Category: Health

FG hosts free cancer screening for public servants

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Federal Public Service Games, has organized a free cancer screening exercise for public servants in commemoration of the 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The event, which held at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, aimed to create awareness about cancer and promote early detection and prevention. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Daju Kacholom S, while speaking at the event, emphasized the importance of early detection and screening in preventing cancer. He noted that developed countries have better…

FG unveils strategic framework and advocacy toolkit to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a significant step towards eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) by launching a Strategic Framework and Implementation Guidelines for NTDs-WASH, as well as an Advocacy Strategy and Toolkit for NTDs. The launch, held at a meeting convened by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja, marks a crucial milestone in Nigeria’s fight against NTDs.   NTDs affected over 120 million Nigerians and thrive in communities with poor access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of…

NUJ FCT Correspondents’ Chapel partners NBSA to drive safe blood donation awareness

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has partnered with the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA) to launch a sensitization and training campaign aimed at promoting safe blood donation and strengthening media advocacy for healthcare in Nigeria.   The event, held in Abuja, brought together media practitioners, government officials, and health experts in a joint effort to raise awareness and mobilize Nigerians toward voluntary blood donation.   Chairman of the NUJ FCT Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Felix Ojo, said the initiative was conceived “to serve humanity,”…

World Pharmacy Day 2025: Pate hails Pharmacists as strategic partners in nation’s healthcare

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Nigeria has joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2025 World Pharmacy Day, with the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, described pharmacists as strategic partners in building healthier and more resilient societies.   Speaking at a ministerial press briefing in Abuja on Thursday to mark Nigeria’s maiden edition of the Day, themed “Think Health, Think Pharmacists,” Prof. Pate, represented by Mrs. Ladidi Bako-Ayegbusi, Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary and Head of the Health Nutrition Department, emphasized that pharmacists are…

Tinubu seeks global support to tackle NCDs, strengthen mental health at UNGA

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the international community to intensify investments and forge stronger partnerships in addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health challenges, warned that both threaten productivity, economic stability, and social cohesion across developing nations.   Delivering Nigeria’s national statement at the Fourth High-Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of NCDs and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-Being during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Tinubu represented by the Minister of State for Health…

UNGA80: Nigeria demands global action to curb blindness, pushes for investment in Eye health

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Nigeria has urged world leaders and global partners to scale up investment in eye health, warning that preventable blindness and visual impairment are fast becoming a major global challenge. Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made the call on Wednesday at a high-level event, “The Value of Vision: The Case for Investment”, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Speaking as co-host, Dr. Salako stressed that eye health is both a…

Nigeria reaffirms support for AU’s 2 million community health workers initiative at UNGA

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to the African Union’s (AU) ambitious plan to scale up two million Community Health Workers (CHWs) across the continent as part of efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).   The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made the pledge at the African CDC 2nd Taskforce Meeting of the Community Health Continental Coordination Mechanism (CCM) Principals, held on Tuesday at UNICEF Headquarters in New York, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Delivering a solidarity…

FG launches national working group, five-year strategy to eliminate lead poisoning in Nigeria

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government has inaugurated a National Inter-Agency Working Group on Lead Poisoning Elimination and unveiled a five-year strategic plan aimed at addressing the growing threat of lead exposure in Nigeria.   The initiative was announced during a two-day workshop in Abuja, convened by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to validate and finalize the National Strategic Plan on Lead Poisoning Elimination.   Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, through Mrs. Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi, Director/Head of…

Grace Ike-led NUJ FCT Exco makes history with free eye surgery for former Chairman

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has achieved another landmark under the leadership of Comrade Grace Ike, with the successful facilitation of free eye surgery for former Council Chairman, Comrade Ndamadu Sule, at Nizamiye Hospital, Abuja.   The surgery, conducted on August 28, 2025, ended years of visual impairment for the veteran journalist, restoring his sight and improving his quality of life.   Expressing heartfelt appreciation, Comrade Sule described the intervention as an act of compassion and exemplary leadership.   “By December 22, it would be seven years…

No Ebola, Marburg in Abuja, NCDC confirms

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has assured Nigerians there is no cause for alarm after two suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever were reported in Abuja.   In a statement on Wednesday, the agency confirmed that both patients tested negative for Ebola and Marburg viruses, while additional tests are ongoing for Lassa fever and dengue.   One of the cases involved a traveler who had recently returned from Kigali and promptly sought medical attention after developing symptoms. The NCDC commended the patient’s responsible action and praised…