Ebola: Nigeria traces Virus’s Transmission Route to Kenya but...

The Federal Government says Genomic analysis of Nigeria’s imported Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case has shown that the isolated virus appears closely related to that identified in the index case in Kenya.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, said this at a news conference  in Abuja on Friday night, while providing an update on the country’s response to the confirmed case.

Pate said the finding was based on additional genomic analysis conducted with support from public health laboratories of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and Professor Christian Happi’s laboratory at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun.

“That case appears to be closely related to the case identified in the index case in Kenya.

“That is all that we can say at this stage based on the genomic analysis.

“There is no evidence of travel of that index case in Kenya that links it to Nigeria, but the viruses are appearing to be related,” he said.

The minister said the finding could influence the understanding of the virus’s transmission route, although further evidence was required.

He explained that the relationship between the viruses did not, by itself, establish how the infection reached Nigeria.

“That may or may not change our understanding of the route of transmission, given that the virus itself takes time to change,” he said.

Pate said Nigeria still had only one confirmed case, while authorities continued contact tracing, quarantine and testing of identified contacts.

“The contacts have been traced, quarantined, and we are conducting additional tests, some of which are negative and others are pending,” he said.

He said the government had activated the various pillars of its response through the Incident Management System coordinated by the NCDC and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

The minister said efforts were also being intensified to strengthen laboratory capacity, case management, public communication and infection prevention and control in health facilities.

He said health workers would receive training to protect themselves while triaging patients and managing suspected cases.

“All hospitals should be sensitised and health workers be aware, and when there are suspected cases, to notify public health authorities,” he said.

Pate said public health authorities would continue to raise awareness about preventive measures, including handwashing and basic hygiene.

He explained that Ebola was not transmitted through the air but through direct contact with infected body fluids.

The minister urged Nigerians to obtain information from credible public health sources, including the NCDC, the ministry, the World Health Organisation and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

He cautioned against panic fuelled by unverified information on social media, assuring Nigerians that the country has qualified public health professionals and laboratory capacity to respond to the situation.

Pate said the government would continue providing updates as the circumstances changed, while working to prevent the virus from spreading into communities.

“We are reassuring Nigerians that we will continue to work diligently to ensure that we contain this virus as much as possible and that we avoid a situation that it spills over to the communities.

“We call on Nigerians to remain vigilant, but also be calm. There is no need to panic, but it is important to follow public health preventive measures that have been clearly identified,” he said.

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Tinubu to Duru's Family: May God grants you strength to bear the painful loss...

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran Nollywood actor, Francis Duru, at 57, describing it as a painful loss to the Nigerian film industry and the creative community.

This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday in Abuja.

Tinubu extended his condolences to the actor’s family, colleagues, fans and the Nigerian film industry, acknowledging his contributions to the growth and development of Nollywood.

The President said veteran actors such as Duru played important roles in shaping the industry’s artistic identity, nurturing emerging talents and projecting Nigerian stories, culture and values to audiences at home and abroad.

He noted that the contributions of artists, who devoted their lives to entertaining, educating and inspiring society would endure long after their passing.

Tinubu said Duru’s contributions would remain part of Nollywood’s rich history and Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

The President prayed for the peaceful repose of the actor’s soul and asked God to grant his family, friends, colleagues and admirers the strength to bear the loss.

He reaffirmed his administration’s recognition of the contributions of the arts and entertainment industry to national development, cultural preservation and Nigeria’s global image.

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Find Solutions to Brain Drain in Health Sector, Tinubu charges Medical Professionals

President Bola Tinubu has urged medical professionals to develop practical solutions to medical brain drain across West Africa, warning that the migration of skilled personnel continues to strain healthcare systems.

Tinubu made the call on Thursday after taking the oath as a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians (WACP) at the State House, Abuja.

He urged the college’s leadership to use its forthcoming conference to develop practical and sustainable solutions to the persistent challenge of medical brain drain across the sub-region.

“We are more challenged in Africa than anywhere else; you know, and with the outbreak of Ebola now we’re looking for a preventive action that will eliminate all these problems and infections.

“So, I wish you the best. I will continue to do whatever I can do for this honourable profession,” the President said.

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to comprehensive health sector reforms aimed at making healthcare delivery more accessible, affordable and efficient for Nigerians.

He commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, for driving the country’s health sector reforms.

“We as a government are doing everything possible. Please help me congratulate the reform-oriented physician, Pate, who has been doing a very good job,” he said.

The President acknowledged medical professionals’ contributions to humanity through research, disease prevention, life-saving interventions and efforts to build resilient healthcare systems.

He thanked the college’s leadership for considering him worthy of the prestigious honour.

The WACP Council conferred the fellowship on Tinubu in recognition of his contributions to health sector reforms and medical development in Nigeria.

The College President and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Dr Mamadou Mourtala Ka, said the fellowship was reserved for presidents whose contributions had significantly improved healthcare delivery across the sub-region.

“This award is given only to presidents who have made a mark in health care delivery and affected the health of the West African people,” he said.

Prof. Musa Dankyau, WACP Secretary-General and spokesperson for the delegation, said the award reflected the Tinubu administration’s commitment to far-reaching health sector reforms.

Dankyau said the college had conferred the fellowship only eight times in its 50-year history, beginning with former Gambian President Dawda Jawara.

He said former Nigerian Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, received the honour in 1991.

“So, this is the second time we are coming back to Nigeria to present to you, Mr President.

“The Council has noted your significant contributions to health infrastructure, improved access to care and emergency care, and massive investments in primary health care and universal health coverage.

“At the last count, more than 2.2 billion dollars had been invested in that area for the health of the Nigerian people.

“We’ve also seen significant strides in disease prevention, immunisation and public health preparedness,” Dankyau said.

The WACP also informed Tinubu of its 50th anniversary celebration and Annual General Scientific Meeting, scheduled for October 26 to 28 in Abuja.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, among others.

Credit NAN: Texts excluding Headline