Health
COVID-19: PTF submits recommendations on reopening of schools, places of worships
The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 has submitted parts of its recommendations on partial reopening of schools, places of worships and some additional businesses for possible consideration by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The chairman of the PTF, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, made this known to State House correspondents at the end of a closed door meeting with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to him, the PTF has no problem with state governments that ordered reopening of places of worships in view of the power given to the states to do so by the constitution, adding that the states are sub-nationals.
He said: “That’s part of what we have considered in its totality. We will await Mr President’s on that, once I receive his approval, going forward, to certain recommendations we have put in place, we will know how that would happen.
“The issue of easing up, you know we are in the first phase, we had an extension of two weeks for the first phase, the next phase should be the second phase and along with that will come in with a lot of recommendations, which we expect Mr President to consider.
“So, the issues of places of worships; the issues of schools; the issues of some certain businesses that were not opened hitherto are part of the packages that we have looked at.
“We have made the appropriate recommendations, but you know that Mr President is the only one that can take decisions in respect of that.
“In the framework, the states are sub-nationals, they have their own responsibilities too.
“So, it is in the exercise of those responsibilities that they had meetings with those religious bodies and agreed on the guidelines and protocols on how they open up, but in the framework of the national response we are taking that into consideration.’’
On whether Nigeria is winning the fight against COVID-19, considering the rate of infections, Mustapha said:
“We are winning. As a matter of fact, you juxtapose the rate of cases with our fatality rate, which is basically about three per cent, in other countries and other climes, it’s over 10 per cent.
“But the most important thing that you will realise, when we started this exercise, we had only five testing stations, now we’ve ramped it up to 28, without the expected increase in the number of deaths.
“We have gone beyond 60,000 now, that reflects in the number of confirmed cases
“We have not reached the peak yet and I won’t want to fool Nigerians by telling them that we are out of the woods. No, we are not out of the woods.
“As we even open up and accommodate more enterprises, because we are trying to have a balance between livelihoods and life, there’s a likelihood of increase in transmission in cases,’’ he said.
Mustapha assured that essential parts of the economy would continue opening up to boost socio-economic activities across the country.
“We have started, even in the first phase and the extension that came with it.
“Essential parts of the economy was opening up by way of allowing agricultural production, people that produce fertilizers.
“The oil and gas industry was never closed for one day and some aspects of the financial sector were opened.
“After we receive Mr President’s approval tonight or tomorrow morning, we will now know which segment of the economy he has allowed to open,’’ he further revealed.
Source: (NAN)
In response to the Federal Government’s renewed focus on eliminating substandard medical equipment from Nigerian hospitals, PPC Limited has reiterated the importance of strengthening quality assurance in the country’s healthcare sector
According to Dr. Emmanuel Iyere, Head of Diagnostics Services at PPC Limited, the widespread use of unreliable or poorly maintained medical devices undermines clinical outcomes and puts patients at risk. Addressing this challenge requires greater accountability in procurement, closer monitoring of equipment standards, and a stronger focus on sustainable investments in trusted technologies.
“Healthcare professionals can not deliver optimal care without dependable tools. When equipment fails, it places unnecessary strain on caregivers and can compromise patient safety. Nigeria’s hospitals must be supported with reliable systems that meet international standards,” Dr. Iyere stated.Stakeholders need to be at the forefront of strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem through innovative Public-Private partnerships (PPPs). We have achieved notable collaborations, including the provision of diagnostic imaging solutions for tertiary hospitals and the supply and maintenance of laboratory equipment in partnership with state governments. These PPPs demonstrate how combining government support with private-sector expertise can deliver sustainable, high-quality healthcare services.”He further emphasized that by aligning procurement with global best practices and prioritizing quality over short-term cost savings, the healthcare system can better protect patients, reduce waste, and strengthen trust in medical services.
In Nigeria today, sudden cardiac emergencies, including heart attacks and cardiac arrest, are no longer rare occurrences. According to SOS Emergency Response Technologies, hypertension affects over 40% of the adult population, and with cardiovascular diseases becoming increasingly prevalent, the need for immediate lifesaving interventions is higher than ever.Heart-Related Illness: A Growing National ConcernHeart-related illnesses have become a major national concern in Nigeria. According to the Nigerian Hypertension Society and Nigerian Heart Foundation, approximately 76 million Nigerians live with high blood pressure, and only a small fraction have their condition under control. Sudden cardiac events, often tied to unmanaged hypertension, are striking people in their prime, sometimes within minutes.Hypertension affects approximately 38–42% of adult Nigerians, with only about 7% achieving effective blood pressure control, according to reports by The Guardian.The Nigerian Cardiac Society also notes that heart disease claims over 20 million lives globally each year, most of them in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria. These realities are compounded by reports of individuals collapsing from unexpected heart attacks, often attributed to undiagnosed hypertension or heart disease.These figures highlight a major public health challenge: sudden cardiac arrest and heart disease are claiming thousands of lives, many of which could be prevented with timely detection and early intervention.The PPC Healthcare Solution: AEDsAutomated External Defibrillators (AEDs) play a critical role in saving lives during sudden cardiac events. When used in combination with basic CPR, AEDs can triple the chances of survival. Time is critical: survival declines by 10% with every minute without defibrillation. When CPR is used together with an AED, survival chances can triple—even if medical services are still en route (CESAHA.org). Unfortunately, in Nigeria, AEDs are rarely found in public settings.According to guidelines from the Nigerian Cardiac Society, AEDs should be made available in high-traffic, high-risk locations such as airports, shopping malls, markets, schools, universities, event centres, hospitals, clinics, security posts, banks, workplaces, and high-rise buildings.However, simply having AEDs is not enough. Trained staff, such as security officers, receptionists, and event personnel, must be certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and AED use. According to national standards, each facility installing an AED should train at least 10 personnel to ensure the device is used effectively in emergencies.Every minute without defibrillation reduces a cardiac arrest victim’s survival odds by 7–10%. Keeping AEDs accessible and training people to use them can make the difference between life and death (SOS Emergency Response Technologies).At PPC Limited, we advocate for legislation and policies mandating AED presence in vulnerable public spaces. Businesses, event locations, schools, and transit hubs are encouraged to install AEDs. We also provide not only the deployment of AEDs but also CPR and AED training programs for frontline staff and security personnel.At PPC Healthcare, we believe saving lives is everyone’s responsibility. The integration of AEDs and training programs into Nigeria’s public infrastructure is not just smart, it’s urgent. For more information, visit www.ppcng.com
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Africa’s largest convergence of healthcare professionals, innovators, and solution providers has landed in Lagos, and it’s already shaping up to be a game-changer. From the 18 to 20 June, all roads will lead to the Welcome Centre Hotel, Airport Road, Lagos as Afrihealth Expo 2025 brings together stakeholders from across the continent to discuss, showcase, and collaborate on sustainable healthcare innovations that will drive the future of medical care in Africa.
From high-level panel discussions to product unveilings and strategic partnerships, here are some of the key highlights of this year’s event and why it matters more than ever to be part of the conversation.
A Hub of Innovation and Technology
One of the biggest draws of Afrihealth Expo 2025 is its display of cutting-edge health technologies. From AI-powered diagnostics to portable imaging devices and smart hospital infrastructure, the exhibition halls are packed with next-generation solutions that are redefining access, quality, and efficiency in healthcare delivery.
PPC Healthcare Division, in collaboration with its global OEM partners including Vinno, Comen, Neusoft, and Cardioline, are among the standout exhibitors. With live demonstrations of advanced ultrasound systems and discussions around the integration of technology in maternal and neonatal care, PPC Healthcare is making a strong case for diagnostics as a critical driver of healthcare equity.
Conversations that Drive Policy and Practice
The event also plays host to keynotes and roundtable sessions led by policymakers, medical experts, and industry leaders. Topics such as universal health coverage, local manufacturing, health financing, and workforce development are being explored with urgency and depth, reflecting the need for holistic approaches to Africa’s healthcare challenges.
According to Dr. Chukwunonso Izechukwu, Assistant General Manager of PPC Healthcare, “Events like Afrihealth are vital, not just for showcasing technology, but for shaping the policy and collaboration frameworks that ensure innovation reaches the last mile. The conversations we’re having here are laying the foundation for a more resilient and inclusive healthcare system.”
Networking that Translates to Impact
Beyond the sessions and booths, Afrihealth Expo is a space for meaningful connection. From cross-border partnerships to public-private collaborations, the event is a fertile ground for building relationships that turn ideas into impact.
Healthcare providers, investors, engineers, and government bodies are coming together in real time to exchange insights, forge alliances, and design solutions with the power to transform communities.
Why You Should Be at Afrihealth Expo
Whether you’re a healthcare practitioner, a policymaker, a tech innovator, or a student with a passion for public health, Afrihealth Expo 2025 is the place to be. It’s not just about seeing what’s new, it’s about being part of what’s next.
By attending, you gain access to first-hand exposure to breakthrough technologies, expert knowledge from across the continent, new opportunities for partnership and growth and a deeper understanding of the issues shaping Africa’s health future
PPC Limited, through its healthcare division, is proud to be part of this transformative event, contributing solutions, facilitating dialogue, and advocating for healthcare systems that leave no one behind
Visit the PPC Healthcare booth at Afrihealth Expo 2025 from 9.00am to 4.00pm on 18 to 20 June and be part of the movement to reimagine Africa’s healthcare story.
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