Health

Malaria: We Must Prioritize Prevention – FG

Published

10 months ago

May 27, 2024

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare,
Daju Kachollom, has said that Nigeria must prioritize prevention, strengthen health systems, and ensure access to effective diagnosis and treatment for all, to achieve the malaria elimination target.

Kachollom expressed displeasure that the country bears a third of the global burden of malaria, with the country accounting for 27 percent of global malaria cases and 31 percent of global deaths, based on the 2023 World Malaria Report issued by the World Health Organisation.

“The country has consistently maintained this position,” she said.

However, she said the country has made some progress over the years. “The World Health Organisation has estimated that malaria incidence has reduced by 26 percent since 2000, from 413 per 1000 population in 2000 to 306 per 1000 in 2021.

“Within the same period, malaria mortality rate (i.e. deaths per 1000 population at risk) fell by 55 percent from 2.1 per 1000 population in 2000 to 0.9 per 1000 population in 2021.

“From 2009 till date, more than 230 million insecticide treated nets (ITNs) have been distributed in the 37 States and the Federal Capital Territory.

“According to the 2021 Malaria Indicator Cluster Survey, the proportion of the population who slept under ITNs the night before the survey increased from 22.9 percent in 2010 to 36.4 percent in 2021.

“The percentage of children under the age of five years (one of the most vulnerable groups) who slept under an insecticide treated net (ITN) the night before the survey increased from 28.9 percent in 2010 to 41.2 percent in 2021.

“Among children who were reported to have had fever, two weeks preceding the household surveys and among those who sought care for fever, the percentage who received a blood test did increase from 6.5 percent in 2010 to 39 percent in 2021,” Kachollom revealed.

Health

Oluremi Tinubu Mulls Collaborations to Combat Tuberculosis

Published

1 day ago

March 24, 2025

Admin

First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has called for stronger partnerships to tackle tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis, treatment, and collective action.

Marking World Tuberculosis Day 2025, Tinubu stressed that TB is curable, and early treatment saves lives. She urged Nigerians to seek medical attention if they experience persistent coughing, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or fever.

Speaking as Nigeria’s National and Global Stop TB Champion, the First Lady revealed the personal impact of TB, sharing the pain of losing a friend to the disease.

“We must not allow more lives to be lost to a disease that is both preventable and curable,” she said, calling for greater awareness and intervention.

She aligned with this year’s theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” urging stakeholders to unite efforts, invest in effective solutions, and expand access to life-saving treatments.

“Together, we can end TB. Let’s commit, invest, and deliver for a healthier, TB-free Nigeria,” she declared.

Health

AWA Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Lagos Over Passenger’s Health Scare

Published

2 weeks ago

March 13, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

AWA Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Lagos Over Passenger’s Health Scare

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

An Africa World Airlines (AWA), flight from Abuja was forced to make an emergency landing at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport on March 12, 2025, after a Ghanaian passenger suffered a medical crisis mid-air.

AWA confirmed that Flight AW255’s crew swiftly activated emergency protocols and coordinated with aviation authorities for a priority landing.

The airline reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety and ongoing improvements to its emergency response measures.

AWA’s Head of Communications, Godfred Essel, disclosed that the affected passenger is receiving medical care, with the airline maintaining contact with their family.

He apologized for any disruptions and thanked passengers for their patience.

Health

Nigeria’s Vaccine Setback: Absence from WHO List Sparks Concern

Published

2 weeks ago

March 12, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Adenike Lawal

Nigeria’s exclusion from the World Health Organization’s (WHO), vaccine approval list has raised serious concerns about the country’s lagging biotech sector and health security.

The absence highlights critical gaps in local vaccine production capacity and infrastructure, leaving Nigeria trailing behind other African nations.

While Egypt, Ghana, and Tanzania are on track to secure WHO prequalification for eight vaccines by 2030, Nigeria remains off the list.

National Malaria Elimination Programme coordinator, Godwin Ntadom, acknowledged the setback, citing challenges such as lack of raw materials, high production costs, and forex crises.

Despite some progress under Health Minister Muhammad Pate, Nigeria still imports 99% of its vaccines, while nations like Senegal and South Africa produce WHO-approved vaccines locally.

Experts warn that without strategic investment and policy reforms, Nigeria risks falling further behind in the race for vaccine self-sufficiency.