The Nation Newspaper

Category: Health

  • Tobacco: Mothers, advocates seek tougher laws on youth vaping

    Tobacco: Mothers, advocates seek tougher laws on youth vaping

    Concerned parents and youth-focused anti-tobacco advocates have urged the Federal Government to take urgent action against the alarming rise in e-cigarette and flavoured vape use among teenagers in Nigeria.

    Voices for Tobacco Control, an advocacy group, is calling for immediate restrictions on the sale of e-cigarettes, vapes, and flavoured tobacco products to minors.

    They are also demanding that relevant government agencies regulate the marketing and distribution of these products and enforce stricter penalties for those who sell them to underage users.

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    The parents and advocates stressed that immediate government intervention is crucial following an earlier investigation that exposed how easily underage youths access tobacco products despite legal restrictions limiting sales to those aged 18 and above.

    They warned that the growing addiction to tobacco, now attractively packaged in sweet, flavoured varieties, poses a serious threat not only to the health of young individuals but also to Nigeria’s long-term socioeconomic growth and development.

    Speaking at a hybrid press briefing yesterday on behalf of Voices for Tobacco Control, Kenneth Kenas Anetor, said in response to the growing concerns, over 300 Nigerians have signed a petition titled: ‘Keep Vapes Away from Nigerian Kids’ to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

    Explaining that the petition is part of the World No Tobacco Day 2025 campaign, Anetor said the effort aims to spotlight the health risks associated with vapes and flavoured tobacco products while urging for stronger laws to shield Nigerian children from exposure.

    The campaign, he said is raising serious alarm over the increasing availability and use of vapes, e-cigarettes, shisha, and similar products among Nigerian youth.

    According to Anetor, members of Voices for Tobacco Control, a community of concerned Nigerian tobacco control advocates, felt compelled to take action in response to the rising popularity of e-cigarettes, particularly among Nigerian children.

    He said: “Flavoured nicotine products, brightly packaged and sold in flavours like strawberry, mint and mango, are being marketed to appeal to the youth.

    “Despite their sweet flavours and sleek designs, vapes and heated tobacco products are not safe.

    “Studies have shown they expose users to harmful chemicals like nicotine and formaldehyde, increasing the risks of lung and heart disease. 

    “The growing availability of e-cigarettes and flavoured tobacco products, in addition to traditional cigarettes, has sparked concern among parents.

    “Research indicates that 5 million Nigerian youth are addicted to smoking, with 25,000 youth smoking each day, including children as young as 10 to 14 years old.”

    Speaking during the briefing, President of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Kwara State Chapter, Nimat Labaika, stressed the need for urgent action against the scourge, saying: “Tobacco companies want to remain in business and they are doing everything to remain in business, including selling tobacco products to children.

    “For us not to lose our future leaders, we have to collectively lend our voices and call on FCCPC to introduce guidelines to stop the sale to children.”

    On her part, Mrs. Founder of Bundies Care Initiative, Fumi Oseigbu, emphasized that the FCCPC must be held accountable.

    “I believe that the FCCPC should be sanctioned to do their jobs to protect our children and enforce regulations against tobacco companies.

    “We need them to not just draft policies but also enforce them. We can’t afford to let our children fall prey to addiction while regulatory agencies sit on their hands,” she stressed.

    The advocates also lamented the absence of comprehensive legislation in Nigeria regulating the sale and marketing of e-cigarettes and flavoured tobacco.

    Without urgent action, the public health crisis among young people is set to deepen, they said.

    As a matter concerning the protection of children and consumer protection, advocates called for the FCCPC to issue clear guidelines that can inform regulations restricting vape and e-cigarette sales to minors, or else, be sanctioned for not doing its job.

    In addition to the FCCPC, the advocates called for the involvement of several other key government bodies, including the Federal and State Ministries of Health, the National Environmental Protection Board, and the National Assembly.

    The institutions, they said, must play a coordinated role in establishing smoke-free public spaces, regulating tobacco sales, and passing laws with measurable impact.

    “It’s not just one agency’s job, it’s a national responsibility but FCCPC must lead the charge when it comes to consumer protection,” they said.

    The advocates emphasized that the nation has the capacity to overcome the tobacco crisis if existing laws and policies are fully and firmly enforced, stating that doing so would protect future generations from preventable and unnecessary harm.

  • Experts call for policy, awareness to tackle Parkinson’s disease

    Experts call for policy, awareness to tackle Parkinson’s disease

    Medical experts, caregivers and advocates have called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s healthcare system to improve the care of people living with Parkinson’s disease.

    They emphasized innovations, increased public awareness, and better access to rehabilitative services.

    The call came during the third Annual Parkinson’s Disease Symposium organized by the Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation (ADPF) at the foundation’s center in Surulere, Lagos.

    The event, themed: “Shaping the Future of Parkinson’s Care in Nigeria and Africa: Innovations, Challenges, and Collaborations,” brought together leading voices in Parkinson’s disease management to spotlight the critical gaps in care and propose community-driven solutions.

    In her opening remarks,, a member of the ADPF Governing Board,Ms. Toyosi Olatunji acknowledged the progress the Foundation has made but lamented the existing barriers to quality care.

    “Despite our strides in rehabilitative care, many in Africa still face limited access to neurological specialists, diagnostic tools, and essential medication,” she said.

    Read Also: UK to restrict visa applications from Nigeria, Pakistan, others

     “This year’s symposium is focused on confronting these issues and charting a new course for Parkinson’s care across the continent.”

    Delivering the keynote address, Consultant Neurologist and Professor of Medicine at Babcock University,

    Professor Adekunle Mustapha emphasized that innovative approaches and stronger collaboration between stakeholders were key to improving patient outcomes.

    “We must take a multisectoral approach that includes governments, pharmaceutical companies, and the private sector,” Mustapha said.

    “There is also an urgent need to include Parkinson’s medication in the National Drug Formulary and ensure health insurance schemes cover Parkinson’s treatment.”

    He advocated for increased community engagement through support groups, enhanced health literacy campaigns such as the “SEE Parkinson’s” initiative offering multilingual educational resources, and greater use of telemedicine to bridge the gap in access to specialists.

    “Stigma remains a huge barrier,” he added.

     “We must tackle it through awareness campaigns, policy inclusion, and community support structures.”

    During the first panel session, Advancing Parkinson’s Care through Medical and Rehabilitative Innovation, Dr. Paul Agabi of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Professor Mustapha, and Dr. Bolarinwa Isaac Akinola of the University of Lagos, discussed the importance of early diagnosis and the use of multidisciplinary treatment approaches.

    Dr. Agabi noted:“The earlier we identify Parkinson’s symptoms, the better the outcome. We must prioritize the training of primary healthcare workers to recognize these signs early.”

    In the second session, tagged:Empowering Communities for Better Parkinson’s Care, Founder of Parkinson’s Africa, Mrs. Omotola Thoma and Founder of HACEY Health, Ms. Rhoda Robinson discussed how grassroots advocacy and caregiver support are essential to sustainable care.

    Thomas said : “The power of community cannot be underestimated. Many people suffer in silence because they don’t have support systems or access to basic information. We must take the message to the streets, the churches, the mosques, everywhere.”

    As part of its awareness campaign, the Foundation announced the public release of its new documentary, “Beyond the Tremors: Living Well with Parkinson’s”, now available on its YouTube channel. It also revealed plans for the #Move4PD Awareness Walk, set to take place on July 26, 2025.

    The event also featured a poem on Parkinson’s and movement by Professor Kimberly Campanello of the University of Leeds, UK, who is living with Parkinson’s. Her performance served as both artistic expression and advocacy for visibility and compassion.

    In his closing remarks, Dr. Onyekachi Onubogu, a member of the ADPF Governing Board, urged stakeholders to partner with the Foundation in its mission.

    “We need to keep talking, educating, and supporting. Help us destigmatize Parkinson’s by sharing information and changing the narrative. And yes, we need financial support—this work cannot continue without the help of donors and volunteers,” he said.

    The Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation continues to offer free rehabilitative care and push for policy reforms to ensure better outcomes for people living with Parkinson’s in Nigeria and beyond.

  • Tobacco: Mothers, advocates demand tougher laws, stricter implementation on youth vaping

    Tobacco: Mothers, advocates demand tougher laws, stricter implementation on youth vaping

    Concerned parents and youth-focused anti-tobacco advocates have urged the Federal Government to take urgent action against the alarming rise in e-cigarette and flavoured vape use among teenagers in Nigeria. 

    Voices for Tobacco Control, an advocacy group, is calling for immediate restrictions on the sale of e-cigarettes, vapes, and flavoured tobacco products to minors. 

    They are also demanding that relevant government agencies regulate the marketing and distribution of these products and enforce stricter penalties for those who sell them to underage users.

    The parents and advocates stressed that immediate government intervention is crucial following an earlier investigation that exposed how easily underage youths access tobacco products despite legal restrictions limiting sales to those aged 18 and above. 

    They warned that the growing addiction to tobacco, now attractively packaged in sweet, flavoured varieties, poses a serious threat not only to the health of young individuals but also to Nigeria’s long-term socioeconomic growth and development.

    Speaking at a hybrid press briefing on Tuesday on behalf of Voices for Tobacco Control, Kenneth Kenas Anetor, revealed that in response to the growing concerns, over 300 Nigerians have signed a petition titled ‘Keep Vapes Away from Nigerian Kids’ to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC),.

    Explaining that the petition is part of the World No Tobacco Day 2025 campaign, Anetor said the effort aims to spotlight the health risks associated with vapes and flavoured tobacco products while urging for stronger laws to shield Nigerian children from exposure. 

    The campaign, he said is raising serious alarm over the increasing availability and use of vapes, e-cigarettes, shisha, and similar products among Nigerian youth.

    According to Anetor, members of Voices for Tobacco Control, a community of concerned Nigerian tobacco control advocates, felt compelled to take action in response to the rising popularity of e-cigarettes, particularly among Nigerian children.

    He said: “Flavoured nicotine products, brightly packaged and sold in flavours like strawberry, mint and mango, are being marketed to appeal to the youth. 

    “Despite their sweet flavours and sleek designs, vapes and heated tobacco products are not safe. 

    “Studies have shown they expose users to harmful chemicals like nicotine and formaldehyde, increasing the risks of lung and heart disease.  

    “The growing availability of e-cigarettes and flavoured tobacco products, in addition to traditional cigarettes, has sparked concern among parents. 

    “Research indicates that 5 million Nigerian youth are addicted to smoking, with 25,000 youth smoking each day, including children as young as 10 to 14 years old”. 

    Speaking during the briefing, Nimat Labaika, President of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) Kwara State Chapter stressed the need for urgent action against the scourge, saying, “Tobacco companies want to remain in business and they are doing everything to remain in business, including selling tobacco products to children. 

    “For us not to lose our future leaders, we have to collectively lend our voices and call on FCCPC to introduce guidelines to stop the sale to children.” 

    On her part, Mrs. Fumi Oseigbu, Founder of Bundies Care Initiative, emphasized that the FCCPC must be held accountable. 

    “I believe that the FCCPC should be sanctioned to do their jobs to protect our children and enforce regulations against tobacco companies.

    “We need them to not just draft policies but also enforce them. We can’t afford to let our children fall prey to addiction while regulatory agencies sit on their hands,” she stressed.

    The advocates also lamented the absence of comprehensive legislation in Nigeria regulating the sale and marketing of e-cigarettes and flavoured tobacco. 

    “Without urgent action, the public health crisis among young people is set to deepen, they said. 

    As a matter concerning the protection of children and consumer protection, advocates called for the FCCPC to issue clear guidelines that can inform regulations restricting vape and e-cigarette sales to minors, or else, be sanctioned for not doing its job. 

    In addition to the FCCPC, the advocates called for the involvement of several other key government bodies, including the Federal and State Ministries of Health, the National Environmental Protection Board, and the National Assembly. 

    The institutions, they said, must play a coordinated role in establishing smoke-free public spaces, regulating tobacco sales, and passing laws with measurable impact.

    “It’s not just one agency’s job, it’s a national responsibility but FCCPC must lead the charge when it comes to consumer protection,” they said.

    The advocates emphasized that the nation has the capacity to overcome the tobacco crisis if existing laws and policies are fully and firmly enforced, stating that doing so would protect future generations from preventable and unnecessary harm.

  • Experts, advocates rally for innovation inclusion at 3rd Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s symposium

    Experts, advocates rally for innovation inclusion at 3rd Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s symposium

    Medical professionals, caregivers, patients, and health advocates from across Nigeria and beyond gathered in Lagos for the third Annual Parkinson’s disease symposium, hosted by the Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation (ADPF), with a unified call for innovative solutions, inclusive health policies, and community-driven strategies to improve Parkinson’s care across Africa.

    Held at the ADPF Centre in Surulere, Lagos, under the theme “Shaping the Future of Parkinson’s Care in Nigeria and Africa: Innovations, Challenges, and Collaborations,” the symposium served as a platform to examine current gaps, showcase emerging interventions, and foster dialogue on how to advance awareness, access, and treatment for those living with the neurological disorder.

    The symposium featured two insightful panel sessions addressing innovations in Parkinson’s care, community empowerment, awareness efforts, and detailed answers to important questions.

    A distinguished member of the Governing Board, Ms. Toyosi Olatunji, represented the Foundation’s leadership and set the tone for the event with an opening remark.

     In her speech, Ms. Olatunji highlighted the struggles the continent faces in Parkinson’s care, which included limited specialised neurological care, and insufficient diagnostic resources and treatment options.

    She stated that while ADPF is glad for the progress it has made in making rehabilitative care accessible, it desires to do more while shaping the future of Parkinson’s care within Nigeria and Africa, hence the direction of the third edition of its annual Symposium.

    Delivering the keynote address, Consultant Neurologist and Professor of Medicine at Babcock University, Adekunle Mustapha, addressed the challenges in Parkinson’s disease management and opportunities for innovations in Parkinson’s disease care, while stating existing innovations.

    He highlighted the importance of community engagement through support groups to reduce stigma and provide social support; the need for an increase in health literacy campaigns, initiatives such as the SEE Parkinson’s campaign, which provide educational materials in multiple African languages and expansions in the field of telemedicine to improve access to specialist care.  

    He also stated that to resolve the challenges surrounding accessibility and affordability of medication, a multisectoral approach involving governments, pharmaceutical companies, and other stakeholders was required.

    Additionally, Parkinson’s medication should be included in the National Drug Formulary for Persons. More citizens across Africa should be enrolled in health insurance programs, and health insurance programs should be required to cover Parkinson’s care.

    In his speech, Professor Adekunle emphasised that improving Parkinson’s disease care across Africa called for collaborations between governments, healthcare providers, and communities, alongside tackling stigma through awareness, while enhancing healthcare infrastructure and fostering community engagement.

    At the first panel session titled “Advancing Parkinson’s Care through Medical and Rehabilitative Innovation,” leading experts underscored the need for early diagnosis and integrated treatment approaches as critical steps toward improving outcomes for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

    Panellists included Dr. Paul Agabi, Consultant Neurologist at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital; Professor Adekunle Mustapha, Professor of Medicine at Babcock University; and Dr. Bolarinwa Isaac Akinola, Founder of Newton Therapy Consults and Associate Lecturer at the University of Lagos.

    The trio discussed recent advancements in diagnostic tools, such as more precise imaging techniques and wearable monitoring devices, which they said could drastically shorten the time between symptom onset and diagnosis.

    They also stressed the importance of multidisciplinary care, combining neurology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, to improve patients’ quality of life.

    “Early intervention is not just important, it’s everything,” said Dr. Akinola. “When you detect and act early, patients respond better, remain active longer, and have a higher quality of life.”

    Professor Mustapha added that collaboration among specialists was essential to address the complex and progressive nature of Parkinson’s. “No single doctor can manage Parkinson’s effectively. It takes a team, and that team must be coordinated and accessible,” he said.

    Panelists in the session, tagged Empowering Communities for Better Parkinson’s Care were Mrs. Omotola Thomas, Founder of Parkinson’s Africa, and Ms. Rhoda Robinson, founder of HACEY Health.

    This session focused on community engagement and the role of support systems in managing Parkinson’s disease and advocacy. Panellists emphasised the need for increased awareness, caregiver support, and the development of community-based programs to assist those living with Parkinson’s.

    The discussion highlighted successful community initiatives and the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers and local organisations.

    The symposium announced the upcoming #Move4PD Awareness Walk scheduled for July 26th, 2025.

    It also announced the availability of its Parkinson’s disease documentary titled “Beyond the Tremors: Living Well with Parkinson’s” for the public on the ADPF YouTube channel. Both the awareness walk, and the documentary are aimed at raising public awareness and promoting understanding of Parkinson’s disease in Nigeria.

    Professor Kimberly Campanello of the University of Leeds, United Kingdom and a person who is also living with Parkinson’s, delivered a beautiful poem on Parkinson’s disease and movement.

    Panellists emphasised the need for increased grassroots advocacy, sustained awareness, and increased rehabilitative care and medical support for persons living with Parkinson’s disease.

    Dr. Onyekachi Onubogu, ADPF Governing Board member, gave the closing remarks by urging everyone to help destigmatise Parkinson’s disease through awareness and mindset change.

    He encouraged attendees to share the educational materials and emphasised that as a nonprofit, ADPF relies on financial support to continue transforming lives affected by Parkinson’s in Nigeria.  

    Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation (ADPF) continues its mission to provide free rehabilitative care, raise awareness, and advocate for improved Parkinson’s care in Nigeria and Africa.

    The Foundation invites stakeholders and the public to support its initiatives through donations, volunteering, and partnerships. For more information, visit www.desaluparkinsonsfoundation.org or send an email to info@desaluparkinsonsfoundation.

  • Emzor reaffirms commitment to Africa’s health resilience

    Emzor reaffirms commitment to Africa’s health resilience

    Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing local pharmaceutical manufacturing in Nigeria and across the African continent, as part of a broader effort to boost health resilience and reduce dependency on imported medicines. 

    Speaking at the ECOWAS@50 sub-regional summit in Lagos, Executive Director of Emzor, Pharm. (Mrs.) Uzoma Ezeoke, highlighted the company’s strategic focus on strengthening medicine security through large-scale local production of high-quality, affordable drugs that meet international standards.

    In her presentation titled: “Local manufacturing equals medicine security,” Ezeoke said Emzor currently manufactures over 160 products across five factory sites, employing more than 2,000 staff and maintaining a distribution network that spans all Nigerian states and over 23 African countries, including direct exports to Liberia and Sierra Leone. 

    She spotlighted the company’s world-class Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) plant in Sagamu, Ogun State, as a critical step toward medicine self-sufficiency. The facility is designed to boost the production of WHO-recommended essential medicines, especially antimalarials, and reduce the continent’s reliance on drug imports—often a channel for counterfeit and substandard medicines.

    “The API plant will help cut down on import costs, reduce the influx of fake drugs, improve access to quality healthcare, and drive economic growth across Africa,” Ezeoke said, noting the plant’s potential to address maternal and child health challenges, including postpartum bleeding and malaria.

    She also emphasised Emzor’s role in developing child-friendly drugs and locally produced Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) to tackle malnutrition, in partnership with USAID and Nigerian farmers through a backward integration initiative. Speaking on the panel “Health is Wealth: Strengthening Sub-Regional Health Resilience,” Ezeoke acknowledged the challenges of operating in diverse regulatory environments across West Africa but affirmed Emzor’s readiness to expand its impact in both Anglophone and Francophone countries. “We are preparing for Africa’s future and understand the importance of cultural nuance in building sustainable multinational operations,” she said.

    Read Also: Emzor commits to ending malaria in Africa

    Ezeoke praised the Nigerian government’s support for pharmaceutical manufacturing but noted that despite a presidential executive order to waive VAT and customs duties on pharmaceutical raw materials, Nigeria remains among the few countries still levying import duties on active ingredients.

    President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, in his address on “Regional Integration as Economic Pillar,” underscored the importance of peace, security, and infrastructure for boosting trade in the ECOWAS sub-region. He lamented that intra-regional trade remains at just 12% of total trade compared to 60% in other regions, but expressed optimism that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the proposed ECOWAS common currency could drive integration and economic growth.

    Also speaking, President of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, and Vice President Dr. Olagunju Ashimolowo, detailed the bank’s $2.5 billion financing of over 300 development projects, including $410 million invested in 19 projects across Nigeria—94% of which targeted the private sector. The two-day summit, organised by LCCI, brought together policymakers, ECOWAS leaders, and development experts to chart a course for deeper regional integration. Discussions spanned trade, health, industrialisation, security, and the empowerment of women and youth as catalysts for sustainable development.

  • World Hand Hygiene Day: NCDC, public health experts call for clean hands, clean habits

    World Hand Hygiene Day: NCDC, public health experts call for clean hands, clean habits

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has emphasised the vital role of hand hygiene in protecting public health, urging health workers across all levels to lead by example through consistent handwashing both in healthcare settings and in their daily lives, while promoting the habit as a key measure to prevent infections.

    The agency described this year’s World Hand Hygiene Day theme, ‘It Might Be Gloves. It’s Always Hand Hygiene’ as timely and relevant, emphasizing its goal to dispel misconceptions around glove use while reinforcing the critical importance of clean hands in both clinical and community settings, especially as the country continues to battle infectious diseases.

    The NCDC director general, Dr. Jide Idris, made this appeal in Abuja on Monday during the commemoration of the day organised by the agency at the Maitama District Hospital, where he emphasized that hand hygiene is far more than a routine but a clinical standard, a moral responsibility, and a cornerstone of national health security.

     “It remains the single most effective intervention for preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), containing multidrug-resistant organisms, and saving lives,” he said.

    Despite the proven impact of hand washing, Dr. Idris, who was represented by Dr. Tochi Okwor, the Head of Disease Prevention and Control at NCDC, lamented that compliance remains inconsistent across healthcare facilities, leading to preventable deaths, prolonged hospital stays, and unnecessary antibiotic use.

    He warned against the mistaken belief that gloves negate the need for hand hygiene. “Gloves, when misused, whether by skipping hand hygiene or not changing them between tasks, become tools of contamination,” he said.

    He also called for evidence-based and risk-informed glove use, a principle now embedded in Nigeria’s National Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Strategic Plan and the 2024–2028 National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

    He outlined significant national progress made in IPC, notably the Turn Nigeria Orange initiative, launched in 2019, which continues to unify healthcare facilities under a single IPC strategy.

    Through the campaign, he said more than 150 facility-level IPC programs have been established, over 390 professionals trained, and a dedicated IPC budget line at the national level enabled structured implementation across all 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Other achievements, according to him, include the establishment of the Orange Network facilities serving as national IPC and antimicrobial stewardship centers, the rollout of HAI surveillance systems, and the adoption of locally led quality improvement approaches such as PALS (Participatory Approach to Learning in Systems).

    Read Also: NCDC reports 169 deaths from Lassa fever, Mpox, cholera in 2025

    Dr. Idris stressed that real transformation requires moving beyond policies to building a culture of hygiene through strong leadership, continuous training, patient involvement, and data-driven feedback.

    “Every clean hand is a declaration that safety matters, that patients deserve better, and that no one should be harmed in the process of care,” he said.

    Echoing his sentiments, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary of Health Services and Environment in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), commended Maitama District Hospital for hosting the event and for its leadership in infection prevention efforts.

    Observing that, even in 2025, hand hygiene remains a behaviour that must be reinforced, Fasawe said, “It’s not the availability of water that’s the issue, its attitude.

    “During pandemics, people carry sanitisers and wash their hands, but when the crisis ends, so does the habit”.

    Represented by Dr. Osayande Osagie, the Director of Clinical and Diagnostics Services, the Mandate Secretary urged hospitals to conduct unannounced audits of hygiene practices to instill accountability and consistency.

    While praising the introduction of diploma-level IPC training as a step toward institutionalising high standards, she said, “Other countries take IPC very seriously. We may not be there yet, but we are moving in the right direction”.

    On his part, Abiodun Isa, Team Lead of the IPC program at APIN Public Health Initiatives, further emphasised that up to 70% of infections in healthcare settings are transmitted via hands.

    “Healthcare workers are not just providers—they are role models. By maintaining hand hygiene, both in hospitals and at home, they lead by example,” he said.

    Isa also addressed the environmental impact of gloves, warning that overuse contributes to waste and climate change, noting, “Each discarded glove can take up to ten years to decompose. We must be responsible with glove use.”

    Earlier, the Medical Director of Maitama District Hospital, Dr. Rita Idemudia, reaffirmed hand hygiene as a top priority for healthcare providers, saying, “Over 60% of infectious diseases can be prevented through proper hand hygiene, done at the right time and in the right way”.

    She urged Nigerians not to wait for another crisis to return to such basic but powerful practices.

    “As we mark this day, let it serve as a renewed call to action, a reminder of what we must never take for granted,” she said.

    The highlights of the event included the presentation of an award to the hospital’s best staff for dedication to duty, as well as health talks and hand washing demonstrations for patients across various wards.

  • Stakeholders push for policy reform at Women’s Health Conference

    Stakeholders push for policy reform at Women’s Health Conference

    Health experts, government officials, and development advocates have called for strategic policy reforms and increased collaboration to address long-standing gaps in women’s healthcare in Nigeria.

    They made the call at the 2025 edition of the Banking on Women’s Health Conference (BWHC), held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Themed “Women’s Health Gap: The Silent Battles that Hold Women Back,” the event brought together a wide range of stakeholders to discuss reproductive and physiological health issues affecting women, including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, fibroids, obesity, access to contraceptives, and other under-reported conditions.

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women’s Health, Adanna Steinacker, assured participants of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery for women across the country. She said the administration was focused on ensuring that policies and resources are directed toward safeguarding women’s health and well-being.

    Read Also: NASFAT Women begins 6th Biennial Conference

    Convener of the conference and CEO of Healthtracka, Ifeoluwa Dara Jackson, noted that the current healthcare system often neglects the peculiar needs of women, stressing the importance of private-public collaboration in driving inclusive health solutions.

    A panel session moderated by Tola Sunmonu Balogun, Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company, featured industry professionals who examined the state of women’s health in Nigeria. Panellists included Dr. Adesumbo Odeseye, a Fellow of the West African College of Surgeons; Dr. Itunu Johnson, a general practitioner with a focus on women’s health and workplace care; and Dr. Modupe Elebute-Odunsi, Co-Founder and CEO of Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre & Specialist Hospital and Chair of the Women’s Healthcare Network.

    Dr. Odeseye raised concerns over the high number of undiagnosed cases of reproductive health conditions, which she said often lead to infertility or prolonged suffering among women. She called for early diagnosis and increased awareness as part of national health education efforts.

    Participants agreed that achieving quality healthcare for women will require intentional investment, targeted policy interventions, and an inclusive healthcare framework that recognises women’s unique health needs.

    The conference ended with a shared resolution to continue advocacy for the integration of women’s health into mainstream health policy planning and implementation.

  • Seven natural ways to increase sperm count

    Seven natural ways to increase sperm count

    Amid rising concerns about male fertility, health experts are highlighting natural and accessible methods to improve sperm count. 

    With increasing cases of infertility linked to lifestyle, environmental factors, and stress, medical professionals are encouraging men to adopt healthier habits that can significantly boost reproductive health. 

    While advanced treatments exist, experts emphasize that small changes, such as improved diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and reduced exposure to toxins, can lead to measurable improvements in sperm quality and count. 

    These natural strategies offer a cost-effective and non-invasive approach for men looking to enhance their fertility and overall well-being.

    1.  Get enough exercise and sleep

    Several studies indicate that weight loss and regular exercise in individuals with overweight or obesity may lead to improved sperm count. However, the evidence linking a moderate body mass index (BMI) directly to optimal sperm production remains limited.

    One older study from 2017 explored the impact of a 16-week aerobic exercise program. Participants engaged in at least three 50-minute sessions per week, working at 50% to 65% of their peak heart rate. The findings suggested potential benefits for sperm health, though more research is needed to strengthen this connection.

    2. Quit smoking

    A 2023 study analyzed the semen of 1,371 men, categorizing them as smokers or non-smokers. The results showed that individuals who smoked more than 10 cigarettes per day had significantly lower semen volume, total sperm count, sperm concentration, and motility compared to non-smokers and lighter smokers.

    These findings suggest that smoking negatively impacts sperm health, and the harmful effects appear to intensify with heavier tobacco use.

    3. Avoid excessive alcohol and drug use

    There are relatively few controlled studies examining the impact of drug use on sperm health, largely due to ethical concerns associated with testing illegal substances.

    However, a 2018 review found a connection between the global use of substances like alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine and reduced sperm production. While some of the evidence is inconsistent, the findings suggest a potential negative effect, highlighting the need for further research to better understand these links.

    4. Avoid certain prescription medications

    Certain prescription medications can temporarily reduce healthy sperm production. However, in many cases, sperm count returns to normal or improves once the individual stops taking the medication.

    Read Also: Sperm count drops by 30 per cent in 10 years — Report

    5. Get enough vitamin D

    While the exact reasons remain unclear, research suggests that blood levels of vitamin D and calcium may influence sperm health.

    A 2019 review of 18 studies found a significant link between higher vitamin D levels and improved fertility in men. However, the authors cautioned against drawing definitive conclusions and recommended further clinical trials to verify these results. Additionally, a 2023 study indicated that vitamin D improved sperm morphology (shape, size, and structure) and motility, but had no impact on sperm count.

    6. Eat more antioxidant-rich foods

    Antioxidants are compounds that neutraliss free radicals, which can damage cells. Many vitamins and minerals function as antioxidants, and some studies have suggested that increasing antioxidant intake may be associated with higher sperm count.

    7. Increase healthy fat intake

    Polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are essential for the healthy development of sperm membranes. 

    A 2019 review of three studies found that men with infertility who took omega-3 supplements experienced a notable improvement in sperm motility and concentration compared to those who did not supplement with omega-3s.

  • FG targets 1.8 million unvaccinated children with N303 billion Gavi grant

    FG targets 1.8 million unvaccinated children with N303 billion Gavi grant

    The Federal Government has launched the third phase of the Health Systems Strengthening (HSS3) grant, a $191 million (₦303 billion) initiative supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, aimed at improving immunisation coverage and primary healthcare across the country over the next four years.

    Speaking at the launch event in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, described the grant as a strategic contribution aligned with Nigeria’s national health priorities, including the Health Sector Renewal Initiative and the Presidential Health Compact signed in December 2023.

    He praised Gavi’s consistent partnership, which has saved millions of lives, helped Nigeria recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and enabled the introduction of vaccines for HPV, malaria and Mpox.

    Pate reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equitable, accessible healthcare under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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    He emphasised health as a core democratic dividend, pointing to increased domestic funding and improved coordination under the Sector-Wide Approach.

    All donor contributions, including Gavi’s, he said, will be matched with domestic resources and used transparently.

    NPHCDA Executive Director, Dr. Muyi Aina, described HSS3 as the result of inclusive collaboration among government, partners and civil society.

  • May Day: Doctors raise alarm over collapsing health sector, urge urgent action on ‘Japa’ syndrome

    May Day: Doctors raise alarm over collapsing health sector, urge urgent action on ‘Japa’ syndrome

    As Nigeria commemorates the 2025 International Workers’ Day, medical doctors in Lagos have raised the alarm over the deteriorating state of the country’s healthcare system, warning that it is on the brink of collapse due to worsening working conditions and mass emigration of professionals.

    In a statement signed by its chairman, Dr. Babajide Saheed, the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) expressed grave concern over the continued exodus of doctors abroad—a trend widely referred to as the “Japa syndrome.”

    Dr. Saheed urged the government to urgently address the root causes driving this brain drain, warning that any reform policies that overlook the issue are bound to fail. 

    “Any government policy that doesn’t first resolve the issue of the Japa syndrome is a waste of time. Such a policy will not work without the driving force of human resources,” he stated.

    He added that doctors are not making demands out of convenience, but are facing harsh economic realities that have rendered their earnings insufficient for daily living. 

    “We are not just demanding salary increases for the sake of it. The economic conditions have worsened, and our take-home pay can no longer take us home,” Dr. Saheed said.

    The NMA outlined a series of urgent demands, including the payment of outstanding salary arrears—particularly the skipping and CONMESS arrears promised since 2024—improved remuneration, and inflation-adjusted professional and call-duty allowances that should be non-taxable.

    The association also called for comprehensive welfare reforms, such as access to affordable housing, car loans, and other support structures aimed at retaining medical professionals in Nigeria.

    Dr. Saheed explained why many doctors are leaving Nigeria: “A doctor who is overworked, underpaid, and has no chance of owning a car or house in Nigeria will naturally look for opportunities elsewhere. It’s not unpatriotic, it’s survival,” he said.

    He added that reforms must go beyond salary, calling for a better working environment with proper equipment, training, research grants, and inclusive health policies that promote respect and empathy.

    “Health sector development must be comprehensive. We need tools, training, and trust,” he said.

    The doctors are demanding structural reforms to improve the morale and stability of the health workforce. Key among their demands is an increase in the retirement age for healthcare workers, aligning with global standards to retain experienced professionals.

    They are also pushing for the harmonisation of salaries for doctors across all public institutions, including teaching hospitals, polytechnics, and universities, under the CONMESS salary structure, to ensure fairness and reduce inequality in the system.

    Additionally, the doctors want an immediate end to the casualisation of medical professionals through locum appointments, which they argue undermines job security and professional dignity.

    They also called for the withdrawal of the newly introduced consultant pharmacist cadre in clinical settings, insisting that it has created confusion, professional tension, and adds no real value to patient care.

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    “The consultant pharmacy cadre brings no additional clinical value and only complicates patient care. This must be urgently reversed,” the statement read.

    On a positive note, the group confirmed that unauthorised deductions from April 2025 salaries in Lagos have been reversed after they engaged the authorities.

    However, they reminded the Federal Government that promises must be kept, especially the long-awaited payment of CONMESS arrears.

    In their final plea, Dr. Saheed said: “Nigerian doctors are not asking for luxury, just dignity, fairness, and the tools to do their jobs. If these issues are not addressed, the brain drain will continue, and the health system will collapse further. There is still time to act, but that time is fast running out.”