The Nation Newspaper

Category: Health

  • Our medical mission model for all times – Ajala

    Our medical mission model for all times – Ajala

    The Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos, Hon Rasaq Ajala, has described the council’s free medical mission programme as a model for effective and impactful grassroots health care initiative.

    The LCDA boss made this submission while fielding questions from a media team.

    “Our free medical nission was conceived and carefully executed in these past seven years plus with the single objective of ensuring that our people have access to quality medical care at little or no costs. 

    “Through it, and in collaboration with some health care organisations, we embarked on a programme of free consultation, free screening and free treatment of health related challenges such as hypertension, maternal and child health, ante natal, post natal,  nutrition and surgeries for the elderly.

    “Not only that. Our free eyes glasses, and free eye surgeries programme have impacted so much on the lives of our people, and its success has been acknowledged by all.”

    Beneficiaries attested to the successes of the Ajala- led administration’s free medical mission, citing the last free eye glasses programme in which over 200 residents were attended to.

    Nearly 100 people were said to have benefitted from the Free Eye surgery programme at a huge cost to the LCDA.

    The initiative boasts of a mobile clinic scheme, a programme executed through medical ambulances and medical personnel who take free and quality health care to the doorsteps of the people of the lcda

    “Through this programme, we take free medical care to the elderly and the weak who may not be able to go to the Primary Healthcare Centres in our Council,” the LCDA boss stated. 

    The  administration also embarked on the provision of free health insurance under a scheme conceived to ensure people have access to Medical care in all circumstances, including medical emergencies.

    Under the free medical Mission initiative,  people with disabilities are given  priority, with a scheme designed to take care of their special medical needs.

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    “Honestly, the free health initiative of the LCDA is truly a model worthy of emulation by all councils in the country. The initiative has been rated as highly successful by the people because so many people have benefited from different aspects of the programme and access to health care here is seamless and at little or no costs,” a nurse and mother of two Helen Omogui, who resides in Coker Street, Ilupeju stated. 

    The LCDA boss stated that the free medical mission initiative forms a part of a comprehensive healthcare programme that places emphasis on the provision of quality healthcare through the upgrading of the existing health centres and providing modern medical equipment and essential drugs.

    “It comes as a total healthcare package, and  we have pursued the initiative with great vigour and, to God be the glory, we are not in doubts that we are leaving behind a legacy that will for long be remembered by our people in the health sector,” said  Ajala.

    Indeed, this may well be so. Investigations show that the Rasaq Ajala led lcda embarked on massive reconstruction and and equipping of many Primary Health Centres, PHCs and of particular note are those at Coker, Ayantuga, Anikulapo and Kajola.

    A resident of Ajisegiri community, Ganiyu Oluade, said: ” To call that facility a Primary Health Centre is a misuse of terms.  That Centre compares favourably with many general hospitals and the equipment and facilities therein are far more modern and more sophisticated than what you have in many  general hospitals. Honourable Rasaq Ajala will forever be appreciated by the people of this community for this project.”

  • Lagos builds psychiatric hospital to tackle gambling, others

    Lagos builds psychiatric hospital to tackle gambling, others

    As part of response to the rising mental health toll of gambling addiction and related behavioral disorders, the government of Lagos State  is building a 500-bed psychiatric hospital with a 1,000-bed rehabilitation wing.

    It is the largest of its kind in West Africa.

    Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi stated this at the Gamble Alert’s Responsible Gaming symposium in Lagos.

    Represented by the Head of Special Projects and Mental Health at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Tolu Ajomale,  Abayomi said: “This is a strategic investment directed by Mr. Governor to strengthen our mental healthcare system and address gambling as a growing public health concern.”

    The announcement marks Lagos’ boldest policy shift yet in confronting the health risks of Nigeria’s fast-expanding gaming industry, especially for vulnerable youth and low-income earners.

    Recognising gambling as a legal, revenue-generating activity, Prof. Abayomi warned it comes with hidden costs, addiction, depression, and social instability.

    He praised Gamble Alert’s advocacy and emphasized the need for industry-wide harm-reduction strategies, including stricter regulation of online platforms.

    READ ALSO; June 12: Remembrance and omissions

    “Operators must provide self-exclusion tools, but right now these are optional for users,” he added. “We’re working to standardize these safeguards and enforce them through robust regulatory frameworks.”

    The commissioner also announced plans to develop a centralised national database to track gambling-related mental health cases, data that is currently fragmented across hospitals, regulators, and gaming providers.

    To reach underserved communities, Lagos is ramping up grassroots sensitisation through roadshows, flyers, local radio, and outreach campaigns, particularly in informal urban areas where gambling thrives unchecked.

    “We’re committed to working with NGOs, regulators, and community groups to make responsible gaming the norm,” Prof Abayomi said.

    Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Gamble Alert, Mr Fisayo Oke, said the event aimed to spark meaningful dialogue and drive policy reforms.

    “Responsible gaming is not optional, it’s a business imperative. Protecting consumers ensures long-term sustainability for the industry.” He said.

    Oke stressed that while eliminating gambling-related harm entirely may be unrealistic, coordinated efforts can significantly reduce its impact.

    He urged regulators and operators to adopt preventive tools, enforce safeguards, and invest in consumer protection.

    Oke also highlighted the dual responsibility of both the industry and the public. “Players must understand how to gamble responsibly, while operators must build safer platforms,” she said.

    With Nigeria’s gaming sector booming, Oke called for urgent, deliberate policy shifts to mitigate risks, particularly among young and vulnerable populations.

    “The conversation must lead to action,” he said. “Everyone, government, industry, and civil society, has a role to play.”

    Director General of the Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board, Olajide Boladuro, warned Nigerian youths against seeing gambling as a shortcut to success, stressing its link to addiction, debt, and mental health crises.

    “Gambling is not a path to prosperity,” he said during a responsible gaming advocacy event. “Our youths should focus on productive ventures, not betting kiosks.”

    Boladuro highlighted Oyo’s regulatory reforms since 2023, including stricter licensing, accountability for operators, and enforcement modeled after international standards.

    He cited the UK’s £5 million fine on a betting firm for underage gambling as a benchmark Oyo aims to emulate.

    To broaden awareness, the board has expanded outreach into rural areas like Fopa and Igbo Elerin through roadshows, radio campaigns, and community education, backed by resources from Governor Seyi Makinde.

    Warning about the severe mental toll of gambling, Boladuro said early intervention is crucial. “Depression, anxiety, even suicide, these are real outcomes,” he noted, urging youths to treat gambling as leisure, not income.

    He called for more collaboration between government, civil society, and gaming operators to push financial literacy, mental health awareness, and industry compliance. “Gambling is not a job,” he said. “It’s just a game, and it should stay that way.”

    The symposium convened health experts, regulators, gaming operators, and advocates to chart a new path for safer gambling practices in Nigeria.

  • UNICAL clinical lecturers down tools over VC selection

    UNICAL clinical lecturers down tools over VC selection

    Clinical lecturers at the University of Calabar have commenced indefinite withdrawal of their services over what they describe as deliberate exclusion from the ongoing selection process for the institution’s next Vice Chancellor.

    The decision conveyed in a letter dated 13th June 2025 and addressed to the Vice Chancellor was issued under the auspices of the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), University of Calabar Teaching Hospital chapter. 

    The group said its members have been unjustly disenfranchised following the publication of an advertorial in a national newspaper on May 27, 2025, which it claims effectively bars clinical lecturers from applying for the top job.

    According to the letter, signed by MDCAN Chairman Dr. Patience Odusolu and Secretary Dr. Ehiosun Aigbomian, the group had earlier submitted memos to the University’s Governing Council on June 2 and June 9, demanding a retraction of the advertorial and the issuance of an inclusive notice. However, they said the Council failed to respond.

    “The continued silence and inaction by the Governing Council is a breach of our fundamental rights to aspire for the position of Vice Chancellor,” the lecturers stated, adding that three weeks had already passed since the advert was released, effectively reducing the application window and denying them equal opportunity.

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    In protest, the clinical lecturers declared that total and indefinite withdrawal of their academic services has commenced, pending the withdrawal of the original advert, publication of a new inclusive one, and extension of the application deadline to accommodate all qualified candidates.

    They also demanded the immediate suspension of the ongoing selection process.

    The protest letter has been copied to key education authorities including the Minister of Education, the National Assembly’s Education Committees, the Pro-Chancellor, the Registrar of the University, and professional medical bodies such as the Nigerian Medical Association and MDCAN national leadership.

    At the University of Uyo, the MDCAN has issued a strongly worded petition to the Governing Council, protesting a similar advert published on May 29, which also mandates a PhD for applicants. 

    In their letter, signed by Dr. Ibiok Usendiah (Chairman) and Dr. Solomon Bassey (Secretary), the association condemned the criteria as deliberately exclusionary and impractical.

    The union gave the Governing Council a two-week ultimatum ending July 1, 2025, to act or face the resumption of its suspended industrial action.

    They aggrieved clinical lecturers noted that postgraduate medical fellowships, achieved after an additional 6 to 7 years of specialized training serve as the standard academic qualification for clinical lecturers and are endorsed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Federal Ministry of Education. 

    The group also criticised requirements in the advert for at least ten journal publications in the past two years and 20 years of uninterrupted teaching, which they described as impractical and “punitive, especially for academics who have taken sabbaticals, study leave, or secondments.

    Complicating matters at UNIUYO is a recent leadership vacuum. MDCAN revealed that the Pro-Chancellor initially appointed to lead the process, Major General Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd.), declined the role. 

    In his absence, Prof. Hauwa Biu reportedly served as Acting Chairperson of the Governing Council and oversaw the release of the now-disputed advert.

    The MDCAN chapter warned that if the advert is not withdrawn and revised to accommodate both PhD and Fellowship holders, they may be forced to resume their previously suspended strike. 

    The union noticed a seemingly possible national pattern of disenfranchisement, citing similar incidents at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, where an exclusionary selection process reportedly triggered unrest and required presidential intervention. 

    They, however, also pointed to federal institutions like Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Benin as examples of best practice, where inclusive VC selection criteria have been adopted.

    “Agitations against discrimination of Medical Doctors in the conventional universities has led to the recent creation of Universities of Health Sciences in the country with Medical Doctors as Vice Chancellors while Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) has been created to cater for the needs of Medical Doctors still teaching in conventional universities as ASUU appeared not to be protecting our interests. 

    “Agitations for the carving out of Colleges of Health Sciences from conventional universities to form autonomous Universities of Health Sciences with their own Vice Chancellors may begin to gather steam in view of all these discriminatory policies by the Governing Councils against Medical Doctors. 

    “We wish to use this medium and appeal to you to use your good offices and address these discriminatory policies that were churned out by the Governing Council before your appointment so as to accommodate all sectors of the academia within the next two weeks before expiration of the six weeks advertisement period.  

    “Our Association will convene on the 1st of July 2025 to review developments and 

    take appropriate actions. 

    “We cannot guarantee industrial harmony in the University if these discriminatory policies are not reversed bearing in mind that our strike action that was suspended by the Nigerian Medical Association to allow the University Management to address some pressing issues is still active,” the letter reads in part. 

  • Beyond snacks: Three best nuts to improve liver function

    Beyond snacks: Three best nuts to improve liver function

    Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are among the top nuts for supporting liver function, thanks to their nutrient-dense profiles, according to health experts.

    A study published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine found that regular consumption of nuts may help lower liver enzyme levels, decrease the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and potentially prevent the development of hepatitis.

    Here are the three best nuts to include in your diet for a healthier liver:

    1. Almonds

    Almonds are rich in vitamin E, healthy fats, and antioxidants—all of which support optimal liver function. These nutrients aid in fat metabolism within the liver and help prevent fat accumulation, a major contributor to fatty liver disease. By promoting efficient fat processing, almonds can reduce the risk of liver-related conditions.

    2. Walnuts

    Walnuts are a powerful source of omega-3 fatty acids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties that benefit liver health. These healthy fats help lower liver inflammation and create a more balanced internal environment. In addition, walnuts are packed with antioxidants that protect liver cells from damage. When consumed in moderation, walnuts can play a key role in preserving liver function and reducing inflammation.

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    3. Pistachios

    Pistachios contribute to liver health by improving lipid metabolism through the regulation of genes involved in fat processing in both the liver and adipose tissue. This makes them effective in helping prevent fatty liver disease. They are also high in antioxidants, which shield liver cells from oxidative damage and lipid peroxidation—processes linked to liver and kidney damage.

    * While nuts provide impressive benefits for liver health, moderation is key. Excessive consumption can lead to weight gain, which may negatively impact liver function. It’s also important to choose unsweetened or low-sugar varieties to help avoid blood sugar spikes. Before making significant dietary changes—especially if you have diabetes or other health conditions—consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized guidance.

  • AHF empowers young men with reignited Boys2Men programme

    AHF empowers young men with reignited Boys2Men programme

    In addition to celebrating children across Africa as the hope and future of the continent, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria is marking this year’s Day of the African Child – under the theme ‘Be the Hero of Your Health’ – with the revitalization of AHF’s Boys2Men program. 

    Observed annually on June 16, the Day of the African Child commemorates the 1976 Soweto Uprising – when students in South Africa marched in protest of poor-quality education and demanded teaching instruction in their languages – and were violently suppressed by police forces.

    In a statement, the foundation said: “This renewed commitment aims to boost visibility, awareness, and action for adolescent boys and young men (ABYM) in HIV, Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) programming across the continent.

    “While global and regional efforts have made substantial strides in reducing HIV incidence, ABYM in Africa continue to be left behind, as they are notably underrepresented in HIV testing, prevention, and treatment services in sub-Saharan Africa. 

    “Compared to young women, ABYM often start treatment late and have lower adherence, resulting in poorer health outcomes and higher transmission risk. Launched in 2018, AHF’s Boys2Men program addresses these gaps by promoting positive masculinity, early testing and treatment initiation, and stigma-free care for ABYM.

    “For too long, adolescent boys and young men have been the invisible demographic in the fight against HIV,” said AHF Africa Bureau Chief Dr. Penninah Iutung. “Harmful gender norms teach them that seeking help is a sign of weakness, and stigma keeps them silent—even when their lives are at risk. Revitalizing our Boys2Men program is a bold step to change that narrative by empowering young men to take control of their health, access the care they need, and redefine what it means to be strong.”

    “In Nigeria, AHF Nigeria will host a football match between the AHF boys and the soccer team of the Waru Community, Abuja. 

    “The Waru community in Abuja is home to one of AHF Nigeria’s facility, as the community also boasts of a Community Advocacy Club, AHF Africa Bureau flagship grassroots advocacy initiative.

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    “The football match will take place on Saturday June 21st and presents an opportunity to engage young boys on building positive masculinity and being resilient in the face of multiple environmental factors that young boys are faced with today.

    “The 2025 Day of the African Child commemoration is an intelligent response to the quiet but consistent yearnings of our boys who have long desired a structured interface to engage and positively deal with the peculiar challenges boys are faced with growing up in our terrain and I am happy we are able to revitalize the Boys2Men program for the benefit of adolescent boys and young men (ABYM), who will find the program’s offering exceptional to their growth” said Dr. Echey Ijezie, AHF Nigeria Country Program Director (CPD).

    “Since 2022, AHF has used the Day of the African Child to amplify calls for youth-friendly HIV services, CSE, SRHR, and stronger public policies addressing gender-based violence and teenage pregnancy. 

    “This year, in addition to on-the-ground interventions such as HIV testing, condom distribution, and other outreach efforts, the Day of the African Child events will reaffirm AHF’s commitment to ensure ABYM are not left behind.

  • Lagos, Ebonyi to benefit from UK funded health research project

    Lagos, Ebonyi to benefit from UK funded health research project

    Ebonyi and Lagos states have been selected for the improving equity in respiratory disease outcomes using data-driven tools (EQUI-RESP Africa Project).

    The Vice Chancellor of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Ebonyi State, Professor Jesse Uneke stated this at the flag-of of the project in Ebonyi.

    The event took place at the the Institute of Child Health (ICH), Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA).

    Prof Uneke identified respiratory diseases as the cause of acute and chronic morbidity and mortality in Africa.

    Uneke, who is the Ebonyi state team lead of the project, said respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia in children and adults, asthma, and lung cancer were prevalent in the region.

    He explained that the project is multi-country and implemented in five African countries incuding Nigeria, Kenya, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, and South Africa. 

    According to him, Ebonyi and Lagos states were the only states selected for the project in Nigeria.

    “The funding support is from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) United Kingdom and coordinated by the University of Edinburgh, UK”, he said 

    Uneke observed that there was limited health systems’ capacity for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the respiratory diseases and large inequities in the outcomes of the diseases. 

    “It is well established that respiratory diseases,such as chronic obstrutive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia in children and adults, asthma, and lung cancer, are all prevalent in Nigeria as in the remaining four target African countries. 

    “Although these respiratory diseases cause a very large burden of both acute and chronic morbidity, as well as mortality in Nigeria, there is limited health systems’ capacity for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. 

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    “Furthermore, there are large inequities in the outcomes of these diseases. They are worst among the poor, who do not have access to affordable and quality healthcare”, he said.

    He noted that the project will provide some critical equipment for the use in the detection/diagnosis of some respiratory diseases and also provide free treatment to up to 1000 patients across the six target health facilities in Ebonyi State within the four-years duration of the project. 

    “In this effort, we will harness a large body of work that has already been invested in the development, validation, implementation and training for the use of the tools such as Equitable Impact Sensitive Tool (EQUIST) and the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) method. 

    “We will also pilot and validate the “Pathways to Survival” (PATHS) tool, a novel tool based on decision science, that identifies key bottlenecks in intervention delivery. 

    “The goal is to achieve demonstrable and equitable reductions in morbidity and mortality from respiratory diseases through improvements in interventions and policies derived from data-driven tools”, the Vice Chancellor said. Ends

  • Roche Diagnostics advocates stronger blood infrastructure ahead of World blood donation day

    Roche Diagnostics advocates stronger blood infrastructure ahead of World blood donation day

    As Africa marks World Blood Donor Day on June 14, 2025, Dr Allan Pamba, Executive Vice President for Diagnostics, Africa at Roche Diagnostics is calling for urgent investment in blood systems and diagnostics to prevent avoidable deaths.

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the average blood donation rate in high-income countries is 31.5 donations per 1,000 people. In low-income countries, many of them in Africa, that number drops to just 5.0 per 1,000.

    The disparity means patients in trauma units, maternity wards, and cancer centres are regularly unable to receive life-saving transfusions.

    “This is not just a medical supply issue — it’s a systemic public health failure,” said Pamba. “Every day, people die not because we lack treatments, but because we lack safe, screened blood when it’s needed most.”

    Blood transfusions are critical in treating complications from childbirth, injuries, surgeries, and diseases such as leukaemia or sickle cell anaemia. But supply gaps are only part of the problem. Ensuring the safety of the blood is just as important — and equally neglected.

    “Screening for infections like HIV, Hepatitis B and C, syphilis, malaria, and other diseases is essential,” Pamba said.

    “Diagnostics play a transformative role — enabling health systems to screen effectively, track reliably and act quickly.”

    He added that many African countries still lack the infrastructure, trained personnel, and supply chain coordination to manage blood collection and screening at scale. The result: millions remain at risk of both blood shortages and unsafe transfusions.

    Some countries, however, are starting to innovate. Rwanda has pioneered the use of drones to deliver screened blood to remote clinics and South Africa’s National Blood Service (SANBS) is widely seen as a model of excellence in blood screening.

    Kenya is integrating diagnostics into its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) strategy, setting the stage for more cost-effective deployment of limited health budgets.

    “These are encouraging examples, but they remain isolated. We need scale, consistency, and equity across the continent,” said Pamba.

    The issue is further complicated by a changing global health funding landscape. Traditional donor support is shrinking or being reallocated in the post-pandemic period.

    Experts warn that unless African governments begin investing in domestic health resilience — including safe blood systems — the continent will be ill-prepared for future health emergencies.

    “Increasing domestic health financing is no longer a choice — it’s a necessity,” said Pamba. “If we don’t act now, we’ll be even more vulnerable in the next crisis than we were in the last.”

    Investing in diagnostics and safe blood infrastructure, he argues, is a cost-effective way to reduce long-term health system burdens. Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) and serology-based screening are examples of scalable technologies that could dramatically improve patient outcomes — but remain underutilised across much of the region.

    As the world commemorates World Blood Donor Day, Pamba is urging African governments, private sector partners, and health NGOs to take a holistic view of blood security — from donor recruitment to safe delivery.

    “We must stop treating this as a peripheral issue,” he said. “Blood safety is a core indicator of a functioning health system. If we get this right, we save lives — every single day.”

  • 11 inmates undergo surgeries in Kuje facility

    11 inmates undergo surgeries in Kuje facility

    In a major milestone ongoing reforms in the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), 11 inmates suffering from hernia have undergone successful surgery at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kuje, FCT Command.

     The surgeries, conducted by a team of in-house medical professionals in the NCoS, underscored the commitment of the present administration to ensure speedy transformation of healthcare delivery in correctional facilities.

    The NCoS, through its Public Relations Officer, Umar Abubakar, praised the visionary leadership of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for the feat.

    He said it was a testament to the unwavering commitment of the administration anchored on Renewed Hope Agenda to upgrading facilities and infrastructure across custodial centres in the country. 

     “Under his stewardship, the health and wellbeing of inmates have become central to the broader Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu— an agenda that recognizes the intrinsic worth of every Nigerian, including those behind bars”, Abubakar, a Deputy Controller of Corrections said in a statement. 

    He said: “This initiative has not been limited to Kuje alone. Across the country, custodial centres are experiencing unprecedented improvements in healthcare systems. 

    “Notably, the Maximum Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Janguza, in Kano State, along with several other facilities nationwide, have seen substantial upgrades to their hospitals and medical units, ensuring inmates receive dignified and adequate medical attention.”

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    According to  him, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, along with the entire management team, express profound gratitude to the Minister for his proactive stance and humanitarian approach to correctional administration. 

    “These developments are a testament of a transformative era where rehabilitation, humane treatment, and reintegration of inmates are prioritized as core mandates of the correctional system.

    “The Nigerian Correctional Service remains steadfast in its commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare and promoting the welfare of all persons in custody, while contributing meaningfully to the vision of a more just, compassionate, and secure society,” Abubakar stated. 

  • Why Nigeria must rethink brain health as national priority

    Why Nigeria must rethink brain health as national priority

    Every June 8, the world pauses to mark World Brain Tumour Day, but in Nigeria, the day comes and goes with little more than a whisper. Yet, for thousands of families across the country, brain tumours are not abstract clinical phenomena—they are a devastating reality marked by misdiagnosis, inaccessible care, financial ruin, and avoidable deaths. This year’s commemorative event in Abuja, jointly organised by the Brain and Spine Foundation Africa and the National Hospital, placed Nigeria’s brain health crisis under the spotlight once again—and the message from experts was urgent and unambiguous: brain tumours must be included in Nigeria’s health priority list.

    Dr. Mansur Idris, Head of Consultant Neurosurgery at the National Hospital, speaking through his colleague Dr. Uthman Uthman, painted a grim picture. Brain tumours, he noted, constitute up to 25 percent of all neurosurgical cases in Nigeria. However, detection and intervention often come too late. In a country where seizures and personality changes are sometimes mistaken for spiritual attacks, awareness is not just low—it is dangerously absent. “Some cases are only discovered incidentally during scans for unrelated conditions,” Dr. Uthman said. “By then, options are limited, and families are already facing medical and financial crises.”

    The broader challenge lies in what is clearly a systemic failure to prioritise brain health. While Nigeria has made progress in cancer care financing and HIV/AIDS response, brain tumour patients and their caregivers are still left to their own devices, often turning to crowdfunding or selling assets to afford surgeries and long-term treatment. That is the story of Ms Stephanie Acka, who described how her family raised over N10 million for surgery in India and continues to spend as much as N1.2 million monthly on medication. “I have had to beg just to keep my sister alive,” she said tearfully. Her story mirrors the silent suffering of many.

    The Nigerian health system is riddled with inequalities, and brain tumour care exposes some of its deepest cracks. Even as modern facilities like the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) emerge in Abuja, many Nigerians still lack access to MRI or PET scans, let alone advanced treatment protocols requiring neurosurgery, oncology, radiology, pathology, and psychosocial follow-up. For the average Nigerian, these are luxuries, not options. What experts and advocates are demanding is not novel: a dedicated national brain health policy, government subsidies, insurance coverage, and a massive public education campaign to correct cultural myths and encourage early diagnosis. It is about mainstreaming brain health in the way HIV, tuberculosis, and maternal health have been integrated into Nigeria’s public health discourse.

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    This is what Ms Chika Okwuolisa, Executive Director of Brain and Spine Foundation Africa, passionately underscored. Calling brain tumours a “silent national crisis,” she warned that ignoring brain health has created an invisible burden that few policymakers recognise. “Without information, patients are disempowered, and caregivers are helpless,” she said. Hers is not a theoretical concern; she has lived the trauma firsthand, navigating a system that offers little support for brain tumour patients. Nigeria’s response to brain tumours should take cues from its handling of diseases like breast cancer and HIV. With the establishment of national registries, financing models, and treatment guidelines, these conditions have seen improved outcomes over the years. Brain tumours deserve similar attention.

    Retired Gen. Maurice Ezeoke, former President of the International College of Surgeons, did not mince words: “The cost of treatment is the biggest barrier. Subsidies and insurance coverage must be part of the solution.” His suggestion that existing frameworks for cancer care be adapted for brain tumours is both practical and necessary. Moreover, Mrs Ekeinyi Adedayo, a senior oncology nurse, stressed that simple, consistent health messaging could help demystify symptoms like chronic headaches, seizures, and vision changes. “Regular check-ups and early medical attention can make all the difference,” she said.

    The theme of the 2025 World Brain Tumour Day—“Fighting Brain Cancer Together”—is not just aspirational; it is a roadmap. It demands that governments, civil society, private sector, and the media work collaboratively to reduce the burden of this under-recognised health threat. But without political will, the situation will remain bleak. Nigeria must act now—by investing in diagnostic infrastructure, training neurosurgeons, funding research, and including brain tumour treatment in the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) scheme. Even a modest start—such as subsidised MRI scans and awareness campaigns in regional hospitals—can lead to significant gains.

  • Bishop Okonkwo delivers free cataract surgeries at 80

    Bishop Okonkwo delivers free cataract surgeries at 80

    As part of activities to mark his 80th birthday, Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Dr. Mike Okonkwo, is sponsoring free cataract surgeries for 500 Nigerians. The medical outreach, to be carried out at Eye Foundation Hospital, Ikorodu, Lagos, targets individuals suffering from cataracts — a condition that causes clouding of the eye’s natural lens and impairs vision. The initiative is to restore sight, improve quality of life, and reduce preventable blindness in underserved communities.

    Prospective beneficiaries are expected to pick up registration forms at TREM’s International Headquarters in Obanikoro, Lagos, and all TREM branches in the state, or apply online via bit.ly/bmo500eyes. According to ophthalmologists, cataract remains a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness globally, particularly among low-income population, which often cannot afford surgery. Experts assert that surgery is the only effective and reliable treatment for cataract, restoring clear vision and enabling patients to resume normal life activities. Health professionals said cataract surgery reduces risk of falls and accidents, enhances colour perception, reduces glare, and supports early diagnosis and treatment of other eye-related conditions.

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    By sponsoring these surgeries, Dr. Okonkwo is not only offering a lifeline to 500 individuals but also addressing a key public health challenge, especially among the poor and elderly.

    The initiative aligns with his commitment to social responsibility, community wellbeing, and human development. The gesture is one among many interventions under his Empowerment for the Less Privileged (ELP) Foundation, which has supported hospitals, established free vocational training, and facilitated health awareness campaigns.

    His wife, Bishop Peace , runs medical outreaches for women in rural communities, including free cervical cancer screenings and donations to widows.

    In addition to the medical outreach, the 2025 edition of Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture will hold on September 4 at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    With the theme: “The Nigeria of Our Dream: Today’s Reality and a Responsible Pathfinder,” the lecture will be delivered by Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, former vice president.

    Major-General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd) is the chairman.