HEALTH NEWS OF THE WEEK

Nigeria still has the highest burden of children born with HIV — NACA DG
The Director General of the National Agency for Control of AIDS, Dr Temitope Ilori, has expressed dismay that Nigeria still has the highest burden of children born with HIV and urged more attention to be paid by all stakeholders to stem new HIV cases, particularly among children and key populations such as sex workers and youths.

USAID reaffirms US commitment to malaria eradication in Nigeria
The United States Agency for International Development has reaffirmed the U.S. government’s pledge to combat malaria in Nigeria. Nigeria currently shoulders a large burden of the illness, with over a third of global malaria deaths and nearly 40% in children under five according to the WHO. USAID's Deputy Director, Werth urged data-driven strategies for faster progress, aiming for a malaria-free future in Nigeria.

Meningitis: WHO inaugurates vaccination in Niger after scores died
The World Health Organization (WHO) launched a mass vaccination campaign in Niger's Niamey region to tackle a meningitis outbreak. The UN health agency partnered with others to deliver the lifesaving vaccines, aiming to shield communities at risk.

FG directs hospitals to use only locally manufactured syringes, needles.
In an effort to boost domestic production and shield local manufacturers, the Nigerian government has mandated all federal tertiary hospitals to source their needles and syringes exclusively from NAFDAC-approved Nigerian producers

High cost of care pushing Nigerians deeper into poverty – Health Minister
At a webinar celebrating The Cable's 10th anniversary, health minister Professor Muhammad Ali Pate addressed the rising costs of medical care, highlighting the negative impact on the heath of Nigerians' health and their contribution to the nation's poverty. He advocated for a major fix to health insurance to ease the financial burden on the population.