Health
Kaduna considers another lockdown as COVID-19 cases rise
The Kaduna State Government says it may close down schools, markets, offices and places of worship and other public areas should the current rate of COVID-19 infection persists.
A statement by the state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Amina Mohammed-Baloni on Saturday gave the warning, following the rise in cases of coronavirus.
The commissioner said, “If the rate of spread retains or exceeds the current pace, then we will have no option than to recommend the temporary closure of public spaces, including schools, markets, offices and places of worship.
She appealed the residents to help stop the spread of the disease and save lives.
He said, “In absolute and relative terms, Kaduna State is now recording high infection figures reminiscent of the first wave of Covid-19 spread in April, May and June 2020.
“The lowering of the infection rate following the first wave encouraged the government to approve the recommendation of the state COVID-19 task force for a significant reopening of the state.
“However, we are saddened to report that the conditions that compelled the 75 day lockdown of the state are now being replicated.”
She recalled that the state on November 26 recorded 74 positive results from 531 samples.
“The quantum of infections since then suggests both high infection rates and the reality that a new wave of infections is spreading across the state,” she added.
The commissioner also said on Friday 11th December, the state recorded 117 positive cases from 518 samples, which she noted amounted to almost one in four samples testing positive.
She stated that the ministry of health expected some increase in infections after the reopening of schools, markets, places of worship and recreational centres, noting however, that the figures easily outstripped estimated projection.
The commissioner said, “While infections cut across age groups, this new wave especially affects those aged between 10 and 35. There is now a veritable danger to lives and livelihoods with the renewed COVID-19 infections.
“If the spread continues at the current rate, it may challenge and overwhelm the health system despite our efforts to improve the resilience of that sector.
“We cannot allow this to happen. Kaduna State contained the first wave because, among other measures, most citizens observed and practised the COVID-19 prevention protocols.”
She urged the people to adopt behaviour that would protect themselves and their families from the infection by voluntarily complying with the COVID-19 protocols.
Health
NDLEA intercepts cocaine, opioids concealed in female sanitary pads in Lagos
NDLEA intercepts cocaine, opioids concealed in female sanitary pads in Lagos
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has intercepted a consignments of cocaine and pharmaceutical opioids at three courier firms in Lagos.
The NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi said in a statement on Sunday in Abuja that the drugs were concealed in ladies’ sanitary pads and hair treatment cream containers.
Mr Babafemi said that the consignments were heading to the United Kingdom, Ireland and Cyprus respectively.
According to him, in one of the logistics companies, not less than 30 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.1 kilograms were concealed in hair cream containers.
“They were recovered by NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation, (DOGI), during examination of cargoes going to Ireland on Tuesday Sept. 3
“Another consignment of 24 parcels of cocaine weighing 862 grams also hidden in hair cream containers meant for delivery in UK was equally intercepted at the same company on Friday Sept. 5.
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Health
WHO dismisses report of link between smartphone use and brain cancer
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.
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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
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.
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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
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