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Nigerian Scientists Develop Easy-To-Use Cholera Test To Prevent Outbreaks
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
As Nigeria battles with a cholera outbreak, the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) is making strides in the fight against cholera with the development of a new, easy-to-use diagnostic tool.
Cholera, a serious diarrhoeal illness caused by contaminated water and poor hygiene, can spread rapidly and experts say early detection is crucial to prevent outbreaks
Disclosing this in an exclusive interview with Vanguard in Lagos, the Director General of the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, Professor Babatunde Salako explained that the point-of-care test will allow for the rapid detection of cholera in body fluids and water, helping to prevent outbreaks before they can take hold.
“The first thing that we are doing is to support surveillance. We are currently creating a point-of-care instrument to diagnose cholera using body fluids and also water. We chose that because disease detection is the shortest way of preventing epidemics. If you can do surveillance, you can check if cholera is anywhere and you can be pick up a case.
“Once you pick the first case, you will be able to sort the rest out. Often what happens is that the disease would have spread before the first case is diagnosed and is it either because where it started, there were no diagnostic kits for them to use. Or maybe because it’s costly.
“Maybe because it’s not being produced in the country. All sorts of reasons. But we are doing one that is going to be country-made. It is going to be cheaper, available and it will be like the dipstick.”
Salako who explained that the NIMR’s dipstick test is currently in its final stages of development, added that it will be a game-changer for diagnosing cholera, especially in remote areas where traditional diagnostic kits are unavailable or expensive.
“The test is nearly 80 per cent complete and will be cheap, easy to use, and readily available at home and in healthcare clinics. This is a significant development, as traditional diagnostic kits are often expensive or unavailable in many areas.”
He said the dipstick test is just one part of NIMR’s comprehensive approach to cholera prevention, disclosing further that, the institute is also conducting wastewater surveillance in canals around hospitals in Lagos.
He said it will help to identify potential outbreaks early on, as hospital waste can contaminate floodwater and drinking supplies.
“Hospitals’ effluent wastes will come out and mix up with the flood. So that’s why cholera comes up when you have rain with flood everywhere and mix with drinkable water. In all of these, you have to spend money.”
He said research was essential for preventing outbreaks, adding that while the return on investment in research may not be immediate, it is crucial for the long-term health of the nation.
“One of the reasons why maybe some governments may not want to fund research is that the return on investment in research takes a long time. And politicians want something they can do to bring votes tomorrow or at the next election. Scientists don’t have that time of abracadabra. That’s not to say that no research can bring short-term solutions that you can showcase. But major ones that are going to be contributing to the economy of the nation, the health workforce capacity and all of that might take some time.”
Researchers argue that health research is the driving force behind a nation’s progress, even more so than advancements in engineering or education. This is because healthy citizens form the foundation of a thriving workforce and a strong economy.
Continuing, Salako who noted that health research finds solutions to people’s problems, said: “A healthy population leads to a more vibrant workforce, which in turn translates to a higher GDP and better overall economic performance.”
“Beyond direct health benefits, health research fosters innovation and product development. These discoveries can lead to the creation of startup companies that employ people, generate economic wealth, and produce life-saving products.
“The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a prime example. Before the vaccine’s development, the global economy suffered tremendously due to lockdowns and travel restrictions.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
In line with discussions reached after consultation with relevant stakeholders, the Plateau State Government has approved immediate implementation of the N70, 000 minimum wage for the workforce in Plateau State.
The cheering news is contained in a Press Statement signed by the Head of Civil Service in the State, Stephen Pam Gadong.
Full text of the statement reads in part:
Following the Agreement of the Committee on Consequential Adjustment on Salaries on 13th, November, 2024, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has approved the immediate implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage for workers in the state.
The Implementation is a demonstration of the Governor’s commitment to prioritizing the wellbeing of the workforce in acknowledgement of their invaluableble role in driving the State’s developmental goals.
As the new wage policy is administered, Civil Servants are encouraged to embrace this gesture by recommitting to their duties with renewed dedication and zeal in order to foster a culture of productivity and excellence in service in the State.
In a bid to ensure timely declaration of liquidation dividends to uninsured depositors of the failed Heritage Bank (In-Liquidation), the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has commenced the process of auctioning the landed properties and chattels of the defunct bank.
According to the Corporation, this exercise is in line with its statutory powers as the Liquidator of failed banks under section 62 (1)(d) of the NDIC Act, 2023, noting that; “This is another follow-up action sequel to the disposal of physical assets and chattels belonging to the defunct bank at its leased locations nationwide”.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Director, Communication and Public Affairs Department, Bashir A.
Therefore, the auction of the landed assets shall be by competitive bidding in sealed bids scheduled to take place at the six (6) selected locations of the Corporation across the country, for the affected 36 branches of the failed bank beginning from Wednesday 4th December 2024.
“Buyers who wish to participate in the auction are expected to follow laid down guidelines purposely aimed at ensuring transparency, fair competition, equity, and accountability to enable recovery of commensurate values from the exercise. This is critical for the payment of liquidation dividends to eligible claimants.
The Corporation shall give preference to financial institutions who are willing to buy at the highest auctioned value to allow for the continuation of provision of banking services to the Nigerian public at the designated locations”, adding; “This is desirable towards bolstering financial inclusion as envisaged by the financial system regulatory authorities.
“However, Corporate bodies and Private individuals willing to compete are equally eligible to compete in the process without prejudice, the auction shall be open and competitive to all bidders.
Furthermore, bidders will be allowed to inspect the properties and chattels across all locations one week before the date of disposal.”
Importantly too, the statement said; “All interested parties are to make available 10% bid security of the value of their sealed bids to be dropped in the bid box provided at the specific centre out of the six locations of the Corporation as contained in the published advertisements.
“All interested bidders are advised to submit their bids only at the designated NDIC offices covering their choices amongst Abuja, Lagos, Bauchi, Kano, Enugu, and Port Harcourt.”
Meanwhile, the Corporation has vowed that there would be no hiding place for debtors of the defunct Heritage Bank whose financial obligation portfolio is in the region of over N700 billion.
The Naira experienced a slight depreciation yesterday, slipping to N1,740 per dollar in the parallel market compared to its previous rate of N1,735 per dollar on Tuesday.
According to data from FMDQ, the indicative exchange rate for the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) strengthened, rising to N1,645.4 per dollar from Tuesday’s rate of N1,689.88 per dollar. This marks an appreciation of N44.48 for the Naira.
The market also saw a significant increase in dollar trading activity, with turnover climbing by 122.5 percent to reach $236.84 million, up from $106.44 million the previous day.
As a result, the gap between the parallel market and the NAFEM exchange rate widened, now standing at N94.6 per dollar, up from N45.12 per dollar recorded on Tuesday.
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