Health

Tory MPs appear to heed Javid call to set example by wearing masks

Tory MPs appear to heed Javid call to set example by wearing masks

A call by the health secretary, Sajid Javid, for MPs to show more of an example over measures to combat Covid by wearing masks in the Commons has seemingly had an impact, with a notable increase in face covering on Conservative benches on Thursday.

Since parliament resumed after the summer break there has been a clear contrast in mask use between opposition MPs, the majority of whom have worn them, and Conservatives, most of whom have not.

But in an admittedly sparsely attended chamber on Thursday morning, during an urgent Labour question on Covid, six of the 12 Conservative MPs present were wearing masks, a much higher proportion than usual.

They did not include Maggie Throup, the junior health minister who was responding to the question. But her health department colleague Gillian Keegan was masked on the front bench. Among Tory refuseniks were the likes of Desmond Swayne and Mark Harper, who oppose many Covid measures.

It comes after Javid unexpectedly called for more MPs to wear masks at a Downing Street press conference on Wednesday. Previously ministers have brushed aside concerns about maskless Tory MPs crammed into the Commons chamber, a compact arena with limited ventilation, saying it was within guidelines as the MPs are colleagues.

At the press conference, Javid was asked about the risks of mixed messages on masks and other areas, such as the business secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng, encouraging the public to book Christmas parties.

Javid conceded this was an issue. “I think that is a very fair point. As I say, we’ve all got our role to play in this,” he said, standing alongside Jenny Harries, head of the new UK Health Security Agency, and Stephen Powis, the medical director of NHS England.

Javid said: “We, the people standing on this stage, we play … our public roles as secretary of state, as someone from the NHS, as the head of UKHSA. But we also have a role to play in setting an example as private individuals as well, and I think that’s a very fair point, and I’m sure a lot of people will have heard you.”

It is understood that Javid’s comments on masks were not expected by Downing Street or party whips, and there has been no formal instruction from Tory whips for MPs to wear masks in the chamber.

Asked if Boris Johnson would wear one when next in the Commons, the prime minister’s spokesperson said he had been unable to ask him, as Johnson was on a visit to Northern Ireland. He added: ““It remains the case that it a matter of personal judgment for all individuals on wearing a mask.”

Before the urgent question, the Speaker, Lindsay Hoyle, criticised Javid for his comments about masks – but only for making them at a press conference rather than telling MPs in person.

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.