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.

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.

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.