The Nation Newspaper

Category: Health

  • FG, EU, France sign €10.2m agreement to strengthen pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity 

    FG, EU, France sign €10.2m agreement to strengthen pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity 

    The Federal Government, in partnership with the European Union (EU) and France, have signed a strategic partnership agreement under the Global Gateway’s Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies (MAV+) Initiative to advance Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity and strengthen local health systems.

    With a total investment of €10.2 million (including €10 million from the EU and €200,000 co-financing from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs), the 44-month project (2025-2028) will be implemented in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), and other local partners.

    The project, which is named Quality Uplift for Advancing Local Industry in Medicine Standards (Qualimeds Nigeria), aims to bolster Nigeria’s pharmaceutical ecosystem by expanding the local production of quality-assured medicines, improving access to essential health technologies, and promoting research-based innovation.

    The project is also expected to reinforce NIPRD as a regional reference centre for critical activities such as bioequivalence, stability studies, and quality control, fostering regional collaboration with Rwanda and Senegal.

    Speaking during the signing ceremony at the just concluded Nigeria-EU Health Investment Forum in Abuja, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, emphasised the importance of this collaboration, describing it as proof of the enduring partnership between the EU, France, and Nigerian and West African stakeholders. 

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    The envoy stressed the need to build robust, resilient, and efficient health and social welfare systems to ensure prosperity for all.

    He stated: “Let’s combine the strength of our EU-Nigeria official partnership, EU-ECOWAS official partnership, with the dynamism of our companies on both sides to achieve a common goal: making Nigeria healthcare life-saving and sustainable, diversified, accessible, and affordable for all Nigerians, creating jobs and opportunities.”

    Mignot expressed his wish to expand this vision across the rest of West Africa and the continent.

    France’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, underscored France’s commitment to the partnership through the Global Health Strategy. 

    Noting that the principles guiding this strategy are equity, solidarity, and human dignity, he expressed pride in France’s contributions, stating the shared values and commitment to enhancing health systems and empowering communities.

    He said: “I am very proud that France, through the French Development Agency, is truly contributing to the implementation of the Qualimeds Nigeria project, as part of the Team Europe initiative. It truly reflects our shared values and collective commitment to strengthening health systems, advancing equity, and empowering communities through improved access to essential products and services.”

    The Director – General/CEO of NIPRD, Dr. Obi Adigwe, highlighted the significance of strategic partnerships in advancing Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing and strengthening local health systems.

    “We want to ensure that our people not only get the highest level of access to healthcare, but also catalyse socioeconomic development, job creation, capacity building, technology transfer, and revenue generation,” he said.

    Through laboratory modernisation, technology transfer, and workforce training, the project is expected to boost Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in medicines and vaccines, enhance regulatory compliance, and promote gender equity in biomanufacturing and research.

    Expected outcomes of the initiative include upgraded NIPRD laboratories meeting international standards, increased Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance, stronger clinical research networks, and better integration of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector into global innovation and production systems.

    Also speaking, National Coordinator, the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), Dr. Abdu Mukhtar emphasised PVAC’s efforts to position healthcare as a driver of economic growth and industrialisation, ensuring that all Nigerians have access to affordable, quality healthcare. 

    He said: “Today, we are signing new commitments, including those under the MAV+ initiative, to expand vaccine and health product manufacturing. The end goal is that every Nigerian, regardless of status or location, can access affordable, quality healthcare.

    “Knowing that we cannot do this alone, we fully recognise the importance of this day. The EU, its Member States, and other development partners have been steadfast partners in this journey, supporting healthcare optimisation in Nigeria.”

    This partnership reaffirms the joint commitment of the EU and France to improving health security, supporting local manufacturing, and driving sustainable growth within Nigeria’s health sector. 

    Through cooperation, investment and initiative such as MAV+, all three signatories have demonstrated their dedication to building a resilient and prosperous health sector in Nigeria and the wider region.

  • Why I endowed OOUTH with N1bn Institute of Eye Health, others – Opthalmic Surgeon Hassan 

    Why I endowed OOUTH with N1bn Institute of Eye Health, others – Opthalmic Surgeon Hassan 

    The Chief Medical Director of Eye Foundation Hospital Group, Dr. Adekunle Hassan, has said the rationale behind the endowment of N1billion to the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) for twin projects – Kunle Hassan Eye Foundation Academy (KHEFA) and International Institute of Eye Health – is to bridge the manpower deficit in the nation’s eye healthcare sector. 

    Hassan, a renowned Consultant Opthalmic Surgeon, who expressed concerns that over over 4 to 6 million Nigerians were grappling with different kinds of eye challenges, also lamented that the country’s eye doctor – patient ratio, stands at one doctor per 15,000 patients.

    He disclosed this at the OOUTH Sagamu campus of the university after performing the foundation laying ceremony/sod turning for the institute, said that the N1billion projects for the over 40 – year – old state – owned university would train students up to PhD level to supply the middle technical manpower badly needed in eye healthcare, especially in remote areas of the country. 

    He said: “The Institute will train students in B Sc, Masters and up to PhD level in eye health and will use the teaching hospital and other eye training centers across the country. Our vision is to provide middle technical manpower that could be deployed to help improve on eye health in the country

    “Over 4 to 6 million Nigerians are battling different kinds of eye challenges in the country and most of them are preventable like cataract, glaucoma, infection of the eyes among others. 

    “And there is only one eye doctor to about 500,000 whereas the recommendation is one eye doctor to 15,0000, so we have a lot to cover. 

    “That is one of the reasons behind funding this institute, when you trained a lot of middle technical manpower, with technology, they can be empowered to go to the villages and rural areas and through telemedicine relate it to a centre like this institute to know what to do. 

    “So, we are building a sort of team that could penetrate our communities to reduce the burden of blindness in the country. You know that when someone is blind, it doesn’t affect the person alone, you have to get someone to lead the person around, the cost of blindness is huge. 

    “When we curb blindness, it impact on productivity and general prosperity of the country. It is for this purpose that we are encouraging public private partnership to complement whatever the government is doing to ensure that people’s access to qualitative eye healthcare is greatly improved upon.”

    University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, commended Surgeon Hassan, describing him as a man of vision that proposed a N1billion endowment to OOU  and backed it with payment of the money in full into the bank.

    The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, OOU, Professor Oluwatoyin Ashiru, said the KHEFA Professorial Chair Endowment and the KHEFA International Institute of Eye Health went  beyond infrastructure, stressing that they would advance ophthalmic research, expand specialist training, and deliver world-class eye care in Nigeria and beyond.

  • Trade Fair Market violence won’t stop NAFDAC’s crackdown on substandard goods – Adeyeye

    Trade Fair Market violence won’t stop NAFDAC’s crackdown on substandard goods – Adeyeye

    National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says five of its officials were injured during an enforcement operation at the Lagos Trade Fair Market in Lagos State.

    The agency’s  Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, told newsmen during a news conference yesterday  in Lagos that 10 operational vehicles worth billions were also destroyed during the attack.

    She stated that the attack on NAFDAC officials was premeditated, aimed at harming them in the line of duty on Oct. 30.

    Adeyeye, represented by Dr Martins Iluyomade, said the officials narrowly escaped the violent attack following prompt intervention of  military personnel who were with them during the operation.

    She noted that the officials had confiscated four trucks of fake and unwholesome products worth N500 million before the mercenaries wielding dangerous weapons stormed the area with the intent to harm and kill the officials.

    According to her, confiscated products violate the provisions in the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act Cap. C.34 LFN 2004.

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    “As part of our mandate to safeguard public health, some NAFDAC officials visited the Trade Fair Complex, based on credible intelligence regarding the sale and distribution of fake, substandard and unwholesome regulatory products going on in the market.

    “The operation led by the Director of Investigation and Enforcement commenced peacefully without any issues till some mercenaries wielding dangerous weapons came to the scene and started fomenting trouble.

    “They asked for the identity of the director who was also the Chairman, Federal Task Force around the operation ground and destroyed 20 operational vehicles belonging to NAFDAC and other security agencies worth over N25 billion.

    “A reliable intelligence reveals that the attack was pre-planned and also a calculated attempt to assassinate the Director (I&E) with some other NAFDAC staff,” she said.

  • Access to safe drinking water still a major challenge in Nigeria- Expert

    Access to safe drinking water still a major challenge in Nigeria- Expert

    Founder, DEE Grace H20, Dn. Olusegun Oluseyi Odewole has asserted that access to clean and healthy drinking water remains a serious challenge for the average Nigerian, stating that while water may be available in many places, truly safe water is still out of reach for a large portion of the Nigerian population. 

    Speaking in a recent interview, Odewole shared his insights on the state of water accessibility, regulation, and the challenges of maintaining safety standards in Nigeria’s water industry.

    He said,: “In the Nigeria of today, access to clean water remains a serious challenge, while people who dwell in the cities may have wide options like bottled or sachet water, rural areas still depend on wells, streams, or boreholes that aren’t always safe.

    ” Even in urban centers, water scarcity forces many to buy from vendors, often at high prices and with no guarantee of purity. So yes, water is available but safe water is still not accessible to everyone.”

    Speaking on government oversight, he stressed the importance of regulatory bodies but also pointed out the gaps in monitoring and enforcement.

    He said: “Government Agencies like NAFDAC and SON are responsible for enforcing standards, and their work is essential. However, monitoring is often weak and inconsistent. Some producers still evade proper registration and testing. If these agencies had more funding, trustworthy/corrupt free officials, stronger oversight mechanisms, and less bureaucracy, their impact would be far greater.”

    Addressing the rise of fake or poorly treated water brands, the DEE Grace Water CEO noted that it has greatly affected consumer confidence.

    “It affects trust deeply, people are beginning to doubt even well-labeled products. Many rely only on brands they know or those recommended by friends. This mistrust not only endangers public health but also hurts small, honest producers trying to build credibility,” he said. 

    Balancing business and public responsibility, Dn. Odewole emphasized that integrity must always come first.

    “It’s not easy, rising costs sometimes tempt producers to cut corners, but we constantly remind ourselves that we’re dealing with people’s lives, not just a commodity. But for me, as a retired medical practitioner, Integrity has to come first because I strongly believe that Long-term trust and safety are far more valuable than short-term profit,” he said. 

    He also highlighted how economic factors such as fuel and electricity costs directly impact the price and availability of safe water.

    He said: “They have a huge impact. Most machines for pumping, treatment, and packaging depend on power. Each time fuel or electricity costs rise, production costs also shoot up. In addition, poor road networks make distribution expensive and difficult, which in turn increases the price of water to consumers.”

    On policy improvement, Dn. Odewole called for stronger collaboration between government and private producers, emphasizing the need for more awareness on the importance of safe and clean water.  

    He said, “I’d love to see stronger collaboration between government and private water producers, the government should make and enforce policies that could support renewable energy solutions for production, they should offer tax relief for companies maintaining high safety standards, and invest in rural water infrastructure. Clean water should be treated as a basic public right.

    “We need more awareness, many still see safe water as a privilege, people should be taught that clean water is foundational to life and health. Structurally, the government must prioritize water access like education or healthcare. Once people understand its value, they’ll demand accountability and also take ownership of maintaining it.”

  • Empower girl-child, secure nation’s future, foundation, advocates urge

    Empower girl-child, secure nation’s future, foundation, advocates urge

    The Nigerian government, private sector, and society at large have been urged to intensify efforts to empower girls, as doing so is crucial to national growth, social stability, and sustainable development. 

    This call came at the annual SheRose Conference organized by FAB Treasure Foundation in partnership with Rejoice George Outreach, where over 200 girls from Government Secondary School, Idu, Abuja, were mentored under the theme “When Girls Rise.”

    Speaking at the event on Friday, Abigail Festus, the Executive Director of FAB Treasure Foundation and convener of the conference, said the initiative seeks to address the limited opportunities facing young girls in underserved communities. 

    She emphasized that empowering girls goes beyond charity, it is an investment in the nation’s human capital, saying, “Empowering the girl child is something I am deeply passionate about, not just in words, but in action. 

    “This job is for the whole of our society, our governments at all levels, the private sector and well-meaning Nigerians, including parents, because they have the human, technical and capital resources to empower our girl-child and make her confident in herself and globally competitive. 

    “Every time I meet young girls, I see so much potential waiting to be discovered. Many of them have big dreams, but society doesn’t always give them the space or tools to grow.

    “That is why, both as an individual and through FAB Treasure Foundation, we are very intentional about reaching out to girls, especially those in schools and communities that people often overlook. We go to those places because every girl, no matter where she comes from, deserves to rise.

    “We believe that when a girl is empowered, she begins to see herself differently, she starts to believe she can do more and be more. 

    “So, for us, this work is not just a program, it’s a calling. We do it because we know that one inspired girl can change everything”.

    In his remarks, veteran journalist Mac Imoni Amarere, Chairman of the Foundation’s Advisory Board, challenged the students to see themselves as leaders of today, not tomorrow. 

    “When one girl rises, she opens the door for a thousand more. When Nigerian girls rise, Nigeria rises,” he declared, urging them to dream beyond their circumstances.

    Focusing on practical empowerment, in her presentation on menstrual health and hygiene, the Federal Capital Territory Chairperson of the Association of Lady Pharmacists, Pharm Lilian Agwaza, encouraged the girls to view menstruation with pride and maintain confidence through proper self-care.

    Rejoice George, Executive Director of Rejoice George Outreach, described girl empowerment as “a rise for humanity,” noting that when girls are educated and supported, poverty declines and peace prevails.

    She said: “The rise of girls is not the fall of anyone else. It is a rise for humanity. When girls rise, poverty declines. When girls rise, peace prevails. When girls rise, the world becomes brighter, fairer, and stronger.”

    Similarly, Sophia Toyin Arowosegbe, Executive Director of the Sophia Nadia Foundation, said every girl carries a purpose powerful enough to influence her world. 

    “When a girl understands who she is, she stops competing and starts becoming. Her uniqueness is her gift to the world,” she said.

    The school head, Mr. Obasanjo Funsho, commended the foundation for investing in the students’ future, saying the ripple effect of their empowerment will continue to shape lives for years to come.

    The event’s highlight was the distribution of over 200 free sanitary pads to participants, along with mentorship and interactive sessions where the girls engaged in insightful discussions on leadership, self-confidence, and purpose.

  • Shettima lauds women as custodians of Nigeria’s healthcare system

    Shettima lauds women as custodians of Nigeria’s healthcare system

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has commended Nigerian women in the healthcare sector, describing them as the “silent custodians of the nation’s survival unseen, uncelebrated, but always indispensable” in safeguarding the health and continuity of the country.

    Speaking at the second annual conference of the Women in Healthcare Network (WIHCN), themed “Rooted in Wellness, Rising with Purpose,” Shettima, represented by the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Public Health, Dr. Uju Rochas-Anwukah, praised the dedication and sacrifices of female healthcare workers who have served the nation through decades of medical challenges, often under difficult and dangerous conditions.

    “For those who heal are the custodians of a nation’s continuity. The story of our nation’s survival through the storms of diseases and despair is written in the quiet heroism of women who have chosen to serve even when the odds were cruel,” the Vice President said.

    Shettima paid glowing tribute to women who have made historic contributions to national health emergencies, including the late Dr. Stella Adadevoh, who helped contain the Ebola outbreak in 2014, and Dr. Amarachukwu Allison, who detected Nigeria’s first COVID-19 case in 2020.

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    The Women in Healthcare Network (WIHCN) reaffirmed its mission to connect, empower, and celebrate women across all sectors of the healthcare ecosystem, with a renewed focus on wellness, mentorship, and leadership development.

    Chair of the WIHCN Board of Trustees and CEO of Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre, Professor Modupe Elebute-Odunsi, said the group was founded with a simple but powerful vision to create a community where women in healthcare can connect, learn, unlearn, and be empowered to lead.

    Founded just two years ago by 15 women, the Network has grown into a vibrant community of more than 300 members across Nigeria and beyond, with active chapters in Lagos, Abuja, and the United Kingdom.

    The Network also partners with national initiatives such as the Renew Her Program, spearheaded by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women’s Health, Dr. Adanna Steinacker, which aims to improve the lives and well-being of women across Nigeria.

    Speaking, Dr. Steinacker emphasised the importance of self-care and wellness among healthcare professionals

    She urged women to prioritise their health as a foundation for leadership and service.

    To be rooted in wellness is to recognise that we cannot pour from an empty cup, that rest, reflection and self-care are not luxurious, but foundations of purpose,” she said.

    “When we rise with purpose, grounded in wellness, we are unstoppable. We become innovators, advocates, and changemakers who can transform not only our professions, but the systems that shape health for millions of women and families across Nigeria and beyond.

    “Through the partnership with the Women in Healthcare Network, we are working to ensure that your voices, your expertise, and your leadership are at the heart of this transformation. To every young woman in this room, your dreams are valid, your brilliance is needed, and your purpose is bigger than you can imagine.”

    Also speaking, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a healthcare system that is inclusive, accessible, and driven by wellness, empathy, and innovation.

    Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Special Adviser, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, praised women healthcare professionals for their transformative impact, describing them as “unwavering pillars of strength, innovation, and compassion.”

    “Healthcare is more than just a job. It is a calling that connects deeply with our humanity,” he said.

  • Seven uncommon health-boosting foods you may not know

    Seven uncommon health-boosting foods you may not know

    While everyone’s busy talking about bananas and apples, there are quiet heroes sitting in your kitchen or local market that are doing wonders for your body, from improving sleep to balancing hormones and even helping your skin glow.

    1. Tiger nuts (Ofio) – Nature’s energy booster

    They are rich in magnesium, fiber, and healthy fats. They improve digestion, support heart health, and even boost libido naturally.

    2. Bitter leaf – The detox

    It may not taste pleasant, but this green leaf is packed with antioxidants that cleanse your liver and lower blood sugar. Regular consumption can help detox your system and improve skin clarity.

    3. Dates – the natural sweetener

    Beyond being a Ramadan staple, dates are full of iron and potassium. They’re great for fighting fatigue, improving digestion, and satisfying your sweet cravings in a healthy way.

    4. Garden egg – The detox snack

    Garden eggs are rich in fiber and antioxidants that improve heart health and brain function. Eating them raw helps reduce cholesterol and support weight management.

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    5. Soursop (Graviola) – The immune system warrior

    This tropical fruit isn’t just delicious – it’s loaded with vitamin C and compounds believed to have anti-inflammatory and even anti-cancer properties. A cup of soursop juice can help strengthen immunity.

    6. Ube (African pear) – The skin’s secret friend

    When roasted or boiled, African pear becomes a buttery, nutritious snack. It’s rich in healthy fats and vitamin E, which promote glowing skin and support cell repair.

    7. Zobo (Hibiscus drink) – More than a refreshment

    Zobo isn’t just a party drink. The hibiscus flower used to make it contains antioxidants that lower blood pressure, aid digestion, and keep your liver healthy.

  • Ikorodu partners LASHMA to boost elderly healthcare

    Ikorodu partners LASHMA to boost elderly healthcare

    Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Prince Adedayo Ladega, has reaffirmed commitment to quality and accessible healthcare for senior citizens through the distribution of Itoju Agba Health Insurance Cards to elderly residents.

    The event, held at the O’Clean Event Center within the Ikorodu Local Government Secretariat, marked Day 2 of the council’s 100 Days in Office programme.

    The initiative followed Day 1’s focus on sanitation and environmental advocacy, signaling a broad approach to community development.

    Implemented in partnership with the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) under the Ilera Eko scheme, the Itoju Agba Health Insurance Programme aims to provide comprehensive medical access, preventive care, and financial protection for the elderly.

    Friday’s exercise involved the official distribution of personalized health cards with policy numbers, enrolling beneficiaries into the state-backed healthcare system.

    The event also featured on-site medical checkups conducted by LASHMA officials, enabling participants to receive health assessments and professional guidance.

    Ladega described the programme as a major component of the Enhanced Healthcare pillar of his SEED Agenda — Security, Education, Enhanced Healthcare, and Development. He added that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes inclusive governance and welfare for vulnerable groups.

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    “Our elders have contributed immensely to the growth of our communities. Providing them with reliable healthcare is not just a duty — it is a moral imperative,” Hon. Ladega said. “Through this partnership with LASHMA, our senior citizens now have access to treatment, preventive care, and peace of mind. This programme reflects our broader goal of ensuring every resident feels valued and supported.”

    The council chairman further noted that the initiative complements Lagos State’s THEMES+ Agenda, particularly its Health and Environment pillar, by strengthening local participation in state and national health priorities.

    Residents and invited guests commended the chairman for prioritizing senior citizens’ welfare and praised the initiative as timely, impactful, and life-changing. Beneficiaries expressed gratitude, noting that access to the Itoju Agba Health Insurance reduces the financial burden of healthcare for older adults.

  • Over 34 million Nigerians at risk of food crisis by mid-2026

    Over 34 million Nigerians at risk of food crisis by mid-2026

    No fewer than 34.7 million Nigerians across 27 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) may face severe food and nutrition insecurity between June and August 2026, according to the latest Cadre Harmonisé (CH) food insecurity report released on Friday in Abuja.

    The report, unveiled during the Results Presentation Workshop on the October 2025 Cadre Harmonisé Food and Nutrition Insecurity Analysis, also revealed that about 27.2 million people, including over 485,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), are currently experiencing crisis or worse phases of food insecurity from October to December 2025.

    The Cadre Harmonisé analysis is produced by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) with technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and other development partners.

    Declaring the workshop open, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, described the findings as a “wake-up call” that demands urgent and coordinated action to avert a worsening crisis next year.

    “The results we are examining today go beyond data; they speak to the realities of millions of Nigerian households, especially those in vulnerable and crisis-affected areas. We must treat these findings as a call to sustained and coordinated action,” Ogunbiyi said.

    While the report noted a slight easing in inflation and consumer price index (CPI) rates, it observed that food insecurity remains widespread across the country. Over 55 percent of households maintaining acceptable food consumption levels reportedly relied on coping mechanisms such as eating fewer-quality meals, reducing portion sizes, or borrowing money to purchase food.

    The CH analysis attributed persistently high food prices, particularly for vegetable oil, dairy products, meat, and condiments to the volatile naira-dollar exchange rate and high transport costs. Prices of these essential items reportedly rose by more than 35 percent in the review period.

    “Even though staple food prices have stabilized somewhat, the cost of complementary food items and services such as food haulage remains high. This has increased household food expenditure and eroded purchasing power,” the report stated.

    The findings also showed that insecurity, high input costs, and weak rural economies continue to undermine agricultural livelihoods, particularly in the North-East, North-West, and parts of the North-Central regions. Farmers in these areas face restricted access to farmlands due to insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping.

    The rising cost of fertilisers and agrochemicals  up by about 56 percent  has discouraged many farmers from participating in the forthcoming 2025/2026 dry-season farming. Additionally, while food import programs have helped ease consumer prices, they have also hurt local producers, leading to losses during the 2025 cropping season.

    The nutrition situation in several northern states remains critical, with Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Katsina, and Jigawa classified between “Serious” (Phase 3) and “Critical” (Phase 4) levels of malnutrition. Areas such as Maiduguri, Jere, and Mobbar in Borno, as well as Jibia and Mashi in Katsina, have crossed into emergency phases of acute malnutrition.

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    However, the situation in Benue State showed some improvement, as IDP camps in Makurdi and Guma recorded “Acceptable” to “Alert” nutrition levels, attributed to ongoing targeted interventions.

    The CH report also highlighted areas experiencing crisis-level mortality (Phase 3), including parts of Central and Northern Borno, Southern Adamawa, and Eastern Sokoto, while emergency-level mortality (Phase 4) was reported in Eastern Borno and Northern Adamawa.

    According to the report, four key factors are driving the worsening food and nutrition crisis: insecurity (including insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry), climate shocks such as floods and prolonged dry spells, displacement from conflict and disasters, and the adverse effects of government food imports on local production.

    The FAO Representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr. Hussein Gadain, commended Nigeria for sustaining its commitment to the Cadre Harmonisé process over the past decade but urged immediate, multi-sectoral action in response to the alarming findings.

    “Conflict, climate extremes, and economic pressures are undermining livelihoods and food systems across the country. The Cadre Harmonisé remains our most relevant early warning tool for guiding humanitarian and development responses,” Gadain said.

    He called on states yet to participate in the CH process to do so before the March 2026 cycle to ensure comprehensive national coverage and stronger data reliability.

    Both officials affirmed that the CH findings will guide the implementation of government interventions, including the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP) and the National Food Security and Nutrition Emergency Plan.

  • ACPN seeks sanctions over alleged illegal drug distribution in public hospitals

    ACPN seeks sanctions over alleged illegal drug distribution in public hospitals

    The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has raised the alarm over what it described as widespread illegal drug distribution practices in several federal hospitals, calling on the Federal Government to investigate and sanction those involved.

    The association accused some pharmaceutical companies and their superintendent pharmacists of violating existing laws by running unregistered pharmacy operations within Federal Health institutions (FHIs), often with the consent of hospital managements and regulatory bodies.

    The association urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare to address the alleged irregularities, warning that the current situation is jeopardising patient care and public confidence.

    In a statement on Friday, the National Chairman of the association, Pharm. Ezeh Igwekamma, criticised the Federal Ministry of Health for allegedly allowing private pharmacy operators to dominate drug distribution under what he described as a questionable Public–Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements and a breach of public trust. 

    According to him, experiments such as the Medipool model created systemic loopholes and undermined the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) mechanism established under Decree 43 of 1989 (now Cap 252 LFN 2004).

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    Igwekamma noted that the DRF, when properly managed by pharmacists, has proven effective in ensuring steady drug supply and financial sustainability, citing the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, as a model where the pharmacy department built a ₦200 million facility in 2014 without disrupting the fund’s operations.

    He lamented that the success of such pharmacist-led initiatives is now being eroded by irregular PPP arrangements in hospitals including UCH Ibadan, UDUTH Sokoto, AKTH Kano, National Hospital Abuja, NAUTH Nnewi, JUTH Jos, and several Federal Medical Centres.

    Citing the Public Procurement Act 2007, which requires transparent and competitive tendering processes, the body accused the hospitals and their private partners of violating sections of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) Act 2022, which prohibit private pharmacies from operating inside public facilities and mandate that all pharmacies must be duly registered and under the control of a superintendent pharmacist.

    According to Igwekamma, more than 20 pharmacy premises currently operating under PPP models are unregistered, with one company in Lagos allegedly taking over the pharmacy unit of a major teaching hospital while invoking the names of senior officials to justify its activities.

    The association warned superintendent pharmacists whose licences are being used to legitimise such operations to regularise their status by the end of 2025 or face disciplinary actions. 

    It said further sanctions may follow under the Consumer Protection and Trade Malpractices Act.

    Igwekamma reaffirmed ACPN’s commitment to ethical practice, local drug production, and protection of DRF funds, stressing that transparent procurement and adherence to Good Pharmacy Practice are key to national drug security.

    “We must restore legality and professionalism to Nigeria’s drug distribution system. The health of our people depends on it,” he stressed.