Category: Health

The Federal Government has engaged traditional and religious leaders nationwide to strengthen the implementation of health sector reforms under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. The move was announced ahead of the 2026 National Traditional and Religious Leaders’ Summit on health, aimed at deepening collaboration and accountability across the sector. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this during a ministerial press briefing in Abuja. He explained that the reforms are focused on strengthening governance and accountability, expanding access to quality health services, unlocking…

The Federal Government has reaffirmed the suspension of all enforcement actions relating to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic products, directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to immediately cease factory shutdowns, warehouse sealing, and public enforcement campaigns. This directive followed a joint intervention by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), which highlighted the potential security risks of continued enforcement in the absence of a…

The Federal Government has resolved the 84-day nationwide industrial action embarked upon by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), following a successful conciliation meeting between both parties. The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare announced that JOHESU has suspended the strike and directed its members across the country to resume work immediately in the interest of patients, health system stability, and national public health security. Speaking on the development, the Honourable Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the resolution underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to…

The Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency (NSPHCDA) has ushered in a new phase of leadership with the formal handover of office to its newly appointed Executive Director, Dr. Junaidu Inuwa. The handover ceremony, held at the Agency’s Conference Hall, was presided over by the Permanent Secretary, Niger State Ministry of Health, Dr. Mohammed Gana, who described Dr. Inuwa as a hardworking and highly experienced professional with the capacity to reposition the Agency. Dr. Gana said the appointment aligns with the New Niger Agenda of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago,…

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…