News

WHO says life expectancy increased from 46 to 73 years

Published

1 year ago

April 8, 2023

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says global life expectancy for both sexes has increased from 46 to 73 years, with the biggest gains in the poorest countries.

Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, said this during an online media conference.

Ghebreyesus said after years of war, the organisation realised that it was better to work with one other than fight with one another.

He said that the organisation also realised that a healthier world was a safer world.

“Their vision was clear, but bold: the highest possible standard of health, for all people. To achieve that vision, they agreed to set up a new organisation.

They debated and and agreed what this organisation would be and do in a document called the Constitution of the World Health Organisation,” Ghebreyesus said.

According to him, the organisation marked the 75th anniversary of the day that constitution came into force.

He said that the organisation’s constitution was the first document in history to formally recognise health as a human right.

The WHO boss said that since then, the world has made significant progress towards realising that vision.

He said that smallpox has been eradicated and polio was on the brink.These are actually two of the important highlights during the 75 years of existence of the organisation.

Forty-two countries have eliminated malaria, the epidemics of HIV and TB have been pushed back.

“Forty-seven countries have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease,” he said.

<span;>Ghebreyesus said in the past 20 years alone, smoking has fallen by a third, maternal mortality has fallen by a third and child mortality has halved.

According to him, just in the past five years, new vaccines for Ebola and malaria have been developed and licensed.

He said that just in the past five years, new vaccines for Ebola and malaria have been developed and licensed.

“And for the past 3 years, WHO has coordinated the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic – the most severe health crisis in a century.

“We can’t claim sole credit for these achievements, but we have played a leading role in all of them. Partnering with many partners, especially our Member States.

“And although we have many achievements of which to be proud, we still face many challenges – some old, some new.

“Around the world, people still face vast disparities in access to health services, between and within countries and communities,” Ghebreyesus said.

According to him, since 2000, access to essential services has increased significantly, but at least half the world’s population still lacks access to one or more services like family planning, basic sanitation, or access to a health worker.

He said that often it was because of where people live, their gender, their age or who they are people living in poverty, refugees and migrants, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities and other marginalised groups.

Meanwhile, since 2000, the number of people who experience financial hardship from out-of-pocket health spending has increased by a third, to almost two billion.

“Noncommunicable diseases now account for more than 70 per cent of all deaths globally. Rates of diabetes and obesity have increased dramatically, driven by unhealthy diets and physical inactivity.

“Progress against malaria and TB has stalled, antimicrobial resistance threatens to unwind a century of medical progress.

“Air pollution and climate change are jeopardising the very habitability of our planet;

“And as COVID-19 has exposed so brutally, there remain serious gaps in the world’s defences against epidemics and pandemics.

“For all these reasons and more, the world needs WHO now more than ever,” he said. (NAN)

News

ECOWAS Parliament to Set Up Mediation Committee to Re-Coopt Aggrieved Members

Published

1 day ago

May 21, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

ECOWAs parliament extra ordinary session opening in Kano

By Abbas Yushau Yusuf

KANO, Nigeria – The ECOWAS Parliament has announced plans to establish a mediation committee aimed at re-integrating aggrieved member states.

This decision was revealed by the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Barau Jibril, while opening the second extraordinary session of the Parliament in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria.

Addressing the session, Senator Barau emphasized the critical need for Parliament’s intervention in regional issues, as highlighted by the President of the ECOWAS Commission during the Inaugural Session.

Barau said the President had called for urgent efforts to prevent the disintegration of the regional bloc, particularly with the potential departures of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. He also stressed the importance of confronting non-state groups vying for control of resources and marginalizing states, which has led to severe insecurity, especially in the Sahel region.

“In consultation with my colleagues on the Bureau, I will propose the appointment of an Ad hoc Mediation Committee,” Senator Barau stated. “The committee’s mandate will be to work with all stakeholders to encourage our brothers to rescind their decision and come back, and to promote dialogue to resolve conflicts in the region. Our strength lies in unity, and there is no alternative to our collective aspirations of a united, peaceful, and secure ECOWAS.”

Senator Barau also mentioned a Parliamentary Fact-Finding mission dispatched to Togo. The delegation investigated the reasons behind the notable absence of the Togolese delegation, who, according to the Supplementary Act on the Enhancement of the Powers of the Parliament, should hold the Speakership. Discussions with national stakeholders yielded positive responses, and Senator Barau reported that Togolese authorities assured the imminent inauguration of their parliamentary representatives.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, in his remarks, urged the ECOWAS Parliament to strive for the development of West African countries and to promote economic diversification.

The session in Kano also saw the swearing-in of new members, marking another step in strengthening the legislative body’s capacity to address regional challenges.

NIGERIAN TRACKER reports that the extraordinary session underscores ECOWAS’s commitment to maintaining regional stability and fostering cooperation among member states

News

ECOWAS Parliament Meeting in Kano is to Bring Legislature Closer to the People-Barau

Published

2 days ago

May 20, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Senator Barau Jibrin first Deputy Speaker ECOWAS parliament

Abbas Yushau Yusuf

Apart from their usual meetings in Abuja, the ECOWAS Parliament has brought its second extraordinary session to Kano.

Addressing the press after a closed-door session of the ECOWAS Parliament, the First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, said the meeting will bring the legislature closer to the people and make them aware of the happenings.

Senator Barau said Kano, being the commercial nerve center of Northern Nigeria, is pertinent to hold the second extraordinary session in Kano.

Senator Barau said the ECOWAS Parliament’s session in Kano will discuss issues of economy, security, and other social happenings for the overall benefit of society.

According to the First Deputy Speaker, the legislatures of the 15 member countries of the subregion are here in Kano, and it’s meant for Kano people to know them and also for the Parliament to know Kano.

News

Governor Muftwang Of Plateau State Bids Farewell To Muslim Pilgrims

Published

3 days ago

May 19, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

BY Asile Abel,Jos

The Governor of Plateau State Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has encouraged intending pilgrims from the state to embody the values of love, peace, and tolerance as they embark on the sacred journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj.

while bidding farewell to the departing pilgrims from Plateau, Governor Mutwang enjoined them to not only pray for themselves and their families but also for the restoration of lasting peace in the state.

“As you embark on the fifth pillar of Islam, you carry not only your personal aspirations but also the collective hopes and spiritual yearnings of our beloved state. The Hajj is a journey of profound reflection, steadfast faith, and a commitment to righteousness.”

He emphasized the significance of this act of worship by highlighting his administration’s unwavering support for the Plateau State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and ensuring the spiritual growth and welfare of Muslims in the state.

As the Chief Security Officer of the State, Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his dedication to upholding fairness and justice for all citizens, regardless of tribe, religion, or background. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity, prioritizing the unity and prosperity of Plateau State.

“In your prayers and supplications, remember our dear State, not only for immediate peace but for sustained harmony and unity,” he urged.

Hon. Daiyabu Dauda, the Executive Secretary of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, commended Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for his support of the Muslim community in the state.

He noted that the Governor’s sponsorship of 540 out of 1,232 pilgrims, the approval of funds for the resettlement of backlog deposits and the procurement of a bus for the board demonstrated a deep commitment to the well-being of the Muslim Ummah.

He called on all to pray and support the efforts of Governor Mutwang in providing transformative leadership for Plateau State.