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World Aids Day: Nigerian government commits to increased testing

Health

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December 2, 2020

By Gloria Essien, Abuja

The Nigerian government says it would leave no one behind and make sure no one dies as a result of HIV in the country.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, made the promise at an event organised by the National Agency for the Control of Aids, to mark World Aids Day 2020, in Abuja.

He said that Nigeria as a country aligns fully with the global solidarity and shared responsibility which requires the country to view global health responses, including the AIDS response, in a new way.

“The appropriation and release of a minimum of 1% of consolidated revenue from the federation account to the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund has provided a strong financial base for sustained funding of primary health care and set the tone for the implementation of State Social Health Insurance Schemes nationwide. It is my recommendation that all States fully implement Social Health Insurance Schemes with the integration of HIV prevention and treatment services,” Boss Mustapha said.

He also urged drug manufacturers in Nigeria to, in line with the President’s Executive Order on local content expedite efforts towards the production of Anti-Retroviral Drugs and HIV test kits within the Country.

“To this end the Nigerian Government is grateful to all our Partners, The United States Government, United Nations Joint Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS) and indeed the UN system, The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria for their collaborative roles in supporting HIV Prevention and Treatment services in Nigeria. 1 therefore call on the private sector to work more with NACA and the Nigerian Business Coalition against AIDS for a sustained access to life saving medicines, vaccines and diagnostics,” Mustapha said.

He therefore assured stakeholders of Government’s commitment to ensure human rights are respected, rights of women and girls as well as gender equality are at the centre of providing health services as we work towards zero new HIV infections by 2030 and attaining the 95:95:95 global HIV/AIDS Targets.

The Nigerian minister of health, Dr. Osagie, encouraged all Nigerians to take up the responsibility of knowing their HIV status by going for a test.

“I acknowledge improvements in HIV treatment coverage despite COVID-19 Induced disruptions. By the end of June this year, we had 1,228,100 patients on ART, a good 150,000 patients more than we had in June last year, and a fulfillment of the pledge made by His Excellency the President, to increase the number of persons on HIV medication,” Dr. Ehanire said.

He also said that there is need to continue to raise awareness about HIV, promote the rights of people living with HIV, and importantly, ensure access to life-saving HIV medicines for them.

“This year has been unique because of the new challenges to our Health System and our lives brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, in spite of which, I am pleased to note we are still on track to ending the AIDS epidemic in Nigeria,” The minister said.

He also stressed that the theme for this year, ‘United to End AIDS in the Midst of COVID-19’, is about shared responsibility. Shared responsibility is no longer an option.

“We reaffirm the critical role of country ownership and sustainability as important elements of the endeavor, including domestic investment, an enabling environment and ensuring people-centered policy-making and implementation. It has also been demonstrated that community-led actions can help improve access and quality of services.

’’We are committed to achieving epidemic control and the goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. We know that intensive effort will be required to achieve this. It is against this background that the National Treatment and PMTCT Programme – NTPP – has been reinvigorated, with the support of our partners, to strengthen the health sector response. We have also adopted new, evidence-based approaches that ensure services are accessible to everyone needing it. The new National Guidelines for Prevention, Treatment and Care and the National Acceleration Plan for Paediatric and Adolescent HIV Treatment and Care are examples of two initiatives which we shall be presenting here today,” Dr. Ehanire added.

In his welcome address, the Director General of the National Agency for the Control of Aids, NACA, Dr. Gambo Aliyu, encourage all Nigerians to take up the responsibility of knowing their HIV status by going for a test.

On his part, the World Health Organisation Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Mulombo said: “December 1 every year, the global community comes together to mark World AIDS Day to show support for people living with HIV and to remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS.

”Globally, there are 38 million people living with HIV and 67% of them are living in the WHO African Region. In 2019, more than 1 million people in the Region were newly infected with HIV, accounting for 60% of the global total, and sadly, 440,000 people in the Region died from HIV-related causes.”

Other partners at the event also pledged more support for HIV response in Nigeria.

Power Sector Reform Bill passes second reading

Nigeria

Nnenna Okoronkwo

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December 2, 2020

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Lawan Hamidu, Abuja

The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigerian Electric Power Sector Reforms Act 2010.

The amendment is to provide for Electricity Distribution Companies to Reimburse any Power Consumer who incurs expenses in the Acquisition and Maintenance of Electricity Apparatus Connected to the National Grid.

Mr. Rollannd Igbakpa, while leading the debate said the bill will seek to ensure Nigerians enjoy affordable and safe electricity.

Mr. Igbakpa stated that “the Bill is people-oriented, seeking to ensure Nigerians enjoy affordable and safe electricity.

It is not a progressive practice for Nigerians to have to repair or replace electricity transformers without due compensation, this is to their disenfranchisement.”

He blamed some of the exorbitant expenses consumers expend to carry out these services on negligence on the part of the electricity distribution companies.

Magaji Da’u Aliyu a member from Jigawa State while speaking against the Bill stated that the electricity distribution companies have suffered tremendously due to lack of infrastructure and availability of the duly required enabling environment to thrive.

He said “The companies have just begun to break even due to the unfavorable business environment of the past.

However the distribution companies have assured us that they will continue to act in favour of consumers.”

Mr. Ndudi Elumelu while contributing to debate stated that the Bill would ensure the right of Nigerians as it relates to electricity service-delivery were respected.

Nnenna.O

Zimbabwe limits all public gatherings surge COVID-19 cases

Africa

Hauwa Mustapha

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December 2, 2020

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The Zimbabwean government has limited the number of people permitted at any public gathering to 100 to avoid confusion and violation of COVID-19 restrictions.

The government had specified different numbers for various types of public gatherings as a way to control the spread of the pandemic.

But addressing a post-cabinet media briefing, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the different numbers were causing confusion and violation of COVID-19 restrictions.

“Accordingly, henceforth, the number of people permitted at any gathering is restricted to 100, irrespective of what the gathering is being convened for,” she said.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government had imposed a limit of 100 people or less for church gatherings and 50 people or less at funerals but this was later relaxed as the rate of new infections declined around September.

Mutsvangwa said in view of the need to promote the tourism sector, closing hours for restaurants have been extended from the current 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and for the operators to continue strictly observing COVID-19 prevention guidelines.

“Cabinet takes this opportunity to call upon all citizens to strictly adhere to COVID-19 protective and preventive guidelines in order to arrest the surge in confirmed cases,” Mutsvangwa said.

As of Monday, Zimbabwe had recorded 10,034 COVID-19 cases, 8,489 recoveries and 277 deaths.

Meanwhile, the country reopened a number of its busiest land borders on Tuesday to private motorists and pedestrians under a phased reopening of ports of entry and exit.

Hauwa Mustapha

Minister calls for dignity in reportage of people with disability

Health

Aisha John-Mark

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December 2, 2020

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By Rahila Lassa, Abuja

The Nigerian Government has urged the Media to disseminate issues that affect Persons with Disabilities to the members of the society with dignity.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, made the call at a media briefing ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Abuja, Nigeria.

She said, the role of the media is key to influencing and encouraging inclusiveness of the Persons with Disabilities in all aspects of the society.

“We will continue to count on your robust collaboration towards achieving our common goal,” She said

The Minister also commended the resilience and determination of the Persons with Disabilities in different fields of endeavor and their contribution to nation building.

According to her, the Federal Government is committed to ensuring that persons living with disabilities have access to education, employment, social protection, health and other essential services.

“I urge us all to be sensitive to the needs of persons with disabilities and the protection of their rights by supporting the provision of an enabling environment that will promote the realization of their potentials, to enable them live fulfilled lives and make meaningful contributions to societal growth and development,” the Minister reiterated.

Farouq noted that the Ministry will continue to collaborate with various stakeholders and partners to achieve its aims and objectives on issues of disabilities in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, the Director Humanitarian Affairs in the Ministry, Alhaji Goni Grema said the day was intended to prompt member States and other disability stakeholders to focus on issues relating to total inclusion of Persons with Disabilities.

The theme for this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities which is celebrated on 3rd of every December is, Building Back better: Toward a disability- Inclusive, Accessible and Sustainable post covid-19 world.

R/Madrid faces UCL exit after defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk

Sports

Aisha John-Mark

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December 2, 2020

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Second half goals from Dentinho and Manor Solomon secured a 2-0 win for Shakhtar Donetsk over Real Madrid in Group B of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.

The defeat leaves Madrid’s fate in reaching the knockout stages out of their hands heading into the final round of matches.

The 13-times European Cup winners went behind in the 57th minute when substitute Dentinho capitalised on a lapse in concentration from defender Raphael Varane to score.

Second half goals from Dentinho and Manor Solomon secured a 2-0 win for Shakhtar Donetsk over Real Madrid in Group B of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.

The defeat leaves Madrid’s fate in reaching the knockout stages out of their hands heading into the final round of matches.

The 13-times European Cup winners went behind in the 57th minute when substitute Dentinho capitalised on a lapse in concentration from defender Raphael Varane to score.

Israeli forward Solomon then wrapped up the home side’s shock win over the Spanish champions in the 82nd with a solo run on the counter and finish into the bottom corner.

Dentinho came on in the first half to replace striker Junior Moraes, who was injured after being hauled down by Varane in a bid to prevent the forward racing towards goal unchallenged.

Shakhtar, who beat Madrid 3-2 away in October, are second in Group B on seven points, level with Zinedine Zidane’s Real side but ahead due to their superior head-to-head record.

In the other early fixture, Salzburg defeated Lokomotiv Moscow 3-1 in Russia.

Borno killings: Reps advocate state of emergency

Nnenna Okoronkwo

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December 2, 2020

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Lawan Hamidu, Abuja

The Nigerian House of Representatives has called for a state of emergency in the North East following the recent killings in Borno State.

The Reps also resolved to invite President Muhammadu Buhari over the deteriorating security situation in the country especially in the North East.

This followed the adoption of a motion under matters of urgent public importance on the urgent need to investigate and condemn the needless killing of over 40 farmers in Borno State by suspected Boko haram insurgents.

Members were unanimous that the killing of the innocent farmers underscored the need for state of emergency on security across the country.

Presenting the motion on behalf of the fifteen other lawmakers from across the country, Alhaji Ahmad Santomi from Borno State described the incidence as heartless and brutal calling for urgent measures to deal with the insurgents.

“Our people are in two different extreme conditions, in one hand if they stayed at home they may be killed by hunger and starvation, on the other hand if they go out to their farmlands they are at risk of getting killed by the insurgents.

Worried by the inability by the military and other security forces to avert the continuous wanton killing of Boko Haram insurgents, bandits and terrorists in the North East and across the country.” Satomi argued.

Mr. Toby Okechukwu from Enugu State while contributing, proposed an amendment to the prayers of the motion that the House Committees on Army and Defense should ascertain the Defense Industry Corporation of Nigeria, DICON “on the preparedness of the organization to manufacture arms and ammunition for the Nigerian army and investigate and ascertain the state of the arms that should have been imported long ago.”

Soon after, Ahmad Jaha also a member from Borno State raised a point of order, citing that one of the prayers of the motion “To Invite the President to address the lawmakers over the insecurity” was removed.

Mr. Jaha explained that Sponsor and Co-Sponsors of the motion have agreed on the motion and that the particular prayer should not have removed.

The Speaker of the House, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila while relating and understanding the emotions of Mr. Jaha and other members, called for understanding as the channel of explaining security issues is confidential.

The Speaker also explained that “the prayer for the motion on the need to declare a state of emergency on security issues should suffice for the yearnings of all parties and ensure all far-reaching measures are achieved.”

The Leader of the House, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa and Shehu Koko from Kebbi State pleaded for understanding among members so that the government will discharge its duties of providing for the security and wellness of citizens.

On Saturday, suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked and killed forty three rice farmers in Zabamari, few kilometers away from Maiduguri, Borno State, North East Nigeria.

Nnenna.O

KADMAM calls for monitoring of Covid-19 equipment in health facilities

Health

Aisha John-Mark

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December 2, 2020

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By Asma’u Halilu, Kaduna

The Kaduna Maternal Accountability Mechanism, KADMAM has called for proper monitoring mechanism to be put in place to ensure effective distribution and utilization of Personal Protective Equipment PPE against covid-19 in all facilities across Kaduna State.

The call was contained in KADMAM’s Rapid Assessment Response Report from July to September 2020 which was availed to newsmen in Kaduna.

The report recommended the need for the provision of sufficient Personal Protective Equipment to the health facilities as some of those facilities are receiving gloves and masks in pieces.

KADMAM also lamented shortfall in the provision of PPEs to Primary Health Centres in Kaduna State.

The organization noted that, almost 50 percent of the health facilities have inadequate PPEs while 30 percent of the PHCs virtually have none at all.

“The Primary Health Centres being the first line of support in communities are relatively informed on Covid-19 health protocol. However, there is shortfall in provision with PPEs.”

On Primary Health Care centres rebuilt by the Kaduna State government, the assessment indicated the need for immediate facility upgrade to provide sufficient space for smooth operations, pointing out that most of the offices are used for multiple functions simultaneously.

Reporting on the security architecture of the health centres, the assessment pointed that, 30 percent of the PHCs that have Security personnel complain of inconsistency and poor capacity to protect the facilities against vandals.

While commenting on Secondary and Tertiary health facilities in the State, KADMAM observed that most of them are ready but however noted that, the Isolation centres have recorded only a few covid-19 critical cases to test its capabilities.

It further assessed that while most of the testing facilities cannot collect covid-19 samples, those with the capacity have a near 100 percent result in comparison to other facilities in terms of samples collected.

“Only one facility was reported to have non-functional laboratory as at the time of this survey”.

According to KADMAM, Partnership to Engage Reform and Learn, PERL and the new Lafiya Project collaborated to support KADMAM as well as the Media, Civil Society Organizations and relevant stakeholders to monitor 30 Secondary and 66 Primary Health Care facilities to ascertain the level of impact financially and resource-wise in response to Covid-19 in Kaduna State.

Vice-President Osinbajo Commissions Infectious Diseases and Research Centre

Health

Aisha John-Mark

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December 2, 2020

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Amina Mohammed, Lafia

Nigeria’s Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has paid a one day working visit to Nasarawa State where he commissioned the State Infectious Diseases, Diagnosis and Research Centre, Lafia.

The centre which is first of its kind in West Africa was described by the Vice-President as a land mark achievement that needs to be celebrated which is why he is in the state to personally commission what he called “phenomenal achievement of the world standard.”

Stressing that, there are only, but three of such centres in the country, while “with the completion of Nasarawa centre it has brought the number to four”.

Professor Osinbajo commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for having the zeal of continuity in governance.

Governor Abdullahi Sule said the state Infectious Disease, Diagnosis and Research Centre which was assessed and proved by National Centre For Disease Control NCDC as one of the best diagnostic Centre in Nigeria is to conduct clinical trials on local vaccines, among other things

“I need to state that, before now, the diagnosis of several infectious diseases, such as lassa fever, yellow fever, measles, cerebrospinal meningitis, as well as the current Covid-19 pandemic, were conducted outside the State. However, with the establishment of the Centre and its full operation, the perennial diagnosis and managing challenges of infectious diseases previously experienced will become a thing of the past and treatments of such ailments will be greatly enhanced”. Governor Sule noted.

While commending his predecessor for initiating the project Governor Sule said he is committed to completing projects started by past governments that will have direct bearing on the lives of the people of the state.

The State Commissioner for Health, Pharmacist Ahmed Yahaya, said: “Before the completion of the Diagnosis Center in the state, specimens were taken to very far Centers where it takes days before the results were brought back to the state. Adding that, the completion of the Center has brought relief to both government and the people of the state.”

He praised the efforts of the Governor Sule, for ensuring the speedy completion and equipping of the center, which he described as, “the best both in the country and Africa”.

The Vice President also launched a Job Fair on Employability and Entrepreneurship for Youths of Nasarawa State and Commissioned Nasarawa Lottery Hotel just as he paid a condolence visit to the house of late APC state chairman, Philip Shekwo.

https://twitter.com/akandeoj/status/1333779410969714692

South Africa takes over UN Security Council presidency

Africa

Hauwa Mustapha

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December 2, 2020

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South Africa has assumed the rotating monthly presidency of the United Nations Security Council.

During the month, South Africa will focus on strengthening the cooperation between African Union (AU) and United Nations. Emphasizing the importance of a proactive approach to the maintenance of international peace and security, particularly in the form of drawing greater attention to “preventative diplomacy mechanisms,” Jerry Matjila, permanent representative of South Africa to the UN and president of the Security Council for the month of December, told journalists during a hybrid press briefing at the UN headquarters in New York.

This is South Africa’s second presidency during its two-year (2019-2020) elected term on the council.

December will also be the country’s final month on the council during its current term.

In December, there will be a ministerial-level debate on “Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace: Security Sector Governance and Reform,” said Matjila, adding that the country is organizing a high-level open videoconferences debate on cooperation between the UN and AU peace and security architectures.

As its third signature event, South Africa has chosen to have a briefing on “the promotion and strengthening of the rule of law, focusing on strengthening the cooperation between the Security Council and the International Court of Justice.”

In relation to other African issues, an adoption is anticipated to renew the mandate of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with a briefing and consultations ahead of the renewal.

There are meetings related to Sudan and South Sudan as well.

On South Sudan, there will be a briefing and consultations on the activities of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, as well as a briefing by the chair of the 2206 South Sudan Sanctions Committee.

On Iran, the council is scheduled to receive the secretary-general’s report on the implementation of Resolution 2231, which in 2015 endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran’s nuclear program.

According to Matjila, there will also be regular meetings on Syria, Yemen and the situation in the Middle East, a quarterly meeting on Afghanistan and the semi-annual debate on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals.

The council will also be watching developments in Ethiopia, Western Sahara and Nagorno-Karabakh, said the ambassador.

Hauwa Mustapha

Kwara govt reaffirms support for HIV response in the state

Emmanuel Ukoh

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December 1, 2020

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The Kwara State Government has vowed not to relent in its efforts to protect and improve the healthcare of its people.

The state Deputy Governor and Chairman, Kwara State AIDS Control Agency, Mr Kayode Alabi made this known on Tuesday as the state joined the world to celebrate 2020 World AIDS day in his Office.

Mr Alabi said the Kwara State Government had continued the sustainability of HIV intervention gains by supporting the Kwara State AIDS Control Agency despite the emergence of COVID-19 and declining financial resources.

He added that despite the setback suffered in the fight against HIV/AIDS due to Covid-19, the State in partnership with the implementing partners have devised newer strategies and approaches at ensuring people living with HIV get the required care.

He lauded international donors’ support through the implementing partners for making the State achieve low prevalence, according to Nigeria AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey 2018 report.

The Project Manager, Kwara State AIDS Control Agency, Dr Saleem Alabi, said the State had been using the health and the non-health sectoral approach in curbing the spread of HIV in the State.

He added that Covid-19 had limited the access of people living with HIV(PLHIV) to antiretroviral drugs in hospitals, especially during the lockdown.

Dr Alabi said the state government and partners subsequently decided to provide PLHIVs with medicines that could last for months.

Present at the event were Mr Owolabi Razak, Chairman, House Committee on Health and Environment, Commissioner for Health, Dr Raji Razak, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Abubakar Ayinla, Implementing Partners and other stakeholders.

By Tunde Akanbi, Ilorin

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