The Nation Newspaper

Category: Health

  • FG to chart new path for immunization financing

    FG to chart new path for immunization financing

    To address longstanding challenges threatening Nigeria’s immunisation programmes, the federal government has convened the inaugural session of the Immunization Financing Policy Roundtable Series.

    This initiative is closely linked to the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), unveiled in December 2023, which seeks to reform the nation’s health system structures and secure sustainable funding for critical health services, particularly immunization.

    Dr. Tanimu Yakubu, Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, disclosed in Abuja yesterday that the session focused on the theme, “Sustainable Vaccine Financing in Nigeria’s Federal Arrangement.” According to him, the dialogue aims to tackle systemic issues that have historically weakened Nigeria’s efforts to achieve nationwide immunization coverage.

    The effort is being led by the Budget Office of the Federation in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). It has attracted technical and strategic support from key partners, including the World Bank, Gavi, Results for Development (R4D), and the Vaccine Network for Disease Control. The goal is to design innovative, domestically-driven financing models capable of sustaining the country’s immunization agenda.

    Despite dedicated national initiatives, current data shows that only 59 percent of Nigerian children aged 12-23 months are fully immunized—significantly below the World Health Organization’s target of 90 percent.

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    Alarmingly, about 3.1 million children within that age group have not received any vaccines at all. This reality, health policy experts say, makes a strong case for a more resilient, predictable, and adequately funded immunization structure that can effectively serve all regions under Nigeria’s federal system.

    Dr. Tanimu noted that during discussions at the roundtable, stakeholders observed that continued dependence on external donor support leaves Nigeria’s immunization programmes vulnerable to funding disruptions.

    They argued for a shift towards building a reliable domestic financing mechanism that draws from both national and subnational resources. Integrating immunization funding into broader health sector planning and budgeting processes was identified as a key step toward sustainability.

    The proposed financing blueprint draws examples from international models that have shown measurable results. Among these are National Immunization Funds adopted in countries like Vietnam and Indonesia, where dedicated funds ensure stable financing; earmarked taxes channelled into health priorities, a model that has supported immunization efforts in the Philippines and Thailand; and performance-based financing as practiced in Rwanda and Ethiopia, which ties funding to measurable improvements in vaccine coverage and program accountability.

    By studying and adapting these approaches to fit Nigeria’s unique governance and fiscal landscape, Dr. Tanimu Yakubu stated that policymakers believe the country can build an inclusive and lasting immunization financing model.

    The objective, they noted, is not only to secure immediate funding needs but to establish a multi-tiered framework that strengthens accountability and ensures consistent, long-term coverage.

    Ultimately, the roundtable marks the beginning of what government officials and health experts describe as a critical journey towards

  • Nigerian US-based scientist uncovers effects of sleep deficiency on humans

    Nigerian US-based scientist uncovers effects of sleep deficiency on humans

    A United States-based Nigerian sleep scientist, Jesujoba Olanrewaju, has warned that widespread sleep deficiency among Nigerians is contributing to rising cases of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and premature death.

    Olanrewaju, a doctoral researcher in the Department of Psychology at North Dakota State University, USA, disclosed that a comprehensive 2024 study of over 1,000 Nigerian adults across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) showed that most Nigerians scored just above 50 percent on standard sleep health metrics—a concerning trend with serious public health implications.

    He noted that the majority of Nigerians do not meet the recommended seven to nine hours of nightly sleep necessary for optimal health, stressing that poor sleep habits could have long-term health consequences.

    Presenting his findings at international conferences, including the Society of Behavioural Medicine in San Francisco and the Associated Professional Sleep Societies in Seattle, Olanrewaju highlighted stark disparities in sleep health across the country, with rural populations faring significantly worse.

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    He also observed that darker sleep environments were paradoxically linked to poorer sleep outcomes in both rural and urban communities in Nigeria—an outcome he attributed to contextual factors such as safety concerns, poverty, and irregular electricity supply, which often heighten stress and disrupt sleep.

    Olanrewaju emphasised the importance of treating sleep as essential to wellbeing—on par with food—and called on the Nigerian government to integrate sleep health into primary healthcare and national public health campaigns.

    “Research conducted in 2024 across the country showed that Nigerian adults are not sleeping well, which is deeply concerning given the adverse health effects. 

    “Most concerning was the widespread failure to achieve the recommended 7-9 hours of nightly sleep essential for optimal health.

    Olanrewaju, a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the Society of Behavioral Medicine, the World Sleep Society, the Nigerian Sleep Society, and the American Psychological Association whose research investigates sleep health in adults and seeks to promote positive health outcomes through behavioral sleep medicine said both government and individual should take action to address this crisis.

    “Governments should integrate sleep health into primary care and public health initiatives.”

     “Individuals should also treat sleep indispensably as food. When people sleep better, they are happier, healthier, and contribute more to economic progress. Society benefits when its members are well-rested.”

    “Sleep is a modifiable behaviour, implying that people can learn to improve it. Sleep interventions can benefit entire populations, ultimately leading to a healthier and more flourishing society.

    Olanrewaju opined that prioritising sleep health could be a cost-effective strategy for improving national health outcomes and economic productivity as communities grapple with the rise of non-communicable diseases

  • Reproductive Health: Public health experts seek shift from donor dependency to local action

    Reproductive Health: Public health experts seek shift from donor dependency to local action

    Governments, particularly at the sub-national level, have been urged to take greater ownership of reproductive health initiatives in light of dwindling donor support for programmes aimed at improving health outcomes.

    Public health experts and stakeholders from across the country stressed the urgent need for sustainable domestic financing to close access gaps, especially for women and young people.

    They expressed concern over Nigeria’s persistent underinvestment in family planning, citing a 97% drop in budgetary allocation over the past year and a contraceptive prevalence rate that remains stagnant at 15%.

    This was highlighted on Thursday during a high-level sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) policy dialogue hosted by Nigeria Health Watch (NHW) in Abuja, which focused on closing equity and access gaps in reproductive health services, particularly for women and girls, amid mounting economic challenges and declining donor support.

    NHW Managing Director, Vivianne Ihekweazu, while noting the aim of the dialogue is to explore strategic approaches that address the equity and access issues that so many young girls and women face across Nigeria, pointed out that despite being a nation of over 200 million people, Nigeria continues to under-invest in reproductive health, particularly family planning services.

    “Last year alone, there was a 97% drop in the budget allocated to sexual and reproductive health. This has a real-life impact, especially at the primary care level, where the commodities women and girls’ needs simply aren’t available,” she lamented.

    She explained how the shortage leads to unplanned pregnancies, stripping women of the autonomy to decide how many children to have.

    “The modern contraceptive prevalence rate in Nigeria is just around 15%, while the unmet need for family planning services stands at about 20%. That tells us clearly, we have serious gaps to close.

    “Unmet needs and unplanned pregnancies deny women the agency to control their lives. Beautiful roads are meaningless if our health systems fail,” she said, urging State governments to take ownership as donor funding declines.

    Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwatomi Coker, shared how her State is navigating the challenges by integrating a dedicated family planning budget line into its operational plan, leveraging the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), and gradually transitioning from donor dependence to self-reliance.

    She credited the ‘Business Unusual’ approach introduced by The Challenge Initiative (TCI) for guiding the state toward sustainable financing.

    “We’ve integrated this into our annual operational plans and state budgets. This allows us to know exactly what is needed, and then we mobilise resources domestically,” she said.

    Dr. Coker said Ogun leverages the BHCPF State budget releases, and even spending thresholds, adding, “We make use of the Commissioner’s and Executive Secretary’s approval limits to plug any immediate gaps.”

    On donor dependence, she noted, “Initially, partners like TCI covered most of the cost. But we’ve steadily increased the state’s share. In 2023 and 2024, we procured our commodities with support from UNFPA, and we plan to do so again this year.

    “Part of the profits from our Drug Management Agency’s drug sales also go into the family planning basket fund.”

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    Highlighting progress in capacity building, she said, “Our team can now forecast, report, and manage public funds. Local governments pre-position funds to support family planning, and traditional leaders help drive grassroots demand.

    “We’re on the right trajectory, but political will is still key.”

    Dr. Binyerem Ukaire, Director of Family Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, who delivered the keynote address, however, noted that the Federal government has not been complacent about addressing the issue while acknowledging that Nigeria has historically relied on external partners for up to 80% of family planning funding.

    Noting that recent donor cuts have exposed vulnerabilities, she added, “Thanks to the leadership of the Health Minister and support from President Tinubu, we’ve mobilised $200 million to maintain supply chains”.

    Resources from the BHCPF, the Gavi Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) fund, and the Global Financing Facility (GFF), according to her, have further boosted the country’s capacity.

    States like Lagos now have dedicated family planning budget lines, while initiatives such as Medicaid’s PVAC have secured an additional

    $6 million for logistics and procurement, she explained.

    She added that many policies need updating to reflect current realities, saying, “Our focus is now on implementation, ensuring services are integrated across schools, communities, and health facilities”.

    The panellists who discussed ‘Addressing Policy Implementation and Funding Gaps for SRHR Impact’ shared the same sentiment, as Pharm. Aminu Bashir, Permanent Secretary of Kano State’s Ministry of Health, shared the State’s success in establishing a Health Trust Fund that allocates a fixed portion of state and local revenue to reproductive health.

    According to him, Kano has introduced a N500 million budget line for family planning and partnered with the Gates Foundation in a tripartite funding structure.

    “Embedding family planning into our Annual Operational Plan ensures better alignment and sustained access,” he said.

    Dr. Taiwo Johnson, Director of TCI Nigeria, emphasised that Nigeria requires $45 million annually for contraceptives, but only 62% of that is funded, largely by donors. Stock-outs affect up to 70% of health facilities in some states.

    “Ogun, Kaduna, and Lagos have shown how institutionalising high-impact practices can drive local ownership and improve access,” he said.

    Mal. Ghali Dambazau Talle, from the Federal Ministry of Education, stressed the importance of youth-friendly, age-appropriate sexuality education.

    Through the Family Life and HIV Education (FLHE) curriculum, schools are equipping adolescents with the knowledge to make informed decisions, he added, revealing that a recent partnership between the Health and Education Ministries now ensures better integration of services in schools.

  • WAHO steps up efforts against Lassa fever

    WAHO steps up efforts against Lassa fever

    The West African Health Organization (WAHO) has convened a strategic communication workshop to address persistent communication gaps hampering effective regional health advocacy.

    The initiative which was in preparation for the 2nd ECOWAS Lassa Fever International Conference scheduled for September 8–12, 2025, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, according to WAHO, was informed by growing concerns that poor communication among stakeholders had led to delays and inefficiencies, particularly in activities related to the upcoming conference.

    The organization said the regional health advocacy workshop became imperative because of the burden of Lassa fever in the sub region, a viral hemorrhagic illness endemic to West Africa, with an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 cases and about 5,000 deaths annually.

    It is said to be caused by Lassa virus, an arenavirus known to be responsible for a severe hemorrhagic fever characterized by fever, muscle aches, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and chest and abdominal pain.

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness of 2-21 days duration that occurs in West Africa.

    Given this, WAHO stressed that the initiative was informed by growing concerns that poor communication among stakeholders had led to delays and inefficiencies, particularly in activities related to the upcoming conference.

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    The workshop, themed Bridging Communication Gaps for Effective Regional Health Advocacy, was designed to create a harmonized messaging approach, clarify roles and responsibilities, and develop a coordinated roadmap for health advocacy in West Africa.

    The two-day strategic communication workshop, convened in Abuja by Prof. Melchior Athanase Joël C. AISSI-led WAHO, brought together communication focal points from key stakeholder groups to assess the current communication landscape, identify barriers to effective coordination, and develop a unified communications strategy for the upcoming conference and future regional health advocacy efforts.

    The workshop highlighted the importance of effective communication in galvanizing political will, enhancing preparedness, and coordinating regional responses to disease outbreaks.

    Participants engaged in plenary sessions, breakout groups, and strategy-building exercises to develop practical, time-bound media engagement plans and shared calendars for the conference and future initiatives.

    Key expected outcomes included a joint analysis of communication bottlenecks, development of a harmonized communications strategy, creation of an activity roadmap, and establishment of a clear communication structure across ECOWAS Member States.

    Participants included representatives from the Coalition Secretariat Partners (CSP) such as Nigeria Health Watch, Bloom Public Health, and Corona Management Systems; WAHO technical teams; ECOWAS Communication Directorate; and task force communication leads from countries affected by Lassa Fever, including Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Benin, Togo, and host country Côte d’Ivoire.

    Participants lauded the workshop as timely. Harold Thomas from Sierra Leone said it was crucial for advancing regional coordination on Lassa Fever, while Donni Dickson noted the need for an earlier intervention but praised the effort as a step in the right direction.

  • Tajudeen, Saraki urge greater private sector investment in healthcare

    Tajudeen, Saraki urge greater private sector investment in healthcare

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen and former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki have reiterated the need for expanded healthcare service delivery in Nigeria, with increased private sector involvement and investment.

    Both leaders made the call in Abuja on Thursday during the commissioning of Ashmed Specialist Hospital, describing the new facility as a significant addition to the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

    Speaker Tajudeen conveyed the support of the legislature for the facility, saying it aligns with the Federal government’s healthcare delivery initiatives.

    Represented by the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control, Amobi Ogah, he said, “This effort directly complements the federal government’s drive to expand healthcare access for ordinary Nigerians.”

    While commending Dr. Audu for establishing the facility with critical medical specialities, the Speaker assured the hospital of continued collaboration from the National Assembly to support private-sector efforts that improve the nation’s healthcare delivery.

    Sen. Saraki, a medical doctor by training, praised the scale and quality of the hospital, noting the commitment required to develop such a project.

    He also acknowledged the founder, Dr. Musa Idowu Audu, for his vision and execution, noting, “As a doctor, I understand the effort and resources it takes to deliver a facility of this standard.

    “As a Kwaran, I’m proud that one of our own has delivered such a structure, not in his hometown, but here in the Federal Capital Territory”.

    Saraki also highlighted Dr Audu’s longstanding advocacy for improved healthcare policy and access, stressing that facilities like Ashmed must be part of a broader push toward universal health coverage.

    “Specialist centres like this are urgently needed across the country. I’m glad to see Ashmed working with Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) to expand access. For healthcare to be truly effective, it must be affordable to all, rich or poor.”

    He praised the scale of the new hospital, its advanced equipment, and the overall design, calling it “one of the top hospitals in Abuja.”

    Saraki, however, challenged the hospital’s management and staff to focus on sustaining service quality, noting, “Setting up a hospital is one part of the job; the harder part is maintaining high standards.

    “This hospital has set a strong foundation, and I hope to see it grow even further in the coming years”.

    The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, also commended Ashmed Specialist Hospital, Abuja, for its commitment to public service and its role in providing immediate care for accident victims.

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    Represented at the event, the Corps Marshal praised the hospital’s founder, who also operates Ashway Integrated Health Services, a national Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO), for applying the same high standards to both health insurance and hospital operations.

    “When we see the quality of care here, we have no doubt patronising this facility. I encourage everyone to enrol in health insurance, especially through Ashway, which guarantees access to services across Nigeria.”

    Noting that Ashmed Hospital is one of the few that accept road crash victims without hesitation, he conveyed the appreciation of the organisation on behalf of the officers and men of the FRSC, saying, “We sincerely thank the management. You are partners in saving lives and in nation-building.”

    He expressed hope that the hospital would become a reference point for quality healthcare in Abuja and beyond.

    Dr. Audu, Chairman of Ashmed Specialist Hospital, Abuja, said his decision to establish the health facilities in Nigeria was inspired by a desire to bring international healthcare standards home.

    He explained that the idea was conceived in 2012 during his work with the United Nations, where he served in global health programmes for over two decades.

    “Having worked in many countries, I saw what quality healthcare looked like. I asked myself, why can’t we replicate this in Nigeria?”

    In 2019, he launched the first Ashmed Specialist Hospital in Kaduna and the network has since expanded to Zaria, Sokoto, Gusau, and Kebbi.

    The Abuja centre, he said, was envisioned as a flagship, designed to set a benchmark for private specialist healthcare nationwide.

    “This is the Federal Capital Territory, we wanted a top-tier facility here to raise standards and encourage healthy competition, which ultimately benefits the public.”

    Dr. Audu noted that the hospital’s planning involved assembling experts in internal medicine, gynaecology, oncology, surgery, and other specialties, with some professionals contributing remotely or on a consultancy basis.

    “Our focus is not just buildings or equipment, it’s about skilled people and a service-driven culture. The best machines are useless without trained hands,” he asserted.

    The hospital also includes wellness spaces for non-patient visitors, promoting preventive care and stress relief, he added, noting that hospitals should not be for patients alone.

    Addressing the ‘Japa syndrome’, Dr. Audu said the facility’s quality has already inspired some doctors considering emigration to rethink their plans, noting that a conducive environment to thrive is already unfolding in the country.

    While urging Nigerian professionals and others with the resources and means in the diaspora to seriously consider investing in healthcare delivery in the country, Audu revealed that Ashmed Specialist Hospital is finalising staff onboarding ahead of its full operations.

    “This facility proves that high-quality, patient-focused healthcare is possible in Nigeria, led by Nigerians,” he noted.

    The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Hospital, Dr. James Olanrewaju, said the 100-bed facility is open to all patients, regardless of status or affiliation, emphasizing that the hospital was designed to be both accessible and affordable, including for the indigent.

  • Neglecting menstrual health puts girls at risk, say experts 

    Neglecting menstrual health puts girls at risk, say experts 

    Lack of menstrual health education and hygiene is silently affecting thousands of Nigerian girls, with medical experts warning that the impact extends far beyond stained uniforms and missed school days.

    To address the growing concern, Cerba Lancet Nigeria, a multinational clinical pathology organisation, has launched a sustained Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative focused on equipping schoolgirls with vital menstrual and reproductive health education.

    During an outreach held Thursday at Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Ojo, Lagos, which drew no fewer than 7,000 secondary schoolgirls, the Medical Director and Senior Pathologist of Cerba Lancet Nigeria, Dr Fred Obiajolu, said the programme aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3, which promotes good health and well-being, particularly for young girls.

     “Any society that suppresses the girl child never progresses,” Dr. Obiajolu said. “When a girl is healthy, the entire society benefits.”

    He explained that the project, now in its eighth year, is anchored on the belief that menstrual health is not just a hygiene issue but a developmental and societal one. 

    “We teach them not just about menstruation, but about their entire reproductive health. A girl who understands her body grows into a confident and healthy woman,” he added.

    The initiative, which has impacted thousands of girls since inception, aims to demystify menstruation, build self-esteem, and reduce stigma around menstrual health, barriers that often prevent girls from attending school or speaking up when they face reproductive health issues.

    “This is our way of giving back. It’s not just a programme, it’s a lifeline,” Dr. Obiajolu concluded.

    According to Head of Business Development at Cerba Lancet Nigeria, Mr Temitope Ambrose, the outreach forms part of a broader strategy by the company to ensure that no girl is left behind, regardless of location.

    “We don’t limit ourselves to urban areas. We reach into rural communities too. Sometimes we run the programme once a year, sometimes twice, it all depends on the needs we identify in the communities,” Ambrose said.

    Commandant of the school, Navy Captain Yakubu Haruna, described the outreach as “educative and necessary”, noting that it addressed hygiene, menstrual care, and safe practices.

    “This initiative answers questions our students have long needed clarity on, especially about managing their periods and understanding their bodies,” he said.

    He added that the school plans to build on the lessons through further sensitisation, debates, and peer education, particularly discouraging early sexual activity and promoting healthy menstrual practices.

    The School Matron, Mrs. Janet Musa, has described the menstrual health outreach as a “much-needed and life-shaping” intervention for adolescent girls.

    She noted that the workshop provided critical knowledge about menstrual cycles, hygiene, and common concerns like irregular periods or colour changes, helping to ease fear among first-timers.

    “The girls now understand their bodies better and know when not to panic. That knowledge is powerful,” she said.

    Mrs. Musa added that the school will sustain the impact through regular talks in hostels and assemblies to reinforce menstrual hygiene education.

  • WHO urges Nigeria, others to raise taxes on sugary drinks, alcohol, tobacco by 50%

    WHO urges Nigeria, others to raise taxes on sugary drinks, alcohol, tobacco by 50%

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called on Nigeria and other nations to raise taxes on sugary beverages, alcohol, and tobacco by at least 50 per cent over the next decade as part of a global strategy to tackle the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

    In a statement published on its website, the UN health agency said higher taxes would not only reduce the consumption of products linked to conditions like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease but also generate substantial revenue for critical sectors such as health, education, and social services.

    The recommendation is part of WHO’s new “3 by 35 Initiative,” which aims to increase the real prices of tobacco, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) by half through fiscal policies by 2035.

    Dr Jeremy Farrar, WHO’s Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, warned of the impact of these harmful products on global health. “The consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks is fueling an epidemic of non-communicable diseases that now account for over 75 per cent of global deaths,” he said.

    “Health taxes are one of the most efficient tools we have. They reduce harmful consumption and provide resources for health care. It’s time to act,” Farrar added.

    According to WHO, a 50 per cent price increase on these products could prevent up to 50 million premature deaths over the next 50 years. The initiative also targets the mobilisation of \$1 trillion in global revenue over the next decade.

    WHO also noted that despite progress in a few countries, many governments continue to grant tax breaks to industries that produce harmful products, undermining global public health efforts.

    It urged countries to review such incentives and long-term deals that block tobacco tax reforms, warning that such policies jeopardise national health goals.

    Between 2012 and 2022, over 140 countries increased tobacco taxes, leading to more than a 50 per cent rise in product prices.

    Countries like Colombia and South Africa have recorded both reduced consumption and increased revenues after introducing health taxes.

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    In Nigeria, the National Sugar Tax Coalition has advised the Federal Government to adopt findings from a local simulation study, which projects that raising the current SSB tax from N10 to N130 per litre could save thousands of lives from sugar-related illnesses.

    The “3 by 35” plan outlines key steps for countries to adopt, including raising excise taxes to reduce the affordability of harmful products such as tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks; mobilising domestic funds to support universal health coverage and broader development goals; and fostering strong cross-sector collaboration among ministries of health and finance, civil society, and academic institutions to design and implement effective, evidence-based health tax policies.

    The WHO called on civil society, development partners, and governments to commit to the Initiative and pursue “smarter, fairer taxation” to protect public health and drive progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

  • Duchess Hospital vows to raise care standards after NHEA 2025 win

    Duchess Hospital vows to raise care standards after NHEA 2025 win

    Duchess International Hospital has reaffirmed its commitment to raising healthcare standards in Nigeria after being named Private Tertiary Healthcare Facility of the Year for the second consecutive year at the prestigious 11th Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards (NHEA). The award ceremony took place on June 27 at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre in Lagos, where leaders from across Nigeria’s health sector gathered to celebrate excellence, innovation, and impact.

    In his opening remarks, Dr. Anthony Omolola, Chairman of the NHEA Advisory Board, noted that the 2025 edition received over 35,000 nominations from public and private health institutions across the country. He described the evaluation process as rigorous, involving detailed verification and field assessments by the NHEA’s independent audit and visitation teams. Receiving the award, Dr. Adetokunbo Shitta-Bey, Chief Executive Officer of Duchess International Hospital, expressed his deep appreciation to the organisers and stakeholders for recognising the hospital’s ongoing efforts to deliver accessible, world-class healthcare. “Winning this award for the second consecutive year is a significant validation of the work being done every day by our dedicated medical and non-medical teams. It reflects our mission to reverse medical tourism and to offer Nigerian patients the same high standard of care they might seek abroad—right here at home,” Dr. Shitta-Bey said.

    Opened in October 2021 and located in Ikeja GRA, Lagos, Duchess International Hospital is a 100-bed, multi-specialist facility that aims to set new benchmarks in clinical quality, patient experience, and integrated service delivery. The hospital was commissioned by former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who lauded it at the time as a model for affordable, top-tier healthcare in Nigeria.

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    Dr. Adedoyin Dosunmu-Ogunbi, the hospital’s Medical Director, reiterated the central role of values in the hospital’s success. “At Duchess, we pride ourselves on professionalism, hard work, and a deeply embedded culture of patient-centred care. This award reinforces our belief that these values deliver results.”

    Healthcare professionals and policymakers alike have raised concerns over the billions of dollars lost annually to medical tourism. It is estimated that Nigeria loses over $1.3 billion each year as citizens travel abroad in search of better healthcare services. Dr. Shitta-Bey addressed this issue head-on during his remarks at the awards. “Nigerians deserve better. They deserve access to the highest standards of care without the need to fly to Europe, America, or India. Our answer is a resilient healthcare model that fuses advanced medical technology, global clinical expertise, and compassionate care—delivered right here in Nigeria,” he said.

    Reflecting on the significance of winning the Private Tertiary Healthcare Facility of the Year award in both 2024 and 2025, Dr. Shitta-Bey described it as “a powerful endorsement of the courage, consistency, and commitment of the Duchess team.” He dedicated the award to all members of staff, patients, and stakeholders who have placed their trust in the institution over the last four years. “This honour belongs to every single member of our team and to every patient who walked through our doors and allowed us to care for them.”

    The NHEA is widely regarded as the gold standard of healthcare recognition in Nigeria. Organised annually, the event recognises individuals and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to the health sector. Categories span public and private institutions, innovation, research, pharmaceutical excellence, and frontline care delivery.

  • Expert lists how clinical workflow optimisation can transform healthcare delivery

    Expert lists how clinical workflow optimisation can transform healthcare delivery

    As Nigeria’s health sector continues to grapple with limited infrastructure, overburdened staff, and rising patient loads, a leading expert says the solution lies not just in more funding or personnel—but in clinical workflow optimisation. Dr. George Komolafe, a clinician-turned-clinical informatics specialist and Assistant Lecturer in Health Informatics, believes that streamlining care processes through digital innovation and smarter system design can radically transform healthcare delivery across the country.

    “Workflow optimisation isn’t about buying expensive technology,” says Dr. Komolafe. “It’s about removing delays, reducing errors, and helping health workers focus on what matters most—caring for patients.”

    Based on years of experience bridging bedside care and health IT in both the United States and Nigeria, Dr. Komolafe outlines several key ways workflow optimisation can revolutionise clinical practice, especially in resource-constrained environments. Clinical workflow optimisation involves evaluating and redesigning the sequence of tasks that healthcare workers perform. In high-income settings like the U.S., hospitals use methods such as Lean and Six Sigma to remove inefficiencies from patient care routines. “Here in Nigeria, you don’t need complex frameworks to make an impact,” Komolafe explains. “Digitising something as basic as referral forms or standardising triage sheets can cut hours off patient waiting times and reduce frustration for staff.”

    According to Dr. Komolafe, many Nigerian hospitals still rely heavily on paper records, which slow down care and increase the risk of lost information. “Patients fill forms by hand. Lab results are printed and physically delivered. That leads to delays, duplication, and mistakes,” he notes. In contrast, his work in U.S. hospitals connected lab instruments directly to digital systems, cutting turnaround times nearly in half. He suggests Nigerian facilities can use open-source platforms like DHIS2 or OpenMRS, linking them with lab tools to reduce reliance on paper and speed up service delivery.

    Dr. Komolafe points out that full-scale electronic health records (EHRs) aren’t always necessary. Simple innovations, such as mobile checklists or offline data collection apps, can make a huge difference in rural or semi-urban settings. “In some U.S. rural clinics, we used tablets with offline checklists. Nurses would capture vitals and symptoms, then sync data when internet was available,” he says. “In Nigeria, a community health worker could do the same in a remote village—catching red flags early without relying on constant connectivity.”

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    A recurring lesson from Komolafe’s work is that successful digital transformation is more about people than software. He stresses the importance of engaging frontline health workers in designing and implementing workflow changes. “You can buy the best system in the world, but if staff don’t use it, it’s worthless,” he says. “In Boston, we had nurses, lab techs, and IT staff map out how things really worked. In Nigeria, local champions—senior nurses, department heads—should co-create digital tools so they reflect real-world needs.”

    For any optimisation effort to succeed, progress must be measured. Dr. Komolafe recommends identifying key performance indicators—like average wait time, lab turnaround, or error rates—and tracking them regularly. “In one U.S. hospital, we used a live dashboard that updated every hour. Lab delays dropped 30 per cent in a month,” he recalls. “Nigerian hospitals could set up simple dashboards using Power BI or even Excel, hosted locally. Weekly tracking creates accountability and motivates teams.”

    Nigeria doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel. Komolafe advocates for adapting proven quality frameworks, such as Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles, to local contexts. “In the U.S., we used PDSA to test changes—like moving antibiotic carts closer to patient rooms. We’d try it for a week, get feedback, and adjust,” he says. “Nigerian hospitals can pick a problem—like slow patient check-ins—test a small change, and iterate. It’s low-cost and effective.”

    One major inefficiency in many Nigerian hospitals is the lack of integration between systems—labs, pharmacies, billing, and clinical departments often work in isolation. “When your lab and pharmacy systems don’t talk to the main EHR, you get transcription errors, duplicate tests, and lost orders,” Dr. Komolafe warns. “Even simple data exchanges—like HL7 interfaces or nightly CSV imports—can streamline care and reduce adverse drug events.”

    Infrastructure limitations like unreliable power and poor internet connectivity are realities for many Nigerian health facilities. But Dr. Komolafe insists that innovation is still possible. “We can’t wait for perfect infrastructure,” he says. “We can use solar-powered backups for servers and offline-first apps that store patient data locally and sync when the network is up. That way, power outages don’t bring care to a halt.”

    While standardisation helps improve data quality and patient safety, Dr. Komolafe says Nigerian hospitals must also allow room for local adaptation. “In the U.S., we have a ‘core’ workflow that all sites follow, with room to adjust non-critical elements,” he explains. “Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health could do the same—standardise core data elements, then let state-level clinics customise for local diseases or practices.”

    Looking ahead, Komolafe is optimistic about what’s possible. “In the U.S., AI tools now flag patients at risk before things go wrong. Nigeria can leapfrog into that future by combining mobile health, cloud dashboards, and telecom partnerships to reach even remote clinics.” Ultimately, Dr. Komolafe believes the path forward isn’t just digital—it’s strategic. “When we equip Nigerian health workers with smart, user-friendly tools—and when we support them with the right training and feedback loops—we create a system where every second counts, and every patient benefits.”

  • ‘Why Nigeria must not lose gains in fight against river blindness’

    ‘Why Nigeria must not lose gains in fight against river blindness’

    As Nigeria reaches a critical milestone in the elimination of onchocerciasis—commonly known as river blindness—health experts are warning that the country must not lose focus, despite the progress made. Speaking during the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR)’s Monthly Media Chat in Lagos, Dr. Babatunde Adewale, Director of Research at NIMR, revealed that transmission of river blindness has been interrupted in at least 10 states, including Kaduna, Nasarawa, Anambra, and Abia. Yet, over 50 million Nigerians remain at risk, particularly in hard-to-reach rural areas. “Onchocerciasis is caused by Onchocerca volvulus, transmitted through the bite of infected blackflies. It is the second leading cause of infectious blindness globally,” Adewale said. He emphasised that Nigeria’s success—moving from control to elimination—is backed by robust scientific data, community-led treatment, and strong partnerships.

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    Adewale highlighted that the disease’s interruption is determined through testing children under age 10 in treated communities. “If they test negative, it shows the parasite is no longer being transmitted,” he said. In these areas, mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin, a donated and effective treatment, has been ongoing for over a decade. “Our lab collects and tests over 3,000 blood samples per community using the OV-16 antigen test. If positivity falls below 0.1per cent, transmission is considered interrupted,” he added.

    Despite progress, challenges persist. Insecurity hinders access in some regions, and only Lagos and Rivers remain officially non-endemic. Still, Nigeria is on track for full elimination by 2030, Adewale confirmed, with post-treatment surveillance already underway in several zones. He praised the community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) model as a tool of empowerment. “Villagers are trained to deliver treatment themselves. This model brings dignity, autonomy, and hope to communities once devastated by blindness and stigma.”

    Dr. Kazeem Osuolale, another NIMR researcher, called for stronger community engagement and economic support. “Health interventions must be people-centered. Empowered people are more likely to comply with treatment.”

    As WHO monitors Nigeria’s progress, experts stress that the country is closer than ever to eliminating river blindness. But they warn: sustained investment, surveillance, and public education are crucial to ensure the disease does not return. “We are at a tipping point,” said Adewale. “Now is the time to finish what we started.”