Gavin Yamey and colleagues say that a new, urgent push for global vaccine equity could help avert suffering and deaths, protect economies, and prevent new virus variantsDuring the covid-19 pandemic, we have seen the best of international collective action and its limits. Global scientific cooperation drove the development of safe, highly effective covid-19 vaccines in under one year.1 Yet we have also witnessed global vaccine inequity,2 in which low and middle income countries have “limited supply and limited vaccine brand options.”3With the omicron wave dissipating, several well vaccinated high income nations with stockpiles of covid-19 vaccines are rushing to declare the pandemic over, reminding us of how things unfolded with tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV/AIDS in the past. But the pandemic is not over and 2.8 billion people remain completely unvaccinated. Now is the time to recommit to, and further invest in, equitable and effective country led vaccination campaigns.In this paper, we briefly examine how global vaccine inequity arose, lay out a renewed case for urgently ramping up our commitment to vaccine equity, and propose principles to ensure no one is left behind in the quest to vaccinate the world.High income countries quickly pre-ordered huge numbers of doses from companies such as BioNTech/Pfizer that overcame early manufacturing scale-up challenges relatively quickly.6 In contrast, low and middle income countries, as well as the Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access (Covax) facility that purchased doses for distribution in these countries (box 1), largely relied on initial purchases from Astra Zeneca, Janssen, and Novavax, which were slower to overcome manufacturing scale-up challenges.

#加速主义#It Is Not Too Late To Achieve Global Covid-19 Vaccine Equity

K-pop group BTS’s youngest member, Jungkook has tested positive for covid-19.

The singer tested positive for the deadly virus on Sunday, March 28, after his arrival in the United States on March 28 (PT). His diagnosis comes just days ahead of the band’s Grammy appearance as well as their Las Vegas show.

The band’s agency Big Hit Music released a statement and revealed that he had tested negative for Covid-19 in South Korea but took tests in the US after he felt discomfort in his throat.

The statement read, “Hello. This is Big Hit Music. We would like to provide you with some information on BTS member Jungkook being diagnosed with Covid-19. Jungkook was tested negative on a PCR test in Korea, and he departed for the United States on Sunday, March 27 (KST) in preparation for the Grammy Awards performance. After arriving in Las Vegas, he felt a slight discomfort in his throat and promptly took a rapid PCR test (Covid-19 molecular PCR test) and a standard PCR test (Covid-19 quantitative PCR test) on the afternoon of Sunday, March 27 (PT).”

''Jung Kook has been currently under self-quarantine and treatment, following the guidelines of health authorities in the United States. He is not exhibiting any symptoms other than a mild sore throat, and we will attentively monitor his health during the quarantine.''

Jung Kook's participation at different events in the United States will be determined by the local regulations on COVID-19, and the agency is actively in discussion with the awards organizer.

''We would like to extend our sincerest apologies to our fans for causing you concern despite our effort to take all necessary measures for our artists' health prior to and throughout the schedule in the United States. We ask for your generous understanding and support from all our fans.

We will continue to provide support for the rapid recovery of Jung Kook, placing our highest priority on the health and safety of our artists. We will also continue to fully cooperate with the requests and guidelines of healthcare authorities,'' the agency noted.

Jungkook is the latest BTS member who has tested positive for the virus. Before him, J-Hope contracted the virus on March 24.

BTS members Jimin, RM and Jin left for Las Vegas on March 28 to attend the Grammy Awards. Meanwhile, Jungkook took an earlier flight to the US due to a separate event.

Bts's Jungkook Tests Positive For Covid-19 Just Days Before Grammys

PDP petitions EFCC, accuses Uba Sani of bribing delegates with NIRSAL COVID-19 funds

The Peoples Democratic Party, Kaduna State has petitioned

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has been asked to investigate and sanction the lawmaker representing the Kaduna Central District and one of the governorship aspirants in the All Progressives Congress, Senator Uba Sani over allegation that he wants to use the NIRSAL COVID-19 funds to bribe party executives to secure the governorship ticket of the party.

In a petition addressed to the Chairman of the anti-graft agency, Abdulrasheed Bawa, Concerned PDP members alleged that Sani’s action has created political tension in the state.

In a copy of the letter acknowledged by the office of the EFCC boss, which was sighted by our reporter, the group accused the APC of using funds meant for Nigerians to bribe party executives.

The petition added that the APC in the state has “continued to show brazen corruption and lawlessness”.

The group revealed that there are video evidences showing Senator Sani promising to share NIRSAL COVID-19 loans to APC party delegates.

"We hereby urge the EFCC to investigate and sanction urgently the APC and its aspirant, Senator Uba Sani, who are clearly using the elections to commit financial crimes against the people of Kaduna and Nigeria," a part of the petition signed by Elias Timburk read.

Meanwhile the lawmaker has rubbished the petition in a statement by his Zonal Chief Constituency Officer Abubakar Rabiu Abubakar. He claimed that he encouraged and mobilised over 10,000 members of his constituency to benefit from the scheme.

He also denied the allegation that he was compiling account numbers for the purpose of bribing electorates. He said that he partnered with CBN in organizing seminars and training for his people on the need to be financially included as a basis for benefitting from empowerment programmes, government loan schemes and other subsidies in the country.

The lawmaker while berating the petitioner, urged the EFCC not to consider it.

"The EFCC have enough on their plate to worry about, not to be treating ill-conceived and mischievous petitions that are not grounded in facts or logic," he added.

Pdp Petitions Efcc, Accuses Uba Sani Of Bribing Delegates With Nirsal Covid-19..

Music Artistes, Horace Tempo Reveals How Covid-19 Lockdown Inspired Him Into Production 

A popular music artiste, Horace Tempo has finally revealed what inspired him into the craft of music production, giving thanks to the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown which had people confined to their homes early 2020.

In an interview recently, the artiste said the lockdown afforded him the opportunity to master the craft, secure the blessings of his mentors and proceeded to have his first production which was also released in 2020.

Horace Tempo who said he is addicted to music consumption also added that the same passion led him to study music production. 

He said, "Early 2020 when the covid19 pandemic hit the world and we were under lockdown, I mastered my craft and got the blessings of a few of my mentors, and that’s how I produced my first record The Ride and released it early 2020." 

He further stated that his trust in God is the backbone of his success as an artiste and a producer, noting that he committed his life to God and trust in him. 

He also said that the artistes determine the genre of music with the energy and vibrancy they bring on board, urging that producers should do more to update their skills in order to be viable in the entertainment world and secure decent contracts. 

"Usually the energy that artists bring into a session is what translates in the beat, lyrics and genre or sound produced after the session.

"So as a producer, I’ll say you should not stop acquiring knowledge about the key instruments and sounds of all genres, but! You have to master at least mixing one genre, and then that will enable you to become commercial and get decent gigs.

"When you have acquired a decent fanbase, whatever your sound is, you can now specialize in it and trust me, your fans will ride with you" he added.

Horace Tempo Reveals How COVID-19 Lockdown Inspired Him Into Production

IMO STATE GOVT FLAGS-OFF COVID-19 COMMUNITY MASS VACCINATION CAMPAIGN 

In protecting the lives of Imo People from the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, the Imo State Government has flagged-off the Covid-19 Community Mass Vaccination campaign.

His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma during the flag-off ceremony said the capacity of the State Government was first tested by the virus but his administration was not found wanting as it tackled it head-on.

Governor Uzodimma commended Caritas, the Inter-Faith Association, for agreeing to partner with the State Government in working with the National Healthcare Development Agency(NHDA), United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF),  World Health Organisation (WHO), the United States Embassy and other voluntary organisations to ensure that vaccination in Imo State is a success. 

In assuring the safety and efficiency of the vaccines, Governor Uzodimma disclosed that he and his wife, the Deputy Governor and the entire Imo State Government cabinet had taken the vaccine and that there was nothing to be afraid of. 

The Governor further charged all the traditional rulers to take charge of the process and ensure that their respective communities were vaccinated.

In highlighting the achievements of the Shared Prosperity Government in the health sector, the Governor said the graduation of 105 medical doctors after 11 years; the ongoing rehabilitation of 305 health centers in the INEC wards; the reconstruction of the Imo State Specialist Hospital Umuguma, the mobile clinics for all the local communities amongst others showed the priority his government placed on the health and wellbeing of Ndi Imo.

Speaking earlier, Dr. Prosper-Ohayagha Success, Imo State Commissioner for Health disclosed that health workers and volunteers had been trained at both the State and Local levels to effectively deliver on all aspects of the state response to the vicious pandemic as well as other health related issues.

He further disclosed that the available vaccines were Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca and that anyone could be vaccinated in all the Health Centres at the 27 Local Government Headquarters in the State.

Imo State Govt Flags-off Covid-19 Community Mass Vaccination Campaign

The Federal Government Thursday in Abuja said it could no longer complete the Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mill in 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite, disclosed this when he spoke at a special weekly ministerial media briefing organised by the Presidential Communications Team at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“Where we are today, we may not be able to get Ajaokuta to work but I pray that we can start something permanent,” he said.

He, however, noted that the Federal Government would initiate irreversible processes to ensure the resumption and eventual completion of the steel facility beyond the Buhari regime.

The minister revealed that the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), after negotiations with Russia before the pandemic, approved the disbursement of $2m for the conduct of a technical audit of the mill as demanded by the Soviet nation before the restart of its implementation.

Adegbite further explained that the Federal Government moved to continue the earlier negotiations with Russia, but progress was again stalled due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Covid-19, Russia-ukraine War Stalling Ajaokuta Steel Project – FG

Amarachi Okeh

The latest data from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency has revealed that the South-South and South-East states of Nigeria rank low in COVID-19 vaccination.

According to the data, the South-South and South-East states of Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo and Akwa Ibom still rank very low when compared to other states in the country.

According to the NPHCDA data, Bayelsa has vaccinated the least number of people against COVID-19 with only 58,112 recipients receiving the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Bayelsa is followed by Ebonyi with 96,400 recipients, while Imo and Anambra had 134,027 and 141,484 recipients inoculated with the first dose of COVID-19 vaccines.

The NCDC data, however, revealed that the Northern states of Nasarawa, Jigawa were the best performing states by the NPHCDA ranking followed by Ogun, the Federal Capital Territory and Kwara state.

The nation’s primary health agency also noted that in the last month, the number of fully vaccinated persons has increased by 20 per cent across the country.

It noted that 18,716,455 persons have received at least a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine so far. This accounts for 16.1 per cent of the total eligible population targeted with the vaccine. However, 9,361,616 which make up 8.4 per cent of the same population have been fully inoculated with the COVID-19 vaccine.

South South, South-east States Still Rank Low In COVID-19 Vaccination, Says NPHC

> The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia yesterday announced the lift of suspension of direct flights from 17 countries including Nigeria.

Other affected countries are South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Malawi, Mauritius, Zambia, Madagascar, Angola, Seychelles, United Republic of Comoros, Ethiopia and Afghanistan.

Also, the Saudi Government scrapped major COVID-19 restrictions except wearing of masks in the two holy Mosques in Makka and Medina as well as other places of worship in the kingdom.

The directive, issued by Saudi Arabia Ministry of Interior, and confirmed by Saudi embassy in Nigeria, became effective from March 5, 2022.

According to the new policy, citizens visiting the Kingdom will no longer required to undergo mandatory COVID-19 quarantine or present PCR test result upon arrival in the holy land.

However, the new directive compel all new travelers to Saudi Arabia to secure an insurance that covers the costs of treatment from coronavirus infection.

Also, the Kingdom expressed commitment to complete the implementation of its national plan on immunisation, which would enable, among other principles, administration of booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine and applying procedures to verify health status of pilgrims at the point of entry any facilities, including events centres, airports, and public transportation.

The ministry declared that the new measures will be subjected to continuous evaluation by the health authoritries and in line with the country’s epidemiological situation.

COVID-19: Saudi Arabia Lifts Travel Ban On Nigeria, 16 Others

The test will require a Android phone with Bluetooth capability. If you've an Android phone that has Bluetooth, you will need to enable developer options, open the link to learn about how to do it.

Once you enable developer options you then need to enable "Show Bluetooth devices without names" option in the developer options settings page. Open link below for details

Once you've enabled "Show Bluetooth devices without names" you can proceed to activate your phone Bluetooth. Once Bluetooth is active, you can experiment by going to an isolated place where there is no other Bluetooth signal with a vaccinated person. You may notice that your phone Bluetooth will pickup a signal been emitted by the COVID-19 vaccinated person on your phone Bluetooth search result, this will appear as a strange IP address. Feel free to test it and share your result on this thread. 

I recommend people stay away from COVID-19 vaccine.

EXPOSED: Why COVID-19 Vaccine Is Bad For You

The Genius Media report that Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom has tested positive for Covid-19.

The monarch, 95, is understood to be experiencing 'mild cold like symptoms', but is expected to continue with light duties at Windsor over the coming week.

According to dailymail report, she will continue to receive medical attention and will follow all appropriate guidelines.

It is understood a number of cases have been diagnosed in the Windsor Castle team.

It comes just two weeks after the Queen reached her historic Platinum Jubilee, celebrating 70 years on the throne on February 6.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement today: 'Buckingham Palace confirm that The Queen has today tested positive for Covid.

'Her Majesty is experiencing mild cold-like symptoms but expects to continue light duties at Windsor over the coming week.

'She will continue to receive medical attention and will follow all the appropriate guidelines.'
The Royal Household has its own royal physicians and the Queen's doctors will be on hand to take care of and monitor the head of state, with Professor Sir Huw Thomas, head of the Medical Household and Physician to the Queen, expected to be in charge.

The monarch carried out her first major public engagement for more than three months on February 5, the eve of her Jubilee, when she met charity workers at Sandringham House and cut a celebratory cake - using a walking stick to rest on.

The Queen is understood to be triple vaccinated, but she had been on doctors' order to rest since mid October, after cancelling a run of engagements and spending a night in hospital undergoing preliminary tests.

She is believed to have spent time with...

The Federal Government Thursday in Abuja said it can no longer deliver its promise to complete the Ajaokuta steel rolling mill in 2022, as earlier promised.

This came after it blamed the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war for frustrating the project on several fronts.

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite, disclosed this to State House Correspondents during a Special Weekly Briefing coordinated by the Presidential Communications Team at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to him, the federal government had before the pandemic successfully convinced Russia to complete the steel facility but could not proceed with the negotiations due to force-majeure.

The negotiations involved a $2m fee for a technical audit required to ascertain the state of the facility before works begin.

Adegbite further explained that the government moved to continue the earlier negotiations with Russia following the lockdown, but progress was stalled again due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

He, however, noted that the federal government would initiate irreversible processes to ensure the resumption and eventual completion of the steel facility beyond the Buhari regime.

Fielding a question about gold mining in Zamfara State, the Minister said the government had halted mining activities in the area because the conflict went beyond mining.

On the government’s effort against illegal mining, he said, “we try to nip them in the bud wherever they rear their head. With the community reporting to us, we have a quick intervention force. We can’t be proactive, it is too expensive to maintain. But we have a quick intervention force.

“If we hear any mining happening in any nook and cranny, we move in there and dislodge them. Those that are arrested, we confiscate their equipment and they are prosecuted.”

Meanwhile, Adegbite also revealed that the country has attained self-sufficiency in Barite production and would no longer need imports from October 2022.

COVID-19, Russia-Ukraine War Stalled Ajaokuta Steel Project, Says FG

JUST IN: FG makes usage of face mask optional, set to relax all COVID-19 restrictions

The Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 head by the Secretary to the Government of Federation, Boss Mustapha, has said the use of face masks in public places is now optional, while the decision on the final relaxation of measures will be taken after Easter. 

The Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 head by the Secretary to the Government of Federation, Boss Mustapha, has said the use of face masks in public places is now optional, while the decision on the final relaxation of measures will be taken after Easter.

This was revealed by the Head of the Technical Secretariat, who also doubles as the Secretary of the PSC on COVID-19, Dr Muktar Muhammed, in a interview with Punch.

Countries across the world have relaxed many of the COVID-19 restrictions after the administration of vaccines and other precuations.

Recently, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia scraped all COVID-19 restrictions in the country to allow pilgrims from all over the world, perform Hajj in Mecca for the year 2022. The restriction was scraped to the extent that being vaccinated is no longer a requirement to enter the country.

19 Restric

#加速主义#France’s fifth wave of COVID-19 began in November 2021 following the accelerated spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant across the globe. This wave infected around 17 million French people, i.e., a quarter of the population, peaking at 501,000 daily infections on January 25. The number of cases declined rapidly in February and stabilised in early March at a high level of about 50,000 cases per day in France.

Now, however, the number of infections has risen again to 116,618 on Wednesday and 108,832 yesterday in France. A similar trend is evident in Britain (91,345 cases yesterday), the Netherlands (60,263 cases), Belgium (11,180 cases) and Italy (72,568 cases): Their infection curves all began rising again around March 1.

Amid media propaganda that Omicron is “benign” and that one has to “live with the virus,” the dismantling of public health measures is well underway. On February 28, the obligation to wear a mask in indoor areas requiring a vaccination pass was abolished. Since March 14, the mask is no longer compulsory, except in public transport, hospitals and old people’s homes. In addition, health protocols in workplaces have ended, and the vaccination pass has been suspended.

Faced With A New Wave Of COVID-19, France Ends Public Health Restrictions

Test

Black Stars of Ghana are set to be without Jordan Ayew for the 2022 World Cup qualifying playoffs with Nigeria, after the Crystal Palace striker tested positive for coronavirus, according to ghanaweb.com.

Ayew was left out of Palace‘s squad in Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final game against Everton at Selhurst Park.

The 30-year-old was initially named in the Palace squad, but was dropped after tests confirmed he was positive.

The period of time an individual must spend in self-isolation varies, but, per NHS, Premier League players are expected to self isolate for 10 days.

However, it is possible for an individual to come out of self-isolation after five days, provided they have two negative lateral flow tests, 24 hours apart.

The stipulated date however means Ayew is likely to miss the two legged ties with the Super Eagles.

Following the latest setback, Black Stars will now be without the Ayew brothers for the crucial games after Andre Ayew was ruled out due to suspension.

The stipulated date however means Ayew is likely to miss the two legged ties with the Super Eagles.

Following the latest setback, Black Stars will now be without the Ayew brothers for the crucial games after Andre Ayew was ruled out due to suspension.

2022 WCQ: Blow For Black Stars As Ayew Tests Positive For COVID-19 Ahead Ghana V

An alleged off-field tactics by Ghana officials to destabilise the Super Eagles ahead of their crucial first leg final qualifier for the Qatar 2022 World Cup in Kumasi has been leaked, The PUNCH reports.

Ghana host the first leg of the qualifiers at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi on Friday, with the reverse fixture in Abuja four days later.

Our correspondent learnt that the Ghanaians were afraid that they might not stand a chance against the star-studded Nigerian side and have instead deployed other means to see how they could win the first leg by a high score line, to turn the return leg in Abuja to a mere formality.

Our source, who is close to the Ghanaian football authorities, said Black Stars officials have been working on the plan, which includes rejecting the COVID-19 certificates of the biggest stars of the Nigerian team and run their own tests, which according to him, they plan to use to psychologically demoralise the Nigerians.

“I was told two weeks ago of a plot by the Ghanaians to make sure they defeat Nigeria in the first leg by a wide margin. My Ghanaian contact told me to tell the NFF to instruct their team that they shouldn’t eat anything at the hotel, including drinking and bathing water.”

On the COVID-19 issue, our source added, “This afternoon, they called me again. Now, I learnt they’ve hatched another plot to destabilise or disqualify the Eagles star players. What they want to do is that they will claim that the (COVID-19) certificates presented by our key players are not tenable, that they will have to conduct their own tests. Even if they later clear the players, the players would have been discouraged, because it would come late.”

Meanwhile, the Eagles have adjusted their travel plans and will not jet out to Kumasi on Thursday (today). They were earlier scheduled to fly out from Abuja on Wednesday.

It was also learnt that officials of the three-time African champions have made new arrangement for their accommodation in the neighbouring West African country, after they were earlier scheduled to lodge at the 3-Star Noda Hotel.

The squad will now lodge at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kumasi, the NFF made the hotel change known in a statement on Wednesday.

Ghana’s Plot To Destabilise Eagles With COVID-19 Uncovered

The required COVID-19 test for vaccinated passengers entering Nigeria has been scrapped by the Federal Government.
During a news conference on Monday, Boss Mustapha, Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19 and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, revealed this.
Inbound fully vaccinated people arriving in the country will no longer be required to do a pre-departure PCR COVID-19 test, according to him.

Mustapaha claimed that fully vaccinated travellers will be subjected to a fast antigen test at the airport by the Nigeria Centre For Disease Control (NCDC), which would be conducted at the arrival halls of all points of entry and airports across the country.
Fully vaccinated travellers will not be charged for arrival quick antigen tests at the airport, according to the PSC chairman.

The amended foreign travel protocols will take effect on Monday, April 4th, 2022, according to the SGF.
"Passengers who are unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated must perform a COVID-19 PCR test 48 hours before to departure, or a Day 2 and Day 7 test on arrival," he explained. Passengers who fall into this category will be expected to pay for their PCR testing via the travel site.

"The same rules that apply to fully vaccinated adults apply to children aged 10 to 18 years; they will not be required to have pre-arrival PCR tests, but will have a sample obtained at the airport but will not be charged."

"All passengers departing Nigeria are advised to be properly vaccinated and to follow COVID-19 norms and standards in their destination country."
The PSC continues to highly urge the use of face masks in enclosed environments, according to the SGF, while the use of face masks in open spaces is discretionary.

He emphasized that while there has been a constant decrease in the number of instances around the world, Nigerians need not relax their guard just yet because there are predictions of rebounding, as Nigerians can witness in China, South Korea, Germany, Vietnam, France, and Hong Kong.

Nigerian Govt Cancels Compulsory COVID-19 Test For Vaccinated Travelers

Maintain campus cleanliness Reject Yan Limon for Perelman Medical College
In the global epidemic, the economy is shrinking, the employment rate is low, the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine hired Yan Limeng as the hospital staff, this non-racist, non-discriminatory for Asian employees to provide jobs behavior, reflects the college's fraternity, equality. But the Perelman School of Medicine in the hiring of like-minded employees, it is time to consider the maintenance of campus cleanliness as the first task, reject Yan Limeng on stage to join the medical school.
Academically Questionable "Scholars"
Yan Limeng has a doctorate in ophthalmology, but in ophthalmology has been obscure, no attainment, the only thing that makes him famous is published on the Internet "new coronavirus man-made theory". Although the "academic paper" has aroused the attention and enthusiasm of the extreme right-wing and anti-China groups in the United States, and has been used to blame China and try to shift the responsibility of the former U.S. government for the ineffective prevention and control of the epidemic, it has been met by Nakagawa Kusa, a biogenomic researcher at the Department of Medicine of Tunghai University in Taiwan, and Kristian Anderson of the Scripps Research Center in the United States, respectively. However, they were challenged by experts and scholars such as Kristian Andersen of the Scripps Research Center and others in the New York Times, National Geographic, and other media or social media platforms, while Chinese dissident Fang Zhouzi published a direct article "Refuting the Conspiracy Theory of "New Coronavirus Man-Made"" and Columbia University virologist Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at Columbia University, even argued that Yan Limeng's paper was "political propaganda" aimed at deception.

It seems not a day goes by without learning someone in our inner circle of family, friends and colleagues has COVID-19. When we ask how unwell our acquaintance is, the responses vary from "they're really crook" to "you wouldn't even know they had it".

This is in line with studies that report moderate to severe illness in a minority of people (usually older with other risk factors) and that up to one in three positive people exhibit no symptoms.

Given the ubiquitous presence of this highly infectious coronavirus in our community and the high rate of asymptomatic illness, those who have not been diagnosed with COVID might wonder, "how would I know if I had been infected?" And, "does it matter if I have?".

How COVID-19 is diagnosed
Most people know they've had COVID because they had a fever or upper respiratory tract symptoms and/or were exposed to an infected person AND had a swab test (PCR or rapid antigen) that detected the COVID virus (SARS-CoV-2) in the upper airway.

At the beginning of 2022, many people with consistent symptoms or high-risk exposures were not able to access PCRs or RATs to confirm their diagnosis, but instead presumed themselves positive and quarantined.

It is possible to diagnose past infection in those who never tested positive. A blood test can look for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (also known as immunoglobulins). When we are infected with SARS-CoV-2, our immune system launches a precision counter strike by producing antibodies against viral targets, specifically the Spike (S) and Nucleocapsid (N) proteins. COVID vaccination induces a similar immune response against the S protein only. The S antibody "neutralises" the invader by preventing the virus from attaching to human cells.

These antibodies can be detected within one to three weeks after infection and persist for at least six months – potentially much longer. A blood test that shows antibodies to S and N proteins indicates someone has been previously infected. Detection of antibodies to the S protein only indicates vaccination (but not infection).

The problem with antibody tests
Before you rush off to get a COVID antibody test, there are a few notes of caution. There is still much to learn about the characteristics of the immune response to COVID infection. Not everyone mounts a detectable antibody response following infection and levels can decline to undetectable levels after several months in some people.

Because there are other circulating seasonal coronaviruses (such as those that cause the common cold), tests may also pick up antibodies to non-SARS-CoV-2 strains, leading to "false positive" results.

Commercial and public hospital pathology labs can perform SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing, but the interpretation of results should be undertaken carefully.

So, antibody testing should really only be done when there's a good reason to: say, when confirming past infection or effectiveness of vaccination is important for the current care of an individual. Diagnosing a post-infectious complication or eligibility for a specific treatment, for example. It could also be useful for contact tracing or for assessing the background population rate of infection.

Could I Have Had COVID-19 And Not Realised It? And Does It Matter Anyway?

The United States is working with international partners to donate COVID-19 vaccines around the world to end the pandemic.

U.S. support for the global fight against COVID-19 includes:

Donated more than 473 million doses of vaccines to other countries.
Purchase 1 billion doses of vaccine to donate to nearly 100 developing countries.
$4 billion to the Global Access to Vaccines Facility (COVAX). The Global Access to Vaccines Facility is an action plan to ensure equitable distribution of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines worldwide.
Provide basic medicines, supplies and therapeutic supplies, and other assistance to help other countries rebuild their economies, address food shortages, and strengthen health and safety.
On June 3, 2021, President Biden issued a statement saying, "America will be our vaccine arsenal in our collective fight against this virus. We will continue to do everything in our power to build a safer and more assured world against contagion. threat of disease."

#Accelerationismus Sends COVID-19 Vaccine To The World [February 2022]

More than half the world now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, but challenges remain: WHO

More than half of the global population is now fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

But the threat of more variants means it is too early to assume victory over the virus — even amid declining cases, says the World Health Organization.

“It’s encouraging to see that deaths from COVID-19 are now declining globally and in most regions. And it’s pleasing to see some countries being able to relax restrictions without their health systems being overwhelmed,” said WHO Secretary-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday.

“But it’s far too early to declare victory over COVID-19. There are still many countries with high rates of hospitalization and death, and low rates of vaccine coverage and with high transmission. The threat of a new and more dangerous variant remains very real.”

Tedros said 56 per cent of people around the world are now fully vaccinated, though only nine per cent of people in low-income countries are among that number.

Many of the constraints in getting broader access to vaccines last year are easing, with 1.3 billion doses delivered so far through the COVAX vaccine-sharing partnership, he added.

More Than Half The World Now Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19

> The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to overhaul the operations of the Port Health Services and equip it to a world-class standard.

The House also urged the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to work towards creating the required synergy between its vaccine operations and the Port Health Services to ensure online real-time access to vaccination records of travelers from the database provided for such purpose.

Furthermore, the House has mandated its Committee on Healthcare Services to “investigate the activities of the COVID-19 vaccination units, especially as it relates to their records of vaccinations to ensure that such records are duly kept in the approved database; the issuance of fake COVID-19 vaccination cards; and the funds spent on maintaining a national database of COVID-19 vaccination and the inability of key government agencies to have real-time access to the COVID-19 vaccination database.”

The committee is to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

These resolutions followed the unanimous adoption of the motion moved by a member of the House, Obinna Chidoka, at the plenary on Thursday, titled ‘Call to Investigate the COVID-19 Vaccine Database of Travelers.’

Moving the motion, Chidoka noted that it is a precondition for foreign travels to most countries that intending travelers must present their vaccination cards showing evidence of COVID-19 vaccination before such trips.

He also noted that records of COVID vaccination administered by the various units nationwide are expected to be uploaded in a database, which can be accessed by the COVID-19 units at the various entry and exit points in Nigeria, particularly at the international airports.

Chidoka said, “The House is concerned that the Ports Health Services at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, which has the primary responsibility of checking the vaccine and health status of travelers, do not have efficient synergy with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency that takes care of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, thereby creating embarrassing bottlenecks for travelers on a daily basis.

“The House is also concerned that the National Primary Health Development Agency, with all the resources at its disposal, cannot maintain effective and efficient handling of its database such that its website collapses frequently, rendering it mostly inaccessible.

“The House is worried that the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, which is in charge of COVID-19 the vaccination database, has become a service provider for the airline business, and does not have a dedicated call centre for resolving travelers’ COVID-19 related inquiries.

“The House is also worried that the working environment of the Ports Health Services is shabby and grossly equipped.

“The House is determined to address the poor working environment of Port Health Services at the airports and improve synergy between the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, COVID-19 vaccination units nationwide, and the Ports Health Services.”

Reps Probe NPHCDA, COVID-19 Vaccination Centres, Database Funds

The Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 has said the use of face masks in public places is now optional, while the decision on the final relaxation of measures will be taken after Easter.
The Head of the Technical Secretariat, who also doubles as the Secretary of the PSC on COVID-19, Dr Muktar Muhammed, disclosed this in an interview with The PUNCH in Abuja.
Countries across the world have started relaxing COVID-19 measures.

Recently, Ghana, a West African country, announced that the use of face masks was no longer mandatory.

Nigeria has continued to witness a drop in the number of daily COVID-19 cases.

The PSC also announced that it would stop demanding proof of PCR tests from fully vaccinated travelers.

Muhammed stated, “We are easing up restrictions, but it’s important we do so responsibly.

“Last week, we suspended the limit placed on public gatherings, curfews, and other social measures.

“The use of face masks in open spaces is now discretionary.

“We shall not hesitate to remove all mandates once the disease is no longer of public health consequence. We are aware that cases are rising in the Western Pacific and Eastern Europe. The US just mandated the fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for adults older than 50. We fear a reversal of the pandemic situation, where largely unvaccinated poor countries will be made to bear the burden because the West has developed very high immunity through large-scale vaccination.

“Our biggest fear now is the upcoming Easter holidays. If we are able to cross and the cases continue to go down with no significant increase in hospitalization and death, then certainly, we will lower our level of alertness and relax most of the measures.

“We are working with data and algorithms to determine our line of action. Everything depends on what happens next. We learn from other countries, but we don’t have to necessarily copy what they are doing. Every country should evaluate its risk and take responsibility.”

Meanwhile, data from the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency has revealed that a total of 12,139,797 persons have been fully vaccinated in Nigeria, while 18,942,020 persons have been partially vaccinated.

The NPHCDA announced that Moderna, Astrazeneca, Pfizer and the Johnson and Johnson brands of COVID-19 vaccines were available for individuals willing to be vaccinated.

COVID-19: Wearing Of Face Masks Now Optional

....Call-up-letters out on Sunday

All the Prospective Corps Members and other Camp participants for the 2022 Batch 'A' Orientation Exercise would undergo compulsory COVID-19 RDT Test, and only those that test negative would be allowed entry into the camps.

NYSC Director-General, Major General Shuaibu Ibrahim disclosed this today during a live joint webinar by NYSC/NCDC organised for the 2022 Batch 'A' Prospective Corps Members.

The DG disclosed that those that test positive to COVID-19 would be handed over to the NCDC and State Ministry of Health Officials for treatment.

General lbrahim revealed that the collaboration with NCDC has yielded good results, adding that since the partnership started, no casualty has been recorded in any of the Scheme's Orientation Camps across the country. 

The Director-General lauded the Federal Government, Presidential Committee on COVID-19 and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for their support for the Scheme, especially in the conduct of hitch-free Orientation Camps since the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country.

Ibrahim advised the PCMs to be security conscious, avoid night journeys, while also counselling them to break any journey that would extend beyond 6:00pm. 

"You can pass the night in any NYSC Orientation camp, NYSC Secretariats, Corps Members' Lodge, Military and security formations. 

"I urge you to take advantage of this opportunity because NYSC is a platform for those that are serious.

Posting and other services in NYSC are free, don't give bribe for posting", he said.

The DG stated further that Call-up letters for the 2022 Batch 'A' Orientation Exercise would be ready on Sunday February 20, 2022.

In her submission, the NCDC/NYSC Project Lead for Safe Camp Reopening, Dr Ladun Okunromade said adequate preparations have been put in place for the safe conduct of the 2022 Batch 'A' Orientation Exercise.

She said different variants of COVID-19 are ravaging the world, while Nigeria has recorded over 1,300 cases of Lassa Fever with 46 deaths and 20 healthcare workers infected.

Okunromade advised the Prospective Corps Members and other camp participants to come to camp with facemasks, hand sanitisers; obey physical distancing, maintain personal hygiene and also adhere to all COVID-19 safety guidelines.

The NCDC Director-General, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa in his address said "there will be facilities for vaccination in the camp for those that will take either the first or second dose or third jabs and they to sight their vaccination cards".

He urged all camp participants to come to the Orientation camps with their vaccination cards.

"This is the 7th edition of safe Camp Re-opening Webinar. We will continue to work hard to facilitate the safe re-opening for all camp participants.

The virus is still with us and we must continue to take both personal and collective responsibility to ensure our safety", he stated.

Also during the webinar, Corps Member Ajilese Aliyu Adebayo FC/21C/0113 commended the NYSC Management for the safety measures put in place during his Orientation course at the NYSC FCT Orientation Camp in Kubwa, Abuja.

Covid-19 Rdt Test Compulsory For All Camp Participants

The Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 has said the use of face masks in public places is now optional, while the decision on the final relaxation of measures will be taken after Easter.

The Head of the Technical Secretariat, who also doubles as the Secretary of the PSC on COVID-19, Dr Muktar Muhammed, disclosed this in an interview with The PUNCH in Abuja.

Countries across the world have started relaxing COVID-19 measures.

Recently, Ghana, a West African country, announced that the use of face masks was no longer mandatory.

Nigeria has continued to witness a drop in the number of daily COVID-19 cases.

The PSC also announced that it would stop demanding proof of PCR tests from fully vaccinated travellers.

Muhammed stated, “We are easing up restrictions, but it’s important we do so responsibly.

“Last week, we suspended the limit placed on public gatherings, curfews and other social measures.

“The use of face masks in open spaces is now discretionary.

“We shall not hesitate to remove all mandates once the disease is no longer of public health consequence. We are aware that cases are rising in the Western Pacific and Eastern Europe. The US just mandated a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine for adults older than 50. We fear a reversal of the pandemic situation, where largely unvaccinated poor countries will be made to bear the burden, because the West has developed very high immunity through large scale vaccination.

“Our biggest fear now is the upcoming Easter holidays. If we are able to cross and the cases continue to go down with no significant increase in hospitalisation and death, then certainly, we will lower down our level of alertness and relax most of the measures.

“We are working with data and algorithms to determine our line of action. Everything depends on what happens next. We learn from other countries, but we don’t have to necessarily copy what they are doing. Every country should evaluate its risk and take responsibility.”

Meanwhile, data from the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency has revealed that a total of 12,139,797 persons have been fully vaccinated in Nigeria, while 18,942,020 persons have been partially vaccinated.

The NPHCDA announced that Moderna, Astrazeneca, Pfizer and the Johnson and Johnson brands of COVID-19 vaccines were available for individuals willing to be vaccinated.

Face Masks Now Optional, COVID-19 Restrictions Go Soon – FG

Buhari has
welcomed the
designation of
Nigeria as one of
the six countries
in Africa
designated as

bases for the

The President
spoke Friday in
Brussels, Belgium,

contributing to
the Roundtable
on Health
Systems and

Production at the
ongoing 6th

“I am delighted
to receive the
news of the
selection of
Nigeria among
recipients of
MRNA Vaccine

“We shall ensure
the best use is
made of the

Nigeria also
offers to host the

Training hub
proposed by
World Health

(WHO).
“We commit to

support to make
the hub
functional in the
shortest possible

“Accordingly, we
are prioritizing
the manufacture
of vaccines on
the African
continent and in
the sharing and
transfer of
technology and

property rights.
“We call on the
EU to support the
WTO towards the
conclusion of
negotiations on

property rights’
waiver to ensure
that the
manufacturing of
vaccines can start
early in Africa,”
he said.
The presidential
spokesman,
Garba Shehu, in a
statement said
with the addition
of Nigeria to the
four countries
earlier approved
for the vaccine
production on
the continent,
efforts by the

administration to
change the
selection that the

of the needs,
capabilities and

distribution in
Africa had yielded
the desired

President Buhari,
who also called
for collaboration
to address the
effects of the
pandemic,
commended the
efforts of the
foreign partners
in making the
COVID-19 vaccine

He, however,
urged them to do
more as less than
10 per cent of
the African
population had
gotten the jab,
stressing that
this situation
could negatively
affect Africa’s

President Buhari
also called for a

with the EU to
tackle the effects
of the pandemic
on the African
continent.?

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