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Nigeria On High Alert As Mpox Virus Spreads Across Africa, Records 39 Cases

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Nigeria On High Alert As Mpox Virus Spreads Across Africa, Records 39 Cases

Nigerian authorities have placed key entry points into the country on high alert following the outbreak of the mpox virus in Africa. Nine Nigerian states, including the commercial hub, Lagos, and the capital, Abuja, are under serious surveillance. The Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is intensifying coordination to limit importation and spread of the virus.

The NCDC told journalists that the action is in response to surging cases of the mpox virus in Africa and to intensify coordination to limit importation and spread of the virus. This week, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it had recorded 2,863 confirmed cases of mpox, with 517 deaths, across 13 countries this year. There are about 17,000 suspected cases of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, in total.

So far this year, Nigeria has recorded 39 cases of mpox, with no deaths. Jide Idris, head of the Nigerian CDC, said it’s best to be prepared. “We’re intensifying surveillance activities by tracking cases across Nigeria to swiftly detect and respond to any new cases,” he said. “Along this line, five designated in-ternational airports, some key seaports, land, and foot crossing borders have been placed in high alert. Declaration forms have been distributed to airlines where there’s an ongoing outbreak of mpox in the last 90 days.”

The Nigerian CDC said authorities are distributing diagnostic tools to states. They also have issued a public advisory on ways to prevent the spread of the mpox virus, including limiting contact with ani-mals such as rodents and monkeys. “We’re also considering vaccination efforts for high-risk groups, as Nigeria expects to receive about 10,000 doses of the new vaccines that have just recently been ap-proved for emergency use,” Idris said. “We’re also meeting with collaborative agencies like the Minis-try of Environment and Agriculture for support and coordination efforts.”

Authorities say a new strain of the virus, which is more deadly and more easily transmitted, is respon-sible for the recent spread. The strain was first discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo and later reported in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, all previously unaffected nations. On Tuesday, the Afri-ca CDC declared mpox a public health emergency of international-continental concern. Jean Kaseya, head of the Africa CDC, said, “This declaration is not merely a formality. It’s a clarion call to action. It’s a recognition that we can no longer afford to be reactive; we must be proactive and aggressive in our effort to contain and eliminate this threat.”

Mpox is a viral disease that causes pus-filled lesions resembling rashes to appear on the skin. In 2022, the World Health Organization declared it an international health emergency after cases were found in more than 70 countries. Health analysts say the new strain is worrisome and will need a coordinated international response to control it and save lives.

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Health

Nigerian Nurse Shuns US Greener Pastures, Returns Home In Search Of Fulfilling Life

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In a move that has left many stunned, a Nigerian nurse, Judith Okoli, has relinquished her lucrative nursing job in the United States to relocate permanently to Nigeria.

Okoli’s decision has raised intense conversations about the true meaning of a good life, wealth, and happiness.

Speaking in a heartfelt video shared online, Okoli revealed that her decision was not taken lightly, but rather after deep reflection and a growing realization that wealth does not always equate to wellness or fulfillment.

“Everyone is asking me, ‘Why did you leave America? Are you okay? You want to suffer in Nigeria?'” she said in Pidgin English.

“But I hope you guys know that money is not everything at least, to some people. At least, to me.”

Okoli posited that quality of life is paramount, citing the example of an individual who earns a substantial income but is miserable, versus another who earns less but is happy and content.

“Someone can make N100 but be miserable insulted at work, restless, disconnected from life. Then another person makes just N50, but they are happy, they spend quality time with their family, they sleep well, they enjoy peace of mind. For me, it’s about quality of life,” she explained.

Okoli lamented the pursuit of economic gain in the West, which often strips people of the things that matter most community, connection, and contentment.

“Look at what the Western world is doing to us,” she said.

“Families are scattered, One child is in Germany, another in Canada, another in Dubai. Six siblings haven’t seen each other in three years—all in the name of seeking a better life, but forgetting about the quality of life.”

Okoli’s decision has resonated with many Nigerians, who are reevaluating their priorities and seeking a more balanced life.

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Environment

UK Invests £180 Million In Solar Panels For Schools And Hospitals

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In a bid to reduce the country’s planet-warming emissions, the UK government has announced a £180 million investment in solar panels for hundreds of schools and hospitals across the country.

This move is part of the government’s efforts to achieve its long-term climate goals and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The investment, which is the first major project from Great British Energy, the government’s new state owned energy company, is expected to provide solar panels for 200 schools and 200 hospitals.

This will not only help reduce energy bills but also cut carbon emissions and promote sustainability.

According to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, “Great British Energy’s first major project will be to help our vital public institutions save hundreds of millions on bills to reinvest on the frontline.”

 He added that the project will help reduce the financial pressure of energy bills on schools and hospitals.

The announcement has been welcomed by schools, unions, and NHS estate managers, who have long been advocating for measures to reduce energy costs.

Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary, said that the investment is a “step in the right direction” and will help schools manage energy bills, which have been a significant financial burden in recent years.

However, not everyone is optimistic about the investment.

Andrew Bowie, shadow energy secretary, argued that the government’s net zero plans will make the country “poorer.”

He claimed that the investment will lead to increased reliance on foreign powers like Russia.

In contrast, energy experts believe that investing in renewable energy will reduce the UK’s reliance on imports.

Jess Ralston, energy analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, said that the investment in solar panels will improve energy security and reduce the amount of gas imported from countries like Russia.

The first solar panels are expected to be installed by the end of the summer, with a focus on areas of “highest need.”

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Diaspora

America First” Policy Puts Global Health Progress In Jeopardy

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The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has suspended health contracts worldwide, leaving critical healthcare programs and assistance in jeopardy.

The decision, part of a review aimed at aligning
foreign aid with the Trump administration’s “America First” policy, has resulted in the termination of more than 90% of global health
programs, including those addressing HIV, malaria, maternal health, and other vital services.

The sudden and widespread cuts have sparked
widespread concern among health experts and organizations, who warn that the move will have devastating consequences for millions of people worldwide.

“The US funding cuts are dismantling the system. HIV treatment is crumbling. TB services are collapsing… Lives are on the line,” said International AIDS Society President Beatriz Grinsztejn, whose organization is not directly affected by the cuts.

In South Africa, several of the largest US-funded HIV/AIDS programs have been informed that their funding will not resume, leaving vulnerable groups, including LGBT+ individuals and sex workers, without access to critical healthcare services.

A major global non-profit working on malaria and maternal and newborn health has also had most of its contracts cancelled.

The US State Department has remained tight-lipped about the criteria used for the terminations, and it remains unclear how many organizations worldwide have been affected.

However, documents reviewed by Reuters confirm that UNAIDS, the UN agency dedicated to tackling HIV and AIDS, has had its contract with USAID cancelled.

The move has sparked widespread criticism, with many arguing that the cuts will undermine global health progress and put millions of lives at risk.

“This is a devastating blow to global health efforts,” said a spokesperson for the Global Health Council. “The US has long been a leader in global health, and these cuts will have far-reaching consequences for some of
the world’s most vulnerable populations.”

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