The Nation Newspaper

Category: Health

  • Health minister, CSOs, others back Senate’s move to review sugar-sweetened beverage tax

    Health minister, CSOs, others back Senate’s move to review sugar-sweetened beverage tax

    Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, alongside civil society organisations and other public health stakeholders, has urged the Senate to approve an upward review and restructuring of the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) Tax.

    They advocated a shift from the current N10 specific excise per litre of sugary drinks to a stronger ad valorem, percentage-based system that would raise revenue and ensure dedicated funding for strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.

    The call was made during a public hearing in Abuja on Thursday, organised by the Senate Joint Committee on Finance, Customs and Excise.

    The stakeholders warned that Nigeria was witnessing a rapid increase in noncommunicable diseases linked to high consumption of sugary drinks and unhealthy diets, noting that conditions such as diabetes, stroke, obesity, and heart diseases—once considered rare—had become major causes of premature deaths.

    The session focused on a bill sponsored by Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo that seeks to amend Section 21(3) of the Customs, Excise Tariffs, etc. (Consolidation) Act.

    The proposal aims to replace the fixed N10 per litre SSB tax with a percentage levy based on retail price and to earmark part of the revenue for health promotion and disease prevention programmes.

    Representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Adeniyi Adegbomire (SAN) described the bill as a significant intervention for safeguarding public health.

    Echoing Senator Banigo’s debate, he said, “Not merely is this bill a fiscal one in nature, it is a public health investment strategy that aligns taxation policy with our national health priorities. It proposes the restructuring of existing Excise Duties on sugar-sweetened beverages, not to impose more burden on citizens, but to redirect part of the existing revenue to finance health-related programmes and infrastructure that will improve the well-being of Nigerians.”

    He reinforced support for the Bill, saying, “Clearly, the N10 per litre excise is no longer realistic in the present-day Nigeria, not only from the value of the naira, but more importantly, the cost of providing health interventions for health-related challenges.”

    Minister of Finance, Olawale Edun, who was represented by Bashir Abdulkadir, a Director of Technical Services, said the Ministry was aware of the bill and generally aligned with it.

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    However, the ministry drew attention to Section 13 of the Customs, Excise Tariffs, Etc. (Consolidation) Ac, saying it empowered the president as the sole authority to vary rates.

    It argued that the ministry was already working on a comprehensive process that would cover SSBs and alcoholic drinks and urged the Senate to take note.

    Responding, the Joint Committee asserted its power under the Constitution to hold public hearings and amend the law, adding that this was a matter of national importance in the interest of public health that Nigerians had been calling for.

    For Health Minister Pate and the CSOs, the situation is a public health crisis that requires urgent policy intervention, such as an effective SSB Tax and earmarking of the same to strengthen the health sector, to stem the tide.

    The Federal Government imposed the tax as a pro-health policy in 2021 to discourage excessive consumption of sugary drinks, tackle sugary drinks-linked NCDs, strengthen Nigeria’s ailing public health sector, and boost government revenue.

    But Prof. Pate and the health sector stakeholders told the senate that the current ten naira (N10) per litre tax, which came into effect when the average bottle of SSB was N150, has been eroded by inflation and is too minimal to affect Nigerians’ consumption of sugary drinks and protect public health.

    They urged the legislature to amend the bill.

    Prof. Pate, who backed the amendment with data from the World Health Organisation and other global health bodies, urged the lawmakers to set the SSB Tax at no less than 20 percent and to earmark at least 40 percent of the revenue for public health, saying it was in the interest of “230 million Nigerians”.

    He said it would “create a valuable funding stream” and, citing the Philippines example, argued that it would aid Nigeria’s progress towards expanding Universal Health Coverage.

    Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) made three recommendations to make the amendment more effective, including raising the tax to at least 50 percent of the retail price of sugary drinks.

    In his presentation to the Senate committee, Akinbode Oluwafemi, CAPPA’s Executive Director, urged Nigeria to “Adopt a strong retail-price–based excise structure by setting the levy at 50 percent of the retail price, with an absolute minimum floor of 20 percent, in line with WHO guidance and the Bloomberg Task Force on Fiscal Policy for Health. This level is necessary to trigger meaningful reductions in consumption.

    “Earmark revenues from the SSB tax for public health programmes, particularly for the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases, to ensure sustainable financing for population health.

    “Establish a national monitoring and evaluation task force to oversee implementation, ensure compliance, track consumption trends, and measure the health and fiscal impact of Nigeria’s SSB tax policy.”

    He added that the review of the excise on sugar-sweetened beverages is “constitutionally sound, legally justified, economically prudent, and aligned with Nigeria’s public-health obligations and international commitments. Nigeria can no longer rely on a fixed ₦10 duty that has lost its value and its purpose.”

    According to him, a percentage-based levy that reflects real market prices is the only credible path to restoring the effectiveness of the policy and aligning it with global best practice.”

    He added that by adopting a benchmark rate of 50 percent of the retail price, with a non-negotiable minimum floor of 20 percent, “the National Assembly will ensure that the tax is strong enough to reduce consumption, stimulate industry reformulation, and generate measurable health gains.

    “Equally important is the inclusion of clear earmarking provisions, so that a portion of the revenue is dedicated specifically to public-health promotion, NCD prevention, and the revitalisation of Nigeria’s fragile healthcare system.”

    Others who spoke in favour of the amendment included the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Nigerian Cancer Society, Diabetes Society of Nigeria, the National SSB Tax Coalition, the Healthy Food Policy Vanguard, the Nigerian Tobacco Control Alliance, and CISLAC, among others.

    “We completely align ourselves with this amendment, said the Vice President of the Diabetes Society of Nigeria, Dr. Mansur Ramalan, adding that Nigeria was experiencing a diabetes prevalence that had risen to about seven percent.

    Dr Ramalan addressed concerns by the Ministry of Finance about the possible negative effects on government revenue, saying the reverse was the case, and government revenue “will increase by 200 percent.”

  • FG, Ex-UCH CMD, others chart new pathway on musculoskeletal infections, prevention, treatment

    FG, Ex-UCH CMD, others chart new pathway on musculoskeletal infections, prevention, treatment

    The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isiaq Salako, former Chief Medical Director (CMD) at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Prof. Temitope Alonge and other orthopedic experts have critically examined challenges related with orthopedic care across the nation.

    They lamented that musculoskeletal infections is now becoming harder to detect and complicated to treat, saying effort to diagnosed and treat orthopedic patients is gradually becoming insufficient.

    Speaking in Ibadan at the 48th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Orthopedic Association, with theme “Musculoskeletal Infections: Prevention, Diagnostic, and Treatment”, Salako, who was represented by Prof. Jesse Otegbayo said considering rising trauma cases, limited diagnostic facilities and escalating wave of antimicrobial resistance, Nigeria is at difficult intersection.

    According to him, these infections determine how long people stay in the hospital, how much families spend and in many cases whether a patient returns fully to work or lives with disability.

    He noted that Federal Ministry is strengthening the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System to improve early response, expanding infection-control capacity in surgical centres and upgrading trauma units with essential consumables and modern imaging toola.

    In his keynote address, Prof. Alonge said today’s injuries are rarely straightforward because some of them now come from high-impact crashes, gunshot wounds, assaults and other unpredictable sources. 

    He lamented that these wounds introduce bacteria that behave differently from what surgeons dealt with decade ago.

    “For years, we behaved as if Staphylococcus aureus was behind everything but that world is gone. The organisms we see now are more diverse, more resistant and sometimes completely undetectable using the older methods.”

    He recalled a time when gram stains and simple cultures could reliably identify an infection, adding that comfort is fading because many organisms have adapted.

    “Some avoid detection, others resist multiple antibiotics and a number of them hide within biofilms. These changes can be push toward molecular imaging, a technology that looks directly at bacterial cells rather than relying on their behavior in a laboratory dish.”

    Alonge also clarified a long-standing concern in trauma practice which is open fractures, saying they remained most common emergency cases, because managing them properly requires strict adherence to an 11-step protocol.

    He explained that where that process breaks down, infections like chronic osteomyelitis become almost inevitable.

    He however blamed delays, unregulated treatments and growing involvement of quacks for many of the preventable complications surgeons now treat.

    Earlier in her remarks, the Secretary to the Government of Oyo state, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo hailed the medical experts for choosing Ibadan to host its 48th AGM.

    She however reaffirmed commitment of governor Seyi Makinde towards providing and sustaining quality healthcare system in the state, expressing optimism that the outcome of the conference would further reshape the medical landscape in the state.

  • Health experts advocate insurance, EAP for nurses

    Health experts advocate insurance, EAP for nurses

    Public health experts have urged that every nurse in Nigeria be covered by health insurance and backed by robust Employee Assistance Programmes, warning that without these protections, the country is risking the well-being of its caregivers and the quality of care patients receive.

    The experts, on Wednesday in Abuja at the opening of the 25th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the West African Postgraduate College of Nurses and Midwives, Nigeria Chapter (WAPCNM), said the call became imperative given that nurses shoulder heavy workloads and endure emotional stress that can compromise their own well-being and, by extension, the quality of care they deliver.

    Dr Lilly-West Buloala, Chairman of the Nigerian Chapter of WAPCNM, urged the Federal Government to prioritise the wellbeing of nurses, saying a healthier workforce is essential for an effective health sector. 

    She said the wellness of the nurse is inseparable from the wellness of the patient, noting that nurses and midwives, who stand on the frontline of care, continue to face emotional exhaustion, occupational stress, inadequate support structures, and limited financial protection.

    She said health insurance for nurses is non-negotiable, lamenting that those who safeguard public health often lack adequate coverage. 

    “Health insurance is not merely a benefit. It is security, protection, and an anchor of retention,” she said.

    Calling for EAP, Buloala stressed the need to institutionalise confidential and stigma-free support systems, including counselling, mental health services, crisis intervention, and workplace support to tackle burnout, compassion fatigue, anxiety, and depression.

    Echoing the need to institutionalise supports for nurses, Dr Joan Shepherd, president of the West African Postgraduate College of Nurses and Midwives (WAPCNM), described the theme of the conference ”Healthy nurses, healthier patients: Advancing employee assistance programmes and health insurance in Nigeria’, as timely and essential for strengthening the health workforce. 

    She said the college will continue to pursue practical initiatives, including a planned Abuja-based project intended to support professional development.

    The Chief Executive Officer of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Ndagi Alhassan, argued that health insurance and comprehensive EAPs would offer practical support, ranging from mental health services to stress management and conflict resolution and help retain a resilient workforce.

    Noting that the theme of the conference highlights a direct link between staff welfare and patient outcomes, Alhassan said, “The theme of this programme brings to the forefront the undeniable connection between the well-being of nurses and quality of care that patients receive.

    “As we all know, nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system. Their health, mental well-being and job satisfaction are paramount to the quality of service we provide as a nation.

    “Provision of EAPs and health insurance cover is critical in helping nurses cope with the demands of their profession. By introducing and expanding these programmes, we can address the challenges that nurses face and improve their overall health and work-life balance,”.

    He added that affordable, comprehensive health cover for healthcare workers would provide security and encourage better service delivery. 

    “By advancing health insurance for nurses, we are making a significant investment in the future of healthcare delivery in Nigeria”, he said, urging policymakers and stakeholders to translate policy proposals into concrete, fundable programmes.

    On his part, Haruna Mamman, National President of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), endorsed the conference focus, stressing that the health of patients is intimately tied to the health of caregivers. 

    Quoting the World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition to make the point, he said, “Health as defined by the WHO, refers to a ‘state of complete physical, mental and Social well-being and not mere absence of disease or infirmity”.

    Mamman said achieving those standards for nurses would require policies that address physical safety, mental health, social welfare and financial protection. 

    He argued that a healthier nursing workforce would translate directly into healthier patients and stronger health systems.

    Other participants called for coordinated action from government, employers and professional bodies to expand EAPs, establish staff health insurance schemes, and ensure implementation at the facility and state levels. 

    They also urged that investments in nurses’ welfare be treated as central, not peripheral, to national health policy.

  • UNICEF, editors, others demand urgent action for Nigeria’s children

    UNICEF, editors, others demand urgent action for Nigeria’s children

    In the conference hall of the Sheraton Lagos Hotel, as Nigeria marked this year’s World Children’s Day, the 71st globally, the air carried an unusual mix of hope and urgency. Editors in crisp suits and Ankara sat shoulder to shoulder with schoolchildren in bright uniforms. A visually impaired teenager who had taught himself to code prepared to take the microphone. A diplomat from the Netherlands struggled to steady his voice. The UNICEF Country Representative declared that the real bosses in the room were the children. For one morning, almost everyone present seemed to agree.

    The symposium, themed “Equipping the Nigerian Child for the Future: How Prepared Are We?”, was jointly organised by UNICEF, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, and the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence. While the event celebrated World Children’s Day, it felt less like a festival and more like a national reckoning. Mr Eze Anaba, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, did not mince words. “Nigeria is in a state of emergency,” he said. “At no other time in our history, except during the civil war, has the condition of our children been this uncertain.” He cited school abductions, 10 to 20 million out-of-school children—the highest number in any country—millions of zero-dose children who have never received a single vaccine, persistent malnutrition, and the recruitment of minors by armed groups. “What happens to our children happens to Nigeria,” he added, and the line resonated across the room.

    Ms Wafaa Saeed, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, presented the stark numbers. Under-five mortality, once near 200 per 1,000 live births in 1990, now sits around 100—still among the highest globally. Full immunization coverage has tripled in two decades, yet more than two million children remain unvaccinated annually. Birth registration has improved, but millions of children still do not legally exist. Three out of four children who reach age ten cannot read a simple text. Forty-eight million Nigerians still practice open defecation. “We have made progress,” she said, measured but firm, “but if we continue at this pace, we will lose generations.”

    The mood shifted when schoolchildren performed Unstoppable. As the last note faded, Tinafi Akawo, a seventeen-year-old visually impaired coder and child-rights activist, walked to the stage. “Thank you very much. Good to see you,” he  said, smiling at an audience he could only discern. Tinafi spoke of artificial intelligence and blockchain as the backbone of the child’s future. He outlined AI-based security systems capable of detecting anomalies and alerting authorities before school kidnappings occur. “Imagine a system that alerts authorities before any attempt happens,” he said. “This could significantly reduce the number of kidnappings in our country.”

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    He also highlighted digital exclusion, urging policies that train young Nigerians in AI and machine learning to place the country on the global map. “I am visually impaired. I developed an app that lets blind people navigate using a smartphone camera. This is just me. There are thousands more children with ideas that never leave their rooms.” He closed by urging the media to be the voice of children and push the government to nurture talent. As Cobhams Asuquo’s Unstoppable played again, Tinafi left the stage to sustained applause, crystallising the central theme: Nigerian children are unstoppable if given the opportunity.

    A panel moderated by Dr Chinonso Egemba (Aproko Doctor) pressed duty bearers to account for daily gaps. Ronak Khan, UNICEF Deputy Representative, explained that interventions follow data, not sentiment. About 90% of Lagos households have clean water access, compared with less than 10% in Kebbi. “No child chooses where they are born. A child in Maiduguri deserves the same chance as a child in Lagos,” he said.

    Mrs Mariam Fitumi Shaibu, Deputy Director of Child Development at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, highlighted initiatives with nationwide potential: the National Commission on Out-of-School Children, the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) in eighteen states, the Lumina Project linking maternal economic empowerment to girls’ education, and the forthcoming national policy on menstrual health and hygiene management.

    Mr Henshaw Ogubuike, with editors Ehi Braimah and Ijeoma Popoola, reminded the room that political will and implementation, not policy, remain the biggest gaps. In 2025, some SS3 students still sit on bare floors. Laws alone cannot replace intentional parenting or combat poverty and cultural pressures pushing girls into early marriage. Michel Deelen, Consul General of the Netherlands, delivered a pointed message. “Macroeconomic numbers can look better,” he said, “but as long as schools have no roofs, no water, no teachers, nothing goes better. That is a disgrace.” He noted that part of the Netherlands’ UNICEF funding supports water, sanitation, hygiene, and adolescent entrepreneurship initiatives. “The future is bright. The future is you. But we must steer it in the right direction.”

    By morning’s end, editors made public commitments. Mr Anaba vowed to keep child rights on the front burner. Mr Braimah pledged dedicated columns and investigative reporting. Beneath the pledges lay a sober truth: by 2050, Nigeria will have the third-largest child population globally. If today’s out-of-school children become tomorrow’s unemployed, traumatized, or radicalized adults, the consequences will extend far beyond Nigeria. The children have demonstrated talent and determination. The challenge now falls on adults to provide the policies, resources, and guidance that will ensure Nigerian children remain truly unstoppable.

  • Fidson appoints 2 female directors to strengthen board governance

    Fidson appoints 2 female directors to strengthen board governance

    Fidson Healthcare Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading pharmaceutical companies, has appointed two distinguished female Independent Non-Executive Directors, Dr. Amina Mohammed-Baloni and Mrs. Hannah Emanehi Oyebanjo, to its Board. The strategic appointments, approved at a recent Board meeting, aim to strengthen corporate governance, leverage diverse expertise, and support Fidson’s vision for growth and industry leadership. The appointments take immediate effect, pending final shareholder approval at the next Annual General Meeting.

    Dr. Amina Mohammed-Baloni (MBBS, FWACP, MPH) brings over 25 years of experience in clinical medicine, public health policy, and health systems governance. A Fellow of the West African College of Physicians, she is celebrated for impactful initiatives in maternal, child, and community health. Dr. Mohammed-Baloni previously served as Commissioner for Health in Kaduna State, pioneering reforms such as the Zipline drone partnership for medical supply distribution, a pharmaceutical manufacturing MOU with PMG-MAN, and notable COVID-19 pandemic management. She currently chairs the Bauchi State Specialist Hospital Board and serves on the Boards of the Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR) and the African Resource Centre for Excellence in Supply Chain Management (ARC-ESM).

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    Mrs. Hannah Emanehi Oyebanjo (MCIoD, MCIM, MNIMN, FISMN, frpa) brings over 30 years of leadership in business growth, transformation, and marketing strategy. As Managing Director of Redwood Consulting, she has driven category-defining products and award-winning campaigns. She previously served as Marketing Director at GlaxoSmithKline and Colgate-Palmolive and was recently appointed to the Faculty for Marketing and Entrepreneurship at CEIBS. A recipient of the Marketing Icon Award and WIMCA Lifetime Achievement Award (2025), Mrs. Oyebanjo is a Fellow of ARCON and the Chartered Institute of Directors, holding a BSc in Chemistry and an MBA from Lagos Business School and the University of Cape Town. With their combined expertise, Fidson’s Board is well-positioned to drive innovation, governance excellence, and sustainable growth.

  • Delivering diabetes care to the underserved in Ondo

    Delivering diabetes care to the underserved in Ondo

    World Diabetes Day may have come and gone, but for residents of Bolorunduro, Owena, Fagbo, Kajola, and surrounding villages in Ondo East Local Government of Ondo State, the memory lingers like a warm glow. On that day, quality healthcare—often an unreachable luxury—arrived at their doorstep through a free medical outreach organised by the youth-led Medical Aid and Advocacy for the Vulnerables Foundation (MAAVF).

    Founded three years ago by Dr. Modesire Akinbogun, then just 18, and her co-founder Mofeoluwa Akinbogun, now a medical student at the University of Wisconsin, MAAVF has quickly grown from a small idea into a force for good. With more than ten medical outreaches and over 3,000 beneficiaries so far, the organisation remains steadfast in its mission to expand healthcare access to underserved Nigerian communities.

    Rural healthcare in Ondo faces stark challenges: few facilities, scarce health workers, and unaffordable treatment. Fully aware of these realities, Dr. Modesire and her team left Akure on World Diabetes Day for Bolorunduro, a 35-minute journey. Days earlier, radio jingles had invited villagers, who responded enthusiastically, trooping to the Civic Centre for what many described as a rare opportunity.

    Partnering with medical students from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, the team screened all participants, dispensed medications, offered consultations, and arranged referrals for critical cases. “We are here to commemorate World Diabetes Day with a free outreach focusing on early detection,” Dr. Modesire explained. “This isn’t just a one-day programme. Patients with dangerously high blood sugar will receive continuous care, including medications and tests for at least six months.”

    Funding for the outreach comes largely from donors, particularly her parents, Prof. Tolulope and Dr. Olubukola Akinbogun, as well as supportive partners and community elders. Past outreaches revealed startling realities: many participants had dangerously high blood sugar without knowing it, while others could not afford treatment. One patient supported last year died before follow-up, a loss that shaped this year’s strategy. “This programme is intentional—carefully planned and driven by passion and purpose,” she said.

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    The outreach extended beyond medical care. Secondary school students were invited as “change agents”, receiving health education on diabetes, encouraged to share knowledge with their families, and given motivational talks on career aspirations. “Many students here drop out, believing education has no future. We want to challenge that mindset,” Dr. Modesire said. An essay competition with cash prizes—N150,000 for first place, N100,000 for second, and N75,000 for third—was also announced to raise diabetes awareness. This year, MAAVF aims to reach up to 500 people. Bolorunduro was chosen for its central location, surrounded by multiple villages, ensuring broad access. Follow-up programmes in schools and communities are planned to sustain the momentum.

    For Prof. Tolulope Akinbogun, the initiative reflects both charity and cultural grounding. “We are here to give back. Ignorance is a big disease, and many die for lack of knowledge. Detecting diabetes early should be seen as an opportunity, not a death sentence,” he said. The Executive Chairman of Ondo East LGA, Fola Joshua Ogunduyilemi, described the programme as “laudable and humanitarian,” promising government support for patients needing follow-up care. Prof. Sunday Robert Ogunduyile, former Vice Chancellor of OAUSTECH, commended the turnout and urged communities to embrace such initiatives while calling on government to address the ongoing healthcare workforce crisis exacerbated by the “japa” phenomenon.

  • Free nursing conference elevates leadership, patient care skills

    Free nursing conference elevates leadership, patient care skills

    The Nursing Leadership Conference, themed “Developing the Next Generation of Quality Leaders,” held on 10th November 2025 and hosted by Dr. Malvis Humphrey of the London Professional Training Centre, offered a transformative experience for over 500 nurses nationwide, attending both physically and virtually at no cost. The event was designed to inspire nurses while equipping them with practical leadership skills to enhance patient care and foster professional growth.

    Attendees benefited from the expertise of a distinguished line-up of speakers, including the Director of Nursing Services of Lagos State, the Head of Nursing at the University of Lagos Medical Centre, and other prominent nursing leaders. Presentations provided insights into effective leadership practices, quality care delivery, and the evolving responsibilities of nurses in modern healthcare systems, emphasising how strong leadership can improve patient outcomes and institutional efficiency.

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    A blend of training sessions and interactive panel discussions allowed participants to engage directly with speakers, ask questions, and tackle real-world challenges. Nurses reported that these sessions helped them reflect on their leadership styles, identify areas for growth, and learn strategies for team and resource management. Peer-to-peer interactions fostered knowledge exchange and expanded professional networks beyond the conference. All participants received Certificates of Participation, with three additional days of follow-up training providing actionable tools for leadership, decision-making, and team management. Many nurses highlighted networking and mentorship opportunities as key benefits, noting that learning directly from seasoned leaders would enhance their immediate practice.

  • ‘FGM not only a violation of human rights, but a serious public health concern’

    ‘FGM not only a violation of human rights, but a serious public health concern’

    Female genital mutilation (FGM), one of the most persistent violations of the rights and dignity of girls and women, continues to affect millions across East and Southern Africa. Despite decades of advocacy, the practice remains deeply entrenched in harmful social norms, cultural expectations, and silence. This, according to Regional Gender and Human Rights Adviser Tapiwa Nyasulu, underscores why the region must “urgently accelerate coordinated action” if the next generation of girls is to be fully protected from this life-altering harm. Her comments came as UNFPA released new data exposing both the magnitude of the challenge and the momentum growing across countries to eliminate FGM once and for all.

    FGM is reported in several countries across East and Southern Africa, including Comoros, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Although prevalence varies sharply—ranging from countries where the practice is nearly universal to others where only certain communities engage in it—the underlying drivers remain consistent: deeply rooted gender norms, expectations around purity and marriageability, and social pressure to conform. In some border areas, families go to extraordinary lengths to evade enforcement, even moving girls across national boundaries to undergo the procedure where laws are weaker or monitoring less stringent. Nyasulu described this as “one of the most pressing and complex dimensions of the regional response,” noting that cross-border circumvention demands stronger regional coordination and intelligence-sharing.

    New data from the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of FGM shows both the progress achieved and the long road ahead. In 2024 alone, more than 304,820 girls aged 0 to 14 were protected from undergoing FGM. Nearly 1.4 million women and girls participated in community dialogues, helping shift conversations and dismantle age-old myths about the practice. Through mass-media campaigns, over 250 million people were reached with messages challenging FGM, while almost 7 million girls and women accessed prevention or care services. Nyasulu said these numbers demonstrate “the strongest evidence yet that FGM can be eliminated within a generation—if the current momentum is scaled and sustained.”

    The Joint Programme has intensified support across the region, with the Novo Nordisk Foundation playing a critical role in expanding interventions in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Tanzania. These investments have strengthened social mobilisation, digital advocacy, community surveillance and norm-change efforts. Communities have adopted more creative communication strategies, including youth-led digital campaigns, storytelling initiatives, and village dialogues that encourage honest conversations about gender, harm, and health. “Across East and Southern Africa, communities are driving powerful change,” Nyasulu noted. “Girls are speaking out, men and boys are becoming allies, traditional and religious leaders are shifting long-standing positions, and governments are reinforcing legal and policy frameworks. With the right partnerships and sustained investments, we can bring the prevalence of FGM down to zero.”

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    Nyasulu emphasised that the issue extends beyond cultural practices or rights violations: FGM is a serious public health concern with short- and long-term consequences. Girls subjected to the procedure often experience severe pain, shock, bleeding, infections, and complications that can threaten their lives. Later in adulthood, many face obstructed labour, fistula, menstrual complications, infertility, sexual dysfunction, and long-lasting psychological trauma. “Ending FGM is integral to reducing maternal deaths, strengthening sexual and reproductive health systems, and advancing gender equality across every country in our region,” she said. For health systems already struggling with limited resources, eliminating FGM could significantly reduce preventable complications and improve women’s long-term well-being.

    However, despite notable progress, challenges persist. UNFPA warns that gains are unevenly distributed and may be fragile. Emerging pressures—including displacement, economic shocks, weakening family structures, and social fragmentation—threaten to expose more girls to FGM, especially in hard-to-reach communities where enforcement is weak. In humanitarian settings or conflict zones, families often turn to harmful traditions as a coping mechanism, aiming to secure marriage prospects or preserve cultural identity. “Progress can be reversed if we do not stay vigilant,” UNFPA cautioned.

    Sustained advocacy, reliable funding, and robust community-level engagement remain the most critical shields against reversals. Nyasulu called on governments, regional bodies, civil society organisations, youth networks, and development partners to deepen collaboration—particularly on cross-border coordination, survivor-centred services, and interventions that directly address harmful gender norms. She stressed that eliminating FGM “is not the responsibility of a single country or institution—it is a regional commitment.” Coordinated action across borders is essential to prevent perpetrators from exploiting legal loopholes or geographic gaps.

    Another majorfocus is ensuring survivor-centred care. Many survivors of FGM live with unaddressed trauma—both physical and psychological. Strengthening health systems to provide reconstructive surgery, counselling, safe spaces, and empowerment programmes is key to restoring dignity and breaking cycles of silence. Equally important is engaging men and boys, who often hold social power in decision-making around FGM. Encouraging them to speak out, challenge perpetrators, and support girls’ rights has proven to be a powerful catalyst for change.

    UNFPA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting countries with data, programming expertise, policy guidance, and strong partnerships. The agency acknowledged the crucial role of donors, particularly the Novo Nordisk Foundation, in sustaining long-term, community-rooted interventions. The organisation also highlighted the importance of strengthening traditional leadership structures and investing in grassroots women’s networks, which are often the first responders in protecting at-risk girls.

    Looking ahead, Nyasulu said the path to ending FGM requires scaling what works: community dialogues that shift norms, legal enforcement that protects girls, survivor care that heals, and youth activism that drives change into the future. She stressed that the global pledge to eliminate FGM by 2030 remains achievable—but only if momentum is not lost. “FGM can end in our lifetime,” she said. “But only if we sustain the momentum, scale what works, and keep girls’ rights at the centre of everything we do.”

    For millions of girls across East and Southern Africa, the fight to end FGM is not an abstract policy debate—it is a fight for bodily autonomy, safety, health, and future opportunity. Every girl protected represents a victory not only for her family and community but for the entire region. As Nyasulu noted, the true measure of progress will be a generation of girls who grow up free from fear, stigma, or coercion. The choice before the region is clear: deepen commitment now, or risk allowing harmful traditions to undo hard-won gains. The future of millions of African girls depends on collective, sustained, and courageous action.

  • Health Misinformation – How to Spot It

    Health Misinformation – How to Spot It

    In today’s Nigeria, health information is everywhere. It is on your phone, in family WhatsApp groups, across TikTok and Instagram, on radio talk shows, in bustling markets, and even from that well-meaning neighbour who claims to “know the secret doctors don’t want you to know.” But amidst this abundance of information lurks a serious problem: health misinformation.

    Health misinformation is false, inaccurate, or misleading health information that is shared without malicious intent. Unlike disinformation, which is deliberately designed to deceive, misinformation often spreads because it feels plausible or taps into our emotions. Both, however, can have devastating consequences, from people rejecting vaccines to trying dangerous, unproven remedies. In Nigeria, where access to quality healthcare is uneven and trust in institutions is fragile, the impact can be particularly severe.

    Why are we so susceptible? The human brain loves certainty. When someone offers a neat explanation for a headache, diabetes, or infertility, it feels satisfying to have a “villain” to blame or a miracle cure in hand. Scientific truth, on the other hand, is rarely neat. It comes with phrases like “sometimes,” “for some people,” or the dreaded “more research is needed.” Misinformation is bold, confident, and dramatic. It promises secrets, hidden cures, or shortcuts that mainstream medicine supposedly hides.

    So, how can Nigerians protect themselves? The first step is learning to spot the red flags. Sensational headlines or emotionally charged language are warning signs. Claims that promise miraculous cures for serious conditions like diabetes or cancer are likely too good to be true. Content without credible sources—or worse, sources that do not exist—should be treated with suspicion. Be wary of secret knowledge or conspiracy theories, especially in times of public health crises. If everyone else seems to be confused but this one “insider” knows the truth, take a step back. Inconsistencies across reputable sources are another signal: real medical knowledge is usually consistent across trustworthy publications. Even the appearance of the platform matters—poorly designed websites, frequent spelling mistakes, or sloppy graphics are not hallmarks of credible medical advice.

    Once you know the warning signs, it helps to know where to turn for reliable health information. In Nigeria, you can trust government health agencies like the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), international organizations such as WHO and UNICEF, and peer-reviewed medical journals including The Lancet or Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Established academic and medical institutions, major university teaching hospitals, and reputable fact-checking platforms are also excellent resources. Always verify before you share—especially if it involves a health decision for yourself or someone you care about.

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    The consequences of ignoring misinformation are far from trivial. Trust in health experts erodes, making it harder to implement critical public health programs. Dangerous health choices are made, whether it’s avoiding vaccination or using unproven herbal remedies. Fear and anxiety escalate during outbreaks, as we saw during COVID-19, and mental health suffers, particularly among young people exposed to constant waves of misleading content online. In a country like ours, with ongoing health challenges from malaria to diabetes to maternal health, misinformation can be deadly.

    Combating misinformation requires both personal vigilance and collective action. Start by pausing before you share any health-related post. Verify the information with a credible source. If a friend or relative shares something false, engage with empathy. Attack the idea, not the person. Ask questions like, “Where did you read that?” or share your own verified source. Turn these moments into opportunities for education rather than conflict. Promoting health literacy is equally important. Teaching communities to critically evaluate health claims can create a ripple effect: one informed person can influence many. Support initiatives that fact-check and debunk myths. When Nigerians amplify reliable information and challenge falsehoods constructively, the collective impact is profound.

    Consider the impact of small, consistent actions: checking sources before sharing, asking questions, guiding children and family members on reliable platforms, and trusting evidence-based medicine. Each step strengthens the public’s ability to navigate a complex information environment safely. In the end, the fight against health misinformation is not just about protecting ourselves—it is about safeguarding our communities. Science may not be flashy or promise miracle cures, but it is grounded in evidence, rigor, and the goal of promoting well-being. By pausing, verifying, and sharing responsibly, Nigerians can ensure that health decisions are informed, not influenced by fear, hype, or hearsay.

    Health misinformation thrives when we react impulsively or trust too easily. But armed with curiosity, scepticism, and compassion, we can navigate today’s information landscape with confidence. Pause. Ask questions. Seek facts. Protect your health, protect your community, and help ensure that the next wave of Nigerians grows up empowered, informed, and resilient against falsehoods.

  • Foundation provides free surgery for indigent Edo residents

    Foundation provides free surgery for indigent Edo residents

    The Dr. Paddy Emmanuel Foundation has provided free surgery for over 100 persons with fibroid, hernia, breast lump, and lipoma in Edo State as part of activities to mark the birthday of Edo Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu.

    Director General of the foundation, Mr. Zion Oshiobugie, said over 3000 persons have benefited from the free medical surgeries over the last 10 years.

    Oshiobugie said the first nine editions of the medical outreach were held in Delta State.

    She said Dr. Iyamu opted to sponsor the free surgery to provide life-changing healthcare for indigent citizens during his birthday celebration.

    According to him, “What he does is to mark his birthday on the 30th of November every year with the free surgeries which have benefitted 3,000 persons. He wants humanity to benefit from his birthday instead of just partying.

    “So this programme, which takes place for one week every year, is borne out of love for humanity, which is in line with the motto of our foundation, ‘Touching Lives”

    “Every year, we partner with our surgeon, Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu, who brings his team from Lagos. He has been one of our partners, and he is a respected member of the Nigerian Medical Association.”

    Dr. Olowojebutu said a ghastly accident he survived many years ago made him embark on giving free surgery across the country.

    “I am here with 24 members of my team from Lagos. We perform fibroid surgeries, which have allowed women to have their own children. We also perform hernia, lipoma, breast lump, and other surgeries.

    “Last week, we got a text that one of the women we operated on in 2020 now has three kids. That means this intervention is creating relief for our people.

    “The focus is on the less privileged because when you do this, you give to God. Each year we come back, people give testimonies of the good things that have happened to them.”

    On his part, Dr. Iyamu said the free surgery was to fulfil God’s desires to take care of the poor.

    A beneficiary, 19-year-old Nelson Ehigie, who had a hernia surgery, thanked the foundation for the free surgery.

    He said he couldn’t raise money to go to the hospital.

    “I’m very grateful to the Dr. Paddy Foundation. My parents couldn’t afford the cost, so we had to come here for the surgery. God bless Dr. Iyamu.”