Metro

Despite swift response, Ebola-like, Marburg virus kills in Ghana

Published

2 years ago

July 18, 2022

Two cases of the Marburg virus, an infectious disease similar to Ebola has been confirmed by Ghanian authorities.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) in the West African country said on Sunday, after two people who later died tested positive for the virus earlier this month.

According to the World Health Organization, tests conducted in Ghana came back positive on July 10, but the results had to be verified by a laboratory in Senegal for the cases to be considered confirmed.

GHS in a statement said “Further testing at the Institute Pasteur in Dakar, Senegal has corroborated the results.

The statement further said the service is working to reduce any risk of the virus spreading, including the isolation of all identified contacts, none of whom have developed any symptoms so far.

WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, commends Ghana’s response to the outbreak.

“(Ghanaian) health authorities have responded swiftly, getting a head start preparing for a possible outbreak. This is good because without immediate and decisive action, Marburg can easily get out of hand.” Moeti said.

Health authorities in Guinea confirmed a case of Marburg virus disease in the southern Gueckedou prefecture in August 2021. According to WHO, said, that was the first time Marburg, the highly infectious disease that causes haemorrhagic fever, was identified in the country, and in West Africa.

Marburg virus disease is a highly virulent disease that causes haemorrhagic fever, with a fatality ratio of up to 88%. It is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. Two large outbreaks that occurred simultaneously in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany, and in Belgrade, Serbia, in 1967, led to the initial recognition of the disease.

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Metro

Nigeria: Army denies reports of plans to establish French military base in the country

Published

3 hours ago

December 16, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Nigerian Army has debunked reports claiming that the French military was planning to establish a base in Nigeria.

The rumours gained momentum on social media and some traditional media platforms following President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to France where he met with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron.

But a statement on Monday by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, said the clarification was necessitated by reports doing the rounds that French soldiers had arrived in the country in preparation to set up a base in Maiduguri, Borno State.

“The attention of Defence Headquarters has been drawn to online reports alleging the arrival of the first contingent of French soldiers in Maiduguri towards establishing a French Military base in North East Nigeria,” Buba said.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria hereby state unequivocally that this information is fake, totally false and mischievous.

“It would be recalled that Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa CFR, recently addressed this matter in different media forums. In which he debunked the news and such speculations.

“It is clear that these are the antics of mischief makers,” the defence spokesman saif.

Buba also urged the general public to disregard the news and speculations still making rounds in some quarters, adding that the military will continue to carry out its constitutional responsibilities, most professionally and ensure the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

Metro

Zambia: President Hichilema launches Zambezi Economic Free Zone

Published

1 day ago

December 15, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema, has launched the Zambezi Economic Free Zone in Kazungula District, Southern Province, a project that is estimated to create over 1,000 direct jobs and transform the local economy.

The President who spoke during the groundbreaking ceremony of the 17,000-hectare development in Kazungula on Saturday, described the initiative as transformative with the potential to stimulate economic growth and attract significant foreign investment.

The project which is spearheaded by investors from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is situated in Chief Sekute’s area and aims to boost investment in key service sectors, including housing, healthcare, education, convention centers, and corporate headquarters.

“The anticipated benefits include skills development, technological advancements, and substantial infrastructure improvements,” Hichilema said.

He emphasized that the zone would position the country as a hub for global investment and innovation while delivering tangible benefits to local communities with the global recognition of free economic zones as catalysts for growth.

“These zones offer incentives, simplified regulations, and enhanced infrastructure, creating an environment conducive to investment, job creation, and the transfer of skills and technology,” he noted.

President Hichilema added that the project was “designed to attract investors, retirees, and workers from around the world, including Zambian stakeholders, encouraging their active participation in this unique development model” as well as drive economic development not only in Kazungula and Livingstone but across Zambia.