Category: Health

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The World Health Organisation (WHO), Nigeria, has urged Nigerians to prioritise regular blood pressure checks, warning that high blood pressure, or hypertension, often has no warning signs but can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, blindness, dementia and other serious complications.

The advisory comes amid growing concerns over reports of people collapsing and dying suddenly across the country.

In a notice released on Tuesday titled “Blood Pressure Measurement Checklist,” WHO Nigeria advised that the blood pressure of all adults aged 18 years and above should be measured, while stressing the importance of obtaining accurate readings.

The health body advised Nigerians to:

• Avoid talking during and between measurements.
• Avoid exercise, tea, coffee and smoking for at least 30 minutes before measurement.
• Rest for five minutes before taking a reading.
• Record the exact reading displayed by a digital device without rounding it off.

Correct cuff size and positioning

WHO also stressed the importance of using the correct cuff size and positioning it properly during blood pressure measurement.

According to the advisory:

1. The cuff length should be at least 80 per cent of the patient’s arm circumference.
2. The cuff width should be at least 40 per cent of the patient’s upper-arm circumference.
3. The cuff should be placed on the bare arm or over a thin layer of clothing, with clothes underneath it not bunched up.
4. The cuff should be emptied before each reading.

The organisation’s illustration also recommends that the person being tested should sit with their back supported, feet supported and legs uncrossed, while the arm should be supported with the cuff positioned at heart level.

WHO Nigeria said a simple blood pressure check could help save lives, but stressed that accurate measurements were essential.

WHO warns of late leprosy detection in Nigeria

In a separate health advisory, WHO Nigeria warned that too many people affected by leprosy continue to experience delayed diagnosis, disability and stigma.

The organisation said Nigeria detected 2,482 new leprosy cases in 2025, including children and people already living with Grade 2 disability, describing the figures as signs that transmission continues and that some cases are being diagnosed too late.

The warning was issued during a strategic dialogue in Abuja held during the visit of the President of Sasakawa Leprosy Initiative. The meeting brought together WHO Nigeria, the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, Sasakawa Health Foundation/Leprosy Initiative, ILEP partners, IDEA Nigeria, the FCT TB and Leprosy Programme, civil society groups and people affected by leprosy.

A testimony from a person affected by leprosy, who was reportedly excluded from school and discriminated against before receiving the correct diagnosis, highlighted the impact of stigma and missed diagnosis.

Partners at the dialogue called for community-based surveillance and active case finding, contact screening and early referral, integrated skin-NTD services, stronger health-worker capacity and meaningful involvement of people affected by leprosy.

They also advocated the responsible use of digital and artificial intelligence tools to support, rather than replace, trained health workers.

WHO Nigeria said stronger government leadership and collaboration among partners could help Nigeria end leprosy transmission and reduce the disability, stigma and discrimination associated with the disease.

The organisation stressed that actively searching for missing cases and listening to people affected by leprosy would be essential to making the country’s response more effective.

GENEVA, Switzerland (NPA) — A global initiative to establish a stockpile of mpox vaccines has been launched to ensure countries have faster and more equitable access to vaccines during outbreaks.

The initiative, launched on August 27, is expected to begin operations later this month.

The global mpox vaccine stockpile was approved by the Board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in 2025 and will be funded by Gavi and coordinated through the International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision.

The ICG partners include the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The initiative builds on the Access and Allocation Mechanism introduced during the 2024 mpox Public Health Emergency of International Concern and is designed to provide countries with timely access to vaccines for outbreak response.

Mpox outbreaks continue to be reported globally, with about two-thirds of cases occurring in the African Region.

Between January 1, 2022, and July 31, 2026, a total of 145 countries and territories reported 190,683 confirmed mpox cases and 529 deaths.

Mpox is a viral disease that spreads primarily through close physical contact, while animal-to-human transmission continues to occur in parts of Africa.

The disease can cause severe illness, particularly among children and people with weakened immune systems. Health authorities say vaccination can help protect people at risk, contain outbreaks and reduce severe illness and deaths.

Gavi Chief Executive Officer, Dr Sania Nishtar, said the stockpile was designed to address inequities in access to mpox vaccines experienced during the 2022 outbreak.

She said the initiative would ensure that access to vaccines is based on public health needs rather than a country’s ability to pay.

WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, described the launch of the stockpile as an important step towards a more sustainable and equitable approach to mpox outbreak response.

He said the mechanism would enable countries to access vaccines more quickly, helping to save lives and contain outbreaks before they spread further.

UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell, said the initiative would help ensure that vaccines reach children, families and communities most at risk.

The ICG was established in 1997 to coordinate emergency vaccine supplies during major disease outbreaks.

It currently manages global emergency vaccine stockpiles for diseases including cholera, meningitis, yellow fever and Ebola.

The inclusion of mpox in the mechanism follows the ad hoc Access and Allocation Mechanism established by WHO and its partners in 2024.

The new stockpile is expected to provide a longer-term framework for the rapid and equitable deployment of mpox vaccines to countries responding to outbreaks.

GENEVA, Switzerland (NPA) — The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has warned that a $184.8 million funding shortfall could undermine ongoing efforts to develop vaccines against Bundibugyo virus and ensure equitable access to them.

CEPI raised the concern in a publication marking 100 days into the Bundibugyo response, saying significant progress had been made in developing potential countermeasures and laying the groundwork for equitable access, but that additional funding was urgently required.

The publication, released on Tuesday, is titled “100 Days into the Bundibugyo Emergency, Unprecedented Speed Is Still Not Enough.”

According to CEPI, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have jointly launched a Continental Preparedness and Response Plan requiring $518 million to support African countries and partners responding to the outbreak.

However, only $333.2 million had been disbursed under the plan, leaving a funding gap of $184.8 million, the organisation said.

CEPI warned that failure to secure additional funding could delay Phase Two/Three clinical trials and ultimately slow access to vaccines, potentially resulting in fewer lives being saved.

The organisation said its vaccine research and development goal was to advance at least two Bundibugyo virus vaccine candidates to Emergency Use Authorisation.

CEPI said achieving the target could help curb the current outbreak while strengthening the global pipeline of countermeasures against future Bundibugyo virus outbreaks.

Beyond vaccine development, CEPI said progress had been made towards ensuring that potential vaccines would be distributed equitably if approved.

Partners have identified draft priorities to guide fair allocation, including incorporating community engagement into clinical trial design, addressing indemnification and liability gaps, and ensuring displaced and refugee populations are included in vaccination plans.

Community Trust Remains a Challenge

CEPI also identified community trust as an urgent issue, particularly concerning how the use of the existing Ervebo Ebola vaccine could influence public perceptions of vaccines specifically developed against Bundibugyo virus.

The organisation said early coordination among CEPI, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and UNICEF, supported by rapidly activated technical networks, had enabled the response to move faster in some areas than during the 2014–2016 West African Ebola outbreak.

The experience, CEPI said, demonstrated the importance of turning the 100 Days Mission into an operational reality by strengthening preparedness systems so they can be activated rapidly when future outbreaks occur.

“The 100 Days Mission must hold regardless of how an outbreak begins, and readiness assessments should reflect that,” the organisation said.

CEPI also cautioned against reducing investments in pandemic preparedness, stressing that institutions and response capabilities must be strengthened before the next health emergency emerges.

“We cannot allow this to happen. The world must invest in the institutions and capabilities that make us all safer, advancing preparedness and readiness to enable rapid surge in an outbreak response,” CEPI said.

The organisation further called for stronger coordination to ensure that progress achieved during the Bundibugyo response translates into faster and more equitable access to vaccines and other countermeasures for affected populations and for future outbreaks.

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.