馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
US, UNICEF, and Niger State Government partner to combat disease outbreaks
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The United States Government, UNICEF, and the Niger State Government are collaborating to address disease outbreaks in Niger State. This partnership follows recent reports of three new polio cases in Magama and Mariga Local Government Areas, and diphtheria cases in Bida, Chanchaga, and Suleja LGAs. The Niger State Government organized a town hall meeting for 350 community, traditional, and religious leaders to enhance disease surveillance and emergency preparedness. Abubakar Kpantu, the State Immunisation Officer, noted that after years without polio cases, new instances have emerged, alongside diphtheria. He emphasized the need for increased vigilance, renewed commitment to routine immunization, and community awareness, especially with the rainy season raising concerns about cholera and other communicable diseases. Adamu Mamba, UNICEF Social and Behaviour Change State Facilitator, highlighted the importance of early disease detection, prompt reporting, and adherence to public health guidelines. He stressed the crucial role of traditional, religious, and community leaders in strengthening public health emergency responses through effective Risk Communication and Community Engagement, and urged participants to support outbreak response activities, promote preventive health practices, and reinforce community feedback mechanisms.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Mrs. Nonye Soludo, wife of the Anambra State Governor, has pledged to ensure justice for a 10-year-old boy reportedly abused by his guardians in Awada, Obosi. The boy, whose injuries were widely shared in social media videos, is currently receiving medical care under state protection. Mrs. Soludo described the alleged abuse as horrific and committed to personally overseeing the child's rehabilitation and recovery. She has requested that the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, transfer the boy to a more suitable medical facility for specialized care. Mrs. Soludo stated she would take full responsibility for the boy's physical, emotional, and psychological recovery. She also called for the prosecution of all individuals involved in the alleged abuse, including the arrest of the suspect's husband, emphasizing that Anambra State has zero tolerance for abuse against children and women. She commended those who brought the incident to public attention, urging continued vigilance against abuse.
Must ReadThe secretary general of the Senegalese Football Federation, Abdoulaye Sow, expressed confidence in Senegal's World Cup performance despite US authorities denying visas to their supporters. Senegal is among several nations whose fans face travel restrictions to the US, the co-host of this year's tournament. The Lions of Teranga are scheduled to play their first two group games in New Jersey against France and Norway. Sow acknowledged the regrettable situation, noting that FIFA was aware of the US laws and regulations that prevent many Senegalese and African fans from attending. This marks Senegal's first World Cup appearance without an official fan group funded by the government. Sow emphasized that while the absence of the "12th man" is felt, the match will be won on the pitch. Senegal, ranked 16th globally and led by Sadio Mane, is eager to begin their campaign. The team is also awaiting the outcome of their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport regarding the Confederation of African Football's decision to strip them of their Africa Cup of Nations title, a controversy that followed their victory against Morocco. Sow stated that Senegal remains the champions of Africa until the CAS decision, but their current focus is solely on the World Cup.
Iyabo Obasanjo, former senator for Ogun Central and daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party PDP just a week after resigning from the All Progressives Congress APC. Her return to the PDP occurred on Monday during the unveiling of the party鈥檚 deputy governorship candidate in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Obasanjo, who previously served as Ogun State Commissioner for Health and represented Ogun Central in the Senate, expressed confidence in the PDP governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, for the 2027 election. She indicated that she has grievances to air, which she will detail during her formal declaration ceremony. Her departure from the APC was attributed to alleged rejection, maltreatment, and a lack of respect from the party leadership. In her resignation letter dated May 31, she criticized the process that led to Senator Solomon Adeola being named the party鈥檚 consensus governorship candidate, claiming a lack of consultation and exclusion of her supporters. She had joined the APC in January.