The Nation Newspaper

Category: Health

  • FG deploys 333 advanced TB diagnostic machines nationwide

    FG deploys 333 advanced TB diagnostic machines nationwide

    Nigeria has deployed 333 Truenat diagnostic machines, a cutting-edge molecular testing technology designed to enhance TB detection and treatment, as part of scaling up efforts in its fight against tuberculosis (TB), it emerged on Wednesday.

    The initiative, funded by the Global Fund and implemented through the National TB Program (NTP), aims to expand access to care, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach areas.

    The deployment of the World Health Organisation (WHO)-endorsed device is expected to be a monumental transformative leap considering the remarkable results of deploying 39 devices in 2021. 

    Within just nine months of introducing the initial 39 machines, the TB case detection rate surged significantly, with TB-positive cases rising from 1,633 (8% of 20,424 tested) to 3,338 (9% of 37,087 tested), an additional 1,704 cases. 

    The impact of detecting drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) was even more pronounced. The report highlighted a 4.5-fold increase in rifampicin-resistant TB cases, rising from 7 to 32 during the same period, which marks a critical step forward in addressing drug-resistant strains, a key challenge in managing and combating the global TB crisis.

    Scaling this impact with the deployment of 333 devices is expected to multiply these outcomes, dramatically enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to detect and manage TB cases nationwide.

    Rita Akpakpan, Head of Laboratory Services at the Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program (NTBLCP), disclosed during a press briefing in Abuja that the first phase of training for health workers on the use of Truenat machines has commenced in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Nasarawa State, with additional training sessions planned for Lagos, Ogun, and other regions. 

    “We’re training two staff members per facility, ensuring that the deployment of these machines begins immediately after the training.

    “With Truenat, we can identify TB cases with as few as 30 bacilli per millilitre, compared to 10,000 required for detection via microscopes.

    “This precision will significantly reduce the number of undiagnosed patients, thereby curbing the spread of TB in communities.

    “Beyond TB detection, Truenat machines can also identify drug-resistant TB cases, enabling tailored treatment for patients who do not respond to conventional TB drugs. 

    “This dual functionality is critical for improving treatment outcomes and reducing the burden of drug-resistant TB.

    “We’re targeting locations where patients previously lacked diagnostic services, ensuring no community is left behind,” she said.

    The initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate health services and optimized resources, Akpakpan noted, adding, “Truenat machines can also be used to diagnose other diseases such as COVID-19, hepatitis, and HPV. 

    “This aligns with our strategy to strengthen the health system while addressing multiple health challenges.

    Emperor Ubochioma of Global Fund/NTBLCP emphasized that the machines, which are battery-operated and capable of functioning in high-temperature environments, are particularly suited for Nigeria’s unique challenges. 

    “These devices are portable, adaptable, and effective in rural areas where electricity and laboratory facilities are limited,” he added.

    He said the deployment strategy includes prioritizing underserved areas with high TB burdens, adding, “The machines are being placed in new facilities to expand access to care”. 

    Sriram Natarajan, CEO of Molbio Diagnostics, the company behind Truenat, highlighted the significance of this innovation. 

    “Microscopy, which has been the standard tool for TB diagnosis, has a sensitivity of only 40-50%, leaving many cases undetected. Truenat, as a PCR-based molecular test, has near-perfect sensitivity and specificity, ensuring almost all cases are diagnosed early,” he said. 

    “Nigeria’s adoption of this platform positions the country as a leader in Africa for community-level molecular diagnostics.”

    The deployment of Truenat machines is expected to revolutionize TB diagnosis by detecting cases with lower bacterial loads than traditional methods. 

    Natarajan praised Nigeria’s efforts to scale up TB diagnostics, saying, “This rollout will not only save lives but also bring the country closer to its goal of eliminating TB. 

    “We’re proud to support this transformative initiative and look forward to its impact”.

    Since the adoption of Truenat in 2021, he noted that Nigeria has made significant strides in TB detection and treatment, “We have seen a rapid increase in case detection rates over the past five years

    “With the deployment of these 333 machines, we anticipate even greater progress in the fight against TB,” he added.

    According to Michael Emenoge, the Chief Operating Officer of Weierstrass Michael Universal Solutions Company Ltd (Molbio Nigeria), to ensure sustainability, the rollout includes measures for maintenance and performance monitoring.

    He said a robust monitoring system has been established to track the functionality of the machines, with monthly performance reports and backup solutions like solar panels to minimize downtime.

    These measures, Emenoge noted, are intended to ensure that the diagnostic machines remain operational and effective in the long term, supporting the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen health care infrastructure and tackle TB as a public health priority.

  • Fighting Cancer with Science: How Felix and Folake Oyelami are advancing global health

    Fighting Cancer with Science: How Felix and Folake Oyelami are advancing global health

    In a world where scientific innovation is redefining the future of medicine, Felix Oyelami and Folake Oyelami, two Nigerian researchers bound by common ancestry, vision, and a shared loss to cancer are combining their expertise to challenge some of the deadliest diseases plaguing both Nigeria and the global south. Their work, grounded in cancer biology, immunology, and public health innovation, is not only rewriting our understanding of tumor resistance but also redefining how collaborative African science can solve global health crises.

    Cancer remains one of Nigeria’s most devastating health challenges. It has become one of the most silent yet ruthless killers in Nigeria, claiming lives across all walks of life, including some of the nation’s most influential figures. A few noteworthy mentions of those lost to this devastating disease includes Professor Dora Akunyili, a former Director-General of the NAFDAC, and Ethel Ekpe Aderemi, a beloved Nollywood actress. Their deaths are not just personal tragedies but national losses, highlighting the urgent need for Nigeria to confront its growing cancer crisis. Each year, over 72,000 Nigerians die from the disease, many without access to adequate screening, treatment, or palliative care.

    For Felix and Folake, this isn’t just data, it’s personal. After losing multiple loved ones to cancer, they have dedicated their careers to unraveling the mechanisms of tumor development and identifying actionable paths to better diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

    Felix Oyelami, a PhD candidate in Toxicology and Cancer Biology at the University of Kentucky, is at the forefront of translational cancer research. His current investigations focus on ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death that has shown remarkable promise in targeting treatment-resistant cancers such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and melanoma, two of the most aggressive and under-researched cancers in Nigeria and Africa at large.

    Felix’s expertise lies in the tumor microenvironment, metabolic reprogramming, and immune checkpoint modulation. His unique strength is blending wet-lab science with bioinformatics, mining large datasets (from GEO, TCGA, and others) to reveal novel gene targets and therapeutic vulnerabilities. One of his NIH-supported projects focuses on improving immunotherapy in melanoma by enhancing T-cell cytotoxicity and modulating immune escape pathways. Through advanced techniques such as siRNA knockdown, Western blotting, confocal microscopy, and in vivo tumor modeling, Felix is building a blueprint for personalized, accessible cancer therapy.

    Folake Oyelami on the other hand is a Microbiologist and Immunologist in training at the University of Ibadan, who is bringing a frontline perspective to their scientific partnership. With experience at the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF subsidiaries in Nigeria, she has led data audits across healthcare facilities, helped shape immunization policy, and delivered medical outreach programs in underserved communities. Her academic focus is tumor immunology and host–pathogen interactions, making her work crucial in an era where infectious and noncommunicable diseases increasingly intersect.

    Folake’s skills bridge laboratory and community. She has performed ELISA-based diagnostics on febrile patients, contributed to dengue virus detection protocols, and led rural health awareness campaigns. More recently, she has joined Felix in applying bioinformatic analysis to understand ferroptosis resistance in cancer. Their joint research explores how targeting PGK1, a key enzyme in glycolysis, can sensitize breast cancer cells to ferroptosis, a novel therapeutic avenue with far-reaching clinical potential.

    Their co-authored abstract, “Targeting PGK1 to Enhance Ferroptosis in Breast Cancer,” was accepted and presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting, placing them on the global map of cancer innovation.

    Felix and Folake’s work is not only scientifically significant, it’s systemically urgent. In Nigeria, where late-stage cancer diagnoses are the norm and treatment options are limited or unaffordable, their approach could offer low-cost, targeted therapies that are both scalable and adaptable to the African context. Their shared goal is to decentralize access to precision medicine, ensuring that breakthroughs made in the lab translate to lives saved on the ground.

    Together, they represent a comprehensive model of cancer control: while Felix targets molecular and immune resistance from the lab bench, Folake strengthens the diagnostic and immunological pipeline in real-world health systems. Their synergy demonstrates how a sibling team can unite scientific rigor with public health foresight.

    Their journey is also a profound message to national policymakers: Nigeria must act to retain its brightest scientific minds. The loss of highly skilled researchers to the diaspora is not just a personal tragedy, it is a national emergency. Felix and Folake represent the kind of talent that can transform Nigeria’s healthcare system from within, but only if given the opportunity.

    “We want to build here. We want to save lives here. But we need the support to do so,” says Felix.

    For Nigeria to fully harness the potential of researchers like them, bold investment in local scientific infrastructure is essential. This includes funding for cancer research, better-equipped laboratories, data science hubs, and a national framework that supports young researchers. Their proposed roadmap includes establishing a bioinformatics and cancer modeling hub, expanding research collaborations, and mentoring a new generation of scientists equipped to tackle Nigeria’s most urgent health challenges.

    The Oyelamis are more than scientists, they are solution architects. Their commitment is transcontinental, their mission deeply personal. In their hands, cancer research is not an academic abstraction, but a moral obligation. They are working to build a world where cancer is caught early, treated effectively, and prevented holistically, in Nigeria, across Africa, and around the globe.

    Felix and Folake Oyelami are rewriting the story of African science, and proving that with vision, determination, and the right national support, homegrown researchers can drive global health breakthroughs.

  • Lagos health workers embark on 3-day strike over salary adjustment

    Lagos health workers embark on 3-day strike over salary adjustment

    The coalition of health sector unions in Lagos state commenced a three-day warning strike on Wednesday, protesting the non-implementation of adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

    The unions involved include the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).

    In an interview, the Secretary of NANNM, Oloruntoba Odumosu, revealed that the strike follows the expiration of an ultimatum issued by the unions. 

    The decision was finalized after an inconclusive meeting with state government officials on December 9, which ended in a deadlock.

    “The government officials couldn’t provide a clear timeline for the implementation of our demands, nor was there an approval from the governor for the payment,” Odumosu said.

    He explained that this feedback was relayed to the unions’ congress, which unanimously voted to proceed with the strike, citing the state government’s perceived lack of seriousness.

    Odumosu lamented that the issue has persisted for too long despite multiple attempts by the unions to resolve it amicably.

    “During our engagement with the Ministry of Establishments and Training on December 2, no clarity was provided on the computation method for the adjustment. Worse still, Lagos State does not operate the full CONHESS structure, and there was no definitive timeline for the payment,” he stated.

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    He further expressed dismay that doctors in the state had already received a 35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) adjustment in October 2024, while health workers under CONHESS continue to be sidelined.

    “This selective approach, which prioritises one segment of the health workforce over others, is divisive and demoralising. It undermines the collective morale of health professionals in Lagos State,” Odumosu said.

    The strike will affect all state-owned health facilities, including the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), general hospitals, and primary health centres (PHCs). 

    The affected workforce comprises a wide range of professionals, including:

    Nurses and midwives, pharmacists and physiotherapists, dieticians and radiographers, medical laboratory scientists, optometrists and dental therapists, medical physicists and clinical psychologists, health information managers and medical social workers.

    These unions collectively represent the backbone of healthcare delivery in the state, ensuring quality care for Lagos residents.

    State Secretary of NUAHP, Kamaldeen Kabiawu also criticised the government’s delayed implementation of the 25% CONHESS adjustment, especially after approving the 35% CONMESS adjustment for doctors.

    “This delay underscores the government’s indifference to the critical contributions of other health workers. The warning strike, scheduled from December 11 to December 13, is our last resort to demand equity and fairness in the implementation of the CONHESS adjustment,” Kabiawu said.

    The unions stressed that their demands are legitimate and essential for maintaining morale and ensuring the continued delivery of quality healthcare services.

    “This strike is a necessary step to press home our demands for fairness and equity,” Odumosu concluded.

    The Lagos State government has yet to issue an official response to the strike, leaving many residents concerned about potential disruptions to healthcare services during the three-day industrial action.

  • WHO raises the alarm over global genital herpes infections 

    WHO raises the alarm over global genital herpes infections 

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has disclosed staggering new figures on the prevalence of genital herpes, revealing that over 846 million people aged 15 to 49—more than one in five individuals in this age group globally—are living with the infection.

    The alarming statistics is part of a report released by WHO on Wednesday, which also estimates that 42 million people acquire a new genital herpes infection annually—equivalent to one new case every second.

    While many infections remain asymptomatic, a significant number of individuals experience painful genital sores and recurring blisters, which can disrupt daily life and require frequent medical intervention.

    Director of WHO’s Global HIV, Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, Dr. Meg Doherty, stressed the urgent need for enhanced prevention and treatment strategies to curb the transmission of herpes. 

    She added that addressing genital herpes could also have a ripple effect in reducing the spread of HIV.

    A Medical Officer within WHO’s Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research,Sami Gottlieb, highlighted the pervasive stigma associated with genital herpes. 

    Read Also: Bayelsa partners UNICEF, WHO, others, launches maternal newborn child health week

    The stigma, she said, has hindered open conversations and robust efforts to combat the infection despite its widespread impact.

    “Expanded research and investment in developing new herpes vaccines and therapies, alongside their equitable distribution, are critical to improving the quality of life for millions worldwide,” Gottlieb emphasized.

    Although condoms are not entirely effective in preventing herpes transmission, Gottlieb noted that consistent and correct usage significantly reduces risk. 

    She also advised individuals experiencing active symptoms to abstain from sexual activity, as the infection is most contagious during outbreaks.

    The WHO recommends HIV testing for those with genital herpes symptoms and, if necessary, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV. 

    These measures align with the organization’s Global Health Sector Strategy on HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections 2022–2030, which aims to increase awareness and improve management of genital herpes.

    The report underscored the substantial economic toll of genital herpes, with annual costs estimated at $35 billion globally. This includes healthcare expenses and productivity losses associated with the infection.

    To address these challenges, WHO has called for heightened awareness, broader access to antiviral medications, and strengthened integration of herpes prevention with HIV initiatives.

    “Genital herpes is not just a personal health issue; it’s a global health priority requiring urgent attention and action,” Gottlieb concluded.

  • The making of Adamawa’s two FMCs

    The making of Adamawa’s two FMCs

    Adamawa State, which had just one tertiary health centre, a federal medical centre in Yola in 2021, now boasts three: a teaching hospital and two federal medical centres

    Two federal medical centres sprang up in Adamawa State in December 2022; three, if you add the Modibbo Adama Teaching Hospital (MAUTH), where the history started.

    The teaching hospital was the starting point as the originating institution under the name of Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yola.

    The two new FMCs, namely FMC Hong, and FMC Mubi, came along as the double replacement for the FMC Yola when it was converted to MAUTH.

    How two FMCs replaced one that was upgraded to a teaching hospital is the crux of the matter, with Adamawa as the lucky beneficiary.

    The journey had started earlier in 2021, when the federal government enacted a law converting the former Moddibbo Adama University of Technology Yola to a conventional institution under the name, Modibbo Adama University (MAU).

    The university, in prompt moves to live true to its new status, started a medical college, thus generating a new need: a teaching hospital.

    The decision was soon arrived at to turn the nearest tertiary medical institution, the FMC Yola, into this much required teaching hospital, and MAUTH was born. On July 27, 2022, the Federal governemt upgraded the FMC Yola to the MAUTH that it is today.

    While the FMC-MAUTH conversion idea was being perfected, some smart Adamawa citizens were quick  to push the further idea that the FMC Yola should not die for MAUTH but to move elsewhere for another life.

    Hong, a major town 194 kms north of Yola, was named as the place for the FMC to be located.

    A bill was quickly sponsored at the National Assembly to that effect and was signed by president at the time, Muhammadu Buhari, on April 9, 2022

    As the law was awaiting implementation, however, speculation broke that it might be revoked. It was rumoured that Senator Aishatu Ahmed Binani who was representing Adamawa Central Zone at the time and who was importantly also seeking to be governor of the state, had chosen to swing the FMC from Hong to Mubi after pledging an FMC for Mubi people during a campaign tour to Mubi.

    The rumour was so strong and looked so set to become real that prominent Hong sons, notably the SGF at the time, Boss Mustapha and member who was representing Hong/Gombi federal constituency at the time, Yusuf Yakub, more popularly known as Captain Buba, made moves both hidden and open to keep the FMC in Hong. 

    The FMC Hong which hitherto existed mainly in name up to that time, was made to hurriedly launch clinical services on December 6, 2022.

    This was less than a week after Buhari signed the separate bill establishing the FMC Mubi, on December 1, 2022.

    The lavish launching of clinical services at the FMC Hong, it was rumoured, was to announce the irreversible establishment of that centre, to forestall alleged plan to never let it take off just so that the Mubi centre could take roots.

    Fortunately for Adamawa State as a family however, the two FMCs are today a reality, existing side by side instead of one giving way for another.

    The push for the FMC Hong was powered by Captain Buba who sponsored the bill for it in the National Assembly, and Boss Mustapha who was reported as having done the lobying for the final approval by Buhari.

    On the other hand, Binani who sponsored the FMC Mubi bill as a sitting senator at the time, was assisted in lobbying its passage by the likes of the House of Representatives from the Mubi North/Mubi South/Maiha federal constituency, Hon Ja’afaru Magaji.

    It was Magaji who returned the matter of the two FMCs to the front line days back when he appreciated President Bola Tinubu for sustaining the tempo of their establishment and functionality.

    Hon Ja’afaru, in an  interview with journalists, said President Tinubu deserved commendation for ensuring that the process of establishing the two medical centres, commenced before he came to power, does not suffer delay. 

    He expressed joy especially about a recent signing of a memorandum of understanding officially permitting the federal government to take over the sites of the centres from the Adamawa State Government.

    Read Also: Adamawa APC reconciliation committee vows to reclaim state in 2027

    The Reps member said, “I am delighted about the signing of the MoU between the federal government and the Adamawa State Government. In some of these instances, there may be no mutual understanding, more so because of the political differences (between President Tinubu and Governor Ahmadu Fintiri).”

    Recalling that it was President Muhammadu Buhari who signed the bills establishing the two medical centres, Hon Magaji said, “We appreciate President Buhari who signed the hills into law and President Tinubu who is ensuring smooth implementation of the laws regarding the two institutions.”

    Officials of the federal and Adamawa state governments had on November 29, 2024 signed the MoU for the conversion of Cottage Hospital Hong to the FMC Hong and the General Hospital Mubi into FMC Mubi.

  • LSTM, NPMCN, Wellbeing Foundation Africa conclude 2024 AOSS training

    LSTM, NPMCN, Wellbeing Foundation Africa conclude 2024 AOSS training

    …with final lap in Lagos

    The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) in collaboration with the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) and supported by the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, has commenced the final phase of the Advanced Obstetrics Surgical Skills (AOSS) Training for 2024 in Lagos State.

    Under the Global Health Workforce Programme, this training aims to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system by equipping resident doctors with advanced surgical skills to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes.

    To date, the project has successfully trained 82 NPMCN examiners and 118 residents from affiliated institutions across Abuja, Kano, Enugu, and Lagos.

    This milestone reflects the year-long effort to enhance the surgical skills and decision-making capabilities of obstetrics and gynecology doctors, addressing gaps in managing obstetric complications. 

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria contributes to 20% of global maternal deaths, further proving the importance of this training.

    Read Also: LSTM, Wellbeing Foundation Africa extend advanced obstetrics training to Kano 

    At the opening session in Lagos on Monday, December 9, 2024, participants were introduced to the course objectives and the broader significance of the training. 

    Dr. Oluwole Ayodeji, Faculty Chairman of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NPMCN, encouraged participants with his remarks, emphasizing the impact of the program on Nigeria’s healthcare system and faculty.

    Throughout the year, the AOSS training has adopted a competency-based learning approach, seamlessly blending technical expertise with decision-making skills.

    Participants have consistently reported increased confidence in managing complex obstetric cases in their various institutions, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in addressing the country’s healthcare challenges.

  • Public health experts make case for universal health coverage in Nigeria

    Public health experts make case for universal health coverage in Nigeria

    Efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria face significant challenges, including systemic hurdles, slow progress, and low public awareness of financial mechanisms aimed at reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.

    These issues were brought to the fore during a one-day hybrid orientation for media professionals in Abuja, organized by Breakthrough ACTION Nigeria and the Local Health System Sustainability Project (LHSS), both funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). 

    The event aimed to raise awareness about UHC and the critical role of government agencies, particularly the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), in promoting equitable healthcare access.

    Bolanle Olusola-Faleye, Chief of Party for the LHSS, acknowledged progress in UHC initiatives but emphasized persistent gaps in financial risk protection, equitable healthcare delivery, and access to essential services.

    “Our health insurance coverage remains at about 80%, far from the 90% ideal. Out-of-pocket expenses, a key barrier to UHC, remain as high as 76%,” she explained.

    She emphasised that achieving UHC becomes clearer when viewed through the lens of out-of-pocket payments. 

    According to her, paying for healthcare at the point of need is undesirable and should ideally be minimized to no more than 30%, as such payments place a significant burden on individuals during vulnerable moments.

    Highlighting the current state of health insurance in Nigeria, she noted that only about 19 million people are covered nationwide, with just 2.4 million enrolled under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) mainly due to lack of awareness.

    She emphasized the critical need to boost enrollment significantly to meet the 2030 UHC target while encouraging other States to replicate the Kwara State model, which has made notable progress in advancing UHC.

    Olusola-Faleye emphasized inefficiencies stemming from fragmented efforts within the health sector, saying, “We all mean well, but the lack of coordination leads to resource wastage. Strategic, unified approaches are essential to achieve more with less”. 

    While emphasizing the importance of stronger accountability, Faleye praised the government’s Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (HSRII), describing it as a framework aimed at driving UHC reforms.

    We must work together, leveraging resources efficiently, to transform the health system and ensure access to quality care for all Nigerians,” Faleye noted.

    Prof. Chima Onoka, a community physician and health systems economist with NHIA, underscored key challenges, including limited awareness and trust in the health insurance system. 

    “Many Nigerians see health insurance as a loss if they don’t fall ill, not as social solidarity to share risks. Trust in government and institutions is also low, affecting enrollment,” he said. 

    While stressing the need to rebuild trust by addressing governance issues, ensuring transparency, and amplifying success stories, Onoka added, “While negative experiences dominate public discourse, many lives have been saved through health insurance. These stories need to be told to shift perceptions”.

    He also noted that operational inefficiencies also hamper progress while identifying delays in service delivery, quality gaps, and strike actions as factors undermining public confidence. 

    “These challenges discourage the uptake of health insurance and undermine the entire system. Providers, regulators, and stakeholders must act responsibly to ensure seamless service,” he stated.

    According to him, the economic climate further complicates UHC efforts, adding that many Nigerians struggle to afford insurance, making public subsidies crucial, through health insurance.

    “Health insurance is a measurable poverty alleviation tool. Government funding for insurance is one of the best ways to reduce the financial burden on citizens,” he said.

    Read Also: NHIA unveils plan to achieve universal health coverage by 2030

    Onoka urged the NHIA to strengthen enforcement and hold all stakeholders accountable while highlighting the frequent frustrations enrollees face with Health Management Organizations (HMOs) and service providers, particularly hospitals, at the point of care.

    “The NHIA must address complaints effectively and ensure that providers deliver the care they are paid for,” he said while encouraging citizens to demand their entitled services, stressing that information and active participation are critical.

    He, however, noted that despite the challenges, there are signs of improvement, acknowledging recent efforts by NHIA to enhance communication and complaint resolution. 

    “Increasing responsiveness and addressing compliance issues are positive steps forward,” he noted.

    Reiterating that achieving UHC requires collective action, “Providers, regulators, and citizens all have roles to play,” he stressed.

  • Demand for reforms in Nigeria’s hospital equipment sector intensifies

    Demand for reforms in Nigeria’s hospital equipment sector intensifies

    The healthcare equipment and allied products sector in Nigeria faces significant challenges that undermine the delivery of quality healthcare services and patient safety, the industry players have said.

    The stakeholders including hospital equipment suppliers, vendors and contractors have highlighted several critical issues requiring immediate attention from the government and stakeholders.  

    They, however, emphasized the need for collaboration between the government, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders, calling for the establishment of standard guidelines for the sector, fair remuneration for suppliers, and a focus on patient-centric policies to improve healthcare delivery.  

    Speaking on the sideline of the 5th Annual General Meeting and National Conference of the Hospital Equipment and Allied Products Association of Nigeria (HEPAN), in Abuja on Saturday, the National President of the association, Ifeanyi Nwankwo, also identified the cumbersome and costly process of product registration for medical devices. 

    Nwankwo pointed out that the current process takes an unnecessarily long time and is financially prohibitive. For instance, obtaining a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certificate costs $11,800 (approximately ₦19 million). 

    These costs are ultimately transferred to patients, contributing to the rising cost of medical services.  

    Furthermore, overlapping regulatory oversight by multiple agencies, such as NAFDAC and SON, creates additional financial and administrative burdens for suppliers, with vendors required to pay separate fees to both agencies for the same product. 

    Nwankwo emphasized the need for streamlined regulatory processes to eliminate duplication and reduce costs.  

    Another pressing issue is the misclassification of medical products by Customs authorities. For example, gloves meant for surgical or medical use are sometimes categorized as industrial gloves, attracting higher tariffs.

     While advocating for clear and specific coding for medical products to prevent such errors and ensure fair tariff assessments, Nwankwo said, “For instance, industrial gloves go for 20%, but surgical gloves go for 2% or 5%. So once they see gloves, they charge 20%. 

    “So, we want them to specify the medical products with a different code, whereby once you see the gloves, this is a medical product and not an industrial product or a luxury product”.

    He also cited delayed payments from government institutions posing a severe threat to the sustainability of the industry, as another challenge confronting the industry players 

    “Vendors and contractors supplying critical equipment to public hospitals often experience payment delays of two to three years,” he lamented, noting that the delays are attributed to the indifference of hospital administrators, who prioritize personal agendas over fulfilling financial obligations to suppliers.  

    The proliferation of substandard medical devices in the Nigerian market also raises concerns about patient safety. 

    Nwankwo called for stricter regulations to curb the importation and distribution of inferior products. 

    While emphasizing the importance of educating association members about the implications of substandard supplies and enforcing internal quality control measures to maintain high standards, Nwankwo disclosed that HEPAN has commenced the drafting of practice guidelines to strengthen regulation within the sector. 

    He however expressed hope that with government support in reducing regulatory costs, streamlining processes, and ensuring prompt payments, the sector could thrive and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s healthcare system.  

    On her part, Pamela Ajayi, the President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, underscored the critical role of quality healthcare equipment in patient safety. 

    She criticized the dumping of obsolete and substandard equipment in Nigerian hospitals, stressing the need for robust regulatory frameworks to ensure that only fit-for-purpose equipment is imported and deployed.  

    Ajayi also highlighted the lack of technical capability for maintaining medical equipment, which has led to numerous broken-down machines in public hospitals. 

    She called for greater investment in technical training and infrastructure to support the proper maintenance of healthcare equipment.  

    “The challenges faced by hospital equipment suppliers, vendors, and contractors are not merely industry-specific concerns—they have a direct impact on the quality of healthcare services available to Nigerians. 

    “Addressing these issues is a necessary step toward achieving universal health coverage and improving the nation’s healthcare outcomes,” Ajayi said.

    Clara Omatseye, in her presentation, emphasized the importance of capacity building and collaboration, urging members of the group to prioritize professional development and view themselves as partners to their clients in both the public and private sectors. 

    Describing the conference theme of the Conference ‘Prioritising patient safety in the market place’ as timely and relevant, Omatseye emphasized that the well-being and safety of patients must remain the core motivation behind all their activities.

    The Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Prof. Saad Ahmed, emphasized in his keynote address that hospital equipment suppliers and vendors play an invaluable role in shaping health outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria.

    Prof. Ahmed, Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary for the Health Services and Environment Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Pamela Ajayi, were honored with the association’s Award of Excellence for their outstanding contributions to improving health outcomes in Nigeria.

  • Ministry allays fears, says no new COVID-19 variant in Nigeria

    Ministry allays fears, says no new COVID-19 variant in Nigeria

    The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has reassured the public that there is no evidence of the SARS-CoV-2 XEC COVID-19 variant in Nigeria. 

    This clarification comes amid reports of the variant’s presence in Australia and its spread to 29 other countries, where it has demonstrated higher virulence compared to other circulating strains.

    In a statement issued on Saturday by the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, the public was urged not to panic but to continue adhering to universal precautions, such as regular hand washing and maintaining personal hygiene.

    The statement followed the circulation of an official letter dated 5th December 2024, reportedly signed on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, which sparked concerns after gaining traction in the media, which the Ministry officials neither confirming nor denying the authenticity of the letter.

    However, later on Saturday evening, the Ministry’s spokesperson issued a formal response, stating, “The mandate of the Federal of Ministry of Health is to develop and implement policies that strengthen the national health system for effective, efficient, accessible and affordable delivery of healthcare services in partnership with other stakeholders.

    “In furtherance of the responsibility of the Federal Ministry of Health on the coordination, monitoring and evaluation of emerging infectious diseases and response activities in Federal Tertiary Hospitals across the country and other agencies in the health sector, it has become imperative to ensure uninterrupted health care services delivery to all Nigerians in the event of a disease outbreak.

    “You may recall that a newly detected COVID variant XEC, was reported in Australia and has spread to about 29 Countries globally and has shown a more virulence over other circulating strains with concern over its possible impact on service delivery in our Federal Tertiary Hospitals.

    “However, the good news is that there is no evidence of COVID variant XEC in Nigeria. 

    ” In light of the above the general public is advised not to panic but continue with the universal precautions of observing personal hygiene including regular washing of hands.

    “The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare through her agencies has stepped up surveillance including at all entry points to Nigeria.

    “The Federal Government has proactively upgraded our Federal Tertiary Hospitals by establishing Molecular Laboratories, Isolation centers, and intensive care units equipped with ventilators. 

    “Since the COVID variant XEC has not been detected in Nigeria, it has therefore become imperative to correct the misinformation and fear of the general public concerning the resurgence of COVID-19 in Nigeria and ignore the contents of a letter Ref.No.DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL.1/46 dated 5th December, 2024 that has been circulating in social media and go about their normal business”.

  • COVID-19 strain: uncertainly over ministry’s alerts

    COVID-19 strain: uncertainly over ministry’s alerts

    The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare appears to have activated preventive measures across its healthcare facilities to address the potential threat of a new COVID-19 strain. 

    This move comes in response to a circulated letter from the Ministry concerning the newly detected SARS-CoV-2 XEC COVID-19 variant. 

    The variant, first reported in Australia, has already spread to 29 countries worldwide.

    The letter, DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL.1/46, dated 5th December, 2024 titled ‘Letter of Conveyance in Respect of the Newly 5th December, 2024Detected XEC COVID -19 Strain’ was signed by O. N. Anuma, Head, Teaching Hospital Division on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom.

    The letter, addressed to the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors, urged the implementation of necessary precautions ahead of the upcoming festive season, which is expected to witness increased human traffic across the nation’s transportation network. 

    The letter reads: “I am directed to inform you of a newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant, which has been reported in Australia and has already, spread to 29 countries globally. (Letter attached) You may wish to know that this variant has shown a growth advantage over other circulating strains, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health.

    “Alert systems should be immediately activated throughout our hospitals for a high index of suspicion in patients with COVID-like symptoms.

    “We request your Committee to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to share critical data regarding this strain and implement enhanced monitoring protocols. Timely information sharing among relevant stakeholders including the Federal Ministry of Health will be vital for effective response strategies”.

    At the time of filling this report, attempts to verify the authenticity of the letter proved unsuccessful, as calls and messages sent to officials of the Ministry, including the Director of Hospital Services went unanswered.

    However, a source who is familiar with the development reliably informed The Nation that the information originated from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), which alerted the office of the Permanent Secretary.

    “The official information came from the SGF office to the Ministry but if she was in the office, there wouldn’t have been any need for any officer to sign the letter to the CMDs and MDs, so I think that is where the issue of your suspicion is coming from.

    “I don’t think any official would risk his service to sign a letter he wasn’t authorised to do, so, I want to believe the alert was right and in order,” she said.

    However, the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom was quoted by a national newspaper that the letter was precautionary and not meant to cause panic, adding that there is no variant of the virus in Nigeria.

    SARS-CoV-2 XEC is a recombinant subvariant currently under close monitoring by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

    Findings suggest it has increased transmissibility and unique mutations that may allow for higher immune evasion compared to its parent lineages. 

    However, the symptoms are similar to those of Omicron subvariants, and importantly, there is no evidence to suggest increased disease severity caused by the XEC variant.

    Countries, including Nigeria, are being encouraged to enhance Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARI) surveillance to keep track of SARS-CoV-2 cases and monitor new variants, according to health bodies.