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IOM Screens over 347,000 for TB in Western Ghana
GENEVA – IOM’s TB REACH project, implemented by the Ghana Health Service and the IOM Migration Health Unit, was launched a year ago to intensify tuberculosis (TB) detection among refugees and host communities, miners and mining communities, border communities and urban vulnerable communities.
The project had four main activities: enhanced coordination and monitoring among stakeholders; community mobilization and cough screening; mobile TB screening utilizing a GeneXpert machine; and capacity building of a selected TB diagnostic and/or treatment centre.
Over the past year, the project reached 347,263 individuals in five locations in Western Region. They included Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan (172,443), Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal (68,429), Prestea-Huni Valley Municipal (55,537), Ellembelle District (38,004) and Jomoro District (12,850).
A custom-made mobile diagnostic van carrying two four-module GeneXpert MTB/RIF machines was used during outreach efforts and provided same day screening/results for tested individuals.
Every day 174 trained community health volunteers worked in pairs, talking to people about their health, TB, how it is spread, the new screening process and the availability of free treatment.
As of 16 May 2014, the mobile medical team had registered 4,327 people and tested 3,888 for TB. Of the total tested, 230 (5.9 per cent) were diagnosed with TB and referred to the nearest national TB treatment centre.
The project team has so far received feedback from the TB treatment centres confirming that 168 (73 per cent) individuals have enrolled in a treatment programme and more information is expected. Once treated, individuals can make a full recovery and enjoy a better quality of life.
To ensure continuity following the close of the project, five laboratory technicians (one in each target location) were trained on GeneXpert One TB diagnostic, and one treatment centre will be provided with a centrifuge, a water distiller plant, a refrigerator and fridge thermometers.
Commenting on the outcome of the project, Dr. Aden Guliye, Head, IOM Ghana Migration Health Unit, explained: “The success of this project will provide evidence-based programming for TB control in Ghana. In view of the progress made so far, there is potential for such a programme to be replicated in other regions of Ghana and other countries in West Africa.”
TB REACH is a global programme spearheaded by the Stop TB Partnership and funded by the Canadian International Development Agency.
As of 2011, WHO data shows that Ghana has TB incidence and prevalence rates of 79 and 92 per 100,000 populations respectively, with a 78 per cent national detection rate for all forms of TB.
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Musa Joins Jaiz Bank As Ambassador
Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa has been signed up by Jaiz Bank as a brand ambassador.
An elated Musa made the disclosure in a statement on his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X on Thursday.
The Kano Pillars striker urged his fans to troop to Jaiz Bank to do business for trusting him with the new role.
He exclaimed, “And to my amazing fans – if you want to support me, make sure to head over to Jaiz Bank and open your accounts with them today! ”
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He wrote, “✨Alhamdulillah✨ I am SO excited to announce that I’ve officially joined Jaiz Bank as their newest ambassador! 🎉💼
“A huge thank you to @JaizBankNG for trusting me and allowing me to be a part of this amazing journey! 🙏🏼💚 It’s an honor to represent a brand that believes in growth, security, and financial empowerment.
“I can’t wait to share all the incredible things we’ll be doing together! 🚀💡
And to my amazing fans – if you want to support me, make sure to head over to Jaiz Bank and open your accounts with them today! Let’s grow together! 💪🏼🔑
“@JaizBankNG is a non interest Financial institution poised with a mission to make life better through ethical Finance. 👌👌”
#NewBeginnings #BankWithJaizBank #PartneredUp #TeamJaizBank”
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Kenya Celebrates First Lady Rachel Ruto’s 56th Birthday
On November 20, 2024, Kenya’s First Lady, Rachel Ruto, celebrated her 56th birthday and her husband President William Ruto publicly expressed his love and appreciation for his wife on this special day, wishing her well.
The birthday celebrations were marked by an outpouring of goodwill from political figures, media, and citizens across Kenya, who praised her for her grace, leadership, and significant contributions to society, particularly through initiatives like the Joyful Women Organisation, which aims to empower rural women.
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The day was characterized by a collective acknowledgment of her role as a national figure dedicated to community upliftment.
In a heartfelt message, President William Ruto took to social media, writing, “Happy birthday my love, @MamaRachelRuto. Continue being a blessing to me and our children. Mungu akubariki sana,” which translates to “God bless you abundantly.”
Other prominent leaders also extended their wishes to the First Lady, with Anne Waiguru, EGH, OGW, Governor of Kirinyaga County, tweeting, “Happy Birthday First Lady,” further showing the respect and admiration for Rachel Ruto’s leadership and impact.
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Gas Explosion in Katsina Filling Station Damages Six Vehicles
A gas cylinder explosion at a filling station in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State has resulted in significant damage to six vehicles, according to a statement from the Katsina State Police Command.
The command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, confirmed the incident, which occurred on Friday, November 15, 2024.
He explained that a loud explosion alerted police operatives from the Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters. Responding promptly, the Divisional Police Officer led a team to the site, supported by military personnel.
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“Upon arrival, operatives found a truck loaded with gas cylinders engulfed in flames at Tamal filling station, along Kagadama-Magamar Jibia Road,” Sadiq-Aliyu stated. The joint team acted swiftly, deploying measures to protect lives and limit property damage. Their efforts successfully extinguished the fire.
The spokesperson added, “Six motor vehicles were significantly affected by the fire incident, but fortunately, no life was lost.”
State Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Abubakar-Musa, has directed a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the explosion. Updates on the findings will be provided as investigations progress.
This incident highlights the need for heightened safety measures at gas filling stations to prevent such occurrences.