The Nation Newspaper

Category: Health

  • Akume hails Everight at 20, Okpara canvasses health bank

    Akume hails Everight at 20, Okpara canvasses health bank

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has commended Everight Diagnostics and Laboratory Services for its 20 years of contribution to Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

    He described the organisation as a model of private-sector-driven nation-building.

    Akume gave the commendation in Abuja at the 20th anniversary celebration of Everight Diagnostics in Abuja.

    He noted that his remarks would also be conveyed to President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He said the milestone went beyond longevity, stressing that sustained operations in the healthcare sector reflected vision, resilience and commitment to national development.

    “Twenty years in the life of a nation and an organisation is significant, particularly when that organisation serves humanity by saving lives,” Akume said, adding that nation-building remains a shared responsibility between government and the private sector.

    The SGF highlighted Everight Diagnostics’ role in strengthening Nigeria’s diagnostic capacity, recalling its contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic when it was among the first private laboratories approved by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for testing.

    READ ALSO; Akpabio, US Envoy hold talks to strengthen Nigeria – US relations

    He noted that innovation, technology and skilled manpower would shape the future of healthcare delivery, urging institutions to invest in human capital and strong organisational systems, especially at a time when Nigeria faces growing global competition for healthcare professionals.

    Akume also commended the launch of a book by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Everight Diagnostics, Dr. Everight Okpara, titled Managing Employee Retention and Turnover in Nigeria, describing it as timely amid the challenges of talent retention and brain drain.

    He further praised the Everight Healthcare Foundation and its Diagnostics for All initiative, which he said aligns with the Federal Government’s agenda of inclusive development by providing free and subsidised diagnostic services to underserved communities.

    Akume reaffirmed the commitment of the Tinubu administration to policies that promote local capacity, job creation and access to quality healthcare, urging private sector players to continue investing in institutions that deliver long-term national value.

    While the SGF focused on the role of private institutions in strengthening healthcare delivery, Okpara used the occasion to call for the establishment of a Bank of Health to address financing challenges confronting the sector.

    Akume acknowledged the proposal, disclosing that it would be formally communicated to President Tinubu for consideration as part of broader efforts to strengthen the health sector.

    Okpara said the absence of affordable, long-term funding has forced healthcare providers to outsource specialised diagnostic services abroad, worsening medical tourism and capital flight.

    According to him, Nigeria loses billions of dollars annually through offshore medical care and diagnostics, disclosing that Everight Diagnostics alone spent over $1 million in the past year outsourcing advanced genetic tests that could be conducted locally with adequate infrastructure.

    “If Nigeria can have a Bank of Industry and a Bank of Agriculture, then it can also have a Bank of Health,” Okpara said, adding that such an institution would provide single-digit interest financing for hospitals and diagnostic facilities, reduce dependence on foreign healthcare systems and help retain skilled professionals.

    On human capacity development, Okpara said Everight Diagnostics, which began operations in 2005 from a three-bedroom apartment in Lagos, now operates branches in Lagos, Abuja and Imo State, employing about 650 staff.

    He disclosed that over 18,000 young medical professionals, including laboratory scientists, radiographers and postgraduate researchers, have undergone training through the organisation over the years.

  • ‘Divine Haemoglobin’: Harriet Afolabi unveils faith-driven blueprint for thriving with sickle cell

    ‘Divine Haemoglobin’: Harriet Afolabi unveils faith-driven blueprint for thriving with sickle cell

    The atmosphere at Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Lagos, was charged with hope, reflection, and renewed purpose on Saturday, December 13, as Harriet Afolabi unveiled her much-anticipated book, Divine Haemoglobin.

    More than a book launch, the event was a clarion call to sickle cell warriors, caregivers, and advocates to rethink health, faith, and daily living in the fight against sickle cell disorder (SCD).

    Divine Haemoglobin is thoughtfully crafted to help sickle cell warriors improve their health, thrive, and live optimally.

    Speaking at the launch, Afolabi explained that the book was born out of lived experience, deep reflection, and an unshakeable belief that individuals must learn to listen to their bodies and make informed, life-giving choices.

    “Our mission is clear,” she said. “We want to reach 25,000 sickle cell warriors with this book, support 25 sickle cell warriors in need, and carry out strategic awareness campaigns on the dilemmas and prevention of sickle cell disorder.”

    Central to the message of the book is the need for personal responsibility in health management—what one eats, drinks, and consumes as medication.

    Afolabi urged sickle cell warriors to be attentive to how their bodies respond to treatments, foods, and supplements.

    “Not everything works for everyone,” she said. “You need to listen to your body and take what is good for you.”

    Using a compelling analogy, the author likened human life to a product created by a manufacturer.

    Just as products come with manuals to ensure optimal use, she said God, the Creator, also provided humanity with a manual for life—the Bible.

    “If you follow the manual, you get the best out of the product,” she noted. “If you don’t, you may still use it, but not to its full potential. God created us for His glory and expects us to live by His Word, not outside it.”

    Drawing from her personal journey, Afolabi recounted how early exposure to the word of God shaped her life.

    She shared light-hearted memories from her secondary school days, explaining how prayer and faith became real to her at a young age.

    “These things may sound small, but they taught me that God answers prayers,” she said. “We must teach our children the Word of God early. We must chant it, memorise it and live by it, so it becomes part of us.”

    She stressed that discernment is crucial, especially in health decisions.

    Narrating her experience with a drug she once took in a bid to gain weight, Afolabi said the side effects were severe and forced her to reconsider her approach.

    “I had to stop. I realised that if the Spirit of God cannot help me add weight, then I’m fine. Now, I ask God before taking anything. Should I go for it or not?” she said, adding that she has since found better results with natural remedies and herbs.

    She also revealed her adverse reactions to certain supplements commonly prescribed for sickle cell patients.

    “I kept asking myself, why am I feeling pain when I take this? Supplements are supposed to help, not harm,” she said, citing research and literature that advocate caution in the use of certain synthetic drugs and encourage more natural alternatives where possible.

    The chairman of the occasion, Pastor Tunji Ayegbusi, praised Divine Haemoglobin, noting its potential to transform lives.

    He encouraged SCWs and their families to embrace the book’s guidance and use it as a practical tool for health improvement and spiritual growth.

    “This book is more than information; it is empowerment. It teaches, guides, and inspires, and I urge everyone to take its lessons seriously,” he said.

    The event was expertly anchored by Bolaji Agnes Fajaso, Publisher of Elite Magazine, who reinforced the book’s message with her own testimony.

    “Using the right vitamins, minerals, and herbs, many of us are doing great,” she said. “We’re not in the hospital all the time. We’re not in constant pain. We’re living normal lives, and our children are too.”

    A chapter review was delivered by Ruth Nwachukwu, an accountant, who broke down the science behind haemoglobin and its critical role in the body.

    She explained how sickle cell disorder affects the ability of haemoglobin to carry sufficient oxygen, leading to many of the complications experienced by patients.

    The welcome address was delivered by the author’s twin brother, Harry Omobogie, who expressed pride in Afolabi’s resilience and dedication to improving the lives of sickle cell warriors.

    The event also attracted several notable guests, including Mrs Amos Oluwatoyin and Ms Helen Akpabio, classmates of the author from the University of Ibadan and representatives of A-classites 2009.

    Others in attendance included Mr Stanley Ibadan, Mrs Idowu Edokpaiye, and a host of friends, supporters, and advocates.

    In Divine Haemoglobin, Harriet Afolabi blends faith, lived experience, and practical wisdom into a powerful guide for sickle cell warriors.

    The book stands as both a source of encouragement and a persuasive reminder that thriving with sickle cell is possible—with knowledge, discernment, faith, and intentional living.

  • Abuja medical centre achieves continental firsts in advanced cardiac, cancer care

    Abuja medical centre achieves continental firsts in advanced cardiac, cancer care

    The African Medical Center of Excellence (AMCE) has recorded two major milestones with the successful completion of its first open-heart surgery and the delivery of West Africa’s, and arguably Central and East Africa’s, first stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for lung cancer, it emerged on Monday.

    The landmark procedures carried out by the Abuja-based hospital, commissioned barely six months ago, have started strengthening Africa’s capacity for complex cardiac care, marking a decisive step in Nigeria’s effort to reduce dependence on overseas medical treatment.

    Its long-term investment in advanced medical infrastructure and skilled human capital, according to the Chief Executive Officer of AMCE, Brian Deaver, is beginning to reshape the health sector, expanding access to precision medicine once available only abroad while reversing medical tourism and slowing the outward migration of health professionals.

    Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, Deaver said the facility is measuring progress not by structural gaps in the health system but by tangible clinical outcomes delivered within just six months of operation.

    “We are defining ourselves not by what we lack, but by what we are already achieving and delivering for patients every single day,” he said.

    According to him, early patient data indicate that the strategy is already delivering results, with the reversal of outward medical tourism showing stronger prospects than initially expected.

    He said seven Nigerian patients who had planned treatment in the United Kingdom and the United States returned to receive care at AMCE, while others who had scheduled procedures in Egypt and elsewhere cancelled their foreign travel in favour of treatment at the centre, adding that requests have also been received from patients in South Africa and Ghana.

    Deaver disclosed that as recently as last Friday, a 60-year-old patient who was hours away from a catastrophic cardiac event underwent a complex intervention involving the placement of five stents and was discharged the following day.

    “These are complex, life-saving interventions now being delivered routinely at AMCE,” he said.

    According to him, the stereotactic radiosurgery service was delivered to real patients as part of routine clinical care rather than as a pilot or demonstration project, underscoring the depth of technical and clinical readiness achieved within a short period.

    That capacity, the CEO said, is supported by advanced diagnostic infrastructure, including a 3 Tesla MRI with paediatric anaesthesia capability, allowing precise diagnosis for both adult and paediatric patients, while adding that the diagnostic platform is also providing services to health institutions in Abuja 

    Noting that the original vision behind AMCE was to ensure that patients in Nigeria and across West Africa could access world-class care without travelling abroad, Deaver stressed, “A patient in Abuja, Abidjan, Dakar or Lomé should be able to access world-class diagnostics and treatment without crossing an ocean”.

    The Clinical Director, Dr Mohammed Ibrahim, said the institutionalised global best practices at AMCE through its partnership with King’s College Hospital London is unquantified, while disclosing that the centre is already preparing patients for more complex procedures, including valve repairs and replacements.

    By expanding its cardiovascular and specialised services, Deaver said the hospital is reinforcing its commitment to curb medical tourism by reversing the estimated $6–10 billion Africans spend annually seeking treatment abroad and stem the long-standing brain drain of medical professionals by creating high-quality career opportunities within Africa’s borders.

    The Chief Medical Officer, Dr Aisha Umar, said AMCE has rapidly evolved into a multidisciplinary centre delivering cardiovascular, oncology, haematology, radiology, surgical and internal medicine services. 

    She disclosed that within five weeks, more than ten interventional cardiac procedures were completed, including coronary angiography, stenting, pacemaker implantation and primary coronary intervention.

    “This progress culminated in the first elective open heart surgery and coronary artery bypass graft supported by a fully operational catheterisation laboratory,” she said.

    Dr Umar noted that the economic implications are significant, stressing that procedures costing about $3,000 at the facility would typically cost up to five times that amount abroad when travel, accommodation, and related expenses are included. 

    She confirmed that the Centre’s services are priced at less than 50 percent of comparable care in the US, UK, Dubai, or India, with patients paying in naira. 

    In oncology alone, Clinical Director of Oncology, Dr Boules Gabriel said the centre had already recorded 130 new patients within three months, averaging about 43 patients monthly. 

    He said there have been over 400 clinical encounters, with 27 patients booked for chemotherapy and 160 sessions planned. 

    According to him, radiotherapy services include 31 patients scheduled for 651 treatment fractions, while 30 percent of outpatient and inpatient encounters involved palliative care consultations.

    He said AMCE is now delivering stereotactic body radiotherapy for lung cancer using motion-managed technology, enabling curative treatment while protecting surrounding organs. 

    He said the first patient treated was an 83-year-old who was not eligible for surgery, adding that referrals from public and private health facilities within and outside Abuja are already at an optimal level.

    Beyond patient care, the facility’s Chief Operating Officer, Anshul Govila, said AMCE is deliberately tackling health workforce migration by embedding skills transfer and hands-on clinical training into its operating model.

    Only 15 percent of the hospital’s workforce are expatriates, with the majority made up of Nigerian nurses, clinicians and paraclinical staff, he said, noting, “Medicine cannot be learned by observation alone. It must be taught through hands-on patient care,” Govila said.

    He explained that expatriate specialists work directly alongside Nigerian teams, guiding them through advanced procedures they may not have encountered during training, with the goal of building a workforce capable of independently delivering complex care over time.

    Oluranti Doherty, Managing Director of Export Development, said “AMCE milestones show what is possible when we build capacity locally, reducing the continent’s dependence on outbound medical tourism, retaining vital clinical expertise, and strengthening Africa’s broader health ecosystem. 

    “AMCE is advancing a new era of health dignity for Africans, and we are proud to support its continued leadership in complex and innovative care.”

  • GDHF 2025: eHealth Africa, partners advocate sustainable financing to address health challenges

    GDHF 2025: eHealth Africa, partners advocate sustainable financing to address health challenges

    A non-governmental organisation, eHealth Africa, along with its partners in digital health and youth innovators, has called for systemic, sustainable financing and collaborations in addressing health challenges, correcting misinformation, and empowering adolescents to make healthier decisions independently.

    They made the call at the Global Digital Health Forum (GDHF) in Kenya, during a Salon Session hosted by eHealth Africa with Population Services International, Reach Digital Health, the Bay Area Global Alliance, and the Africa Hub for Innovation and Development.

    The multi-stakeholder session titled, “Digital Interfaces to spur behavior change in health among adolescents in Kenya and Beyond”, provided a platform for behavioural science, cultural storytelling, and digital technology to create engaging health solutions through the platforms young people already use; mobile phones, chatbots, and others.

    According to a statement signed by Communications Manager, eHealth Africa, Favour Oriaku, during the session, speakers emphasized the need for governments, innovators, youth leaders, and experts to quickly align with the rapid advancement of digital and emerging AI solutions.

    They reiterated that these tools must be culturally resonant, available across languages, and accessible even in low-connectivity settings to ensure true inclusion.

    Executive Director of eHealth Africa, Atef Fawaz, said that with digital access expanding and particularly as many youths now own a phone or a combination of devices such as tablets and laptops, this was the right moment to push for that behavioural change.

    He said, “It’s an opportunity to leverage technology to address health barriers, correct misinformation, and empower adolescents to make healthier decisions independently.

    “We firmly believe that progress is driven through collaboration and co-creation, especially with international and local organisations and, most importantly, with young people.

    “We encourage investment in digital literacy for youth, supporting local developers, and enabling communities to drive their own content and innovation rather than importing external models.”

    Also speaking, Director of Partnerships and Programs, Ota Akhigbe, said the conversation aligned directly with the strategy of eHealth Africa, which centres on using digital innovation to address real community challenges, especially for adolescents. 

    Akhigbe said, “They allow us to leverage digital tools that meet adolescents where they already are: on their phones and online.”

    She added that eHealth Africa remained committed to scalable, data-driven solutions that strengthen local health ecosystems and support healthier futures.

    Director of Partnerships and Growth, Reach Digital Health, Carlos Yerena said: “For AI to move from promise to practice, it must be built on sustainable, well-connected systems and designed around clear, context-specific requirements.

    “We must ensure that AI is applied to real use cases that genuinely address the needs of young people.”

  • Health advocates renew calls for stronger response to sickle cell disorder

    Health advocates renew calls for stronger response to sickle cell disorder

    Public health advocates have renewed calls for stronger public education and decisive policy action to improve awareness, promote early detection, expand access to care, and ensure sustained blood availability for people living with sickle cell disorder.

    They said the call is imperative as Nigeria continues to bear the world’s heaviest burden of the inherited condition, despite decades of medical knowledge, awareness campaigns, and advocacy efforts.

    Speaking in Abuja on Monday at a blood donation and public advocacy event organised by the Jephthah Ohiomokhare Sickle Cell Foundation in collaboration with partner organisations, the advocates said sickle cell disorder remains both a public health and social challenge, fuelled by poor awareness, weak prevention practices, limited access to specialised care, and persistent stigma.

    Executive Director of the Jephthah Ohiomokhare Sickle Cell Foundation, Senami Ohiomokhare, described Nigeria’s sickle cell burden as deeply troubling, noting that awareness has not translated into sufficient preventive behaviour.

    She identified low uptake of genotype testing, delayed diagnosis, gaps in access to care, and irregular blood supply as persistent obstacles.

    According to her, early testing and informed conversations about genotype compatibility remain critical, particularly among young people, to reduce the number of children born with the condition.

    Beyond prevention, she said the foundation is focused on supporting people already living with sickle cell disorder by promoting access to accurate information, modern treatment options, and quality healthcare.

    She clarified that while many Nigerians believe there is no cure, bone marrow transplant is a recognised curative option, and several medications can significantly reduce pain crises and improve quality of life when properly administered.

    She added that through outreach programmes and essay competitions, the foundation has reached hundreds of students and young people, while continuing to advocate for policy reform, improved care pathways, and an end to stigma and discrimination.

    Ohiomokhare said the foundation was created to transform personal loss into sustained advocacy and practical support for people living with sickle cell disorder, noting that although her late son’s life was cut short by the condition, his legacy continues to inspire compassion, responsibility, and action within the sickle cell community.

    On her part, media mogul and Executive Director of the Tosin Abimbola Dokpesi Foundation, Tosin Dokpesi, called for stronger implementation of health policies and continuity in government programmes addressing sickle cell disorder.

    She argued that policies must translate into measurable action rather than remain dormant in official documents, urging successive administrations to sustain impactful initiatives instead of abandoning them.

    Dokpesi also highlighted the need for accurate and updated medical testing, noting that advances in diagnostics mean many Nigerians should reconfirm their genotype and blood group.

    She emphasised the role of education and responsible use of social media, encouraging citizens to seek verified health information and take personal responsibility for preventive healthcare decisions.

    On her part, sickle cell survivor Rabi Maidunama, founder of the Maidunama Sickle Cell Foundation, and President of the Pan Africa Sickle Cell Federation, urged Nigerians to replace fear and misinformation with compassion and informed decision-making.

    Drawing from personal experience, she said she was diagnosed as a child at a time when genotype awareness and genetic counselling were limited, forcing her family to navigate the condition with little guidance.

    Maidunama stressed that sickle cell should be described as a disorder rather than a disease, noting that the latter term wrongly suggests contagion and fuels stigma.

    She described the condition as unpredictable and physically exhausting, explaining that pain crises can affect any part of the body and escalate rapidly.

    She condemned discrimination, particularly against children and adolescents living with sickle cell, warning that harmful language and social exclusion worsen the emotional toll of the disorder.

    The advocacy event also featured a creative collaboration with visual artists, including Etuk Oyinma, who said art offers an alternative platform for amplifying conversations around sickle cell disorder.

    He explained that proceeds from the exhibition would support advocacy and care efforts, while also serving as a tribute to Jephthah Ohiomokhare.

    According to him, sustained awareness, across both medical and cultural spaces, remains essential to improving outcomes for people living with sickle cell disorder in Nigeria.

  • Young innovators unveil digital solutions to boost healthcare

    Young innovators unveil digital solutions to boost healthcare

    Young innovators have unveiled digital a wide range of health solution aimed at improving healthcare delivery and addressing critical gaps in the sector at the sub-national level.

    The innovations were showcased at the Innovator State Showcase organised by Mastercard Foundation in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme as part of the Young Africa Innovates programme launched in 2025.

    A total of 28 young Nigerian innovators, who underwent three months of training, mentorship and product  development, presented technology-driven solutions spanning healthcare delivery, emergency response, reproductive and maternal health, inclusivity technology, agro-logistics and climate resilience, with digital health emerging as a major focus of the event.

    Speaking at the event on Monday, in Ado -Ekiti, Ekiti state capital, the Programme Supervisor at NerdzFactory Company, Omosele Umoren, said the initiative was designed to identify, incubate and scale youth-led innovations in sectors that directly impact people’s lives.

    She said the Mastercard Foundation and UNDP had committed millions of naira in grants to support the innovators, noting that many of them joined the programme at the idea stage.

    “Today, several of these young people are running scalable ventures that are solving real problems and already creating jobs. The programme currently runs in Anambra, Lagos, Kwara, Borno and Kaduna states, with plans to expand to Akwa Ibom states. 

    She noted that many of the digital health solutions showcased were developed to tackle challenges such as limited access to care, weak patient follow-up systems, medical negligence, communication barriers for persons with disabilities and slow emergency response.

    One of the innovations, presented by Miss Omolade Omotade, focused on reducing maternal and child mortality through a digital medical record and appointment reminder system designed to improve patient follow-up and continuity of care in health facilities.

    She noted that the digital medical record and appointment reminder system helps health facilities track patients, follow up missed visits and improve continuity of care.

    Citing Nigeria’s maternal and under-five mortality figures recorded in 2023, she said that the solution was built with accessibility features to support illiterate and semi-literate women, enabling them to remain connected to healthcare providers during pregnancy and early childhood.

    Also speaking, Miss Modupe Isujola of the Cleroma Health Limited unveiled a reproductive health platform offering fertility and sexual health services, while announcing plans to introduce school-based sexuality education.

    Emergency response solutions were presented by Mr John Praise Shobande of Lemonade Health and Safety, whose initiative combines affordable first-aid kits with safety training for homes, schools and workplaces.

    Other digital health innovations showcased at the event included My Medic Lawyer, a platform promoting medical accountability, and MediLYFT, an emergency medical transport solution.

  • Health advocates warn of worsening blood shortage crisis in Nigeria

    Health advocates warn of worsening blood shortage crisis in Nigeria

    Health stakeholders and advocates have raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s deepening blood shortage crisis, warning that avoidable deaths will continue unless urgent steps are taken to fix systemic failures in the country’s blood supply system.

    Blood advocate and clinical researcher, Sijibomi Oladeji, said Nigeria requires at least 1.8 million units of blood annually to meet national demand, yet voluntary donations remain far below what is needed.

    He explained that the crisis is worsened by misinformation, religious myths, and exploitation within the system.

    Oladeji noted that many Nigerians still decline to donate blood due to entrenched misconceptions — including fears that donation weakens the body — while some religious groups discourage members from doing so.

    He made the remarks during the unveiling of his book, “Red Gold,” held at the National Blood Service Commission (NBSC) Southwest Zonal Office in Ibadan.

    The event, organised by The Red Gold Project Team in partnership with the NBSC, brought together medical professionals, public health advocates, policymakers, and donors for discussions on the country’s fragile blood supply chain. It featured a public reading, panel session, and an on-site blood donation exercise.

    In his keynote address, Oladeji said he was inspired to write the book after witnessing numerous preventable deaths resulting from chronic blood shortages. He added that the crisis persists partly because many people remain unaware of the critical importance of safe blood in emergency medical care.

    He said, “People don’t realise how precious blood is until they get to the hospital and find none. Blood is our red gold, valuable, scarce, and life-saving. Nigeria’s real problem is not the absence of blood, but the absence of awareness.”

    He described blood as “the crude oil of the nation’s health sector,” noting that the public only realises its value at the point of medical emergency.

    “People don’t know blood is life until they are in the hospital and can’t find it. Blood is our red gold. Just like actual gold, it is precious, scarce, and must be refined before it can save anyone,” Oladeji said.

    The shortage, he warned, fuels Nigeria’s staggering maternal mortality rate and leaves emergency wards constantly battling avoidable deaths, adding that the real challenge is not availability but lack of sensitisation, worsened by misinformation rooted in cultural myths, religious prohibitions, and fear.

    “Many people refuse to donate because of myths, some religious sects openly preach against donation, and others still believe giving blood weakens the body. These mindsets are killing us.”

    Oladeji further criticised Nigerian’s emergency-dependent donation culture, where families scramble for donors only after a crisis strikes, saying, “In other countries, blood waits for people. In Nigeria, people wait for blood and often die waiting.”

    He urged the country to move beyond its once-a-year focus on June 14, World Blood Donor Day, and adopt a 24/7 national sensitisation strategy that treats blood donation as a civic duty.

    He also acknowledged efforts by the President Bola Tinubu administration, the NBSC’s Director-General, and the new national task force on blood regulation, but insisted that hospitals must cooperate more fully and citizens must step up.

    In his remarks, NBSC Southwest Zonal Director, Dr. Oladapo Aworanti, assessed the crisis, saying systemic sabotage and profiteering are sabotaging federal interventions.

    He revealed that some individuals remove subsidised blood from government facilities only to resell it at up to N50,000 per unit in private hospitals.

    He said, “Government invests heavily to make safe blood available, but some people exploit the system. They take units out of our facilities and sell them. This defeats the purpose of public subsidy.”

    He added that some personnel in blood banks collaborate with private hospitals to create scarcity and demand for higher prices.

    Aworanti stressed that no amount of technological advancement in blood banks will make a difference without enough voluntary donors. He noted that the Ibadan centre recently received a new state-of-the-art testing machine, one of only three in the country, but its impact will be limited if citizens remain reluctant.

    The NBSC director said religious institutions hold the most influence in shaping public perception and must be central to nationwide sensitisation.

    “If you go to some places of worship, they do not allow discussions about blood donation. People listen to their priests and imams. Their support is critical. Schools can only reach a fraction, but religious houses reach millions.”

    The event, which was hosted by The Red Gold Project Team in partnership with the NBSC, featured a public reading, a panel session, and an on-site donation opportunity.

    Speakers and experts who participated in the panel session urge the government to adopt a year-round sensitization strategy to promote blood donation as a civic duty, rather than limiting awareness efforts to World Blood Donor Day. They also call on religious institutions to play a critical role in shaping public perception and promoting blood donation.

  • WHO flags deepening poverty as major barrier to healthcare access in Africa

    WHO flags deepening poverty as major barrier to healthcare access in Africa

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised fresh concern over the scale of financial hardship caused by healthcare costs across Africa, warning that millions are being pushed deeper into poverty because they cannot afford basic medical treatment.

    The latest global Universal Health Coverage (UHC) report shows that in 2022, more than 423 million people in Africa faced financial hardship due to out-of-pocket health spending, with over 384 million pushed into or further into poverty.

    Africa also accounts for over 20 percent of the world’s population experiencing financial distress from medical bills and nearly a quarter of global health-driven poverty.

    Out-of-pocket payments still dominate health financing across the continent. In 31 countries, they make up more than a quarter of total health expenditure; in 11 countries, more than half; and in two countries, more than 70 percent.

    According to the organization, these pressures force families into agonizing choices that undermine well-being and widen inequality.

    Marking Universal Health Coverage Day 2025, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Janabi, in his message on Friday, said the figures reflect a crisis that demands urgent political action.

    “Today, as we mark Universal Health Coverage Day under the banner Unaffordable health costs? We’re sick of it; we are reminded that health is not a privilege for the few. It is a fundamental human right and should be accessible to all,” he said.

    He warned that for too many people, the cost of care determines whether they seek treatment, delay it, or avoid it completely, noting, “These are not statistics. They are the lived realities of households selling assets, postponing care, or slipping deeper into vulnerability.”

    He noted that financial barriers continue to pit essential care against basic survival needs, forcing impossible choices between care and food, between medicines and school fees, between dignity and survival.

    Despite these challenges, Janabi pointed to areas of progress, noting that between 2015 and 2022/23, the African Region recorded improvements across all components of the UHC Service Coverage Index, including maternal and child health, infectious and non-communicable diseases, and access to care.

    He added that Africa achieved the world’s strongest gains in NCD service coverage, largely due to a decline in tobacco use. “These advances show what is possible with sustained commitment,” he said.

    However, he cautioned that progress remains uneven and that financial protection is still the region’s most persistent barrier, stressing that women, children, older persons, and rural households continue to bear the highest burden of health costs.

    “High health costs continue to undermine efforts to reduce poverty, prevent disability, and increase survival,” he said.

    Calling for urgent reforms, Dr Janabi urged governments, partners, and civil society to accelerate efforts to make healthcare affordable for everyone.

    He said priorities should include increasing domestic investment in health, expanding universal prepayment and risk-pooling systems, strengthening primary healthcare, and investing in the health workforce, facilities, supply chains, and data systems to guarantee not just access to care but access to quality care.

    He also called for stronger accountability and the use of disaggregated data to ensure resources reach underserved communities.

    “With new regional and global evidence in hand, 2025 offers a pivotal opportunity to accelerate financial protection reforms and advance health for all,” he said, adding that the WHO African Region stands ready to support governments with policy guidance, technical expertise, and data-driven decision-making.

    Dr Janabi urged African countries to move from commitment to concrete implementation, adding, “Let’s turn commitment into action. Let’s build resilient, inclusive, and equitable health systems that shield people from financial hardship – systems that uphold dignity, expand opportunity, and ensure that every person can exercise their right to health, without financial barriers.”

    He said this year’s UHC Day reaffirms a collective continental pledge, “On UHC Day 2025, we renew our shared promise, ‘Health for All. No One Left Behind.”

  • Regular walking will reduce healthcare costs, says Don

    Regular walking will reduce healthcare costs, says Don

    A senior lecturer at the Department of Actuarial Science and Insurance, University of Lagos, Prof. Tajudeen Yusuf, has called on the federal government to legislate mandatory walking for Nigerians, noting that it could significantly reduce the nation’s healthcare expenditure.

    He made the call during the 2025 Walk for Life, Peace and Unity, an annual health awareness event organised by the Human Concern Foundation International (HCFI), aimed at promoting physical and mental well-being, unity, and peaceful coexistence.

    Prof. Yusuf described walking as a simple, yet powerful habit that boosts physical health, reduces economic strain, and contributes to national well-being.

    “If the Nigerian government can legislate mandatory walking for citizens, I assure you it will drastically cut down our budget on curative medicine. Prevention is better than a cure. Walking helps prevent all kinds of illnesses,” Prof. Yusuf said.

    According to him, “Walking helps prevent avoidable diseases and cuts down on healthcare spending. Personally, walking is my lifestyle. I can’t remember the last time I visited a hospital or even used paracetamol.”

    The Don also highlighted the spiritual value of walking and regular exercise, explaining that it is embedded in Islamic acts of worship.

    The Convener and Executive Director of HCFI, Prof. Ibrahim Oreagba, called for harmony and national cohesion in Nigeria.

    “At this point in time in our country, we need peace and unity. We’ve come a long way as a nation, and we believe we all have a lot to benefit from one another when we work together in a peaceful environment,” he said.

    Prof. Oreagba noted that beyond the symbolic call for unity, the walk also aimed to raise public awareness about the health benefits of walking, which many people still overlook.

    “We use this event to sensitise the public on the significance of walking as a form of exercise. Walking for at least 30 minutes daily helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and stroke. It also supports mental wellness and can even reduce cancer risk,” he added.

    The Muslim Congress Secretary General, Alhaji Taiwo Adesina, urged Nigerians to adopt walking as a consistent lifestyle practice.

    He said regular walking requires intentionality, especially for those who own vehicles and are accustomed to minimal physical activity.

    Alhaji Adesina noted that walking naturally boosts endorphin levels, promoting a sense of well-being that some seek through unhealthy means like substance abuse.

    He added that trekking also supports physical and even sensual strength, referencing its alignment with exercises like Kegels.

    Executive Secretary, Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) Nigeria, Kazeem Akindunbi, extolled HCFI for organising the walk, describing it as a meaningful exercise that benefits every participant in powerful ways.

    Akindunbi said the walk was a timely push for many to restore their energy and reconnect with others.

    He said walking is one of the simplest habits with enormous health benefits, including reducing the risk of hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, obesity, and depression.

    “It strengthens the body, calms the mind, and creates space for reflection, helping build healthier and more balanced individuals ready to contribute positively to society,” he noted.

  • FG backs private sector innovation as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease climb

    FG backs private sector innovation as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease climb

    The federal government has reaffirmed that private sector–led health initiatives remain central to tackling Nigeria’s rapidly rising burden of hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, conditions now undermining productivity and overwhelming households across the country.

    Speaking in Abuja on Thursday at the 9th Abuja Cardiovascular Symposium on Thursday, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, warned that the surge in non-communicable diseases is both a medical and economic emergency.

    He said global evidence shows non-communicable diseases now account for 75 percent of non-pandemic-related deaths worldwide, a trend already reflected in Nigeria’s health indicators.

    Represented by Dr Ahmed Mohammad, the Director of Non-Communicable Diseases at the Ministry, Pate said turning the tide requires a combination of government reforms and strong private-sector innovation.

    He noted that while Nigeria continues to fight infectious diseases, non-communicable conditions are “taking centre stage globally,” with hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease driving widespread disability, financial hardship, and premature mortality.

    Citing World Health Organization (WHO) data, he said non-communicable diseases cause an estimated 43 million deaths globally each year, including 19 million from cardiovascular diseases and 10 million from cancer.

    He added that 82 percent of premature deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, underscoring why Nigeria must act urgently.

    By 2018, he said non-communicable diseases accounted for 29 percent of all deaths in Nigeria, with cardiovascular diseases responsible for the largest share.

    Pate said the government is prioritising prevention as the country’s most effective line of defence, paired with stronger diagnostics, improved primary health care, and local manufacturing of essential health tools.

    He outlined active national policies, including updated hypertension and diabetes treatment guidelines, the National Tobacco Control Act, the National Alcohol Policy, sodium reduction guidelines, and fiscal measures discouraging harmful consumption.

    He said public awareness campaigns encouraging Nigerians to check their blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol regularly are also being expanded nationwide.

    Commending the Limi Cardiovascular and Multi-Specialty Hospital for hosting the symposium, Pate stressed the importance of deeper public-private collaboration.

    “The role of the private health sector is pivotal. And together, we will continue to jointly build a health care and more prosperous Nigeria,” he said.

    Consultant physician and cardiologist, Dr. Mariam Inuwa of Cardiocare Multispecialty Hospital, said the symposium was organised to bridge critical knowledge gaps within the health workforce.

    “We want to reach out to the nurses, the doctors, anybody in the healthcare system. We want to let them understand what hypertension is all about, what diabetes is all about, and heart diseases,” she said.

    She lamented that too many Nigerians remain unaware of their health status, and even those diagnosed often struggle to access proper care.

    “A lot of people don’t know their numbers… Even those who know how to get good care, how to be investigated properly, and be on the right medications, knowing how to manage them is another thing,” she said.

    She warned that uncontrolled hypertension can result in stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease, conditions that are difficult and expensive to treat.

    She urged Nigerians to prioritise prevention, saying, “Let’s control hypertension. Let’s control diabetes. Let’s control cholesterol. Let’s have a good lifestyle, diet, lifestyle modification, and exercise.

    Dr. Inuwa also noted that several advanced cardiovascular procedures Nigerians often travel abroad for, such as coronary angiography, device implantation, and interventions for peripheral arterial disease, are now available locally.

    “You don’t have to travel outside the country to get these procedures done,” she said.

    She called for more financial support for indigent patients, noting that medical missions and philanthropists have helped fund many life-saving surgeries. “We need more help, especially for those who really can’t afford it,” she said.

    Chief Executive of the Limi Hospital Group and consultant interventional cardiologist, Dr. Iseko Iseko, said Nigeria’s life expectancy will not improve without decisive action on cardiovascular disease.

    “Nigeria currently sits at the lower rungs of the ladder in terms of life expectancy worldwide. But this can change because cardiovascular disease plays a very big role,” he noted.

    He described the symposium as the largest medical gathering of its kind in Nigeria, saying, “It gathers over 1,000 healthcare workers who are committed to the healthcare of Nigerians, especially in cardiovascular health. This year, we are looking at hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.

    Dr. Iseko added that the symposium equips health workers with critical life-saving skills, from improved diagnosis to advanced cardiac life support.

    He said Nigeria must adopt global best practices adapted to local realities. “We are trying to make what is happening globally… local, easy to access,” he said.

    He stressed that every Nigerian, regardless of income or location, must be able to access timely cardiovascular care.

    “We want to see that for the common man around the village, if they have a heart attack, they can get diagnosed, they can get care, and they can get access to the highest level of care,” he said.