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.

By Njoku Chijioke 

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is taking bold steps to tackle cervical cancer with the establishment of screening centers across healthcare facilities in the territory.

This initiative is part of the 90-70-70 Project, a comprehensive health program aimed at drastically reducing the burden of cervical cancer through preventive vaccination, screening, and treatment.

According to Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of Health Services and Environmental Secretariat (HSES), the program targets vaccinating at least 90% of girls aged 9-14 against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), screening all eligible women, and ensuring 90% of those requiring treatment receive the necessary care.

To achieve these goals, testing centers will be set up in primary and secondary healthcare facilities nationwide.

The FCTA has also emphasized the importance of affordability, with subsidized fees and a special provision for health insurance holders, who will cover only 10% of the screening cost.

Dr. Fasawe urged parents to vaccinate their daughters and encouraged women of childbearing age to prioritize screening. She assured that those in need of treatment will receive utmost care.

The Acting Director, Public Health Department, Dr. Dan Gadzama, highlighted the program’s efforts to raise awareness and expand screening and treatment facilities across all states.

He noted that progress reports are being shared with the national Task Force, marking significant strides in the program’s rollout .

This initiative represents a significant step forward in the fight against cervical cancer, inspiring hope for healthier futures and stronger communities.