Category: Health

The Federal Government has intensified its fight against cancer in Nigeria with the launch of a nationwide free cancer screening programme aimed at early detection and reducing cancer-related deaths. The Honourable Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, officially flagged off the initiative over the weekend at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun State, describing cancer as one of the country’s most pressing public health challenges. Nigeria currently records the highest cancer incidence and mortality rates in Africa, according to the Minister. Dr. Salako…

In a bid to enhance primary healthcare delivery across Niger State, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s administration has intensified efforts to improve local health facilities, marked by the first official field visit of the Executive Director of the Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency (NSPHCDA), Dr. Inuwa Junaidu, to Yusuf Dada Primary Health Care (PHC), Yidna, Paikoro Local Government Area. The visit aimed to address community concerns, ensure improved healthcare service delivery, and reinforce the administration’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare systems. During the inspection, Dr. Junaidu urged health workers…

The Federal Government has unveiled two major national policy documents aimed at strengthening cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment across Nigeria, as part of renewed efforts to curb the rising burden of the disease. The policies – the National Nuclear Medicine Policy and Strategic Plan and the National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) 2026–2030 were launched on Wednesday in Abuja by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, during a ministerial briefing to mark the 2026 World Cancer Day. Speaking at the event, Dr.…

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, through its agency, the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), has commenced the 2026 SPARK Africa Translational Research Bootcamp and Scientific Conference in Abuja, with a strong call for increased investment in scientific research and innovation. The week-long programme, which began on Monday, February 2, 2026, is holding at the Lagos/Osun Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, and will run until Friday, February 6, 2026. The initiative is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to translate scientific discoveries into practical healthcare solutions, while…

The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abuja has responded to circulating social media discussions regarding the death of Ms. Ifunanya Lucy Nwagene, who tragically passed away on January 31, 2026, following a snake bite. In a press statement, Dr. Bioku Muftau, Head of Clinical Services, expressed the hospital’s deepest condolences to the Nwagene family, acknowledging the pain of losing a loved one. Dr. Muftau clarified that the FMC Abuja management team acted promptly upon Ms. Nwagene’s arrival. She received immediate treatment, including resuscitation, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen, and administration of polyvalent…

The Federal Government has inaugurated the National Cosmetics Safety Management Technical Working Group (NCSM-TWG) to address the rising health risks associated with unsafe cosmetic products in Nigeria. The inauguration, held in Abuja on Tuesday, marks a significant move from policy formulation to concrete implementation in regulating cosmetic safety nationwide. Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Dogara Okara said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians from cosmetic-related health hazards that have long been underestimated. He warned that…

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has announced that the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), in partnership with the Stanford University–based SPARK Global Programme, will host the 2026 Africa Translational Research Bootcamp and Scientific Conference in Abuja from February 2 to 7, 2026. The conference is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to transform scientific discoveries into practical healthcare solutions, while enhancing the country’s position in global and continental research networks. The initiative, implemented in collaboration with Stanford SPARK, highlights the growing importance of translational research…

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has begun the nationwide enforcement of the ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. The enforcement followed a directive by the Nigerian Senate mandating the agency to completely halt the manufacture and distribution of sachet alcohol and small-sized bottled alcoholic drinks by December 2025. The resolution stemmed from a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, who cited public health concerns and global best practices.…

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ethical standards in Nigeria’s health research ecosystem, pledging sustained support for the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) to safeguard research participants and align local studies with global best practices. The Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, gave the assurance while speaking at the 2026 Face-to-Face Meeting and Training Workshop of NHREC held in Abuja. Dr. Salako stressed that robust ethical oversight remains central to credible research, public trust and scientific integrity, particularly as…