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

By Stanley Nwanosike

Medical experts have highlighted the use of Maggot Therapy, medically known as larval debridement therapy, to promote healing of chronic wounds.

They said that the therapy, which is the introduction of sterile maggots (laboratory certified fly larvae) into chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers and pressure sores, could break down dead tissues.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that it is a biotherapy involving the introduction of live, disinfected maggots into non-healing skin and soft-tissue wounds of a human or animal for the purpose of cleaning out dead tissue.

The maggots also eliminate bacterial/microorganisms and promote healthy tissue growth, leading to healing of wound.

Prof. Eddy Ndibuagu, a Professor of Public Health Medicine, told NAN on Monday in Enugu that the practice, however, needed more research and experiments before being acclaimed medically worldwide.

Ndibuagu, who is with Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Teaching Hospital, Parklane, said he is aware that the therapy had been tried in some medical facilities in the country.

He noted that there had been reported usage of the therapy in Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Teaching Hospital, Zaria.

He said, “I doubt if any medical facility or teaching hospital is applying the therapy in southern part of the country, especially in the Southeast.”

Ndibuagu, who is an online health life coach, warned that the therapy is only allowed to be tried by a medical specialist in wound care and healing.

The don added that “the therapy must strictly follow medical protocols and guidelines.

“It should not be tried by a non-specialist or individuals on their own at home or in a non-certified medical facility.

“It is necessary to consult a healthcare professional who is a specialist in wound care for proper assessment before applying the clinically-assessed (sterile) maggots.

“This is to ensure that the type and nature of the maggot introduced don’t end up infecting the wound with other microorganisms.”

On his part, Dr Celestine Ugwoke, a general medicine practitioner, said the use of maggot therapy to cure chronic wounds had gained vast usage in the northern part of the country.

Ugwoke noted that some medical facilities in Kano State today use the therapy.

He added that “yes, I believe in research, but use of debridement therapy (maggot therapy) has been long in use in some parts of the world.

“It is more of a practical thing and does not involve lengthy clinical procedures or research,” Ugwoke, who is the immediate past Chairman of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Enugu State Chapter, said.

He said that the maggots used are sterile, which are incubated in the laboratory and certified to be not carrying bacteria or other microorganisms in them before being medically used.

“It is applied just the way pure honey is being used to dress wounds and improve healing; and I believe it is cost effective,” Ugwoke said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

By Folasade Akpan

The Federal Government has raised concerns that many cases of hypertension in Nigeria remain undiagnosed, significantly contributing to the country’s growing burden of non-communicable diseases.

Dr Salma Anas, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Health, made this known on Monday in Abuja at the opening of the 25th Annual Scientific Conference and General Meeting of the Nigerian Hypertension Society.

The theme of the conference is “Scaling up Hypertension Control in Nigeria: Policies, Health Systems and Practice”

Anas, represented by her Technical Adviser, Mr Umar Tanko, cited data indicating that nearly one in three Nigerian adults had hypertension, yet many were unaware of their condition.

She added that even among diagnosed cases, control rates remained alarmingly low.

She attributed the situation to the rising cost of medications, limited access to healthcare, and inadequate financial support for patients.

“Hypertension is not just a physical condition; it is a threat to national productivity, stability, and sustainable development,” she said.

According to Anas, the Federal Government is prioritising hypertension control through several structural reforms.

“These include the integration of hypertension screening into primary healthcare, implementation of health insurance reforms, and the rollout of a national health sector strategic development plan.

“Other initiatives include expanding the Global Action on Non-Communicable Diseases (GAC) platform to improve access to care, and increasing financial protection for patients requiring lifelong management of hypertension and related conditions.”

She added that efforts were also underway to strengthen surgical and vascular care capacity, reduce dependence on imported drugs, and ensure consistent availability of high-quality medications.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Simon Isezuo, President of the Nigerian Hypertension Society, described hypertension as a silent killer and a major public health challenge in Nigeria.

He noted that many people were unaware they have the condition, and among those on treatment, fewer than 10 per cent achieved proper blood pressure control.

“This is why stroke, kidney disease, heart failure, and sudden death continue to rise.

“In many of these cases, uncontrolled hypertension is the underlying cause,” he said.

Isezuo called for intensified efforts to raise awareness, improve diagnosis, and reduce salt consumption, identifying it as a key risk factor.

He also urged Nigerians to engage in regular physical activity such as walking, jogging, or other moderate exercises that could help control blood pressure and prevent hypertension.

Also speaking, Prof. Batsen Onwubere highlighted the high cost of treating hypertension due to its chronic nature and Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported medications.

He noted that the Federal Government was working to promote local drug production to help lower costs, although exchange rate volatility continued to impact drug affordability.

He acknowledged the role of the National Health Insurance Agency in improving access but said current coverage remained limited.

“The society continues to engage government, philanthropists, and the general public to address the burden of hypertension in Nigeria,” Onwubere said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day conference will conclude on Tuesday. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Abujah Racheal

Reactions have continued to trail the approval of Yeztugo, a twice-yearly injectable medication for HIV prevention, with experts warning that its high cost could shut out millions of vulnerable people worldwide.

The concerns were raised by experts in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

NAN reports that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved long-acting injectable Lenacapavir for HIV prevention.

The medicine, to be administered once every six months, represents a significant advancement in expanding prevention options for people at risk of HIV infection across the globe.

In two major clinical trials concluded in 2024, Gilead’s injection, marketed as Yeztugo proved highly effective in virtually eliminating new HIV infections when taken twice a year.

Its low-dose frequency makes it more convenient than existing prevention options, including daily oral PrEP pillslike Truvada and Descovy, and GSK’s Apretude, taken every other month.

According to Gilead CEO, Daniel O’Day, this really will bend the arc of the epidemic as we roll this out globally,”

However, Gilead’s announcement of a U.S. list price of 28,218 dollars per person per year has drawn global criticism.

Health leaders and HIV advocates warn that the pricing risks making the life-saving medication inaccessible to those most in need.

A research paper published in the Lancet HIV this week estimated that generic Lenacapavir could be produced for as little as 35dollars to 46 dollars per person per year.

The research said that it had the potential of dropping to 25 dollars with committed demand, making it comparable to existing oral PrEP.

Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS and United Nations Under-Secretary-General, welcomed the FDA approval but demanded urgent action on pricing and access.

According to her, Lenacapavir could be the tool we need to bring new infections under control, but only if it is priced affordably and made available to everyone who could benefit.

“This is a breakthrough moment. The approval of Lenacapavir is a testament to decades of public investment, scientific excellence, and the contributions of trial participants and communities.

“It is beyond comprehension how Gilead can justify a price of 28,218 dollars. If this game-changing medicine remains unaffordable, it will change nothing,” she said.

Prof. Oyewale Tomori, a renowned virologist and former President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, also commended the scientific milestone but said that the situation reflected a deeper problem for the African continent.

“Until African countries begin to produce and manufacture their vaccines and treatments, such disparities in access are to be expected.

“We must invest significantly in local research, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical development.

“Only through self-reliance can the continent avoid being perpetually left behind during major health breakthroughs,” Tomori said.

Mr Jeremiah Johnson, Executive Director of PrEP4All, highlighted the urgent need to bridge the access gap.

“It’s not enough to have the science, we need it in the hands of those who need it most,” he said.

NAN recalls that Gilead has pledged to provide copay savings to reduce out-of-pocket costs to zero for eligible insured patients and to offer free access to qualifying uninsured individuals in the U.S.

The company also expects broad insurance coverage, similar to existing HIV prevention therapies.

Lenacapavir is already approved for treating HIV under the brand name Sunlenca, which has a U.S. price list exceeding 42,200 per year.

To support global access, Gilead has licensed six generic manufacturers to produce and sell low-cost versions of the injection in 120 low- and lower-middle-income countries.

The company also pledged to supply doses for up to two million people at no profit before generic versions reach the market.

Gilead said that HIV knows no boundaries, reinforcing its commitment to equitable access.

Meanwhile, daily PrEP pills have been available for over a decade.

However, their effectiveness has been limited in many communities due to stigma, inconvenience, and adherence challenges.

As Gilead prepares to roll out Yeztugo globally, public health advocates seek bold steps to ensure that the innovation becomes a symbol of inclusion and equity, not exclusion and disparity. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

By Vivian Ihechu

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, says the state is on the verge of making history, positioning itself to become the first West African geopolitical zone to eliminate malaria.

This, Abayomi says, will not be through a vaccine or genetically modified mosquitoes, but by employing “simple common sense” medical practices and a robust public health strategy.

This ambitious goal is driven by the state/ministry and Prof. Wellington Oyibo, Director of the Centre for Transdisciplinary Research for Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that for decades, malaria has been a prevalent health challenge across Africa.

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says.

According to it, there is an estimated 236 million malaria cases (95 per cent of global cases) and 590,935 malaria deaths (97 per cent of global deaths) in African member states in 2022.

Abayomi said there was need to get malaria out of the region.

He said this at the Study Kick-Off of Pathway to Pre-Elimination and Digitisation Project in Lagos State.

Its focus is on Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test and Microscopy Comparative Study & Assessment of PPMVS’ Capacity to Manage Malaria and Febrile Illnesses.

“It is very, very important that we do that once and for all,’’ he said.

The commissioner said, “Lagos has diligently waged a “war against malaria” for the past 20 years.

“The cumulative efforts have yielded remarkable results,” he noted.

According to him, malaria prevalence among fever patients has plummeted from 15 per cent to 20 per cent to just about one to two per cent.

“This data spurred Gov. Sanwo-Olu to back a strategy aimed at achieving malaria elimination within the state.

“Where malaria used to be 20 per cent to 15 per cent of people with fever, it is now down to between one per cent and two per cent, meaning that our strategy is working.

“This significant reduction prompted a bold decision from Gov. Sanwo-Olu.

“When we got this data, we took it straight to His Excellency, Mr Governor.

“Commissioner for Health, do it,” Abayomi recounted the governor as saying, highlighting the strong political will behind this groundbreaking initiative.

The core of this strategy tagged “test, treat, and track,” moves beyond the traditional focus solely on treating malaria.

“Instead, it prioritises accurate diagnosis of the actual cause of fever, which, in Lagos, is now rarely malaria.

“A significant component of the strategy involves transitioning from outdated diagnostic methods, while microscopy has been the “gold standard”.

Abayomi, however, noted its limitations in low-resource settings due to requirements for good equipment, skilled personnel, and electricity, leading to “very big mistakes.”

“The state is therefore embracing Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs), which are highly accurate, more efficient, cheaper, and more feasible for widespread use across all healthcare settings, from community pharmacies to primary healthcare centres (PHCs).

“A comparative study led by Professor Oyibo will further validate RDTs’ superiority.

“The “track” element of the strategy is focused on environmental interventions”.

The commissioner clarified that fumigation was not the primary solution; rather, “the emphasis is on good environmental sanitation.

“This includes eliminating stagnant water, clearing blocked drainages, and properly covering water collections in homes—measures that directly prevent mosquito breeding.

“If a rare malaria case is detected, it triggers an investigation into the immediate environment to identify and eliminate the source of transmission”.

Oyibo said the ambitious goal was being driven by a strategic shift in fever management and a commitment to evidence-based practices.

The consultant medical parasitology and Study Coordinator affirmed that for decades, malaria had been synonymous with fever across Africa, often leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.

“Whenever you talk about Africa, the thing that comes to mind is malaria and poverty and famine,”

“However, data from Lagos now indicates a dramatic reduction in malaria prevalence.

“The evidence we are seeing right now shows that Lagos State has come to a place where, from all indications, if you say you have fever, it’s not likely going to be malaria in over 90 per cent of the cases,” he asserted.

“This critical insight underpins the state’s new “test, treat, and track” approach,” he said.

Oyibo stressed the dangers of treating fevers as malaria without proper testing, citing severe consequences, especially for children.

“If it is a child that has pneumonia… and you now give anti-malaria medicine without doing a test. What will happen to that child? That child will die quickly of pneumonia,” he warned.

“The strategy emphasises testing for malaria first.

 “If negative—which is now the most common outcome—healthcare providers are then mandated to investigate other potential causes of fever.

“This commitment to accurate diagnosis ensures “our quality of care is not being done fully at all,” Oyibo said.

“The initiative also seeks to streamline diagnostic methods, with a study currently underway to validate the superiority of Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) over traditional microscopy for widespread use.”

Oyibo highlighted the crucial role of political will from the Lagos State Government, describing it as “one of the greatest commitments we have from Lagos State, which we are still looking for in Africa.”

“This determination, combined with support from partners like the WHO and National Malaria Elimination Programme, is propelling Lagos towards a future where malaria is no longer a major public health challenge.

“Lagos State can drive that now. It is the only state in Nigeria that has reached that,” he noted.

He explained that “Lagos aims to prove that by leveraging accurate data, implementing evidence-based practices, and fostering a disciplined approach to medicine, malaria can be eliminated, setting a powerful precedence for the rest of the continent.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa