Author: Helen Okechukwu

Helen Okechukwu is an award-winning investigative journalist with three years experience. She specializes in health, accountability and transparency reporting.

President Bola Tinubu speaking at an APC Caucus meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

President Bola Tinubu has applauded the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for maintaining its World Health Organisation Maturity Level 3 (ML3) status in the regulation of medicines and vaccines. According to the Special Adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga on Monday, the endorsement came after a WHO team carried out a re-benchmarking mission between 28 and 30 May 2025, measuring the agency’s performance against globally accepted regulatory standards. NAFDAC reached Maturity Level 3 in 2022, becoming the first regulatory body in Africa to do so for medicines and vaccines in non-producing countries. Read Also: WHO…

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The Federal Government (FG) has reaffirmed its recognition of the vital role dental technologists play in advancing Nigeria’s healthcare system, pledging

The Federal Government (FG) has reaffirmed its recognition of the vital role dental technologists play in advancing Nigeria’s healthcare system, pledging continued support to strengthen the profession. Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, gave the assurance on Thursday, while declaring open the maiden Dental Technologists Summit at the National Merit Award House, Abuja. Dr Salako while addressing participants on the theme, “Dental Technologists: Past, Present and Future,” commended the Dental Technologists Registration Board of Nigeria (DTRBN) for convening practitioners, policymakers, students, and researchers to reflect on the profession’s evolution and chart a progressive roadmap. He…

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The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control, Amobi Ogah

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control, Amobi Ogah, says Nigeria needs about $8 billion annually to sustain its fight against HIV/AIDS. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic immune system disease which is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Ogah spoke on Thursday at the closing of the 7th National Council on AIDS held at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The three-day meeting, attended by policymakers, health experts, civil society groups and development partners, focused on the theme: “Advancing the HIV Sustainability Agenda in the Changing Global Policy on…

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Lassa fever

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,…

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IPAC logo

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…

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Chickenpox vaccine to be offered on NHS from January

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.…

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