News Agency of Nigeria
National Hospital, U.S. cancer centre partner on research

National Hospital, U.S. cancer centre partner on research

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By Folasade Akpan

The National Hospital, Abuja, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center at Virginia Commonwealth University, U.S., to strengthen cancer research and enhance clinical trials in Nigeria.

The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Muhammad Mahmud, and the Director of the Centre, Dr Robert Winn, signed the agreement on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-year MoU aims to develop sustainable collaboration in oncology, particularly in advancing clinical trials and training the next generation of scientists.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Winn said the partnership sought to establish a globally recognised model for equitable and impactful cancer research collaboration.

He highlighted that cancer-related deaths in the U.S. had dropped by 36 per cent over the past three decades, largely due to clinical trial advancements, a success he hopes to replicate in Nigeria and Africa.

“If we do this right, more Nigerians will live without cancer, and we may set an example of how fewer Africans die from the disease,” he said.

Winn outlined three key focus areas: implementation of clinical trials, education and training of new scientists, and translating impactful research into patient care.

He emphasised that although the initial MoU spans two years, it would be reviewed and strengthened every two years to ensure long-term impact.

“What we hope to build is a model for partnerships that’s fair, collaborative, and globally effective,” he added.

Winn also suggested expanding the partnership to other Nigerian institutions, including the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), to amplify impact across the country.

Mahmud described the agreement as a milestone in the hospital’s pursuit of excellence in cancer care.

“This MoU is part of our strategy to elevate institutions that are already at a high standard.

“The National Hospital has become a leader in oncology within the West African sub-region,” he said.

He added that the collaboration would accelerate advancements in clinical care and cancer research, expanding the hospital’s reach and capabilities.

“Our patients come from across the region. With this partnership, we are positioned to break new grounds in cancer care and clinical research,” Mahmud stated. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Reps restate commitment to optimising sustainable immunisation financing

Reps restate commitment to optimising sustainable immunisation financing

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By Ikenna Osuoha

The House of Representatives has restated its commitment to optimisation of sustainable immunisation financing model in Nigeria.

The Chairman, House Committee on Healthcare Services, Rep. Amos Magaji stated this at a multi-stakeholder’ technical workshop on optimisation of sustainable immunisation financing model in Nigeria, in Abuja on Tuesday.

Magaji said that the financing model in the country was crucial for maintaining high immunisation coverage and preventing outbreak of vaccine-preventable diseases, especially as donor-funding had declined.

“Indeed, optimising a Sustainable Immunisation Financing model in Nigeria is crucial for maintaining high immunisation coverage and preventing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, especially as donor funding declines.

“Laudably, Section 5(I)(i) of the National Health Act of 2014 provides that children from zero to five years old and pregnant women are immunised with vaccines against infectious diseases,” he said.

According to him, the legislative provision underscores the need for proactive measures to ensure that vaccine-preventable diseases do not become the bane of a decent society.

The lawmaker expressed regret over what he called the under-funding of the immunisation financing model in the country, saying that domestic allocation to the health sector was inadequate, without donor financing.

“Whilst this poses a threat to a healthy society and the goal for universal health coverage, it is Important to highlight some of the key challenges,” he said.

He identified the country’s heavy reliance on external donors over the years as one of the challenges, saying that it had created a culture of neglect for immunization.

Magaji, however, called for government’s increase domestic budgetary allocation to immunisation through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) as well as private sector and innovative financing.

He further stated that optimising sustainable immunisation financing in the country would require a multi-sectoral, multi-level approach combining public investment, private sector innovation, community involvement and legal safeguards.

The lawmaker said that the transition from donor-dependency to sustainable domestic financing must be guided by evidence, accountability and inclusive planning.

“This can only be achieved starting with workshops and conversations such as this,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Sen. Ipalibo Harry, said it was unacceptable for Nigeria to be in the list of countries with the highest burden of low immunisation of children under five years.

Harry called for collaboration of all stakeholders to find ways of addressing the burden of low immunisation in the country.

She commended the House of Representatives committee on healthcare for the workshop which, she said, was timely.

In her remarks, Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr Salma Anas, reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage.

Anas said that the workshop was in line with Tinubu’s vision of leaving no one behind, especially children and women in immunisation administration.

The Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on Primary Healthcare and Communicable Diseases, Sen. Tony Nwoye, called on all Nigerians to see immunisation as a first-line charge.

Nwoye, who described immunisation as the beginning of a journey toward a robust and resilient healthcare system, said it remained one of the most cost-effective and life-saving interventions.

The senator commended the government for the progress made in reducing the burden of vaccine preventable diseases in the country, saying, however, that the progress was being threatened by over-dependence on external funding sources.

He, therefore, advocated for building a domestic sustainable financing framework to guarantee uninterrupted access to vaccine and immunisation services across the country.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer, Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC), Mrs Chika Offor said only predictable and sustained funding would  reduce the number of zero-dose children.

Offor expressed satisfaction with the commitment of all stakeholders to immunization administration as their first- line charge.

“What it translates immediately is that we are now going to have fundings.

“As I am talking to you now, there is a diphtheria outbreak, and it will continue that way because the vaccines are not available,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Transparency, collaboration driving progress in basic healthcare fund implementation — Salako

Transparency, collaboration driving progress in basic healthcare fund implementation — Salako

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By Abujah Racheal

The Federal Ministry of Health says transparency, inclusiveness and inter-agency collaboration are fuelling steady progress in the implementation of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, said this during the 11th meeting of the Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) on BHCPF on Monday in Abuja.

Salako said that the committee reflected the ministry’s commitment to inclusive and accountable health governance.

“The MOC reflects the level of transparency and inclusiveness that is now driving the system.

“We are seeing more active engagement from sub-national governments, civil society organisations and the four implementing gateways; this synergy is critical to delivering better health outcomes,” he said.

The minister said that the current process was fostering greater enrolment in health insurance, as stakeholders aligned their priorities and worked in a more coordinated manner.

He also underscored the impact of the Presidential Executive Order on unlocking the healthcare value chain, stating that its implementation was beginning to show results across different components of the health system.

“This Order has had a positive ripple effect on Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry,” he said.

He shared insights from a recent engagement with a leading drug manufacturer, commending the Senate for its role in fast-tracking regulatory reforms.

Salako, however, raised a critical question, “Are these benefits being transferred to the patients?”

He said that the ultimate aim must be to lower drug prices at the pharmacy counter.

The minister urged stakeholders to ensure that cost savings were not absorbed solely by manufacturers but passed on to those in need.

In addition, he called for greater flexibility in evaluating innovative proposals that may fall outside traditional funding parameters.

“The revitalisation of primary healthcare, a key agenda of President Bola Tinubu, is no longer just a plan, it is becoming visible and measurable,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the BHCPF, which aims to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare through sustainable financing, continues to gain traction across states.

The MOC serves as a critical platform for monitoring, reviewing, and aligning health sector progress toward Universal Health Coverage. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Kadiri Abdulrahman

NHIA sanctions 96 health providers, HMOs

NHIA sanctions 96 health providers, HMOs

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By Abujah Racheal

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has sanctioned 49 healthcare facilities (HCFs) and 47 Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) in 2024 for various violations of operational guidelines.

The agency said the move was part of a decisive effort to uphold service standards and protect enrollees under Nigeria’s health insurance schemes.

Mr Emmanuel Ononokpono, Acting Head of the Media and Public Relations Unit at NHIA, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

He said the sanctions were based on findings from the 2024 Annual Complaints Report released by the NHIA’s Enforcement Department.

He added that a total of 2,929 out of 3,507 complaints from enrollees were resolved during the period.

According to the Acting Director of Enforcement, Dr Abdulhamid Habib Abdullahi, most complaints were related to denial of services, non-availability of essential drugs, illegal out-of-pocket charges, and delays in referral authorisation.

“The NHIA sanctioned erring facilities and HMOs through formal warnings, enforced refunds to patients, suspensions, and delisting.

“In total, N4.37 million was refunded to 54 enrollees by 39 healthcare facilities, while 12 HMOs refunded N748,200 to 15 enrollees.

“Additionally, four HCFs were suspended and six were delisted for repeated violations.

“The NHIA also issued 84 formal warnings to healthcare providers, and 35 HMOs were directed to implement corrective actions,” Abdullahi said.

NHIA Director-General, Dr Kelechi Ohiri, said the sanctions were part of ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability, restore public confidence, and increase enrolment in the national health insurance scheme.

“Enrollees deserve the best care, and we will continue to ensure they get it. These sanctions send a clear message that the NHIA will not tolerate substandard service,” Ohiri stated.

He lauded providers who had consistently delivered quality care and highlighted that with the recent increase in provider payments, the first in 12 years, patients should expect better, not worse, service.

As part of ongoing reforms, Ohiri announced that referral authorisation codes must now be issued within one hour, and in cases of delay, HCFs might proceed with treatment based on approved protocols.

“Complaints were submitted through various channels, including call centres, email, and walk-in visits.

“The NHIA maintained an average response time of 15 days per case, well within its resolution window of 10 to 25 days.”

Ohiri added that the report reflected NHIA’s commitment to transparency, fair enforcement, and quality healthcare, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda. (NAN)

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Abiemwense Moru

NUJ FCT, Nizamiye Hospital screen 300 journalists

NUJ FCT, Nizamiye Hospital screen 300 journalists

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By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, in partnership with Nizamiye Hospital, provided free health services to more than 300 journalists in Abuja on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the outreach held at the NUJ FCT Secretariat featured vital tests and consultations across several specialties, including cardiology, orthopedics, ophthalmology, dental care, and general medicine.

Speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, represented by the Director of Medical Services, Surgeon Commodore Momoh, commended the NUJ FCT and Nizamiye Hospital for prioritising journalists’ health.

“This is a laudable event. Kudos to the NUJ FCT and Nizamiye Hospital for organising this outreach.

“It will improve the well-being and productivity of journalists and help them stay focused on their important work,” Musa said.

NUJ FCT Chairman, Grace Ike, expressed appreciation to Nizamiye Hospital for bringing a team of specialists, including general surgeons, internists, cardiologists, nephrologists, ophthalmologists, and general practitioners.

Ike said the outreach was part of the NUJ’s broader goal of promoting health awareness and offering free medical support to its members.

“Journalists are always on the field and often don’t find time to check on their health,” she said, adding that the screening would also inform efforts to secure health insurance for members.

“It is our duty to ensure journalists monitor their vitals. This outreach shows our commitment to their well-being, and we intend to sustain it,” Ike said.

She assured members that more of such programmes would be organised.

Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Nizamiye Hospital, Mohammed Abubakar, affirmed the hospital’s support for the initiative and other similar health interventions.

“Our aim is to prevent diseases through early screening. This partnership with NUJ FCT aligns with our humanitarian goals,” he said.

Abubakar revealed that the most common health issues identified during the outreach were high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels.

He added that the hospital would follow up on journalists who needed further care, including eye surgeries.

Deputy Medical Director of Nizamiye Hospital, Dr Nurullo Sadokov, noted that the programme was part of the hospital’s corporate social responsibility.

He stressed the importance of early detection in preventing serious health complications.

“Some journalists have been identified with conditions such as hernia and haemorrhoids.

“We will invite them for treatment and further management at the hospital. While some may only need basic diagnostics, others will require more advanced care,” he explained.

Both the NUJ FCT and Nizamiye Hospital expressed optimism that the partnership would result in improved health and productivity for journalists in Abuja.

NAN further reports that medications were also distributed. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Expert stresses prevention against yellow fever, Lassa fever

Expert stresses prevention against yellow fever, Lassa fever

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By Hawau Sulyman

Dr Kingsley Akhamie of Nisa Premier Hospital has emphasised the importance of vector control, environmental hygiene, and preventive health practices to combat the spread of yellow fever and Lassa fever in Nigeria.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday, Akhamie described both illnesses as highly dangerous viral infections and ongoing public health concerns, particularly during seasonal outbreaks.

He explained that yellow fever was an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, especially in areas with poor environmental sanitation.

“Symptoms include sudden fever, chills, back pain, headache, jaundice, nausea, and in severe cases, bleeding and organ failure.

“Treatment for yellow fever is supportive as there is no specific antiviral drug, so early detection and care are critical,” he said, adding that prevention through vaccination remained highly effective.

According to him, it is part of the routine immunisation schedule and provides strong protection.

For Lassa fever, Akhamie said it was spread primarily through contact with food or items contaminated by rodent urine or faeces, and might also be transmitted person-to-person in healthcare settings lacking proper infection control.

“Symptoms include fever, chest pain, vomiting, facial swelling, and in severe cases, internal bleeding.

“It can be easily misdiagnosed in early stages because the symptoms resemble other common febrile illnesses,” he warned.

Akhamie stressed the need for communities to engage in rodent control, store food securely, and maintain clean environments to reduce risk.

“Prevention begins at home, by keeping living environments clean and avoiding direct contact with rodents or contaminated materials,” he said.

He added that early treatment with Ribavirin, an antiviral medication, significantly improved survival rates, particularly when administered within the first six days of symptom onset.

Highlighting broader preventive measures, Akhamie advised the use of mosquito nets, insect repellents, and proper waste disposal to reduce breeding grounds.

He also urged the public to remain vigilant and seek medical care promptly when symptoms appeared.

“Healthcare is not just about treatment, it is about education, prevention, and timely action,” he said, calling on Nigerians to cultivate a habit of vaccination, uphold hygienic practices, and take early symptoms seriously. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Cardiologist urges policy reforms for hypertension control

Cardiologist urges policy reforms for hypertension control

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By Folasade Akpan

Dr Oladipupo Fasan, Head of Cardiology at the National Hospital, Abuja, has underscored the critical need for evidence-based practice, a well-trained health workforce, and effective policy implementation to control hypertension in Nigeria.

Fasan, who also serves as Secretary-General of the Nigerian Hypertension Society, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

He noted that the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), especially hypertension, reflected an ongoing epidemiological transition in Nigeria and across Sub-Saharan Africa.

“We had always battled communicable diseases, but now we have progressed into the non-communicable disease era,” he said.

Highlighting hypertension’s central role in cardiovascular disease, Fasan compared it to the hub of a wheel, with complications such as heart failure, stroke, blindness, and kidney failure radiating outward as spokes.

“Heart attack, amputation, erectile dysfunction, all these emanate from just having high blood pressure,” he added.

He stressed that hypertension awareness, prevention, treatment, and control must remain national priorities, calling for increased collaboration and a holistic approach to tackle the problem, from community-level health mobilisation to national policy change.

“All these three factors, education, data analysis, and policy, are key aspects of blood pressure control because we can’t do anything without evidence.

“Everything we do in medicine is because we have evidence that it works. That is the essence of medical practice,” he said.

According to him, without quality research and data analysis, health professionals cannot design or implement effective interventions.

He also emphasised that a well-trained health workforce was non-negotiable in delivering quality patient outcomes.

“A health professional that is not well-trained is worse than even a herbalist,” Fasan warned.

While acknowledging the role of individual clinicians and organisations in offering care, Fasan argued that lasting impact lied in effective public policy.

He cited salt-reduction strategies in Scandinavian countries that significantly improved cardiovascular health.

“One single right policy can affect the whole nation positively,” he said.

He commended the Federal Government’s recent introduction of a National Salt Reduction Policy, calling it a bold and strategic step.

“If manufacturers of edible products are carried along, we would have gone a long way with just one policy initiative to cut down salt intake which, in the long run, will help reduce blood pressure levels nationwide.”

Fasan also advocated for task-shifting in Nigeria’s doctor-led health system.

He urged that hypertension care, especially at the primary healthcare level, be delegated to trained community health workers to ease the burden on the limited number of doctors and nurses.

“If we can complete hypertension management at the primary healthcare level, then we would have done a lot.

“We must now train community health workers to identify and manage simple hypertensive cases and refer complicated ones,” he said.

He expressed concern over Nigeria’s ongoing brain drain crisis in the health sector.

He said that empowering lower-tier health workers might be the most effective and sustainable approach to reduce the incidence of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney failures, particularly in rural and underserved communities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Abiemwense Moru

Men’s mental health highly affected in conflicts — Don

Men’s mental health highly affected in conflicts — Don

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By Magdalene Ukuedojor

Prof. Eugenia Akpa, an expert in Gender Studies and advocate of mental health, says beyond the wellbeing of women and children, men’s mental health needs to be prioritised in conflict situations.

Akpa said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

She explained that men face the trauma of conflict being at the forefront to protect their communities and families, die in most instances, while those left behind are left with bruised egos and pride.

“When there are conflicts, oftentimes men probably are immediate direct victims probably in the sense that the men die off and are off the stage.

“But women do not directly go to war, but they feel the impact of the war, because they are left behind to deal with whatever comes.

“Men are not expected to be in camps, they’re expected to be at the battlefront to ruffle it out, but here are a few men, either they are elderly, physically challenged or even full-fledged men that survived or didn’t fight directly.

“Now they are in the camp with women and children. The stigma of even not having self-control over your family alone is enough stress, enough trauma for the man,” she said.

Akpa explained that men in camps, either due to conflicts or disasters, feel defeated and helpless, having lost most times everything and now being at the mercy of others through aid or other interventions.

“In conflict resolution, resettlement, women and children are no doubt vulnerable but men’s mental health in certain contexts is more challenging.

“In contexts such as resettlement camps, IDP camps or refugee camps, this kind of mental health challenge can be very overwhelming.

“Even in the camp, you cannot boldly come out and say, I am an encamped man. It’s easier for a woman to register as an encamped woman, because it’s expected.

“When you are a man in the camp, you cannot bring yourself to bear with the fact that you can no longer be the provider, the commander-in-chief in your family.

“Here you are hiding away, bringing yourself to be subjected to other men. You know, that feeling alone can be traumatising for normal men, so they withdraw.

“And some still stamp their male chauvinism, the maleness in them, with the use of dominance, violence, to still say, I am, after all, the man.

“Even though I’m in a camp, I can still be in charge. I can still subjugate women, I can still make them be controlled, placed under my control, and that’s why gender-based violence thrives in camps.”

She, therefore, advocated mental health intervention in camps, sensitisation and intense focus on men’s welfare as well as women and children.

“How do you care for such men? The first is to bring them to realise that even though they are men, they are still human beings.

“And if the camp is meant for human beings affected by conflict, disasters, they should bring themselves to that understanding.

“Yes, the circumstance that you have found yourself has reduced you to a vulnerable group. Forget that you used to be the man, the head of your family.

“You were the provider for your family, the dominant. Now, circumstances beyond your help have visited you, so that whoever comes to give care now to you, you will be very receptive.

“But if you have not brought yourself to accept your condition, it will be more difficult to heal or to even give care to such men.

“So also, the people giving help should concentrate on the men and not just the women,” she advised.

She urged host communities and the public to desist from stigmatising men in such conditions as they work their way to being fully integrated and sustainable. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

FG to explore nuclear medicine in cancer care

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

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

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