Health News Of The Week

LOCAL HEALTH NEWS 
1. DRUG SAFETY ALERT
The Federal Government is warning the public about the dangers of counterfeit and unregulated medications, particularly fake versions of Aflotin. On April 15, 2025, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) announced the discovery of counterfeit Artemether/Lumefantrine tablets being sold under the name Aflotin 20/120 in Nigeria.

According to NAFDAC, the alert came from the genuine manufacturer, Ajanta Pharma Limited, based in Mumbai, India. The fake batch, labeled PA2128L, was falsely marked as manufactured in December 2018 with an expiry date of November 2020.

NAFDAC clarified that the authentic Aflotin 20/120 is used to treat uncomplicated malaria caused by *Plasmodium falciparum*. The drug contains a combination of Artemether (20mg) and Lumefantrine (120mg).

2. BREAKTHROUGH IN ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH

Nigerian scientist Isreal Onifade has discovered plant-based compounds that may offer new hope in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. In a statement released on April 2, 2025, Onifade revealed that certain alkaloids can block β-secretase, an enzyme linked to the formation of harmful brain plaques that cause memory loss and cognitive decline.

The promising compounds—demissidine, solasodine, tomatidine, and solanidine—were identified as potentially safer and more effective than current treatments, which often have serious side effects. Onifade is currently a Program Research Specialist II at Health Research, Inc., part of the New York State Department of Health.

INTERNATIONAL HEALTH NEWS

1. PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS DEAL MOVES FORWARD
After more than three years of negotiations, WHO Member States have reached a major milestone by finalizing a draft pandemic agreement. The document, set to be considered at the World Health Assembly in May, is designed to enhance global cooperation in preventing and responding to future pandemics.

The draft emphasizes national sovereignty, clarifying that the agreement does not give the WHO authority to dictate national laws or policies, nor mandate actions such as travel bans, lockdowns, or vaccination requirements.

2. WHO WARNS OF GLOBAL HEALTH SYSTEM STRAIN
The World Health Organization reports that 70% of its country offices have observed serious disruptions to health systems, driven by sudden cuts in official development assistance (ODA) for health. The disruptions are impacting access to vital health services, particularly in vulnerable countries.

A recent rapid assessment, conducted in March and April 2025 across 108 WHO country offices—mostly in low- and lower-middle-income nations—shows many governments are trying to fill funding gaps through domestic resources and alternative aid. However, the WHO warns that without urgent international support, the impact could be severe and long-lasting.