Health News Of The Week

FG To Introduce Malaria Vaccine In 2025 — NPHCDA

The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) has announced the initiation of the malaria vaccine introduction process in Nigeria, scheduled between the end of this year and early 2025. Dr. Muyi Aina, the executive director of NPHCDA, revealed that a more effective vaccine would be utilized to reach a larger population. The agency is collaborating with GAVI to transition Nigeria's plan to the new vaccine for a more efficient introduction.

Over 500,000 Africans killed by cancer in 2022 — WHO 

Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organisation Regional Director for Africa, expressed concern about the disheartening cancer situation in Africa, revealing that approximately 882,882 new cancer cases occurred in the WHO African Region, resulting in around 573,653 deaths. She highlighted that urgent measures are needed to prevent cancer mortality from reaching about one million deaths per year by 2030, with cancer death rates in Africa projected to surpass the global average. The theme for World Cancer Day 2024, "Together, we challenge those in power," emphasizes the global demand for leaders to prioritize and invest in cancer prevention and care. 

MDCAN contends 5% budgetary allocation for the health sector.

Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) is dissatisfied with the meager 5% health sector budget allocation, calling for adherence to the Abuja Declaration's 15% recommendation. President of MDCAN, Prof. Mohammad emphasizes the need for economic improvements to boost per capita spending on health, highlights rising healthcare costs due to inflation, and stresses the importance of expanding health insurance coverage. He also addresses the need for the National Health Insurance Agency to enroll more vulnerable populations and tackle the growing mental health disorders among medical professionals and the general population.

MTN Foundation and PHSAN Collaborate to Remodel 52 PHCs Nationwide at a Cost of N2.2 Billion.

MTN Foundation and Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PHSAN) signed an N2.2 billion Memorandum of Understanding to remodel 52 PHCs in Nigeria under the "What Can We Do Together" initiative. Born in 2015, the initiative seeks community nominations and aligns with PHSAN's Adopt-A-Healthcare Facility Programme. Operational in six states, the project focuses on revitalizing PHCs, demonstrating improvements in maternal and infant care. The collaboration underscores both organizations' commitment to corporate social investment in addressing healthcare challenges in Nigeria.

Sultan of Sokoto and Governor Lawal Pledge to Eradicate the Polio Virus in Three States.

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara and Sultan Muhammad Saad Abubakar have pledged to eradicate the Circulating Variant Polio Virus in 2024. The commitment was made during the Advocacy Campaigns led by Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director of NPHCDA. The leaders emphasized collaboration with traditional and religious figures to combat Polio collectively. Strategic plans include enumerating unvaccinated children and strengthening healthcare systems for eradication this year. The four-day campaign involved various partners in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi States.