Mass Vaccination against diphtheria begins in King's College VI...everything is under control, - commissioner

The Lagos State Government has activated its Emergency Response Committee following the diphtheria outbreak in the boarding house of King’s College, Victoria Island Annexe. 

Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has advised the public not to panic, adding that an Emergency Operations Committee (EOC) has been activated to contain the outbreak and prevent undue fatalities.

According to Abayomi, the index case, a 12-year-old boy, presented with sore throat and fever to the health facilities of the school on February 22, and was promptly referred and admitted to the pediatric emergency ward of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) where he was promptly aacceptedand administered appropriate antibiotics and a full dose of diphtheria ant toxoid serum. 

The Commissioner said, "Despite the timely intervention, the boy succumbed to progressive and irreversible inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) on the 6th of March. Myocarditis is a severe and recognized complication of the bacterial infection caused by the toxin. The Commissioner noted that at the time of his death, an Emergency Operation Committee had already been activated, and 34 close contacts of the deceased student were already being closely observed for symptoms. 

"Of these, 14 have developed symptoms consistent with diphtheria. In response, the affected students were transported to the Children’s Emergency Unit at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where they were screened by health professionals."

 Of the 14 that were examined,12 were determined to have developed early signs of Diphtheria and were admitted to receive antibiotics and the Diphtheria antitoxoid Serum. No further cases have developed so far, and all 14 symptomatic students are recovering. 

Abayomi noted that a preliminary inspection of King’s College Annexe by health officials uncovered areas where infection prevention and control (IPC) measures need to be improved, and that process will commence immediately. 

The state government, in collaboration with Federal health agencies, is set to launch a targeted vaccination campaign for all consenting students of the school (both the annexe on Victoria Island and the Main School in Igbosere), inclusive of all healthcare providers, to strengthen immunity against the deadly infection. This may likely expand statewide. 

To ensure widespread public awareness, information leaflets detailing diphtheria symptoms, prevention, and early treatment options are being disseminated across all healthcare facilities in Lagos. The state government is also preparing a public health announcement to sensitize Lagosians about the outbreak, warning them to watch out for symptoms such as sore throat, fever, difficulty in breathing, and swollen neck glands.

Health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), have been notified of the outbreak and are collaborating with the Lagos State to coordinate an effective response. 

 Lagos has close to 500,000 doses of diphtheria vaccines in stock, which will be strategically deployed as part of the emergency response to high-risk locations. 

The State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) will convene daily to assess the evolving situation and guide policy decisions. Subsequent meetings will involve the Ministry of Basic and Tertiary Education as well as other stakeholders to enhance inter-sectoral coordination in tackling the outbreak.  

Abayomi advised Lagos residents to prioritize good hygiene, avoid crowded environments, and seek medical attention immediately if experiencing diphtheria-like symptoms. "Early detection and treatment can save lives. Let’s all work together to curb this outbreak and protect our communities," he said. 

The Honourable Commissioner of Health would like to assure Lagosians that “the outbreak is under control and there is no need to panic because measures will continue in earnest to protect our citizens from infectious disease outbreaks”. 

Diphtheria is an infection of the throat caused by a bacteria that results in inflammation of the throat, fever, swollen neck glands, and difficulty in breathing. In addition, a toxin produced by the bacteria can cause the failure of multiple organs, such as the heart, lungs, and nerves. Diphtheria is preventable by adhering to the full vaccination schedule, good hygiene, avoidance of crowded and under-ventilated spaces, and prompt treatment of infection with antibiotics and antitoxoid serum to neutralize the effect of the toxin on organs.

International Women's Day (IWD).

International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8 each year. It is a global day that recognizes women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. In Nigeria, the day is particularly significant because it highlights various issues faced by women in the country, including gender inequality, lack of access to education, healthcare disparities, and gender-based violence.

Celebrations and Activities:

1. Events and Programs: Various organizations, including NGOs, government agencies, and women's groups, organize events that include discussions, workshops, and seminars focused on women's rights and empowerment.

2. Marches and Rallies: Many cities in Nigeria witness peaceful marches and rallies where people advocate for women's rights and gender equality. These events raise awareness of ongoing issues and mobilize support for policy changes.

3. Media Campaigns: There are often media campaigns aimed at promoting gender equality and celebrating women's achievements. This includes stories of inspiring women, discussions on critical issues affecting women, and the importance of women's participation in various sectors.

4. Awards and Recognition: Some organizations take the opportunity to recognize and honor exceptional women who have made significant contributions to society in various fields.

 Themes:

Each year, International Women's Day has a specific theme set by the United Nations or other leading organizations that focus on different aspects of women's rights and empowerment. Nigerian stakeholders often adopt these themes to guide their local celebrations and discussions.

Challenges:

Despite progress in some areas, women in Nigeria continue to face numerous challenges, including cultural practices that limit their rights, economic disparities, and inadequate access to education and healthcare. IWD serves as a platform to advocate for policy changes and social reforms aimed at improving the status of women in Nigeria.

Overall, International Women's Day in Nigeria serves as both a celebration and a call to action, encouraging collective efforts to advance gender equality and support women's rights across the country.

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Insist on test before treatment: health experts tell Nigerians ...as LSG launches Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitization Programme.

The Lagos State Government has launched the final phase of its Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitalization initiative, meant to protect residents and enable them to contribute effectively to the state socio-economic growth and Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Professor Alli Pate, commended Lagos State for pioneering the project, noting that the new programme aligned with the Federal Ministry of Health's "Rethinking Malaria' concept, launched in April 2024, which aims to fast-track malaria elimination through strategic shifts.

He highlighted the programme focus on integrating digital health solutions for real-time electronic reporting, which is expected to improve malaria diagnosis and case management, adding that" Lagos State had consistently recorded the lowest malaria prevalence in Nigeria, with a 2021 survey, indicating a 2% prevalence rate ". 

" I am confident that, with concerted efforts, Lagos will achieve pre-elimination status and serve as a model for the rest of the country."

The minister, who underscored the role of the private sector in healthcare delivery, explained that about 50-60% of Nigerians seek treatment first in private health facilities and emphasized that the focus of the programme on public-private sector synergy, describing it as essential for enhancing diagnostic accuracy and addressing malaria-negative fever protocols. 

Pate also identified discrepancies in malaria positivity rates between private and public sectors and stressed the need for innovative solutions to improve healthcare outcomes.

" I urge everyone to maintain their support for impactful interventions aimed at eliminating malaria ". 

 He assured Nigerians and development partners that recent changes in global health funding policies would not affect Nigeria's malaria elimination programmes. 

Professor Pate affirmed that" the federal government commitment to ensuring adequate and cost-effective funding for public health initiatives, urging state governments to collaborate in making Nigeria self-sustaining in public health funding ".

The Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Professor Alli Pate's message was delivered by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako.

Addressing the audience, the Lagos State Governor,  Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who expressed joy at being the pioneer state, expressed dismay at the socioeconomic burden malaria imposed on Lagos residents. 

He noted that the disease hampers productivity, drains household incomes, and disrupts educational pursuits, particularly among modest earners. 

The governor stressed that eradicating malaria is not just a health imperative but also an economic necessity that could significantly boost the state's GDP.

" The importance of accurate diagnosis cannot be overlooked, urging residents to adopt a 'test-before-treatment' approach and warned against self-diagnosis and medication explaining that assumption that all fevers are malaria-related was wrong ". Sanwo - Olu

" Prompt testing to ensure appropriate treatment is the way to go while applauding the integration of digital tools in the programmes, which will allow real-time tracking of malaria cases, thereby enhancing the efficiency of interventions.

The governor called for collective action, urging all stakeholders—including government agencies, healthcare providers, community leaders, and citizens—to collaborate in the fight against malaria.

He acknowledged that while success may not come overnight, sustained efforts and unwavering resolve could lead to a malaria-free Lagos.  I  commend the  Ministry and its partners for their transparent presentation of data and ongoing efforts to meet the 2025 targets for malaria elimination.

Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated the critical role of community engagement in malaria prevention and encouraged Lagosians to become advocates for the programme, giving information about preventive measures and the importance of testing before treatment. 

" To my fellow Lagosians: this fight belongs to each one of us. Let us embrace preventive measures like eliminating mosquito breeding sites and adopt a “test-before-treatment” approach to ensure accurate diagnoses. And let us remain vigilant in protecting ourselves and our loved ones from this disease. We can rewrite the story of malaria in Lagos State—from one loss and struggle to one of triumph and progress. This program is our legacy—a gift to future generations who will inherit a healthier, stronger Lagos”, he said.

Country Director for Nigeria at the World Bank, Dr. Ndiame Diop, also lauded Lagos State's efforts in malaria control, stressing the economic impact of malaria, noting that 30% of under-five deaths and 60% of outpatient visits in Nigeria are linked to malaria. 

Dr. Diop stressed that out-of-pocket malaria treatment costs remain a major barrier to effective disease control, " with 95% of treatments paid for directly by affected individuals ". 

He solicited increased funding, public-private partnerships, and community-led interventions to bridge healthcare access gaps. “Nigeria, as the largest economy in Africa, has the potential to eliminate malaria, and we are confident that with the commitment demonstrated here, we will get there,” he stated.

He promised that the World Bank would continue to be committed to supporting policies and interventions aimed at malaria elimination.

In his presentation titled ‘Winning the Fight Against Malaria in Lagos State, the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, emphasized that malaria remains a major public health challenge, contributing to mortality, economic burden, and reduced human capital development.

He noted that while Nigeria bears the highest malaria burden globally—accounting for 27% of global cases—Lagos State has successfully reduced its prevalence to 2.6%, positioning it in the lolow-transmissionategory. He credited this progress to sustained interventions, private sector partnerships, and digital health innovations.

" Achieving malaria pre-elimination requires continued efforts in early diagnosis, effective treatment, and vector control measures such as indoor residual spraying and larviciding. He further emphasized the role of community education, digital health tracking, and strengthened health service delivery in sustaining progress. "Lagos State is on the verge of malaria pre-elimination, and if we align our strategies effectively, we can achieve this goal sooner than expected," he stated.

Prof. Abayomi also highlighted a shift in malaria diagnosis and treatment, moving away from presumptive treatment to a ‘test, treat, and track’ approach, explaining that digital integration in health services would improve accuracy in diagnosis, ensure appropriate use of anti-malarial drugs, and prevent drug resistance. 

He urged healthcare workers to embrace thorough patient evaluations, moving beyond assumptions of malaria as the primary cause of fever-related illnesses.

Country Representative for the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Kazadi Walter Mulombo, commended Lagos State for its leadership in malaria control, saying that " Lagos serves as a model for urban malaria control, effectively addressing both low transmission areas and malaria hotspots ".

He emphasized the importance of evidence-based interventions, private sector collaboration, and sustained government commitment in achieving malaria elimination goals.

Dr. Mulombo reiterated WHO’s support for the initiative, emphasizing the need for accurate malaria diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and community engagement.

 He highlighted that Nigeria accounts for 31% of global malaria deaths, making malaria elimination a national priority. “Lagos is setting the pace for sub-national malaria elimination strategies, and we stand ready to provide technical expertise and guidance for the success of this initiative,” he stated.

Lagos State governor, Health Minister, world Bank and WHO representative, to unveil pathway to ending Malaria in Lagos.

The Lagos State government says, it will revolutionize malaria control through digital innovations, strengthen case management and enhance public-private partnerships in healthcare delivery.

‎Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, who made this known at a news briefing ahead of the unveiling of high-impact initiative tagged "Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitization Programme in Lagos State" in Lagos 

emphasized that, the programme is a crucial step towards reducing malaria prevalence to below 1%, marking a significant leap towards disease eradication in the state.

“Lagos is already leading the way with a malaria prevalence of under 3%, far below the national average. With this initiative, we are taking decisive steps to eliminate malaria altogether and ensure that every fever is properly diagnosed and treated using a scientific and digitalized approach,” Prof. Abayomi stated.

He explained that despite its relatively low malaria prevalence compared to other states in Nigeria, Lagos still records an estimated 900,000 malaria cases annually, with febrile illnesses presumed to be malaria contributing to over 50% of general outpatient visits in public health facilities.

Prof. Abayomi highlighted the economic toll of malaria, which results in absenteeism from work and school, decreased productivity, and increased household healthcare costs.

“Malaria is not just a health issue; it is a social and economic problem. The cost of treating malaria, combined with the indirect costs of lost productivity, runs into billions of naira annually. A malaria-free Lagos is a stronger, more prosperous Lagos,” he added.

Prof. Abayomi disclosed that a key pillar of the Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitization Program is the integration of digital health solutions to optimize malaria surveillance and case management.

" He noted that, " through a collaboration with Maisha Meds, a digital health platform, Lagos will deploy real-time electronic malaria reporting systems across public and private health facilities, ensuring swift and accurate data collection ".

While adding that the initiative will also facilitate the use of digital diagnostic tools to improve accuracy in malaria testing, the Commissioner disclosed that many patients in Lagos receive anti-malarial treatment without proper testing, leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. 

“The new programme mandates compulsory rapid diagnostic testing (RDTs) before any malaria treatment is administered, " This initiative will ensure that only confirmed malaria cases receive anti-malarial treatment. It will also reduce the misuse of antibiotics, which is a major driver of drug resistance,” Prof. Abayomi noted.

Given that a significant portion of malaria cases in Lagos are treated outside government hospitals, the Commissioner stated that the Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitization Program will integrate community pharmacies, patent medicine vendors, and private hospitals into the state’s malaria control network.

He added the Lagos State Government is working closely with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and the National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP) to standardize treatment protocols across all healthcare providers. “This means that, whether a patient seeks treatment at a public hospital, private clinic, or neighborhood pharmacy, they will receive the same high-quality malaria diagnosis and treatment based on the state’s guidelines”, he said.

The Commissioner stressed that a major behavioral shift that the programme aims to achieve is changing public perception of fever and malaria diagnosis, adding that, many Lagos residents self-diagnose malaria and purchase anti-malarial drugs without testing.

He urged that, moving forward, every fever must be properly diagnosed before treatment,  warning that, “Not every fever is malaria. " In fact, many fevers are caused by bacterial or viral infections that require different treatments. 

" With this initiative, we are discouraging self-medication and encouraging Lagosians to get tested before taking any medication,” he emphasized.

Prof. Abayomi disclosed that the program is integrating malaria care into Lagos State’s health insurance scheme, Ilera Eko, to ensure affordability and accessibility of malaria treatment. “This means that registered enrollees can receive malaria tests and treatment at little or no cost, reducing the financial burden on families and encouraging prompt healthcare-seeking behaviour”, he said.

 “To achieve this, the government will deploy three major intervention strategies including, scaling up effective case management by ensuring all suspected malaria cases are tested and accurately treated; enhancing disease surveillance  through the use of digital tools to track malaria cases in real-time and guide interventions.

He suggested that, community engagement and prevention by educating the public on malaria prevention methods, including the proper use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets and environmental hygiene” is the way to go.

Prof. Abayomi disclosed that the program will be formally launched at Eko Hotel, Lagos, on March 4, 2025, in a high-profile event to be attended by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, along with key stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), World Bank, and National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP).

He urged all residents, healthcare providers, and stakeholders to support and participate in the initiative, emphasizing that malaria elimination is a collective responsibility, and the success of the program depends on everyone’s involvement.

“We need the public to adopt a test-before-treatment mindset. We need healthcare providers to follow best practices. We need communities to take ownership of malaria prevention. Together, we can achieve a malaria-free Lagos,” he concluded.

In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, reinforced the importance of changing public attitudes towards fever management and malaria treatment.

“This initiative is about changing behaviours. People must move away from self-diagnosis and assumptions. The era of saying, ‘I think I have malaria’ without testing is over. Every fever should be tested first, and only confirmed cases should be treated for malaria,” she said.

She emphasized the role of pharmacists and patent medicine vendors in ensuring compliance with the new malaria testing protocols, urging them to join the government in standardizing malaria case management.

“Pharmacies and medicine shops play a huge role in how people access treatment. We are integrating them into this program so that when someone walks in with a fever, the first step is a test, not just selling anti-malarial drugs,” she added.

She also highlighted the government’s commitment to making malaria treatment more accessible, affordable, and effective for all Lagosians.

With the Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitization Program, Lagos is setting a precedent for malaria control in Nigeria and beyond. The countdown to a malaria-free Lagos has begun.

OSHIA provides free Health Insurance to Public Primary Schools, targeting over 10,000 pupils.

The Oyo State Health Insurance Agency, OSHIA, has taken its health insurance to primary schools in the state Free of Charge, 

to reduce out-of-pocket expenses, ensure pupils learn in good health and sound mind. 

The Deputy Governor, Oyo State, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, who made the call at the official lunch of the programme in Ibadan on Thursday February 28th, noted that, as it stands, OSHIA captured very few schools, but the state is going to about 10,000 pupils within a very short time, urging the agency to double its efforts to capture the rest of the public schools in the State.

" We have five major zones, 11 Local Governments Area have been captured through this current exercise and so the other Zones should be captured, Bashorun, Ogbomosho, Ibarapa, Okeogun, among others.

The Deputy Governor commended UNICEF for its doggedness, saying that for decades, UNICEF has been supporting public primary and even secondary schools in health and education. 

"Even children who have Malaria can be treated; that's why I'm commending you," he stressed. 

Delivering a goodwill message, the Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Ms. Celine Lafoucriere, said she was thrilled to celebrate the launch of the Oyo State Public Primary School Pupils Health Insurance Scheme. She noted that Access to affordable, quality healthcare is a fundamental right for every child. 

" The initiative reinforces our collective commitment to universal health coverage, ensuring that no child faces financial obstacles to accessing healthcare." 

She explained that Universal health coverage is more than a healthcare goal—it's a social and economic necessity. She noted that when children have access to healthcare, they can focus on education, grow into productive adults, break the cycle of poverty, and contribute to the success of Oyo State and Nigeria.

UNICEF: " Equity is our guiding principle—ensuring equal opportunities for every child. This scheme exemplifies this by focusing on public primary school children, especially in hard-to-reach areas. 

She explained further, " With 90 schools already enrolled across 18 LGAs, our goal is to ensure all 33 LGAs in Oyo state are covered, leaving no child behind." She stressed that UNICEF proudly supports this health insurance initiative and eagerly looks forward to continued partnerships to grow the scheme further.

 Celine said," Let today’s event be a rallying call for action—our commitment to ensuring every child in Oyo State has access to healthcare. UNICEF supports the government and communities toward universal health coverage ".

She congratulated the Oyo State Government, the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA), and all partners, urging them to build a healthier, more inclusive, and equitable future for every child.

The Executive Secretary of OYSHIA, Dr. Olusola Akande, stated that the scheme's commencement made it the 9th door created by OYSHIA leading to the same room for residents of Oyo State to access quality healthcare services.

They are :

 Conventional OYSHIA scheme, community-based health insurance scheme, pensioners and old peoples scheme, tertiary Students health insurance scheme, basic Health Care Provision Fund, adoption Model of which the Governor is the Chief, Diaspora contributory initiative, Safer health, safer oyo, and new Public primary school pupils insurance scheme.

Dr Akande states that "the models have given access to quality healthcare services to over 250,000 residents of the state and had reduced their out of pocket expenditure to an average of 10 percent from the current rate of 75 percent ". 

 Dr Akande expressed joy that the purchasing power and quality of life of about 2.5 percent of the residents of the state have improved through the activities of OYSHIA. 

" The statistics may look insignificant, but it is a total departure from the stories of Yore. OYSHIA has stepped into the world of Johnny Walker" keep walking", so we ensure there's no day we didn't take at least a step. Our reslove is innovate or die ". he averred

He listed major life-saving or quality-of-life-improving interventions that some of our enrollees enjoyed in the last year:

This includes 261 cesarian sections, 195 cataract surgeries, 147 myomectomies, 9 ORIF procedures,18 thyroidectomies, 12 laparotomy, 13 prostatectomy, and 1 open heart surgery.

Apart from providing access to improved quality of healthcare, the Agency, through payment of capitation to various accredited hospitals, has contributed significantly to the effort of the Oyo State government in repositioning our hospitals for better service delivery, especially at the primary health care level.

Dr Akande told the gathering, " Oyo State Health Insurance Agency paid up to 735,366,023 as capitation to all accredited hospitals in 2024, noting that the heads of various hospitals have made significant progress in upgrading their facilities, procuring essential tools, and providing drugs and consumables.

Enumerating the area of support from UNICEF, the new door being opened today, he stressed focusing on providing access to healthcare for 10,000 public primary school pupils in the first instance. "This we have been able to achieve through immense support of UNICEF".

In addition, with UNICEF support, the Agency has improved the awareness campaign and increased the number of communities under CBHIS by 100 percent.

Treat feverish conditions with caution: not all febrile illnesses are Malaria or thyroid - NIMR.

To check emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, particularly Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers, which are common in Nigeria, there is the need to screen febrile patients with improved diagnostics, vaccines, and treatment.

Enhancing surveillance systems to effectively control and manage the diseases is also necessary. 

A Director of Research and Deputy Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, NIMR, Professor Rosemary Audubon, made that call during a chat with newsmen in Lagos. 

Professor Audu said research findings revealed that, in Nigeria, Lassa fever remains a major public health issue because in February this year, " the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported 413 cases and 80 deaths across 11 states and 63 local government areas ".

According to her, " Between 2021 and 2024, dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and chikungunya viruses were detected in febrile patients in Oyo and Delta states, a result she described as surprising 

“And in Ondo State, we confirmed the endemicity of Lassa fever, yet 80 percent of suspected cases tested negative, raising concerns about undiagnosed infections,” she said.

“In Delta State, yellow fever virus was detected in mosquito pools even after fumigation, questioning the efficacy of control measures”

Studies on Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Kwara State provided insights into its prevalence among herdsmen and febrile patients. 

Sequencing Nigeria’s first SARS-CoV-2 case in 2020 and conducting seroprevalence studies across multiple states, providing critical data on COVID-19’s spread, was part of her research. 

" Between 2021 and 2024, the team detected dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and chikungunya viruses in febrile patients across Oyo and Delta states ". Audu

On its impact on Public health,

Mrs Audu observed that the detection of multiple viral infections in Nigerian communities indicates active transmission, hence the need for interventions.

" Our research confirms the need for intensified efforts to control both rodent and mosquito populations,” she said

“We also need to enhance diagnostic capabilities for VHFs and raise awareness among healthcare providers to improve case detection.”

Professor Audu, who stressed the importance of public knowledge in disease detection and prevention, warned health workers to treat every fever with suspicion because many febrile illnesses in Nigeria are mistaken for malaria and typhoid:" 

Despite the numerous breakthroughs, Mrs Audu noted that NIMR faces several challenges, including limited funding, irregular sampling, and the high cost of serology kits.

She explained that the institute is exploring additional grant opportunities and increasing fieldwork engagement among postgraduate researchers to address the issues having been given the mandate.

Looking ahead, she said NIMR aims to expand VHF surveillance to more states, develop improved diagnostics and vaccines, and evaluate the effectiveness of available Mpox vaccines for Nigerian strains.

“Understanding the diversity of infectious agents will improve disease control and guide better public health decisions,” she said.

“Our findings have been shared at national and international scientific conferences, and we remain committed to collaborating with policymakers to implement effective health strategies.”

Earlier, the Director-General of the Institute, Professor NIMR John Obafunwa, again complained of the electricity situation in the Institute, expressing dismay that the dwindling power supply and the threat of disconnection by the PHCN was a huge challenge as research equipments are temperature sensitive. 

He explained that for NIMR to perform optimally and take its pride of place in research and production of test kits, especially to Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers, government and well-meaning individuals should support the Institute to ensure sustainability.  

The Forensic Pathology expert stressed the importance of early and accurate disease diagnosis, citing inadequate diagnostic tools and the high costs of medical reagents as some of the challenges.

" The increasing presence of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes as explained by Professor Audu could increase the spread of arboviral diseases if left unchecked hence the need to act fast ". Obafunwa warned.

Oil Spill Devastates Obololi Community in Bayelsa State.

An Underwater Oil Spill from a Pipeline operated by a multinational company along the Obololi River in the Southern Ijaw local government area of Bayelsa State is devastating the Obololi community and its environs.

Community members say the Spill, which is suspected to have been caused by equipment failure at a facility operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company, was first noticed between late Sunday night and early Monday morning.

Locals say, " the river which is our only source of drinking water and farmlands have been polluted, calling for immediate clean up, provision of relief materials, water and fish to ameliorate their suffering ".

A visit to the point of spill indicates that crude oil is bubbling out from underneath the river, where there seems to be corrosion of the pipeline operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company, while some children are having their bath in the polluted water.

An elderly woman, Comfort Simeon, who spoke through an interpreter, and Florence Clarkson say, " We are starving and dying of thirst as well as having breathing difficulty as a result of the devastating impacts of the spill to the river and farmlands ".

Other natives, Comfort Payofaghe and Akpoboloukemi Cletus, say some of the children in the community are already having health issues as a result of being exposed to the spill.

Chairman of the Obololi Community Development Committee, Goodnews Oko, i said at least four person, ns including two children and two women, were already suffering from health issues such as diarrhea and severe itching having been exposed to the crude oil polluted waters, appealing for provision of water, food and other relief materials.

The Environmental Defenders Network, through its Deputy Executive Director, Chief Alagoa Morris, called for an urgent Joint Investigation Visit.

" There is the need for SPDC to clean up the polluted areas and provide relief materials to the people ". He said

Chief Morri, who is the Technical Assistant to the Governor on the Environment, also enjoined government to implement the recently released report of the Bayelsa Oil and Environment Commission.

Morris charged regulatory agencies such as the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission [NUPRC ], and the State and Federal Ministry of Environment as well as the Ministry of Mineral Resources to ensure environmental justice for communities.

Natives of the Obololi community say, "operators of the facility, the SPDC have only placed booms to contain the spread of the spill ". 

Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Target Segib, who visited the Obololi community for an on-the-spot assessment, frowned at the harmful impact of the oil spill.

" The Council would urgently provide alternative water supply to the area to alleviate their sufferings, calling on the people to avoid drinking and cooking from water from the creek to avoid water-borne diseases ".

The Deputy paramount ruler of Obololi, Chief Wilfred Kueke, expressed dismay that the community had suffered environmental pollution of the environment since the SPDC began operations in the area in 1973, stressing that no form of social amenities has been provided I,ncluding healthcare services,  andater a,s well as cordial Community-Company relationship.

Alambo Datonye