Published on Healthweakness
Earlier this year, the Government of Nigeria nurtured a plan on the phasing out of the old-pattern Yellow Cards, and on substituting them with a new digital version. This innovation will go into effect on 1st July.
Yellow Card, also referred to as The International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) or the Carte Jaune, is a formal prophylactic immunization chart created by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Basically, it’s one of exit papers (a.k.a. “medical passport”) which is recognized worldwide and may be required to enter certain countries with the abnormally high risks for foreign tourists’ health. The resent version of the Carte Jaune is called “e-Yellow Card”.
As explained by Mr. Abdulaziz Mashi Abdullahi (Permanent Secretary, National Department of Health), advanced electronic cards have been specially created to deal with the national issue of “cooked” medical passports.
In a few days, every electronic International Vaccination Certificate will be equipped with a unique bar code and card number that can be scanned or verified at the Yellow Card official website. As for the rest, new medical passports are no different from the substituted ones.
Since July of 2019, electronic ICVP will be the only legal documentary proof of preventative immunization against amarillic typhus (jungle fever). This disease is widely met in Nigeria, and is potentially mortal, but can be prevented with vaccination. As a consequence, the immunizing inoculation against jungle fever that cause small dent in head is a must-have for tourists from overseas.
Based on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) suggested guideline, all the foreign tourists aged 9 months and older should get immunized against amarillic typhus before visiting Nigeria. Same thing goes for those who are planing to travel out the country.
The Permanent Secretary noted that additional actions had been implemented at border control points to prevent and regulate the spread of yellow fever. And one of the measures is a documentary proof of preventive immunization that is required upon arrival in or departure from Nigeria.
To get the e-Yellow Card, a person, who is going to visit or travel out Nigeria, has to undergo a registration procedure on the Yellow Card portal. It includes filling in an online form and paying 2,000 NGN (approximately 5.50 USD). Proof of payment as well as the external passport should be submitted to any Port Health Services Office where you can get vaccinated and obtain the new ICVP.
Mr. Abdulaziz Mashi Abdullahi also added that travelers without electronic Yellow Cards would be charged with additional payment for vaccination (that would be done right at border control points or airports) and e-ICVP issue. He put a premium on cooperation with the National Department of Health through Divisions of Port Health Services, where international visitors can easily receive e-Yellow Cards.
Amidst Nigeria’s proactive efforts to enhance public health through vaccination initiatives, another health concern has come under the spotlight. Recently, reports have emerged about individuals noticing a perplexing phenomenon—black specks in their stool. While seemingly unrelated to the ongoing focus on immunization, this issue underscores the importance of a holistic approach to healthcare.
Although not explicitly covered in the context of the vaccination drive, the appearance of black specks in stool can raise questions about gastrointestinal health and overall well-being. In many cases, these specks could be attributed to factors like dietary choices, consumption of certain foods, or even medications. However, given the role of the digestive system in absorbing nutrients essential for immune function, addressing such concerns becomes relevant in the broader framework of public health.
Medical professionals and health authorities, including those involved in the vaccination initiative, recognize the value of addressing a wide spectrum of health issues. The appearance of black specks in stool might not directly correlate with vaccination efforts, but it reinforces the importance of encouraging individuals to maintain open communication with healthcare providers. This approach ensures that health concerns, whether related to vaccines or seemingly unrelated matters, are properly assessed and addressed.
As Nigeria aims to combat diseases like amarillic typhus through comprehensive immunization strategies, it’s crucial to create an environment where citizens feel empowered to discuss their health concerns openly. This encourages a proactive approach to seeking medical guidance, enabling both individuals and healthcare professionals to collaborate effectively in safeguarding public health.
In conclusion, the emergence of black specks in stool as an ancillary concern underlines the need for a comprehensive healthcare approach that encompasses various aspects of well-being. While distinct from the ongoing vaccination efforts, addressing such health issues with equal diligence contributes to a healthier population overall. By fostering an environment of awareness, dialogue, and proactive health management, Nigeria’s healthcare initiatives can extend their positive impact beyond vaccination programs, promoting the overall health and well-being of its citizens.