Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for unified efforts to combat malaria, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among government agencies, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and citizens. Speaking at the launch of the ‘Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitisation Programme,’ he reiterated the need for persistent action to achieve a malaria-free Lagos. Digital Innovation in Malaria Eradication The newly launched initiative aims to revolutionize malaria control through digital advancements and public-private partnerships. With the presence of Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, the program sets a roadmap to eliminate malaria using technology-driven interventions. Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the severe economic and social consequences of malaria, stressing its impact on productivity, household incomes, and education. He emphasized that malaria eradication is not just a health priority but a crucial step in boosting Lagos State’s economy. Call for Accurate Diagnosis and Public Awareness Governor Sanwo-Olu urged residents to embrace a “test-before-treatment” approach, cautioning against self-diagnosis and improper malaria treatment. He commended the integration of digital tools in the program, which will facilitate real-time tracking of malaria cases, ensuring efficient interventions. Additionally, he praised the Lagos State Ministry of Health for its transparency and data-driven strategies aimed at achieving the 2025 malaria elimination target. He also encouraged Lagosians to become advocates, spreading awareness about malaria prevention and the significance of accurate diagnosis. Minister of Health Applauds Lagos’ Leadership in Malaria Control Dr. Iziaq Salako lauded Lagos State for its proactive measures in malaria management, aligning with the Federal Ministry of Health’s ‘Rethinking Malaria’ initiative. He noted that Lagos boasts the lowest malaria prevalence in Nigeria, with a 2% infection rate as per the 2021 survey. The minister emphasized the importance of integrating digital health solutions to enhance malaria case management and improve treatment accuracy. He also underscored the private sector’s role in healthcare, noting that over half of Nigerians initially seek treatment from private health facilities. Strengthening public-private partnerships, he argued, is essential to improve diagnostic accuracy and ensure effective malaria treatment. Commissioner for Health Highlights Strategic Interventions Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, detailed the progress made in malaria control, attributing the success to strategic interventions and digital health tracking. He highlighted that while Nigeria accounts for 27% of global malaria cases, Lagos has reduced its prevalence to 2.6%, moving towards the malaria pre-elimination phase. He further stressed the importance of sustained efforts in early diagnosis, vector control, and public education. By integrating digital tools into healthcare services, Lagos can ensure accurate diagnosis, prevent drug resistance, and optimize malaria treatment outcomes. WHO and World Bank Endorse Lagos’ Malaria Fight Dr. Kazadi Walter Mulombo, the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, commended Lagos’ leadership in urban malaria control, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based interventions. He acknowledged that Nigeria accounts for 31% of global malaria-related deaths, making malaria elimination a national priority. Similarly, Dr. Ndiame Diop, Country Director for the World Bank in Nigeria, highlighted the economic burden of malaria. He noted that 30% of under-five deaths and 60% of outpatient visits in Nigeria are linked to malaria. He stressed the need for increased funding and community-led initiatives to reduce out-of-pocket malaria treatment costs, which currently stand at 95%. Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships for Malaria Eradication Dr. Omokhudu Idogho, Managing Director of the Society for Family Health (SFH), emphasized the significance of leveraging digital technology for malaria surveillance. He praised Lagos State for integrating real-time data collection, which will enhance intervention strategies and improve healthcare responses. With collaborative efforts from the government, international organizations, and private entities, Lagos is on track to becoming Nigeria’s first malaria pre-elimination state. This milestone signals a significant step towards achieving national and global malaria eradication goals. World Health Organization – Malaria READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
Shocking Discovery at Idumota Open Drug Market The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has made alarming discoveries during an ongoing enforcement operation at the Idumota open drug market in Lagos. According to a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, the agency seized large quantities of unregistered narcotics, counterfeit GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) medications, and vaccines that were stored under unsanitary conditions, with some even found hidden in toilets. Details of the Raid The agency revealed that its enforcement team intercepted a variety of substandard pharmaceutical products, including: NAFDAC officials emphasized that such illegal practices endanger public health by exposing consumers to unsafe medications and ineffective contraceptives. Public Health Concerns and Regulatory Actions The sale of counterfeit drugs and expired health products poses significant risks, including treatment failures, drug resistance, and potential fatalities. NAFDAC has assured the public that it will continue its nationwide crackdown on illicit drug markets to prevent the circulation of dangerous products. NAFDAC also urged Nigerians to purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies and to verify product authenticity through its official verification channels. Consumers are encouraged to report suspicious pharmaceutical activities via the agency’s official website. Related Concerns in the Pharmaceutical Industry The issue of counterfeit medications is a global problem. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 1 in 10 medical products in low- and middle-income countries is either substandard or falsified. To learn more about drug safety and how to identify counterfeit medicines, visit WHO’s official page on counterfeit drugs. Conclusion NAFDAC’s efforts to rid Nigeria’s markets of dangerous pharmaceuticals remain a priority. This recent crackdown in Lagos underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations and consumer vigilance. As the agency continues its enforcement operations, Nigerians are encouraged to stay informed and prioritize their health by purchasing only from verified sources. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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Benin City, Nigeria – The Edo State Government has confirmed the deaths of 13 individuals following the recent outbreak of Lassa fever in the state. Dr. Stephenson Ojeifo, Director of Public Health at the State Ministry of Health, disclosed this update during a press briefing in Benin, highlighting the severity of the situation. Lassa Fever and Mpox Cases Recorded in Edo According to Ojeifo, the state has recorded 83 confirmed cases of Lassa fever from 378 suspected cases since the outbreak was declared on December 30, 2024. Additionally, three cases of Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) have been reported, though no fatalities have been linked to the virus. Affected Areas and Fatality Rates The fatalities have been recorded in Etsako West, Esan West, and Esan North-East Local Government Areas, identified as the epicenters of the outbreak. The high mortality rate has been attributed to delayed medical intervention. Government’s Response and Preventive Measures To curb the spread of Lassa fever, the Edo State Government is collaborating with private hospitals to facilitate swift patient referrals to the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, the designated treatment center for Lassa fever. Health officials from both the Edo State Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have also initiated contact tracing efforts within affected communities. Symptoms and Public Health Advisory Lassa fever often begins with symptoms that mimic malaria, making early detection crucial. Dr. Ojeifo has advised residents to seek medical attention if a fever persists beyond 72 hours instead of opting for self-medication. Residents are urged to remain vigilant, avoid contact with rodents (the primary carriers of Lassa fever), and practice proper hygiene to reduce the risk of infection. Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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According to the October Cadre Harmonisé (CH) Report, between June and August 2025, at least 33.1 million people in 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory would experience a food and nutrition crisis. The CH Analysis Report, which was made public in Abuja on Friday, made the prediction. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the World Food Programme (WFP), the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and other partners carried out the analysis. Sokoto, Zamfara, Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Gombe, Taraba, Katsina, Jigawa, Kano, Bauchi, Plateau, Kaduna, Kebbi, Niger, and Benue are among the states that are impacted. Cross River, Enugu, Edo, Abia, Kogi, Nasarawa, Kwara, Ogun, Lagos, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory are more. According to the study, 514,474 internally displaced people (IDPs) from Borno, Sokoto, and Zamfara are included in this number. It showed that there are currently food problems affecting almost 25 million people in the 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The FAO’s Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Kouacou Koffy, urged immediate action and a coordinated strategy to address the nation’s food and nutrition security. He said: “We can get closer to eradicating hunger and easing suffering for Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations with the combined efforts of the government, CH stakeholders, and the international community.” “We are dealing with hitherto unseen issues that impact livelihoods and the security of food and nutrition on a national, regional, and worldwide scale.” According to Koffy, Nigeria is dealing with a number of shocks, such as insecurity, climate-related disasters like floods and droughts, and economic variables that impact the prices of agricultural commodities and staple crops. These sessions, he said, also seek to suggest suitable ways to stop or lessen ongoing food shortages. “The most dependable and commonly used early warning tool for livelihood response targeting, food security, and humanitarian programming, as well as for prioritizing development programs,” he said. The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Temitope Fashedemi, promised that the government will use the report’s conclusions to direct food and nutrition security initiatives in all states. READ ALSO: Breaking: FG releases funding for retiree benefits and NASU salary Flooding, insecurity, and high food and non-food prices are the main causes of the food crisis, according to Balama Dauda, CH Focal Person for the National Programme on Food Security. (NAN) We love having you back, Kindly Subscribe to our Newsletter,
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On Thursday, the Nigerian Senate urged swift measures to tackle the growing drug abuse problem, especially among the country’s youth. During a one-day national event aimed at encouraging parental involvement in combating drug use and irresponsible behavior, senators warned that failure to act could have significant social and economic impacts on Nigeria’s young generation. Deputy Senate Leader Senator Lola Ashiru, representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, stressed the urgent need for action. The event, organized by the Joint Committee on Drugs and Narcotics in partnership with the National Association of Nigerian Drug Monitoring (NANDRUM), called for a united effort to curb drug abuse. Senator Ashiru highlighted the link between drug abuse and rising crime, as well as its effects on access to quality education, emphasizing that the solution starts at home, with parents playing a crucial role. “Combating drug abuse is a fight for our future. As parents, we lead this effort, providing guidance and creating environments where positive choices are encouraged. Open discussions about the dangers of drugs are essential,” he stated. Event convener Ambassador Cristabel Okoye also underscored the role of parents in guiding children from an early age. She voiced concerns over the glamorization of drugs in movies and music videos, which she believes promotes harmful behavior, costing valuable lives. READ ALSO: N300m paid to Landowners for Airpot Project in Ekiti With the youth facing a drug addiction crisis, the Senate declared the issue an emergency and called for immediate intervention to mitigate its impact.
