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Preparation Needs to be made Towards Next Pandemic, Global Leaders Advised
Preparation Needs to be made Towards Next Pandemic, Global Leaders Advised
By: Michael Mike
Preparation has been asked to be made towards the next pandemic so that the world in not caught pant down like what happening during the COVID-19 pandemic that locked out the globe.
Speaking during a conference, organized by the Global Healthcare Travel Council (GHTC) which brought together representatives from 56 countries and held in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), the Founding Chairman of the Global Healthcare Travel Council, Emin Çakmak, said: “The world must be ready for future pandemics through rapid healthcare reforms, investments in facilities and human resources to serve not just local populations but also international patients during crises,”
Çakmak, was in a press statement issued on Tuesday by the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, DoctorCare247, Nigeria’s leading telehealth company, Chuks Melville Chibundu, to have explained the growth of the Turkish medical tourism industry and its commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services to international patients.
He said: “In the last 20 years, Turkey has invested over $50 billion in new hospitals and latest technologies. We have over 15,000 doctors who graduated from Western and Turkish medical universities and now serve patients in world-class Turkish hospitals.”
“We are fortunate in logistics as Turkish Airlines connects Turkey with over 350 international destinations through direct flights, facilitating medical travel.”
Çakmak added that due to “world-class medical services, hospitality infrastructure, geographic convenience and natural beauty, Turkey has become a preferred global healthcare destination across medical treatment, wellness, spa, thermalism, sports medicine, retirement and accessible tourism segments.”
He credited Turkey’s resilient pandemic response for its continued growth in medical tourism, noting that: “During COVID-19, we suffered fewer losses than other nations due to timely safety protocols. After a 4-month pause, we reopened borders for international patients as we had ample hospital infrastructure and personnel to serve both Turkish citizens and global medical travelers.”
He however warned that “the world must be ready for future pandemics through rapid healthcare reforms, investments in facilities and human resources to serve not just local populations but also international patients during crises.”
DoctorCare247, Nigeria’s leading telehealth company and the Nigerian network partner of the Turkish Healthcare Travel Council (THTC), participated in the 6th Global Healthcare Travel Forum (GHTF) conference.
DoctorCare247 was represented at the conference by its MD/CEO, Chuks Melville Chibundu, and other staff members.
In his remarks at the end of the conference, Chibundu highlighted the meeting’s key takeaways and how the company will leverage them to further its mission of providing Nigerians with affordable access to world-class healthcare.
The theme of the 6th GHTF conference was “Innovation and Cooperation in Global Health Tourism.” Chibundu said DoctorCare247 is committed to exploring partnerships with the THTC to bring innovative healthcare technologies to Nigerians seeking medical care abroad.
“Our partnership with the THTC is a cornerstone of our mission to provide Nigerians with affordable access to world-class healthcare,” Chibundu said. “Through this collaboration, we can leverage the expertise and resources of the Turkish healthcare system to offer Nigerians cutting-edge technologies and highly qualified specialists in Turkey, all at cost-effective prices.”
The conference was opened by Fikri Ataoğlu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Mr. Ataoğlu spoke about the TRNC’s vision for health tourism and its commitment to international cooperation in this field saying “We are working with our stakeholders with the vision of creating a brand in health tourism and strengthening our global position in this field.”
“Our country stands out in health tourism with its Mediterranean climate, natural beauties, rich history, and cultural heritage, as well as modern health services and high-quality treatment options offered both to protect, improve and regain health.”
“Our aim is to create a sought-after destination that offers accessible, high-quality and people-oriented services to every health tourist who prefers the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC),” he added.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Global Healthcare Travel Council and President of the Cyprus Healthcare Travel Council, Dr. Ahmet Savaşan said there is a rapid growth of health tourism internationally and called for more collaboration among stakeholders in the sector.
Dr. Savaşan said the conference’s timely theme of “Innovation and Cooperation in Global Health Tourism” is aimed at “producing innovative solutions to challenges in our sector, supporting sustainable development and creating a strong synergy for its future.”
Preparation Needs to be made Towards Next Pandemic, Global Leaders Advised
News
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening global collaboration in the fight against illicit drug trafficking and transnational organised crime as officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) completed advanced training at the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Friday, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), said the increasing sophistication of criminal networks across borders requires deeper international cooperation and a coordinated global offensive.
Marwa stressed that criminal syndicates no longer operate within isolated territories, making intelligence sharing, joint operations and capacity building among nations indispensable in dismantling drug cartels and organised crime groups.
The ceremony, held at the elite DEA Training Academy, brought together officers from Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya for an intensive programme designed to sharpen investigative, operational and strategic enforcement capabilities. Participants were equipped with advanced skills to combat complex drug trafficking networks and related transnational crimes.
Describing the event as deeply significant, Marwa noted that the course was dedicated to members of the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. He paid tribute to the fallen officers, describing them as heroes whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Referencing the course motto, “Different nations, shared duty, one fight,” Marwa said it captured the collective resolve of partner countries against the global drug menace. He emphasised that only a unified, intelligence-driven response can effectively confront criminal enterprises that thrive on cross-border operations.
The NDLEA boss expressed confidence that the knowledge and competencies acquired by the graduating officers would significantly enhance the operational effectiveness of their respective agencies. He charged them to apply the training with integrity, professionalism and courage upon returning home, while upholding the highest standards of service.
Marwa also conveyed Nigeria’s appreciation to the United States Department of Justice, the DEA leadership and instructors for their continued mentorship and investment in capacity development.
He said the graduation marked not the end of training but the beginning of renewed responsibility, urging the officers to protect vulnerable communities and confront criminality wherever it threatens societal stability.
Marwa expressed optimism that the partnership between the NDLEA and the DEA would continue to deepen, yielding sustained success in the shared fight against illicit drugs and organised crime.
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
VP Shettima Attends High-Level Meeting On Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty
By: Our Reporter
Shortly after his bilateral discussions with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Vice President Kashim Shettima moved on to a high-level meeting on Building Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty on the sidelines of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The session, organized by Africa CDC and fully supported by the Nigerian government, convenes African leaders and health policymakers to chart the path toward strengthening the continent’s health emergency preparedness, response systems, and pharmaceutical independence.
Joining the Vice President at the meeting are key Nigerian officials including the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yussuf Tuggar.
Other African health ministers in attendance include Dr. Ibrahim Sy of Senegal, Madalisto Baloyi of Malawi, and Dr. Mekdes Daba of Ethiopia.
VP Shettima Attends High-Level Meeting On Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty
ISWAP suspected in Baga abduction of five civilians
By: Zagazola Makama
Five civilians were abducted on Feb. 12, 2026, by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Doro Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area, Borno State, the Police Command reported.
Sources disclosed that the victims, Alhaji Sani Boyi, Bullama Dan Umaru, Baba Inusa, Abubakar Jan Boris, and Mallam Shaibu, were taken while purchasing fresh fish at a local market around 7:00 a.m.
The troops of Sector 3 Operation HADIN KAI, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)/hunters immediately responded to the incident.
Relevant intelligence has been gathered, and search and rescue operations are ongoing to secure the release of the victims.
ISWAP suspected in Baga abduction of five civilians
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
VP Shettima Attends High-Level Meeting On Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty
ISWAP suspected in Baga abduction of five civilians
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