By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, says the Federal Government has administered over 25 million doses of measles vaccines and 22 million yellow fever vaccinations nationwide, recording major gains in preventive healthcare.
Pate disclosed this on Sunday via his official X handle, noting that the figures were achieved under the current administration alongside Africa’s first Mpox vaccine rollout.
He said five million children had received the pentavalent vaccine, while more than 10 million Nigerians were vaccinated with the tetanus-diphtheria vaccine during the national diphtheria response. According to him, over one million Gavi-funded vaccine doses were also deployed to control meningitis outbreaks in northern Nigeria.
The minister further announced Nigeria’s entry into malaria vaccination with the rollout of the R21 Matrix-M vaccine in Bayelsa and Kebbi states. He said one million doses were received, including 846,200 from Gavi and 153,800 funded by the Federal Government, with Kebbi targeting over 179,000 children aged five to 15 months.
On cancer prevention, Pate said more than 14 million girls aged nine to 14 had been vaccinated against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) since the programme’s launch in October 2023, achieving over 90 per cent coverage.
He added that the Federal Government committed $54 million to the global fight against tuberculosis in 2025 and has approved an additional ₦68 billion for vaccine financing, reaffirming its commitment to reducing preventable diseases and avoidable deaths.

By Onyeanya Immaculata

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has introduced dedicated phone lines for residents to report uncollected refuse across Abuja, in a bid to improve sanitation and ensure timely waste disposal.

The initiative was announced on Tuesday by the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.

He said residents can report areas with uncleared waste by calling 08038643087, 07011073406, 07011255710 or 09114843425.

Olayinka also encouraged residents to send photographs or video clips via WhatsApp, noting that reports should include accurate location details to enable swift intervention.

According to him, the move is aimed at strengthening accountability among sanitation contractors and addressing waste management challenges in the Federal Capital Territory, while promoting a cleaner and healthier environment.

By Onyeanya Immaculata

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), has cautioned Nigerians to celebrate responsibly during the yuletide, warning of increased risks of infectious diseases such as Lassa fever, Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM), diarrhoeal and foodborne illnesses.

In a public health advisory issued on Tuesday, the NCDC said heightened travel, crowded gatherings, food sharing and the dry season could significantly increase disease transmission.

The agency identified Lassa fever as a major concern, advising Nigerians to store food properly, keep their environment clean, avoid bush burning and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms such as fever, vomiting or bleeding occur.

It also warned that the dry season raises the likelihood of meningitis outbreaks, urging the public to avoid overcrowding, ensure good ventilation and watch out for symptoms including fever, neck stiffness and nausea. Vaccination, especially in high-risk areas, was strongly recommended.

On food safety, the NCDC advised proper handwashing, thorough cooking of meals, safe storage of leftovers and the use of clean water and utensils to prevent food poisoning.

The agency further cautioned against self-medication and misuse of antibiotics, noting that such practices increase antimicrobial resistance.

The NCDC urged Nigerians to observe basic preventive measures and report suspected cases through its toll-free line, 6232, or visit the nearest health facility, assuring continued surveillance and support throughout the festive period.