All posts by Augusta Uchediunor

Bauchi emerges top in stressful living environment in Nigeria

By Augusta Uchediunor

Lagos, Oct. 13, 2020 (NAN) Bauchi  has emerged  as the state with the  most stressful living environment in Nigeria, a study , conducted by WellNewMe, a top health technology company in Nigeria, revealed on Tuesday.

It showed that the top half of the list is dominated by states from the Northern part of the country with the exception of Cross Rivers, which came in at the 7th position and Ebonyi which came in at 12th .

At the other end, Anambra had the least stressful living environment, followed closely by the states of  Imo and Ogun.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that as part of the World Mental Health Day activities,  WellNewMe, released the report comparing the stressfulness of the living environments across the different states in Nigeria.

It followed  Bloomberg’s researchers different variables analysis including annual homicide rate, GDP per capita, insecurity, income inequality, corruption, unemployment, health care quality, crime rate, suicide rate and air pollution to arrive at the conclusion.

“ Stress is not a mental health diagnosis but it is, however, closely related to one’s mental health. At the most basic level, stress is the body’s response to pressures from a situation or life event.

“What contributes to stress can vary hugely from person to person and differ according to our genetic makeup, the environment we live in and our social and economic circumstances.

“The last three of which were focused on by the Bloomberg study.

“With that in mind, we used the Bloomberg model to find out which were the most stressful environments amongst the states.

“Seven equally weighted variables were considered including  violent crime rates, GDP per capita, income inequality, corruption perception, unemployment rate, environmental pollution and life expectancy.

“The indicators have all been shown to have direct correlations with the amount of stress individuals are likely to experience,’’ the report said.

According to the study, data was sourced from the National Bureau of Statistics, the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Program and Kingmakers.com.ng.

“The states were then allotted points for each variable based on their relative position in that category’s ranking.

“The state with the least-stressful measure for each variable received 0 point, while the country with the highest stress level received 100 points. All other countries were scored depending on their position between the two extremes.

“Points for the seven variables were averaged for a final score from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating a more stressful living environment,’’ the study said.

In his remarks, Dr  Obi Igbokwe, CEO of WellNnewMe and author of the report said: “A surprise position in the rankings was that of the state of Borno.

“It  not only featured in the bottom half of the rankings but was second to Benue from the Northern states and the best ranking state from the North East zone which currently still suffers from the insecurity created by the Boko Haram terrorist group.

“However, the North East region is on average the most stressful region of the country, while the South West is the least stressful region.

“The importance of such reports is that it  allows regional governments to be proactive in developing and implementing policies that could help reduce the risk of mental health issues given the clear lack of resources that many have available to deal with it.

“The delivery of healthcare these days has gone beyond the four walls of health facilities to an integrated health system.

“Of which at its core is a patient-centric model, based on robust primary care and public health management, that also addresses socioeconomic indicators that affect population  health,’’ he said.(NAN)

ANU/VIV

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Antibiotic

By Augusta Uchediunor
Lagos, Oct. 8, 2020 (NAN)  Antibiotic manufacturers, ST. Racheal’s Pharmaceutical Nigeria Ltd., has introduced Ampicillin/Cloxacillin 500mg Capsules 2×10,
the first single pack size antibiotic into the Nigerian medicine market.

The ST RACHEAL’S Ampicillin/Cloxacillin 500mg Capsules 2×10 is  ST.RACHEAL’S new brand of antibiotic produced by Medreich Limited.

The antibiotic was presented at an event to mark the second anniversary of the  antibiotic manufacturers, ST.RACHEAL’S Pharmaceutical, in Lagos
on Thursday.

The Chairman/CEO of ST. RACHEAL’S Pharmaceutical, Mr Akinjide Adeosun, said: “the Ampicillin/Cloxacillin 500mg Capsules 2×10, the first
single pack size in Nigeria, is ST.RACHEAL’S new brand of antibiotic.

“It is produced by Medreich Limited. Our manufacturer produces for many multinational organisations throughout the world at affordable price.

“The brand promises to give health professionals peace of mind in their daily practice.”

On the company’s two years of existence, he said: “two years ago, we commenced a 20-year journey into living our purpose on the continent of Africa, starting from Nigeria.

“This journey will see us launch into many markets on the continent, expand our offering from our core base of Antibiotics into brands that will supplement life and brands that will prevent diseases.

“These are our tri-growth strategies.  Everything is planned with eyes on our Vision – To eradicate diseases in Africa.

“As we scale, we will build local manufacturing factories, we will list on the local and international stock exchanges.

“Talent development and execution of robust succession planning is central to actualising our Big Hairy and Audacious Goal (BHAG) – To be the No 2 Pharmaceutical company in Africa by 2035.”

Adeosun thanked all who contributed to the success of the company since it commenced business in 2018.

Also,  there was the presentation of the ST.RACHEAL’S Pharma’s 2020 Leadership Excellence Awards to healthcare service providers.

The First Lady of Oyo State, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde, presented the awards, assisted by the Chairman and CEO of ST.RACHEAL’S Pharma.

The awardees included the CEOs of Reddington Hospital, Lagos, Dr Adeyemi Onabowale;  Mrs Bukky George, HealthPlus Pharmacy Nigeria
and Dr Franca Ikimalo of  Prime Medical Consultants, Port Harcourt.

Adeosun thanked the awardees for partnering with ST.RACHEAL’S Pharma in raising the bar of healthcare services in Nigeria.

Earlier, the Deputy Governor of Rivers, Dr Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, had called on stakeholders and experts in different fields to collaborate
to address the nation’s health, infrastructure, food security and economic indices.

Banigo, who participated virtually, spoke on the anniversary theme: “ Improving Life Expectancy in Nigeria’’ and listed several factors
responsible for the short life span of most Nigerians.

According to her, they include social problems, infrastructure problems, poor and inadequate potable water supply, poor state of roads, poor
housing and rental challenges and  other economic variable.

Also included are inequitable distribution of income and high level of unemployment.

“Other factors are stress — ranging from students’ schools fees, house rent, electricity bills, medical bills, generators and parts
repairs, powering and fueling, feeding the family, and clothing of families.

“Also is the huge numbers of demands, siblings demands, vigilance bills, work stress, police stress on the road, variable stress,
kidnapper’s fear, armed robbery fears, all adding to our low rate of life expectancy.”

She, however, recommended that for Nigeria to  improve on its life expectancy, there was an urgent need for collaboration by
all sectors to improve the conditions.

She added that “government has a critical role to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and ensure the sustainability
of the ease of doing business in all sectors of the economy.

“It must address the numerous challenges breaking the health sector in terms of facility, equipment, manpower, and also curtailing preventable and avoidable diseases.

“Government needs to improve on budgetary allocations to the health sector and take measures to control population growth.

“The media is  also very key to changing the narrative. The media must work toward bringing areas of concern into limelight and for public appraisal. (NAN)
ANU/HA
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Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Research

By  Augusta Uchediunor

Lagos, July 20, 2020 (NAN) Poor intake of fruits  and vegetables, late supper, and excessive consumption of processed carbohydrates are among the dietary habits of Nigerians.

A recent Diet and Nutrition Survey officially released on Monday has revealed.

The research was conducted by WellNewMe, a health technology company, in collaboration with Dennis Ashley Medical Clinic, a medical facility based in Lagos, Nigeria, from January 2019 to March 2020.

It was aimed at gathering information about the dietary habits and nutritional status of the Nigerian population.

The survey, which took place across the age range of 20 to 60 years old and was part of a larger programme that examined the relationship between diet and non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and cancer.

“Fruits and vegetables are important aspects of any stable diet, but yet, it seems that many Nigerians are still not getting enough of the recommended amounts.

“Only 30 per cent of the population are eating fruits and 19 per cent are eating vegetables on a daily basis.

“ Younger people were less likely older people to eat fruits and vegetable on a regular basis.

“People who eat more vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases,’’ it said.

According to the study, six out of every 10 Nigerians tend to have late supper, of which is detrimental to health.

“People who have late suppers tend to ingest more calories than people who eat earlier, leading to poor weight control and weight gain.

“More than half of Nigerians surveyed said that they have their last meal of the day after 7.00p.m in the evenings, more than three times in the week in the 30 days preceding the survey.

“Men were more likely than women to eat late, and people in their 40s were also the most likely than any age group to have a late meal.

“What research has shown is that people who have late suppers tend to ingest more calories than people who eat earlier.

“This could lead to poor weight control as the extra calories consumed by late eaters could lead to weight gain over time,’’ it said.

Other key findings in the survey included the fact that only one per cent of Nigerians are vegetarians.

“Having a balanced diet is key in improving mood and mental wellbeing; maintaining a healthy body weight and lowering the risk of chronic health conditions such as heart disease, stroke and cancer.

“While a vegetarian diet also provides some of the same benefits, it is very important for vegetarians to remember to make sure they are getting key nutrients, including: protein, fatty acids, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium and vitamins D and B-12,’’ the study stated.

It also noted that almost half of Nigerians consume processed carbohydrates such as polished rice, pounded yam, eba, fufu, semolina, semovita, amala and wheat on a daily basis.

According to it, not all carbohydrates are the same. Many whole foods that are high in carbohydrates are quite healthy and nutritious.

“ On the other hand, processed, refined or simple carbs have had most of the nutrients and fibre removed.

“Eating processed carbohydrates is linked to an increased risk of many diseases, including obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

“Most nutritionists agree that consumption of processed carbohydrates should be moderated,’’ it said.

The study suggested that ideally,  no more than a take away sized portion worth of carbohydrates should be consumed per meal to moderate the risk associated with consuming such carbohydrates. (NAN)

ANU/VIV/GOK

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu/Olagoke Olatoye

World Population Day: DevComs urges FG to priotise women, girls’ sexual, reproductive health needs

By Augusta Uchediunor

Lagos, July 11, 2020 (NAN) Mr Akin Jimoh, Executive Director, Development Communications Network (DevComs) has advised the Nigerian government to provide for the sexual and reproductive health needs of women and girls in line with the 2020 World Population Day (WPD).

According him, the 2020 WPD focuses on raising awareness of women’s and girls’ needs for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and vulnerabilities during the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Population Day is commemorated annually on July 11.

The 2020 theme is: “ Putting the brakes on COVID-19: how to safeguard the health and rights of women and girls now’’.

“It aims to raise awareness about the sexual and reproductive health needs and vulnerabilities of women and girls during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It also aims to highlight how to safeguard gains and ensure that SRHR stays on the local agenda, and to explore how to maintain the momentum towards achieving the SDGs by 2030 as agreed at the Nairobi Summit.’’

Development Communications Network is a media support organisation with resources to help journalists in reporting science, public health and social sector issues.

Jimoh told NAN in Lagos on Saturday that it is imperative that the government provides adequate protection against adversities arising from the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on SRH needs of women and girls in the country.

“Evidence has shown that the pandemic has made women and girl’s more vulnerable with dire consequences, including sexual violence, rape, unplanned pregnancy, various other hazards and loss of lives.

“Women and girls make up over 49 per cent of the total population in Nigeria (World Bank) and it is highly imperative that the needs of half the population of the country be prioritised to enhance gender equality for all.

“Majority of women and girls in the country still live in extreme poverty, are out of school or not aware of their Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR).

“ These have rendered the group vulnerable as a result of lack of equal opportunities compared to their male counterpart, especially amidst the pandemic,’’ he said.

Earlier in a statement, he had also said that there was need for sustainable public information dissemination as a first step to address the vulnerabilities revolving around SRH challenges of women and girls.

“This is in order for them to live a healthy life even in the face of COVID-19.

“A  good sexual and reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being in all matters relating to the reproductive system (UNFPA 2020).

“ It implies that women and girls are able to have a satisfying and safe sex life, the capability to reproduce, and the freedom to decide if, when, and how often to do so.

“A lot of women and girls are not aware of their SRHR.

“ To maintain a healthy sexual and reproductive health women and girls need access to quality and accurate information on safe, effective, affordable and acceptable contraception of choice.’’

Jimoh said that another major way to  addressing SRH vulnerabilities of women and girls is to make available modern contraceptives/family planning (FP) commodities and supplies, including menstrual health and hygiene items

. “This is because these items are central to adolescents’ girls and women’s health, empowerment, and the exercise of sexual and reproductive health and rights as these groups can be disproportionately affected by the pandemic (UNFPA, 2020).

“The media advocacy project on FP by DevComs Network, in partnership with the Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (NURHI), The Challenge Initiative (TCI), alongside governments at all levels has proven the media to be a strategic tool to sensitizing women and girls on their SRH rights.

“ DevComs Network in collaboration with TCI is currently training and mentoring journalists across media organisations in 13 states across the country,” he said.

Also, Akinpelumi Akinlolu, Head of Operations, DevComs, said: “The future of our women and girls can be managed wisely.

“Doing otherwise can lead to a chain of negative consequences including morbidity and mortality and population explosion, among target groups.

“The need to empower women and the girl child is urgent and imperative,’’ Akinlolu said. (NAN)

ANU/VIV/AFA

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Editing by Vivian Ihechu/ Felix Ajide

Disabilities
By Mary Anighoro/Augusta Uchediunor
Lagos, July 2, 2020 (NAN) An NGO, Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), has called on the three tiers of government to include people with disabilities in their various agencies and committees handling containment of COVID-19 pandemic spread.

Its Executive Director, Mr David Anyaele, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday, saying that this would give them sense of belonging.

Anyaele said: “What we are saying is that governments should redesign or review their information, education and communication strategies to accommodate people with disabilities.

“The state governments’ response strategies should include people with disabilities in agencies and committees on COVID-19.

“Also, Lagos State Government should establish or inaugurate the board of Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) which has yet to be constituted.

“We are saying that Lagos State Government should implement the Lagos State Special People’s Law, which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of disabilities.

“This is because people with disabilities are not accommodated in the Lagos State COVID-19 Committee, which is at variance with the Lagos State People’s Law.

“So, these and many are some of the things we discovered and analysed and recommended.’’

He said reports of a recent survey showed that there was urgent need
for inclusion of Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) in Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials as well as palliatives response on COVID-19.

According to him the report is entitled: “Persons with Disabilities in Lagos State, A Rapid Assessment of the Effectiveness of Government COVID-19 Communication and Palliative Distribution Strategies’’.

Anyaele said that it was conducted by the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), with the support of Actionaid, UpRight for Nigeria and UKaid.

He said that the survey was designed and implemented to assess the effectiveness of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) and palliative models in five states- Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Lagos, Kaduna and Kano.

According to him, in the report, there are major gaps in knowledge, saying the PWDs knowledge is not matched with the requisite attitudes for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

“That will go a long way in ensuring that approaches and strategies of reaching these people are integrated in the process of dissemination of information.

“The PWDs, who responded in the report showed that the strategy adopted for distribution of palliatives was poor.

“But, they said the process should be continued, while asking for expansion of the COVID-19 palliatives support to include more PWDs in Lagos State.

“There was no targeted response to PWDs on COVID-19, be it in Information, Education and Communication (IEC) strategies of the government.

“Also, government did not target people with disabilities specifically in the distribution of the palliatives in the states,’’ Anyaele told NAN.(NAN)
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MAR/ANU/VIV/GOK
Edited by Vivian Ihechu/Olagoke Olatoye

Sexual Violence
By Augusta Uchediunor
Lagos, June 19, 2020 (NAN) The African Union Commission says an important investment Africa must make is to ensure access to information, data and evidence on all forms of sexual violence.

H.E. Amira Elfadil, the Commissioner for Social Affairs, African Union Commission, made the call on the occasion of the 2020 International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict on Friday.

The 2020 African Union theme is on: “Silencing the Guns by 2020’’.

According to him, for over a decade, the international community has raised its voice against sexual violence, among other forms of violence.

“An important investment Africa must make is on ensuring access to information, data and evidence, which would inform legislative, programme, political and community level action.

“As we work to ensure all the guns are silenced in 2020 and beyond, the continent and particularly in places that have hosted periods of instability and conflict, we need to ensure Africa is emerging to a sustained future of peace, security, development.

“It should invests in the wellbeing and potential of all people, particularly girls and women.

“We need to be making the investments that address the disease burden; that expands economic participation; that expands our human capital and capacity; and one that ensures we address the gender inequalities perpetuated by gender-based sexual violence.

“The commission distinctly associates itself with elimination of sexual violence in conflict settings.’’

The commissioner said the
commission would inform legislative, programme, political and community level action against sexual violations and gender inequalities perpetuated by gender-based sexual violence.

He also commended survivors of sexual violence and other powerful authorities in Africa for raising their voices against the atrocities of sexual violence in conflict.

Elfadil said: “Standing up against this violation of human rights continues to break the culture of silence, brings communities and the world together, and strengthens the fight.

“Sexual violence during conflict does not just violate women and men, girls and boys on a massive scale, but also destroys families and communities.

“In many conflicts and post-conflict situations, we see the effects of this act of war echoing across generations, through gender inequalities, trauma, stigma, poverty, poor health and wellbeing.

“Africa and the world needs to do more.

“For Africa, it is to transform our communities, our countries and the continent to pursue social and economic change, to educate our girls, to empower our women and to transform the lives of our people

“Sexual violence in conflict is a threat to our collective security and a stain on our common humanity.

“Protecting our communities collectively means ensuring accountability for perpetrators and providing ensuring access to care and services, and resources for victims.’’

According to him, this has, and is impacting Africa’s opportunity to harness the demographic dividend, to unlock the potential behind investing in girls and women’s empowerment.

He said the commission would also impact a chance for a healthy, prosperous population – a key prospect of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 on the “Africa We Want”.

The commissioner said that health sector had a very important role to play in terms of prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.

“In Sub-Saharan Africa, seven out of 10 women in conflict settings and in refugee populations are exposed to gender-based and sexual violence.

“Women who have experienced violence are 50 per cent more likely to be living with HIV.

“Media and service-provider reports often register an increase in sexual violence perpetrated against women and children in armed conflicts.

“Young girls and women are subjected to rape and forced marriages, and other forms of gender-based sexual violence, including female genital mutilation, particularly in communities where these harmful practices have been normalised into the social fabric,’’ Elfadil said.

He said the commission would continue to advocate for silencing of the guns and eliminate the use of sexual violence as a tool to displace populations, and as a means of repression, terror, and control. (NAN)
ANU/VIV/GOK
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Edited by Vivian Ihechu/Olagoke Olatoye

By Augusta Uchediunor

Lagos, June 19, 2020 (NAN) The Initiative for Disability Empowerment with Accessibility and Support (IDEAS) on Friday distributed palliatives to Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) in Benin City, Edo.

Mr Mohammed  Afegbua, Chairperson, IDEAS, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  that  the gesture was to cushion the effects of the COVID -19 pandemic.

IDEAS, is an NGO set to assist, empower and contribute to alleviating the sufferings of Persons living with Disabilities.

According to Afegbua, the efforts of governments at the various levels to provide for persons living with disabilities need to be complemented as government alone cannot do it .

The chairperson reiterated the fact that COVID-19 is real and has affected our ways of life as well as the educational systems , both conventional and vocational.

He  counseled the beneficiaries on the need to be mindful of their vulnerabilities and ensure they maintain good hygiene, particularly with regard to the use of aids and appliances for their daily living.

He gave an instance of an infected person transmitting the COVID-19 to a visually impaired person by touching their guide-canes.

Afegbua urged  them to ensure they washed their hands with soap and water regularly, use sanitisers, nose masks and maintain physical  distancing to reduce their risk of exposure to the virus.

He thanked donors who in their magnanimity contributed immensely to the successful distribution of  the palliatives.

He also commended members of the Board of Trustees of IDEAS,  friends, well – wishers and members of the media  for their support and encouragement that aided the success of the programme.

NAN reports that the programme targeted  the  distribution  of various items to 100 beneficiaries.

The  palliatives were  presented to  groups/clusters of beneficiaries  including the   Hearing Impaired,  Visually Impaired ,  Physically Challenged, and  Children living with Disability.

However, the  children were not allowed to attend the event but their mothers were on ground to collect the palliatives on their behalf.

Also, other members form sister  NGO’s were on ground to collect palliatives on behalf of their members.

The beneficiaries expressed their appreciation for the palliatives and hoped for the sustenance of the programme. (NAN)

ANU/VIV/EAL

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Editing by Vivian Ihechu/Ekemini Ladejobi

Malnutrition
By Augusta Uchediunor
Lagos, June 10, 2020 (NAN) The Executive Secretary, Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), Beatrice Eluaka, says malnutrition can result in increased risk of illness, death and as well leads to lower level of cognitive development.

Eluaka made the assertion during an “Online Training for Journalists, A National COVID-19 Nutrition Communication Campaign’’.

It was convened by the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) and hosted by the Development Communications Network (DEVCOMS).

According to her, malnutrition is a direct result of insufficient food intake or repeated infectious diseases or inadequate care practices or a combination of the three.

Eluaka said that it could result in increased risk of illness and death and also result in “a lower level of cognitive development’’.

She said that recurrent infections increase the risk of malnutrition and poor nutritional status results in lowered immune status and predisposes one to infectious diseases, thus propagating the vicious cycle of infection and malnutrition.

Eluaka said: “ We need to be careful on the kind of foods we take to avoid malnutrition and infections.

“ There are things in our community that we have and still eat well. They don’t have to be expensive.

“We need to take care of what we are eating, because what we eat or do not eat will work for us or against us.

“Either with the COVID-19 infection or any other infection, it is important that we build our immunity.’’

Eluaka said many foods in our localities are nutritious, urging Nigerians to learn to take them, rather than overly processed foods.

She advised people to watch the carbohydrate food they take to avoid excess sugar intake and overweight.

“For example, if we want to eat our pounded yam, we should eat it with lots of vegetables. Cut down on the amount of the starch that we are eating.

“Eat plenty of green leafy vegetables, plenty of Okro and so on. Drink enough water and get adequate exercise and rest.

“You need to balance the food you eat with the amount of work that you do,’’ Eluaka advised.

Also, Dr Batholomew Brai, President of the society, advised Nigerians saying: “Let food be your medicine.

“If you eat well, exercise well, take care of proper hygiene, you may not need medicine; good food is what you need.”

Brai said that the society was committed to making available the right information for journalists to disseminate during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Also, Dr Auwalu Kawu, a Social Behaviour Change Communications Expert, said that media have great role to play to change the nutrition behaviour in Nigeria, urging them to tailor communication toward same.

“Mass Media campaigns can directly and indirectly produce positive nutrition health changes or prevent negative changes in nutrition health-related behaviours across large populations.

“Since mass media messages are designed to reach large audiences, changes in behaviour that become norms within an individual’s social network might influence that person’s decisions without them having being directly exposed to or initially persuaded by the campaign.

“Mass Media campaigns can prompt public discussion of health issues and lead to changes in public policy, resulting in constraints on individuals’ behaviour and thereby change,’’ Kawu said. (NAN)
ANU/VIV/GOK
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Edited by Vivian Ihechu/ Olagoke Olatoye

Rule
By Augusta Uchediunor/Vivian Ihechu
Lagos, June 8, 2020 (NAN) An Award-winning American journalist, Sarah J. Wachter, has advised journalists to stick to the “Rule of Threes’’ while monitoring and reporting on COVID-19 pandemic.

Wachter spoke during a webinar series organised by the U.S Consulate, Lagos, on Monday, with the theme: “How to Report on COVID-19”.

According to her, the Rule of Threes is whereby a journalist speaks to, at least three sources for every article, so as to get a range of perspectives.

The webinar training is part of a three-part series aimed at training and equipping journalists on the critical issues to monitoring and reporting COVID-19 pandemic.

She charged participating journalists, writing on COVID-19 pandemic, to be factual, thorough, knowledge and sensitive in their reportage.

“Journalists need to stick to the ‘Rule of Threes’, whereby they must speak to at least three sources for every article, to get a range of perspectives.

“Your health reporting should rely only on professionals with deep expertise at respected institutions.

“Due to social media, much disinformation is circulating, and rogue and provocative scientists are getting unmerited credence to their flimsy research.

“Remember, reporting on health has life-or-death consequences. A wrong decimal point or an extra zero can be fatal.

“Verify and check your facts and numbers at least twice, if not three times. Have your source double-check your copy,’’ she advised.

According her, journalists should consult experts on the frontline of COVID-19 as part of their sources alongside credible agencies, institutes and organisations.

“Stick to medical experts with deep expertise at the world’s most respected institutions and firms.

“Don’t interview an expert without verifying their professional background and experience at their official websites; do not rely on a single social media as a resource.

“Some credible sources include: health statisticians, epidemiologists, doctors and other healthcare workers in emergency medicine treating COVID-19 patients in-country.

“Medical researchers and academics, studying the virus – virologists, infectious disease specialists, clinical researchers, public health specialists, data scientists, teaching hospitals, medical schools and immunologists.

“Subspecialties on the disease’s impact: vascular specialists, pulmonologists, nephrologists (kidney), cardiologists, pediatricians, bioethicists with a combination of clinical observations and research should be used,” she said.

Wachter reminded journalists that they were debunkers of myths, hence the need to be professional in their key role.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the course module included: How to identify qualified sources; how to cultivate them; how to use a range of sources in reporting, and the importance of finding and interviewing independent sources on the pandemic.

Also, included were fact-checking- tools and reporting techniques; how to analyse and verify statements. (NAN)
ANU/VIV/GOK
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Edited by Olagoke Olatoye

Gates Foundation pledges $2 Bln to Gavi for vaccines

By Augusta Uchediunor

Lagos, June 4, 2020 (NAN)  The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on Thursday  announced a five-year $1.6 billion commitment to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to deliver life-saving vaccines to the world’s poorest countries.

The commitment was announced at the Global Vaccine Summit 2020, hosted by Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the UK.

The funding, secured for Gavi’s next strategic period is to help the alliance reach an additional 300 million children in the world’s most vulnerable communities.

It will also save up to eight million lives, bringing the total number of children immunized with Gavi’s support to more than one billion since its inception in 2000.

In addition to supporting the continuation of routine immunisation services during the current COVID-19 crisis, Gavi will play a vital role in efforts to end the pandemic.

It is expected to leverage its two decades experience in vaccine delivery to deploy potential COVID-19 vaccines to low income countries when they become available.

In a statement, Melinda Gates, Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation said: “not many people outside the global health sector have heard about Gavi.

“But over the past 20 years, it has transformed the way the world invests in and protects the health of its children.

“If the current pandemic has reminded us of anything, it’s the importance of vaccinating against deadly diseases.

“The pledges that leaders are making today will help Gavi save even more lives,” she said.

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Chair of the Gavi Board, said that with the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting vaccine programmes across the globe and causing huge economic damage, the pledge would play a vital role in supporting countries’ efforts to prevent the resurgence of other deadly, vaccine-preventable diseases.

Also, Bill Gates, Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation said: “to beat the COVID-19 pandemic, the world needs more than breakthrough science. It needs breakthrough generosity.

“And that’s what we’re seeing today as leaders across the public and private sectors are stepping up to support Gavi – especially Prime Minister Johnson.

“When COVID-19 vaccines are ready, this funding and global coordination will ensure that people all over the world will be able to access them,’’ Gates said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the foundation has supported Gavi since its founding more than two decades ago.

Since it was founded, Gavi has immunised more than three-quarters of a billion children, saved 13 million lives and cut child mortality in half in supported countries.

The Gates Foundation is also committing $100 million to Gavi’s new effort to purchase COVID-19 vaccines for lower income countries through a new COVID-19 Vaccine Advance Market Commitment.

This includes $50 million of new funding as well as the foundation’s $50 million pledge that was made at the Coronavirus Global Response International Pledging Event in May.

The latest pledge also includes $75 million to the Gavi Matching Fund that was announced in January this year.  (NAN)

ANU/VIV/SN

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Editing by Vivian Ihechu/Silas Nwoha