News
WHO Approves Experimental Ebola Drugs
Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefiele (right), addressing participants at the Monetary Policy Committee meeting in Abuja, recently. With him are Deputy Governor, Finance System Stability, Dr Kingsley Moghalu (middle) and Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Mr Adebayo Adelabu. Photo: NAN
The World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday authorised the use of experimental drugs to fight Ebola as the death toll topped 1,000 and a Spanish priest became the first European to succumb to the latest outbreak.
The declaration by the United Nations’ health agency came after a United States company that makes an experimental serum called ZMapp said it had sent all its available supplies to hard-hit countries in West Africa.
“In the special circumstances of this Ebola outbreak it is ethical to offer unregistered interventions as potential treatments or prevention,” WHO Assistant Director General, Marie-Paule Kieny told reporters in Geneva, following a meeting of medical experts on the issue.
The epidemic, described as the worst since Ebola was first discovered four decades ago, has killed 1,013 people since early this year, the WHO said.
Cases have been limited to Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, which account for the bulk of victims, and Nigeria, where two people have died.
Elderly Spanish priest, Miguel Pajares, who became infected while helping patients in Liberia, died in a Madrid hospital yesterday, five days after being evacuated.
He had been treated with ZMapp, which failed to save him but has shown positive effects on two US aid workers also infected in Liberia.
There is currently no available cure or vaccine for Ebola, which the WHO has declared a global public health emergency, and the use of experimental drugs has stoked a fierce ethical debate.
Despite promising results for the ZMapp treatment, made by private US company, Mapp Biopharmaceutical, it had only been tested previously on monkeys.
ZMapp is also in very short supply but the company said it had sent all available doses to West Africa free of charge after an outcry over its use on foreign aid workers.
“Any decision to use ZMapp must be made by the patients’ medical team,” it said, without revealing which nation received the doses, or how many were sent.
Kieny said WHO had been told three doses were sent to Liberia.
While the ZMapp stock has been exhausted for now, Kieny stressed there were other “potential therapies and vaccines … considered very serious alternatives.”
She said the WHO would convene a new meeting of experts at the end of August to discuss their use.
Two possible vaccines were moving rapidly towards clinical trials, she said, voicing optimism that one could be made widely available by year-end, maybe as early as November.
Kieny described the lack of vaccines and treatments for Ebola as “a market failure,” pointing out that plenty of drugs had been developed “to a point”, but companies had not footed the bill for the more expensive clinical trial process since the virus was “typically a disease of poor people in poor countries where there is no market.”
“This is an opportunity to right a wrong of history,” she said.
The use of unauthorised drugs that had proven safe and effective in monkeys could be a “potent asset” in the fight against Ebola, she said.
But strict criteria applied, including the need for full transparency, and for informed consent from patients — or their families if they are unconscious.
Kieny also stressed the “moral obligation” to collect and share all data generated from their use to help speed up the production of authorised drugs.
Panic has gripped the impoverished West African countries ravaged by the disease, with drastic containment measures causing transport chaos, price hikes and food shortages, and stoking fears that people could die of hunger.
Numerous countries around the globe have imposed emergency measures, including flight bans and improved health screenings.
In Liberia a third province was placed under quarantine on Monday, and state officials were banned from travelling abroad for a month, while those outside the country were ordered home.
Sierra Leonean President, Ernest Bai Koroma, expressed his “utter dismay” at the “slow pace” of the international community in responding to the outbreak.
Eight Chinese medical workers who treated patients with Ebola have been placed in quarantine in Sierra Leone, but Beijing has not said whether they were displaying symptoms of the disease.
In addition, 24 nurses have been quarantined, health officials said, while a physician had contracted Ebola but was responding well to treatment.
The nation’s sole virologist, who was at the forefront of its battle against the epidemic, died from Ebola last month.
Countries around the world were on alert, with Japan saying it was evacuating two dozen staff from Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
In Senegal, a newspaper editor was detained by police for spreading “false information” after his paper claimed there were five Ebola cases in the country, which authorities have denied.
However, some private hospitals in Lagos yesterday rejected treating patients who visited them with symptoms of fever as part of measures they were taking to prevent contracting the Ebola Virus Disease.
A visit to some hospitals in Lagos metropolis showed that nurses and other health workers, including cleaners were seen wearing face mask and gloves while attending to patients.
Also, some of the health facilities were compelling patients to wash their hands and apply sanitisers before proceeding into their building.
Some of the hospitals visited included Jaycee Hospital, Prime Hospital, Lifeline Children’s Hospital and Providence Hospital.
A Neurologist at Jaycee Hospital, Dr. Francis Ojini, said that his hospital did not attend to patients who had with fever.
Ojini said that it became necessary as health workers were at greater risk of contracting the virus.
“Health workers are the first to be in contact with patients who visited the hospital and so it is necessary we take precautions.
“For now, any illness that has to do with fever is not being attended to as we are trying to be careful because of the new development of the Ebola disease.
“If there is need, we refer patients we feel we cannot treat. We hope we are able to curtail the spread in order to save lives,” he said.
A nurse at the same hospital, who pleaded anonymity, said that nurses wore face mask and gloves when any patients visited the facility.
She said: “We are protecting ourselves from contracting a deadly disease that has no drug or vaccine at the moment.”
Also speaking, the Medical Director, Lifeline Children’s Hospital, Dr. Uche Owowo, said that his hospital was making hand sanitisers available for patients.
Owowo urged the Federal Government and other civil organisations to intensify awareness programmes to educate the masses about the disease.
“Many people still need to know more about the disease, how it can be contracted and how to prevent being infected.
“I believe educating people and making the facilities available and accessible will encourage people to be cautious,” he said.
Efforts to speak with the medical directors and other health workers of Prime Hospital and Providence Hospital proved abortive as they refused to comment.
Meanwhile, the Africa Grassroots Empowerment Organisation (AGEO), has offered the services of its members who are medical personnel to assist the government in the management of Ebola virus outbreak in the country.
The President of the group, Gomene Namene, said his association has 150 medical personnel who are willing to work with the government to contain the spread of the disease, adding that the specialization of the volunteers cuts across the spectrum of medicine.
Namene, who said this at a media briefing in Abuja yesterday, stated that the Ebola virus appeared to be spreading globally, adding that it is necessary to work with all volunteers and medical personnel to combat the disease.
According to him, the group would soon commence its street campaign to sensitize the people on how to stay safe alive and protect themselves from harm.
He said, “We are mindful of the deadly Ebola disease that has broken out in some African countries; as we embark on the sensitization campaigns, our 150-member team of medical experts will be educating the populace on the best ways to live free and safe from Ebola disease.
“We are therefore calling on government to partner with our organisation in order to achieve this.
“Namene said it was interested in working to keep the nation united, and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to put an end to what it called electoral corruption in the country”.
He challenged Nigerians to learn to conduct themselves peacefully during elections, noting that everyone must do everything within the confines of the law to ensure transparent and free electoral process.
The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Rivers State Branch, has expanded its humanitarian footprint in Rivers State with the formal inauguration of student volunteers at Command Children School (CCS), Bori Camp, Port Harcourt, marking a significant step in promoting humanitarian values among young Nigerians.
The ceremony, which took place at the school premises, officially admitted CCS students into the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
The Rivers State Branch Representative of the Red Cross Society, Mr Noah Idegbesor, disclosed this in his opening remarks at the occasion.
In a symbolic display, the students marched to the flag stand alongside members of the high table and the Branch Representative, where the Red Cross flag was hoisted, signifying the school’s full induction into the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
With the flag raised, CCS was formally declared a member institution of the NRCS.
As part of the inauguration, a certificate of affiliation was presented to the school by the Nigerian Red Cross Society and received on behalf of the school by the Head Teacher, Mrs Onwuzuruigbo Taiwo.
Speaking as Chairman of the occasion, the Acting Director, Nigerian Army 6 Division Education Services, Port Harcourt, Lt. Col. A. Sadiq, described the event as very unique and significant.
Represented by Staff Sergeant Arisa Eberechi, the Director assured of the support of his team in ensuring success of the endeavour.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of the school, Mr Zuru Daniel, said the establishment of the Red Cross unit in the school was a welcome development and assured of the support of the body to ensure its sustainability.
The event also featured a parade by the volunteers, freewill donations from dignitaries and parents in attendance, underscoring community support for the humanitarian initiative.
Speaking earlier, the Head Teacher, Mrs Onwuzuruigbo Taiwo, described the inauguration as an emotional and fulfilling moment.
“It was awesome. We thought it would not be possible, but today it was glorious,” she said.
Taiwo explained that the school’s participation in the Red Cross Society began when management decided to introduce clubs and societies.
“I told my assistant that I wanted the Red Cross to be one of them. The Red Cross signifies many things; it is service to humanity,” she added.
Also, the Assistant Head Teacher, Mrs Bawo Agbana, expressed appreciation to dignitaries, officials of the Nigerian Red Cross Society and parents for their support and presence.
The Assistant Head Teacher (Administration) described the programme as overwhelming and exciting, expressing gratitude to God for its success.
She said the school’s decision to embrace the Red Cross Society was driven by the need to instill values of love, kindness and service in children from an early age.
“Our impression of the Red Cross is being good to people, showing love and kindness. As the children grow, we want to build the spirit of humanity in them so they can show love and care in school, their communities and Nigeria at large,” she said, adding that early training was crucial given current challenges in the country.
She also delivered the closing remark, after which a photo session was held with the newly inaugurated student volunteers.
Other dignitaries at the occasion include Chairman, Python Officers’ Mess, 6 Division, Port Harcourt, Chief Dan Harrison, and the Sualla 1 of Adagbabiri Kingdom, Chief Col. K. Agbana (Rtd.),
Speaking in an interview at the event, 10-year-old primary five pupil, Precious Ote, said she volunteered to join the Red Cross Society because of her desire to help and care for people.
Similarly, 11-year-old Eno Marvellous of Primary Four expressed excitement at becoming a member of the Red Cross Society, noting that her hope is “to save” lives.
The inauguration highlights ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Red Cross Society to nurture a culture of volunteerism, compassion and humanitarian service among schoolchildren in Port Harcourt and beyond.
The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has ordered the total cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East, with effect from today.
This was disclosed by the IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, in a press statement issued yesterday.
He said that the directive came directly from the leader of the group, Nnamdi Kanu.
Recall that the pro-Biafran group declared the sit-at-home in August 2021 as a way of protesting the rendition of Kanu to Nigeria and his subsequent incarceration. During the exercise, markets, schools, banks and offices remained shut.
Powerful said that with the current directive, there is no need, excuse or justification for anyone to stay at home on Mondays, adding that markets, schools, offices, transport services and economic activities must resume fully and normally from Monday.
The statement read in part, “The IPOB, under the supreme leadership of Nnamdi Kanu, hereby announces to the entire world that the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East is officially and permanently cancelled with effect from tomorrow, Monday, February 9, 2026.
“This directive comes directly from Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu himself, who has once again staked everything on the line to ensure that our children return to school every Monday and that our people go about their lawful businesses without fear, intimidation or molestation.
“Any person in doubt should visit Sokoto Correctional Centre to confirm with him. We can no longer hide under ‘Onyendu cannot be reached to confirm’ to persist with our recalcitrance or docility. Monday sit-at-home is over. That era is gone!
“There is now no need, excuse or justification for anyone to stay at home on Mondays. All markets, schools, offices, transport services and economic activities must resume fully and normally from tomorrow. This is the clear and unequivocal order of the Supreme Leader of IPOB.”
Kanu, the statement said, “has made it abundantly clear that any individual or group attempting to enforce sit-at-home from this moment forward is acting against his direct command. Such persons are enemies of our people and the Biafran cause. They will be pursued to the ends of the earth and confronted until they are completely defeated.”
The group noted that some people are attempting to create fear, stage attacks or intimidate people into staying indoors under false flags.
“Let it be known that any person or group identified as enforcing or enabling sit-at-home will be confronted wherever they are. Our people must remain vigilant, calm and law-abiding.
“At the same time, IPOB wishes to make it clear that no state governor has the right to threaten, demolish or forcibly shut down the businesses of traders who, out of conscience, choose to sit at home in solidarity with our leader.
“Any attempt by Governor Soludo or any other governor to intimidate our people with demolition threats or forced market closures will be firmly resisted,” the statement added.
According to the group, any renovation, reconstruction or improvement of markets that involves temporary relocation must be carried out only with the consent of all stakeholders, adding that adequate temporary trading sites must be provided before any such projects commence.
“Our enemies have in the past succeeded in instigating crises and planting seeds of discord among our people. We must not allow them to succeed again. We are one people, united by a common destiny. Our struggle is for freedom, dignity and justice for all, not just for Biafrans.
“We therefore call on all our people across the South-East to come out tomorrow, open their shops, go to work and send their children to school without fear.
“The era of Monday sit-at-home is over,” the statement concluded.
No fewer than 11 petroleum filling stations have been sealed in Port Harcourt by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for various regulatory infractions.
The filling stations were shut down during the Authority’s ongoing surveillance initiative tagged ‘Operation One Litre for One Litre,’ in Port Harcourt.
The enforcement followed allegations of under-dispensing, faulty pumps and other practices considered detrimental to consumers.
Regional Coordinator of NMDPRA, South-South, Engr. Victor Owhodiasa, made this known during the monitoring exercise in Port Harcourt, last week.
He said the operation was designed to protect consumers and ensure they receive full value for their money when purchasing petroleum products.
Owhodiasa noted that although fuel prices are now largely market-driven, consumers must not be short-changed at the point of sale.
According to him, the affected stations were found to be dispensing below approved tolerance level or operating with failed pumps and generators.
He explained that claims of faulty equipment during inspection were treated with suspicion, leading to the sealing of such facilities until defects are fully rectified.
Owhodiasa stressed that any outlet dispensing outside the approved bandwidth would remain sealed until full compliance is verified.
He warned that filling stations found to be habitual offenders risk losing their operating licences.
Owhodiasa added that the enforcement team conducted spot checks along major routes in Port Harcourt, including Azikiwe Road, and would continue random inspections across the city.
He called on members of the public to report suspected cases of under-dispensing by filling stations, assuring that the Authority would promptly act on such complaints.
By: King Onunwor
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