Health

Cholera: Nigeria faces vaccine shortage as death toll hits 40

Published

1 week ago

June 22, 2024

Cholera: Nigeria faces vaccine shortage as death toll hits 40

Nigeria – As the death toll from the latest cholera outbreak reaches 40, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has announced a critical shortage of vaccines. Dr. Jide Idris, Director General of the NCDC, confirmed that Nigeria has placed an order for additional cholera vaccines from donor agencies, but the delivery date remains uncertain.

Dr. Idris emphasized the importance of vaccines and other preventive measures to control the spread of cholera, a severe diarrhoeal disease caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae. He noted, “We don’t have enough to prevent an outbreak because we need to give these things before that time. Most countries plan ahead. When it comes to health security, we are supposed to stockpile some things in anticipation of an emergency.”

Between 2021 and 2024, cholera has claimed 4,364 lives out of 139,730 suspected cases in Nigeria, according to NCDC reports. The rainy season has exacerbated the situation, with recent data showing an increase in cholera cases across the country. From January 1 to June 11, 2024, there were 1,141 suspected cases, 65 confirmed cases, and 30 deaths reported in 96 local government areas in 30 states.

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The NCDC identified ten states contributing to 90% of the cholera burden: Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos. Lagos State has seen a significant rise in cases, with 417 suspected cases, 35 confirmed cases, and 24 deaths as of June 19, 2024. The cholera outbreak in Lagos was traced to an unregistered tiger nut drink, highlighting the role of contaminated food and beverages in spreading the disease.

Dr. Idris stressed the need for improved personal, environmental, and sanitary hygiene to prevent cholera. He also mentioned that while cholera vaccines are not long-lasting, a combination of vaccination and preventive measures is essential.

Public health experts, including Prof. Tanimola Akande and Dr. Kenechukwu Igwegbe, advocate for preventive vaccination against cholera, especially given its recurring nature in Nigeria. The World Health Organisation has identified three oral cholera vaccines – Dukoral®, Shanchol™, and Euvichol-Plus® – that require two doses for full protection.

The NCDC, along with other agencies, is actively working to manage the outbreak. However, Dr. Idris highlighted the challenges in vaccine procurement and the need for better planning and resources. “Cholera vaccine demand is far ahead of supply, so most people who need them place orders and plan ahead. It is the same with all vaccines, not just cholera.”

As Nigeria grapples with this cholera outbreak, the focus remains on obtaining more vaccines and enhancing preventive measures to curb the spread of this deadly disease. The NCDC, in collaboration with international and local partners, continues to provide support and resources to the affected states, aiming to mitigate the impact of this public health crisis.

Cholera: Nigeria faces vaccine shortage as death toll hits 40

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Lagos links cholera outbreak to unregistered tiger nut drink

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Cholera hits Ogun, kills one, five hospitalised

Health

25 cholera cases recorded in Ogun, one dead

Published

5 days ago

June 24, 2024

Trends Admin

25 cholera cases recorded in Ogun, one dead

The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker on Monday, disclosed that the state has recorded 25 suspected cholera cases in seven local government areas in the state.

Coker explained that nine cases had been confirmed while one death was recorded.

She stated that the state epidemiology unit had been put on red alert during a press conference held at the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre, Governor’s office, Abeokuta.

The affected LGs are Ado Odo/Ota; Remo North; Odeda; Sagamu; Ijebu North; Ewekoro and Obafemi Owode.

Coker said that the Ministry is coordinating the outbreak response in conjunction with other stakeholders from the Ministry of Environment, Information and Education.

The Commissioner said that the treatment of cholera is free in all public health facilities across the State and that trained rapid teams across the 20 LGAs are prepared to respond to calls on these following lines; 08038642812; 07034214893 and 08084250881 on short notice.

She said, “As of today 24th, June 2024, the Ogun state has recorded 25 suspected cases of Cholera in 7 LGAs namely, Adoodo/Ota, Remo North, Odeda, Sagamu, Ijebu North, Ewekoro, and Obafemi Owode, with 9 confirmed case and unfortunately, one death.

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“At inception, we received the alert on June 12, 2024, about the first two cases. Both cases tested positive with a Cholera rapid diagnostic kit and were managed at the State Hospital, Ota. The two cases had travel history to Lagos State 24 hours prior to presentation.

“Also, cholera test kits and other consumables needed for treatment have been distributed to all LGAs and designated treatment centres to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment. The treatment of Cholera is free across all government facilities in Ogun State.”

She said that some Local Government Areas such as Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Ijebu North, Obafemi Owode, Ifo, and Ado-Odo/Ota have been identified to be high-risk areas.

She stated that the fluid movement of people from neighbouring states, especially Lagos, which is the epicentre of the cholera outbreak, has made the disease spread in border LGs areas of the State.

She equally said that cholera vaccines are not currently available in the state urging the citizens to adhere to precautionary measures to ward off this disease.

Speaking during the briefing, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said that the state government has constructed over 60 public toilets across the State to address open defecation.

Oresanya said that the industry has improved on waste management collection across the state while promising that the Ministry would continue to monitor water channels in areas that are densely populated.

Representative by Oluwole Majekodunmi, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Abayomi Arigbagbu, admonished school administrators to ensure that hygienic foods are served to the pupils and students.

Arigbagbu encouraged school administrators to sensitise their pupils and students on proper hygiene and regular washing of hands among others.

25 cholera cases recorded in Ogun, one dead

Health

NAFDAC alerts public to fake B-GAG syrup

Published

5 days ago

June 24, 2024

Trends Admin

NAFDAC alerts public to fake B-GAG syrup

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has notified Nigerians about the illegal production and sale of unregistered B-GAG mist pot CIT syrup.

The alert is contained in a public in notice No. 023/2024, issued by the agency’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, in Abuja on Sunday.

The unregistered product is alleged to have been sold by a company named Babban Gida Agalawa General Enterprises.

According to the statement, the product, being presented in a pet bottle, was discovered during a surveillance operation carried out by the NAFDAC Post Marketing Surveillance Directorate Officers in Maiduguri, Borno, and Keffi, Nasarawa States.

It said that the product was found to be without NAFDAC registration number and a misleading label.

NAFDAC in the statement said that illegal marketing of medicines or counterfeit medicines posed a risk to public health.

Adeyeye noted that without compliance with regulatory provisions the safety, quality, and efficacy of such products were not guaranteed.

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The agency gave the batch number of the fake product as: 0070, manufacturing date as: 01/02/2024, as well as the expiring date as: 01/02/2027.

Adeyeye also gave the address of the manufacturer as No. 883/884 Western Bypass Ring Road, Kumbosto Local Government, Kano State.

Adeyeye further said that NAFDAC Zonal Directors and State Coordinators had been directed to carry out surveillance with a view to mopping up the illegal products within the zones and states.

She advised consumers and caregivers to avoid the use of the product, adding that all medical products must be obtained from authorised and licensed suppliers.

Adeyeye said that products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked before buying.

She also advised healthcare professionals and consumers to report any suspicion of either the sale of substandard and falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office.

Adeyeye called on the public to report any adverse reaction to NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.

She encouraged healthcare professionals and patients to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of medicinal products through NAFDAC E-reporting platforms.

The e-reporting platforms, according to her are: www.nafdac.gov.ng, the Med- safety application available for download on android, and IOS stores or via e-mail on pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.

She said the notice about the product would be uploaded on the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS).

NAFDAC alerts public to fake B-GAG syrup

Health

Breakthrough as HIV prevention drug records 100% success

Published

5 days ago

June 24, 2024

Trends Admin

Breakthrough as HIV prevention drug records 100% success

A promising new HIV prevention drug called lenacapavir has shown 100 percent efficacy in a clinical trial among adolescent girls and young women in South Africa and Uganda.

In a release signed by Kay Marshall, Senior Communications Advisor for AVAC, the organization welcomes the groundbreaking results of the PURPOSE 1 study which enrolled over 5,300 cisgender adolescent girls and young women ages between the age of 16 and 26 in South Africa and Uganda.

The study evaluated injectable lenacapavir for PrEP and daily oral emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (F/TAF) for PrEP.

An independent data and safety monitoring board (DSMB), at a scheduled review of the trial data, found the regimen to be safe and highly effective, with no infections seen among trial participants who received injectable lenacapavir.

Regulation

HIV prevention advocate and AVAC’s executive director, Mitchell Warren hails the lenacapavir trial results as a significant advancement. He emphasized the potential of long-acting injectables to increase adherence, improve access, and reduce strain on healthcare systems.

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“We expect to see a timeline that takes into account a full analysis of PURPOSE 1 data and the coming data from PURPOSE 2 from Gilead as soon as possible, and we urge regulatory agencies to prepare to fast track regulatory review.

“We look forward to working with civil society partners, Gilead, international donors, normative agencies and national governments to ensure that this groundbreaking HIV prevention option is made available as quickly as possible and that we don’t squander this opportunity to drive down new HIV infections,” Warren said.

The Regional Stakeholder Engagement Manager for AVAC, and a member of the PURPOSE 1 Global Community Advisory Group, Nandisile Sikwana said, “We are incredibly excited about this result, especially about what it can mean for women in Africa. We applaud Gilead’s commitment to Good Participatory Practice in this and the other PURPOSE studies.

“While we wait for full data from the study, including adherence data of oral F/TAF, it is imperative that planning for rollout of lenacapavir be accelerated. We know that even with the most ambitious timeline, it will take time for lenacapavir to be rolled out”.