₦airaland Forum

The volume of their programmes are could be bad sometimes,
Imagine Focus Nigeria with all its popularity, has badddddddd volume!

I just spoke with some health correspondents, no one seem to have your information.
Could you send your phone number for an in-depth interview.

Hope his successor would save Nigerian roads.

Na wa ooooooooooooooo

If you have a salary account, you could ask the bank to help you out.
I guess most bank would ask your office to give you letter of recommendation.

Motorola!

Most website woun't even allow you make purchase with Nja Master card

The entire Boko Haram issue is sad!

eeeeeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Please verify your information please spreading false stories!

The show could have been better.
At least, he should have screened and selected educated babes.
To think the show is watched internationally, makes me feel like puking!.

Thank you jare.
At least by Monday, all these wahala would stop!

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Doctors Threaten Fresh Strike, Govt To Pay Health Workers Monday
By Chukwuma Muanya (Lagos) and Folasade Folarin, Abuja

MEDICAL services in the country may be grounded to a halt as medical doctors under the aegis of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) have given the Federal Government a Wednesday, July 15 deadline to meet their demands or they will join other health workers on their indefinite strike.

In another development, the Federal Government has agreed to pay by Monday, July 13 the monetisation benefits of all the striking health workers. The NMA had for some time been agitating for better pay and better conditions of service for doctors in the federal service. In the main, the request of the doctors is the adoption and implementation of a Medical Service Scale (MSS) for doctors in government employment.

The National Secretary of NMA, Dr. Kenneth Okoro, told The Guardian in a telephone interview: "We had given the government June 4 deadline to meet our demands but with pleas from the Minister, we extended it by 28 days, which would expire on July 15. If government does not meet our demands by July 15, the apex body of the NMA would meet to decide on the next step. I can tell you the threat of withdrawal of services is real."

However, Minister of Health, Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin is pleading with the doctors not to go on strike because there will be unnecessary loss of lives. He said the situation could be avoided if the doctors could delay the call for immediate implementation of their pay package by another two months maximum.

Osotimehin told The Guardian: "We note that lives of innocent Nigerians once lost can never be regained. I call on all Nigerians to join in this plea to the NMA and all doctors not to embark on the threatened strike action. I advocate for the collective interest of all health professionals."

On his part, the Director General of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Paul Orhi, told The Guardian yesterday that the resolution of the on-going strike by 'junior workers' of the agency is beyond his office.

Staff of the agency had on Tuesday, July 7, joined the National Health Workers Union to down tools to protest non-implementation of the approved monetization by the Federal Government.

The NAFDAC office at Oshodi, Lagos State has been shut to the public. Visitors and clients who wanted to do business with the agency were not allowed access.

Orhi said: "The junior workers have joined the health workers' strike. It does not have anything to do with NAFDAC. We are working here. I am in my office and the headquarters here is open to the public."

Osotimehin added: " There is no disagreement nor dispute between government and the doctors. Indeed, there is already a signed agreement, wherein the government has acceded to their demands.

"There is a due process that must be followed within the government system for the agreement to be implemented in order to make for appropriate planning. That due process is currently being followed."

Osotimehin disclosed the payment yesterday in Abuja, while appealing to the striking unions to return to work to save the lives of many ailing Nigerians.

While speaking to journalists, Osotimehin said that it was necessary for them to return to work because the health sector was the most sensitive of all the sectors and any action could lead to the loss of lives.

According to Osotimehin, about N40 billion has been appropriated for the exercise. He also stated that the Ministry of Health alone could not implement the issue of Consolidated Salary Structure (CONTISS), saying that they were waiting for a nationwide implementation of the CONTISS.

The Minister of Health, Professor Babatunde Osotimehin today personally immunized children at the Mother Theresa Children’s Home located in Gwarinpa Abuja. The home played host to the Minister when he visited to mark the end of the 3rd round of the immunization plus days. In the course of the visit, he immunized three babies – Baby Turai (named after the First Lady of Nigeria, Hajia Turai Yar’adua), Baby Mandela, Birthday mate of the former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, and baby Bobby.

The second phase of the Immunization Plus Day is coming on the heels of the first one that recorded significant record of coverage as the areas that were considered as non receptive have now fully embraced the immunization initiative. It will be recalled that Nigeria has implemented six rounds of Supplemental Immunization Campaigns, three of which have been national achieving 90% increase to 627 from 550 coverage of July 2008 of the 774 Local Governments Areas, thus leading to significant decline in the number of unvaccinated children.



Osotimehin, while immunizing the children at the home praised the management of the home for their excellent practices in hygiene and proper care of the children and promised Government supports to the running of the home which he described as a selfless model for other homes. “The babies are very healthy, the home is well managed and the sanitation level is very high and encouraging, it is therefore our duty to ensure government’s supports for the orphanage.” he added.



The director of the Mother Theresa Children Home, Yeye Bolanle Dare thanked the Minister for choosing the home to flag off the Immunization Plus Day exercise and assured the minister of the home continuous and proper care for the children.



The minister informed journalists that this phase of the campaign is to follow the dramatic improvement in population immunity registered in Kano state where for the first time ever, the children never vaccinated, reduced to less than 20%. The campaign which covered every Local Government Area in Nigeria lasted one week.

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Hackneyyyyyyy

Where did u get that false Lassa fever gist from?
Haba

WHO: Nigeria can diagnose Swine flu
Written by Sola Ogundipe
Monday, 04 May 2009
THE Asokoro District Hospital, National Influenza Diagnostic Laboratory in Abuja has been identified as a facility where diagnosis of Influenza A(H1N1) infection in humans can be made. This development is based on the listing of Nigeria by the World Health Organisation (WHO), as one of the countries capable of diagnosing the Influenza A(H1N1) infection in humans.

The nation got the listing based on the global health body’s approval of countries with Polymerase Chain Reactors (PCR) capacity in place to diagnose the pathogen.

A statement from the Federal Ministry of Health noted that the National Influenza Centres (NICs) of WHO Global Influenza Surveillance Network (GISN) and National Influenza Reference Laboratories provide for countries without NICs but with PCRs to be approved for detection of the influenza pathogen.

Among these requirements are a score of 100 per cent in the last two or more WHO external quality assurance programme panels (EQAP2) or a score of 100 per cent in the last EQAP panel and a history of consistent correct results for earlier panels.

A second emergency meeting of stakeholders and partners on Influenza A(H1N1)at the Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, reviewed the work plan developed for immediate deployment with regards to preparedness and response to influenza A(H1N1). The National Epidemic Preparedness and Response Committee was expanded to include critical Federal Ministries such as Agriculture, Information and Education.

As of yesterday evening, there was no reported incidence or case of swine flu infection in the country, even as the WHO upgraded the influenza pandemic alert to Phase 5. Meanwhile 17 countries had officially reported 787 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection. Mexico had reported 506 confirmed human cases of infection, including 19 deaths. Reports say the higher number of cases from Mexico reflects ongoing testing of previously collected specimens. The United States Government had reported 160 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.

Other countries that reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths were - Austria (1), Canada (70), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Costa Rica (1), Denmark (1), France (2), Germany (6), Ireland (1), Israel (3), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (4), Republic of Korea (1), Spain (13), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (15).

Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) are warning people to look out for web sites and other product promotions that claim to be able to diagnose, prevent, mitigate, cure, and treat the H1N1 influenza virus.

It warned that “Consumers who purchase products to treat the H1N1 virus that are not approved, cleared or authorized by the FDA for the treatment or prevention of influenza risk their health and the health of their families. According to the body, “Products being offered for sale promising diagnosis, prevention, mitigation, treatment and a cure for swine flu have not been proven to be effective or safe. The claims are baseless. They are lies.”

)


Dear Compatriots,

Influenza A (H1N1) Infection Update 6

With effect from the 30th of April, the new influenza virus hitherto called Swine Flu will now be called “Influenza A(H1N1)”. The World Health Organization (WHO) made this pronouncement yesterday ostensibly because the influenza is transmitted from humans to humans and to avoid any misunderstanding of the nature of the influenza as it relates to pigs and pork meat.

In line with this, the Federal Ministry of Health wishes to reiterate the fact that there is no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well cooked pork and pork products. Individuals are also advised to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.

We also advise that people who are ill should delay international travel and people developing symptoms following international travel should seek medical attention immediately.

As at today, 1st May 2009, eleven (11) Countries have officially reported 331 cases of Influenza A/H1N1 infection in humans.
The USA has reported 109 Laboratory confirmed human cases of Influenza A(H1N1) in 6 States with 1 death
Confirmed cases in Mexico has increased to 156 cases with 9 deaths, while Canada had so far recorded 34 cases and no death and Spain with 13 confirmed cases with no death

The following countries have also reported laboratory confirmed cases but with no death Austria (1), New Zealand (3), Israel (2,) Germany (3) and the United Kingdom ( with Switzerland and the Netherlands having 1 case each and the new addition to the number of Countries affected. So far the deaths recorded have been from Mexico (9) and the USA (1)


Current Situation in Nigeria as at 1st May 2009

So far as at 1st May 2009, Nigeria has not recorded any suspected case of the Influenza A(H1N1).

In view of the upgrade of the upgrade of the current level of the influenza pandemic alert from Phase 4 to Phase 5, another emergency meeting of the Stakeholders and partners on Influenza A(H1N1) took place at the Minister’s Conference Room of the Federal Ministry of Health under the Chairmanship of the Minister of Health, Professor Babatunde Osotimehin.

A work plan has been developed for immediate deployment with regards to the Preparedness and Response to Influenza A(H1N1).

The National Epidemic Preparedness and Response Committee has been expanded to include critical Federal Ministries such as Agriculture, Information and Education.

The Federal Ministry of Health recommends routine precautions to all and sundry to prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as washing your hands often, covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.

For more information, please contact please contact Dr J.Y. Jiya, DPH, FMOH, Abuja. Tel 08060495210, e-mail: jiyajy@yahoo.com, Dr. A Nasidi, Director Special Project, FMOH, Abuja. Tel 08037006849, e-mail nasidia@gmail.com, and Dr Henry Akpan, National Epidemiologist, FMOH, Abuja. Tel 08037626718, e-mail: akpanhem@yahoo.com

The Federal Government is committed to protecting your health
Sincerely,

Professor Babatunde Osotimehin
Honourable Minister of Health
Federal Ministry of Health
Federal Republic of Nigeria

NIGERIA IS SWINE –FLU FREE, OSOTIMEHIN
Minister of Health, Professor Babatunde Osotimehin has come out strong that Nigeria has not recorded any trace of the swine-flu that is spreading fast across the world. He made this statement during his an emergency meeting of stakeholders and Partners on Swine Flu in his office. “So far as at 3oth April 2009, Nigeria has not recorded any suspected case of Swine flu that the Federal Government of Nigeria is prepared to contain any outbreak of Swine Flu in the Country”. He said.
That in order to promptly detect and effectively respond to any suspected case the Ministry has put in place the ; The National Epidemic Preparedness and Response Committee to include state commissioners of Health, the WHO case definition with surveillance guidelines and Swine Flu Laboratory guidelines disseminated to all States Ministries of Health including clinicians and the states’ Epidemiologists have also been directed to carry out sensitization activities and conduct surveillance in their various states. Stressing further that surveillance has been strengthened at all ports of entry into the country and all Federal Port Health Services Officers sensitized and are at alert at all international Airports.
Osotimehin also said that immediate steps of procuring of drugs and supplies and Laboratory Reagents and madia ,training of State’s Directors of Public health, Epidemiologists, Prepositioning of drugs and supplies in all the States including FCT and Federal Hospitals, training of Port Health Services officers on swine flu identification, Training of Laboratory Scientists on the laboratory confirmation of Swine Flu, sensitization meeting with International Health Regulations Stakeholders on Swine flu have been taken.
Meanwhile, Dr. Junaidu Maina, Chief Veterinary Officer of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture has said that the Swine Flu is a human disease, as there has been no scientific proof that it’s transmitted from pig but from human to human. The Country Representative of the World Health Organization, WHO has reiterated the WHO’s commitment in addressing the possible outbreak of the Swine Flu.
The Minister added that mechanism would be put in place to ensure the massive creation of awareness to reach the public with special awareness campaign package on NTA Network news, the FRCN and FM Stations across the 36 States and FCT.
It will be recalled that on the 25th April 2009, The Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of Swine Flu in Mexico and the USA; this was in accordance with the International Health Regulations (IHR2005) of which Nigeria is a signatory. So far, nine countries have officially reported 148 cases of Swine Influenza A/H1N1 infections in humans, with the USA confirming the human case of Swine influenza in 6 states with 1 death recorded in a 23 months old toddler. Meanwhile, Mexico appeared to top the countries with the highest record of the Swine Flu. So far, 26 cases have been confirmed with 7 deaths recorded, while Canada had so far recorded 13 cases and no death and Spain with 4 confirmed cases with no death. The following countries have also reported laboratory confirmed cases but with no death Austria (1), New Zealand (3), Israel (2), Germany (30) and the United Kingdom with five cases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said, “While most countries will not be affected at this stage, the declaration of Phase % is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measure is now”

Pls relax!
Nigeria has not recorded any case, so we don't need it.
And if anything happens, the Ministry will inform us about what to do.

I have confidence in the current Minister of Health to manage the situation.

I'll suggest we all be careful in spreading false rumour.
If the Minister has taken his time to assure Nigerians,
and he even went as far as writing to all Nigerians on the Swine Flu
then we should take it that the Ministry is on the issue.

Do you guys know the Minister of Health is doing everything to check and protect Nja.
I just heard that he is at the airport, overseeing the passengers coming into the country from Europe.

The guy is work ooo. Abeg lets give him kudos.
I received this email earlier today, it contains his letter to Nja people assuring them of the situation and the numbers to call if people have any issues

None has been reported yet.
The Ministry of Health seem to be on the issue.
For the Ministry to place surveillance at all ports of entry into the country – airports,
seaports and all land borders. We have our surveillance officers present and fully
ready in all Local Government Areas, States and at the Federal level.

Osotimehin is doing a good job with the way he is on the issue.

Health Alert : Swine Flu Epidemic

Background

On Friday 24th April, 2009, health officials in Mexico City, Mexico identified a new strain of Swine flu, which caused illnesses and deaths among its citizens. As at today, Monday 27th April 2009, there are so far 1614 suspected cases and 103 deaths recorded from the Flu in Mexico. However, only 22 cases had been clinically confirmed by laboratory tests as directly resulting from the swine flu.



The outbreak has also been reported in other countries of the world. In United States, 20 confirmed cases of Swine Flu had been identified in 5 cities (California, Kansas, New York City, Ohio and Texas) but with no fatality. Canada has reported 6 cases while Israel, New Zealand and Spain were investigating unconfirmed cases of Swine Flu.



The majority of cases have occurred in otherwise healthy young adults. Laboratory tests conducted in Canada have shown genetic linkage among the viruses identified in United States and Mexico, which might be indicative of an emerging pandemic. The virus has been described as a new subtype of A/H1N1 not previously detected in swine or humans.



Present Situation in Nigeria

So far, no suspected case of the Flu has been reported in Nigeria but the Federal Government is fully prepared to contain any outbreak of Swine Flu in the country.



Measures already put in place are:

We have strengthened surveillance at all ports of entry into the country – airports, seaports and all land borders. We have our surveillance officers present and fully ready in all Local Government Areas, States and at the Federal level.



We have in stock adequate quantities of Tamiflu, the drug of choice for treatment and we wish to by this inform all clinicians and health workers to report any suspected case of Swine flu to the Epidemiology Division, Department of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health.



Contact persons:

Dr. J.Y. Jiya - 08034030212

Dr. A. Nasidi – 08037006349

Dr. Henry Akpan – 08037626718

Mr. John Kehinde - 08023210923



Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin

Honorable Minister of Health









Fact Sheet on Swine Flu

Definition – Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by a type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans; however, human infections with swine flu do occur.

Symptoms of Swine Flu

1. Fever

2. Sore throat

3. Cough

4. Stuffy Nose

5. Headache and body aches

6. Fatigue

7. Diarrhea and Vomiting

8. Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure), leading to death.

How do people get infected?

People usually get swine influenza from infected pigs, however, human-to-human transmission has occurred in some instances.



Is it safe to eat pork and pork products?

Swine influenza has not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating properly handled and prepared pork (pig meat) or other products derived from pigs. The swine influenza virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 70°C.



Pandemic risk?



It is likely that people, especially those who do not have regular contact with pigs, or do not have immunity to swine influenza viruses that can prevent the infection are likely to be infected. If a swine virus establishes efficient human-to human transmission, it can cause an influenza pandemic



Vaccine

Presently there is no vaccine. This is because influenza viruses change very quickly and the match between the vaccine and the circulating virus is very important to give adequate protective immunity to vaccinated people. It will take up to 3-6 months to develop adequate quantities of vaccines for this disease.



Drugs for treatment



Antiviral drugs such as tamiflu (Oseltamivir) and Relenza are used for treatment.



How do you protect yourself?



· Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and who have fever and cough.

· Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly.

· Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.



If there is an ill person at home:



• Try to provide the ill person a separate section in the house.

• Cover mouth and nose when caring for the ill person using face masks

• Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly after each contact with the ill person.

• Try to improve the air flow in the area where the ill person stays.

• Keep the environment clean with readily available household cleaning agents.



What should I do if I think I have Swine Flu?



If you feel unwell, have high fever, cough and/or sore throat:

* See your doctor

• Stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds as much as possible.

• Rest and take plenty of fluids.

• Cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues when coughing and sneezing and dispose of the used tissues properly.

• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly, especially after coughing or sneezing.

• Inform family and friends about your illness



If you need medical attention:



•Please, contact your Doctor



Sincerely,



Niyi Ojuolape

Special Assistant (Communications) to the Minister of Health

I just got my invitation for Intercontinental test some minutes ago.
I guess the date 30th that u guys have might be for those in Lagos,
i am in Abuja, and the date in the test reads October 7,2006

The invitation was sent through text message.