Health
Experts call for increase in Tuberculosis services in Nigeria
By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja
In January 2025, Mallam Mohammed, a hardworking farmer from Waste Local Government Area in Plateau state received a life changing diagnosis, he had Tuberculosis (TB). It was shocking to both him and his family .
But due to temporary ‘Stop Work Order’ that happened between February and March , contact tracing was delayed leaving his household vulnerable.
By the time they resumed work and health workers traced and screened the family in April, out of the 9 household members, 3 already had TB, including two children that were less than 7 years old.
That is the testimony of a TB survivor.
Experts in the health sector have agreed that it is imperative for the three tiers of Government to expand Tuberculosis (TB), services in the country.
Among those who spoke at the 2026 pre-world TB Day press conference, in Abuja, included Dr. Queen Ogbyji-Ladipo, Board Chair, Stop TB Partnership, Dr. Charles Nzelu, Director, Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Clement Adesigbin, Ag. National Coordinator, National TB, Leprosy Buruli Ulcer Control Program, Dr. Bethrand Odume, Chair, 2026 World TB Day Planning Committee and Mayowa Joel, Executive Secretary, Stop TB Partnership Nigeria.
The commemoration of World TB Day, organized by Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, commenced on the 13th of March and will end on the 27th of March 2026, and the programmes include School, Mosque and Church Sensitization,Pre-World TB Day Press Conference,Community Outreach, National Road Walk, and Ministerial Press Briefing.
In his presentation, Dr. Clement, lamented that in every 100,000 Nigerians, about 219 are infected with TB, which is a lot for over 200million population, that means over 500,000 Nigerians are infected with TB.
Speaking on TB situation in Nigeria, he said, “So, for today, we are looking at tuberculosis. These are all very high-end diseases. Some would call them neglected diseases.
“And the vision is that we should be able to free Nigeria of TB, of leprosy. You will tell me that’s a very tall order.
“And when you look at the situation, I’m sure you have heard that Nigeria is a country with high burden of tuberculosis. Nigeria is first in Africa. Nigeria, is first from behind.
“The incidence rate of tuberculosis in Nigeria is 219 per 100,000. So if you put that by the side of our population, you will get a very large number, about 500,000. That’s huge. But we also need to know that there are countries with higher incidence rates”.
He noted that TB is associated with economic and social issues.
“Whenever you see poverty, you see under nutrition, you see overcrowding, joblessness, and all of that, you will see a high problem of tuberculosis. And that’s why all of us, everyone who has a role to play in ensuring we reduce poverty, everyone who has a role to ensure that there is no overcrowding, everyone who has a role that we can make sure that people have food on their table, then we can really defeat tuberculosis”, he said.
He therefore said all hand must be on desk, in order to compliment what the government is doing.
“So if you look at our provision of services, we are providing services in over 60% facilities in Abuja. We have over 25,000 facilities providing care. And that also means that we still have a lot to do”.
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, Board Chair, Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, said the World TB Day is commemorated globally every year on the 24th of March to raise awareness of the devastating health, social, and economic consequences of tuberculosis and to galvanize stronger efforts to end the disease.
The theme for World TB Day 2026 is “Yes! We Can End TB”, with the slogan “Led by the Federal Ministry of Health, Powered by the Communities.”
She said, “This theme underscores a fundamental truth: ending TB requires strong leadership from government, while communities remain the driving force for awareness, prevention, treatment adherence, and accountability”.
By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) on Monday confirmed that Lassa fever has killed 109 in 18 states.
This was revealed at the recent
Lassa Fever Situation Report for Week 9 (23rd February – 1st March 2026), that was released in Abuja.
It was revealed that the total number of new confirmed cases decreased from 77 in Epi week 8 of 2026 to 65.
According to the report, “The cases were reported in Bauchi, Taraba, Benue, Ondo, Edo, Plateau, and Nasarawa state.
“Cumulative for week 9 (2026) total: 65 confirmed cases, 109 deaths, CFR 23.2% (higher than 18.7% same period in 2025).
“18 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 69 LGAs.
“86% of Lassa fever confirmed cases are from Bauchi, Taraba, Ondo, Benue and Edo State.
“The predominant age group affected is 21- 30 years. Six new healthcare worker was affected by Week 9”.
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.
Foreign
Denmark becomes first country in the European Union to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis
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
FCT develops disability policy document
Spread the loveBy Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja In order to protect people with disability in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory Administration...
Senegal Appeals AFCON 2025 Title Stripping As Morocco Declared Champions
Spread the loveBy Felix Umande, Makurdi Senegal is set to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after...
A Speech By His Majesty, Britain’s King, Charles III, during President Bola Tinubu and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s State Visit to the United Kingdom, on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
Spread the loveYour Excellency, Mr President, and Distinguished First Lady, Ekabo. Se Daaa Daa Ni. (Greetings! I hope you are...
Benue Leads The Way in State Policing: A Model For Nigeria
Spread the loveBy Felix Umande, Makurdi Benue State is taking a bold step towards enhancing its security framework with the...
Court Adjourns Multiple Taxation Suit as FCT Private School Owners Drag Authorities to Court
Spread the loveBy Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja A Magistrates’ Court sitting in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, on Wednesday adjourned to April...
Barack Obama Gave Iran the Money to Finance What President Trump is Now Dealing With – Husted
Spread the loveA member of the U.S. Senate Small Business Committee, John Husted, has argued that President Donald Trump is...
Kukah Center Partners Benue State Government, Train Personnel to Enhance Community Security
Spread the loveBy Felix Umande, Makurdi The Kukah Center, in partnership with the Benue State Government, has launched a special...
Funeral Programme released in respect of the Late Rtd Sgt Lawrence Liamngee Tachia
Spread the loveThe Funeral Programme in respect of the late Rtd Sgt Lawrence Liamngee Tachia has been released by the...
Experts call for increase in Tuberculosis services in Nigeria
Spread the loveBy Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja In January 2025, Mallam Mohammed, a hardworking farmer from Waste Local Government Area in...
At last, Ex-FCT Senator, Aduda dumps PDP
Spread the loveBy Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja Former senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Sen. Philip Tanimu Aduda on Tuesday...