Major Health Stories Across Nigeria in June

In June, Nigeria’s health sector recorded several pivotal moments—some promising, others troubling. The federal government announced a significant N32 billion disbursement under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to strengthen primary healthcare delivery nationwide. Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, inched closer to eliminating malaria, while concerns about measles, Lassa fever, and Mpox highlighted persistent gaps in disease surveillance and immunisation.

BHCPF: FG to disburse N32bn for PHC revamp

The Chairperson, Health Commissioners Forum, Oyebanji Filani noted that this is part of efforts to strengthen basic healthcare delivery and ensure access to essential services for millions of Nigerians.

He said the funds, released in two tranches of N16 billion each, would support renovations, procurement of commodities and capacity building of frontline health workers under the BHCPF.

Lagos nears malaria elimination, set to become first in West Africa – Official

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, disclosed that the state is on the verge of making history, positioning itself as the first West African geopolitical zone to eliminate malaria.

Mr Abayomi said this will not be through a vaccine or genetically modified mosquitoes, but by employing “simple common sense” medical practices and a robust public health strategy.

This ambitious goal is driven by the state/ministry and Wellington Oyibo, director of the Centre for Transdisciplinary Research for Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases.

US CDC calls for improved immunisation to curb measles in Nigeria

An epidemiologist with the CDC Nigeria Global Immunisation Disease (GID), Joseph Forbi, said measles remains a major cause of childhood illness and deaths worldwide.

Mr Forbi noted that Nigeria is currently among the top 10 countries reporting the highest number of measles cases globally.

He revealed that in 2024, Nigeria reported over 20,000 suspected measles cases, with approximately 10,000 confirmed—mostly among unvaccinated and under-vaccinated children.

Bill Gates pledges majority of $200 billion foundation fund to Africa’s future

Mr Gates, the chair of the Gates Foundation, emphasised that Africa would receive the largest share of the funding, citing the continent’s potential and the urgent needs.

“I recently made a commitment that my wealth will be given away over the next 20 years. The majority of that funding will be spent on helping you address challenges here in Africa,” he told the audience, including African leaders, health professionals, youth representatives, and development partners.

Mr Gates praised African governments that prioritise the health and well-being of their citizens and called for more investment in primary healthcare.

Mpox remains public health emergency of international concern – WHO

The WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, made this declaration following the fourth meeting of the International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee held on 5 June, where global health experts reviewed the situation and advised to uphold the emergency status.

In a statement, Mr Ghebreyesus said that although some countries have made progress in responding to the outbreak, the overall situation remains concerning.

He noted that the decision was influenced by the continuous increase in Mpox cases, including a recent surge in West Africa, and likely undetected transmission in countries beyond the continent.

Confusing PCOS with Ovarian Cysts could delay proper care – Expert

Both conditions affect the ovaries and can impact fertility, but they are fundamentally different in causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches.

According to Nigerian medical doctor and health educator, Chinonso Egemba, popularly known as Aproko Doctor, understanding the difference between the two conditions is essential to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Over 90 providers sanctioned as NHIA cracks down on poor health services

The sanctions, issued in line with the Authority’s operational guidelines, followed investigations into complaints from enrollees under both state and national health insurance schemes.

A statement signed on Sunday by NHIA’s Acting Director of Media and Public Relations, Emmanuel Ononokpono, revealed that key complaints against healthcare facilities included the unavailability of medicines, denial of services, out-of-pocket charges for covered services, and failure to provide payment narrations.

Why seizures are common among children in poor communities – Expert

According to a neurology expert, Nkechi Obianozie, malnutrition, poor hygiene, and infectious diseases are among the top triggers of seizures in these vulnerable populations.

Ms Obianozie explained that seizures occur due to abnormal electrical discharges in the brain. In children, they often manifest as sudden jerking movements, loss of consciousness, or both.

“These episodes are sometimes mistaken for other illnesses like fever, but they are often signs of something more serious, especially in areas where access to healthcare is limited and basic needs are unmet,” she said.

Nigeria’s health budget too small to address challenges – Bill Gates

He observed that the low funding for health was part of the reasons Nigeria has the second highest maternal and child mortality rate in the world.

UN agency links Nigeria’s high fertility rate to weak reproductive rights

UNFPA’s Officer-in-Charge in Nigeria, Koessan Kuawu, noted that while fertility rates are declining globally,

Nigeria remains an outlier due to restricted access to reproductive health services and the persistent unmet need for family planning.

Mr Kuawu quoted a report, titled “The Real Fertility Crisis: The Pursuit of Reproductive Health Agency.” The report examines global trends relating to bodily autonomy and reproductive decision-making.

Benue Massacre: Resident doctors lament colleague’s death

In a statement signed by its President, Osundara Tope, NARD described the continued bloodshed in Benue State as “alarming and condemnable.”

The association said the violence is taking its toll on an already “thinly stretched and fragile health system.”

Lassa Fever spread to 18 states- NCDC

The fertility rate was 19.0 per cent, a slight increase from the 18.1 per cent reported during the same period last year.

The report further revealed that five states, Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi, accounted for 91 per cent of all confirmed cases.