Healthy Living Archives - Page 3 of 9

FG to partner Akwa Ibom on affordable power supply

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Power and its agencies, said it is prepared to partner with the government of Akwa Ibom State to realise its resolve of delivering a reliable and affordable electricity to its people.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, made the pledge during his opening remarks at the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Summit 2025 held in Ikot-Ekpene Local Government Area on Thursday.

The minister, who was represented at the occasion by his chief Technical Adviser, Adedayo Olowoniyi, said only through collaboration can such an ambition be realised.

” As Akwa Ibom State embarks on the development of the electricity market, let me reaffirm that the federal government, through the Ministry of Power and its agencies, stand ready to partner with the state government to realise its resolve of delivering reliable and affordable power supply to its people.

”We believed such ambition can only be achieved through a strong partnership, cooperation between the federal, state and local government levels.

While noting the constitutional rights of the government of Akwa Ibom State to fully determine the trajectory of its electricity market, Adelabu emphasised the importance of effective coordination with the federal government

He said as custodian of the national grid and wholesale market, such coordination is necessary to ensure state-level initiatives align with national frameworks to safeguard stability, reliability and efficiency of the entire electricity value chain.

In his remarks, the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, expressed delight with the hosting of the summit, emphasising that it should not be another talk shop but must chart a roadmap and be seen as a call to action, with clear timelines and expectations outlined.

Eno said that only through this can the state successfully said to be ready to move forward on the journey to achieving electricity for all.

The governor, who noted that the state is blessed with abundant resources, lamented that many homes, hospitals and schools are still grappling with epileptic power supply, adding that the question must be asked on why the state-owned power plant with an installed capacity of 191 megawatts, is not working optimally for the benefit of the people since it was established in 2001?

‘Eno said, ‘We are blessed with abundant gas, a State-owned power plant, yet too many of our homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals are grappling with epileptic power supply. The question then becomes: Why is our State-owned Ibom Power Plant, which has an installed capacity of 191 megawatts, not working optimally for the benefit of our people since it was established in 2001?

”What clear path can we adopt to make it work despite the huge resources that have been sunk into its operations, of which we, today, are repaying the Afreximbank loan of 9m USD? Do we undertake an overhaul or institute a PPP arrangement?

”Therefore, this Electricity Summit, even though it holds great promise to us, should not just be another talk shop. It should chart a Roadmap and be seen as a call to action, with clear timelines on who should do what, when such should be completed, and clear expectations outlined. Only then can we successfully tell ourselves we are ready to move forward on our journey to achieving electricity for all.”

The governor said the state’s vision for electricity access is anchored on the principle that electricity is not a luxury but a fundamental enabler for modern life.

He said, ‘Our vision in Akwa Ibom for total electricity access is anchored on a simple principle: electricity is not a luxury; it is a fundamental enabler of modern life. When a rural health clinic has steady power, lives are saved. When our farmers can process and store their produce, incomes rise.

”When our artisans have reliable energy, productivity soars. When our children can study under good lighting, the future becomes brighter, both literally and figuratively. Electricity is the basic and most important resource to give our people the opportunities to live longer and to live better.”

Release Nnamdi Kanu for medical treatment, Ohanaeze president begs FG

The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, has called on the Federal Government to release the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, to enable him to seek proper medical attention.

This is as Azuta-Mbata called on Igbos across the country to ensure they register in the ongoing voters’ registration exercise and obtain their voter cards.

Azuta-Mbata said this in a short video message of himself speaking, which he sent to our correspondent on Thursday.

Kanu’s detention has remained one of Nigeria’s most contentious political and security issues in recent years. Kanu, who was first arrested in 2015 on charges bordering on treasonable felony, jumped bail in 2017 and fled the country.

He was rearrested in Kenya in June 2021 in a controversial operation by Nigerian security operatives and has since been held in the custody of the Department of State Services.

He also urged the government to explore a political solution in handling the issue of the detained IPOB leader, saying the apex government does not have any advantage in the continuous detention of the IPOB leader.

Azuta-Mbata stated, “I’m calling upon Ndigbo-nine (Igbos in general) wherever you are in Nigeria to quickly go and take advantage of the voter registration exercise that is going on right now. Go and get your cards as quickly as possible.

“Secondly, I would like to call upon the federal government of Nigeria to quickly release Nnamdi Kanu. The Government has no serious advantage in keeping him. It is important that the government ensures his safety and his welfare, and that the Government must allow him to go and get medical treatment as quickly as possible.

“The Government must adopt a political solution to this situation. I do not believe that the Government has any serious advantage in keeping him any further.”

Two Ebola survivors discharged in DR Congo

Health officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo have announced that the first two patients treated for Ebola in the Bulape health zone, Kasai Province, have fully recovered and been discharged from the local treatment centre.

This was disclosed by the World Health Organisation Regional Office for Africa on its X handle on Tuesday.

The milestone marks a significant step forward in the country’s ongoing fight against the virus, which re-emerged in the region earlier this month.

The recoveries were made possible through strengthened clinical care and rapid response measures introduced over the past week.

These efforts were supported by the Ministry of Health in DR Congo, with assistance from the WHO, Médecins Sans Frontières, ALIMA, and other humanitarian partners working on the ground.

“@MinSanteRDC—with support from @WHO, @MSF, @ALIMA_ORG and other partners—has accelerated response actions to improve the quality of clinical care over the past week.

“Appropriate control measures are being rolled out to curb the spread of the virus, save lives, and end the outbreak as quickly as possible,” WHO posted.

On September 4, health authorities in the DR Congo declared an outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Kasai Province.

The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo comes at a time when much of Central and West Africa continues to grapple with overlapping health and humanitarian crises, including cholera outbreaks, malnutrition, and displacement.

The DR Congo’s last outbreak of Ebola virus disease affected the north-western Equateur Province in April 2022.

It was brought under control within three months, thanks to robust efforts by the health authorities. In Kasai Province, previous outbreaks of Ebola virus disease were reported in 2007 and 2008. In the country overall, there have been 15 outbreaks since the disease was first identified in 1976.

Ebola virus disease is a rare but severe and often fatal illness in humans. It is transmitted to people through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected animals such as fruit bats (thought to be the natural hosts).

Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of a person who is sick with, or has died from, Ebola; through objects contaminated with body fluids from an infected person; or through the body of a person who died from the disease.

As of September 4, 2025, the WHO said 28 suspected cases, including 15 deaths (case fatality ratio: 54 per cent), had been reported from three areas of the Bulape health zone (Bulape, Bulape Com, and Dikolo) and the Mweka health zone. Among the deaths, four were healthcare workers. About 80 per cent of the suspected cases are aged 15 years and older.

Meanwhile, the global health body said an initial 400 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine—from the country’s stockpile of 2,000 doses pre-positioned in the capital, Kinshasa—have been delivered to Bulape, one of the current hotspots of the outbreak.

It said additional doses will be delivered to the affected localities in the coming days.

NEMA leads evacuation as flood ravages Adamawa communities

The Yola Operations Office of the National Emergency Management Agency has led search, rescue, and evacuation efforts after severe flash flooding submerged 13 communities across Yola North and Yola South Local Government Areas of Adamawa State on Tuesday.

The downpour, which began around 4 a.m. and lasted until noon, left worship centres, residential buildings, and business premises inundated.

Thousands of households were displaced in areas including Damilu, Jambutu, Bachure, Runde, and Shinko, with many families forced to shelter along major roads.

This comes barely two months after a similar disaster claimed over 30 lives in the state.

On Sunday, the Federal Government had warned that 32 locations across 11 states, including Adamawa, were at risk of heavy rainfall and flooding between September 14 and 18, 2025.

Speaking exclusively to The PUNCH, the Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. Celine Laori, described the situation as devastating.

“So far, there is no life lost recorded. My office, the police, fire service and other security agencies are all carrying out rescue operations now in the affected areas,” she said.

The spokesperson for the Adamawa State Police Command, SP Suleiman Nguroje, in a statement, said the command had deployed its marine unit to support rescue missions.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, has personally visited some flood-affected areas of Limiwa, Rumde, Shinko, Jambutu, amongst others, to assess the situation for necessary assistance. Members of the public in the affected areas are advised to remain calm, avoid flooded zones, and ensure the safety of their families and property,” he stated.

On its official X handle, NEMA confirmed that its rapid-response teams, working alongside ADSEMA, the fire services, local emergency volunteers, and security agencies, had evacuated vulnerable households, including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, from high-risk zones to temporary shelters.

“NEMA teams conducted rapid on-the-spot assessments to determine the extent of flooding, damage to property and infrastructure, and urgent humanitarian needs,” the agency added, noting that the operation was carried out in close collaboration with state authorities and humanitarian partners to ensure timely assistance and prevent duplication of efforts.

Rainstorm destroys 50 houses in Plateau community

A severe rainstorm swept through the Shimankar District in Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

According to eyewitnesses, at least 50 houses, including schools and worship centres were destroyed in the Menkaat community.

A resident of Menkaat community, Lawrence Longwwlk, confirmed the incident to PUNCH Online in Jos on Sunday.

He said the devastating storm, which occurred early Sunday morning, blew off roofs and caused several buildings to collapse.

He added that residents of the affected area are in dire need of assistance, with two primary schools and a worship centre completely destroyed.

“We’ve been hit seriously by this rainstorm. At least 50 houses have been affected.

“Two primary schools and a worship centre in Shimankar was completely blown down by rainstorm.

” From the level of damage, the people need urgent help.” Longwalk said, echoing the sentiments of the community, who are calling for intervention from relevant authorities.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of communities in Plateau State to natural disasters, particularly during the rainy season.

With the state’s geography characterised by rocky formations and high altitudes, residents are often exposed to harsh weather conditions.

The Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Sunday Abdu, was not immediately available for comment when contacted by our correspondent.

However, a staff member of the agency, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that the agency was aware of the havoc caused by the rainstorm in Shendam and was making plans to visit the affected community to assess the situation and provide possible assistance.

LAUTECH teaching hospital doctors begin indefinite strike

The Association of Resident Doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, have embarked on an indefinite strike.

The doctors cited the failure of the hospital management and the state government to address their long-standing demands as the reason for the industrial action.

On April 8, the doctors suspended a month-long strike to give the hospital management and the state government time to meet their demands.

Three months after suspending their strike, the doctors sent a letter to the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Olawale Olakulehin, issuing a three-week ultimatum for the management to meet their outstanding demands.

The letter, dated July 8, and titled “Re: Notice of industrial action,” said Congress agreed to grant a grace period of three weeks, during which formal notifications will be sent to relevant stakeholders, including the Oyo State Government and the hospital management, to encourage prompt action on the unresolved issues.

The letter obtained by our correspondent on Sunday, partly read, “The congress acknowledges and appreciates the management’s efforts in addressing parts of its demands, particularly the payment of upgrade arrears and the refund of examination/update course fees. However, it regrets to note the continued non-implementation of critical outstanding demands.

“These include the payment of the new minimum wage along with accrued arrears from January 2025; disbursement of the Medical Residency Training Fund; payment of accoutrement allowance; recruitment of resident doctors across all departments; and renovation of call rooms.

“After thorough deliberations and by majority resolution, the congress has agreed to grant a grace period of three weeks, during which formal notifications will be sent to relevant stakeholders, including the Oyo State Government and Hospital Management, a bid to encourage prompt action on these unresolved issues.

“Kindly note that failure to meet the outlined demands by the 29th of July, 2025 will result in the commencement of total and indefinite industrial action. We trust in your responsiveness and look forward to swift, positive outcomes.”

On July 28, the doctors sent a follow-up letter signed by the association’s President, Dr. Stephen Adedokun, and General Secretary, Dr. Adedapo Mustapha, notifying the CMD that they would commence an indefinite strike the following day, July 29, due to the failure of the management and the state government to meet their demands.

The major demands of the doctors are the implementation of minimum wage for LAUTECH Teaching Hospital staff, despite implementation for other healthcare workers in the state, leading to significant pay parity and resultant resignation and inability to attract more hands, hence, more burden on the remaining personnel; non-implementation of Medical Residency Training Act/Fund; and non-payment of accoutrement allowance; among others.

The letter titled, “Notice of indefinite industrial action effective 12:00am, 29th July, 2025,” stated that, “Despite an ample window of engagement granted over the past three months and three weeks, it is with deep concern that we hereby declare a total and indefinite industrial action commencing from 12:00am, Tuesday 29th July 2025.

“This decision comes after extensive internal consultations and exhausting all peaceful means of resolution. The lack of meaningful response and commitment from the management leaves us with no viable alternative but to activate this action in defence of the welfare and professional dignity of our members.

“We urge the hospital management to treat this notice with the seriousness it deserves and to respond promptly to avert prolonged disruption of services. We remain committed to dialogue and resolution, but will not resume duty until tangible and acceptable steps have been taken to address our demands.”

Speaking with our correspondent, Dr. Adedokun explained that the doctors resumed their suspended industrial action on July 29 after the government failed to fulfil the promises made at the time of the previous strike suspension.

Last month, the doctors warned of the imminent collapse of the hospital, citing massive staff exodus, poor remuneration, and lack of government support as major threats to its continued operation.

In an open letter dated July 4, 2025, and addressed to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, the doctors described the situation at the hospital as alarming, revealing that the number of resident doctors has plummeted from nearly 270 to fewer than 65.

NHIA, Roche FMC unveil cost-sharing initiative for cancer treatment

The National Health Insurance Authority, Roche Pharmaceuticals and the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, have launched a cost-sharing initiative to help cancer patients reduce financial barriers to accessing oncology care.

The partnership is also to enhance cancer care accessibility, improve treatment outcomes, and shield Nigerians from the high costs associated with cancer treatment.

Speaking on Friday in Abuja, during a presentation on the initiative, the NHIA Department of Standards and Quality Assurance Ms Linda Makwe, said the programme was designed to improve access to high-cost oncology medications, especially for vulnerable Nigerians.

She said the partnership showcases NHIA’s role in strategic healthcare purchasing, adding that one of the key objectives was to enhance access to essential, life-saving cancer treatments while ensuring financial sustainability.

“The programme ensures that patients have access to critical oncology drugs at a subsidised rate, with the financial burden shared between Roche, NHIA and the patient,” she said.

She explained that with the agreement, Roche covers 50 per cent of the cost of monoclonal medicines and provides logistical support to ensure drug availability, while NHIA manages patient access and coordinates financing mechanisms.

She noted that the programme also aims to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients and aligns with Nigeria’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage.

Also speaking, the Team Lead for Oncology at Roche, Mr Funsho David, said the collaboration was committed to delivering innovative and affordable cancer care for Nigerians.

He said the cost-sharing model splits financial obligations among Roche, NHIA and the patient, allowing patients to afford both prescribed medicines and other associated treatment services.

“This approach not only guarantees access to essential oncology medicines but also protects patients from catastrophic health expenditures,” he said.

David commended FMC Abuja for its support and encouraged the facility to expand its NHIA service accreditations from six to over 20, in order to offer a full continuum of cancer care from diagnosis to surgery, chemotherapy and rehabilitation.

In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of FMC Abuja, Prof. Saad Ahmed, welcomed the partnership, saying it would significantly ease the financial burden faced by many cancer patients.

Saad, who was represented by the Director of Clinical Services, Dr Muftau Bioku, emphasized that cancer treatment is often unaffordable for most Nigerians, making the cost-sharing initiative timely and impactful.

In November 2021, Roche Products Ltd and the National Health Insurance Authority signed a MoU for a partnership to improve universal health coverage in Nigeria.

The major focus of the partnership is to provide innovative and accessible cancer care. The partnership is a cost-sharing initiative which splits the financial obligation between the patient, and Roche respectively, ensuring that the patient pays a minimum amount for their

treatment, thus providing financial protection for patients. As a consequence, patients can afford both their prescription and other aspects of their care.

After a two-year pilot, a review and expansion to improve access and provide more benefits to Nigerians was signed in 2025 between Roche and the NHIA Management.

The expansion also includes full treatment coverage, access for uninsured patients, navigation and counselling services for patients and

immunohistochemistry testing for eligible patients.

The partnership is focused on supporting the NHIA and Nigeria on the journey towards UHC by creating access to affordable cancer care for Nigerians, improving treatment outcomes, and protecting Nigerians from the financial catastrophe of cancer treatment.

Soludo’s wife clears hospital bills of 200 Anambra patients

The First Lady of Anambra State, Dr Nonye Soludo, has visited various hospitals across the state as part of a medical outreach and intervention, marking her 55th birthday.

During the exercise, which took her to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi and the newly-built General Hospital, Okpoko, on Thursday, many patients received cash gifts to offset their medical bills and other sundry expenses.

While some others benefited from free surgical interventions and received free eye care services, free medical treatment and screening for hypertension, diabetes, malaria and respiratory tract infection were performed for the patients at the facilities on the bill of the governor’s wife.

At the various facilities, Soludo, who is also the founder of the “Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative”, was seen interacting passionately with patients, singing praises to God, offering them prayers and words of advice, while also presenting some amount of cash to support them.

In an interview with journalists after the exercise in Okpoko, she said celebrating her birthday with the needy by visiting hospitals and the less-privileged homes is a practice she has cultivated long before she married.

She said, “Rather than celebrate my birthday with parties, I celebrate it with the needy by visiting the hospitals and less-privileged homes to celebrate to cater to their needs. This is a long-term tradition I have been practising long before I got married.

“Even during my single years, I celebrated with orphans, the sick, and the poor. I have never really been a person for parties. If you see me organising a birthday gathering, it is usually a low-key one with my family or close friends. Celebrating with the less privileged has always been a part of me.

“Every year, I spend my birthday with the sick, the motherless and the vulnerable. It is my way of reflecting on the true meaning of human existence, showing love, giving hope, and putting smiles on people’s faces.

“Bringing happiness to others is my greatest joy. My happiest moments are when I see people smile. That is all I need to feel fulfilled. With what I have done today, I consider my birthday celebration complete; whatever comes after is just extra.”

The first lady also encouraged other well-meaning people to cultivate the habit of touching lives in their own way while commending the medical team of the hospitals visited for their dedication to duty.

“Making people smile doesn’t cost much; sometimes all it takes is your presence and attention. Even helping an old woman find a place to sleep is an act of love. I am impressed by how neat the hospitals are. May the Almighty God bless and continue to strengthen the doctors and nurses here for their hard work,” she added.

During a get-together held at the Light House, Awka, later in the evening, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the day’s activities, adding that a birthday is not just about celebrating a person; it is a moment of charity and reflection.

Soludo described his wife as “the machine, the engine”, who powers the house, while thanking her for all she is doing.

“For me, I have scheduled today, and the birthday celebrant told me that what she wants to do is to visit hospitals to take care of patients and the needy. These surgeries were done, the hospital bills were paid, and the resources were put together by public-spirited individuals.

“This is the kind of charity that runs something from within. The day I knew that I was very blessed was the day I won her heart. Thank you for loving me. Since we got married, every year we celebrate our anniversary.”

“Whatever we have been able to accomplish in life, she is the machine, the engine, that powers the house. Don’t be deceived by her soft spoken words because behind that, is a woman of steel, a woman of character and my children and I are lucky to have a mother like her.

“I lost my mother when I was eight, but in her, I found a mother, a lover. While I celebrate her, I celebrate her values, and that is the key to what she did today,” the governor added.

UK doctors begin five-day strike despite PM’s plea 25th July 2025

Thousands of UK doctors launched a five-day strike early Friday after talks with the Labour government for a new pay increase failed to reach a deal.

Doctors were out on picket lines outside hospitals after negotiations with the government went down the wire late Thursday, without reaching an accord.

The move comes after the doctors accepted a pay rise offer totalling 22.3 per cent over two years in September, soon after Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour party took power.

Resident doctors — those below consultant level — have said they felt they had “no choice” but to strike again to reverse “pay erosion” since 2008.

Starmer on Friday appealed to the doctors, saying patients were being put at risk and the strikes would “cause real damage”.

Launching a strike “will mean everyone loses,” Starmer wrote in the Times, highlighting the added strain it would put on the already struggling National Health Service (NHS).

He appealed to the doctors not to “follow” their union, the British Medical Association (BMA) “down this damaging road. Our NHS and your patients need you” .

“Lives will be blighted by this decision,” Starmer warned.

But the junior doctors have said their pay in real terms has eroded more than 21 per cent over the past two decades.

“We’re not working 21 per cent less hard so why should our pay suffer?” said the co-chairs of the BMA’s resident doctors committee Melissa Ryan and Ross Nieuwoudt in a statement.

Last year’s doctors’ strikes, which saw tens of thousands of appointments cancelled and treatment delayed, were among a series of public and private sector walk-outs over pay and conditions as inflation soared.

Health minister Wes Streeting also appealed to doctors to reverse their position, saying in a letter published in The Telegraph that the government “cannot afford to go further on pay this year”.

The previous Conservative government last year resisted the BMA’s demands for a 35-perc ent “pay restoration” to reflect real-term inflation over the last decade.

Last year, Labour moved to draw a line under a series of disputes reaching pay offers to public sector workers including teachers and train drivers.

Those included a 15 per cent pay deal over three years for train drivers, which was heavily criticised by the Conservative opposition.

AFP

NAFDAC destroys 491,000 tramadol tablets worth N91m in Kano

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control on Wednesday in Kano State destroyed 491,000 tablets of tramadol worth N91 million.

The destruction of the drugs which was seized by the Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, was witnessed by the NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by the Director, Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade.

Speaking at the occasion, Adeyeye thanked the NCS for successfully intercepting the consignment and handing it over to NAFDAC.

The Tramadol tablets are being destroyed in an incinerator at AKTH on Wednesday. Source: NAFDAC

“We are pleased to have you witness this important exercise today. On May 28th, 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Command, headed by Comptroller Abubakar Zurmi, successfully intercepted and handed over 491 rolls containing 10 x 10 x 10 tablets each, equivalent to 491,000 tablets of Tramadol 225mg.

“The NCS intercepted this consignment when unscrupulous elements attempted to smuggle it into Nigeria. The culprits abandoned the consignment when overwhelmed by NCS operatives,” she said.

She said it was in line with international best practices for the destruction of pharmaceutical products, the agency invited journalists to witness the destruction exercise using an incinerator.

The seized Tramadol tablets before they were destroyed on Wednesday by NAFDAC in Kano State. Source: NAFDAC

“According to the NCS, the duty value of this consignment would have been N91 million,” Adeyeye said.

The NAFDAC DG said the operation demonstrates excellent inter-agency collaboration and strategic partnership aimed at strengthening control measures and curbing the menace of illicit drug trade.

“We remain committed to strengthening this partnership, in line with our national action plan and memorandum of understanding between the two foremost agencies of government,” she said.

Adeyeye reiterated the agency’s commitment to safeguarding the health of all Nigerians, urging anyone with information on those perpetrating such acts to report to the nearest NAFDAC office for immediate action.

The destruction that took place at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital was witnessed by the NAFDAC Kano Zonal Coordinator, Kasim Ibrahim, and a representative of the AKTH Chief Medical Director.