Health
COVID-19: Health Ministry To Make Public, Private Hospitals Sample Collection Centres
The Federal Ministry of Health said it plans to boost overall COVID-19 sample collection, by preparing all eligible public and private hospitals nationwide to become collection sites.
The Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire has stated this at the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 Press Briefing.
He stated that this will require working with State governments and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) to identify the facilities and the space within them, to conduct training for the personnel selected and supply both PPE’s and sample collection kits, as well as the logistics to go around to recover test samples, and to better utilize available laboratory assets in the country, which even now are capable of handling far more cases than they presently do.
“If logistics around samples collection and delivery to test sites are better organized, a lot more will be achieved”, he stated.
Speaking further, Dr. Ehanire disclosed that the current figure of tested samples in the country stands at 152.952 of which 28,711 are confirmed COVID-19 positive cases while 11,665 have been treated and discharged with 645 fatalities, majority of them have underlying illnesses.
Similarly, the Minister also revealed that a total no of 15,532 cases was confirmed from 74,580 with 303 death that was recorded was recorded for the month of June alone.
The Minister also appealed to citizens especially those that are COVID-19 positive who show no symptoms at all, not to go to treatment centers but to cooperate with health officials and understand that measures taken are protective and it is in the interest of the public.
He informed that a 17 man team of the Federal Ministry of Health, led by the Executive Director of National Primary Health Development Agency, left Abuja for Calabar to engage with the Cross River State government in setting up their COVID-19 response and aligning it with the national response.
According to the Minster, Agencies and different Departments of the Ministry of Health, such as NCDC, Hospital Services, and Family Health are well represented in the delegation to make sure that there is equal level playing ground between the Federal and State service delivery pillars and also to ensure that the disruption of routine medical services, which has been observed in the State, is minimized or eliminated in Cross River State.
“We have called also called on the Cross River State National Medical Association (NMA), to suspend their strike action and receive the Ministry’s delegation.”
Dr. Ehanire hinted that His Excellency, Governor Ayeade has requested that a senior immigration officer is to map and study the border challenges with Cameroon, as well as a Port Health officer to assess risks posed by sea travelers arriving Cross Rivers State ports particular from neighboring Central African countries of Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, and Angola etc.
He informed that arrangements are under way to beef up security at the Federal Medical Center, Lokoja for protections of staff and patients. “The Federal government will do all it can to attend to the needs of the citizens, while we seek ways to engage the State authorities.”
The Minister revealed that the Federal Government through the NCDC has launched an E-Learning platforms on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) for health workers. He stated that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) have been distributed to health facilities in good numbers and the use is being monitored to reduce wastage.
“I urge our health workers to ensure appropriate use. “I also particularly warn against unprofessional disposal of used PPE’s in common waste dumps, where scavengers have been seen to pick them up for risky reuse.” This is dangerous and sure pathway to promoting community transmission.” “All COVID-19 waste is to be incinerated”, he added.
The Minister also reminded Nigerians that testing for COVID-19 and treatment in government-run facility is totally free and urged them to report anyone who demanded payment, for necessary action.
Health
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Flags off Free to Shine Campaign Against HIV/AIDS, other STDs in Enugu
Gov. Mbah, wife, pledge collaboration, reports SANDRA ANI
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has flagged off the Free to Shine Triple Elimination Campaign, an initiative of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development, OAFLAD, and global partners to eradicate HIV/AID, Syphilis and Hepatitis by 2030.
Flagging-off the campaign at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, on Tuesday, the founder of the Renewed Hope Foundation, Senator Tinubu said the initiative was an imperative, since Nigeria bore the highest burdens of HIV infection in sub Saharan African due to her large population.
“We launched the campaign in January 2025 and have flagged it off in five political zones of North Central, North East, North West, South South and South West. Today, we have flagged off the campaign in southeast to complete the Free to Shine campaign.
“Our aim is to reduce HIV infection among women, prevent mother and child transmission and ensure that every child born with it gets the necessary treatment,” Tinubu said.
She thanked Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and his Wife, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah and the people Enugu State for the warm reception accorded to her and her entourage. During her two-day working visit.
Throwing his weight behind the campaign, Governor Mbah, said his administration had taken health seriously because a healthy population is the foundation on which progress is built.
“Here in Enugu State, we have aligned our healthcare priorities with the vision of the ‘Free to Shine Campaign.’
“By September, we would have completed and fully equipped 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres in all wards — each with accommodation for health workers to ensure round-the-clock care.
“We have also strengthened our secondary and tertiary healthcare systems and broadened access to health insurance and emergency services, especially for the most vulnerable.
“These efforts are already yielding results — with a significant reduction in maternal, under-five and infant mortality.
“But we know the work is not done. No health system can thrive in isolation or assume it no longer needs support. This is why we embrace the goals of the ‘Free to Shine Campaign’ — goals that seek to eliminate stigma, expand access to HIV treatment, and, most importantly, end mother-to-child transmission of HIV,” he stated.
The First Lady of Enugu State, Mrs Mbah, commended Senator Tinubu and OAFLAD for providing leadership against the scourges of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
“I commend the First Lady, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for demonstrating leadership and commitment to the health and well-being of Nigerians.
“As 2023 data from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) shows, Nigeria has one hundred and forty thousand (140,000) children aged 0 – 14 living with HIV, with twenty-two thousand (22,000) deaths each year. This is an enormous public health burden with vast social and economic implications. So, the ‘Free to Shine Campaign’ is indeed a creation of necessity,” Mrs. Mbah said.
She expressed total support for the initiative, noting that “collaboration is the driving force of change and development.”
“When we collaborate, problems that seem intractable are solved. So, I am confident that the goals of this campaign will be achieved in Enugu State, in Nigeria – and across Africa. What is required is whole-hearted dedication,” she concluded.
The event featured a general overview of the Free to Shine Campaign, by the Executive Secretary for OAFLAD, Dr. Nardos Berhanu, testimonials and experience sharing by persons living with HIV/AIDS, drama presentation by Members of the National Youth Service Corps, and goodwill messages by development partners, among others.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian First Lady was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Ugosinamba (Precious Jewel/Eagle from another kingdom) by the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, citing her love for Enugu and service to the nation and humanity.
Health
Enhancement of Military Health Services: Matawalle Meets U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Health
In a significant move to bolster Defence Health Services and strengthen the partnership between the United States and Nigeria, the Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Bello Matawalle, met with a U.S. delegation led by Dr. David Smith, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Health.
A statement endorsed by Henshaw Ogubike, director of Information and PR at the Ministry, shows that the the meeting focused on enhancing the existing collaboration in defence health between the two nations, which has previously facilitated the establishment of high-tech laboratories in Nigeria.
The Honourable Minister commended the U.S. for their efforts and urged for the expansion of these medical facilities beyond Abuja and Lagos to reach more derserved regions.
Dr. Matawalle emphasized the strategic integration of health services to improve the welfare of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, stating, “A healthy military is the backbone of a strong nation.” He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that military personnel have access to top-tier healthcare services and facilities. To this end, he called for an increase in the defence budget allocated to health, viewing it as a vital investment in the nation’s future and stability.
Furthermore, the Minister highlighted that these initiatives align with Nigeria’s broader commitment to enhancing military readiness while addressing public health challenges that affect both service members and the civilian population. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is dedicated to improving healthcare for military personnel and civilians, recognizing healthcare as a cornerstone of national security.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni, stated that this initiative would positively impact military health and serve as a model for strengthening Nigeria’s overall healthcare system. “This collaboration marks a turning point for Nigeria’s defence health system,” he asserted.
Dr. Smith praised the Minister for his proactive approach to health readiness, underscoring the critical connection between health systems and military effectiveness. “Health is as crucial as any weapon system in ensuring military success, and we are committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to enhance its defence health system,” he remarked.
The U.S. delegation is in Nigeria to further advance initiatives aimed at sustaining progress against HIV, accelerating efforts towards the United Nations’ 95-95-95 goals, and working towards the elimination of HIV as a public health threat by 2030.
Health
Neptune Prime publisher to unveil cancer clinic, school, foundation for late journalists’ families as son weds in Yobe
The publisher of Neptune Prime newspapers, Dr Hassan Gimba, has announced plans to commission three major projects in his home state, Yobe State
In an invitation letter sent to newsmen on Wednesday, the publisher disclosed that the event, which is scheduled to take place on August 31, is coinciding with the wedding Fatiha of his son, Barrister Suleiman Gimba.
According to the letter, the wedding Fatiha will take place by 11:00am at the residence of Mohammed Babate, Behind Water Board, Army Barracks, Potiskum.
“Immediately after the wedding Fatihah, we will be commissioning the Hafsatu Gimba Ahmed Memorial School located at VIO Street, Unguwar Jaji, Potiskum.
“This institution is dedicated to the memory of my late mother, aiming to serve the educational needs of our community,” the letter noted.
Dr Gimba added that as part of the launch programme, the Abubakar Monja Lifeline Foundation for Late Journalists’ Families, which he founded to cater to the families of journalists who have passed away, will be empowering youths it trained in tailoring and plumbing.
“Additionally, I would like to invite you to inspect the ongoing construction of the Lami Fatima Babare Cancer Outreach and Clinic situated nearby, also in Unguwar Jaji.
“The clinic is an initiative of the Lami Fatima Babare Cervical Cancer Foundation, which was founded in 2020 – in memory of my late wife, Lami Fatima Babare – to provide medical services and referrals to cancer patients,” the letter noted.
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