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WHO announces end of COVID-19 as a global health emergency
The WHO states that globally, 13.3 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered
After more than three years of declaring the COVID-19 outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an end to it. WHO’s Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, announced on Friday that COVID-19 no longer constitutes a PHEIC.
The decision was made by the WHO’s International Health Regulations Emergency Committee during its 15th meeting on COVID-19. While acknowledging the uncertainties posed by the potential evolution of the virus, the committee advised that it is time to transition to long-term management of the pandemic. The Director-General concurred with the advice and determined that COVID-19 is now an established and ongoing health issue which no longer constitutes a PHEIC.
The global health body noted that the global risk assessment for COVID-19 remains high, but there is evidence of reducing risks to human health driven mainly by high population-level immunity from infection, vaccination, or both. Improved clinical case management and consistent virulence of currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sub-lineages compared to previously circulating Omicron sub-lineages have also contributed to a significant global decline in the weekly number of COVID-19-related deaths, hospitalizations, and admissions to intensive care units since the beginning of the pandemic.
The WHO also provided updates on the status of global vaccination, stating that globally, 13.3 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered, with 89% of health workers and 82% of adults over 60 years having completed the primary series.
The Director-General will convene an IHR Review Committee to advise on Standing Recommendations for the long-term management of the pandemic, taking into account the 2023-2025 COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan. During this transition, States Parties are advised to continue following the issued Temporary Recommendations. The WHO expressed its gratitude to the Committee for their engagement and advice during the last three years.
COVAX will continue to provide funded doses and delivery support throughout 2023 in line with demand. Although the PHEIC declaration has ended, the Director-General will continue to authorize the use of Emergency Use Listing (EUL) procedure. The termination of the PHEIC should not affect access to vaccines and diagnostics that have already received an EUL, and States Parties will still be able to access these vaccines and diagnostics (provided the manufacturers continue production).
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US military strikes in Nigeria killed 155 Lakurawa terrorists -Report
Dando Sibu, a key Lakurawa commander, is reported to have survived the attack because he left the location less than five minutes before the second missile was fired.
Military strikes conducted by the US in December 2025 killed 155 Lakurawa terrorists in Sokoro, a report by The New Humanitarian has claimed.
The US focus was Lakurawa though the strikes didn’t touch other jihadist groups including Boko Haram, as well as the al-Qaeda-linked Ansaru.
The publication also claimed that the attacks left 200 additional Lakurawa fighters missing in the week following the operation.
The strikes, carried out in collaboration with Nigerian authorities, were believed to have involved Tomahawk missiles launched from a US destroyer positioned in the Gulf of Guinea.
The missiles targeted three districts in Sokoto State: Isa, Tangaza, and Tambuwal, though only Tangaza is widely recognised as a core area of Lakurawa.
It is believed that Tambuwal is not generally associated with organised armed violence; while Isa is a bandit stronghold largely controlled by Bello Turji.
Although details of the strike on Isa remain unclear, Turji is widely believed to have survived the attack.
A Lakurawa camp in Tangaza, however, reportedly suffered significant losses.
The New Humanitarian reports that there were two missile hits.
The first reportedly killed around 30 fighters. As surviving members converged to assess the damage and assist the wounded, a second missile struck, killing those who had gathered.
In total, an estimated 155 Lakurawa were killed, including 19 who were initially injured but later succumbed to their wounds.
Dando Sibu, a key Lakurawa commander, is reported to have survived the attack because he left the location less than five minutes before the second missile was fired.
However, in the week following the strikes, about 200 Lakurawa fighters were reported missing. The group was also said to have lost nearly half of its cattle, which is a major source of its revenue.
(The Sun)
News
Curfew, restriction for Akran of Badagry’s burial rites
Residents said the rites would affect social and commercial activities around the palace and may force many residents especially those working outside Badagry to return home early.
Following the death of the 89-year-old monarch, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, the Akran of Badagry., restrictions have been imposed on vehicular movements around the palace vicinity with some sections of the road leading to the place barricaded.
Commuters were said to be directed to take alternative routes.
Sources said the traditional worshippers have started observing rites necessitated by the demise of the monarch.
Security and palace officials were seen restricting movement in the immediate vicinity.
Residents said the rites would affect social and commercial activities around the palace and may force many residents especially those working outside Badagry to return home early.
News
Akran of Badagry is dead, aged 89
The demise of the monarch marks the end of his 48-year reign on the throne, making him one of the longest-serving traditional rulers in Lagos State.
Photo: Akran of Badagry, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi
The traditional ruler of the Badagry local government area in Lagos State, the Akran of Badagry, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi, is dead, aged 89.
The demise of the monarch marks the end of his 48-year reign on the throne, making him one of the longest-serving traditional rulers in Lagos State.
According to the palace, the Akran was pronounced dead by medical experts, after a brief illness, and the traditional rites for his burial have gradually commenced.
Residents of Badagry, who are currently mourning the loss of their revered monarch, described his death as a heavy blow, noting that the town has lost not just a king but a father figure whose wisdom, counsel and presence brought reassurance in moments of uncertainty.
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