Author: Helen Okechukwu

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has expressed concern over a rise in deaths from Lassa fever this year, even though the number of confirmed cases is lower than in 2024. According to the agency’s latest situation report covering Epidemiological Week 37, a total of 166 people lost their lives to the disease between January and mid-September 2025. This translates to a case fatality rate of 18.5 per cent, higher than the 16.9 per cent recorded during the same period last year. NCDC explained that the increased deaths are largely linked to delays in seeking medical attention…

After the political tussle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesome Wike, came to an end following the halting of the six-month state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu, the state has witnessed the laying off of appointed commissioners and public officers affected by the Supreme Court judgement. Recall that on 6 March, 2025, the supreme court, in its 62-page Certified True Copy (CTC), acknowledged Martins Amaewhule and the other led faction as the incumbent leader and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA). According to the verdict of the Supreme Court…

iNigeria’s drive to tackle climate change and improve public health has gained momentum with a new partnership between IHS Nigeria and the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to deliver clean energy solutions and community environmental projects in Abuja.

Leaders and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State have called on the party’s national leadership to address what they described as longstanding neglect and unfair treatment of the chapter in past elections. The demand was made during a solidarity walk held in Yenagoa in support of President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition. The rally, which drew national, zonal, state, and ward leaders, began at the Tombia end of the Melford Okilo Expressway and ended at Kpansia Secondary School. Read Also: Bayelsa, Rivers governors tipped to join APC Addressing the crowd, Pastor Reuben Wilson, convener of the rally and…

An Ebola outbreak declared in the Democratic Republic of Congo in early September has left 42 people dead from 64 confirmed infections, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Wednesday, placing the case fatality rate at 42%. Health officials in the country launched a vaccination campaign two weeks ago to curb the spread of the highly contagious haemorrhagic fever, which has historically claimed tens of thousands of lives across Africa since it was first identified in 1976. The current outbreak was reported in Kasai province, following the detection of new cases last month. Read Also: Uganda declares end of sixth ebola…

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has cautioned that misinformation and stigma continue to undermine Mpox response efforts across the continent, even as communities show overwhelming readiness to embrace vaccination. In its interim analysis released on Wednesday, the continental health agency revealed that while demand for vaccines has already outstripped supply in countries such as Nigeria and Kenya, discriminatory attitudes and cultural misconceptions are slowing progress in containing the disease. The study, which drew on more than 17,000 surveys and over 200 interviews across nine countries, showed that knowledge gaps remain significant. Read Also: WHO ends global…

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…