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.

LASHMA takes health Insurance to Badagry's most vulnerable in push for universal coverage in Lagos

L- R: Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba with the Possu and Osewekan Bana 1 of Badagry Kingdom, Chief Sulaimon Sewanu Iroko, presenting the Policy Number to a beneficiary during the flag-off of EKO Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) Community Storm, held at Posukoh, Badagry

By Admin

In a renewed push to achieve universal health coverage, the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), in partnership with Health District V and the DIDE Foundation, has taken its EKO Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) Community Storm to Badagry Division, bringing free health insurance registration and essential healthcare services directly to vulnerable residents.

The two-day outreach, which commenced at Posukoh Ward, combines enrolment into the state's ILERA EKO health insurance scheme with a range of preventive and curative health interventions, including childhood immunisation, tuberculosis screening, eye examinations, dental care and routine health checks.

Speaking during the flag-off, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, described the initiative as another step towards ensuring that every Lagos resident, regardless of financial status or location, can obtain healthcare without suffering financial hardship.

She told residents that ILERA EKO, the state's social health insurance programme, is now mandatory for all Lagos residents, saying the government remains committed to making the scheme accessible, particularly for those who are unable to pay.

Zamba said vulnerable beneficiaries enrolled during the EKOSHA Community Storm will receive one year of free health insurance through the state's Equity Fund.

She explained that the benefit package is comprehensive, covering outpatient consultations, treatment for common illnesses such as malaria, management of chronic conditions including hypertension and diabetes, maternal healthcare services ranging from antenatal care to normal delivery and caesarean section, emergency care, childhood illnesses, surgeries and access to essential medicines.

Zamba said the programme has continued to receive strong backing from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who has committed one per cent of the state's Consolidated Revenue Fund to finance healthcare for vulnerable residents through the Equity Fund.

She noted that the Governor recently increased the fund from ₦1 billion to ₦3 billion, a move she described as a significant investment in protecting poor and vulnerable households from catastrophic healthcare expenses.

While urging newly enrolled beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity, she cautioned against self-medication, encouraging residents to seek prompt medical attention whenever they fall ill.

She also advised enrollees experiencing challenges while accessing services at hospitals or community pharmacies to report such cases through LASHMA's 24-hour customer support channels. The outreach is not limited to health insurance registration alone.

The Permanent Secretary, Health District V, Dr. Oladapo Ashiyanbi, said residents attending the community storm would also receive free medical screenings and preventive healthcare services aimed at detecting illnesses before they become life-threatening.

He encouraged community members to take advantage of the exercise, undergo health screening and adhere to prescribed medications, stressing that prevention remains one of the most effective ways to reduce disease burden.

Recognising that geography often presents another barrier to healthcare, especially in Badagry's riverine settlements, local authorities announced additional measures to improve access to medical facilities.

Chairman of Olorunda Local Council Development Area, Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon, disclosed that a boat had been donated to residents of the Ojogun riverine community to ease transportation to their chosen healthcare facilities.

He added that two additional boats would soon be provided to strengthen access to health services across the waterways. Traditional institutions also threw their weight behind the initiative.

The Possu of Badagry Kingdom and Osewekan Bana I of Badagry Kingdom, Chief Sulaimon Sewanu Iroko, commended the Lagos State Government for choosing Badagry as the starting point of the community storm.

He observed that rising healthcare costs have made it increasingly difficult for many residents to seek medical treatment, noting that free health insurance for vulnerable people would significantly improve health outcomes within the communities.

Drawing from personal experience, the traditional ruler said he had benefited from ILERA EKO and described the programme as genuine and impactful. He urged beneficiaries to make full use of the opportunity by seeking healthcare whenever necessary.

Chairman of the Community Development Association in Posukoh, Elder Hungbo Mayomi, said the one-year free health insurance would bring relief to many households that previously struggled to pay for medical care. He urged residents to prioritise their health by enrolling in the scheme and making use of the services available to them.

The EKOSHA Community Storm has already reached six of the 10 wards in Badagry Division, including the riverine community of Ojogun in Olorunda LCDA. Communities covered so far include Jegba Quarters, Posukoh, Ajara Topa, Ajido, Ikoga and Togo Idale, while enrolment is expected to continue across the remaining wards.

Beyond healthcare, the outreach also incorporated educational support, with the DIDE Foundation distributing free WAEC examination forms to secondary school students in the participating communities.

The Badagry campaign reflects Lagos State's broader strategy of taking healthcare beyond hospitals and into communities where financial constraints, distance and limited awareness continue to prevent many residents from accessing essential services.

For the thousands expected to benefit from the exercise, the programme represents more than free health insurance. It offers protection against the financial shock of illness and brings the state one step closer to its goal of universal health coverage, where access to quality healthcare is determined by need rather than the ability to pay.

Revitalised PHCs deliver care to 1m Nigerians — PSHAN

L-R: Head, Membership and Partnerships, Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), Muyiwa Olowoporoku; Director, Board, PSHAN, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Director, Policy and Programmes, PSHAN, Dr. Anne Adah-Ogoh; and Head, Corporate Communications, PSHAN, Oyinkansola Evboren, during the PSHAN annual conference 2026 held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, last week.

By Admin

 

 

The Adopt-a-Primary Healthcare Facility Project (APHFP) has provided healthcare services to nearly one million Nigerians in the past three years, underscoring the impact of revitalising primary healthcare centres and expanding access to quality care, the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) has said.

Speaking on the initiative's impact, PSHAN's Director of Policy, Dr. Anne Adah-Ogoh, said the project has transformed access to healthcare in communities where primary healthcare facilities were either non-functional or operating below capacity.

Adah-Ogoh who spoke in Lagos during the PSHAN annual conference 2026 themed “Driving Digital Innovation For a Healthier Nigeria” noted that restoring the centres to full functionality has not only improved access to healthcare but led to a rise in service utilisation.

"Although these primary healthcare centres were already operating before the intervention, utilisation increased by more than 1,000 percent after the revitalisation and that sends a clear message. Nigerians will use healthcare services when they are affordable, of good quality and available when they need them, without exposing them to financial hardship," she said.

Adah-Ogoh remarked that strengthening primary healthcare remains the most effective way to tackle the country's disease burden, as close to 80 per cent of Nigeria's health challenges can be addressed at that level before they progress to conditions requiring secondary or tertiary care.

She also highlighted the importance of health insurance in improving access to healthcare, especially when many Nigerians still pay out of pocket.

"Healthcare cannot be considered truly accessible if people are forced into financial hardship to obtain treatment. The most effective solution is health insurance, where people pay affordable premiums into a pooled fund. Those pooled resources enable them to access healthcare services whenever they need them without paying directly at the point of care," she said.

On maternal and child health, Adah-Ogoh said the project has significantly expanded access to skilled birth attendance, enabling more women to receive antenatal care, pregnancy counselling and safe delivery services within their communities.

“In the past three years, we have provided skilled birth attendants, this means a woman can go to the facility, have antenatal care, be advised about her pregnancy, and be able to give birth in the facility over the period of time where these healthcare centers have been revitalised.” 

She disclosed that nearly 300,000 women had received care at the revitalised primary healthcare centres over the past three years, helping to reduce the risk of maternal deaths linked to pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period.

The programme has delivered routine immunisation services to almost 250,000 infants, contributing to improved child survival and a reduction in vaccine-preventable diseases.

“This means if we can fix our primary health care system, then the chances that our health care indices will be better,” she said.

In his keynote address, the Country Head, Nigeria, Flutterwave, Chizoba Okafor observed that the same financial infrastructure that transformed payments can also transform healthcare.

“Healthcare must follow a seamless interconnected ecosystem. Hospitals, pharmacies, laboratories, insurers and government agencies still operate largely as disconnected systems, the next major breakthrough in healthcare will not come from a single innovation, but from how effectively these systems work together, just as our banking and telecommunications sectors have done,” Okafor said.

According to him, digital health must be built on strong governance, robust cybersecurity and effective data protection. “The goal is for patients to move seamlessly through every stage of care, from booking appointments and making payments to receiving prescriptions and processing insurance claims, without unnecessary stress or delays. Their focus should be on getting well, not on navigating the healthcare system.”

 

 

Flooding is now a public health emergency in Lagos, Abayomi warns

By Admin

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has described flooding as a major public health emergency, warning that its impact extends far beyond damaged roads and submerged homes to threaten lives, livelihoods, and access to essential services.

Speaking after an assessment of flood-affected communities alongside Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, and other senior government officials, Abayomi said flooding disrupts healthcare delivery, education, businesses, and social activities while exposing residents to serious health risks.

He said floodwaters are frequently contaminated with sewage, chemicals, and other pollutants, creating conditions for outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid. He added that residents also face increased risks of skin infections, injuries, snakebites, and electrocution from submerged electrical installations.

"Flooding is not just an environmental event; it is a public health emergency that affects every aspect of people's lives," he said, noting that many families also grapple with anxiety, uncertainty, and emotional distress long after floodwaters have receded," he said.

Abayomi noted that the burden of flooding is particularly severe for vulnerable groups, including older persons, young children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and people living with disabilities.

Reflecting on the government's visit to affected communities, the Commissioner said one of the most striking scenes was seeing canoe operators transporting residents, especially elderly people and those with mobility challenges, across flooded streets.

To minimise the health consequences of flooding, Abayomi said the Ministry of Health has intensified disease surveillance in affected communities, strengthened monitoring for outbreaks of waterborne diseases, promoted safe water and sanitation practices, and is working with relevant ministries to reduce flood-related health risks.

He also disclosed that the state has developed a new generation of climate-resilient healthcare facilities designed to withstand recurring floods and the growing effects of climate change.

Abayomi said the new health facility blueprint incorporates elevated structures above projected flood levels, low-carbon and naturally cooled building designs, improved drainage systems, green roofs for stormwater management and rainwater harvesting, strict infection prevention measures, and integrated solar power systems to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services during power outages.

He said the facilities are intended to remain operational during emergencies while providing safe and reliable healthcare for decades.

Abayomi urged residents to avoid contact with floodwaters whenever possible, drink only safe or treated water, practice good hand hygiene, switch off electricity before entering flooded homes, and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or fever.

Abayomi stressed that protecting public health requires more than quality hospital care, insisting that healthier communities depend on safer living environments.

"Protecting Lagos from the health impacts of flooding requires government, communities, and residents to work together to build a safer, more resilient city," he remarked.

Nordica donates Nigeria's first public sector HIFU machine to FCTA, strengthens cervical cancer care

 

By Admin

 Nigeria's drive to expand access to advanced reproductive healthcare gained fresh momentum on Thursday as Nordica Fertility Centre donated a state-of-the-art High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) machine to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), making it the first and only HIFU system in the country's public health sector.

The donation was announced during the second edition of the Abuja Reproductive Health Week 2026, hosted by Nordica Fertility Centre. The initiative is designed to promote innovation, encourage collaboration and widen access to quality reproductive healthcare for women across Nigeria.

Presented through the FCTA Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), the HIFU machine is expected to change the way pre-malignant cervical lesions are treated by providing a non-invasive alternative to conventional surgery.

The equipment will be installed at Wuse District Hospital, where it will work alongside the colposcopy machine Nordica previously donated to the facility. While the colposcopy unit is used to detect abnormal changes in the cervix, the newly installed HIFU system will treat eligible patients whose lesions are identified during screening.

Together, the two technologies provide what health experts describe as a complete continuum of care, from early detection and diagnosis to timely treatment within Nigeria's public healthcare system.

Officials at the event described the donation as a landmark investment in women's health and a significant boost to efforts aimed at strengthening cervical cancer prevention and treatment services across the Federal Capital Territory.

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound is an advanced medical technology that uses concentrated ultrasound waves to destroy abnormal tissue without making surgical incisions. Compared with many conventional procedures, it offers shorter recovery periods, fewer complications and greater comfort for patients.

For women diagnosed with pre-malignant cervical lesions, prompt treatment can prevent the condition from progressing to invasive cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among Nigerian women.

Nordica Fertility Centre said the donation underscores its commitment to supporting public health institutions with modern medical technology that improves patient outcomes and broadens access to quality reproductive healthcare.

According to the fertility centre, the HIFU machine builds on its earlier investment in cervical cancer prevention through the donation of a colposcopy machine to Wuse District Hospital, creating an integrated pathway for the detection and treatment of cervical abnormalities.

Stakeholders said introducing HIFU technology into Nigeria's public health system marks an important milestone, particularly as the country continues to strengthen efforts to reduce the burden of cervical cancer through expanded screening, earlier diagnosis and prompt treatment.

The second Abuja Reproductive Health Week brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers, development partners and reproductive health advocates to explore new innovations and practical strategies for improving reproductive health outcomes nationwide.

Discussions also underscored the need for stronger public-private partnerships to bridge persistent gaps in access to quality reproductive healthcare, especially for women who may not be able to afford advanced medical procedures in private hospitals.

With the latest donation, Nordica Fertility Centre has deepened its support for Nigeria's public health sector while reinforcing the role private healthcare providers can play in complementing government efforts to strengthen specialist services and expand access to life-saving medical technologies.

Health experts believe the introduction of the HIFU system into the FCTA public health network will improve access to timely treatment, reduce the need for referrals outside the territory and ultimately enhance the quality of care available to women at risk of developing cervical cancer.

Beyond taboos: Young Nigerians turn Art into powerful voice for SRHR

By Admin

 Paint took the place of protest placards. Music carried messages that words alone often struggle to convey. And for one day at least, young people spoke openly about issues that are too often pushed into the shadows.

That was the atmosphere as Vision Spring Initiatives staged its maiden Art and Advocacy Festival on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), turning creativity into a powerful tool for challenging long-held taboos around the health and rights of women and girls.

Held at Ndubuisi Kanu Park in Ikeja, the festival drew artists, students, advocates and members of the public into a space where conversations many consider uncomfortable unfolded naturally through paintings, spoken word, live music and honest dialogue.

The weather threatened to interrupt the programme. Dark clouds gathered and a brief drizzle fell, but the crowd stayed. If anything, the enthusiasm only grew, reflecting the determination of many young people to speak openly about issues affecting their health, dignity and future.

Welcoming participants, the Project Director of Vision Spring Initiatives, Ngozi Nwosu-Juba, said the festival was created to give young people something society rarely offers them: a safe, creative space where they can express themselves, question harmful norms and engage honestly with issues that shape their lives.

Introducing the organisation, Titilopemi Oriye reaffirmed Vision Spring Initiatives' commitment to putting young people at the centre of advocacy for gender equality, social justice and sexual and reproductive health and rights. That commitment was visible from the moment activities began.

A guided exhibition invited participants to interact directly with artists whose works explored body shaming, menstrual stigma, consent, access to accurate information and reproductive choice. The artwork wasn't dealing in abstract ideas. Instead, it reflected experiences many young people recognised from their own lives, prompting conversations that continued long after visitors moved from one canvas to the next.

From there, the festival shifted into an afternoon of performances. A soulful saxophone rendition set the mood before musicians Lummie and L.I.M brought energy to the stage with performances that blended entertainment and advocacy. A spoken word presentation followed, celebrating young people who are bold enough to tell their stories and challenge society's expectations.

There were quieter moments too. A documentary on sexual and reproductive health and rights highlighted the realities many young people continue to face, creating the perfect transition into an interactive panel discussion moderated by Oriye.

Panelists, including Barrister Chizelu Emejulu, artist George Adjete and monitoring and evaluation expert Adetutu Soneye, urged participants to question harmful cultural practices, defend their rights and recognise art as a powerful vehicle for social change.

What set the festival apart was its approach. Young people weren't simply invited to listen. They shaped the conversations, shared their experiences and became active participants throughout the programme.

They expressed themselves through collaborative art installations, face and body painting, and a large public mural that slowly transformed into a colourful reflection of shared experiences and collective hope as dozens of participants added their own creative touch.

Perhaps the day's most memorable moment came at the SRHR Commitment Board. One after another, participants stepped forward to publicly pledge that they would learn more about sexual and reproductive health and rights, speak out against stigma and discrimination, and continue the conversation in their schools, places of worship and across their social media platforms.

For Vision Spring Initiatives, a youth-focused, women-led organisation, the festival underscored what can happen when young people are given both the platform and the confidence to tell their own stories.

As the event drew to a close, participants left with far more than memories of music and performances. They walked away with renewed confidence, stronger connections and a shared resolve to keep challenging the silence surrounding sexual and reproductive health and rights long after the festival had ended.

GIFSHIP opens health insurance access to families, SMEs, informal workers

L-R: Immediate Past President, Healthcare Providers Association of Nigeria (HCPAN), Dr. Arigbabuwo Jimmy; MD/CEO, Ultimate Health Management Services, Otunba Lekan Ewenla; Independent Non-Executive Director, Ultimate Health Management Services, Mrs. Bolajoko Odunwo; MD/CEO, Olaniba Memorial Specialist Hospital and Ebenezer Specialist Clinic & Maternity, Dr. Adenike Olaniba and CMD/Founder, Subol Hospital Limited, Dr. Olayiwola Bello, during the official launch of U-Health GIFSHIP  for the informal sector and small and medium-sized business owners, held in Lagos recently.

By Admin

Nigeria's drive towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) received a boost with the official introduction of the Group, Individual and Family Social Health Insurance Product (GIFSHIP), a scheme designed to extend affordable healthcare to millions of Nigerians in the informal sector and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

At the launch in Lagos, the Managing Director and CEO of Ultimate Health HMO, Otunba Lekan Ewenla, described the initiative as a significant milestone in broadening access to quality healthcare beyond the formal workforce.

“The formal launch of U- Health GIFSHIP today marks a bold step towards setting the right agenda for the gradual attainment of Universal Health Coverage for the country. 

“Only about 15 percent of Nigeria's population works in the formal sector, while approximately 85 percent earns a living in the informal economy, making expansion of health insurance beyond government employees critical to improving national health outcomes.”

Ewenla explained that while health insurance for federal workers has grown to become one of the country's most widely utilised benefit packages across nearly 10,000 NHIA-accredited healthcare facilities, the vast majority of Nigerians remain outside the formal sector and require a structured pathway to affordable healthcare.

“The GIFSHIP is the sole actuarially developed benefit package for the Federal Civil Servants across the country and it was made mandatory for the all the federal civil servants which makes it to be a social programme,” he said.

Ewenla said the scheme which operates under strict regulation by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has an annual premium fixed at ₦38,718 per person and is non-negotiable under NHIA operational guidelines.

“ Ultimate Health HMO would implement the programme in full compliance with NHIA regulations, including a monthly capitation payment of ₦1,450 per enrollee and ₦700 per enrollee for fee-for-service, alongside other prescribed operational standards.

 “Our objective is simple: to penetrate the informal sector and make health insurance available to millions of Nigerians who have previously remained outside the system,” Ewenla stated.

According to him, demand for health insurance coverage outside the public sector began shortly after the federal civil servants' programme took off, prompting calls for similar protection for traders, artisans, transport workers, market associations and other informal sector operators which informed the development and “unpacking of the federal civil servants' benefit package into GIFSHIP, making it suitable for groups, individuals and families.

Ewenla explained that the initiative aligns with the National Health Insurance Authority's (NHIA) drive to achieve universal health coverage by providing a standardised benefit package that makes healthcare more affordable, accessible and equitable.

He stressed that the product would particularly target organised groups within the informal economy, including market associations, transport unions, chambers of commerce, mechanics, furniture makers, beauticians, spare parts dealers, healthcare workers and other professional associations.

"The adoption of GIFSHIP is intended to strengthen healthcare delivery through systematic pooling of enrollees to accredited healthcare facilities, thereby ensuring adequate patient volumes that support quality service delivery while improving relationships between HMOs and healthcare providers.

Highlighting the evolution of health insurance in Nigeria, Ewenla recalled that the federal government's health insurance programme for civil servants effectively transformed the former 10 per cent medical allowance into health insurance premiums, a shift that improved access to organised healthcare instead of direct cash payments.

He argued that previous arrangements, including payment of medical allowances and retainership agreements between employers and hospitals, failed to produce measurable improvements in health outcomes.

He expressed confidence that wider adoption of GIFSHIP would improve public perception of health insurance, strengthen collaboration between HMOs and healthcare providers, and bring Nigeria closer to achieving equitable access to quality healthcare.

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

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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

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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.

Lagos clarifies HIV figures, says 2025 report reflects diagnosed cases, not new infections

By Admin

The Lagos State Government has moved to clarify recent media reports claiming the state recorded the highest number of new HIV infections in Nigeria in 2025, stressing that the widely quoted figure refers to newly diagnosed HIV-positive cases and not new HIV infections acquired within the year.

Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Conference Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, said the figures had been widely misunderstood and required technical clarification to prevent misinformation, unnecessary public anxiety, stigma and discrimination.

She maintained that Lagos' HIV response remains robust, evidence-driven and firmly on course, noting that programme data continue to show steady progress in prevention, treatment and overall epidemic control.

Animashaun explained that the widely reported figure of 10,430 should not be interpreted as the number of people who contracted HIV in 2025.

"The figure being circulated represents newly diagnosed HIV-positive cases. These are individuals who tested positive during the reporting period, many of whom may have contracted HIV several years earlier but were only recently diagnosed," she said.

She added that the number also includes people who came into Lagos for HIV testing or treatment, referrals from other states, and individuals identified through the state's expanded HIV testing programme.

According to her, it is important to distinguish between newly diagnosed HIV-positive cases and new HIV infections because they are two entirely different epidemiological indicators.

While newly diagnosed cases indicate when a person is confirmed to be HIV positive, new HIV infections refer to individuals who actually acquired the virus within a defined period. Those figures, she explained, are estimated using epidemiological surveillance and scientific modelling.

Animashaun cautioned that treating both indicators as though they mean the same thing could create unnecessary fear, discourage people from getting tested and undermine years of progress in HIV control.

To promote transparency, she said the Lagos State Government is engaging relevant stakeholders to better understand the methodology, indicator definitions and reporting assumptions behind the published figures, with the goal of ensuring accurate interpretation and responsible public communication.

Animashaun said Lagos' status as Nigeria's most populous state, its commercial hub and one of the country's largest healthcare referral centres naturally results in high volumes of HIV testing, diagnosis and patient referrals.

She noted that stronger surveillance systems and broader access to healthcare services inevitably lead to higher case detection, adding that this should not be mistaken for evidence that the epidemic is worsening.

"The ability to identify more HIV-positive individuals is, in many respects, a reflection of the strength of our health system rather than an indication that HIV transmission is increasing," she said.

Presenting programme performance data, the LSACA chief said Lagos carried out 504,800 HIV tests in 2025, with 11,940 people testing positive, representing a positivity yield of 2.4 per cent.

She said the trend has continued to improve in 2026. During the first quarter alone, the state conducted 179,229 HIV tests, identified 3,390 HIV-positive cases, while the positivity yield dropped further to 1.9 per cent.

According to her, the declining positivity rate despite increased testing is a key epidemiological indicator that HIV control efforts are producing encouraging results.

Animashaun also disclosed that 147,904 people were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) across Lagos State as of 2025, with 97 per cent achieving viral suppression, which she described as a major public health milestone.

She further highlighted progress in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, noting that the Early Infant Diagnosis positivity rate fell from 5.1 per cent in 2020 to 1.5 per cent in 2025.

She said the figures demonstrate the significant improvements made in maternal and child HIV services.

"These indicators collectively demonstrate that Lagos has built one of Nigeria's strongest HIV surveillance, prevention, treatment and response systems," she stated.

Animashaun said Lagos has already begun implementing a comprehensive HIV Response Acceleration Plan covering July to September 2026.

The plan is designed to expand HIV testing, strengthen treatment linkage and retention, improve service quality, scale up community-based prevention, enhance data quality and accountability, and ensure long-term sustainability across all 20 Local Government Areas and 57 Local Council Development Areas.

She also disclosed that the state is expanding access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) through both oral medication and long-acting injectable PrEP administered every two months.

In what she described as a landmark achievement, Animashaun announced that Lagos has become the first sub-national government in Nigeria to independently procure antiretroviral medicines for people living with HIV.

She said the first batch of state-funded ARVs is expected to arrive before the end of August 2026, helping to guarantee uninterrupted treatment while reducing reliance on donor funding.

According to her, the initiative reflects Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu's commitment to strengthening health security, ensuring a reliable supply of HIV medicines and building a sustainable, state-owned HIV response.

She added that Lagos is also exploring opportunities for local production of HIV medicines by drawing on international best practices, including Kenya's pharmaceutical experience, while working with global partners such as UNAIDS.

The move, she said, is expected to strengthen supply chain resilience, lower long-term treatment costs and further reinforce the state's health system.

Animashaun urged residents not to panic but to know their HIV status and take advantage of available prevention, testing, treatment and care services.

She also appealed to the public to rely only on verified public health information and reject every form of stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.

"HIV remains preventable and manageable. With early diagnosis and sustained treatment, people living with HIV can live long, healthy, productive and fulfilling lives," she said.

Reaffirming the state's commitment to evidence-based policies and strategic partnerships, she said Lagos would continue investing in resilient health systems to preserve the gains recorded over the past two decades.

Summing up the state's position, she said: "Lagos is not defined by the number of people it tests. Lagos is defined by the strength of its response."

She added that the true measure of any health system is not the number of challenges it encounters, but how effectively it responds to them.

According to Animashaun, Lagos has chosen to confront HIV with science, compassion, innovation and unwavering political commitment while laying the foundation for a sustainable, locally driven HIV response that protects the health and wellbeing of every resident.

LASHMA named Nigeria's best state health insurance scheme

...Clinches NHEA Award for 3rd time 

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba (4th left) receiving the NHEA State Government Health Insurance of the Year Award from the former Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Femi Olugbile, during the Y2026 NHEA Award held at EKO Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, weekend.

By Admin

The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has been named State Government Health Insurance of the Year 2026 at the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards (NHEA), marking the third time the agency has received the national honour, further cementing the reputation of Lagos as a pacesetter in public health insurance.

The agency emerged winner ahead of four other state health insurance agencies at the 12th edition of the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards, held at EKO Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, at a colourful ceremony that brought together healthcare leaders, policymakers and other stakeholders to celebrate outstanding achievements across Nigeria's health sector.

This year's awards, themed "Innovation, Local Manufacturing and Digital Transformation in Healthcare," recognised excellence, innovation and leadership in healthcare delivery.

Chairman of the NHEA Advisory Board, Dr. Anthony Omolola, in his address said the awards, established in 2014, were created to honour individuals and organisations whose commitment and resilience have continued to strengthen Nigeria's healthcare system despite the challenges confronting the sector. He noted that winners were selected through an independent process involving research, public voting and rigorous evaluation, stressing that "every nomination is based on credibility."

Omolola noted that healthcare has evolved significantly over the years, with innovation, artificial intelligence, sustainable financing, partnerships and local manufacturing now playing a central role in shaping the future of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

Dr Emmanuella Zamba,
Permanent Secretary LASHMA

Presenting the award to LASHMA's Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, former Lagos State Permanent Secretary for Health, Dr. Femi Olugbile, congratulated the agency for emerging victorious from a highly competitive field of nominees.

He urged LASHMA to build on the achievement by driving more innovations capable of accelerating the state's march towards Universal Health Coverage. He also reminded the agency that much more remains to be done to ensure every Lagos resident has access to affordable, quality and equitable healthcare services.

Receiving the award, the Perm Sec of LASHMA described the recognition as an affirmation of the agency's commitment to expanding access to healthcare for all residents of the state.

She dedicated the award to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, development partners, philanthropists and other stakeholders whose support, she said, has contributed to the agency's success.

Zamba thanked Lagosians for voting for LASHMA, assuring them that the agency would continue working to ensure that every resident, irrespective of socio-economic status, has access to affordable, quality and equitable healthcare services.

The latest honour adds to LASHMA's growing list of national recognitions. The agency first won the State Government Health Insurance of the Year Award in 2023, shared the title with Katsina State in 2025, and reclaimed it outright in 2026, underscoring its sustained leadership in advancing health insurance coverage and improving access to healthcare in Lagos.