Pharm. Judith Ngozi Udeh, principal manager (Marketing) and head of hospital and institutional business at Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, has concluded her five-year tenure at the company, as colleagues gathered to honour her at a surprise farewell ceremony organised in her honour.

The event, attended by members of the Sales and Marketing Department and other staff, celebrated her contributions to institutional market development and her broader impact on the organisation.

The ceremony was marked by emotional moments, heartfelt tributes, and the presentation of gifts, as colleagues expressed deep appreciation for her leadership, mentorship, and personal support over the years. Many speakers took turns to share accolades, reflecting both her professional excellence and the strong personal connections she built within the organisation.

Speaking at the event, Udeh said she enjoyed her work at Geneith which was focused on advancing institutional market access through the development and implementation of structured Hospital and Institutional Business (HIB) framework.

She explained that the models created organised pathways for engagement with healthcare institutions by aligning pharmaceutical supply with procurement systems, clinical demand, and utilisation patterns, contributing to improved product visibility, stronger stakeholder relationships, enhanced supply chain coordination, and more structured portfolio management.

She noted that Nigeria’s pharmaceutical landscape operates within a complex ecosystem shaped by fragmented supply chains, evolving regulatory dynamics, and varying levels of institutional capacity, stressing the need for more integrated, systems-driven approaches.

“Institutional business frameworks are critical to improving healthcare access. They go beyond sales, they ensure that products align with real clinical needs, procurement systems, and healthcare realities,” she said.

In his remarks, Pharm. Simeon Okechukwu, assistant general manager (sales), described her as an exceptional negotiator and strategic thinker whose contributions significantly expanded institutional engagement for the company.

He recalled her role in facilitating key partnerships and Memoranda of Understanding at a time when business opportunities were limited, noting that her efforts opened new frontiers for growth.

Also speaking, the Head of Human Resources and Administration, Mrs Ada Cosmas, said Udeh demonstrated integrity and innovation throughout her time in the organisation, consistently transforming ideas into tangible results, while also highlighting her supportive and people-focused nature.

In a similar vein, Pharm. Abimbola Bowoto, assistant general manager (sales and marketing), commended her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence, stating that she set a high standard within the organisation.

While acknowledging that her presence will be greatly missed, Mr Rex Abode, senior medical representative, expressed confidence that she is moving on to greater opportunities.

Following her exit, Udeh announced the launch of JunGlobal Healthcare Solutions Ltd, a healthcare, pharmaceutical, and business development consultancy, positioned to support organisations seeking to enter or scale within the Nigerian and African markets.

“JunGlobal was established to bridge the gap between healthcare innovation and market success. Our focus is to ensure that regulatory approval translates into real access, institutional adoption, and sustainable growth,” she said.

Prof. Wellington Oyibo, a professor of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, has urged different states of the federation to develop the political will toward the elimination of malaria in Nigeria.

Oyibo, also a tropical disease specialist, gave the advice with journalists in commemoration of the World Malaria Day, celebrated annually on 25 April.

The 2026 theme: “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must” highlights the urgency of using available tools, science, and partnerships to eliminate malaria.

Oyibo cited Lagos State as one that had been on the pathway to malaria elimination.

He explained that a study revealed that only about five per cent of Lagos population had malaria, with two other states of Anambra and Delta, which had about single digit of malaria presence.

Oyibo described the progress as a major milestone in public health, which other states of the federation should emulate for a holistic impact in the fight to end malaria across the country.

He emphasised that Lagos State was able to record such progress because the state had a very strong political will and commitment to curb malaria.

He added that the state government, which had been on the driver’s seat to malaria elimination, was ever financially ready to combat the disease.

According to him, Lagos State is not only facing malaria, but also other diseases that can affect human health as a result of the malaria disease/parasite.

The tropical disease specialist, therefore, urged other states of the Federation to emulate Lagos State and develop the political will needed to end malaria.

“Lagos State is on the driver’s seat to elimination of malaria.

“The state over the years has shown strong commitment and political will in the fight against malaria in terms of advocacy, resources, data, research and financial support.

“Of course, Lagos has shown very strong leadership, but they can’t do it alone.

“To end malaria in Nigeria, that sincerity of purpose must be there among different state governments of the country,” Oyibo told NAN.

Oyibo, however, urged the Lagos State Government to continue in its  efforts to end malaria, saying, “the process is dynamic, you can’t get success and then stay back, it has to be a continuous exercise”.

According to him, malaria is an old disease that has remained a major public health challenge, especially for  children and pregnant women, stressing that it is both preventable and treatable.

Oyibo said that simple preventive measures, including the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, environmental sanitation and timely medical care, could significantly reduce infection rates, particularly among children and pregnant women.

He also emphasised the need for citizens to refrain from the act of treating malaria on assumption, but to undergo proper tests to ascertain that a particular health condition was caused by malaria parasite before using malaria drugs.

“Malaria is a people’s disease.

“Treatment on assumption is not acceptable; if you feel that you have malaria, you must do a malaria test to confirm before undergoing treatment,” he said.

Oyibo, therefore, called for better collaboration, increased awareness, sustained investment and collective commitment, saying that only about 20/30 per cent of the population commitment would not make significant impact.

According to him, elimination of malaria requires sustained resources, investment in research, data and strong advocacy/awareness.

“The fight against malaria is a collective and shared responsibility of  all – the governments, citizens, healthcare providers and stakeholders.

“We must reinvest, reimagine, and reignite our commitment. If only about 20/ 30 per cent of the population are committed to the fight against malaria, there won’t be any significant impact.

“If we want to make progress, our action must be total,” Oyibo said.(NAN)

‎Not less than 100 residents of Amuwo Odofin and its environs in Lagos have benefited from free Hepatitis B screening and vaccination in a community health outreach led by Hon. Stella Foluke Osafile, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, in partnership with Lopez Pharmacy Limited.

‎The outreach, held in commemoration of World Immunisation Week which holds 24–30 April, brought together healthcare professionals, pharmacists and residents to strengthen awareness on hepatitis prevention and improve access to immunisation services at the grassroots.

‎Osafile said the initiative underscores the importance of preventive healthcare, stressing that government responsibility must go beyond policy formulation to ensuring citizens are actively protected from preventable diseases.

‎“Health is wealth. It takes just one illness to wipe out a person’s resources. That is why we must continue to prioritise preventive healthcare and ensure that our people are informed and protected,” she said.

‎She added that sustained advocacy and community engagement remain critical in reducing the burden of hepatitis and other preventable diseases.

‎Pharm. Obiageri Ikwu, chief executive officer of Lopez Pharmacy and national financial secretary of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), who led a health education session, said Hepatitis B remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, with many people unaware of their status due to low awareness and limited access to testing and vaccination.

‎She described the Hepatitis B vaccine as safe, effective and more affordable than long-term treatment, urging residents to complete the full three-dose schedule for maximum protection.

‎“Hepatitis is not a death sentence, but prevention is critical. People must move beyond testing alone to taking the vaccine, especially if they test negative,” she said.

‎Also speaking, Pharm. Toyin Bala-Bature highlighted the role of community pharmacists in bridging healthcare gaps through education, screening and vaccination services at the community level.

‎One beneficiary, Ambassador Ola Ijekpa, said the outreach improved her understanding of the disease and motivated her to take preventive action.

‎“I didn’t fully understand Hepatitis B before today. Now I know how it affects the body and how it can be prevented. I’m taking the vaccine for the first time, and I’m grateful,” she said.

‎The programme featured free testing and vaccination for eligible residents, with organisers saying it forms part of ongoing efforts to expand hepatitis immunisation and reduce its prevalence in communities.

A cross-section of residents of Amuwo Odofin Community and its environs with Hon. Stella Foluke Osafile and Pharm. Obiageri Ikwu, at the community health outreach.

L-R:Hon. Stella Foluke Osafile, member, Lagos State House of Assembly and Pharm. Obiageri Ikwu, CEO, Lopez Pharmacy, at the community health outreach.

The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) says it is set to enforce compliance among healthcare providers with the State Social Health Insurance Scheme, also known as Ilera Eko.

The agency noted that the enforcement drive is part of its commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the state.

LASHMA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Emmanuella Zamba, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the 2026 First Quarter Media Parley held at the LCCI, Olowopopo, CBD, Alausa, Ikeja. She highlighted the agency’s achievements in the first quarter of the year, as well as planned activities for the months ahead.

Among the key milestones recorded during the period under review, Dr Zamba identified an increase in enrolment among public servants, driven by intensified enforcement efforts across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“Today, I am pleased to inform you that the agency has completed its first compliance assessment of MDAs. Agencies with public interface can now seamlessly verify residents’ enrolment status through their portals,” she said.

She also announced the completion of training for healthcare providers on the mandatory social health insurance scheme, noting that the next phase will focus on enforcing compliance.

“Healthcare providers have been trained in line with the Executive Order, and the next phase of enforcement will focus on provider compliance. While we have made significant progress, our commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Lagos State remains steadfast,” she added.

To cushion the impact of current economic realities on residents, Dr Zamba disclosed an innovation by the agency, the introduction of Ilera Eko EasyPay. This wallet-based payment platform enables residents to make incremental contributions toward their health insurance premiums.

She explained that the initiative is designed to reduce financial barriers and expand access, particularly for low- and middle-income earners, as well as those in the informal sector.

According to her, Ilera Eko EasyPay is an offshoot of the agency’s “Pay-Small-Small” initiative, aimed at making health insurance more affordable and accessible to all Lagos residents.

Dr Zamba further revealed that, within the first quarter, the agency trained 72 journalists in two batches, in collaboration with ISMPH, on social health insurance. She noted that the initiative underscores the critical role of health writers in amplifying the Ilera Eko message, while commending their professionalism and continued partnership.

In addition, as part of its commitment to youth engagement and sustainability, the agency collaborated with the education sector to organise the Ilera Eko Essay Competition across public schools. The competition attracted 731 entries, of which 500 met the required criteria and were assessed.

From the pool of entries, 12 outstanding winners emerged across four categories and were celebrated alongside their parents and teachers.

Zamba said the initiative reflects growing awareness among young people and reinforces the agency’s vision of nurturing a generation that values health insurance and personal well-being.

The winners were formally decorated as Ilera Eko Advocates at the media parley, in recognition of their role in promoting health insurance awareness and championing a culture of wellness among their peers and communities.

The LASHMA CEO urged the young champions to serve as ambassadors of Ilera Eko within their communities.

Victor Edidiong Okon, a 500-level Pharmacy student of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), has emerged winner of the 2026 PANSite of the Year Award after securing 4,435 votes in the keenly contested online poll, which closed on Tuesday, 28 April, 2026.

Okon triumphed over other finalists, including Ubaidullah Onoruoyiza Alhassan of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), who garnered 2,204 votes; Olakulehin Adebusuyi of University of Ibadan (UI) with 336 votes; and Emmanuel Eromosele Eromosele of University of Benin (UNIBEN), who polled 263 votes.

In a congratulatory message, the Executive Director of Pharmanews Ltd, Dozie Ifeanyi Atueyi, commended Okon for his resilience and determination, noting that his victory reflects his ability to withstand the intensity of the competition.

Atueyi also urged other contestants to remain committed to advancing public health initiatives within their respective institutions, expressing optimism that they could emerge winners in future editions.

He added that details regarding the award presentation would be communicated to the winner in due course.

Past winners of the award include Yusuf Hassan Wada of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto; Izukanne Emembolu of Nnamdi Azikiwe University; Martin Chukwunonso Nwofia of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU); Jennifer Ekuma of UNIUYO; Ahmed Olasunkanmi Ajilaran of University of Lagos (UNILAG); Jumbo Nengi of UNIUYO; and Sobur Shinaola Muhammad of University of Ilorin.

The Akwa Ibom Government has activated heightened COVID-19 surveillance following the confirmation of a new outbreak in a neighbouring state. The Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem Emmanuel, made this known in a statement in Uyo on Monday.

Emmanuel said that Gov. Umo Eno, has directed the ministry to activate heightened surveillance across all entry points, health facilities, and communities to forestall any outbreak.

“Disease surveillance officers and rapid response teams have been placed on red alert to detect and manage any suspected cases promptly.

“Residents are urged to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to public health guidelines.

“Citizens are also advised to observe preventive measures, including regular handwashing with soap and water or the use of alcohol-based sanitisers and wearing face masks in crowded or enclosed spaces.

“Citizens are also advised to avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals, refrain from handshakes and physical greetings and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty in breathing occur,” he said.

The commissioner urged healthcare workers to maintain high index of suspicion and adhere strictly to infection prevention and control protocols.

He said that the ministry would strengthen collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and other relevant partners to ensure effective monitoring and coordinated response.

Emmanuel, however, reassured residents that the government was committed to safeguarding public health.

The commissioner urged the public to rely only on verified information from the Ministry of Health and avoid spreading unverified reports that might cause unnecessary panic.

Emmanuel said that an enquiry desk had been set up at the ministry, with designated helpline numbers available to assist members of the public.

NAN

The recent reduction in import duties on 127 items by the Federal Government, including medical and surgical devices as well as manufacturing machines, which ordinarily should have received unanimous acceptance from pharmacists across all fields of practice, has instead created a divide between pharmacists in the manufacturing sector and those in retail practice.

Local manufacturers view the zero-duty policy on manufacturing machines as a welcome development, while retail pharmacists argue that maintaining a 20 per cent duty on antimalarials will not reduce prices and may worsen access.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, announced through a circular dated 1 April, the approval of tariff reductions across 127 product lines. The changes include a 20 per cent import duty on antimalarials; zero duty on breathing apparatus and gas masks (down from 5 per cent); five per cent duty on modular surgical operating theatres (down from 20 per cent); and zero duty on agricultural and manufacturing machinery, including pharmaceutical equipment, among others.

However, stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry remain divided over the policy, calling for a more structured framework and the inclusion of PMGMAN and a Presidential Committee made up of relevant professionals for effective implementation.

In an exclusive interview, the Managing Director of May & Baker Plc, Pharm. Patrick Ajah, commended the Federal Government for reviewing duties on pharmaceuticals, particularly manufacturing machinery, which he said will enhance production capacity and boost output among local manufacturers. However, he noted that any adjustment in tariffs on antimalarials, whether retaining the existing rate or introducing a new one, requires independent research and consultation with local industry players for effective implementation.

“For products like antimalarials, government needs to understand the consumption pattern. How many packs are consumed annually in the country? What is the production capacity of local manufacturers? These two must be aligned. You cannot ignore that,” he advised.

Further analysing the policy, Ajah noted that while zero duty on machinery can help expand production and may eventually lower costs, such effects may not be immediate. He also appreciated the earlier executive order granting zero duties on APIs and excipients, which he credited for helping stabilise prices.

“Many manufacturers would have increased prices by over 15 per cent if not for the earlier executive order. So maintaining current prices is already a form of impact,” he said.

The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Tanko Ayuba, also described the move as a welcome development but cautioned that proper implementation is critical to achieving its objectives.

He said that, under normal circumstances, reducing duties on drugs and pharmaceutical products should lead to lower prices and improved access to medicines and healthcare.

According to Ayuba, “Government must see the need for urgent intervention with a template akin to an all-purpose special vehicle that can help address fundamental issues relating to local manufacturing and drug pricing.”

In a separate interview, former Chairman of Lagos ACPN, Pharm. (Mrs) Abiola Paul-Ozieh, reiterated that the Federal Government’s objectives—protecting and stimulating local pharmaceutical manufacturing, as well as aligning with AfCFTA and ECOWAS CET 2022–2027—are commendable.

However, she noted that, as a malaria-endemic country with a high disease burden, maintaining a 20 per cent duty on antimalarials may not benefit consumers, as prices could remain high and unaffordable.

“As long as we cannot produce APIs locally, there will be an imbalance between inputs and outputs, with a risk of rising costs without adequate local substitution,” she said.

Paul-Ozieh, who is also Chairman of the Healthcare Providers Association of Nigeria (HCPAN), Lagos Chapter, added:

“We should note that malaria remains highly prevalent in Nigeria and continues to pose a major burden. Retaining a 20 per cent duty on antimalarials may increase prices for consumers, especially since over 50 per cent of these medicines are imported. This could reduce access due to affordability constraints and negatively impact health outcomes. We must also acknowledge our inability, as a nation, to produce Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).”

The National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Ambrose Ezeh, called for the creation of a Presidential Committee led by professionals to prevent misapplication of the policy and avoid confusion within the industry.

“This is both a technical and professional matter best handled by a Presidential Committee on an ad hoc basis, with clearly defined terms of reference within a specified timeline,” he said.

Given the country’s heavy reliance on foreign exchange for both APIs and finished pharmaceutical products, Paul-Ozieh urged the government to work towards self-reliance, not only in the production of finished drugs but also through deliberate support and initiatives to enable local API production.

She noted that once an enabling environment for API production is established, policies such as increasing tariffs on certain categories of finished products would become more beneficial to the country, manufacturers, and patients alike.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged stakeholders to promote and protect child rights in Gombe, Bauchi and Adamawa.

Dr Nuzhat Rafique, UNICEF chief of field office, Bauchi, said this at a one-day stakeholders’ engagement, in Gombe.

She said child rights begin at birth, highlighting the importance of birth registration, breastfeeding, access to quality healthcare, proper nutrition and basic education.

According to Rafique, protection of children from all forms of harm is a fundamental right that parents must recognise.

She said children deserve care and respect, describing them as gifts from God and future leaders.

Rafique encouraged parents to utilise local varieties in processing baby feeds to address malnutrition, a major cause of child mortality.

Mrs Ladi Alabi, child protection specialist, UNICEF, said that child rights cover a wide range of issues, and urged stakeholders to fully understand and apply them into practice to prevent violence and sexual abuse against children.

“Increased awareness is crucial in preventing child rights violations. Participants must remain committed to reduce such cases,” she said.

Alhaji Idris Atiku, district head of Barunde-Kumo Community in Akko Local Government Area of the state, described the engagement as timely and relevant.

While commending the media for their role in awareness creation, Atiku pledged to step down the message to mobilise participation at the grassroots.(NAN).

Some medical experts have urged parents to limit the time children spend on screens to help prevent long-term eye problems as younger generation spend more time on phones and tablets.

The experts emphasised the need for parents to ensure their children practise healthy screen time habits.

A Consultant Ophthalmologist, Dr Olufunmilola Taiwo, said spending more than six hours daily on screens was unhealthy and should be properly managed.

Taiwo, who is the head of the Ophthalmology Department at Alimosho General Hospital, advised parents to adopt the 20-20-20 rule, also known as taking screen time in aliquots (time frame gaps within given time space).

She said: “Excessive screen time is not only a concern for children but also for adults.

“Spending more than six hours daily on screens can begin to affect eye health.

“If you must engage the screen for a prolonged period, don’t let it exceed 20 minutes, and then you take your face off the screen for 20 seconds.

” You can also throw your gaze 20 feet away, and if you don’t want to do that, you can do it for two hours, and take a walk for 20 minutes.”

She noted that if these practices were adopted, it would help prevent common issues such as eye strain, dry eyes, and computer vision syndrome, which were increasingly common with prolonged use of digital devices.

Corroborating, Dr Sheidu Nasiru, the head of Eye Clinic at the Orile Agege General Hospital, emphasised the need for parents to engage their children in outdoor activities to reduce screen time.

Nasiru, a Consultant Opthalmologist, said taking regular breaks from screens was important for maintaining healthy vision.

He, however, allayed fears that early exposure to screen devices would not lead to major eye problems such as glaucoma.

“Excessive screen use can lead to eye strain (fatigue) and short-sightedness because they engage in too much near work.

“Parents should ensure that their children spend more time outdoors, playing and relaxing their eyes, instead of using digital devices continuously,” he said. (NAN)

The Lagos State Government, with the support of the global fund through the Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (RSSH) grant, has upgraded eleven laboratories towards international standards.

The initiative, spearheaded by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, held at the Dover Hotel Lekki phase 1, from 13 to 17 April,  underscores  efforts of the state to strengthen its healthcare system with a renewed focus on improving the quality of medical laboratory services across the state.

The partnership is designed to address longstanding gaps in laboratory quality management while strengthening the overall health system to ensure resilience, sustainability, and improved service delivery.

As part of the intervention, eleven medical laboratories have been selected for a Quality Management System (QMS) scale-up programme, in addition to ten facilities already enrolled in the first cohort.

The selected facilities include Recovery Medical Diagnostics, Bimade Diagnostic Services, Sango Primary Health Care Centre, Palm Avenue PHC, Epe PHC, Iba PHC, Iga Idugaran PHC, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu PHC, Orile Agege General Hospital, Ifako Ijaye General Hospital, and Alimosho General Hospital.

The programme targets measurable improvements in diagnostic accuracy, reliability, and turnaround time, with the aim of enabling participating laboratories to achieve at least a three-star rating under the World Health Organisation African Region’s Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) by December 2026.

To commence the process, a five-day residential foundation training was organised for laboratory professionals drawn from both public and private health facilities across the state.

To enhance service integration, laboratory focal persons from tuberculosis, HIV, and malaria programmes were also included in the training to strengthen diagnostic services across these priority disease areas.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, RSSH Team Lead, Oluwatosin Ijimakinwa, commended the Lagos State Government for its leadership in healthcare reform and acknowledged the contributions of key officials, including Akin Abayomi and Dayo Lajide.

Ijimakinwa urged participants to apply the knowledge gained during the training to improve laboratory practices in their facilities, noting that the success of the initiative depends largely on commitment at the facility level.

Also speaking, Abiodun Omoloja highlighted the diverse composition of participants and stressed the importance of implementing action plans developed during the training to accelerate the institutionalisation of quality management systems.

The RSSH Laboratory Focal Officer, Aliu Omoh, assured participants of continuous technical support, while technical sessions were facilitated by experts including Oyenuga Oyebanji, Olufunmilayo Ojo, and Blessing Osazee Airiagbobu, who provided practical guidance on quality systems and process improvement.

The event also featured the celebration of Biomedical Science Day 2026, highlighting the critical role of laboratory professionals in modern healthcare delivery and reinforcing Lagos State’s position as a leader in healthcare innovation in Nigeria.

A medical expert, Dr Joshua Oluwayomi, has raised concerns over low awareness and poor screening uptake for prostate cancer among Nigerian men.

Oluwayomi, a medical officer at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ondo State, raised the concern in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He described the situation as a growing but largely silent health crisis. He explained that prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate, a small gland in men that helps produce semen, begin to grow uncontrollably.

According to him, the disease does not have a single cause but is driven by multiple risk factors, with genetics playing a key role. “Age is the biggest factor, as the risk increases after 50 years and is more common in men over 65 years.

“If your father or brother had it, your risk is higher, and certain inherited gene changes can further increase that risk,” he said.

Oluwayomi noted the influence of hormones, particularly testosterone, adding that prolonged exposure may increase risk since the prostate grows under male hormones.

He also highlighted racial disparities, stating that prostate cancer is more common and often more aggressive in black men, a concern particularly relevant in Nigeria.

On lifestyle factors, he said high intake of red meat and fatty foods, low consumption of fruits and vegetables, as well as obesity and physical inactivity, may contribute to the risk.

He added that chronic inflammation or infections of the prostate may also play a role, although evidence is still evolving.

Addressing treatment, Oluwayomi said the disease is often curable when detected early.

“Yes, prostate cancer can be cured, especially if it is caught early. Treatment depends on how advanced it is at diagnosis.

“Early-stage (localised) cancer can often be treated successfully with surgery or radiotherapy.

“However, advanced stages may not always be fully curable, but they can be controlled for years using hormone therapy, chemotherapy and newer targeted treatments,” he said.

On prevention, he emphasised that while the disease cannot be completely avoided, the risk can be reduced.

“You cannot completely prevent prostate cancer, but you can take steps to lower your risk,” he said.

He recommended healthy lifestyle practices such as eating more fruits and vegetables, reducing red meat and fatty foods, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and avoiding smoking.

Oluwayomi also stressed the importance of screening, particularly for men at higher risk, noting that this should include the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and Digital Rectal Examination.

Speaking on disease management, he said prostate cancer was generally manageable compared to many other cancers.

He noted that it usually grows slowly and, in some cases, doctors may adopt active surveillance rather than immediate treatment.

He explained that about one in eight men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime, but only about one in 40 to 45 men die from it, indicating that many men live long lives after diagnosis.

Oluwayomi, however, warned that low awareness and poor screening habits remain major challenges.

“The message is clear: prostate cancer is highly treatable when caught early, but many lives are still being lost due to late detection,” he said.

He urged men, particularly those aged 40 and above, to prioritise regular health checks, stressing that early screening remains the most effective way to reduce deaths from the disease.(NAN)

The Federal Government says it spends 150 million dollars annually on vaccine procurement .The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Muyi Aina, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja, during the agency’s first quarterly media conference for 2026.

Aina said funding for vaccines was sourced from federal government allocations and development partners, particularly Gavi, and the Vaccine Alliance.He said that donors were however declining in recent times.

”Countries are now expected to increase domestic financing as global donor resources continue to shrink,” he said.

He explained that vaccine financing covered procurement, outbreak-response, as well as logistics including syringes, waste management systems, incinerators, and cold chain equipment.

According to him, operational costs for nationwide immunisation delivery also form a significant part of government investment.

On malaria control, Aina said that Nigeria was expanding malaria vaccination to more states.

According to him, vaccine rollout has been expanded from Bayelsa and Kebbi, the two pilot states to include Bauchi, and Ondo based on readiness assessments.

He noted that the malaria vaccine required a four-dose schedule, which presented challenges in ensuring full compliance.

“What is unique about the malaria vaccine is that it requires four doses, and ensuring children return for all doses remains a key challenge,” he said.

He disclosed that Bayelsa recorded more than 68,000 doses administered, Kebbi 153,000, Bauchi 66,000, and Ondo over 7,000 doses.

He added that dropouts between doses have prompted the government to strengthen tracking and follow-up systems.

Providing updates on vaccine stock and utilisation, he said more than 600,000 doses were currently stored in the national cold chain system.

The executive director also revealed that in the area of coverage, a total of 984,559 children have received at least one dose in Kebbi and Bayelsa, while Ondo recorded more than 166,342 children and Bauchi 105,890.

“This brings the total number of children reached to almost 1.3 million,” he said.

He described vaccines as one of the safest and most cost-effective medical interventions available.

According to him, vaccines are much safer and much cheaper than most medicines people buy in stores or use for malaria treatment.

He explained that vaccines undergo rigorous testing and safety evaluation before approval, with benefits far outweighing potential risks.

“Vaccines are highly effective in preventing diseases such as measles. It success often leads to reduced visibility of such diseases in communities,” he emphasised.

He added that while all medical interventions, including food and medicines, may have side effects, vaccines remained among the most thoroughly tested and safest preventive tools.

He called for continued public trust in health workers and immunisation programmes, noting that the government was also investing in incentives and staffing to strengthen vaccine delivery.

He reiterated that vaccination programmes often go unnoticed in spite of heavy investment.

Aina further said that beyond immunisation, 48,372 women have accessed free maternal services nationwide, while more than 2,497 others have benefited from obstetric fistula repair services coordinated through federal facilities and the National Health Insurance Authority.

He described the programme as critical in restoring dignity and improving the quality of life for affected women.(NAN)

The Government of Cross River has reported an occurrence of COVID-19 in the state on Tuesday Dr Henry Ayuk, the state’s Commissioner for Health, announced at a news conference in Calabar.

According to him, the first reported case of the outbreak involved a Chinese national who worked with Lafarge and flew into the country on 17 March, before taking ill.

The commissioner stated that the Chinese’s case became worse at the medical facility of his office and had to be taken to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).

He explained that at UCTH, his samples were taken and all protocols followed; it was subsequently confirmed that he had symptoms of COVID-19.

“We are, however, happy to report that he is doing well,” the commissioner said.

Ayuk asserted that the Ministry of Health had, however, been repositioned by the current administration to handle and manage any situation, disease, or epidemic outbreaks.

According to him, unfortunately, there have been silent infections and clear cases from time to time.

“But we are determined that for every ailment, every disease or outbreak, if it is identified here in the state, there should be no alarm.

“The state will do well in terms of surveillance or containment of an outbreak. Whatever it is, we will do our best to contain it. So, there is no alarm.

“When this case was reported three or four days ago, we decided to be careful to confirm and ensure that the processes involved with identifying and confirming every case of COVID-19, are duly followed.

“The protocols have been followed and confirmed that a 53-year-old Chinese who works in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state has COVID-19,” he said.

On her part, Dr Inyang Ekpenyong, State Epidemiologist, announced that in response to the case, the state emergency response unit had been activated.

She, however, noted that there was currently an ongoing contact tracing and line listing of those the Chinese may have been in contact with.

While noting the last confirmed case of COVID-19 in Cross River to be in 2022, the epidemiologist, however, feared that the Chinese may have contracted the virus here in Nigeria.

“The incubation period for this virus is usually between two and 14 days, but the Chinese flew into Nigeria from China on March 17 and started developing the symptoms on April 10.

“This is well beyond the 14-day incubation period. As I said, we are doing the line listing of those he may have come in contact with, as part of our containment efforts.

“We have also activated the emergency response centre and deployed rapid response teams to Akamkpa, where the victim works.

“There is no way we can stop this disease, but we can stop the disease outbreak.

“It will be wrong not to contain or manage it by ensuring that people do not die,” she stated.

Similarly, Dr Yewande Olatunde, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Coordinator in Cross River, stated that the disease was still around.

“We must explore all preventive measures to protect ourselves.” she stressed. (NAN)

More than 30 international experts in artificial intelligence, mental health, ethics, and public policy have raised fresh concerns over the growing use of generative AI tools for emotional support, warning of potential risks and calling for urgent global action.

The concerns were highlighted during an online workshop held recently by the Delft Digital Ethics Centre at the Delft University of Technology, the first World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centre on artificial intelligence for health governance, including ethics.

The event, which served as a pre-summit session for the India AI Impact Summit 2026, brought together researchers, policymakers, clinicians, and advocates to examine how rapidly advancing AI technologies are interacting with human mental health.

Director of WHO’s Department of Data, Digital Health, Analytics and AI, Alain Labrique, stressed the need for caution, noting that as AI increasingly engages with individuals during moments of emotional vulnerability, systems must be designed and governed with safety, accountability, and human wellbeing at their core.

A major concern raised at the workshop was the increasing reliance on generative AI tools, many of which were not originally designed or clinically tested for mental health purposes, for emotional support, particularly among young people. Experts warned that this trend could pose serious and largely unexamined risks.

WHO’s AI Lead, Sameer Pujari, described the situation as a critical turning point, noting that the rapid adoption of AI in daily life has far outpaced efforts to understand its impact on mental health. He called for coordinated action and increased investment from both public and private sectors to bridge this gap.

Reinforcing the need for a multidisciplinary approach, Kenneth Carswell of WHO’s Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health emphasised that minimising risks while maximising benefits would require collaboration among affected communities, clinical and research experts, regulators, and policymakers. He added that ensuring users’ wellbeing must remain central as AI tools continue to evolve.

Participants at the workshop outlined key recommendations to guide the safe integration of AI into mental health contexts. They called for the recognition of generative AI as a public mental health concern requiring coordinated responses across governments, health systems, and industry, extending beyond tools specifically designed for mental health.

They also urged that mental health considerations be integrated into AI impact assessments and monitoring frameworks to better understand both short-term and long-term effects, including the risk of emotional dependence. Participants stressed the need for independent investment to properly evaluate these impacts.

In addition, experts recommended that AI tools used for mental health support should be co-designed with mental health professionals and individuals with lived experience, including young people. They emphasised that such tools must be evidence-based and tailored to cultural and contextual realities. The importance of consumer empowerment was also highlighted, alongside calls for clearer crisis referral frameworks and accountability systems, as noted by Caroline Figueroa.

The workshop also underscored the growing importance of WHO Collaborating Centres in advancing responsible AI governance in health. Through this mechanism, WHO leverages global academic expertise and convenes diverse stakeholders to generate evidence-based recommendations. Managing Director of the Delft Digital Ethics Centre, Stefan Buijsman, noted that collaboration across institutions, disciplines, and governments enhances the global impact of such efforts.

Looking ahead, WHO is establishing a global consortium of collaborating centres on AI for health, bringing together leading institutions across its six regions to support countries in adopting AI responsibly. A preliminary meeting of prospective members was held from 17 to 19 March at TU Delft, where participants agreed on shared priorities and initial collaboration frameworks.

WHO said the initiative aims to build a coordinated global infrastructure to ensure that the governance of AI in health is guided by evidence, ethical standards, and the diverse needs of populations worldwide.

Water seems so ordinary that it is easy to forget how essential it is to life. Yet as we grow older, maintaining proper hydration becomes increasingly important for preserving health, preventing complications, and supporting overall longevity. Many of the problems commonly associated with ageing, such as fatigue, dizziness, constipation, urinary infections, and even confusion, are often linked, directly or indirectly, to inadequate fluid intake.

Despite this, dehydration remains one of the most common and least recognised health risks among older adults. In clinical practice, it is not unusual to see elderly patients treated for symptoms that could have been prevented simply by better daily hydration. Understanding why this happens and how to prevent it is an important part of healthy ageing.

Vulnerability to dehydration

Ageing brings changes that make the body less efficient at maintaining fluid balance. One of the most important is the gradual reduction in the sensation of thirst. Elderly people may not feel thirsty even when their bodies need water, and as a result, they drink less than required.

Kidney function also changes with age, reducing the body’s ability to conserve water. At the same time, many older people take medications such as diuretics, antihypertensives, or laxatives, which can increase fluid loss. Chronic illnesses, including diabetes and heart disease, may further complicate fluid balance.

Lifestyle factors contribute as well. Some older adults deliberately reduce fluid intake because they are worried about frequent urination, especially at night. Others avoid drinking when they are outside the home, where access to toilets may be uncertain. In some cases, reduced mobility or forgetfulness makes it difficult to drink regularly throughout the day.

These small adjustments, repeated daily, can gradually lead to dehydration without the individual realising it.

Health problems of poor hydration

Inadequate fluid intake affects almost every system in the body. One of the earliest signs is fatigue. When the body lacks sufficient water, circulation becomes less efficient, and tissues receive less oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to weakness, dizziness, and reduced concentration.

Constipation is another common consequence. Adequate fluid is necessary for proper digestion, and without it, bowel movements become difficult and uncomfortable. Many older adults rely on laxatives without recognising that simple hydration may provide relief.

Urinary tract infections occur more frequently in those who do not drink enough water. Concentrated urine irritates the bladder and encourages bacterial growth. Similarly, kidney stones are more likely to form when fluid intake is low.

Dehydration can also affect mental function. Mild fluid deficiency may cause confusion, irritability, or poor memory, symptoms that are sometimes mistaken for normal ageing or early dementia. In more severe cases, dehydration can lead to low blood pressure, falls, and hospital admission.

For patients already living with chronic conditions, the risks are even greater. Poor hydration may worsen kidney disease, affect blood sugar control, and alter how medicines are absorbed and eliminated from the body. For pharmacists and other healthcare professionals, this is particularly important, as many drugs require adequate fluid intake to work safely and effectively.

Maintaining good hydration

Maintaining hydration does not require complicated rules, but it does require awareness and consistency. Older adults should not rely on thirst alone as a guide. Drinking small amounts of fluid regularly throughout the day is more effective than waiting until the body feels dry.

Water remains the best option, but other fluids can contribute, including milk, soups, and unsweetened beverages. In the Nigerian setting, light herbal drinks, fresh fruit, and watery foods such as oranges, watermelon, and vegetables can also help maintain fluid balance.

It is helpful to establish simple routines, such as drinking a glass of water with each meal, after taking medication, and at regular intervals during the day. Keeping water within easy reach, especially for those with limited mobility, can make a significant difference.

Concerns about nighttime urination can be managed by taking most fluids earlier in the day while reducing intake shortly before bedtime, rather than avoiding drinking altogether.

Healthcare professionals should also use every opportunity to remind older patients about the importance of hydration, particularly when dispensing medicines that increase fluid loss. Counselling on fluid intake should be considered part of routine care, not an afterthought.

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, says the scheme is intensifying measures to safeguard corps members nationwide.

Nafiu disclosed this in an interview on Sunday in Abuja, while addressing concerns over security, kidnapping and welfare of corps members.

He described security as a national challenge, noting that NYSC operated within a broader system and relied on statutory security agencies for intelligence and protection.

“We are not a security agency, but we work closely with the police, military and intelligence community to ensure our corps members are safe,” he said.

According to him, the scheme maintains constant engagement with security agencies, especially during orientation exercises when large numbers of corps members are mobilised across the country.

He said security agencies were formally notified ahead of orientation programmes, with camps reinforced and personnel deployed to provide adequate protection.

Nafiu added that in some cases, corps members travelling to orientation camps were escorted by security operatives along designated routes to ensure safe passage.

“You may be interested to know that in some locations, corps members are escorted by troops because authorities are aware of their movement,” he said.

The director-general said the scheme also adopted preventive measures, including relocating orientation camps from areas considered vulnerable to security threats.

He said in 2025, NYSC relocated camps in Kwara and Kebbi states as part of proactive efforts to enhance safety.

“We do not deploy corps members to places where we do not have our own staff presence or where security reports are unfavourable,” he said.

Nafiu acknowledged public concerns over kidnapping incidents involving young Nigerians, including former corps members, saying such cases were often misunderstood.

He clarified that a widely reported kidnapping case involved an ex-corps member who had completed service more than two years before the incident.

“We verified from our records that the individual served between 2022 and 2023 and was no longer under the scheme at the time,” he said.

Nafiu said in spite of such clarifications, the scheme remained sensitive to public perception and the emotional toll on affected families.

He said NYSC continued to adopt proactive strategies to mitigate risks, including sustained sensitisation of corps members on personal security.

The director-general advised prospective corps members and corps members to adhere strictly to travel advisories, particularly avoiding night journeys across the country.

“They should break their journeys once it is 6 p.m. and pass the night at safe locations such as military formations, police stations or NYSC facilities,” he said.

Nafiu urged corps members to maintain regular communication with trusted family members while travelling, rather than sharing their movements on social media.

“They should update a trusted person regularly about their location for safety purposes, instead of exposing themselves online,” he said.

He also dismissed reports alleging that NYSC compelled corps members to sign undertakings absolving the scheme of responsibility for their safety.

Bloom Public Health and LiveWell Initiative have formalised a new partnership aimed at strengthening public health systems across Africa, following the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding in Lagos.

Professor Chimezie Anyakora, Chief Executive Officer of Bloom Public Health, and Pharm. (Dr) Bisi Bright, CEO of Livewell Initiative, signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Thursday, 16 April, at the Wheatbaker Hotel in Lagos.

The partnership, formally known as the LiveWell Initiative–Bloom Joint Venture Partnership, is designed to deliver African-led solutions to some of the continent’s most pressing health challenges. Both organisations described the collaboration as a significant milestone in efforts to build resilient and self-sustaining health systems.

Under the agreement, the two institutions will collaborate across several priority areas, including health systems strengthening, public health capacity building and training, medicines access and supply chain optimisation, research and publications, as well as community health outreach and service delivery. The partnership also aims to support strategic expansion into other African markets.

Speaking at the signing, the leaders of both organisations emphasised the importance of leveraging local expertise and institutional partnerships to address systemic gaps in healthcare delivery. They noted that the joint venture would harness their combined networks and technical capacity to drive sustainable impact across the continent.

The initiative comes at a time when stakeholders across Africa are increasingly calling for homegrown approaches to healthcare development, particularly in areas such as pharmaceutical access, workforce training and community-based interventions.

With the agreement now in place, Bloom Public Health and LiveWell Initiative say they are poised to begin implementing programmes that will not only improve access to quality healthcare but also strengthen the foundations of public health systems across Africa.

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has expressed concern over the unauthorised circulation of a publication presenting state-by-state HIV figures for January to March 2026.

The agency said the publication was shared across social media platforms nationwide without official approval or verification.

Dr Temitope Ilori, director-general, NACA said in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja that the publication failed to follow established procedures for requesting, validating, and disseminating HIV-related data.

She said the document, therefore, remained unauthorised.

Ilori emphasised that HIV data could not be independently extracted and published without due process, noting that clearly defined protocols ensured proper analysis, contextualisation, and accurate communication to the public.

She warned that failure to adhere to those procedures could lead to misinterpretation and misuse of sensitive public health information, potentially undermining public confidence in national HIV response systems.

Ilori said that although the figures appeared sourced from the National Data Repository dashboard, they only reflected HIV positivity from routine health facility testing and did not represent the true burden of HIV.

According to her, HIV positivity alone is not a valid measure of HIV prevalence or incidence and cannot be used to determine or rank the burden of the disease across states.

“HIV positivity alone is not a valid measure of HIV prevalence or incidence and, as such, cannot be used to determine or rank the burden of HIV.

“Variations in such figures may be influenced by factors including population size, differences in the scale and intensity of testing programmes, as well as disparities in data reporting completeness and timeliness.

“Accordingly, any comparison or ranking of states based solely on these figures is misleading, inaccurate, and invalid,” she said.

She added that differences influenced such variations in population size, testing coverage, programme intensity, and inconsistencies in data reporting completeness and timeliness across health facilities nationwide.

The NACA boss, therefore, emphasised that any comparison or ranking of states based solely on those figures remained misleading, inaccurate, and invalid within accepted public health data interpretation standards.

She also reiterated that responsibility for generating, interpreting, and disseminating HIV data and related estimates rested strictly with authorised government health institutions with the required mandate and technical expertise.

“The responsibility for generating, interpreting, and disseminating HIV data and related estimates rests with authorised government health institutions with the requisite mandate and technical expertise.

“Members of the public, as well as organisations seeking HIV-related data, are advised to follow due process by submitting formal requests to the agency,” she added.

The agency, therefore, urged members of the public and organisations seeking HIV-related data to adhere strictly to due process by submitting formal requests through official channels for accurate information access. (NAN)

In a determined push to achieve self-sufficiency in local pharmaceutical manufacturing, stakeholders from across the healthcare value chain, including industry leaders, regulators, policymakers, and development partners, are brainstorming at the 3rd Pharma West Africa Conference holding at the Landmark Event Centre in Lekki, Lagos. Discussions have centred on urgent, high-level strategies for strengthening pharmaceutical supply chains, scaling domestic production capacity, and reducing the region’s dependence on imported medicines, reinforcing a growing consensus that West Africa can no longer afford to outsource its healthcare security.

With the theme, “Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Strengthening for Self-Sufficiency in West Africa,” the conference has drawn a diverse coalition of voices committed to reshaping the region’s healthcare future. From government officials to private sector leaders, multilateral agencies, and regulatory authorities, participants are united by a shared recognition that access to quality, affordable medicines remains one of Africa’s most persistent and complex challenges, one that has been repeatedly exposed by global supply chain disruptions, currency volatility, and overreliance on imports.

Chairman of Pharma West Africa, Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, set the tone with a people-centred vision of the industry’s responsibility, framing the gathering not merely as a policy dialogue but as a moral and developmental imperative. “Pharma West Africa is about the mother who deserves the best healthcare. It is about the child who deserves a bright future through quality and affordable healthcare,” he said, drawing attention to the human consequences of systemic gaps in medicine access.

Highlighting what distinguishes the conference, Yakasai pointed to the breadth and depth of participation. “What makes the conference outstanding is the diversity of voices—regulators, government, policymakers,” he noted, describing the platform as a rare convergence of actors with both the authority and capacity to drive meaningful reform. He challenged stakeholders to rise above routine engagements and commit to measurable outcomes. “Let us commit to innovation and digital transformation. Let us move beyond conversation to action and implementation. Let this event be remembered as a turning point,” he said, signalling a shift from rhetoric to results.

The call for a homegrown pharmaceutical revolution was echoed by Delese Mimi Darko, Director-General of the African Medicines Agency, who stressed that regulatory strength will be central to any meaningful transformation. According to her, Africa must build systems that not only enable production but also guarantee the safety, quality, and efficacy of medicines. “Africa must work to provide quality medicines for its patients through a strong regulatory function. Coordination of efforts in ensuring cutting-edge pharmaceutical production is important,” she said. She further noted that weak regulatory alignment across countries continues to hinder scale, limit competitiveness, and slow down the continent’s journey toward pharmaceutical independence.

Similarly, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Ibrahim Tanko Ayuba, reinforced the urgency of domestic production, describing it as both an economic and public health necessity. “We must produce our own medicines to be able to attain self-sufficiency in local pharmaceutical manufacturing,” he said, calling for stronger collaboration among governments, regulators, manufacturers, and financiers. He emphasized that building local capacity would not only improve access but also create jobs, stimulate industrial growth, and enhance the region’s resilience against global shocks.

From a regulatory standpoint, the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, represented by Dr Amina Omar, director of Inspection, Monitoring and Quality Assurance, underscored the timeliness of the conference theme in light of current realities. “This year’s theme deeply resonates with the current needs of our region. We recognisae the pivotal role the pharmaceutical industry plays in healthcare across Africa,” she said, noting that strengthening regulatory oversight, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and supporting local manufacturers are critical steps toward achieving sustainable progress.

Beyond the speeches, a recurring theme across panel discussions and technical sessions has been the need to rethink the entire pharmaceutical value chain—from raw material sourcing and manufacturing to distribution, regulation, and last-mile delivery. Participants highlighted the importance of backward integration, investment in active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production, and the deployment of digital technologies to improve transparency, traceability, and efficiency across the supply chain.

There is also growing recognition that no single country can achieve pharmaceutical self-sufficiency in isolation. Regional collaboration, harmonised regulations, pooled procurement mechanisms, and cross-border partnerships are increasingly being seen as essential components of a viable strategy. In this regard, the conference is serving as a platform not just for dialogue but for aligning national ambitions with regional frameworks that can deliver scale and sustainability.

As deliberations continue, a clear consensus is emerging: the path to medicine security in West Africa lies in coordinated action, sustained investment, policy consistency, and a willingness to embrace innovation. For many participants, the conference is more than another industry gathering—it is fast becoming a rallying point for a homegrown medicines revolution that could redefine healthcare access across the region.

If the commitments voiced in Lagos are matched with concrete policies, financing, and institutional support, stakeholders believe West Africa could significantly reduce its reliance on imported medicines, strengthen its healthcare systems, and position itself as a competitive force in the global pharmaceutical value chain. More importantly, it could mark the beginning of a new era—one in which access to quality medicines is no longer a privilege dependent on external supply, but a guaranteed outcome of a resilient, self-sustaining regional industry.

As industry leaders, policymakers and stakeholders converge in Lagos for the ongoing 3rd Pharma West Africa Conference, attention has turned to the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing in Africa. Professor Chimezie Anyakora, CEO of Bloom Public Health and a foremost thought leader in the Nigerian pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape, has called for the establishment of integrated pharmaceutical manufacturing hubs as a strategic pathway to reposition Nigeria and Africa within the global health supply chain.

Speaking during a keynote address on “Building Regional Manufacturing Hubs and Incentives for Local Production”, Anyakora introduced the concept of “Pharmacity,” a purpose-built pharmaceutical industrial estate designed to accommodate between 20 and 50 companies of varying sizes. He explained that the model is anchored on shared infrastructure and services, bringing together manufacturers, regulatory authorities, service providers, and technical support organisations within a coordinated ecosystem aimed at improving efficiency and lowering production costs.

According to him, such hubs would unify a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including pharmaceutical manufacturers across scales, packaging and support industries, regulatory and quality assurance bodies, utilities and infrastructure providers, warehousing and logistics operators, research and academic institutions, as well as financing partners and professional service firms. He noted that this integrated structure is critical for fostering innovation, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and supporting long-term industrial growth.

In a separate interview with Pharmanewso line on the sidelines of the conference, Anyakora provided further insight into the evolving pharmaceutical landscape, noting, “over the past two decades, Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry has grown significantly in its readiness to tackle challenges, particularly those relating to local manufacturing capacity.” He observed that political will across Nigeria and other African countries is increasingly aligning with the need to close gaps in domestic production.

Referencing recent data shared by the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control,(NAFDAC) he said Nigeria’s current balance of producing about half of its medicines while importing the rest signals gradual progress toward self-sufficiency. According to him, “achieving full local manufacturing capacity will depend on building the right workforce, strengthening government incentives, creating a supportive production ecosystem, and ensuring access to markets.”

Anyakora also linked persistent issues such as drug counterfeiting to weaknesses within the pharmaceutical supply chain, stressing that integrated manufacturing hubs could help close critical gaps, including inefficiencies in the movement of medicines from ports to distribution points across the country.

He further highlighted the role of Bloom Public Health in advancing Africa’s health sovereignty agenda, noting that the organisation has continued to champion self-sufficiency in pharmaceutical manufacturing across the continent. He cited recent engagements in Geneva, Switzerland, where Bloom expanded its global footprint, and in Lyon, France, where it participated in the One Health forum, as part of broader efforts to position Africa as an active contributor to global health innovation.

Anyakora stressed that the conversation around local pharmaceutical manufacturing has become urgent, given Africa’s continued reliance on imported medicines. He pointed out that recent global disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic, foreign exchange instability, and supply chain shortages, have exposed significant vulnerabilities in the continent’s healthcare systems. High production costs, he added, have also constrained the competitiveness of local manufacturers, leaving them at a disadvantage against imported products.

He argued that the African Continental Free Trade Area presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria to emerge as a regional manufacturing and export hub, but warned that this potential cannot be realised without a shift away from the current model of stand-alone factories. In his view, individual manufacturers are burdened by the full cost of land acquisition, utilities, waste management systems, laboratories, and compliance infrastructure, resulting in duplicated investments, high operating expenses, and reduced profit margins.

The proposed manufacturing hub model, he explained, addresses these inefficiencies by providing shared access to critical infrastructure such as power, water, waste management systems, warehousing, and logistics. It also enables the establishment of shared quality control and analytical laboratories, while creating opportunities for research, development, and innovation. Importantly, the hubs would facilitate compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices and improve access to regulators and technical service providers, while laying the groundwork for future local production of active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients.

Anyakora outlined the broader strategic impact of such hubs, noting that they would significantly reduce dependence on imported medicines, improve the affordability of quality-assured drugs for Nigerians, and strengthen indigenous manufacturing capacity. He added that the model would generate employment, enhance public health security, and build resilience within the pharmaceutical supply chain, ultimately positioning Nigeria as a leading manufacturing hub in Africa.

To unlock these benefits, he called for a coordinated package of incentives to support local production. These include tax holidays and pioneer status for pharmaceutical investments, duty waivers on equipment and essential inputs, and preferential access to foreign exchange for raw materials such as APIs and excipients. He also advocated concessional financing, streamlined regulatory processes through a single-window system, and procurement policies that prioritise locally manufactured, quality-assured medicines.

In closing, Anyakora urged policymakers, industry stakeholders, and investors to move decisively from fragmented manufacturing structures to integrated hubs. He emphasised the need to align industrial policy with health security objectives and investment frameworks, while building ecosystems that seamlessly connect manufacturing, regulation, quality assurance, innovation, and trade.

His message was clear: without deliberate structural reforms and targeted incentives, Nigeria risks missing a pivotal opportunity to transform its pharmaceutical sector and secure its place in Africa’s evolving industrial landscape.

A healthcare management professional, Dr Olumuyiwa Olusanya, has called for an urgent shift in Nigeria’s healthcare system towards prioritising diagnostics and preventive care, warning that the current approach of treating illnesses only after they occur is inefficient and costly.

Olusanya, a member of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research, made the call at a webinar recently organised by SYNLAB.

Speaking on the topic “Financing Beyond Treatment: Covering Prevention, Diagnostics and Continuity of Care,” he lamented that healthcare in Nigeria and across Africa has long been centred on treatment rather than early detection and prevention.

“For a long time, healthcare financing in Nigeria, and indeed Africa, has been synonymous with paying for treatment after people have fallen ill. Today, we must reimagine a system where we finance the full spectrum of care, from prevention to treatment,” he said.

Olusanya, who is the managing partner, founder and chief executive officer of Insignia Health, emphasised that diagnostics remain central to effective healthcare delivery. He cited the World Health Organisation (WHO), which estimates that about 65 per cent of all clinical decisions are based on diagnostic results.

“That means that, to practise evidence-based medicine effectively, significant investment must be made in diagnostics to determine the appropriate treatment for patients,” he said.

Despite this, he noted that diagnostics and preventive care are not adequately integrated into Nigeria’s healthcare system or financing structures.

“We need to ask ourselves whether prevention and diagnostics are embedded in our healthcare financing. That is critical. Most benefit packages, whether social or private, are heavily treatment-focused, with little emphasis on prevention,” he added.

The healthcare management expert explained that this gap often leads to late detection of diseases, significantly increasing the cost and complexity of treatment.

Highlighting the economics of early detection, he noted that conditions such as breast cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and cervical cancer become far more expensive to manage when diagnosed late.

“When you look at the data, you see how costs escalate to catastrophic levels without early detection. For breast cancer, costs can rise by as much as 8.5 times; diabetes, about six times; hypertension, five times; and cervical cancer, nearly ten times,” he said.

According to him, integrating preventive care and diagnostics into healthcare systems would not only improve health outcomes but also reduce the long-term financial burden on individuals and the healthcare system.

“We need to incorporate preventive health checks and diagnostic testing into healthcare financing packages, whether through private or social health insurance,” he said.

Olusanya further advocated mandatory screenings and structured diagnostic packages within health plans, including age- and gender-specific tests.

“One way to achieve this is to ensure that mandatory health screenings and diagnostic packages are built into insurance plans. Annual screenings and targeted diagnostics should form part of standard entitlements,” he added.

He also proposed that a portion of health insurance premiums be specifically allocated to diagnostics and prevention.

“We can ring-fence about 15 to 20 per cent of premiums to fund preventive care through diagnostics,” he said, adding that incentives could be introduced to encourage compliance.

“We can offer lower premiums for high screening compliance, encouraging people to undertake annual medical checks and manage their health risks proactively,” the expert said.

He stressed that diagnostic service providers also have a critical role to play in strengthening preventive care.

“Diagnostics providers must develop affordable screening packages in partnership with health schemes and expand access to testing at the community level,” he said.

Olusanya also highlighted the importance of continuity of care, noting that preventive efforts must extend beyond initial screening to include follow-up and monitoring.

“We must ensure post-treatment monitoring, diagnostic surveillance, and compliance tracking. This is particularly important for chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes,” he said.

He, however, observed that Nigeria’s broader healthcare financing system remains weak, with over 70 per cent of healthcare expenditure funded out-of-pocket and fewer than 10 per cent of Nigerians covered by any form of health insurance under the National Health Insurance Authority.

He added that fragmented financing across federal, state, and local levels further limits efficiency and the integration of preventive care.

“There is no uniformity. Funds are fragmented, and schemes operate in silos. This is not helping the system,” he said.

While acknowledging provisions in the National Health Insurance Act, Olusanya said enforcement remains weak and must be strengthened to expand coverage and integrate preventive services more effectively.

He reiterated that Nigeria must deliberately shift its focus towards diagnostics and prevention as part of broader healthcare reform.

“Prevention and diagnostics are not costs; they are investments. If we embed them properly into our healthcare system and financing models, we will reduce catastrophic health spending and improve outcomes for Nigerians,” he said.

The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engineer Noimot Salako-Oyedele, on Wednesday, led the Federal Government delegation to commission a state-of-the-art Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) pharmaceutical factory built by Sam Pharmaceutical Limited in Ota, a move considered to have reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening local drug manufacturing and reducing dependence on imports.

Salako-Oyedele, who performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony described the project as a major milestone for industrial development, healthcare delivery and job creation in the state and boost to the Nigeria economy.

“This event is not just the commissioning of a pharmaceutical factory, but a celebration of innovation, industrial growth, job creation and healthcare advancement”, the deputy governor said.

She noted that the investment underscores Ogun State’s position as Nigeria’s industrial hub and a preferred destination for pharmaceutical and healthcare investments, adding that the government would continue to provide an enabling environment through improved infrastructure, favourable policies and strategic partnerships.

The Deputy Governor added that the facility would boost access to quality medicines, create employment opportunities and stimulate economic activities within the Ota axis and beyond.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziak Adekunle Salako, said the project aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to expand domestic pharmaceutical production under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He described the factory as a critical step toward achieving medicine security, noting that global disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic, had exposed the risks of over-reliance on imported drugs.

He said “the importance of today’s event cannot be overemphasised, especially at this time of our renewed commitment to unlock the healthcare value chain and ensure medicine sovereignty”.

According to him, government initiatives such as the Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain PVAC and executive orders on the pharmaceutical sector are already incentivising local manufacturing, with dozens of companies benefiting from the policy support.

“Let me once again appreciate Sam Pharmaceutical and the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, PMGMAN, for the collaboration and for rising up to the talent of Mr President to increase our local pharmaceutical production. Let us remember that the average Nigerian patient must be at the center of all the progress we make. We must therefore ensure that government waiver and exemptions translate into pricing relief for the people”, Dr Salako said.

Earlier in his opening remark, the Chairman of Sam Pharmaceutical, Mr Amit Bhojwani, said the new facility reflects the company’s commitment to quality, innovation and global standards. He noted that the CGMP plant has been built to the most rigorous international specifications, stressing that the company spared no expense because Nigerians deserve nothing but the best.

He disclosed that the plant has an installed capacity of over 400 million tablets, 50 million capsules, two million bottles and one million pouches monthly, describing it as the first phase of a broader expansion drive.

The Sam pharma chairman said “our new facility sets us amongst the highest tier of the pharmaceutical sector and positions us as a major manufacturer in the branded genetic space. With an installed capacity of over 400 million tablets, 50 million capsules, 2 million bottles, and 1 million pouches per month, let me be clear, this is only Phase 1 of our Otta project. Expansion lines are already well underway as we speak. We are not just growing, we are scaling at pace. Sam pharmaceutical is not just a corporate body, it truly is a family.

Bhojwani added that the company, which is celebrating 55 years of operations, is poised to scale up production and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem, even as he commended the president Bola Tinubu led administration for supporting and pushing the healthcare segment through programs such as the Presidential Executive Order, and the PVAC initiative.

In her remark, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, said ongoing reforms have improved standards and boosted confidence in locally manufactured medicines in Nigeria.

She noted that policies such as the “5+5” directive have encouraged a shift from importation to local production, leading to increased capacity utilisation and reduced dependence on foreign drugs.

“Without medicine security, you cannot have health security,” she said, adding that Nigeria is advancing towards higher global regulatory ratings that would enable locally produced medicines to compete internationally.

Also speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain, Abdu Mukhtar, said the commissioning reflects growing momentum in the sector, driven by deliberate policies and private sector investments.

He disclosed that several pharmaceutical manufacturing projects are underway nationwide, supported by funding initiatives, procurement reforms and incentives aimed at lowering costs and improving access.

Many practitioners and pharma Industry stakeholders who attended the event also commended the Sam Pharma for the feat. The Chairman of Fidson Healthcare Plc, Dr Fidelis Ayebae, said recent policy reforms have significantly expanded the pharma sector, with local production accounting for an increasing share of national demand.

Similarly, the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Tanko Ayuba, praised the company’s consistency and contributions to the industry, describing its 55-year journey as a testament to resilience and quality.

The Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, confirmed that the Sam pharma factory had been duly inspected, certified and licensed, noting that the company has maintained regulatory compliance over the years.

In his remarks, the Consul General of India in Lagos, Kannan Chokalingam, described the project as a symbol of deepening collaboration between India and Nigeria in pharmaceutical manufacturing, stating that India will continue to work with Nigeria to achieve a robust pharma industry.

Other notable personalities at the event are the Olota of ota, His Majesty, Oba Professor Adeyemi Abdukabir Obalanlege; the former Governor of Ekiti State, and former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, commissioners of health, Ogun and Oyo states, House of Representative member representing Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency of Ogun State, Hon. Akinosi Olatunji Akanni; Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) of many hospitals and many other top dignitaries.

The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, has received a renewal of his appointment, following approval by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate.

The announcement was made on Friday, 10 April, 2026, during the launch of the Electronic Pharmacy (E-Pharmacy) Regulations 2026 at the conference room of the Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria in Abuja.

According to the Council, the renewal reflects the significant milestones and reforms recorded under Ahmed’s leadership since his initial appointment in 2022.

The PCN noted that his tenure has been marked by strides aimed at strengthening pharmaceutical regulation and advancing the practice of pharmacy in Nigeria.

The Council also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Coordinating Minister for the confidence reposed in the registrar.

Congratulating Ahmed on his renewed mandate, the PCN described the development as well-deserved and expressed optimism that his second term would further consolidate ongoing reforms and drive greater achievements in the sector.

Ahmed will continue to lead the regulatory body responsible for overseeing pharmacy education, training, and practice in Nigeria.

By Ifeoluwa D. Afolayan

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has successfully concluded a four-day stakeholders’ engagement and mid-term review workshop for its 2024–2028 Strategic Plan. Held in Keffi from 24 to 27 March 2026, the event was organised in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) Nigeria and relevant partners.

The workshop served as a critical platform for reflection and collaboration, aimed at strengthening the regulation of pharmacy education and practice across the country. With a clear mandate to regulate pharmacy education, training, and practice, and to safeguard public health through quality pharmaceutical services, the PCN’s 2024-2028 Strategic Plan is not just an administrative roadmap – it is a national health transformation instrument.

The development of the current strategic plan was the result of an inclusive and consultative design process. It integrated insights and had multi-stakeholder consultations from technical working groups, professional bodies, development partners, and regulatory collaborators.

This collaborative spirit continued throughout the Keffi workshop, where participants reviewed progress made since the plan’s inception, identified implementation gaps, and proposed strategies to bolster the Council’s seven core goals: Education, Training, and Capacity Building; Registration and Licensing; Pharmacy Practice and Sustainable Healthcare Delivery; Quality Standards Determination; Inspection, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Enforcement; Communication and Stakeholders’ Engagement; Internally generated resources to support strategy.

A central theme of the workshop was the alignment of the PCN’s objectives with broader national and global health policies. Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals and the Health Sector Renewal Initiative (HSRI), emphasising that a well-regulated pharmaceutical sector is essential for a healthy populace.

Present at the review meeting was the Chairperson, PCN Governing Council, Pharm (Hajiya) Wosilat Giwa, FPSN; PSN President, Pharm. Ayuba Tanko; Dr Tayo Hamzat, WHO Nigeria; Pharm James Yakubu, representing Director, Food and Drug Services; Prof. Lere Baale, the consultant; Pharm. Cyril Usifoh, immediate past president of PSN; partners as PSN Foundation, Society for Family Health; as well as PCN management and staff.

The PCN expressed its deep appreciation for the contributions of its partners, particularly the WHO. The Council noted that its commitment to transparent, evidence-driven decision-making remains unwavering as it enters the next phase of the plan’s implementation.

The outcomes of the mid-term review are expected to guide the Council’s activities through 2028. By focusing on institutional strengthening and multi-sectoral partnerships, the PCN aims to ensure that pharmaceutical services in Nigeria meet the highest international standards, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all citizens.