NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Health

Renal failure: Yobe Govt deploys experts to affected communities

152 total views today

 

By Ahmed Abba

The Yobe Government has deployed 50 health experts to investigate the causes of the alarming cases of kidney failure in some parts of the state.

Dr Mahmud Maina, the Director of the Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre in the Yobe University made this known in Gashua in Bade Local Government Area of the state.

”We are here in Bade Emirate to begin a kidney research project funded by Gov. Mai Mala Buni.

“The aim of the research is to understand the risk and causative factors contributing to the high number of deaths related to kidney disease, particularly within this emirate,” he said,

He said that the team comprises of 50 experts, including neurology consultants, lab scientists, nephrologists, geologists, chemists, echo toxicologists and collaborators from the UK, U.S. and Ghana.

“The team will conduct interviews with 2,000 people in Bade and Damaturu Local Government Areas to determine whether the causes are environmental, lifestyle-related, or genetic,” he added.

In his remarks, Dr Babagoni Waru, the Chief Medical Director of the  Yobe State University Teaching Hospital, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to identify the underlying causes of the problem.

He urged the team to be diligent in uncovering the common factors contributing to the public health challenge, and effective implementation of preventive measures.

Also speaking, Alhaji Ibrahim Babagana, the Chairman of Bade Local Government Area, assured the team of the council’s support.

The chairman decried the loss of six family members to kidney disease recently.

He pledged the commitment of the council, the emirate, and the entire community to the success of the research project.

NAN reports that on June 4, 2024 the state government said it sponsored over 50,000 free dialysis for patients suffering from renal diseases in the last five years. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nabilu Balarabe/Sadiya Hamza

Health

Niger Governor’s wife launches free medical outreach

151 total views today

 

By Rita Iliya

The Wife of Niger Governor, Hajiya Fatima Bago, has launched a free medical outreach in the Edati community as part of efforts to improve healthcare access across the state.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-day initiative is a collaboration between her office and the Graceland Healthcare Development Foundation, Kaduna.

 

The governor’s wife, during the launch on Friday said the initiative would provide free surgeries, 1,000 reading glasses, medical consultations, essential medications, and health education to community members.

 

She lauded the foundation for its noble effort, emphasising that the outreach would greatly enhance healthcare services for Niger’s people.

 

The governor’s wife highlighted the importance of looking after one another, stating “Giving back is not just about wealth, it’s about compassion and using whatever we have to uplift those around us.”

 

She also expressed gratitude to her husband, Umaru Bago, for his efforts in transforming the state’s healthcare sector and encouraged the Edati community to take full advantage of the initiative.

 

She reiterated her commitment to supporting and expanding similar programmes across the state.

 

Dr Ibrahim Dangana, Commissioner for Primary Health, assured that the ministry would provide the necessary resources to deliver quality healthcare to the people of Edati.

 

Dangana was represented by Dr Gana Mohammed, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Tertiary Health.

 

Dr Ibrahim Mohammed, Project Coordinator for the foundation, explained that the outreach aimed to perform 200 surgeries targeting various health conditions such as hernia, appendicitis, ganglion, utero-vaginal prolapse, goitres, fibroids, hydrocele, and undescended testicles.

 

He said the outreach would also offer services for hypertension, diabetes, ulcers, malaria, typhoid, and deworming, with a special focus on women and children.

 

NAN also reports that the medical intervention is expected to benefit more than 1,000 people in Edati and the surrounding areas.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Health

ACSRG advocates stronger FGM laws, enforcement in Africa

173 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The African Civil Society Reference Group Inc (ACSRG), has called for the strengthening and full enforcement of anti- Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) laws in Africa.

The group made the call in a statement signed by a member of its Board of Directors, Mr John Ede, to commemorate the 2025 International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM.

In the statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday, that group said that the move would close legal loopholes and hold perpetrators accountable.

It added that the legal frameworks should be complemented by comprehensive awareness campaigns that respect cultural heritage, while safeguarding the rights of girls.

The group pointed out that FGM was deeply rooted in cultural, religious, and social traditions, with no medical or health benefits – only lifelong consequences.

ACSRG said that the practice leads to severe health complications, including infections, chronic pain, childbirth complications, psychological trauma, and even death.

It added that beyond the physical harm, FGM entrenches gender inequality, limits educational and economic opportunities for women and girls, and violates international conventions on human rights.

“While progress has been made in many countries, over 200 million girls and women have already undergone FGM, and 4.3 million more are at risk in 2024 alone.

“Without urgent intervention, this number could rise to 4.6 million annually by 2030, making the elimination of FGM an urgent global priority,” the statement said.

ACSRG reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the global action to end the harmful practice of FGM, describing it as a “grave human rights violation.”

It stressed that the practice deprives millions of women and girls of their dignity, bodily autonomy, and the right to a life free from violence.

The group also called for the promotion of community-led advocacy and dialogue to drive sustainable change within affected communities.

It urges traditional and religious leaders, parents, and young people to champion positive cultural shifts that protect girls and promote alternative rites of passage that uphold dignity and tradition without harm.

ACSRG equally called for increased investments in education and awareness creation on the dangers of FGM in schools, healthcare centres, and communities.

According to the organisation, girls, families, and local leaders need access to culturally sensitive and evidence-based information that challenges myths and promotes gender equality.

“There is also the need to provide comprehensive support for survivors. Women and girls who have experienced FGM must receive medical, psychological, legal, and economic support to recover and rebuild their lives.

“Healthcare systems must be equipped to provide specialised treatment for FGM survivors, ensuring access to quality reproductive and mental health services.”

The group also advocated for stronger regional and global collaboration among African nations and international bodies.

This, it said, would coordinate anti-FGM efforts, share best practices, and increase funding for grassroots organisations leading the fight against FGM.

On zero tolerance and a future free from FGM, ACSRG noted that ending FGM was not just an African or women’s issue, but a global human rights imperative.

According to the group, achieving zero FGM requires bold leadership, sustained advocacy, and collective action at every level of society.

“Therefore, ACSRG, a leading platform addressing issues affecting women and children across Africa, stands in solidarity with survivors, activists, policymakers, and communities working tirelessly to eliminate FGM.

“We must continue to amplify voices, push for stronger policies, and create a world where every girl grows up free from harm, with the right to control her own body, future, and destiny.” (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Health

Patients from US, others throng Nigeria hospitals – Shettima

159 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says patients from the United States (US) and other countries are thronging Nigeria hospitals to seek affordable and high-quality kidney transplants.

Shettima said this on Thursday, during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Association of Nephrology at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, ahead of the association’s 37th Scientific Conference.

According to the Vice-President, Nigeria is witnessing a surge in reverse medical tourism.

Shettima attributed the choice of Nigeria for treatment, to affordability and high-quality expertise within the country’s medical community.

He stressed the need for further investments in specialised medical education to sustain this progress.

“There is reverse medical tourism these days fundamentally because of the level of care at some of our hospitals.

” Recently, 13 patients from the United States came to Nigeria for kidney transplants at Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, because it is much cheaper here.

“They received the same level of expertise available anywhere in the world,” Shettima said.

The Vice-President commended Dr Olalekan Olatise, Chief Medical Director of Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, for his contributions to kidney care.

Shettima described Olatise as “a very decent man who is highly altruistic” in his efforts to assist humanity.

The Vice-President, however, noted the financial strain on patients, many of whom he said, sold their houses or rely on government support to afford the transplants.

“While getting a kidney transplant is a significant challenge, life after a transplant presents even more difficulties.

“Many patients struggle with the cost of post-transplant care, including immunosuppressants, which are essential to maintaining their health,” he said.

The Vice-President recalled healthcare initiatives he had embarked on during his tenure as Governor of Borno, as well as the success of ongoing free maternal care programmes he introduced.

“At a hospital in my neighborhood, we provide a bag of rice and beans to every new mother.

” They record about 30 births daily, more than even the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).

” Over 4,000 deliveries have been recorded in less than eight months, with all medical expenses covered, including caesarean sections,” Shettima said.

The Vice-President reiterated the need for Nigeria to build its medical workforce, noting that when he was in Borno as Governor, he took 60 female students to study Medicine in Sudan.

“About 58 of them completed their education and passed the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) licensing exams.

” Most of them are now in their medical residency programmes. The beauty of training women in medicine is that they are more likely to stay back and serve their communities.

“We must make deliberate and targeted investments in specialised healthcare education in this country,” the Vice President said.

Earlier, Dr Olatise said that the conference with the theme, “Revolutionising Kidney Care in Nigeria: Evidence-Based Innovations,” will take place in Abuja from Feb.19 to Feb. 21.

Olatise, who is the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 37th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the association, announced plans to honour Shettima with the Kidney Champion Award.

This, according to him, is in recognition of his advocacy and direct support for kidney patients, including funding immunosuppressants and proposing the establishment of a specialised laboratory for post-transplant care.

“We have noticed the role the Vice President is playing in looking after kidney patients in the country.

” He has been involved in purchasing immunosuppressants, providing post-transplant care, and even considering setting up a lab to monitor calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) levels for kidney patients.

” This award is a recognition of his commitment,” Olatise said.

Other members of the delegation included Secretary of LOC, Dr Adegboyega Faponle, and the association’s Treasurer, Dr Manmak Mamven. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Education , Health

NGO sensitises pupils on healthy nutrition in Abuja schools

226 total views today

By Nana Musa

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Nature First Foundation, has conducted a sensitisation exercise for young children on healthy nutrition, wellness and sustainable agriculture in Abuja schools.

The Founder of the organisation, Priscilla Canice-Obi, and her team conducted the sensitisation at Vantage Point Academy, in Abuja on Thursday.

“We are educating and sensitising the young learners, to nurture healthier school children by promoting healthy habits, wellness lifestyles, the use of indigenous herbs, and gardening skills.

” We are targeting the future generation with this campaign, promoting healthy nutrition and lifestyle choices among children, especially as we witness the adverse effects of unhealthy eating among adults.

“ With over 11 million Nigerians battling diabetes, this is a dangerous trend so we are catching them young to help them grow up consciously, making good nutrition and wellness choices,” Canice-Obi said.

She said that the foundation is operating after receiving approval from the Universal Basic Education Board to implement the programme in primary and secondary schools.

Canice-Obi, said the foundation’s healthy natural nutrition and wellness campaign for children initiative was launched in 2024 and had it first edition in December.

” The initiative will pave way for Nature First Foundation Africa’s establishment of Wellness Clubs across schools in the FCT, where students will be trained and educated to embrace healthy nutrition, wellness lifestyle and sustainability practices.

” The foundation’s activities are currently powered by Nature First®, a sustainable and impact-driven nutrition and wellness company in the country,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that as part of the outreach, the foundation distributed well-star wellness pamphlets to the students.

It serves as a reminder on the importance of eating healthy natural foods, exercising, nurturing the earth and drinking water to stay hydrated. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Aisha Ahmed and Muhyideen Jimoh

Health

FCTA leaving no one behind in fight against cancer – Minister

135 total views today

By Philip Yatai

Dr Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says the FCT Administration is leaving no one behind in the fight against cancer.

Mahmoud stated this in Abuja on Wednesday, at an event organised by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) to commemorate the 2025 World Cancer Day.

The minister, who called for inclusive and sustained action against cancer, stressed the need for collaboration to “ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against cancer in FCT.

“We understand that tackling cancer requires collective efforts.

“This is why the FCT Administration is committed to forging strategic partnerships with institutions like NICRAT to enhance cancer awareness, build capacity for prevention and early detection.

“This, in the long run, will improve access to screening and treatment services.”

She said that the FCT Administration was investing in infrastructure and taking deliberate steps to strengthen its healthcare system.

This, according to her, will ensure that residents of the FCT have better access to quality healthcare services, including cancer prevention and treatment.

She commended NICRAT for its dedication to advancing cancer prevention, treatment, and research in Nigeria.

According to her, NICRAT commitment to driving awareness and fostering collaboration is truly commendable, and the day’s event is yet another testament to its tireless efforts.

Mahmoud reiterated the FCT Administration’s commitment to work hand in hand with NICRAT and other stakeholders to drive impactful interventions that would improve the health indices of residents and ultimately save lives.

Earlier, the Director-General of the institute, Prof. Usman Aliyu said that World Cancer Day was targeted at raising awareness, improving education, and catalysing joint action to prevent cancer.

Aliyu added that the event was also organised to mobilise support for persons affected by the disease.

Speaking on the 2025 theme, “United by Unique”, the D-G highlighted the importance of collaboration to create inclusive cancer solutions globally.

He said that since inception, NICRAT had initiated and sustained robust collaboration with local and international partners on training of cancer workforce at all levels of care, research, and contemporary preventive measures.

He said that the institute would continue to work hard to ensure the actualisation of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the health sector, especially cancer care. (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Health

Anambra treats 156 dog bite cases in 2 years – Official

121 total views today

Dog

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

The Anambra State Government, in partnership with Carter Centre, said it recorded and treated 156 dog bite cases between 2023 and 2024.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, made this known at a news conference on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Interventions, to mark the 2025 World NTDs Day, in Awka.

The theme for this year’s commemoration is “Unite to Act Towards Elimination of NTDs”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World NTDs Day is marked every Jan. 30 to create awareness and support the growing momentum for the control, elimination and eradication of these diseases.

Obidike said the state government established three centres for the treatment of dog bite victims against rabies viral infection at Onitsha Federal Medical Centre, Ekwulobia and Enugu-Ukwu General Hospitals.

“Out of the 156 dog bite cases, 118 victims showed open wounds and bleeding, and more than half received free prophylactic treatment with anti-rabies vaccines.

“Results indicated that 87 males and 69 females were exposed, representing 56 per cent and 44 per cent respectively.

“The incessant movement of unvaccinated homeless, stray dogs in our streets remains a big challenge of public health.

“We are collaborating with the Ministries of Environment and Agriculture, to control rabies viral infection in the state,” he said.

The commissioner identified onchocerciasis, known as river blindness, lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) as the NTDs in the state.

According to him, NTDs are caused by a variety of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins.

He said that the state had successfully eliminated two NTDs – river blindness and elephantiasis, through mass drug administration and vector control programmes.

Obidike urged Carter Centre and academic institutions to strengthen collaboration with the government, to sustain the successes achieved in the prevention of NTDs.

He urged residents to report cases of elephantiasis, hydrocele, dog bites, snake bites, oncho nodules, yaws, buruli ulcer, leprosy, guinea worm, and bloody urine, to the nearest health centre for prompt treatment.

Also speaking, Mrs Egeonu Attamah-Isiani, Programme Officer, Carter Centre, said the centre would continue to support the state to eliminate NTDs and achieve the global target by 2030.

In her remarks, Prof. Nkiru Orji, Coordinator, Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN), South-East, urged the state government to make policies and increase funding for NTDs research, to provide data for elimination. (NAN)

Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Oluwafunke Ishola

Health

Cancer: Oncologist advises Nigerians on healthy life style

154 total views today

Cancer

By Confidence Nwanesi and Kemi Akintokun

A Consultant Oncologist, Dr Ajibike Orekoya, has advised Nigerians to adopt a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of having cancer.

Orekoya, the Head of Oncology Unit at the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta, gave the advice at a programme organised by the hospital to commemorate the 2025 World Cancer Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Cancer Day is observed every Feb. 4 globally, to create awareness about the disease.

The theme for 2025 is “United by Unique”.

According to her, breast and prostrate cancers are the most common among women and men in the country, hence the need for regular checkup to ensure early detection.

The oncologist noted that women who started menstruation earlier were at s risk of having cancer, while women with family history were also at risk.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide and leading cause of cancer deaths among women in low and middle-income countries.

“The World Cancer Day has been set aside globally to create awareness about different things concerning cancer care.

” The most common cancers in Nigeria among women and men are breast and prostate cancer.

”Breast cancer doesn’t have a known cause but there are different things that may increase the risk of a person having it,” he said.

Orekoya, however, urged the Federal Government to increase the number of cancer centres in the country to give patients more access to treatment

“The government, on its part, is trying but there’s still more that can be done.

“The government, has subsidised the treatment for cancer patients and we all know that cancer treatment is quite expensive.

“Patients who are under the health insurance, part of their treatment is covered:

“There’s also another programme where drugs that patients received are provided to them at a subsidised rate,” he said.

Orekoya urged the government to do more by increasing the number of cancer centres in the country and ensure access to timely treatment

” Luckily for us here, the Federal Government is building a comprehensive cancer centre  where patients will be able to have regenerative treatment, hopefully at a subsidise rate. (NAN)
Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Health

Study finds rising plastic particles in human brain, liver

117 total views today

Plastic

Tiny plastic particles are accumulating in human tissues at increasingly higher levels, a new study published in the journal Nature Medicine showed.

The study, led by Matthew Campen of the University of New Mexico, shows that there are significantly higher levels of plastic nano and micro particles in the liver and brain.

The research was carried out from deceased people in 2024 compared to those studied in 2016.

According to the study released on Tuesday, the contamination is particularly high in the brain, with levels up to 30 times higher than in other organs such as the liver or kidneys,.

It said that while micro plastics have previously been detected in organs like the lungs, intestines and even the placenta, conventional microscopy typically only identifies particles larger than five micrometers.

The authors of the study said this excluded smaller nano particles that may be present.

Campen’s team employed advanced infrared and electron microscopy, which has allowed them to detect these smaller particles with greater accuracy.

The researchers analysed tissue samples from 24 deceased individuals in 2024 and compared them with 28 samples from 2016.

While the levels of plastic nano and micro particles in the kidneys remained largely unchanged, the liver and brain showed increase, particularly high levels in people with dementia.

The study also identified alarming levels of micro plastics in the brains of people diagnosed with dementia.

Twelve (12) brain samples were collected between 2019 and 2024, contained between 12,000 and 48,000 micrograms of plastic per gram of tissue.

However, the researchers said that these findings are associative and do not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

The team also analysed the types of plastic found, with polyethylene, the plastic commonly used in bottles and packaging found to be the most prevalent.

It accounted for 40 to 65per cent of the plastic detected in the liver and kidneys, and up to 75 per cent in the brain.

The researchers cautioned that some of the differences observed in brain tissue could be attributed to geographic factors, as the samples were collected from New Mexico and the U.S. East Coast.

They stressed the need for larger-scale; longer-term studies to further explore the effects of micro and nano plastic accumulation, particularly on neurological health.
Edited by Cecilia Odey/Halima Sheji

Health

FG approves $1.07bn for health sector reform

151 total views today

By Salif Atojoko

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved 1.07 billion dollars for healthcare sector reforms under the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) programme.

The Federal Government also approved a N4.8 billion allocation for HIV treatment.

Mr Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, said while addressing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday.

He said the International Development Association (IDA) provided two concessional loans of 500 million dollars each, alongside 70 million dollars in grant funding from other international bodies.

Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, said the HOPE programme aligned with the administration’s agenda to strengthen human capital development.

“The funds will be directed toward improving governance in healthcare and enhancing primary healthcare services nationwide.

“This financing will support recruitment, training, and retention of healthcare workers and teachers at the subnational level,” Pate said.

He added that 500 million dollars was dedicated to expanding the quality, utilisation and resilience of the primary healthcare system, including emergency maternal and child health services.

“As part of broader healthcare reforms, the council also approved N4.8 billion for the procurement of 150,000 HIV treatment packs over the next four months.

“This initiative underscores the federal government’s commitment to providing life-saving treatment and reducing healthcare costs for vulnerable populations,” he said. (NAN) (www.nanews.ng)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email