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Category: Health

  • Nasarawa state reviews public health bills to strengthen health security

    Nasarawa state reviews public health bills to strengthen health security

    Nasarawa State has announced the review of its public health bills to strengthen health security and improve healthcare services for residents.

    The bills under review are the Nasarawa State Public Health Security Bill and the Public Health Bill.

    The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Labaran Magaji, revealed this development during a four-day stakeholders’ meeting held on Monday in Nasarawa.
    The meeting focuses on refining the bills to strengthen the state’s health security framework.

    The initiative is a joint effort by the Nasarawa State Ministries of Justice and Health, in partnership with Orixine Consulting and Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL).

    The proposed bills aim to close gaps in the state’s legal framework, aligning it with international health regulations and national health security standards.

    Magaji stressed the urgency of updating the laws, underscoring that the health and well-being of citizens remain the state’s top priority.

    Aligning with global health standards
    “Revising these laws would not only ensure compliance with national and international standards but also enhance the state’s preparedness to prevent and respond to public health emergencies,” Magaji stated.

    Dr. Gwamna Shekwonugaza, the Commissioner for Health, represented by Mrs. Naomi Oyegbenu, reiterated the goal of creating practical and enforceable laws that could make a real difference in people’s lives.

    “Our goal is to create laws that are not only theoretical but also practical, enforceable, and capable of making a tangible difference in people’s lives,” Shekwonugaza noted.

    Commendations from national and global experts
    Mr Yenan Sebastian, Director of the Subnational Support Department at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), commended Nasarawa State for setting a precedent in public health.

    “The state’s proactive approach to legal reform in health security was commendable and essential for building resilience against emerging health threats,” he noted.

    Similarly, Emem Udoh, Senior Legal Advisor at Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), emphasized the importance of robust and actionable legislation.

    He expressed optimism about the outcomes, stating that strong legal frameworks were the backbone of effective public health systems.

    Mr Audu Arome, Executive Director of Orixine Consulting, highlighted the significance of stakeholders’ engagement in legal reforms.

    He noted that inclusive participation ensured comprehensive and considerate laws that catered to all facets of public health.

    The meeting, which will run until November 21st, aims to refine a set of bills ready for legislative action, demonstrating Nasarawa State’s commitment to prioritizing public health.

     

     

  • EU, Enugu State launch N3.33bn ‘Solar for health project’ to power 25 Primary Healtchcare Centres

    EU, Enugu State launch N3.33bn ‘Solar for health project’ to power 25 Primary Healtchcare Centres

    he European Union (EU) and the Enugu State Government have initiated a N3.33-billion Solar for Health Project to electrify 25 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state.

    This initiative also saw the inauguration of the Enugu State Solar for Health Project Steering Committee, chaired by the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Emmanuel Obi, to ensure the project’s sustainability.

    The launch was part of an EU project titled “Nigeria Solar for Health Programme (NISHP)” which aims to provide 24-hour electricity to over 100 healthcare facilities in five states—Enugu, Ogun, Plateau, Abia, and Akwa Ibom.

    The NISHP will run from 2024 to 2027, the program is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system by deploying sustainable solar power solutions.

    Enugu State, being the first to contribute a counterpart fund of N1 billion, is a priority state in the project’s implementation.

    EU commitment to Sustainable Development Goals
    Speaking at the launch held at the Old Government Lodge, Enugu, Mrs. Inga Stephanowicz, Head of Green and Digital Economy for EU Nigeria and ECOWAS, said the project was aimed at bringing electrification to communities, especially health facilities.

    Many primary health centres in the country lack basic amenities and are in need of electrification,” Stephanowicz said adding that five states in the country would benefit from it.

    Stephanowicz stated, “Enugu is one of the first states that volunteered and made the necessary commitment to become a priority state in the EU intervention.”

    She further explained, “Enugu state will get N3.33 billion from the EU support as the state government has paid counterpart fund of N1 billion and when you multiply this amount by the five states, that is the amount we are spending on the project.”

    She emphasized that the initiative is one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of providing basic health, community services and electrification needed for people to live, become healthy and raise families.

    “We are championing an all stakeholders-driven model where local businesses will be connected to as the solar project will be powering both health facilities and SMEs around it.”

    “This means that we are not electrifying only health facilities but businesses around it too. One of those businesses will be a telecom tower to improve telecommunication in that facility,” Stephanowicz added.

    Enugu Governor reaffirms vision for better healthcare
    Governor Peter Mbah, represented by Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the State Government, in a keynote speech, emphasized the project is a step in the collective journey toward the attainment of SDGs and improved healthcare delivery for citizens.

    “It is a quick reminder that the challenges in the primary healthcare and energy access are interconnected and require innovative and collaborative solutions,” Mbah noted, disclosing that the State had long been committed to improving healthcare outcomes and addressing the energy deficit.

    He further explained, “We are taking a bold step toward ensuring that our primary healthcare facilities have reliable, sustainable and uninterrupted energy supply.”

    He emphasized that the initiative aligns perfectly with our administration’s vision to enhance people’s lives. “The deployment of solar energy in our healthcare facilities means that critical health services will no longer be disrupted due to outages.”

    Also speaking, the Programme Manager, Energy Access, EU Nigeria, Mr Godfrey Ogbemudia revealed that the EU has invested €20 million in Nigeria’s power sector both off-grid and renewable energy between 2008 to 2020 and an additional €37 million for new energy access programmes from 2021 to 2027.

    He assured that by 2030, more than 100 million Nigerians would have access to electricity through the project.

    Sustainability at the core of the project
    Mr Tinyan Ogiehor, the Senior Stakeholder, and Engagement Manager of NISHP, explained that NISHP was funded by the EU in collaboration with the Enugu State Government to particularly improve health outcomes in the state.

    He further mentioned that the project was designed with key elements of long-term sustainability, hence the need to electrify productive load sers, as well as have the government provide counterpart funds.

    “The EU is providing funds for solar PV, batteries, and inverters for a minimum of 25 health facilities in Enugu State, spread across 17 Council Areas,” he added.

     

  • 70% of Nigerian schools and 88% of health facilities lack basic sanitation- UNICEF

    70% of Nigerian schools and 88% of health facilities lack basic sanitation- UNICEF

    The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised concerns over Nigeria’s alarming sanitation challenges, revealing that 70% of schools and 88% of health facilities across the country lack access to basic sanitation services.

    Dr. Olusoji Akinleye, Coordinator and Officer in Charge (OIC) of UNICEF’s Enugu Field Office, disclosed these statistics during a media dialogue in Enugu held on Tuesday to mark the 2024 World Toilet Day. The event, themed “Toilets: A Place for Peace,” highlights the critical need for improved sanitation infrastructure in Nigeria.

    Dr. Akinleye highlighted the extent of the crisis. He explained that 48 million Nigerians, including 18 million children, still practice open defecation.
    “Also, 70% of schools without access to basic sanitation services (~91,000 schools); 88% of health facilities without access to basic sanitation (~27,600 health facilities),“ he stated.

    He also noted that 80% of markets and motor parks in the country lack access to basic sanitation, increasing public health risks.

    Inadequate funding hampers progress
    Akinleye attributed the persistence of open defecation and poor sanitation services to inadequate funding. He revealed that only 17% of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas (LGAs) have achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.

    According to him, federal commitment to sanitation efforts declined in 2023, stalling ODF initiatives. He added that only ₦15 billion was invested in sanitation infrastructure from 2018 to 2022, despite an annual funding requirement of ₦168.75 billion.
    Akinleye attributed the persistence of open defecation and poor sanitation services to inadequate funding, stating that only 17% of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas (LGAs) have achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.
    He noted that only ₦15 billion was invested from 2018 to 2022, against an annual funding requirement of ₦168.75 billion
    “Federal commitment declined since 2023, resulting in stalled ODF initiatives,” he said.

    Rebecca Gabriel, a WASH Specialist with UNICEF’s Enugu office, emphasized the importance of collective action to address the sanitation crisis. She urged governments and private individuals to increase investments in sanitation infrastructure, especially in public places such as schools and markets.
    “Toilets should be built in Schools, and other public places to reduce ODF. Everyone must be involved including government and public spirited individuals; so we can achieve zero ODF in every state of Nigeria,” Gabriel stated.

    What you should know
    In a bid to combat open defecation and improve sanitation, Lagos State Government has approved the construction of 100 new public toilets across the state as part of the state’s broader Resilience Strategy, which aims to ensure that every Local Government and Local Council Development Area has accessible public toilets and bathrooms.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima urged state governors to step up their efforts in making Nigeria open-defecation-free within the next five years. He stressed that every action towards ending open defecation will not only improve public health but also enhance productivity,

  • Sokoto records 25 deaths, treats 1,160 cases in cholera outbreak – Director

    Sokoto records 25 deaths, treats 1,160 cases in cholera outbreak – Director

    The Sokoto State Ministry of Health has confirmed the treatment of 1,160 patients and reported 25 deaths due to gastroenteritis-related cases from January till date across 18 local government areas of Sokoto State.

    In an interview on Tuesday in Sokoto, Dr. Abdulganiyu Yusuf, Director of Public Health, stated that 23 of the fatalities occurred at home, while only three were recorded in health centers.

    He added that the ministry ensured adequate response from its epidemiology centre by utilizing the drugs and consumables provided by the state government.
    He explained that cases of gastroenteritis, traditionally referred to as cholera, were being managed in hospitals and primary healthcare centres at different locations, while the health centres were supplied adequate drugs.

    State’s interventions and surveillance measures
    The director noted that during outbreaks, the ministry ensured surveillance, active cases search and social mobilization to promptly manage identified cases.

    He noted that cholera and other cases were traced by obtaining line lists, as cholera is only confirmed through laboratory tests, emphasizing that most patients underwent diarrhoea and lost weight at home before going to a health centre for treatment.
    According to Dr. Yusuf, the outbreak intensified during the rainy season but has now subsided, with 15 active cases currently under management. These include seven in Sokoto North, six in Silame, and two in Kware local government areas.
    The state’s Health Commissioner, Hajiya Asabe Balarabe, earlier disclosed that 25 people had died, and several others were hospitalized due to the outbreak. She confirmed that cholera cases were in three council areas of Sokoto North, Silame, and Kware local government areas of the state.
    “At present, the state is treating 15 persons in active cases. They were diagnosed through laboratory tests based on culture and sensitivity and confirmed to be active cases of the outbreak, “She disclosed.

    She described the state government’s response to the outbreak as “prompt and effective”, adding that medication and other drugs have already been purchased and distributed to 18 local government areas as an intervention to curtail the spread.
    However, the absence of response teams and other isolated treatment points that curtail the spread of suspected gastroenteritis outbreaks has become a source of worry for citizens of Sokoto State.

    Gaps in response raise alarm
    Despite these efforts, residents and health workers have expressed concerns over the lack of designated isolation centers and response teams. A health official, speaking anonymously, revealed that suspected cases were being treated without central directives for isolation or specialized treatment points.

    Local residents, including Malam Musa Muhammad, Bello Isiyaku, and Malami Muhammad, criticized the absence of isolation protocols, warning that treating outbreak patients alongside others could worsen the situation.
    A visit to affected areas by reporters revealed that cholera cases were being handled as routine illnesses, with no visible signs of response teams or isolation facilities. This apparent oversight has heightened fears among citizens about the potential spread of the outbreak.
    The government has yet to address these concerns publicly, as residents urge stronger measures to ensure public safety.

     

     

  • UN report says 140 women killed daily by intimate partners or family members

    UN report says 140 women killed daily by intimate partners or family members

    A recent report by UN Women and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has revealed that 140 women and girls are killed daily by intimate partners or close relatives.

    This equates to one woman or girl being killed every 10 minutes globally.

    This is according to the Femicides in 2023: Global Estimates of Intimate Partner/Family Member Femicides report released on November 25, 2024, to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
    The report disclosed that out of 85,000 intentional killings of women and girls globally in 2023, 60% equivalent to 51,100 deaths occurred at the hands of an intimate partner or a family member.

    “Globally, 85,000 women and girls were killed intentionally in 2023. 60 per cent of these homicides –51,100- were committed by an intimate partner or a family member.

    The data shows that 140 women and girls die every day at the hands of their partner or a close relative, which means one woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes,” the report stated.

    Regional breakdown
    The report also provides a detailed regional analysis of femicide, revealing that Africa recorded the highest rates of intimate partner and family-related femicide in 2023. This was followed by the Americas and Oceania.

    In Europe and the Americas, most women killed in domestic settings were murdered by their intimate partners. Specifically, in Europe, 64% of femicides were committed by intimate partners, while in the Americas, this figure stood at 58%.
    However, the report noted a key difference in other regions, where family members, rather than intimate partners, were the primary perpetrators of femicides.
    This highlights regional differences in the nature of violence and suggests that cultural and societal factors play a significant role in shaping how violence against women manifests.

    Call for global action
    Speaking on the report, UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous urged global leaders to take decisive steps to end violence against women.

    “Violence against women and girls is not inevitable it is preventable. We need robust legislation, improved data collection, greater government accountability, a zero-tolerance culture, and increased funding for women’s rights organizations and institutional bodies.

    “As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025, it is time for world leaders to UNiTE and act with urgency, recommit, and channel the resources needed to end this crisis once and for all,” she said.

    UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly emphasized the need for stronger criminal justice systems to hold perpetrators accountable and provide support for survivors, including safe reporting mechanisms

    “The new femicide report highlights the urgent need for strong criminal justice systems that hold perpetrators accountable while ensuring adequate support for survivors, including access to safe and transparent reporting mechanisms. At the same time, we must confront and dismantle the gender biases, power imbalances, and harmful norms that perpetuate violence against women,” she said.

  • 30% of Nigerian women have experienced violence – Women Affairs Minister

    30% of Nigerian women have experienced violence – Women Affairs Minister

    The Minister for Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, revealed that 30 per cent of Nigerian women and girls aged between 15 and 49 have experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives.

    She made this statement on Monday in Abuja during a press briefing and flag-off ceremony marking the commencement of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), held at the Ministry’s headquarters with the theme “Unite Campaign: Towards Beijing to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls.”

    The minister, who described GBV as a societal issue and an impediment to development, expressed concern over the statistics in the country.
    She said the statistics show women and girls at great risk, stressing that “the growing trend represents a gross violation of human rights and undermines the very fabric of the society, thereby preventing women and girls from achieving their full potential.

    “Gender-based violence is not just a women’s issue; it is a societal issue, a human rights issue, and an impediment to our nation’s development.

    “The statistics before us on GBV in Nigeria remain deeply troubling. Even as we embark on this campaign today, a little child has just been violated, a woman has just been abused, and a young girl’s life is at risk somewhere in a community, all for no just cause.

    “Current reports indicate that 30 per cent of Nigerian women and girls aged between 15 and 49 years have experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives,” she stated.

    Violence extends beyond homes
    The minister noted that violence occurs not only in homes, but extends to schools, workplaces, and communities.

    “Violence does not know any tribe or creed, it cuts across social and economic boundaries. It affects both young and old. The most vulnerable; our young girls, women in conflict-affected areas, and those living with disabilities face even greater risks.”

    “This growing trend is unacceptable, represents a gross violation of human rights, and hinders women and girls from achieving their full potential. It also stalls our nation’s progress towards inclusive development. ”

    She urged the media partners to play a crucial role in this campaign, and as we observe the 2024 Unite Campaign in Nigeria, we must collectively adopt a multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder approach to tackle this pervasive issue.
    Sulaiman-Ibrahim outlined plans to involve traditional and religious leaders in combating harmful cultural norms that perpetuate violence. She emphasized the need for education and community mobilization to challenge stereotypes and end harmful practices.
    The Minister affirmed that the Ministry, in collaboration with its partners, will host a range of activities nationwide during the 16-day campaign. These include sensitization drives, school visits, workshops, and an awareness walk to the National Assembly.
    The initiatives will also focus on empowering girls in rural areas and enhancing survivor support through Nigeria’s network of 47 Sexual Assault Referral Centres.

    She noted, “We are committed to strengthening legislation and ensuring its implementation. Today, we celebrate Bauchi State for domesticating the Child Rights Act (2003), completing all 36 states, and 35 states now implementing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act (2015).”

    UN Women highlights economic impacts of GBV
    Ms. Beatrice Eyong, the Country Representative of UN Women to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasized that gender inequality and GBV hinder Nigeria’s progress, costing the nation 1.5% of its GDP annually.

    She noted that 42% of women remain financially excluded, with women holding less than 5% of elective positions.

    “GBV is everywhere, it is not good for either the men or the women. It has the capacity to reduce economic growth if this is not reduced, we will never come out of poverty. It is not just a human rights issue, it is an economic issue.

    “The funding for gender equality and women empowerment has reduced, and as experts, we have to think of innovative ways to mobilize funds to fight the menace,” Eyong added.

    Also, Gabriel Aduda, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, called on stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and intensify efforts to tackle the root causes of GBV.

    He stated, “Each law we enact, every program we implement, and every survivor we empower brings us closer to a Nigeria where women and girls can live free from fear and violence.”

     

     

  • HIV/AIDS: 1.6m Nigerians on treatment, but child infections remain a challenge – NACA

    HIV/AIDS: 1.6m Nigerians on treatment, but child infections remain a challenge – NACA

    Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), has revealed that 1.6 million out of the 2 million people living with HIV in Nigeria are currently on treatment.

    She disclosed this during a press conference in Abuja ahead of the 2024 World AIDS Day, themed “Take the Rights Path: Sustain HIV Response; Stop HIV Among Children to End AIDS in Nigeria by 2030.”  

    The theme emphasizes the urgency to curb the epidemic among children while raising awareness and honoring those affected by HIV/AIDS.
    According to Ilori, Nigeria’s HIV prevalence stands at 1.4% among the general population, with about 160,000 children aged 0-14 living with the virus.

    Mother-to-child transmission remains a challenge
    Ilori acknowledged that in spite of progress, the country faces significant challenges in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT), with coverage remaining below 33 percent.

    In response, to address these challenges, NACA has developed the Global Alliance Action Plan to End AIDS in Children and established a national-level acceleration committee to track implementation.
    She explained that the agency has also engaged stakeholders to co-create a sustainability roadmap, ensuring that gains in the HIV response are sustained, and government-mandated structures are in place.
    “This roadmap, among other things, will ensure that Nigeria’s health system remains secure, both in terms of HIV and associated diseases.”

    Ilori emphasized the need for collective action, calling on all Nigerians to join hands with NACA to break the stigma, embrace equity, and drive collective action to stop HIV among children.

    “On this World AIDS Day, I call on all Nigerians to join hands with NACA to break the stigma, embrace equity, drive collective action, and stop HIV among our children.

    “We must empower every individual, especially women who are most vulnerable to contracting HIV, and other vulnerable populations, to access life-saving services and live with dignity.

    “Together, let us recommit to the vision of an AIDS-free Nigeria by 2030. Ending AIDS is not just a target, it is a testament to our resolve, compassion, and unity as a nation,” she said.

    Global and local partnerships to sustain progress
    Mr. Leo Zekeng, Country Director of UNAIDS, emphasised the need for sustainability and renewed political commitment as Nigeria moves toward ending AIDS by 2030.

    “To achieve sustainability in the fight against HIV/AIDS, renewed political commitment and increased domestic resources are essential.

    “This involves collaboration between government agencies, private sectors, and health organisations to allocate more resources to the AIDS response.”

    Similarly, Dr. Patrick Dakum, Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), emphasised the need for sustainability, renewed political commitment, and collaborative action to address the challenges ahead.
    Dakum, represented by Dr Olayemi Olupitan, Project Director, IHVN Global Fund N-THRIP, said they have demonstrated excellence in combating HIV and TB through a holistic approach that bridged national and community-level interventions.
    “Our work has consistently focused on delivering patient-centered solutions, strengthening health systems, and reducing stigma and discrimination in communities.

    “World AIDS Day serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” he said.

    Expanding preventive measures beyond 2030
    Funmi Adesanya, Nigeria’s Country Coordinator for the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), called for the expansion of preventive efforts to end HIV/AIDS and look beyond 2030.

    Adesanya, represented by Deputy Country Coordinator Mr Emerson Evans, stressed the need to scale up evidence-based prevention strategies, such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and harm reduction services to often-overlooked populations like children.

    ”Invest in resilient and inclusive healthcare systems that ensure uninterrupted access to antiretroviral therapy, even in crises.

    “Address social determinants like stigma, discrimination, and structural inequalities that hinder access to care, particularly for marginalised groups,” she said.

    Adesanya also emphasised the importance of investing in research and development, supporting innovative vaccine development, and creating long-acting treatment regimens to improve outcomes and reduce transmission.

  • Nigeria loses $1.1 billion annually to malaria crisis – Health minister

    Nigeria loses $1.1 billion annually to malaria crisis – Health minister

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has revealed that malaria costs Nigeria over $1.1 billion in annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) losses.

    He made this declaration at the inaugural meeting of the Advisory Body on Malaria Elimination in Nigeria ( AMEN) held in Abuja.

    A statement issued by the ministry’s Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, on Tuesday, stated that Pate described malaria as not just a health crisis, calling it “an economic and developmental emergency that must be eliminated.”

    He highlighted Nigeria’s disproportionate malaria burden, saying malaria continues to exert an unacceptable toll. With 27% of global malaria cases and 31% of global malaria-related deaths.

    “Our country bears the heaviest burden of this disease. In 2022, over 180,000 Nigerian children under the age of five lost their lives to malaria – a tragedy we have the tools to prevent, “Pate lamented.

    He further stated that this is not only a health crisis but an economic and developmental emergency. “Malaria reduces productivity, increases out-of-pocket health expenditures, and, compounds the challenges of poverty. The annual loss to Nigeria’s GDP from malaria exceeds $ 1.1 billion, emphasizing the urgent economic necessity of eradicating this disease.”

    Unveiling the advisory body, Pate noted its mission to address malaria decisively. “The annual loss to Nigeria’s GDP underscores the economic imperative of elimination,” he added.

    The initiative aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which is part of the administration’s renewed hope agenda to transform the health sector.

    While acknowledging the urgency of the task as reflected in the National Malaria Strategic Plan 2021-2025, to amongst others reduce malaria prevalence to below 10 percent, and halve malaria-related mortality by 50 deaths per 1,000 live births; Pate also highlighted the importance of traditional and religious leaders to drive grassroots support and influence behavioural change.

    This advocacy approach, he emphasised, will complement AMEN, in promoting the use of insecticide-treated nets, chemoprevention, and vaccines.

    Collaboration as a key driver

    Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, praised the formation of the advisory body, describing it as a team of globally recognized experts.

    “The advisory group will provide evidence-based strategies to reduce the malaria burden, prioritize elimination in government budgets, and chart realistic paths to a malaria-free Nigeria,” Salako stated.

    He added that success hinges on the coordinated efforts of private sector stakeholders, international partners, healthcare workers, and communities.

    The Advisory on Malaria Elimination in Nigeria (AMEN) is made up of globally renowned experts under the leadership of Prof. Rose Leke and is tasked with refocusing on advancing evidence-based solutions that address current challenges, ensuring that malaria elimination is prioritised in the budgets and plans of all levels of government and, creating frameworks for accountability that ensure sustained progress.

  • Afreximbank’s $300m African Medical Centre of Excellence in Abuja to open June 2025

    Afreximbank’s $300m African Medical Centre of Excellence in Abuja to open June 2025

    The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced that the first African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), located in Abuja, Nigeria, will commence operations in June 2025.

    The AMCE is an investment of $300 million, the facility is expected to expand to $700 million in its second phase and cater for the health needs of Nigerians and other Africans.

    Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, made the announcement at a Festschrift Conference held in honour of Prof. Ghulam Mufti, in London.
    The conference took place at the Fetal Medicine Research Institute in London, a statement by Afreximbank on 25th November 2024 said.

    The AMCE, spearheaded by Afreximbank in partnership with Prof. Mufti, King’s Commercial Services, and others, is poised to reduce Africa’s reliance on overseas medical tourism, a sector that drains over $1 billion annually from the continent.

    A landmark in healthcare
    The construction of the 500-bed AMCE Abuja started in 2022, earlier with a groundbreaking in December 2021.

    Oramah, while delivering a moving tribute titled “From One Life to a Journey of Many Lives”, highlighted the transformational vision behind the AMCE, emphasizing its potential to provide accessible, high-quality medical care across Africa.
    He also paid a heartfelt tribute to Prof. Mufti, a globally celebrated haematologist and Clinical Advisor for the AMCE project, for his dedication to healthcare innovation and education.
    “Africa owes Prof. Mufti a debt of gratitude,” Prof. Oramah stated. “He is the tree that seeds a rich forest of healthcare facilities, restoring hope to a continent long deprived of quality medical services.”

    Highlighting Professor Mufti’s profound contributions to medical sciences and his dedication to advancing healthcare globally, Prof. Oramah reflected on his personal connection to the honoree. Recalling his near-death experience in 2013, Prof. Oramah attributed his recovery to Prof. Mufti’s exceptional expertise and compassionate care.
    “Through a series of near-death experiences and recoveries, Professor Mufti and I built a lasting bond that transcended the conventional doctor-patient relationship,” Prof. Oramah remarked. “It was this bond of destiny that gave birth to a transformational healthcare initiative aimed at saving millions of lives in Africa.”

    The cornerstone of this initiative is the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), a world-class healthcare and research network designed to provide accessible, high-quality medical care across Africa.

    Investing in healthcare talent and research
    To further honour Mufti’s legacy, Afreximbank announced two key initiatives.

    They include a Scholarship Fund in Mufti’s name and a $300,000 Research Grant.

    “The Scholarship Fund in Mufti’s name, established under the AMCE Endowment Foundation, will support eligible African students pursuing medical training at King’s College London and the AMCE Medical and Nursing School.

    “The $300,000 Research Grant, the bank has approved funding for haematology research projects proposed by Prof. Mufti, underscoring his pivotal contributions to the field of blood disorders and innovative treatments’’.

    The AMCE has a special partnership between Kings College in London and the Christie Cancer Hospital in Manchester.

    The centre, which would be run in collaboration with the King’s College Hospital, would be a place of pride as far as quality healthcare was concerned, Oramah had assured at the groundbreaking of AMCE.

    He noted that Africa deserved better healthcare than what was obtainable presently.

    State-of-the-Art services in two phases
    Earlier, Prof. Ghulam Mufti, who is also the Clinical and Medical Adviser on the AMCE project, had said the hospital would be completed in two phases.

    “Phase one will comprise the 170 in-patient beds that will start taking patients two years from now, and phase two will follow soon.

    “The first phase will provide a comprehensive cardiovascular care centre; this centre will provide state-of-the-art cardio diagnostics and imaging technologies together with expertise for complex and other vascular therapeutics.

    “Secondly, the comprehensive cancer centre will cover all the modern needs including Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan, Computed Tomography (CT) scanning and other relevant important equipment for the modern management of cancer.’’

    Mufti had said that the AMCE would also serve as a place for bone marrow transplants and a hospital for the treatment of blood diseases like leukaemia and sickle cell.

    According to him, the ambition and plan is to create a network of medical centres of medical excellence throughout Africa and link them through advanced digital technology.

    Prof. Oramah concluded his address by extending the gratitude of 1.4 billion Africans, recognizing Prof. Mufti as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in healthcare on the continent.

     

     

     

     

     

  • The burden of healthcare cost in Nigeria is unsustainable – NHIA boss

    The burden of healthcare cost in Nigeria is unsustainable – NHIA boss

    The Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, has lamented over the rising burden of healthcare costs in Nigeria, describing it as unsustainable.

    On Tuesday in Abuja, speaking about Nigeria’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030, Ohiri emphasized the critical role of equity, innovation, and systemic reforms as transformative tools for Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

    “We must prioritize the poor and vulnerable, ensuring that access to quality healthcare is not limited by socio-economic status,” he said.
    Addressing major barriers to UHC
    Dr. Ohiri identified geographical disparities, the quality of care, and the high rate of out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure as critical challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare system.

    “The burden of healthcare cost is unsustainable. We need a system that prioritizes prevention and promotion alongside curative care,” he added.

    To tackle these barriers, NHIA is scaling up efforts to expand healthcare access through outreach programmes, wider insurance coverage and innovative measures aimed at enhancing efficiency and transparency.

    The NHIA’s healthcare access study has already recorded over 600,000 participants. This number is expected to grow significantly as we continue to expand coverage. “We must act now to ensure no one is left behind,” Ohiri stressed.

    The NHIA boss emphasized that collaboration across federal, state and international levels was critical to achieving equity and sustainability.

    “We have a plan, and it must unite all stakeholders to create a healthcare system that works for everyone,” he stated.

    The director-general also highlighted NHIA’s target to extend insurance coverage to all tertiary hospitals and subnational facilities by the end of the year, a goal designed to bolster healthcare accessibility.

    A lifeline for every Nigerian
    Describing UHC as a lifeline, Ohiri reiterated the NHIA’s focus on underserved populations. “Universal Health Coverage is not just an aspiration; it is a lifeline for every Nigerian. Regardless of socio-economic status, we must ensure everyone has access to quality healthcare, “he concluded.

    He added that with focus on equity and innovation, NHIA is laying the foundation for a healthcare system that prioritizes the needs of Nigeria’s most underserved populations.

    What You Should Know
    Universal Health Coverage (UHC) ensures that all individuals and communities receive the health services they need without suffering financial hardship. It encompasses the full spectrum of health services, including health promotion, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care.
    The UHC 2030 initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), specifically Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. By 2030, governments worldwide, including Nigeria, aim to make quality healthcare accessible and affordable for everyone.
    Challenges in achieving UHC in Nigeria
    High Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Many Nigerians still rely on personal funds for healthcare, making services unaffordable for low-income households.
    Geographical Disparities: Rural areas often lack adequate healthcare infrastructure and professionals.
    Limited Insurance Coverage: Despite ongoing efforts, a significant portion of the population remains uninsured.