NAFDAC records 474 new cases, seals 179 establishments in eight-month crackdown

By Admin 

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) recorded 474 new enforcement cases, sealed 179 establishments and made 52 arrests between January and August 2026, raising questions about the scale of regulatory violations involving products consumed and used by Nigerians.

The agency’s eight-month enforcement report also listed 821 product seizure entries, 213 raids, 218 administrative sanctions and 22 product destruction exercises. Of the 474 new cases reported, 295 cases were concluded during the period.

Cosmetics accounted for the highest number of seizure entries at 401, followed by drinks with 215 and drugs with 112. Cosmetics were also linked to 64 establishment closures, while drinks featured in 67 raids.

The figures, compiled by NAFDAC’s Directorate of Investigation and Enforcement, cover food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, packaged water, beverages and chemicals.

While the data highlight the scale of enforcement, the report did not specify how many of the concluded cases resulted in convictions, the financial value or physical quantities of products seized, or the identities of businesses sanctioned. These details would help the public assess the outcomes of the agency’s operations and the extent to which offenders were held accountable.

NAFDAC said its enforcement measures included surveillance, product sampling for laboratory analysis, interrogations and referrals for legal action where necessary.

The agency, led by its Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, pledged to sustain regulatory oversight and collaborate with law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to curb the circulation of substandard, falsified and unsafe products.

It also urged manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers to comply with regulatory requirements, while advising consumers to buy from reputable outlets and report suspected unsafe products through official channels.

With 474 new cases recorded in eight months, the disclosure of more detailed outcomes, including prosecutions, convictions, penalties and the status of pending investigations, would provide a clearer picture of whether enforcement is translating into lasting deterrence and stronger protection for public health.

Vanguard summit: Experts seek answers over implementation failure of Mental Health Act

By Sola Charles 

Nearly four years after Nigeria signed its Mental Health Act into law, experts have challenged the government to account for delays in implementation, inadequate funding and persistent barriers to treatment, warning that young Nigerians cannot benefit from legal protections that have yet to translate into accessible care.

The challenge came at the 4th Vanguard Mental Health Summit, held on October 9, 2026, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, where specialists called for stronger community services, mental health support in schools and clear evidence that public commitments are producing results.

With the theme, “Advancing Youth Mental Health in Nigeria through Access, Action and Advocacy,” and sub-theme, “Mental Health in a Digital Age: Navigating Social Media, Technology and Wellbeing,” the meeting examined both the pressures confronting young people and the institutions responsible for responding to them.

Held ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10, whose 2026 theme was “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change,” the summit stressed that people affected by mental health conditions must help shape policies and services.

A law, but where is the delivery?

Dr Veronica Oluyemisi Nyamali, president of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, called for the establishment of mental health structures provided for under the Act, sustained funding, integration of mental healthcare into primary healthcare and trained mental health focal persons in schools.

Signed into law in January 2023, the Act replaced the colonial-era Lunacy Act of 1958 with a rights-based framework for mental healthcare. Its success, experts argued, must be measured by improved access to treatment, not simply by the existence of legislation.

Professor Taiwo Lateef Sheikh called for stronger community mental healthcare and greater attention to the social conditions that contribute to psychological distress. He said Nigeria needed what he described as “psychological infrastructure” to support wellbeing beyond hospital settings.

Digital risks, real responsibilities

The digital-age discussion examined the effects of cyberbullying, online exploitation, misinformation, social comparison, body-image pressures and sleep disruption on young people.

Professor Mashudat Abiola Bello-Mojeed highlighted the need for parents, schools and technology companies to respond more effectively to online risks. Young people experiencing distress also need accessible counselling and referral services.

A panel session, “Who Takes Responsibility for Young People’s Mental Health?” examined the roles of government, schools, families, healthcare providers and technology companies.

The Nigerian Medical Association called for funding of the Mental Health Act, the National Mental Health Policy and the National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework. Its position was presented by Professor Olayinka Atilola on behalf of its president, Professor Afekhide Ernest Omoti. The association also advocated counselling and referral systems in schools and universities.

Its message, “Listen before you label,” urged people to recognise distress rather than dismiss it as indiscipline or attention-seeking.

From promises to measurable results

The central accountability question is whether government can demonstrate that the Act is being implemented.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare should publish a time-bound implementation plan identifying responsible agencies, funding commitments, milestones and progress. Reports should distinguish between money budgeted, funds released and money spent, while explaining delays and corrective steps.

The National Assembly’s health committees should use budget scrutiny and public hearings to demand answers from federal agencies. State assemblies should similarly require their health ministries to report on mental health spending and services. State-by-state data on trained personnel, primary healthcare provision, essential medicines and school counselling would help citizens identify gaps and assess progress.

People with lived experience and civil society groups should also be able to assess whether policies are improving care. Accountability must be measured by results for patients and families, not the number of meetings held or commitments announced.

The summit also addressed substance use and suicide prevention. Dr Daniel Ikpechukwu advocated treatment, rehabilitation and recovery for young people affected by substance use, while Sheikh called for the decriminalisation of attempted suicide. Dr Olufemi Oluwatayo discussed transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, as a psychiatric treatment option.

These interventions can make a difference only if people can access appropriate care. In keeping with the World Mental Health Day call for “real voices, real change,” people with lived experience must help shape services and assess whether they meet real needs.

Nigeria has enacted the law. Government must now show where the money has gone, what services have been delivered and what will change where implementation has stalled. Without transparent reporting and sustained scrutiny, the Act risks remaining a promise rather than a protection.

64,500 Nigerians died from antimicrobial resistance -- Pate

As 264,300 other deaths linked to drug resistant infections

By Admin

An estimated 64,500 Nigerians died from causes directly attributable to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in 2019, while another 263,400 deaths were associated with drug resistant infections, raising concerns about the country's capacity to contain infections that no longer respond to treatment.

The figures, based on estimates published in The Lancet, were highlighted by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who described AMR as a “hidden pandemic” and acknowledged gaps in Nigeria's surveillance systems.

Pate spoke on Monday at a joint ministerial briefing in Abuja ahead of the fifth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance, scheduled for December 6 to 8. Nigeria will host the conference for the first time on African soil.

The challenge, he said, is already evident in hospitals, where patients with infections such as pneumonia may fail to respond to multiple antibiotics, prolonging illness and increasing the risk of complications or death.

“In some places, without proper knowledge of the sensitivity to the antimicrobial being used, individuals may suffer much longer than they should, and some may have complications or lose their lives,” he said.

Pate admitted that weaknesses in surveillance made it difficult to establish the full extent of AMR in Nigeria, underscoring the need for better diagnosis, infection prevention and responsible use of antibiotics.

The government, he said, is strengthening antimicrobial stewardship in federal hospitals, expanding diagnostic capacity and tightening regulation to curb counterfeit and substandard medicines. It is also seeking to increase local production of quality antimicrobials.

But Pate warned that inappropriate antibiotic use in livestock production could accelerate resistance and threaten human health, while agriculture, water, waste and other environmental systems contribute to its spread.

The ministers of health, agriculture, livestock development and environment are therefore pursuing a joint One Health approach, with plans for a coordination mechanism to continue beyond the December conference.

The meeting is expected to produce the proposed Abuja Compact on Antimicrobial Resistance, backed by a tracking mechanism intended to measure progress and translate international commitments into practical action.

Globally, bacterial AMR was directly responsible for an estimated 1.27 million deaths in 2019, while 4.95 million deaths were associated with bacterial resistance. Without effective intervention, more than 39 million deaths could be directly attributable to AMR worldwide between 2025 and 2050, the ministerial statement warned.

For Nigeria, the December conference presents an opportunity to move beyond declarations towards stronger surveillance, better antimicrobial use and measurable improvements in the prevention and treatment of resistant infections.

The conference theme is “One Health: Advancing Global AMR Commitments to Local Action.”

Invest more in girls’ health, end child marriage, Ondo NRHJN tasks FG, states

Calls for better menstrual hygiene, adolescent-friendly healthcare, protection against sexual abuse

By Admin

The Network of Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria (NRHJN), Ondo State chapter, has called on governments and  stakeholders at all levels to increase investment in girls’ health, education and reproductive rights, warning that child marriage, sexual abuse and poor access to healthcare continue to threaten their future.

The network made the call to mark the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, with the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls Rights.”

In a statement signed by its State Coordinator, Fatima Muraina, and Secretary, Dupe Isename, the Network urged government officials, parents, traditional and religious leaders, healthcare providers and civil society organisations to work together to protect girls from harmful practices and ensure access to essential health services.

The group expressed concern that many girls still face barriers to reproductive health information, menstrual hygiene support and adequate nutrition, alongside gender-based violence, sexual exploitation, early and forced marriage, and teenage pregnancy.

The Network observed that these challenges expose girls to serious health risks, disrupt their education and limit their social and economic opportunities.

It called for comprehensive, age-appropriate sexuality education to equip girls with accurate information on puberty, menstrual health, consent, bodily autonomy, personal safety and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections.

The statement reads: "The Network of Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria , NRHJN  calls on the government, parents, community leaders, healthcare providers and other stakeholders to prioritise the health, safety and reproductive well-being of the girl child.

"This is to mark the 2026  International Day of the Girl Child with the theme -  "End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls Rights " declared by the United Nations and observed every October 11.

"Every girl deserves access to quality healthcare, accurate and age-appropriate health information, adequate nutrition and a safe environment to grow and realise her full potential. NRHJN supports protecting the health and reproductive well-being of girls essential to their personal development and the overall progress of society.

"The Network is concerned that many girls continued to face challenges, including limited access to reproductive health information, inadequate menstrual health and hygiene support, gender-based violence, sexual abuse, early and forced marriage, and teenage pregnancy. These challenges can expose girls to serious health risks, disrupt their education and undermine their social and economic opportunities.

"There is the need for comprehensive, age-appropriate sexuality education to equip girls with accurate information about puberty, menstrual health, personal safety, consent, bodily autonomy and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections.;The Network notes that such education should be delivered in a culturally sensitive manner that respects family values while protecting the health, dignity and rights of girls."

NRHJN specifically urged the Ondo State Government to strengthen adolescent-friendly healthcare services, particularly in underserved rural communities, so that girls could access reliable health information, counselling and appropriate medical care without stigma, discrimination or fear.

It also called for increased investment in menstrual health and hygiene, including affordable sanitary products, clean water, functional toilets and adequate sanitation facilities in schools and communities.

"NRHJN urges the Ondo State Government to strengthen adolescent-friendly healthcare services across the state, particularly in underserved rural communities, to ensure that girls could access reliable health information, counselling and appropriate medical care without discrimination, stigma or fear.

"There should also be increased investment in menstrual health and hygiene, including access to affordable sanitary products, clean water, functional toilets and adequate sanitation facilities in schools and communities as no girl should be forced to miss school or abandon her daily activities because of inadequate menstrual hygiene facilities or the inability to afford sanitary products.

"The Network appeals to parents and guardians to create safe and supportive environments where girls can freely discuss health concerns, ask questions about puberty and reproductive health, and seek professional medical assistance when necessary.

"Traditional and religious leaders, community-based organisations and civil society groups should also  intensify efforts to discourage early and forced marriage, female genital mutilation, sexual exploitation and other harmful practices that threaten girls’ physical and psychological well-being.

"NRHJN advocates  stronger protection mechanisms to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence against girls whereby relevant authorities ensure that survivors receive timely medical attention, psychosocial support, protection and access to justice."

It emphasized that no girl should be forced to miss school or abandon her daily activities because of inadequate menstrual hygiene facilities or the inability to afford sanitary products.

On sexual and gender-based violence, NRHJN advocated stronger protection mechanisms and urged relevant authorities to ensure that survivors received prompt medical attention, psychosocial support, protection and access to justice.

The network described keeping girls in school as a critical investment in their health and future, noting that informed and empowered girls were better positioned to recognise abuse, make informed decisions about their health and contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.

"Keeping girls in school is an important investment in their health and future because informed and empowered girls are better positioned to protect their health, recognise abuse, seek appropriate healthcare and contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.

"Upholding commitment to responsible and evidence-based journalism, the  Network also calls  on media organisations and journalists to give greater attention to adolescent health issues, challenge harmful stereotypes and hold relevant authorities accountable for policies and programmes designed to protect and empower the girl child.

"Protecting the girl child must go beyond annual celebrations and public declarations, requiring sustained investment in healthcare, education, nutrition and protection services , thus  stakeholders must  work collectively towards a society where every girl, regardless of her background or location can grow up healthy, safe, informed and empowered to fulfil her potential.

NRHJN maintained that protecting the girl child must extend beyond annual celebrations and public declarations, requiring sustained investment in healthcare, education, nutrition and protection services.

It called on all stakeholders to work towards a society where every girl, regardless of her background or location, could grow up healthy, safe, informed and empowered to fulfil her potential.

Treat women, not just fibroids — Ajayi

… HIFU milestone spearheads wider access to non-invasive care

L-R: Founder/Managing Director, Nordica Fertility Centre and Fibroid Care centre, Dr Abayomi Ajayi; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Rainat Onigbanjo; Clinic Manager, Nordica Fertility Centre, Mrs Tola Ajayi; Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health Service Commission, Dr Femi Omololu; and Chief Operating Officer, Nordica Fertility Centre, Dr Tosin Ajayi-Adeniyi, during the White Party in celebration of 1000 HIFU treatment in Lagos... on Saturday.

By Admin

Medical doctors must look beyond treating fibroids to address the physical, psychological, social and reproductive challenges women face, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Fibroid Care Centre @ Nordica, Dr Abayomi Ajayi, has said.

Ajayi spoke as the centre marked 1,000 high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatments for women with fibroids, using the five-year milestone to highlight the need for more individualised care and wider access to alternatives to surgery.

“This milestone is not about the machine; it is about choice. For too long, women had only one choice. We have completed 1,000 treatments, and the next 1,000 will come faster because West African women deserve world-class care,” he said.

Ajayi said the central lesson from the centre’s experience was the need to “treat the woman, not just the fibroid”, warning that doctors could become so focused on the growths that they overlooked the women living with them.

“When we look at uterine fibroids and adenomyosis through the clinical lens, every clinician in this room knows that the true impact of these conditions extends far beyond the physical symptoms. Fibroids and adenomyosis represent a multidimensional crisis for women. It is psychological and social as well,” he said.

According to him, silence and the tendency of women to conceal their symptoms can fuel anxiety, erode self-esteem and strain relationships, leaving many to cope with the condition in isolation. He said his experience treating women with fibroids and adenomyosis over the past five years had reinforced the need to consider their circumstances and quality of life alongside clinical findings.

“For every woman who bled every month and thought it was normal, this is for you. For every woman who was told, ‘You no longer need your uterus; just remove it,’ this is for you. We must never ignore the psychological and social burden these conditions place on women. We now work with a psychologist to support some of our patients,” Ajayi said.

He also highlighted the economic consequences, including lost working hours, repeated medical expenses and disruption to daily activities. Some women, he said, are unable to go to work because of their symptoms.

Explaining the significance of the centre’s White Party celebration, he said it was intended to recognise women who had endured the condition and sought treatment.

“Some women avoid wearing white clothes because they fear visible bleeding,” he said, describing an often-overlooked effect of heavy menstrual bleeding on women’s confidence and social lives.

The reproductive implications of fibroids, he added, make treatment choices particularly important. For decades, open myomectomy and hysterectomy have featured prominently among treatment options, but surgery carries risks, and the choice of procedure can have implications for future reproductive plans.

Ajayi said the centre introduced HIFU to West Africa to offer an alternative that targets fibroid tissue without surgical incisions or removal of the uterus.

“When we introduced HIFU to West Africa, our goal was simple but ambitious: to offer precise ablative treatment that destroys targeted tissue without surgical incisions or removal of the uterus,” he said.

HIFU uses focused ultrasound energy to heat and destroy targeted tissue, after which the treated fibroid gradually shrinks. However, the procedure is not suitable for every patient; eligibility depends on factors such as fibroid size, location and characteristics, and outcomes vary.

Reflecting on the 1,000 treatments, Ajayi said the significance extended beyond clinical measures such as changes in fibroid volume and symptom severity.

“Today, as we reflect on 1,000 treatments, we are not merely presenting clinical safety data, volume reduction rates or improvements in symptom severity scores. We are celebrating 1,000 opportunities to restore lives. We are talking about women returning to their families and careers, reclaiming their bodily integrity and regaining hope,” he said.

He acknowledged the need for continued clinical assessment and collaboration, describing the centre’s experience as an opportunity to improve treatment and expand access to non-invasive options across Africa.

“We are not presenting our experience as a final destination but as an invitation to collaborate, refine our approach and expand access to non-invasive fibroid treatment across Africa,” he said.

The five-year experience and 1,000-treatment mark place renewed focus on the need for comprehensive fibroid care that weighs clinical evidence, available treatment options, fertility considerations and quality of life. 

Ajayi noted that Nigeria was currently the only country in West Africa offering HIFU, expressing hope that more centres would adopt the treatment.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Rianat 'Jibike Onigbanjo said the milestone highlighted the importance of medical innovation, access to appropriate care and support for women whose health, family lives and daily activities are affected by fibroids.

 “When we speak of 1,000 successful treatments, it is easy to focus on the number. But behind that number are 1,000 women, 1,000 personal journeys and countless moments of fear and hope,” she said.

Onigbanjo noted that fibroids could cause discomfort, anxiety and significant changes to women’s daily lives, adding that finding appropriate care could be difficult for some patients.

The Permanent Secretary commended the centre’s management and medical team, led by Dr Abayomi Ajayi, and urged women not to ignore persistent symptoms or suffer in silence.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Service Commission, Dr Femi Omololu, hailed the introduction of less-invasive approaches to women’s healthcare, recounting how observing laparoscopic surgery at Nordica influenced his own medical practice.

“I was among those who were initially skeptical, but I knew he would find a way,” he said.

HIFU uses focused ultrasound energy to heat and destroy targeted fibroid tissue, which gradually shrinks over time. Unlike procedures involving surgical incisions, it offers a non-invasive option for selected patients seeking to preserve their uterus.

However, the treatment is not suitable for every woman. Eligibility depends on factors including fibroid size, location and characteristics, while outcomes vary. Preserving the uterus does not automatically guarantee future pregnancy, making individual assessment and counselling essential.

The five-year milestone has drawn attention to the potential role of less-invasive treatment in fibroid care, as well as the need to ensure women receive balanced information about the benefits, limitations, risks and costs of available options.

 

 

 

Lagos Controller of Corrections seeks better youth mental healthcare

…Calls for affordable care, safer digital spaces for young people

By Admin

The Controller of Corrections, Lagos State Command, Nigerian Correctional Service, Mr Daramola George, has called for improved access to mental healthcare for young Nigerians, warning that online harassment and cyberbullying can undermine their wellbeing.

George made the call in a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Controller of Corrections, Mr Ajayi Francis Akinlou, at the Vanguard Mental Health Summit in Lagos. He urged stakeholders to provide affordable, professional care and address the stigma that prevents young people from seeking help.

The summit, organised by Vanguard Media Limited, was held on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. Its theme was “Advancing Youth Mental Health in Nigeria through Access, Action and Advocacy,” with the sub-theme, “Mental Health in a Digital Age: Navigating Social Media, Technology and Wellbeing.”

George called for stronger primary healthcare services, community-based support and digital counselling platforms that protect users' privacy and meet professional standards. He also stressed the need to reach young people without reliable internet access or digital devices.

Acknowledging the benefits of social media for learning, creativity and connection, he urged greater digital literacy and healthier online habits to help young people navigate risks such as misinformation and harmful social comparisons.

He also identified shortages of trained mental health personnel, delayed identification of psychological distress and inadequate support in schools and workplaces as challenges requiring attention.

Addressing stigma, George said seeking professional help should be recognised as a responsible step rather than a sign of weakness.

“Seeking professional help is not weakness. It is courage. It is responsibility. It is self-care,” he said.

He urged media organisations, technology companies, influencers and content creators to promote accurate mental health information and report sensitive issues such as suicide and self-harm responsibly, including directing audiences to appropriate sources of support.

George further called for young people to participate in shaping policies and programmes that affect them.

“We must not only speak about them. We must speak with them,” he said, noting that their experiences of social media, education, employment and relationships should inform decisions about their needs.

Commending Vanguard Media for organising the summit, he urged participants to translate its discussions into practical outcomes.

“Let this summit not end with applause. Let it begin a movement,” he said.

Nigeria seeks lead role in global sickle cell partnership

 

... SCFN pushes Nigeria for early role in OneSCD rollout

By Admin

Nigeria has asked to be considered as an early demonstration country for OneSCD, a new global partnership seeking to transform sickle cell disease, SCD, care, citing the country’s high disease burden, technical expertise and locally developed solutions.

The call was made by National Director and CEO of the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria, SCFN, Dr Annette Akinsete, at the launch of OneSCD: A Global Partnership to Advance Equity and Transform Sickle Cell Care, during the 81st United Nations General Assembly, UNGA81, in New York.

Akinsete, who joined the Nigerian delegation at the invitation of the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said Nigeria should not be treated merely as a beneficiary of global interventions but as a co-creator of solutions that can be developed, tested and adapted to other settings.

“Nigeria brings far more to OneSCD than its disease burden. Nigeria brings experience, institutions, technical expertise, civil society, lived experience and solutions that have been developed in our own context. Nigeria therefore has both an opportunity and a responsibility to help demonstrate what country-led implementation of OneSCD can look like,” she said.

She urged global health partners to give high-burden countries, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa, a stronger role in designing, adapting and implementing SCD interventions.

The call comes amid a huge global SCD burden. The World Health Organization estimates that 7.74 million people were living with SCD globally in 2021, with about 515,000 new births, while sub-Saharan Africa accounts for nearly 80 per cent of global cases.

Akinsete said Nigeria’s response must go beyond the numbers by linking prevention, early diagnosis, comprehensive care, research, advocacy and community engagement.

SCFN said its programmes have supported more than 32,000 Transcranial Doppler screenings, 259,000 haemoglobin investigations, 70,000 medication interventions, 3,500 prenatal diagnosis interventions and over 10,000 genetic counselling engagements.

Akinsete said the success of OneSCD should ultimately be measured by whether it closes gaps in access to quality care and improves survival and health outcomes in countries carrying the greatest burden.

“Where a child is born should not determine whether that child survives and thrives with sickle cell disease,” she said.

The OneSCD launch brought together governments, global health organisations, technical institutions, civil society and people living with SCD, with support from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, founding partners and champion governments.

For Nigeria, the initiative offers an opportunity to turn its experience and locally developed solutions into part of the global response to SCD.