Author: Helen Okechukwu

Lagos pharmacists have stressed that their profession remains Nigeria’s most underutilised healthcare resource despite being the most accessible point of care for millions of citizens. Marking the 2025 World Pharmacists Day in Lagos with the theme “Think Health, Think Pharmacist,” community and hospital pharmacists emphasised that their unique role in safeguarding medicine quality and guiding patients on proper drug use places them at the centre of public health. At the event, which featured a health walk, free community screenings, and public enlightenment, speakers repeatedly underscored the pharmacist’s position as the first line of defence against counterfeit medicines, unsafe self-medication, and…

General practitioners (GP) have raised the alarm over patient safety after the government confirmed that every practice in England must keep online booking systems open throughout working hours from 1 October. Doctors’ leaders say the change has been imposed without the extra staff or safeguards needed to manage the influx of digital requests. Earlier, New Daily Prime reported that the doctor’s union issued 48hrs strike ultimatum if nothing is done about the development. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England introduced the requirement under the 2025-2026 GP contract, promising that online systems would reduce the daily…

A new report has raised alarm over the state of Nigeria’s health sector, revealing that most of the country’s medical facilities are in disrepair and unable to meet public needs.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised fresh concerns over critical global health challenges, highlighting gaps in the management of hypertension, autism research, contraception access, and rabies prevention. A new WHO report reveals that 1.4 billion people are living with hypertension, yet only one in five have the condition under control. The agency warns that uncontrolled high blood pressure is a leading driver of heart attack, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and dementia, stressing that millions risk premature death without urgent intervention. On maternal health, WHO emphasised that there is no conclusive scientific evidence linking the use of paracetamol during pregnancy…

NAFDAC urged healthcare providers and distributors to review the updated list and ensure strict compliance to protect public health.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given the Federal Government a two-week deadline to meet its demands or face the closure of public universities across the country. The warning was issued on Monday after the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the University of Abuja. ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, accused the government of abandoning the university system and ignoring the welfare of academic staff. Read Also: ASUU to FG: We’re tired of empty promises, ready for tangible offers He said lecturers would begin a two-week warning strike once the ultimatum expires and could escalate to an indefinite…

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles as part of efforts to reduce the rising burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in the country. Mr Ahmad Tijjani, NOA Director in Jigawa, made the call in a statement on Monday in Dutse, to mark the 2025 World Heart Day. Observed annually on 29 September, World Heart Day raises awareness about cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death globally. Read Also: NOA urges shift from fear-based messaging to combat HIV/AIDS stigma in Nigeria According to the NOA, CVDs claim nearly 18 million lives each year, accounting…

The Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) has called on the Lagos State Government to lift the suspension of its guidelines on safe termination of pregnancy, stressing that the policy is vital to protecting survivors of rape and incest. WARDC’s founding director, Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, made the appeal on Monday in Abuja while speaking on the dangers posed by unsafe abortion practices, says News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). She said the suspension of the Safe Termination of Pregnancy (STOP) guidelines endangers women’s health, limits access to essential care, and undermines the rights of victims of sexual violence. Read Also: PSG’s Hakimi…

Nigeria’s battle against malaria has received a fresh boost, as the Global Fund confirmed an additional $500 million allocation for 2024-2026, complementing the $2 billion it has already channelled into the country’s malaria response. According to the delegation from Cameroon, which represented the Fund at the Big Push Against Malaria Summit in Abuja, the resources will be directed towards expanding vector control initiatives, preventive treatment for children, and deploying digital tools to strengthen surveillance and coverage. The high-level summit brought together global health partners, political leaders, and civil society groups to push for stronger commitments. Read Also:World Malaria Day: Tinubus…

A major study has found that drinking any amount of alcohol may increase the likelihood of developing dementia, challenging the idea that moderate consumption is harmless or even beneficial.