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WHO Reports Major Progress Toward Polio Eradication in Africa

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a major milestone in polio eradication in Africa, with a 54% decline in virus detections and a reduction in active outbreaks from 24 to 14 countries between 2024 and 2025.

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WHO Reports Significant Progress Toward Polio Eradication in Africa

The polio eradication in Africa campaign has recorded remarkable progress, according to the [World Health Organization (WHO)] http://www.who.int. The WHO announced a sharp decline in the number of countries with active type 2 poliovirus outbreaks — from 24 in 2024 to 14 in 2025 — marking a 54% reduction in virus detections across the continent.

Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, made the announcement in commemoration of [World Polio Day] on October 24, highlighting this year’s theme: “End Polio: Every Child, Every Vaccine, Everywhere.”

Janabi commended the continent’s progress toward polio eradication in Africa, reaffirming WHO’s commitment to ensuring that every child is protected from the preventable disease through sustained and coordinated vaccination efforts.

He noted that in April 2025, African health ministers launched a regional vaccination campaign to reach 83 million children, significantly contributing to the decline in poliovirus transmission.

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By October 2025, only two countries reported type 1 cases, 14 reported type 2, and three reported type 3 poliovirus cases — a reflection of both progress and ongoing challenges in polio eradication in Africa.

According to WHO, success in polio eradication in Africa has been driven by improved cross-border collaboration, stronger disease surveillance, and enhanced laboratory capacity. Eleven WHO-supported labs have now expanded genomic sequencing, while six pilot advanced sequencing techniques to improve virus detection.

Uganda’s Sanger sequencing facility, for instance, recently achieved higher accreditation, helping track poliovirus variants more effectively.

Environmental monitoring has also improved: 98% of African countries now conduct wastewater and sewage surveillance for polioviruses, ensuring rapid detection and early response before widespread transmission.

Learn more about environmental surveillance at the [Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI)]http://polioeradication.org

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Between January and October 2025, 15 countries vaccinated nearly 200 million children through supplementary immunization campaigns as part of the polio eradication in Africa effort.

Thirteen countries executed synchronized cross-border campaigns, even in conflict zones such as the Horn of Africa, where four nations vaccinated over 18 million children in two rounds.

Cross-border coordination in regions like the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel has been vital in reaching remote and nomadic populations, significantly curbing polio transmission in vulnerable communities.

[UNICEF] http://www.unicef.org/immunization/polio continues to support these campaigns by supplying vaccines and assisting health workers in hard-to-reach areas.

Dr. Janabi highlighted the role of technology in boosting polio eradication in Africa. Digital innovations have enabled over 850,000 frontline health workers to be paid via mobile money systems within ten days, improving transparency and timeliness.

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Geospatial mapping now helps identify missed children — especially in border areas — ensuring that vaccination coverage continues to rise.

Despite the achievements, Dr. Janabi warned that declining routine immunization rates, insecurity, and vaccine hesitancy remain major obstacles to complete polio eradication in Africa.

“The last mile is the hardest but most crucial,” Janabi said. “Ending polio requires sustained funding, political will, and collective action to reach every child, everywhere.”

He added that ending polio will also strengthen Africa’s broader health systems and improve preparedness for future disease outbreaks.

The WHO reiterated that full polio eradication in Africa is within reach — but only if all stakeholders maintain momentum. As the continent moves closer to becoming completely polio-free, the success underscores Africa’s commitment to protecting every child through vaccination and public health resilience. Visit http://gmtnewsng.com for more news.

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NiMet Weather Update: Dust Haze and Rain Expected from Monday

NiMet weather update predicts three days of dust haze and rain across Nigeria from Monday to Wednesday, warning of possible flooding in parts of the South.

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NiMet Weather Update: Dust Haze and Rain Expected from Monday

October 27, 2025 | Abuja

The NiMet weather update has predicted a mix of dust haze and rainfall across various parts of Nigeria from Monday to Wednesday, urging residents to remain alert and take necessary precautions.

In its NiMet weather update released on Sunday in Abuja, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) projected slight dust haze with good visibility over Borno, Zamfara, northern Kaduna, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina States on Monday.

According to the agency, isolated thunderstorms and light rain are also expected in Taraba and Adamawa States during the afternoon and evening hours, while sunny skies with patches of clouds are likely in the central region, including FCT, Nasarawa, and Kogi, with chances of late-day rain.

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The NiMet weather update further noted cloudy conditions in the southern region on Monday morning, followed by moderate rainfall and thunderstorms later in the day over Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Ondo, Lagos, Ekiti, Ogun, Delta, and Rivers States.

For Tuesday, the NiMet weather forecast indicated continued slight dust haze in the north and possible thunderstorms in Taraba and Adamawa, while the central region will witness sunny skies with moderate rain in FCT, Nasarawa, and Kogi.

Across the south, moderate rainfall is anticipated in Rivers, Cross River, Ebonyi, and Akwa Ibom in the morning, with increasing intensity later in the day. NiMet also warned of possible flooding in parts of Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Cross River, urging authorities to activate emergency response measures.

By Wednesday, the NiMet weather update anticipates sunny skies across the north, with isolated thunderstorms in Taraba, and light rain in the central region, especially Kogi and the FCT. The southern states will start cloudy, transitioning to thunderstorms and moderate rain later in the day.

NiMet also cautioned against potential flash floods and advised motorists to drive carefully in wet conditions. The agency urged persons with asthma or respiratory issues to minimize outdoor exposure due to dust particles in northern airspace.

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It further advised airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports for flight planning and encouraged the public to stay informed through NiMet’s website and official communication channels. GMTNewsng

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Wike in Dubai for 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum

Wike in Dubai for the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum to engage world city leaders on sustainable urban development and global cooperation.

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Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory

Wike in Dubai for 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum

Date: Oct. 27, 2025

The Wike in Dubai visit marks Nigeria’s strong representation at the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum (2025APCS), as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this week for the high-level international engagement.

According to a statement by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, on Monday, Wike in Dubai was warmly received by the Consul General of Nigeria, Ambassador Zayyanu Ibrahim, alongside officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) who arrived ahead of him.

During the summit, Wike in Dubai will lead a discussion panel on Tuesday, where he will field questions about the Federal Capital Territory, exchange ideas with other Mayors of capital cities, and explore opportunities for sustainable city partnerships.

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The 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum seeks to create long-term value for cities and businesses across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, promoting trade, innovation, and investment opportunities.

An initiative of the Brisbane City Council, Australia, the forum is recognized as one of the world’s most diverse gatherings of mayors, city leaders, business executives, and young professionals committed to shaping the future of global urban development.

The 2025APCS theme, “Collaborate, Inspire, Transform,” aligns with global efforts to build smart, resilient, and sustainable cities. Sub-themes such as “Centres of Connection” highlight the role of transportation networks and urban innovation in improving quality of life.

Through his participation, Wike in Dubai underscores Nigeria’s commitment to engaging the global urban community in forward-thinking conversations about development, governance, and sustainability. GMTNewsng

https://fcta.gov.ng/

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Dubai (UAE) – official city portal: https://www.dubai.ae/

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NDA Shooting Exercise 2025: Academy Sends Strong Warning to Kaduna Residents

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has warned residents of Afaka, Kauya, and Mando to stay clear of its open range during the NDA shooting exercise scheduled from Oct. 28 to Nov. 7, 2025, in Kaduna.

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NDA shooting exercise: Academy warns Kaduna residents

October 27, 2025 | Kaduna

The NDA shooting exercise scheduled by the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has prompted a public warning to residents of Afaka, Kauya, Tsamiya, and Mando in Kaduna State to steer clear of its open range from Tuesday, October 28 to November 7, 2025.

According to a statement released by the NDA Public Relations Officer, Major Mohammed Maidawa, the NDA shooting exercise is part of the Range Management Package for cadets of the 73 Regular Course (Army), aimed at improving their combat readiness. http://nda.org.ng

“The NDA wishes to inform the general public, especially inhabitants of Mando, Tsamiya, Kauya, and Afaka general area, that it will be conducting its Range Management Package NDA shooting exercise for cadets,” the statement read.

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Maj. Maidawa assured residents that all safety precautions have been taken for the smooth and secure conduct of the NDA shooting exercise, while urging the public to cooperate with military personnel during the period.

The statement added that the Commandant, Maj.-Gen. Abdul Ibrahim, conveys his appreciation to the host communities for their understanding and continued support.

The Nigerian Defence Academy, based in Kaduna, is Nigeria’s foremost military training institution, responsible for producing officers for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The shooting exercise forms part of its continuous efforts to enhance professionalism and discipline among its cadets. GMTNewsng

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