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Category: Health

  • What really causes sudden deaths?

    What really causes sudden deaths?

    One moment, someone is laughing, dancing, or chatting with friends. The next, they collapse—gone in seconds. In Nigeria, such sudden deaths are often wrapped in superstition and whispered about in spiritual tones. But for medical experts, these are not mysteries—they are preventable tragedies. The culprits are silent killers: undiagnosed hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease—conditions that thrive in a health system where preventive care is often overlooked, reports CHINYERE OKOROAFOR

    It was supposed to be a joyous afternoon. Under the thick heat of an Abia State sun, the annual August Meeting in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area was in full swing. The women, adorned in vibrant attire, awaited the arrival of the First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti. Among them was 65-year-old performer Mrs. Nwandinma Dickson, fondly known as “Nwayi Garri,” whose humour and theatrics had become a highlight of the event. With her signature energy, she danced from canopy to canopy, drawing laughter and cheers.

    But just as her performance peaked, the mood turned. She stooped—briefly—as if for a dramatic pause. The crowd clapped, thinking it part of her act. Then she staggered, collapsed, and began foaming at the mouth. Laughter turned to screams. She was rushed to a hospital in the mayor’s vehicle. But it was too late. The doctors pronounced her dead on arrival. To the stunned community, her death seemed sudden. Doctors know better, saying her collapse was most likely the result of an undiagnosed or unmanaged health condition—an all-too-common occurrence in Nigeria, where medical checkups are rare and silent killers often go unnoticed.

    Mrs. Dickson’s tragic end is not isolated. Legendary singer Onyeka Onwenu reportedly collapsed after performing at the 80th birthday celebration of Emzor Pharmaceuticals founder, Stella Okoli. Abdullahi Bala, former Deputy Governor of Niger State, slumped after returning from his farm. And Dr. Oluwafemi Rotifa, a respected physician at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, died unexpectedly despite his knowledge of medicine. Each case adds to a growing list of lives cut short—lives that could have been saved. Yet, in many communities, such deaths are still explained away as the work of “village people” or malevolent spiritual forces. This belief persists, even as medical evidence points clearly to preventable causes.

    Hidden drivers of sudden death

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines sudden death as one that is non-violent and occurs within 24 hours of symptom onset. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) lists cardiovascular disease as the most frequent culprit, though not the only one. Other conditions—diabetes, aneurysms, undiagnosed infections, and even certain neurological issues—can be silent until it’s too late.

    Dr. Casmir Ifeanyi, National President of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), insists that no death is truly sudden. “The body often gives warning signs such as chest pain, dizziness, breathlessness, or fatigue, but these are frequently ignored until it is too late,” he said. According to him, what Nigerians commonly refer to as sudden death usually results from long-standing, undiagnosed conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, or dyslipidaemia. Grouped under non-communicable diseases (NCDs), these illnesses are often silent because many Nigerians do not undergo routine medical check-ups.

    “Many people walk around with diabetes without knowing. A person can slip into a diabetic coma and die without ever being diagnosed. The same applies to hypertension, rightly described as the silent killer,” Dr. Ifeanyi explained. He also highlighted dyslipidaemia—abnormal levels of fat in the blood—as another invisible danger. “It is symptomless and only detectable through laboratory tests, yet it drives heart attacks, strokes, and ultimately sudden death.”

    Public health expert Dr. Ekiyor Amafah echoed these concerns, stressing that sudden death is largely medical and strongly linked to heart-related conditions and lifestyle factors. “It can strike while a person is awake, active, or even asleep,” he said. For both experts, hypertension and its complications—hypertensive heart disease, congestive heart failure, stroke, and heart attack—remain the leading culprits. Dr. Amafah noted that, “Hypertension doesn’t shout. A person can look very healthy and drop dead tomorrow. That’s how dangerous it is.”

    He added that hypertension alone is responsible for more than 70 per cent of strokes and heart attacks seen in Nigerian hospitals, yet most people do not check their blood pressure until they collapse. Other notable triggers include diabetes, cardiac arrhythmias, aneurysms, and metabolic issues such as dangerously low blood sugar or electrolyte imbalances. Cardiac arrest, often precipitated by cardiovascular disease, is the most common immediate cause of sudden death. Drug overdose and ruptured aortic aneurysm are also contributing factors.

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    Dr. Amafah noted that people at risk of sudden death—outside of lifestyle habits that cause illnesses such as high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes—include those with genetic risks, like inherited heart problems such as Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM), which have caused young athletes to collapse, and congenital risks from birth defects like long QT syndrome or heart block, which affect the heart’s rhythm. He disclosed that over the past 25 years in Nigeria, hypertension cases among adults over 30 have tripled. “Hypertension is now the leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which account for most cases of sudden death in the country.”

    Beyond cardiovascular disease, experts say sudden death can result from other medical emergencies such as electrolyte imbalances, dangerously low blood sugar in people with severe diabetes, severe oxygen deprivation during drowning or high-altitude exposure, extreme cold causing hypothermia, and blood clots traveling to vital organs like the heart, lungs, or brain.

    Sudden death myths and what must change

    In Nigeria, sudden deaths are often attributed to witchcraft, curses, or “village people.” However, experts are urging a shift from superstition to science. “We must stop spiritualising health issues. If you drink soda daily, eat junk, never exercise, and avoid the hospital, don’t blame the devil when your heart fails,” Dr. Amafah said. Dr. Ifeanyi echoed this sentiment: “The common belief is, ‘his enemies killed him.’ That myth is killing more people than the diseases themselves.”

    Experts are sounding the alarm that Nigeria’s fast-paced urban lifestyle is fuelling a silent health crisis. The daily mix of fast food, sedentary office routines, stress, smoking and alcohol is driving up cases of hypertension, diabetes and heart disease—now striking younger Nigerians once thought immune. “Our bodies were not built for endless sitting, junk diets, and relentless stress. These are slow poisons everywhere around us, and unless we act, they will shorten lives,” said Dr. Ifeanyi.

    Dr. Amafah adds that while genetics matter, lifestyle is often the bigger threat. “You may not inherit hypertension, but unchecked salt intake, obesity, smoking, and alcohol can push you straight into danger,” he explains. Both experts decry Nigeria’s poor health culture, where many delay care until it is too late. Men, in particular, neglect routine checks. Rising reliance on processed foods, they warn, is already linked to kidney disease, cancer, and even childhood diabetes.

    For Dr. Ifeanyi, the way forward is clear: Nigeria must shift from a culture of reaction to one of prevention. He advises that Nigerians begin routine health screenings as early as age 20, including checks for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, kidney and liver function, and full blood counts. Complementing this, he stresses the need for balanced diets, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep. “In the military, you cannot progress without annual medical certification. Civil servants and others should have the same requirement. These simple tests can save thousands of lives,” he said.

    He called for a comprehensive national health strategy that prioritises preventive care. At its core is a proposal for mandatory annual or biennial check-ups for every adult above 20, with key diagnostic tests—blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and certain cancers—covered under national and state health insurance. This, he argued, would eliminate financial barriers and promote early detection. Public awareness campaigns must also play a role, Dr. Ifeanyi insisted, to highlight the dangers of “silent killers” like hypertension and diabetes that often go unnoticed until it is too late. He further recommended workplace reforms, such as mandatory health certifications for employees, particularly in high-stakes sectors. Beyond this, schools, offices, and communities should actively promote healthy lifestyles, from nutrition education to opportunities for physical activity. “Prevention is cheaper than cure. A BP test costs less than N1,000, while treating a stroke can drain millions,” he warned.

    Yet the obstacles are real. At a Lagos market, trader Madam Janet Eze admitted, “Hospital is for rich people. If I go for tests and they find sickness, who will pay? It is better I don’t know.” Similarly, young banker Chidi Okeke recalled discovering dangerously high blood pressure during a company outreach. “The doctor said I could have had a stroke anytime,” he said. Such stories underline how poverty and neglect push many Nigerians to gamble with their health.

    The statistics are sobering: hypertension cases in Nigeria have tripled in the last 25 years, and the World Health Organisation warns that deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) will continue to climb by 2030 unless urgent action is taken. Today, more than one in three adults lives with high blood pressure—many without knowing it. Yet the health system remains reactive, focused more on treatment than prevention. “Our hospitals are overwhelmed with emergencies because we spend more treating late-stage diseases than preventing them. It’s like fetching water with a basket,” observed Dr. Amafah.

    Despite strides toward universal health coverage, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) covers only about 10 percent of Nigerians, and routine medical checks are excluded. “People only seek care when they are already sick—often too late,” noted Dr. Ifeanyi. He urged the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to include annual routine health checks in its package, stressing that prevention must be the cornerstone of care. Affordable access to standalone laboratories and specialist facilities, he said, would also save lives by reducing delays. “Sudden death is now a menace in Nigeria,” Dr. Ifeanyi warned. Dr. Amafah echoed: “Check your BP, sugar, cholesterol. That is the real prayer against sudden death.”

  • OSSAP-SDGs inaugurates 20-bed primary healthcare centre in Isheri Olofin

    OSSAP-SDGs inaugurates 20-bed primary healthcare centre in Isheri Olofin

    Isheri Olofin community in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State on Monday witnessed a major boost in healthcare delivery with the inauguration of a new 20-bed Renewed Hope Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC). The project, delivered by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs) in collaboration with the Ogun State Government, is set to expand access to quality care for residents of the area. The fully equipped centre features consultation rooms, a maternity ward, delivery suite, laboratory, pharmacy, and inpatient wards—facilities expected to significantly ease the burden of accessing medical care, especially for women and children.

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    Speaking at the commissioning, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, described the PHC as both “a promise fulfilled and a symbol of renewed hope.” She explained that the initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive development under the Renewed Hope Agenda. “This centre represents a vital step in Nigeria’s journey towards achieving the SDGs. It is a sanctuary of care, a reminder that health is a necessity and not a luxury, and a testament to the government’s resolve to ensure that no community is left behind,” she said in a statement issued by her media aide, Desmond Utomwen.

    Commissioning the facility, the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, hailed the project as a lifeline for Isheri Olofin residents, stressing that it would provide essential maternal care, immunisations, and primary health services. “Healthcare is the foundation on which strong communities are built. This centre is not just a building; it is a celebration of partnership, foresight, and compassion,” she remarked. She commended President Tinubu, OSSAP-SDGs, and traditional leaders, particularly the Olofin of Isheri, Oba (Engr.) Sulaiman Adekunle Bamgbade, for their roles in making the project a reality.

  • Back to school, back to germs: How to protect your child’s health

    Back to school, back to germs: How to protect your child’s health

    As the school bell rings and classrooms fill with laughter, backpacks, and sharpened pencils, a familiar season quietly creeps in — not just the return of academic routines, but the uninvited reunion with germs. For many homes, “back to school” also means “back to sneezes, sniffles, stomach bugs, and sick days.” It’s the annual tug-of-war between education and infection — and children are often caught in the middle.

    Schools, for all their wonder and learning, are perfect playgrounds for pathogens. Think about it: dozens of children packed into tight classrooms, sharing pencils, trading lunches, sneezing without warning, hugging, high-fiving, and sometimes forgetting basic hygiene. It’s a germ’s version of a theme park — with plenty of surfaces to land on and hosts to hitch a ride with. From runny noses in the preschool corner to the telltale cough echoing down secondary school hallways, the return to class often ushers in a new cycle of illness. But this isn’t just a matter of minor inconvenience. For many families — especially those with asthmatic, immunocompromised, or younger children — school-acquired infections can escalate from a harmless cold to a serious health challenge.

    As classrooms fill up again, so do the doctors’ waiting rooms. The most common culprits? Colds, flu, conjunctivitis, sore throats, stomach bugs, head lice, chickenpox, and so on. While most of these are relatively mild, they spread like wildfire — and before long, one sick child can become a class-wide outbreak. You know the drill: One minute your child is full of energy, the next they’re curled up on the couch with a fever, and by morning, the whole household is down with it. It’s the domino effect of infection, and it hits harder when children return to the close-contact ecosystem that is school. So how can parents, teachers, and schools prepare for this annual health rollercoaster?

    Research shows that the average child touches more than 300 different surfaces in just 30 minutes. In school, those surfaces include desks, doorknobs, shared supplies, books, sports equipment, and cafeteria trays — all ideal vehicles for transmitting bacteria and viruses. Add to that another startling fact: children tend to touch their faces about 23 times per hour, providing a direct entry route for germs into the eyes, nose, and mouth. Now imagine this multiplied by dozens of pupils in one classroom and hundreds across a school. It’s no wonder that illnesses spread like wildfire once the bell rings. From runny noses in the preschool corner to the telltale cough echoing through secondary school hallways, the return to class often sparks a new cycle of infection.

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    The most powerful defence against school-borne illnesses is not some high-tech sanitizer or futuristic vaccine — it’s good old-fashioned hygiene. Teaching children to wash their hands thoroughly (and often!) is still the most effective way to keep germs at bay. Hands should be washed before eating, after using the toilet, and after coughing or sneezing. Yet, in the hustle of recess and lunch breaks, this basic habit often falls by the wayside.

    Make handwashing a ritual at home. Turn it into a game, a song, or a competition — anything that turns the mundane into a habit. Send children to school with travel-size hand sanitizers and encourage their use, especially in schools where soap and water aren’t always reliably available. Remind your children to avoid touching their face, to use tissues when sneezing or coughing, and to properly dispose of them. Yes, they may forget. Yes, they may roll their eyes. But repetition — just like with multiplication tables — works wonders.

    Think of your child’s immune system as a personal army — one that needs fuel, rest, and support to fight battles effectively. As classes resume, focus on strengthening that internal defence system. This means a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Make sure your child is drinking enough water and getting at least 8–10 hours of quality sleep. And don’t forget exercise — regular physical activity, even just outdoor play, helps boost circulation and immune function.

    For children who are prone to getting sick, speak to a paediatrician about possible vitamin supplements like Vitamin C, D, or zinc. But remember — supplements are just that: supplements, not substitutes for healthy living. In this day and age, no parent should be skipping vaccines out of fear or misinformation. Whether it’s the annual flu shot, or childhood vaccinations like measles, mumps, and rubella, vaccines remain one of the greatest tools in our public health arsenal.

    The fight against school-borne illness is not one parents can wage alone. Schools must rise to the challenge by ensuring clean facilities, access to running water and soap, regular sanitisation of high-touch surfaces, and clear protocols for handling sick students. Educators and school health workers should lead by example — reinforcing hygiene habits, identifying early signs of illness, and working closely with parents. After all, a healthy child learns better. A sick classroom is no place for growth.

    If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it’s that germs are everywhere — but so is knowledge, preparedness, and community care. Being a germ-savvy parent in this new normal means staying vigilant without being paranoid, informed without being alarmist. It means packing tissues in lunchboxes, reminding your child to not share water bottles, and choosing face masks on high-risk days when respiratory illnesses spike. It means checking your child’s temperature when they look “off,” keeping a thermometer and basic medications at home, and knowing when to call the doctor and when to ride it out. And above all, it means treating health as a team sport — where parents, teachers, doctors, and children all have a role to play.

    As a new term begins, let’s reset our priorities. Beyond shiny uniforms and brand-new backpacks, the real investment is in keeping children healthy—body, mind, and spirit. A child battling constant illness cannot excel, no matter how brilliant. School fees and sacrifices mean little if more days are spent in the clinic than the classroom. Back to school should not mean back to germs. With clean habits, balanced meals, enough rest, and vigilance from both parents and schools, we can change the story. Because a healthy child isn’t just ready to learn—they’re prepared to thrive, excel, and shine.

  • Breaking barriers in fertility care: AFRH charts new frontiers in assisted reproduction

    Breaking barriers in fertility care: AFRH charts new frontiers in assisted reproduction

    In a society where family is often seen as the cornerstone of identity and legacy, infertility carries a weight that can feel unbearable. For countless Nigerian couples, the inability to conceive is not just a medical issue but also a source of stigma, isolation and emotional distress. But experts say infertility is a medical condition like any other—one that can be treated with modern solutions when couples have access to the right care.

    That is the message the Association for Fertility and Reproductive Health (AFRH) is driving home as it prepares to host its 15th Annual International Conference in Lagos. With the theme: “New Frontiers in ART – Road Map to the Future,” the gathering will bring together fertility specialists, scientists, and advocates to explore innovations in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) while tackling the social barriers that keep couples from seeking help. AFRH President-elect, Dr. Adewunmi Adeyemi-Bero, stressed that ethical standards must guide every fertility clinic and practitioner. “Patients, donors, and resulting offspring all have rights that must be protected. Without strict adherence to ethics and comprehensive regulation, vulnerable couples can be exploited or harmed,” he cautioned. He called for stronger frameworks to regulate ART in Nigeria, especially as demand for fertility services rises.

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    One of the most ground-breaking features of this year’s conference is the Fertility Open House—a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed not only at doctors but at ordinary Nigerians. Through interactive sessions, couples will be able to meet accredited specialists, ask questions, and receive free consultations. “We’re tired of seeing couples suffer alone when solutions exist,” Adeyemi-Bero said. “Infertility is not a shameful secret. Every question deserves an honest answer. Every couple deserves hope.” The Open House, organisers explained, is designed to combat the myths and misconceptions surrounding ART. Too often, couples delay seeking medical help because of cultural stigma or misinformation, even though Nigeria already offers advanced treatments like IVF, egg and sperm donation, and surrogacy.

    Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, Mrs. Abiola Adewusi, emphasised the urgency of breaking the silence. “Fertility problems affect one in six couples, yet many suffer in silence due to shame and misinformation. We’re done with the secrecy. This event is about letting families know that help exists and is accessible.” Beyond the Open House, the conference will feature expert panels, legal discussions, and scientific sessions to empower both practitioners and patients. It will also review progress in fertility practice, align local approaches with global best standards, and explore new technologies shaping the future of ART.

    For AFRH, the ultimate goal is clear: to build a future where fertility challenges are met with compassion, innovation, and dignity. “Prevention of quackery, public awareness, and patient-centred care must go hand in hand,” Adeyemi-Bero concluded. “With the right knowledge and ethical practice, we can give countless families the gift of hope.”

  • AFI surveillance key to outbreak response, says U.S. CDC

    AFI surveillance key to outbreak response, says U.S. CDC

    …calls for sustained reforms

    The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) has called for sustaining and strengthening Acute Febrile Illness (AFI) surveillance in Nigeria by addressing persistent challenges that continue to limit its impact.

    These include the absence of a clear policy, limited geographical coverage of testing facilities, poor diagnostic capacity, delays in transporting samples, difficulties maintaining sample integrity, staff attrition, and slow turnaround times for results.

    The agency said closing these gaps is critical to improving AFI surveillance, which is vital in protecting public health.

    It, however, commended the Nigerian government and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) for taking greater ownership of the AFI programme, with the integration of AFI into Nigeria’s national disease control structures already underway to help ensure sustainability.

    Speaking at a media roundtable in Abuja, the Senior Public Health Specialist for Epidemiology and Surveillance at the U.S. CDC Nigeria, Dr. Oladipupo Ipadeola, explained that limited laboratory diagnostic capacity for AFI often leads to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis of diseases, resulting in inappropriate treatment and poor patient management.

    He noted that the U.S. CDC support for AFI surveillance in Nigeria, delivered in collaboration with the NCDC, Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN), and other partners, has become indispensable because of the widespread and complex nature of AFI.

    “Acute febrile illnesses are among the most common reasons why people seek healthcare. Yet, they are often misunderstood, presenting with similar symptoms that make it difficult to identify the exact cause.

    “That is why we need robust surveillance systems”, Ipadeola said.

    He said AFI surveillance helps determine the prevalence and burden of diseases, their causes, and how they spread.

    “The overall intent of this system is to help improve early detection, enhance capacity, and strengthen data, ultimately helping us respond better and faster to outbreaks,” he added, stressing that the goal is to safeguard the health of Nigerians.

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    According to him, the U.S. CDC, in partnership with the NCDC, IHVN, and other stakeholders, has already established sentinel surveillance sites across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

    This, he said, has resulted in more than 11,000 samples being tested for priority diseases such as malaria, dengue, yellow fever, Lassa fever, and COVID-19.

    In addition, he said laboratory capacity has also been strengthened through upgraded equipment, with the introduction of multiplex PCR testing, and the training of staff in selected facilities.

    Dr. Ipadeola highlighted that AFI surveillance is a core part of the U.S. CDC’s efforts to advance global health security, noting that in Nigeria, it is helping to identify disease patterns, detect co-infections, and build stronger diagnostic systems.

    While coordination of the programme was handed over to the NCDC in August 2024, the U.S. CDC continues to provide technical support, rapid diagnostic kits, and laboratory reagents to improve testing at sentinel sites, he revealed.

    He acknowledged Nigerian government initiatives, such as health education campaigns, malaria control programmes, vaccination drives, and integrated disease surveillance, as important contributions to improving outcomes.

    However, he noted that challenges remain, with delays in transporting samples from sentinel sites to the National Reference Laboratory sometimes compromising sample integrity, while staff attrition at some sites has weakened consistency.

    “In terms of sample turnaround time, patients want to quickly know their results. But it is important to emphasize that AFI testing is for surveillance purposes, not direct treatment,” he explained.

    Looking ahead, Dr. Ipadeola stressed that with sustained support from the U.S. CDC and its partners, lessons from Nigeria’s AFI surveillance programme will not only strengthen outbreak response locally but also contribute significantly to global health security.

    In her remarks, Dr. Farah Husain, Programme Director at the U.S. CDC Nigeria, highlighted the need to strengthen surveillance for Acute Febrile Illnesses (AFI), stressing that robust systems will aid in identifying causes, burden, and spread, enabling faster outbreak responses.

    She said the U.S. CDC, in collaboration with the NCDC, is working to establish a sustainable AFI surveillance system to improve early detection, laboratory capacity, and data.

    NCDC Director of Surveillance, Dr. Fatima Saleh, added that stronger advocacy and wider inclusion are vital for sustained impact.

    The Executive Director of the International Centre of Excellence, Prof. Alash’le Abimiku, said the institute has continued to support Nigeria’s effort at ensuring expansion in surveillance and accurate testing for all forms of AFIs.

    Ifeyinwa Ejinkeonye, AFI Sentinel Site Focal Person at Kubwa General Hospital, Abuja (for the North Central zone), said the centre had effectively handled AFI data reporting since the ownership transition and under the new hospital management, but recent challenges with staff attrition and power supply have forced real-time transfer of samples to the National Reference Laboratory.

  • FG explores digital model to strengthen access to essential medicines

    FG explores digital model to strengthen access to essential medicines

    The federal government is exploring the introduction of a digitalized inventory consignment model to improve access to essential medicines in federal tertiary hospitals, it has emerged.

    Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement on digital procurement of essential medicine for hospitals across the country in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, said the initiative aligns with the national strategy for supply chain management.

    According to her, the pilot project has already begun to test and fine-tune the model before its rollout across federal tertiary health institutions.

    The engagement meeting convened government officials, Chief Medical Directors of tertiary hospitals, pharmacists, health experts, and other stakeholders.

    Addressing the gathering, Kachollom stressed that essential medicines remain under the exclusive purview of the federal government, underscoring their importance to healthcare delivery.

    “This conversation is about ensuring availability and affordability of essential medicines while promoting collaboration among stakeholders,” she said, noting that the Department of Food and Drugs and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) are central to the process.

    The Permanent Secretary tasked the stakeholders with identifying gaps in the medicine supply chain, strengthening service delivery, introducing the new model in tertiary hospitals, and building frameworks for collaboration to ensure nationwide access.

    Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen, Director of Hospital Services at the Federal Ministry of Health, says the government has introduced a pilot digital procurement and payment system for essential medicines in tertiary hospitals to end chronic shortages, reduce costs, and improve transparency.

    He said the plan responds to long-standing bottlenecks in drug supply chains from erratic procurement and multiple intermediaries to delayed payments and unreliable electricity, which together drive prices up and leave facilities out of stock.

    He explained that the platform will link hospitals directly with accredited suppliers, automate orders, validate deliveries, and guarantee weekly reimbursements to prevent delayed payments.

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    While the system is expected to lower drug prices and strengthen accountability, Salaudeen noted that challenges remain, including reliable power supply and affordability for patients who struggle to pay for medicines.

    He explained that every stage of the supply chain adds cost, and removing those friction points will reduce prices at the point of care. “When those bottlenecks are not there, the costs in between are not there, the price of drugs will definitely come down,” he said.

    Chairman of the CMDs’ Committee, Prof. Eme Bassey, commended the initiative, while highlighting the challenges of managing existing hospital stock, dynamic drug inventories, and urgent patient needs that may not tolerate long procurement timelines.

    “We must ask ourselves what happens to drugs urgently required when processes take days. Transparency is key, but we must also address realities on the ground,” he cautioned.

    Health expert Emmanuel Okorie of EMGE Resources, who made a PowerPoint presentation about the model to the gathering, warned that Nigeria’s new digitalized drug consignment model risks shutting out vulnerable citizens, as it relies on patients’ ability to pay for medicines.

    He noted that while initiatives like the National Emergency Medical Treatment and Ambulance Scheme offer some relief, they do not adequately cover drug costs for the poor, leaving hospitals to absorb millions of naira in unpaid expenses each month.

    Okorie stressed that federal tertiary hospitals often provide emergency care regardless of payment, but without a stronger social safety net, the burden on institutions will remain unsustainable.

    He urged Nigeria to adopt models from other countries where even non-citizens benefit from universal coverage, insisting that inclusivity must guide reform.

    He acknowledged that current efforts mark early progress, but emphasized that hospital leaders and pharmacists must now restructure the model to ensure innovation does not leave disadvantaged patients behind.

  • Nigerian cardiac society launches free CPR training as heart disease burden deepens

    Nigerian cardiac society launches free CPR training as heart disease burden deepens

    The Nigerian Cardiac Society (NCS) has announced a three-day free cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training for Nigerians, citing the country’s growing cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden, with heart attacks and strokes now among the leading causes of death.

    The initiative, beginning Wednesday in Abuja as part of the society’s 54th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the society, is designed to equip ordinary citizens with lifesaving skills

    The World Health Organization estimates that CVDs account for nearly one in three global deaths, and Nigerian figures are climbing due to poor awareness, late diagnosis, and limited access to care.

    Studies have shown that hypertension affects four in ten Nigerians, while hypertensive heart disease is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death locally.

    NCS President, Prof. Augustine Odili, speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, said the CPR training reflects the society’s urgent response to this reality.

    “When sudden death occurs, medical personnel are not always around. Anybody with basic CPR knowledge can make the difference between life and death. You don’t need to be a doctor or a health worker,” he explained.

    He noted that too often Nigerians respond to sudden collapses with panic, superstition, or ineffective practices such as pouring water on victims.

    “We don’t want people responding with fear or filming on their phones. We want them to respond with skill. If more Nigerians can do CPR, then more lives will be saved,” he noted, adding that the goal is to replace harmful myths with proven interventions that can revive patients experiencing cardiac arrest.

    This year’s conference, themed ‘Mitigating the Burden of Cardiovascular Disease in Nigeria’, also provides costly cardiac interventions for indigent patients, he revealed.

    “These procedures are very expensive, but we are ensuring that some of our most vulnerable citizens benefit from them. In doing so, we also need more support from both the government and the private sector,” Odili stressed.

    From a continental perspective, the President of the Pan-African Society of Cardiology (PASCA), Prof. Elijah Ogola, said, “With Africa being the youngest and fastest-growing population in the world, and with lifestyles changing rapidly, our cardiovascular challenges are unique.

    “We cannot simply transplant solutions from Europe or America. We must design our own”.

    Prof. Kamilu Karaye, NCS Vice President and Dean of Clinical Sciences at Bayero University Kano, highlighted peripartum cardiomyopathy, a condition affecting women in late pregnancy or shortly after childbirth, as a pressing concern.

    “It is most prevalent in Northwestern Nigeria, affecting up to one in every 100 deliveries. Poor nutrition, preeclampsia, and lack of awareness are the main drivers,” he explained, noting that the issue would be spotlighted during the conference.

    Prof. Amam Mbakwem added that Nigeria’s membership of PASCA has given African practitioners a platform to shape global conversations. She noted that while coronary artery disease dominates in Western countries, infections remain a major cause of heart problems in Africa.

    “PASCA has helped pool African research, filling gaps in global cardiovascular data and countering the outdated notion of Africa as a black hole in cardiology,” she said.

    Mbakwem also warned that the exodus of doctors, nurses, and laboratory scientists is crippling Nigeria’s capacity to manage cardiovascular risk.

    “Clinics that once had several consultants now struggle with skeletal staff, while residency programs are shrinking. It is like a conveyor belt with no new entrants,” she cautioned, describing the situation as a looming national emergency.

    The conference has already featured practical workshops across Abuja. At Maitama General Hospital, more than 50 participants completed a certification course in basic life support instruction to create a nationwide pool of trainers.

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    At another centre, indigent patients received cardiac interventions supported by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Foundation, which also pledged long-term backing for CPR and life support programs.

    At the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, surgeons performed open-heart operations for patients unable to afford treatment, while young specialists received hands-on training.

    International partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the European Union (WU), and the Federal Ministry of Health, are expected to participate in plenary sessions later in the week.

    Discussions will focus on strengthening health systems, financing cardiac care, and developing preventive strategies suited to Nigeria and Africa.

  • Experts urge early life skills training as Pathfinder empowers Gwarimpa adolescents

    Experts urge early life skills training as Pathfinder empowers Gwarimpa adolescents

    Adolescents must be equipped with life skills early in life to prepare them for the challenges of adulthood and help them contribute meaningfully to society, health experts and community leaders have stressed.

    Speaking in Abuja on Saturday at the wind-down ceremony of the Empowering Futures Project, Dr. Amina Dorayi, Regional Portfolio Director for Pathfinder International in West and Central Africa and Country Director for Pathfinder in Nigeria, said the global reality today shows that failing to equip children with essential skills leaves them unprepared and uncompetitive in an increasingly interconnected world and leadership space.

    She said that was the reason the Empowering Futures Project was initiated and designed to equip young people with essential knowledge and vocational training.

    The project, supported by Organon, targeted adolescents and young people between the ages of 10 and 24 in the Gwarimpa community in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    She said Pathfinder, in collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Primary Health Care Board and other partners, developed a peer mentorship curriculum used over the past six months to facilitate education alongside skills acquisition training.

    “The aim of the project is to promote and enhance the sexual and reproductive health outcomes of adolescents and young people by equipping them with the comprehensive life skills they need to thrive,” Dorayi explained.

    Noting that about 45 adolescents completed the curriculum and participated in the mentorship and training sessions, she added, “With Africa’s growing youth population, empowering young people is critical. Our program provided them with sexual and reproductive health education, life skills, and vocational training.”

    Dorayi emphasized that the modules covered topics such as understanding their bodies, preventing gender-based violence, and accessing health services, in addition to being trained in shoemaking, soap production, and reusable pad making, with the visible products of their work on display at the ceremony.

    “This programme has shown that with the right support, young people can take charge of their health, develop valuable skills, and contribute meaningfully to society,” she said, urging parents and community leaders to continue supporting them.

    Read Also: Ailing infrastructure stifles economic growth, experts warn

    The representative of the Center for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI) commended Pathfinder and its partners for the initiative, noting that the crafts and products displayed by the children showed the project’s profound impact.

    “It is clear they have been equipped with vital life skills and essential sexual and reproductive health knowledge. Once community leaders are fully involved, we can be confident that the impact will continue long after government or donors,” she said.

    On his part, stressing the importance of combining formal education with practical skills, the District Head of Gwarimpa, Hakim Umar Bayero, said empowering adolescents early would help address not only health challenges but also wider social issues.

    “By informing and equipping them early, we are not only addressing national challenges but also helping to tackle insecurity in this country.

    “Theoretical education alone cannot sustain Nigeria; combining it with practical skills and crafts, as you have done here, will go a long way,” he said, calling on other organizations to replicate the initiative.

    The beneficiaries of the programme spoke about the changes it brought to their lives.

    Amir Ademu, an SS2 student of Government Secondary School, Gwarimpa, said the training helped him chart a clear path for his career.

    “One of the topics that improved my thinking was goal setting. It has made me understand the steps I need to follow to become an architect,” he said.

    He added that the programme also taught him communication, peer guidance, and positive decision-making.

    Another participant, Umar Nana Aisha, a JSS3 graduate, said the training equipped her with practical vocational skills.

    “I learnt shoemaking, soap production, and reusable pad making. This programme has triggered something in me about how to be on my own if things get tough.

    “I’m eager to improve on these skills because I’ve seen they will help me in the future,” she said.

    The ceremony, held at the Government Junior Secondary School Gwarimpa playground, drew community leaders, parents, teachers, and health workers who witnessed the adolescents’ exhibition of their handmade products.

    The display, which included shoes, soap, and reusable pads, drew admiration from the gathering and symbolized the new confidence and self-reliance instilled in the participants.

  • FG, PharmAccess seal pact to raise standards in tertiary hospitals

    FG, PharmAccess seal pact to raise standards in tertiary hospitals

    The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring Nigerians have access to quality healthcare services, stressing that its resolve to standardize and strengthen care across federal tertiary hospitals remains firm.

    Underscoring this commitment, the government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social welfare entered into a collaboration with PharmaAccess, formalized the process in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Abuja over the weekend. 

    The partnership will drive the rollout of the SafeCare quality improvement program, aimed at elevating healthcare delivery, enhancing workforce capacity, and transforming teaching hospitals into centres of excellence.

    The initiative will be implemented through the National Tertiary Health Institutions Standards Committee, a body mandated to set and enforce minimum standards for tertiary healthcare. 

    It is expected to significantly improve patient outcomes while aligning with the Federal Government’s Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), which seeks to save lives, reduce financial hardship, and deliver equitable health outcomes nationwide.

    The signing ceremony brought together key stakeholders in the health sector, including Prof. Fatima Kyari, Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria; Prof. Rufai Yusuf Ahmad, Registrar of the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Registration Board of Nigeria; Mrs. Njide Ndili, Country Director of PharmAccess Nigeria; Dr. Ibironke Dada, Program Director, SafeCare; and Prof. Emem Bassey, Chairman of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals.

    In his remarks, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako underscored the centrality of quality to healthcare reform, saying the Federal Government was determined to ensure that tertiary hospitals go beyond infrastructure to deliver care that meets global standards of safety, efficiency, and patient-centredness.

    “Our Federal tertiary hospitals must transform into vibrant hubs of healing and hope. This partnership will ensure that patients not only receive excellent medical care but are treated with dignity and compassion. 

    “Together, we are building trust between patients and providers and securing a healthier future for generations to come.”

    Represented by Dr. Kamil Shoretire, Director, Department of Health Planning, Research and Statistics, the Minister explained that the agreement with PharmAccess would help embed SafeCare’s internationally accredited standards across the system, allowing hospitals to undergo structured assessments, implement stepwise improvements, and track progress in real time through digitized platforms.

    Njide Ndili, Country Director of PharmAccess Nigeria, who described the agreement as a milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s health system, highlighted SafeCare’s global track record, noting that the program has been deployed in over 24 countries and more than 9,000 facilities.

    “In Nigeria, SafeCare has already been piloted in three federal tertiary hospitals with promising results. This collaboration will allow us to scale this impact nationwide, institutionalizing quality as a standard practice.

    “With this new partnership, Nigerian tertiary hospitals will not only undergo standardization of quality but also gain access to the tools, data, and support necessary to transform into centres of excellence,” she said.

    On his part, Prof. Philip Abiodun, Chairman of the National Tertiary Health Institutions Standards Committee, emphasized that the partnership aligns with the committee’s constitutional role of inspection, accreditation, and advisory functions. 

    He said the collaboration would enable hospitals to improve care in a structured manner.

    “The quality improvement framework we are putting in place will enable tertiary hospitals to undergo structured assessment, performance-based ranking, and capacity building. 

    “The data generated will guide resource allocation, training priorities, and investments to improve service delivery. This agreement marks the beginning of a new phase in our journey toward significantly improved tertiary healthcare services that Nigerians can be proud of,” he explained.

    Read Also: FG, HFN, PharmAccess explore healthcare transformation strategies 

    Dr. Ibironke Dada, SafeCare Program Director, highlighted the measurable outcomes of the program, citing the example of Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta, which has recorded significant improvements in its SafeCare rating.

    “We have seen hospitals like FMC Ebute Metta move from lower SafeCare levels to higher ones, showing that systemic quality improvement is possible with strong leadership and commitment.

    “Our phased 24-month approach will help tertiary hospitals build robust quality teams, digitize their processes, and achieve continuous improvement,” she stressed.

    According to her, the program will begin with baseline assessments in federal teaching hospitals, followed by targeted training and the establishment of hospital quality teams. 

    Using a fully digitized monitoring system, progress will be tracked in real time, providing transparency and accountability,” she noted.

  • Drug abuse among youths hits epidemic levels, experts warn

    Drug abuse among youths hits epidemic levels, experts warn

    Drug abuse among Nigerian youths has reached epidemic levels, with one in every seven Nigerians between ages 15 and 64 identified as a drug user, nearly three times the global average. 

    Experts say the situation, if unchecked, could cripple the nation’s future workforce, security, and productivity.

    The revelation, drawn from the 2018 National Drug Use Survey conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in partnership with the Federal Government, formed the crux of discussions at a health symposium organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Zion Chapel, Lagos Province 57, Oregun, Ikeja.

    The programme, themed “Drugs and Substance Abuse: Any Hope for the Youth?”, brought together medical professionals, narcotics officers, and academics who unanimously agreed that Nigeria is facing a dangerous crisis.

    Medical Director of Brafus Specialist Hospital, Lagos, Dr. Charles Davies, who moderated the panel, said cannabis, tramadol, codeine-based cough syrups, rohypnol, cocaine, and methamphetamine have become the most abused substances among young people.

    “These drugs are cheap, easily accessible, and unfortunately glamorised by peers, entertainers, and social media. The consequence is that many young people, some barely teenagers, are now deep in addiction,” he said.

    Head of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology at the College of Medicine, UNILAG, Dr. Henrietta Igbokwe, attributed the trend to peer pressure, unemployment, and untreated mental health challenges. “Young people experiment to belong. Others use drugs to escape depression, anxiety, or hopelessness caused by lack of opportunities,” she explained.

    Retired Assistant Commander of Narcotics at the NDLEA, Dr. Wale Ige, said poor regulation and porous borders have worsened the problem. “Despite government bans, codeine and tramadol remain easily available on the streets. Until enforcement is tightened, supply will always overwhelm control,” he warned.

    According to him, drug abuse is also a major driver of violent crimes. “Cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, domestic violence, all have strong ties to drug use,” he said.

    Experts at the forum painted a bleak picture of the impact of drug abuse. Prolonged misuse, they said, leads to brain damage, organ failure, mental illness, and even death.

    An anaesthetist at the General Hospital, Gbagada, Dr. Yinka Anifowoshe said: “Drug abuse is a silent destroyer of lives. It forces many students out of school, destroys families emotionally and financially, and erodes national productivity. If nothing is done, we risk losing a generation.”

    The panelists agreed that tackling drug abuse requires joint effort from families, schools, government, and communities. 

    They urged parents to monitor their children closely, while schools should integrate drug education into their curricula. They also stressed that government must create jobs, expand vocational training, and invest more in mental health and counselling services to reduce the hopelessness that drives many youths into drugs.

    They further called for tighter border controls, stronger NDLEA operations, and sanctions against complicit officials, while emphasising that rehabilitation and reintegration should take precedence over punishment. 

    Religious and community leaders, they added, must intensify awareness campaigns, even as young people themselves use music, art, and social media to spread anti-drug messages.

    Convener of the programme and pastor of RCCG Zion Chapel, Pastor Godfrey Iluobe, said the annual health talk, now in its ninth year, was designed to promote total human welfare.

    “As Christians, we often emphasise spirituality while neglecting the body. This programme enlightens people on how to care for their health so they can fulfil God’s purpose,” he said.

    He disclosed that the church has also been reaching out to vulnerable youths in Oregun, some of whom were prayed for during the event.

    “These boys had their destinies nearly destroyed by drugs. But we have been engaging them weekly with food, prayers, and fellowship. Some are now on the path of recovery,” he said.

    The experts concluded that drug abuse is not merely a youth problem but a national emergency requiring collective action.

    “Saving the youths means saving the future of Nigeria,” Dr. Igbokwe said.