Connect with us

Health

Tinubu’s administration revolutionalising Nigeria’s health sector – Minister

Published

on

These initiatives included new infrastructure projects, enhanced regulations and efforts to boost local manufacturing, workforce development and health insurance coverage.

Prof. Ali Pate, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja at a Ministerial Sectoral briefing ahead of Tinubu’s first anniversary.

Pate revealed that groundbreaking ceremonies would soon be held for 10 major healthcare infrastructure projects across Nigeria.

“These projects will establish new radiology and clinical pathology centres in several regions, including Kaduna, Idubu, and Asaba, among others,” he said.

The minister emphasised that these facilities are part of a broader strategy to improve healthcare access, and diagnostic capabilities nationwide.

“The President has committed to renewing the health sector and these groundbreaking projects are a testament to that promise.

“These new centres will bring advanced diagnostic services closer to the people, enhancing early detection and treatment of various health conditions,” he said.

He said that  the administration is focusing on enhancing local pharmaceutical production to reduce dependency on imports and create jobs.

“Effective regulation has played a crucial role in this effort, providing a conducive environment for local manufacturers.

“A notable example is the partnership with a Brazilian entity investing 240 million dollars to establish manufacturing plants in Lagos for producing test kits,” he said.

Pate said that to address healthcare workforce shortage, the administration had increased training slots from 38,000 to 64,000.

“This expansion aims to produce a new generation of healthcare professionals equipped to meet the country’s growing needs,” he said.

ALSO READ:  NAF acquires 63 brand new aircraft in 3 years – CAS

He also highlighted the importance of encouraging Nigerian medical professionals abroad to return home, and contribute their expertise to the nation’s healthcare system.

“We’ve seen an encouraging trend of well-trained Nigerians returning from abroad. This influx of expertise will significantly enhance our healthcare services,” he noted.

The minister said that the government aimed to increase the health insurance coverage from 17 million to 50 million Nigerians.

“This initiative is crucial for making healthcare services more affordable and accessible.

“Imagine the transformative impact of providing fair insurance to 50 million Nigerians. It will change the dynamics of our healthcare sector dramatically,” he said.

He said that the ministry in collaboration with Ghana, have closed several open drug markets to combat fake drugs in the country.

Pate said they are also working to establish coordinated wholesale centres to streamline the supply chain, and ensure distribution of safe medications.

He reassured Nigerians that the government was vigilant in protecting Nigeria’s health security through a One Health approach.

“This strategy involves collaboration between the health, agriculture, environment, and water resources sectors to address health issues comprehensively. We are committed to ensuring the health and well-being of all Nigerians.

“Our multifaceted approach, including surveillance and regulatory measures, is designed to tackle both infectious and non-infectious diseases,”he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that since Tinubu`s assumption of office, he had focused on implementing the “Renewed Hope Agenda” for the health sector.

NAN reports that the agenda is aimed at improving healthcare delivery and outcomes across Nigeria.

ALSO READ:  Police kill bandit, arrest 6 kidnappers, armed robbers in Kaduna

The administration has significantly increased the budget for the health sector to ₦1.58 trillion, marking a substantial rise from previous allocations.

This increase aims to support extensive infrastructure development and health system improvements.

Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” has set ambitious goals for Nigeria’s health sector, focusing on increased investment, expanded insurance coverage, and improved infrastructure.(NAN)

Health

NAFDAC clarifies position on importation of anti-leprosy drugs

Published

on

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has emphasised its commitment to due process in the importation of Rifampicin, an anti-leprosy drug, into Nigeria.

NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, explained the agency’s position on the matter in a statement on Monday.

She was responding to a BBC report titled “Vital leprosy drugs due in Nigeria after year delay”.

The report had suggested that NAFDAC had either delayed or prevented the importation of essential leprosy treatment.

Adeyeye explained that before any drug could be imported into Nigeria, it must undergo rigorous testing, laboratory checks, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

“This was the case with Rifampicin, the medicine in question, which NAFDAC was accused of delaying.

“The BBC report also highlighted a request from the World Health Organisation (WHO) for NAFDAC to lift its new testing policy to expedite the importation of the medicine.”

Adeyeye clarified that her response was aimed at providing accurate information and dispelling any misinformation circulating regarding the agency’s actions.

NAFDAC, Adeyeye recalled, was established to safeguard public health through a robust legal and regulatory framework, ensuring that only safe, effective and quality medicines were available in Nigeria.

“One of the agency’s key initiatives is the Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis (CRIA) Scheme which ensures that medicines from high-risk countries such as China and India, meet the required quality standards before being exported to Nigeria.

“This policy, in place since 2002 and strengthened in 2020, ensures that medicines imported into Nigeria meet the highest standards.

“A key component of this process is the submission of the Certificate of Pharmaceutical Products (CoPP), a document that verifies that a consignment of medicines has undergone thorough quality checks by the regulatory authority of the exporting country.

ALSO READ:  Students Warn OOU Varsity's Management to Respect SUG's Constitution

“Developed by WHO, the CoPP provides assurance that medicines comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and meet safety, quality, and efficacy requirements.”

Adeyeye clarified that the manufacturer of the Rifampicin consignment had failed to provide the necessary CoPP documentation, a critical part of the importation process.

“To address that, WHO requested a waiver for the required documentation, which NAFDAC reviewed.

“Upon receiving the appeal, NAFDAC requested a laboratory evaluation of the Rifampicin consignment from one of its approved CRIA laboratories in India to ensure the product met the necessary quality, safety, and efficacy standards.

“Following satisfactory laboratory results, assurances, and the need to replenish the stock of the medicine for Nigerian patients, NAFDAC granted approval for the Rifampicin shipment to be exported to Nigeria.”

Additionally, Adeyeye stated that NAFDAC was collaborating with local pharmaceutical industries to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported medicines.

She said that the agency was strengthening regulatory systems and building local manufacturing capacity to ensure that quality medicines were available in Nigeria.

Adeyeye reassured the public that NAFDAC would continue to ensure the availability of only safe, efficacious, and quality medicines for distribution, sale, and use within Nigeria.(NAN)

Continue Reading

Health

NCDC confirms new Lassa fever case, calls for enhanced surveillance

Published

on

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed a new case of Lassa fever in a 31-year-old physician who had recently travelled to the United Kingdom.

NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

Idris stated that the patient, who was diagnosed in Ondo State, unfortunately succumbed to the disease before the test results confirming the infection were available.

Idris raised an alert on the situation, stressing the need for heightened surveillance and precautionary measures.

He emphasised that the latest case highlighted the persistent threat of Lassa fever in Nigeria and the potential for international transmission.

According to the NCDC’s latest epidemiological report, Nigeria has recorded 2,728 suspected cases and 535 confirmed cases of Lassa fever in 2025, with 98 deaths across 14 states.

“The current case fatality rate stands at 18.3 per cent, indicating the severity of the disease.

“Five states, Ondo 31 per cent, Bauchi 24 per cent, Edo 17 per cent, Taraba 16 per cent, and Ebonyi 3 per cent account for 91 per cent of all confirmed cases.

“The most affected local government areas include Owo, Akure South, Etsako West, Kirfi, Akoko South-West, Bali, Esan North-East, Bauchi, Toro, and Jalingo.”

He said that the confirmed case involved the Nigerian physician, who travelled to the UK on Feb. 19, 2025, and returned on Feb. 27, 2025.

“He was admitted to a private health facility in Ondo State with symptoms suggestive of Lassa fever.

“Samples were taken on Feb. 28, 2025, but the patient passed away on March 1, 2025, before test results were confirmed.

ALSO READ:  Students Warn OOU Varsity's Management to Respect SUG's Constitution

“The NCDC confirmed the diagnosis of Lassa fever on March 4, 2025.

“Investigation revealed that the deceased had visited his fiancée in Edo State before his UK trip and had also met with family and friends.

“Contact tracing efforts have since been launched in both Nigeria and the UK to curb further spread of the disease.”

In response to the case, the NCDC, in collaboration with the Ondo State Ministry of Health, had intensified contact tracing, surveillance, and infection control measures.

“The agency is identifying and monitoring all potential contacts of the deceased, including family members, healthcare workers, and co-passengers on flights.

“Port Health Services are also enhancing surveillance at entry points, particularly airports, while collaboration with UK health authorities ensures cross-border tracking of potential exposures.”

Idris reiterated public health guidelines to prevent further outbreaks, urging Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, control rodent populations, and seek early medical intervention for suspected cases.

He emphasised that Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease primarily spread through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents.

“Human-to-human transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings with inadequate infection prevention and control measures.

“The NCDC continues to monitor disease patterns and deploy rapid response teams to affected areas, with specialised treatment centres providing care for severe cases.

“Public awareness campaigns are ongoing, educating communities on rodent control, food safety, and early symptom reporting.

“In spite of these efforts, Lassa fever remains a significant public health challenge, with high mortality rates and the potential for international spread, as demonstrated by this recent case.” (NAN)

ALSO READ:  Corruption: Jega wants public servants restricted from taking traditional titles
Continue Reading

News

Takum Chieftaincy Dispute: Chamba Group Welcomes Appeal Court’s Retrial Order

Published

on

By Nahum Sule, Jalingo

The Takum Chamba Socio-cultural Development Association has welcomed the Appeal Court’s decision to order a retrial in the long-standing chieftaincy dispute between the Kuteb people and the Taraba state government, alongside the Chamba ruling clan of Takum.

In a statement on Wednesday, the group’s spokesperson, Sawariga Dauda, said the ruling—delivered on March 5, 2025, at the Appeal Court in Yola—remits Appeal No. CA/YL/120/2024 to the Taraba State High Court for a fresh trial before a new judge appointed by the state’s Chief Justice.

Dauda expressed confidence in the judicial process, stating that the Chamba people are prepared to defend their claim to the Takum throne.

“We are not worried about the Appeal Court’s decision for a retrial. We are not appealing; we are defending our position as rightful owners of the Takum chieftaincy stool,” Dauda said.

He emphasized that historical records and previous court rulings support their claim, adding that the Chamba group remains confident of another legal victory.

The ruling is the latest development in the Takum chieftaincy tussle, a dispute that has persisted for years.

The Kuteb people have continued to challenge the Chamba ruling clan’s claim to the throne, rejecting a state government-backed rotation system that would see leadership shared between the Chamba, Kuteb, and Kpanzu groups.

ALSO READ:  Corruption: Jega wants public servants restricted from taking traditional titles
Continue Reading