Health
NMWF Upgrades Sections of Zuba General Hospital
By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja
Nigerian Ministers’ Wives Forum (NMWF), have upgraded some sections of the Zuba General Hospital in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in order to improve access.
The wife of Honourable Minister of Education, and the Vice-Chairperson of the Forum Mrs. Azizat Kemi Alausa, handed over the Upgraded sections ; Labour & Delivery Theater, Patient & Staff Toilets, Doctor’s Call Room and Courtyard at the hospital premises.
Alausa said that, the gesture is born out of the shared vision of President Bola Tinubu “whose leadership inspires initiatives that promotes national development with compassion for the welfare of Nigerians hence the Forum’s resolve to promote services, empathy, compassion and care because leadership should be expressed through acts of kindness and meaningful change which are in tandem with the Forum’s mission to support initiatives that uplift communities and improve lives”.
She continued that the project undertaken by NMWF in Zuba General Hospital aims at “strengthening care for mothers, newborns, patients and the dedicated medical staff who serve them every day” she said.
According to Mrs. Alausa, safe childbirth, dignified patient care and supportive working conditions for healthcare providers are essential to a healthy society. These improvements represent hope, comfort and renewed commitment to quality healthcare for the people of this community in line with the Renewed Hope Initiatives of the present Administration.
Also, the Vice-Chairperson noted that the intervention aligns with the season of Ramadan and Lent which is ongoing and characterized by acts of sacrifice, kindness, charity and love as enshrined in the Holy Qur’an surah Al-Baqarah 2:261 and Hebrew 13:16 in the Holy Bible respectively.
Likewise, the Mandate Secretary FCT-HSES Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe in her remarks appreciated the NMWF for the gesture which she described as a noble project “which will last beyond today with the significance capable of encouraging other philanthropic groups to also contribute to the system because provision of quality healthcare services is a collective responsibility and not for government alone”.
Dr. Fasawe added that, the gesture shows that there is more to the season of Ramadan and Lent beyond giving/sharing food during such periods as NMWF has demonstrated in line with the transformational reforms especially infrastructural development across all sectors in FCT under the able leadership of the Honorable Minister of FCT, Barr. Nyesome Wike.
Earlier, the Medical Director of Zuba General Hospital Dr. Isa Bulama Babale in his welcome remarks stated that, “the renovation and upgrade of these sections of the hospital will significantly improve the hospital’s ability to provide efficient, quality and patient-centered healthcare services to residents of Zuba whilst creating a conducive environment for both patients and healthcare workers”.
Furthermore, Dr. Babale commended the Forum for the timely completion of the facility upgrade which he said goes beyond infrastructure.
In his words ” it represents renewed hope, improved access to quality healthcare and a stronger commitment to better health particularly to support the FCT Administration efforts in enhancing maternal, child and general healthcare services in FCT” he mentioned.
Likewise, the wife of Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Dr. Zainab Bagudu who is a member of the Forum in her goodwill message appreciated and commended the Mandate Secretary FCT-HSES and healthcare workers for contributing to healthcare/humanity positively as such, providing relevant and needed support is top priority of NMWF to encourage front liners in the system and will continue to do more in that light.
As part of the Handing-over ceremony, the NMWF also distributed free food items to patients, staffs and community members as well as donated beddings to the hospital.
Health
Nigeria to Benefit from Anti HIV Injection Drug, Lenacapavir, Courtesy of USA
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.
Health
NCDC Says Two Suspected Ebola Cases In Adamawa Test Negative
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.
Health
NCDC: Two Suspected Ebola Cases in North-East Nigeria: Investigations, Lab Tests Ongoing
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.
