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The Denver Nuggets came to play on national television tonight, winning 122-91 against the Los Angeles Clippers on TNT in a game that may determine how many watch the Nuggets for the foreseeable future.
Nikola Jokić needed just 24 minutes and eight shooting attempts tonight, scoring 12 points, grabbing six rebounds and dishing out nine assists in what ended up being an extremely easy game. Jamal Murray led all Nuggets scorers with 18 points on just 10 shot attempts. The Nuggets' bench combined for 60 points, a strong number for a unit that has struggled to score points for most of the year.
Oh, and Bones Hyland did this.
Never change, Bizzy pic.twitter.com/hEO6npkk7t
— Denver Nuggets January 6, 2023
Michael Porter Jr. was also the defensive player of the game in the Nuggets' locker room for the first time in his career, so things clearly worked out pretty well.
Michael Malone said that MPJ was the DPOG and that when he announced it to the team, KCP almost fell out of his chair.
—Ryan Blackburn January 6, 2023
“We want to create the habits that will allow us to win at a high level,” Michael Malone shared with the media after the game.
The Nuggets now move to 25-13 on the season, staying atop the Western Conference. They have now won a league-leading 19 games against the West, the most important factor when assessing their chances going forward.
Here are my main takeaways from the Nuggets' blowout victory over the Clippers:
Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon get the ball rollingTonight was a great opportunity for both Murray and Gordon to have make-up games after disappointing performances in Minnesota. Murray wasn't as aggressive at the time as he needed to be, and Gordon was maybe too aggressive at the wrong times.
In the first quarter, the script changed completely. Murray scored 13 points in the first quarter, including several baskets on jumpers. His ability to read the defense and his willingness to take the shots that came his way were definitely remarkable. His defense was also excellent, switching both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard and discussing shots well.
Jamal feeling it from the center
He has a quick 10 in the first quarter pic.twitter.com/UpLxyjEaZK
— Denver Nuggets January 6, 2023
"I feel great. I'm excited," Murray shared after the game.
“When I went into rehab, the first two months were very difficult. You know it [the return] It's going to be the really fun part, just experimenting. go back to doing what you have to do.”
Murray finished with 18 points on 7-of-10 from the field and 4-of-5 from 3-point range. He had zero turnovers and played a highly efficient brand of basketball that the Nuggets expected him to find during the first half of the regular season.
Murray also said he would play tomorrow night against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the second night in a row, so it would be a new development.
Gordon also had a great game, scoring 13 points and collecting seven rebounds and three assists in the process. There were possessions as Gordon knocked Kawhi out of the way under the basket, navigated into tight spaces and finished through traffic for dunks and layups. He just played harder than the Clippers, and that helped set the tone for the rest of the team.
hahaha pic.twitter.com/6sq0qj3FsX
—Ryan Greene January 6, 2023
Best performance on the bench of the seasonThe Nuggets' bench contributed greatly to tonight's victory. They were outplayed because the Clippers retired their starters at halftime, but the bench scored 60 points tonight and all regular contributors finished with a positive plus-minus. Bones Hyland led the way with 16 points, while Vlatko Čančar chipped in 15 points and 12 rebounds in his 27 minutes, along with a steal and a block. It may have been the best overall performance of Vlatko's career.
WE HAVE AN AIR VLATKO SIGHTING pic.twitter.com/42yi9M7IQA
— Denver Nuggets January 6, 2023
"I think overall Vlatko has had a very good season," Malone said. "He's helped us win games...he's had so many different nights that he's contributed."
“I was never the star of the team,” Čančar shared after the game. “I always did the small things, easy basketball and trying to connect everyone. Once everyone is part of the game, it's a lot of fun."
The Nuggets have found something with Vlatko, who is now averaging 9.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 20.5 minutes per game over his last six games. He's even averaging a plus-minus (barely) off the bench during that stretch. That is a great development.
Bruce Brown also had a great performance, posting nine points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks in his 22 minutes. He was extremely active in his role and found ways to impact the game in every way while he was on the court.
The Nuggets CAN put up crooked scores when they want toThe Nuggets' net rating has been a bit shaky compared to other contenders this year. Part of that is due to defense going up and down. Partly it's due to the propensity to just do what they have to do without having to crush the other team. Through tonight, the Nuggets had won just three games by more than 20 points, one of the lowest totals in the NBA among elite teams.
However, tonight, the Nuggets found an early lead and absolutely took advantage of it. The margin continued to increase from double digits, to 20, to 30, to 38 in the second quarter alone. After that, the Nuggets didn't give any of it back, going for runs to avoid any burst of energy the Clippers generated in the second half.
“It's not about the score,” Malone emphasized. "It's about us creating the habits that will win us a championship at some point."
There have been opportunities for the Nuggets to really stick with teams this season, but they've mostly held off. Tonight, the Nuggets worked the Clippers through the first 24 minutes and then held them off for the next 24. It was a strong performance from the Nuggets that we've seen so far.
final rotationsCredit: https://milehighsports.com/denver-nuggets-demolish-los-angeles-clippers-122-91-in-first-major-blowout-of-season/
- Three Naxal rebels, including a woman, were killed in a fierce firefight with government forces in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh on Saturday, All India Radio (AIR) reported.
The shooting broke out in a forest area in the Bijapur district, some 386 km south of Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh.
"In Chhattisgarh, three Naxals, including a rebel woman, were killed in an encounter (shootout) with security forces earlier today," the report said. "The exchange of fire took place in the Pomra jungle in Bijapur district in Bastar division."
After the shooting, the bodies of three rebels along with two rifles have been recovered at the scene.
Currently, the Naxals are active in the central and eastern parts of India, and New Delhi has deployed several companies of the paramilitary forces to confront the Naxals in their strongholds. ■
Dr. Adeleke Mamora, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) has called for effective collaboration between countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean to maximize their potential for socio-economic development.
Mamora made the call at a workshop organized by the Center for International Research (AIR), Center for Space Innovation and Development (CSID), in collaboration with Eureka, through GlobalStar, a US satellite communications company.
Mamora was represented by Umar, Director, Science, Technology and Advocacy, while the workshop was held at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in Abuja.
He recalled that the scarcity of data on the Atlantic Ocean prompted the Portuguese Government to initiate a diplomatic process to encourage the countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean to collaborate in the study of the ocean.
The study, he said, was labeled "Atlantic Interactions," which led to the establishment of the AIR center.
“The Nigerian government joined other countries after considering the huge benefits to be gained as part of the network to study the ocean.
“The benefits of Atlantic Interactions include understanding the Atlantic Ocean system and its natural resources for a healthy and productive ocean.
“The share of renewables in the global energy mix is expected to increase, as well as improve energy efficiency and understanding.
"It will help predict and adapt to climate change and atmospheric dynamics to benefit development," he said.
NASRDA Director General Dr. Halilu Shaba said that the AIR center was the network for international cooperation across the Atlantic when an integrative approach was implemented.
Representing Jeb, director of Geo-Apps Plus Limited, Shaba said that the AIR center was created to develop and ensure the proper implementation of research activities related to the Atlantic ecosystem.
He thanked the center for collaborating with relevant stakeholders to strengthen technology innovation start-ups, business creation and business acceptance.
According to him, it will help harness the ideas for the formulation of a functional strategic multilateral and international collaboration for the synergy of business and technological innovation.
Shaba also pledged NASRDA's support for the center's activities, stating that it was in line with a Ministry policy.
"The ministry is ready to enhance technological innovation for the integration of small and medium-sized enterprises, which are expected to form the foundation and engine of economies around the world."
Dr. Asma Ibrahim, Director of the AIR Center, explained that the AIR Center became interested in identifying Nigerian entrepreneurs who were in the innovative technology sector because talent abounds.
Dr. Asma Ibrahim, Director of Atlantic International Research, Center (left) and Ms. Victoria Akai, Director General, Abuja Chamber of CommerceIbrahim added that they were looking for innovative new products with the potential for social and disruptive impact, as well as adding value to the country's digital economy agenda.
He further said that they collaborated with Eureka to have a national funding body as the authority responsible for vetting and funding potential applicants once identified.
“Innovation and technology are essential for Nigeria to be able to compete in a global framework.
“One of the key factors in achieving this is the development of the digital economy in the hubs of Nigeria, where business, innovation and entrepreneurship are encouraged and supported.”
Ibrahim said the workshop aimed to introduce Eureka to more stakeholders, expose Nigerian technology and startups, small and medium-sized businesses for potential international collaborations, among other goals.
Eureka is the world's largest public network for international cooperation in research and development, as well as innovative activities.
The network is present in more than 45 countries and has a flexible way of financing its activities.
Mani edited
Source Credit: NAN
South Korea’s antitrust regulator on Thursday imposed a fine of 153 million won (108,000 dollars), on a retailer of popular Japanese fashion brand Uniqlo, over misleading advertisements.
The Fair Trade Commission (FTC), said the penalty on FRL Korea Co., which sells Uniqlo products in South Korea, came as it exaggerated the performances of its innerwear products through ads between 2018 and 2020.
The company was founded together with the Japan-based Fast Retailing Co., which has the brand under its wing, and the Seoul-based Lotte Shopping Co., with the South Korean firm holding a 49 per cent stake.
“Through various social media accounts, promotional items, flyers, and websites, FRL Korea advertised that its functional underwear, named AIRism and DRY-EX, has antibacterial and deodorisation features,” the FTC said.
According to the regulator, the company used expressions such as “comfortable wearing with deodorisation feature” and “high-performance item with antibacterial and deodorisation features” in the advertisements.
The FTC said products must pass certain examinations to have their antibacterial features accredited, which FRL Korea never proved.
“FRL Korea handed in the test result of its fabrics regarding (antibacterial performance) on Staphylococcus aureus, but we cannot recognise its direct relations to the descriptions from the ads of the finished products,” the watchdog said.
“Through nine tests carried out by institutions in South Korea and Japan, the results showed that we cannot expect an antibacterial feature (from the products), as samples showed a significantly low decrease in the antibacterial rate,” the FTC said.
The watchdog added that such measures were necessary as customers were prone to choose products with antibacterial features, in spite of the higher prices amid the COVID-19 pandemic and that the brand’s adverts may mislead people.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has reported additional 41 new cases of Monkeypox disease between Aug. 29 and Sept. 4, from 12 states of the Federation.
The NCDC via its official website on Sunday said that the 12 states were: Lagos (14), Abia (7), Imo (6), Ogun (5), Ondo (2), Akwa Ibom (1), Borno (1), Delta (1), Osun (1), Oyo (1), Plateau (1) and Rivers (1).
It stated that there has been 815 suspected cases, 318 confirmed cases and seven deaths from Monkeypox so far in the country in 2022.
The Public Health Agency said that the seven deaths were recorded in seven states in 2022: Delta (1), Lagos (1), Ondo (1), Akwa Ibom (1), Kogi (1), Taraba (1) and Imo (1), with Case Fatality Ratio (CFR) of 2.2 per cent.
According to NCDC, Since 2017 till date, only four states in country accounted for 270 out of 544 cases of Monkeypox in the country – Lagos (93), Rivers (71), Bayelsa (62) and Delta (44).
The Nigerian Public Health Institute said that this translates to approximately 50 per cent (49.6 per cent) of the total number of confirmed cases.
The News Agency of Nigeria , reports that Monkeypox is an infection caused by a virus similar to the now-eradicated smallpox virus.
It has been most common in some African countries, but outbreaks have occurred in other areas from time to time.
In 2022, the World Health Organisation (WHO), declared a global health emergency since monkeypox had spread to many countries through social interactions and intimate contacts.
While monkeypox cases spreading globally in 2022 can cause severe disease, the infection most often clears up on its own.
Monkeypox may be most severe in young children, especially if they have poor nutritional status.
In previous years fatal cases had occurred, primarily among children in Africa.
Vaccines can prevent monkeypox but they are currently in short supply and are used to prevent monkeypox disease in people, who have been exposed to the virus.
When it becomes more widely available, the vaccine may be appropriate to protect at-risk populations, such as men who have sex with men, bisexual people, commercial sex workers and others who engage in behaviour that put them at higher risk.
The infection continues to spread, but because transmission requires close personal contact, the rate is much slower than that of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (the coronavirus that causes COVID-19) and causes fewer cases.
Meanwhile, Europe and North America have been following a gradual downward trajectory.
Public Health experts have suggested that if it persists, it will “probably persist at sporadic low levels”.
The experts said that many other countries have also seen recent outbreaks and it became apparent there had been human-to-human transmission, with the vast majority of cases in men who had sex with men.
They said that since May 2022, there have been more than 65,000 cases reported worldwide and the World Health Organisation called it a global public health emergency in July.
Although, WHO noted that the data was not clear-cut, it looked like behaviour change would have made a difference to those numbers.
This might be because people started isolating once they recognised symptoms or checked their partners for unusual spots or lesions.
The UN agency said that the best way to ensure that cases stayed low was to continue to vaccinate those at risk and maintain strict surveillance.
“The take-home message from WHO is that vaccines are being rolled out, if you’re offered one, make sure to take it”.
“And if you might be at risk but haven’t received any vaccination at all; then make use of new supplies of the jab coming on board, as even one dose offers a high level of protection.
“And most importantly – if you have symptoms, stay at home, call your local sexual health clinic and avoid sharing towels or bedding until you’ve been told what to do,” the UN health agency explained.
Meanwhile, globally, by Sept. 28, 106 countries reported a total of 67,556 laboratory-confirmed cases and 3,193 probable cases, including 27 deaths, according to WHO.
www.
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AIR
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has recorded eight additional Lassa fever infections and one death between Sept. 5 and 11, 2022.
The NCDC via its official website said the new cases bring the total number of confirmed cases and deaths in the country to 917 and 171, respectively.
It disclosed that 25 states had recorded at least one confirmed case across 102 local government areas.
According to NCDC, a total of 6,660 suspected cases have been reported in the country.
The public health agency disclosed that of the new confirmed cases, Ondo accounted for 32 per cent, Edo 26 per cent and Bauchi 13 per cent.
“In week 36 (September 5 to 11, 2022); the number of new confirmed cases decreased from 10 in week 35, 2022 to 8 cases.
These were reported from Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, and Anambra states.
“Cumulatively from week 1 to week 36, 2022, 171 deaths have been reported with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.6 people which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2021 (23.3 per cent).
“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 0 to 90 years, Median Age: 30 years).
The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.8.
“The number of suspected cases has increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2021. No new healthcare worker affected in the reporting week 36,” it said.
It said the National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) has continued to coordinate the response activities at all levels.
“The country’s response activities continue in all areas, particularly in areas of state advocacy, personal protective equipment (IPC) support, and laboratory diagnostics,” it added.
The NCDC said that to reduce the risk of Lassa fever, Nigerians should ensure proper environmental sanitation, “that is, keep your environment clean at all times, block all holes in your house to prevent rats from entry”.
It advised to Nigerians to cover dustbins and dispose of refuse properly.
“Communities should set up dumpsites far from their homes to reduce the chances of having rodents within homes; store foodstuff like rice, maize grits, beans, , etc in containers that are well covered with tight-fitting lids.
“Avoid drying foodstuff outside on the floor, roadside where they will be exposed to contamination; avoid bush burning which can lead to the displacement of rats from bushes to human dwellings.
“Eliminate rats in homes and communities by setting rat traps and other means; practice good personal hygiene by frequent washing hands with soap under running water or use hand sanitisers when appropriate, and visit the nearest health facility if you notice any of the signs and symptoms of Lassa fever as mentioned earlier, and avoid self-medication,” it advised.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus.
People usually become infected with the Lassa virus through exposure to food or household items contaminated with urine or faeces of infected rats – present in several West African countries where the disease is endemic.
The virus can also be spread through infected bodily fluids.
People also contract the disease by touching soiled objects, eating contaminated food, or exposure to open cuts or sores.
Secondary transmission from person to person can also occur as a result of exposure to the virus in the blood, tissue, urine, faeces or other bodily secretions of an infected patient.
AIR
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says the states of Ondo and Edo are leading the country’s Lassa fever cases as it announces five additional cases in seven days, from Aug.15 to Aug. 21, 2022.
The NCDC via its official website on Monday said that the two states accounted for 57 per cent of the disease burden in the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic fever transmitted by rats.
It has been known since the 1950s but the virus was not identified until 1969 when two missionary nurses died from it in the town of Lassa in Nigeria.
Found predominantly in West Africa, it has the potential to cause tens of thousands of deaths.
Even after recovery, the virus remains in body fluids, including semen.
Neighboring countries are also at risk, as the animal vector for Lassa virus, the “multimammate rat” (Mastomys natalensis) is distributed throughout the region.
The Agency’s epidemiological report showed that from the beginning of 2022, 25 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 101 Local Government Areas across the country.
The Public Health Institute further stated that cumulatively from week one to week 33, 2022, 168 deaths have been reported with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.8 per cent.
This, the public health institute said was lower than the CFR for the same period in 2021 (23.3 per cent).
The NCDC, therefore, said that the national Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) continued to coordinate the response activities at all levels to curb the spread of the disease.
It said: “In week 33 (August 15 to 21) the number of new confirmed cases decreased from nine in week 32, 2022 to five cases.
These were reported from Ondo and Edo states.
“Of all confirmed cases, 70 per cent are from Ondo (31 per cent), Edo (26 per cent), and Bauchi (13 per cent).
“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (range: 0 to 90 years, median age: 30 years).
The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.8.
“The number of suspected cases has increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2021. No new Healthcare worker affected in the reporting week 33.”
Proferring solutions and preventive measures, the public health agency said to reduce the risk of Lassa fever, Nigerians should ensure proper environmental sanitation.
“This is by keeping your environment clean at all times and block all holes in your house to prevent rats from entry”
It also advised that Nigerians should cover their dustbins and dispose of refuse properly.
“Communities should set up dump sites very far from their homes to reduce the chances of having rodents within homes; Store foodstuff like rice, garri, beans and in containers that are well covered with tight-fitting lids.
“Avoid drying foodstuffs outside on the floor, roadside where they will be exposed to contamination; Avoid bush burning which can lead to the displacement of rats from bushes to human dwellings.
“Eliminate rats in homes and communities by setting rat traps and other means.
“Practise good personal hygiene by frequent washing of hands with soap under running water or use hand sanitisers when appropriate.
“Visit the nearest health facility if you notice any of the signs and symptoms of Lassa fever as mentioned earlier, and avoid self-medication,” it advised.
NAN also reports that the Lassa virus is transmitted to man by infected multi-mammate rats and humans become infected from direct contact with the urine and faeces of the rat carrying the virus.
People also contract the disease by touching soiled objects, eating contaminated food or exposure to open cuts or sores.
Secondary transmission from person to person can also occur as a result of exposure to the virus in the blood, tissue, urine, faeces or other bodily secretions of an infected patient.
AIR
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on the Federal Government to strengthen routine immunization to protect more than 24,000 babies born daily, to receive all vaccines scheduled for the first two years of their lives. Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Country Representative, Nigeria, made the call at an event to commemorate the 2022 African Vaccination Week (AVW) in Abuja. It was organised by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). The News Agency of Nigeria reports that AVN is an annual event celebrated during the last week of April in synchronisation with other WHO Regions and World Immunization Week (WIW). The goal of the AVW is to strengthen immunization programmes in the African Region by increasing awareness of the importance of every person’s (particularly every child and woman) need and right to be protected from vaccine-preventable diseases. The over-arching slogan of AVW is “Vaccinated Communities, Healthy Communities”. However, to commemorate this year’s AVW, Nigeria hasa adoptedthe theme “Long Life for All – Vaccinate for Healthy Living”. Mulombo said that he was aware of the Nigeria Strategy for Routine Immunisation and Primary Health Care Systems Strengthening (NSIPSS) 2.0. It focuses on drastically reducing the unimmunised in zero-dose children by the end of 2024. “I want to therefore appreciate the timely introduction of the Immunization Performance Recognition Awards, given the symbolic impact it would provide in ensuring that sub-national leaderships drove the enabling factors required for high and sustained immunization coverage,” he said. The WHO Rep. assured Nigerians of its continued commitment to the agenda of PHC revitalisation, immunization systems strengthening and interruption of the cVPDV2 outbreak in the country. “I am very confident with the strategies adapted and we will continue to sustain eradication of WPV in Nigeria,” he added. The Representative of UNICEF Nigeria, Dr Eduardo Blanco, UNICEF Nigeria Chief of Health, said the hard work, perseverance and dedication of the frontline health workers, including doctors, nurses, midwives and volunteers working to provide health and immunization services to Nigerians, was astonishing. “I have seen the hard work, efforts, commitment and perseverance of health workers at all levels; I have witnessed community volunteers working tirelessly in their communities. “I have seen health workers working 247 to provide services to women and children And I have observed the leadership, commitment and sound technical knowledge of NPHCDA and Federal Ministry of Health staff at all levels,” Blanco said. Dr Melissa Freeman, Rep. USAID Nigeria, said as Nigeria celebrated, it must not forget to continuously emphasise that vaccines and hand washing remained the most effective public health measures for disease prevention and control. Freeman said the country had made progress in improving routine immunization and reaching zero doses and under-immunized children. “It is my earnest hope that we continue making progress until we can globally eliminate more than just smallpox. “USAID Routine Immunization programmes are implemented across 16 states, including humanitarian settings. She said the polio programmes provided support since 1998, contributing to the wild polio eradication three years ago. “At the same time, USAID supported routine immunization and global health security efforts to strengthen surveillance and response to newly emerging diseases,” she said. She, however, said she looked forward to the outcomes of USAID’s $33.3 million support for the SCALES 3.0 COVID-19 vaccination acceleration across 36 states and the FCT. According to her, that would help ensure shots in arms for the U. S. Government donation of over 48 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Meanwhile, on the sideline of the event, the Breakthrough ACTION Nigeria (BA-N), with support from USAID, had a soft launch of its newest COVID-19 Social Behaviour Change campaign tagged “Follow Who Know Road (FWKR)”. At their exhibition stand to commemorate the AWV, they distributed some promotional materials such as T-shirts, Face caps, Lapel pins, Bumper stickers, jotters, fliers, and danglers and also shared out different SBC materials across all programme areas, including Tuberculosis, Nutrition, Family Planning, Malaria. In the last three years, in spite of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health, social and economic wellbeing of Nigerians, Nigeria had continued to make significant strides by repositioning itself to deliver high-impact and cost-effective interventions through its programmes and policies. These interventions are deliberately developed and implemented through National Routine Immunization Coordination Centre (NERICC), National Emergency Maternal and Child Health Intervention Centre (NEMCHIC) and Community Health Influencers and Promoters Services (CHIPS). However, as these strides are being made towards reducing the high burden of vaccine-preventable diseases in the country, some gaps remain, especially in the areas of demand generation and funding. This prompted the need for collaboration and partnership with different stakeholders to complement government efforts. The commemoration of 2022 African Vaccination Week is an opportunity for Nigeria to galvanise action in partnership with relevant stakeholders. This will draw National and Global attention to the importance of immunization as most cost-effective public health intervention for “long life and healthy living”. NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency(NPHCDA), has recognised and rewarded 15 states of the federation for the implementation of best practices in COVID-19 vaccination and Routine Immunizations.
The Executive Director, NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib, explained at the ceremony on Friday in Abuja, that the 15 states distinguished themselves with the highest qualities and best practices in providing technical and programmatic support to Nigerians.
The News Agency of Nigeria , reports that the award was organised to commemorate the 2022 African Vaccination Week, (AVN).
AVN is an annual event celebrated during the last week of April in synchronisation with other World Health Organization (WHO) Regions and World Immunization Week (WIW).
He said that It was also a day to physically meet friends and colleagues for mutual reflections and celebration of their collaborative efforts.
“Our history in the last two years has been inundated with the challenges of COVID-19 emergency, even as we were battling through to eradicate circulating variant polio virus, monkeypox and improve uptake of primary health care services in the country.
“We may not be able to satisfactorily reward those who will be receiving awards today, or adequately cover everyone who deserves to be rewarded.
“But we recognize and are sincerely thankful to everyone because we know that no matter how big a tree might be, it cannot make a forest alone.
He said that the agency prides on the progress made as a country in reaching 42 million eligible persons with COVID-19 vaccines as of Friday.
He added that about 29.6 million of the persons were fully vaccinated, while others were either waiting for their due date for the second dose or on the list of those who were hesitant of taking their second dose.
“Of course, the struggle continues, and it is a matter of sworn trust that we protect the health of our people.
“It is not easy walking through the high-impact of misinformation and disinformation and getting people to willingly accept the COVID-19 vaccine.
“To a lesser extent, we had some experience with polio immunization, but today we have been certified wild polio virus-free!
Even the emergence of the circulating variant poliovirus has been significantly controlled in Nigeria,” he said.
He said that the agency set aside a variety of awards for different categories of performances and ensured that the selection criteria were scientific and transparent.
“The selection process was backed by data and was rigorously scrutinized by partners.
“The reward for Hard work is more work.
Let us continue to remain committed to the cause of ensuring all Nigerians are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases,” he said.
The NPHCDA boss said the states awarded included Kaduna, Adamawa, Edo, Lagos, Ebonyi, Benue, Jigawa, Gombe, Cross River, Ogun, Abia, Nasarawa, Kano and Yobe.
The goal of the AVW is to strengthen immunization programmes in the African Region by increasing awareness of the importance of every person (particularly every child and woman), needs and right to be protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.
It aims at keeping immunization high on the national and regional agendas through advocacy and partnerships and promotes the delivery of other high-impact lifesaving interventions.
The over-arching slogan of AVW is “Vaccinated Communities, Healthy Communities”
However, to commemorate this year’s AVW, Nigeria adopted the theme “Long Life for All – Vaccinate for Healthy Living”.
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NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, on Thursday said , Nigeria recorded monumental success by achieving a “wild polio-free country” after three years of no recorded case.
Speaking at a celebratory event on Thursday in Abuja, Ogunwusi said that the eradication of polio in the country highlighted that public trust remained a key factor for a successful eradication programme.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), also commemorated the 2022 African Vaccination Week.
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative joins Nigeria and the global community in celebrating a historic global health milestone, three years have passed since Nigeria’s last case of wild polio.
Oba Ogunwusi in his address thanked all stakeholders involved in the fight against polio for their relentless efforts.
While celebrating the efforts of the NPHCDA Executive Director, Dr Faisal Shuaib, he urged all to believe in the country, insisting that there is going to be light at the end of the tunnel.
“But we’ve proven several times that indeed, we can achieve quite a lot of giant strides.
Look at what happened during the COVID-19 pandemic and how everybody rallied round this country.
“Behold, all the stakeholders from the private sector to the public sector, all rose to the occasion standing for hours, giving out information, creating awareness back and forth, and today our country is being celebrated for that,” he said.
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Sa’ad Abubakar III, said that government and its partners should remain committed to improving the health and well-being of Nigerians, especially vulnerable populations.
His Eminence, who was represented by the Chairman of the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee on Primary Health Care Delivery (NTLC), and Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Mera, pledged the continuous support of Traditional and Religious leaders towards the achievement of immunisation in the country.
The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, commended the efforts of government and development partners, who made huge investments and sacrifices to sustain and maintain the wild polio virus free status.
“It is a great honour and privilege to be part of this third anniversary of wild poliovirus eradication in the country.
“Today we are commemorating this indeed very significant day and the progress we have made in the country after several decades of efforts to eradicate the virus, which has crippled many of our children.
“This day did not come easy as government and development partners made huge investments and sacrifices over the years.
The day may have come too late for those who have been paralysed and those frontline health workers , who paid the supreme price for the triumph of eradicating the disease,” he said.
Ehanire, who was represented by Director Family Health, FMoH, Dr Salma Kolo, said that for the millions of children who were prevented from the crippling effects of wild polio virus.
“These sacrifices would not go in vain and therefore, the significance of commemorating this day.
According to him, the past three years have been a mixed bag of events for the country as the impact of COVID-19 affected the health system,
“Also the emerging security challenges in some parts of the country poses a challenge to the onslaught of the re-emerging Variants of the Polio Viruses (cVPV2), which are remnants in the environment as a result of suboptimal environmental sanitation.
“This can potentially be virulent and affect children who have not been enrolled in the Routine Immunisation system.
The minister said that the ministry has directed and guided the NPHCDA to mount the needed response to deal with these viruses within an integrated framework, to address other public health challenges including the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination in the country.
Earlier, Shuaib said with recent cases of wild polio virus reported in two African countries namely, Mozambique and Malawi, the agency had stepped up its surveillance to make sure that there was no silent transmission that could take place.
He said that the country’s polio eradication effort indicated that strict surveillance was vital in ensuring that overlooked vulnerable communities were identified.
He said that independent surveillance by key stakeholders and interested parties did not only ensure an effective intervention strategy but also encouraged support from politicians and private-public partnerships.
The NPHCDA boss said that the country was able to eradicate polio with support from religious and traditional leaders.
Public Health experts, who spoke to NAN on the sidelines of the event, said that It was wise to acknowledge that the need to maintain vigilance for any potential resurgence of wild poliovirus was still paramount.
They said though the country’s journey to wild polio-free status has not been easy, it has however, taught us some lessons that would place the country in a favourable position to combat future disease control and eradication efforts such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.
They, however, called on healthcare providers to be armed with verified and up-to-date information that would enable them to counter arguments against vaccines, especially vaccine distrust and hesitancy promoted by religious leaders, misinformation, and personal opinion.
The News Agency of Nigeria, reports that Nigeria celebrated three years of being polo virus free.
The virus when it infects can lead to paralysis, limb deformities, breathing problems and even death.
Poliovirus resides only in humans and passes on to the environment in the faeces of an infected person.
Nigeria is the latest country to have officially stopped endemic transmission of wild poliovirus, with its last reported case in 2016.
Wild poliovirus has been eradicated in all continents except Asia, and as of 2020, Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two countries where the disease is still classified as endemic.
NAN recalled that recent polio cases arise from two sources, the original wild poliovirus (WPV), and the much more prevalent mutated oral vaccine strains, the so-called circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV).
Vaccines against each of the three wild strains of polio have given rise to strains of cVDPV, with cVDPV2 being the most prominent.
cVDPV caused 689 reported paralytic polio cases worldwide in 2021.
There were six reported WPV cases in 2021, a decrease from 2019’s 5-year high, a 99.2 per cent reduction from the 719 diagnosed cases in 2000 and a 99.998 per cent reduction from the estimated 350,000 cases, when the eradication effort began in 1988.
Of the three strains of WPV, the last recorded wild case caused by type 2 (WPV2) was in 1999, and WPV2 was declared eradicated in 2015.
Type three (WPV3) is last known to have caused polio in 2012 and was declared eradicated in 2019. All wild-virus cases since that date have been due to type 1 (WPV1).
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