By Patrick Idowu 

In a major relief for kidney disease patients, the Federal Government has announced an 80% subsidy on dialysis treatment at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, disclosed this on Tuesday during the commissioning of a new clinic service building and ward centre at the hospital.

He emphasized that the initiative aims to make dialysis more accessible and affordable, aligning with the government’s broader healthcare reforms.

“This subsidy program, launched in 2024, is already in place in 10 selected federal tertiary health institutions, and FMC Jabi is now a strong candidate to join,” Salako stated.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring quality healthcare, a key pillar of the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (HSRII), which supports President Bola Tinubu’s vision of healthcare as a fundamental right.

Salako further highlighted the administration’s investments in strengthening tertiary healthcare, reducing the need for Nigerians to seek critical medical procedures, such as kidney transplants, abroad.

Meanwhile, FMC Abuja’s Chief Medical Director, Saad Ahmed, revealed that the newly inaugurated facility will enhance healthcare delivery, housing a dialysis and transplantation centre, pathology laboratories, and additional patient wards to ease hospital congestion.

He also announced the acquisition of a neurosurgical operating microscope to improve brain surgery services.

The subsidy initiative marks a significant step toward easing the financial burden of chronic kidney disease patients while bolstering Nigeria’s healthcare capacity.

By Adenike Lawal

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has assured the public that the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), poses no immediate threat to Nigeria, despite global concerns over outbreaks.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, clarified that HMPV is not a new virus and has long been associated with respiratory infections, particularly in children and the elderly.

He likened it to other common respiratory viruses like influenza, emphasizing that there is no cause for alarm.

Dr. Idris confirmed that no cases of HMPV have been reported in Nigeria, but the NCDC remains on high alert, closely monitoring the situation in line with World Health Organization (WHO), guidelines.

He cited Nigeria’s experience in handling Ebola and COVID-19, highlighting the country’s strengthened public health infrastructure to tackle potential outbreaks.

To prevent respiratory infections, he urged Nigerians to maintain good hygiene and avoid crowded places.

By Adenike Lawal

On January 6, 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), reported that Nigeria is at a moderate risk from Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus that can affect individuals of all age groups.

The assessment follows the continued circulation of HMPV in regions such as China and other parts of the world.

The virus can cause a range of illnesses, from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory infections, particularly in young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

The NCDC’s evaluation was conducted in partnership with international health bodies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USCDC), and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

The goal is to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness and response to potential HMPV cases.

Dr. Jide Idris, NCDC Director-General, clarified that rumors about HMPV being declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), by WHO are false.

He assured the public that all ports of entry are on high alert as part of preventive measures.

Dr. Idris highlighted ongoing monitoring via the National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS), system, which tracks Influenza-like Illnesses (ILI), and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI), across Nigeria. As of January 6, 2025, there has been no unusual spike in respiratory infections linked to HMPV.

However, in response to global trends, proactive steps are being taken.

The NCDC is working with stakeholders to enhance preparedness at all international entry points.

A public health advisory has been issued, and an Entry Implementation Protocol on HMPV, approved by the Minister of Health, will guide response activities.

Quarantine facilities are being identified, and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), materials are being distributed.

Additionally, the NISS sites will expand testing to include HMPV alongside COVID-19.

Laboratories at states with international airports will receive support for enhanced testing.

Hospitals have been advised on improved IPC practices, and isolation rooms have been designated for potential cases.

The NCDC is collaborating with state governments to train healthcare workers on effective case management and has stockpiled personal protective equipment (PPE), for rapid deployment.

Public communication efforts are also underway to dispel misinformation and promote health-seeking behaviors.

In conclusion, the NCDC urges Nigerians to follow preventive measures and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms consistent with HMPV infection.

For emergencies or more information, citizens can contact the NCDC toll-free line or follow their verified social media channels for updates.