Author: Helen Okechukwu

A call has been made by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) to Nigerians to always be conscious of their Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) status. The NACA made the appeal in a statement signed by its the Director General,Dr. Temitope Ilori.According to agency’s Head of Public Relations and Protocol, Toyin Aderibigbe,Ilori advised citizens to visit the nearest health facility located in their communities ,adding that the festive seasons were the right period to take such action. Ilori also charged members of the public to prioritise their health and protect others via safe sex…

To reduce maternal and infant mortality, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and a health organisation, DKT International, have donated family planning kits to the Rivers State Ministry of Health The State Ministry of Health disclosed yesterday through the X Page, and noted that the handover of kits took place yesterday. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, said this initiative aligns with Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s vision and commitment to delivering a quality healthcare system that ensures equity, resilience, and accessibility for all. Oreh commended the health bodies for their efforts in sustaining and reproductive health, She further noted, “It underscores…

The Katsina State First Lady, Zulaihat Radda, has revealed that cultural norms and lack of support pose barriers to low state immunisation. Mrs. Radda made this disclosure at the health exercise initiated by her in collaboration with UNICEF to ensure immunisation coverage in the state. UNICEF revealed their expected target for immunisation of children in the state should exceed above 45 per cent coverage in 2024, acknowledging the aid of Majalisan Rigakafi men groups. The UNICEF’s Kano Field Office Chief, Mr. Rahama Farah, noted this on Wednesday at the programme launch, titled “Male Involvement in Polio and Routine Immunisation,’ at…

As the battle to check drug trafficking continues, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested four suspects for cultivatingg an Indian hemp farm in Alaka village, Ogun State. A six-hectare hemp farm was destroyed as NDLEA operatives stormed the farm.According to NDLEA State Command, investigations are ongoing over the clampdown The agency’s state commandant, Tijani Rabe yesterday disclosed this to journalists at a press conference in Abeokuta. Based on their performance this year, Rabe further disclosed that about 675 drug offenders were apprehended in 2024. Moreover, he added that 9.7 tonnes of solid drugs and 537.81 litres of…

In a major crackdown, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down 150 shops and destroyed fake and expired products worth N5 billion at Eziukwu Market, Aba, Abia State. The agency disclosed this via its social media page yesterday, stating that the operation was carried out from December 16 to 17,2024. According to the anti-drug agency, its team discovered large-scale production and distribution of fake and expired goods, terming the market as a hub for counterfeit and substandard products. The uncovered items are beverages, carbonated drinks, wines, spirits, vegetable oils, and revalidated food items…

A Nigerian virologist and Chairman of the Expert Review Committee on COVID-19, Prof. Oyewale Tomori, has alerted that out of the 100 laboratories set up in Nigeria during the COVID 19 scourge ,that over 60 of them are presently non functionalHe, therefore ,doubted Nigeria’ s preparedness to tackle the disease despite the newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant in some other countries.the country.Tomori disclosed this at the 10th Annual International Bioethics Forum held recently at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research in Yaba, Lagos State. “…They have a page where they list over 60 laboratories that are not functioning anymore. So,…

Following the passing of the bill into law,overnor Ahmed Ododo has endorsed the upgrade of Okene Reference Hospital to Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Teaching Hospital. The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, in Lokoja today told journalists about the development. According to Fanwo, this development aligns with the National Universities Commission’s(NUC) approval of full-time medical courses to ensure sustainability. The degrees to be obtained include the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme, among others.Fanwo added that the rigorous teamwork between key parties in the state to achieve this initiative. The significant stakeholders…

Apparently to avoid casualties during and after the festive period, the Rivers State Police Command has banned the use of fireworks, crackers, and knockouts across the state.The State Police Commissioner(CP) Mustapha Balagave the directive today ,adding that the use of fireworks poses grave danger to lives and properties in the state. This order was conveyed in a statement made available to journalists yesterday through the force spokesperson, Grace Iringe-koko. The CP advised residents in the state to maintain a friendly and conducive environment during and after the celebration period, assuring them of security. “The Rivers State Police Command wishes the…

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has disclosed that at least three bodies have been recovered from the boat mishap that occurred around 7pm on December 14 at the Agatu Local Government Area, Benue State. It would be recalled that,the New Daily Post had reported that a boat ferrying traders returning from Ocholonya Market, from Agatu to Nasarawa State, capsized, leaving at least 20 people dead. In a statement yesterday,the NEMA said about 23 people still remained unaccounted for as the search operation was still ongoing. The NEMA said, “The victims of this unfortunate event were primarily traders from Odenyi…

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has said its agency will sanction anyone found guilty of violating public health standards in the country. The agency’s warning came after it denied the approval for use of circulated Lung Detox Tea or Lungitox (Smokers Pride) herbal tea, claiming their product is safe for consumers. It further described the claim of its approval as misleading, unfounded and false, alleging that the impression created by the producers is that the consumption of the product makes smokinghealthy.In a post shared yesterday on her verified X handle , the agency’s Director-General…