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CNG Unit Takes Medical Aids to Zamfara IDPs, Orphanages

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In a furtherance of the community involvement efforts of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) its organ, the Arewa Health and Social Development Initiative AHSDI led by Engineer Hamza Mukhtar has taken medical aids to the Saminaka Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Gusau, Zamfara State.
The medical aid which included basic medical supplies and prescription drugs for various ailments, were also shared to Gusau Orphanage and at the Federal Medical Center Gusau.
Engineer Mukhtar, while speaking to the media, stated that “It is our duty as healthcare providers and humanitarians to ensure that the needy in our society get the necessary care and support they require. We hope to continue to provide aid and support to the IDP camps in Zamfara and other parts of the northern region.”
He urged the government and other well-meaning individuals and organizations to support the IDP camps in their respective areas of operation.
He said, the initiative which is powered by the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) is meant to help alleviate the suffering of those affected by the ongoing crisis.
“We must remember that the IDP camps are in dire need of assistance, not just in terms of medical aid but also basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter. The ongoing conflicts have displaced thousands of people, leaving them vulnerable to various health risks and other dangers. It is crucial that we continue to provide support to these camps and work towards finding a lasting solution to the crisis.
“In addition to providing medical aid, we must also focus on long-term solutions such as education and skills training for those in the camps. This will help empower them and enable them to rebuild their lives once they return home,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the community, the Sarkin Saminaka said the IDP camp has been facing dire conditions due to the ongoing conflict in the area and the lack of access to basic healthcare.
“The medical aid provided by this group will go a long way in providing much-needed relief to the camp residents.
“It is heartwarming to see individuals and groups come together to provide assistance to those in need. The group’s efforts are greatly appreciated, and we hope that their actions will inspire others to lend a helping hand to the IDP camps across the country.
“Let us all join hands and work towards creating a better future for those affected by the crisis. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most,” he said.
In his remark, Dr Ahmed Bala, head of the group’s medical team, said it is also important to address the root causes of the conflicts that have led to the establishment of these IDP camps. This includes addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and political instability.
“Governments and international organizations must work together to create sustainable solutions that will prevent future conflicts and displacement.
“We must also prioritize the protection and rights of those living in IDP camps, ensuring that they are not subjected to further harm or discrimination,” Dr Bala said.

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Health

May Day: Nigerian health workers ask for increase in pay

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The Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) in Niger State has urged the state government to increase its members’ salaries due to the hazardous nature of their jobs.

The state Chairman of the union, Comrade Usman Abubakar-Dabban, made the request at a reception organised for the workers to mark the International Workers Day in Minna on Thursday.

He said that since health workers were game-changers, there was the need to increase their wages.

According to Abubakar-Dabban, an increase of 150 per cent will justify the critical role health workers play in the healthcare system.

He lauded the governor and the Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba for implementing the new minimum wage of N80,000, which was above what was recommended by the Federal Government.

He hailed the deputy governor for initiating the building of the union’s hall when he was the chairman of the union, which would be commissioned soon.

He urged the union members to adhere to the ethics of the profession to ensure they enjoy the welfare they crave for from the state government.

Earlier in his remarks, Aminu Yusuf, Special Adviser to Niger governor on Labour Matters, lauded the workers for the reception.

Yusuf said workers day was a day for labour leaders to take stock of their achievements, consolidate on them and identify new challenges, so that they could open a new chapter on how to address them.(NAN)

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Immunization Week: Vaccines sustainable, save 6 lives per minute – UNICEF

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The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has described vaccines used in immunisation efforts as “sustainable” adding that they have saved six lives every minute over the last five decades.

UNICEF’s Chief, Enugu Field Office, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe, said this at a virtual media dialogue with journalists in Owerri, on Saturday, to mark the year 2025 World Immunisation Week.

Speaking on this year’s theme: “Immunisation For All Is Humanly Possible”, Chiluwe described vaccines as “one of humanity’s greatest achievements”.

She called for increased advocacy, communication, social mobilisation and cold chain support to achieve routine immunisation that “would really reach everyone”.

Chiluwe also called for infrastructure strengthening such as the establishment of oxygen gas plants to strengthen health systems in states with the greater need.

“This year’s theme reaffirms the feasibility and necessity of protecting everyone from newborns to the elderly, against vaccine-preventable diseases, through inclusive and equitable Immunisation services.

“Vaccines remain and over the last 50 years, essential vaccines have saved at least 154 million lives, that is, six lives a minute, every day, for five decades.

“UNICEF, therefore, joins efforts with health care providers and governments to promote the values of immunisation services as should, which entails getting to the last mile,” she said.

Chiluwe commended the contributions from state governments that compliment UNICEF’s efforts and urged them not to relent in their partnership.

She further urged them to build momentum on progress made so far by continuing to provide budgetary allocations to ensure that every eligible child gets lifesaving vaccines to survive and reach their full potentials.

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Director-General, Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State, Mr Francis Nwanbani, and UNICEF’s implementing partner, said that it was necessary to ensure that the successes of the past five decades were replicated going forward.

This, he said, would help to achieve the “humanly possible” campaign.

“ We must endeavour to reach more children with essential immunisations while developing new and newer vaccines to cover a broader range of diseases and ages,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that lectures at the dialogue focused on sustainable vaccine development and immunisation strategies especially for children. (NAN)

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Malaria vaccine a success in Nigeria, says Official

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The Director of Kwara State Primary Healthcare System, Dr Michael Oguntoye, has hailed the Malaria vaccination pilot programme in two Nigerian states as a significant success.

Oguntoye made the statement on Friday during the celebration of World Malaria Day in Ilorin.

He explained that Nigeria had officially rolled out the R21 malaria vaccine, incorporating it into the country’s routine immunisation programme.

He expressed optimism that the health intervention would soon extend to other states, including Kwara.

“Malaria is now one of the diseases that is vaccine-preventable.

“We all know that malaria is one of the leading public health challenges in this region,” Oguntoye noted.

He further emphasised that the vaccine would help protect children from the disease.

The pilot programmes in Kebbi and Bayelsa states, he added, had shown significant success in saving children’s lives.(NAN)

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