The Nation Newspaper

Category: Health

  • Turning brain drain into brain gain in Lagos

    Turning brain drain into brain gain in Lagos

    Amid the mass exodus of Nigerian medical professionals, Lagos is pushing back with bold ‘brain gain’ strategies. These include improving work conditions, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and incentivising diaspora return. Of the 33,000 doctors in Nigeria, only 7,000 serve Lagos’ vast population—far below WHO’s one-doctor-to-600-patients standard. To bridge the gap, the state is establishing the University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UNH), a dedicated medical university aiming to increase annual student intake from 200 to 2,500 by 2026. This will significantly boost the local pipeline of doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.

    On healthcare financing, only 5% of Lagosians are insured. The state plans to introduce mandatory coverage to move toward universal health insurance. Although the official health budget stands at 8%, actual spending is closer to 15%, thanks to flexible allocations. With 8,000 staff and 90 agencies, the Ministry of Health is spearheading reforms spanning infrastructure, digital health, and workforce development.

    At a recent ministerial briefing, Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, unveiled a 30-year health sector blueprint and reaffirmed a zero-tolerance stance on maternal mortality. He emphasised the need to retain top talent and improve service delivery, noting that Lagos has the lowest maternal mortality rate in Nigeria—430 deaths per 100,000 live births—but aims to reduce it further to 37. While progress is evident, challenges persist. Regulatory oversight remains a major hurdle, especially with the dominance of private facilities. Still, with continued political will and targeted interventions, Lagos appears determined to turn its healthcare setbacks into an opportunity for transformation—shifting from a state plagued by brain drain to one that attracts and retains world-class professionals.

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    “Though, we currently have the best maternal and infant death indices in the country of 430 mothers still die in Lagos out of 100,000 trying to give birth to their children. For us in Lagos, this is an unacceptable number and we’ve declared a zero tolerance on maternal death in the process of childbirth. Our target over the next 20 to 30 years is to bring that number down from 430 to 37.

    “Though our budget states 8 percent, but that number is probably way above the official percent and approaching 15 percent because we the largest ministry in the State with 18,000 staff spread across primary, secondary, tertiary, and our traditional medicine board. We have a commissioner, a special adviser, 10 permanent secretaries, over 40 directors, and nine boards. We have about 10 directorates in the Ministry of Health and about 90 agencies that support the Ministry of Health in providing universal healthcare coverage,” he enthused.

    Lagos State is rolling out a two-pronged strategy to overhaul its health infrastructure. First, it’s breaking ground on greenfield projects—most notably the new 10-storey, 150-bed Massey Children’s Specialist Hospital—designed for energy efficiency, climate resilience, and future expansion. Second, it’s upgrading brownfield sites, from general hospitals and primary-care centres to traditional-medicine facilities across the state.

    Abayomi highlighted the financial benefits: a green hospital costs just N61 million annually to maintain, compared with N158 million for a conventional facility. During his presentation, Abayomi unveiled blueprint prototypes that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has been executing over the years, including revamped general hospitals and primary-health-care centres catering to up to 20,000 residents. “The first of these prototypes is the upgraded Massey Children’s Specialist Hospital,” Abayomi noted. “It has been transformed into a 10-storey, 150-bed referral specialist facility.”

    The briefing was attended by key state figures: Commissioner for Information and Strategy Mr. Gbenga Omotoso; Special Adviser on Health Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi; and Permanent Secretary for Information Mr. Olumide Shogunle, underlining the administration’s commitment to a healthier, more resilient Lagos.         

  • NHIA, LASG launch emergency obstetric care to reduce maternal deaths

    NHIA, LASG launch emergency obstetric care to reduce maternal deaths

    In a significant step to combat maternal mortality and enhance emergency obstetric care, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Health, convened a high-level stakeholder sensitisation meeting on Monday at Protea Hotel, Alausa. The focus was the Maternal Initiative for Financing Access to Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric Care (CEmOC).

    Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, stressed the urgent need to reduce maternal deaths, which currently stand at 400 per 100,000 live births—“an unacceptable figure for a megacity,” he said. “Every pregnancy is a potential emergency. Our health system must be equipped for swift, life-saving responses.” He outlined ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including 10 new Mother and Child Centres (MCCs), the flagship Massey Children’s Hospital, and renovated primary healthcare centres. Still, he noted, “Ten MCCs are not enough. Our goal is one per local government. We’re redesigning our maternal care strategy to meet that vision.”

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    Prof. Abayomi also spoke about regulating traditional birth attendants (TBAs), acknowledging their enduring role in maternal care but stressing the need for oversight and clear referral protocols. “We’re not trying to eliminate TBAs. Instead, we are equipping and regulating them, so they know their limits and refer patients on time,” he added.

    The Commissioner revealed that Lagos has domesticated the NHIA Act through an Executive Order, paving the way for aggressive implementation of health insurance schemes targeting vulnerable populations. “The goal is clear: any woman facing a maternal emergency must be treated, registered or not. We’ll save her life first, then sort out the payment later. That is the true role of government,” he stated.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, adding her voice to the call for urgency, described the CEmOC programme as a life-saving intervention that demands immediate and universal adoption by all public health facilities. “We must stop asking women in distress how much they have. Just save the life!” she exclaimed, drawing from her personal childbirth experience in the UK to highlight the importance of systemic readiness.

    Dr. Ogunyemi called on frontline health workers to take full ownership of the initiative, stating that every secondary hospital must rise to the occasion and that it is not just NHIA’s job, it is everyone’s responsibility. She expressed confidence in Lagos’ ability to lead the country in maternal health standards. “This collaboration sends a strong signal: Lagos is ready to change the story for women,” she said.

    NHIA Director-General, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, provided insights into the national scope of the initiative, which was launched in April 2024 as a flagship under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda and the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII). “CEmOC focuses on the rapid provision of care for life-threatening complications like hemorrhage, sepsis, eclampsia, and obstructed labour. It’s about removing financial and systemic delays,” Dr. Ohiri explained.

    He revealed that over 2,000 women across Nigeria have already accessed emergency care through the programme, and that Lagos will now serve as a benchmark state for scaling the model. “Lagos, with its vast population and urban challenges, will be a critical test case. If we get it right here, we can save thousands of lives across Nigeria,” he said.

    Dr. Ohiri emphasised the need for coordinated data systems, prompt disbursement protocols, and timely referrals to ensure the programme’s success. “Maternal death is a solvable crisis. With Lagos’ leadership and stakeholder support, we are poised to make real change,” he concluded.

  • Nigeria sustains polio drive amid vaccine-derived risk, says WHO

    Nigeria sustains polio drive amid vaccine-derived risk, says WHO

    Despite Nigeria’s certification as free of wild poliovirus, polio vaccinations remain critical to protect children from a mutated strain still in circulation, Dr. Bonos Mohammed of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said. Mohammed, the WHO Coordinator in Anambra State, made the clarification during a stakeholders’ meeting on the upcoming National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs) campaign. The event was organised by the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ASPHCDA), in collaboration with the state Ministry of Health and development partners.

    He noted that the continued vaccination drive is aimed at preventing outbreaks of Circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (cVDPV), which remains a threat due to population movement and low immunity in some areas. While Nigeria has been declared free of wild poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3, Mohammed said sustained vigilance is necessary to maintain that status and prevent resurgence. “Only two countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan still report cases of wild poliovirus. However, through trade and travel, we still intermingle with these countries, putting Nigerian children at high risk,” he said.

    Mohammed explained that although Nigeria has not recorded any imported cases of wild poliovirus, the country is currently battling outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV), particularly in areas with low immunisation coverage. He noted that the oral polio vaccine (OPV) contains a weakened virus that can be shed by vaccinated children. In well-immunised communities, this poses no threat. However, in places where many children remain unvaccinated, the virus can circulate, mutate, and eventually regain the ability to cause paralysis—leading to cVDPV outbreaks. “This is what we call Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (VDPV. Children with low or no immunity are at risk of infection and paralysis if exposed to this mutated virus),” he said.

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    He warned that such cases were already affecting parts of Nigeria. Mohammed stressed that the only way to stop the spread was to ensure every child was vaccinated. “If all children are immunised, the virus cannot spread or cause harm because of strong community immunity. This is why we are not yet done with polio in Nigeria,” he added.

    While no cases of cVDPV had been recorded in Anambra State so far, Mohammed warned that the risk remained due to movement across regions. “The northern parts of Nigeria still report cVDPV cases. Though Anambra is yet to record any, the threat of spread through trade and travel persists,” he said.

    Mrs Chisom Uchem, Executive Secretary of ASPHCDA, announced that the NIPDs campaign in Anambra would run from May 3 to May 6. She added that a mop-up would take place from May 7 to May 8, followed by a final evaluation from May 9 to May 11 to assess the campaign’s effectiveness.

  • Minister, senator, others rally support for cleft, facial deformities N1.6bn hospital

    Minister, senator, others rally support for cleft, facial deformities N1.6bn hospital

    Calls for support have intensified for the proposed N1.6 billion Abuja Craniofacial Hospital, a facility designed to offer free surgeries to indigent Nigerians suffering from cleft lip, facial tumours, noma, and other craniofacial conditions.

    The facility, planned for Sabon Karshi, Nasarawa State, by the Cleft and Facial Deformity Foundation (CFDF), is expected to span 7,200 square meters, with surgical theatres, administrative buildings, and dedicated male, female, and private wards.

    At the 29th free surgical outreach organized by CFDF in Kuje General Hospital, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, described oral and facial deformities as a largely overlooked public health challenge, particularly in rural communities.

    “People living in remote communities often hide in silence, convinced by myths or shame that their condition is untreatable,

    “But with early intervention and awareness, many lives can be saved and transformed,” he said.

    Pate, represented by Dr. Gloria Uzoigwe, Director of Dentistry at the Ministry, acknowledged that while the government, alongside development partners, runs facilities dedicated to noma and cleft care, the proposed hospital deserves all the financial support it can get.

    “Despite the economic strain, the Ministry supports the proposed Abuja Craniofacial Hospital, we are urging the public and private sector leaders to help fund the project.

    “Donor fatigue is real. But this is our own. We must build lasting systems ourselves. This hospital is about restoring dignity, offering healing, and securing the futures of thousands who are otherwise written off,” he noted.

    Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), echoed the Ministry’s support, saying, “We’re proud to support this outreach and the planned craniofacial hospital.

    “The impact is clear, lives are being changed. The FCT Administration is ready to partner with the foundation to bring help to those suffering from facial deformities, especially children.”

    Represented by the Acting Director General of the FCT Hospital Management Board, Dr. Olugbenga Bello, the Mandate Secretariat urged Abuja residents to enroll in the FCT Health Insurance Scheme, emphasizing that it can ease the financial burden of medical expenses by covering essential healthcare needs.

    “It’s just ₦13,500 a year for access to care in any hospital of your choice,” she explained.

    Sen. Fatai Buhari, who chairs the Senate Committee on Aviation, praised Dr. Seidu Bello and the CFDF team for offering free surgeries to the indigent, noting that nothing could be more service to humanity.

    Offering to assist the proposed project with his legislative privileges, he said, “I’ve asked for a proposal and will personally take it to the National Assembly’s health committee.

    “While I can’t promise budget allocation, I will push for seed funding to get this project off the ground.”

    Ucheria Abua, who represented the Chief Executive Officer of the TY Danjuma Foundation, Gima Forge, the major sponsor of the CFDF surgery missions, reinforced the foundation’s commitment to life-changing health interventions.

    She said CFDF’s mandate of catering to the sensitive medical needs of the indigent aligns closely with the core mission of the TY Danjuma Foundation, which is why the Foundation has remained steadfast in its support.

    “We see drastic transformation, children who once hid from the world are now smiling, returning to school, and reclaiming their lives,” she said.

    She emphasised the tripartite model of the outreach, funding, medical expertise, and government support, noting, “Without one, the whole system fails.”

    The Abuja Chapters of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA) pledged to provide manpower support for the Foundation’s future outreaches, while their representative, Dr. Agbo Theophilus, expressed deep appreciation for the Foundation’s impactful work.

    Earlier, CFDF Executive Director, Dr. Bello, noted that since 2011, CFDF has conducted more than 1,500 free craniofacial surgeries across 13 States, with the outreach returning to Kuje, its starting point, for the 29th edition.

    According to him, 45 new patients had been identified during the current outreach, with 15 already undergoing surgery.

    “These conditions are not rare. They’re real, and they are everywhere. Unfortunately, most of these patients are indigent, and without help, they remain trapped in physical pain, psychological trauma, and social exclusion,” he explained.

    Referencing the 2024 National Oral Health Policy, Bello said oral diseases are among the most common non-communicable diseases globally, affecting 3.5 billion people.

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    In Africa, he said the burden is heavier due to poverty, he said, stressing that facial deformities often result in social stigma, school dropout, unemployment, and broken families.

    “This hospital isn’t just a treatment center. It will also be a research and training hub.

    “We must stop depending solely on foreign aid. Nigerians must now fund a Nigerian solution to this Nigerian problem,” he said.

    Patients and their families, some travelling from distant States, as far as Katsina, expressed deep gratitude.

    Dr. Ayeni Babatunde, Medical Director of Kuje General Hospital, praised the Foundation for its humanitarian work and called for continued public-spirited support to sustain its efforts.

    Many of them said it was their first time receiving any form of medical attention for conditions they had endured for years.

  • Immunisation Week: Banigo seeks stronger policies to protect children

    Immunisation Week: Banigo seeks stronger policies to protect children

    As stakeholders around the world continue to reflect on the importance of immunisation, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), Senator Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, has commended the proactive measures instituted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whose health sector reforms continue to strengthen the health sector in Nigeria. 

    In a statement to mark the 2025 World Immunisation Week, Banigo said the theme, “Immunisation for All is Humanly Possible,” presents a global opportunity to rally collective support for expanding routine immunisation coverage across the nation. Sen Dr. Banigo emphasised that this is a crucial moment to raise awareness, as more than 2 million children remain unimmunized in Nigeria, leaving them vulnerable to preventable diseases.

    The Harvard-trained Public Health Physician noted that World Immunisation Week, observed annually in the last week of April, underscores the importance of collaboration and collective action in promoting immunisation uptake to protect people of all ages.

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    She reiterated the national goal of achieving 90% immunisation coverage administered to infants and children under five years. A fully immunised child, she said, should receive BCG, measles, and three doses each of DPT and polio vaccines.

    “Immunisation can prevent several childhood diseases, including but not limited to measles, mumps, rubella, polio, pertussis (whooping cough), diphtheria, tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox), and pneumococcal disease,” she stated.

    The former Rivers Deputy Governor stressed that immunisation saves millions of lives each year and remains one of the most effective tools in safeguarding health, and curbing the spread of preventable diseases.

    The lawmaker representing the Rivers West Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly called on all stakeholders—parents, traditional rulers, faith-based organisations, health workers, teachers, and caregivers—to support the campaign for universal child immunisation across Nigeria. She further reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening legislative frameworks that prioritize immunisation as a first-line charge, ensuring sustainable financing, improved access, and stronger accountability within the national health architecture.

    According to her, such measures would reinforce the National Immunisation Policy, save lives, promote healthy child development, and prevent serious illnesses and long-term disabilities such as poliomyelitis.

  • Sanwo-Olu lauds General Hospital management

    Sanwo-Olu lauds General Hospital management

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has lauded the Medical Director of General Hospital, Isolo, Lagos, Dr Saliu Oseni, management and workers for their dedication and commitment in taking the hospital to a greater height.

    The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, gave the commendation at the grand finale of events marking the 50th anniversary of the hospital.

    He said many people in and around Isolo were alive because of the health service provided by the hospital.

    Sanwo-Olu said General Hospital, Isolo was among the few general hospitals chosen by his administration during his first term, to refurbish.

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    He expressed satisfaction that the refurbishment was successfully done.

    The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Service Commission, Dr Benjamin Eniayewun, also commended the hospital.

    Dr Oseni thanked the government for supporting the hospital.

    Other dignitaries who attended the programme were Special Adviser on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, Chairman, Lagos State Health Service Commission, Dr Atinuke Onayiga, Permanent Secretaries, Commissioner 1, Dr Olumuyiwa Solanke, Commissioner 2, Mobolaji Olukoya, Commissioner 3, Mrs Moyosore Adejumo, Commissioner 4, Mrs Ololade Fadipe and medical directors of hospitals.

  • First Lady rallies monarchs to end FGM

    First Lady rallies monarchs to end FGM

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has called on traditional rulers to lend their voices towards the eradication of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), HIV/AIDS, Syphilis and Hepatitis.

    She made the appeal  during her  meeting with members of  the Oyo State Council of Traditional Rulers in Ibadan yesterday.

    The  First Lady told the monarchs that the health challenges could be tackled with the active involvement of cultural custodians and other key stakeholders.

    Senator Tinubu, who was in the state to commission a new Community ICT Centre under the Renewed Hope Initiative in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), described FGM as a harmful traditional practice that has persisted largely due to cultural acceptance.

     She lamented its high prevalence in the Southwest and emphasised the role traditional rulers could play in  ending the endorsement of the practice.

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    The First Lady’s comments were contained in a statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi.

     The statement reads in part:  “The continued existence of FGM and the spread of HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis are public health crises that thrive on ignorance and silence. 

    “Our revered traditional rulers have the moral authority to shift these harmful narratives and promote healthier, more informed communities.”

     At the   ICT centre,  Senator Tinubu highlighted its potential to transform lives, particularly among women and youths.

    She said: “This centre marks another milestone in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to bridge the digital divide.

    “ICT knowledge empowers communities—especially women—to break traditional barriers, pursue education, and access opportunities in the global digital economy.”

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who joined the First Lady at the event, lauded the federal intervention, stating that the initiative aligns with the state’s drive to encourage technology-driven economic diversification and youth innovation.

    Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, urged beneficiaries of the centre to take full advantage of the facility.  

  • Novel health innovations that revolutionised medical care

    Novel health innovations that revolutionised medical care

    Mojisola Alaiya

    Global expectations of improved health outcomes have brought about increased researches into development of new health innovations. There is rapid evolution of health innovations in recent years many of which have been scientifically and legally approved and are being utilised in developed countries. 

    However, due to global disparities in healthcare delivery, majority of these innovations are relatively unknown in under-developed and developing nations like Nigeria. Where they are known, availability, accessibility and affordability are major hurdles that many of the citizens of these countries have to cross to utilise them.  Notwithstanding, these health innovations have brought succor to many patients, brought hope to seemingly hopeless medical issues and saved many lives. They include the following:

    ·        Brain-reading Implants

    This novel invention enables people who suffer from speech defect due to paralysis and other speech-related issues to speak. The device translates brain activity generated when the wearer silently tries to say a word into audio with unprecedented accuracy and speed.

    The brain implant is utilized in conjunction with deep learning algorithms to translate thoughts into speech. This has helped those who suffer from paralysis (stroke) and other forms of speech defect find their voice again.

    ·        Wearable Blood Pressure Monitoring Devices

    These wearable devices track blood pressure, pulse, breathing and joint movement in real time by using sensors. Some variants of this device measure blood oxygen and core body temperature. Their compact design enables continuous blood pressure monitoring throughout daily activities. The sensor in some device is made from nanomaterials integrated with seaweed. This makes the innovation sustainable and eco-friendly. Wearable technology involves devices that can be worn as clothing accessories.

    ·        Magnetic Nanorobots

    This innovation prevents bursting of arteries and dangerous arterial bleeding especially in the brain. Aneurysms are blood-filled bulges on blood vessels (arteries and veins). When they grow large, they burst and the resulting bleeding can lead to death. If the aneurysm is in the brain and arterial bleeding occurs, it results in a stroke or sudden death.

    Magnetic nanobots technology utilizes Nanobots, magnetic fields and medical imaging to manage bleeds in the brain caused by aneurysms. The magnetic field directs the Nanobots to cluster inside the aneurysm. The coating on the Nanobots melts releasing a natural clotting protein which help seal off the aneurysm and prevent potential bleeding in the brain.

    ·        The Electronic Nose (e-Nose):

    COVID-19 shook the world to the core and left the world grappling with its aftermath. One of the negative health impacts of the pandemic is the loss of sense of smell known as anosmia. It has been reported that the pandemic adversely affected the olfactory cells of many of the people that survived. Thus many survivors recovered with altered or reduced ability to detect odors and scents. This is reported to have affected millions of people worldwide.

    Treatments for loss of the sense of smell are scarce. However, the e-Nose is an innovation that has transformed treatment for olfactory health issues. It is an olfactory implant and it contains an array of chemical sensors which aids patients to smell again. The e-Nose utilizes pattern recognition algorithm to mimic the human nose and olfactory system.

    ·        Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) Device for Type 1 Diabetes

    This has revolutionized management of Type 1 diabetes.

    Insulin, the hormone responsible for the regulation of glucose level in the body is secreted by the pancreas. People with Type 1 diabetes suffer from insulin deficiency because of inability of their pancreas to secret this hormone. Hence they require insulin doses to manage their blood glucose level. This innovation automates dosing of insulin via a pump by using an algorithm.  The device acts like an artificial pancreas system. It analyzes glucose data and program the pump for appropriate doses.

    ·        Painless Glucose Monitoring Wearable Devices

    This is a continuous blood sugar monitoring device that can be in form of skin patches, rings, smartwatches or wristbands depending on user preference. The technology is non-invasive.

    This saves patients, especially those with Type 2 diabetes, the pain of prickling needles. The technology involves combination of biosensors with advanced algorithm. It delivers precise glucose reading in seconds.

    ·        Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)

    According to World Health Organization (WHO) over 4 million newborns or stillborns are lost every year while 300,000 women die from pregnancy related complications. This is preventable using genetic screening technology.

    Non-invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) detects chromosomal abnormalities in expectant mothers. The innovation detects risks for expectant mothers and gene-related health issues such as sickle cell in fetuses.  This enables informed choices and early decisions.  The technology can also uncover drug-gene interaction thus enabling safety, improving diagnosis and treatment.

    ·        Ingestible Electronic Capsule (Digital Pill):

    This is also known as ingestible sensor. The ingestible electronic capsule is a digital pharmaceutical dosage form. It contains an ingestible sensor inside a pill. It is equipped with cameras and sensors and used for real time gastrointestinal monitoring. This innovation transmits medical data of the gastrointestinal tract after it is consumed. It facilitates early detection of gastrointestinal diseases and other related health issues. The device increases diagnostic accuracy and it is non-invasive thus improving patient comfort and painless diagnosis.

    ·        Bioelectric Devices

    This bioelectric technology aids paralyzed patients to move using their body’s electrical signals. This innovation communicates with the nervous system via electrical signals from the patient’s body, enabling the patient to grasp objects, lift and even drink from a cup.

    ·        Histrotrispy

    According to WHO, cancer is the leading cause of non-communicable disease mortality globally accounting for an estimated 9.6million deaths or one in six deaths. In addition the disease has been reported to be the leading cause of death in economically developed countries and the second leading cause of death in developing countries.

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    HistoSonics, a biotechnology company based in the USA, has pioneered a medical device called Histrotripsy. It is an innovative non-invasive way to treat tumors. Histrotripsy uses focused ultrasound waves to mechanically liquefy cancerous tissues in the body.

    ·        Infection Detecting Surgical Suture

    This innovative invention was developed by Dasia Taylor using beet dye and cotton-polyester blend threads. Post-operative wound infections have been reported to be quite fatal and responsible for death or slower rate of recovery in post-surgery patients especially among the poor in under developed and developing countries. These wound infections are often the cause of death in recovering patients either at home or in the hospital. Wound infection detecting surgical sutures helps healthcare providers to recognize wound infections as they occur and thus improve full recovery after an operation or surgery.

    ·         Another innovative invention is the portable hemodialysis system that enables home-based kidney treatment.

    Indeed there are many more groundbreaking health innovations. Hopefully the WHO, other health organizations and Governments of poor nations will make them affordable and accessibility to those who desperately need them in under-developed and developing countries.

  • WHO warns of resurgence of eradicated diseases amid global funding cuts

    WHO warns of resurgence of eradicated diseases amid global funding cuts

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised an alarm that diseases previously brought under control through vaccination could resurface, following significant cuts to global health funding.

    In a statement to mark the start of World Immunisation Week, WHO revealed that vaccines have saved an estimated 150 million lives over the past 50 years.

    However, the organisation warned that this hard-earned progress is now under serious threat.

    World Immunisation Week, celebrated annually from April 24 to 30, aims to highlight the critical importance of vaccines. This year’s theme is: “Immunisation for All is Humanly Possible.”

    WHO highlighted the success vaccines have had in Africa’s “meningitis belt,” where mass immunisation campaigns have effectively ended meningitis A outbreaks. Similarly, yellow fever cases and deaths have dropped significantly due to routine vaccinations and emergency vaccine stockpiles. But WHO cautioned that these achievements are now at risk.

    “Funding cuts to global health have put these hard-won gains in jeopardy. If we do not act now, diseases we thought were gone could come back and claim many lives,” WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned.

    The organisation also shared worrying trends: in 2023, global measles cases surged to 10.3 million—a 20 percent increase compared to 2022. Yellow fever is also making a comeback, with outbreaks recorded across Africa and the Americas in early 2025.

    WHO attributed the setbacks to several factors, including misinformation about vaccines, growing populations, conflicts and natural disasters, and declining financial support from donors.

    A recent WHO review of vaccination efforts in 108 countries revealed that nearly half are struggling with serious challenges in their immunisation campaigns due to shrinking donor contributions, leading to vaccine shortages.

    The Executive Director of UNICEF, Catherine Russell, said that, “The global funding crisis is severely limiting our ability to vaccinate over 15 million vulnerable children in fragile and conflict-affected countries against measles.”

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    She added, “Vaccines save about 4.2 million lives every year by protecting people against 14 different diseases. Almost half of these lives are saved in Africa. Despite these incredible results, falling investment now risks bringing back diseases we thought we had under control.”

    Experts say vaccines are one of the smartest ways to spend money on health.

    According to WHO, “Every $1 spent on vaccines returns an estimated $54 through better health and stronger economies.”

    WHO, UNICEF, and their partners are urging parents, communities, and political leaders to keep supporting vaccination programmes and to make sure vaccines are funded well into the future.

  • Lagos govt to mothers: Stop using untrained traditional birth attendants

    Lagos govt to mothers: Stop using untrained traditional birth attendants

    The Lagos State Government has warned mothers not to use untrained Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) while giving birth.

    Officials said this during a medical outreach held in Lagos. 

    The event was organised in partnership with the Simisola Alabi Foundation.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr (Mrs) Kemi Ogunyemi, praised the founder of Simisola Alabi Foundation, Dr Simisola Alabi for organising the programme and warned about the dangers women face when they avoid hospitals during pregnancy and childbirth.

    Dr Ogunyemi said, “Many women die during childbirth because they refuse to go to the hospital. They think it is too expensive. But with health insurance, the cost is no longer a problem. Education saves lives, and this event was a good opportunity to teach women how to stay healthy.”

    She also called on men to support their families’ health. She said, “Men must not stand aside. They should be involved in things like health insurance and family planning. It is not only the woman’s job; it is a shared responsibility.”

    Speaking on the sideline, Dr Alabi explained why she started the outreach.

     “I am not doing this because I have too much money. I am doing this because I know how powerful it is to give. Helping one mother today can change the lives of future generations.” She said. 

    She shared that her passion for helping others began when she lived in the United Kingdom (UK).

    “When I was in the UK, I lost a mentor who meant a lot to me. That loss pushed me to start helping people. When I came back to Nigeria, I knew I had to continue making a difference,” she said.

    Dr Alabi said that fighting stunting, a problem where children don’t grow properly, was one of the main goals of the programme.

    She explained, “Stunting is not just about being short. It also affects the child’s brain and future opportunities. By supporting mothers today, we are building a better future for our children.”

    She also urged businesses to focus their charity work on poor communities.

    Dr Alabi said, “The real heartbeat of Lagos is not in the rich areas. It is in communities like Obalende. If you want to help, bring your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects here, where people really need them.”

    At the outreach, many mothers and children received free services like health insurance, immunisations, malaria treatment, and nutrition advice.

    The General Manager of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr Emmanuella Zamba, praised the event.

    She said, “This is a truly wonderful event. Today, mothers and children are getting vaccinations, malaria treatment, health advice, and health insurance — all in one place. This shows that people and communities can make a big difference in healthcare.”

    The Executive Director of the Simisola Alabi Foundation, Pharmacist Bebenimibo Perezi, also spoke. He said the Foundation is serious about fighting health problems like malnutrition and maternal death.

    He said, “With the support of our partners like Codix Nigeria, May & Baker, Pearls Specialist Clinic, Amayi Foods, Page Financials, and Lawyer Funmi Roberts, we are ready to do even more. Our goal is to improve the lives of thousands of women and children across Lagos State.”

    Pharm. Perezi added that their first big programme for 2025 is called Healthy Mothers, Thriving Children. It plans to help over 1,000 mothers and children in its first three months.

    He explained, “We will offer maternal and child health education, menstrual hygiene packs, health checks, and free health insurance for those who need it through the LASHMA EKOSHA initiative.”

    Also speaking at the event, the Medical Officer of Health for Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Dr Akintayo Akintoba, praised the Simisola Alabi Foundation for its good work.

    He said, “The Foundation is doing a great job by providing immunisations and health checks. It shows that working together with local organisations can make healthcare better for everyone in Lagos State.”