Health
Reps charges FG to stop outbreak of Buruli ulcer in Benue
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.
….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”.
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