New Post Africa

Category: Health

  • WHO Chief condemns attacks on Sudan’s health facilities

    WHO Chief condemns attacks on Sudan’s health facilities

    INTERNATIONAL, April 4, 2026 (NPA) — The Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has urged warring parties in Sudan to immediately halt attacks on healthcare facilities, warning that the escalating violence is costing lives and crippling vital services.

    In a statement issued today, Ghebreyesus drew attention to a series of recent assaults on hospitals, health workers, and patients. He described the situation as a “new spate of tragic attacks on health across Sudan,” noting that incidents have included killings, assaults, looting, and damage from air strikes.

    He referenced the April 2 drone strike on Al-Jabalain Teaching Hospital in White Nile State, which killed 10 healthcare workers and injured 22 others. A day earlier, another strike on the central medical warehouse in Rabak injured three people, including a pharmacist, and left unexploded ordnance inside the facility.

    On the same day, the Family Hospital in Al-Daein, East Darfur, was looted, with patients and staff assaulted and expelled. The hospital is located just blocks from Al-Daein Teaching Hospital, which was recently destroyed in a strike that killed at least 70 people, including patients and health workers.

    Similar violence was reported on March 25 in Al-Kurmuk, Blue Nile State, where a hospital was looted, equipment destroyed, and staff and patients forced out. One health worker was critically injured.

    “The continued attacks on health care facilities, health workers and patients who depend on them are unacceptable. This worrying pattern reveals a level of disregard for human life that no responsible actor can tolerate,” Ghebreyesus warned.

    The WHO chief stressed that protecting healthcare is a fundamental obligation under international humanitarian law and called for accountability for those responsible.

  • Gloria Cancer Foundation urges FG to intensify colorectal cancer awareness

    Gloria Cancer Foundation urges FG to intensify colorectal cancer awareness

    ABUJA, NIGERIA, 30 March 2026 (NPA) — The Gloria Cancer Foundation has called on the Federal Government to step up awareness campaigns on colorectal cancer, warning that cases have tripled in Nigeria over the past four decades.

    Speaking during a hiking event tagged “Blue Hat Bow Tie” to mark Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Founder Mrs Gloria Okwu expressed concern that the disease has become one of the top five cancers in Nigeria, with many patients presenting late due to low awareness and frequent misdiagnosis.

    “Colorectal cancer has tripled in incidence over the last 40 years and is now among the top five cancers in Nigeria. We are worried because many people still present late as a result of misdiagnosis,” she said.

    She explained that the outreach aimed to educate both young and old on risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early medical consultation. According to her, increased awareness would encourage early detection, reduce stigma, and improve patient support.

    Okwu urged the Federal Government to establish more cancer treatment centres, upgrade existing facilities, and improve welfare for oncologists to curb brain drain in the health sector. She also appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to support patients, noting that such assistance could aid early detection and better management.

    Mrs Maimurna Barau, Founder and CEO of Maimurna Hope Foundation for Cancer and Ostomy Care, and herself a colorectal cancer survivor, stressed the importance of recognising warning signs such as blood in stool, persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and abdominal swelling. She advised individuals experiencing such symptoms to seek prompt medical attention, noting that “early detection and timely treatment save lives and reduce emotional and financial burden on families.”

    The event was supported by the Global Colon Cancer Association, Okapi Children Cancer Foundation, and THA Outdoor Tribe.

    According to World Health Organisation data, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer globally, with 1.9 million new cases recorded in 2022. Projections indicate a significant rise in incidence and mortality by 2040, with younger populations increasingly affected due to lifestyle and environmental factors.

    In Nigeria and across Africa, cases are steadily rising, though incidence remains lower than in developed regions. Late diagnosis, limited screening, and misdiagnosis remain major challenges.

    (NAN)

  • Lagos Police Command marks 2026 national police day with community outreach, medical outreach

    Lagos Police Command marks 2026 national police day with community outreach, medical outreach

    LAGOS, NIGERIA, 30 March 2026 (NPA) — The Lagos State Police Command will join the rest of the country to mark the 2026 National Police Day. According to a statement released on Monday, activities commenced with sanitation exercises across all Area Commands, underscoring that service to the community goes beyond law enforcement and extends to promoting a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment for residents.

    As part of the celebration, a medical outreach will be held at Computer Village, Ikeja, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The program will feature free medical check‑ups and essential health services, including health talks, counselling, blood pressure checks, blood sugar testing, Hepatitis B and C screenings, eye examinations, retroviral screening, and free drug administration. All services will be provided at no cost, reflecting the Command’s commitment to public health and community well‑being.

    Beyond the immediate activities, the National Police Day celebration serves as a vital platform to strengthen trust between the police and the public. It highlights the role of the police not only as enforcers of law but also as partners in community development, fostering goodwill, cooperation, and a shared sense of responsibility for safety and progress.

  • Kenya vaccinates over 6,000 cows in Sabatia Sub-County

    Kenya vaccinates over 6,000 cows in Sabatia Sub-County

    AFRICA (Agency Report/Maureen Imbayi) — 28 March 2026 — More than 6,000 cows, representing over 20 per cent of the livestock population in Sabatia Sub-County, have been vaccinated against Foot and Mouth Disease under the ongoing e-Voucher vaccination programme.

    Speaking during a Heads of Departments meeting at the DCC’s boardroom, Sub-County Agriculture Officer (SCAO) Robert Anyolo said the target is to vaccinate about 30,000 cows by the end of the exercise.

    Anyolo noted that the programme initially faced challenges due to the time-consuming door-to-door visits required to identify and vaccinate animals. However, with the support of chiefs and their assistants, farmers are now being mobilised to bring their cows to central locations for identification and vaccination.

    “Just like fingerprints are used to identify people, cows are identified by their muzzles, which are unique to each animal,” Anyolo explained. He encouraged farmers to present all their cows for identification and vaccination, stressing that the process would also help reduce theft by making it easier to track animals.

    He added that while the cost of vaccinating one cow is Sh110, farmers are required to pay only Sh50, with the government covering the balance.

    Anyolo further highlighted that the programme is part of a nationwide effort to manage livestock diseases, improve breeding and feeding practices, and boost both the quality and quantity of yields.

    He also advised farmers to plant crop-friendly trees such as grevillea, fruit trees, and fodder to support sustainable agriculture.

  • Ghana advises citizens travelling to Senegal on new health directive

    Ghana advises citizens travelling to Senegal on new health directive

    AFRICA (NPA) — 26 March 2026 — The Republic of Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an advisory to Ghanaians planning to travel to Senegal, urging them to comply with new health directives introduced by the West African country.

    According to the Ghanaian authorities, Senegal has recommended vaccination against certain communicable diseases, notably yellow fever, diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus (DPT), measles, and hepatitis A and B, as part of measures to safeguard travellers’ health and safety.

    The advisory clarified, however, that presentation of vaccination certificates for these diseases is not mandatory for entry into Senegalese territory.

    The statement released on Thursday reads in part: “Ghanaian travellers are, nonetheless, encouraged to consult healthcare providers for their routine vaccinations prior to travel, in order to safeguard their health while abroad.”

    It further stressed that the Ministry remains committed to providing timely information to ensure the safety, welfare, and well-being of Ghanaian citizens travelling outside the country.

  • Nigeria approves ₦32.8bn for primary healthcare in Q1 2026

    Nigeria approves ₦32.8bn for primary healthcare in Q1 2026

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — 26 March 2026 — The Federal Government has approved the disbursement of ₦32.8 billion under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) for the first quarter of 2026, advancing BHCPF 2.0 to strengthen primary healthcare, improve maternal and child health, and expand access to essential services nationwide.

    The decision was taken at the Q1 2026 meeting of the Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC), which reviewed reforms to improve financing, coordination, and frontline results. Gateway agencies — NHIA, NPHCDA, and NCDC — presented updates, while ALGON and civil society groups shared field-level insights.

    A key focus was the accelerated rollout of BHCPF 2.0 under the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), aligning financing and accountability with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII). Priority interventions include MAMII (reducing maternal and newborn deaths), HOPE PHC (boosting service readiness and workforce capacity), and the National Health Fellows Programme (strengthening leadership and accountability).

    The Committee also reviewed progress on the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) and broader maternal and child health indicators. Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, stressed that BHCPF 2.0 ensures resources translate into real improvements at the primary care level. Minister of State, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, added that outcomes must be visible to Nigerians through safer deliveries and stronger emergency response.

    Resolutions adopted include structured private sector engagement, revised emergency transport tariffs, faster programme reviews, and reinforced quality assurance. The Ministry urged states, partners, and the private sector to align with BHCPF 2.0 priorities, while encouraging Nigerians to utilise primary healthcare services as access expands nationwide.

  • Vice President Shettima hails Gates Foundation as strategic partner in Nigeria’s development drive

    Vice President Shettima hails Gates Foundation as strategic partner in Nigeria’s development drive

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 26, 2026 — Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday lauded the Gates Foundation for its sustained investments and humanitarian support in the country, describing the organisation as a strategic partner in the collective effort to reshape the Nigerian narrative.

    The Vice President pledged the government’s support for the Foundation’s request to deepen and broaden its collaboration with both the public and private sectors, particularly in areas such as digital transformation, nutrition, agriculture, healthcare, and other critical development initiatives.

    Shettima made these remarks while receiving a delegation from the Gates Foundation, led by Mr Hari Menon, President of the Foundation’s Global Growth and Opportunity (GGO) division, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    He also commended members of the Gates Foundation’s Nigerian team for their dedication and passion toward advancing the Nigerian Project, emphasising that their contributions have positioned them as highly strategic partners in driving sustainable progress across the country.

    Over the years, the Gates Foundation has played a pivotal role in eradicating wild polio in Nigeria, strengthening primary healthcare systems, and supporting family planning and nutrition programs. It has also invested heavily in agricultural productivity, helping smallholder farmers increase yields and reduce food insecurity. Beyond Nigeria, the Foundation has partnered with institutions in 49 African countries, focusing on combating diseases such as measles and malaria, while expanding access to digital financial services for women, farmers, and marginalised communities. These interventions have made Nigeria the largest recipient of Gates Foundation funding in Africa, reflecting both its population size and developmental needs.

  • Rising debt forces 3.4 billion to spend more on loans than health or education

    Rising debt forces 3.4 billion to spend more on loans than health or education

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Calls for a fundamental shift in global economic governance dominated discussions at the Impact Exchange in Geneva, Switzerland, where representatives from nearly 90 Member States, UN agencies, civil society, and experts gathered to advance a “Human Rights Economy.”

    The event, organised by UN Human Rights and the Universal Rights Group with support from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, came amid warnings of rising inequality, surging debt, and austerity measures that could affect 85 per cent of the world’s population. “Austerity could slash investments in social protection, health, education, and the environment,” cautioned Nada Al‑Nashif, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights.

    Speakers stressed that economic growth without access to healthcare, education, clean water, decent work, and a healthy environment risks deepening divides. The Human Rights Economy framework, they argued, prioritises people and the planet in fiscal choices, moving beyond GDP as the sole measure of progress.

    Claudia Fuentes Julio, Chile’s Permanent Representative and Vice President of the Human Rights Council, underscored how inequality erodes social cohesion and urged innovative strategies to strengthen democracies. Chile’s reforms include a universal guaranteed pension, free public health services, and gender‑responsive budgeting.

    From The Gambia, Cherno Marenah highlighted people‑centred budgeting and the removal of VAT on sanitary products, while Jawad Ali of Pakistan emphasised constitutional commitments to uplift marginalised communities. Spain’s representative, Miryam Naveiras, pointed to progressive taxation and the Sevilla Declaration as a roadmap for debt relief and climate‑sensitive economic planning.

    South Africa’s Mxolisi Nkosi called for a fairer global financial architecture, stressing that development is a right, not a privilege. Portugal and Malaysia echoed the need for reforms in taxation, trade, and education, while civil society voices urged the adoption of metrics that reflect well‑being, equality, and sustainability.

    Throughout the Exchange, participants agreed that even in tight fiscal times, progress is possible when human rights guide economic choices. OHCHR announced the expansion of its ESCR Knowledge Hub, showcasing promising practices from 2020–2024 to help countries operationalise the Human Rights Economy.

    The message was clear: systemic reform rooted in human rights is essential to confront inequality and achieve the 2030 Agenda.

  • ECOWAS calls for inclusive water governance to transform West Africa

    ECOWAS calls for inclusive water governance to transform West Africa

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — In the spirit of World Water Day 2026, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), through its Water Resources Management Centre (WRMC), has urged stronger mobilisation for equitable and inclusive water management across the region.

    World Water Day, established by the UN in 1993, highlights water’s vital role in life, health, dignity, and sustainable development. Yet, over two billion people worldwide still lack safe drinking water.

    This year’s theme, “Water for Equality,” stresses the urgent need to tackle disparities in access to water and sanitation. In West Africa, these gaps disproportionately affect women, youth, and vulnerable groups, who manage water daily but remain underrepresented in decision-making.

    Progress has been made through regional and national policies integrating gender, youth, and social inclusion, alongside programs improving access to safe water for vulnerable communities.

    Still, climate change, population growth, and rising pressure on resources demand a transformation of current approaches. ECOWAS calls for more inclusive, participatory, and sustainable water governance.

    The Commission urges Member States, basin organisations, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, women, and youth to commit to equitable water management.

    In a statement on Monday, ECOWAS said making water a driver of justice, development, and peace is now a strategic priority for West Africa. This momentum will shape the first West Africa Regional Water Forum (FREAO), set for September 2026 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, under the theme: “Valuing Water to Transform West Africa.”

  • Jehovah’s Witnesses to use their own stored blood in medical care — Governing Body clarifies

    Jehovah’s Witnesses to use their own stored blood in medical care — Governing Body clarifies

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 21, 2026 — On Thursday, April 2, 2026, after sundown, Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide will gather to commemorate the Memorial of Jesus’ death. This announcement was part of the Governing Body Update #2, 2026, released in a 16-minute video on jw.org. viewed by Newpost Africa on Friday.

    In the update, a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Brother Gerrit Lösch, provided an important clarification regarding the use of a patient’s own blood in medical procedures.

    He explained that Christians obey God by following His command to abstain from blood. While Jehovah’s Witnesses are not under the Mosaic Law, the biblical directive to avoid blood remains binding. However, Lösch noted that the Bible does not specifically address the use of one’s own blood in medical or surgical care.

    As a result, each Witness must personally decide how their own blood may be handled in medical therapy or surgery. This includes routine procedures such as blood tests, as well as more complex treatments involving the temporary removal and reinfusion of blood, such as dialysis or the use of heart-lung machines.

    Brother Lösch stated:  “After much prayer and consideration of the Scriptures, the Governing Body has decided to clarify our position on the use of a patient’s own blood in medical and surgical care. Each patient must decide for himself how his own blood will be used. This includes whether to allow his blood to be removed, stored, and then given back to him.”

    He emphasised that while some Witnesses may choose to permit storage and reinfusion of their own blood, others may object. The decision is a matter of personal conscience.

    Importantly, this clarification does not alter the Witnesses’ long-standing refusal to accept transfusions of donor blood. Instead, it provides members with the freedom to decide whether to use their own stored blood for medical procedures.