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Nigeria Intensifies Immunisation of Fulani Children

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In renewed efforts to vaccinate children traversing in and out of Nigeria, the World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting the government in an initiative to improve supplemental and routine immunization activities in the North Western region, which has a significant nomadic population.

Nomadic pastoralists live beyond the reach of established health care programs that are designed to serve sedentary populations. As a result, these groups are often under-immunized and out of the reach of existing disease surveillance activities.

Speaking on the intervention, Mallam Gwanda Mairakuma of Maiadua local government in Niger Republic said that, “with this intensified commitment, vaccination activities have reduced the number of complications associated with Measles infection on our children”.

Tracking nomadic populations

Difficulties have been experienced in the past in tracking and reaching nomadic populations with services such as sensitization on early disease reporting, immunization activities and access to general healthcare services due largely to the nature of their movement, which often involves settling in hard-to-reach transit camps.

Reaching the nomadic population in the cross-border areas of the North Western region has been particularly difficult due to the nature of the population which involves settling in hard to reach and sometimes security compromised areas, making the zone the highest with under-immunized children in the country. Jigawa and Katsina states in particular are maximizing efforts in reaching these populations by identifying major migrant groups and characterizing the movement of nomadic populations in the region for effective administration of vaccines.

In collaboration with Katsina State government, WHO has intensified efforts to reach nomadic communities across the state with immunization services, sensitization on prompt disease reporting and on the need to access health care services. The nomadic settlements span across 14 Local Government Areas (LGAs), wards and settlements passing through international borders with Niger republic. LGAs with nomadic routes include: Baure, Dutsinma, Kafur, Ingawa, Kaita, Jibia, Mashi, Charanchi, Musawa, Batsari, Maiadua, Zango, Danja, Kusada LGAs among others.

These communities are among the most marginalized, hard to reach and nomadic in nature who migrate across LGAs, States and international borders due to their transitory movement and settlement in camps and hamlets. The State conducts series of activities to enhance immunity and interrupt transmission of Polio and other priority diseases along transit exit points and settlements with nomadic routes through immunization. Jigawa State also shares international borders with Niger republic in two LGAs namely, Sule tankarkar and Maigatari.

“WHO Nigeria supported a 10km strip vaccination along Nigeria-Niger border, using mOPV2 in October 2018 which was conducted along with vaccination at border cross points in March through April 2019,” says Dr Audu Sunday, WHO Jigawa State Coordinator.

“WHO has also supported Jigawa state to establish in-between round vaccination teams providing routine immunization, polio vaccination and Measles vaccines along the border cross points as well as the Maigatari international market. Disease surveillance officers of both countries also conduct joint visits to health facilities in communities at the border using Standard operating procedures for cross border notification of VPDs,” he adds.

High numbers of high-risk children vaccinated

In Katsina state, 1,645 eligible nomadic children were reached during nomadic vaccinations in Ingawa and Maiadua LGAs between April and June 2019 from the conduct of Outbreak Response (OBR) and in between rounds, respectively.

For the same period in Jigawa State, 6,280 Nigerien and 5,115 Nigerian children were vaccinated at the border crossing points. At least 8,608 children were vaccinated with mOPV2 in the 10km strip outbreak response in October 2018 in two districts of Niger Republic (Dungas and Magaria).

Meanwhile, for in-between round activities at the border 10,183 children received bivalent oral polio vaccine (bOPV) while 3,358 were vaccinated with Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) as well as 1,035 with measles vaccine.

The Director Primary Health Care (DPHC) Jigawa State, Dr Shehu Sambo during a supportive supervision to Miga LGA appreciated WHO’s support in establishing the nomadic vaccination. “We are happy with WHO’s support and encourage health workers to take the opportunity to improve routine immunization coverage across the State.”

Support for Polio eradication to Nigeria through WHO, is made possible by funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Department for International Development (DFID – UK), European Union, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Government of Germany through KfW Bank, Global Affairs Canada, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Community Chest Korea, KOFIH (Korea), Rotary International and the World Bank.

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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Health

Sault Tribe Enacts Smoking Ban in Kewaunee

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Ban smoking Sault Tribe

Health and comfort have become increasingly essential issues lately, and this has not gone unnoticed in entertainment venues. The Sault Tribe, which operates the Kewadin Casino, has decided to ban smoking in five gambling establishments. This innovation is aimed at creating a healthier environment for all visitors and employees.

Health and comfort come first

Tribal representatives emphasized that people’s health is their top priority. The decision to ban smoking was a logical step toward positive change. “As a tribal government, we are focused on improving health, and the move to ban smoking in casinos is the right step forward,” notes one tribal speaker. This means caring about the health of visitors and the well-being of the employees who work in these facilities daily.

The Sault Tribe has been actively gathering opinions from its customers and employees, and the results have been unequivocal: many are in favor of banning smoking. “We have heard from many customers and employees that a smoking ban is the right step forward,” states a tribal spokesperson. Such feedback confirms that concern for health and well-being is becoming increasingly important to the gambling industry.

What will change at Kewadin casinos?

In the weeks following the passage of the amendments, Kewadin casinos located in Sault Ste. Marie, St. Ignace, Manistique, Christmas, and Hessel will begin implementing the new policy. The smoking ban will be in effect in all establishments, including gaming rooms, restaurants, and recreational facilities. This approach will not only make the casino experience more enjoyable for non-smoking visitors, but it will also create a safer environment for employees who spend much time in the gaming rooms.

Positive implications for business and society

The adopted initiative will not only bring health benefits but will also affect the success of businesses in the long run:

  • The actions taken also emphasize the Sault Tribe’s social responsibility. They are not just in business but also show concern for the well-being of their customers and employees, making them an example for other gambling establishments.
  • Banning smoking in Kewadin casinos will create a more pleasant environment for both non-smokers and those looking to quit smoking. Smoking in public places often makes other visitors uncomfortable, and this move will help eliminate the unpleasant odour and smoke, thus creating a more pleasant atmosphere throughout the gaming rooms, restaurants, and other recreational areas.
  • The changes may attract a new audience interested in entertainment but previously avoided visiting casinos because of the smoking environment. This can lead not only to an increase in the number of guests but also, as a result, to increased profits for the establishment.

At the same time, avid smokers, which are still quite a lot, will be less likely to visit land-based casinos, where they are forbidden to relax in the usual way. Especially since today, they do not have to visit these establishments to satisfy their gambling needs.

Analyzing the search engine allows you to quickly find many popular operators, including 1win, with the largest number of gambling entertainment. And you can access these games without having to leave home. To register on 1win, it is enough to fill in a few fields in the appropriate window and develop a password. It takes less than a minute to do this and deposit money into your account. Moreover, most of the games can be played in a free demo.

Chippewa Tribe aims to create a “smoke-free” space that combines a healthy environment with the opportunity to relax and enjoy gambling. The new approach to business reflects and supports global trends aimed at caring for public health and reducing the negative impact of tobacco smoke on the health of others.

Recall that earlier, scientists told us about the new harm of smoking. According to new data, the negative impact of this bad habit on the immune system persists for several years after a person quits smoking.

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SpecSMART Eye Clinic Takes Affordable, Quality Care to Ikeja, Environs

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SpecSMART Eye Clinic

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The dream of residents of Ikeja and its environs enjoying affordable and quality care has now become a reality as a result of the opening of a new branch of SpecSMART Eye Clinic in the Opebi area of the capital of Lagos State.

SpecSMART Eye Clinic, a leading provider of optometry services in Lagos, commenced operations in Nigeria’s commercial capital in 2022.

Since then, it has been offering top-notch eye care to residents of the metropolis, especially those living on the Island. It has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality primary eye care and optical products.

However, to extend its services to Lagosians living on the Mainland, it has now opened a new branch in Ikeja, reinforcing its commitment to providing accessible, affordable eye care to a wider community.

Business Post gathered that the clinic’s state-of-the-art services are supported by a team of skilled optometrists and opticians, utilizing cutting-edge digital equipment.

The new Ikeja location will offer a wide range of services, including Automated Eye Examinations using advanced digital equipment for precise diagnosis and personalized care.

In addition, clients will enjoy on-the-spot lens glazing for single vision, bifocals, and varifocals, with additional lens coatings, with services to be rendered seven days a week from 9 am to 9 pm on Mondays to Saturdays, and on Sundays and public holidays from 10 am 7 pm.

Also, the clinic has over 950 frames, ranging from affordable home brands to premium designer options, priced from N18,000, and has flexible appointment scheduling with 24-hour online booking via SpecSMART’s website.

The facility has partnerships with leading HMO providers in the country and offers glaucoma management and other essential eye health services.

According to the company, its introductory packages start from N30,000 and include consultation, frame, and single-vision lenses.

“With the opening of our Ikeja branch, we are ready to serve more individuals who need accessible, cost-effective, and reliable eye care.

“Our aim is to create a positive impact in Nigeria’s optometry sector by combining advanced technology with a patient-centred approach,” the Practice Head and Medical Director of SpecSMART, Dr Adaeze Nwoko, stated.

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FG Begins Vaccination Against Mpox in FCT, Six States

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Monkeypox mpox

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has commenced the vaccination against Monkeypox, now known as Mpox.

Business Post reports that Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory, were selected as pilot states for the vaccination.

An average of 631 persons are expected to be vaccinated across the seven states with two doses of the Mpox vaccine. A buffer for 50 persons will be kept at the national in case of an upsurge in other states.

NPHCDA in a statement posted on its verified X account confirmed the exercise, stressing that the vaccination will help to protect communities and safeguarding health of the people.

In a related development, according to the latest update by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), there are 1,442 suspected cases of Mpox from 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, while the number of confirmed cases of the infection was 118 from 28 states and the FCT.

“To prevent the spread of Mpox, we strongly advise the public to avoid contact with animals that may carry the virus, including sick or dead animals in affected areas, avoid handling materials that have been in contact with infected animals, limit unnecessary physical contact with individuals who are infected, practice frequent handwashing with soap and water, and ensure that animal food products are thoroughly cooked before eating.

“It’s also important to use protective clothing and gloves when handling sick animals or their tissues. Similarly, health workers are advised to follow standard safety protocols including droplet precautions when treating patients, use protective equipment including masks, gloves, and gowns, during patient care, and be vigilant for symptoms of Mpox, especially fever and rash, among other measures.”

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