UNICEF, FG launch Nigeria's first behavioral lab to improve child Survival

 

By Sola Charles

 In a move to combat child mortality and improve child development outcomes, UNICEF, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and 19 leading universities have launched the Behavioural Insights Research and Design Lab (BIRDLab). The groundbreaking initiative, the first of its kind in the country, aims to apply the principles of behavioral science directly to public health challenges, ensuring solutions are both effective and culturally relevant.

BIRDLab is designed to be a hub for evidence-based interventions. It will produce practical research findings on key issues, such as routine immunization, nutrition services, and school enrollment. By understanding the "why" behind people's decisions, the lab will create simple tools and policy notes that government agencies can use to scale up programmes and address real barriers at the community level.

The initiative builds on a successful existing partnership, the Network for Behavioural Research on Child Survival in Nigeria. BIRDLab will now formalize this collaboration, bringing together experts from diverse fields including Community Medicine, Communication Studies, and Clinical Psychology.

UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, said the partnership will make programmes more effective and respectful of local contexts. "If we study what shapes decisions on vaccination, feeding practices, or school enrolment, we can work with communities to fix the real barriers," Saeed said. "This partnership... will help more children get vaccinated, eat better, and learn."

The lab will also play a crucial role in building local capacity. It will offer short courses, mentoring, and practical field experience for government officials, embedding a behavioral science approach directly into the planning, budgeting, and delivery of health and social programs. This ensures that solutions are not just effective but also Nigerian-led and sustainable.

While BIRDLab will primarily operate online, it will also have a dedicated physical space at the University of Lagos, providing a central location for researchers and practitioners to collaborate. Graduate students will undertake studies aligned with UNICEF's programme priorities, conducting trials, observational work, and long-term follow-ups.

This strategic partnership is a clear sign that Nigeria is positioning itself as a leader in leveraging behavioral science to solve complex health challenges. It also strengthens South-South cooperation, using local expertise to guide national policies and improve the lives of children and families across the country. By understanding and addressing the human behaviors that drive health outcomes, BIRDLab has the potential to redefine the future of child survival and development in Nigeria and beyond.

Nigeria joins global charge against mosquito-borne diseases

By Seun Greeners

Today, Nigeria joins the global community in marking World Mosquito Day, a solemn yet urgent reminder of the tiny insect responsible for some of the world’s deadliest diseases.

Commemorated annually on August 20th, the day honors Sir Ronald Ross’s 1897 discovery that female Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria—a breakthrough that changed the course of medical history.

This year’s theme, “Accelerating the Fight Against Malaria for a More Equitable World,” resonates deeply in Nigeria, where malaria remains a leading cause of death and illness. According to the World Health Organization, Nigeria accounted for 27 per cent of global malaria deaths in 2023, underscoring the need for intensified action.

In Lagos, health officials launched a week-long campaign featuring free mosquito net distribution, community clean-ups, and educational seminars. 

“We’re not just fighting mosquitoes—we’re fighting poverty, inequality, and preventable death,” said Dr. Ifeoma Okoye, Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health.

Across the country, radio stations aired public service announcements urging citizens to eliminate stagnant water, use insecticide-treated nets, and seek prompt treatment for fever symptoms.

Nigeria is also embracing cutting-edge solutions. In collaboration with international partners, researchers at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research are piloting the release of genetically modified mosquitoes designed to curb disease transmission. Early results show promise, with targeted areas reporting a 60% drop in dengue cases.

Meanwhile, local startups are developing mobile apps that alert users to mosquito hotspots using real-time data and satellite mapping.

Experts warn that climate change is exacerbating the crisis. Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall are expanding mosquito habitats, pushing diseases into new regions. Northern Nigeria, once considered low-risk, has seen a spike in malaria cases over the past year.

World Mosquito Day is not just a commemoration—it’s a call to action. Health advocates are urging increased funding for research, stronger sanitation infrastructure, and community-driven prevention efforts.

“We must treat mosquito-borne diseases as the public health emergency they are. Every Nigerian deserves protection, regardless of where they live,”  Okoye remarked.

As dusk falls and the hum of mosquitoes returns, the message is clear: the fight is far from over. But with science, solidarity, and sustained effort, Nigeria is determined to turn the tide.

Tiny lives, giant strides: Nigeria, 7 others champion infant malaria cure

By Precious Dippe

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has commended the approval of the first malaria treatment specifically formulated for newborns and infants weighing less than five kilogrammes — a major advance in closing a critical gap in care for Africa’s youngest and most vulnerable.

Africa CDC commends the eight Member States — Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Uganda — whose participation in clinical trials was instrumental in achieving this milestone. Their leadership underscores Africa’s growing role in driving health innovation and ensuring that no child is left behind.

The new artemether-lumefantrin formulation for children was developed through a partnership between Novartis and the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), under the PAMAfrica consortium, with co-funding from the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.

Swiss drug regulators have approved the formulation, and rapid approvals are expected from the eight African countries under the Swiss agency’s Marketing Authorisation for Global Health Products procedure.

Until now, no approved treatment existed for infants under five kilogrammes. These children were often given modified doses of medicines for older children, raising the risk of overdose and toxicity. This new formulation offers a safe, effective, and infant-friendly option — dissolvable in breast milk and with a sweet flavour to ease administration.

Novartis plans to introduce the treatment on a primarily not-for-profit basis, aiming to increase access in malaria-endemic regions, where nearly 30 million babies are born each year.

“The approval of the treatment is a major step forward in the fight against malaria. It ensures that even the smallest and most vulnerable infants now have access to safe and effective treatment,” said Africa CDC Director General Dr Jean Kaseya.

This collaborative achievement exemplifies Africa’s commitment to accelerating access to essential health innovations.

“The approval of the new malaria treatment demonstrates the impact of Africa-led collaboration in delivering health solutions where they’re needed most,” said Dr Ngashi Ngongo, Principal Advisor to the Africa CDC Director General and Head of the Mpox Incident Management Support Team.

Africa CDC will continue to support Member States in integrating the new formulation into national health systems by:

Updating clinical guidelines and training health workers on safe use.

Strengthening surveillance and operational research to monitor safety and impact.

Ensuring equitable access through local manufacturing and the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism (APPM).

Expediting regulatory approvals through the recently established regulatory reliance mechanism among the 8 National Regulatory Authorities in collaboration with the African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization (AMRH/AUDA -NEPAD).

For Africa CDC, ensuring that every child — regardless of weight or location — can access effective malaria treatment remains a top priority.

“By making smart investments, implementing well-targeted policies, and deepening collaboration, we can ensure that all African countries become malaria-free within the coming generation,” Dr Kaseya said.

WHO endorses twice yearly HIV prevention shot

By Sola Charles 

In a major advancement for global HIV prevention, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has officially recommended injectable lenacapavir (LEN) as a new pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option. Announced at the 13th International AIDS Society Conference (IAS 2025) in Kigali, Rwanda, the new guidelines mark a transformative moment in the fight against HIV.

Lenacapavir, the first PrEP product requiring only two injections per year, offers a long-acting, highly effective alternative to daily oral pills. This innovation is especially promising for individuals who face challenges with daily adherence, stigma, or limited access to healthcare. With its extended protection and simplified dosing, LEN could dramatically improve prevention outcomes for people at high risk of HIV.

The recommendation comes amid troubling statistics showing 1.3 million new HIV infections globally in 2024, with disproportionate impact on key populations such as sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, people who inject drugs, and adolescents. WHO’s endorsement of LEN signals a bold move to diversify prevention strategies and empower individuals with more flexible, accessible options.

To support rollout, WHO has also recommended a simplified HIV testing approach using rapid tests. This removes a major barrier to access by eliminating complex procedures and enabling community-based delivery of long-acting PrEP through pharmacies, clinics, and telehealth platforms.

Lenacapavir now joins a growing arsenal of WHO-recommended PrEP tools, including daily oral PrEP, injectable cabotegravir, and the dapivirine vaginal ring. While access to LEN outside clinical trials remains limited, WHO is urging governments, donors, and global health partners to begin integrating it into national HIV prevention programmes immediately, while collecting data on uptake and impact.

Additional updates include new treatment guidelines recommending long-acting injectable cabotegravir and rilpivirine (CAB/RPV) as an alternative for people living with HIV who have achieved viral suppression on oral therapy. These options aim to support individuals facing adherence challenges and offer greater flexibility in treatment.

WHO also introduced new service delivery recommendations to integrate HIV care with noncommunicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and mental health conditions. Updated STI management guidelines now recommend routine screening for gonorrhoea and chlamydia in key populations. For individuals with mpox and HIV, WHO strongly advises rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy and early HIV testing.

To address the broader challenges of sustaining HIV programmes amid declining funding, WHO has released operational guidance to help countries prioritise services, assess risks, and adapt systems to protect health outcomes.

With 40.8 million people living with HIV globally and 630,000 deaths in 2024, the urgency remains high. WHO’s new guidelines offer a practical, evidence-based roadmap to strengthen prevention, treatment, and service delivery. The call to action is clear: bold implementation is needed now to turn these policy advances into lasting public health impact.

WHO endorses game-changing mosquito repellent tech to combat malaria

By David Essex

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recommended the use of spatial emanators—a revolutionary new class of mosquito control tools—to fight malaria, marking the first major vector control innovation in decades.

Also known as spatial repellents, these devices release active ingredients into the air to repel, disorient, and kill malaria-transmitting mosquitoes, offering protection even during daytime hours when traditional bed nets fall short.

“This recommendation opens the door to a new intervention for national malaria control programmes at a time when innovation is urgently needed,” said Dr Daniel Ngamije, Acting Director for Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases at WHO.

WHO has prequalified two spatial emanator products—Mosquito Shield and Guardian, both developed by SC Johnson & Son, Inc. These devices use transfluthrin, a powerful mosquito-repelling compound, and offer protection lasting from one month to twelve months, depending on the product.

 “Spatial repellents are the first new class of vector control intervention in decades… At a time when progress against malaria has stalled, this is a significant step forward,” said Dr Philippe Duneton, Executive Director of Unitaid.

The prequalification status means these products are now eligible for procurement by UN agencies and national health programmes, potentially accelerating access in malaria-endemic regions.

WHO’s conditional recommendation is based on five independent studies showing that spatial emanators, when used alongside insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), significantly reduce malaria transmission. However, further research is underway to evaluate their standalone effectiveness and outdoor use.

Early trials in Peru and Southeast Asia suggest spatial emanators may also reduce transmission of dengue and other arboviruses, opening the door to broader public health applications.

Global health partners are now racing to fill evidence gaps and expand the use cases for spatial emanators, with WHO guideline groups poised to update recommendations as new data emerges.

The breakthrough could reshape the global fight against mosquito-borne diseases—bringing hope to millions at risk.

Smart sanitary pad diagnoses diseases

By Precious Dipe

Scientists have turned what is generally regarded as a monthly inconvenience into a medical marvel and unlocked a new frontier in disease detection—one that’s discreet, fast, and astonishingly powerful.

In a quiet lab nestled within ETH Zurich, Switzerland’s premier science and technology university, researchers have transformed the humble sanitary pad into a potential lifesaver. Their innovation is a paper-thin sensor embedded in the pad that can detect early signs of serious diseases long before a single symptom appears.

For centuries, menstrual blood has been dismissed as waste; however, this new technology is changing that narrative, using it as a rich source of biological data. The sanitary pad, indistinguishable from any off-the-shelf product, hides a diagnostic strip just beneath its surface. It is incredibly easy to use; the wearer simply snaps a photo of the strip and uploads it to a smartphone app. Within minutes, artificial intelligence analyses the image, comparing it against a vast database to flag potential health concerns.

The sensor, called MenstruAI, costs around £1 (N2,000) to manufacture and contains gold nanoparticles which react when a protein is detected.

The test easily detects C-reactive protein (CRP) – a marker for inflammation and infections like colds and flu. It also detected carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), often elevated in the presence of tumours, and also CA125 – a protein linked to ovarian cancer and notoriously difficult to detect early.

The sensor works much like a COVID-19 test strip, with lines or dots appearing depending on the biomarkers present, with darker colours indicating higher concentrations. The entire process—from pad to prognosis—takes less than 10 minutes.

This breakthrough could revolutionise the monitoring of health conditions, especially those that often go undetected until they become serious. Among these are urinary tract infections (UTIs), type 2 diabetes, and ovarian cancer, which are just the beginning. The implications for global health—especially in regions with limited access to diagnostic labs—are profound.

Dr Ana Ferreira, one of the lead researchers, says the goal is to make health monitoring “as routine and effortless as brushing your teeth.” And with this pad, that future may be closer than we think.

“At the moment, we have a proof-of-concept with three biomarkers relevant for infection, gynaecological disorders and tumour development. The sensor is embedded into a soft silicone casing that protects it. It’s designed so that we can control the volume of blood that comes into contact with the paper strip,” said Lucas Dosnon, a nanotechnology researcher at ETH Zurich and lead author of the study, recently published in Advanced Science News.

The team plans to include many more protein-based markers which will be able to point to a variety of other diseases or give general health insights. Gold nanoparticles are already used in a range of diagnostic applications because of their unique optical properties, including their ability to scatter light – which means they generate visible colour changes that can be seen with the naked eye.

Women lose roughly 30 to 50 ml of blood during their monthly period, and menstrual blood sensors have been in development for the past 10 years at least. The big attraction is that samples don’t need to be collected by needle and are readily available every month.

In 2019, a team at Stanford University in California compared samples of menstrual blood with blood that circulates through the body from 20 women over two months. Results in the journal Clinical and Laboratory Medicine showed menstrual blood could reliably estimate levels of several biomarkers – including for diabetes and inflammation – as well as reproductive hormones, and so could be an alternative source for diagnosis and health monitoring.

In 2022, Paul Blumenthal, a professor emeritus of obstetrics and gynaecology at the Stanford School of Medicine, and Dr Sara Naseri, a former Stanford Medicine visiting scholar, developed a smart menstrual pad that could detect human papillomavirus, or HPV, which is linked to cervical cancer.

Naseri went on to co-found a company called Qvin and develop the first FDA-approved diagnostic menstrual pad, known as the Q-Pad. Women wear the pad as normal, then a blood collection strip is sent to a laboratory to be analysed.

Results are returned within five days and, as well as HPV, can identify biomarkers for pre-diabetes, anaemia, perimenopause, endometriosis and thyroid health.

The latest test is not designed to replace laboratory tests but to give early indications of potential problems that may require more detailed investigations. It could be used for early screening of the general female population who want to have a better overview of their health, or it could help monitor disease progression in people who have already been diagnosed.

One example might be the inflammatory bowel condition Crohn’s disease, where some patients need to do a monthly blood test to monitor their inflammation status. The next step is to test it in a larger group of participants (the field study was a small group of volunteers). Once it has approval, it could be sold over the counter.

Gold is costly, but expenses are reduced when manufacturing is scaled up and very little is needed. Gold nanoparticles are easy to use and very versatile; hopefully this project can help to break counterproductive taboos.

Dr Karen Morton, a consultant gynaecologist based in Guildford, noted, “This technology is interesting, but there is a lot more to understand about how it may be used to really help improve women’s health, if at all. The concern is that this may just encourage the worried well to spend more of their money.”

Lassa fever kills 156 in Nigeria

By Sola Charles 

 The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised fresh concerns over an increase in Lassa fever fatalities in the country.    

In its Week 31 Situation Report, of July 28 to August 3, 2025, Nigeria recorded nine new confirmed cases—up from three the previous week—but the cumulative death toll has surged to 156, marking a higher case fatality rate than the same period in 2024.

So far in 2025, Nigeria has reported 836 confirmed cases of Lassa fever across 21 states across 105 local government areas. 

While the number of suspected cases has reached 6,851, the case fatality rate (CFR) now stands at 18.7 percent—an increase from 17.3 percent recorded during the same period in 2024.

“This increase in deaths is a clarion call for urgent and lasting actions,” the agency warned in the report, urging both federal and state governments to intensify efforts in early detection, rapid response, and community engagement.

The latest confirmed cases were reported in Edo, Ondo, and Taraba States, which, along with Bauchi and Ebonyi, account for 90 percent of the national burden. 

Ondo leads with 33 percent of all confirmed cases, followed by Bauchi (23 percent), Edo (17 percent), Taraba (14 percent), and Ebonyi (3 percent).

The most affected demographic remains young adults aged 21 to 30, with a male-to-female ratio of 1 to 0.8. No new healthcare worker infections were reported this week, a slight reprieve amid growing concerns about frontline exposure.

The NCDC identified several factors contributing to the rising death toll, including late presentation at health facilities, poor health-seeking behaviour linked to treatment costs, and inadequate sanitation in high-burden areas. These systemic challenges continue to hinder timely diagnosis and effective case management.

In response, the agency has deployed 10 National Rapid Response Teams to affected states and distributed contact thermometers to aid early detection. It has also launched an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) e-learning course and conducted targeted training for healthcare workers in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue States.

With public sensitisation efforts are being ramped up in hotspot LGAs, with Lassa fever messaging now integrated into broader infection prevention campaigns. 

The agency is also calling on state governments to sustain community engagement activities year-round and urging healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever symptoms.

“The rising fatality rate is not just a statistic—it’s a signal. We must act decisively to prevent further loss of life,” the report stated.

As Nigeria continues to battle Lassa fever alongside other infectious diseases, the NCDC’s warning underscores the urgent need for coordinated public health action, improved healthcare access, and sustained awareness to curb the deadly trend.