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Experts Warn of Impending Decrease in Life Expectancy in Nigeria Due to Soaring Drug Prices

23Apr

By Linda IfeomaNo Comments

Health

Experts Warn of Impending Decrease in Life Expectancy in Nigeria Due to Soaring Drug Prices

Nigerians are facing a looming threat to their health as the cost of essential pharmaceutical products, including malaria, antibiotics, anti-diabetes, and hypertension drugs, continues to rise. This worrying trend has raised concerns about a potential increase in mortality rates and a decrease in life expectancy. The escalation in drug prices has been unprecedented, with retail prices skyrocketing by as much as 300% on a daily basis. This surge in pharmaceutical inflation is exacerbating the existing challenges posed by food inflation, which spiked to 40.01% in March. Recent market surveys have revealed staggering price hikes in commonly used drugs across Nigeria. For instance, the prices of antibiotics and malaria medications like Tavernic have surged from N11,370 to N25,735 since Jan...

Experts Warn of Impending Life Expectancy Reduction in Nigeria Due to Soaring Drug Prices

23Apr

By Afolake IbidunNo Comments

Business

Experts Warn of Impending Life Expectancy Reduction in Nigeria Due to Soaring Drug Prices

Heightened fears of increased mortality and reduced life expectancy among Nigerians have been sparked by the rising prices of essential pharmaceutical products such as malaria, antibiotics, anti-diabetes, and hypertension drugs. This alarming situation is exacerbated by the unchecked daily increase of at least 300% in retail prices for commonly used drugs in Nigeria. In addition to the existing food inflation rate of 40.01% in March, the pharmaceutical inflation rate has witnessed a sharp surge over the past four months. Recent market surveys conducted in Abuja revealed staggering price hikes, with medications like Tavernic soaring to N25,735 from N11,370 in January, and Levofloxacin SGS selling for N1,200 from N550. Other examples include Terivid tablet 200mg (N10,320 from N4,460), Co...

Israel Accused of Human Rights Violations in Gaza Conflict

23Apr

By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments

News

Israel Accused of Human Rights Violations in Gaza Conflict

According to the latest annual report by the US State Department, the armed conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a notable deterioration of human rights conditions in the region. Highlighted in the report are various human rights violations, including reports of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and the unwarranted arrest of journalists. The State Department’s 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices underscored these concerning issues. Addressing concerns about the apparent discrepancy in the treatment of allegations against the Israeli military, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that investigations into these matters are actively ongoing. During a recent briefing where the human rights report was presented, Blinken stated, “Our...

23Apr

By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments

Sports

Inter Milan Secures 20th Title by Defeating AC Milan in Serie A

Sealing their 20th Serie A championship, Inter Milan triumphed over their rivals AC Milan with a 2-1 victory on Monday. The Nerazzurri took the lead in the first half with Francesco Acerbi’s header. In the second half, Inter extended their lead at the San Siro with Marcus Thuram’s finish. Although Fikayo Tomori scored a late goal for Milan, it was only a consolation. Tempers flared in the Derby's closing stages, leading to red cards for Theo Hernandez and Davide Calabria from AC Milan, and Denzel Dumfries from Inter. With only five fixtures remaining, Simone Inzaghi’s squad has now secured an insurmountable 17-point lead over their city rivals in the Serie A standings.

Samson Siasia reveals FIFA’s request to NFF to withhold investigation information

23Apr

By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments

Sports

Samson Siasia reveals FIFA’s request to NFF to withhold investigation information

In a recent revelation, Samson Siasia, the former head coach of the Super Eagles, has criticized the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for their negligence during FIFA's probe into match-fixing allegations against him. Siasia was implicated in bribery and suspected involvement in match-fixing, leading to a life ban from all football-related activities imposed by the world football governing body in 2019. The ban was later reduced to five years following an appeal. Speaking to Athlist, the 56-year-old, whose ban is nearing its end, accused the NFF of providing little support during the FIFA investigation period. Reflecting on the situation, Siasia expressed his disappointment, stating, "Nigeria abandoned me when I needed them the most. It was merely an allegation of bribery. But what c...

23Apr

By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments

News

Asylum Seekers in the UK can finally be Deported to Rwanda

The deportation bill for sending asylum seekers from the UK to Rwanda is set to be enacted into law following the decision by opposition and crossbench peers to withdraw their opposition on Monday night. This move paves the way for potential legal battles concerning the removal of a number of individuals seeking asylum in the United Kingdom. After a lengthy battle between the Commons and the Lords over the crucial legislation, the bill has finally been passed, with expectations for it to receive royal assent by Tuesday. Sources within the Home Office have informed The Guardian UK that a specific group of asylum seekers, deemed to have weak legal grounds to stay in the UK, has been identified to be among the first batch slated for relocation to East Africa in July. NewsNow has reported ...

UEFA to Expand Squad Size to 26 for Euro 2024

23Apr

By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments

Sports

UEFA to Expand Squad Size to 26 for Euro 2024

For the upcoming European Champions tournament, UEFA is planning to increase the squad size to 26 players. The decision to expand the squads was approved after a recent vote, signaling a shift from the previous 23-player limit. Initial discussions on enlarging the squads took place during a coaches' meeting in Dusseldorf two weeks ago. The UEFA national competitions committee met on Monday and voted in favor of the squad size increase. The use of larger squads was initiated during Euro 2021 to assist teams in dealing with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the decision still awaits final approval from the UEFA executive committee (EXCO), it is expected to be a mere formality.

‘Defending his actions’ – Trump justifies attempts at election influence

23Apr

By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments

News

‘Defending his actions’ – Trump justifies attempts at election influence

During Donald Trump's trial, the prosecution has portrayed the former President as the mastermind behind a criminal scheme aimed at manipulating the 2016 presidential election in order to conceal an alleged affair with adult film star Stormy Daniels. These remarks were made during the prosecution's opening statement in Trump's ongoing criminal trial. On the other hand, the defense argued that there is nothing improper about seeking to sway an election - it is simply exercising democracy. In addition to the opening statements from both sides, the trial briefly heard testimony from its first witness, David Pecker. Pecker, the former publisher of the National Enquirer, played a pivotal role in Trump's alleged wrongdoings. A jury consisting of seven men and five women residing in Manhattan...

Abia Commissioner Reveals Government Schools Converted to Relief Markets and Event Centers by Individuals

23Apr

By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments

News

Abia Commissioner Reveals Government Schools Converted to Relief Markets and Event Centers by Individuals

Upon taking office, Abia State Commissioner for Education, Professor Uche Eme Uche, uncovered that approximately 300 government schools in the state had been allegedly seized by individuals and faith-based organizations. Shockingly, she found out that some of these schools had been turned into relief markets and social event venues. Speaking at the Abia State Judiciary Panel of Inquiry on the recovery of government properties and funds in Umuahia, she recounted her startling discovery. Upon assuming her role, she learned that Comprehensive Secondary School, Okpu-Umuobo in Osisioma Ngwa LGA was reportedly taken over by an individual who claimed approval from the previous governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, for a National Agricultural Land Development Agency (NALDA) project. Despite efforts to tr...

23Apr

By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments

News

The European Union’s Warning to TikTok: A Potential Ban Looms

A new service from TikTok has raised concerns in the European Union, prompting threats of a potential ban. The EU likened the service to being “as addictive as cigarettes” and demanded TikTok provide convincing evidence of safeguards for children. This marks the EU's first use of enhanced authority to impose penalties on social media platforms, granted by the EU Digital Service Act (DSA) enacted in August 2023. Tasked with assessing the defense arguments put forth by TikTok, the EU Commission has set a deadline until Wednesday, as reported by The Guardian UK. Thierry Breton, the digital commissioner, criticized TikTok's implementation of TikTok Lite as failing to comply with DSA obligations, labeling the service as “toxic”. The EU could potentially suspend the reward feature ...