By Saint Mugaga

The House of Representatives Thursday called on the federal government to swiftly intervene to curb the growing spread of Buruli Ulcer in Benue State, particularly in Ushongo local government area.

Consequently, the House directed the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to immediately conduct a comprehensive investigation into the spread of Buruli Ulcer and to set up an NCDC laboratory at the NKST Aku Comprehensive Health Centre and Cottage Hospital, Ikyobo, in Ushongo Local Government Area.

This was consequent upon the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Terseer Ugbor (APC, Benue) at the plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

In adopting the motion, the House also mandated its Committee on Healthcare Services to ensure prompt implementation of the resolution and report back within four weeks for further legislative consideration.

Leading debate on the motion, Hon. Ugbor lamented that for years, rural dwellers attributed the ailment to witchcraft or supernatural causes until it was correctly diagnosed as a bacterial infection by medical experts, notably Dr Paul Orhi.

He expressed grave concern over the alarming rate at which the disease, popularly known among locals as Ambi, has continued to devastate communities in the state for more than ten years.

He stressed that the disease is curable with proper medical treatment, not traditional or ritual practices.

He further decried the continued escalation of cases despite the availability of effective treatment, blaming it on the absence of diagnostic and treatment centers within the affected areas.

The lawmaker noted that due to the lack of a laboratory in the region, patients are forced to send samples to Lagos for analysis, which often leads to delays, misdiagnoses, and avoidable amputations.

Ugbor emphasized that early detection and prompt antibiotic therapy can completely cure the disease and prevent deformities. However, he warned that the ongoing lack of infrastructure has worsened the plight of victims, many of whom are now impoverished and disabled.

He therefore urged the federal government to establish a well-equipped diagnostic laboratory in Benue State to enhance detection, research, and treatment efforts.

Lawmakers stated that the proposed facility would serve as a regional center for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of Buruli Ulcer and other infectious diseases in the North Central zone.

Buruli Ulcer, a neglected tropical disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, affects the skin, underlying tissues, and in advanced cases, the bone. It typically begins as a painless swelling, nodule, or plaque, often on the limbs and sometimes on the face. Without timely medical intervention, it can progress into large open sores, leading to tissue decay, severe deformity, and permanent disability.

Experts have noted that although the exact mode of transmission remains unclear, the infection is strongly linked to swampy areas, stagnant water bodies, and environmental disturbances such as deforestation, flooding, and dam construction. Because the disease starts painlessly, many victims in rural areas fail to seek early medical care, resulting in prolonged suffering, social stigma, and financial strain.

By Saint Mugaga

The House of Representatives Tuesday mandated its Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control to investigate the utilisation of the $1.8bn and $2.8 bn, totalling $4.6bn grants received by Nigeria from 2021 to 2025 for the fight against HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria from the Global Fund and USAID.

The committee is to report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by deputy spokesperson of the House, Hon. Philip Agbese (APC, Benue) at plenary.

In adopting the motion, the House mandated the Coordinating Minister of Heath and Social Welfare to provide the implementation plan and approvals granted by the National Assembly for the utilisation and expenditure of the grants.

Presenting the motion, Hon. Agbese noted that Nigeria has received an estimated $1.8 billion dollars in grants from Global Fund from 2021 to 2025 for the fight against HIV, TB and Malaria, in addition to over $2.8 billion received from USAID to cover health threats such as HIV, malaria, polio, and tuberculosis between 2022 and 2024.

He said the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, founded in January 22, 2002 as an independent, multilateral financing entity designed to raise a significant resource and accelerate efforts to end the HIV, TB, and malaria epidemics in the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

“Aware that Nigeria also received over $6 billion dollars in health assistance from the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief from 2021 to 2025 to fight HIV/AIDS and build capacity of Health and community Systems.

“Also notes that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social welfare is responsible for the utilisation of the grants from USAID while the Country Coordinating Mechanism Nigeria is responsible for utilising and implementing the Global Fund grants in Nigeria.

“Concerned that with this huge investment in the nation’s response to HIV, TB and Malaria, Nigeria still bears great burden in all these public health threats. In 2023 approximately 15,000 AIDS-related deaths occurred among Nigerian children aged 0-14years, while 51,000 AIDS-related deaths were recorded in the country with Nigeria ranking third globally in HIV deaths, and also with the highest number of HIV cases in West and Central Africa.

“In the area of TB Nigeria ranks first in Africa and sixth in the world accounting for 4.6% global TB burden, while Nigeria bears the highest malaria burden globally, accounting for an estimated 26.6% of global cases and 31% of malaria deaths.

“Also aware that the UN Sustainable Development Goal has established a target of 2030 for all nations to ensure the elimination of HIV, TB and Malaria in their Countries, for which if the status quo continues, Nigeria may likely not meet this target”, he stated.

The lawmaker said he was concerned that there has not been a coordinated and robust oversight of the implementers of the grants received by the country by the National Assembly.

“Also aware that pursuant to Section 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the National Assembly or its committees has inherent powers to summon or request for documents from any government ministry, agency, parastatal or Non-governmental Agency for effective discharge of its mandate.

“Worried that if something drastic is not done to reassess and reevaluate the utilization and implementation of these grants with the 8th replenishment in view, Nigeria may continue to suffer huge burdens and continue to lose our population to these diseases, thereby failing in the elimination of HIV, TB, and Malaria by year 2030”.

The motion was unanimously adopted at the plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja

The World Health Organization , WHO, has appointed Dr. Pavel Ursu as the new Country Representative to Nigeria.

Dr. Ursu officially presented his certificate to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.

While receiving the new Country Representative in his office, Ambassador Tuggar, welcomed Dr. Ursu to Nigeria and said that the country was looking forward to deepening collaboration with WHO under his leadership.”

Tuggar stated that the COVID-19 pandemic served as a wake-up call for Nigeria, particularly in the area of vaccine operations.

He noted that the country is determined not to relive the vulnerabilities exposed during the pandemic as it is committed to strengthening local manufacturing of health products.

Ambassador Tuggar reflected on Nigeria’s longstanding engagement in health diplomacy, noting particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and the evolving global landscape, adding that “We are witnessing the return of new realism”—a moment that demands pragmatic, equity-driven partnerships and resilient health systems.”

Dr. Ursu said, “I am honoured to serve as WHO Representative to Nigeria and look forward to working closely with national authorities, development partners, and communities to advance health for all,” said Dr. Ursu.

He highlighted Nigeria’s achievements, including the earlier efforts in certification of wild poliovirus eradication and the recent integrated immunization campaign targeting over 106 million children.

He said, “Nigeria’s strength lies in its people, innovation and resolve to reform. WHO will focus on ensuring our cooperation translates into measurable improvements in people’s lives.”

WHO indicates that Dr. Ursu’s leadership will help in advancing impactful, evidence-based strategies aligned with Nigeria’s national health priorities and targets

Dr. Ursu brings over two decades of distinguished service with WHO, spanning national and international assignments to Nigeria.