Author: Helen Okechukwu

The Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Nigeria, has renewed calls for increased investment in adolescent girls’ health as part of efforts to address the rising rate of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young women across sub-Saharan Africa. The organisation raised the concern while commemorating the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, stressing that gender inequality, poor access to healthcare, and inadequate education continue to expose young girls—especially those aged 15 to 24—to HIV and other reproductive health challenges. In a statement issued to journalists, AHF revealed that an estimated 4,000 young women within that age bracket become infected…

India has reasserted its leadership in global vaccine supply following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) re-approval of Shanchol, the country’s only WHO-prequalified oral cholera vaccine. Originally developed by Hyderabad-based Shantha Biotechnics, Shanchol was designed as a cost-effective and accessible solution for nations struggling with recurring cholera outbreaks. With production now resumed under GCBC Vaccines Pvt. Ltd. (formerly Shantha Biotechnics), the vaccine has regained WHO prequalification, paving the way for its continued global distribution. The renewed certification enables international agencies such as UNICEF and Gavi to procure Shanchol for cholera prevention and outbreak response in vulnerable countries. Read Also: WHO: Hypertension, autism,…

A Nigerian scientist, Gideon Gyebi, has highlighted how the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning could accelerate the discovery of new antibiotics and help counter the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Gyebi, a researcher in computational and systems biology, shared insights from his recent study during a presentation in Abuja on Tuesday. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microbes like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites found in the body resist drugs designed to kill them. According to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report, his work, titled “Computational profiling of terpenoids for putative dual-target leads against Staphylococcus aureus…

The Ondo State Government has reiterated its dedication to the health and welfare of residents through continuous medical support and access to affordable care. This assurance was given by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka during the supervision of the distribution of health relief funds to citizens with varying medical needs across the state. Addressing the beneficiaries, the Commissioner said the initiative reflects the government’s compassion and readiness to support citizens during difficult health situations. He urged recipients to use the financial assistance solely for their treatment and recovery, describing the gesture as an investment in their wellbeing. Read…

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has unveiled a new national framework to strengthen emergency preparedness and response across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Speaking at the launch of the State Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan in Abuja on Monday, according to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, urged state governments to make strategic investments in health security, workforce retention, and climate-resilient systems to enhance readiness for disease outbreaks and other public health threats. Dr Idris described the EPR Plan, developed under the Federal Ministry of Health, as…

The Delta Central Diabetes Sensitization and Testing Outreach extended its free medical services to residents of Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, marking another step in Senator Ede Dafinone’s ongoing effort to curb diabetes and promote preventive healthcare across Delta Central. In a document shared to News Daily Prime on Monday, disclosed that the event was held on 4 October with the aim at delivering free testing, sensitization, and medical consultations across the eight LGAs of Delta Central. Meanwhile the outreach formed part of a larger health intervention series sponsored by Senator Dafinone in partnership with the National…

The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, has witnessed a surge in the number of kidney patients accessing dialysis services following the introduction of the Federal Government’s (FG) dialysis subsidy scheme. Hamamatu Haruna, manager of the hospital’s renal centre, disclosed on Monday that the facility had recorded 1,162 patients for dialysis between January and September 2025. She attributed the increase in patient turnout to the government’s intervention, which slashed the cost of each dialysis session from about N50,000 to N12,000. The subsidy scheme, implemented in 12 federal tertiary health institutions nationwide, is part of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s…

The veterinary community in Abuja has been thrown into mourning following the death of Dr Ifeanyi Ogbu, a former chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Federal Capital Territory chapter, who was reportedly abducted along with his three children in Kubwa, Abuja. Confirmation of his death came from the Administrative Secretary of the NVMA FCT chapter, Mr Joshua Katkyes, who told Punch correspondent on Sunday that the association received the sad news on Saturday. “That is true (Ogbu death story). We received the information yesterday,” Katkyes said briefly. Although details surrounding the incident remain sketchy, reports suggest that Ogbu…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled two major cocaine trafficking cartels responsible for multiple United Kingdom-bound drug consignments, uncovering 20.5 kilograms of cocaine ingeniously concealed in stainless cups, body cream, and hair gel containers. The successful operations, which spanned over three weeks across Lagos and other states, culminated in the arrest of six suspects, including the alleged mastermind, Hammed Ode, a self-proclaimed businessman and real estate developer. According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi on Sunday, the crackdown began on 16 September 2025, when operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine…

The Rivers State Police Command, in partnership with the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), has intensified efforts to combat the growing menace of cultism and drug abuse among young people across the state. Grace Iringe-Koko, the Command spokesperson in a document shared to journalists on Sunday, disclosed that, the collaborative initiative was launched on 3 October, at Community Secondary School, Rumuolumeni, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA), as part of ongoing measures to promote public safety and curb youth involvement in social vices. Held under the theme “Cultism, Drug Abuse and My Academics,” the campaign focused on…