By Omoniyi David

The NNPC/Renaissance Joint Venture (JV), has donated $300,000 to the National Hospital, Abuja, to support the maintenance of its Linear Accelerator (LINAC), Radiotherapy Machine.

The machine, provided by the JV in 2019 as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, had enhanced cancer treatment, installed ancillary systems, and trained health professionals to operate the advanced equipment.

Speaking in Abuja during a visit to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Oluwaseyi Omotowa, Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC-NUIMS, highlighted the importance of regular maintenance to sustain such technology.

He was represented by Nkechi Anaedobe, Head of Business Services.

Coordinating Minister Dr. Ali Pate praised the gesture, saying it would expand access to affordable cancer treatment and improve healthcare infrastructure.

National Hospital Chief Medical Director, Raji Mahmud, described the donation as a lifeline for thousands of patients relying on the facility annually.

Renaissance Africa Energy CEO, Tony Attah, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to advancing sustainable healthcare, research, and innovation in cancer care.

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention says Lassa fever has killed 177 people in 2025, with 966 confirmed cases recorded as of epidemiological Week 44.

According to the latest NCDC report, the Case Fatality Rate has climbed to 18.3%, up from 16.5% during the same period in 2024. Twenty-one states have reported cases across 102 Local Government Areas.

The Week 44 update shows a slight rise in new infections, from 11 in Week 43 to 12 recorded in Ondo, Edo, and Benue. The agency noted that 87% of all infections came from Ondo (36%), Bauchi (21%), Edo (17%), and Taraba (13%).

NCDC said the most affected age group is 21–30 years, with a median age of 30, and a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.

It added that suspected and confirmed cases have declined compared to last year and no healthcare worker infection was recorded in Week 44.

The national multi-sectoral Lassa Fever Technical Working Group continues to coordinate response efforts.

The World Health Organisation describes Lassa fever as an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted mainly through food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats.

The disease is endemic in several West African countries, including Nigeria.

By Sarah Sam Adda

The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), has launched a statewide free HIV testing campaign across all Local Government Areas (LGAs), and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), running from November 18 to December 1, 2025.

The initiative forms part of activities for the 2025 World AIDS Day, aiming to promote early diagnosis, expand testing access, and strengthen linkage to care.

LSACA announced on Tuesday via X that the campaign seeks to close testing gaps and raise community awareness on HIV prevention, management, and stigma reduction. Trained counsellors, testing kits, condoms, and educational materials have been deployed to facilitate the exercise.

Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, LSACA’s CEO, stressed that early testing is critical for public health and assures residents of safe, confidential, and accessible services.

The agency is partnering with community-based organisations to reach underserved areas.

Residents are urged to visit designated testing points and know their HIV status, a key step toward achieving an HIV-free generation.