Connect with us

News

Nigeria – Measles-related admissions reach record at MSF facilities in Maiduguri

Published

on

Nigeria – Measles-related admissions reach record at MSF facilities in Maiduguri

By: Our Reporter

Measles admissions to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) facilities in Maiduguri, Northeast Nigeria, spiked between October and December 2023, reaching record numbers.

Despite the vaccination efforts, this worrying situation calls for a rapid reinforcement of routine immunization campaigns.In 2023, MSF teams treated a total of 9,618 patients with measles in both of its healthcare facilities – Gwange Paediatric Hospital and Nilefa Kiji nutrition hospital – and in MSF-supported primary healthcare (PHC) centres in Maiduguri.

“We did not expect such a large influx of patients, particularly at the end of the year” explains Abdulwahab Mohamed, MSF medical coordinator, referring to the 3,965 patients treated from October to December, which represent almost three times more than for the same period in 2022.

“Dr. Jombo Tochukwu-Okoli, MSF Medical Activity Manager at Gwange Paediatric Hospital, attributes this alarming rise in the number of cases to an inability of public health actors “to achieve the 95% vaccination rate, required to suppress measles.

“This is notably due to the difficulties for the health workers in accessing rural communities surrounding Maiduguri”, Dr. Tochukwu-Okoli continues, as the insecurity has made vaccination campaigns a difficult endeavour.

This is not the only difficulty to achieve a higher vaccination coverage. The interruption of routine childhood vaccination during the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the health systems thus having a negative impact on the implementation of routine immunisations campaigns. Technical complications also lead to interruptions in the cold chain making the vaccine defective.

The measles spike coincides with an unprecedented diphtheria outbreak in Northern Nigeria and a longer-than-usual malaria season. The diphtheria outbreak, with 24,500 suspected cases and more than 600 deaths reported since it was officially declared in January 2023, is yet another strong indicator of the dramatic setback in routine immunisation programs and the lack of long-term efforts to increase vaccination coverage in the country.

In 2021, Maryam Umar’s son contracted measles. Aware of the danger the disease poses to young children, Maryam took the toddler to the MSF-run Gwange hospital in Maiduguri where he eventually died.

“I was really scared and started crying when he had measles because [I knew] of the severity of the disease” the mother of six children recalls.

Last year, when her youngest daughter contracted measles, Maryam took no chances. She immediately brought her to Gwange hospital, where MSF staff operate two wards dedicated to treating measles.

The toddler was discharged after one week of oxygen therapy.Measles is one of the most contagious viral diseases in the world. Infecting the immune cells, the virus quickly spreads all over the body and eventually affects the respiratory system. This causes a cough that can spread the virus to others.

“One infected child can spread the virus to between 9 and 12 other unvaccinated children” explains Dr. Tochukwu-Okoli.

Although there is currently no specific cure to treat measles, there are life-saving drugs that can keep patients stable and prevent complications.As the virus affects the immune system it can lead to serious complications long after measles is gone.

“This makes the virus so deadly as it leaves a child open to other, specifically diarrhoeal, diseases”. Dr. Tochukwu-Okoli is worried about the significance of a measles spike in a context where malnutrition is so prevalent, “Measles is notorious for precipitating malnutrition” because of the degenerative impact the virus has on the gastrointestinal lining.

“The diarrhoea,” Dr. Tochukwu-Okoli, continues, “makes it difficult for the child to retain and absorb nutrients in the post measles phase, and purges the child of essential micronutrients further depressing a child’s immunity”.

In the Northeast of Nigeria, where access to nutritious food is seasonally limited, diseases like measles among other factors, leads to higher levels of malnutrition and creates a vicious cycle, as the malnourished status also leads to further immune suppression. In turn this generates greater morbidity and mortality linked to measles and other diseases.

The complex security situation in Northern Nigeria, significant funding cuts by international donors for Nigeria, and the continuous neglect of public health infrastructure is alarming.

Considering the high prevalence of vaccine-preventable outbreaks, such as measles, diphtheria and meningitis, MSF is cautioning international and national stakeholders not to look away at what could be an oncoming perfect storm for a worsening of the humanitarian crisis this year, 2024.

Nigeria – Measles-related admissions reach record at MSF facilities in Maiduguri

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Transcorp Hilton Abuja Curates All-Inclusive Valentine Weekend Experience

Published

on

Transcorp Hilton Abuja Curates All-Inclusive Valentine Weekend Experience

By: Michael Mike

As Valentine’s Day approaches, Transcorp Hilton Abuja is set to transform into one of the capital’s premier destinations for romance and social experiences, unveiling an all-inclusive lineup of activities designed for both couples and singles.

This was disclosed in a statement issued at the weekend by the hotel’s Communications and Marketing Manager, Ms Ijeoma Osuji, who said the iconic hospitality brand will host a three-day “Valentine Weekend Package” from February 13 to 15.

According to the statement, the experience is designed to cater to a wide range of guests, from long-term couples seeking a romantic getaway to individuals looking to connect and celebrate the season of love in a vibrant social setting.

For visitors seeking a complete escape, the hotel is offering a bespoke room package that combines luxury accommodation with carefully curated romantic add-ons, promising a serene retreat from the city’s bustle alongside world-class hospitality.

The weekend programme features a diverse mix of entertainment and lifestyle experiences. Among the highlights is the “Signature Couples Event,” a grand and intimate gathering featuring a specially curated Valentine menu, games, music, and comedy performances.

Guests can also look forward to “A Night of Humour,” a comedy showcase featuring top-tier entertainers, aand“Theatre Magic on Stage,” a specially curated romantic stage play designed to engage audiences through powerful storytelling and emotional connection.

For culinary enthusiasts, the hotel will host Dual Restaurant Experiences, with its signature outlets; Zuma Grill and Bukka Restaurant, offering exclusive Valentine-themed dining packages tailored to diverse tastes.

Breaking away from the traditional focus on couples, the hotel is also introducing a Poolside Party for Singles, providing a chic, lively atmosphere for Abuja’s social crowd to mingle under the stars, accompanied by music and refreshing cocktails.

To help guests capture lasting memories, professional couples’ photography sessions will also be available, allowing visitors to document their special moments against the hotel’s scenic backdrops.

“We wanted to create a weekend that wasn’t just a meal, but a memory,” the hotel’s management said in the statement. “Whether it’s through laughter at our comedy special or a beautiful moment captured during a photo session, our goal is to celebrate love in all its forms.”

Reservations for the Valentine Weekend Package are now open, with organisers confident that guests will experience a memorable, immersive celebration at what remains one of Abuja’s most vibrant social hubs.

Transcorp Hilton Abuja Curates All-Inclusive Valentine Weekend Experience

Continue Reading

News

APC E-Registration: Ambassador Jidda Leads Committee to Bama, Konduga to Strengthen Party Base

Published

on

APC E-Registration: Ambassador Jidda Leads Committee to Bama, Konduga to Strengthen Party Base

By: Michael Mike

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) E-Registration and Reconciliation Committee in Borno State, Ambassador Baba Ahmad Jidda has led a high-powered delegation on a working visit to Bama and Konduga Local Government Areas as part of efforts to deepen grassroots participation in the party’s ongoing electronic registration exercise.

The tour, aimed at monitoring progress and galvanising party members, brought the committee into direct engagement with local government officials, lawmakers, traditional institutions, and party executives across the two councils.

Members of the committee on the visit included Hon. Tijjani Umara Kumalia, Mohammed Makinta, Hon. Busami Ardoram, Hon. Babakura Shettima, Hon. Mohd Maina Tar, Hajiya Mairo Bunu Lawan, Alh. Zanna Mahdi, Alh. Yusuf Adamu, Barrister Ba’ande Imam, and the committee’s Secretary, Dr. Babakura Mamman Gadai.

In Bama, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Bama, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr. Shehu Umar Ibn Kyari, where Ambassador Jidda expressed appreciation for the traditional ruler’s support and the warm reception accorded the team. He described Bama as a community with which he shares deep personal and political ties.

Addressing party leaders and stakeholders at the Bama Government Lodge, Ambassador Jidda recalled the overwhelming support he received from the people of Bama during the 1999 governorship election, describing it as a testament to the area’s enduring commitment to progressive politics.

He reaffirmed that Borno remains a stronghold of the APC, noting that the party’s decisive victories in the 2023 general elections reflected unity, discipline, and effective leadership within the party. According to him, the leadership of Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, and Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, mni, has been instrumental in sustaining the party’s dominance and credibility in the state.

Ambassador Jidda emphasised that the ongoing e-registration exercise is a strategic political process that goes beyond record-keeping, explaining that it determines legitimate membership, internal participation, and eligibility for leadership and elective positions within the party.

Speaking on behalf of stakeholders in Bama, Hon. Aji Kolo Ali Gujja, the Matawali of Bama, urged party members to take full advantage of the exercise and ensure total participation. The Chairman of Bama Local Government Area, Hon. Babagana Bagados, also assured the committee of the council’s full support to guarantee a smooth and inclusive registration process.

In Konduga Local Government Area, the committee was received by the council chairman, Dr. Abba Saje Mohd Nur, the area’s representative in the Borno State House of Assembly, and the Executive Secretary of the Borno ICT Development Agency, Hon. Engr. Kabir Wanori, alongside other party stakeholders.

The delegation inspected the APC e-registration centre in the area and expressed satisfaction with the level of coordination and turnout recorded. Local party leaders pledged continued mobilisation to ensure that all eligible members are captured before the close of the exercise.

Ambassador Jidda described the extension of the e-registration exercise as a critical opportunity for APC members in Borno State to reaffirm their loyalty, unity, and numerical strength. He called on ward, local government, and zonal leaders, as well as youth and women groups, to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the February 8 deadline.

He assured party members of a transparent, inclusive, and credible process, urging all APC supporters to participate fully and contribute to strengthening the party’s structure from the grassroots level.

APC E-Registration: Ambassador Jidda Leads Committee to Bama, Konduga to Strengthen Party Base

Continue Reading

News

200 vigilantes deployed from Nasarawa to bolster security in Ibbi, Niger state

Published

on

200 vigilantes deployed from Nasarawa to bolster security in Ibbi, Niger state

By: Zagazola Makama

About 200 vigilante men from Nasarawa State have arrived in Ibbi, Niger State, to support local security agencies in maintaining law and order, the Niger State Police reported.

The vigilante were deployed at about 4:18 p.m. on Feb. 8 that the vigilantes were deployed in compliance with directives from the Executive Governor of Niger State.

The arrival of the additional security personnel aims to strengthen joint operations with local vigilantes and police to manage security challenges in Ibbi and its environs.

Monitoring of the situation is ongoing, and further developments will be communicated.

200 vigilantes deployed from Nasarawa to bolster security in Ibbi, Niger state

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights