The Nation Newspaper

Category: Health

  • ‘Teaching hospitals’ infrastructure funding has increased by over 900 percent’

    ‘Teaching hospitals’ infrastructure funding has increased by over 900 percent’

    The Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Nigeria’s foremost tertiary health institution, is witnessing a sweeping wave of transformation that is fast reshaping its landscape and redefining patient care. This revival comes on the back of unprecedented federal investment in the health sector. In February, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a $1.07 billion package for health reforms under the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) programme. Designed to tackle deep-seated challenges—ranging from rising cases of non-communicable diseases to poor access and decaying infrastructure—the initiative has set Nigeria’s teaching hospitals, including LUTH, on a new trajectory.

    According to LUTH’s Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof Wasiu Lanre Adeyemo, infrastructure funding for federal teaching hospitals has soared to levels never before seen in the country’s history. “Teaching hospitals’ infrastructure funding has increased by over 900 percent,” he told The Nation in an exclusive interview, underscoring the scale of the government’s renewed commitment. “Government is allocating lots of money to upgrade infrastructure here. We have never witnessed anything close to this in over 40 years. Aside from the physical transformation, we’re also getting new medical equipment. If the Federal Government sustains this trend in the next five years, all our teaching hospitals will become world-class.”

    Among the flagship projects underway is the comprehensive renovation of LUTH’s largest wards—E3, E5, and E7. Together, these wards accommodate 240 beds and stretch across two wings on the first, second, and third floors, comprising 90 wards in total. “These are the busiest wards in the hospital, and their upgrade will significantly boost our capacity to serve patients,” Prof. Adeyemo explained. “What makes this special is that it is fully funded by the Federal Government.”

    READ ALSO: Tinubu seeks NASS backing to fast-track State Police

    Beyond the general wards, LUTH is also expanding its capacity to respond to a rapidly ageing population. A brand-new three-storey geriatric building is rising within the hospital complex to provide care tailored for the elderly—a demographic often overlooked in Nigeria’s health planning. Dr. Ayodeji Oluwole, the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) at LUTH, described the geriatric project as ground-breaking: “Elderly people don’t always need treatment; what they need is a place where they can live with dignity among their peers. Facilities of this kind are scarce in Lagos, so this will make a huge difference.”

    The transformation does not stop with the main wards. Other critical care points are also getting a facelift. Renovations are ongoing in Wards E6, E5, and E3 (covering both medical and surgical patients), while modernisation is advancing in the labour ward, neonatal units, and Accident and Emergency (A&E) complex. “These upgrades will have a direct impact on patient outcomes,” Dr. Oluwole said. “From maternal health to accident response, LUTH will be better equipped than ever.”

    In addition to government-led projects, private philanthropy is playing a supportive role. A family recently sponsored the upgrade of the Physiotherapy Department, turning it into a state-of-the-art facility. The department now boasts a solar-powered system, a swimming pool, hydrotherapy services, adult and children’s gyms, seminar rooms, and even a dedicated radiology centre. “This kind of partnership between government and private citizens is exactly what our health sector needs,” Prof. Adeyemo noted.

    Another ambitious project at LUTH is the renovation of the old outpatient building, which will soon be linked to the modern outpatient facility across the road via a skywalk. The new outpatient facility, a massive edifice, will soon be commissioned by President Bola Tinubu

    Dr. Rufus Ojewola, Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (DCMAC), described the project as “a bold redesign of hospital architecture to improve patient flow.” The new outpatient building will feature 254 clinic rooms spread across five floors, complete with ramps to aid accessibility. In parallel, construction is progressing on a three-storey Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) Centre for tuberculosis and other infectious diseases—critical in a country that continues to battle high TB prevalence.

    The reforms sweeping through LUTH are part of a much broader package. Recently, the Federal Government has also approved N4.8 billion for HIV treatment, prevention, and care. Mr. Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, disclosed that the International Development Association (IDA) provided two concessional loans of $500 million each, complemented by $70 million in grant funding from other international partners. Prof. Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, emphasised that the HOPE programme aligns closely with the administration’s human capital agenda. “This financing will support recruitment, training, and retention of healthcare workers and teachers at the subnational level,” he said.

    The mood inside LUTH reflects a new sense of optimism. For decades, staff and patients alike had grown accustomed to dilapidated facilities, frequent breakdowns and inadequate equipment. Today, they are watching a different story unfold. Prof Adeyemo, a workaholic, said the changes are palpable. “The pace of infrastructure renewal here is refreshing. Staff morale is high, and patients are already beginning to notice improvements,” he told The Nation during a tour of LUTH facilities.

    Yet, challenges remain: “Power supply is still a major concern,” the CMD cautioned, noting that unreliable electricity continues to affect operations despite new solar installations in some units. For LUTH, the reforms are not merely cosmetic but foundational, he enthused. The infusion of funds, the architectural redesign and the equipment upgrade are collectively positioning the hospital to reclaim its place as a centre of excellence.

    Healthcare analysts say the impact could be felt well beyond Lagos. As one of Nigeria’s largest teaching hospitals, LUTH serves as both a referral centre for complex cases and a training ground for future medical professionals. By strengthening its infrastructure, the Federal Government is indirectly boosting Nigeria’s entire health ecosystem. Prof. Adeyemo remains upbeat: “What we are witnessing today is a new chapter for LUTH and for Nigerian healthcare. With sustained investment, teaching hospitals like ours will be able to deliver world-class services to our people.”

    The reforms, backed by over a billion dollars in financing, represent one of the boldest health interventions in Nigeria’s history. If sustained, they could mark the beginning of an era where patients no longer have to leave the country for care, and where teaching hospitals once again stand tall as symbols of national pride. For now, cranes, scaffolding, and construction workers dominate the grounds of LUTH. But in the near future, these signs of rebuilding may well transform into the foundations of a new healthcare legacy for Nigeria.

  • NIMR demands youth-led HIV response to meet 2030 goals

    NIMR demands youth-led HIV response to meet 2030 goals

    A bold shift is underway in how HIV care is delivered to young Nigerians. The focus is no longer just on treatment—but on – but on building systems of support that reflect the complexities of adolescence—uncertainty, transition, and vulnerability. This message was front and centre at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) in Lagos during its monthly media engagement.

    At the heart of this movement is Dr. Agatha David, Director of Research and Consultant Paediatrician at NIMR. With over two decades at the forefront of child and adolescent health, she is leading the charge to close persistent gaps in HIV care for young people—gaps that have persisted despite national progress. “Adolescents and young adults living with HIV have the worst outcomes of all age groups,” she says, pointing to low testing rates, weak adherence to medication, and staggering levels of mental health distress as critical barriers to success.

    Globally, UNAIDS aims to end the HIV epidemic by 2030 through its 95-95-95 goal: 95per cent of people living with HIV should know their status, 95 per cent of those diagnosed should be on antiretroviral therapy, and 95 percent of those on treatment should have undetectable viral lods. But for adolescents in Nigeria, those targets remain far from reach. A study conducted by NIMR tested nearly 1,000 young people between the ages of 15 and 24 who had never previously been tested. Shockingly, 12 per cent tested positive—nearly 10 times the national prevalence rate. “It was a wake-up call,” Dr. David recalls. “These are young people walking around unaware they’re living with HIV—and potentially transmitting it.”

    READ ALSO: Tinubu seeks NASS backing to fast-track State Police

    The challenge doesn’t end with diagnosis. Once enrolled in care, many adolescents struggle to consistently take their medication. To address this, NIMR introduced a series of interventions, starting with Directly Observed Antiretroviral Therapy (DOART). “We discovered that a number of patients thought to be failing second-line therapy weren’t drug-resistant at all—they just weren’t taking their meds,” she explains. Under DOART, caregivers were asked to watch adolescents take their pills daily, resulting in significant improvement in viral suppression. But sustainability remains a concern. “Parents are busy. Some young people are in boarding schools or universities. They need autonomy, but also support,” Dr. David notes.

    Enter digital health innovations. NIMR piloted both one-way and bi-directional SMS reminders—coded messages like “Have you watched TV today?”—to maintain discretion while prompting adherence. The bi-directional messages, which allow patients to respond, showed better results. Pairing this with peer navigation, where successfully suppressed youth mentor those struggling, further improved outcomes. Still, antiretroviral adherence isn’t the only obstacle. Dr. David emphasises that sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is a critical, yet neglected, component. “Many HIV-positive girls are getting pregnant without understanding how or why. Some are kicked out of their homes. The stigma is overwhelming.”

    In one study, over 20 per cent of participants had initiated sex before age 15, with high rates of unprotected sex and transactional relationships. Pregnancies often ended in unsafe abortions, compounding health risks. “We found that many adolescents lack basic SRH knowledge and have no one to talk to—neither parents nor trained professionals.” Comprehensive sexuality education is key, says Dr. David, and it must extend beyond schools to reach out-of-school youth through community and faith-based initiatives. “We need to train health workers in adolescent care. Many so-called youth-friendly clinics offer little more than condoms—and even those aren’t always available.”

    Mental health is another pressing concern. NIMR’s recent studies found that more than 20 per cent of adolescents living with HIV showed signs of depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. A new clinical trial is set to examine the impact of routine mental health counseling as part of HIV care.

    Meanwhile, at the frontier of prevention, Dr. Sabdat Ekama is leading research into a novel HIV microbicide vaginal gel designed to protect women during sex—a demographic disproportionately affected by HIV. The gel is “smart,” becoming viscous upon contact with body temperature to prevent leakage and incorporating targeted drug delivery triggered by natural enzymes. Having shown promise in lab tests and animal trials, the gel is entering pre-clinical stages, with its design shaped by feedback from women in high-risk groups. “We listened to their needs—concerns about affordability, privacy, and ease of use. Co-creating this product with them is essential for future success,” says Dr. Ekama.

  • HEFAMAA takes health regulation, public enlightenment to Lagos communities

    HEFAMAA takes health regulation, public enlightenment to Lagos communities

    Determined to improve healthcare safety and quality, the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has extended its community engagement campaign to Ajeromi-Ifelodun LCDA—empowering residents with information that could literally save lives. The town hall meeting, with the theme “Strengthening Partnerships for Quality Healthcare Regulation in Lagos State,” brought together traditional leaders, local authorities, and community members to discuss how better regulation can lead to safer and more effective health services.

    HEFAMAA, the agency responsible for accrediting and monitoring both public and private health facilities in Lagos State, stressed the critical role of public awareness in ensuring healthcare standards are upheld. With private providers catering to over 60 percent of Lagosians, regulating this sector is essential—and so is making sure residents know how to identify safe, approved healthcare centres. According to Dr. Abiola Idowu, HEFAMAA’s Executive Secretary (represented by Director of Monitoring and Inspection, Dr. Daniel Olayinka), the outreach aims to bridge the information gap and bring the agency closer to the people it serves.

    “Many residents know little or nothing about the work HEFAMAA is doing to safeguard their health,” Dr. Olayinka noted. “By taking this initiative to local communities, we’re empowering people with the knowledge to make safer choices and demand better care.”

    READ ALSO: Tinubu makes key appointments in Kano, Zaria Federal universities of education

    One of the key benefits introduced at the event was the launch of a QR code and signage system for all accredited health facilities. These signs, prominently displayed at clinic entrances, allow residents to scan a code and instantly verify whether a facility is government-approved. The system not only increases transparency but also allows users to report poor service or unsafe practices in real time, enabling HEFAMAA to respond swiftly. “It’s a tool for accountability,” Dr. Olayinka explained. “When people know they can verify a facility and provide feedback that leads to action, trust in the health system grows.”

    Community leaders welcomed the campaign, saying it would help reduce the prevalence of unregistered, substandard clinics—a major issue in densely populated areas like Ajeromi-Ifelodun. They praised the agency’s grassroots approach as a step toward strengthening partnerships, rebuilding public trust, and reducing the risks posed by quack practitioners. Beyond regulation, HEFAMAA’s efforts are building a more health-literate public—one that can confidently navigate the healthcare landscape and demand the quality of care they deserve.

  • Fed Govt charts new path to integrate traditional medicine into health system

    Fed Govt charts new path to integrate traditional medicine into health system

    As Nigeria looks for home-grown solutions to bridge its healthcare gaps, traditional medicine is moving from the margins into the spotlight—this time with renewed government backing and calls for scientific validation. For millions of Nigerians, particularly those in rural and underserved areas, traditional remedies are not an alternative but the first line of healthcare. From herbal mixtures and bone-setting to the expertise of birth attendants and spiritual healers, traditional medicine is deeply woven into daily life. Yet, for decades, it has operated largely informally, surviving on oral traditions and personal trust rather than structured systems of research, documentation, and regulation.

    Now, the Federal Government and experts say the time has come to turn this rich but fragmented practice into a credible, evidence-driven sector capable of not only improving health access but also generating jobs, fostering local manufacturing, and positioning Nigeria on the global stage. On Monday in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, unveiled two landmark documents: the Strategic Plan of Action for Implementing the Traditional Medicine Policy and the Code of Ethics and Practice for Traditional Medicine Practitioners. “These instruments are designed to sanitise the sub-sector, boost safety and effectiveness, and prepare Nigeria for global competitiveness,” Dr. Salako explained.

    He emphasised that with foreign donor funding declining, Africa must strengthen its own evidence base for health. “Millions of Nigerians, particularly in rural communities, rely on traditional remedies as their primary healthcare option. This makes traditional medicine a vital tool for improving access, generating employment, and supporting local manufacturing,” the minister said.

    READ ALSO: Tinubu makes key appointments in Kano, Zaria Federal universities of education

    At a parallel event in Lagos, the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) hosted a hybrid webinar to mark African Traditional Medicine Day 2025, themed “Strengthen the Evidence Base for Traditional Medicine.” The agency’s Director-General, Professor Martins Emeje, said the country must confront its cultural hesitations about openly embracing traditional practices. “More than in any other area of health, people are even ashamed of talking about traditional medicine. But the truth is, it has been part of our lives for centuries,” he said. “If we want to make progress, our research must be culturally acceptable and not ignored or hidden out of shame.”

    The event featured a health walk and a keynote presentation by Dr. John Tor-Agbidye, a neurotoxicologist and integrative medicine expert. His lecture underscored the need for training and documentation as the foundation for credibility. Dr. Tor-Agbidye highlighted that an estimated 70 per cent of Nigerians rely on traditional medicine, yet most knowledge remains undocumented, passed orally by herbalists, birth attendants, and healers, many of whom lack formal education. “Documentation and training are the panacea for building credibility and trust in traditional medicine,” he said. “They foster integration into national health systems, encourage innovation and drug discovery, and protect cultural heritage for future generations.”

    He called on government to strengthen laws, empower the Traditional Medicine Council, and establish specialised colleges and documentation centres. He also urged closer collaboration between NNMDA, universities, and teaching hospitals to ensure traditional medicine is subjected to the same rigour as orthodox practice. Nigeria is not alone in trying to bridge traditional and modern medicine. Countries like China, India, and Cuba have built robust systems that combine centuries-old practices with modern scientific validation, giving rise to multi-billion-dollar industries.

    Dr. Tor-Agbidye noted that Nigerian practitioners have already been trained in these countries, proving that knowledge transfer is possible. With Nigeria’s rich biodiversity and global demand for natural products on the rise, he argued that validated remedies could be commercialised both locally and internationally. “This is an opportunity waiting to be tapped,” he said. “Funding can come from government, the private sector, and international organisations like the Gates Foundation and Rockefeller Foundation.”

    The Federal Government has made some progress. These include creating a Department of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, publishing a Nigerian Herbal Pharmacopoeia, and compiling over 200 plants on the Nigerian Essential Medicinal Plants List. It has also partnered with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to set quality benchmarks and set up a ministerial committee on phytomedicine development and commercialisation. But challenges remain. Dr. Salako acknowledged the closure of the Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by the National Universities Commission in 2010 as a major setback. Reviving such an institution, he said, is part of ongoing reform efforts. “The COVID-19 pandemic reminded the world of the importance of resilient and diversified healthcare systems and reignited interest in natural remedies,” the minister said. “Nigeria and indeed the African continent must seize this momentum to bring traditional medicine to the global stage—with evidence as its passport.”

  • 16 states without oncologists, says NCS president

    16 states without oncologists, says NCS president

    • ‘Nigeria’s prostate cancer crisis worsens’

    Sixteen states in Nigeria currently do not have a radiation or clinical oncologist, the President of the Nigeria Cancer Society (NCS), Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, has said.

    The situation, he said, has forced patients to travel long distances for cancer care.

    The NCS president noted that even in states where oncologists are available, they are mostly overworked.

    Omonisi announced this at the opening ceremony of the Science of Advanced Prostate Cancer in Africa (SoAPCA) Conference 2025 in Lagos.

    The event is hosting experts, researchers, and policymakers from different parts of Africa who are addressing the growing burden of prostate cancer across the continent.

    “This is nothing short of a national emergency. Can you imagine that in a country of over 200 million people, we still have more than 16 states where no oncologist is available to treat patients? In some states, there is only one specialist covering entire regions, sometimes working from morning until late into the night because of the overwhelming demand.

    READ ALSO: Tinubu makes key appointments in Kano, Zaria Federal universities of education

    “Patients are left stranded or forced to travel hundreds of kilometers just to receive basic cancer care,” Omonisi said.

    Prostate cancer, the expert explained, has remained the number one cancer affecting Nigerian men of over 30 years, overtaking liver cancer. Yet, many men are still presenting with the disease at late and advanced stages.

    He said: “Prostate cancer is the leading cancer in Nigerian men, and what worries us most is the stage at which we are seeing our patients. Even among the highly educated and influential, diagnosis often comes too late. The stigma, the fear, and the reluctance of men to seek help until they are completely down is costing us lives.”

    Omonisi faulted Nigeria’s funding allocation for cancer care, describing it as “grossly inadequate”.

    Ge added: “In the entire 2025 federal budget, only N150 million was set aside for three cancers: breast, cervical, and prostate. How do we expect to treat thousands of patients across Nigeria with that kind of provision?

    “The truth is that most Nigerians are paying for treatment out of their pockets, and the costs are staggering. Cancer drugs, surgery, and radiotherapy run into hundreds of thousands, sometimes millions of naira. How many families can afford that?”

    The NCS president urged the National Assembly to prioritise cancer funding in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, stressing that without substantial investment, the country risks losing more citizens to a preventable and manageable disease.

    “Other countries in Africa are supporting their patients with government-backed cancer funds. Nigeria must do the same. Cancer should not be a death sentence simply because of poverty,” he added.

    Beyond funding, Omonisi said many men still shy away from treatment due to fears of orchidectomy (surgical removal of the testes), one of the traditional approaches for advanced prostate cancer.

    “Some men are so afraid of losing their testicles that they delay going to the hospital, even when they have clear symptoms. But the truth is that medicine has advanced. Today, there are modern hormone therapies, radiotherapy, and targeted drugs that can manage prostate cancer without resorting to orchidectomy. Unfortunately, these options remain too expensive for many Nigerians,” he said.

    According to him, with early detection, prostate cancer can be managed for decades.

    “There are men who have lived with prostate cancer for more than 30 years. If it is detected early and monitored properly, patients can live their normal lifespan. It is not as aggressive as other cancers, like pancreatic cancer, which can claim lives within months. The key is awareness, screening, and timely treatment,” he said.

    Omonisi explained that shortage of oncologists is worsened by brain drain, with many Nigerian specialists relocating not only to Europe and the United States but also to neighboring African countries, like Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

    “In those countries, oncologists are paid between $6,000 and $7,000 monthly. Here in Nigeria, we pay less than $1,000. No one should expect doctors to stay and suffer when their colleagues across the border are earning seven times more. That is why we are losing our specialists, not just to the West but to West Africa itself,” Omonisi said.

    He called for special incentives to encourage oncologists to practice in underserved states rather than clustering in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, where nearly half of Nigeria’s specialists currently work.

  • President orders implementation of health insurance in MDAs

    President orders implementation of health insurance in MDAs

    • Fed Govt moves to expand coverage, cut out-of-pocket spending

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the compulsory implementation of health insurance across all Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in line with the provisions of the National Health Insurance Act (NHIA) 2022.

    In a new directive yesterday, the President ordered the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to circulate a service-wide instruction mandating strict compliance with the Act, which was passed three years ago but has yet to achieve national coverage.

    A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said the directive focuses on five key areas designed to expand health coverage, reduce out-of-pocket expenditures, and strengthen accountability in the public and private sectors.

    First, all MDAs are required to enrol their employees under the NHIA health insurance plan, while supplementary private insurance may also be taken up, where necessary, provided it aligns with the law.

    Secondly, any entity seeking to participate in public procurement processes must present a valid NHIA-issued Health Insurance Certificate. This certificate, the President stated, would be a mandatory eligibility requirement before continuing with procurement-related engagements.

    READ ALSO: Tinubu seeks NASS backing to fast-track State Police

    Thirdly, the directive stipulates that MDAs must demand valid NHIA Health Insurance Certificates as a precondition for issuing or renewing licences, permits, and other official approvals.

    To ensure transparency, the NHIA will develop a digital platform for easy verification of Health Insurance Certificates.

    This system is expected to streamline compliance checks and eliminate fraudulent documentation.

    Finally, all MDAs are mandated to collaborate with the NHIA in developing internal procedures to verify the authenticity of certificates and to ensure continuous compliance monitoring.

    President Tinubu also called for constructive dialogue with the private sector to ensure that businesses are not unduly burdened by the requirements.

    He stressed the importance of implementing the NHIA Act without delay.

    The NHIA Act, 2022, makes health insurance compulsory for all Nigerians and empowers the Authority to implement measures that guarantee universal health coverage.

  • How to prevent maternal death in Lagos, by MRH experts

    How to prevent maternal death in Lagos, by MRH experts

    Persistent maternal deaths can be prevented through urgent and timely medical intervention, enlightment programmes and public health extension services, Maternal and Reproductive Health (MRH) experts said on Wednesday. 

    The experts, Dr. Chiamaka Uwalaka and Mrs. Funmi Owoso, Programme Officer, extended the boundary of enlightment at the “2025 Iyaloju Participatory Forum” held at the College of Medicine, Idi-Araba, Surulere. 

    According to them, the awful statistics on reccurent death of women during pregnancy, labour and delivery are embarassing. 

    At the forum were health workers, community leaders and reprsentatives of groups and ibstitutions collaborating with the ‘MRH Collective.”

    Established in 2007 in Lagos by Prof. Bosede Afolabi, MRH aims at reducing maternal mortality and improving reproductive health. 

    Currently, it focuses on pregnant women in 12 local councils, including Mushin, Oshodi, Itire-Ikate, Iba and Somolu. 

    Read Also: How Nigerian men can help reduce maternal deaths

    At the forum, the “Iyaloju Project” and “Mama Base Programme”were reviewed and feedbacks collated on the effectiveness of the intervention. 

    Participants raised cogent questions which elicited professional responses and there were breakout sessions on the various challenges targetted by MRH. 

    Repesentatives from Safe Motherhood Initiative, Directorae of Medical Services and Disease Control and a heslth educator, Mrs. Sanmi Afolabi, also robbed minds with the participants. 

    Lamenting the high maternal mortality rate in the country, Owoso attributed it to financial barriers, socio-cultural vales and activities of unlicensed birth attendant centres. 

    She said pregnant women should be informed about where they can seek assistance for quality care safe delivery.

    Osowo said MRH outeaches have been sustained to combat ignorance among women and doctors are being trained to properly handle emergencies.

    She hail the success of the ‘Mama Base’ initiative, which focusses on vulnerable pregnant women who live alone without help. 

    The programme officer said MRH works with low income families to achieve safe delivery when they register with government health centres. 

    Owoso said: “In 2023, about 8 000 pregnant women were registered and 80 per cent delivered at the government-registered health centres. They also attended anti-natals. 99. 5 percent of the pregnant women delivered safely. 

    “We are now focusing on 12 local councils and our officers are looking for vulnerable pregnant women for registration. It is improper for women to die because they cannot afford less than N28,000 to take care of themselves.”

    Owoso spoke on mapping of areas of concentration, identification of targetted beneficiaries and linkages with government hospitals, where the cost of borne by the organisation.

    She also said the organisations has intensified its enlightment on living and nutrition in pregnancy, adding that follow-up is done by community extension workers.

    Urging pregnant women to embrace ‘Mama Base,’ Owoso added, “Mama Base tackles the probems of emergency. The goal is to arrange transportation for them to the hospitals. We also offer referral and advocacy programmes.”

  • Lagos communities urged to take ownership of PHCs

    Lagos communities urged to take ownership of PHCs

    Lagos State Advocacy Team on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (ATM) has called on communities in Ejirin area of Epe Local Government to take greater ownership of their primary health care centres (PHCs), rather than waiting for government intervention.

    The appeal was made during an advocacy visit led by the Lagos State Coordinator of the TB Network and the team lead for the ATM coordinators, Mrs. Meg Aipoh.

    The ATM initiative is coordinated by three civil society coalitions known as ATM Networks: the Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunisation and Nutrition (ACOMIN), the Tuberculosis (TB) Network, and the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN).

    Supported by Global Fund, the project is being implemented across 21 states in Nigeria, including Lagos, with the goal of strengthening health systems and improving the country’s response to HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.

    READ ALSO: Fed Govt: renewable energy open to local, foreign investors

    Aipoh urged community leaders to take ownership of primary health care centres (PHCs) in their communities to ensure sustainability and better service delivery.

     She said the project was being implemented in five local government areas of the state, with three community-based organisations (CBOs) working in each council to drive grassroots impact.

    Aipoh, addressing the Adetoyese Elejinrin of Ejirin Kingdom, Oba Rafiu Balogun and some of his kinsmen and women, said the primary goal of the intervention was to strengthen PHCs and encourage participation of community members in identifying and solving challenges facing the facilities.

    “The project is basically to strengthen primary health centres in Lagos State and ensure community members take ownership. Government cannot do everything. Government can build, but maintenance often becomes a problem. This is why we are involving the communities to take ownership and get them engaged in resolving issues identified in their PHCs,” she said.

    She noted that over the years, poor maintenance culture had affected the functionality of PHCs, leading to gaps in health care delivery.

    The new strategy, she said, seeks to build accountability, awareness and responsibility at the community level to ensure facilities are not abandoned or neglected.

    The state coordinator stressed that when communities became proactive in maintaining their health care centres, it not only ensured the centres remained functional, but also reduced the burden on the government.

    Reacting, Oba Balogun raised the alarm over what he described as decades of abandonment, lamenting that successive governments at the federal, state and local levels had failed to bring meaningful development to his community.

    The monarch lamented that since the creation of Lagos State in 1967, the community had not felt the impact of government in any meaningful way.

     “Between 1967 and now, there is no government presence of any type in Ejirin, not even local government presence. The community has no medical facility, no social services, nothing at all,” Oba Balogun said.

    The traditional ruler said he shouldered the responsibility of providing water for his people, spending huge amounts to pump borehole water for community use.

    “I am the one giving water to my community. I spend a lot of money to pump the borehole just to make sure people have water to drink. The condition is bad. What we want is for government at all levels to come and develop Ejirin,” he added.

    The Ekerin of Ejirin, Chief Lateef  Akinyemi, recalled that the only government intervention the community ever experienced was a water scheme initiated during the second term of former Lagos governor, Bola Tinubu. However, the scheme collapsed when the supply of diesel was discontinued, leaving the community without access to clean water.

    The Ejirin Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC), meant to cater for the health needs of residents, is also in a deplorable state.

    Investigations showed that the PHC has no midwife, no comfortable chairs for health workers, and is housed in a dilapidated building with broken ceilings. The only functional equipment is a solar-powered refrigerator provided by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) for vaccine preservation.

    Currently, the PHC is manned by just two nurses, two community health workers, one environmental officer, a health attendant, and a pharmacy technician — grossly inadequate for the population it is meant to serve.

    Oba Balogun said Ejirin people are not asking for luxury, but for the essentials every Nigerian community deserves.

    “We need water. We need functional health care. We need social services. Government should not forget us,” he said.

    The State Programme Officer for Civil Society for the eradication of TB Network in Nigeria on C19RM project, Mr. Taiwo Adakan, said the visit was prompted by challenges identified at the PHC by community-based organisations (CBOs) implementing the C19RM project in Ejirin community.

    The challenges, he said, ranged from poor awareness and misconceptions about health care services, to weak community participation in sustaining PHC infrastructure.

    “Money meant for primary health centres sometimes gets misused because communities remain silent. By creating awareness, we are helping residents to demand accountability from government and ensure facilities work for them,” he added.

    During the visit to Oloritun in Erepoto area of Epe, the team identified additional concerns, including poor lighting at PHCs, lack of burglary-proof security for facilities, and cases of gender-based violence (GBV).

    The programme officer said the project was not only about health service delivery, but also about strengthening community systems.

    “Our goal is to empower communities to protect their PHCs, demand accountability and contribute resources where necessary. This is how we can achieve lasting impact,” he said.

    Responding, a community leader at Oloritun in Erepoto, Chief Arijaya, appealed to government and stakeholders to come to the aid of Orepoto Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC), which he said is in urgent need of support to meet the health needs of residents.

     “I want to call on my people in the community and relevant authorities to support this programme so that we can progress in improving the centre. Government cannot do it alone. The PHC is here for us, but it needs our contributions and attention to grow,” he said.

  • Obasanjo, Pate, Abdulsalami launch health hub for affordable healthcare

    Obasanjo, Pate, Abdulsalami launch health hub for affordable healthcare

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, and former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, yesterday jointly launched the Care365 Health Hub.

    This is a tech-driven healthcare platform designed to bring affordable and quality medical services closer to underserved communities across Nigeria.

    Obasanjo described Care365 as a groundbreaking solution to Nigeria’s healthcare challenges, particularly in remote areas.

    “What we have here today is a game changer. For too long, our rural communities have been cut off from quality medical care because of distance and poverty.

    “This innovation will bring health services to people where they live. It is not just technology; it is a life-saving intervention,” he said.

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    Gen. Abdulsalami described the launch as a bold step towards equity.

    “This is a critical intervention. For decades, access to healthcare in rural communities has been a national challenge.

    “I am pleased to see a platform that combines technology, community engagement, and clinical expertise to address this gap. But we must ensure sustained support and investment for this initiative to thrive,” he said

    Prof. Pate said Care365 aligns closely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s ambitious health sector reform agenda.

    The minister said the administration’s health reforms focus on governance, primary healthcare expansion, unlocking the healthcare value chain, and health security.

    He said: “Nigeria’s health system is transforming. We are building a future where every Nigerian, regardless of where they live, can access affordable and quality care.

    “Technology, like Care365, will help us close gaps and strengthen our primary healthcare system.”

  • Healthcare initiative for the elderly debuts in Oyo

    Healthcare initiative for the elderly debuts in Oyo

    Mojisola Asabi Foundation has performed the groundbreaking for  Divine Grace Community Clinic, a medical facility designed for care of the aged and vulnerable groups in  Iberekodo, Igboora, Oyo State.

    The ceremony, at Olu-Aso Palace, attracted well-wishers, traditional leaders, community stakeholders, and residents.

    Divine Grace Community Clinic is a flagship project of the foundation, a non-profit and non-governmental institution improving lives of the most vulnerable through initiatives in elderly care, education, and women empowerment.

    The foundation said the project will bring quality healthcare closer to the rural community, reduce mortality rates, and make treatment more affordable and accessible, especially for the elderly who face difficulties travelling long distances for medical attention.

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    Soji Adeniji, managing director and chief executive officer of Oat Construction, and founder of the foundation said: “Our vision is that no elderly person should suffer or die because they cannot access healthcare. Divine Grace Clinic is built to serve as a beacon of hope for the old, the frail, and for everyone in this area.”

    The facility is expected to provide services with attention to geriatrics, among others.

    The 12-bed  clinic  can admit over 10 patients and it is expected to be completed by February  and open to public use.

    Traditional leaders, led by Olu-Aso of Iberekodo, Igboora; Oba Jamiu Badmus and community members described the initiative as timely, given challenges faced by the elderly in accessing medical facilities.

    Rev Sunday Johnson, MCN bishop of Ibarapa diocese, thanked the foundation, urging everyone to key into it by donating resources to ensure continuation of the project.

    Speakers hailed the foundation for prioritising welfare of the aged, which are ignored in rural healthcare planning.