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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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Nigerian Law school student dies after falling from hostel rooftop
The deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.
•Faith Alayande
A Nigerian Law School student identified as Faith Alayande, is dead after she fell from the rooftop at Lagos campus.
In a statement on Monday, Aderonke Osho, secretary to the council and director of administration, said that the deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.
Osho said preliminary findings revealed that the student died from injuries sustained after falling from the rooftop of the campus hostel around 4am on Friday.
The Nigerian Law School is deeply saddened by this tragic development.
“Management is working closely with the appropriate authorities and the family to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, ensure that all necessary procedures are duly followed, and provide further information as appropriate.”
News
Ekwulobia Suspends New Yam Festival for Kidnap Billionaire Son
A source from the community said the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia where Ezeokafor hails from, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Engr) Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, officially suspended the Ekwulobia New Yam Festival, saying there was no need to celebrate while their son remained in captivity.
• Joseph Ezeokafor
Ekwulobia community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State has cancelled its New Yam festival celebration billed for September 4, 2026.
Ohibaba.com learned that this is because of the kidnap of billionaire businessman and owner of Jezco Group of Companies, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor.
Ezeokafor was kidnapped in Awka on Tuesday last week when he stepped out of his house without his security details to attend to his spiritual need, where he goes to offer prays.
Public Relations Officer of Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga who confirmed the development said that serious operation is currently ongoing to save the elder statesman.
His kidnap has sent his community into mourning, causing the postponement of the new Yam festival, an annual festival which holds on a static date every year.
A source from the community said the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia where Ezeokafor hails from, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Engr) Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, officially suspended the Ekwulobia New Yam Festival, saying there was no need to celebrate while their son remained in captivity.
“The Igwe said the community of Ekwulobia cannot celebrate while their son remains in the custody of the kidnappers,” the source said.
News
NLC disrupts Air Peace flight
The affected Air Peace flight, scheduled to depart Lagos at 6:30am, could not take off as passengers waited amid the disruption.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday disrupted flight operations in Lagos, leaving passengers scheduled to travel on an Air Peace flight stranded at the airport.
Our Reporter learned that the “protest was intended to enforce Air Peace employees right to join the union.”
Zulu terminal gate was under lock and key. The protest started at about 5am.
The affected Air Peace flight, scheduled to depart Lagos at 6:30am, could not take off as passengers waited amid the disruption.
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