Diphtheria: FG races to contain outbreak, deploys 500,000 vaccines

By Admin

 Alarmed by a diphtheria outbreak affecting children in parts of Katsina and Kano states, the Federal Government has activated an emergency multi-agency task force and deployed 500,000 doses of vaccines to contain the spread.

The intervention, ordered by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, also includes the establishment of treatment annexes across Katsina State and the urgent deployment of drugs, Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT), medical personnel and protective equipment to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina.

The government said the measures were designed to close immunisation gaps, strengthen disease surveillance and ensure that infected children receive early treatment.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, working with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the affected states and international health partners, constituted the task force to coordinate the emergency response.

The task force will be co-chaired by the Director-General of NCDC and the Director of Public Health, with members drawn from NPHCDA; the commissioners for health of Katsina, Kano, Zamfara and Sokoto states; the World Health Organisation (WHO); UNICEF; and the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme in Katsina State. The Ministry’s Chief Epidemiologist will serve as secretary.

Under the containment strategy, health authorities will intensify outbreak investigations, strengthen surveillance and step up community mobilisation to identify and vaccinate unprotected children in affected and high-risk communities.

The NPHCDA has already deployed 500,000 doses of vaccines to Katsina and Kano states to support intensified immunisation activities.

The Federal Government is also working with the Katsina State Government to establish treatment annexes in hospitals across the state’s three senatorial districts — Katsina, Daura and Funtua.

The government says the move is expected to bring treatment closer to affected communities and facilitate early intervention for children who develop symptoms.

Emergency support is also being mobilised to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, the principal referral centre for the state and parts of neighbouring states. The facility is to receive Diphtheria Antitoxin, intravenous antibiotics, additional clinical personnel and personal protective equipment for healthcare workers.

The task force has been directed to provide weekly updates to the Coordinating Minister on progress, emerging challenges and additional resource requirements. Bottlenecks identified during the response are to be escalated for immediate resolution.

Diphtheria is a serious vaccine-preventable bacterial infection that can cause severe complications and death, particularly among unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated children.

The Federal Government said the latest intervention underscored its commitment to protecting children against vaccine-preventable diseases and strengthening Nigeria’s ability to detect and respond rapidly to disease outbreaks.

It pledged to sustain a coordinated and evidence-based response until the outbreak is brought under control.

Drive health insurance uptake, LASHMA tasks Lagos media -- Zamba

By Admin

The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) wants journalists to drive public awareness and uptake of the state’s mandatory health insurance scheme, warning that the policy cannot succeed if residents remain uninformed or distrust the system.

The agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, who gave the charge  at a two-day capacity-building programme for journalists on the Lagos State Health Scheme  and Ilera Eko, said the media must become a stronger force for explaining health insurance, challenging misinformation, exposing gaps and holding institutions accountable.

“Policies alone do not guarantee success; their effectiveness depends on understanding, cooperation and participation, the media therefore has a critical responsibility to explain policies accurately, dispel myths, amplify impact and hold institutions accountable.”

Her message came as the state pushes ahead with mandatory health insurance for all residents under an Executive Order signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on July 16, 2024.

“In a megacity like Lagos, health insurance is essential to protecting residents from catastrophic healthcare expenses, providing peace of mind, strengthening the health system and promoting sustainable healthcare financing,” she said.

She urged journalists to use their platforms to explain what ILERA EKO offers, how residents can enrol and access services, while also questioning shortcomings that could undermine confidence in the scheme.

Zamba said LASHMA was investing in media capacity because public awareness and trust would determine whether mandatory health insurance translated into actual coverage.

The agency trained additional 36 journalists following the 56 trained in February 2026 under the first phase of the initiative.

The journalists, their family members and dependants, received one year of free health insurance coverage from LASHMA.

The state has also increased its Equity Fund for vulnerable residents from N1 billion to N3 billion, financed through one percent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

FG backs robotic surgery to curb medical tourism

By Damilola Samuel

The Federal Government has given approval to the introduction of robotic surgery in Nigeria, saying the technology could help reduce the number of Nigerians travelling abroad for specialised medical treatment.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, who stated this in Lagos during the launch of the robotic surgery programme at Redeemer’s Health Village (RHV), said bringing advanced surgical procedures into the country would give Nigerians access to specialised care at home, without the need to seek treatment abroad.

Salako urged Nigerians to take advantage of the country’s growing healthcare capacity, saying the development demonstrated that high-level medical care could now be delivered locally.

“The best in the world are now converging here, and I urge all of us to patronise when the need arises. A farmer from Ondo, a teacher from Ekiti, a trader from Ogun or any part of Nigeria will no longer need a passport to access world-class surgical intervention," he stated.

Salako said the new programme could make specialised surgery more accessible to Nigerians across the country.

The robotic surgery programme is being implemented through a partnership between RHV and RoboMed Global Inc., a Nigerian diaspora-led company based in the United States, with an investment of about $4 million.

Salako said the partnership aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to attract investment, expertise and technology into Nigeria’s health sector.

He added that the government would continue to support private healthcare providers, who, he noted, deliver more than half of healthcare services in the country.

The minister linked the development to government initiatives, including the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain and the Presidential Executive Order on the Health Sector. The initiatives are aimed at strengthening local healthcare capacity and encouraging investment in the sector.

The programme, Salako said, would go beyond providing treatment. It would also create an opportunity to train Nigerian surgeons in the use of robotic technology.

He explained that interested surgeons from across the country would have access to a structured training and certification programme, enabling them to develop skills in advanced surgical procedures.

Such training, he said, would help Nigerian doctors keep pace with advances in medical technology while building the country’s own pool of specialists.

Salako commended the management of Redeemer’s Health Village and other partners involved in the project, describing the programme as an example of how investment, technology and collaboration could improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

He said the Federal Government would continue to work with private healthcare providers and Nigerians in the diaspora to expand access to specialised treatment.

He added that the government’s long-term goal was to build a health system where quality healthcare is available within the country and remains affordable and accessible to Nigerians.

Study says sleeping on left side triggers nightmares

By Admin

People who sleep on their left side may be more prone to nightmares than those who favour their right side, according to research that has revived interest in the relationship between sleeping position and the way the brain processes dreams.

The findings come from a 2004 study by researchers at Yuzuncu Yil University School of Medicine in Turkey, published in the journal Sleep and Hypnosis.

The study found that 40.9 percent of left-side sleepers reported frequent nightmares, compared with 14.6 percent of those who slept on their right.

The research involved 63 healthy adults, whose sleep quality and dream experiences were assessed using self-reported questionnaires, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

Beyond experiencing fewer nightmares, right-side sleepers also tended to report more pleasant dreams and better overall sleep quality. 

By contrast, participants who preferred sleeping on their left side were significantly more likely to describe disturbing dreams.

Why this happens remains uncertain, but the researchers suggested that body position during Rapid Eye movement (REM) sleep—the stage when most dreaming occurs— subtly affect the brain's emotional processing. 

They said differences in autonomic nervous system activity and other physiological changes associated with sleeping posture could influence the content and emotional tone of dreams.

Studies have also associated stomach sleeping with vivid or distressing dreams. 

Researchers believe pressure on the chest or changes in breathing in that position may become incorporated into dreams, producing sensations of inability to move.

The Turkish study was relatively small, and relied on participants' recollections of their dreams and cannot prove that sleeping on the left side directly causes nightmares.

Nightmares are shaped by a wide range of factors, including stress, anxiety, trauma, certain medications, sleep deprivation and underlying sleep disorders. Sleeping position, researchers say, is likely to be just one piece of a much larger puzzle.

For people who experience recurring nightmares without an obvious explanation, changing sleeping position may be a simple, low-risk adjustment worth trying.

Although evidence remains preliminary, switching from the left side to the right side during sleep may help reduce disturbing dreams in some individuals.

Larger studies using objective sleep-monitoring techniques are needed to determine whether sleeping position truly affects dream quality or whether the differences observed are driven by other biological or psychological factors.

Nigeria secures $500m Gavi support to boost immunisation, primary healthcare

 By Admin

Nigeria has secured a $500 million five-year immunisation support package from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to strengthen primary healthcare nationwide.

 The package which is among the largest recent investments in the country's health sector, is aimed toward supporting routine immunisation, improving vaccine delivery and expanding access to life-saving vaccines for millions of Nigerian children.

Announcing the commitment after a high-level meeting in Abuja with the Chief Executive Officer of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Dr. Sania Nishtar,  the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate described the proposed funding as a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria's ongoing health sector reforms, saying it would accelerate efforts to expand access to vaccines while strengthening domestic financing for immunisation.

 "The proposed support of almost $500 million over the next five years speaks volumes, it gives us greater momentum to strengthen domestic financing, secure vaccines and ensure they reach every Nigerian child," Pate said.

 The minister remarked that Nigeria's primary healthcare system has made significant progress since Nishtar's last visit in 2023. Quarterly utilisation of Primary Healthcare Centres, he noted, has risen from about 10 million visits to more than 40 million.

 Pate attributed the improvement to the revitalisation of thousands of primary healthcare centres, stronger routine immunisation and maternal and child health services, as well as the successful implementation of the world's largest measles-rubella vaccination campaign, which protected more than 102 million Nigerian children.

 Nishtar, in her remarks, reaffirmed Gavi's long-term commitment to Nigeria, describing Nigeria as the alliance's second-largest portfolio globally and its largest co-financing partner.

 

"Gavi is here to signal that we are there for you. While many global health institutions are reducing their footprint, we will continue supporting Nigeria's immunisation programme," she stated.

 She announced an upward review of Nigeria's vaccine and cash allocation, alongside reduced co-financing obligations to give the government greater fiscal flexibility.

Nishtar also outlined reforms under Gavi's 6.0 strategy, including simplified funding processes, decentralised decision-making, digitised grant management and predictable five-year vaccine budgets, noting that the changes were shaped by feedback received during her 2023 visit to Nigeria.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, described the visit as another milestone in the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and Gavi.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to providing the leadership, coordination and stewardship needed to translate the partnership into stronger immunisation systems, improved primary healthcare services and better health outcomes for Nigerians.

 Nigeria and Gavi reaffirmed commitment to sustaining gains in routine immunisation, accelerating polio eradication, expanding Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, strengthening primary healthcare and increasing domestic investment to ensure every Nigerian child has access to life-saving vaccines and quality healthcare.

 The renewed partnership further reinforces international confidence in Nigeria's health sector reform agenda and underscores the Federal Government's commitment to building a resilient, equitable and sustainable healthcare system for all Nigerians.

Nigerian government targets 5 million free eye glasses, 25,000 cataract surgeries by 2027

By Admin

The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled an ambitious plan to provide at least five million Nigerians with free spectacles and carry out 25,000 free cataract surgeries by the end of 2027 as part of efforts to reduce avoidable blindness and expand access to quality eye care nationwide.

The initiative will be delivered through the expanded Effective Spectacle Coverage Initiative Nigeria (Jigi-Bola 2.0) under the Renewed Hope Health Connect programme.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, announced the target at the 49th Annual National Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) and the Annual General Meeting of the African Council of Optometry (AFCO) in Abuja.

Speaking on the conference theme, "Optometrists in a Changing Africa: From Diversity to Unity," Salako said the government has prioritised eye health as a critical public health and development issue, noting that preventable vision loss continues to undermine the productivity, independence and quality of life of millions of Nigerians.

He described Jigi-Bola 2.0 as a flagship health intervention designed to take eye care services directly to underserved communities.

"The Jigi-Bola 2.0 programme is an iconic mobile eye care initiative that reflects Mr. President's determination to reduce the burden of eye diseases by reaching vulnerable populations where they live," he said.

Salako said the programme has already screened nearly two million Nigerians and distributed more than 1.3 million free reading glasses. He noted that about 66 per cent of beneficiaries received spectacles for the first time.

He said the scale-up of the programme forms part of the implementation of the National Eye Health Strategic Development Plan (2024–2028), which seeks to strengthen integrated eye care services at the primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare levels.

He announced that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has launched the Nigeria Glaucoma Guidelines and Toolkit to standardise glaucoma diagnosis, treatment and referral across the country.

Ophthalmologists from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have been trained to implement the guidelines, while more than 2,220 primary healthcare workers across 16 states have been equipped to carry out vision screening and referrals under the Jigi-Bola 2.0 initiative.

Salako commended Nigerian optometrists for their contribution to community eye health, early detection of eye diseases and timely referrals, describing them as indispensable partners in the country's efforts to reduce avoidable blindness.

He reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to working with the Nigerian Optometric Association and other stakeholders to strengthen community eye care, improve access to quality vision services and advance universal eye health coverage under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Ajayi mentors young doctors in leadership, finance to strengthen Nigeria's health sector

…Don't just Japa, plan your future, young doctors admonished

L-R: Dr. Kunle Onakoya, CEO,  QHS Consultant LTD; Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, Founder & Managing Director, Nordica Fertility Centre & Fibroid Care Centre at Nordica; 

Ms. Ibiyemi Ifaturoti, Coordinator, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi Physician Mentoring Program and Mrs. Rashidat Adebisi, Co-Founder, Zenvolve Tech at the Close-Out event of Dr Abayomi Ajayi Physician Mentoring Programme held recently in Lagos. 

By Admin

The Founder of the Dr Abayomi Ajayi Mentoring Program, and Medical Director of Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos, Abuja and Asaba, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, says young Nigerian doctors need more than clinical competence to build successful careers, arguing that leadership, financial literacy and strategic career planning have become just as important in today's evolving healthcare environment.

Speaking at the close of the fourth cohort of the Dr. Abayomi Ajayi Mentoring Programme, Ajayi said the initiative was created to bridge the gap between medical education and professional life by exposing young doctors to skills that are rarely taught in medical school.

With the migration of Nigerian doctors remaining a major public concern, he stressed that the programme was never intended to discourage participants from seeking opportunities abroad.

"We don't tell them, 'Don't go.' We encourage them to make informed decisions, but if they decide to leave for greener pasture, they should go to acquire knowledge, skills and experience, then return to help strengthen Nigeria's healthcare system," he said.

The programme, Ajayi explained, combines mentorship from accomplished professionals in medicine, academia, finance, business and the pharmaceutical industry with practical training in leadership, career planning and financial management.

"We expose the mentees to opportunities that exist in Nigeria while also helping them understand the realities of working abroad. Many young people make decisions based on incomplete or inaccurate information," Ajayi added.

Rather than appealing to patriotism, he said the programme gives participants a balanced perspective that enables them to make better-informed career decisions, whether they choose to remain in Nigeria or pursue opportunities overseas.

One of the programme's mentors, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, described mentoring as one of Nigeria's most underutilised tools for retaining talented healthcare professionals.

Ogunsola observed that many young doctors are surrounded by negative narratives about Nigeria and often come to believe that success is only possible outside the country.

"Nigeria has so much going for it and it is important that young doctors don't leave simply because all they hear is bad news. This country is a country of opportunities. We need to show them that you don't have to go abroad to be successful," she said.

Further, Ogunsola said financial success alone should not define a career, noting that lasting fulfilment comes from making a meaningful difference. She added that mentors help young professionals navigate the uncertainty that often follows graduation by offering guidance, opening doors to professional networks and providing long-term support.

Addressing the growing wave of doctor migration, she admitted that was not opposed to international exposure but would rather encourage young doctors to pursue it with a clear purpose and a plan to return home.

Another mentor, Orthopaedic surgeon and healthcare management expert, Dr. Kunle Onakoya, said the mentoring programme was developed in recognition of the reality of medical schools producing competent clinicians, but not always equipping them with the leadership, governance, financial management and other practical skills required throughout their careers.

According to Onakoya, the Dr Abayomi Ajayi Mentoring initiative is designed to produce well-rounded professionals who can lead hospitals, manage healthcare organisations and respond effectively to the increasing complexity of modern healthcare.

Former Country Director and Chief Client Officer at AXA Mansard and Co-founder of Zenball Technologies, Rashida Adebisi, said financial literacy is an essential skill that every healthcare professional should possess.

Adebisi, the only non-medical mentor in the programme noted that many doctors graduate from medical school without any formal education in personal finance, budgeting, investing or retirement planning, despite the critical role those skills play in building sustainable careers.

"When the programme started, it was largely medical doctors mentoring medical doctors, but over time, it became clear that professional success requires much more than clinical knowledge. Medicine is also a business. Running a practice demands financial management, leadership and sound decision-making," she said.

The coordinator of the mentoring programme, Mrs. Ibiyemi Faturoti, said the initiative has continued to evolve in response to participants' feedback. In addition to one-on-one mentoring, it now includes group sessions where young doctors learn from professionals in finance, law, engineering, business and other fields.

She said the programme is not about persuading doctors to remain in Nigeria at all costs but about ensuring they make career decisions based on a clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges, both at home and abroad.

"Medical school equips doctors with clinical knowledge, but there are many other skills they need to succeed professionally. Our role is to expose them to those skills and help them discover the different career paths available to them," she said.

In her words, medical school may give young doctors the cake, but mentorship provides the icing that helps them thrive long after they leave the classroom.