Author: Helen Okechukwu

Helen Okechukwu is an award-winning investigative journalist with three years experience. She specializes in health, accountability and transparency reporting.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has condemned the incident that led to the tragic loss of a 14-year-old boy, Kehinde Alade, who was hit by a stray bullet while heading to write the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) in Oyo State. According to the police spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Wednesday, Egbetokun has directed a full investigation into the matter, as the officer involved in the incident has been taken into custody. “In a separate development, the Inspector-General of Police has ordered a comprehensive investigation into a tragic incident in Oyo State involving personnel of the…

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There is a strong link between the common herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, study shared. The research suggests that antiviral medication might slightly reduce the chances of developing the condition in those infected. Scientists from Gilead Sciences and the University of Washington in Seattle analysed health records of nearly 690,000 people aged over 50, comparing those with and without Alzheimer’s between 2006 and 2021. Their findings were published in the journal BMJ Open. Read Also: Experts urge urgent action to tackle obesity as 2 in 3 adults over age 25 may be overweight…

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NHIA adds five hospitals in Lagos to boost emergency maternal care

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has included five new hospitals in Lagos State in preparation for the full rollout of its Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric Care (CEmOC) programme. This development was made known through their X page on Tuesday. This move follows a service level agreement signed between NHIA Director General, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, and the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Akin Abayomi, to ensure smooth implementation of the initiative. The newly added facilities are Lagos Island Maternal Hospital, General Hospital Gbagada, Surulere General Hospital, General Hospital Apapa, and General Hospital Ikorodu. Read Also: Again, Chega leader André Ventura hospitalised…

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WHO hails Austria, Norway, Oman, Singapore for eliminating trans fats

The World Health Organization (WHO) has praised four countries – Austria, Norway, Oman, and Singapore – for successfully removing industrially produced trans fats from their food supplies. These countries were awarded validation certificates for their strong policies, effective monitoring, and enforcement systems during the 78th World Health Assembly. WHO made this announcement on 19 May. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus said that removing trans fats is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to reduce heart-related illnesses. He noted that these countries are setting a great example for others to follow in protecting public health. Trans fats are dangerous…

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A police officer

A little lad’s dream was cut short after a stray bullet allegedly shot by a police officer in Ibadan, Oyo State, reportedly struck him, leaving him dead. According to Oyo Affairs, the accident, which occurred on 20 May, claimed the life of a yet-to-be-identified student who was on his way with his twin to write the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC). The publication further stressed that the police officers opened fire on a fleeing vehicle around the Gbagi Market Road in Ibadan, and the bullet pierced the father’s vehicle, resulting in the death of the teenager. Read Also: Lagos…

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Sokoto partners with health firms to enhance quality PHC services

To ensure access to quality Primary Healthcare (PHC) systems, the Sokoto State Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) and supported by the Society for Family Health (SFH), has joined forces to prioritise healthcare services within the state. At a meeting led by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Abubakar, a State Steering Committee for Community Pharmacists (CPs) and Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs) was established under the IntegratE Project. A post shared on Tuesday revealed that the committee aims to enhance coordination, provide oversight, and ensure alignment with the goals of the IntegratE…

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Nurses and midwives in Lagos State have received new professional kits, including scrubs and Crocs, under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) led by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The kits were officially presented on Monday by the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Claudiana Sanwo-Olu, during a ceremony at the Banquet Hall of the Office of the First Lady in Alausa, Ikeja. The event was also attended by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, and other top officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Health. Dr. Sanwo-Olu, who is the Lagos State Coordinator of the Renewed…

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Mauritania has achieved a major public health victory with the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced. The certificate of validation was presented during the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly in Geneva to Health Minister Abdallahi Sidi Mohamed Wedih and Ambassador Aïcha Vall Vergès. Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, praised the country’s milestone, calling it a sign of hope for other nations still battling the disease. “This is another example of the incredible progress we have made against neglected tropical diseases,” he said. Mauritania’s fight against trachoma dates back to the 1960s, but the…

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Africa CDC and Unitaid officials

To strengthen and improve quality access to medicines, diagnostics, and medical oxygen, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), in a strategic partnership with Unitaid, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance the manufacturing of health products in Africa. Unitaid, established in 2006, is a global health organisation that helps people in low- and middle-income countries get fast access to new and affordable health products, with over 100 important tools provided. This deal, which was signed during the 78th World Health Assembly, aims to improve a sustainable regional manufacturing system, positioning it as a central pillar…

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