Category: Health

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) says the proposed N302.3 billion National Cancer Institute will serve as a major hub for training and retraining oncology experts and researchers from across Africa.

The Director-General of NICRAT, Prof. Usman Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the institute’s Head of Media and Public Relations, Hassan Zaggi.

Aliyu said the proposed facility, which has been approved by the Federal Executive Council and is expected to be completed within 36 months, would strengthen cancer research, treatment, innovation and professional capacity development in Nigeria.

He said the institute would provide a platform for developing highly skilled cancer-care professionals while promoting evidence-based policymaking and technology-driven approaches to cancer treatment.

“It will equally be a centre for the development of highly skilled cancer care professionals.

“It will strengthen evidence-based policy-making, promote innovation and technology-driven cancer care, and foster collaboration with leading institutions within Nigeria, Africa and globally,” Aliyu said.

The NICRAT Director-General said the state-of-the-art institute would provide an enabling environment for oncology experts and researchers to conduct innovative studies across different areas of cancer care.

Beyond research and training, Aliyu said the facility would help reduce Nigeria’s dependence on overseas medical treatment by providing advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment within the country.

According to him, Nigeria loses millions of dollars annually as cancer patients travel abroad in search of specialised diagnosis and treatment.

He said the institute could also position Nigeria as a preferred destination for cancer treatment and research for patients and experts from other African countries and beyond, with the potential to improve the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

The proposed institute comes against the backdrop of persistent challenges in Nigeria’s cancer-care system, including limited access to early diagnosis, treatment and research.

Aliyu said these challenges have left many cancer patients unable to access prompt and affordable care, underscoring the need for stronger specialised healthcare infrastructure.

He described the approval of the institute as a “game changer” that would enhance Nigeria’s visibility and capacity in cancer treatment and research.

“The construction of the institute with state-of-the-art equipment will give Nigeria more visibility and dignity among comity of nations in terms of cancer care and research,” he said.

The NICRAT boss also cited the recent completion of upgraded cancer centres in Katsina, Benin and Enugu as part of ongoing efforts to expand access to specialised cancer services across the country.

He said the new institute would lay the foundation for a stronger healthcare system capable of responding more effectively and promptly to the evolving health needs of Nigeria’s growing population.

Aliyu commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the design, construction, furnishing, equipping, supervision and commissioning of the institute, describing the decision as a demonstration of the administration’s concern for the health and wellbeing of Nigerians.

He also commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, for his strategic leadership, as well as the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, for his advocacy and support.

Aliyu assured that NICRAT would continue working with relevant ministries, departments and agencies, state governments, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector and other stakeholders to build a coordinated national cancer-control system.

He added that the management and staff of the institute were committed to ensuring that the project delivered on the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Government has launched the 1,000 Days of Life Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) Campaign, a nationwide initiative aimed at improving maternal and child nutrition by promoting optimal breastfeeding and healthy infant feeding practices during the critical period from conception to a child’s second birthday.

The campaign was unveiled on Monday in Abuja as part of activities marking the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week, themed “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”

The initiative, according to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is designed to improve child survival, reduce malnutrition and ensure that every Nigerian child receives the healthiest possible start in life.

Launching the campaign, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, described breastfeeding as one of the most effective, life-saving and cost-effective interventions for child survival and development.

“Every child deserves the healthiest possible start to life. Protecting the first 1,000 days is one of the smartest investments we can make for Nigeria’s future, and breastfeeding remains one of the most powerful tools to achieve that,” she said.

Kachollom cited findings from the 2023/2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), which showed that although about 95 per cent of Nigerian mothers breastfeed, only 36 per cent initiate breastfeeding within the first hour after birth.

She added that only 29 per cent of infants are exclusively breastfed during their first six months, while just 23 per cent continue breastfeeding up to two years, figures that remain below recommended global standards.

According to her, the statistics underscore the urgent need to strengthen interventions during the first 1,000 days of life, a period considered critical to a child’s physical and cognitive development.

The Permanent Secretary identified delayed initiation of breastfeeding, harmful cultural beliefs, inadequate counselling, limited workplace support and the aggressive marketing of breastmilk substitutes as major barriers to optimal breastfeeding practices.

She said the Federal Government has continued to implement policies and programmes aimed at addressing the challenges.

These include strengthening the National Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition Strategy, expanding the Baby-Friendly Hospital and Community Initiatives, enforcing the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, building the capacity of healthcare workers and promoting breastfeeding-friendly workplaces.

Kachollom explained that the newly launched campaign would mobilise families, communities, healthcare workers and other stakeholders to promote improved maternal nutrition, early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, appropriate complementary feeding and continued breastfeeding up to two years and beyond.

She added that the initiative would also encourage greater utilisation of Primary Health Care Centres for maternal and child health services across the country.

Also speaking, the Director of Nutrition at the ministry, Mrs Olufunmilola Adegbite, described the campaign as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s human capital, stressing that improving maternal and child nutrition is essential to achieving sustainable national development.

Development partners, including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Federal Government through technical assistance, advocacy and community-based behaviour change interventions.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Vice President Kashim Shettima, Mrs Uju Rochas-Anwukah called on stakeholders to ensure the campaign reaches communities in all 774 local government areas of the country.

She described breastfeeding as a national investment capable of improving child health outcomes and strengthening Nigeria’s future.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reaffirmed its commitment to working with state governments, development partners, healthcare professionals, employers, communities and families to strengthen breastfeeding support systems, improve maternal and child nutrition and ensure that every Nigerian child benefits from quality care during the first 1,000 days of life.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Government has intensified the implementation of the National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) 2026–2030, targeting a 30 per cent reduction in Nigeria’s cancer burden by 2030 while calling for stronger African collaboration to improve cancer prevention, research and access to quality treatment.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, disclosed this at the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) Best of ASCO Africa 2026 conference in Abuja.

The regional scientific meeting brings together oncology professionals from across Africa to review and adapt the latest clinical advances presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting.

According to Salako, the renewed implementation of the National Cancer Control Plan reflects the Federal Government’s commitment under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthen the fight against non-communicable diseases.

He noted that cancer has become one of Africa’s leading public health challenges, citing recent statistics showing that the continent recorded more than 1.18 million new cancer cases and over 721,000 cancer-related deaths in 2024.

The minister said cancer now claims more lives across Africa than HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined.

He further disclosed that Nigeria accounts for approximately 10.5 per cent of Africa’s total cancer burden, making it one of the continent’s three most affected countries alongside Egypt and South Africa.

According to Salako, the National Cancer Control Plan 2026–2030 provides a comprehensive framework for improving cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, research, workforce development, data systems, artificial intelligence, partnerships and resource mobilisation.

“The National Cancer Control Plan provides a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, research, workforce development, data systems, artificial intelligence, partnerships and resource mobilisation to improve cancer outcomes nationwide,” he said.

To ensure effective implementation, the minister announced that the Federal Government has inaugurated a multi-sectoral National Technical Working Group comprising clinicians, researchers, cancer survivors, civil society organisations, development partners and private sector representatives.

He explained that the committee would adopt an implementation science approach aimed at translating government policy into measurable improvements in cancer care and patient outcomes.

Salako also challenged African scientists and oncology professionals to generate more research based on African populations instead of relying solely on studies conducted elsewhere.

He stressed that locally generated evidence would help develop treatment approaches better suited to the continent’s unique healthcare realities.

Calling for what he described as “Cancer Care Pan-Africanism,” the minister urged African governments to deepen cooperation in cancer research, innovation, workforce development and access to affordable treatment.

According to him, healthcare should occupy a more prominent position in continental cooperation alongside political, economic and security issues.

He commended the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and other partners for organising the conference, describing it as an important platform for adapting global cancer treatment advances to African healthcare systems.

Salako reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to providing leadership in cancer education, research, advocacy and strategic partnerships aimed at reducing cancer-related deaths, improving patients’ quality of life and building resilient cancer care systems across Africa.

GENEVA, Switzerland (NPA) — The World Health Organisation (WHO) has officially declared the hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius over, following the successful completion of quarantine by the final identified contact and the absence of new infections since May 25.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the UN health agency said the last person exposed to the virus had completed the required quarantine period, tested negative, and safely returned home.

“Today, the final contact of a person exposed to hantavirus on the cruise ship MV Hondius completed their quarantine period, tested negative and returned home,” WHO said.

“No further cases have been reported since the 25th of May. We are therefore very pleased to say that WHO considers the outbreak over.”

According to the organisation, the outbreak resulted in a total of 13 confirmed cases, including three deaths.

WHO disclosed that health authorities across 33 countries and territories identified and monitored more than 650 contacts during the international response to contain the spread of the disease.

Although the outbreak has been declared over, the agency said efforts to better understand hantavirus and strengthen global preparedness would continue.

WHO announced that it is coordinating an international scientific study involving 21 countries to improve knowledge of how the disease develops and to support the development of improved diagnostics, treatments and vaccines for future outbreaks.

The organisation also expressed appreciation to countries that collaborated in the international response in line with the International Health Regulations.

It specifically thanked Argentina, Cabo Verde, Chile, the Netherlands, South Africa, the United Kingdom and Spain for their support.

WHO singled out Spain for its role in facilitating the safe disembarkation and repatriation of passengers and crew in Tenerife during the emergency.

The agency said the international cooperation demonstrated throughout the response underscores the importance of coordinated global action in managing cross-border public health emergencies.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats has urged all stakeholders to intensify efforts to prevent the importation of the virus into Nigeria amid outbreaks in parts of East and Central Africa.

The Chairman of the task force and Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, made the call on Thursday in Abuja during the inauguration of the committee.

Gbajabiamila said the immediate priority of the task force was to closely monitor the Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda and neighbouring countries while strengthening measures to prevent the disease from entering Nigeria.

“Our first task is to address the Ebola outbreak in DRC, Uganda and neighbouring countries and prevent the importation of the virus into Nigeria,” he said.

“We want to ensure that Nigeria is not caught unprepared for the task ahead. We have been down this road before and we intend to address whatever shortcomings there may have been in the past.”

According to him, the task force will serve as the principal decision-making body on matters requiring executive or presidential approval, including flight restrictions, port closures, quarantine directives and emergency funding releases.

He said the committee would coordinate Nigeria’s whole-of-government response to Ebola and other emerging public health threats.

The Chief of Staff explained that the task force would receive and review reports from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC)-led Emergency Operations Centre and other relevant subcommittees, while escalating recommendations requiring presidential approval.

He added that the committee would oversee the implementation and funding of the National Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Response Plan.

Other responsibilities include managing Nigeria’s international obligations, coordinating public communication strategies and determining escalation measures in the event of confirmed Ebola cases in neighbouring countries or within Nigeria.

“The task force will ensure timely public messaging through the Ministry of Information and the NCDC and provide regular reports to President Bola Tinubu as may be required,” Gbajabiamila said.

He noted that the committee would review and approve subcommittee recommendations before implementation or public communication and could be dissolved or reconstituted once the threat had been contained or escalated into a full national emergency.

The task force is expected to meet every two months or as circumstances require.

Earlier, the Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Olajide Idris, disclosed that the agency had already activated several preparedness measures, including strengthening disease surveillance systems at international airports and other entry points.

According to him, surveillance structures have been activated at Lagos and other international airports, while coordination mechanisms have been established between airport authorities and state governments.

“The focus is to be prepared. We do not have any Ebola case in Nigeria at the moment, but we must ensure that the virus does not enter the country,” Idris said.

“However, if a case slips through, we must be fully prepared nationally to identify it quickly and respond effectively.”

He added that special attention was also being given to Nigeria’s land borders to ensure comprehensive surveillance beyond airports.

The 18-member task force is chaired by Gbajabiamila, while the NCDC Director-General (Technical) serves as Vice Chairman.

Members include the Ministers of Aviation, Interior, Finance, Information and State for Foreign Affairs, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Health, the Presidency, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and state commissioners for health from Lagos, Kano, Rivers and Enugu states.

Also represented on the committee are the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN), and the DRASA Health Trust.

President Bola Tinubu recently approved the establishment of the task force and authorised the release of N10 billion to support emergency preparedness efforts against Ebola and other emerging public health threats.

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Lagos State Government has launched a statewide public awareness campaign tagged “Operation Lagos Bio‑Shield” to reinforce preparedness against the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) amid ongoing outbreaks in parts of East and Central Africa.

Announcing the initiative on Saturday, the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, reassured residents that “there are currently no confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease in Lagos State or anywhere in Nigeria.” He explained that the campaign was not a reaction to any crisis but a proactive measure to strengthen public awareness and prevention.

“This campaign is not a response to a crisis. It is a proactive measure to strengthen public awareness, preparedness, and prevention,” Abayomi said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health through early action and strategic communication.

The Commissioner disclosed that the current outbreak in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda involves the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which no widely available vaccine or specific antiviral treatment exists. He stressed that “prevention, early detection, rapid isolation, and supportive medical care remain our most effective tools.”

Abayomi clarified that Ebola is not transmitted through casual contact, but through direct contact with blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials of an infected person. He urged residents to rely only on verified information to avoid panic and stigma.

“As Nigeria’s commercial capital and a major regional transport hub, Lagos maintains extensive air, land, and maritime connections with the rest of Africa and the world,” he noted, adding that both federal and state authorities are strengthening surveillance and screening at all points of entry.

Over the coming weeks, the Ministry of Health will intensify public enlightenment through education campaigns on Ebola prevention, symptoms, and reporting channels across homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.

Residents returning from affected countries who develop symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, or unexplained bleeding are advised to contact emergency lines while avoiding unnecessary contact with others.

Recalling Lagos’ successful containment of Ebola in 2014, Abayomi expressed confidence in the State’s readiness:

“Through strong leadership, effective surveillance, rapid response, and the collective efforts of healthcare workers and residents, our State successfully contained Ebola and protected millions of lives. Today, we remain prepared, vigilant, and committed to safeguarding the health of every Lagosian. Together, we will keep Lagos safe,” he said.

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Government has unveiled a landmark investment-driven framework to accelerate the electrification of healthcare facilities nationwide through sustainable private sector partnerships under the Nigeria Power for Health Initiative (NPHI).

Speaking at the National Healthcare Electrification Investors Matchmaking Forum in Lagos on Monday, the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described the initiative as a major milestone in implementing resolutions from the National Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Power in the Health Sector.

He emphasized that reliable electricity is a critical enabler of quality healthcare delivery, powering operating theatres, vaccine cold chains, incubators, diagnostics, oxygen systems, digital health technologies, and emergency services.

Dr. Salako explained that the NPHI introduces a shift from traditional donor-funded projects to a sustainable Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) model. Under this framework, specialised energy service providers will finance, deploy, operate, and maintain reliable energy systems for healthcare facilities, allowing hospitals to focus on their core mandate of delivering care.

The initiative is anchored on three pillars: blended financing, institutional readiness, and national scalability. With government commitment, development finance, climate finance, and private sector investment, the framework seeks to unlock large-scale deployment of sustainable energy solutions across Nigeria’s health sector. While the current phase focuses on federal tertiary institutions, the long-term vision extends to primary, secondary, and private facilities.

To drive implementation, the government has established a governance structure comprising an Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee, a 24-member Inter-Agency Technical Committee, Facility Energy Management Teams, and a dedicated Project Secretariat within the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

The Minister highlighted recent efforts to strengthen investment readiness, including specialised training for hospital finance directors in energy economics, project finance, and investor engagement. He commended the United Kingdom Partnership for Accelerating Climate Transitions (UK PACT) and Landell Mills International for their strategic support in developing the framework.

Addressing investors, financiers, and energy developers, Dr. Salako called for stronger collaboration: “This is the beginning of a marketplace where ideas become projects, projects become investments, and investments become reliable electricity for healthcare facilities across Nigeria.”

The Federal Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working with public and private partners to sustainably power healthcare facilities and strengthen health outcomes for all Nigerians.