News Agency of Nigeria
Stakeholders urge review of 2006 National School Health Policy
Health

Stakeholders urge review of 2006 National School Health Policy

By Alex Enebeli

Stakeholders in health and education sectors, have pushed for the review of 2006 National School Health Policy (NSHP) to meet the present health conditions school children face.

They made the move during a “Roundtable Iterations on Revising the 2006 NSHP,” organised through Protect Urban School Children’s Health (PUSH) project led by University of Nigeria’s Health Policy Research Group (HPRG), on Friday in Enugu.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project is supported by the River State Ministry of Health, University of Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom and CHORUS Urban Health Research Consortium.

The stakeholders were representatives of the Federal Ministries of Education, Health and Social Welfare, Women Affairs and Budget and Economic Planning, World Health Organisation (WHO) and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Others were the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHDA), Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Paediatrics Association of Nigeria (PAN).

Speaking at the event, the Principal Investigator PUSH project, Dr Prince Agwu, said the review, revise and fully implementation of NSHP was necessary to accommodate emerging health issues of children across schools in Nigeria.

Agwu said during the policy review for the project, they discovered that a lot of policies pertaining the health and well-being of children such as the Child Rights Act, National Policy on the Health and Development of the young people were not effective.

According to him, the group also discovered that the school-based health services were not optimal, alarming neglect of essential health indicators and complete breakdown of links between schools and health system, particularly primary healthcare.

“The consequences of these failings reflect a lack of collective and committed attention to the health of school children evidenced by an outdated school health policy,” he said.

He equally listed governance, financing operational plans and implementation as some of the issues in 2006 NSHP, adding the group had been able to contribute by developing a new chapter which they were recommending to be added to the policy.

The principal investigator explained that they deployed series of research methods such as qualitative, quantitative and geographic information system to study the various health challenges facing by students and pupils.

“It was in that process, it became clear that we need to work on the national school health policy to meet the current realities.

“We held policy dialogue by engaging children. So we made sure that the voices of children are well integrated into the evidence we have produced.

“We are hoping that the Federal Ministry of Education, as a team will continue working with us to see how we can push this policy to the next phase of validation and implementation based on evidence we produced,” Agwu said.

Mr Ogwuche Itodo, the Assistant Director, Programmes, Federal Ministry of Education,  noted that the policy had been long overdue for revision, pledging the ministry’s commitment to work on the new evidence to achieve inclusive healthcare for students.

“By the grace of God, we’ll put our report to the Permanent Secretary for onward transmission to the National Council on Education who takes decisions on the issue of education.

“Once that is done, the whole state, the local government will have a key, and then the policy will be implemented,” Itodo said.

Contributing, the Senior Medical Officer, NPHDA, Dr Peter Wuya, noted that the operationalisation of the policy had been obsolete, hence the need to revise it to meet present day situation.

Wuya explained that different stress disorders, learning disabilities and emerging issues such as addiction from social media, sexual perversion, abuse drug and abuse disorders that school children face would be tackled in the new policy.

He added that primary healthcare centre were being renovated and revitalised with adequate infrastructure, human resources to provide 24-hour services to people.

On her part, the Professional Officer, Education Sector, UNESCO, Oyebukola Adeleye, assured of the organisation’s willingness to provide technical support to ensure that new health policy was produced for students.

The President, Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN), Prof. Ekanem Ekure, represented by a member of the group, Prof. Maduka Ughasoro, said the policy would ensure that schools were optimal in terms of good structure, ventilation, lightning and adequate meal.

He said the new curriculum would look into issues concerning health, physical education, wonderful environment and serve as the linkage between the schools and communities. (NAN)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Authorities declare new Ebola outbreak in DR Congo
Health

Authorities declare new Ebola outbreak in DR Congo

Ebola

By Tiamiyu Prudence Arobani

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have declared an Ebola outbreak in Kasai Province, with 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that the outbreak is concentrated in the Bulape and Mweka health zones in Kasai Province, in the south-central region of the country.

To rapidly scale up the response, an advance team from the country’s Ministry of Health and the global UN health body, WHO, has been deployed.

Symptoms of the rare, but severe, and often fatal illness, include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and haemorrhaging.

Samples tested on September 3 at the country’s National Institute of Biomedical Research in the capital Kinshasa confirmed the cause of the outbreak as the Ebola Zaire strain.

A national Rapid Response Team assisted by WHO experts in epidemiology, infection prevention and control, as well as case management, has been deployed to Kasai province.

Communication experts have also been deployed to reach communities and help them understand how to protect themselves.

Additionally, WHO is delivering two tonnes of essential supplies including personal protective equipment, mobile laboratory equipment and medical supplies.

The area is difficult to reach and at least a day’s drive from the provincial capital Tshikapa, with few air links.

“We’re acting with determination to rapidly halt the spread of the virus and protect communities,” Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, said.

“Banking on the country’s long-standing expertise in controlling viral disease outbreaks, we’re working closely with the health authorities to quickly scale up key response measures to end the outbreak as soon as possible.”

WHO said case numbers are likely to increase as transmission is ongoing.

The country has a stockpile of treatments, as well as 2,000 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine already prepositioned in the capital city Kinshasa.

The stockpile will be quickly moved to Kasai to vaccinate contacts and frontline health workers, according  to  WHO .

The DRC’s last outbreak affected the northwestern Equateur province in April 2022.

It was brought under control in under three months, thanks to the robust efforts of the health authorities.

In Kasai province, previous outbreaks of Ebola virus disease were reported in 2007 and 2008.

In the country overall, there have been 15 outbreaks since the disease was first identified in 1976. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Medical practitioners call for prioritising citizens’ health for economic growth
Health

Medical practitioners call for prioritising citizens’ health for economic growth

 

 

 

By Oluwafunke Ishola

 

 

 

The Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP) emphasises that prioritising citizens’ health and creating a supportive environment for private health professionals are crucial steps toward building a resilient economy.

 

This assertion was made by Dr Jonathan Esegine, Chairman of the ANPMP Lagos State chapter, during a news conference in Lagos ahead of the association’s Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference.

 

 

Esegine disclosed that the conference has the theme “Building Resilient Private Healthcare System in Lagos State: A Strategic Driver of Public-Private Collaboration, Economic Stability and Governance”.

 

He emphasised that the theme was germane to proffering sustainable solutions to the myriad of challenges facing Lagos State and the country’s health sector.

 

According to him, building a robust economy hinges on ensuring the populace are healthy through a virile private health care system.

 

He stressed that the private health sector must be given the desired attention and support to thrive.

 

“Private medical professionals operate under harrowing conditions from indequate infrastructure, multiple taxation, poverty among the populace, insecurity to dearths of health personnel.

 

“In spite of these conditions, we still provide 70 per cent of the medical needs to the populace.

 

“We have been doing this in the past 104 years.

 

“Those of us who are remaining in the country, we are still willing, but we need the government to appreciate and support us by providing a conducive environment so that we can function more efficiently.”

 

The chairman highlighted the effect of high cost of electricity tariffs and fuel on hospital services, noting that efforts are ongoing to ensure their inclusion in the recently approved electricity subsidy of the government.

 

He noted that the conference seeks to educate and share experiences of new development in the sector that impacts on their practices as well as service delivery.

 

“We will also discuss impact of government policy, both at the state and local level and the influence of the economy on our services.

 

“Also, relevance of information technology in driving healthcare systems and general improvement of Quality Assurance System.”

 

Similarly, Dr Tunji Akintade, Chairman, Local Organising Committee of the conference, said the theme seeks to draw attention to the dire conditions of citizens.

 

Akintade noted that the bleeding health sector was threatening the health and well-being of citizens with its attendant impact indirectly affecting productivity.

 

“We are giving services to close to 70 per cent of the population. In other states, it’s higher than that.

 

“In that wise, government should be looking at a situation where they cover a lot of our tracks.

 

“Government have done it before when the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria was on government’s neck, they subsidised importation and production and the impact was felt at the grassroots.

 

“In fact, there was a rule that if you are setting up an industry, you get five years tax-free,” Akintade said.

 

 

 

He lamented that same incentives and support from government was yet to be given to private medical professionals who are entrusted with providing life-saving intervention to a large percentage of citizens.

 

Akintade urged the government to collaborate with private health professionals toward improving service delivery and strengthening the nation’s health system. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Weather: Expert warns Nigerians to stay warm
Health

Weather: Expert warns Nigerians to stay warm

By Folasade Akpan

Dr Olusegun Adeoye, a public health specialist, has advised Nigerians to adopt healthy habits to stay warm and avoid illness as cold weather continues across parts of the country.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, Adeoye warned that exposure to intense cold could lead to pneumonia, influenza, respiratory infections, and aggravate conditions like asthma and arthritis.

He explained that the ongoing spell of chilly mornings and evenings was due to seasonal weather changes bringing damp and windy conditions.

The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) recently warned of lower-than-normal temperatures, especially at night and in the early morning, possibly lasting into September.

Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised are most at risk.

To stay protected, Adeoye recommended: Dressing in layers of breathable, warm clothing, Using thick blankets, insulated bedding, and proper home insulation and light physical activity like exercise or dancing generating body heat.

He also advised drinking hot beverages like tea or cocoa, eating nourishing hot meals like soups, stews, and porridge, taking warm baths and using heating devices where available.

Adeoye also cautioned against prolonged exposure to cold and wet conditions and urged the use of scarves, hats, gloves, and thick socks when outdoors.

“Prevention remains the best protection,” he said, adding that many Nigerians underestimated the health risks of cold weather.

Adeoye called on parents to ensure children were properly dressed during the day and kept warm at night. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Care365: Wike reaffirms commitment to accessible healthcare
Health

Care365: Wike reaffirms commitment to accessible healthcare

 

By Angela Atabo

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has pledged the Administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at improving the lives and living standards of residents.

Wike, who was represented by FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, made the commitment in Abuja on Tuesday, at the inauguration of the Care365 Innovation System in Nigeria.

The minister said that the FCTA would provide the needed support for the success of Care365 innovation in the territory.

He added that “this administration believes that Care365 will help to reduce healthcare disparities by providing accessible services and improving health outcomes for FCT residents

“We also believe that this innovation, due to its user-friendly interface and seamless virtual consultation, will enhance patients’ experience and satisfaction.

“The cutting-edge healthcare solution is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in transforming the healthcare system.”

Wike, therefore, commended Retired Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar and other stakeholders who worked hard to bring the innovation to the country.

He urged stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring successful implementation of the groundbreaking initiative.

Earlier, Ngozi  Odumuko, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Care365 Innovation System in Nigeria, gave comprehensive outlook of the initiative.

According to him, Care365 is a comprehensive healthcare innovation that introduces Care365 Health Monitoring Kiosk, Care365 Mobile Clinic, Care365 Health Hub Telemedicine Mobile, Web App, as well as Specialist Doctors Pool.

He said that the four crucial components were all designed to revolutionise healthcare access and delivery.(NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Health investment essential for Nigeria’s economic growth- Pate
Health

Health investment essential for Nigeria’s economic growth- Pate

By Folasade Akpan

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has stated that sustained investment in health is essential for Nigeria’s economic growth and long-term development.

Pate made the remark on Monday in Abuja during the opening of the National Health Financing Dialogue, themed “Reimagining the Future of Health Financing in Nigeria.”

The dialogue aims to build a strong evidence base to support increased and sustained financing commitments.

It also seeks to facilitate policy reforms that encourage private sector involvement in the health system.

Pate said the dialogue would advocate for sub-national health financing, explore new strategies, and enhance accountability across the health sector.

According to the minister, no nation can achieve lasting prosperity without a healthy population.

He noted that decades of underinvestment in Nigeria’s health system had burdened families with high out-of-pocket expenses and slowed the country’s overall development.

He emphasised that the idea of achieving a quality health system without adequate financial investment was unrealistic.

“Health, wherever it is produced, is not cheap. If you want to get good health, somebody has to pay for it.

“That you can actually get a good quality health system without paying for it is an illusion,” he said.

Pate posed key questions on how to make the best use of available resources.

“So the challenge is: with what we have at this point, how do we use it wisely? How do we deploy, mobilise, and purchase efficiently?

“How do we stretch the few dollars we have to get the most health for our population? And as our economy grows and government revenue increases, how do we allocate more to health?”

He stressed that funding must come from both federal and state governments, as well as other organised sources, while ensuring that the poor and vulnerable were protected.

“If we can solve that, I believe we will begin to have a healthy health market that will see this country through this development phase as it grows and becomes a more prosperous economy.

“As we get more, we will spend more on health. But there has to be a market that functions, so that it’s not only the government that participates. The private sector must also be involved.”

He also highlighted the crucial role of civil society: saying “Civil society, represented here today, acts as a watchdog, an advocate, and a mobiliser.

“Their role is vital in helping build the health system we desire. It will take the whole of society to achieve that.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the four-day dialogue brings together policymakers, development partners, health financing experts, and civil society, media, and health insurance representatives.

Also participating are private sector stakeholders and members of the academic community, working together to build on recent progress and translate high-level commitments into actionable strategies for sustainable health financing in Nigeria. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Autism expert warns of dangers of delaying early intervention
Health

Autism expert warns of dangers of delaying early intervention

By France Ofili

Uchendu Nwabara, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of St. Stephens Family Autism Centre, Abuja, has warned Nigerian families about the dangers of delaying early intervention for children showing signs of autism.
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‎Nwabara gave the warning in Abuja on Sunday, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), while offering his professional advice.
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‎He emphasised the critical importance of acting promptly when developmental concerns arise, saying that early intervention could make a life-changing difference.
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‎“Delaying essential support can have long-term consequences on a child’s development and overall well-being,” he said.
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‎Nwabara highlighted five key reasons to prioritise early intervention to include critical developmental periods, improved outcomes, strengthening family support, access to resources and tailored strategies.
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‎”The early years of a child’s life are crucial for brain development and as such early intervention can capitalise on this period to foster essential communication, social, and cognitive skills.
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‎”Research shows that children who receive early intervention services are more likely to achieve developmental milestones, integrate with peers, and live fulfilling lives.
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‎”Delaying these services can limit your child’s potential.
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‎”It is important to note that early intervention not only benefits the child but also equips parents and caregivers with tools and strategies to support their child’s needs effectively, leading to a more harmonious family environment.
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‎”Also, engaging in early intervention connects you with resources, specialists, and support groups that can provide invaluable guidance, information and emotional support.
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‎”Early intervention programmes are designed to be personalised to your child’s unique strengths and challenges, ensuring that they receive the most relevant and effective support,” Nwabara said.
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‎He urged parents to trust their instincts, seek evaluations early, and connect with professionals and support groups to ensure early intervention of autism in their children.
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‎ “Your child’s future depends on timely action; don’t wait for symptoms to worsen,” Nwabara said.
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‎NAN reports that St. Stephens Family Autism Centre offers specialised services and support to families navigating autism in Nigeria.
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‎The centre is committed to early intervention and inclusive care. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

FG unveils genomic strategy, prepares for AMR 2026
Health

FG unveils genomic strategy, prepares for AMR 2026

By Abujah Racheal

The Federal Government says it is strengthening Nigeria’s health security system with a national genomic surveillance strategy, expanded laboratory networks, and trained health workers to better respond to public health threats.

 

Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, stated this on his official X account, formerly known as Twitter, while briefing Nigerians and the international community on reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

 

Pate said the government was building a resilient and agile health system that would enable Nigeria to detect and respond to emerging and re-emerging diseases, while also contributing to global health security.

 

According to him, the launch of the National Genomic Surveillance Strategy and the Nigeria Genomics Consortium will revolutionise disease detection, monitoring and response across the country.

 

He said Nigeria had also integrated genomics into its antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance system, noting that the country would host the 5th Global Ministerial High-Level Conference on AMR in Abuja in 2026.

 

He explained that, while international support was important, Nigeria was mobilising domestic resources to protect its population of over 200 million people.

 

The Minister listed several achievements by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) under Tinubu’s leadership.

 

These, he said, include the inauguration of the Integrated Disease Reference Laboratory in Lagos for neglected tropical diseases, malaria and fungal infections.

 

He said the Centre had also established new diagnostic laboratories for Mpox and Lassa fever, while optimising existing laboratories in 13 states to reduce the turnaround time for outbreak confirmation.

 

According to him, the NCDC has further attained the ISO 15189 accreditation for the National Reference Laboratory, in addition to securing a five-star rating for the Central Public Health Laboratory.

 

He added that a laboratory data management system with real-time dashboards for epidemic-prone diseases had been developed to aid immediate notification and response.

 

Pate also noted the operationalisation of the Nigeria Preparedness and Readiness Alert System (NPRAS), a predictive risk-based platform which is already being used to conduct structured assessments in eight vulnerable states to inform hazard profiles and ensure donor alignment

 

He stressed that disease surveillance would not be possible without cohesion between federal and state governments, adding that the NCDC works within the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) framework of the Ministry to ensure coordination.

 

He said the framework had been recognised by the World Health Organisation as a global model for early action review.

 

On workforce strengthening, the Minister disclosed that over 325 Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) focal persons from tertiary, secondary and private health facilities were undergoing training to become certified professionals.

 

He said Nigeria’s Joint External Evaluation (JEE) score had improved from 39 per cent in 2017 to 54 per cent in 2023, reflecting enhanced epidemic preparedness.

 

“These reforms represent President Tinubu’s compact with Nigerians to reform national institutions, focus on merit, and strengthen processes so that our country can safeguard its people and contribute to global health security,” he said.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria is making major progress in genomic strategy, lab networks, IPC workforce, predictive systems, while also recognising that outbreaks, AMR, and weak state systems are still are challenge.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Community pharmacists, Police collaborate on health outreaches
Health

Community pharmacists, Police collaborate on health outreaches

By Kemi Akintokun

Community pharmacists in Lagos State, under the aegis of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), have partnered with the Nigerian Police Force to enhance public health and safety.

In a statement signed by Mr Tolu Ajayi, ACPN Lagos Chairman, the collaboration highlighted pharmacists’ dual role as healthcare providers and public safety allies.

As part of the 2025 Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Lagos Scientific Week, the ACPN paid advocacy visits to the Assistant Inspector General at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) and the Lagos State Police Command.

The health outreaches themed “Partnership with the Nigeria Police Force for Equitable Access to Healthcare Towards Universal Health Coverage” were simultaneously held across 30 police formations in the state.

The activities included health education, free medical screening for officers, distribution of essential medicines, product samples, and first aid supplies.

“Together, community pharmacists and the police can create a frontline that fights illegalities, builds trust, and promotes public health and safety,” Ajayi stated.

He emphasised that community pharmacists were not only committed to rational medication use but were also well-positioned to support crime prevention through intelligence on drug abuse and trafficking.

“Beyond dispensing medicines, we provide counselling, monitor treatment outcomes, support adherence, and make timely referrals.

“We also play a vital role in rehabilitating individuals battling drug addiction and promoting disease prevention and wellness,” Ajayi added.(NAN)(nannews,ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FG inaugurates polio vaccination in 11 high-risk states
Health

FG inaugurates polio vaccination in 11 high-risk states

By Salisu Sani-Idris
The Federal Government will conduct the second round of the integrated vaccination campaign across 11 high-risk states from Sept. 11 to 14, 2025.
Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State disclosed this while briefing journalists at the end of the 151st National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was chaired by Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

Yahaya, who also serves as Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, said the council endorsed a nationwide integrated campaign in October targeting children aged 0–14 years.

He said the campaign aimed to deliver measles, rubella, and polio vaccines, as well as seasonal malaria chemoprevention and interventions for neglected tropical diseases.

“Although Nigeria was declared polio-free in 2020, a new variant has emerged, particularly in the North West and border regions with Chad and Cameroon,” Yahaya said.

He noted that efforts were ongoing to eradicate the new variant and improve vaccination coverage, especially in areas with porous borders.

According to him, the number of recorded cases has dropped from 78 in the 33rd week of 2024 to 42 cases.

He said Kano and Kaduna States had recorded significant reductions, 85 per cent and 84 per cent respectively.

The governor also revealed that the NEC recommended that Deputy Governors, who chair the State Task Force on immunization, should meet at least two weeks before the next rounds of campaigns.

“This is especially important in key states like Kano, Jigawa, and Sokoto, where coordination is crucial for successful implementation.

“Additionally, the council advised that states should conduct post-campaign reviews led by State Commissioners of Health and Executive Secretaries of Primary Health Care Development Agencies to address gaps and develop mop-up plans.

“Similarly, NEC recommended that Local Government Chairmen should convene review meetings to ensure complete mop-up activities,” he added.

Yahaya further stated that security agencies had been directed to provide adequate coverage for the immunisation campaigns, especially in high-risk areas like Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kaduna.

Lastly, the NEC requested that the Accountant General of the Federation expedite the release of funds to ensure a smooth and effective polio immunisation exercise nationwide. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru
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