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Adaptation is the Key Characteristic
of China’s Policy against COVID-19

Published

3 years ago

January 7, 2023

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Adaptation is the Key Characteristic
of China’s Policy against COVID-19

By CUI Jianchun

On the New Year’s eve, Chinese President XI Jinping, at his 2023 New Year Address, extended greetings to all nationals as well as friends and people in the world, while claiming that, since COVID-19 struck, China has prevailed over unprecedented difficulties and challenges. China has entered a new phase of COVID response, where tough challenges remain. Everyone is holding on with great fortitude, and the light of hope is right in front of us.
After three year’s fighting against the pandemic, the whole world is much more convinced that, virus itself is the common enemy of all human beings. Till now, the coronavirus is still lingering over the world, with far-reaching social, economic and political consequences in different countries, and also with its sub-variants, such as Omicron, prevalent in many countries including China.

From the very beginning of its response against the pandemic, China has always taken responsible policies on a science-based and targeted approach, by putting people and their lives above all else, and by adapting measures dynamically and proactively. It has been proved and widely recognized that China’s COVID response policies over the past three years have realized the goal of achieving the best results at the least cost.

In the past three years, China has provided the greatest extent possible of protection to the people. China has made the best effort to protect the life and health of its 1.4bn people, and poured all resources into treating every patient, no matter its own nationals or foreigners living there. China has effectively responded to five global COVID waves, and avoided widespread infections with the original strain and the Delta variant, which are relatively more pathogenic than the current spreading variants. Globally, China has had the lowest rates of infection and mortality. Despite the pandemic, average life expectancy in China rose from 77.93 years in 2020 to 78.2 years in 2021.

In the past three years, China has witnessed the stability of its economy and also its supply chain to the world. One of the key focuses of China COVID policy is to minimize the impact of the pandemic on economic and social development. With joint efforts of the whole country, China’s economy has managed to consolidate its resilience and maintain sound fundamentals, making it a reliable driving force of global economic growth.

The country’s GDP expanded at an average annual rate of 4.6 percent from the third quarter of 2019 to the third quarter of 2022, which is well above the world average, according to data released by the OECD. Besides, China has also led the world in terms of trade volume, goods production and energy production, and kept its inflation rate at a relatively low level. Chinese people’s basic livelihood has been guaranteed during the pandemic. In 2022, despite a global food crisis, China has secured a bumper harvest for the 19th year in a row.

In the past three years, China has witnessed the large-scale vaccination internally. China’s efficient response policies have bought precious time for researching and developing vaccines and medicine, and raising the vaccination rate of the whole population. As of last December, more than 3.46 bn COVID-19 vaccine doses had been administered on the Chinese mainland, with over 90 percent of the population fully vaccinated.

However, due to most of the vaccination has been done a year ago, it is hard for a large part of the Chinese population to retain a high immunity level against various mutant strains. Recently, the second booster shot campaign has been pushing forward nationwide, with special attention on elderly people and people with serious underlying health conditions.
In the past three years, China has promoted the robust international solidarity. Since COVID-19 began, China has actively participated in international response. China shared the genome sequence of the virus at the earliest opportunity, making important contributions to the drug and vaccine research around the world. The competent authorities in China has kept regular communications with the WHO, carried out dialogues with partner countries to exchange technical experience, and shared information in a timely, open and transparent manner in accordance with the law, aiming at an early global victory over the pandemic. Meanwhile, to strengthen global defenses, China has provided anti-pandemic materials to 153 countries and 15 international organizations, sent medical expert groups to 34 countries, and offered over 2.2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to more than 120 countries and international organizations.

In the last quarter of 2022, China adapted and refined its response policies, in line with a changed landscape of viral contagion. This shift is science-based, timely and necessary. It fully took into account of the much less pathogenic and deadly status of the globally spreading Omicron variant, as well as of the progress that China’s treatment, testing and vaccination capacity steadily on the rise, and would concentrate its response from stemming infection to caring for health and preventing severe cases.

According to this adaptation, people infected with coronavirus will no longer be quarantined and their close contacts will no longer be traced. Moreover, China is one step closer to fully opening to the outside, as domestic and foreign airlines will operate scheduled passenger flights, with limits on flights no longer applicable including closed management, nucleic acid testing, and quarantine measures.
Countries adjusting the COVID policy would invariably go through a period of adaptation. China is no exception.

However, China’s current COVID situation on the whole remains predictable and under control, as many cities have gone through the peak. This adaptation by China is also important from a strategic and long-term perspective, for effectively coordinating COVID response with economic and social development. American, British, German and other foreign chambers of commerce in China commend this downgrade adaptation, noting this will clear the way for resumption of people-to-people exchange and business travel, and enhance foreign investors’ confidence in the Chinese market.

Comparing with the natural virus, what we should be much more vigilant on is the political virus. As many international health experts indicate that, the main variant now spreading in China is the same one prevalent in other countries, it is senseless to impose extra restrictions on travelers from China. Political manipulation of COVID response measures by few countries would only bring chaos to world’s solidarity. In this regard, we highly commend the Federal Government of Nigeria for its science-based and proportionate COVID response measures, which has featured from the very beginning of its response.

The light of hope on final victory over pandemic is right in front of us. Just as appealed by President Xi at his New Year Address, “let’s make an extra effort to pull through, as perseverance and solidarity mean victory”.

H.E CUI Jianchun is the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria)

Adaptation is the Key Characteristic
of China’s Policy against COVID-19

Related Topics:Adaptation Characteristic COVID-19 Key

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UMTH: Fakeeh University Hospital Dubai commended Professor Ahidjo and the management team for uplifting hospital standards beyond national boundaries

Published

1 month ago

July 28, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

UMTH: Fakeeh University Hospital Dubai commended Professor Ahidjo and the management team for uplifting hospital standards beyond national boundaries

By: Balami Lazarus

In a recent workshop organized by the management of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital in collaboration with Fakeeh University Hospital of Dubai on ‘Advances in Kidney and Neurosurgical Management’ in Maiduguri, experts within and without spoke on the latest advances in kidney diseases and neurosurgical treatments/management and their remedies. While some made presentations on advances in neurosurgical management.

Dr. Omer Mohammed Al-Derwish, a urological surgeon/consultant from the Fakeeh University Hospital in Dubai, has commended the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, and his management team for uplifting the standard of the hospital, stating that ‘Your capacity in both human and medical materials/equipment is of global standard.’

Al-Derwish made the observation while giving a talk on ‘Overview of Advances in Urology’ recently at the Babagana Zulum Conference Hall UMTH, medical

Speaking on urinary tract stones, urological cancers, bladder dysfunction, and urodynamics, among other related ailments. Al-Derwish drew the attention of his colleagues to the advances in the treatment and management of these diseases. He also stressed the need for UMTH to replicate Fakeeh University Hospital methods.

Also in his paper, Dr. Tommaso Tufo, a neurosurgeon/consultant, spoke extensively on ‘Overview of Advances in Neurosurgery,’ paying more attention to advances made in neurosurgery. He said that neurosurgery is more scientific than what was obtainable in the past, where death mortality was high in the course of surgery. ‘Today medical neuroscience tools and materials/equipment have heralded a new chapter in neurosurgical treatments and management.’

The Fakeeh University Hospital experts said that CMD Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo and his management team are to be commended for their efforts. Adding that those at the helm of affairs for the day-to-day running of the hospital are to be applauded in no small measure.

During the workshop, Dr. Hassan Dogo of UMTH spoke on ‘Update on Infrastructure/Equipping of Kidney/Urology Centre of UMTH.’ Dr. Dogo informed participants on the available advances in medical tools and equipment at the center, which are of international standard, and these are being utilized in medical treatment of kidney/urology. He, however, said that the center needs more tools, materials, and equipment to meet her patients medical demands. He further said that the center is making progress in the treatments of kidney/urology using the latest medical methods.

In a similar vein, Dr. Babagana Usman, also of UMTH, made a presentation on ‘Update on Infrastructure/Equipping of Stroke and Neuroscience Centre of UMTH,’ making clear that the Stroke and Neuroscience Centre has first-class modern medical materials and equipment for the treatments of stroke. He called for more additional tools/material to achieve her aims.

“Patients and visitors to the hospital are witnesses to all this progress made by the CMD, Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, for putting the hospital on the medical world map as being the best in Nigeria.” He said,

NEWSng reports that both experts gave UMTH a pass mark on her medical services, teaching, and research facilities. They promised to initiate the processes of partnership between Fakeeh University Hospital Dubai and UMTH.

UMTH: Fakeeh University Hospital Dubai commended Professor Ahidjo and the management team for uplifting hospital standards beyond national boundaries

Columns

BRIGMASSOSA: Friendship/Relationship Through Alma Mater

Published

2 months ago

July 14, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

BRIGMASSOSA: Friendship/Relationship Through Alma Mater

By: Balami Lazarus

Growing up for many of us was interesting because for some of us that had the privilege of time and space provided by our parents, and our stubbornness as kids has helped us to explore our environment far and wide, having a range of friends.

Primary school was the beginning of our friendship and relationship through secondary school—Brigadier Maimalari Secondary School Maiduguri. These stages provided us with both childhood memories and those of secondary school. Giving us a strong and standing relationship through our alma mater. Where both senior and junior students are members, some by default with absence from the association register.

The old students association is one place where memories are recalled and remembered by the mere presence of classmate(s) or sets of groups valued by those who appreciate the alma mater relationship.

I pity those old students that take alma mater relationships for granted. I believe as we are growing older, we need more of such associational relationships, including that of childhood.

Samaru Nostalgia Group (SNG) Zaria is my childhood group, where we addressed ourselves as brothers and sisters because our relationship is far over and above us; it has its origin from our parents when living was communally bounded. For some, such childhood relationship and connection is lost. Why are some deliberately depriving themselves of the good opportunity of a lifetime friendship/relationship?

The benefits derived from this relationship are above penny and kobo. While many out there are refusing to take a position and ownership of such a union of their alma mater to harvest the pros.

Recently there was an overflow of condolences when we lost a committed member, a fine gentleman. What caught my attention were the tributes by Pastor Ngale Lautong and that of Dr. Edmund Richard Egbe. These tributes say it all about the deceased. And it reads in parts: ‘You responded to a call placed on you. You have shown commitment to the Association and its members in terms of contributions and assistance.’ On the other it reads, ‘We have indeed lost Luka, a gentle soul, a bridge builder, and a peace-loving brother.’ These testimonies will be engraved in the annals of the Brigadier Maimalari Secondary School Old Students Association (BRIGMASSOSA).

No individual can have it all. We need to lean on each other as a fraternity to accomplish some goals and objectives. There is strength in numbers.

Balami, a publisher/columnist. 08036779290

BRIGMASSOSA: Friendship/Relationship Through Alma Mater

Columns

Mangun Gruesome Killings: What is the Rational Behind this Act?

Published

2 months ago

June 30, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Mangun Gruesome Killings: What is the Rational Behind this Act?

By: Balami Lazarus

When I heard of the killings of the innocent travelers that happened at Manjul in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, who are my brothers and sisters? I sat down and began to think, trying to reason out why and what the rationale is behind these killings. My thought raised so many questions regarding this brutal murder, ruling out some motives. But political motive kept whispering, telling me the rationale is politically motivated considering the quantum of killings on the Plateau in places like Bokkos, Bassa, and Mangu, which has become a vicious cycle in these areas. And in addition, there were utterances from some politicians complicating issues.

I hereby condole with the families of my brothers and sisters from Zaria-Basawa, Samaru, Hayin Dogo (Kallo Kura), and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) community main campus Samaru who lost their lives in the Mangun brutal killings of 20th June, 2025, on their way to Qua-anpan for a wedding. May their souls rest in peace.

The killings of these innocent Nigerians were carried out with no reason or cause, neither threat nor provocation of any kind, much lessreligion or ethnicity, as some irrational persons want us to believe. I stand and write with the power of the pen to say in print that the sentiments aforementioned are far and kept away from such unfortunate incidents, which have been peddled around by some enemies of peace and progress on the Plateau.

It is on record that so many Nigerians have condemned in totality the killings of these innocent travelers. While the government and the good people of Plateau State have long condemned this act in strong terms. Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s administration has properly condoled and sympathized with the government and people of Kaduna State, including the management and staff of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria. In his effort as the executive governor, Mutfwang is working tirelessly to see that justice takes its course on those involved in this crime. Besides, his administration is making an effort to compensate the affected families, according to sources.

It might surprise some readers why I emotionally addressed those murdered as my brothers and sisters from Zaria-Basawa, Hayin Dogo (Kallo Kura), Samaru, and ABU main campus, which are integral parts of the Sabon Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. I am an indigene of Zaria, having been born and bred outside the ganuwa (city walls) of the ancient Zaria city in Gaskiya, Kongo, ABU main campus, and Samaru, all addressed as Zaria, where I had my childhood spree. Therefore, I will not be queried by identifying with the deceased and their families as my own people, for we are linked one way or the other.

Let me hereinafter tell you why I suspect political motive was behind these killings of the travelers in Mangun-Mangu. I partly grew up on the Plateau, shuttling between Jos and Sharam in Kanke Local Government Area as a student and still living in Jos. Moreover, I have some good understanding of the people, their sociopolitical and economic happenings, and their dynamics on the one hand. And I once led a political group on the other. The utterances of some politicians and their cohorts/allies are questionable because they are not happy with the people-oriented projects of the Caleb Mutfwang administration. And that they were accused of sponsoring the killings going on in the state. The case of Mangun, 20th June, 2025, holds water going by the alleged accusations and the kind of politics playing out in Plateau State.

Findings have revealed that there were interventions by some youth leaders, elders, and vigilantes who risked their lives trying to stop this group of rascals from carrying out the killings and burning of the bus belonging to ABU conveying the victims for a wedding at Qua-anpan. In fact, some were burnt—men, women, and children. Others were rescued with various degrees of injuries. Reports put the total dead at 8 persons. While 12 were injured, some survived. The good news making rounds is the arrest of over 20 suspects believed to be behind these gruesome killings of the Zaria travelers.

Thus, this incident has no doubt painted Plateau State in a bad light as one of the major flashpoint states where killers of innocent travelers reside. Well, I will not blame them because this is not the first. However, this particular one is painfully shrouded in a bitter political atmosphere between some gladiators who are not at peace with the positive developments in the state. Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang as the change driver.

Yes, there are insecurity challenges on the Plateau, where apprehension and naked suspicion are everywhere, prompting the citizens to be extremely cautious and always on alert. However, if young men can channel their collective energies as a force towards the insecurity bedeviling the state instead of engaging in political thuggery, drugs, and criminality, there will be a change in their lives and the entire system.

Balami, a publisher/columnist. 08036779290

Mangun Gruesome Killings: What is the Rational Behind this Act?