Health
FCT exco approves 22 memoranda, in healthcare, road construction, water supply, food security
……..As FCT bans use of ambulances to convey corpses
By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja
In order to improve the lives of Abuja residents, the Federal Capital Territory Executive Council (FCT EXCO), at the weekend, approved 22 projects, which cuts across healthcare, road contruction, Water Supply, Food Security.
This was revealed by the Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Chidi Amadi, after the meeting in Abuja.
He said the 5th EXCO meeting chaired by the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike considered 22 memoranda, including 14 new contracts and eight for ratification all of which were approved unanimously.
According to Amadi, “In the course of the meeting, over 22 memorandums were presented to the EXCO meeting of which 14 of the memorandums were for award of contracts and the meeting graciously approved the award of all the contracts that were presented in the course of the meeting.
“Eight of the memorandums were for ratification and then the meeting also unanimously approved the ratification of all the contracts. With specific references, the ratification and contracts that were approved today, ranges from the Agric Secretariat, the Health Secretariat, FCTA and so we’ll let you in to some of the critical contracts that were approved today and then we’ll wrap it up from there”.
At the same meeting, Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat of the FCTA, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, the administration have condemned the continuous practice of using ambulances to convey corpses within Abuja, describing it as “Unethical and unacceptable”.
Fasawe, also said the FCT exco, also ratified a contract for the purchase of 12 new, fully-equipped ambulances, said the administration would soon begin the procurement of hearses dedicated solely to conveying dead bodies, to stop the misuse of medical emergency vehicles.
“In the FCT, we have zero tolerance for an ambulance to carry a corpse. It is not ethical because a living person will lie on that stretcher without decontamination.
“So, we are also looking into buying hearses in the next budget, specifically to carry dead bodies.”
The Health Secretary explained that the newly acquired ambulances, 12 units of Toyota Hiace Hiroof (2023–2024 models), are “specially fitted to international standards” and will soon be commissioned for use across the territory.
“For the first time in about nine years, FCT will get 12 brand-new special ambulances. These are state-of-the-art vehicles, each equipped with a bluetooth system, airbags, keyless entry and advanced medical fittings.
“They have been delivered and will be commissioned soon,” she said.
By Isa Abdul, Abuja
The first generic version of lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injection used to prevent HIV infection, has been given tentative approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in a major development for global HIV prevention.
The generic drug which has been developed by India’s Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, and is expected to cost about $40 per person annually, will be made available across 120 low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria.
The injection has demonstrated near-total effectiveness in clinical trials, offering an alternative to daily HIV prevention pills. The approval is expected to accelerate access to affordable prevention options, although local regulatory processes, funding and distribution remain key to its rollout.
By Michael Lim
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has disclosed that the two suspected Ebola cases reported in Yola, Adamawa State, have tested negative following two rounds of laboratory testing.
The Agency noted in a statement that it is working with the Adamawa State Government to investigate the cases, which were isolated and tested.
The NCDC clarified that the index case previously confirmed in the Federal Capital Territory remains the only confirmed Ebola case reported in Nigeria.
It urged Nigerians to remain calm and rely on official government and public health channels for accurate information.
The Agency further advised anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding, particularly after possible exposure, to seek immediate medical attention and provide healthcare workers with relevant travel and contact history.
By Michael Lim
Two individuals have been isolated by health authorities following suspicion that they may be infected by Ebola disease in Nigeria’s North-East region as they are being subjected to investigations and lab tests.
An update on the disease situation by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), said contact identification and listing were ongoing, while samples from the suspected cases were being subjected to laboratory testing.
It clarified that the classification of the individuals as suspected cases did not mean they had tested positive for Ebola, noting that confirmation would depend on laboratory results.
The public was advised to maintain proper hand hygiene, practise enhanced sanitation and follow preventive guidance issued by public health authorities.
The update added that further information would be provided as verified details become available.
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