Health News Of The Week

FG Launches Pharma Academy for Youth, Aims to Produce 70% of Nigeria’s Drugs Locally by 2030
In a major move to boost local drug production and create high-value jobs, the Federal Government has unveiled plans to launch Empower Academy Nigeria—a cutting-edge training center for pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing. Announced by Health Minister Prof. Muhammad Pate, the academy aims to help Nigeria produce 70% of its own drugs and vaccines by 2030 while addressing a nationwide skills shortage in the life sciences industry. Thousands of young Nigerians aged 15–45 will be trained in advanced drug-making techniques, quality control, and regulatory science, with certifications from top global health organizations like WHO and Africa CDC. With over 70 companies already backing the initiative and billions in investment lined up, this academy could transform Nigeria into a regional powerhouse for pharmaceutical innovation and open up a wave of career opportunities for the next generation.
Nairametrics, April 28, 2025.

Nigerian govt increases annual nursing enrollment to 115,000 amid health sector reforms
In a major push to fix Nigeria’s healthcare workforce crisis, the federal government has raised the annual nursing student intake from 28,000 to 115,000—more than quadrupling enrollment in just two years. The move is part of a broader plan to tackle the country’s critical nurse shortage and slow the “Japa” wave of talent migration. Education Minister Olatunji Alausa credits the leap to strong collaboration between the Ministries of Education and Health, with support from over 400 nursing institutions nationwide. The government is also investing in new campuses and modern training facilities to support the surge. While challenges remain, young Nigerians now have more opportunities than ever to train, qualify, and help shape the future of healthcare at home
Premium Times, April 28, 2025.

Be a Hero in 30 Minutes: Blood Donation Reduces Cancer, Heart Risk – UNILORIN Professor
Professor Hannah Oluwayemisi Olawumi, a Haematologist at the University of Ilorin, has revealed that regular blood donation may significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer by helping the body regulate excess iron levels—an element linked to both conditions. Speaking during her inaugural lecture titled “Heroes Without Capes,” she emphasized that donating blood not only saves lives but also benefits the donor’s health. “Blood donors save lives every day, and it only takes about 30 minutes to donate,” she said, urging young Nigerians to dismiss harmful myths and superstitions surrounding blood donation. She called for improved donor experiences and wider education to inspire more voluntary donors nationwide.
Business day, April 29, 2025.

WHO Warns: Child Killer Diseases Still Threaten African Youth, Calls for Action
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised fresh concerns about the return of dangerous diseases like poliomyelitis and the persistent threat of malaria across Africa, calling on Nigerian youth and families to join the fight through stronger support for immunization. Speaking at an event in Kaduna, WHO’s Dr. Walter Molumbo emphasized that despite major progress—over 12.7 million lives saved from malaria—the disease still poses a deadly risk, especially in Nigeria. He revealed that polio has resurfaced in Kaduna State, with four new cases in 2024, threatening the country’s polio-free status. The event also marked African Vaccination Week with the theme “Immunisation for all is humanly possible,” pushing for equal access to vaccines by 2030. WHO is urging adolescents, youth, and parents alike to support vaccination efforts to protect future generations from preventable diseases.
Leadership, April 29, 2025.

FG Moves to Curb Japa with ₦110bn Boost for Nigerian Medical Schools across Six Geo Zones
In a bold step to tackle the rising wave of brain drain, the Federal Government has announced a ₦110 billion investment to upgrade infrastructure in medical schools across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones. Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, revealed that ₦70 billion will go toward revamping medical schools to global standards, while ₦15 billion will fund new hostels for students. The initiative, backed by President Bola Tinubu, also includes a directive for universities to admit more medical students—aiming to build a stronger health workforce for both local needs and global opportunities. Designed to run over five years, the project offers hope for young Nigerians who want to study medicine without feeling forced to "japa" for better conditions abroad.
Daily Post, April 29, 2025.