Health experts in a new study have suggested that a new saliva at-home test may detect prostate cancer more effectively than the PSA test. Although it is not yet conclusive, it can be used as an additional screening tool. Meanwhile, the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test that is usually conducted to detect prostate cancer or other prostate conditions. In a study recently published in the New England…

In a major step toward ending the global threat of meningitis, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first-ever global guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and care of meningitis disease. According to WHO it aimed at improving early detection and boosting survival rates, the guidelines offer a comprehensive, evidence-based framework to reduce the devastating toll of meningitis—particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden remains highest. Despite the…

Former senator and health advocate, Dr. Ibrahim Oloriegbe, has called for the urgent need for Nigeria to rely on local vaccine production, which will aid in quicker distribution, reduce costs, create jobs, and ensure availability. Oloriegbe made this call on Wednesday during a press conference in Abuja, stating that vaccine financing should be substantial enough to cover logistics, cold-chain maintenance, and last-mile delivery. “Vaccines don’t walk themselves to health centers,”…

The Federal Government (FG) has launched a nationwide programme to train 120 young researchers under the SINCCAR programme aimed at closing critical gaps in cancer research and advanced evidence-based solutions in Nigeria. The Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Cancer Research and Implementation (SINCCAR) project is designed to enhance the capacity of researchers and improve cancer outcomes through policy reforms, sustainable institutional resources, and collaborative networks. At the opening ceremony held in…

With a 2.9% HIV prevalence rate recorded in Taraba State, the Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori, has called for collaborative efforts from stakeholders, health workers, the public, and the state government. Expressing concerns over the rate, Ilori, on Tuesday, while launching the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) and Paediatric HIV Acceleration Committee (PPAC), called for urgent action, targeting the 2030…

Nigeria is recording a positive turn in its battle against Lassa Fever, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirming only 14 new cases and three deaths in the 13 epidemiological week of 2025. This marks a significant decline compared to previous weeks, where 41 infections were reported. The latest cases were reported from five states—Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Ebonyi, and Nasarawa. The affected individuals range in age…

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has enrolled 198,810 residents into its Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) in the past year, surpassing its annual target by over 100%. Among them, 10,065 vulnerable persons, including pregnant women, were registered at no cost. According to a statement by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the free registration allows access to services under…

To prevent the outbreak of anthrax in the state and ensure food security, the Oyo State Government has embarked on a free vaccination exercise for over 88,000 livestock animals within the state. This vaccination exercise aims to improve livestock productivity and protect animals from being infected. At the opening campaign exercise in Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub, the Chairman of the Steering Committee of Oyo L-PRES, Dr. Debo Akande, represented by…

To better curb the increasing rate of prostate cancer among men, Wes Streeting, the UK Health Secretary, has shown his support for a national prostate cancer screening programme, acknowledging its importance. Describing his sympathetic stance towards the argument centred around men getting screened, he noted the urgent need to offer tests due to the risk to high-risk men. Those who have a history of prostate cancer, including Black men, will…

The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has announced that the death toll from the ongoing meningitis outbreak has risen to 151, with 1,826 suspected cases reported across 23 states. This translates to a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 8.3%. In the Cerebrospinal Meningitis Situation Report for Epidemiological week 12, the agency disclosed that the majority of suspected cases, approximately 94% are concentrated in 10 states: Kebbi (881 cases), Katsina…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two brothers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, for attempting to smuggle 5 kilograms of cocaine to India. The suspects, John Abugu, 43, and Kenneth Abugu, 31, were caught on Thursday, 3 April 3, with the illicit drug concealed in the walls of their suitcases. This was contained in a statement shared by Femi Babafemi, the Director, Media…

In a major step toward strengthening grassroots healthcare delivery, the Lagos State Government has launched the upgrade of 27 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state under the World Bank-supported IMPACT Project, with completion expected within the next three to four months. In a post shared on Saturday via Facebook, State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi while speaking during the official handover ceremony held at Palm Avenue PHC in…