Author: Helen Okechukwu

Over three years after the Lancet Commission on Diagnostics revealed a global crisis in diagnostic access, millions in Nigeria still lack basic tools needed to detect and treat diseases like tuberculosis, diabetes, and cancer. In 2021, the Commission found that 47% of people globally—and 81% in low- and lower-middle-income countries—could not access essential diagnostic services. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed just how deadly this gap can be. Countries like India and members of the African Collaborative Initiative have made progress through free diagnostic programmes. Experts say Nigeria must follow suit. “Diagnostics are foundational. Without them, our health response is reactive, not…

The Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Prof. Usman Aliyu, has urged all state governments to invest more in cancer prevention, control, and treatment to ease the burden on patients. Speaking during a visit by the Kebbi State Cancer Control Programme delegation, led by Health Commissioner Comrade Yunusa Musa Ismail and representing the Governor’s Wife, Dr. Nafisa Nasiru Idris, Prof. Malami reaffirmed NICRAT’s readiness to partner with all 36 states and the FCT. He praised Kebbi State’s efforts, noting its early establishment of a cancer control program, a 5-year strategic plan, and partnerships with…

In a determination to save millions of lives, a health organisation in the United Kingdom (UK) has raised concern over the risk of running out of blood in its bank within a few days, as many hospitals’ blood reserves run low, signalling a critical level. In response, the body responsible for donations, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), is left with no option but may activate a red alert, signalling urgency as hospitals are left with a maximum of three days to restock their blood banks, especially O-negative blood. Looking at the immediate concern, in a notice shared on a Wednesday,…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have agreed to deepen their cooperation in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking. This was the key highlight of a meeting held on 23 May, at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja between NDLEA Chairman, Brig Gen Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), and the new US DEA Country Attaché to Nigeria, Ms. Daphne Morrison. Femi Babafemi, the Director, Media & Advocacy in document shared on Friday said during the meeting, Ms. Morrison, who recently assumed duty in Nigeria, expressed her readiness to continue the strong relationship…

In Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, a silent war is being waged—not just against cancer, but also against the soaring costs and systemic challenges that threaten the lives of those battling the disease. In 2020, Nigeria recorded 124,815 new cancer cases, with 51,398 in males and 73,417 in females. By 2022, the country recorded an average of 127,000 new cases and 79,000 cancer-related deaths. Breast cancer represents 27% of all cases, while cervical cancer accounts for 14%, liver cancer for 12%, prostate cancer for 12%, and colorectal cancer for 4.1%. According to the National Cancer Institute (NIH) recent data in…

A 27-year-old male suspect, Somadina Ugwueke, has been apprehended by operatives of the Enugu State Command through the support of the Nsukka Urban Division along with members of the local community. Daniel Ndukwe, the command spokesperson, said on Thursday that Ugwueke, who was involved in armed robbery activities and motorcycle snatching, was arrested on 19 May following relayed information gathered. Ndukwe recounted that the apprehended suspect, along with his accomplice, boarded a commercial motorcycle along Edim Road. Upon getting to Saint Cyprian Road in Nsukka, they both snatched the motorcycle while pointing a firearm at the motorcyclist. Read Also: Police open…

Over 10,000 residents of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area (LGA) have been educated on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) following the awareness campaign conducted by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) and the Ford Foundation. Both partners conducted this engagement through a door-to-door sensitization campaign to aid in halting the high rate of domestic and gender violence recorded, urging residents to report promptly. The campaign exercise cut across key areas within the community of Ibeju-Lekki LGA, including religious institutions, schools, healthcare facilities, and judicial centers. One of the sensitization exercises, which addressed cultural and religious dimensions of SGBV,…

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…

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…

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…