Nigeria begins malaria vaccine rollout

Nigeria, the country with the most malaria deaths worldwide, began rolling out a vaccine against the disease for the first time.

The vaccine — which is being administered to children up to five years old, the worst affected population — has an effectiveness rate of 75%, meaning other prevention tools are still necessary.

“We are confident that this vaccine, in combination with other preventative measures, will drastically reduce the burden of malaria in Nigeria,” the World Health Organization’s Nigeria representative earlier said.

Africa accounts for almost the entirety of global malaria deaths, with Nigeria, the continent’s most prosperous nation, representing nearly a third of those in 2022.
Billions of dollars lost every year to malaria

Besides the human toll, estimates suggest Africa loses billions of dollars a year in productivity and health expenses linked to malaria. In turn, a 90% reduction in case incidence by 2030 — part of the Sustainable Development Goal target on malaria — could boost the GDP of malaria-endemic countries by $142.7 billion, according to research conducted by Oxford Economics Africa on behalf of Malaria No More UK. The corresponding increase in international trade would also significantly benefit the global economy, the report added.

Human movement is one of the biggest challenges to eliminating malaria, two scientists noted in The Conversation. Vulnerable populations are also more likely to travel significant distances, and high rates of mobility are associated with greater onward transmission, they wrote. In the US, a combination of public health measures and infrastructure improvements helped to eliminate malaria in the mid-twentieth century. But malaria hospitalizations have increased in recent years as people travel into the country from malaria-endemic areas, according to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

By Mizy Clifton and Jeronimo Gonzalez, Semafor

Video - Health workers relieved as mpox vaccination campaign starts in Nigeria

The government started the long-delayed program on Monday. The effort targets medics and those with low immunity. Now fully protected, many health workers say they feel confident they can help curb the spread of the virus.

CGTN

Video - Nigerian government urged to address health worker shortage

Statistics by the United Nations health agency indicate Nigeria has the third biggest shortage of healthcare workers globally. The professionals migrate abroad annually partly due to poor pay and insecurity. Experts now want the government to put measures in place to counter this trend.

CGTN

Related story: Video - Nigerian health workers seek increased government support to control malaria

 

Video - Nigeria implements zero-tax policy on pharmaceutical products

President Bola Tinubu's executive order granting VAT and customs waivers on pharmaceuticals and medical devices is designed to reduce prices and boost local manufacturing of badly needed medicines. The initiative is part of the health ministry's effort to strengthen the healthcare value chain.

CGTN

Video - Malnutrition rates rise in Nigeria

Healthcare workers have reported a rise in severe malnutrition among young people in the Lake Chad region, where years of conflict have devastated agriculture and worsened food security. Humanitarian agencies estimate 6.1 million people will face food shortages in the coming months.

CGTN

Nigeria to take delivery of malaria vaccines

Nigeria is set to receive its first shipment of the highly anticipated malaria vaccines on Thursday, marking a significant step in the country’s fight against one of its deadliest diseases.

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) announced that the vaccines would be received in Abuja by Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) confirmed the event through an invitation sent by the agency on Wednesday in Abuja.

NAN reports that the arrival of the vaccines is an initiative by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to distribute malaria vaccines to high-burden countries across Africa, including Nigeria.

The NPHCDA said that barring any unforeseen circumstances, the country would officially unveil the malaria vaccines on Thursday to help protect children from the life-threatening disease.

NAN reports that the introduction of the malaria vaccine is expected to significantly reduce malaria cases and deaths, especially in vulnerable populations.

The government has developed a strategic distribution plan to prioritise regions most affected by malaria, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited.

The rollout will begin in these high-burden regions before expanding nationwide.

The expected vaccines, known as RTS, S/AS01 (Mosquirix), have been proven to reduce malaria cases and mortality among young children in large clinical trials across Africa.

Nigeria will be the third African country to introduce the vaccine, following Ghana and Kenya, which began using the vaccine in 2023.

Meanwhile, malaria remains a serious public health issue in Nigeria, affecting 97 percent of the population.

Transmission occurs all year-round in the southern regions and lasts up to three months in the northern regions.

The primary malaria vectors are “Anopheles coluzzii” and “Anopheles gambiae”, with “Anopheles funestus” playing a secondary role in some areas.

Nigeria accounts for 27 per cent of global malaria cases and 31 per cent of global malaria deaths, making it the country with the highest malaria burden in the world.

The prevalence of malaria among children under five years dropped from 42 per cent in 2010 to 23 percent in 2018.

There are significant disparities between rural (31 per cent) and urban (13 per cent) populations, as well as socioeconomic groups.

The National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) launched the High Burden, High Impact (HBHI) approach in response to the ongoing malaria crisis.

The goal is to reduce malaria prevalence to below 10 percent and malaria-related deaths to fewer than 50 per 1,000 people by 2025.

Efforts have included switching to injectable artesunate for severe malaria treatment and increasing coverage of preventive malaria treatments for pregnant women.

The percentage of pregnant women receiving at least three doses of intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine increased from 16.6 per cent in 2018 to 31 per cent in 2021.

However, challenges such as low antenatal care attendance and limited access to treatment remain obstacles to further progress.

NAN reports that public health experts are optimistic about the vaccine’s potential to save lives.

They believe that this vaccine, when combined with other preventive measures, will significantly reduce the malaria burden in Nigeria and bring the country closer to achieving the goal of a malaria-free Africa.

Vanguard

Related story: Video - Nigerian health workers seek increased government support to control malaria

Video - Nigerian health workers seek increased government support to control malaria

According to Nigeria's Ministry of Health, about 55 million people in the country contract malaria annually. Out of those, 90,000 die. Health experts are now urging the government to scale up efforts to address the issue.

CGTN

Nigeria reports 359 cholera deaths in first nine months of year

More than 350 people have died from cholera in Nigeria in the first nine months of this year, a 239% jump from the same period last year, data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) showed on Monday.

Cholera, a water-borne disease, is not uncommon in Nigeria where health authorities say there is a lack of potable drinking water in rural areas and urban slums.

NCDC said 359 people had died between January and September compared to 106 during the same period last year.

The number of suspected cholera cases also surged to 10,837, up from 3,387 the previous year, with most of those affected being children under five years old.

Lagos, the country's commercial capital, recorded the highest number of cases, NCDC said.

Authorities in northeastern Borno said on Friday that a cholera outbreak had hit the state, which is also dealing with flooding that has displaced nearly 2 million people. 

Reuters

Borno state hit by cholera amid flood devastation

A cholera outbreak has hit Nigeria's northeastern Borno state, already reeling from floods that displaced nearly 2 million people, an official said on Friday.

Cholera outbreaks are not uncommon in Borno, the epicentre of a 15-year-old Islamist insurgency that has displaced thousands into camps and strained sanitation facilities and potable water sources.

Borno Health Commissioner Baba Mallam Gana told reporters that 17 cases have been recorded following tests, but no deaths so far.

"However, we are recording an increasing number of Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD)/suspected Cholera which is not unconnected with the flood devastation," Gana said.

Almost 500 cases of AWD have been recorded, Gana said, with five local government areas mostly affected.

Flooding in Borno began when a dam overflowed following heavy rains, displacing millions from their homes and damaging health facilities and other infrastructures.

Gana said that to combat the latest outbreak, the state got 300,000 oral cholera vaccine (OCV) doses from the federal health ministry, which have been distributed across displacement camps and flood-hit communities.

The state is waiting for an additional 600,000 doses of the vaccine to ensure adequate coverage, he said.

By Ahmed Kingimi, Reuters

Nigeria preventive care gets boost as Hospital unveils advanced procedures

To reduce the high cost of curative therapies, Medic Partners Multi Specialist Hospital last week launched a range of advanced procedures designed to prevent medical challenges from the onset. The multi-specialist wellness centre located in Victoria Island, Lagos officially opened Wednesday, promising to assist Nigerians in navigating the challenging economic climate by providing preventive care and increasing awareness of their health conditions.

The Chief Medical Director, of Medic Partners Multi Specialist Hospital and preventive care specialist, Busola Ayelowo-Eso, explained that the disturbing prevalence of preventable diseases in Nigeria informed the centre’s establishment.

Despite a significant increase in the awareness of preventable diseases such as hypertension or end-stage renal disease, Ayelowo-Eso said many are not keen on undertaking comprehensive medical screening.

“A lot of Nigerians have this I don’t-care-attitude of if it’s not disturbing me, why should I look for it? So, preventive medicine is one speciality that hasn’t gotten so much awareness. Nigerians don’t believe in treating what is not broken.

“We still have a very long way to go in preventive medicine because the World Health Organization (WHO) says that at least once a year an average person or an individual should have a medical check-up. In Nigeria, until they start feeling ill, they don’t go to the hospital. So, until we get to that point where everybody knows that once a year, I should check myself irrespective of how I feel, we are not there yet. It’s a growing concern that is being addressed daily.”

The founders of Medic Partners Multi Specialist Hospital have invested in advanced diagnostic and treatment services to aid early detection and management. Specifically, the facility operates with advanced imaging technologies including digital X-rays, and 4D ultrasound, which provide high-resolution images that allow for accurate and early diagnosis of various conditions.

It runs a fully automated laboratory that provides comprehensive laboratory services from routine blood work to specialized diagnostics like genetic testing and molecular diagnostics, within a short time. Automation minimizes human involvement and reduces the risk of errors in terms of reporting.

In terms of kidney care, the facility is equipped with a six-bedded dialysis unit to tackle renal issues among an estimated 50 million people Nigerians who are affected. It has also invested in a fully functional cardiac unit where stress tests, procedures and other heart-related screenings are conducted.

Other specialities are endoscopy and minimally invasive surgeries where its surgical team specializes in minimally invasive techniques, reducing recovery times and improving patient outcomes.

“It offers a comprehensive wellness program where we provide holistic wellness check-ups that include advanced diagnostic tests, personalised health assessments, and preventive care strategies, helping patients maintain their health and prevent diseases.

“These advanced services reflect our commitment to providing world-class healthcare and ensuring that our patients have access to the best diagnostic and treatment options available”.

Speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Medic Partners, Akin Eso explained that the centre will prioritise exceptional patient experience along with good practices aligned with international standards.

He emphasised that the facility is equipped to bridge the gap for those seeking quality healthcare locally, having assembled top medical expertise and technologies. This reduces the need for medical tourism, providing solutions right here in Nigeria.

The facility operates with a dedicated team of approximately 40 medical professionals and 15 support staff. The medical team includes specialists in family medicine, dermatology, cosmetic surgery, nephrology, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, and geriatrics.

“At Medic Partners we are transforming healthcare delivery, ensuring quality. That’s why we prioritise not only providing premium medical services but also ensuring that every interaction is seamless, comfortable and tailored to your needs,” Eso said. 

By Chioma Obinna, Vanguard

Video - Nigeria’s health authorities to fortify bouillon cubes to improve diets

Bouillon cubes, typically made from salt, sugars, starch, vegetable fats and proteins, as well as herbs and spices, are widely used in Nigeria. Experts say their fortification could vastly improve the diets of millions of families living on restricted budgets, as they cannot afford protein-rich meals like fish and meat.

CGTN

Video - Nigeria to establish blood collection centers nationwide to tackle the shortage

The government hopes the action addresses the shortfall of 73 percent of blood that's needed for medical emergencies.

CGTN

Breaking the cycle of Malaria misdiagnosis in Nigeria

What is the available data on malaria telling us? According to the Primary Healthcare Performance Initiative funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, diagnostic accuracy in Nigeria is as low as 36.4%. This means that less than 4 out of 10 patients who seek healthcare are accurately diagnosed. Since 70% of diagnostic decisions depend on laboratory tests, the statistics also suggest that most patients are treated without objective evidence from medical tests, also referred to as in-vitro diagnostics.

Of all the diseases wrongly diagnosed in Nigeria, malaria remains the most frequently treated disease in community-based healthcare settings like pharmacies, clinics, and primary health centres. However, it is largely treated without evidence from testing, resulting in poor outcomes like preventable deaths and complications.

Consequently, it is imperative to build capacity for accurate and consistent testing of malaria at the point of care where health workers like community health practitioners, community pharmacists, nurses, and primary care physicians directly provide treatments for patients.

For context, Point of Care Testing for malaria refers to the use of Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test for screening or diagnosis of malaria. Malaria RDT is the most accessible, affordable, and easiest-to-perform method of diagnosis. However, it is still not accessible or utilised efficiently and widely by health workers due to several addressable factors. This includes concerns over the validity and accuracy of the results, logistic challenges, food poverty, etc.

Crucially, there is a need to rethink the malaria strategy. The fact that Nigeria alone still accounts for approximately 30% of global malaria cases, which amount to 68 million cases, and 23% of malaria mortality, valued at 194,000 deaths, despite 70 years of implementing various outlandish strategies, highlights the critical need for us to rethink our strategy and execute homegrown solutions for malaria control and elimination rather than over-relying on international funding bodies.

Applying homegrown solutions that address the nuances and peculiarities of Nigerian communities and economy is what will put us on track to achieve malaria control and elimination targets. The World Health Organisation’s goals for malaria control and elimination by 2030 include reducing malaria incidence and mortality rates by at least 90% compared to 2015 levels, achieving malaria elimination in at least 35 countries, and preventing the re-establishment of malaria in countries that are currently malaria-free.

Thankfully, the Honourable Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Professor Ali Pate has called for a rethink of malaria elimination strategies in Nigeria in his address to stakeholders in Abuja at an event organised by the National Malaria Elimination Programme in May 2024. The minister noted that 60% of all hospital attendance in Nigeria, including at tertiary hospitals, is due to malaria. This means that there are serious loopholes and issues at the community and primary care level where uncomplicated malaria ought to have been fully managed.

I conducted a survey-based research among community-based healthcare professionals in Nigeria across cadres and found out many of them had abandoned the MRDT altogether for various reasons despite policy support from the government.

These are community pharmacists, community health and extension workers, nurses, and community physicians who are the first port of call for malaria case management. Now, when we have a situation where those who treat over 70% of malaria cases are not running diagnostic tests, then we should not be surprised that malaria-related deaths and complications continue to remain high and our teaching hospitals are inundated by malaria cases.

As sub-Saharan Africa grapples with a disproportionate burden of malaria, accounting for 95% of the cases and 96% of global malaria deaths, the African Leadership and Management Training for Impact in Malaria-Eradication, an NGO, is striving to provide a homegrown solution to situation. ALAMIME, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is coordinated by the Ugandan Makerere University’s School of Public Health, and runs in 9 African countries; Nigeria, Uganda, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Togo, and Benin. The programme has produced over 500 alumni in the last 3 years. According to the Programme Lead in Nigeria, Prof. Olufunmilayo Fawole, it was designed to build leadership and management competencies among people working in malaria programs in Africa.

Amidst concerns about fake drugs in Nigeria, we need to put the issue of the efficacy of malaria drugs into context because even authentic anti-malaria medications may still fail to work for various reasons not previously given deserving attention.

Food poverty is a critical issue that must be addressed by the government, as it significantly affects malaria treatment and overall health outcomes. Malnutrition increases vulnerability to malaria, particularly among immunocompromised infants and adults, leading to severe cases or even death. Additionally, food poverty is linked to malaria treatment failure. For example, when a mother can only afford to feed her baby a low-nutrition diet, such as pap, while administering an artemether/lumefantrine anti-malarial drug, the treatment is likely to fail due to the lack of a fatty meal, which is essential for proper drug absorption. Many mistakenly believe the treatment failed due to fake drugs or misdiagnosed typhoid, when in fact, poor nutrition is the culprit.

Another significant issue is the suboptimal dosage of anti-malarial drugs. In many cases, children, especially, are prescribed inadequate doses, either due to insufficient knowledge of proper dosing by health workers or because of financial constraints. Proper dosage is critical, as inadequate treatment can lead to severe complications or death, especially among children and pregnant women. The National Malaria Elimination Programme should increase the standard tablet pack size from six to twelve to ensure better treatment outcomes, as the cost difference is minimal.

Moreover, there is widespread scepticism among health workers regarding Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests, leading to inaccurate diagnoses and poor access to testing. One cause is the misuse of antibiotics, which can mask the presence of malaria parasites, leading to false-negative test results. This issue calls for stricter control over public access to antibiotics. Furthermore, many MRDT kits in the market lack the sensitivity to detect low levels of parasitaemia, contributing to the mistrust of these tests. Health workers often cite this as a reason to bypass testing altogether.

To address these issues, a multi-pronged approach is needed, including improved education on proper dosing and nutrition, stricter antibiotic control, and enhanced MRDT sensitivity. The newly inaugurated Committee on Antimicrobial Resistance should prioritize these challenges to improve malaria diagnosis and treatment across Nigeria. 

By Akindele Opeyemi, Punch

Nigeria’s diabetes patients struggle to afford medication after surge in prices

The cost of diabetes medication has surged by over 500 percent in the past year, affecting over 11 million Nigerians living with the disease. Experts say a worsening foreign exchange crisis and the exit of major pharmaceutical companies combine to drive up prices. Health experts urge the government to intervene, warning that the situation could lead to numerous preventable deaths.

CGTN

Nigeria receives 10,000 doses of mpox vaccines from US

Nigeria has received 10,000 doses of the mpox vaccine from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the first batch of the vaccine to reach the country which has confirmed 40 cases with no fatalities so far.

Muyi Aina, executive director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), called the donation a "critical step" for Nigeria.

"We are aware that the vaccine is not exactly in surplus supply. I believe we're getting 10,000 of the about 200,000 doses that are available globally," Aina said in a statement.

The Nigerian government has decided to prioritize five states to receive the vaccines including Bayelsa, Edo, Cross-River and Lagos, according to USAID's statement.

NHPCDA has not yet said when the vaccines would be distributed or who would be prioritised for treatment.

"We encourage the Government of Nigeria to continue to mobilize domestic resources to secure more vaccines to combat mpox," U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills said at the handover ceremony of the vaccines to the Nigerian government. 

By Camillus Eboh, Reuters 

Related story: Nigeria records decline in Mpox cases

 

Video - Nigeria introduces policy to stem medical brain drain

Nigerian authorities estimate that over 57,000 nurses have left the country in the past five years for better opportunities. Nigeria hopes improvements, including the incorporation of digital health infrastructure, better remuneration, and improved work-life balance for health professionals help retain its medical talent. However, experts argue that more comprehensive measures are needed.

CGTN

Related story: Over 10,000 doctors left Nigeria for UK in last 7 yrs

 

Nigeria records decline in Mpox cases

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported a decline in the number of suspected and confirmed Mpox cases in the country over the past four weeks.

The NCDC said this via its official website on Monday.

Mpox is an infectious viral disease that can occur in humans and other animals. Symptoms include a rash that forms blisters, fever and swollen lymph nodes.

The illness is usually mild, and most infected individuals recover within a few weeks without treatment.

The public health agency in its latest data, said 51 new suspected cases were reported between Epidemiological (Epi) weeks 29 to 32 of 2024.

According to the NCDC, that was a significant drop from the 102 cases reported during the previous four weeks (Epi Week 25 to 28).

It said that these cases were recorded across 26 local government areas (LGAs) in 18 states.

The agency said that out of the new suspected cases, two were confirmed positive, with one case each reported in Ebonyi and Enugu.

It said that this also marked a decrease from the seven confirmed cases recorded in the earlier period.

“The following outlined case definitions for suspected Mpox case are an acute illness with fever 38.3°C, intense headache, lymphadenopathy, back pain, and myalgia.

“Intense asthenia follows one to three days later by a progressively developing rash often beginning on the face and spreading to other parts of the body,” it said.

It described a probable case as one that meets the clinical case definition, is not laboratory-confirmed, but has an epidemiological link to a confirmed case.

“A confirmed case is a clinically compatible case that is laboratory-confirmed.

“Contact is any person who has been in direct or indirect contact with a confirmed case since the onset of symptoms,” it said.

The NCDC highlighted that in 2024 alone, Mpox had been confirmed in 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), affecting 30 Local Government Areas.

“Since the resurgence of Mpox in Nigeria in September 2017, the country has seen a cumulative total of 4,603 suspected cases, with 1,125 confirmed cases (24.4 per cent ) across 35 states and the FCT.

“The disease has disproportionately affected males, who account for approximately 70 per cent of confirmed cases.

“Seventeen deaths have been recorded since 2017,” it said.

It said that the Case Fatality Rate for mpox was calculated based on confirmed cases only.

To prevent the spread of Mpox, the NCDC advised the public to avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms, particularly those with rashes or skin lesions.

“Practice good hand hygiene by regularly washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

“Wear protective gear (gloves, masks) when caring for someone with suspected or confirmed Mpox.

“Avoid contact with animals that may harbour the virus, such as rodents and primates, especially in areas where Mpox is known to occur.

“Ensure meat is thoroughly cooked before consumption,” It said.

It urged healthcare providers to be vigilant for patients presenting fever, rash, and other Mpox symptoms, especially if they have a history of travel to affected areas or contact with suspected cases.

“Promptly isolate suspected cases to prevent transmission within healthcare settings. Notify the relevant public health authorities immediately upon identifying a suspected case.

“Educate patients on the importance of reporting symptoms early and adhering to isolation guidelines if diagnosed with Mpox,” it said.

The NCDC said that the National Mpox Technical Working Group (TWG), comprising multi-sectoral and multi-partner teams, continued its efforts to monitor and respond to the outbreak across the nation.

The public health agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and adhere to public health guidelines to curb the spread of Mpox, particularly in affected states.

By Ezekiel Oyero, Premium Times 

Related story: Video - Nigeria confirms 39 mpox cases since start of 2024

Video - Nigeria confirms 39 mpox cases since start of 2024

Nigeria is on high alert as authorities confirmed 39 mpox cases across 33 states since January. The government said it had intensified surveillance and contact-tracing to contain the outbreak. Diagnostic protocols are also in place to identify new cases promptly, with vaccination plans under consideration for high-risk populations. 

CGTN

Death toll in Nigeria from Lassa fever rises to 163

The death toll in Nigeria from Lassa fever, a deadly hemorrhagic disease, rose to 163 on Thursday.

According to a statement from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the Lassa fever outbreak continues to spread across 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The Nigerian government previously announced that three medications have been identified for treating the disease.

During the dry season, which typically runs from November to May, Lassa fever cases tend to increase. In 2023, a total of 1,227 cases of Lassa fever were detected and 219 people lost their lives.

Lassa fever, which is also found in several other African countries like Mali, Togo, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, was first detected in Nigeria in northeastern Borno state in 1969.

On Jan. 23, 2019, the Nigerian government declared a state of emergency due to a Lassa fever outbreak.

The disease is transmitted through contact with rat feces, can spread from person to person, and can cause fatal hemorrhagic fever.

Authorities are warning the public to avoid contact with rats and other rodents.

By Adam Abu-bashal , AA 

Related stories: Nigeria records 857 cases of  Lassa fever, 156 deaths in four months

 Video - Limited access to treatment thwarts fight against hepatitis in Nigeria

Video - Limited access to treatment thwarts fight against hepatitis in Nigeria

A Nigerian non-profit bringing health services to underserved communities is intensifying the fight against hepatitis. The organisation does free testing in hard-to-reach communities.

CGTN