Routine immunisation: SCI, LASAM task Nigeria on strengthening domestic health financing

...As international donor support  declines  

By Admin

Health advocates have called on the Nigerian government to urgently strengthen domestic financing for healthcare, warning that continued dependence on foreign donors could leave millions of Nigerians without access to lifesaving services if external funding continues to shrink.

The warning came during the quarterly review meeting of the Lagos Accountability Mechanism for Maternal Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health Coalition (LASAM) where government officials, civil society groups and development partners examined progress in expanding routine immunisation and discussed strategies for sustaining health programmes through increased local funding.

Speaking at the meeting, Advocacy Coordinator for Save the Children International's Better Opportunity to Optimize Routine Immunization for Zero-Dose and Under-Immunized Children (BOOST) Project in Lagos, Dr. Itunu Dave-Agboola, said recent global funding uncertainties have exposed the vulnerability of Nigeria's health system and underscored the need to mobilise more domestic resources.

"If foreign aid were to stop today, can we sustain the health of our people? That is the question we must answer," she said.

Dave-Agboola noted that donor agencies have played a critical role in financing vaccines, HIV programmes, maternal and child health services and other essential interventions for decades, noting that recent disruptions to international development assistance demonstrate why Nigeria can no longer rely primarily on external funding.

“Routine immunisation remains one of the areas most vulnerable to funding shocks. Gavi has contributed immensely to vaccine procurement and logistics. We have to ask ourselves whether routine immunisation can survive if that support is reduced or withdrawn. That is why domestic resource mobilisation is no longer optional. It is essential," she said.

The BOOST Project supported by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) targets zero-dose children who have never received a single vaccine, and under-immunised children who began vaccination but failed to complete the recommended schedule. The programme is currently being implemented in Alimosho and Ikorodu Local Government Areas of Lagos State.

Beyond expanding immunisation coverage, the project is also supporting advocacy efforts aimed at increasing government investment in primary healthcare.

Working through LASAM, health advocates have engaged the Lagos State Ministries of Health and Economic Planning & Budget, the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, local government authorities and other policymakers to push for improved funding for routine immunisation and child health services.

As part of those efforts, LASAM has undertaken budget tracking and political economy analyses to assess health sector allocations, releases and utilisation.

The findings have been compiled into advocacy scorecards used during meetings with government officials to encourage greater investment and accountability.

Dave-Agoola said evidence-based advocacy has become an effective tool for securing commitments from decision-makers because it presents clear data on funding gaps and implementation challenges.

She expressed concern that although the 2026 health budget had been approved, releases had yet to commence, making it impossible to assess implementation.

"When funds are not released, programmes suffer. You cannot talk about effective utilisation when there is nothing to utilise," she said.

The meeting also explored ways to diversify health financing beyond government budgets by engaging the private sector.

Participants said businesses should view investments in public health as part of their corporate social responsibility, particularly in supporting immunisation programmes that protect children against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Chairperson of LASAM's Advocacy Subcommittee, Mrs. Shola Hassan, said LASAM has intensified engagements with political office holders and local government authorities to improve support for primary healthcare.

She said recent advocacy visits focused not only on routine immunisation but also on the rehabilitation of dilapidated primary healthcare centres and improving welfare for community volunteers who conduct house-to-house immunisation campaigns.

"Poor remuneration of frontline volunteers affects motivation and can compromise data quality, making stronger government support essential," she noted.

She disclosed that the Vice Chairman of Alimosho Local Government pledged to engage chairmen of the area's six Local Council Development Areas after receiving the group's recommendations.

Hassan described journalists as "the megaphone" that amplifies evidence and advocacy beyond meeting rooms and into public discourse, noting that media reports have previously prompted swift government action on health issues.

"The broader message, beyond vaccines, is that as development assistance becomes increasingly uncertain,  Nigeria faces a defining choice: continue relying on external partners to finance essential health services or build a resilient health system supported by predictable domestic resources."

Health advocates also urged politicians to make healthcare a central campaign issue rather than an afterthought. They argued that investments in routine immunisation, maternal health and child survival should become measurable commitments that elected leaders can be held accountable for before and after elections.

Turkey sanctions over 100 doctors for Caesarean deliveries

 

By Admin

Turkey's Ministry of Health has fined more than 100 obstetrician-gynecologists for performing Caesarean Sections, suspended some from practice and ordered compulsory retraining as part of a government drive to curb the country's high caesarean birth rate.

The disciplinary action, first reported by BirGun newspaper on Friday, has sparked a backlash from healthcare professionals, who insist that punishing doctors will do little to address the deeper issues behind Turkey's widespread reliance on caesarean deliveries.

Citing data from medical associations across the country, BirGun reported that more than 100 obstetricians have been sanctioned for carrying out caesarean births.

Turkey continues to record the highest caesarean section rate among the 38 member states of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The latest available figures, for 2023, show there were about 615 caesarean deliveries for every 1,000 live births.

Medical professionals say caesarean sections are often favoured because they are far less time-consuming than vaginal deliveries. A caesarean typically takes about 30 minutes, while natural labour can last up to 12 hours. They also argue that the procedure reduces the risk of litigation arising from delivery complications, offering greater protection for both the physician and the patient.

The latest sanctions form part of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's "Decade of the Family" initiative, launched in 2025 to reverse declining birth rates and encourage natural childbirth.

As part of that campaign, the Turkish government in April banned elective caesarean sections at private healthcare facilities unless there is a medical justification for the procedure.

Medical associations say the disciplinary measures have affected obstetricians across the country.

In a statement posted on its website, the Antalya Chamber of Physicians said doctors had received formal warnings, faced disciplinary investigations, been temporarily suspended from practice and ordered to attend antenatal training programmes because of the country's high caesarean section rates.

One of the most high-profile cases involved an obstetrician at a private hospital in Sakarya, near Istanbul. According to the Diken news website, the doctor was dismissed at the request of the Health Ministry over a high caesarean rate before being suspended from practice for six months.

During the suspension, the physician must complete training at a state hospital and pass an examination before being allowed to return to medical practice.

The Turkish Medical Association (TTB) has strongly criticised the government's actions.

Dr Ayse Gultekingil, a senior official of the association, said penalising doctors would not solve Turkey's persistently high caesarean rate, arguing that the problem is rooted in the healthcare system itself.

"Turkey's caesarean birth rate exceeds 60 per cent. But the method of delivery reflects various problems within Turkey's healthcare system," she told BirGun, describing the issue as a structural challenge rather than one that can be resolved by sanctioning individual physicians.

Cancer: Nigeria eyes 30% reduction of burden by 2030

By Admin

The Nigerian government has intensified implementation of the National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) 2026–2030, with the goal of reducing the country's cancer burden by 30 per cent before the end of the decade. Nigeria also called for stronger collaboration among African countries to accelerate cancer prevention, research and access to quality care.

Speaking at the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) Best of ASCO Africa 2026 conference in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the renewed drive underscores the commitment to tackling non-communicable diseases under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Describing cancer as one of Africa's biggest public health challenges, Salako said the continent recorded more than 1.18 million new cases and over 721,000 deaths in 2024, with cancer now claiming more lives across Africa than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined.

Salako said Nigeria accounts for about 10.5 per cent of Africa's total cancer burden, placing it among the three worst-affected countries on the continent alongside Egypt and South Africa.

He said the National Cancer Control Plan provides a comprehensive framework for strengthening cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, research, workforce development, data systems, artificial intelligence, partnerships and resource mobilisation.

As part of efforts to drive implementation, Salako announced the inauguration of a multi-sectoral National Technical Working Group made up of clinicians, researchers, cancer survivors, civil society organisations, development partners and private sector representatives. The committee, he said, will oversee implementation of the plan using an implementation science approach designed to translate policy into measurable results.

He urged African researchers and oncology professionals to generate and validate evidence within African populations instead of depending largely on studies from other regions, stressing that locally generated research is critical to improving patient outcomes.

He advocated what he termed "Cancer Care Pan-Africanism," calling on African countries to deepen collaboration in cancer research, innovation, workforce development and access to treatment.

While Pan-African cooperation has traditionally centred on politics, trade and security, Salako argued that healthcare should now occupy a more prominent place in the continent's integration agenda.

He commended AORTIC, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and other partners for organising the conference, describing it as an important platform for adapting global advances in oncology to the realities of African health systems.

The Minister reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to providing leadership in cancer education, research, advocacy and strategic partnerships aimed at reducing cancer incidence and mortality, improving patients' quality of life and building stronger, more resilient cancer care systems across Africa.

LASHMA-AID saves unconscious pregnant woman, hands mother, baby to Plateau government

L-R: The Chief Medical Director, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Prof. Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba; Plateau State vulnerable rescued by LASHMA-AID, Tingni Kindness; Principal Admin Officer, Plateau State Liaison Office, Lagos, Mrs Philomena Yakubu, and Director, Clinical Services and Training, Prof. Adebowale O. Adekoya, at the handing over of Tingni Kindness and Baby to Plateau State Government held at the Conference Room, LASUTH

Permanent Secretary, LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba with Plateau State vulnerable rescued by LASHMA-AID, Tingni Kindness

By Admin

The Lagos State Government has rescued a 22-year-old pregnant woman who was found unconscious in Lagos through its emergency medical intervention programme, LASHMA Assistance in Distress (LASHMA-AID), and has formally handed her and her newborn daughter over to the Plateau State Government.

The handover took place at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, where officials said the intervention reflects the state's commitment to ensuring vulnerable residents receive emergency medical care, irrespective of where they come from.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, said the agency received an emergency alert on June 6, 2026, from the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) whose team had picked up the unconscious woman, identified as Tingni Kindness, in the Allen area of Ikeja.

Zamba said LASHMA-AID immediately secured a bed at LASUTH, where she was admitted and treatment began without delay. While receiving care, Kindness gave birth to a healthy baby girl on June 21, she added.

According to Zamba, the outcome demonstrates the value of Lagos State's emergency healthcare system and the Executive Order signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to guarantee stabilisation for residents facing life-threatening medical emergencies.

The Permanent Secretary also commended the management of LASUTH, led by its Chief Medical Director, Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, for the prompt medical intervention that saved the lives of both mother and child.

Zamba explained that LASHMA-AID is funded through a portion of the Lagos State Government's Equity Fund for vulnerable residents, as well as a percentage of the premiums paid by ILERA EKO enrollees.

She urged residents to make use of the emergency service whenever the need arises, assuring them that the programme will continue to provide immediate stabilisation for indigent and non-indigent residents caught in life-threatening emergencies.

Further, she appealed to the Plateau State Government to provide accommodation and livelihood support for the young mother so she can adequately care for her baby.

Also speaking, Fabamwo the LASUTH CMD said the woman was not in labour when she arrived the hospital but was immediately stabilised after admission.

He said arrangements were being made to transfer her to a more suitable place because she had no accommodation when she unexpectedly went into labour and safely delivered her baby at the hospital. According to him, LASUTH subsequently contacted the Plateau State Liaison Office in Lagos to facilitate the safe return of the mother and her newborn.

Speaking on behalf of the Plateau State Government, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Caroline Pamglang Dafur, represented by Mrs. Philomena Yakubu of the Plateau Liaison Office, thanked the Lagos State Government, LASHMA and LASUTH for saving the life of one of the state's indigenes. She assured that both mother and child would receive the care and support they need.

An emotional Tingni Kindness thanked the Lagos State Government and the medical team, recalling that she initially thought she was being taken to the mortuary when she was rushed to the hospital. Instead, she said, she and her baby were given a second chance at life.

The emergency intervention programme, launched in December 2025 became fully operational since March 2026, saving 34 lives so far, including eight ILERA EKO enrollees and 26 vulnerable residents across Lagos State.

Angela Uzoma-Iwuchukwu bags global award as Nigeria nears a decade without executions

 *Receives prestigious Robert Badinter Grand Prix at 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty in Paris

By Admin

Nigeria's efforts to abolish the death penalty gained international recognition with Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, Country Director of Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF France) in Nigeria, emerging as a finalist for the prestigious Robert Badinter Grand Prix at the 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty in Paris.

Widely regarded as one of the highest honours in the global abolition movement, the Robert Badinter Grand Prix celebrates individuals whose courage, leadership and commitment have made a significant impact in the campaign against capital punishment. Uzoma-Iwuchukwu was presented with the Robert Badinter Grand Prix Finalist Award during the closing ceremony of the congress, while the top prize went to another laureate.

The recognition highlights not only her years of advocacy but also Nigeria's gradual shift in its approach to capital punishment. 

In announcing the honour, the international jury praised her role in advancing abolition through strategic litigation, sustained engagement with lawmakers, capacity building for judges and other justice sector actors, prison monitoring, and legal representation for people on death row. Those efforts have also helped drive legislative and policy reforms aimed at reducing the use of the death penalty in Nigeria.

The award comes at a significant moment. As of December 2025, Nigeria had more than 3,742 people on death row, the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa. More than 82 are women.  But irrespective of the large size of the condemned population and the continued imposition of death sentences, Nigeria has not carried out an execution in nearly a decade.

If this persists, by the end of 2026, Nigeria will mark 10 consecutive years without an execution, a milestone that would reinforce its standing as a de facto abolitionist country under international human rights standards.

Receiving the award, Uzoma-Iwuchukwu said the recognition belonged to the many Nigerians working to build a justice system that respects the right to life.

"Nigeria reaching 10 years without executions is a milestone we must protect. This award shows that courageous advocacy can change a country's direction. I accept it on behalf of all Nigerians working for a justice system that respects the right to life," she said. 

The next challenge is to convert the country's informal moratorium into law by adopting a formal suspension of executions, narrowing the scope of capital punishment and building national consensus toward its eventual abolition, she noted.

ASF France, the international human rights organisation that has worked in Nigeria for years, congratulated its Country Director on the recognition, describing it as a reflection of sustained efforts to expand access to justice and promote compliance with international human rights standards.

Over the years, the organisation has provided free legal assistance, trained judges and lawyers, monitored correctional facilities and championed reforms designed to strengthen Nigeria's justice system.

The 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty brought together jurists, policymakers, civil society organisations and human rights advocates from more than 100 countries to assess global progress and renew commitments to ending capital punishment. For Nigeria, the recognition of one of its foremost abolition advocates reflects the country's growing visibility in the international movement to end the death penalty.

Nigeria recruits 37,000 health workers, trains 70,000 as reforms gain traction

By Admin

The Federal Government of Nigeria has recruited more than 37,000 health workers into federal health institutions since 2023 and trained over 70,000 frontline health workers as part of ongoing reforms to strengthen Nigeria's healthcare system.

The government also said it had approved the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration to improve workforce planning, retain skilled personnel and promote ethical recruitment, while continuing investments in specialist training and workforce development.

The updates were contained in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, which said the measures were part of efforts to address longstanding challenges in the health sector, including workforce shortages, weak infrastructure, inadequate healthcare financing, migration of skilled professionals and limited access to quality healthcare.

In the statement, the ministry said reforms under the revised Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF 2.0) were improving service delivery, accountability and financial protection at the primary healthcare level.

It said the Federal Government had approved ₦32.9 billion under the revised framework to support more than 8,300 Primary Health Care Centres, with expansion already underway to about 13,000 facilities across the country.

According to the ministry, the reforms have contributed to more than 80 million patient visits, while over 21 million vulnerable Nigerians have accessed healthcare through the Vulnerable Groups Health Insurance Fund.

Disease surveillance and outbreak preparedness had also been strengthened through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention's Gateway under the BHCPF, as part of efforts to bolster the country's health security system.

On access to medicines, the ministry said the government was expanding local pharmaceutical manufacturing through the Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain to improve medicine security, increase local production and make essential medicines more affordable and readily available.

It added that the reform programme also includes investments in health infrastructure, maternal and newborn healthcare, emergency preparedness, digital health systems and stronger accountability across the sector.

The ministry further disclosed that, as of the 2025 Joint Annual Review, 84 per cent of the key performance indicators under the Presidential Health Sector Renewal Compact had been achieved, describing the milestone as evidence of steady progress in implementing the government's health sector reform agenda.

While acknowledging that Nigeria's health sector still faces significant challenges, the ministry said the government's focus remains on sustained reforms anchored on transparent implementation and measurable results.

"The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare remains committed to working with healthcare professionals, civil society, development partners, the private sector and all Nigerians to build a stronger, more equitable and more resilient health system," the statement said.

It added that the ministry's mandate remained to save lives, reduce the physical and financial burden of healthcare, and improve the health and wellbeing of Nigerians.

HEWAN applauds establishment of National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office

...Hails Obi Adigwe's appointment as pioneer National Coordinator 

By Admin

The Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) has commended the Federal Government for establishing the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO), describing the initiative as a landmark policy decision that will strengthen digital health governance, improve evidence-based decision-making, and accelerate the country's journey towards a technology-driven healthcare system.

The association noted that the establishment of the NHTDAO demonstrates the Federal Government's commitment to harnessing digital technologies, artificial intelligence, health information systems, and data analytics to improve healthcare planning, service delivery, disease surveillance, and health outcomes nationwide.

HEWAN also welcomed the appointment of the former Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Dr. Obi Peter Adigwe, as the pioneer National Coordinator of the new office, describing his selection as consistent with the vision behind the initiative.

According to the association, Adigwe's extensive experience in pharmaceutical research, digital innovation, artificial intelligence, translational science, and institutional reform provides a strong foundation for implementing the National Digital Health Architecture and building an integrated, secure, and interoperable health information ecosystem for Nigeria.

HEWAN stated that the creation of the NHTDAO represents a significant policy milestone capable of transforming health sector governance by promoting data-driven planning, strengthening accountability, supporting research and innovation, and improving equitable access to quality healthcare.

The association noted that the prioritisation of institutional reforms by the Tinubu administration in the health ministry, under the watch of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, place innovation and technology at the centre of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.