Niger Delta
Bayelsa Faults Surveillance Report On Cholera Outbreak … Declares NCDC Report Data Misrepresentation
The Bayelsa State Government, through its Ministry of Health, has faulted the inclusion of Bayelsa on the list of states affected by the cholera epidemic outbreak as recently published by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in its disease surveillance report.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Toyin Azebi, faulted the report recently at a joint press briefing shortly after a meeting of the Bayelsa Taskforce on Immunization and Health Services presided over by its Chairman and Deputy Governor of the state, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, in Government House, Yenagoa.
It would be recalled that the NCDC had in its recent Epidemiological Week 22, 2024 report, placed Bayelsa as amongst the states with the highest burden of cholera cases.
Azebi, who noted that there was no confirmed outbreak of cholera in Bayelsa in recent times, said the NCDC’s pronouncement of cholera outbreak in the state was a total misrepresentation and should be discountenanced as such.
She emphasized that all suspected 449 cases of cholera in the state from January to date had turned out negative from clinical laboratory tests, as they were proven to be cases of gastrointestinal diarrhea.
According to the Permanent Secretary, the ministry had reached out to the NCDC on the issue, and they had reviewed the State’s data again and found out that their initial report was incorrect and agreed to issue a rebuttal which they had not done as at the time of the press briefing.
“The NCDC report is a gross misrepresentation of the Bayelsa data, and we have tackled them on it. They have reviewed our data with us and will soon do another pronouncement excluding us as a state with a cholera outbreak.
“Since January 2024, there have been 449 suspected cases of cholera reported across the eight LGAs. Importantly, only two new suspected cases were reported in the most recent week, indicating no new cases. We are able to even report these cases of watery diarrhea because of our optimized surveillance system across the state.
“Extensive testing has been conducted to confirm cholera cases. Out of 42 Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) carried out, only 14 returned positive. Crucially, all 14 positives from the Rapid Diagnostic tests turned out negative when subjected to culture test.
“Culture tests are the gold standard for cholera diagnosis, and no cases have been confirmed by this method. And this attests to no outbreak.
“In summary, the cholera situation in Bayelsa State is under control with no culture confirmed positive. The State Government is taking active and comprehensive steps to manage the situation effectively, ensuring public health and safety”, she said.
Commenting on the issue of a dead whale found on the shores of coastal Okpoama Community in Brass Local Government Area of the state, reportedly being butchered for food, Dr. Azebi cautioned the people to refrain from the act as it could lead to a serious epidemic outbreak.
According to her, consuming the dead whale could lead to mercury poisoning, botulism and bacteria infections that might prove dangerous to the health of the people.
Also speaking, the Director of Public Health, Bayelsa State Ministry of Health, Dr. Jones Stowe, said the State’s disease surveillance system was well fortified, noting that all suspected cases of cholera were negative to culture test.
On the few reported cases of yellow fever across the eight LGAs in the state, Stowe the Ministry was taking proactive steps to ensure no deaths and no further spread of the infection.
According to him, presumptive positive cases are being monitored closely while the confirmation tests are awaited from Dakar in Senegal.
Other members of the Bayelsa State Taskforce on Immunization and Health Services that spoke at the press briefing include the State Coordinator of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Marcus Oluwade; the State Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Very Rev. Father Joseph Opelema, and a representative of the State Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Idris Makeni.
While stressing the need for the public to always maintain good hygiene to prevent contracting infections, they called on Bayelsans, especially parents, to make their children available for routine immunization to achieve 100 percent immunization coverage in the state.
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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The Wife of Delta State Governor, Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori, has launched a free medical outreach for children with special needs in Delta South.
The event, which attracted scores of caregivers, medical professionals, and government functionaries, took place at Dom Domingos College, Warri.
It was organised by the governor’s wife’s pet project, “You Matter Charity Foundation”, in partnership with the State Ministry of Health.
In a speech at the event, Oborevwori said the initiative sought to promote public awareness about autism and other notable infants’ developmental conditions.
She said the programme also aimed ”to eliminate stigma and encourage inclusion of persons living with disabilities.”
According to her, the outreach is structured to cover the state’s three senatorial districts.
She noted that the programme took place earlier in Ughelli, Delta Central, where beneficiaries received medications and assistive devices, including educational materials to support learning among children with special needs.
Oborevwori, who thanked residents and local government chairmen in Delta South for their cooperation, also commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, and medical teams for their dedication to the success of the programme.
She admonished parents and caregivers to continue to show patience, compassion, and understanding towards children with special needs.
The Tide’s source reports that health workers from the ministry and Primary Healthcare Development Agency participated in the programme.
In her remark, the Director-General of the foundation, Mrs. Lawrentta Ogbedo, said the outreach would reduce financial pressure on families that have children with special needs.
She underscored the importance of early diagnosis and consistent medical attention for such children.
The Chairman of Warri South LGA, Mr. Isaac Agbateyiniro, thanked the governor’s wife for the initiative, and described her kind intervention as ”timely and beneficial to struggling families”.
Also, the Chairman, Post Primary Education Board, Mr. Samuel Mariere, applauded the foundation’s effort in extending support to children with special needs in society.
Mariere said the programme had provided hope and practical support to many households.
The source reports that the event featured free medical consultations and treatment for children.
Also, health experts delivered talks on autism awareness, care strategies, and social acceptance.
Participants were also enlightened on the legal protections against discrimination for persons with disabilities.
Other highlights included the distribution of wheelchairs, medications, and assistive materials, among other items, to the beneficiaries.
The Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar (UniCal), Prof. Offiong Offiong, has reiterated the institution’s commitment towards supporting the growth of nursing education in the state.
Offiong, who made the statement recently in Calabar when members of the Basic Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Certificate Affiliation Committee visited him in his office, said as a federal university located in Cross River State, the institution would remain committed to the development of the state and the wellbeing of its residents.
The Vice Chancellor said UniCal would strategically collaborate with the state government to ensure improved healthcare education, professional training and standards.
“I commend the state government for expanding nursing institutions, this development has stimulated youth interest in health-related careers.
“We shall revisit the affiliation process to ensure compliance with national and international academic standards,” he said.
Offiong continued that curriculum review, adequate academic staffing and strict quality assurance measures would be given priority attention in the process.
He urged the state government to provide logistics support to students undertaking clinical postings in health facilities.
Leader of the delegation, Dr. Henry Ayuk, congratulated Offiong on his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of the university.
Ayuk, who’s also the Commissioner for Health in the State, commended the university for its contributions to the growth of the health sector.
He said the Bassey Otu-led government was committed to deepening collaboration with the university in order to strengthen nursing education and healthcare delivery.
The team leader expressed optimism that the partnership would boost professional training, institutional development and healthcare outcomes in the state.
The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency has commenced the removal of illegal roadside structures and street traders across Asaba.
The enforcement drive targeted areas where traders and makeshift stalls have taken over roads, walkways and drainage channels.
Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of the agency, Mr. Patrick Ukah, said the action was necessary due to the growing safety concerns caused by unchecked roadside trading.
Ukah said the action formed part of a broader urban renewal programme aimed at improving sanitation, reducing traffic congestion and enhancing road safety.
He noted that the activities had disrupted traffic flow and exposed motorists and pedestrians to avoidable dangers.
According to him, the agency’s action is not directed at individuals but aimed at restoring order and enforcing existing regulations.
Ukah warned that the agency would not tolerate activities that deface the capital or threaten public safety.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining a clean, safe and orderly capital, saying a well-managed Asaba remains vital to the image of the state and its development.
Urging affected traders to relocate to approved government markets across the city, Ukah said the operation would continue and might be extended to other locations if violations persist.
Major locations affected include Akpu Junction, Marble Hill Junction, and the Arcade near Ogbeogonogo Market.
The Tide’s source reports that in addition to dismantling illegal structures, the agency intensified sanitation efforts along major roads.
Special attention was given to the Mammy Market and Traffic Light axis of Asaba to sustain cleanliness.
The agency’s Head of Environment, Mr. Isaac Nwosu, said the teams would ensure compliance and prevent a return of illegal roadside activities.
Nwosu called on residents and traders to support the agency by adhering to environmental regulations.
