Health
Nigeria to get 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine
![](https://newstrends.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Vaccine-COVID.jpg)
The Federal Government says it is expecting to receive 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine in the first quarter of 2021.
Executive Secretary, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Faisal Shuaib, gave the indication at the presidential task force on COVID-19 media briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
He said Nigeria had put in place the machinery for this, adding that the country is a member of COVAX, an international coalition, under the WHO umbrella.
Shuaib added that 92 countries came together to ensure access and safety of vaccines.
He said the expected 20 million doses will first be given to workers in the health sector and vulnerable citizens.
“We are on course to access safe vaccine in the first quarter of 2021. We will be leveraging on the polio platform to ensure effective delivery of vaccines to our vulnerable population,” he said.
H added, “We have established a supra-ministerial advisory committee to ensure a seamless administration. A technical group meets every week and has devised a risk communication plan to deliver safe vaccines to Nigerians.”
A former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has said Nigeria and other African countries will have access to COVID-19 vaccines as from the end of January through the first quarter of 2021.
A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday that Okonjo-Iweala disclosed this at a closed-door meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama in Abuja.
The big breakthrough came when Pfizer/BioNTech published its first results in November.
They showed the vaccine is up to 95 per cent effective and the UK is due to get 40 million doses.
The vaccine is given in two doses, three weeks apart. About 43,000 people have had the vaccine, with no safety issue.
The vaccine must be stored at a temperature of around -70C and transported in a special box, packed in dry ice and installed with GPS trackers.
On 2 December, the UK became the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for widespread use.
On 8 December, 90-year-old Margaret Keenan became the first patient to receive the vaccine at University Hospital in Coventry, with 800,000 more doses expected to be given in the coming weeks.
Health
WHO dismisses report of link between smartphone use and brain cancer
![](https://newstrends.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/smartphone-use.jpg)
WHO dismisses report of link between smartphone use and brain cancer
A recent World Health Organization (WHO) analysis has found no link between smartphone use and brain cancer. Concerns over radiation from mobile devices have persisted for decades, and in 2011, the WHO’s cancer division classified this radiation as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”
However, a new study based on several research papers dating back to 1994 found no connection between cellphone usage and cancer, even among heavy users who make frequent calls. The study concluded that the incidence of brain cancers has not increased in correlation with increased mobile phone use.
The research team of eleven specialists from ten countries, including the Australian government’s radiation protection authority, reviewed 63 studies from 1994 to 2022. They examined possible links between exposure to radio waves from wireless technology — such as televisions, baby monitors, and cellphones — and various cancers, including brain and salivary gland tumours and leukaemia.
READ ALSO:
- Trucks stranded at depots as petrol scarcity worsens
- Mystery of Dangote Refinery in Nigerian oil politics – Farooq Kperogi
- Terrorists forcing us to work on their farms – Niger residents
The study found that despite the skyrocketing use of wireless technology, the occurrence of cancers has not increased to a corresponding degree. This finding holds true even for individuals who have been using mobile phones for over a decade or frequently engage in lengthy phone conversations.
Mark Elwood, a professor of cancer epidemiology at the University of Auckland in New Zealand and a co-author of the study, stated that none of the key research questions indicated elevated risks.
This review aligns with other similar studies. The WHO and other international health organizations have previously stated that there is insufficient evidence to suggest that mobile phone radiation poses a health risk. However, they have encouraged further research.
WHO dismisses report of link between smartphone use and brain cancer
Health
FG begs doctors to stop warning strike
![](https://newstrends.ng/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/doctors-1.jpg)
FG begs doctors to stop warning strike
The Federal Government has urged the members of the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, to halt their seven-day warning strike.
The government said efforts are ongoing to meet the demands of the striking doctors.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, made this known on Thursday in Kaduna during a visit to the National Eye Centre.
Alausa disclosed that negotiations are underway to ensure the release and safe return of their kidnapped colleague, Dr Ganiyat Popoola.
“We are on top of the matter and have been on talking terms with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu ,regarding the issue.
“I have spoken with the Commissioner of Police and everyone is working hard to see that she is released,” he said.
READ ALSO:
- Man jailed nine months for stealing two tubers of yam
- DPO gunned down at military checkpoint in Zamfara
- Akwa Ibom police commissioner dies after 6 months in office
The minister said that he had held a meeting on Monday with the leadership of NARD over the situation to convince them to call off the strike because it would worsen the situation.
Alausa added that the kidnappers kept changing their demands every moment but the security agencies were working hard to see that she was safely rescued.
Recall that the members of the association began a seven-day warning strike to push for the rescue of a Kaduna-based doctor, Dr Ganiyat Popoola.
Popoola, a staff of the centre, was kidnapped in December, 2023 and has now spent about nine months in the kidnappers’ den.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the association, National Eye Centre, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed,said the strike was still on.
He said that the medical and dental consultants had joined them in the strike and it was a directive from the national body.
FG begs doctors to stop warning strike
Health
Osun confirms 2 cases of Monkeypox in Ilesa West
![](https://newstrends.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/monkey-pox.jpg)
Osun confirms 2 cases of Monkeypox in Ilesa West
The Osun State Government has confirmed two cases of monkeypox in the Ilesa West Local Government Area.
According to the state’s Commissioner for Health, Mr. Jola Akinola, the affected individuals, both male, are aged five and 25. They are currently receiving treatment at the State Hospital in Ilesa West.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Health’s Information Officer, Segilola Babalola, Akinola urged residents not to panic, reassuring them that the situation is under control.
The commissioner emphasized the government’s proactive approach, noting that the state had successfully managed previous health challenges, including COVID-19 and a potential cholera outbreak.
“We have activated the Monkeypox Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), and our team is fully prepared to tackle this challenge,” Akinola said. “We will hold strategic meetings every Monday to discuss and implement measures to prevent the spread of the virus.”
READ ALSO:
- 21 state govts solicit N1.65tn loans to fund 2024 budgets – Report
- Massive Russian strikes hit Ukraine for second day
- Reverend father squandered $650K donations on lavish lifestyle – Report
The Special Adviser to the State Governor on Public Health, Dr. Akindele Adekunle, praised the efforts of the state’s partners and affirmed the governor’s commitment to maintaining a proactive stance on public health issues.
Further details on the situation were provided by the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Omolola Adeagbo, who revealed that from the beginning of the year up to Week 34, 47 suspected cases were recorded across 13 Local Government Areas. Out of these, two cases were confirmed, both from Ilesa West.
To prevent further spread, the state has deployed a Rapid Response Team to the affected areas. The team is engaged in advocacy, community sensitization, and active case search efforts, both within the community and in healthcare facilities.
The Osun State Government remains vigilant and committed to safeguarding the health of its residents, assuring the public that all necessary measures are being taken to contain the outbreak.
Osun confirms 2 cases of Monkeypox in Ilesa West
-
metro2 days ago
FUNAAB student Christiana Idowu murdered after abduction by colleague in Lagos
-
Business2 days ago
NNPC supplies 30m barrels of crude to Dangote
-
metro2 days ago
Killer of Ogun agric varsity student arrested in Lagos
-
metro3 days ago
Three domestic workers murder Ondo popular CEO
-
Politics2 days ago
Those trying to lure Peter Obi away from LP wasting their time – Senator Umeh
-
Education1 day ago
WAEC, NECO not restricted to 18 years — FG
-
Education1 day ago
40 additional institutions get student loans (+FULL LIST)
-
metro3 days ago
I shot my friend for sleeping with my girlfriend — Suspect
You must be logged in to post a comment Login