NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FG to explore nuclear medicine in cancer care
Health

FG to explore nuclear medicine in cancer care

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By Abiodun Lawal
The Federal Government says the country is yet take full advantage of nuclear medicine in the diagnosis, treatment of cancer and other diseases.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq  Salako, said this in Abeokuta, at a workshop organised by the National Nuclear Medicine Technical Working Group on the development of National Nuclear Medicine Guidelines/Policy.

Nuclear medicine is a medical specialty that uses radioactive tracers (radiopharmaceuticals) to assess bodily functions and to diagnose and treat disease. Specially designed cameras allow doctors to track the path of these radioactive tracers.

The minister noted that the increasing burden of cancer in the country needed solutions and all management possibilities to tackle the disease.
He said the Federal Government remains concerned about the growing cancer burden, with 60 to 70 per cent of Nigerians personally knowing someone affected by the disease.
“We are, therefore, implementing programmes cutting across prevention, treatment and control, including the ongoing construction of six cancer centres of excellence across the six geopolitical zones.
“It is also important to note that one critical management modality that we have not properly explored in the delivery of healthcare services in our country is nuclear medicine.
“Despite the rich resources of human capital in the country in the area of nuclear medicine, and our partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
“Nigeria is not taking full advantage of what nuclear medicine has to offer in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases including cancers,” he said.
Salako explained that the ministry inaugurated a technical working group in February 2025, comprising key professionals in nuclear medicine, to determine how Nigeria could begin deploying nuclear medicine services and technologies.
He noted that screening services that could detect cancers early or even at the precancerous stage was an important mechanism in the prevention and control of cancer, while assuring the committee of the ministry’s support.
Earlier, The Chairman, National Nuclear Medicine Technical Working Group, Dr Kehinde Ololade, said the aim of establishing the committee by the Federal Government was to develop guidelines and policies for the application of Nuclear Medicine in Nigeria.
In her remarks, the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, emphasised the importance of exploring nuclear medicine to reduce cancer morbidity and mortality rates, stating that cancer could no longer be ignored. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yetunde Fatungase
Strike: CSOs decry setback in malaria, HIV services in FCT
Health

Strike: CSOs decry setback in malaria, HIV services in FCT

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Strike

By Justina Auta

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has raised serious concerns over the disruption of malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV interventions in Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The disruption followed an ongoing workers’ strike that had significantly affected the delivery of essential health services in the territory.

The CSOs voiced their concerns during a courtesy visit to the FCT PHC Board and the State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP) Secretariat on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in March, the joint unions of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) directed workers across the six area councils of the FCT to embark on a sit-at-home strike.

The industrial action was aimed at pressing for the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage and the settlement of other outstanding entitlements by the area council authorities.

The industrial action had resulted in the prolonged closure of primary healthcare centres and schools, significantly limiting access to essential services for residents.

Mr Samuel Simon, FCT Programme Officer for the TB Network, said their recent visit to PHCs supported under the COVID-19 Response Mechanism and Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (C19RM/RSSH) Global Fund Project revealed troubling findings.

He noted that many of the facilities remained shut, hindering access to critical health services at the community level.

“The strike, which has crippled healthcare services, has severely impacted the delivery of essential health programmes, putting vulnerable populations at risk,” Simon stated.

Mr Nathaniel Salifu, FCT Coordinator of the Tuberculosis Network, expressed similar concerns, noting the broader implications for malaria and HIV responses.

“With PHC facilities largely inaccessible, concerns are mounting over a potential surge in untreated cases, disease transmission, and preventable deaths.

“This will have devastating effects, not just on communities, but also on the progress made in achieving universal health coverage,” he warned.

Mr Peter Ikiti, FCT Coordinator for the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), called on all relevant authorities to urgently address the industrial dispute.

He stressed the need to safeguard health and education services, especially for vulnerable populations affected by the ongoing strike.

Dr Julius Ibecheole, FCT State Coordinator of the Association of Civil Society Organisations in Malaria Control, Immunisation and Nutrition (ACOMIN), also called for immediate action.

“We are calling for urgent steps to resolve these issues and restore uninterrupted healthcare services that protect the health and well-being of residents, especially those most vulnerable to diseases,” Ibecheole said.

Responding to the concerns, Mrs Elizabeth Ladipo, FCT PHC Board State Health Educator, acknowledged the negative impact of the strike on vulnerable communities but assured stakeholders that advocacy efforts were ongoing to ensure a resolution.

Likewise, Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim, Programme Manager of SMEP, noted that some interventions, with the support of development partners, were continuing, particularly around the distribution of malaria elimination drugs.

Meanwhile, Dr Stephen Knabayi, Chairman of the NLC, FCT Chapter, warned that the union would shut down Abuja after July 3 if authorities failed to resolve the ongoing industrial disputes affecting area council workers. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Groups advocate holistic educational approach for reparation in Nigeria
Health

Groups advocate holistic educational approach for reparation in Nigeria

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By Angela Atabo

Neem Foundation and Global Survivors Fund (GSF) have advocated a holistic educational approach for the reparation of survivours of conflict-related sexual violence and their children in Nigeria.

Dr Fatima Akilu, the Executive Director of Neem Foundation, made the call at a “Policy Dialogue on Education as Reparation for Survivours and Children affected by Conflict-Related Sexual Violence” in Abuja.

Akilu said the approach would  help the survivours and the children regain control of their lives, their dignity and place in society.

She said the foundation brought together stakeholders,  governments, international, non-governmental organisations and the diplomatic community, to an important call to action.

She said the aim was to prioritise education as a form of reparation for survivors and children affected by conflict-related sexual violence in Nigeria.

“Education as reparation requires tailored measures that address the unique needs of children affected by conflict-related sexual violence.

“Combining trauma-responsive methods, flexible learning with economic support, and engagement with caregivers and communities, it ensures that the education children receive is accessible, inclusive, and transformative.

“At the heart of the Neem project in Borno is the Lafiya Sarari school, where nearly 80 per cent  of enrolled students have been affected by conflict-related sexual violence,” she said.

Akilu said that students learn on-the-go and move at their own pace through a curriculum grounded in values such as peace, respect, and integrity – a deliberate counter to the hate that fuelled their trauma.

She added that the learning process is interwoven with mental health care, psychosocial support, and basic medical services.

“For children still carrying the physical and emotional scars of violence, this holistic approach provides a lifeline.This initiative is scalable.

“Training for more teachers is already underway, laying the groundwork to expand this model across the country and internationally.

“The changes we see at Lafiya Sarari can also be a reality for children in communities affected by sexual violence across the world, and Nigeria can lead the way,” she added.

According to Akilu, Neem and GSF in February 2024, started collaborating on a six-year initiative in Maiduguri that delivers trauma-responsive education to children aged eight to 14.

She said that most of the children were abducted, abused, witnessed violence, or were born as a result of sexual violence during Boko Haram’s insurgency.

“This comprehensive education programme, set up by Neem creates safe spaces for children to heal, regain confidence, and reconnect with a future that was violently interrupted.

“This is a bold, practical step towards justice and social reintegration. We are making schools where healing begins,” Akilu said.

Also speaking, the Executive Director at GSF, Esther Dingemans, said education is one of the most frequently requested forms of reparation by survivors.

“It empowers children economically and socially, reduces the risk of future abuse, and promotes long-term peace and reconciliation.

“In this context, education is not a luxury – it is a right, and a response to harm,” she said.

Dingemans said that the model being implemented in Borno had already proved that with the right approach, education could serve not just as a right to be restored, but as a remedy that transforms lives.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project is being supported by the Governments of the United Kingdom, Korea, Japan, France, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and Open Society Foundations.

Others are The European Commission, Education Cannot Wait (UNICEF), The Catena Foundation, UN Women, the Borno State Ministry of Education, Northeast Development Commission and the Damnaish Human Capacity Building Initiative.(NAN)

Edited by Chidi Opara

Healthy population drives economic transformation – Experts
Health

Healthy population drives economic transformation – Experts

152 total views today

By Vivian Ihechu

Some health experts and financial executives have emphasised the direct link between healthcare infrastructure and economic transformation.

They spoke during a conversation on “Reclaiming Africa’s Destiny through Investment and Innovation in Health Care” at the Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2005),  with the theme” Building the Future on Decades of Resilience”.

Mrs Oluranti Doherty, Managing Director of Export Development at Afreximbank, asserted that there is  a critical connection between national health and economic progress.

“We recognise that for Africa to achieve sustainable economic transformation, if it is going to be sustainable, we need a healthy population.

“Afreximbank has been innovative in recognising the connection between trade, economic transformation, and health security.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the bank launched its Health and Medical Tourism Programme in 2012, predating global discussions about healthcare infrastructure.

“In 2012, we launched the health and medical tourism programme, and this was before anyone could connect the dots or make the connection between trade, there was an economic transformation.

“And this was also before people started talking about health, security, apprenticeship, the bank was innovative,’’ Doherty said.

Citing the AMCE, she said the investment targeted significant healthcare gaps, particularly in oncology, hematology, and cardiovascular treatments.

According to her, the state-of-the-art facility in Abuja represents a strategic approach to reversing medical brain drain and reducing costly medical tourism.

“Currently, African countries lose approximately Seven billion dollars annually through overseas medical treatments.

“Nigeria alone spends 1.1 billion dollars on medical procedures conducted outside its borders.

“We are African intellectual freedom fighters, fighting for financing, trade, and health security because we understand the fundamental connection between a healthy population and economic transformation,’’ Doherty said.

Also, Dr Brian Deaver, Chief Executive Officer of  AMCE,  highlighted the facility’s comprehensive approach.

“We’re not just building a hospital; we’re creating an ecosystem of medical excellence,” he said.

NAN reports that the centre  features 170 beds equipped with advanced technology and internationally recruited specialists.

The bank’s broader vision includes a two  billion dollars  financing programme dedicated to health and pharmaceutical development across Africa.

This initiative aims to support the African Union’s goal of achieving 40 per cent local vaccine and pharmaceutical manufacturing by 2040.

Prof.  Gulam Mufti, a key Advisor to the project, emphasised the transformative potential.

“This is about creating a leading global institution focused on research, innovation, and world-class treatment,” he said.

According to Mufti, a professor of Haemato-oncology, the investment goes beyond medical infrastructure, addressing critical challenges like sickle cell disease, which affects over 100 million people, with more than 65 per cent residing in Africa. (NAN)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

AAM2025: Stakeholders highlight Afreximbank’s impact in health security
Health

AAM2025: Stakeholders highlight Afreximbank’s impact in health security

196 total views today

By Vivian Ihechu

Political and Industry leaders have underscored  African Export-Import Bank’s (Afreximbank) pivotal role in supporting African countries in the areas of health security.

They spoke at the 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2025) on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to them, the institution has played critical role especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and addressing medical infrastructure challenges through the Africa Medical Center of Excellence (AMCE).

The theme, “Building the Future on Decades of Resilience”, informs the institution’s  continued endeavours to transform trade, attract investment and unlock economic prosperity for Africa.

The Senior Executive Vice President, Afreximbank, Mr Denys Denya, highlighted the institution’s strategic interventions during global health and economic crises.

Denya said the medical center and pandemic support initiatives reflect the bank’s commitment to addressing systemic challenges facing African economies, particularly in healthcare and economic stability.

“During COVID-19, we came in with critical support mechanisms to help member states navigate unprecedented challenges’’.

“The bank introduced innovative financial instruments designed to mitigate the pandemic’s economic impact on African countries,” he said.

On medical infrastructure breakthrough, he noted that a landmark achievement was the completion of the first AMCE in Abuja, directly addressing critical healthcare infrastructure challenges.

“We completed the first Africa Medical Center of Excellence here in Abuja to address the outflow of foreign currency and medical tourism,” the executive stated.

According to him, the AMCE represents a strategic initiative to reduce Africa’s dependence on external medical services and strengthen continental healthcare capabilities.

On crisis response strategy, he noted that the bank’s approach extended beyond immediate financial support.

“During the Ukraine crisis of 2022, we introduced innovative instruments to support member states, highlighting the institution’s adaptive response to global economic disruptions.

Denya said Afreximbank’s interventions demonstrated the critical role of African financial institutions in providing counter-cyclical support during global challenges.

“We have supported the continent’s resilience by establishing innovative financial mechanisms during unprecedented times,” he noted.

Similarly,  Mr Olayemi Cardoso, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), affirmed that Afreximbank emerged as a critical first responder during health emergency, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Afreximbank has repeatedly risen to the occasion when Africa needed it most,” Cardoso said.

He highlighted the bank’s strategic interventions in public health.

“The bank’s commitment to healthcare reached a pinnacle with the launch of AMCE,  a groundbreaking initiative developed in partnership with King’s College London,” he said.

He said that Prof. Benedict Oramah, the bank’s President, described this as realising a decade-long dream to bring world-class medical facilities to the continent.

He noted that the centre representd a transformative approach to addressing Africa’s healthcare challenges, showcasing the bank’s resilience and forward-thinking strategy.

In his message, Mr Samaila Zubairu, African Finance Corporation (AFC)  President and the Chief Executive Officer of Alliance of African Financial Institution (AAMF), lauded the bank’s commitment to healthcare development.

According to him, the institution is spearheading transformative health infrastructure programmes across the continent.

“We are together building the African Medical Center of Excellence.

“The initiative aims to strengthen medical facilities and improve healthcare access for millions of Africans.

“The bank’s approach goes beyond traditional financing, seeking to create comprehensive healthcare solutions that support economic development.

“By investing in medical infrastructure, Afreximbank is addressing critical gaps in the continent’s healthcare system.

“Our most important goal is to create transformational projects that will move and transform Africa.

“This initiative represents a significant step toward improving healthcare resilience and capacity across Africa, with potential long-term economic and social benefits, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited  by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Lagos Govt., SFH drive family planning expansion through e-pharmacy
Health

Lagos Govt., SFH drive family planning expansion through e-pharmacy

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By Oluwafunke Ishola

 

The Lagos State Government and the Society for Family Health are expanding family planning access for residents through online pharmacies to achieve a more inclusive, efficient and equitable health system.

 

Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the State Governor on Health, said this at the E-Pharmacy for Family Planning Project First Phase Dissemination on Tuesday in Lagos.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was themed, “The Digital Shift: Shaping the Future of Healthcare Access and Delivery Through e-Pharmacies”.

 

An e-pharmacy, also known as an online pharmacy, is a pharmacy that operates over the internet, allowing customers to purchase medications and other health-related products online.

 

The e-Pharmacy for Family Planning Project (ePharma4FP) seeks to improve access to high-quality family planning (FP) products, information/counselling, and services for women in Lagos.

 

E-Pharmacies have emerged as a critical solution to bridge gaps in access and delivery as health systems face surging demands to provide safe, efficient, accessible, and affordable medicines and health services for all.

 

Ogunyemi emphasised that the ePharma4FP project was critical as the state strives to build a more inclusive, efficient and equitable health system, particularly in reproductive health and family planning.

 

She noted that access to contraceptives and essential health commodities is more than a health service but a fundamental right that empowers women, supports families and strengthens communities.

 

“We are living in an era where technology and data are reshaping every aspect of our lives and healthcare is no exception at all.

 

“By enabling digital access to these services, e-pharmacies are breaking down barriers – geographical, social and economic, that have too often stood in the way of progress.

 

“The e-pharmacy project for family planning is a commendable demonstration of what can be achieved through innovation, collaboration and data-driven decision-making led by the Society for Family Health,” she said.

 

According to her, the initiative is generating physical evidence on how e-pharmacy models can be scaled and sustained across Nigeria to ensure a steady supply of medications.

 

Ogunyemi restated the state’s commitment to digital health transformation and improving reproductive health outcomes.

 

She disclosed that the findings from the project would play a vital role in informing policies, strengthening regulation and guiding future investments in digital health systems.

 

Ogunyemi commended the Gates Foundation for funding the project, emphasising that the foundation’s dedication and innovation were a footstool for a more accessible, responsive and resilient health system.

 

Similarly, Dr Segun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, noted that the project reflected innovation and equity that brings private health services closer to communities within the state.

 

Ogboye noted that the policy and regulation environment for digital health services should be strengthened to discourage quackery in the system.

 

Mr Samuel Onoja, representative of the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN), described the initiative as a strategic step toward inclusive healthcare delivery in Lagos.

 

Also, Dr Akin Akinbajo, a public health physician with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), said the private sector was critical to the adoption of modern contraception.

 

Akinbajo noted that UNFPA was working with the Federal Government and states to deepen access to family planning services.

 

Similarly, Mr Kunle Daramola, State Consultant, Gates Foundation, lauded Lagos State’s strides in family planning, submitting that the project would assist to reduce maternal mortality and improve the state’s health indices.

 

Dr Jennifer Anyanti, Deputy Managing Director, Strategy and Growth, SFH, noted that Lagos State’s support for the e-Pharmacy initiative was a testament to its commitment to improving access to quality healthcare services for all residents.

 

Highlighting the impact of trained pharmacists on residents’ health, Anyanti noted that they are the first point of call for health services for 70 per cent of the over 20 million residents and are available on almost every street.

 

“This E-Pharmacy platform aligns with our goals of increasing access to essential medicines and health services. We believe that this innovative approach will help bridge the gap in healthcare delivery, especially in hard-to-reach areas,” she said.

 

Similarly, Dr Uchenna Okafor, Chief of Party, E-Pharma for Family Planning Project, SFH, said the project is at the forefront of integrating e-Pharmacy solutions into health systems and contributing to the achievement of Universal Health Coverage.

 

She added that the project leveraged the HealthPlus e-pharmacy platform, to deliver FP products, information, and counselling and conducted implementation research in Lagos to understand the viability of e-pharmacies to provide family planning services.

 

Disclosing the project findings, Okafor said that digital health has undergone rapid growth globally due to increasing smartphone penetration and internet connectivity.

 

She further said that Nigeria and Lagos have shown significant growth in digital health adoption.

 

Okafor, however, said in spite of the rise of digital health, challenges like prescription abuse, counterfeit drugs, data privacy, and limited trust remain.

 

She disclosed that over 46 million women of reproductive age (WRA) live in Nigeria, where the total fertility rate is 5.3 live births per woman, dropping to 3.4 in Lagos.

 

Okafor submitted that low contraceptive uptake remains a contributor to the high fertility rates in Nigeria, adding that e-pharmacy would assist in expanding access to FP services.

 

She noted that the situational analysis and landscape study conducted by the project identified key policy gaps for the e-pharmacy ecosystem in Nigeria.

 

To bridge the gaps and create a supportive environment for e-pharmacy in the country, Okafor recommended immediate action to address PCN’s regulatory gap and an enhanced collaboration between stakeholders for a cohesive e-pharmacy ecosystem.

 

Others include improved investment in sensitisation and awareness programmes about e-pharmacy services, establishing a sustainable feedback mechanism for e-pharmacies to facilitate continuous improvements and ensure patient satisfaction.

 

She also recommended developing a National Electronic Pharmacy Platform and investing in in-school and in-service training about e-pharmacy services provision to increase knowledge and skills.

 

Okafor submitted that the project was working with PCN and other stakeholders to bridge identified gaps for success.

 

NAN reports that the project funded by the Gates Foundation focuses on generating evidence on the feasibility, acceptability, and business case of optimising epharmacy models to deliver family planning information, products, and services in Lagos state.

 

The Epharma4FP project is implemented by a consortium of four partners led by the Society for Family Health, Busara Centre for Behavioural Research, HealthPlus Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Foundation (PSNF). (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

India High Commissioner advocates yoga for health, wellness
Health

India High Commissioner advocates yoga for health, wellness

172 total views today

By Sarafina Christopher

Acting Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms. Vartika Rawat, urged communities to embrace yoga for physical vitality, mental clarity, and environmental harmony.

Speaking at the 11th International Yoga Day in Abuja, themed “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” Rawat highlighted yoga’s holistic power to heal.

The  term “Yoga,” derived from the Sanskrit “Yuj,” means “to unite”—symbolising the fusion of body, mind, and environment in one integrated practice.

Rawat said since 2015, Yoga Day has become a global movement, enhancing physical health and nurturing mental resilience across cultures.

This year’s theme, she noted, underlines how personal well-being and planetary health are deeply interconnected and mutually dependent.

“Yoga teaches us balance—not just within, but in how we relate to the Earth,” she said.

In today’s high-pressure world, she said, yoga offers peace, healing, and a vital counter to stress and lifestyle diseases.

“Regular practice boosts flexibility, strength, balance, heart health, and immunity—helping the body thrive,” she added.

Rawat also spotlighted yoga’s success in managing chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, through mindfulness and breath control.

The high commissioner emphasised the importance of inclusivity in yoga, urging the Nigerian government to ensure that the benefits of this practice are accessible to everyone.

“By democratising yoga, we empower individuals to take charge of their health, which is essential for building a healthy nation,” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Yakubu Uba

ICS begins 2-day surgeries to aid vulnerable Nigerians
Health

ICS begins 2-day surgeries to aid vulnerable Nigerians

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Surgeries

By Aderogba George

The International College of Surgeons (ICS), in collaboration with its Nigeria Section, on Monday commenced a two-day free surgical outreach for indigent and vulnerable Nigerians in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the outreach is part of activities marking the 58th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference (AGM-SC) taking place from June 23 to 27.

The conference is themed “Surgical Safety in a Developing Economy: The Role of Technology and Healthcare Innovations”, with sub-themes focusing on healthcare financing models, public-private partnerships, and strategic tools for optimising surgical safety.

Dr Charles Ugwuanyi, Chief Consultant Neurosurgeon and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, said the pre-conference surgical workshop was targeting at least 20 patients with complex medical conditions.

“These are surgeries many of them cannot afford. We’re taking on complicated cases involving anesthesia and advanced procedures.

“We want to demonstrate that ICS has the capacity to support the less privileged with life-changing interventions,” he explained.”

Dr Mandus Akonjom, Senior Consultant and Chairman of the Surgical Outreach Committee, said the college’s mission was to reach underserved populations, hence the choice of Nigeria for the conference.

“We’ve assembled a multidisciplinary team including neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, urologists, plastic surgeons, gynecologists, ENT specialists, and ophthalmologists.

“Surgeries will range from brain and bone operations to eye and ENT procedures, all requiring high levels of expertise and a well-equipped environment,” he said.

Dr Uzowulu Rosemary, Specialist Anaesthesiologist, cautioned against medical tourism, noting that Nigerian doctors, even abroad, delivered world-class care due to rigorous training.

She called on Nigerians to trust local professionals and urged the government to increase investment in the health sector to stem brain drain.

“It’s not the wish of doctors to leave Nigeria. Many work tirelessly abroad under better conditions, while back home they are underpaid or owed salaries. That must change.”

NAN also reports that among the complex cases being handled is hydrocephalus in four- and seven-month-old babies, a condition involving fluid buildup in the brain, which can delay development.

The children will undergo VP shunt procedures as part of the outreach.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

WHO warns of tobacco industry interference, urges stronger controls
Health

WHO warns of tobacco industry interference, urges stronger controls

183 total views today

Tobacco
By Franca Ofili
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that urgent action is needed to maintain and accelerate progress in tobacco control as rising tobacco industry interference threatens global efforts to reduce tobacco use.

In a statement released on Monday, WHO highlighted its 2025 Global Tobacco Epidemic report, unveiled at the World Conference on Tobacco Control in Dublin.

The report focused on six proven WHO MPOWER measures designed to curb tobacco use, which caused more than seven million deaths annually.

The MPOWER measures included monitoring tobacco use, protecting people from smoke through smoke-free laws, offering help to quit, warning about tobacco dangers via labels and media, enforcing advertising bans, and raising tobacco taxes.

Since 2007, 155 countries had implemented at least one MPOWER measure at the best-practice level, protecting more than 6.1 billion people worldwide, up from just one billion in 2007.

”Only four countries, Brazil, Mauritius, the Netherlands, and Türkiye, have fully implemented all six measures.

“Seven others, including Ethiopia, Ireland, and Mexico, are close to full implementation.

“However, WHO notes significant gaps remain: 40 countries have no best-practice MPOWER measures, and more than 30 countries still permit cigarette sales without mandatory health warnings.”

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus said that while successes had been made since the 2003 Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the evolving tobacco industry required equally evolving responses.

“By uniting science, policy, and political will, we can create a world where tobacco no longer claims lives, damages economies, or steals futures,” he said.

The report, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies and launched during the 2025 Bloomberg Philanthropies Awards for Global Tobacco Control, also celebrated governments and NGOs making progress in tobacco reduction.

Michael Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP and WHO Global Ambassador for Noncommunicable Diseases, said significant progress had been made, especially in graphic health warnings.

“110 countries now require them, up from just nine in 2007, protecting 62 per cent of the global population.

“However, enforcement remains inconsistent, and smokeless tobacco packaging is poorly regulated,” he noted.

Bloomberg also highlighted persistent challenges: only 36 per cent of the global population lived in countries with best-practice anti-tobacco campaigns.

“Taxation efforts are lagging, with only three countries raising taxes to best-practice levels since 2022, and only 33 per cent of people have access to cost-covered quit services.

“Around 1.3 million deaths from second-hand smoke occur annually. Currently, 79 countries have implemented comprehensive smoke-free laws, covering a third of the world’s population.

“Since 2022, six additional countries have adopted strong smoke-free laws in spite of industry opposition.

“Regulation of e-cigarettes and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) is increasing, with the number of countries regulating or banning ENDS rising from 122 in 2022 to 133 in 2024.

“Still, more than 60 countries lack any ENDS regulations.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

UNICEF, Kwara inaugurate health intervention for 100,000 pregnant women
Health

UNICEF, Kwara inaugurate health intervention for 100,000 pregnant women

153 total views today

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Kwara Government, has targeted over 100,000 pregnant women for the Integrated Health Intervention campaign in the state.

Mrs Chinwe Ezeife, the Nutrition Specialist, UNICEF Kaduna Field Office, stated this on Monday in Ilorin at the inauguration of the 2025 Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH) Week across the 16 local government areas.

She explained that no fewer than 753,000 children, aged six to 59 months would receive Vitamin A supplements during the weeklong activities from June 24 to 27.

She added that 662,000 children of 12 to 59 months would receive dewormer.

Ezeife stated that the health intervention also includes Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) immunisation for female children of nine years, adding that it is targeting 80 per cent coverage across the 16 LGAs.

“This is a platform through which we deliver multiple-micro nutrients supplements to pregnant women and also children; Vitamin A and dewormers will also be administered.

“In addition, we will demonstrate proper way of hand washing, because water hygiene and sanitation is part of MNCH child protection,” she said.

The UNICEF specialist urged pregnant mothers and caregivers to bring their children for the programme for optimal health.

She commended the state government’s intervention in the healthcare sector.

Also speaking, Dr Nusirat Elelu, the Executive Secretary of the Primary HealthCare Development Agency, explained that about 50,000 young girls will benefit from the HPV vaccination.

She described the MNCH Week as an intensive high impact, low cost intervention in all the designated health centres across Kwara. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor and Yetunde Fatungase

 

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