On this week's DW News Africa: Why millions in Nigeria are risking cancer and other health issues to put food on the table, as more people turn to spoiled produce amid rising costs.
Showing posts with label health care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health care. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Video - Why millions in Nigeria are risking cancer
On this week's DW News Africa: Why millions in Nigeria are risking cancer and other health issues to put food on the table, as more people turn to spoiled produce amid rising costs.
Thursday, September 17, 2026
At least 48 dead in Nigeria after consuming drink suspected to contain methanol
At least 48 people have died and around 100 others are receiving treatment in southern Nigeria after consuming a drink suspected to contain methanol, officials said on Thursday.
Banji Ajaka, Ondo state’s commissioner for health, said the cases had been reported in the Odigbo and Irele local government areas. A total of 182 people are believed to have been affected, he said.
“This thing happened rapidly. Once they consume, depending on the quantity, the kidneys will pack up, the eyes will go, the brain will be damaged,” Ajaka told The Associated Press.
Some of those who became ill after consuming the liquid have since been discharged from hospital, he added.
Ondo state police spokesman Abayomi Jimoh said one of 15 people who have been arrested in connection with the incident had been producing drink “suspected to contain methanol and is currently assisting the police with investigations.”
Local media reports said the first death was reported nearly two weeks ago.
Banji Ajaka, Ondo state’s commissioner for health, said the cases had been reported in the Odigbo and Irele local government areas. A total of 182 people are believed to have been affected, he said.
“This thing happened rapidly. Once they consume, depending on the quantity, the kidneys will pack up, the eyes will go, the brain will be damaged,” Ajaka told The Associated Press.
Some of those who became ill after consuming the liquid have since been discharged from hospital, he added.
Ondo state police spokesman Abayomi Jimoh said one of 15 people who have been arrested in connection with the incident had been producing drink “suspected to contain methanol and is currently assisting the police with investigations.”
Local media reports said the first death was reported nearly two weeks ago.
By Dyepkazah Shibayan, AP
Friday, September 11, 2026
Nigeria begins local production of insecticide-treated mosquito nets
Nigeria has commenced local production of insecticide-treated mosquito nets as part of efforts to strengthen malaria prevention and reduce reliance on imported health products.
The new facility, Health Textiles Nigeria FZE, is the first in the country to manufacture dual-active ingredient insecticide-treated nets, according to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The ministry announced the development in a press release posted on its X account on Thursday and signed by its Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako.
The facility, owned by Vestergaard Sarl, will produce “PermaNet® Dual,” a mosquito net designed to address the growing challenge of insecticide resistance and prequalified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2023.
The health ministry noted that at full capacity, the facility is expected to produce about 10 million nets annually and create more than 600 jobs.
The new facility, Health Textiles Nigeria FZE, is the first in the country to manufacture dual-active ingredient insecticide-treated nets, according to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The ministry announced the development in a press release posted on its X account on Thursday and signed by its Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako.
The facility, owned by Vestergaard Sarl, will produce “PermaNet® Dual,” a mosquito net designed to address the growing challenge of insecticide resistance and prequalified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2023.
The health ministry noted that at full capacity, the facility is expected to produce about 10 million nets annually and create more than 600 jobs.
Malaria burden
The development comes as Nigeria continues to bear a substantial share of the global malaria burden.
WHO estimates that 282 million malaria cases and 610,000 deaths occurred globally in 2024, with the African Region accounting for about 95 per cent of cases and deaths.
Nigeria accounted for 31.9 per cent of malaria deaths in the African Region in 2024, according to WHO.
Malaria is transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes and remains preventable and curable. WHO identifies insecticide-treated mosquito nets as one of the key tools for preventing mosquito bites and reducing malaria transmission.
The development comes as Nigeria continues to bear a substantial share of the global malaria burden.
WHO estimates that 282 million malaria cases and 610,000 deaths occurred globally in 2024, with the African Region accounting for about 95 per cent of cases and deaths.
Nigeria accounted for 31.9 per cent of malaria deaths in the African Region in 2024, according to WHO.
Malaria is transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes and remains preventable and curable. WHO identifies insecticide-treated mosquito nets as one of the key tools for preventing mosquito bites and reducing malaria transmission.
New facility targets resistance
According to the ministry, the new facility is intended to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to produce essential malaria prevention commodities locally while addressing the growing challenge of resistance to insecticides.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, said the investment aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), particularly its focus on strengthening the country’s healthcare value chain through investment, local production and domestic capacity.
“This investment demonstrates what is possible when government policy, private-sector investment and technology transfer come together to unlock Nigeria’s healthcare value chain,” Mr Pate said.
He said the commencement of local production would strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to manufacture essential health products and contribute to a more resilient health system.
“About 80 employees have already been recruited and are undergoing training in manufacturing excellence, product quality, occupational health and safety, and regulatory compliance,” the ministry added.
According to the ministry, the establishment of the facility follows a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding between Vestergaard and the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), aimed at strengthening local production capacity for essential health products.
According to the ministry, the new facility is intended to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to produce essential malaria prevention commodities locally while addressing the growing challenge of resistance to insecticides.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, said the investment aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), particularly its focus on strengthening the country’s healthcare value chain through investment, local production and domestic capacity.
“This investment demonstrates what is possible when government policy, private-sector investment and technology transfer come together to unlock Nigeria’s healthcare value chain,” Mr Pate said.
He said the commencement of local production would strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to manufacture essential health products and contribute to a more resilient health system.
“About 80 employees have already been recruited and are undergoing training in manufacturing excellence, product quality, occupational health and safety, and regulatory compliance,” the ministry added.
According to the ministry, the establishment of the facility follows a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding between Vestergaard and the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), aimed at strengthening local production capacity for essential health products.
Benefits of facility
The National Coordinator of PVAC, Abdu Mukhtar, said the development demonstrates how investment, technology transfer and government policy can translate into productive capacity and skills development.
He said the training of Nigerian professionals and commencement of production represented the kind of outcome the initiative seeks to replicate across other areas of the healthcare value chain.
Vestergaard’s Chief Executive Officer, Amar Ali, said the company was pleased to commence production in Nigeria and thanked the federal government for its support.
Mr Ali said the facility would combine Vestergaard’s manufacturing expertise with “Nigerian talent to produce dual-active ingredient insecticide-treated nets locally.”
The ministry said the first commercial orders from the facility are expected to be fulfilled in the coming months.
It said domestic production would help expand Nigeria’s capacity to manufacture a critical malaria prevention commodity while strengthening the country’s healthcare value chain.
The National Coordinator of PVAC, Abdu Mukhtar, said the development demonstrates how investment, technology transfer and government policy can translate into productive capacity and skills development.
He said the training of Nigerian professionals and commencement of production represented the kind of outcome the initiative seeks to replicate across other areas of the healthcare value chain.
Vestergaard’s Chief Executive Officer, Amar Ali, said the company was pleased to commence production in Nigeria and thanked the federal government for its support.
Mr Ali said the facility would combine Vestergaard’s manufacturing expertise with “Nigerian talent to produce dual-active ingredient insecticide-treated nets locally.”
The ministry said the first commercial orders from the facility are expected to be fulfilled in the coming months.
It said domestic production would help expand Nigeria’s capacity to manufacture a critical malaria prevention commodity while strengthening the country’s healthcare value chain.
By Mariam Ileyemi, Premium Times
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Israel donates first batch of ambulances, medical equipment to Nigeria
The Israeli government has donated the first batch of ambulances, medical equipment, and wheelchairs to Nigeria at the Port of Ashdod.
A statement issued Tuesday by Nigerian Ambassador to Israel, Nkechi Ufochukwu, read that the donation was made by Israel’s national emergency medical service, Magen David Adom, on behalf of the Israeli Government and received by Nigeria’s Ambassador.
Speaking during the handover, Ambassador Ufochukwu expressed Nigeria’s gratitude for the timely intervention, stressing that the equipment will significantly strengthen the country’s healthcare delivery system and improve emergency response capacity, especially in underserved communities.
The consignment includes fully equipped ambulances, modern medical devices, and mobility aids such as wheelchairs, which are expected to be deployed to hospitals and emergency centers across Nigeria to support patient care and disaster response efforts.
The gesture, according to the ambassador, underscores the growing partnership between Nigeria and Israel in health, humanitarian aid, and technology transfer.
“The ambulances, for instance, represent more than vehicles or medical equipment; they represent time saved in critical moments of medical emergency. These gifts will support families and save lives. As they begin their journey from Israel to Nigeria, they carry with them a shared commitment to save lives irrespective of race or religion.
“It also reflects Israel’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to achieve universal health coverage and build a more resilient health system.
“We deeply appreciate Israel’s commitment to saving lives and deepening bilateral ties. This donation is a clear demonstration of friendship and solidarity between our two nations”, Ufochukwu stated.
A statement issued Tuesday by Nigerian Ambassador to Israel, Nkechi Ufochukwu, read that the donation was made by Israel’s national emergency medical service, Magen David Adom, on behalf of the Israeli Government and received by Nigeria’s Ambassador.
Speaking during the handover, Ambassador Ufochukwu expressed Nigeria’s gratitude for the timely intervention, stressing that the equipment will significantly strengthen the country’s healthcare delivery system and improve emergency response capacity, especially in underserved communities.
The consignment includes fully equipped ambulances, modern medical devices, and mobility aids such as wheelchairs, which are expected to be deployed to hospitals and emergency centers across Nigeria to support patient care and disaster response efforts.
The gesture, according to the ambassador, underscores the growing partnership between Nigeria and Israel in health, humanitarian aid, and technology transfer.
“The ambulances, for instance, represent more than vehicles or medical equipment; they represent time saved in critical moments of medical emergency. These gifts will support families and save lives. As they begin their journey from Israel to Nigeria, they carry with them a shared commitment to save lives irrespective of race or religion.
“It also reflects Israel’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to achieve universal health coverage and build a more resilient health system.
“We deeply appreciate Israel’s commitment to saving lives and deepening bilateral ties. This donation is a clear demonstration of friendship and solidarity between our two nations”, Ufochukwu stated.
By Bridget Chiedu Onochie, The Guardian
More than 50 children die in diphtheria outbreak in northwestern Nigeria
More than 50 children have died from a diphtheria outbreak in Rano Local Government Area of Nigeria’s northwestern Kano state, a state lawmaker said Tuesday, urging authorities to step up efforts to contain the disease.
Ibrahim Malami, who represents Rano Constituency in the Kano State House of Assembly, raised the alarm during a motion of urgent public importance, saying the outbreak had severely affected communities in Rurum Ward, including Rurum A, Rurum B and Sabuwar Kaura.
He said the local government’s medical department had launched emergency measures, while his office had provided medicines to support the response.
Malami called on Kano Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf and state health authorities to deploy additional medical personnel, medicines and other emergency assistance to the affected communities.
“We want to inform the Governor and the Commissioner for Health to send further emergency aid to the region because the disease has spread heavily in that area,” Malami said.
Another lawmaker, Usman Abubakar Tasiu, representing Kiru Constituency, warned that the outbreak had spread beyond Rano, with cases also reported in Kwanar Dangora, Garin Dangora and Yelwa communities in neighboring Kiru Local Government Area.
The state Assembly subsequently adopted a resolution urging immediate government intervention and tasked its health committee with coordinating with the state Health Ministry to ensure emergency measures are implemented in the affected areas.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can cause severe illness and death, particularly among unvaccinated children. Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention advises parents to ensure children receive the recommended three doses of the pentavalent vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age.
Nigeria has faced recurring diphtheria outbreaks in recent years, with Kano among the states hardest hit. The World Health Organization said Kano accounted for the majority of suspected cases during a major nationwide outbreak in 2023.
The latest deaths underscore ongoing challenges in vaccination coverage, disease surveillance and access to timely treatment as Nigerian authorities work to contain diphtheria outbreaks.
Ibrahim Malami, who represents Rano Constituency in the Kano State House of Assembly, raised the alarm during a motion of urgent public importance, saying the outbreak had severely affected communities in Rurum Ward, including Rurum A, Rurum B and Sabuwar Kaura.
He said the local government’s medical department had launched emergency measures, while his office had provided medicines to support the response.
Malami called on Kano Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf and state health authorities to deploy additional medical personnel, medicines and other emergency assistance to the affected communities.
“We want to inform the Governor and the Commissioner for Health to send further emergency aid to the region because the disease has spread heavily in that area,” Malami said.
Another lawmaker, Usman Abubakar Tasiu, representing Kiru Constituency, warned that the outbreak had spread beyond Rano, with cases also reported in Kwanar Dangora, Garin Dangora and Yelwa communities in neighboring Kiru Local Government Area.
The state Assembly subsequently adopted a resolution urging immediate government intervention and tasked its health committee with coordinating with the state Health Ministry to ensure emergency measures are implemented in the affected areas.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can cause severe illness and death, particularly among unvaccinated children. Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention advises parents to ensure children receive the recommended three doses of the pentavalent vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age.
Nigeria has faced recurring diphtheria outbreaks in recent years, with Kano among the states hardest hit. The World Health Organization said Kano accounted for the majority of suspected cases during a major nationwide outbreak in 2023.
The latest deaths underscore ongoing challenges in vaccination coverage, disease surveillance and access to timely treatment as Nigerian authorities work to contain diphtheria outbreaks.
By Kabir Adeniyi, AA
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Nigeria faces $159m humanitarian funding gap as needs worsen
The United Nations has warned that hundreds of thousands of vulnerable Nigerians could be left without life-saving assistance as the country’s humanitarian response faces a $159 million funding gap for the remainder of 2026.
The warning was issued in a statement on Wednesday by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, as the world marked World Humanitarian Day.
“Nigeria’s already hyper prioritised Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan still faces a $159 million funding gap for the remainder of the year, meaning that hundreds of thousands of people risk missing out on the lifesaving support they need,” he said.
Fall said millions of Nigerians are confronting worsening food insecurity, malnutrition and disease outbreaks, particularly during the current lean and rainy seasons, while humanitarian organisations are struggling with dwindling resources.
“Behind every statistic is a family struggling to survive, a child battling malnutrition, a mother seeking treatment for cholera, or a community trying to rebuild after years of crisis. On this World Humanitarian Day, let us #ActForHumanity and reaffirm our shared responsibility to protect those supporting the most vulnerable,” he added.
The Humanitarian Coordinator made the disclosure after leading members of the United Nations and Humanitarian Country Teams on a visit to nutrition and cholera treatment centres in Maiduguri, Borno State.
“I met humanitarian workers who continue to serve communities with extraordinary courage, dedication and compassion despite difficult and often dangerous conditions. We call for greater protection for these brave personnel so that they can do their critical work in safety,” he said.
According to Fall, the humanitarian response in the region reached almost 900,000 people in the first half of 2026, despite declining funding, as he said that the joint response has so far treated more than 55,000 cholera patients, while hygiene promotion activities have reached over one million people.
“Together, the government, health workers and humanitarian partners have treated more than 55,000 cholera patients, providing hygiene promotion services to over one million people and chlorinating in excess of 500 water points, giving communities access to safe drinking water. This collective work has helped drive the cholera case fatality rate down below emergency levels,” he said.
Fall, however, warned that humanitarian workers and critical infrastructure must be protected as the crisis continues.
“Humanitarian workers are not targets. hospitals, treatment centres, relief supplies, assistance convoys and civilian infrastructure must be protected,” he said, stressing that international humanitarian law must be respected by all parties at all times.
He added that when aid workers cannot safely reach communities, vulnerable women, men and children bear the consequences.
He disclosed that $135.5 million has already been distributed in 2026 through the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund and the Central Emergency Response Fund to respond to humanitarian emergencies, noting that additional funding was urgently required, with Nigeria’s already prioritised Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan still facing a $159 million shortfall.
The funding crisis comes amid a broader decline in international humanitarian financing, with the UN warning that current funding levels are only a fraction of what was available a few years ago.
He urged international donors, the Nigerian government, civil society organisations and the private sector to increase support to humanitarian operations, particularly as the country prepares to move towards a more locally led humanitarian response in 2027.
The ICIR reports that the World Humanitarian Day is observed annually on August 19 to honour humanitarian workers and raise awareness of the risks they face while providing life-saving assistance to people affected by conflict, disasters, disease outbreaks and other crises, highlighting the rights, dignity and survival of people caught up in humanitarian emergencies.
By Nanji Nandang, ICIR
The warning was issued in a statement on Wednesday by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, as the world marked World Humanitarian Day.
“Nigeria’s already hyper prioritised Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan still faces a $159 million funding gap for the remainder of the year, meaning that hundreds of thousands of people risk missing out on the lifesaving support they need,” he said.
Fall said millions of Nigerians are confronting worsening food insecurity, malnutrition and disease outbreaks, particularly during the current lean and rainy seasons, while humanitarian organisations are struggling with dwindling resources.
“Behind every statistic is a family struggling to survive, a child battling malnutrition, a mother seeking treatment for cholera, or a community trying to rebuild after years of crisis. On this World Humanitarian Day, let us #ActForHumanity and reaffirm our shared responsibility to protect those supporting the most vulnerable,” he added.
The Humanitarian Coordinator made the disclosure after leading members of the United Nations and Humanitarian Country Teams on a visit to nutrition and cholera treatment centres in Maiduguri, Borno State.
“I met humanitarian workers who continue to serve communities with extraordinary courage, dedication and compassion despite difficult and often dangerous conditions. We call for greater protection for these brave personnel so that they can do their critical work in safety,” he said.
According to Fall, the humanitarian response in the region reached almost 900,000 people in the first half of 2026, despite declining funding, as he said that the joint response has so far treated more than 55,000 cholera patients, while hygiene promotion activities have reached over one million people.
“Together, the government, health workers and humanitarian partners have treated more than 55,000 cholera patients, providing hygiene promotion services to over one million people and chlorinating in excess of 500 water points, giving communities access to safe drinking water. This collective work has helped drive the cholera case fatality rate down below emergency levels,” he said.
Fall, however, warned that humanitarian workers and critical infrastructure must be protected as the crisis continues.
“Humanitarian workers are not targets. hospitals, treatment centres, relief supplies, assistance convoys and civilian infrastructure must be protected,” he said, stressing that international humanitarian law must be respected by all parties at all times.
He added that when aid workers cannot safely reach communities, vulnerable women, men and children bear the consequences.
He disclosed that $135.5 million has already been distributed in 2026 through the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund and the Central Emergency Response Fund to respond to humanitarian emergencies, noting that additional funding was urgently required, with Nigeria’s already prioritised Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan still facing a $159 million shortfall.
The funding crisis comes amid a broader decline in international humanitarian financing, with the UN warning that current funding levels are only a fraction of what was available a few years ago.
He urged international donors, the Nigerian government, civil society organisations and the private sector to increase support to humanitarian operations, particularly as the country prepares to move towards a more locally led humanitarian response in 2027.
The ICIR reports that the World Humanitarian Day is observed annually on August 19 to honour humanitarian workers and raise awareness of the risks they face while providing life-saving assistance to people affected by conflict, disasters, disease outbreaks and other crises, highlighting the rights, dignity and survival of people caught up in humanitarian emergencies.
By Nanji Nandang, ICIR
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Nigeria launches first mental health policy tracker to monitor implementation of reforms
Nigeria has launched its first public-facing Mental Health Policy Commitment Tracker, a digital platform designed to independently monitor implementation of the country’s mental health laws and policies amid concerns over slow progress in carrying out key reforms.
Developed by advocacy organisation Nigerian Mental Health (NMH), the tracker was officially launched virtually on Monday after an initial public unveiling in May.
NMH announced the launch in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES.
According to the organisation, the platform enables policymakers, researchers, civil society organisations and members of the public to monitor progress on commitments under the National Mental Health Act and related policies, including mental health financing, workforce development, treatment access and state-level reforms.
By Fortune Eromonsele, Premium Times
Developed by advocacy organisation Nigerian Mental Health (NMH), the tracker was officially launched virtually on Monday after an initial public unveiling in May.
NMH announced the launch in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES.
According to the organisation, the platform enables policymakers, researchers, civil society organisations and members of the public to monitor progress on commitments under the National Mental Health Act and related policies, including mental health financing, workforce development, treatment access and state-level reforms.
Why the tracker matters
Late President Muhammadu Buhari signed the National Mental Health Bill into law in January 2023 after two failed legislative attempts dating back to 2003.
The legislation replaced the outdated Lunacy Act and marked a major shift in Nigeria’s approach to mental healthcare by strengthening the rights of people living with mental health conditions and providing for institutions such as a Department of Mental Health Services and a Mental Health Fund.
However, more than three years later, implementation of several provisions of the law has remained slow.
According to NMH, key institutional structures required under the Act, including the Department of Mental Health, have yet to be fully established.
The organisation also said the federal government missed its December 2025 target to fully decriminalise attempted suicide, while implementation of the 2023 National Mental Health Policy and the country’s first Suicide Prevention Policy Framework has been limited.
It said these implementation gaps informed the development of the tracker, which is intended to independently verify whether mental health commitments are being translated into concrete action.
Speaking at the launch, NMH founder Chime Asonye said policy commitments should be accompanied by measurable implementation.
“Visibility must be matched by measurable execution,” he said, adding that the platform is designed to ensure commitments lead to tangible legal, institutional and service delivery outcomes.
According to NMH, the tracker serves as a public dashboard that aggregates government data, legislative updates, budget documents, verified stakeholder submissions and community-reported evidence.
Each policy commitment is assigned an implementation status, such as “Not Started, In Progress, Delayed or Completed”, allowing users to monitor progress across the federal and state levels.
The platform tracks regulatory milestones under the National Mental Health Act, as well as governance structures, budget allocations, workforce capacity, access to treatment, affordability and broader rights-based reforms.
Late President Muhammadu Buhari signed the National Mental Health Bill into law in January 2023 after two failed legislative attempts dating back to 2003.
The legislation replaced the outdated Lunacy Act and marked a major shift in Nigeria’s approach to mental healthcare by strengthening the rights of people living with mental health conditions and providing for institutions such as a Department of Mental Health Services and a Mental Health Fund.
However, more than three years later, implementation of several provisions of the law has remained slow.
According to NMH, key institutional structures required under the Act, including the Department of Mental Health, have yet to be fully established.
The organisation also said the federal government missed its December 2025 target to fully decriminalise attempted suicide, while implementation of the 2023 National Mental Health Policy and the country’s first Suicide Prevention Policy Framework has been limited.
It said these implementation gaps informed the development of the tracker, which is intended to independently verify whether mental health commitments are being translated into concrete action.
Speaking at the launch, NMH founder Chime Asonye said policy commitments should be accompanied by measurable implementation.
“Visibility must be matched by measurable execution,” he said, adding that the platform is designed to ensure commitments lead to tangible legal, institutional and service delivery outcomes.
According to NMH, the tracker serves as a public dashboard that aggregates government data, legislative updates, budget documents, verified stakeholder submissions and community-reported evidence.
Each policy commitment is assigned an implementation status, such as “Not Started, In Progress, Delayed or Completed”, allowing users to monitor progress across the federal and state levels.
The platform tracks regulatory milestones under the National Mental Health Act, as well as governance structures, budget allocations, workforce capacity, access to treatment, affordability and broader rights-based reforms.
Stakeholders back initiative
The launch brought together government officials, policymakers, researchers, civil society organisations, development partners, media practitioners and representatives of the creative industry.
Among the organisations supporting the initiative are Lagos Mind, Mind Over Matters NG, Stilt NG, Our Beta Life, the Mental Health Transformation Organisation (MHT) and Hevolve Foundation.
Mental health advocate and musician Hadiza Blell-Olo, popularly known as Di’ja, urged public figures to move beyond raising awareness by supporting partnerships that strengthen mental health reforms, noting that the tracker provides a framework for improving policy accountability.
Also speaking, the National Mental Health Coordinator at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Tunde Ojo, said independent accountability mechanisms can help strengthen implementation and improve service delivery.
NMH said the platform is open to policymakers, practitioners, researchers and members of the public, who can submit verified implementation updates and feedback to improve transparency and support mental health reforms across the country.
The launch brought together government officials, policymakers, researchers, civil society organisations, development partners, media practitioners and representatives of the creative industry.
Among the organisations supporting the initiative are Lagos Mind, Mind Over Matters NG, Stilt NG, Our Beta Life, the Mental Health Transformation Organisation (MHT) and Hevolve Foundation.
Mental health advocate and musician Hadiza Blell-Olo, popularly known as Di’ja, urged public figures to move beyond raising awareness by supporting partnerships that strengthen mental health reforms, noting that the tracker provides a framework for improving policy accountability.
Also speaking, the National Mental Health Coordinator at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Tunde Ojo, said independent accountability mechanisms can help strengthen implementation and improve service delivery.
NMH said the platform is open to policymakers, practitioners, researchers and members of the public, who can submit verified implementation updates and feedback to improve transparency and support mental health reforms across the country.
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Video - AI startup in Nigeria works to preserve memories amid rising dementia cases
Across Africa, rising cases of dementia linked to aging populations and other factors are becoming a growing concern. In Nigeria, a startup is using artificial intelligence to help families preserve memories and cognitive patterns before they are lost, offering a new way to support people affected by memory decline.
Friday, June 19, 2026
Cholera death toll in northeast Nigeria rises to 90
At least 90 people have died and more than 12,000 others have been infected in a fast-spreading cholera outbreak in Nigeria's conflict-hit Borno state, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Thursday.
OCHA said aid agencies were scaling up treatment, surveillance and access to clean water to support government efforts to contain the outbreak.
A $4 million injection from OCHA-managed funds was bolstering the emergency response, but more resources were urgently needed to strengthen prevention and treatment, OCHA said.
By Ahmed Kingimi, Reuters
Death toll from the outbreak that began in early May rose from 74, with about 7,800 infections reported.
OCHA said aid agencies were scaling up treatment, surveillance and access to clean water to support government efforts to contain the outbreak.
A $4 million injection from OCHA-managed funds was bolstering the emergency response, but more resources were urgently needed to strengthen prevention and treatment, OCHA said.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Nigeria Lassa Fever Crisis Kills 191 Across 23 States
A severe and rapidly escalating outbreak of Lassa fever has claimed 191 lives across Nigeria since the start of the year, overwhelming regional treatment centers and exposing critical vulnerabilities in the nation's infectious disease surveillance networks. The surging death toll highlights a systemic failure to contain a preventable virus that continues to decimate rural and urban communities alike.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed on Wednesday that the viral hemorrhagic illness has now infiltrated 23 states across 106 local government areas. With the median age of victims hovering at 30, the epidemic is systematically striking down the nation's most productive demographic, triggering urgent calls for international medical intervention and sweeping structural reforms.
A Structural Healthcare Deficit
The primary driver of the soaring fatality rate is the late presentation of cases at medical facilities. Early symptoms of Lassa fever—including fever, general weakness, headache, and muscle pain—are frequently misdiagnosed as malaria or typhoid. By the time patients exhibit the definitive hemorrhagic symptoms, such as bleeding from the mouth, the virus has often caused irreversible organ damage.
Dr. Jide Idris, Director General of the NCDC, emphasized the lethal consequences of these diagnostic delays. Experts warn that the high cost of treatment and the sheer geographic distance to specialized clinical management centers deter impoverished citizens from seeking immediate care. The financial burden of intensive antiviral therapy can exceed KES 150,000 equivalent per patient, a catastrophic out-of-pocket expense for rural farming families.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed on Wednesday that the viral hemorrhagic illness has now infiltrated 23 states across 106 local government areas. With the median age of victims hovering at 30, the epidemic is systematically striking down the nation's most productive demographic, triggering urgent calls for international medical intervention and sweeping structural reforms.
The Numbers Behind the Crisis
The epidemiological data paints a grim picture of a public health apparatus under siege. In its latest situational report covering Epidemiological Week 18, the NCDC revealed that the case fatality rate has skyrocketed to 24.6 percent, a terrifying increase from the 19.2 percent recorded during the same period in 2025.
The geographic concentration of the virus is equally alarming. A staggering 84 percent of all confirmed infections are isolated within just five states: Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo, and Benue. Bauchi and Ondo alone account for 52 percent of the national caseload, transforming local hospitals into overwhelmed triage centers.
. Total Fatalities: 191 recorded deaths across 23 states in 2026.
. Case Fatality Rate: Surged to 24.6 percent, up from 19.2 percent the previous year.
. Demographic Impact: The 21–30 age group is the most heavily affected, with a median victim age of 30.
. Hotspot Zones: Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo, and Benue account for 84 percent of all infections.
The epidemiological data paints a grim picture of a public health apparatus under siege. In its latest situational report covering Epidemiological Week 18, the NCDC revealed that the case fatality rate has skyrocketed to 24.6 percent, a terrifying increase from the 19.2 percent recorded during the same period in 2025.
The geographic concentration of the virus is equally alarming. A staggering 84 percent of all confirmed infections are isolated within just five states: Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo, and Benue. Bauchi and Ondo alone account for 52 percent of the national caseload, transforming local hospitals into overwhelmed triage centers.
. Total Fatalities: 191 recorded deaths across 23 states in 2026.
. Case Fatality Rate: Surged to 24.6 percent, up from 19.2 percent the previous year.
. Demographic Impact: The 21–30 age group is the most heavily affected, with a median victim age of 30.
. Hotspot Zones: Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo, and Benue account for 84 percent of all infections.
The primary driver of the soaring fatality rate is the late presentation of cases at medical facilities. Early symptoms of Lassa fever—including fever, general weakness, headache, and muscle pain—are frequently misdiagnosed as malaria or typhoid. By the time patients exhibit the definitive hemorrhagic symptoms, such as bleeding from the mouth, the virus has often caused irreversible organ damage.
Dr. Jide Idris, Director General of the NCDC, emphasized the lethal consequences of these diagnostic delays. Experts warn that the high cost of treatment and the sheer geographic distance to specialized clinical management centers deter impoverished citizens from seeking immediate care. The financial burden of intensive antiviral therapy can exceed KES 150,000 equivalent per patient, a catastrophic out-of-pocket expense for rural farming families.
The Agricultural Vector
Lassa fever is primarily transmitted to humans through direct contact with the urine or feces of the infected multimammate rat. The deeply entrenched agricultural practices in Nigeria's middle belt and northern regions inadvertently create perfect breeding grounds for the rodents. Poor post-harvest storage allows rats to contaminate food supplies, bridging the species barrier.
Furthermore, climate change and erratic rainfall patterns are forcing rodent populations closer to human settlements in search of food. Without comprehensive environmental sanitation protocols and aggressive community education regarding safe grain storage, medical interventions remain purely reactive.
Voices From the Frontline
The crisis is taking a severe psychological and physical toll on healthcare professionals. The NCDC report confirmed that an additional healthcare worker contracted the disease during the latest reporting week, underscoring the lethal risks faced by frontline responders operating in under-equipped facilities.
Treatment centers in Owo and Irrua are stretched beyond capacity. Medical personnel report dire shortages of personal protective equipment and ribavirin, the primary antiviral drug used to treat the infection. The constant exposure to highly contagious bodily fluids without adequate biomedical safeguards threatens to precipitate an exodus of specialized infectious disease clinicians.
Lassa fever is primarily transmitted to humans through direct contact with the urine or feces of the infected multimammate rat. The deeply entrenched agricultural practices in Nigeria's middle belt and northern regions inadvertently create perfect breeding grounds for the rodents. Poor post-harvest storage allows rats to contaminate food supplies, bridging the species barrier.
Furthermore, climate change and erratic rainfall patterns are forcing rodent populations closer to human settlements in search of food. Without comprehensive environmental sanitation protocols and aggressive community education regarding safe grain storage, medical interventions remain purely reactive.
Voices From the Frontline
The crisis is taking a severe psychological and physical toll on healthcare professionals. The NCDC report confirmed that an additional healthcare worker contracted the disease during the latest reporting week, underscoring the lethal risks faced by frontline responders operating in under-equipped facilities.
Treatment centers in Owo and Irrua are stretched beyond capacity. Medical personnel report dire shortages of personal protective equipment and ribavirin, the primary antiviral drug used to treat the infection. The constant exposure to highly contagious bodily fluids without adequate biomedical safeguards threatens to precipitate an exodus of specialized infectious disease clinicians.
Global Implications
The Nigerian epidemic reverberates beyond West Africa. Lassa fever is classified by the World Health Organization as a priority pathogen with pandemic potential. The absence of a licensed vaccine means that containment relies entirely on isolation and rigorous contact tracing.
Global health organizations, including the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Médecins Sans Frontières, have deployed tactical teams to assist Nigerian authorities. However, relying on foreign medical non-governmental organizations to patch structural deficits in a sovereign nation's healthcare grid is ultimately unsustainable.
As the death toll approaches 200, the Nigerian government faces a stark imperative. Without immediate capital deployment to decentralize testing laboratories and subsidize antiviral treatments, Lassa fever will continue its silent, annual massacre of the nation's youth.
The Nigerian epidemic reverberates beyond West Africa. Lassa fever is classified by the World Health Organization as a priority pathogen with pandemic potential. The absence of a licensed vaccine means that containment relies entirely on isolation and rigorous contact tracing.
Global health organizations, including the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Médecins Sans Frontières, have deployed tactical teams to assist Nigerian authorities. However, relying on foreign medical non-governmental organizations to patch structural deficits in a sovereign nation's healthcare grid is ultimately unsustainable.
As the death toll approaches 200, the Nigerian government faces a stark imperative. Without immediate capital deployment to decentralize testing laboratories and subsidize antiviral treatments, Lassa fever will continue its silent, annual massacre of the nation's youth.
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Nigeria intensifies surveillance as Ebola outbreak spreads in Central Africa
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has stepped up surveillance and emergency response following an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and a confirmed imported case in Uganda.
Although Nigeria has recorded no confirmed case of Ebola, NCDC emphasised that it is maintaining heightened vigilance due to increasing regional mobility and the risk of cross-border transmission.
In a public health advisory signed by NCDC Director-General Jide Idris, the agency said it is closely monitoring developments in affected countries and coordinating preparedness efforts with the Port Health Services and other stakeholders.
“Response activities are ongoing in affected areas, and we are ensuring continued vigilance within Nigeria’s public health system,” Mr Idris said.
Highlighting preparedness measures that have been activated, Mr Idris said NCDC had strengthened nationwide surveillance systems for Ebola and other epidemic-prone diseases, while intensifying event-based monitoring and coordination with state health authorities.
Other measures include enhancing laboratory and diagnostic readiness, strengthening infection prevention and control awareness in healthcare settings, and expanding community engagement and public risk communication.
He further said the agency is closely tracking global and regional developments to ensure a rapid response if the situation changes.
Although Nigeria has recorded no confirmed case of Ebola, NCDC emphasised that it is maintaining heightened vigilance due to increasing regional mobility and the risk of cross-border transmission.
In a public health advisory signed by NCDC Director-General Jide Idris, the agency said it is closely monitoring developments in affected countries and coordinating preparedness efforts with the Port Health Services and other stakeholders.
“Response activities are ongoing in affected areas, and we are ensuring continued vigilance within Nigeria’s public health system,” Mr Idris said.
Highlighting preparedness measures that have been activated, Mr Idris said NCDC had strengthened nationwide surveillance systems for Ebola and other epidemic-prone diseases, while intensifying event-based monitoring and coordination with state health authorities.
Other measures include enhancing laboratory and diagnostic readiness, strengthening infection prevention and control awareness in healthcare settings, and expanding community engagement and public risk communication.
He further said the agency is closely tracking global and regional developments to ensure a rapid response if the situation changes.
Ebola Virus Disease
Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal viral infection transmitted through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids or contaminated materials of infected persons or animals.
According to the NCDC, the disease has an incubation period ranging from two to 21 days.
It typically begins with symptoms such as fever, weakness, headache, muscle pain and sore throat before progressing to vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, unexplained bleeding.
The director-general warned that early detection and isolation are critical in preventing outbreaks from escalating.
Mr Idris advised healthcare workers across the country to maintain a high index of suspicion for Ebola in patients presenting symptoms consistent with the disease, particularly those with recent travel or exposure history linked to affected areas.
He urged medical personnel to strictly adhere to infection prevention protocols, including hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, early isolation of suspected cases and prompt reporting through established surveillance channels.
Mr Idris appealed to Nigerians to avoid panic or the spread of misinformation, stressing that there is currently no confirmed Ebola case in the country.
“Residents are advised to maintain regular hand hygiene, avoid contact with bodily fluids of sick persons and refrain from handling dead animals or bushmeat from unknown sources.”
He also encouraged members of the public to promptly report unusual illnesses to health facilities and rely only on verified information from official public health authorities.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the latest alert has renewed concerns about the potential regional spread, particularly in countries with high levels of border movement and trade.
Nigeria’s extensive travel connections and large population make preparedness essential, especially given the country’s previous experience managing Ebola outbreaks.
Nigeria was internationally praised for containing the 2014 Ebola outbreak after swift tracing and isolation measures prevented widespread transmission following the arrival of an infected traveller from Liberia.
NAN reports that the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo virus in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), warning of significant regional and global risks.
The decision, announced on 16 May by the WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus under the International Health Regulations (2005), follows rising infections and deaths, alongside evidence of cross-border transmission.
However, the organisation clarified that the situation did not yet meet the threshold for a pandemic emergency.
Data from WHO showed that as of 16 May, eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected infections, and 80 suspected deaths have been recorded in Ituri Province in eastern DR Congo.
The affected areas include Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu, where clusters of unexplained community deaths have raised alarm.
In Uganda, two confirmed cases, including one fatality, were reported in the capital, Kampala, within 24 hours of each other.
Both individuals had recently travelled from DR Congo, marking a confirmed international spread of the virus.
Unlike other strains of Ebola, there are currently no approved vaccines or targeted treatments for the Bundibugyo variant, raising concerns among global health authorities.
Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal viral infection transmitted through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids or contaminated materials of infected persons or animals.
According to the NCDC, the disease has an incubation period ranging from two to 21 days.
It typically begins with symptoms such as fever, weakness, headache, muscle pain and sore throat before progressing to vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, unexplained bleeding.
The director-general warned that early detection and isolation are critical in preventing outbreaks from escalating.
Mr Idris advised healthcare workers across the country to maintain a high index of suspicion for Ebola in patients presenting symptoms consistent with the disease, particularly those with recent travel or exposure history linked to affected areas.
He urged medical personnel to strictly adhere to infection prevention protocols, including hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, early isolation of suspected cases and prompt reporting through established surveillance channels.
Mr Idris appealed to Nigerians to avoid panic or the spread of misinformation, stressing that there is currently no confirmed Ebola case in the country.
“Residents are advised to maintain regular hand hygiene, avoid contact with bodily fluids of sick persons and refrain from handling dead animals or bushmeat from unknown sources.”
He also encouraged members of the public to promptly report unusual illnesses to health facilities and rely only on verified information from official public health authorities.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the latest alert has renewed concerns about the potential regional spread, particularly in countries with high levels of border movement and trade.
Nigeria’s extensive travel connections and large population make preparedness essential, especially given the country’s previous experience managing Ebola outbreaks.
Nigeria was internationally praised for containing the 2014 Ebola outbreak after swift tracing and isolation measures prevented widespread transmission following the arrival of an infected traveller from Liberia.
NAN reports that the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo virus in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), warning of significant regional and global risks.
The decision, announced on 16 May by the WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus under the International Health Regulations (2005), follows rising infections and deaths, alongside evidence of cross-border transmission.
However, the organisation clarified that the situation did not yet meet the threshold for a pandemic emergency.
Data from WHO showed that as of 16 May, eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected infections, and 80 suspected deaths have been recorded in Ituri Province in eastern DR Congo.
The affected areas include Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu, where clusters of unexplained community deaths have raised alarm.
In Uganda, two confirmed cases, including one fatality, were reported in the capital, Kampala, within 24 hours of each other.
Both individuals had recently travelled from DR Congo, marking a confirmed international spread of the virus.
Unlike other strains of Ebola, there are currently no approved vaccines or targeted treatments for the Bundibugyo variant, raising concerns among global health authorities.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Why condoms, safe sex may soon cost more in Nigeria
Karex BhD, the Malaysian company described as the world’s largest condom maker, announced plans to raise condom prices. The company’s chief executive officer, Goh Miah Kiat, stated that the hike, between 20% and 30%, is in response to rising production and logistics costs caused by the Iran conflict.
The war between the United States (US), Israel and Iran, which came to a head in February 2026, has affected the global supply and transport of basic goods for the manufacturing sector, among other impacts.
The geopolitical instability in the Persian Gulf has gone beyond dominating international news, with several basic essentials in the manufacturing sector becoming luxury items.
Nigerian retailers and buyers, unaware of the war’s impact on the global economy, will largely blame local inflation, which stood at 15.38% as of March 2026, up from 15.06% the previous month.
Advocates of safe sex and healthcare should brace for a slight hit in their mission as condoms, one of the most common contraceptives, are about to experience a price hike. The expected development threatens a drop in usage rates, likely leading to unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
DUBAWA, in this explainer, analysed the direct link between instability in the Middle East and local healthcare costs in Nigeria, showing how a distant conflict threatens Nigerians’ health security.
By Amarachi Onwuzulike and Phillip Anjorin, dubawa
The war between the United States (US), Israel and Iran, which came to a head in February 2026, has affected the global supply and transport of basic goods for the manufacturing sector, among other impacts.
The geopolitical instability in the Persian Gulf has gone beyond dominating international news, with several basic essentials in the manufacturing sector becoming luxury items.
Nigerian retailers and buyers, unaware of the war’s impact on the global economy, will largely blame local inflation, which stood at 15.38% as of March 2026, up from 15.06% the previous month.
Advocates of safe sex and healthcare should brace for a slight hit in their mission as condoms, one of the most common contraceptives, are about to experience a price hike. The expected development threatens a drop in usage rates, likely leading to unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
DUBAWA, in this explainer, analysed the direct link between instability in the Middle East and local healthcare costs in Nigeria, showing how a distant conflict threatens Nigerians’ health security.
The Nigerian dilemma
Structural dependence on the outside world had already weakened the nation’s sexual healthcare efforts even before the Iran war.
The foreign exchange market’s volatility and the donor support system, which had started to fade as early as 2025, made the looming condom price increase hit harder. The January 2025 executive order signed by Donald Trump, America’s current president, was intended to reevaluate US foreign aid.
However, it led to a massive pause and eventual cut of over $40 billion in support for the global healthcare landscape. The US Agency for International Development (USAID), which used to be a primary supplier of contraceptives in Nigeria, had ceased to exist as an active funding entity. The Global Fund, which also provides grants and support for national responses to HIV, malaria and tuberculosis (TB) in low- and middle-income countries, reduced its 2024-2026 grant cycle by $1.4 billion. The drop forced many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the affected countries, including Nigeria, to pause the distribution of contraceptives.
Condoms, in the production process, require petroleum derivatives like dimethicone, BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), and naphthalene, among others, to lubricate and preserve the product’s lifespan. The ongoing Iran war, which led to the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, disrupted the steady flow of crude oil and liquified natural gas (LNG) globally. The logistical hurdles of these petrochemical products complicated the manufacturing dilemma faced by condom-making companies.
As a non-manufacturing country, Nigerians bear the brunt of the landing costs and other related expenses associated with imported products. Any factory price increase from manufacturing countries affects costs in the Nigerian market. Considering the unstable exchange rates and the healthcare inflation, which jumped to 30.35% in January 2026, safe sex may end up becoming a luxury too high for a youth population facing a high unemployment rate.
Structural dependence on the outside world had already weakened the nation’s sexual healthcare efforts even before the Iran war.
The foreign exchange market’s volatility and the donor support system, which had started to fade as early as 2025, made the looming condom price increase hit harder. The January 2025 executive order signed by Donald Trump, America’s current president, was intended to reevaluate US foreign aid.
However, it led to a massive pause and eventual cut of over $40 billion in support for the global healthcare landscape. The US Agency for International Development (USAID), which used to be a primary supplier of contraceptives in Nigeria, had ceased to exist as an active funding entity. The Global Fund, which also provides grants and support for national responses to HIV, malaria and tuberculosis (TB) in low- and middle-income countries, reduced its 2024-2026 grant cycle by $1.4 billion. The drop forced many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the affected countries, including Nigeria, to pause the distribution of contraceptives.
Condoms, in the production process, require petroleum derivatives like dimethicone, BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), and naphthalene, among others, to lubricate and preserve the product’s lifespan. The ongoing Iran war, which led to the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, disrupted the steady flow of crude oil and liquified natural gas (LNG) globally. The logistical hurdles of these petrochemical products complicated the manufacturing dilemma faced by condom-making companies.
As a non-manufacturing country, Nigerians bear the brunt of the landing costs and other related expenses associated with imported products. Any factory price increase from manufacturing countries affects costs in the Nigerian market. Considering the unstable exchange rates and the healthcare inflation, which jumped to 30.35% in January 2026, safe sex may end up becoming a luxury too high for a youth population facing a high unemployment rate.
Risk to public health
To further assess the potential risks to public health, DUBAWA sought the opinions of medical experts on how rising condom prices and reduced access could affect disease prevention, sexual health behaviours, and the capacity of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
We spoke to Okolo Patrick, a clinical microbiologist at Edo State University Iyamho Teaching Hospital, on the potential impact of rising condom prices and reduced access. He explained that, from a clinical and public health perspective, such changes would likely lead to a measurable increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, as well as unintended pregnancies in Nigeria.
According to him, condoms remain a primary and affordable prevention tool. When they become less accessible due to higher costs or limited supply, individuals are more likely to engage in unprotected sex, increasing the risk of transmitting infections such as HIV, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia. He added that even a slight decline in condom use across a population can significantly raise transmission rates over time, particularly in communities where infection rates are already high.
He noted that young people and low-income populations are especially vulnerable, as they often depend on free or subsidised condoms and may struggle to afford alternatives. This, combined with limited access to sexual health information and services, can worsen outcomes and lead to delayed treatment.
On how cost barriers affect behaviour, Okolo stated that rising prices influence not just access but also usage patterns. He explained that higher costs can reduce demand and even affect supply, while also pushing individuals toward risky practices such as reusing condoms or abandoning protection altogether.
DUBAWA also spoke with Andrew Edo, a Professor of Medicine and Consultant Endocrinologist at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, on the broader health system implications.
Responding to concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare capacity, he noted that a decline in condom use could place significant strain on the system. According to him, condoms remain one of the most affordable and widely accessible forms of protection, and any reduction in their availability or use would likely lead to an increase in cases of STIs and unplanned pregnancies.
He explained that such a rise would not only increase the burden on already stretched health facilities but could also undermine the effectiveness of ongoing public health interventions. More patients would require testing, treatment, and long-term care, particularly in the case of HIV, which demands sustained medical support.
Edo added that this trend could reverse the progress made over the years in HIV prevention, STI control, and reproductive health, especially if preventive measures become less accessible to vulnerable populations.
To further assess the potential risks to public health, DUBAWA sought the opinions of medical experts on how rising condom prices and reduced access could affect disease prevention, sexual health behaviours, and the capacity of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
We spoke to Okolo Patrick, a clinical microbiologist at Edo State University Iyamho Teaching Hospital, on the potential impact of rising condom prices and reduced access. He explained that, from a clinical and public health perspective, such changes would likely lead to a measurable increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, as well as unintended pregnancies in Nigeria.
According to him, condoms remain a primary and affordable prevention tool. When they become less accessible due to higher costs or limited supply, individuals are more likely to engage in unprotected sex, increasing the risk of transmitting infections such as HIV, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia. He added that even a slight decline in condom use across a population can significantly raise transmission rates over time, particularly in communities where infection rates are already high.
He noted that young people and low-income populations are especially vulnerable, as they often depend on free or subsidised condoms and may struggle to afford alternatives. This, combined with limited access to sexual health information and services, can worsen outcomes and lead to delayed treatment.
On how cost barriers affect behaviour, Okolo stated that rising prices influence not just access but also usage patterns. He explained that higher costs can reduce demand and even affect supply, while also pushing individuals toward risky practices such as reusing condoms or abandoning protection altogether.
DUBAWA also spoke with Andrew Edo, a Professor of Medicine and Consultant Endocrinologist at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, on the broader health system implications.
Responding to concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare capacity, he noted that a decline in condom use could place significant strain on the system. According to him, condoms remain one of the most affordable and widely accessible forms of protection, and any reduction in their availability or use would likely lead to an increase in cases of STIs and unplanned pregnancies.
He explained that such a rise would not only increase the burden on already stretched health facilities but could also undermine the effectiveness of ongoing public health interventions. More patients would require testing, treatment, and long-term care, particularly in the case of HIV, which demands sustained medical support.
Edo added that this trend could reverse the progress made over the years in HIV prevention, STI control, and reproductive health, especially if preventive measures become less accessible to vulnerable populations.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Nigeria races to contain deadly meningitis outbreak
As Nigeria’s dry season peaks, health authorities have placed 11 states on high alert. Despite years of vaccination campaigns, meningitis continues to claim lives. A new vaccine offers hope — but is it enough to finally break the cycle?
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Fresh COVID-19 case reported in Nigeria
The Government of Cross River State has reported an occurrence of COVID-19 in the state, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.
Henry Ayuk, the state’s Commissioner for Health, made the announcement at a news conference on Tuesday in Calabar.
According to him, the fresh case involved a Chinese national, who worked with Lafarge and flew into the country on 17 March, before taking ill.
The commissioner stated that the Chinese’ case became worse at the medical facility of his office and had to be taken to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).
He explained that at the UCTH, his samples were taken and all protocols followed; it was subsequently confirmed that he had symptoms of COVID-19.
“We are, however, happy to report that he is doing well,” the commissioner said.
Mr Ayuk, a medical doctor, asserted that the Ministry of Health had, however, been repositioned by the current administration, to handle and manage any situation – diseases or epidemic outbreaks.
According to him, unfortunately, there have been silent infections and clear cases from time to time.
“But we are determined that for every ailment, every disease or outbreak, if it is identified here in the state, there should be no alarm.
“The state will do well in terms of surveillance or containment of an outbreak. Whatever it is, we will do our best to contain it. So, there is no alarm.
“When this case was reported in about three or four days ago, we decided to be careful to confirm and ensure that the processes involved with identifying and confirming every case of COVID-19, are duly followed.
“The protocols have been followed and confirmed that a 53-year-old Chinese who work in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state has COVID-19,” he said.
On her part, Inyang Ekpenyong, the state epidemiologist, announced that in response to the case, the state emergency response unit had been activated.
She, however, noted that there was currently an ongoing contact tracing and line listing of those the Chinese may have been in contact with.
While noting the last case of confirmed case of COVID-19 in Cross River to be in 2022, the epidemiologist, however, feared that the Chinese may have contacted the virus here in Nigeria.
“The incubation period for this virus is usually between two to 14 days, but the Chinese flew into Nigeria from China on 17 March and started developing the symptoms on 10 April.
“This is well beyond the 14 days incubation period. Like I said, we are doing the line listing of those he may have come in contact with, as part of our containment efforts.
“We have also activated the emergency response center and deployed rapid response teams to Akamkpa, where the victim works.
“There is no way we can stop this disease, but we can stop the disease outbreak.
“It will be wrong not to contain or manage it by ensuring that people do not die,” she stated.
Similarly, Yewande Olatunde, a medical doctor and the World Health Organisation coordinator in Cross River, stated that the disease was still around.
“We must explore all preventive measures to protect ourselves.” she stressed.
Henry Ayuk, the state’s Commissioner for Health, made the announcement at a news conference on Tuesday in Calabar.
According to him, the fresh case involved a Chinese national, who worked with Lafarge and flew into the country on 17 March, before taking ill.
The commissioner stated that the Chinese’ case became worse at the medical facility of his office and had to be taken to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).
He explained that at the UCTH, his samples were taken and all protocols followed; it was subsequently confirmed that he had symptoms of COVID-19.
“We are, however, happy to report that he is doing well,” the commissioner said.
Mr Ayuk, a medical doctor, asserted that the Ministry of Health had, however, been repositioned by the current administration, to handle and manage any situation – diseases or epidemic outbreaks.
According to him, unfortunately, there have been silent infections and clear cases from time to time.
“But we are determined that for every ailment, every disease or outbreak, if it is identified here in the state, there should be no alarm.
“The state will do well in terms of surveillance or containment of an outbreak. Whatever it is, we will do our best to contain it. So, there is no alarm.
“When this case was reported in about three or four days ago, we decided to be careful to confirm and ensure that the processes involved with identifying and confirming every case of COVID-19, are duly followed.
“The protocols have been followed and confirmed that a 53-year-old Chinese who work in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state has COVID-19,” he said.
On her part, Inyang Ekpenyong, the state epidemiologist, announced that in response to the case, the state emergency response unit had been activated.
She, however, noted that there was currently an ongoing contact tracing and line listing of those the Chinese may have been in contact with.
While noting the last case of confirmed case of COVID-19 in Cross River to be in 2022, the epidemiologist, however, feared that the Chinese may have contacted the virus here in Nigeria.
“The incubation period for this virus is usually between two to 14 days, but the Chinese flew into Nigeria from China on 17 March and started developing the symptoms on 10 April.
“This is well beyond the 14 days incubation period. Like I said, we are doing the line listing of those he may have come in contact with, as part of our containment efforts.
“We have also activated the emergency response center and deployed rapid response teams to Akamkpa, where the victim works.
“There is no way we can stop this disease, but we can stop the disease outbreak.
“It will be wrong not to contain or manage it by ensuring that people do not die,” she stated.
Similarly, Yewande Olatunde, a medical doctor and the World Health Organisation coordinator in Cross River, stated that the disease was still around.
“We must explore all preventive measures to protect ourselves.” she stressed.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Women at the frontline of Nigeria’s disease detection and response
Women are at the frontline of Nigeria’s disease detection and response. Their work drives faster reporting, higher vaccination coverage and stronger trust between communities and health services.
“When my son developed a rash, I was scared,” says Hauwa Mohammed, a mother from Angwan Gangaran Tudu in Keffi, Nasarawa State. “But the women health workers came to our home, explained what to do and helped us get care quickly.”
Her experience reflects what is happening across many parts of Nigeria. When health threats emerge, women are often the first to respond. They support families, counter misinformation and connect communities to care.
The response also showed how investing in women strengthens routine systems, not only emergency response.
“When women are trained and trusted at the community level, the results are clear,” said Dr Zeenat Kabir Asma’i, World Health Organization (WHO) North Central Zonal Coordinator. “We see earlier case detection, higher vaccination uptake and better follow‑up with families. These are not short‑term gains. They improve how the health system works every day.”
During the recent measles response in Nasarawa State, women mobilisers supported surveillance teams to reach households early.
Outputs included:
Before the intervention, measles reporting in the affected local government area followed a three‑year trend: 22 cases in 2023, 24 in 2024 and 17 in 2025 . After the women‑led response, reported cases declined further.
WHO supported the response with technical guidance, training and supplies, while the Government of Nigeria led implementation through state and local health authorities, ensuring national ownership and alignment with public health priorities.
“Women contribute as community volunteers, health professionals and programme leaders,” said Dr Pavel Ursu, WHO Representative in Nigeria. “When women are supported to lead, health services become more responsive to the people they serve.”
Dr Grace Amos Tsakpa, State Epidemiologist, Ministry of Health, Nasarawa State, added:
“Strengthening women’s leadership is not only a matter of equity. It is essential for building a resilient health system that serves every community.”
A growing impact across Nigeria
From community volunteers in Borno to surveillance officers in Kano and midwives in Rivers State, women are strengthening disease surveillance, improving vaccination uptake and building confidence in health services, including in conflict‑affected and hard‑to‑reach settings.
Back in Angwan Gangaran Tudu, families say they feel better prepared.
“Now we know what to look for, and we report quickly,” Hauwa Mohammed says. “The women health workers helped us protect our children.”
What needs to happen next
Nigeria has made progress, but gaps remain in women’s access to leadership roles, training and career advancement.
A clear call to action:For policymakers: Invest in women’s leadership across the health workforce
For partners and donors: Support gender‑responsive health systems and community‑based surveillance
For communities: Continue early reporting and ensure children receive routine immunization
Women are not only delivering health services in Nigeria. They are shaping stronger, faster and more trusted responses that protect families and save lives.
“When my son developed a rash, I was scared,” says Hauwa Mohammed, a mother from Angwan Gangaran Tudu in Keffi, Nasarawa State. “But the women health workers came to our home, explained what to do and helped us get care quickly.”
Her experience reflects what is happening across many parts of Nigeria. When health threats emerge, women are often the first to respond. They support families, counter misinformation and connect communities to care.
Women protecting children during a measles outbreak
When measles cases began to surface in Angwan Gangaran Tudu, concern spread quickly among caregivers. Measles remains one of the leading causes of vaccine‑preventable child mortality in Nigeria, particularly among children who miss routine
Women health workers mobilised immediately. They went door to door to share accurate information, encourage early reporting of symptoms and explain when and where to seek care. Their actions helped families act early and supported wider outbreak containment efforts.
Across Nigeria, women form many frontline health workers involved in maternal, newborn and child health services . They provide essential care in clinics, laboratories, emergency operations centres and rural communities, supporting national priorities under the National Strategic Health Development Plan II and National Primary Health Care Development Agency programmes.
Serving a population of around 220 million people , Nigeria’s health system relies heavily on trusted community health workers, many of whom are women, especially in rural and hard‑to‑reach settings.
When measles cases began to surface in Angwan Gangaran Tudu, concern spread quickly among caregivers. Measles remains one of the leading causes of vaccine‑preventable child mortality in Nigeria, particularly among children who miss routine
Women health workers mobilised immediately. They went door to door to share accurate information, encourage early reporting of symptoms and explain when and where to seek care. Their actions helped families act early and supported wider outbreak containment efforts.
Across Nigeria, women form many frontline health workers involved in maternal, newborn and child health services . They provide essential care in clinics, laboratories, emergency operations centres and rural communities, supporting national priorities under the National Strategic Health Development Plan II and National Primary Health Care Development Agency programmes.
Serving a population of around 220 million people , Nigeria’s health system relies heavily on trusted community health workers, many of whom are women, especially in rural and hard‑to‑reach settings.
From community action to measurable results
The response also showed how investing in women strengthens routine systems, not only emergency response.
“When women are trained and trusted at the community level, the results are clear,” said Dr Zeenat Kabir Asma’i, World Health Organization (WHO) North Central Zonal Coordinator. “We see earlier case detection, higher vaccination uptake and better follow‑up with families. These are not short‑term gains. They improve how the health system works every day.”
During the recent measles response in Nasarawa State, women mobilisers supported surveillance teams to reach households early.
Outputs included:
. 76 500 doses of measles vaccines delivered
. 11 cold chain units deployed
. Five health facilities supported to strengthen routine immunisation and reporting
. A vaccination workforce made up of 78 percent women
These outputs led to outcomes:
. 11 cold chain units deployed
. Five health facilities supported to strengthen routine immunisation and reporting
. A vaccination workforce made up of 78 percent women
These outputs led to outcomes:
. Vaccination coverage increased from 60 percent to 97 percent in targeted communities
. Faster reporting of suspected cases
. Fewer non‑compliant households
. Stronger trust between caregivers and health workers
At Angwan Waje Primary Health Care facility, community health worker Jamila Musa Zakari identified suspected measles cases and referred them for documentation. Women volunteers used immunisation sessions, antenatal clinics, home visits and community announcements to address rumours that had previously delayed care‑seeking.
“When we visit homes, mothers listen to us because we understand their worries,” says Hauwa Nasir, a community volunteer vaccinator. “We explain how early reporting protects their children.”
Some settlements, including Karama, initially resisted vaccination, particularly among nomadic families who had migrated from Zamfara, Sokoto and Katsina States. Many households prioritised food and basic needs over health services. Women volunteers worked with village heads and fathers to address concerns, improving vaccine acceptance.
Women’s leadership strengthens health systems
. Faster reporting of suspected cases
. Fewer non‑compliant households
. Stronger trust between caregivers and health workers
At Angwan Waje Primary Health Care facility, community health worker Jamila Musa Zakari identified suspected measles cases and referred them for documentation. Women volunteers used immunisation sessions, antenatal clinics, home visits and community announcements to address rumours that had previously delayed care‑seeking.
“When we visit homes, mothers listen to us because we understand their worries,” says Hauwa Nasir, a community volunteer vaccinator. “We explain how early reporting protects their children.”
Some settlements, including Karama, initially resisted vaccination, particularly among nomadic families who had migrated from Zamfara, Sokoto and Katsina States. Many households prioritised food and basic needs over health services. Women volunteers worked with village heads and fathers to address concerns, improving vaccine acceptance.
Women’s leadership strengthens health systems
Before the intervention, measles reporting in the affected local government area followed a three‑year trend: 22 cases in 2023, 24 in 2024 and 17 in 2025 . After the women‑led response, reported cases declined further.
WHO supported the response with technical guidance, training and supplies, while the Government of Nigeria led implementation through state and local health authorities, ensuring national ownership and alignment with public health priorities.
“Women contribute as community volunteers, health professionals and programme leaders,” said Dr Pavel Ursu, WHO Representative in Nigeria. “When women are supported to lead, health services become more responsive to the people they serve.”
Dr Grace Amos Tsakpa, State Epidemiologist, Ministry of Health, Nasarawa State, added:
“Strengthening women’s leadership is not only a matter of equity. It is essential for building a resilient health system that serves every community.”
A growing impact across Nigeria
From community volunteers in Borno to surveillance officers in Kano and midwives in Rivers State, women are strengthening disease surveillance, improving vaccination uptake and building confidence in health services, including in conflict‑affected and hard‑to‑reach settings.
Back in Angwan Gangaran Tudu, families say they feel better prepared.
“Now we know what to look for, and we report quickly,” Hauwa Mohammed says. “The women health workers helped us protect our children.”
What needs to happen next
Nigeria has made progress, but gaps remain in women’s access to leadership roles, training and career advancement.
A clear call to action:For policymakers: Invest in women’s leadership across the health workforce
For partners and donors: Support gender‑responsive health systems and community‑based surveillance
For communities: Continue early reporting and ensure children receive routine immunization
Women are not only delivering health services in Nigeria. They are shaping stronger, faster and more trusted responses that protect families and save lives.
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Nigeria imports 70% of its medicines – why local manufacturing doesn’t meet demand
Nigeria imports at least 70 per cent of its medicines. This is striking for a country of over 230 million people and at least 120 active pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Domestic manufacturing is largely concentrated in lower-end medicines that require relatively simple production processes. The more complex and higher-value pharmaceutical products continue to be imported.
This pattern has persisted for decades. It reflects two things. First is the limited impact of policies aimed at reducing import dependence. The other is the entrenched interests across pharmaceutical companies. An incentive structure that favours imports over local production.
I recently completed my doctorate studies focusing on the political economy of pharmaceutical manufacturing in Nigeria, with comparisons to Uganda, Bangladesh and India. My research looked at how the industry had evolved and analysed how the distribution of organisational power and manufacturing capabilities has made it difficult for reforms to work.
I found that policy interventions have largely failed because weak institutions cannot influence manufacturers to expand their production capabilties.
The biggest obstacles stem from how power and benefits are distributed across political, bureaucratic and pharmaceutical actors.
Any policy that does not fully take this into account will likely be resisted.
Nigerian manufacturers face:
By Efefiom Kofon, ICIR
Domestic manufacturing is largely concentrated in lower-end medicines that require relatively simple production processes. The more complex and higher-value pharmaceutical products continue to be imported.
This pattern has persisted for decades. It reflects two things. First is the limited impact of policies aimed at reducing import dependence. The other is the entrenched interests across pharmaceutical companies. An incentive structure that favours imports over local production.
I recently completed my doctorate studies focusing on the political economy of pharmaceutical manufacturing in Nigeria, with comparisons to Uganda, Bangladesh and India. My research looked at how the industry had evolved and analysed how the distribution of organisational power and manufacturing capabilities has made it difficult for reforms to work.
I found that policy interventions have largely failed because weak institutions cannot influence manufacturers to expand their production capabilties.
The biggest obstacles stem from how power and benefits are distributed across political, bureaucratic and pharmaceutical actors.
Any policy that does not fully take this into account will likely be resisted.
Factors militating against Nigerian manufacturers
Nigerian manufacturers face:
. a lack of protection and incentives to produce certain medicines
. high levels of imports of finished medicines
. pressure to import as well as manufacture
. low manufacturing capabilities.
. high levels of imports of finished medicines
. pressure to import as well as manufacture
. low manufacturing capabilities.
Weak incentive structure:
The first policy to specifically support domestic manufacturers of medicines was introduced in 2005, when the Nigerian government restricted the importation of 17 lower-end medicines. The prohibited medicines included paracetamol, aspirin and metronidazole (antibiotic) tablets.
The protectionist policy has not been expanded since then. So manufacturers have no incentive to invest in technological upgrading to make more complex medicines.
The first policy to specifically support domestic manufacturers of medicines was introduced in 2005, when the Nigerian government restricted the importation of 17 lower-end medicines. The prohibited medicines included paracetamol, aspirin and metronidazole (antibiotic) tablets.
The protectionist policy has not been expanded since then. So manufacturers have no incentive to invest in technological upgrading to make more complex medicines.
Importation of finished medicines:
At least 100 manufacturers also import medicines – including some that are produced locally. In some cases, manufacturers both produce and import the same medicine, marketing them under different brand names.
Two medicines illustrate this. The antibiotic ciprofloxacin (tablet form) is currently imported by at least 93 registered pharmaceutical companies, even though 21 domestic producers make it too.
A similar pattern is evident for artemether-lumefantrine, a widely used antimalarial medicine. Fewer than 30 pharmaceutical companies produce it locally. More than 200 import it – including some established manufacturers.
At least 100 manufacturers also import medicines – including some that are produced locally. In some cases, manufacturers both produce and import the same medicine, marketing them under different brand names.
Two medicines illustrate this. The antibiotic ciprofloxacin (tablet form) is currently imported by at least 93 registered pharmaceutical companies, even though 21 domestic producers make it too.
A similar pattern is evident for artemether-lumefantrine, a widely used antimalarial medicine. Fewer than 30 pharmaceutical companies produce it locally. More than 200 import it – including some established manufacturers.
Manufacturers as producers and importers:
Many companies combine local manufacturing with importing finished medicines as a way of managing risk.
This creates commercially attractive, lower-risk revenue streams for manufacturers. They are likely to resist policy or reforms that would limit imports in favour of expanded local production.
Many companies combine local manufacturing with importing finished medicines as a way of managing risk.
This creates commercially attractive, lower-risk revenue streams for manufacturers. They are likely to resist policy or reforms that would limit imports in favour of expanded local production.
Low manufacturing capacities:
Nigerian pharmaceutical companies have low manufacturing capacities. And the learning process involved in complex manufacturing is time consuming, costly and risky.
It is also difficult to compel a company to do something where governance is weak.
In the absence of adequate and sustained policy support, many manufacturers rely on political networks to protect their interests or challenge policies that threaten them.
An example is the modification of a regional tariff in 2016 because it threatened locally manufactured medicines. The regional trade policy had imposed zero duty on essential finished medicines and up to 20% on the raw materials used in medicine manufacturing. This was to increase the availability and affordability of essential medicines across the region. Nigerian manufacturers exerted pressure on government to reject it.
In the absence of credible policy support for upgrading into technologically sophisticated medicines, manufacturers continue to rely on imports. Similarly, they continue to influence policy decisions that could disrupt existing revenue streams.
Nigerian pharmaceutical companies have low manufacturing capacities. And the learning process involved in complex manufacturing is time consuming, costly and risky.
It is also difficult to compel a company to do something where governance is weak.
In the absence of adequate and sustained policy support, many manufacturers rely on political networks to protect their interests or challenge policies that threaten them.
An example is the modification of a regional tariff in 2016 because it threatened locally manufactured medicines. The regional trade policy had imposed zero duty on essential finished medicines and up to 20% on the raw materials used in medicine manufacturing. This was to increase the availability and affordability of essential medicines across the region. Nigerian manufacturers exerted pressure on government to reject it.
In the absence of credible policy support for upgrading into technologically sophisticated medicines, manufacturers continue to rely on imports. Similarly, they continue to influence policy decisions that could disrupt existing revenue streams.
Why the problem persists
When some pharmaceutical companies manufacture medicines locally while others import the same products, it weakens collective action. It’s harder to mobilise around shared policy demands.
The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, an influential trade association, illustrates this challenge. One of its objectives is to lobby for increased market protection for locally produced medicines. But member firms have differing commercial interests in locally manufactured and imported medicines. This often works against policy objectives.
It impedes how member firms form alliances to support or oppose policies. It also affects influence over them.
Nigeria’s reliance on imported medicines has less to do with the commonly cited capability constraints. It is the outcome of a policy vacuum that has made it more attractive to import products.
This dynamic is also evident in some other African countries, such as Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda. Manufacturers similarly import more complex medicines and produce simple medicines locally. There is limited support for domestic manufacturing of more complex medicines.
When some pharmaceutical companies manufacture medicines locally while others import the same products, it weakens collective action. It’s harder to mobilise around shared policy demands.
The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, an influential trade association, illustrates this challenge. One of its objectives is to lobby for increased market protection for locally produced medicines. But member firms have differing commercial interests in locally manufactured and imported medicines. This often works against policy objectives.
It impedes how member firms form alliances to support or oppose policies. It also affects influence over them.
Nigeria’s reliance on imported medicines has less to do with the commonly cited capability constraints. It is the outcome of a policy vacuum that has made it more attractive to import products.
This dynamic is also evident in some other African countries, such as Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda. Manufacturers similarly import more complex medicines and produce simple medicines locally. There is limited support for domestic manufacturing of more complex medicines.
Moving forward
High levels of imports limit the rewards for expanding manufacturing capabilities and any credible path to competitiveness. The significant revenues generated from imports also weaken incentives to invest in learning how to produce more complex medicines.
Recognising this matters for policymakers and international development organisations.
The challenge is not simply increasing financial support or political commitment. It is designing policies that reconfigure current benefits. They need to make it worthwhile to invest in more complex pharmaceutical manufacturing.
High levels of imports limit the rewards for expanding manufacturing capabilities and any credible path to competitiveness. The significant revenues generated from imports also weaken incentives to invest in learning how to produce more complex medicines.
Recognising this matters for policymakers and international development organisations.
The challenge is not simply increasing financial support or political commitment. It is designing policies that reconfigure current benefits. They need to make it worthwhile to invest in more complex pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Families in Nigeria With Autistic Children Fight for Better Support
Autism is gaining more global attention, but awareness and support remain limited in many parts of Africa. In Nigeria, families raising children on the spectrum often face stigma, isolation, and limited access to care.
Monday, March 30, 2026
146 deaths recorded, 38 health workers infected as Lassa fever spreads in Nigeria
Nigeria has reported 146 deaths from Lassa fever between January and mid-March, as infections continue to spread across the country.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) disclosed this in its latest situation report for Epidemiological week 11, spanning 9 to 15 March.
The infectious disease agency said 38 health workers have also been infected so far this year, highlighting ongoing risks within healthcare settings.
The report shows that the case fatality rate (CFR) stands at 25.1 per cent, significantly higher than the 18.7 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025.
During the reporting week, confirmed cases rose from 40 in week 10 to 66, with new infections recorded in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Plateau, Edo, Benue, Kogi, Gombe and Niger states.
Cumulatively, 21 states and 82 local government areas have recorded at least one confirmed case in 2026.
According to the NCDC, five states —Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, and Edo—account for 85 per cent of all confirmed cases.
Bauchi leads with 28 per cent of infections, followed by Ondo (21 per cent), Taraba (20 per cent), while Benue and Edo each account for eight per cent. The remaining 15 per cent of cases are distributed across 16 other states.
By Mariam Ileyemi, Premium Times
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) disclosed this in its latest situation report for Epidemiological week 11, spanning 9 to 15 March.
The infectious disease agency said 38 health workers have also been infected so far this year, highlighting ongoing risks within healthcare settings.
The report shows that the case fatality rate (CFR) stands at 25.1 per cent, significantly higher than the 18.7 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025.
During the reporting week, confirmed cases rose from 40 in week 10 to 66, with new infections recorded in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Plateau, Edo, Benue, Kogi, Gombe and Niger states.
Cumulatively, 21 states and 82 local government areas have recorded at least one confirmed case in 2026.
According to the NCDC, five states —Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, and Edo—account for 85 per cent of all confirmed cases.
Bauchi leads with 28 per cent of infections, followed by Ondo (21 per cent), Taraba (20 per cent), while Benue and Edo each account for eight per cent. The remaining 15 per cent of cases are distributed across 16 other states.
More details
NCDC noted that young adults aged 21 to 30 years remain the most affected group, although cases have been recorded across a wide age range, from 1 to 90 years.
Despite the rise in weekly cases, the NCDC said no new infections among health workers were recorded in week 11.
However, the cumulative figure of 38 infections among frontline workers highlights the persistent gaps in infection prevention and control measures.
Infections among health workers have consistently been attributed to inadequate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), low suspicion for Lassa fever during early patient contact, and weak infection control practices in some facilities.
NCDC noted that young adults aged 21 to 30 years remain the most affected group, although cases have been recorded across a wide age range, from 1 to 90 years.
Despite the rise in weekly cases, the NCDC said no new infections among health workers were recorded in week 11.
However, the cumulative figure of 38 infections among frontline workers highlights the persistent gaps in infection prevention and control measures.
Infections among health workers have consistently been attributed to inadequate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), low suspicion for Lassa fever during early patient contact, and weak infection control practices in some facilities.
Contributing factors
The report also indicates that while the number of suspected and confirmed cases is lower compared to the same period in 2025, the proportion of deaths remains high, suggesting continued challenges with late presentation and case management.
To strengthen response efforts, the NCDC said the national multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System has been activated to coordinate interventions across affected states.
However, several challenges continue to hinder effective control of the outbreak. These include poor health-seeking behaviour driven by the high cost of treatment, low awareness in high-burden communities, and poor environmental sanitation, which contributes to the spread of the virus.
The agency urged state governments to intensify community engagement and prevention efforts year-round, particularly in high-risk areas.
It also advised healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever, ensure early diagnosis and referral, and strictly adhere to infection prevention and control protocols.
The report also indicates that while the number of suspected and confirmed cases is lower compared to the same period in 2025, the proportion of deaths remains high, suggesting continued challenges with late presentation and case management.
To strengthen response efforts, the NCDC said the national multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System has been activated to coordinate interventions across affected states.
However, several challenges continue to hinder effective control of the outbreak. These include poor health-seeking behaviour driven by the high cost of treatment, low awareness in high-burden communities, and poor environmental sanitation, which contributes to the spread of the virus.
The agency urged state governments to intensify community engagement and prevention efforts year-round, particularly in high-risk areas.
It also advised healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever, ensure early diagnosis and referral, and strictly adhere to infection prevention and control protocols.
About Lassa Fever
Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected rodents.
Human-to-human transmission can also occur through contact with bodily fluids.
Symptoms typically begin with fever, weakness and headache but can progress to severe complications, including bleeding, respiratory distress and organ failure if not treated early.
Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected rodents.
Human-to-human transmission can also occur through contact with bodily fluids.
Symptoms typically begin with fever, weakness and headache but can progress to severe complications, including bleeding, respiratory distress and organ failure if not treated early.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Nigeria’s TB fight highlights urgent need for early diagnosis
On World Tuberculosis Day, Nigeria faces one of the highest TB burdens globally, with an estimated 510,000 new cases each year. Children are especially vulnerable, often showing symptoms similar to common respiratory infections, making early diagnosis critical. Families like Aisha Peter highlight the human impact behind the statistics, showing that timely treatment can save lives.
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Demand surges in Nigeria for new HIV prevention injection ahead of rollout
Interest is rising across Nigeria in a new long-acting HIV prevention injection, even before its full nationwide rollout.
Health workers and community organisations say people are actively seeking access to Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable drug designed to prevent HIV infection. The treatment, developed by Gilead Sciences and endorsed by the World Health Organisation in 2025, offers an alternative to daily preventive pills.
Nigeria’s government has begun introducing the drug in selected pilot states, with an official launch expected this week. Authorities say more than 11,000 doses have already been delivered, out of a planned 52,000.
The rollout will initially cover several states, including Lagos, Kano and Benue, as well as the federal capital, Abuja. The injection will be administered free of charge at designated public health facilities, not through private pharmacies.
Health workers and community organisations say people are actively seeking access to Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable drug designed to prevent HIV infection. The treatment, developed by Gilead Sciences and endorsed by the World Health Organisation in 2025, offers an alternative to daily preventive pills.
Nigeria’s government has begun introducing the drug in selected pilot states, with an official launch expected this week. Authorities say more than 11,000 doses have already been delivered, out of a planned 52,000.
The rollout will initially cover several states, including Lagos, Kano and Benue, as well as the federal capital, Abuja. The injection will be administered free of charge at designated public health facilities, not through private pharmacies.
High demand-and confusion
Civil society groups and frontline health workers report strong demand, particularly among people at higher risk of HIV exposure, including couples where one partner is HIV-positive.
However, some organisations say there is widespread misunderstanding about the drug. Many people believe it can cure HIV, when in fact it is only designed to prevent infection in those who are HIV-negative.
“People are asking for it even before it becomes widely available, but some think it’s a treatment rather than prevention,” one health worker said.
Nigeria has one of the largest HIV burdens globally, with around two million people living with the virus, according to recent estimates.
Civil society groups and frontline health workers report strong demand, particularly among people at higher risk of HIV exposure, including couples where one partner is HIV-positive.
However, some organisations say there is widespread misunderstanding about the drug. Many people believe it can cure HIV, when in fact it is only designed to prevent infection in those who are HIV-negative.
“People are asking for it even before it becomes widely available, but some think it’s a treatment rather than prevention,” one health worker said.
Nigeria has one of the largest HIV burdens globally, with around two million people living with the virus, according to recent estimates.
Caution from experts
Medical professionals have welcomed the innovation but stress the need for careful rollout. Pharmacists and regulators say the drug must undergo strict safety and quality checks before broader distribution.
Authorities have also issued guidance on its use, noting that it is currently approved only for non-pregnant individuals.
Despite these concerns, public health advocates say early adoption could help reduce new infections, especially among high-risk groups, if awareness improves and access expands nationwide.
Medical professionals have welcomed the innovation but stress the need for careful rollout. Pharmacists and regulators say the drug must undergo strict safety and quality checks before broader distribution.
Authorities have also issued guidance on its use, noting that it is currently approved only for non-pregnant individuals.
Despite these concerns, public health advocates say early adoption could help reduce new infections, especially among high-risk groups, if awareness improves and access expands nationwide.
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