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Mohbad’s family lawyers question toxicology results, demand

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Mohbad’s family lawyers question toxicology results, demand

The legal team representing the Aloba family has expressed dissatisfaction with the toxicology test results concerning the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba,  aka Mohbad.

The legal practitioners, Wahab Shittu (SAN) and Taiwo Odumosu, Esq., during a press briefing held via Zoom on Monday, faulted the handling of the procedures, adding that it raised serious concerns about the integrity and thoroughness of the investigation by the police and the medical team into Mohbad’s death.

According Metro exclusively reported that the US-based lab refuted the claim by the Lagos State Government that the toxicology test was conducted at its facility.

The revelation was in response to inquiries made by our correspondent, who embarked on a fact-finding mission to ascertain the musician’s cause of death.

The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, while responding to inquiries via a live telephone call with Ahmad Isah, the anchor of an Abuja-based online programme, Brekete Family, sometime in February 2024, had said the toxicology test was being conducted at the NMS Labs in Pennsylvania, USA.

However, a pathologist, while testifying before the Coroner’s Court on May 15, revealed that an autopsy couldn’t determine Mohbad’s cause of death due to the decomposition of his body

Responding to According Metro’s inquiry on May 17, the Client Services Associate, Forensics Division, NMS Labs, Esther Dede, stated, “Unfortunately, we do not have a case for that patient.”

While citing the report, Shittu stated that the silence that followed from the government made a review of the toxicology test a necessity.

Shittu, who claimed there were discrepancies regarding the involvement of NMS Labs alleged that the letterhead and address of the facility appeared on the toxicology report despite conflicting statements from the laboratory regarding their actual role in the testing process.

He said, “We, the legal representatives of the Aloba Family, express our profound dissatisfaction and disappointment with the recent announcement regarding the toxicology test results of the late Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, which have been declared ‘inconclusive’ by the pathologist. This outcome is entirely unacceptable to us and the Aloba Family and raises serious concerns about the integrity and thoroughness of the investigation by the police and the medical team into the untimely death of their beloved son, brother, and friend. The Aloba family and, indeed, the whole world demand to know where the toxicology test was carried out as this has impugned the integrity.

“Following the news report in the Punch Newspaper of 31 May 2024 titled ‘US Lab Denies Conducting Poison Test on Mohbad’ and the silence that followed from the government, a review of the toxicology test must be necessary. The legal team wonders how the letterhead and the address of the National Medical Services Laboratories in Pennsylvania, USA appeared on the toxicology test report if the test was not truly carried out in the USA.

“The legal team is puzzled more, given the discrepancies in the further response given by the NMS laboratories ascribing the test to another sister laboratory. The conflict of interest bothers professional integrity. The public is interested in knowing the relationship between the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Laboratory, NMS in the USA and ITSI Biosciences who allegedly completed the toxicology test on behalf of the Lagos State government.”

While describing Mohbad as a vibrant and promising young individual whose sudden demise left an indelible void, Shittu said the declaration of the autopsy as ‘inconclusive’ failed to provide the clarity needed and undermined the public as well as his family’s faith in the investigative process.

The legal team, however, demanded a fresh examination of the toxicology samples by an independent and reputable forensic laboratory, ensuring transparency throughout.

The team also called for a thorough review of testing protocols to prevent procedural errors or contamination, just as it urged the involvement of international forensic experts to oversee and validate the re-examination process.

It insisted on complete transparency in sharing all findings and reports related to the toxicology tests, urging expedited efforts to re-examine the samples and deliver definitive answers promptly.

Furthermore, the legal team criticised the Nigeria Police for what they deemed insufficient effort in the investigation while calling for the intervention of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

“The Aloba Family remains steadfast in their pursuit of truth and justice for Ilerioluwa. They deserve clear, definitive answers regarding the cause of his death, and it is the responsibility of the investigative bodies to provide them with such clarity. The current ‘inconclusive’ results only serve to prolong their agony and uncertainty, which is both unfair and unjust.

“Considering the Coroner Inquest, we appeal to the presiding Magistrate to ensure that an independent toxicology report is submitted to the Coroner’s Court before submitting the final report to the authorities. Presently, we have an application before the Coroner Court seeking approval to conduct an independent autopsy and toxicology test. We call on the presiding magistrate in the matter to expedite a hearing on the independent autopsy and toxicology application. That is the only way justice can be served in this case,” the statement added.

Women with sexually explorative past not damaged goods

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Women with sexually explorative past not damaged goods

Commentator and life coach Solomon Buchi, on Monday, hit out at the “alpha male” movement for their commodification and dehumanisation of women with a sexually explorative past.

Posting on X on Monday night, Buchi said, “Women with a sexually explorative past are not ‘damaged goods’ like alpha male fools have strongly propagated. I uphold conservative ideals regarding sexual liberty, but if a woman lived a sexually reckless life and turns a new leaf, she should never be taunted with it.”

He took issue with the language often used to describe such women, stating, “The constant commodification and dehumanization of women by the alpha male camp is irking. I recognize the biological reality of women, but women in their 30s with a sexually active past should never be described as Leftovers. Such language is horrendously inhumane.”

Buchi acknowledged that embracing promiscuity has consequences but insisted women shouldn’t be endlessly shamed for past actions.

“Of course, an ex-promiscuous woman shouldn’t feel entitled to be loved and married by men, because they’ve turned a new leaf. Actions have consequences, however, stop jeeringly defining women by the consequences of their actions.”

He took particular umbrage at those using derogatory language towards women embracing religion or seeking redemption later in life, such as “Women are like newspapers, they get stale the next day? Shut up! Women are like flowers that bloom and die. Shut up!”

“In the past weeks, I’ve seen a lot of men harassing 30 plus women in their comments, and reminding them that they’re stale like yesterday’s bread, or shaming them for embracing Jesus. It’s mostly perpetuated by these classless spineless alpha fools,” he stated.

Buchi cited the example of Jesus’ respectful treatment of the adulterous woman to counter such rhetoric. “When Jesus met the adulterous woman at the well, he didn’t remind her that she was left over. I presume that she was in her late 40s; had been married 5 times and still had a 6th man at home.”

The commentator lamented that some of those engaged in shaming are Christians themselves. “It disgusts me whenever a female celebrity proclaims Christ that these alpha fools begin to shame them for wasting their 20s and then embracing Jesus.”

“No woman is too far gone in prostitution that God cannot save and restore. God doesn’t stop redeeming women in their 20’s…Just to remind you that female prostitution isn’t a heavier sin than male promiscuity before God,” he added.

The post has since stirred a series of mixed reactions from X users. While some agree with his opinions, some have a contradictory view.

Biden to legalise status of undocumented spouse

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Biden to legalise status of undocumented spouse

The United State President, Joe Biden has announced plans to announce a new policy that
would protect hundreds of thousands of undocumented spouses of US citizens from deportation.

According to a report filed by the BBC today, the move will apply to those who have been in the country for at least 10 years and will also allow them to work in the US legally.

The report said the action by the US President marks the most significant relief programme for undocumented migrants already in the US since the Obama administration announced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or Daca, in 2012.

The White House believes more than 500,000 spouses of US citizens will benefit, in addition to 50,000 young people under 21 whose parents are married to an American citizen.

Recall that earlier in June, Biden vowed to make the US immigration system “more fair and more just” while polls show that immigration is a primary concern for many voters ahead of the presidential election this November.

The announcement comes ahead of an event on Tuesday marking the 12th anniversary of the Daca programme, which shielded over 530,000 migrants who came to the US as children – known as Dreamers – from deportation.

The BBC report also gathered that the White House is also planning to ease and speed up the visa process for highly skilled undocumented immigrants who have received degrees from US universities or who have received a job offer in their field, including Dreamers.

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Beverages prepared with unclean water can spread cholera

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Beverages prepared with unclean water can spread cholera

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has said that beverages, ice, and drinks prepared with unclean or contaminated water can spread cholera.

Cholera is a food and water-borne disease caused by the ingestion of the bacteria— Vibrio cholerae— in contaminated water and food.

Symptoms of cholera include acute profuse, painless watery diarrhoea (rice water stools) of sudden onset, with or without vomiting. It may be associated with nausea, profuse vomiting, and fever.

Experts say severe cases of cholera can lead to death within hours due to dehydration. However, about 80 per cent of infected people may only show mild symptoms or have no symptoms at all.

In Nigeria, cholera is an endemic and seasonal disease, occurring annually, mostly during the rainy season and more frequently in areas with poor sanitation.

The 10 states contributing 90 per cent to the current cholera outbreak burden include Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos states.

So far, from January 1 to June 11, 2024, cholera cases have been reported from 96 LGAs in 30 states, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

Experts say cholera is prevalent in areas with high-density populations, poor water supply, and poor personal and environmental hygiene.

Earlier, the Director General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris disclosed that the agency is conducting a risk assessment, and assisting states to respond to the outbreak.

On Tuesday, the NCDC, on its X handle, NCDCgov, warned, “Beverages, ice and drinks prepared with unclean or contaminated water can spread #cholera.

“Protect yourself and your loved ones; do not buy or consume foods or drinks prepared with water from unreliable sources.”

On how to prevent the spread of the infection, the agency advised Nigerians to make water safe and use water from reliable sources.

It said, “Use water from reliable sources, boil water before drinking, store water in properly covered containers, ensure bottled water and pure water sachet is properly sealed before you drink it.”

On its website, the agency said the disease is easily treatable if detected early.

“Most infected people can be treated successfully through prompt administration of Oral Rehydration Solution to replace lost fluids and electrolytes, and appropriate antibiotics.

“The ORS solution is a powder that can be reconstituted in boiled or bottled water. Cholera can be deadly when infected people do not access care immediately.

“Cholera can be prevented through ensuring access to safe, potable drinking water; proper sanitation and waste disposal; and appropriate hygiene including handwashing. Raw fruits and vegetables, food from street vendors, and raw or undercooked seafood should be avoided,” it added.

It urged state governments to prioritise action for solutions that ensure access to and use of safe water, basic sanitation, and proper hygiene practices in communities.

Survivors recall horror of deadly double Indian train crash

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Survivors recall horror of deadly double Indian train crash

Survivors of an Indian double train crash that killed nine people described on Tuesday their terror when a driver missed a signal and rammed a goods train into a passenger express.

The force of the crash on Monday was so strong that one carriage was initially thrust high into the air, precariously balanced on another.

Heavy goods carriages were flung off the tracks, lying high in tumbled piles.

“I did not feel like I was going to survive,” said one passenger, Arti Roy, who lost her belongings when the carriages crumpled, twisted and then flipped off the rails.

The incident in West Bengal state is the latest to hit India’s creaking rail network, which carries millions of passengers each day — and the most recent reported failure of drivers missing basic signals.

Jahangir Alam, 35, who lives near the crash site in the Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district, rushed to offer his help.

He said the sight of the wrecked trains terrified him.

“These accidents that are happening are very dangerous,” he said.

“Whenever we think about travelling by train, we feel scared inside.”

The Chairman of India’s Railway Board, Jaya Sinha, said that the driver of the goods train had “disregarded the signal” and hit the back of the passenger train.

The driver and his co-driver both died in the crash.

Sinha said the casualties could have been worse, but a guard wagon and two others carrying post at the back of the passenger train took the brunt of the crash.

– ‘Horrific experience’ –

Officials said Tuesday that the number of dead had risen to nine after one of the around 50 injured died in hospital.

“The death toll from the accident has risen to nine, with the death of an injured passenger,” Eastern Railway official Kausik Mitra told AFP.

“Around 40 injured people are still admitted to the hospital, but their condition is stable.”

But the express train — minus its final five carriages which were derailed or damaged — was able to limp on and continue its journey.

It reached Kolkata with about 500 passengers on Monday night.

“It was a horrific experience,” said Antara Das, 35, told AFP. “God has saved us.”

Trains resumed operating on parallel tracks, with work to repair the line and clear the twisted metal debris of the carriages expected to finish later Tuesday.

Many of the carriages have since been cleared from the lines, pushed onto the grassy verge.

As trains passed them on Tuesday morning, passengers stared out at the wreckage.

India has one of the world’s largest rail networks and has seen several disasters over the years, the worst in 1981 when a train derailed while crossing a bridge in Bihar state, killing an estimated 800 people.

In June last year, a three-train collision killed nearly 300 people in Odisha state.

In that crash, a packed passenger train was mistakenly diverted onto a loop line and slammed into a stationary goods train loaded with iron ore.

Three railway employees were later charged with culpable homicide and destruction of evidence.

In October, at least 14 people died when two passenger trains collided after one overshot a signal in Andhra Pradesh state.

The railways ministry said that drivers had been distracted because they were watching cricket on a phone, as hosts India played England during the one-day World Cup.

But in recent years, India has been investing huge sums of money to upgrade its network with modern stations and electronic signalling systems.

AFP

Gunshots as youths protest at Rivers LG secretariat

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Gunshots as youths protest at Rivers LG secretariat

As the crisis over the tenure of the outgoing local government chairmen in Rivers State continues, there were sporadic gunshots at the Port Harcourt City Council on Tuesday morning.

It was gathered that policemen fired severely into the air to scare away scores of Ijaw youths who came to demonstrate at the Council’s Secretariat against the tenure elongation.

One of the protesters, who refused to mention his name for fear of being identified, said they were at the Secretariat to carry out a peaceful demonstration against the immediate past local government council chairmen, Allwell Ihunda, who they claimed had vowed not to vacate office despite the expiration of his tenure on June 17.

He, however, alleged that policemen started shooting in their direction as soon as they sighted the youths.

He said, “We are Ijaw youths and are here on a peaceful demonstration against those whose tenure has expired but refused to vacate their office.

“We are not here to make trouble. We were just on a peaceful demonstration, but surprisingly the police started shooting at us. ”

Speaking, one of the leaders of Port Harcourt City youths, identified as Ichemanti, alleged that one of the protesting youths was shot at by the police.

The situation had heightened tension in the metropolis as the gunshots could be heard far away.

The Port Harcourt City Council is located near the State Police Command and the State House of Assembly complex, which was bombed by suspected arsonists in the heat of the political crisis in the state last year.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said she was informed of reports of gunshots in the area but said it was not from the police.

Iringe-Koko said, “It is not the police that are shooting. Our men have been deployed already to identify and apprehend those disturbing the peace.

“As I speak to you now, the Commissioner of Police and the Deputy Commissioner of Police are on patrol. Policemen that have been deployed there and they are visible.

“We will ensure nobody takes the laws into their hands under our watch. The CP on Monday said the police is ready to do its job, and that is what we are doing.”

Kola not fit to be president, can’t manage father’s empire—MKO Abiola’s son

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Kola not fit to be president, can’t manage father’s empire—MKO Abiola’s son

Abdulmumuni Abiola, a brother to Kola Abiola and son of the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the late MKO Abiola, has criticised the poor handling of his father’s legacies.

He expressed his disappointment in the podcast MIC ON with Seun Okinbaloye, released Saturday night.

He also blamed Kola, Abiola’s eldest son, who he said was in a position to hoist his father’s legacy but failed to do so.

This is as he alleged that Kola, who could have carried on with his father’s struggle, was in a relationship with former Head of State General Ibrahim Babangida’s daughter while his father was in prison.

Babangida’s regime annulled the 1993 presidential election, which was adjudged to be the most free and fair election in the country.

Abiola’s insistence, among other struggles, led to his incarceration in 1994 until his death in 1998.

Abdulmumuni also emphasised that the efforts and sacrifices of his father have not been adequately preserved or honoured.

Recall that former President Muhammadu Buhari honoured Abiola with the highest national honours during his tenure.

Abdulmumuni called for a more concerted effort to recognise MKO Abiola’s contributions to Nigeria’s democracy, urging both the family and the nation to take more significant steps in preserving his legacy.

When asked if he was in a good relationship with his brother, Kola, he answered negatively and laid out more of his grievances.

He declared that he wasn’t in the country upon his father’s death and that he told Kola when he arrived to lay claim to MKO’s investment abroad, but those within Nigeria are for all.

He said, “Well, I don’t think we really are. The last time I saw him, he said, and I quote, “Do I want to do fire for fire?”

“I asked him, ‘taba se fire for fire se ama jeun?’ (Would we eat if it’s done that way?) when the whole of Nigeria is on fire. So if the idea is that I’m already on fire, let’s do it.

“As long as there are proceeds that will come out, I will be able to take care of my family and people who need help in general.

“So yes, we’re not on good terms, and it’s sad for me to say that. You know I don’t want to have an issue with my older brother. He’s my older brother. I love him, you know, and I hope he loves me, but I have no ill-will.”

Abdulmumuni stated that maintaining his father’s legacy was not a one-man business.

“I’m just saying that this is our collective responsibility, and if you’re not doing your part, then you should just step aside. It’s very simple,” he added.

Meanwhile, Okinbaloye also asked if he blames Kola for the manner in which things have gone and if he thinks that the legacy of the late MKO Abiola would have been properly sustained better than it is presently.

Abdulmumuni insisted Kola could have been a strong voice and that Nigerians and himself are unhappy with the way the struggle went post-MKO’s demise.

He responded, “I definitely do because he was in a pivotal position, especially after the whole crisis. He (Kola) could have he could have been a voice.

“He could have been a strong voice of true democratic values. He could have.

“He chose not to—apparently, at the time my father was still in jail—he was having a relationship with Babangida’s daughter. I don’t want to go down there. You know—it’s just sad, you know.

“I’m actually a little bit displeased that my brother didn’t get to come out and see what the people’s response to his first turnout will be (to test his acceptability and popularity and ride on Abiola’s legacies).

“Therefore, I am unhappy with him, and I think Nigerian people are unhappy.”

Abdulmumin mocked the idea that people who are unable to manage smaller capacities shouldn’t even have the chance to oversee bigger ones.

Firing his shot at Kola’s presidential election bid, he asserted, “How will Nigerians vote for someone who can’t manage the late MKO Abiola’s empire and businesses?”

Recall that Kola ran for the presidential seat in the 2024 general election under the People’s Redemption Party, where he garnered 2,097 votes across the nation.

He continued, “You saw how many people voted for him when he said he wanted to be president. I wonder how he thought he could be president.

“You cannot manage Abiola’s empire. How do you want to manage Nigeria? How does that work?

“This is the problem in Nigeria. People who are not showing capacity in their own little spaces of work want to now get a higher position. You don’t deserve a higher position.”

Asked if he voted for his brother (Kola), he added, “I told him—I said, ‘You’re not going to use my money to do a campaign. Give me my money first and go and campaign’.”

And when the host asked if and why he thought Kola owed him anything, Abdulmumin declared, “He owes me a lot.

“Well, first of all, if he just listens to what my father said in the will and does what he’s rightfully supposed to do like every other person has done, he’s not the first to be the first son. Look at the Folawiyos as an example.

“We have lost so much. There’s so much property that my father had in this country that we can never get back because people have sat on it and they’re using it to take care of their families, but the issue here is: who is to lose? It was our money that was used to buy these things.

“Those properties—you cannot build them today with the kind of money you’re going to spend. I’m talking about the silo in Lafiagi, Kwara State—20,000 metric tonnes of silo on 10,000 hectares of land. How much do you want to pay for that land now?

“You know it’s sad that you know your father has reached a certain level and you cannot continue from where he stopped.”

Likewise, Abdulmumuni blamed Kola for the misfortunes that beset some of Abiola’s children, who, as a result of penury, cannot fend for their needs due to the former’s imprudence.

“I would like him to explain to me exactly where he has gone in this direction. It’s like you’re going down a dead-end road and you see the signs, but you still keep going. I don’t understand this, and this is 30 years down the line, so it’s not like I waited a year after my father died and I’m making these accusations.

“I’m saying people have died in these 30 years. I’m talking about Abiola children who could not buy medicine or who could not just take care of themselves.

“This is sad, and I’m sure my father will not be pleased about it. So, I am not pleased, and it’s not because, like I said, it’s not because I want it. It’s like I wake up in the morning and my phone is inundated with text messages from people saying I need help! I need help!

“How many people can I help, and if I want to help somebody, I have to first be able to help myself? It’s important that we do things the right way, and that’s, I think, just my issue on this,” he lamented.

Going forward, Okinbaloye asked if he had been able to speak to Kola about some of these grievances.

The host added that many people believe that MKO Abiola’s wealth would have been generational wealth because he had so much wealth and spread across the country that there are those who believe that no Abiola’s blood should ever be poor based on what Abiola had.

Abdulmumuni responded positively and indicated that the late MKO Abiola’s wealth was beyond people’s imagination and far greater than what they see in Nigeria.

“You’re right, and you have to understand that what I’m talking about are just the properties in Nigeria.

“This is not where Abiola had his real wealth. Abiola had those companies in Nigeria just to help Nigerian people. They were losing money. They were bleeding money, but he did this because he understood the Nigerian people needed something to do.

“Give somebody nothing to do, and they’ll pick up a gun. You need something to do. So, he understood that,” he added.

Efforts by According Online to reach out to the PRP candidate and MKO Abiola’s eldest son (Kola) were futile, as calls made on Monday and Tuesday to his line all rang out and text messages sent to him have yet to be responded to.

Meanwhile, in a 2021 interview, Abdulmumuni responded to claims by  former military dictator, Babangida, that his annulment of the historic poll prevented a bloody coup.

The deceased’s son, in the interview, surprisingly noted that Babangida was even his godfather at birth in December 1984.

According Online reports that Abdulmumuni is a son of the late MKO Abiola and Kudirat Abiola, while Kola is Simbiat’s son.

13 killed as heavy rains pound Central America

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13 killed as heavy rains pound Central America

Thirteen people have died in flooding and landslides in El Salvador and Guatemala as heavy rains pound Central America, authorities from the two countries said.

In El Salvador, the hardest hit country so far, five people died Monday in a landslide in the western district of Tacuba, in the department of Ahuachapan, Civil Defence chief Luis Amaya said.

Those deaths follow two fatalities recorded on Sunday after a tree and a pole fell on a car that was travelling on a highway in the capital.

Another four people were killed in flooding and landslides between Friday and Sunday, Amaya added.

On Sunday, Congress approved a state of emergency to facilitate the mobilisation of resources.

President Nayib Bukele said on X that he had asked Congress to make Tuesday a federal holiday to avoid commutes and “reduce the risk of tragedies.”

Rains have been slamming both countries since Saturday.

In Guatemala, a 59-year-old woman and a 68-year-old man died on Sunday in the village of Chacaya, in the western municipality of Sacapulas, when they were buried by a collapsed wall, authorities said.

Dozens to hundreds die each year in Central America as the rainy season leaves extensive damage to countries’ infrastructure.

Additionally, the death toll from a landslide in Ecuador rose from six to seven people, with 22 others injured, authorities said Monday.

The landslide was triggered by heavy rains in the tourist Tungurahua province in southern Ecuador.

AFP

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Alleged Nigerian drug dealer attacks police officer in South Africa

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Alleged Nigerian drug dealer attacks police officer in South Africa

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department reported that a Nigerian suspect, allegedly involved in drug dealing, attacked one of its officers during an operation in Randburg, north of South Africa’s biggest city.

JMPD said its officers were following a lead on the Nigerian suspect on Sunday afternoon and when they arrived at the scene, the suspect called for reinforcement, alleging he was being robbed.

According to a statement on Facebook on Monday, JMPD officers were on Sunday afternoon following a lead on the suspect when he (suspect) called for backup, claiming he was being robbed.

The city police in a statement said, “This led to a violent attack on one of the officers.”

“During the ensuing events, two suspects were shot, one was critically injured and taken to Olivedale Hospital, and the other sustained a hand wound. He was treated at the scene by paramedics and subsequently arrested.

“Backup was requested and officers from the JMPD, SAPS and Gauteng traffic police responded to the scene.

“A third suspect, who transported the critically injured suspect to the hospital, was identified by the officers and apprehended.

“The officer’s firearm was recovered by Douglasdale SAPS. A police vehicle was damaged in the course of the incident.”

Lesiba Thobakgale, spokesperson for the South African Policing Union (SAPU), condemned the attack, stating that assaults on police officers are equivalent to attacks on the state itself.

Thobakgale advocated for such crimes to be deemed treasonous, emphasizing the government’s responsibility to protect its law enforcement representatives.

Thobakgale said, “Police killings or attacks should be declared treason as it is a crime against the state and the state has a responsibility to protect police officers who are representing the state and not themselves.

“This action will show that the government is taking such barbaric acts seriously.”

The JMPD said it has opened a case of attempted murder and public violence for further investigation.

Pressure on cholera vaccine stocks ‘decreasing’- Gavi alliance

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Pressure on cholera vaccine stocks ‘decreasing’- Gavi alliance

A resurgence of cholera across Africa has driven an urgent need for more vaccine doses, but stock shortages have hampered the fight against the increasing outbreaks of the deadly disease.

But pressure on the supply of doses is now decreasing, said Aurelia Nguyen, Chief Programme Pfficer of the Gavi Vaccine Alliance that raises funds to supply vaccines to developing countries.

Ahead of a summit in Paris on Thursday aimed at ramping up vaccine production in Africa, Nguyen told AFP about the current state of play.

 

– How many doses are there? –

Nguyen: “Cholera outbreaks are becoming more and more frequent, more and more widespread, and are occurring more often in countries that had previously been spared.

“For years, demand for cholera vaccines had been relatively low. From two million in 2013, the supply of doses exploded to 38 million in 2023. Given the current context, the response to these outbreaks follows the World Health Organization’s recommendation to administer a single dose, instead of the usual two.

“Due to the number of currently ongoing cholera outbreaks, our supply of vaccines was under pressure at the start of the year. But the pressure is now decreasing and we are once again in a position to immediately respond to new requests.

“The South Korean biopharmaceutical company EuBiologics, the only supplier of oral cholera vaccines, will increase its production by 30 percent this year and next. This increase was made possible in particular by Gavi’s purchases over several years.

“Gavi therefore expects to receive 50 million doses in 2024 and around 65 million in 2025.

“Because it is important to diversify suppliers and increase volumes, we are working with a second producer, the Indian company Bharat. The firm will be able to supply more doses in 2025, as will producers in Africa in the future.

“Cholera is part of the 10-year, $1 billion initiative aimed at supporting vaccine production in Africa.”

 

– What is driving new outbreaks? –

“Climate change is a factor that is embedded in our new strategy. This is the first time that global warming has been a criteria for investment in future vaccinations — for example, against dengue fever.

“As well as diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, Gavi also monitors those related to populations that have been displaced by drought.

“Wherever there is conflict or a displaced population, there is a significant risk of outbreaks which rises the longer the fighting goes on. Whether it is for cholera, yellow fever, meningitis, measles — we have vaccine reserves ready.

“Gavi works closely with the WHO to keep an eye on new pathogens that may emerge, and we take climate shocks into account in our projections for future vaccine needs.

“We have the money available ($500 million set aside) to finance a rapid response on the day an epidemic or pandemic is declared.”

 

– What about manufacturers? –

“Thanks to our funding, Gavi vaccinates around 60 percent of the children born on Earth every year. We do not ask manufacturers to give us charity, but to sell to us at a reasonable price. The model has to be viable from the view of pharmaceutical firms so they invest in the requested volume.

“That said, given the poor countries we represent and the resources provided by our donors, we do ask for the price to be the lowest available.

“We are not a discount store — we give the same products to children in Burkina Faso that are available to children in Switzerland. This is essential to retain confidence in the model. We will never give out an expired dose.”

AFP

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