A researcher, Dr Kolawole Aremu, has called for urgent public health action to curb the rapidly increasing spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria in Nigeria. Aremu, a Research Associate at the Trans-Saharan Diseases Research Centre, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), made the call in an interview with reporters in Abuja. He said the appeal followed a study conducted by his team on the prevalence of typhoid fever and factors driving multidrug resistance in Niger State. According to him, Niger State was selected as a case study because of longstanding challenges related to poor sanitation and limited access to healthcare. Aremu, who is…
Author: Newsdesk
A UK-based Nigerian physician, Dr Tokunbo Fasuyi, has said that prioritizing trust, transparency and accountability could significantly improve patient care and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system. Fasuyi, the Founder of Aegis Private Health Consultancy, made this known in an interview with reporters on Monday. He stressed that trust was central to the doctor–patient relationship, noting that poor communication often left patients frustrated and confused. Recalling his medical training in the United Kingdom, Fasuyi said he learned the importance of explaining complex medical issues in simple terms. “You must be able to communicate with a five-year-old and ensure they understand what you…
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Cross River State Branch, has commended the state government for arresting and prosecuting 10 unlicensed traditional medicine practitioners, describing the action as necessary for public safety. The association made the commendation in a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Chairman, Dr Ezoke Epoke. Epoke praised the administration of Gov. Bassey Otu for taking decisive steps to curb unsafe medical practices in the state. He recalled that the association had earlier petitioned the government over the activities of unlicensed traditional medicine practitioners who were operating openly at a trade fair in Calabar Municipality. According…
The Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation (CALMHAF) and University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen mental healthcare access to Nigerians. The MoU was signed on Monday in Enugu by both foundations under their joint “Total Care Mind and Body Initiative.” Speaking after the signing, the Founder and Executive Director of CALMHAF, Rev. Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu, said that the agreement builds on the courtesy visit paid by the UNTH Foundation team earlier. Nwachukwu said that “Total Care Mind and Body Initiative”, which the MoU is based on, would focus on holistic…
Prof. Martins Emeje, Director-General of the Nigerian Natural Medicines Development Agency (NNMDA), has been appointed as a member of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (STAG-TM).He was appointed alongside 19 other experts from different parts of the world Emeje was also appointed a Co-Chair by the group members at the just concluded WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine held between Dec. 17 and Dec. 19 in New Delhi, India. The establishment of the group represented a significant step in implementing the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034. Emeje, speaking with the News…
The Federal Government has commended the Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Mohammed Kawu, and the people of the emirate for sustaining peace and supporting the operations of the Lafiagi Sugar Company, describing the community’s disposition as critical to the success of large-scale agro-industrial investments. The Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the monarch’s palace in Lafiagi, Kwara State, as part of an inspection tour of sugar estates across the country. In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Ifeoma Williams, and made available to PUNCH Online on Sunday, the minister noted that…
The National Women Leader, National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum (NASLAF), Ayoola Fakunle, has sponsored and facilitated a capacity-building programme for female legislative aides. According to Fakunle, this is part of efforts to improve legislative efficiency and productivity. Speaking with journalists at the end of the training, she said that she facilitated the capacity building programme considering the critical roles legislative aides play in lawmaking processes and other legislative duties. Fakunle said that regular training of legislative aides was essential to keep them at par with their counterparts across the globe. “Legislative aides remain an indispensable component of the legislature. The…
The United States Government says it has signed a 5.1 billion dollar five-year bilateral healthcare Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nigeria. A statement issued on Sunday by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria on its official X handle, explained that the agreement aimed at advancing the U.S. government’s “America First Global Health Strategy.” It added that a key component of the MOU is the U.S. government’s commitment of 200 million dollars to fund 900 Christian healthcare centres across the country. According to the statement, Christian health facilities in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, particularly in hard-to-reach and underserved communities, play a critical role…
The United Nations Development Programme, in partnership with the Young Africa Innovates (YAI) Programme, has unveiled 31 youth innovators in Akwa Ibom in strategic sectors such as tourism, creative enterprise, local culture, and small businesses. The programme is funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Mastercard Foundation with technical support from NerdzFactory Company. The programme also covers the seven focal states of Lagos, Ekiti, Kwara, Kaduna, Anambra, Akwa Ibom and Borno. The theme of the Innovators State Showcase for Akwa Ibom, which was held in Uyo at the weekend, was: “Youth Innovation as Driver of State Development”.…
An Abuja-based cleric and legal scholar, Rev. Fr. Anthony Azuwike, has described Nigeria’s Mental Health Act, signed into law in 2023, as progressive but inadequate, noting that it has not fully decriminalized attempted suicide across the country. Azuwike, Head of the Department of Private and Property Law at Veritas University, Abuja, made the observation during an interview with reporters on Sunday while speaking on mental health issues. He explained that although the Act replaced the outdated Lunacy Act of 1958 and recognizes attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency, criminal provisions under Nigeria’s Penal and Criminal Codes remain in force. “The…