Health
Nigeria records 10 cases of COVID-19 Delta variant – NCDC
Nigeria has so far recorded 10 new cases of the Delta COVID-19 variant.
The Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu discled this at the ministerial briefing on COVID-19 in Abuja,
Our correspondent, reports that the Delta variant is recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a variant of concern, given its increased transmissibility.
The variant has so far been detected in over 90 countries.
Ihekweazu, who was represented by Mrs Elsie Ilori, Director of Disease Surveillance Department, CDC while, giving an update on the Nigeria’s COVID-19 situation, said that while progress had been made in response to the ongoing pandemic with the fact paced development of diagnostic, therapeutic, and vaccines globally, variants of concern with increased transmissibility pose a threat.
“With sequencing efforts, we have detected 10 cases which are confirmed to be the Delta variant.
”We are working hard to ensure genomic surveillance of travelers’ samples and to scale up our genomic sequencing capacity.
“While doing this, we are scaling up our testing capability, by the rollout of rapid Diagnostic Test Kits (RTDs), in selected states nationwide.
“As we have mentioned before, we encourage congregate setting, such as hospitals, schools, workplaces and correctional facilities, to take advantage of the WHO, approved RTDs kits to detect cases promptly,” he explained.
The NCDC boss disclosed that the country’s test positive rate based on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), test alone, which he noted was an indication used to understand the level of virus transmission increased to 3.4 percent in the country.
“This represents a rise compared to Test Positivity Rate (TPR), which was sustained for several weeks at around 1 percent in the country. In addition, last week five deaths were recorded.
“These figures must serve as a strong warning to be even more on our guard regarding reducing the risk of COVID-19 spread, especially considering the more transmissible Delta variants detected in the country,” he advised.
Ihekweazu stressed that Lagos state continued to have the highest contribution to the current caseload in the country.
He noted that states which have recently recorded increases in cases include Akwa Ibom, Ekiti, Oyo and Rivers states.
“Akwa Ibom had a sudden surge in cases in the last week and so, we have deployed a Rapid Response Team, to support the state’s response activities.
“The team will support Akwa Ibom’s Emergency Operations Centre incident management systems, ensure smooth running of samples collection centres, laboratory cases detection and general coordination,” he disclosed.
The DG said that while the agency continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was also focusing on other infectious diseases.
“Our response to the cholera outbreak has continued and as at July 22, a total of 22,130 suspected cases and unfortunately 526 deaths, have been reported due to this illness in 18 states and the FCT.
“However, in the last two weeks, a decline in cases has been recorded and the Emergency Operations Centre, in collaboration with the Ministry of Water Resources, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and other partners, is continuing to coordinate a multi sector response.,” he said.
The NCDC boss noted that the agency always ensured that it made records of challenges from each outbreak and put in measures to improve the next response.
“Last week, NCDC held a national COVID-19 intra action review with various stakeholders to review preparedness and outbreak response, to identify best practices, challenges and propose recommended actions,” he noted.
According to Ihekweazu, some areas of response which we are working on are that we have continued to reinvigorate our risk communications efforts, to ensure Nigerians understand that coronavirus is real and still poses a high risk.
The DG added that in a bid to scale the use of RTDs tests, there have been training of trainers on the appropriate and safe use of these kits in several states, including a just concluded training in Bayelsa, and Benue.
Regarding improving surveillance of COVID-19 cases in the country, he added that the agency was training community volunteers to support case finding and contact tracing.
In a related development, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire has warned that Nigeria was at risk of registering high incidences of the Delta variant of COVID-19.
This it said was due to neglect of preventive measures at Airports and other points of entry in the country.
Ehnaire decried that inspite of evidence of the emergence of a third wave in the country, passengers were absconding quarantine at all points of entry.
The minister also expressed concerns that citizens had refused to adhere to public health advisories, even as treatment bed occupancy was also registering an increase.
He expressed this concern while noting that countries that were popular travel destinations for Nigerians, including the UK, U.S., UAE, France and Turkey had high incidence of this virulent variant.
“Nigeria is at increased risk if we continue to neglect public health protocols placed at points of entry, which are our first line of defence and a critical point of concern.
“The ministry’s Point of Entry (PoE) pillar of the COVID-91 response has been continuously monitoring passenger arrivals especially from high-risk countries like India, Turkey and Brazil.
”This process has been an arduous one given that port health staff have continued to report a trend of absconding by quarantined passengers, an act detrimental to our pandemic response and public health safety.
“The severity of this disease should NOT be disregarded as it is still a primary cause of concern, even in countries with stronger health systems,” he said.
The minister, therefore, tasked all persons to comply with the Port Health staff or risk facing sanctions, which included prosecution.
“Non-compliance with their directives constitutes a risk to national health security and will be handled with commensurate severity.
“I wish to reemphasise that we must fervently avoid complacency and continue to abide by the given Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions.
“Remember that Nigeria is a well-traversed country and is susceptible to further importation of the virus, especially when there is clear evidence that the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has begun across the continent,” he added.
The minister further stressed that in the past 24 hours, the world witnessed an increase in reported cases of COVID-19 across a significant number of countries, due to the high transmissibility of the Delta Variant.
“As of July 25, Nigeria had a total of 170,895 COVID-19 cases, and 2,132 fatalities. There are 4,180 active cases across the country, including 216 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours from 7 states.
“Nigeria started recording an increase in cases after the first case of the delta variant was reported early July,” he stressed.
In preparation for the third wave, Ehanire said the ministry had taken steps to urgently scale-up and enhance local oxygen capacity even before oxygen consumption increased.
He also said Nigeria had invested directly and strategically to ensuring oxygen availability to avert unforeseen incidence of oxygen insufficiency for COVID-19 patients in the country.
On COVID-19 vaccines, the minister said that Nigeria was expecting over 29 million of the Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
He said that the vaccine was purchased by the Government of Nigeria through the African Union’s African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT) facility and over four million of the Moderna.
He also said that Nigeria is expecting almost 700 thousand of the AstraZeneca vaccine, through the COVAX facility from bilateral donations from the governments of the U.S. and the UK as well as Pfizer and Sinopharm from both bilateral agreements and through the COVAX facility.
Also speaking, Minister of State for Health, Sen. Olorunnimbe Mamora said that COVID-19 would continue to have a significant impact on the way Nigerians lived.
Mamora urged Nigerians to stay safe because a large portion of the country remained unvaccinated and highly contagious variants, like delta would be spreading as seen in many countries, spurring outbreaks.
….Partners with Anambra State Health Insurance Agency
….Urges Ositadimma Age Grade to Champion Community Development and Support State Initiatives
From Lateef Taiwo
Former Minister of Aviation and Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, Chief Osita Chidoka, has announced the provision of one year’s free health insurance for over 1,000 youths and women in Obosi community under the Nneka Chidoka Outreach Programme.
This initiative, undertaken in partnership with the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency, reflects Chief Chidoka’s enduring commitment to expanding access to affordable healthcare and supporting state-led programmes that promote public welfare.
The announcement was made during the Outing visit by the newly formed Ositadimma Age Grade, young men and women born in 1985 and 1986, who adopted Chief Chidoka’s name in recognition of his leadership and service to Obosi. The visit took place at his country home, in the presence of the Ndichie, Abummadu, elders, and other community stakeholders.
Chief Chidoka disclosed that over 300 members of the Ositadimma Age Grade would be enrolled immediately onto the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme at ₦12,500 per person, with other civic youth organisations in Obosi to follow shortly, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to over 1,000. Staffs of the Agency were present to commence the registration.
“Health insurance is not a luxury. It is a civic right and a public good,” Chidoka stated. “I am proud to support the Anambra State Government’s efforts to make quality healthcare accessible to our people.”
Beyond healthcare, Chief Chidoka outlined a Four-Point Agenda to guide the age grade’s activities and ensure its long-term contribution to community development:
- Health Insurance Scheme: Fully embrace the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme and encourage wider enrolment beyond the group.
- Savings Culture: Establish a cooperative savings scheme that will enable the group to undertake a significant community project by their 10th anniversary.
- Group Life Insurance: Put in place a group life insurance policy to provide social protection and ensure mutual support in times of adversity.
- Public School Monitoring: Act as community monitors of the Governor Charles Soludo-led administration’s free education policy to ensure that no child in Obosi is left behind.
To support the savings initiative, Chief Chidoka donated ₦500,000 as seed capital for the age grade’s fund, to be lodged with Adike Microfinance Bank, Obosi. Chiefs Mgbakogu and Udemba donated ₦150,000 and ₦200,000 while various other sums were donated by other Chiefs present.
“Your Golden Decade — that critical period between the ages of 25 and 35 — is your foundation, use it for family, community and country. Apply Uche, Uchu na EgwuChukwu in all your endeavours.” Chidoka advised.
Describing the age-grade system as a uniquely Igbo institution for social progress, Chief Chidoka called on the group to sustain the tradition through innovation, collective responsibility, and a deep sense of service.
In appreciation, the Ositadimma Age Grade presented Chief Chidoka with an Award of Honour, recognising his visionary leadership, philanthropy, and enduring commitment to youth empowerment and community development.
This initiative reaffirms Chief Osita Chidoka’s stature as a patriotic son of Anambra, a firm supporter of progressive state policies, and a tireless advocate for community-led transformation.
From Lateef Taiwo
The Nasarawa state government has pledged to collaborate with the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) with aims to improve healthcare quality by fostering better working conditions, training, and resource availability for resident doctors.
This, the partnership could lead to enhanced medical services, reduced healthcare challenges, and overall improved patient outcomes in the state.
Deputy Governor of Nasarawa state, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, made the commitment during the flag-off of a two-day training workshop organized by the North Central zone of the Nigerian Medical Association, in collaboration with the Damilola Adeyemi Cardiovascular Foundation (DAC-FOUND), held at the Federal Medical Center Keffi, on Wednesday.
The Deputy Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gaza Gwamna, said the event was in line with the state government’s policy to transform the health sector for the betterment of its citizens.
He assured the management of the Federal Medical Center and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors of continued partnership to enhance quality healthcare services to the people of Nasarawa state. According to him, the Nasarawa state government has been supporting health practitioners and institutions with facilities to enable them to carry out their duties as expected.
The Speaker of the Nasarawa state House of Assembly, Dr. Danladi Jatau, commended the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, FMC Keffi chapter, for organizing the North Central training workshop in a bid to provide healthcare services to the people.
Dr. Jatau reiterated that the Nasarawa state House of Assembly, under his leadership, will continue to enact laws that will promote healthcare services to citizens of the state and called on the participants to ensure proper utilization of the knowledge gained during the workshop.
The Speaker emphasized that the state assembly will work closely with the various medical associations in the state to ensure they are protected by laws for the smooth running of their affairs.
He announced the donation of five hundred thousand Naira to the association as his candid support, urging them to make proper use of it to achieve their objectives.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, FMC Keffi chapter, Dr. Ashimom Timothy Msughter, said the event was organized to educate people on the need to know how to provide basic healthcare services before taking patients to the hospital.
The NSHA Speaker Dr. Danladi Jatau while presenting an award to Commissioner for health Dr Gaza Gwamna during NARD Zonal event.
Dr. Ashimom thanked the Nasarawa state government and the Speaker of the state Assembly for their support to the association and promised to continue delivering quality healthcare services to the people.
He said the participants at the event including, federal road safety Corps, NSCDC, fire service among other relevant stakeholders Will be trained for two day on the need to know ways of providing first health care services to the people.
The Medical Director/CO of the Federal Medical Director of Federal Medical Center, Keffi Dr Yahaya Baba Adamu appreciated the efforts of the organizers of event and assured them of his support to enable the association achieved their goals
Highpoint at the event was the award presented to the deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, the speaker, Danladi Jatau, the commissioner for health, Dr. Gaza Gwamna and Medical director of FMC, Dr. Yahaya Baba Adamu among others.
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Kwara State Government has reiterated its commitment to improving oral health across the state, describing it as a vital component of general wellbeing.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, reiterated this at the opening ceremony of a three-day free oral health outreach, organised by the State Ministry of Health in partnership with Pharma Decko PLC.
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Oluwatosin Fakayode, described oral health as a frequently overlooked but essential aspect of healthcare.
“Oral health is the cornerstone of overall health, yet it is often neglected, poor oral hygiene contributes to several non-communicable diseases, though its effects are gradual and often unnoticed until they become serious. That’s why this outreach is timely and essential,” El-Imam said.
She applauded Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his sustained investment in healthcare, especially the recent renovation and equipping of the state’s dental clinic.
The Commissioner urged residents to take full advantage of the outreach by accessing free dental checks and professional guidance on maintaining good oral hygiene.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Pharma Decko PLC, Mr. Ishola Olukayode, lauded the Kwara State Government, as well as the Ministry of Health, for their support for the initiative, adding that; “despite the short notice, the Ministry gave them overwhelming support which they profoundly appreciated.
“Pharma Decko PLC is committed to supporting oral health in Nigeria. Unfortunately, many people unknowingly use dangerous chemicals on their teeth due to a lack of awareness, putting their overall health at risk,” Mr Olukayode explained.
He emphasised that proper oral hygiene goes beyond brushing the teeth, stressing the need for regular professional check-ups and community awareness campaigns.
In a brief oral health education session, the Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr. Kasali Ajao, revealed that brushing alone addresses only about 40 percent of oral hygiene needs.
He noted that professional procedures such as scaling and polishing, recommended for at least twice a year, are necessary for comprehensive dental care.
Residents have, therefore, been encouraged to take advantage of the free Dental Care outreach holding at the Dental Unit of KWASUTH between Tuesday and Thursday this week for their oral diagnoses and treatments.
End
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