no serious threat for now,” Idris said on Thursday. “HMPV is not a new virus. It’s just less known, but it has been associated with respiratory infections, particularly in children and the elderly, over the years.”

The NCDC chief likened HMPV to other common respiratory viruses like influenza and reassured the public that the virus is not an immediate danger in Nigeria.

“We are actively monitoring the situation. So far, there have been no reported cases in Nigeria, and we are in a preparedness phase,” he said. “We take directives from the World Health Organization (WHO), which ensures countries report potential threats to prepare globally. That’s precisely what we’re doing here.”

Dr. Idris highlighted that the country’s public health infrastructure, strengthened by previous responses to Ebola and COVID-19, is well-positioned to address any potential outbreak.

To reduce the risk of respiratory infections, including HMPV, the NCDC recommended avoiding crowded spaces, frequent handwashing, and maintaining good personal hygiene.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and urged citizens to remain vigilant but not alarmed.

August 16, 2024 NCDC Reports 39 Mpox Cases in Nigeria, No Deaths
IFMNEWS

NCDC Reports 39 Mpox Cases in Nigeria, No Deaths

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported 39 confirmed cases of mpox with no deaths across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory. NCDC Director General, Jide Idris, disclosed this during a press briefing on Thursday, following the declaration of mpox as a public health emergency of international concern.

Idris stated that the NCDC is intensifying its surveillance efforts nationwide to quickly identify and respond to any new cases. All port health services at Nigeria’s five international airports, ten seaports, and 51 land and foot crossing borders have been placed on high alert. Additionally, certain states, including Lagos, Enugu, Kano, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, Taraba, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, have been prioritized for heightened vigilance.

On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the mpox outbreak in Africa a global public health emergency due to the rising number of cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and its spread to neighboring countries. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced that an emergency committee had met and advised that the situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, a recommendation he accepted.

Tedros emphasized that the situation requires global attention, and WHO is committed to coordinating a global response, working closely with affected countries to prevent transmission, treat those infected, and save lives.

The decision follows the African Union’s health watchdog’s declaration of a public health emergency over the growing outbreak. Mpox, which was first identified in humans in the DRC in 1970, has now spread to other countries. Tedros noted that the more than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths reported this year in the DRC alone have already surpassed last year's total.

August 14, 2024 Resident Doctors Threaten Strike Over Colleague’s Prolonged Abduction
IFMNEWS

Resident Doctors Threaten Strike Over Colleague’s Prolonged Abduction

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has warned that they will initiate a nationwide strike if their abducted colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, is not released by August 26. NARD President, Dr. Dele Abdullahi, made this announcement during a press briefing in Abuja, expressing the association's frustration with the government's inaction regarding the abduction.

Dr. Ganiyat, a registrar at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, was kidnapped on December 27, 2023, along with her husband and nephew. Although her husband was released in March, Dr. Ganiyat and her nephew remain in captivity.

Abdullahi explained that NARD had promptly informed all relevant security agencies and government bodies, including the Nigerian Medical Association and the Ministries of Health and Labour, urging them to act swiftly for her rescue. Despite these efforts, there has been little progress.

Abdullahi emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of healthcare workers in Nigeria, especially given the critical need for their presence in the country. He noted that the association has repeatedly reached out to security agencies and government officials but has yet to engage directly with them about the situation.

NARD plans to hold a national press conference and organize protests at tertiary hospitals across the country to demand Dr. Ganiyat's release. The association has also stated that they will begin industrial action on August 26 if she is not freed by that date.

While acknowledging the efforts of concerned Nigerians and security forces, NARD urged the government to take more decisive action to secure Dr. Ganiyat’s release. Abdullahi expressed dismay that a healthcare provider has been held captive for over seven months without any clear plan for her rescue.

July 3, 2024 63 Die As Cholera Continues To Spread
IFMNEWS

63 Die As Cholera Continues To Spread

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed that the cholera outbreak has now spread to 33 states, with 63 deaths reported in recent weeks, further exacerbating the already critical situation in Nigeria. This information was disclosed on Tuesday during a press conference in Abuja by Dr. Jide Idris, the Director General of the NCDC.

Dr. Idris highlighted a significant rise in cases since the last NCDC report on June 24, which noted the pandemic in 31 states, 107 LGAs, and 54 deaths. He mentioned that nearly 90% of the reported cases are concentrated in 10 states: Lagos, Bayelsa, Abia, Zamfara, Bauchi, Katsina, Cross River, Ebonyi, Rivers, and Delta.

To tackle the outbreak, Dr. Idris announced the establishment of the National Cholera Multisectoral Emergency Operation Centre (EOC), which enlists professionals for strategic coordination. The center convenes daily to provide stakeholders with periodic situation reports.

"This has ensured effective mobilization, harmonization, and distribution of resources to support the affected states," Dr. Idris said. The response covers various areas including coordination, surveillance, case management, infection prevention and control, risk communication, community engagement, water sanitation and hygiene, vaccination, logistics, and research, with a costed incidence action plan developed and being implemented.

He expressed optimism that these measures would expedite communication, data analysis, and decision-making. They will ensure the proper allocation of resources, strengthen surveillance and diagnostic capabilities, improve patient care, and enhance public awareness and community engagement initiatives.

Dr. Idris also noted that before the activation of the EOC, the NCDC had assessed cholera preparedness in 22 high-risk states through the National Cholera Technical Working Group. The states were informed of identified gaps to direct their pre-epidemic preparedness efforts.

He urged all stakeholders, including government agencies, subnational actors, partners, civil society organizations, medical professionals, local leaders, and citizens, to intensify efforts to contain the disease and prevent further fatalities. Additionally, he reminded medical professionals to always use gloves when handling patients and emphasized the importance of stepping up surveillance to promptly report suspected cholera cases.

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