By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja

Nigerian Ministers’ Wives Forum (NMWF), have upgraded some sections of the Zuba General Hospital in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in order to improve access.

The wife of Honourable Minister of Education, and the Vice-Chairperson of the Forum Mrs. Azizat Kemi Alausa, handed over the Upgraded sections ; Labour & Delivery Theater, Patient & Staff Toilets, Doctor’s Call Room and Courtyard at the hospital premises.

Alausa said that, the gesture is born out of the shared vision of President Bola Tinubu “whose leadership inspires initiatives that promotes national development with compassion for the welfare of Nigerians hence the Forum’s resolve to promote services, empathy, compassion and care because leadership should be expressed through acts of kindness and meaningful change which are in tandem with the Forum’s mission to support initiatives that uplift communities and improve lives”.

She continued that the project undertaken by NMWF in Zuba General Hospital aims at “strengthening care for mothers, newborns, patients and the dedicated medical staff who serve them every day” she said.

According to Mrs. Alausa, safe childbirth, dignified patient care and supportive working conditions for healthcare providers are essential to a healthy society. These improvements represent hope, comfort and renewed commitment to quality healthcare for the people of this community in line with the Renewed Hope Initiatives of the present Administration.

Also, the Vice-Chairperson noted that the intervention aligns with the season of Ramadan and Lent which is ongoing and characterized by acts of sacrifice, kindness, charity and love as enshrined in the Holy Qur’an surah Al-Baqarah 2:261 and Hebrew 13:16 in the Holy Bible respectively.

Likewise, the Mandate Secretary FCT-HSES Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe in her remarks appreciated the NMWF for the gesture which she described as a noble project “which will last beyond today with the significance capable of encouraging other philanthropic groups to also contribute to the system because provision of quality healthcare services is a collective responsibility and not for government alone”.

Dr. Fasawe added that, the gesture shows that there is more to the season of Ramadan and Lent beyond giving/sharing food during such periods as NMWF has demonstrated in line with the transformational reforms especially infrastructural development across all sectors in FCT under the able leadership of the Honorable Minister of FCT, Barr. Nyesome Wike.

Earlier, the Medical Director of Zuba General Hospital Dr. Isa Bulama Babale in his welcome remarks stated that, “the renovation and upgrade of these sections of the hospital will significantly improve the hospital’s ability to provide efficient, quality and patient-centered healthcare services to residents of Zuba whilst creating a conducive environment for both patients and healthcare workers”.

Furthermore, Dr. Babale commended the Forum for the timely completion of the facility upgrade which he said goes beyond infrastructure.

In his words ” it represents renewed hope, improved access to quality healthcare and a stronger commitment to better health particularly to support the FCT Administration efforts in enhancing maternal, child and general healthcare services in FCT” he mentioned.

Likewise, the wife of Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Dr. Zainab Bagudu who is a member of the Forum in her goodwill message appreciated and commended the Mandate Secretary FCT-HSES and healthcare workers for contributing to healthcare/humanity positively as such, providing relevant and needed support is top priority of NMWF to encourage front liners in the system and will continue to do more in that light.

As part of the Handing-over ceremony, the NMWF also distributed free food items to patients, staffs and community members as well as donated beddings to the hospital.

Denmark has become the first country in the European Union to achieve the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (also known as vertical transmission) of HIV and syphilis, as certified by the World Health Organization (WHO).

This milestone was officially announced by WHO on February 27, 2026. The certification recognizes Denmark’s sustained efforts to ensure every child is born free from these infections, based on rigorous validation processes including:

A regional assessment in June 2025
Global review by WHO’s Global Validation Advisory Committee (GVAC) in August 2025

Denmark met WHO’s strict criteria for the period 2021–2024, including:
i. Very low transmission rates
ii. High coverage (at least 95%) of prenatal testing and treatment for pregnant women
iii. Keeping new infant infections below 50 per 100,000 live births consistently

This success stems from Denmark’s strong universal healthcare system, integrated maternal and child health services, widespread antenatal screening, and access to effective treatments (such as antiretroviral therapy for HIV and antibiotics for syphilis).

In a post on X; The WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described it as a “major public health achievement” that shows what strong political commitment and investment in primary care can accomplish.

“Congratulations to Denmark on becoming the first country in the #EU to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis. With this public health achievement, 23 countries and territories have now been validated by @WHO for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis or hepatitis B virus, or certified on the path to elimination. This milestone demonstrates that with strong political commitment and consistent investment in primary care and integrated maternal and child health services, countries can protect every pregnant woman and newborn from these diseases.”

Denmark now joins a group of 22 other countries and territories worldwide validated by WHO for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and/or hepatitis B (or certified on the path to elimination).

However, it is the first in the EU to reach this dual certification for HIV and syphilis. This is a powerful example of how preventable infections can be virtually eliminated through systematic public health measures, setting a model for other nations.

KOBBYSMYLES INC

By Wumi Tewogbade, buja

Federal Capital Territory Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has revealed that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda places health at the core of national development.

This, according to her, is evidenced by the ongoing reforms to revitalize primary healthcare (PHC), expand health insurance coverage, improve health financing, and enhance workforce welfare.

Mahmoud made this assertion at the inaugural national health convention and round table 1.0, organized by the APC Medical Council at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

She hailed the leadership and members of the APC Medical Council for the initiative, noting that it aligned perfectly with the party’s vision of people-centered governance and sustainable development.

She highlighted that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration, under the purposeful leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had consistently demonstrated commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and promoting policies that enhanced the health and well-being of Nigerians.

The Minister described the round table discussion as timely and urged participants to deliberate on issues that would improve PHC, maternal and child health outcomes, and address other lingering health challenges.

She emphasized the need to focus on practical, implementable solutions to accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage.

The Minister, however, affirmed that the administration remained fully aligned with the national vision and committed to supporting collaborative efforts to improve access, quality, and equity in healthcare delivery for all residents.

She added that, with President Tinubu’s full support, huge resources were being committed to strengthening the FCT healthcare system across the city and satellite towns.

Mahmoud, therefore, encouraged all stakeholders to translate the day’s discussions into measurable actions that would positively impact communities.