Health
UK starts mass COVID vaccination programme today

Britain on Tuesday recorded a turning point in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, as it began the biggest vaccination programme in the country’s history with a new COVID-19 jab.
The first patients in line on what has been dubbed “V-Day” — the over-80s, care home workers and at-risk frontline health and social care staff — will roll up their sleeves for an initial dose from early morning.
They will then require a second jab in 21 days’ time.
Last week Britain became the first country to approve the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, raising hopes of a breakthrough in the pandemic, which has killed more than 1.5 million worldwide.
Britain has been one of the worst-affected countries in the world, with more than 61,000 deaths in the outbreak from 1.6 million cases.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who spent days in intensive care with Covid-19 earlier this year, called it a “huge step forward in the UK’s fight against coronavirus”.
UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who has offered to have the jab on live television to allay public fears, said the roll-out was a “key moment” that would protect the most vulnerable.
The head of the state-run National Health Service in England, Simon Stevens, said it was a “decisive turning point” against the “greatest health challenge” since the NHS was founded in 1948.
Regulatory approval for the vaccine was given last Wednesday, sparking a race against time to prepare scores of vaccination centres across the country.
The UK has ordered 40 million doses of the jab — enough to vaccinate 20 million people — with 800,000 in the first batch.
Up to four million doses are expected by the end of December.
Queen could lead way
The mass vaccination drive is a coordinated response by all four nations of the UK — England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — which normally set their own health policies.
The public has been largely favourable to the rapid approval of the vaccine, but ministers and health professionals are aware they still need to combat mistrust.
The independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency maintains that no corners were cut and its assessment and approval procedures met stringent international norms.
NHS England said thousands had already been given the jab during trials with no serious side effects.
Nevertheless, it has been reported Queen Elizabeth II, who at 94 is among those first in the line for the vaccination because of her age, could front a public awareness campaign urging compliance.
The government said it will hand out vaccine cards to remind people to get the booster after three weeks, but insisted it was not introducing immunity certificates.
The chief medical officers of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland said the vaccine will as a result only have a “marginal impact” on hospital numbers over the winter months.
Johnson called for patience and urged the public to stick to strict social distancing guidelines to prevent a spike in cases, particular as rules are relaxed over Christmas.
Health officials have already run into a logistical headache about how to administer the vaccine to elderly or infirm care home residents.
The vaccine needs to be stored at -70 degrees Celsius (-94 Fahrenheit), leaving hospitals and other medical hubs as the only places able to deal with such ultra-low temperatures.
With the Pfizer-BioNTech drug made in Belgium, concerns have also been raised about potential disruption to supply when Britain leaves the European Union’s single market and customs union.
But the UK government said the military is on stand-by to air-lift the vaccine if there is any border disruption from January 1.
The bulk of Britain’s vaccine requirements are expected to be met by a jab developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford, which is awaiting regulatory approval.
The government has ordered an initial 100 million doses of the drug, which is cheaper to manufacture, and easier to store and transport using conventional fridges.
-AFP

Health
US citizens, others rushing to Nigeria for kidney transplant – Shettima

US citizens, others rushing to Nigeria for kidney transplant – Shettima
Vice President Kashim Shettima has observed that Nigeria is witnessing a surge in reverse medical tourism, with patients from the United States and other countries thronging the nation’s hospitals to seek affordable and high-quality kidney transplants.
The vice president attributed the choice of Nigeria for treatment to affordability and high-quality expertise within the country’s medical community.
Speaking on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAN) at the Presidential Villa ahead of the association’s 37th Scientific Conference, Mr Shettima stressed the need for further investments in specialised medical education to sustain this progress.
He said, “There is reverse medical tourism these days fundamentally because of the level of care at some of our hospitals. Recently, 13 patients from the United States came to Nigeria for kidney transplants at Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre because it is much cheaper here, and they receive the same level of expertise available anywhere in the world.”
The vice president praised Olalekan Olatise, chief medical director of Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, for his contributions to kidney care, describing him as “a very decent man who is highly altruistic” in his efforts to assist humanity.
Mr Shettima, however, noted the financial strain on patients, many of whom sell their homes or rely on government support to afford transplants.
“While getting a kidney transplant is a significant challenge, life after a transplant presents even more difficulties. Many patients struggle with the cost of post-transplant care, including immunosuppressants, which are essential to maintaining their health,” he said.
The vice president recalled healthcare initiatives he had embarked on during his tenure as Governor of Borno State, as well as the success of ongoing free maternal care programmes he introduced.
“At a hospital in my neighbourhood, we provide a bag of rice and beans to every new mother. They record about 30 births daily, more than even the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). Over 4,000 deliveries have been recorded in less than eight months, with all medical expenses covered, including caesarean sections,” VP Shettima said.
The vice president also reiterated the need for Nigeria to build its medical workforce, noting that when he was in Borno State as governor, he took 60 female students to study medicine in Sudan.
“About 58 of them completed their education and passed the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) licensing exams. Most of them are now in their medical residency programmes. The beauty of training women in medicine is that they are more likely to stay back and serve their communities.
“We must make deliberate and targeted investments in specialised healthcare education in this country,” the vice president said.
Earlier, Mr Olatise, who also serves as the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 37th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Nephrology, said the conference with the theme, “Revolutionizing Kidney Care in Nigeria: Evidence-Based Innovations,” will take place in Abuja from 19 to 21 February.
The association also announced plans to honour Vice President Shettima with the Kidney Champion Award in recognition of his advocacy and direct support for kidney patients, including funding immunosuppressants and proposing the establishment of a specialised laboratory for post-transplant care.
“We have noticed the role the vice president is playing in looking after kidney patients in the country. He has been involved in purchasing immunosuppressants, providing post-transplant care, and even considering setting up a lab to monitor calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) levels for kidney patients. This award is a recognition of his commitment,” Olatise said.
The conference is expected to attract over 600 participants, including Nigerian medical professionals based abroad, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and manufacturers of dialysis consumables.
US citizens, others rushing to Nigeria for kidney transplant – Shettima
Health
Tinubu approves 65 year retirement age for doctors, healthcare workers

Tinubu approves 65 year retirement age for doctors, healthcare workers
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years.
Dr Mannir Bature, National Publicity Secretary, Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, made the disclosure in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.
Mr Bature said the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has been directed to formally present the approval to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service for finalisation.
He said the policy shift was conveyed by Pate during a high-level meeting with the NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, and key stakeholders in the health sector.
Mr Bature said the meeting also had in attendance the leadership of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and the Joint Health Sector Unions, JOHESU.
He said discussions centred on progress made regarding the welfare of doctors and other healthcare professionals in Nigeria.
According to him, the coordinating minister confirmed that the arrears resulting from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) are set for payment.
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“The necessary funds have been secured, and disbursement to beneficiaries will commence soon,” he said.
Mr Bature quoted the minister as saying that President Tinubu has approved the correction of consequential adjustments for both CONMESS and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), arising from the implementation of the new minimum wage.
“The process to effect this correction is at an advanced stage, providing much-needed relief to doctors and other healthcare workers,” he said.
He said following an extensive review initiated by the NMA, approval has been granted for the implementation of new tariffs for healthcare service providers.
“This will particularly benefit members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses (ANPMPN), ensuring better financial remuneration and sustainability for healthcare services nationwide,” he said.
Mr Bature said the Coordinating Minister expressed appreciation for the patience and collaboration of all stakeholders, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of all healthcare workers.
Mr Bature said Pate emphasised that collaboration was crucial to strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.
He said attendees at the meeting renewed their commitment to work together in advocating for the welfare of healthcare workers and ensuring the full implementation of key reforms.
The NMA has championed increasing the retirement age of health workers from 60 to 65 years to address brain drain, improve knowledge transfer and for quality healthcare delivery.
NAN reports that nationwide strikes had been declared by various health associations or unions over the non-implementation of CONMESS and CONHESS for doctors and healthcare workers.
Tinubu approves 65 year retirement age for doctors, healthcare workers
NAN
Health
Stay away from Uganda as fresh Ebola virus breaks out, Nigerians warned

Stay away from Uganda as fresh Ebola virus breaks out, Nigerians warned
A resurgence of the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) has been confirmed in Uganda among other places.
Nigerians have thus been advised to avoid all but essential trips to such areas.
The advisory followed the January 30 confirmation of the outbreak of the Sudan strain of Ebola virus in Wakiso, Mukono and Mbale City by the Ugandan Ministry of Health.
Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr Jide Idris, said the agency was reinforcing surveillance at entry points, updating emergency response plans and expanding diagnostic capacity in key laboratories.
“Ugandan health authorities are currently tracking 44 contacts to curb further spread,” Idris said.
He however said that Nigeria had no recorded cases.
The director-general assured Nigerians that proactive steps were being taken to mitigate any risk of an outbreak.
“While there is no immediate cause for panic, we must remain vigilant. The Ebola Sudan strain has no approved vaccine, making early detection and containment critical,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to adhere to the following preventive measures: “Practice good hand hygiene – wash hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitisers.
“Avoid contact with persons showing symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, and unexplained bleeding.
“Refrain from consuming bush meat, especially bats and primates.
“Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms after travelling to an affected country.”
He also advised health workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, use personal protective equipment (PPE), and report suspected cases.
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