Author: Helen Okechukwu

The United Nations World Food Programme (UN-WFP) has issued a stark warning that over 52 million people across West and Central Africa are at risk of acute hunger between June and August, marking one of the most severe food crises in the region’s recent history. In its latest regional assessment, WFP reports that 36 million people are already struggling to meet basic food needs. The crisis is being driven by a deadly combination of conflict, mass displacement, economic shocks, rising food and fuel prices, and increasingly extreme weather patterns. Nearly three million people are already experiencing emergency levels of food…

Samson Oghenebreme, a 25-year-old male suspect, has been arrested in Lagos State by operatives of the Odo-Noforija Division for being in possession of a human organ. Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, announced the suspect’s apprehension on Friday via the Command’s X page. Hundeyin noted that the suspect was arrested on April 25, following credible information from members of the public who observed his suspicious movements. Read Also: Plateau Killings: Police arrest more suspects, gunrunners The police spokesperson said, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was transporting the organs from Edo state to a native doctor for the purpose…

Nigeria has restated its commitment to improving healthcare across West Africa during the 26th Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Health Ministers’ Meeting in Praia, Cape Verde. Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziak Salako, praised Cape Verde’s hospitality and the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) for its efforts in health security and regional coordination. Dr. Salako emphasized this year’s theme, “Community Health Principles and Standards,” saying West Africa must focus on local solutions to reduce high maternal and child deaths, health worker shortages, and the migration of…

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has criticized the National Universities Commission (NUC) over its recent decision to upgrade Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Optometry from bachelor’s degrees to doctor’s status. In a press release shared on their X page recently, NARD explained that the decision to change the degree status across Nigerian universities may have unintended consequences, despite seeking improved welfare and a stronger health system. NARD, through the executive council, revealed that for the past two decades, the majority of health worker groups, instead of focusing on driving systemic improvements, have aimed to compete with medical doctors. “Between 2005…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged all government sectors globally to ensure that every individual has access to quality roads as they embark on walking and cycling activities. This call was made during the launch of the new toolkit as the 8th United Nation (UN) Global Road Safety Week kicks off around the world, titled “Make Walking and Cycling Safe.” The new toolkit aims to aid governments in promoting active mobility. Data from WHO revealed that about 1.2 million people lose their lives yearly on the road, with fewer fatalities among those engaged in walking or cycling. However, worldwide,…

In significant groundbreaking landmark to maintain health independence in Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) have signed a sublicensing agreement with Nigerian health tech company Codix Bio to begin making rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). The deal allows Codix Bio to use advanced technology from SD Biosensor, a global diagnostics firm. The move will help boost local production of quick and reliable tests for HIV, with the ability to expand to malaria, syphilis, and other diseases. These tests work without special equipment, deliver results in 20 minutes, and are especially suited for low- and middle-income…

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected the new Pope.  A native of Chicago, he made history by becoming the first Pope from the United States. He was born on September 14, 1955. He was elected following the conclusion of the election process conducted by the 2025 papal conclave. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV. While paying tribute to the late Pope Francis before a crowd of cheering spectators, he called for a peace and unity. New Daily Prime delves into 10 things you need to know about Pope Leo XIV. Before He Emerged Before he was announced…

A study says patients with Down syndrome are prone to a higher risk of having heart disease, including stroke, with a 4.41 times higher risk of ischemic stroke and a 5.14 times higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke. This research, published in the Journal of Internal Medicine on May 7, shared that the 5.14 times risk of stroke is caused by brain bleed. While the study revealed that both those with and without Down syndrome have the same risk factors, the risk factors are significantly higher among young people with Down syndrome. The group of researchers says individuals with Down syndrome…

Despite grappling with challenges in skilled birth attendance across Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Kwara State has recorded the lowest child mortality rate in Nigeria, according to the latest data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). Speaking during the first quarterly meeting of the Kwara State Task Force on Immunization and PHC in Ilorin, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State PHC Development Agency, Professor Nasirat Elelu, disclosed that the state had achieved a milestone figure of two child deaths per 1,000 live births — the lowest in the country. “For the child mortality data, Kwara recorded two out…

The Officer in Charge of the Antenatal Clinic (ANC) at Miri Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Bauchi, Mrs. Umul-Khairi Musa, has encouraged pregnant mothers to take advantage of and participate in maternal and child health programmes as they enrol in antenatal care. Musa, who facilitated the cohort learning in maternal and child health, while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, highlighted the importance of the organized training exercise aimed at reducing complications and improving child health. While explaining the structure of the learning approach, she disclosed that the outcomes of these educative exercises for expectant mothers…