Author: Helen Okechukwu

LNigeria is currently battling a resurgence of Lassa fever, with 822 confirmed infections and 155 related deaths recorded so far in 2025, according to the latest update from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The figures, released in the agency’s Epidemiological Week 29 report, mark a significant rise in the disease’s fatality rate—now standing at 18.9%, up from 17.1% reported during the same period last year. The update, which covers data collected between 14 and 20 July, paints a concerning picture of the country’s ongoing struggle with the viral haemorrhagic illness. During the one-week reporting window alone,…

The Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC) has firmly rejected the proposed Rivers State Council elections scheduled for 30 August 2025, describing the move as unconstitutional and a direct threat to Nigeria’s democratic framework. In a strongly worded statement signed by its National Chairman, Dr Yusuf Dantalle, and National Secretary, Barr Maxwell Mgbudem, the council accused the Rivers State Sole Administrator of acting outside constitutional bounds by attempting to organise local government and councillorship elections during a period of emergency rule. President Bola Tinubu had, on 18 March 2025, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing serious security…

The National Health Service (NHS) is urging eligible groups, including pregnant women and older adults, to speak with their healthcare providers about protecting themselves and their babies against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) ahead of winter. The warning follows a sharp rise in RSV cases in Australia, which often signals what’s to come in the United Kingdom (UK). In fact, a steady increase in infections has already been recorded across England in 2025. RSV is common and usually mild, causing cold-like symptoms such as a cough or runny nose. But for babies and older adults, it can trigger more severe illness.…

According to the Director of Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi of NDLEA, on Tuesday, the couple were first arrested by Department of State Services (DSS) operatives on 13 June

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in partnership with the Government of Guinea-Bissau, has launched Phase II of its Assistive Device Programme for Children with Disabilities (CWD), reinforcing its commitment to inclusive development across the region. Held in Bissau, the launch ceremony was led by Guinea-Bissau’s Minister of Women, Family and Social Solidarity, H.E. Maria Inácia Có Mendes Sanhá. She hailed the programme as a testament to dignity and inclusion, stating that such initiatives affirm the worth of every child, regardless of ability. “ It is about telling our children that they matter, that their rightful place in…

A new study has raised fresh concerns over drug safety in Nigeria, revealing that one in five medicines sold in informal markets fails to meet quality standards — a situation that could endanger millions of lives.

The Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has revealed its plan to visit specialised treatment centres with the aim of assessing facilities and interacting with patients, including professionals involved in rehabilitation efforts.

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested seven suspects in connection with the killing of Barrister Bright Owhor, 46, of No. 40c Market Road, Rumuomasi, Port Harcourt. It was earlier reported that the lawyer was shot dead by unidentified gunmen on 6 July 2025. Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit were deployed to investigate the incident. Following 10 days of intelligence gathering and technical surveillance, all individuals allegedly involved in the crime were identified and taken into custody. Those arrested include: Prince Samuel, 30, said to be an armed operative; Daniel Godwin, 25, alleged driver of the getaway vehicle; Henry Peter,…

In discussing the improvement of global health governance, African leaders, policymakers, including global health advocates will be converging in Ghana to take decisive steps toward shaping its health future.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has received 15 containers of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and substandard tomato paste valued at N20.5 billion from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). The handover took place at Onne Port, Port Harcourt, where the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, presented the seized goods to NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye. Read Also: Customs handovers N24.6 million worth of illicit drugs to NAFDAC According to NAFDAC Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola on Sunday, the haul included 1.3 million bottles of codeine syrup, 12.6 million Tramadol tablets, 9.3 million falsified Diclofenac tablets, 280 packs…