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  • I almost failed at Oxford University – DJ Cuppy

    I almost failed at Oxford University – DJ Cuppy

    Nigerian female Disk Jockey, Florence Otedola, popularly known as DJ Cuppy has said she almost failed her master’s programme at the University of Oxford.

     Speaking at a recent event, in the video making the rounds online, DJ Cuppy said there is power in uncertainties and failure, stressing that even the biggest and most successful women experience failure.

    She noted that her life has been unpredictable despite being from a privileged background.

    Cuppy recounted how a jewelry line she established at age 28 failed, almost failed at Oxford University, and failed in her relationship with British boxer, Ryan Taylor.

    She said her story is still happening, and she is comfortable with the uncertainties.

     

  • Ghana first to approve Oxford’s malaria vaccine

    Ghana first to approve Oxford’s malaria vaccine

    Ghana on Thursday said it is the first country in the world to approve a new malaria vaccine from Oxford University, with children under the age of three-years-old in line to benefit.

    The mosquito-borne disease kills more than 600,000 people each year, most of them children in Africa, and scientists have been trying for years to develop vaccines.

    It is unclear when the Oxford vaccine will be rolled out in Ghana.

    Childhood vaccines in Africa are typically paid for by international organisations such as Gavi and UNICEF after they have been backed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which is still assessing the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness.

    However, Oxford scientist, Adrian Hill said Ghana’s drug regulator has approved it for the age group at highest risk of death from malaria, children aged 5 months to 36 months.

    It has a deal with Serum Institute of India to produce up to 200 million doses annually.

    This is the first time a major vaccine has been approved first in an African country ahead of rich nations, Hill said.

    It was unusual that a regulatory authority in Africa had reviewed the data quicker than the WHO, he added.

    “Particularly since COVID, African regulators have been taking a much more proactive stance, they’ve been saying…we don’t want to be last in the queue,’’ Hill said.

    The first malaria vaccine, Mosquirix from British drugmaker GSK (GSK.L), was endorsed by the WHO in 2022 after decades of work.

    However, lack of funding and commercial potential thwarted the company’s capacity to produce as many dose as needed.

    GSK has committed to produce up to 15 million doses of Mosquirix every year through 2028, well under the roughly 100 million doses a year of the four-dose vaccine the WHO says is needed long-term to cover around 25 million children.

    Ghana, Kenya and Malawi were all involved in the pilot programme for the roll-out of Mosquirix, and have begun rolling it out more widely in recent months.

    Since it began in 2019, 1.2 million children across the three countries have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

    Meanwhile, the WHO said in march that in the areas where the vaccine has been given, all-cause child mortality has dropped by 10 per cent, a sign of its impact.

    Mid-stage data from the Oxford vaccine trial involving more than 400 young children was published in a medical journal in September.

    While the vaccine effectiveness was 80 per cent in the group that received a higher dose of the immune-boosting adjuvant component of the vaccine, and 70 per cent in the lower-dose adjuvant group, at 12 months following the fourth dose.

    The doses were administered ahead of the of peak malaria season in Burkina Faso.

    Data from an ongoing phase III clinical trial in Burkina Faso, Kenya, Mali and Tanzania that has enrolled 4,800 children is expected to be published in a medical journal in the coming months.

    However, late-stage data, which suggests a similar vaccine performance as in the phase II trial has been shared with regulatory authorities over the last six months, Hill said.

  • Philippines lifts suspension on AstraZeneca vaccine for under 60

    Philippines lifts suspension on AstraZeneca vaccine for under 60

    The Philippines will resume administering AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to people below 60 years of age, ending a temporary suspension over reports of rare blood clots in younger recipients overseas, health officials said on Monday.

    “The benefit outweighs the risk. Only a small percentage of the population had these adverse effects for AstraZeneca,” Health Undersecretary, Maria Rosario Vergeire, told a regular news conference, referring to countries where blood clots were reported.

    Health authorities will release guidelines, including different precautions on the use of the AstraZeneca shots, Vergeire added.

    The European Medicines Agency had earlier recommended including blood clots as a rare side effect of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

    The Southeast Asian nation is yet to record blood clots as side effect, but suspended the use of AstraZeneca’s vaccine for under 60s on April 8.

    The Philippines, a country of 108 million people, is battling one of the worst outbreaks in Asia but has administered less than 1.5 million shots of COVID-19 vaccines, 86 per cent of which were first doses.

    It has recorded 936,133 COVID-19 cases and 15,960 deaths due to the virus.

    The Philippines has received 525,600 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine through the COVAX international vaccine-share facility.

    More than 900,000 more were to be shipped in May or June, according to health ministry data.

    Vaccines from China’s Sinovac Biotech accounts for 83 per cent of doses so far delivered to the Philippines.

  • Why WHO wants use of AstraZeneca vaccine to continue despite fears

    Why WHO wants use of AstraZeneca vaccine to continue despite fears

    Despite fears over usage, the World Health Organization (WHO) has again recommended the continuous use of the Oxford/AstraZeneca Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine.

    Recall a number of countries in the European Union have temporarily suspended use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

    The countries suspended use of the vaccine as a precautionary measure based on reports of rare blood coagulation disorders in persons who had received the vaccine.

    Other countries in the EU – having considered the same information – have decided to continue using the vaccine in their immunization programmes.

    The WHO in a statement said at this time, it considers that the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh its risks and recommends that vaccinations continue.

    A statement published on WHO’s website on Wednesday reads: “Vaccination against COVID-19 will not reduce illness or deaths from other causes.

    “Thromboembolic events are known to occur frequently. Venous thromboembolism is the third most common cardiovascular disease globally.

    “In extensive vaccination campaigns, it is routine for countries to signal potential adverse events following immunization.

    “This does not necessarily mean that the events are linked to vaccination itself, but it is good practice to investigate them. It also shows that the surveillance system works and that effective controls are in place.

    “WHO is in regular contact with the European Medicines Agency and regulators around the world for the latest information on COVID-19 vaccine safety.

    “The WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety is carefully assessing the latest available safety data for the AstraZeneca vaccine. Once that review is completed, WHO will immediately communicate the findings to the public.

    “At this time, WHO considers that the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh its risks and recommends that vaccinations continue”.

  • See first person to receive COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria [PHOTOS]

    See first person to receive COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria [PHOTOS]

    The first dose of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine was administered for the first time in Nigeria to a frontline medical doctor on Friday in Abuja, the federal capital territory (FCT).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the COVID-19 vaccine was administered to the frontline medical doctor at the National Hospital, Abuja.

    Dr Ngong Cyprian, who has been working at the COVID-19 isolation centre at the National Hospital, Abuja since March 2020, is the first person in Nigeria to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

    https://twitter.com/tngbreaking/status/1367779672986181634?s=19

    Other health care workers that joined Dr Ngong to first receive the AstraZeneca vaccine in Nigeria are Nurse Faith E. Eragbai, Dr. Nuru Joseph and Dr. Thairu Yunusa.

    See photos below:

     

    TNG reports Nigeria started the COVID-19 vaccination after the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines passed assessment by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDC).

    While Dr Ngong is a Family Physician at the National Hospital, Abuja, Dr Yunusa is a Pathologist with the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.

    Ngon had been the Head of the COVID-19 Isolation Centre at National Hospital Abuja since February 2020 when the virus was first detected in Nigeria.

    The third person to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, Dr Samudeen is the National Hospital Abuja Family Physician at the Accident and Emergency unit.

    With today’s occasion, Nigeria is now set to go ahead and use the 3.924 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine which arrived the country on March 2 through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    Meanwhile, the Federal Government had launched a website where Nigerians could log on and register for the vaccination.

    Government, therefore, advised citizens to log on to the website on NPHCDC website.

    The healthcare development agency said that “to register for the COVID-19 vaccination, visit our website — nphcda.gov.ng — and click on ‘COVID-19 vaccination e-registration.”

     

  • Edo receives doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines

    Edo receives doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines

    The Edo government says it has received doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines for distribution in the state.

    This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Osarodion Ogie, and made available to newsmen in Benin on Wednesday.

    According to him, the doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines are in the custody of the state government, with the government finalising arrangements for its deployment across the state.

    “The state is preparing a localised distribution mechanism for the rollout of the vaccines in line with the national plan.

    “The Edo state government is in custody of doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines received from the Federal Government for distribution in the state.

    “We are preparing a local distribution network for rolling out the vaccines in line with the national plan, he said.

  • Watch video of AstraZeneca vaccines delivery to Nigeria

    Watch video of AstraZeneca vaccines delivery to Nigeria

    Nigeria on Tuesday received 3.94 million doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India(SII) and shipped via the COVAX Facility.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the COVID-19 vaccines arrived in the country via the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    The delivery was handled by airport and aviation service provider, Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO).

    Watch video of delivery below:

    https://twitter.com/tngbreaking/status/1366717108994859009?s=19

    TNG reports COVAX is co-led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), working in partnership with UNICEF, the World Bank, civil society organisations, manufacturers and others.

    The UN system said the arrival marked a historic step towards the goal to ensure equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines globally, in what would be the largest vaccine procurement and supply operation in history.

    It said the delivery was part of a first wave of arrivals in Nigeria that would continue in the coming days and weeks.

    Edward Kallon, UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, reiterated the commitment of the UN to support the vaccination campaign in the country and help contain the spread of the virus.

    “The arrival of these vaccines in Abuja today marks a milestone for the COVAX Facility in its unprecedented effort to deliver at least 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines globally by the end of 2021.

    “The arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine will enable the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to commence the vaccination of Nigerians in priority groups, starting with frontline healthcare workers,” he said.

    Thabani Maphosa, Managing Director for Country Programmes at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, said it was a landmark moment for Nigeria and the COVAX Facility’s mission to help end the acute phase of the pandemic by enabling equitable access to the vaccines across the world.

    “We are glad to see Nigeria is among the first receiving the doses from COVAX, thanks to the excellent level of preparedness put in place by the Government of Nigeria.

    “Gavi looks forward to these vaccines being made available to the people most at risk, as soon as possible, and to ensuring that routine immunisation services for other life-threatening infections are also delivered to avoid other disease outbreaks,” he said.

    Also, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Representative in Nigeria, said it was heart-warming “to witness this epoch-making event.”

    “WHO wishes to congratulate the government of Nigeria for its participation in the global vaccine collaboration (COVAX) efforts and its commitment to protecting Nigerians against this pandemic.

    “These vaccines have undergone rigorous regulatory processes at global and country level and have been deemed safe and effective,” Mulombo said.

    According to him, vaccines are a critical new tool in the battle against COVID-19 and therefore, Nigeria’s participation is a step in the right direction.

    Similarly, Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Country Representative, emphasised the importance of vaccines, adding that the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccines into Nigeria was critical in curbing the pandemic.

    “After a year of disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, today we celebrate the efforts being made in getting the vaccine to Nigeria.

    “With more than 150,000 Nigerians infected with the virus and over 1,800 lives lost, the path to recovery for the people of Nigeria can finally begin.

    “This is a very significant occasion and the only way out of this crisis is to ensure that vaccinations are available to all,” Hawkins said.

    The UN system in Nigeria said COVAX had built a diverse portfolio of vaccines suitable for a range of settings and populations and was on track to meet its goal of delivering at least 2 billion doses of vaccine to participating countries around the globe in 2021.

    This, the UN said included at least 1.3 billion donor-funded doses to the 92 lower-income COVAX Facility participants supported by the Gavi COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC).

    The COVAX Facility is expected to deliver around 90 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to the African region in the first quarter of 2021 and has committed to providing up to 600 million doses to the region by the end of 2021 to cover 20 per cent of the population.

  • UK approves Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

    UK approves Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

    The UK on Wednesday approved Oxford University-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

    AstraZeneca, in a statement, said that the first doses are being released so that vaccinations may begin early in the new year.

    “The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has provided authorisation for an emergency supply of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca, formerly AZD1222.

    ”This is for the active immunisation of individuals 18 years or older,” the company said.

    The authorisation recommends two doses administered with an interval of between four and 12 weeks.

    This regimen was shown in clinical trials to be safe and effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19, with no severe cases and no hospitalisations more than 14 days after the second dose.

    The company said it aims to supply millions of doses in the first quarter as part of an agreement with the government to supply up to 100 million doses in total.

    “Today is an important day for millions of people in the UK who will get access to this new vaccine. It has been shown to be effective, well-tolerated, simple to administer, and is supplied by AstraZeneca at no profit.

    ”We would like to thank our many colleagues at AstraZeneca, Oxford University, the UK government, and the tens of thousands of clinical trial participants,” it quoted Chief Executive Officer, Pascal Soriot, as saying.

    Matt Hancock, UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said that the vaccine would be made available to some of the poorest regions of the world.

    Hancock said the vaccine will be available at a low cost, helping protect countless people from this “awful” disease.

    “I want to thank every single person who has been part of this British success story.

    ”While it is a time to be hopeful, it is so vital everyone continues to play their part to drive down infections,” he said.

  • West Ham’s Reece Oxford set for RB Leipzig move

    West Ham defender Reece Oxford is set to complete a surprise move to Bundesliga side RB Leipzig next month.Oxford, 19, has been on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach and has made three league appearances this season.

    However, RB Leipzig are optimistic of a deal being agreed for an initial 9m Euros (£8m), with the fee potentially rising to 19m (£16.88m) with add ons.

    West Ham would have to recall the England Under-20 international from Monchengladbach before doing the deal.

    Leipzig tried to buy Oxford in 2016 but could not agree a fee with the Hammers.

    Oxford became West Ham’s youngest ever player when he made his debut as a 16-year-old in a Europa League qualifying tie against Andorran side Lusitanos in July 2015.

    New Hammers boss David Moyes had agreed to let Oxford leave on a permanent basis, although it was anticipated he would remain at Monchengladbach.

    Leipzig were second in the table heading into December but have failed to win any of their last four matches and have slipped to fifth.

    They have been drawn against Napoli in the last 32 of the Europa Leagu