The United Kingdom (UK) government has announced it will no longer allow care workers to be recruited from overseas, in a move aimed at reducing low-skilled migration. Care providers have warned that the decision could worsen the country’s social care crisis. Recent figures show a sharp drop in the number of overseas care workers, from 143,900 in 2023 to just 26,100 this year, following earlier visa restrictions that banned workers…

A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that the global nursing workforce has grown to 29.8 million in 2023, up from 27.9 million in 2018. However, the report shared on Monday warns that serious gaps remain between countries and regions, putting global health goals at risk. While the global shortage of nurses has reduced from 6.2 million in 2020 to 5.8 million in 2023, most nurses (78%)…

The Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has called on Nigerian universities and pharmaceutical companies to work together to create new medicines and vaccines. Speaking at the 38th Prof. Victor Olufemi Marquis Memorial Lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University, she said President Bola Tinubu’s ban on importing easily available products would help grow local drug production. Adeyeye stressed that strong ties…

 What does it take to live to 117? For Maria Branyas Morera, the answer may lie in a diet rich in yogurt, daily walks, and an intentional life free of alcohol, cigarettes—and toxic people. Until her peaceful passing in August 2024, Morera held the title of the world’s oldest living person. Born in San Francisco in 1907 to Catalan parents and a resident of Spain since childhood, her remarkable longevity…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a woman, Ihensekhien Miracle Obehi, at the Port Harcourt International Airport of Rivers State while trying to smuggle 2.5kg of cocaine to Iran. She was caught on Sunday, 3 May, disguised in a hijab to avoid detection. According to NDLEA release on Sunday, Obehi had concealed three wraps of cocaine in her private part, two large parcels in her handbag, and…

The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs La (LASODA) has partnered with the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Agency (LASPPPA) to promote inclusivity of People Living with Disability (PWDs) in infrastructure development across the state. This collaborative discussion was held at the LASPPPA headquarters located in Ikeja during an official visit led by the General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, recently. The aim of the visit was to discuss…

The United Nations World Food Programme (UN-WFP) has issued a stark warning that over 52 million people across West and Central Africa are at risk of acute hunger between June and August, marking one of the most severe food crises in the region’s recent history. In its latest regional assessment, WFP reports that 36 million people are already struggling to meet basic food needs. The crisis is being driven by…

Nigeria has restated its commitment to improving healthcare across West Africa during the 26th Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Health Ministers’ Meeting in Praia, Cape Verde. Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziak Salako, praised Cape Verde’s hospitality and the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) for its efforts in health security and regional coordination. Dr. Salako emphasized…

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has criticized the National Universities Commission (NUC) over its recent decision to upgrade Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Optometry from bachelor’s degrees to doctor’s status. In a press release shared on their X page recently, NARD explained that the decision to change the degree status across Nigerian universities may have unintended consequences, despite seeking improved welfare and a stronger health system. NARD, through the executive…

In a move to tackle shortage of health personnel, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has authorised the recruitment of additional medical and health personnel to enhance the delivery of healthcare services across the state. The approval was announced on Friday by the Permanent Secretary of the Kwara State Civil Service Commission, Hajia Jimoh. READ ALSO: Nigerian Nurse to leave UK over alleged exam malpractice Jimoh noted that the recruitment is m…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged all government sectors globally to ensure that every individual has access to quality roads as they embark on walking and cycling activities. This call was made during the launch of the new toolkit as the 8th United Nation (UN) Global Road Safety Week kicks off around the world, titled “Make Walking and Cycling Safe.” The new toolkit aims to aid governments in promoting…

In significant groundbreaking landmark to maintain health independence in Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) have signed a sublicensing agreement with Nigerian health tech company Codix Bio to begin making rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). The deal allows Codix Bio to use advanced technology from SD Biosensor, a global diagnostics firm. The move will help boost local production of quick and reliable tests for HIV,…