The International Labour Organisation (ILO)is calling on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to focus their COVID-19 response on workers and enterprises. ILO’s Director-General, Guy Ryder, is advocating for an immediate human-centred response through global solidarity to the coronavirus pandemic. He is accordingly urging the IMF and WB to focus their response on “providing immediate relief to workers and enterprises to protect businesses and livelihoods, particularly in hard-hit sectors and in developing countries”. In written statements to the International Monetary and Financial Committee and Development Committee Spring Meetings of IMF and the World Bank, Ryder describes the human dimension of the…
Author: Akanimo Sampson
The coronavirus pandemic is forcing the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to reassess its expectations. Director of the Division on International Trade and Commodities, Pamela Coke Hamilton, and Commodity Research and Analysis Section chief, Janvier Nkurunziza, say as the COVID-19 virus continues its gallop across the world, ‘’we are forced to constantly reassess our expectations of both the human and economic costs that it will bring.’’ Without a doubt, the world is now reaching a point where unilateral decisions by food exporters and falling national revenues could have devastating effects for food-insecure countries, compounding health problems for…
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State is currently making a seeming frantic effort to decongest prisons in the state. There are more than 3,000 inmates, according to the governor, languishing in correctional facilities in the state, located in Owerri and Okigwe. Governor Uzodinma made this known while inaugurating a nine-man Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy in the state. He is tasking the body to speedily decongest the correctional services in the state, noting that on the assumption of office he discovered that there were over 3,000 prison inmates in the state Correctional Service at Okigwe and Owerri, which according…
The recorded positive cases of the rampaging coronavirus in Nigeria has zoomed to 627 as at 11.50 pm on Sunday. On Saturday, the record stood at 542 positive cases and 19 deaths. While the latest disclosure by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) shows 170 discharged patients and 21 deaths, the country also recorded 86 new cases of the virus with 70 cases in Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria. NCDC says as at 11:50 pm April 19 there are 627 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in Nigeria. Crawling behind Lagos is Abuja with seven new cases. While there…
The exact number of people infected by the rampaging coronavirus in Nigeria is still largely unknown. Though the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) announces that on April 18, 49 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 were recorded in the country, its Director-General, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu says more testing still needed to determine the actual number of people infected. According to him, more testing is needed in Eastern Nigeria, the habitat of the highly mobile Igbo people. NCDC, however, says 542 positive cases have been confirmed, 166 cases discharged and 19 deaths recorded in Nigeria. The 49 new cases are reported from six…
Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, says Africa immediately needs a health Marshall Plan. The health marshall plan according to him is to be funded by the combined resources of public balance sheets and comprehensive donor support. ‘’It is only through this support that Africa can enforce measures to keep its people out of harm’s way while mobilising minimal subsidies to help put food on the table and slow the atrophy of its enterprises’’, the UNCTAD chief says. The rapid spread of COVID-19 has however upended life in all parts of the world in…
The government of Guinea-Bissau is receiving a United Nations support in its effort to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) says it has been supporting the government to face the disease through its expertise in surveillance, training, risk communication and coordination. With 40 confirmed cases as of April 14, Guinea-Bissau is one of the least affected countries with COVID-19 in West Africa. But this has not stopped the small West African country from heightening its preparation and developing its response to the emergency. Last month, the UN migration agency…
For many women around the world, safety from the coronavirus pandemic is not safety from violence. Countries facing lockdowns and movement restrictions due to the pandemic are reporting alarming increases in domestic abuse. But, Ukraine is no exception. Even under normal circumstances, violence against women and girls is a serious problem, experts say. Today, this violence seems to be escalating, along with mental health concerns, as families struggle with anxiety, economic stress and close quarters. The number of calls to the National Hotline on Combatting Domestic Violence increased by almost 26 per cent in the first two weeks of quarantine…
The coronavirus pandemic is surging in Nigeria with a total of 493 positive cases. So far, the virus has terminated the lives of 17 citizens. But the Federal Government is saying that for the country returning to normal life will depend on the success of the fight against the pandemic. The way the death toll and positive cases are rising in the country, Nigerians need to collaborate with government in the effort to achieve success in the war against the rampaging pandemic. Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 Pandemic and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss…
Backstage battle for the powerful seat of Abba Kyari, the late Chief of Staff of President Muhammadu Buhari is gathering new steam in the Presidency. The Presidency, however, regrets to announce the passage of Kyari. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, confirmed the tragic development in a statement in Abuja. The deceased had tested positive to the ravaging COVID-19 and had been receiving treatment. But he died on Friday, April 17, 2020. ” Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly, he said. Before the announcement, there were allegations of the intense backstage lobby for Kyari’s job…
Disruptions of farmers’ movement and food and agriculture trade in Africa during the fight against the spread of COVID-19 will harm the continent more. This is because the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the African Union (AU) and international partners have described the food and agriculture system as “an essential service that must continue to operate during periods of lockdown, emergency, curfew and other containment measures”. In a joint declaration, they committed to supporting access to food and nutrition for Africa’s most vulnerable; providing Africans with social safety nets; minimising disruptions to the safe movement and transport of essential people…
Maternal health experts are concerned about the impact the coronavirus crisis could have on expectant and new mothers in Bangladesh. While the country’s health system is racing to respond to the pandemic, there are 164 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Bangladesh. Despite progress made in improving maternal health, and efforts to increase institution-based delivery, the country continues to grapple with high rates of maternal mortality. Half of the births continue to take place at home, leaving women at serious risk when complications arise. More than 5,000 Bangladeshi women died in pregnancy or childbirth in 2017 alone. However, the United Nations Population Fund…
Nigeria is not likely to lift the coronavirus restrictions too soon even though a greater majority of the citizenry are experiencing severe pains. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says countries that want to lift restrictions must meet a row of conditions to prevent another surge of infections. WHO’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in his weekly address to Geneva-based diplomats on Thursday, says easing social and economic curbs “must be done extremely carefully. If done too quickly, we risk a resurgence that could be even worse than our present situation.” Already, the President Muhammadu Buhari administration says it is working out…
Twenty-eight-year-old Aisha Hussain Sibtan was not able to access antenatal care during her second pregnancy. Why? She lives on the mountainous front lines of Yemen’s brutal conflict. For those who know better, reaching the city will take two to three hours on foot, and the threat of violence always loomed close. But, she had another reason for staying away from antenatal care, as well. “We also kept hearing on the television about a new virus called corona that is killing people in many countries,” she told the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). “I was even scared to go to the…
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has expanded its COVID-19 respond plan. It has also launched a revised appeal for $499 million to support vital preparedness, response and recovery activities in over 140 countries. As the number of new coronavirus disease cases continues to rise, the United Nations agency expanded the scope of its Global Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan (SPRP) to include far-reaching interventions that aim to mitigate the dire health and socio-economic impacts of the pandemic. The newly-launched SPRP – an update to the previous IOM appeal for $116.1 million – broadens the Organisation’s approach to encompass COVID-19…
A molecular entomologist at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is linking mosquitoes’ proliferation concerning the spread of Buruli ulcer (BU) to agriculture. The molecular entomologist, Rousseau Djouaka, who is also the Head of the institute’s AgroEcoHealth Platform in Cotonou, dropped the bombshell at IITA headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo State. In his presentation: The IITA AgroEcoHealth Platform, Starting from Ground Zero towards New Challenges, has revealed the role of agriculture in the proliferation of mosquitoes concerning the spread of Buruli ulcer (BU). According to him, ‘’Buruli ulcer, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, is a chronic and devastating disease that mainly affects the skin…
Vital medical items are being airlifted to countries in Africa where supplies are desperately needed to contain the spread of COVID-19. The first United Nations “Solidarity Flight” left Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Tuesday. The World Health Organisation (WHO) cargo is being transported by the World Food Programme (WFP) and includes face shields, gloves, goggles, gowns, masks, medical aprons and thermometers, as well as ventilators. The cargo also includes a large number of medical supplies donated by the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Jack Ma Foundation Initiative to reverse COVID-19 in Africa. The African Union, through the Africa Centres for Disease…
Ethiopia is facing ‘’strengthening measures’’ to curb the rampaging global coronavirus pandemic. The unexpected arrival of more than 5,000 migrant returnees to the country over the past two weeks without prior health screenings is already adding to the challenges of Ethiopia. This is happening as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) as at 11:00 pm on April 14, says the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases in Nigeria has climbed to 373. Interestingly, 99 patients have been treated and discharged with the number of deaths recorded up by one. By this development, the death toll in Nigeria as at Tuesday…
Dead fishes littering the Atlantic coastline in Bayelsa and Delta states of the Niger Delta, Nigeria’s main oil and gas region is now a matter of serious concern. Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Nnimmo Bassey, says he is alarmed by the lack of investigation by both governments and oil industry regulators into the cause of the development. Director-General of the National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Idris Musa, is, however, promising any form of the investigation after the COVID-19 lockdown is lifted. This then implies that the situation does not warrant an emergency. Apparently piqued,…
A team at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is unravelling the diversity of microorganisms found in the soils and around the roots of banana plants. The microorganisms are said to be healthy and infected with the deadly Fusarium wilt of banana, also called Panama disease. This study is part of efforts to tap into the beneficial microorganisms to aid in controlling this deadly disease threatening banana production in sub-Saharan Africa and, in turn, the food security and income of millions of farmers. The human body, however, hosts trillions of microorganisms both inside and on the skin. Many of…
A new report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is offering for the first time, a global view of women’s decision-making power over their own bodies. The findings are dismaying. Based on data from 57 countries, a quarter of women are not able to make their own decisions about accessing health care. A quarter of women in these countries are not empowered to say no to sex with their husband or partner. And nearly one in 10 women is not able to make her own choices about using contraception. In rural Mali, for instance, Kadiatou experienced five tragic stillbirths out of…
The rampaging coronavirus plague is gradually taking a firm hold on Nigeria. It has taken the lives of three more. With this tragic development, the death toll in the country is now 10. This is with 13 new cases already reported. Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital is still on the lead with 11 new cases. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says of the 13 new cases, Delta and Kano recorded one each. As at 9:30 pm on Saturday, there were 318 confirmed cases of the killer virus in Nigeria. According to the NCDC, while there are confirmed cases in…
The All Progressives Congress (APC) administration in Nigeria under the watch of President Muhammadu Buhari, does not seem to be responding well to the coronavirus pandemic. Notwithstanding its controversial cash bazaar to the ‘’poor of the poor’’, the administration waited till the virus short-circuited the lives of 10 citizens before deeming it fit to embark on inspection of treatment facilities in the country. This is even coming after the latest data, compiled by Johns Hopkins University, shows 20,597 people in the supposed almighty United States have been killed by the rampaging COVID-19. The Buhari APC administration, according to reports, has…
As part of future coronavirus response packages in the United States, concerned civic groups are pressing Congress to pass anti-corruption legislation. Global Financial Integrity, Global Witness and eight other organisations released a letter of support on Friday calling on the US Congress to act quickly on the matter. Their argument is that Congress must recognise the urgent risk that greatly needed aid and resources for addressing the pandemic could be diverted and lost to corruption, both in the US and abroad. They say the following four anti-corruption bills will help strengthen and protect the US response to the coronavirus pandemic:…
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has extended its temporary lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. IITA’s Deputy Director-General of Corporate Services, Hilde Koper-Limbourg, announced that the Institute will be extending the temporary lockdown measures in its different locations until further notice. She notes that there might be further announcements if the governments in the different countries the Institute operates in announce changes. “In all the places we work, the general rule is still that we follow Government directives”, she says, and enjoined staff to “hang in there” in these difficult times and keep taking all precautions to keep…
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has recommended five key actions governments should take to protect competition in the markets during this COVID-19 crisis. This is coming as collaboration appears to be taking precedence with the COVID-19 crisis wreaking havoc on markets the world over. But, under normal circumstances competition is needed in markets to keep prices low. Those who know better say the pandemic’s sweeping economic impact has left governments balancing between defending competition, so prices do not become prohibitive, and granting exemptions to competition rules to ensure the survival of entire economic sectors. Head of…
Changes in socio-economic and political behaviour are likely to have lasting effects when nations’ economies start to pick up after this rampaging coronavirus crisis. This is because the global crisis brought about by the coronavirus pandemic has pushed countries further into a digital world. But, not everyone is ready to embrace a more digitised existence. A new analysis from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) maps the changing digital landscape since the last major global calamity, the 2008/09 financial crisis. It looks at how a digitally enabled world is working for some, but not all equally. According…
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, says federal legislators will be monitoring the activities of the Chinese medical personnel in Nigeria. The Chinese medical team came into the country on Wednesday for the delivery of materials and equipment to the Federal Government in the fight against the coronavirus. But Gbajabiamila did not say how they will be monitoring them nor disclose any security technology to assist them in detecting any unwholesome play of the Chinese. He simply harped on the need to monitor the movement of the Chinese medical personnel, claiming that it is important following fears expressed…
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says coronavirus infection is growing ‘’exponentially’’ in Africa and continues to spread. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the continent has risen to more than 10 000 and caused more than 500 deaths. The killer virus was however slow to reach the continent compared to other parts of the world. It reached Africa through travellers returning from hotspots in Asia, Europe and the United States. Africa’s first COVID-19 case was recorded in Egypt on February 14. Since then a total of 52 countries have reported cases. Initially, it was mainly confined to capital cities/…
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is deepening its yam product advancement and refinement in West Africa. The Institute has already has concluded its meeting on the yam project in Abuja. AfricaYam is a project with the main objective of enhancing yam breeding for increased productivity and improved quality in West Africa. The five-day meeting in Abuja was organised for yam product profile refinement and advancement. Stakeholders at the meeting consisted of farmers, traders, representatives of ministries, exporters, AfricaYam partners from Benin and Côte d’Ivoire, and different crop scientists from IITA. They were all given an opportunity during the meeting…
