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December 18, 2023 NCDC Confirms Dengue Fever Outbreak in Sokoto
IFMUYONEWS

NCDC Confirms Dengue Fever Outbreak in Sokoto

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed the outbreak of dengue fever in Sokoto State. Director-General of NCDC, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, who disclosed this in a statement, yesterday, in Abuja, observed that, so far, about 71 suspected cases, 13 confirmed cases and zero deaths had been reported in the state from three local councils Sokoto South (60 cases), Wamako (three) and Dange Shuni (one). Adetifa noted that majority of the suspected cases reported fell between the ages of 21 and 40 years, adding that the cases were detected in November 2023. He stated that the NCDC-led multi-sectoral National Emerging Viral Haemorrhagic Diseases Technical Working Group, collaborating with partners and relevant stakeholders, conducted a rapid risk assessment to guide in-country preparedness activities. The DG observed that the current risk level of the outbreak is moderate, based on a dynamic risk assessment, adding that there is adequate in-country capacity (including technical, health workforce and diagnostic) to respond effectively in the event of a large-scale outbreak. “Nigeria has also responded to viral haemorrhagic fever epidemics like the Ebola Outbreak in 2014 and subsequently Lassa fever. The NEVHD TWG coordinates preparedness efforts for Ebola Virus Disease and other emerging viral haemorrhagic fever diseases,” the statement reads. “This has built our preparedness and response capabilities for viral haemorrhagic fevers like the dengue virus over the years. There is a diagnostics capacity for the dengue virus at the NCDC National Reference Laboratory in Abuja and the Usman Dan Fodio University Sokoto Teaching Hospital Laboratory Centre for Human and Zoonotic Virology,” He noted that the NCDC would proceed to optimise existing Lassa fever testing laboratories and others within the NCDC national laboratory network for DENV diagnosis to improve preparedness and readiness in the event of a large-scale outbreak. Adetifa advised Nigerians, especially people living in Sokoto, to adhere strictly to preventive measures, such as wearing clothes that cover as much of the body as possible to avoid mosquito bites and sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets. He also urged the residents to use insect-repellent in sleeping areas and ensure proper sanitation to reduce the breeding of mosquitoes.
December 6, 2023 Community Led HIV Response Long Overdue – Prof Augustine Umoh
IFMUYONEWS

Community Led HIV Response Long Overdue – Prof Augustine Umoh

The 2023 World AIDS Day observance in Akwa Ibom has left behind resonating echoes that are expected to guide stakeholders in the state HIV response. The Akwa Ibom State Agency for the Control of AIDS -AKSACA and its Partners had displayed interest during the weeklong commemoration from November 25 through December 1 to promote community leadership with its lineup of activities which was centred on access to communities in Uyo and the hinterlands of Ibesikpo Asutan, Uruan, Ikot Ekpene and Eket. Most significantly the AIDS control Agency in the mix of activities it floated to mark the global event was a symposium which took place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom’s capital city. At the symposium, perspectives of the World AIDS DAY focus were delibrated by Persons living with HIV – PLHIVs, Development Partners; USAID, ECEWS, AHF, CCCRN, MAP-IT, and other collaborators. Speaking at the gathering, the Commissioner for Health Professor Augustine Umoh who represented the state Governor Pastor Umo Eno noted that having communities lead the response was long overdue. On the capacity to drive community-led initiatives, the Project Manager for AKSACA, Dr Enobong Akpan said attention will be tilted to citizens taking ownership and improving the HIV prevention strategies. The symposium had field experts in a panel discussion speak to issues that could hinder community involvement in Akwa Ibom’s HIV epidemic control while outlining solutions to be explored. Inspiration FM’s Senior Health Correspondent IMA DEM reports that a key advocacy from Persons living with HIV, other stakeholders at the symposium was the urgent need for domestication of the Anti Stigma and Discrimination Bill in Akwa Ibom state. Here, the Co-Chairman of the State Prevention Technical Working Group Prof Anietie Moses emphasizes embracing the bill for effective community Leadership.
December 1, 2023 Let Communities Lead in The War Against HIV/AIDS
IFMUYONEWS

Let Communities Lead in The War Against HIV/AIDS

Every year on December 1st, the world comes together to observe World AIDS Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and commemorating the millions of lives lost to the pandemic. This year’s theme, “Let Communities Lead,” emphasizes the crucial role of communities in shaping the HIV response and achieving an AIDS-free world.

Nigeria has witnessed remarkable progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS in recent years. The HIV prevalence rate among adults aged 15-49 has declined from 5.8% in 2003 to 1.4% in 2021. Additionally, the number of people living with HIV on treatment has increased dramatically, from 500,000 in 2005 to 1.4 million in 2021.

These achievements stem from a concerted effort by the Nigerian government, civil society organizations, and international partners. The government has increased funding for HIV/AIDS programs, expanded access to antiretroviral treatment, and implemented prevention campaigns. Civil society organizations have played a pivotal role in providing care and support to people living with HIV, advocating for their rights, and educating the public about HIV prevention. International partners have provided technical and financial support to the Nigerian government’s HIV/AIDS response.

Echoing the spirit of World AIDS Day, former President Muhammadu Buhari stated, “We must continue to fight for a world where everyone has access to the prevention, treatment, and care they need to live long and healthy lives.“

Despite the progress made, there are still significant challenges to overcome in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. Stigma and discrimination associated with HIV continue to impede prevention efforts and access to care. The HIV prevalence rate among adolescents and young people remains higher than the national average. Moreover, there is a persistent need to expand access to HIV testing and treatment in rural areas.

Just as former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo aptly emphasized on last year’s occassion, “We must not let up in our efforts to combat HIV/AIDS. This is a fight that we must win.”

Minister of Health Prof. Ali Pate, recognizing the critical role of eliminating stigma, remarked, “Stigma and discrimination are major barriers to HIV prevention and treatment. We must work together to break down these barriers.”

Executive Director of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) Aliyu Gumel Gambo, highlighting the importance of empowering youth, stated, “We must empower Communities with the knowledge and skills they need to protect themselves from HIV.”

World AIDS Day serves as an important occasion to reflect on the progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS and to reaffirm our commitment to ending the pandemic. By working together, we can achieve a world where everyone has access to the prevention, treatment, and care they need to live long and healthy lives.

Written by Adebayo A. Samuel

October 31, 2023 Akwa Ibom State Plans Another Teaching Hospital To Improve Healthcare Service Delivery
IFMUYONEWS

Akwa Ibom State Plans Another Teaching Hospital To Improve Healthcare Service Delivery

Governor of Akwa Ibom State , Pst. Umo Eno has revealed his administration’s plan to establish another teaching hospital in the state. He said work on the completion of the medical facility which is located in Onna Local Government Area of state is being intensified. The governor stated this on Monday while interacting with the management of the University of Uyo Teaching  Hospital (UUTH) who were on a courtesy visit to his office. He said,  “The state is preparing to establish its teaching hospital and we are working very hard to see if we can give you respite by having two teaching hospitals. “The beauty of it is that it will complement the services of UUTH and since doctors are not many. You will be the ones to consult for us and we will always come calling for your assistance to help us.” He said his administration has improved healthcare services by revamping the primary healthcare sector for efficiency, amongst others across the state. The Chief Medical Director of UUTH, Prof Emem Bassey, expressed optimism that as a successful entrepreneur, he hopes the governor would bring his wealth of experience to bear in piloting the state’s affairs to more gains. He commended Eno for the priority given to the health sector in his A.R.I.S.E. Agenda blueprint and stated the willingness of UUTH to partner with the administration in its quest to deliver on the agenda. Bassey listed the challenges of UUTH to include a dearth of infrastructure, power generation, inadequate manpower, and poor funding, among others. He explained that despite the setbacks, UUTH has recorded tremendous strides in the area of renovation and construction of new buildings, services delivery, setting up of the accident and emergency unit and others.

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