Health
AU Challenges Leaders to Prevent Second Wave of Coronavirus
By Adedapo Adesanya
The African Union (AU) has called on leaders on the continent to take necessary precautions to prevent a resurgence of COVID-19 infections that could lead to a second wave.
This call was made by South African President, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as Chairperson of the organisation during the second mid-year coordination meeting of the African Union, the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Regional Mechanisms (RMs), where he said the precautions could necessitate the need for countries to revert to stricter lockdown regulations.
“We established a COVID-19 Response Fund to assist with boosting the capacity of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention – the Africa CDC – and to assist African countries in combating and containing the spread of the virus,” he stated.
The Chairperson further recalled that Special Envoys were appointed to mobilise international support for a comprehensive economic stimulus package for Africa, adding that through cooperation at a continental level, the African Task Force for Coronavirus was formed and that the Partnership for Accelerated COVID-19 Testing campaign was established.
He also highlighted that the innovative Africa Medical Supplies Platform was launched to ensure that all African countries have access to affordable medical equipment, diagnostics and other essential supplies.
President Ramaphosa commended the joint efforts to address the pandemic, saying that the continent was able to respond proactively to the COVID-19 threat due to the great work of the AU Commission and the member states.
“As a continent, we remain united in our call for equitable access to a COVID-19 vaccine once it is developed,” the South African leader said.
The Chairperson of the AU further pointed out that while some regional economic communities have made significant progress in key areas of integration, others have struggled to achieve the goals set out in their respective treaties and conventions and in meeting the milestones set out in the Abuja Treaty.
With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) set to come into effect next year, he has called on countries to ensure all mechanisms be put in place to pave the way for its implementation.
“We welcome the fact that all the Regional Economic Communities affirm the importance of trade in advancing economic integration. Once the African Continental Free Trade Area comes into operation next year, economic integration will be given added momentum,” emphasised the AU Chairperson.
Similarly, the Chairperson of the AU Commission (AUC), Mr Moussa Faki Mahamat, recalled in his opening speech that this meeting is being held in a unique context, deeply marked by the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected the continent negatively. This, he said “has presented a huge challenge for our continent that needs a new dynamics of solidarity, resilience and development.”
The AUC Chairperson applauded the outstanding leadership of Mr Ramaphosa, who in his capacity as Chairperson of the AU has multiplied initiatives and provided guidance with the support from a member of the Bureau of the Assembly of the AU and leaders of the RECs, to enable the continent to achieve considerable development milestone, despite the obstacles caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This pandemic has taught us several lessons, one of them is the strength and efficiency of the coordination. The efficiency in the fight against COVID-19 was attested by the international honorary distinction awarded to Dr John Nkengasong, the director of Africa CDC.”
He underscored the purpose of the coordination meeting, which is to include, in a formalized framework, the relations between the African Union, the RECs/ RMs and the Member States so that all these entities cooperate in the development of the continent, without interference or overlap on the skills of each other.
The AUC Chairperson recalled that a general framework for the division of labour has been approved by the Assembly of the Union, at its February 2020 session.
“The document on the division of labour between the AU, the RECs / RMs and the Member States which will be presented to you is, therefore, the result of collective work which was intended to be as detailed as possible, and which adopted a progressive approach, by limiting itself to only three areas, namely Peace and Security, Political Affairs and Trade,” he said.
As of Friday, the continent has over 1.6 million confirmed coronavirus cases with more than 1.3 million recoveries and more than 40,000 COVID-19 related deaths.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigeria has launched its first nationally representative survey on antimicrobial resistance to generate critical data to guide evidence-based policies, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen health system resilience.
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist treatment, making infections harder to cure.
As a result, surveillance is essential to track resistance patterns, identify priority pathogens, and guide targeted interventions and with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, the initiative marks a milestone in the country’s public health response.
Nigeria becomes the third country globally to partner with WHO on a national antimicrobial resistance survey. having been selected based on the country’s strong commitment to AMR surveillance, its updated WHO Nigeria NAP 2.0, and readiness to expand laboratory and data systems.
Africa’s most populous country ranks 20th globally for age-standardized mortality due to antimicrobial resistance . In 2019, an estimated 263,400 deaths in Nigeria were linked to it—more than the combined deaths from enteric infections, tuberculosis, respiratory infections, maternal and neonatal disorders, neglected tropical diseases, malaria, and cardiovascular diseases.
Globally, resistant infections in tertiary care settings cost between $2,371 and $29,289 per patient episode, extend hospital stays by an average of 7.4 days, and increase mortality risk by 84 per cent.
The survey will see the establishment of a national baseline on antimicrobial resistance prevalence to monitor interventions, assess the distribution, burden (morbidity, mortality, DALYs, cost), and diversity of AMR across regions and populations, as well as contribute to the global target of reducing AMR deaths by 10 per cent by 2030, in line with the political declaration endorsed at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in 2024.
It also seeks to strengthen routine antimicrobial resistance surveillance, including diagnostics, sample referral systems, and laboratory capacity.
Using WHO’s standardized methodology, the survey will run for 12–15 months and cover 40–45 randomly selected health facilities nationwide. Patients with suspected bloodstream infections (BSIs) will be identified using standard case definitions, and blood samples will be analysed in quality-assured laboratories.
Data will be collected across all age groups, covering clinical, demographic, laboratory, financial, and outcome indicators. Follow-up will occur at discharge, 28 days, and three months post-infection. The survey will sample approximately 35,000 patients suspected of BSIs to obtain around 800 isolates of the most common pathogens.
Dr Tochi Okwor, Acting Head, Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said, “With WHO’s support, we are confident the survey will generate the evidence needed to protect public health.”
WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Pavel Ursu, reaffirmed WHO’s commitment stating that ,“Nigeria is taking a decisive step toward combating AMR with an approach grounded in data, science, and measurable impact. This survey will provide the clarity needed to drive smarter policies, stronger surveillance, and better patient outcomes. Nigeria is laying the foundations for a resilient health system, one that protects lives, strengthens trust, and ensures that essential medicines remain effective for future generations.”
Adding her input, Dr Laetitia Gahimbare, Technical Officer at WHO Regional Office for Africa, added:“Strengthening surveillance enhances Nigeria’s capacity to detect and respond to AMR threats, supporting better patient outcomes, reinforcing health security, and building a resilient system.”
Professor Babatunde Ogunbosi, Paediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist at University College Hospital, Ibadan, highlighted the broader impact:, “This survey is about more than data. It’s about building national capacity for research, diagnostics, and policy. It integrates science into public health decision-making.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
One of the leading Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) in Nigeria, SUNU Health, has said its philosophy is proactive wellness, noting that this was why it recently partnered with The Divine Physician and St. Luke Catholic Chaplaincy Centre for a community health initiative.
The chief executive of the company, Dr Patrick Korie, said, “SUNU Health’s vision extends far beyond merely offering health packages and insurance.”
“We are fundamentally interested in proactive wellness—preventing illness rather than just treating it. This annual exercise is a crucial part of that commitment, and we will continue to champion it for as long as we exist,” he stressed.
The medical practitioner led the company’s annual Health Walk in Lagos on Saturday, November 8, 2025. The event drew hundreds of health enthusiasts, including the Chaplain of the centre, Rev Fr. John Okoria SJ.
His active participation reinforced the spiritual and moral commitment to holistic well-being, proving crucial in mobilizing staff and community members, thereby ensuring the vital wellness message reached a broad and deeply engaged audience.
The health walk covered several major streets in Lagos, starting from Ishaga Road and navigating through Itire Road, Randle Avenue, Akerele, Ogunlana Drive, and Workers Street before concluding back at the starting point. Following the vigorous walk, participants engaged in a session of high-energy aerobics and other outdoor exercises, reinforcing the day’s focus on fitness.
“We are delighted to champion this vital health initiative alongside the Catholic Chaplaincy Centre LUTH/CMUL. The turnout was truly delightful, reflecting the community’s deep desire to embrace wellness.
“Collaborations like this amplify our message and commitment to the Nigerian community,” the Brand and Corporate Communications Lead at SUNU Health, Mr Samuel Olayemi, stated.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Coronation Registrars Limited, a subsidiary of Coronation Group, in partnership with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee (LSBTC), recently hosted a Blood Drive Initiative at the 5th floor of Coronation Group Plaza. The event saw over 80 staff donate blood to support critical healthcare needs in Lagos State.
The Blood Drive Initiative forms part of Coronation’s commitment to meaningful, human-centred corporate social responsibility, a direct, measurable, and life-saving effort that reflects the Group’s health and sustainability values.
As Prosperity Partners dedicated to creating sustainable wealth for clients and the African continent, Coronation recognises that true prosperity extends beyond financial returns to encompass the well-being of communities we serve.
The company noted that this initiative enabled it to deliver immediate social impact by supporting national blood supply shortfalls through employee-driven action, demonstrate leadership in health-focused CSR aligned with ESG goals and SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being), strengthen internal culture by fostering employee engagement, empathy, and purpose in a safe, structured environment, and reinforce corporate reputation through public-facing acts of service, stakeholder trust, and media visibility.
Blood donation remains a critical need in Nigeria, where regular blood supply is essential for emergency care, surgeries, and treatment of various medical conditions. Each donation can save up to three lives, and the collective effort of Coronation employees will significantly impact patients in need across Lagos State healthcare facilities.
“This aligns seamlessly with Coronation’s broader sustainability agenda, which views healthcare access as fundamental to building prosperous communities across Africa,” the company said in a statement on Tuesday.
Partnering with a certified medical institution, the drive was professionally managed, medically compliant, and logistically efficient. Participants underwent necessary medical screening procedures to ensure donor fitness and safety. Following their donations, donors received refreshments and appreciation for their life-saving contribution.
“At Coronation, we believe in making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve,” said Mr Oluseyi Owoturo, Chief Executive Officer of Coronation Registrars Limited. “This Blood donation Initiative reflects our values in action, saving lives, building community, and positioning the company as a purpose-driven brand. We’re proud of our employees who stepped forward to donate blood and save lives. This is what sustainable impact looks like: tangible solutions that address real challenges facing our continent.”
The partnership with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee ensured professional handling of the donation process, meeting all safety and quality standards for blood collection and storage.
Coronation Registrars Limited says it continues to demonstrate that corporate success goes hand-in-hand with social responsibility.
“This initiative reinforces the company’s purpose to create a prosperous future for clients and the African continent through transformational solutions,” it added.
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