Author: Helen Okechukwu

The United States (US) is currently facing its worst measles outbreak in over three decades, with nearly 40 out of 50 states battling the spread of the highly contagious disease. A report released by Johns Hopkins University on Monday revealed that 1,277 cases have been confirmed since the beginning of 2025 — the highest number since 1992. Texas has been the hardest hit, accounting for over 60 percent of the reported cases. The outbreak began in late January in a rural part of the state, where a Mennonite Christian community known for opposing vaccines was severely affected. Read Also: US health…

The Kaduna State Government has called on residents to stop open defecation following a diarrhoea outbreak that affected 81 students at Government Girls Secondary School, Kawo. Open defecation refers to the practice of when human uses their environment as toilet instead of a built toilet. Health Commissioner, Umma Kaltum-Ahmed, confirmed that 15 students who were hospitalised have fully recovered and resumed classes. She credited the swift intervention of the State Rapid Response Team, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), for containing the outbreak without any fatalities. The outbreak, reported on 30 June, affected students aged 16 to 17.…

Following speculation of an alleged power tussle at Yaba Hospital, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Lagos State Chapter, and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPHY), Yaba branch, have dispelled claims of a leadership crisis. This was debunked on Monday during a media briefing held by the TUC Lagos State Chairman, Mr Ekundayo Olugbenga. The meeting aimed to address and clarify the circulated speculation and highlight hospital developments. Mr Olugbenga, who was represented by a member of the state administrative council, Adegoke Monsuru, noted that the claim was politically motivated and intended to destabilise the hospital’s leadership.…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to publish the long-delayed forensic audit report of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and prosecute those allegedly obstructing its release. In a letter dated 5 July 2025 and signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP called on Tinubu to instruct the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and anti-corruption agencies to act swiftly on the audit, which exposes alleged misappropriation of over N6 trillion and identifies more than 13,000 abandoned projects in the Niger Delta between 2000 and 2019. SERAP urges Tinubu SERAP warned that…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted multiple drug shipments destined for the United Kingdom (UK) and Saudi Arabia, arresting high-profile traffickers and dismantling criminal networks.

As the African Democratic Congress (ADC) positions itself as a major opposition force for the 2027 presidential election, Nigerians voice their preferences on who should carry the party’s flag. On Friday, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition was officially launched in Abuja, positioning itself as a political force with the stated aim of challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. The coalition brings together several prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former Senate President…

The Rivers State Police Command on Sunday declared 32 suspects wanted in connection with a violent attack on the Sole Administrator of Ahoada-East Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Goodluck Iheanachor.  The attack was said to have occurred on 20 June 2025 at the Council Secretariat in Ahoada East. Among those named are two key government officials — the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the LGA, Mr Hector Ekakita, and the Chief of Staff (COS), Mr Aloni Olodi. The duo, along with a group of about 30 others, are accused of conspiring to physically assault the council boss, inflicting serious injuries,…

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has called on the Federal Government (FG) to urgently introduce comprehensive health insurance coverage for all medical and dental practitioners across the country. This appeal comes amid growing concerns over unresolved welfare issues affecting healthcare professionals. MDCAN, in a statement jointly signed by its President, Prof. Mohammad Aminu, and Secretary, Prof. Daiyabu Alhaji, also urged the government to address demands raised by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), warning of possible disruptions in health services. Read Also: UK ministers claim welfare reforms will boost mental health The group backed the NMA’s 21-day ultimatum…

Stakeholders have called for urgent investment in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Nigeria to avoid the risk of jeopardising the future of youths.

Resident doctors at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Yaba have vowed to begin a one-week warning strike starting Monday, July 7, citing non-payment of salaries and persistent neglect of their welfare by hospital management. In a communiqué released on Friday, the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the hospital expressed deep dissatisfaction with the continued delay in salaries for newly employed medical staff. According to the statement signed by ARD President Dr Babarinsa O. A. and Secretary Dr Disu K. B., many of the affected doctors have been working for five to six months without pay. Read Also: Senior Gaza cardiologist…