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Category: Health

FG intensifies cancer control with nuclear medicine

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cancer prevention, treatment, and research in Nigeria by fully exploring the potential of nuclear medicine.

This is as Nigeria becomes a focus country for World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global initiative for Childhood Cancers (GICC).

The inclusion of the country means the GICC will support Nigeria to provide improved access to quality cancer care for the children.

The Minister of State for Health, Adekunle Salako, said the exploration of nuclear medicine is imperative because, despite the disease’s complexity and high mortality, Nigeria continues to lag in nuclear medicine services, a crucial component of cancer management.

To address the gap, the Minister inaugurated the National Nuclear Medicine Technical Working Group (NMTWG) on Tuesday to intensify the role of nuclear medicine in cancer care.

The Minister explained that the step is crucial because, despite previous partnerships with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and efforts by the National Nuclear Medicine Management Committee set up in 2010, insufficient infrastructure has led to the loss of many trained specialists to other countries.

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While reaffirming government’s commitment to expanding cancer care and ensuring continuity in nuclear medicine services, the Minister said the Committee will serve as an advisory body to the ministry and strengthen collaboration with international agencies.

The newly constituted NMTWG comprises nuclear medicine physicians, training institutions, research bodies, civil society groups, and cancer advocates.

It is co-chaired by Ololade Kehinde, a nuclear medicine physician and Special Advisor (Technical) to the Minister, and Alikor Chizindu, a nuclear medicine physician at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

The 35-member working group also includes Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, the President-elect of the Union of International Cancer Control (UICC) among others.

The Minister asserted that the government is unrelenting in its determination to deepen cancer control efforts, saying, “We have finalized plans to establish and upgrade 6 Federal Teaching Hospitals with new Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine facilities across the country.

“Three of the centers are planned to be commissioned in May, 2025 and the remaining 3 will be commissioned on or before the 2026 World Cancer Day.

“We intend to sustain this initiative throughout the life span of this administration so that before 2030, every part of this country would have been equipped to treat all forms of cancer”.

He also emphasized the need for a grassroots approach to cancer care, adding that States and Local governments will be incentivized to participate in cancer programs, with support being performance-based.

Furthermore, he assured that the Federal government would develop strategies to ensure state governments, previously criticized for distancing themselves from cancer control, become more responsive in addressing the issue.

The Director General (DG) of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Prof. Usman Aliyu, reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to tackling cancer through collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation.

Speaking on the theme “United by Unique,” the DG emphasized the importance of equitable access to prevention, early detection, treatment, and care.

Aliyu commended the Ministry for its support and acknowledged civil society organizations (NGOs), and international partners for their efforts in cancer awareness, screening, and advocacy.

He highlighted NICRAT’s progress in implementing the National Strategic Cancer Control Plan, including training healthcare workers in prevention and onco-psychology, digitalizing the National Cancer Registry, and pioneering research in cancer genomics.

According to him, in a groundbreaking move, NICRAT introduced preventive oncology clinical services in the North Central and South-West regions in 2024, aiming to integrate routine cancer screening into the healthcare system.

The DG urged stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, and healthcare professionals, to continue fostering diversity, inclusion, and equitable cancer care.

He assured that NICRAT remains committed to consolidating achievements and initiating new programs to ensure no Nigerian is left behind in the fight against cancer.

Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, President of the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS), acknowledged the Federal government’s efforts in cancer control while criticizing the lack of initiative among State governments, pointing out that only five out of 36 States have a Cancer Desk in their Ministry of Health.

Omonisi urged the Federal government to develop measures that would hold State governments accountable and ensure they become more proactive in addressing cancer issues.

World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative to Nigeria, Walter Mulombo, who conveyed the the global body’s GICC memorandum to the Minister emphasized the importance of a people-centred approach to cancer care, ensuring that individuals, families, and communities are at the core of health interventions.

He stressed that beyond treatment, healthcare systems must consider the experiences and needs of patients holistically.

While commending the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Cancer Control Programme, and NICRAT for their leadership in cancer prevention and control, Mulombo acknowledged stakeholders, including cancer survivors, for their contributions to raising awareness and advocating for better cancer care.

He assured of WHO’s continuous support member States in their cancer control efforts through global initiatives such as the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, the Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative, and the Global Breast Cancer Initiative.

Mulombo, however, commended Nigeria for adopting these initiatives and reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to assisting the country in raising awareness, improving prevention and treatment, and strengthening health systems through the Health Sector Renewal Initiative.

February 4, 2025
2025 World Cancer Day: Late marriages, decline in breastfeeding fueling breast cancer rise – Expert

Dr. Habeebu Muhammad, Chief Clinical Director of the NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre, has linked the rising incidence of breast cancer to the increasing trend of late marriages and a decline in breastfeeding practices.

Speaking on World Cancer Day 2025, Dr. Muhammad warned that beyond these factors, lifestyle choices such as junk food consumption, sedentary living, and exposure to environmental pollutants are also contributing to the growing prevalence of breast cancer, particularly among adolescents and young women.

“Women today are getting married later than before, largely due to educational pursuits and financial constraints,” Dr. Muhammad explained. “This delay affects the age at which they have their first child. Studies have shown that women who have their first child after 25 face a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who give birth at a younger age.”

The oncologist further lamented the decline in breastfeeding culture, highlighting its protective role against breast cancer.

“In the past, women breastfed for up to two years, but modern career demands and maternity leave limitations have reduced this practice,” he noted. “Breastfeeding helps regulate hormone levels and offers a protective shield against breast cancer, but with fewer women breastfeeding for extended periods, we are seeing an increased risk.”

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Dr. Muhammad also pointed to early puberty as a growing risk factor. “Girls today are reaching puberty much earlier than before, which prolongs their exposure to estrogen—a hormone linked to breast cancer.

Additionally, the number of pregnancies brought to term has declined. Unlike in the past when women had six to ten children, many now have only two or three. The more pregnancies a woman carries to term, the more protection her breasts receive from the effects of estrogen.”

The expert also drew attention to lifestyle changes contributing to breast cancer risks.

“We are eating more processed, fatty foods, and living increasingly sedentary lives. Unlike before, when women engaged in farming, hawking, and household chores that kept them active, today’s lifestyle revolves around office work and minimal movement,” he stated.

Environmental pollution, he added, is another underappreciated culprit. “Exposure to waste products, chemical pollutants from generators, motor exhaust fumes, and factory emissions are increasing the risk of breast cancer. Urbanization has heightened women’s exposure to these carcinogens.”

Despite the rising number of breast cancer cases, Dr. Muhammad observed that more women are now seeking medical attention, dispelling past myths that associated the disease with spiritual attacks.

“I must say that awareness is improving. More women are coming forward for treatment instead of attributing breast cancer to supernatural causes,” he said. “We are diagnosing more cases, not just because the disease is rising, but also due to improved screening technologies and better public awareness.”

Dr. Muhammad urged young women to adopt healthier lifestyles to mitigate their risk.

“Exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and avoid excessive consumption of junk food,” he advised. “Breast cancer is not entirely preventable, but by making informed choices, women can significantly reduce their risk.”

A study published in The Lancet in November 2024, titled The Current and Future Global Burden of Cancer Among Adolescents and Young Adults, revealed alarming statistics. In 2022 alone, an estimated 1.3 million cancer cases and 377,621 cancer-related deaths occurred among young people.

The study further noted that while cancer incidence rates were highest in high-income countries, mortality rates were disproportionately higher in low-income nations due to limited access to healthcare.

Breast and cervical cancers were the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in over 90 countries.

Projections indicate that the global burden of adolescent and young adult cancer will rise by approximately 12% by 2050. The impact will be most severe in low-income countries, where cases and deaths are expected to double.

As the 2025 World Cancer Day theme “United by Unique” underscores the importance of patient-centered care, experts stress the need for improved awareness, early detection, and proactive lifestyle adjustments to combat the growing breast cancer crisis.

February 4, 2025
Group seeks heavy government, private sector cancer control investment

The Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncologists of Nigeria (ARCON) has called for urgent reforms in cancer care, emphasizing the need for substantial government investment in oncology infrastructure, workforce development, and nationwide screening programs.

The group stressed the urgency of increased funding for radiotherapy centers, improved access to advanced treatments, and stronger public-private partnerships to enhance cancer care delivery across the country.

In a statement on Monday, ARCON National President, Nwamaka Lasebikan, emphasized the urgency of the call, noting that with over 120,000 new cancer cases recorded annually in Nigeria, many patients still experience delayed diagnoses due to limited awareness and inadequate screening opportunities.

According to her, the high rate of late-stage cancer diagnoses poses a challenge due to limited awareness, inadequate screening opportunities, and gaps in treatment infrastructure, with only 10 radiotherapy facilities nationwide.

Additionally, she noted, a severe shortage of trained oncology professionals, further complicating access to timely and specialized treatment as well as the high cost of cancer care, which places a significant financial burden on patients and their families.

Marking World Cancer Day 2025 under the theme “United by Unique,” Lasebikan emphasized that while each cancer journey is personal, collective efforts can bring meaningful change.

Recognizing the enormity of the challenges, she said, in active partnership with stakeholders, ARCON is driving innovative solutions to enhance cancer care nationwide through expanding early detection and awareness, as well as advocating for nationwide screening programs to promote early diagnosis.

Marking World Cancer Day 2025 under the theme “United by Unique,” Lasebikan emphasized that while every cancer journey is personal, collective efforts can drive meaningful change.

Recognizing the scale of the challenges, ARCON, in collaboration with stakeholders, has been implementing innovative solutions to improve cancer care nationwide. Its efforts focus on expanding early detection, raising awareness, and advocating for nationwide screening programs to promote early diagnosis, she explained.

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Furthermore, she said the association is encouraging public-private partnerships to make advanced treatments more widely available, as well as promoting the adoption of innovative technologies to improve treatment accuracy and effectiveness.

The group is also strengthening Nigeria’s oncology workforce advocating for more training of clinical oncologists, and other healthcare workers involved in delivering cancer care while encouraging research, mentorship, and capacity-building initiatives, she noted.

“At ARCON, we recognize that cancer is not just a health issue—it is a societal challenge that

affects individuals, families, and communities in profound ways.

“Each patient’s experience is unique, shaped by personal, cultural, and economic factors. Yet, through collaboration, expertise, and innovation, we can unite to improve early detection, treatment accessibility, and survival outcomes, “Lasebikan added.

February 4, 2025
Human activities threaten ocean health, expert urges collaborative effort for sustainability

Community leaders, scientists and activists have called for protection of Nigeria’s oceans from increasing exploitation and ecological degradation.

In an opening address, environmental activist and Convener of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Nnimmo Bassey, highlighted the dire state of the nation’s coastal ecosystems, emphasising that the ocean must not be seen as a commodity for profit but as a vital common good that sustains life, culture, and spirituality.

“Our oceans are under siege, and the communities that depend on them bear the brunt of pollution, displacement, and human rights abuses,” Bassey stated.

Across Nigeria’s coastline, many communities are suffering the consequences of laxly regulated resource extraction.

“The economic forces driving this destruction prioritize profit over people,” Bassey said, pointing to the environmental devastation caused by oil spills, dredging, and corporate fishing. He named several disaster sites, including the Ororo Oil Well 1 in Ondo State, where an oil inferno has been burning for almost five years, contributing to a worsening climate crisis.

The workshop also shone a light on the plight of fishermen and women, who face diminishing catches as their waters are increasingly taken over by industrial interests. Bassey shared the heartbreaking story of Aiyetoro, a once-thriving community now threatened by rising sea levels and global warming, with fears of displacement looming unless urgent action is taken.

“Governments must act as stewards of the environment, ensuring that decisions about natural resources include the participation of those who rely on them,” he urged. While Nigeria has signed international agreements to protect marine ecosystems, Bassey questioned the effectiveness of these measures, citing the destruction of protected areas and the privatization of public resources.

Director of the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Ocean Institute,

Dr. Patience Obatola,raised the alarm over the damaging effects of human activities on the ocean.

Obatola warned that these actions have caused the ocean to become increasingly destructive, posing significant risks to coastal communities and marine life.

The director emphasised the urgent need for a more sustainable approach to ocean management.

The event, which coincides with International Wetlands Day, ended on a call for urgent action. “Let us seize this moment to build a future where our oceans are protected, our rights are upheld, and our communities thrive,” Bassey concluded, calling for unity among scientists, policymakers, and activists to secure a sustainable future for Nigeria’s coastal regions.

One of the workshop’s key discussions centered on the threat posed by land reclamation projects, which are often presented as urban development but, in reality, involve the conversion and grabbing of vital aquatic ecosystems. “These developments disregard the vital role the ocean plays in regulating our climate and sustaining life on Earth,” Bassey warned.

February 4, 2025
Nigeria plans major health investments amid U.S. devt assistance policy shift

As the U.S. government adjusts its development assistance policies, Nigeria is taking proactive steps to safeguard its health sector.

To this end, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved significant investments to ensure continued access to critical healthcare services, particularly for those affected by HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria.

Speaking to State House correspondents after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, announced the approval of ₦4.8 billion for the Presidential Treatment Program for HIV patients.

The programme will provide 150,000 treatment packs over the next four months, ensuring uninterrupted care for those living with HIV.

Prof. Pate emphasized the government’s commitment to transitioning towards national healthcare financing and sustaining health programs through domestic resources.

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“Nigeria will continue to prioritize the well-being of its citizens by ensuring access to essential treatments and services despite changes in international support,” the minister stated.

To manage this transition, a committee comprising the Ministries of Finance, Health, Environment, and Defense, along with the Governor’s Forum, has been tasked with developing a sustainability plan.

The committee will work to mitigate the impact of U.S. policy shifts and maintain essential health services.

In addition to these measures, the FEC approved the HOPE program (Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity), a $1 billion initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s human capital.

Developed in collaboration with the International Development Association (IDA), the program will focus on health, education, and social protection.

Half of the funding—$500 million—will support governance reforms, including improved financial and human resource management at the state level and incentives for recruiting and training teachers and healthcare workers.

The other $500 million will be directed towards strengthening primary healthcare, expanding emergency maternal and child health services, and integrating digital health solutions.

“These investments will enhance the quality and resilience of Nigeria’s healthcare system, ensuring that our people receive the care they need,” Prof. Pate said.

February 3, 2025
Maternal mortality: FG reinforces ambulance services

In response to Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rate, where the country accounts for one in every four global maternal deaths, the federal government has inaugurated the National Emergency Medical Treatment Committee (NEMTC).

The coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, said the initiative reaffirms the government’s commitment to improving health outcomes by addressing key aspects of the sector and strengthening emergency medical response and healthcare accessibility, particularly for vulnerable populations.

He said it was this commitment that has driven key initiatives aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality while strengthening the country’s emergency medical infrastructure.

The Minister disclosed in a broadcast on the Ministry’s microblogging platform, X, emphasizing that the NEMTC initiative focuses on expanding health insurance coverage through the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and eliminating barriers to standard urgent and ambulatory care.

He noted that before establishing NEMTC, the government launched the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) to address the lack of a widespread emergency response system, prioritizing rural areas with high maternal mortality rates.

To further address this challenge, he said the government established the Rural Emergency Services and Maternal Transport program under NEMSAS.

However, according to him, to ensure accountability and efficiency, the NEMTC has been tasked with administering five percent of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

Additionally, Pate said regular audited accounts and performance reports are to be submitted to a Ministerial Oversight Committee, chaired by the Coordinating Minister of Health.

In collaboration with State governments, including Rivers, Bauchi, and Plateau, according to the Minister, the NEMTC has mid-wived the operationalization of the State emergency medical and ambulance services.

He cited the Rivers State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System which has been integrated into the national framework to maintain standardized emergency care delivery.

Accordingly, the Minister explained that the Nigerian government is also adopting innovative approaches to emergency response, utilizing tricycle ambulances, water ambulances, and traditional large ambulances.

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“These critical partnerships for development expeditiously bridge the infrastructure and manpower gaps that exist between where we are presently in emergency service provision and where we must arrive to meet the emergency care needs of Africa’s fastest-growing and largest vibrant population.

“Using tricycle ambulances, water ambulances, and traditional large ambulances, NEMSAS is evolving and implementing a new emergency notification process that proactively involves all parties to the response effort, from primary health care centre at the Ward level to the Local government’s federal hospital using State emergency number rather than a centralized national emergency number of 112.

“In everything that we do, the President’s support for Nigerian families and his concern for the collective well-being of our people has further intensified our focus on building an emergency response architecture that will accommodate the needs of every Nigerian irrespective of age, region, education, or social standard. This is the future of emergency care in Nigeria”.

February 3, 2025
NCDC reports 214 Lassa fever, 39 deaths in one month

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported 214 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 39 deaths in the country this year.

In its latest Lassa fever report on Friday, the NCDC said there were 71 new cases of the disease from January 13 to January 19, States where these cases were reported include Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Plateau, Ebonyi, Gombe, Nasarawa, Delta, and Kogi.

“Cumulatively in week 3, 2025, 39 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.2% which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2024 (20.4%),” the report reads.

“In total for 2025, 10 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 43 Local Government Areas.

“Seventy-seven (77%) of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from these three states (Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi) while 23% were reported from 7 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases.

“Of the 77% confirmed cases, Ondo reported 38%, Edo 22%, and Bauchi 17%.

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“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 3 to 94 years, Median Age: 30 years). The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.8.

“The number of suspected cases increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2024.

“National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) activated to coordinate the response activities at all levels.”

January 31, 2025
World NTDs Day: We’ve invested N30m on disease eimination – Oyo govt

The Oyo state government has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) with an investment of ₦30 million in disease elimination efforts across the 33 local government areas of the state.

Speaking at a press briefing to mark the 2025 World NTDs Day, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, highlighted the state’s achievements in combating the diseases over the past year.

She noted that NTDs which include lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), onchocerciasis (river blindness), schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminths, disproportionately impact the poorest and most marginalized communities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting opportunities for growth and development.

She said that among the most notable accomplishments of the state government is the successful implementation of the Mass Administration of Medicines (MAM) program, a major initiative aimed at eliminating NTDs.

She said: “Through this program, the government trained 18,000 Community Drug Distributors (CDDs), who demonstrated exceptional dedication by reaching 13,401 communities across 298 wards in the state.

“These frontline health workers played crucial roles in delivering essential medications to prevent and treat lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis.

“Additionally, the state has strengthened its healthcare workforce by equipping 641 health workers at the Local Government Area (LGA) level with the necessary tools and knowledge to supervise and support community-based efforts, ensuring the program’s effectiveness.

“To further enhance coordination and implementation, 31 Directors of Environmental Health and Environmental Health Officers were trained to oversee NTD interventions within their respective LGAs.”

Dr. Ajetunmobi emphasized the state’s unwavering resolve to eliminate NTDs, recognizing their detrimental impact on public health, productivity, and overall well-being.

“Here in Oyo State, we are acutely aware of the challenges posed by NTDs. These diseases affect the health and productivity of our people, but we remain resolute in our commitment to eliminating them through strategic investments, partnerships, and innovative approaches”, she added.

The Commissioner expressed profound appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde, for his steadfast commitment to improving healthcare in the state.

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She acknowledged that the Governor’s approval of the funds for the MAM program last year demonstrates his administration’s dedication to making healthcare a priority.

She also extended gratitude to major development partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, CBM, Evidence Action, and other stakeholders whose support has been instrumental in advancing Oyo State’s fight against NTDs.

Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde, harped on the importance of continuous awareness and community-led interventions in combating NTDs.

The event was attended by key stakeholders, representatives from collaborating Ministries, and health sector partners, all of whom commended the government’s proactive measures toward ensuring a healthier, NTD-free Oyo State.

The day’s activities featured the free distribution of essential medicines and an extensive sensitization campaign across major streets and markets in Ibadan.

January 31, 2025
US aid pause: FG seeks local solutions for HIV/AIDS control

Amid the recent executive order by the new United States (U S) administration to reassess and realign foreign aid including a 90-day pause on development assistance, the Nigerian government has announced its commitment to mobilizing domestic resources to mitigate potential gaps arising from the policy shift.

Although the U S government issued a waiver on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, for lifesaving medicines and medical services to provide relief for a global HIV treatment program, the Director General (DG) of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Temitope Ilori, expressed concern that the executive order still raises significant challenges for stakeholders, particularly regarding technical support and funding for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis programs.

While appreciating the U S government’s waiver and acknowledging potential changes to foreign aid in the near future, the Nigerian government emphasized the need for proactive measures, stressing the importance of homegrown funding solutions to address the evolving landscape.

Ilori, in a statement on Thursday, emphasized that the mobilization of domestic resources would be intensified, saying, “The Nigerian government would intensify domestic resource mobilization strategies towards ownership and sustainability of the HIV response in the country with a view to reducing the risks of donor aid policy shifts to the HIV response while ensuring that the country’s strategic goals and targets in the fight against HIV are achieved.

“Through effective stakeholder collaboration, creating favourable policies and enabling environment and advocacy to policy makers, Nigeria can still achieve the target of ending AIDS by 2030.

“We encourage the patient community to continue accessing HIV treatment services in service delivery points across the country and appeal to all our State Governors, private sector partners, all the honourable members of the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly, civil society organizations, the media and all other relevant stakeholders, to continue in their commitment and support to the fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria”.

She emphasized that the government has no choice but to pursue this path, given that Nigeria has the highest number of people living with HIV in the West and Central African region, with U.S. funding playing a crucial role in treatment and support.

The agency welcomed and appreciated the waiver for lifesaving medicines and medical services, recognizing it as a vital reprieve for the global HIV treatment program.

“Over the past two decades, partners in the global AIDS response have intensively supported the Nigerian government and institutions in the country, to scale-up prevention, treatment, care, and support for those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

“The U.S government, through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), has immensely supported Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response over the years, particularly in sustaining the treatment of people living with HIV in Nigeria.

“PEPFAR Nigeria remains the biggest donor for treatment programmes in the country as their contributions cover approximately 90% of the treatment burden.

“This waiver allows for the continuous distribution of HIV medications (ARVs) and medical services supported by PEPFAR in Nigeria.

“The Nigerian government appreciates the U.S. government waiver and is mindful of the potential change to foreign aid shortly under the new administration.

“We appreciate the United States Government and all our international partners for their continued contributions and support to the national HIV response,” Ilori said.

January 31, 2025
FG to crack down on quack medical laboratories

The federal government is set to clamp down on quackery in the medical laboratory profession and practice as well as institutionalize quality assurance in laboratory services.

A Ministerial Committee on Quality Assurance Inspection and Quackery is set to launch nationwide enforcement, it emerged on Thursday

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Adekunle Salako, during the presentation of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certificates of the National External Quality Assessment Laboratory (NEQAL) to eight laboratories, highlighted the importance of the transition to the latest ISO 2022 accreditation, which endures that Nigerian laboratories meet the highest global standards for quality and reliability in medical diagnostics.

He said: “Let me reiterate that one of my priority agendas as Minister of Health and Social Welfare is to confront the health sector quackery.

“I am prepared to give you all the support to ensure that all public and private laboratories in Nigeria enroll with MLSCN and accreditation services and national health programs in access to laboratory programs, to evaluate the proficiency of laboratory services like that in Nigeria”.

He acknowledged the role of quality assurance in laboratory services and committed to working with stakeholders to implement periodic evaluations in both public and private laboratories.

“I expect top quality assurance of our laboratories, both public and private, and I want to make a commitment that this is one area that we jointly sit down to look at to see how we can ensure that Nigeria laboratories carry out periodic quality assurance.

“I am confident that we need cooperation to achieve this objective, not only from the community bodies, which are essential in achieving this objective, but I would like

MLSCN to roll out all your scenarios and deploy technology to ensure that quackery is eliminated from your profession,” he added.

Salako, described the ISO reaccreditation of the accreditation as a major milestone for Nigeria’s healthcare sector, stressing that adherence to international standards enhances the credibility of laboratory services and ensures global acceptance of results.

He urged other laboratories to upgrade their infrastructure, manpower, and processes to meet global benchmarks, emphasizing that accurate diagnostics are crucial for early disease detection, proper treatment, and improved patient outcomes.

He highlighted the role of laboratory scientists in advancing local vaccine and diagnostic development, which aligns with the Ministry’s value-chain agenda.

While commending President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing healthcare and reinstating funding for regulatory agencies, he urged the professionals to justify the government’s support by maintaining high performance and striving for global excellence in medical laboratory science.

World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative, Walter Mulombo congratulated the newly accredited laboratories, recognizing their role in accurate diagnosis, treatment decisions, and disease surveillance.

He emphasized that accreditation ensures compliance with international standards, enhances patient safety, and strengthens Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Represented at the event, Mulombo urged laboratories to uphold high standards, strive for excellence, and expand accreditation efforts, reinforcing universal health coverage.

The Global Fund representative highlighted the crucial role of laboratory services in health interventions, particularly in tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV/AIDS programs.

While commending accredited laboratories, he warned that accreditation is not permanent and can be withdrawn if standards decline, urging continuous adherence to high-quality practices.

NCDC Director General Jide Idris stressed the importance of laboratories in strengthening Nigeria’s health system, particularly in disease diagnosis, surveillance, and response.

Represented by Olajumoke Babatunde, the DG reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to high standards and continuous improvement.

Prof. Tosan Erhabor, Registrar and CEO of MLSCN, highlighted the significance of ISO accreditation for Nigerian laboratories, particularly the NEQAL and External Quality Assurance (EQA) programs, in strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring accurate diagnostics for diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV/AIDS.

He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to eliminating quackery in medical laboratory practice, warning unlicensed operators to leave before enforcement begins.

According to him, the MLSCN Accreditation Service, an associate member of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), continues to ensure Nigerian laboratories meet international benchmarks.

Despite these advancements, Erhabor expressed concern over inconsistent participation in EQA proficiency testing by public and private laboratories.

He urged the government to mandate compliance with MLSCN accreditation and EQA programs to standardize diagnostic quality across all medical facilities.

He called on the Minister of State to make a decisive pronouncement mandating that all government and private laboratories participate in MLSCN accreditation and EQA programs to ensure nationwide consistency and accountability in diagnostic services.

Erhabor estimated that Nigeria has about 10,000 laboratories, though fewer than 4,000 are currently registered with the Council, disclosing that the Council is set to embark on mapping and database integration while acknowledging that personnel availability is sufficient, despite challenges posed by migration.

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He also revealed that a Ministerial Committee on Inspection and Quackery is set to launch a nationwide enforcement campaign.

He emphasized the transition to the latest ISO 2022 accreditation as a demonstration of Nigerian laboratories’ commitment to meeting the highest global standards for quality and reliability in medical diagnostics.

The eight accredited laboratories include Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital PCR/ART Laboratory, NCDC’s National Reference Laboratory, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, and 68 Nigerian Army Medical Laboratory, that were accredited under ISO 15189:2012.

However, Bwari General Hospital Laboratory and Everight Diagnostics and Laboratory Services Limited received accreditation under the latest ISO 15189:2022, making them the only laboratories in Nigeria with the latest global ISO standard.

January 31, 2025