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WHO Lauds Nigeria’s Response to Lassa Fever Outbreak

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By Dipo Olowookere

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has commended the Nigerian government for the way it promptly responded to the recent outbreak of Lassa fever in the country.

However, the body warned that government must not relax because it could surface again and people could be infected throughout the year, making continued efforts to control any new flare ups crucial.

WHO noted that with six weeks of declining numbers and only a handful of confirmed cases reported in recent weeks, the critical phase of Nigeria’s largest-ever Lassa fever outbreak was under control.

In the last reporting week, ending on 6 May 2018, three new confirmed cases of Lassa fever were reported. This year a total of 423 confirmed cases including 106 deaths have been recorded. The national case numbers have consistently declined in the past six weeks, and have dropped below levels considered to be a national emergency when compared with data from previous outbreaks.

“Nigeria is to be congratulated for reaching this important milestone in the fight against Lassa fever,” says Dr Ibrahima Socé Fall, Regional Emergencies Director for Africa. “But we cannot let our foot off the pedal. We must use the lessons learnt to better prepare at risk countries in our region to conduct rapid detection and response.”

WHO said it will continue to support the Nigerian government to maintain an intensified response to the current Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria.

Thirty-seven health workers have been infected with Lassa fever, eight have died. This highlights the need for implementing standard infection prevention and control precautions with all patients – regardless of their diagnosis – in all work practices at all times.

WHO continues to help states which have reported new cases by strengthening their capacity to conduct disease surveillance, treat patients, as well as implement infection prevention and control measures, laboratory diagnostics, and engage with communities.

WHO Country Representative Dr Wondimagegnehu Alemu said, “Communities are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any rumors to the nearest health facilities because early diagnosis and treatment can save lives.”

Health care workers are urged to maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever when handling patients, irrespective of their health status. Lassa fever should always be considered in patients with fever, headache, sore throat and general body weakness, especially when malaria has been ruled out with a rapid diagnostic test (RDT), and when patients are not improving. Health workers should adhere to standard precautions, and wear protective equipment like gloves, face masks, face shields and aprons when handling suspected Lassa fever patients.

WHO is monitoring and supporting Nigeria’s neighbouring countries to help improve their level of preparedness to readily respond to any potential outbreaks.

Lassa fever is a viral infection, primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine, faeces, or blood.

Person-to-person transmission is through direct or indirect contact with body fluids of an infected person.

Prevention of Lassa fever relies on promoting good community hygiene to keep rats out of the house and prevent contamination of food supplies.

Effective measures include storing grains and other foodstuff in rodent-proof containers, proper disposal of garbage far from the home, and maintaining clean households.

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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FG Begins Vaccination Against Mpox in FCT, Six States

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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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AXA Mansard Health Partners LUTH in Blood Donation Drive

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By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Over 250 pints of blood have been donated by AXA Mansard Health to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba.

The blood was donated by more than 100 employees of the leading health insurance company in Nigeria through its volunteering programme tagged AXA Hearts in Action.

The initiative is part of the company’s blood donation drive aimed at contributing to positive societal and environmental impacts through employee volunteering, and expertise related financial support and in-kind donations.

According to the Chief Client Officer of AXA Mansard, Ms Rashidat Adebisi, “Through the AHIA, our employees do not just give time to great causes; we work together for a better future.”

“We share our time, knowledge and expertise as a people with a shared purpose of acting for human progress by protecting what matters through initiatives like this,” she added.

Ms Adebisi said the blood drive is a shining example of the philosophy in action, where collective contributions serve as a reminder that true impact often involves giving more than just money. It’s about putting one’s heart in action – an idea embedded in AXA’s corporate culture.

On his part, the chief executive of AXA Mansard Health Limited, Mr Tope Adeniyi, said with hospitals frequently experiencing blood shortages, events like these serve as a lifeline for patients in need.

“We are proud to contribute to the local healthcare sector and provide much-needed support to hospitals such as LUTH, ensuring that they have resources essential to saving lives,” he added.

Also commenting, the Head of Corporate Services and Public Relations at LUTH, Omolola Olubukunola Fakeye, thanked the firm for the “generous support,” which has made a “meaningful difference to our blood bank and ultimately to the lives of patients.”

“Blood donations are invaluable in many critical treatments, and initiatives like AXA Mansard’s blood drive bring immense relief to healthcare system.

“We are sincerely grateful for this partnership and the dedication of AXA Mansard’s employees,” Fakeye stated.

AXA Hearts in Action operates globally, she urging AXA employees everywhere to engage with and give back to their communities.

Through diverse projects – from health initiatives like this blood drive and medical outreaches to environmental efforts like the AXA Week for Good “Trash-to-Treasure” waste management project – AXA staff have opportunities to make a lasting difference on issues that matter.

For AXA Mansard, every act of social service brings them closer to the communities they serve, helping build a world where giving back is not only about charity but about lasting, positive change.

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US Buys 4.8 million Swipha Malaria Doses for Nigeria, Others

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By Adedapo Adesanya

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has committed $2.3 million to procure 4.8 million doses of life-saving malaria tablets from Swiss Pharma (Swipha) in a landmark partnership that will expand access to essential medicines in Nigeria and West Africa.

This procurement, to be facilitated through the U.S. Government’s President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), underscores the United States’ dedication to advancing Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure and ensuring life-saving treatments reach vulnerable communities.

For years, Nigeria has faced significant challenges in procuring affordable, high-quality medicines due to the high cost of production and the inability of many local pharmaceutical companies to meet international quality standards.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), fewer than 10 per cent of medicines manufactured in sub-Saharan Africa meet global standards, limiting local companies’ ability to supply essential drugs and meet healthcare needs.

These barriers have particularly affected access to medicines for malaria and child health, as local production has often fallen short of both quality and quantity requirements.

In response, USAID partnered with Swipha in their efforts to attain World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification for sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (SP) tablets, a vital medicine for malaria prevention during pregnancy.

Swipha is now the first pharmaceutical company in Nigeria and in West Africa to achieve this WHO certification, marking a critical step forward for the region’s pharmaceutical capacity.

“USAID’s support was pivotal in helping us reach this milestone,” said Swipha Managing Director, Mr Frederic Lieutaud.

“The WHO prequalification not only validates our commitment to producing high-quality medicines but also enhances our capacity to scale production and serve both local and international markets with trusted, essential medicines.”

With the WHO prequalification, Swipha is well-positioned to expand its reach, supplying these essential medicines to international donors and procurement agencies, ultimately strengthening healthcare delivery across Nigeria and the broader West African region.

This achievement also represents a significant boost to Nigeria’s healthcare system by enhancing local manufacturing capacity and contributing to public health efforts to combat preventable diseases.

During her visit to Swipha’s facility in Lagos, USAID Mission Director to Nigeria, Ms Melissa Jones, commented “This achievement is a testament to the power of collaboration in improving healthcare in Nigeria.

“We are proud to have supported Swipha in reaching this milestone and look forward to continuing our partnership to ensure more quality medicines reach those who need them most. Together, we are building a healthier future for Nigeria.”

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