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Central African Republic: Tens of thousands afraid to leave the bush
GENEVA – In the Central African Republic, tens of thousands of people who dare not leave the bush because of the lack of security are vulnerable to malaria and diseases caused by consuming unsafe water.
“Even though the authorities of the Central African Republic and the international community are working to boost the presence of security forces in the provinces, tens of thousands of people have been forced by the lack of security to take refuge in the bush, where their living and hygiene conditions are appalling,” said Georgios Georgantas, who heads the ICRC’s delegation in the country. “The authorities have a responsibility to re-establish public order. When law and order is restored, health care and other public services should resume, and living conditions should improve.”
“The current situation is extremely worrying. People who have taken refuge in the bush often have to drink poor-quality or contaminated water,” said Mr Georgantas. “Finding something to eat is also a problem for many. These living conditions make the displaced people, especially young children and pregnant women, extremely vulnerable to disease. In much of the country, however, health care is unavailable.”
To help people finding themselves in this situation in the Kaga Bandoro area, in the central part of the country, the ICRC has opened two mobile clinics. More than 5,000 people, including 390 expectant mothers and almost 1,000 children under five years of age stricken with malaria, have been examined in the past month. “Most of the people who come in for treatment are suffering mainly from malaria, respiratory infections due to cold nights, or diarrhoea caused by drinking unsafe water,” said Dr Bonaventure Bazirutwabo, who is in charge of the ICRC’s health programmes in the country.
The ICRC also has a community-based malaria programme under way that is of assistance to 500 people every week. Malaria is the leading cause of death in the Central African Republic. “In addition to providing people with direct support, in partnership with the Central African Red Cross Society we raise awareness among all armed men of the fact that they must not target medical personnel or facilities,” said Dr Bazirutwabo.
The production of corn, millet, sorghum and cowpeas has been adequate this year. “We remain concerned by the lack of security, which prevents small traders from selling food products, the price of which is plummeting, and to obtain in exchange basic necessities such as sugar, salt and soap, the price of which is soaring,” said Mr Georgantas.
The ICRC has distributed one-month rations of corn, beans, cooking oil and salt to host families in Yaloké and to families dispersed by violence, particularly in the Gaga area some 200 kilometres north-west of Bangui. Around 12,000 people received the food aid in Bossambele, Yaloké, Zawa and Békadili.
Over the past month, together with the Central African Red Cross Society, the ICRC has:
• organized the transfer of 12 war-wounded patients to the community hospital of Bangui and 14 other patients to the hospital in Kaga Bandoro;
• reunited 14 children with their families;
• visited more than 100 people held at the Ngaragba detention centre in Bangui;
• given more than 55,000 kilos of chemicals to the national water board for treating the water used by 400,000 people living in and around Bangui;
• built 64 emergency latrines in Bossangoa, and organized hygiene information sessions attended by more than 37,000 people;
• provided 250,000 litres of water every day in Ndélé for more than 10,000 people through the water board;
• built seven latrines and upgraded six borehole pumps in Bouca;
• attended to the needs of nearly 2,000 people in Obo and Birao, in the east of the country.
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Human Rights Lawyer Reveals Over N10m Raised For 17-Year-Old Wrongfully Arrested In Lagos
In just four days, more than N10 million has been raised to support 17-year-old Quadri Alabi, who was allegedly wrongfully arrested and charged by the police in Lagos.
The revelation came from human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, where he appeared alongside Alabi.
Effiong accused officers from the Amukoko Police Division of manipulating Alabi’s age and working with local area boys to falsely charge him with a crime he did not commit.
READ ALSO: Lad Who Stood In Front Of Obi’s Convoy Apprehended For Street Fighting – Police
Alabi was arrested earlier this year in connection with a street fight in the Amukoko area, but he was eventually cleared after Magistrate Adetola Olorunfemi acted on legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins.
Speaking out against the police’s actions, Effiong described the ordeal as part of a “sinister, oppressive, and corrupt scheme” involving rogue area boys.
He explained that Alabi’s rise to fame came after a spontaneous moment during Peter Obi’s 2023 campaign tour, where Alabi jumped in front of the convoy and raised his hand, a photo of which quickly went viral.
“The boy sitting next to me, Quadri Alabi, went viral in 2023 during one of Peter Obi’s campaign tours. He spontaneously jumped in front of the convoy, raised his hand, and the photo went viral. That moment changed his life,” Effiong said.
However, Effiong claimed that the publicity also brought Alabi unwanted attention.
“Local area boys began extorting him, saying he hadn’t ‘settled’ them. They even told his mother to buy a cow, cook rice, and throw a feast for the community. When she refused, the threats continued,” Effiong added.
The harassment escalated when Alabi was allegedly targeted again in January. Effiong described how two area boys, known as Leggy and Baba Waris, arrested Alabi after claiming he had ignored them despite receiving donations from Peter Obi.
They handed him over to the police, where he was detained for a week before being charged alongside four adult men he had never met.
“They accused him of armed robbery said to have occurred on January 22 at 10 p.m. No identification parade was conducted, and there was no evidence linking him to the crime,” Effiong explained.
Alabi’s ordeal was further complicated when the police falsely listed his age as 18, allowing him to be tried in a regular court. Effiong argued that had his real age of 17 been documented, the court would have treated the case differently.
“The police falsely claimed he was 18 in court documents. If they had said he was 17, the court would have treated the matter differently—possibly not even remanding him in a regular prison,” Effiong said.
Alabi, recounting his experience, said, “I was just at the entrance of my house when the police came and arrested me. The area boys pointed me out. At the station, I was the youngest there.
“I was locked up with older men. They asked me what I did, and I said nothing.” He also revealed that the area boys had earlier taken his phone and money before handing him over to the police.
Despite the challenges, Alabi’s case has sparked an outpouring of public support. Effiong confirmed that Nigerians have donated over N10 million in just four days to assist Alabi.
“The goal is to relocate him from Amukoko and secure a source of income for his mother, who is a petty trader,” Effiong stated, highlighting the generosity and resilience of the Nigerian people. “This shows the strength of the Nigerian spirit,” he added.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has urged party members to stand strong and united as Nigeria faces a crisis.
Speaking at the ongoing National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Obi highlighted the urgent need for national rescue, calling attention to the country’s ongoing struggles.
Obi did not mince words about the state of the nation, stressing that Nigeria is heading towards collapse.
READ MORE: Peter Obi In High-Level Meeting With Gov Bala Mohammed
He encouraged party members to speak up, no matter the opposition they may face.
“Do not fear anybody. Those who were afraid yesterday didn’t do any better,” Obi told the gathered party members. “We must speak out when things are going wrong. Nigeria is collapsing. The numbers are clear; the indices are clear—people are getting poorer every day.”
The former governor of Anambra State also stressed the importance of party unity and inclusiveness. He made it clear that the Labour Party’s direction is about collective choice, not individual preferences.
“Labour Party has chosen to be a family, and we must do everything as a family. It’s not about Peter Obi’s choice; it’s everyone’s choice. This family excludes no one. We want to build a party that is fair and just,” he said.
Looking forward, Obi outlined the party’s vision for the upcoming elections, emphasizing the need for preparation and a focus on selecting the most competent candidates for all political offices.
“We want to go into the next election fully prepared, offering Nigerians the best and most competent candidates for the House of Representatives, the Senate, Governorships, and the Presidency,” Obi stated.
He also called for a stricter focus on loyalty and competence from anyone seeking to run under the Labour Party banner. Obi noted that only committed party members with the necessary capabilities should be considered as candidates.
“We want to correct the mistakes we made in the past. Anyone seeking to contest under our party must be a committed member, not just someone passing through. They must be competent,” he said.
In today’s fast-paced world, where lifestyle diseases and infectious conditions are on the rise, accurate medical result interpretation is more important than ever.
While laboratory tests generate raw data, their true value lies in expert interpretation, which helps detect diseases early, assess health risks, and guide preventive measures.
SYNLAB, a leader in medical diagnostics, is at the forefront of this critical process, ensuring that individuals and healthcare professionals receive precise, actionable insights that enhance disease detection and prevention. Through cutting-edge technology, specialized panels, and expert analysis, SYNLAB Nigeria is not only helping to diagnose illnesses but also shaping a healthier future for Nigerians.
How Medical Diagnostics Helps in Disease Discovery
Many serious health conditions do not show symptoms in their early stages, making medical testing and accurate interpretation essential for early detection. SYNLAB Nigeria offers a wide range of advanced diagnostics that help uncover hidden health conditions before they become critical.
Read Also: On SYNLAB Nigeria’s Secured Patient Portal, Test Result Delivery’s Safe Alternative
1. Early Detection of Chronic and Infectious Diseases
• Diabetes & Cardiovascular Conditions: Blood sugar tests, cholesterol panels, and hypertension screenings help detect conditions before complications arise.
• Cancer Diagnosis: Early screening for prostate cancer (PSA test), breast cancer (mammograms), and cervical cancer (Liquid Based Cytology) significantly improves survival rates.
• Infectious Diseases: Specialized panels, such as the Peachy STI panel, help in the early detection of sexually transmitted infections, ensuring timely treatment and reducing transmission risks.
2. Advanced Molecular and Genetic Testing
Medical science has advanced beyond traditional blood tests, with molecular and genetic diagnostics offering greater accuracy and earlier detection.
• Genetic testing helps individuals understand their risk for hereditary diseases like sickle cell disease, certain cancers, and metabolic disorders.
• Molecular diagnostics detect viral and bacterial infections, such as HPV and tuberculosis, even before symptoms manifest, enabling early treatment and better outcomes.
Preventing Diseases Through Proactive Screening
While detecting diseases is crucial, preventive healthcare plays an even more vital role in reducing the burden of illness. Regular screenings and early interventions can mitigate health risks and promote long-term well-being.
1. Identifying Health Risks Before Symptoms Appear
• Routine Blood Tests: Kidney function, liver enzymes, and other blood markers help detect underlying health conditions early.
• Heart Disease Prevention: Lipid profile tests assess cholesterol levels, guiding patients toward lifestyle changes before cardiovascular complications develop.
2. Personalized Health Insights for Prevention
Medical results are more than just numbers—they offer actionable insights for better health.
• A patient with borderline high blood sugar may be advised on diet and exercise to prevent full-blown diabetes.
• Someone with elevated cholesterol can receive tailored recommendations for heart health before complications arise.
By understanding test results and acting on them, individuals can make informed choices that prevent serious illnesses.
The Role of SYNLAB Nigeria in Medical Result Interpretation
Read Also: Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: SYNLAB Nigeria’s Journey in Diagnostics Care
SYNLAB Nigeria bridges the gap between medical testing and meaningful healthcare decisions. With a team of in-house pathologists, its expertise in medical result interpretation ensures:
• Accuracy and Reliability: High-quality laboratory processes reduce errors, ensuring that diagnoses are based on trustworthy results.
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• Confidential and Secure Data Management: Patients can trust that their medical information is handled with strict privacy protocols.
• Doctor-Patient Collaboration: Beyond delivering test results, SYNLAB provides expert consultation services to help both patients and doctors fully understand their health status.
By prioritizing early detection, prevention, and expert interpretation, SYNLAB Nigeria is transforming medical diagnostics into lifesaving solutions.
Laboratory tests alone are not enough; understanding and acting on those results is what truly saves lives. SYNLAB Nigeria ensures that both medical professionals and patients receive clear, accurate, and meaningful health insights that drive better decision-making.
By offering cutting-edge diagnostics, expert result interpretation, and personalized health recommendations, SYNLAB Nigeria is empowering individuals to take control of their health.
Take charge of your health today—because early detection and prevention begin with understanding your medical results.
About SYNLAB
• SYNLAB Nigeria is a member of the SYNLAB group, with a presence in over 30 countries in four continents. The organization has over 30 active locations across Nigeria and has been ISO 15189 certified since 2006.
• SYNLAB Group is the leader in medical diagnostic services and specialty testing in Europe. The Group offers a full range of innovative and reliable medical diagnostics to patients, practicing doctors, hospitals and clinics, governments, and corporations.
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• More information can be found on www.synlab.com, www.synlab.com.ng
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