“Nigerian Doctors in High Demand as 67% Work in UK – FG”

The Federal Government has disclosed that 67 percent of Nigerian doctors currently practice in the United Kingdom. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, revealed this during an interview on Tuesday, highlighting the global demand for Nigerian-trained doctors and nurses.

Pate emphasized that the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) would face significant challenges if Nigerian doctors decided to withdraw and return home. This issue is part of the broader concern addressed by the newly approved National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, which aims to curb the mass exodus of health professionals from Nigeria.

Speaking on Channels Television’s *Politics Today* program, Pate noted the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in Nigeria, with only 55,000 licensed doctors serving a population exceeding 200 million. He reported that 16,000 doctors have left the country in the past five years, with about 17,000 being transferred.

Pate proposed that countries benefiting from Nigerian health professionals, like the UK, should invest in expanding training opportunities within Nigeria. “The continuous migration of health workers places a strain on our system. The UK will always need Nigerian doctors. But perhaps they should consider helping us train more, ensuring a sustainable flow of professionals,” he suggested.

Acknowledging the government’s inability to restrict the movement of its citizens, Pate stressed that the focus should be on creating a more favorable environment for health workers to stay and practice in Nigeria. “We cannot stop anyone from leaving, but we are committed to improving conditions to encourage health professionals to remain in the country and to attract those who have left to return,” he added.

President Biden Tests Positive for COVID-19, Exhibits Mild Symptoms

U.S. President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19, the White House announced on Thursday. According to Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre., Biden is fully vaccinated and boosted, and is currently experiencing mild symptoms.

The positive test result came after Biden attended an event in Nevada. Following this, he will return to his private residence in Delaware to self-isolate while continuing to perform all his presidential duties remotely.

Biden’s physician reported that the president displayed upper respiratory symptoms, including a runny nose and a cough, in the afternoon. Although the results of a PCR confirmation test are pending, Biden has already received his first dose of the COVID-19 drug Paxlovid.

This marks the second time Biden, 81, has tested positive for COVID-19; he experienced mild symptoms during his previous infection two years ago. Given his age, Biden is at a higher risk for severe illness from the virus.

This latest positive test comes amid increasing scrutiny of Biden’s mental acuity and physical health, raising concerns about his fitness to run for a second term in the upcoming November presidential elections.

President Biden Tests Positive for COVID-19, Exhibits Mild Symptoms

Abuja residents take preventive measures against cholera

By Anita Uzoagba/Olamide Kuye

Some residents of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) say they are taking measures to avoid contracting cholera which is spreading in different parts of the country.

The residents, who spoke in separate interviews with newsmen on Saturday, said that proper hygiene was now paramount in their everyday life.

Media reports indicate that deaths from cholera outbreak in Lagos State has risen to 24 with 35 confirmed cases.

There also 417 suspected cases in 20 Local Government Areas of the state.

Mr Kunle Ashimi, the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Ogun State, acknowledged the impact of cholera in 30 states in the country, according to media reports.

The FCT residents told NAN that they were paying extra attention to the sources of food they consume and taking extra measures to keep their environment clean.

Miss Kanayo Gift said she improve on her cleanliness, adding that “I know that cholera is caused by poor sanitation practices, so I ensure that I keep my surroundings clean.

“I dispose my garbage properly, and most importantly, I always make sure I wash my hands regularly.

According to her, she applies hand sanitizer on her hands when she is not at home and unable to wash them.

“I also ensure that my toilet is clean and hygienic”, Gift said.

Mrs Gladys Ohiwere, Assistant Head Mistress, Leadway Schools, said that they had put up safety guidelines for students to protect them from contracting cholera and other communicable diseases.

“We made sure there is tap water flowing around the school environment with soap for washing their hands.

“We also provided sanitizers to use on their hands properly. Whenever a pupil is going to the toilet we ensure a teacher is there to assist them.

“This is to ensure that they use the toilet properly and also make sure that they wash their hands afterwards.

She also told NAN that they strive to ensure that the students did not eat their food with unwashed hands.

Similarly, Mrs Loveth Ezeurike, a teacher at Ariella Ville Academy, said that the school management made sure its environment is clean at all times.

“The classrooms are thoroughly cleaned each day. This includes the student desks and floors. Students are encouraged to always wash their hands after their break time and before entering their respective classrooms.

She added that hand sanitisers have also been provided for every classroom.

“We have also informed parents to ensure their children are in good health before sending them to school” she said.

Malam Bala Musa, a fruit vendor, said usually he washed his fruits once but with the outbreak, he washes them twice with clean water before selling.

“There are some people who are not taking the outbreak of this disease seriously. As for me I will continue to keep my environment clean and maintain hygiene at all times.

I want to keep my customers and myself healthy”, Musa told NAN.

Abuja residents take preventive measures against cholera