Health
FCTA, foundation push for inclusive healthcare for special needs children
By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration, (FCTA), and the Royal School of Education Therapy Foundation, at the weekend reiterated that persons with special needs must be included in healthcare planning, as stakeholders warned that gaps in access and awareness continue to put vulnerable families at risk.
This agreement was reached during the second edition of the Free Family Health Fair, organised by the Foundation in collaboration with the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, which focused on children with developmental disabilities, maternal health, and preventive care.
Founder of the Foundation, Dr. Badewa Adejube Williams, said the fair aimed to confront dangerous health myths and ensure parents understood critical developmental milestones for children with special needs.
She revealed that, in the FCT alone, over 250,000 children with developmental disabilities had been identified, though many more likely remain undocumented, especially in rural areas.
“When you look at a child, you have to look at the child holistically. What was the birthing process like? Was the mother even getting prenatal care? Most parents don’t keep record of such things.
“There are essential markers that will be an indicator that a child has a developmental disorder, and if you find that early enough and begin intervention early enough, there is a better chance for the child to improve,” she said.
On her part the Acting Director of the FCTA Health Insurance Scheme, Dr Salma Belgore, warned that persons with special needs must be deliberately prioritised under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, BHCPF.
Belgore who was represented by the acting Head of Equity and Special Programmes, Vershima Igyundu, said sidelining this group has long-term consequences for families and the health system.
“Persons with special needs represent one of the most vulnerable groups in our communities, often experiencing significant barriers in accessing timely, affordable, and quality healthcare. As we continue strengthening the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) Program, it is critical that their enrollment remains a top priority.
“A health system is only as strong as its ability to reach those who are most at risk of being left behind. By deliberately enrolling persons with special needs, we demonstrate our commitment to equity, fairness, and the principle that every life, regardless of ability, deserves protection.”
Meanwhile, Osayande Osagie of the FCT Hospital Management Board highlighted the dangers of misinformation and secrecy during pregnancy, particularly around procedures such as caesarean sections, which he said save countless lives.
“We also want to find out about your social history. Your age, your job, drug history, medical history, alcohol usage among other things. After that we want to do a general examination, take your height, weight, so we can calculate your BMI, body mass index, among other examinations so we can identify those at risk of diabetes or blood pressure. We want to have an idea if the pregnant woman has enough blood,” he explained.
Hundreds of residents were screened for diabetes, hypertension, BMI, and other risk factors at the fair. Organisers stressed that the fair is part of an ongoing effort to spark essential conversations about disability inclusion, preventive care, and access to health services across the FCT.
….as treatment success rates 94%
By Wumi Tewogbade,Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) revealed at the weekend that Abuja has over 16,000 annual burden of Tuberculosis (TB) cases.
FCT Director Public Health, Dr Dan Gasama , stated this at the community outreach in commemoration of 2026 World Tuberculosis Day, organized by the Federal Capital Territory Health Services and Environment Secretariat (FCT-HSES), Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP),and other partners, in Abuja.
Gasama added that, the treatment success rate for Tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria is now 94 percent when detected early.
The theme for 2026 celebrations ‘Yes, we can. We can end TB’.
People trooped out in their hundreds from Mabushi community and they were screened and tested for TB, Malaria, etc, and people were given free medications for malaria and some other minor ailments, some were refered to bigger hospitals.
Gasama said, TB remain one of the world’s oldest infectious diseases, and a public health concern globally and nationally, despite being preventable and curable, it continues to claim lives and disrupt families and communities.
He noted, “An estimated 10.7 million people fell ill with TB in 2014, with1.23 million deaths including 150,000 deaths among people with HIV.
“With prevalence of 219/100,000, Nigeria remain one of the countries with high TB burden , and FCT also has estimated annual burden of 16,000 cases.
“The country notified over 467,000in 2025 , the highest ever in our history. Treatment success rate have reached an impressive 94%, demonstrating that when TB is detected early and treated properly, it can be cured .
Additionally TB mortality has been reduced by 63% between 2015 -2024″, Dr. Dan said.
He said in FCT in 2025, FCT-TBLCP recorded it highest achievement to date, over 40,171 presumptive TB clients were identified and screened while 3,679 TB cases were notified the highest in history.
He noted that one of the unique commemorations of this year is the dedication to high-burden communities, where they take the message to their doorsteps.
The in her goodwill message, Dr. Jenny Momoh, who represented Dr. Jibrin Alkasim, the FCT state coordinator for World Health Organisation (WHO), said reiterated the commitment of the world body to eradicating TB completely. Which according to her is visible when countries, communities, and partners unite with purpose and determination.
WHO commended all the health workers and partners for their determination, supports and commitment, that has helped to save lives.
“Despite the challenges, we have seen remarkable advances in diagnostics, treatment options, digital tools, and community‑centered care. Yet millions still face barriers to timely diagnosis and quality treatment. This is why our collective action remains essential. Ending TB requires sustained investment, innovation, and a strong multisectoral response that leaves no one behind”, she noted .
Teresa Jatau, who spoke on behalf of National Coordinator TB network, in her goodwill message said, she is very happy with the turnout of people for the programme.
She reiterated the need for all hands to be on desk in order to completely eradicate TB on Nigeria.
She also remind Nigerians that TB affect children as well, “By collectively working together and collectively amplifying the voices of the community, amplifying the voices of even children. Oftentimes we have conversations about TB, but we neglect the children. But here, we should be reminded that children too are often affected by TB. And so they should be at the center of our conversation”.
She said TB network is committed to continue to do the work at the community level to ensure that everyone gets the information, the correct information, knows where to go to and seek care in case they are tested positive.
By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja
In order to prevent the spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), in Nigeria, the
Federal Government (FG), on Monday, launched Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug for the prevention of HIV infection.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako,while presenting the drugs in Abuja reiterated the commitment of the ministry in relying on scientific based evidence and global best practices to strengthen the national HIV response.
The Minister of State added that the initiative reflects the commitment of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen HIV prevention, treatment, and care across the country.
“The Government of Nigeria remains committed to ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 through a comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach that prioritises the expansion of prevention, treatment and care services,” Salako said.
The minister explained that the introduction of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), would expand Nigeria’s HIV prevention options, particularly for individuals at high risk of infection.
According to him, the drug is administered once every six months, making it easier for people who struggle with adherence to daily oral PrEP.
He said Nigeria was selected as one of the early adopter countries for the introduction of Lenacapavir starting in 2026, and about 52,000 doses have been provided to support the rollout, noting that the initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Global Fund.
Salako, however, clarified that the new drug is not meant for everyone and should not be seen as a substitute for existing HIV prevention methods.
“It is not a treatment. It is a prevention method meant for people who are HIV-negative but are at higher risk of infection. It is also not a licence for unprotected sex or risky behaviour,” he said.
He further explained that the rollout would begin on a controlled scale to ensure proper monitoring of the drug’s effectiveness and possible side effects before expanding nationwide.
“This is a catalytic effort. We are starting on a controlled scale so that surveillance and monitoring will be top-notch before wider introduction,” he added.
Salako expressed optimism that the introduction of the long-acting injectable drug would accelerate the reduction of new HIV infections in Nigeria and strengthen the country’s effort to eliminate HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Also speaking at the briefing, the National Coordinator of the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme, Dr Adebobola Basorun, said Lenacapavir would only complement existing prevention methods and should not replace them.
“This drug is not a substitute for the ABC of prevention. People should continue to practise safe behaviour and other preventive measures. If you have an additional risk, then this drug provides another layer of protection,” he said.
He added that the programme would closely monitor any reported side effects as the rollout begins. “For every drug, the manufacturers will list possible side effects. As we roll it out in Nigeria, any additional reactions reported will be captured and communicated appropriately,” he said.
The Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr Temitope Ilori, described the introduction of Lenacapavir as an important milestone in the country’s HIV response.
“This is an additional prevention option; it is not replacing any of the existing methods. We must continue to emphasise behavioural prevention and public awareness even as new drugs become available,” Ilori said, while urging the media to support public education on HIV prevention.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said the drug would initially be rolled out in eight states and the Federal Capital Territory, with monitoring and evaluation mechanisms already in place to track progress and ensure safety.
By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja
In order to create awareness and sensitisation, experts in the health sector on Monday, participated in ‘walk’, to commemorate the World Tuberculosis Day (WTBD), .
The theme for this year’s WTBD is ‘Yes We Can End TB’.
People came out in their numbers to participate in the sensitisation; the walk that started early morning, didn’t finish until around noon.
People in Wuse II, Abuja, were being sensitised on Tuberculosis and how they can be tested and treated, free of charge.
Among those who spoke after the walk on commemoration of WTBD, was , Dr Eze Chukwu, the Impact Project Coordinator of Knowledge Network for Disease Control and Vigilance (KNCV), Nigeria, Kelechi Nzeadibe, Senior Program Officer, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria(IHVN) and Stella Makpu of National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP).
The experts lamented that lots of people do not know that TB still exists, infectious and is ravaging lots of communities, killing Nigerians, especially people who do not know that screening, testing and treatment is free of charge.
According to Dr. Eze, “2026, yes we can end TB, lots of people believe that TB is an old disease but what we don’t realise is that TB is still available in our communities, we that are in the TB programme we see TB everyday.”
He lamented, “One person that has Tuberculosis within one year transmit it to 15 persons, that is the chain effect of undiagnosed Tuberculosis .
“And that is why we are creating awareness about TB to this community. To let people know that TB is still prevalent around us.
“Anyone you see coughing for over two weeks, having fever, night sweats, that person might be having TB.
“And the beauty is that every stage of treatment of TB is free of charge, from the testing. Etc”.
Dr. Kelechi, while fielding questions from the media said,today (Tuesday) is world TB Day, and participating in this walk will create awareness and sensitisation .
She also urged all stakeholders to put all hands on desk, in order to end TB epidemic in Nigeria.
“Some people don’t know that TB still exist, they think it is an old disease”, She noted.
Her organization, IHVN, ensure that TB treatment on all the states are free and support this kind of outreach in all the states in Nigeria.
Dr Stella said, the awareness is being created simultaneously all over the country.
On meeting their target audience, she said, “We have targets and we are meeting those targets”.
FG Moves Verification of Academic Credentials Exclusively Online
Spread the loveBy Son Tertsea, Abuja The Federal Government is to embark on the full automation of the authentication and...
2027: Gov. Sule endorses Wadada as successor
Spread the loveBy Aliyu Musa Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has announced Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada as his preferred...
Deputy Speaker Kalu Leads IPU to Adopt Historic Post-Conflict Peace Framework
Spread the loveBy Saint Mugaga Nigeria’s Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR...
Why Atiku will never be President in 2027 -Wike…. Vows to Deliver Abuja Roads by May
Spread the loveBy Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, described former Vice...
Tinubu’s 3rd anniversary: Wike warns contractors, no going back on deadline
Spread the loveBy Wumi Tewogbade,Abuja Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, warned contractors handling key...
Over 100 countries expected at Nigeria’s 5th High Level Ministerial Meeting On AMR
Spread the loveBy Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja Nigeria said it has concluded arrangement to host the 5th high level ministerial meeting...
Alia Orders Immediate Raid on Armed Herder Camps After Deadly Attacks in Apa, Otukpo
Spread the loveBy Felix Umande from Makurdi Following the public outcry due to recent spate of attacks on innocent rural...
Benue Assembly Enacts New Honours Law, Holds Valedictory For Late Lawmaker
Spread the loveBy Felix Umande from Makurdi The Benue State House of Assembly has passed the State Honours Recognition Bill...
APC Benue State Embarks on Grassroots Membership Drive
Spread the loveBy Son Tertsea, Abuja Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Benue state, Amb. Terhemen Tarzoor has issued...
What to know about Trump’s blockade in the Strait of Hormuz
Spread the loveThe United States says it is starting a blockade of all maritime traffic at Iranian ports in the...