TodayPrice

Category: Health

  • Kebbi Governor awards N1bn contract for Argungu general hospital rehabilitation

    Kebbi Governor awards N1bn contract for Argungu general hospital rehabilitation

    Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has announced the awarding of a N1 billion contract for the general rehabilitation of Argungu General Hospital, located in the Argungu Local Government Area.

    The governor made the announcement during the flag-off of a 1km road construction in Argungu town on Tuesday.

    Governor Idris disclosed “I have awarded the general rehabilitation of Argungu General Hospital, and the total contract sum is N1 billion. 
    The amount covers total rehabilitation N500 million, while procurement of modern equipment will also gulp another N500 million,” he said.

    In his remarks, Governor Idris reiterated his government’s focus on prioritizing the welfare of the people, stating that his administration will continue to invest in improving public health infrastructure to protect lives and property.

    “We want the people of the state to have modern health facilities in all our general hospitals,” he affirmed.

    Idris lauded the National Organizing Secretary of the All-Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad-Argungu, for his pivotal role in facilitating the construction of a 1km road along Jarman Kabi Road in Shagari Quarters, Argungu town.

    The governor called on other elected and political officeholders in Kebbi State to follow Muhammad-Argungu’s example by championing initiatives and projects that directly improve the lives of their constituents.

    Acknowledgment of achievements and continued development
    While thanking the people of Argungu Emirate for their continued support, Governor Idris assured that over 80 percent of his campaign promises to the Emirate Council had been fulfilled.

    Earlier, the national organizing secretary appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his magnanimity in approving the project as well as the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu for playing a significant role in facilitating the project.
    He commended Gov. Idris for proving to the people of Kebbi that he was once a teacher by establishing a primary school and junior secondary school in a community where there was none.
    Muhammad-Argungu also appreciated the governor for renovating the palace of Emir of Argungu to be one of the best palaces in the Fulani emirates.
    The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammadu-Mera, commended the governor for facilitating the establishment Agric Processing Zone in Argungu.

    “The processing zone, when actualized will make Kebbi an agricultural hub not only in Northern Nigeria but also across Nigeria,” he said.

    The Monarch said over 500 hectares of land had been cleared and payment of compensation to landowners had already begun.

     

     

     

  • NAFDAC, PCN vow to end open drug markets in Nigeria

    NAFDAC, PCN vow to end open drug markets in Nigeria

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) have reaffirmed their determination to eliminate open drug markets across the country.

    Speaking at a joint media briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, described open drug markets as a persistent problem for regulatory agencies.

    Adeyeye said that the relocation of the open drugs market in Kano to a Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC), has set a standard that should be followed by others
    “The chaotic drug distribution system in Nigeria and open drug markets have been a sore point to drug regulatory agencies, especially to NAFDAC,” Adeyeye said.

    She pointed out that the disorderly chain of movement of medicine from the manufacturer to the final consumer is inimical to the efficacy of pharmaceutical products and is the primary cause of substandard and falsified medicines being in circulation.

    “The consequence of this is treatment failure or even death. Therefore, to make Nigerians healthier and reduce mortality, NAFDAC and our sister agency, PCN, must continue to fight against it,” she added.

    A decade-long fight to sanitize drug distribution
    Adeyeye noted that the fight to sanitize the drug distribution system started over a decade ago when the Presidential Committee on Pharmaceutical Sector Reform (PCPSR), constituted in 2003, developed strategies toward the sanitization of drug distribution.

    “The PCPSR recommended the development of National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG) as a key strategy to coordinate the drug distribution sub-sector and all operators in the open drug markets in Kano, Lagos, Onitsha, and Aba,” she said.

    The open drug markets in these states were initially given a December 2018 deadline by the then Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, to relocate to the Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWC).
    Adeyeye explained that the CWCs, designed as controlled environments for proper monitoring of drug distribution, are an outcome of the Presidential Committee on Pharmaceutical Sector Reform (PCPSR).
    She further noted that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, who played a key role in conceptualizing the CWC model, remains a strong advocate for its implementation.
    “The National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG) provide a clear mandate to NAFDAC and PCN to ensure full compliance and implementation by all relevant stakeholders,” Adeyeye stated.

    She added that NAFDAC and its sister agency would continue to intensify efforts to ensure the establishment of CWC in other states.

    Progress and challenges in Kano
    Also, speaking the registrar of the PCN, Ibrahim Babashehu-Ahmed, highlighted that the CWC in Kano was the first of its kind, established to enhance the regulation of drug distribution and sales in Nigeria.

    Babashehu-Ahmed explained that the PCN is charged with the responsibility of regulating pharmacy practice sites, the practitioners, and the patent and proprietary medicine vendors that use the open drug markets to sell medicines.
    He noted that all efforts to relocate the open drugs market in Kano were resisted, noting that the dealers filed a lawsuit in a bid to stop their relocation.
    Babashehu-Ahmed revealed that a landmark judgment by Justice Simon Amobeda of the Kano Federal High Court on February 16, 2024, mandated the relocation of open drug marketers in Kano to the Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC).
    He described the ruling as a significant step toward improving drug distribution control and curbing the prevalence of substandard medicines.

    “This judgment is monumental because the control of drug distribution will be better regulated and prevalence of substandard medicines will be mitigated significantly,” he stated.

    Collaborative efforts to achieve global standards
    Reflecting on his tenure since 2017, Babashehu-Ahmed emphasized that the drive to mitigate Substandard and falsified drugs is one of the pillars of my administration.

    These efforts contributed to NAFDAC achieving Maturity Level 3 of the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT).

    “NAFDAC attained seven modules, while PCN achieved one module (Site License) under the GBT. Both agencies are now collaborating to sustain Maturity Level 3 and work toward achieving Level 4,” he added.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • WHO and partners launch $2 million grant initiative to improve pathogen genomic surveillance globally

    WHO and partners launch $2 million grant initiative to improve pathogen genomic surveillance globally

    The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with its partners, has launched a new initiative to improve global capacities in pathogen genomic surveillance worldwide.

    Announced recently, the initiative will allocate nearly US$ 2 million in grants to support 10 innovative projects aimed at improving the detection and monitoring of pathogens.

    WHO announced on Tuesday in a statement that the International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN) has launched a catalytic grant fund to support partners in low- and middle-income countries in strengthening their pathogen genomic analysis capabilities.
    “This technology analyses the genetic code of viruses, bacteria and other disease-causing organisms to understand, providing crucial insights into how easily they spread, and how sick they can make people.”

    WHO explains that by integrating this genomic data with other information, scientists and public health teams can more effectively track and respond to infectious disease threats.

    Additionally, the data supports the development of vaccines and treatments and empowers countries to make faster decisions, more informed decisions to protect public health.

    The fund is hosted by the United Nations Foundation and supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, and Wellcome.

    Expanding pathogen genomic surveillance
    Sara Hersey, Director of Collaborative Intelligence at the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence said the IPSN catalytic grant fund has incredible potential to expand pathogen genomic surveillance for all, which we are already seeing through the first round of grantmaking.

    “We are eager to support this work, which plays a key role in pandemic and epidemic prevention worldwide.”

    Similarly, Manisha Bhinge, Vice President of the Health Initiative at The Rockefeller Foundation also emphasized that the IPSN catalytic grant fund recipients will accelerate the benefits of pathogen genomic surveillance in low- and middle-income settings, as well as explore new applications for genomic surveillance, such as wastewater surveillance.

    She pointed out that pandemics and epidemics continue to be a global threat, adding it’s further amplified by climate change.

    “There is an urgent need for equitable access to these tools and capabilities to protect lives in vulnerable communities,” Bhinge said.

    Key projects and impact on public health
    According to WHO, one of the recipients, the American University of Beirut, will use wastewater surveillance to study how diseases spread in refugee populations, helping to ensure that people can quickly receive the care and support they need in migration settings.

    Another grantee, the Pasteur Institute of Laos, will use the funding to develop new methods to track avian flu in live-bird markets, a setting that is often overlooked but vital to millions of people worldwide.
    “If we are to protect vulnerable populations from the devastating impacts of disease, we first need to better understand how these pathogens spread, evolve, and cause illness,” stressed Titus Divala, Interim Head of Epidemics and Epidemiology at Wellcome.

    He explained that the projects, tailored to local priorities, will generate new insights, knowledge, and evidence that will help track global pathogen trends and inform evidence-based decisions to implement effective interventions.
    The grantees were announced at the IPSN Global Partners Forum held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 21–22 November. A second round of catalytic grant funds will be made available to IPSN members in 2025.

     

     

     

     

  • HPV Vaccine: 380,671 girls vaccinated, 95,993 unvaccinated in Anambra – CHAI

    HPV Vaccine: 380,671 girls vaccinated, 95,993 unvaccinated in Anambra – CHAI

    Human Papilloma Virus Consultant for the Clinton Health Access Initiatives (CHAI), Mr. Akpan Etop, revealed that 380,671 girls in Anambra State have received the HPV vaccine.

    Etop, who presented the statistics at a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Awka on Tuesday, said that 95,993 girls were missed during the HPV vaccination campaign.

    The meeting was organized by the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ASPHCDA) in partnership with the State Ministry of Health, CHAI, and other key stakeholders.
    He explained that the 95,993 girls were missed due to factors such as rejections, vaccine hesitancy, and parental refusal to give consent.

    “Due to the high burden of cervical cancer in the country, the Federal Government introduced the free HPV vaccination.

    “The first phase was introduced in 15 states including the federal capital in October 2023 while the second Phase was introduced in 21 states in May 2024.

    “Over 12 million girls have been vaccinated in Nigeria and we still have about five million unvaccinated girls. While in Anambra, a total of 380,671 girls were vaccinated and 95,993 were yet to be vaccinated.

    “CHAI is working alongside the government through stakeholders’ engagement and community outreaches to ensure that these missed girls are vaccinated and protected against cervical cancer,” he added.

    Routine immunisation to ensure long-term access
    Etop assured that the HPV vaccine has been integrated into the routine immunisation schedule at health facilities across the state to ensure continued accessibility.

    He called on religious and community leaders as well as parents to support and align with the concept of protecting the girls against cervical cancer.

    No major side effects were reported in Anambra
    Dr. Nnamdi Uliagbafusi, Director of Disease Control and Immunisation at ASPHCDA, reassured the public that the HPV vaccine is safe, with no major side effects reported since the start of the campaign in Anambra.

    He emphasized that the vaccine not only prevents cervical cancer, economic loss, and even death. It is safe for our girls and I urge parents to encourage their girls to get vaccinated.

    “In Anambra, we have not recorded any major side effects since the vaccination campaign started. We appeal to all stakeholders especially religious leaders to support the campaign,” he said.

    Mrs Uju Onwuegbuzina, Anambra State Health Educator, said the meeting was to share lessons from previous HPV campaign, review progress and challenges, as well as improve vaccination coverage in the state.

     

     

     

  • Expert proposes 7-point agenda to transform Nigeria’s healthcare system

    Expert proposes 7-point agenda to transform Nigeria’s healthcare system

    Dr. Richardson Ajayi, a renowned healthcare entrepreneur and investor, has advocated for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s healthcare system to prioritize accessibility and equity.

    During an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday, Ajayi outlined a seven-point agenda aimed at addressing the deep disparities in healthcare access across the country.

    His proposal focuses on community-driven solutions and the integration of technology to bridge gaps in care.
    Ajayi emphasized the urgent need for systemic change to ensure that every Nigerian, irrespective of their location or financial standing, can access quality healthcare services.

    Access to healthcare: A right, not a privilege
    Access to healthcare is a fundamental right, yet in Nigeria, numerous barriers ranging from geographic challenges to financial constraints continue to prevent many from receiving essential care.

    Ajayi highlighted these challenges, emphasizing that “Healthcare should be a right, not a privilege.”

    A community-centric hub-and-spoke model
    Ajayi proposed the implementation of a “hub-and-spoke” model to address disparities in healthcare delivery. This model would connect smaller, community-based centers to larger, well-equipped facilities, this system will improve access to healthcare in rural areas that currently lack essential services.

    Technology as a game changer
    Highlighting the success of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ajayi emphasized its potential to bridge geographical gaps. “With telemedicine, we can overcome the geographical limitations that leave many Nigerians without access to healthcare,” he said. Remote consultations and diagnostics could significantly improve healthcare delivery, especially in underserved regions.

    Reducing financial barriers to care
    Ajayi advocated for subsidized healthcare programs, expanded insurance schemes, and innovative financing models to alleviate the financial burden on citizens.

    He emphasized the need to address high out-of-pocket costs, which deter many Nigerians from seeking necessary care. “We need solutions that reduce this burden and make healthcare more attainable.”

    Public-private partnerships for infrastructure development
    Stressing the importance of collaboration, Ajayi called for stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors. Such alliances, he argued, could help expand healthcare infrastructure and improve service delivery across the nation.

    Empowering community health workers and mobile clinics
    Ajayi highlighted the role of community health workers and mobile clinics in delivering preventive care and health education to underserved areas. He urged greater investment in rural healthcare to address disparities between urban and rural communities.

    Inclusive healthcare delivery through stakeholder engagement
    Ajayi called for a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and community leaders, to prioritize inclusivity in healthcare delivery.

    “Healthcare should not depend on where you live or your financial status,” he said. “By focusing on community-level care, leveraging technology, and forming strategic partnerships, Nigeria can make healthcare accessible to every citizen.”

    This 7-point agenda, Ajayi believes, could transform Nigeria’s healthcare system into one that ensures quality care for all, regardless of socioeconomic or geographic limitations.

     

     

     

  • Nigeria has fewer than 200 psychiatrists for over 200 million people – APN

    Nigeria has fewer than 200 psychiatrists for over 200 million people – APN

    The Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN) has raised alarm over the country’s critical shortage of mental health professionals, revealing that fewer than 200 psychiatrists are available to serve Nigeria’s population of over 200 million people.

    This was disclosed by APN President, Prof. Taiwo Obindo, during the 55th annual general conference and scientific meeting held in Ilorin, where he described the situation as a pressing challenge requiring urgent government intervention.

    The conference has as its theme: “Prioritizing Mental Health Needs of Nigeria in a Depressed Economy: An Urgent Call for Integrated, Comprehensive and Sustainable Interventions”. 
    rof. Obindo attributed the worsening mental health crisis to the “Japa syndrome,” this phenomenon, he said, has greatly depleted the number of mental health Practitioners in the country.

    “The remaining professionals are overworked and poorly remunerated,” Obindo lamented, emphasizing that these tides need to be stemmed and reversed to retain mental health practitioners.

    Government neglect and budgetary constraints
    Obindo stated that mental health is yet to be accorded the needed attention by the government, contrasting it with Canada, which had a functional Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions.

    ”Nigeria needs to lay emphasis and importance on mental health. Mental health in the country is still a programme under the Department of Public Health in the Federal Ministry of Health,” he noted.

    He also highlighted the inadequacy of health budget allocations, “One other area needing attention is the budgetary allocation to health, and by extension, mental health, stand at less than six per cent.

    “This falls short of the Abuja Declaration of 2001, where health allocation was to be pegged at a minimum of 15 percent of every country’s annual budget,” Obindo stated.

    The APN president said the association had achieved some milestones in the establishment of Mental Health Programme .

    He called for the implementation of the Mental Health Act of 2021, which replaced the Lunacy Act of 1958 as a significant milestone after more than 30 years of failed efforts.

    However, he stressed the need for its full implementation to address the systemic challenges plaguing mental healthcare delivery.

    Prevalence of mental illness and cultural barriers
    Also, speaking in his lecture, Prof. Owoidoho Udofia of the University of Calabar said a study revealed that 12 percent of Nigerians suffer from mental and behavioural disorders.

    He attributed the poor identification of mental illness among some medical practitioners to specific shortcomings in their approach.
    Udofia further pointed out that cultural factors and misconceptions contribute to the underdiagnosis of mental illnesses. “Certain presence of culture-specific somatic symptoms, significantly lowered identification rate of mental illness by General practitioners in teaching hospitals,” he explained.
    The Consultant Psychiatrist also refuted colonial-era assumptions that Africans were not sophisticated enough to have depression.
    He explained that mental illness makes up less than 30 per cent of the burden in teaching hospitals in Nigeria.
    “The illness is not limited to conditions like schizophrenia and psychosis. Substance abuse is prevalent, highlighting the need for better diagnostic practices,” Udofia emphasized.

    He also called for improvements in identification and research efforts to address the gaps in mental health care.

     

     

     

     

     

  • NAFDAC alerts public to counterfeit antimalarial drug in circulation

    NAFDAC alerts public to counterfeit antimalarial drug in circulation

    he National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians to the circulation of counterfeit Combiart Dispersible Tablet (20/120mg) in the country.

    The agency issued the warning through its X handle on Thursday, that the fake product is falsely labelled as being manufactured by Strides Arcolab Limited, an India-based pharmaceutical company.

    “This counterfeit product was discovered during surveillance activities in the FCT and Rivers State by officers of the Post Marketing Surveillance Directorate of NAFDAC,” the agency stated.
    ccording to NAFDAC, laboratory analysis revealed that the counterfeit tablets contain zero active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), It also bore two different date markings, further confirming its counterfeit nature.

    Expired licence and false registration number
    NAFDAC’s database of registered products confirmed that the licence for Combiart has expired. Additionally, the NAFDAC Registration Number displayed on the product is incorrect.
    The product has batch number 7225119 and a NAFDAC registration number A11-0299 and is not associated with authentic medication.
    Risks of counterfeit medicines
    NAFDAC highlighted that counterfeit medicines pose significant health risks as they fail to meet regulatory safety and efficacy standards. “The use of such products may lead to treatment failure, serious health consequences, or even death.”

    “Artemether and Lumefantrine combination belongs to a group of medicines known as antimalarials. It treats malaria, a red blood cell infection transmitted by the bite of a mosquito. However, this medicine is not used to treat severe or complicated malaria,” the agency stated.

    NAFDAC identified the product’s batch number as 7225119, with a NAFDAC registration number of A11-0299. It noted that the manufacturing dates on the product were June 2023 and February 2023, while the expiry dates were May 2026 and June 2026.

    The manufacturer’s name and address were listed as Strides Arcolab Limited, 36/7, Suragajakkanahalli, Indlavadi Cross, Anekal Taluk, Bangalore (562 106), India.

    The agency directed all its zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and remove counterfeit products from circulation.

    Importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers were urged to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of counterfeit products.

    “All medical products must be obtained from authorized/licensed suppliers. The authenticity and physical condition of the products should be carefully checked,” NAFDAC advised.

    “Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard and falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.

    NAFDAC also urged healthcare professionals and patients to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of the product to the nearest NAFDAC office or through the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website, www.nafdac.gov.ng.

    The public can also submit their complaints through the Med safety application, which is available for download on Android and iOS stores or simply send an email to pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.

     

     

     

  • WHO secures $1.7bn in first investment round, targets saving 40m lives

    WHO secures $1.7bn in first investment round, targets saving 40m lives

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has secured $1.7 billion in pledges during its inaugural Investment Round, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced today at a media briefing.

    These funds are part of a broader effort to implement WHO’s global strategy to safeguard health and save 40 million lives over the next four years.

    Dr. Tedros highlighted that 70 pledges were received, including contributions from 39 first-time donors, with 21 of them from middle-income countries. Notably, some of the world’s poorest nations also made contributions, underscoring the trust in WHO’s work on the ground.
    When countries contribute, even those with limited resources, it demonstrates the difference WHO is making globally,” Dr. Tedros said.

    $3.8bn secured for WHO’s budget
    Combined with other funding agreements and partnerships, WHO now has $3.8 billion committed, representing 53% of the voluntary contributions required for the next four years.
    Dr. Tedros emphasized that this funding would provide WHO with greater predictability and flexibility, allowing it to respond more rapidly to evolving global health threats.
    “I thank all countries and partners who have contributed. This marks a significant step forward, as for decades only a small portion of WHO’s total budget was predictable,” Dr. Tedros added.

    The funding is expected to strengthen WHO’s capacity to address global health challenges effectively and help build a safer, healthier world.
    Earlier, at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, chaired by Brazil’s President H.E. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Australia, Indonesia, Spain, and the United Kingdom emerged as some of the top contributors. They pledged $410 million, $300 million, $620 million, and $392 million, respectively.
    World AIDS Day 2024: Rights at the core of HIV response
    Speaking further during the briefing, Dr. Tedros also highlighted World AIDS Day 2024, themed “Take the Rights Path,” saying it reminded us of the critical importance of human rights in the response to HIV.
    According to him, Since the first World AIDS Day in 1988, we have come a long way in expanding access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment for HIV.
    But these gains are at real risk, and reductions in new infections and deaths have stalled.
    Persistent gaps in HIV response
    “While nearly 30 million people are now on antiretroviral treatment, another 9 million need treatment and are not getting it and more than half of those, nearly 5 million, are still unaware that they are living with HIV,” he noted

    Dr. Tedros emphasized that many of these gaps are among key populations who are marginalized, criminalized or discriminated against: men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, transgender people, sex workers and prisoners.

    “The most effective way to close these gaps and reach these populations is by recognizing and respecting their human rights.”

    “Together this World AIDS Day, let’s take the right path – let’s take the rights path,” he advised.

     

     

     

     

  • Closing gender gaps could add N15trn to Nigeria’s GDP annually – Minister of Women Affairs

    Closing gender gaps could add N15trn to Nigeria’s GDP annually – Minister of Women Affairs

    Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, has revealed that closing gender gaps in Nigeria has the potential to boost the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by N15 trillion annually by 2025.

    She made this statement during the joint UN Accountability Forum and Orange/Lighting ceremony held in Abuja on Thursday, themed “Towards Beijing +30: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”

    The minister stated that studies had shown that countries with higher levels of gender equality experience faster economic growth, improved governance, and more stable societies.
    For Nigeria, closing gender gaps has the potential to add N15 trillion to our GDP annually by 2025,” she said.

    She highlighted the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles, noting that women constitute 49% of our population and account for 41% of small and medium-scale enterprise (SME) owners.

    However, their representation in senior leadership is just 22% with only 3.6% holding seats in parliament.

    “These disparities represent untapped potentials that if harnessed, could drive our nation’s development forward, “Sulaiman-Ibrahim added.

    The minister said that the event was an opportunity to reflect on shared commitment towards advancing gender equality and ending violence against women and children.

    “It is an opportunity to evaluate our progress, reassess our strategies, and reaffirm our commitment to achieving the bold vision outlined in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, now approaching its 30th anniversary,” she said.

    Milestones in tackling violence against women
    Dr Felicia Onibon, Nigeria Report Consultant, said the over 100-page “Nigeria Beijing Report” contains all the activities done around SDGs and the Beijing platform for action in the past five years.

    “To resolve some of the issues and gaps that we have in the report, we would still continue to ask that our partners within the United Nations and development agencies come up with strategic plans to support the Nigerian government,” she said.

    While speaking on the Nigeria Beijing Report, Nesreen Elmolla, Deputy Representative of UN Women, said Nigeria has been an inspiring country on many fronts, but on Violence Against Women, Nigeria has been leading on operationalizing and domesticating the violence against persons, Prohibition Act, which is now operational in 35 states.

    She described this as a “huge milestone” in the country’s fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and we are proud to be celebrating.

    “The orange and lighting ceremony symbolizes hope, unity and a collective vision for a world and a Nigeria free of violence.”

    “Let us reaffirm our commitment to a Nigeria where the rights of women, girls, men, and all people underpin justice, solidarity, and prosperity for all,” she added.

    Collaboration for sustainable change
    Other speakers at the event highlighted the importance of partnerships and strategic action.
    Abdourahamane Diablo, Head of Office and Country Representative of UNESCO to Nigeria, reiterated their commitment to ending GBV, promoting girl-child education, and advancing gender equality.
    “UNESCO aligns strongly with the goals of the Beijing Platform for Action, particularly in advancing gender equality through education and eradicating gender-based violence,” he said.

    Francis Koessan, Deputy Representative of UNFPA, called for greater synergy between stakeholders, engagement with men and boys, and advocacy for policy implementation to end GBV, along with investments in preventive measures to ensure the safety of women and girls.
    Cheikh Toure, UNODC Representative in Nigeria, stated: “We can transform commitment into tangible outcomes, fostering a society where women and girls can live free from violence, fear, and inequality.”

  • Malaria vaccine rollout to begin in Kebbi, Bayelsa states on December 2 – NPHCDA

    Malaria vaccine rollout to begin in Kebbi, Bayelsa states on December 2 – NPHCDA

    The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has announced that the long-awaited malaria vaccination campaign will commence in Kebbi and Bayelsa states on December 2, 2024.

    According to the NPHCDA, this initiative forms part of Nigeria’s continued efforts to curb the devastating impact of malaria, which remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the country.

    Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the NPHCDA, shared details of the campaign during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
    He noted that the malaria vaccine, which has shown promising results in trials, would be administered to children under the age of five in both states.

    According to Aina, the vaccine will enhance current malaria prevention strategies, including the distribution of insecticide-treated nets and the provision of antimalarial drugs.

    He described the introduction of the vaccine as a significant milestone in the country’s fight against malaria.

    “The launch of the malaria vaccine in Kebbi and Bayelsa states marks a crucial step forward in our collective efforts to eliminate malaria, a disease that continues to pose a major public health challenge,” he said.

    Reaching 1.5 million children
    Aina explained that the vaccination will target an estimated 1.5 million children in the two states, with health workers visiting homes and health centres to administer the vaccine.

    “The program will receive support from state governments and international partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF,” he said.

    Aina urged residents of Kebbi and Bayelsa to actively participate in the vaccination drive, emphasizing its safety, efficacy, and importance in achieving Nigeria’s malaria elimination goals.

    “The introduction of the malaria vaccine is part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to reduce malaria cases by 40% by 2030, in alignment with the World Health Organization’s global malaria strategy,” he explained.

    Vaccine rollout builds on new milestone
    Nigeria’s malaria vaccine rollout follows the recent introduction of a vaccine developed by Oxford University and produced by the Serum Institute of India and Novavax.

    Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate confirmed that the country has already received 846,200 doses, with an additional 153,800 expected, bringing the total to one million doses.

    Malaria remains a deadly challenge: Malaria, which causes over 600,000 deaths annually, continues to be a major health challenge for Nigeria, accounting for 31% of global malaria deaths. The free vaccine marks a significant step in reducing these alarming statistics.