Author: Helen Okechukwu

A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that the global nursing workforce has grown to 29.8 million in 2023, up from 27.9 million in 2018. However, the report shared on Monday warns that serious gaps remain between countries and regions, putting global health goals at risk. While the global shortage of nurses has reduced from 6.2 million in 2020 to 5.8 million in 2023, most nurses (78%) are concentrated in countries that represent just 49% of the world’s population. Low- and middle-income countries face challenges in training, employing, and keeping nurses, while richer countries rely heavily on…

The Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has called on Nigerian universities and pharmaceutical companies to work together to create new medicines and vaccines. Speaking at the 38th Prof. Victor Olufemi Marquis Memorial Lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University, she said President Bola Tinubu’s ban on importing easily available products would help grow local drug production. Adeyeye stressed that strong ties between universities and industry are key to solving Nigeria’s health needs and cutting reliance on imported drugs. She said universities can help transfer knowledge, build skills, and support manufacturing through…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a woman, Ihensekhien Miracle Obehi, at the Port Harcourt International Airport of Rivers State while trying to smuggle 2.5kg of cocaine to Iran. She was caught on Sunday, 3 May, disguised in a hijab to avoid detection. According to NDLEA release on Sunday, Obehi had concealed three wraps of cocaine in her private part, two large parcels in her handbag, and swallowed 67 pellets of the drug. She claimed she was supposed to swallow 70 pellets but couldn’t ingest the last three and decided to hide them in her body. Read…

Tragedy struck a community in Rivers State as two individuals were reportedly killed in a suspected cult clash. The clash, between the Lamidian and Virus factions of the Deygbam cult group, allegedly arose from a supremacy battle and occurred in the Mile 1 and Mile 3 Diobu areas of the state capital on Saturday. According to sources, in the early hours of Saturday, a suspected cultist was ambushed and killed at the Odunezea Lane axis of Mile 3 Diobu by unknown gunmen believed to be members of a rival cult group. Read Also: Residents flee as cultists kill 19 in Rivers…

The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs La (LASODA) has partnered with the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Agency (LASPPPA) to promote inclusivity of People Living with Disability (PWDs) in infrastructure development across the state. This collaborative discussion was held at the LASPPPA headquarters located in Ikeja during an official visit led by the General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, recently. The aim of the visit was to discuss the strategic implementation of policies specifically designed to enhance accessibility and quality of life for PWDs during the construction of infrastructures in the state. “While promoting equitable access to services…

The United Nations World Food Programme (UN-WFP) has issued a stark warning that over 52 million people across West and Central Africa are at risk of acute hunger between June and August, marking one of the most severe food crises in the region’s recent history. In its latest regional assessment, WFP reports that 36 million people are already struggling to meet basic food needs. The crisis is being driven by a deadly combination of conflict, mass displacement, economic shocks, rising food and fuel prices, and increasingly extreme weather patterns. Nearly three million people are already experiencing emergency levels of food…

Samson Oghenebreme, a 25-year-old male suspect, has been arrested in Lagos State by operatives of the Odo-Noforija Division for being in possession of a human organ. Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, announced the suspect’s apprehension on Friday via the Command’s X page. Hundeyin noted that the suspect was arrested on April 25, following credible information from members of the public who observed his suspicious movements. Read Also: Plateau Killings: Police arrest more suspects, gunrunners The police spokesperson said, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was transporting the organs from Edo state to a native doctor for the purpose…

Nigeria has restated its commitment to improving healthcare across West Africa during the 26th Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Health Ministers’ Meeting in Praia, Cape Verde. Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziak Salako, praised Cape Verde’s hospitality and the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) for its efforts in health security and regional coordination. Dr. Salako emphasized this year’s theme, “Community Health Principles and Standards,” saying West Africa must focus on local solutions to reduce high maternal and child deaths, health worker shortages, and the migration of…

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has criticized the National Universities Commission (NUC) over its recent decision to upgrade Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Optometry from bachelor’s degrees to doctor’s status. In a press release shared on their X page recently, NARD explained that the decision to change the degree status across Nigerian universities may have unintended consequences, despite seeking improved welfare and a stronger health system. NARD, through the executive council, revealed that for the past two decades, the majority of health worker groups, instead of focusing on driving systemic improvements, have aimed to compete with medical doctors. “Between 2005…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged all government sectors globally to ensure that every individual has access to quality roads as they embark on walking and cycling activities. This call was made during the launch of the new toolkit as the 8th United Nation (UN) Global Road Safety Week kicks off around the world, titled “Make Walking and Cycling Safe.” The new toolkit aims to aid governments in promoting active mobility. Data from WHO revealed that about 1.2 million people lose their lives yearly on the road, with fewer fatalities among those engaged in walking or cycling. However, worldwide,…