Health

Matt Hancock will hope new job can help restore career and public image

Matt Hancock ’s turbulent time working at the heart of the UK’s biggest public health crisis in living memory cost him many allies in the party and his affair caught on camera cost him his dignity and public image.

But his new job as a UN special representative focused on economic development in Africa could be the start of his attempts to rebuild his career. The grand announcement, which included the tweet of his invitation to take up the role, suggests he is keen to turn attention to his new direction.

One senior diplomat with experience of the UN suggested, with raised eyebrows, that the announcement of Hancock’s UN job had evoked rather grander headlines than it deserved. They pointed to others, such as Gordon Brown and the former Bank of England governor Mark Carney, who have “special envoy” roles appointed by the secretary general. Hancock will report to a UN agency, the Economic Commission for Africa.

No 10 and the Cabinet Office said the government did not nominate Hancock for the role but that permission had been sought from the ministerial watchdog.

Angela Rayner, Labour’s deputy leader, said it was poor timing to announce the appointment on the day of a damning report by the health and science select committee into the pandemic. “Apparently, the one British export the Tories are successfully promoting is their own disgraced former cabinet ministers,” she said. “Right now, the only role that Matt Hancock should have is answering questions to the ongoing ICO investigation into his own conduct, and the promised public inquiry which the government continues to delay.”

The former health secretary’s stock was very low by the time of his departure, especially with MPs on the right of the party, because of discontent with lockdown rules, of which he was seen as the main proponent.

Some critics in the party attempted to spread mischievous rumours about a return at the last reshuffle, but Hancock looks likely to remain a backbencher for some time.

Allies of the former health secretary have said since his departure that he will remain deeply loyal to Boris Johnson in hope of a comeback, and feels he has much more to give in government. “I don’t think his career is over,” one former cabinet colleague said. “His delivery skills are extraordinary.”

He still has high-profile friends in government and outside. The Guardian understands it was the campaigner Nimco Ali who introduced Hancock to Dr Vera Songwe, the UN undersecretary general, who made the appointment. Ali, a leading anti-FGM and women’s rights activist, is a Home Office adviser on violence against women and a close personal friend of Carrie Johnson, the prime minister’s wife.

Cabinet ministers and senior MPs were quick to show public support, with tweets from Michael Gove, Sajid Javid and Damian Green congratulating Hancock on the move.

Hancock had told allies he was interested in taking up an international role and indicated his interest at a fringe event at the Conservative conference – the only one he attended. He told the audience at the panel on Africa investment, which included Ali and the Kenyan ambassador, that he wanted to turn his focus to bringing private investment to Africa.

The job description will have little to do with Hancock’s expertise in health. He will work to develop policy on new financial markets on the continent and develop green investment facilities. Nick Dearden, the director of Global Justice Now, said the appointment was “sickening” because of the UK’s poor record on vaccine access in developing countries.

Health

Yobe confirms 4 new polio cases

The Yobe Government has confirmed four new cases of polio in three Local Government Areas three years after the state was declared polio-free.

The Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr Babagana Kundi-Machina, made this disclosure while launching a campaign against the disease in Machina, a border LGA with Niger Republic, on Saturday.

He said that the State Government, in collaboration with its partners, had launched a state-wide outbreak response and vaccination exercise to address the situation.

“It is unfortunate that after three years of being certified polio-free, we have recorded a circulating polio virus outbreak in Bursari, Machina, and Yusufari LGAs,” Kundi-Machina said.

The State Coordinator of the World Health Organisation, WHO, Dr Hamisu Alhassan, pledged the organisation’s support to the state toward curbing the outbreak.

He called on the public to adopt preventive measures, including personal and environmental hygiene, hand washing, and immunisation to boost immunity and promote good health, especially among women and children.

On his part, the Emir of Machina, Alhaji Bashir Machinama, urged his people to cooperate with the government by accepting the vaccine.

Machinama thanked the State Government for its prompt response and pledged to sensitise his community to take relevant steps to contain the disease.

Health

Cholera kills 11 in Ebonyi

A cholera outbreak in Ndibokote village, located in the Ezza Inyimagu area of Izzi Local Government, has claimed the lives of 10 people, including a nursing mother who leaves behind a nine-month-old baby.

The outbreak, confirmed by Ebonyi State Health Commissioner Dr. Moses Ekuma through a statement issued by ministry spokesperson Lucy Anyim, has affected approximately 20 others who are currently receiving treatment. Health officials are working diligently to contain the disease and prevent further spread in the community.

Dr. Ekuma noted that Governor Francis Nwifuru has approved the procurement of essential medical supplies to manage the crisis.

Additionally, three treatment centers have been established in the affected area, including Iziogo Health Centre, Sudan Mission Onuenyim, and a facility in Ndibokote village.

Open defecation and poor hygiene practices, along with reliance on stream water for drinking, are believed to be contributing factors to the outbreak.

Residents have been urged to follow precautionary measures to reduce the risk of further infections. Health authorities are on high alert to ensure the situation remains under control.

Health

Fubara approves employment of 2,000 Medical personnel

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has approved the recruitment of 2,000 medical personnel and the payment of three years’ outstanding scholarship entitlements for medical students.

A press statement issued by Nelson Chukwudi, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, highlighted Fubara’s dedication to reversing the decline in academic standards in the state.

The Governor noted that in previous years, Rivers children were highly regarded for their academic excellence, a reputation that has since diminished due to the growing reward for mediocrity. Fubara vowed to restore this legacy.

Upon assuming office, Fubara said he was confronted with unpaid scholarship entitlements for medical students at the Rivers State University and that without hesitation, he authorized the release of funds, ensuring that students could continue their studies without frustration.

The Governor made these remarks during a courtesy visit by the accreditation panel of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), led by its Registrar, Dr. Fatima Kyari, at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

The delegation also included key officials from Rivers State University and the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh.

Fubara emphasized the importance of infrastructure and support for academic growth, aiming to restore Rivers State’s status as a hub for educational excellence.

He expressed his disappointment in the current societal trend of valuing cultism over intellectual achievement but reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to change this narrative.

During the meeting, Fubara also noted that 1,000 medical personnel would be employed through the Rivers State Health Management Board, while the remaining 1,000 would be engaged by the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).

He reiterated his commitment to promoting quality medical training and explained that his administration understands the financial challenges associated with medical education.

Dr. Fatima Kyari, speaking on behalf of MDCN, lauded the state’s commitment to infrastructure and training, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a high standard of medical education. She encouraged the state to further develop research opportunities to compete on a global scale.

Prof. Nlerum Okogbule, Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, expressed gratitude to Governor Fubara for his unprecedented support, stating that the university is now a top choice in Nigeria and that the College of Medical Sciences has significantly boosted its national and international reputation.