Cervical Cancer Prevention

Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that’s nearly preventable. The fee of death from this ailment has dropped by greater than half in the past few decades. 

You can do a lot to help forestall Cervical Cancer.There is no guaranteed way to forestall cervical cancer. However, with the aid of getting the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, if possible, and undergoing regular testing, a person can significantly limit their risk. Using barrier methods of protection for the duration of sexual activity, keeping off smoking, and making sure dietary adjustments may additionally also be beneficial..Although it is now not always feasible to prevent cervical cancer, notes that getting ordinary exams and receiving the HPV vaccine are the most important steps an individual can take to avoid this disorder from developing

Testing can enable docs to identify precancerous changes and provide early treatment. The vaccine helps stop infection with HPV, which is a virus that can lead to cervical cancer.
People aged 25 – 65 years with a cervix have to request an HPV check from a medical doctor every 5 years or a Pap test every 3 years. 
There are many hospitals in Nigeria where one can do a Pap Test which is highly advisable 
Click on the link here for the hospital closer to your location

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Brain Tumour

Brain Tumour could be a cancerous or none cancerous growth of abnormal cells in the brain

Many different types of brain tumors exist. Some brain tumors are noncancerous (benign), and some brain tumors are cancerous (malignant). Brain tumors can begin in your brain (primary brain tumors), or cancer can begin in other parts of your body and spread to your brain as secondary (metastatic) brain tumors.

The signs and symptoms of a brain tumor vary greatly and depend on the brain tumor’s size, location and rate of growth.
General signs and symptoms caused by brain tumors may include:

1. New onset or change in pattern of headaches

2. Headaches that gradually become more frequent and more severe

3. Unexplained nausea or vomiting

4. Vision problems, such as blurred vision, double vision or loss of peripheral vision

5. Gradual loss of sensation or movement in an arm or a leg

6. Difficulty with balance

7. Speech difficulties

8. Difficulty making decisions

9. Inability to follow simple commands

9. Personality or behavior changes

10. Seizures, especially in someone who doesn’t have a history of seizures

Primary brain tumors originate in the brain itself or in tissues close to it, such as in the brain-covering membranes

Primary brain tumors begin when normal cells develop changes (mutations) in their DNA. A cell’s DNA contains the instructions that tell a cell what to do. The mutations tell the cells to grow and divide rapidly and to continue living when healthy cells would die. The result is a mass of abnormal cells, which forms a tumor.

Secondary (metastatic) brain tumors are tumors that result from cancer that starts elsewhere in your body and then spreads (metastasizes) to your brain.
Secondary brain tumors most often occur in people who have a history of cancer. Rarely, a metastatic brain tumor may be the first sign of cancer that began elsewhere in your body.
In adults, secondary brain tumors are far more common than are primary brain tumors.
Any cancer can spread to the brain, but common types include:

Breast cancer

Colon cancer

Kidney cancer

Lung cancer

Melanoma

Diagnosis of a brain tumor begins with a physical exam and a look at your medical history.
The physical exam includes a very detailed neurological examination. Your doctor will conduct a test to see if your cranial nerves are intact. These are the nerves that originate in your brain.

The treatment of a brain tumor depends on:

the type of tumor

the size of the tumor

the location of the tumor

your general health

The most common treatment for malignant brain tumors is surgery. The goal is to remove as much of the cancer as possible without causing damage to the healthy parts of the brain.
While the location of some tumors allows for safe removal, other tumors may be located in an area that limits how much of the tumor can be removed. Even partial removal of brain cancer can be beneficial.

Book Reviews With Oumissa #15: Me Before You – Jojo Moyes

Me Before You has always been one of my top romance books (even though I’m not a fan of romantic novels)

The story of Louisa Clark and Will Traynor is beautiful but yet devastating and heartbreaking
The book showed love and its beautiful nature and also the reality of life

It also handled the challenges of being quadriplegic and the quality of one’s life which challenges the reader to think beyond what they know

Quadriplegia, which some people refer to as tetraplegia, is paralysis that results in the loss of movement and sensation in all four limbs. It can also affect the internal organs in the trunk

Damage to the brain or spinal cord can cause quadriplegia.

The spinal cord is a long, tube-like structure. It consists of bundles of nerve fibers that relay signals between the brain and the rest of the body.
The bones of the spine, the vertebrae protect the spinal cord from physical injury. However, a blow or a fall can break or dislocate a vertebra, damaging a segment of the spinal cord.

Will was quadriplegic and couldn’t imagine living his whole like in a wheelchair compared to how his life was before his accident

As much as Lou tried and loved him, it wasn’t enough

I love how the book had a deeper meaning than the usual romance books, it shows the length one can go to make someone they love happy even though it means sacrificing theirs

Happy Teachers Day 2021

You open the doors of wonder to lands and near and far. You inspire ideas local and global. You instilled life values and skills and prepared me for challenges. You gave me what I need to seek further knowledge on my own.

I remember the conversations, the times you cared about my well-being, doing your best to protect me. To every teacher who goes over and beyond for their students, you leave indelible memories. To all teachers who show up in spite of war, pandemics and barriers, I hope that your contributions are appreciated more. In every space, I find teachers ready to propel me towards greatness, pushing through as I rise above difficulties and helping me pass this on to others.

To the teachers of my best subject. It was fun applying mathematical concepts to real life. All of the quizzes and intercollegiate competitions were among the best experiences of my life. You helped me be the best and I still find your foundation a solid place to stand on today.

I drink a glass of water and hear my physics teachers talking about refraction. I see flowers and am taken back to those afternoons learning pollination and the Venus flytrap image in Modern Biology. I see my kitchen as a big chemistry laboratory and marvel at all of the reactions going on at the same time in the universe.

I still remember Mrs Obe reciting these lines in poetry class: He that is down needs fear no fall•He that is low no pride•He that is humble ever shall, have God to be his guide. || I am content with what I have•Little be it or much•And Lord contentment shall I crave• Because thou savest such” (John Bunyan). All of my English teachers built me to be the IELTS coach I am today.

Thank you to my Islamic Religious Studies teacher for telling us the story of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, meaning of Surahs which I still remember today, story of the Prophets and the Caliphs.

I learnt about Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Salawa Abeni, Mozart, Johann Sebastian Bach and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart from my music teachers. Learnt how to make recipes, soap, household cleaning products, embroidery and fashion design from my home economics teachers.

Budgeting, market forces , law of diminishing returns etc were beautiful concepts to absorb thanks to my economics teachers. My geography teacher gave me National Geographic issues to read and we will spend break time talking all about them. He could go and on about climate, forests, oceans, rocks, anthropology. It is no wonder it became one of my favourite.

Quiz and debate teachers taught me how to handle competition and imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship. PE teachers brought the history of the Olympics alive and made me understand the intricacies of football as a sport.

To all who taught me the Quran, supported me in reciting, memorizing, learning Arabic , helped me understand my faith and serve humanity. To my aunts and uncles for teaching me to love reading, for giving me an upper hand in the science and arts, helping me ace school assignments and believing I could conquer the world.

To my father for teaching me about faith, politics, finance, the corporate world, how official things worked, strategy, overcoming challenges, philanthropy, leadership, service, integrity, agriculture, cars, security, focus and discipline.

Most of all, my dear mother, who set me on the path to being a multilingual by teaching me French as my third language, for the nights spent by the lantern teaching me how to put àmí ohùn as I was having challenges in Yoruba class. For making sure I aced English and Literature with ease. For exemplifying kindness, faith, dignity, hardwork, diligence, self-confidence, beauty and being an exceptionally amazing woman. For teaching me psychology, early child development and all of the wealth of knowledge possible for any human to pour into another.

Thank you all very much.

COVID 19 Info Basket- Articles #24

Global agreement to make COVID-19 antigen tests available for all

Nigeria: Lagos Cancels Independence Day Parade Over Covid-19

https://allafrica.com/stories/202010010158.html

CBN moves to forestall food shortages amid COVID-19   

https://guardian.ng/business-services/cbn-moves-to-forestall-food-shortages-amid-covid-19/

Covid-19 deaths pass 1,000 in Birmingham hospitals       

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-54323193

Covid-19 in Scotland: Sharp spike in infections among teenagers

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-54314910

Game on: How COVID-19 became the perfect match for gamers

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/09/covid19-coronavirus-pandemic-video-games-entertainment-media/

Melbourne lifts curfew after nearly two months of lockdown as coronavirus cases fall

https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/28/australia/melbourne-lifts-lockdown-intl-hnk-scli/index.html

Cases of Covid-19 on Tui cruise ship appear to be ‘false positives’

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/news/cruise-ship-coronavirus-outbreak-greece-covid-19-latest-news/

Global partnership to make available 120 million affordable, quality COVID-19 rapid tests for low- and middle-income countries            

https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/28-09-2020-global-partnership-to-make-available-120-million-affordable-quality-covid-19-rapid-tests-for-low–and-middle-income-countries

The coronavirus has killed at least 1 million people worldwide

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/09/28/coronavirus-covid-live-updates-us/

As Covid-19 Closes Schools, the World’s Children Go to Work

Concerns mount as Iran gripped by third major COVID-19 wave

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/9/27/concerns-mount-as-iran-gripped-by-third-major-covid-19-wave

Advocacy group warns that 500,000 sharks may need to die for a COVID-19 vaccine

https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/advocacy-group-warns-that-500-000-sharks-may-need-to-die-for-a-covid-19-vaccine-1.5122624

Pasta, Wine and Inflatable Pools: How Amazon Conquered Italy in the Pandemic

The pandemic is plunging millions back into extreme poverty

https://www.economist.com/international/2020/09/26/the-pandemic-is-plunging-millions-back-into-extreme-poverty

Covid-19: Quarter of UK under stricter rules, and students stuck in halls

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-54306293

World in disarray: Angry exchanges at top UN meeting on COVID-19

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/9/25/world-in-disarray-angry-exchanges-at-top-un-meeting-on-covid-19

The little talked about side-effects of COVID-19 

https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2020/9/25/the-little-talked-about-side-effects-of-covid-19/

COVID in Scotland: 172 test positive in Glasgow University outbreak

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-54268780

More restrictions expected in Europe as coronavirus spreads rapidly and rattles markets

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/09/21/europe-coronavirus-latest-more-restrictions-likely-in-the-coming-days.html

UN chief appeals for global solidarity at General Assembly, warns COVID is ‘dress rehearsal’ for challenges ahead

https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/09/1072972

Why India’s COVID problem could be bigger than we think           

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-54176375

World Health Organization announces distribution plan for COVID-19 vaccine

https://abcnews.go.com/Health/world-health-organization-announces-distribution-plan-covid-19/story?id=73031332

Weekly Review: COVID-19 patients discharged last week lowest in three months

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/414250-weekly-review-covid-19-patients-discharged-last-week-lowest-in-three-months.html

Israel to Enter Lockdown Again as Second Coronavirus Wave Hits

https://www.wsj.com/articles/israel-to-shut-down-again-as-second-coronavirus-wave-hits-11600028298

Inside Twitter’s Response to the COVID-19 Crisis

https://hbr.org/2020/09/inside-twitters-response-to-the-covid-19-crisis

Trapped by Pandemic, Ships’ Crews Fight Exhaustion and Despair

It Will Take More Than a Vaccine to Beat COVID-19

https://www.newyorker.com/science/medical-dispatch/the-state-of-the-fight-against-covid-19

Coronavirus lockdowns around the world: Which countries are in lockdown? USA, Australia

https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1332495/coronavirus-lockdowns-around-the-world-usa-Australia-india

Coronavirus: India overtakes Brazil in COVID-19 cases

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-54023509

US Open players pulled from tournament after contact with COVID-positive player

https://abcnews.go.com/US/us-open-players-pulled-tournament-contact-covid-positive/story?id=72842299

Coronavirus: Russian vaccine shows signs of immune response

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54036221

COVID-19: FG reviews nationwide curfew to 12am – 4am

Nigeria: Lagos state to open schools despite health concerns

https://www.theafricareport.com/40384/nigeria-lagos-state-to-open-schools-despite-health-concerns/

French tennis player says the COVID-19 restrictions at the U.S. Open are ‘abominable’ and players have been treated like ‘prisoners or criminals’

https://www.insider.com/kristina-mladenovic-us-open-covid-19-restrictions-abominable-2020-9

Global: Amnesty analysis reveals over 7,000 health workers have died from COVID-19

https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/09/amnesty-analysis-7000-health-workers-have-died-from-covid19/

Source: Robert Pattinson Has COVID-19, Halting The Batman Production

https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/09/09/robert-pattinson-the-batman-coronavirus

‘Coronavirus a blessing’: Pandemic boom in Nigeria’s ‘Kannywood’

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/09/blessing-pandemic-boom-nigeria-kannywood-200901092207628.html

COVID 19 Info Basket- Articles #23

COVID: Venezuela seeks testers for Russian vaccine      

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-53972641

Three World Cup speed skating events in Canada cancelled because of COVID-19

https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/three-world-cup-speedskating-events-in-canada-cancelled-because-of-covid-19-1.5086101

EU offers €400 million to WHO-led Covid-19 vaccine initiative

https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/eu-offers-400-million-euros-to-who-led-covid-19-vaccine-initiative

Former Indian president Pranab Mukherjee dies at 84

https://edition.cnn.com/2020/08/31/asia/pranab-mukherjee-india-death-scli-intl/index.html

Lagos health commissioner tests positive to COVID-19

https://guardian.ng/news/lagos-health-commissioner-tests-positive-to-covid-19/

Lagos Health Commissioner, Abayomi, Recovers from COVID-19

https://www.channelstv.com/2020/08/31/lagos-health-commissioner-abayomi-recovers-from-covid-19/

Germany coronavirus: Anger after attempt to storm parliament

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53964147

India sets world record of highest single-day spike of Covid-19 cases

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/30/india-sets-world-record-of-highest-single-day-spike-of-covid-19-cases

New Zealand’s Largest City Exits Lockdown After Bringing Mystery COVID-19 Surge Under Control

https://time.com/5884996/new-zealand-auckland-coronavirus-lockdown/

U.S. Coronavirus Cases Top 6 Million

Paire tests positive for COVID-19 before U.S. Open – report

https://af.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idAFKBN25Q0LN-OZASP

Tertiary institutions in Lagos to reopen Sept 14, primary and secondary schools to reopen Sept 21

UN concern over ‘widespread’ COVID-19 transmission in Syria

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/08/concern-widespread-covid-19-transmission-syria-200828065222962.html

How does the COVID recession compare?

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/08/how-does-the-covid-recession-compare

India’s COVID-19 Outbreak Is Now the World’s Fastest-Growing

France COVID-19: Paris compulsory face-mask rule comes into force

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53934952

India’s students concerned over entrance exams amid COVID-19

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/08/india-students-concerned-entrance-exams-covid-19-200827112752339.html

Carnival and coronavouchers: Brazil’s economic struggles             

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-53904411

Thousands of South Korean doctors strike amid COVID-19 resurgence

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/08/thousands-south-korean-doctors-strike-covid-19-resurgence-200826024550135.html

Record infections, few deaths: How Qatar has tackled COVID-19

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/08/record-infections-deaths-qatar-tackled-covid-19-200826062455468.html

Gaza in lockdown after first COVID-19 community transmission

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/08/gaza-lockdown-covid-19-community-transmission-200825061033725.html

Covid-19: South Korea closes Seoul schools amid rise in cases     

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-53901707

Coronavirus in Africa: ‘Signs of hope’ as cases level off

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-53847699

COVID-19 outbreaks in children complicate school reopening plans

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/08/covid-19-outbreaks-children-complicate-school-reopening-plans-200819162030569.html

Philippines faces worst COVID-19 crisis in Southeast Asia

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/08/philippines-faces-worst-covid-19-crisis-southeast-asia-200819143501671.html

Africa’s U20 Women’s World Cup 2020 qualifiers postponed due to COVID-19

COVID-19 protective equipment adding to pollution crisishttps://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/08/covid-19-protective-equipment-adding-pollution-crisis-200816163255462.html

Australia Has Deadliest Day with 25 Covid-19 Deaths in Victoria

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-08-16/australia-has-deadliest-day-with-25-covid-19-deaths-in-victoria

Coronavirus Australia: Victoria reports 303 new Covid-19 cases and four more deaths

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/15/coronavirus-australia-victoria-reports-303-new-covid-19-cases-and-four-more-deaths

EU Countries Increase COVID-19 Travel Measures

Russia to roll out coronavirus vaccine within two weeks

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/08/live-zealand-defers-parliament-dissolution-coronavirus-200811234344092.html

2 in 5 schools around the world lacked basic handwashing facilities prior to COVID-19 pandemic — UNICEF, WHO               

https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/13-08-2020-2-in-5-schools-around-the-world-lacked-basic-handwashing-facilities-prior-to-covid-19-pandemic-unicef-who

Zealand Back into Lockdown as New COVID-19 Cases Detected  

https://www.voanews.com/covid-19-pandemic/new-zealand-back-lockdown-new-covid-19-cases-detected

Hundreds dead’ because of Covid-19 misinformation      

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-53755067

Reopening schools too early could spread COVID-19 even faster – especially in the developing world

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/08/re-opening-schools-too-soon-in-developing-countries-could-lead-to-much-faster-spread-of-covid-19/

Spain Overtakes Britain for Most COVID-19 Cases in Europe

https://www.voanews.com/covid-19-pandemic/spain-overtakes-britain-most-covid-19-cases-europe

Coronavirus Vietnam: The mysterious resurgence of Covid-19     

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-53690711

‘Peak yet to come’: Africa hits one million coronavirus cases

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/08/africa-hits-million-coronavirus-cases-200804094836695.html

Australian military steps in to enforce COVID-19 lockdown

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/08/australia-military-steps-enforce-covid-19-lockdown-200804135325693.html

WAEC releases timetable as schools resume

Over 1.5 million candidates to sit for WASSCE in Nigeria

COVID 19 Info Basket- Articles #22

Forbes: We Should Consider Starting Covid-19 Vaccinations Now.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevensalzberg/2020/08/02/start-vaccinating-now/

The Guardian: Two cruise ships hit by coronavirus weeks after industry restarts.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/03/two-cruise-ships-hit-by-coronavirus-weeks-after-industry-restarts

BBC News: Coronavirus: New 90-minute tests for Covid-19 and flu ‘hugely beneficial’.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-53632043

Al Jazeera English: Australia’s Victoria declares state of disaster over coronavirus.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/08/australia-victoria-declares-state-disaster-coronavirus-200802042802433.html

Science News: Hydroxychloroquine can’t stop COVID-19. It’s time to move on, scientists say.

The Guardian: North Korea declares emergency over suspected Covid-19 case.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/26/kim-jong-un-conveys-urgent-meeting-after-suspected-case-of-covid-19

Coronavirus: South Africa cases pass half million mark    

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-53625789

China healthcare workers in Hong Kong to battle COVID-19

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/08/china-healthcare-workers-hong-kong-battle-covid-19-200802173925279.html

Australia’s Victoria imposes curfew, state of disaster to contain COVID-19

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/08/02/coronavirus-australias-victoria-imposes-curfew-state-of-disaster.html

Coronavirus – Rwanda: Robots use in Rwanda to fight against COVID-19

https://guardian.ng/apo-press-releases/coronavirus-rwanda-robots-use-in-rwanda-to-fight-against-covid-19/

Global report: Philippines ‘losing battle’ as WHO records biggest jump in Covid-19 cases

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/01/global-report-philippines-losing-battle-as-who-records-biggest-jump-in-covid-19-cases

Ethiopian Workers Are Forced to Return Home, Some with Coronavirus

Indian Billionaires Bet Big on Head Start in Coronavirus Vaccine Race

Coronavirus: Thousands protest in Germany against restrictions

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53622797

WHO reports record daily increase in global coronavirus cases, up over 292,000

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2020-08-01/WHO-reports-record-daily-increase-in-global-coronavirus-cases-SByMx8dUSk/index.html

School Reopening: Ogun begins mandatory COVID-19, malaria tests for SS3 students

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/ssouth-west/406352-school-reopening-ogun-begins-mandatory-covid-19-malaria-tests-for-ss3-students.html

Coronavirus: Mauritania to strengthen its COVID-19 Response   

https://guardian.ng/apo-press-releases/coronavirus-mauritania-to-strengthen-its-covid-19-response/

How to Clean Your N95 Mask or Face Covering with Covid-19 coronavirus

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2020/08/01/how-to-clean-your-n95-mask-or-face-covering-with-covid-19-coronavirus/#c6355b92fd12

In pictures: Eid al Adha in a Covid-19 world          

https://www.trtworld.com/life/in-pictures-eid-al-adha-in-a-covid-19-world-38551

Hong Kong Delays Election, Citing Coronavirus. The Opposition Isn’t Buying It.

Luxembourg joins Spain on quarantine list for UK travellers

https://www.ft.com/content/32ebadef-ceec-4011-acbe-869c9c2bc2ae

What Can Victorian Schools Teach America About Reopening?

Coronavirus: Scaled back Hajj pilgrimage begins in Saudi Arabia  

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-53571886

Vietnam on high alert as coronavirus cases detected in major cities

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/29/vietnam-on-high-alert-coronavirus-cases-major-cities-hanoi

Central Africa’s Muslim Feast Hampered as COVID-19 Blocks Livestock Trade

https://www.voanews.com/africa/central-africas-muslim-feast-hampered-covid-19-blocks-livestock-trade

For Senegal’s Biggest Holiday, a Shortage of the All-Important Sheep

Latin America Is Facing a ‘Decline of Democracy’ Under the Pandemic

Vietnam detects first locally transmitted Covid-19 cases since Aprilhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/27/vietnam-evacuates-80000-tourists-amid-new-covid-19-cases-in-danang

Life After Lockdown in Mexico City

We’ll Be Wearing Masks for a While. Why Not Make Them Nice?

Why do asymptomatic COVID-19 cases even happen?

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/07/why-do-asymptomatic-coronavirus-cases-even-happen-cvd/

Hong Kong sees spike of new COVID-19 cases     

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/hong-kong-sees-spike-of-new-covid-19-cases/1922744

Coronavirus: ‘No apologies’ for Spain travel rule change

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-53541301

The Coronavirus Unleashed Along the Amazon River

North Korea Declares Emergency After Suspected Covid-19 Case

After Early Success, Israel’s Netanyahu Faces Fury for Flubbing Virus Fight

Can You Get Covid-19 Again? It’s Very Unlikely, Experts Say

Scaled-down Hajj pilgrimage to start on July 29: Saudi officials

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/scaled-hajj-pilgrimage-start-july-29-saudi-officials-200721013258024.html

Coronavirus: Oxford vaccine triggers immune response 

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-53469839

Jailed FIFA Official Juan Ángel Napout Contracts Coronavirus in Florida Prison

Melbourne Lockdown Elicits Hope, Anger and Vows of Resilience

Coronavirus: White House targets US disease chief Dr Anthony Fauci

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-53392817

In South Africa, Burial Traditions Upended by Coronavirus

Coronavirus: Brazil’s President Bolsonaro tests positive

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-53319517

Laid Off and Locked Up: Virus Traps Domestic Workers in Arab States

Pandemic Diary #4 – Infectious Diseases Specialist

This week, Farida and Damilola spoke with an infectious disease specialist working in the COVID19 management team.

What is your current role in the COVID-19 response and what was your role before getting involved?

Primarily, I work as a clinician, I am a doctor; I see patients and that’s what I do on a day-to-day basis. For the response, I see patients and I work in the infection, prevention and control unit. I do training for doctors. I also help to assess health centre standards for COVID-19 management.

I specialize in infectious diseases.

From your background, it’s evident that you worked during the Ebola period.

Yes, I did.

Based on your experience managing both outbreaks, what are the major differences so far?

They are both RNA viruses, though Ebola is a type of hemorrhagic fever similar to Lassa fever. However, COVID-19 is a bit different because it is more of a respiratory virus so the route of transmission is different. Also the major difference between these viruses is that the Ebola virus outbreak was quite short, it basically lasted from July to October before Lagos was declared free. In addition, the confirmed cases in Nigeria were not up to 20 patients. However, with COVID-19 the confirmed cases are in the thousands with no end in sight for the response, so it’s more of a marathon.

Why was Ebola controlled in a shorter space of time?

When you look at the global response, we have never dealt with something like COVID-19 before in recent world history, of course, we had the Spanish flu in the 19th century. The problem is that we have never dealt with something on this scale. So it has been quite difficult.  

When you look at Nigeria, Lagos state had a tremendous advantage over other states because of the extreme experience we had with viruses like Ebola. So there was a more coordinated response but these are two different viruses and no one has experienced COVID-19 before, so we are all learning as we go.

Cool. How do you feel about the federal government’s imposed lockdown, as seen by the developed countries of the world?

It would be difficult to make a judgment call on that now. This is because all over the world people have been placed on lockdowns and there are many arguments on whether lockdowns are effective or are not. The U.S tried to lockdown but they currently have the highest cases of COVID-19 patients in the world. Now that they are trying to reopen, we can see a surge in cases. Sweden didn’t lockdown and the virus dealt with them rather badly. For Nigeria, based on the situation we were in at that time, I think a lockdown was inevitable. The effectiveness of the lockdown can be questioned. Did we achieve what we sought to achieve? I don’t think so but like I said, we wouldn’t beat ourselves too much over many of these things. We just rather move on, learn, and go.

On treating patients, what’s the mental effect it has had on you?

As physicians, we face one of the highest levels of mortality. It’s not very strange to see patients die; sad to say. The problem with COVID is that it has been difficult to predict. We see patients who get into critical situations and go home. Some get in similar conditions and die. The most disturbing aspect for me is those that talk until they die. You examine them breathing well and all of a sudden, like the snap of a finger, they are here and the next minute they are gone. I’m like, “What?! Is this the man I just spoke with?” So it’s been challenging, you know.  

I have been practicing medicine for years now so I have kind of built a fortitude against these things. However, you can’t be hardened. These things still consume us and we just try to move on to the next patient.

Any highs and lows so far?

Well, I will start with the lows; In the early days of the response, especially when we saw a lot of funds being spent on unnecessary PPEs and the guidelines weren’t being followed.  Personally, it was a hard time for me because I saw things sliding and I couldn’t do much about it. Change is difficult. It was only about two to three months after that we were able to win people over and people started coming around. I was happy that people were trying to conserve PPE like hazmat suits, as they knew they could do well with just a surgical gown. This aided in the preservation of limited PPEs.

Furthermore, I am happy with every patient that survives COVID, we have had a 98 year old survive, and for every patient I discharge, I reiterate the fact that they are very lucky to survive. It has been quite challenging, I have never been this stressed in my life. I am chronically tired, a lot of times I wake up but I doubt I have the energy to get up but I just have moved on. I pray we just get out of this phase because this has very challenging for all of us.

As an experienced doctor, we realize that you are used to this, however, have you heard of other doctors breaking down?

Yes, we have had other doctors suffer a physical and mental breakdown which is quite worrisome. However, for me, I have not suffered either, although I get very tired. I wish everything could be over because it has been very stressful. Thankfully. we have not been as swamped like other parts of the world but we have also been strained. I have been close to breaking down but due to my reserve I am yet to suffer one

How has this affected your family life?

Interestingly, I got married in September 2014 which was smack in the middle of the Ebola response. My fiancé then, now my wife used to drop me off at Yaba; so she has been extremely supportive. There was also an outbreak of yellow fever at Bauchi in 2019. We went on vacation to the Yankari game reserve and all of a sudden, there was an outbreak. Immediately, I started case investigation and she was there with me.

Earlier in the response, there was the challenge of either going from home or staying in a hotel. And all she said was that it was also my house and we would get through the situation together.

End this for us on a happy note

We should thank everyone involved in the response. It’s been challenging for us in every single way. I think I want to salute everyone that has poured blood, sweat, and tears to get us to where we are today.  We just need to keep pushing until we get rid of it. We have been through this from the very first patient until now. We have seen all the ways we have evolved. We have become stronger, harder, tougher, better, and more skilled. We pray that God will shorten the days and we will go back to our normal lives sooner than later.

……….

We are grateful to this doctor for graciously granting this interview.

COVID 19 Info Basket- Tweets #21

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COVID 19 Info Basket- Articles #21

SA’s coronavirus cases continue to soar: Exceeds 200,000 mark

Coronavirus: How fast is it spreading in Africa?  

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-53181555

Egypt reopens airports and welcomes tourists to pyramids after COVID closure

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-egypt/egypt-reopens-airports-and-welcomes-tourists-to-pyramids-after-covid-closure-idUSKBN2426VX

The effect of COVID-19 on food and income security in Africa

Egypt’s economy to decline due to COVID-19 impact: IMF

COVID-19: African countries reliant on tourism, oil exporters to be ‘hardest hit’: AfDB

How Pandemics Wreak Havoc—and Open Minds

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/07/20/how-pandemics-wreak-havoc-and-open-minds

The Covid-19 changes that could last long-term

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200629-which-lockdown-changes-are-here-to-stay

Madagascar re-imposes lockdown amid surge in virus cases

https://m.guardian.ng/news/madagascar-re-imposes-lockdown-amid-surge-in-virus-cases/

Malawi’s election cheer dampened by coronavirus surge              

https://af.reuters.com/article/idAFKBN24608L-OZAT

Malawi cancels Independence Day celebrations due to COVID-19

Ghana president self-isolates despite negative virus test

https://www.france24.com/en/20200705-ghana-president-self-isolates-despite-negative-virus-test

AU Commission sets stage for start of clinical Covid-19 vaccine trials

https://www.nation.co.ke/kenya/news/africa-cdc-to-start-covid-19-vaccine-trials-1447988

African Union Commission launches Covid-19 vaccine trial consortium

Covid-19 hit July 4th travel harder in some states, study finds

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/07/08/covid-19-hit-july-4th-travel-harder-in-some-states-study-finds.html

Hundreds of people celebrated the July 4 weekend at a Michigan lake. Now some have Covid-19

https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/12/health/michigan-coronavirus-torch-lake-sandbar/index.html

PRECIOUS-Gold ticks higher on worries over rising COVID-19 cases

https://uk.reuters.com/article/global-precious/precious-gold-ticks-higher-on-worries-over-rising-covid-19-cases-idUKL3N2EK04O

COVID-19: Govt to ban some countries from Nigeria        

COVID-19: Nigerian govt releases new guidelines for resumption of schools

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/402738-covid-19-nigerian-govt-releases-new-guidelines-for-resumption-of-schools.html

COVID-19 may be transmitted through air – NCDC

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/402746-covid-19-may-be-transmitted-through-air-ncdc.html

Gold rate rises to Rs 49,000 on surging Covid-19 cases

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/commodities/news/gold-prices-today-rise-to-rs-49000-on-surging-covid-19-cases/articleshow/76932493.cms

Coronavirus: Nations heading in wrong direction with Covid-19, says WHO

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-53393037

Egyptian journalist jailed on fake news charges dies of Covid-19

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/14/egyptian-journalist-jailed-on-fake-news-charges-dies-of-covid-19-mohamed-monir

Covid-19 restrictions are shattering Argentina’s short-lived political truce

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/14/covid-19-restrictions-are-shattering-argentinas-short-lived-political-truce

COVID-19: Linking loss of smell, depression, and anxiety

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/covid-19-linking-loss-of-smell-depression-and-anxiety

How COVID-19 is affecting HIV 2020 target – UNAIDS     

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/401786-how-covid-19-is-affecting-hiv-2020-target-unaids.html

Ocean investment could aid post-Covid-19 economic recovery

https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/13/world/ocean-investment-world-resources-institute-cte/index.html

German study finds low Covid-19 infection rate in schools

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/13/german-study-covid-19-infection-rate-schools-saxony

Covid-19 immunity from antibodies may last only months, UK study suggests

https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/13/health/covid-immunity-antibody-response-uk-study-wellness/index.html

US military bases in Okinawa hit by Covid-19 as outbreak worsens

https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/13/asia/us-military-bases-okinawa-covid-19-intl-hnk-scli/index.html