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Nigeria Ranks 4th In TB Prevalence
Despite the huge sums of money budgeted for the health sector over the years, Nigeria still ranks 4th among the 20 tuberculosis (TB) high-burden countries in the world, with more than 400,000 estimated cases targeted for identification and treatment each year.
Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Prof Chike Princewill, who disclosed this at an event to mark this year’s World TB Day in Port Harcourt, last Saturday, with the theme, “Wanted: Leaders For A TB-Free Nigeria. You Can Make History. End TB”, said this was why the state government was increasing public awareness of the scourge and the challenges of TB treatment in the country.
According to Princewill, “TB remains the world’s leading infectious killer disease, being responsible for deaths of 1.7million persons each year, and representing the ninth cause of death globally”, adding that “most of the severe forms of deaths due to TB occur in Sub-Saharan Africa”.
Princewill pointed out that despite the gloomy picture of the scourge in the country, considerable successes have been recorded in the fight to eliminate TB in Rivers State through the provision of about 284 treatment facilities and 12 highly specialised diagnostic centres, which are accessible to residents of the 23 local government areas.
“Diagnosis and treatment of Mycotuberculosis infection is free at all supported sites. Drugs are available and given under supervision to ensure rational distribution to patients. State government supported supervision for quality service delivery is routinely carried out whilst active case search has been intensified in targeted clinical settings and high-burden communities,” Princewill explained.
He noted that the strong synergy between the state government and other relevant partners has facilitated the establishment of a specialized centre for Drug Resistant TB Treatment in the state, which according to him, has now become a service point for the neighbouring states in the South-South.
The health commissioner stated that although the journey to the elimination of TB was far from over, the state government was increasing investment in infrastructure and equipment necessary for optimum quality TB service delivery to international standards through the renovation and upgrading of the general hospital facilities across the 23 local government areas to help nip the scourge in the bud.
Princewill said that although the government was doing a lot to stem the tide, all stakeholders needed to be involved in the education and orientation towards a better health seeking behavior as a veritable means of strengthening control efforts, adding that “This year’s theme speaks to us as a people to work together and become champions in the fight against TB”.
“We, therefore, call on everyone to be an advocate for the elimination of TB infection. It is preventable and curable, especially when diagnosed early. Join the fight against TB,” he pleaded.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhaha
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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