Metro

Diphtheria: Expert tasks govt to intensify vaccination campaign

Published

10 months ago

August 1, 2023

Diphtheria: Expert tasks govt to intensify vaccination campaign

Dr Hassan Shuaibu, public health expert, has urged the Bauchi State Government to intensify the awareness and vaccination campaign to end the spread of diphtheria in the state.

There was a report of diphtheria in Bauchi State that has killed two persons in Jama’are Local Government Area.

Shuaibu made the call while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi, saying the government should rise to end diphtheria spread.

He said the government need to intensifying awareness and vaccination campaigns to end the spread of Diphtheria infection in the state and its neighbours.

Dr Shuaibu, also the head of standard quality assurance and enforcement of the National Health Insurance Agency (NHIA), said diphtheria was a serious bacterial infection affecting the mucous membranes of the throat and nose.

“It’s a bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheria that produces toxins. It can lead to difficulty breathing, heart rhythm problems, and even death.

“Although it spreads easily from one person to another, diphtheria can be prevented through the use of vaccines.

He added that if left untreated, it could cause severe damage to kidneys, nervous system, and heart.

The expert urged the government to give emphasis on immunisation as the socio-economic differences made it impossible for everyone to receive the right nutrition and breastfeeding.

According to him, signs of diphtheria often appear within two to five days of the infection occurring.

“Some people don’t experience any symptoms, while others have mild symptoms that are similar to those of the common cold.

“The most visible and common symptom of diphtheria is a thick, gray coating on the throat and tonsils,” Shuaibu said.

The expert also stressed the need for strengthening of primary health care services, immunisation services, and vaccination efforts in the affected places.

Dr Shuaibu, however, cautioned that people at risk of contracting diphtheria should update their vaccinations, avoid unsanitary place and crowded conditions.

Metro

Ex-Sports Minister laments after hospital neglected him for hours over N80000 deposit

Published

3 days ago

May 11, 2024

Ifunaya Emeka

A former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has recounted how a hospital in Plateau State did not attend to him because of the non-payment of the admission deposit.

Dalung said he fell ill on Wednesday, May 8, and went to the unnamed hospital for treatment but that the hospital refused to give him treatment because he had yet to make an admission deposit despite holding his medical records. The former minister said he regained partial consciousness later and transferred the deposit before he was attended to.

“I took ill on Wednesday, arrived at the hospital & shortly became unconscious after doctor’s interviews. Was ferried into emergency ward but abandoned for over 4 hrs due to non payments of admission deposits. Regained partial consciousness later did the transfer of deposit.

After that, I fell into unconsciousness again for about 7 hours. To God be the glory, I have been discharged after 3 days & recovering. Were it not for partial consciousness to pay the deposits, I would have been Mr. late. Many Nigerians have gone this way. Where is our humanity?

I was then admitted into the ward and given medical attention. This is the hospital that has my medical records. The last medical checkup I did about 2 months ago was there, but suddenly, I became a stranger because of non payments of deposits even with the so-called name. Hmmmm”

Metro

Osun Poly Student, Olanrewaju Olatona killed by hit-and-run one-way driver

Published

4 weeks ago

April 18, 2024

Ifunaya Emeka

A Student Of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Osun State, has died after being hit by a trailer driver on Monday, April 15.

The Accident was said to have occurred when the driver, who was reportedly driving against traffic, collided with the motorcycle conveying a student named Olanrewaju Olatona and another passenger along the Ikirun-Osogbo road area of the state.

Due to the severe impact, Olanrewaju Olatona, a National Diploma 2 student, suffered fatal injuries. He died at the scene.

Olatona, who was the Financial Secretary of the Department of Mass Communication, was preparing for the one-year Industrial Training programme.

The driver fled the scene after the accident and has not been apprehended.

Subsequently, Osun State Polytechnic students organised a procession in front of the school gate and blocked the expressway for several hours.