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

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

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

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

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)