LAGOS — The Lagos State Government has reiterated its readiness to respond to infectious disease outbreaks, with Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosing that the state remains on high alert due to its large population and status as a major gateway for human and commercial traffic in Africa.

Abayomi made the disclosure on Tuesday while speaking at the Invest Lagos 3.0 Summit themed “Lagos: The Business Gateway to Africa,” where he highlighted the state’s public health preparedness and disease surveillance measures.

According to the commissioner, Lagos faces constant vulnerability to infectious diseases because of the enormous volume of people, goods, and animals entering the state daily through its airports, seaports, and land borders.

He noted that with a population estimated at over 30 million people, the state must continuously monitor potential health threats to prevent outbreaks from spreading.

Abayomi explained that Lagos receives thousands of livestock and food supplies daily to meet the needs of residents, adding that the movement of people and animals increases the risk of disease transmission.

Drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, the health commissioner warned that diseases such as Ebola pose a significantly greater threat because of their higher fatality rates.

He stated that the state government has intensified efforts to strengthen its disease prevention and response mechanisms through a comprehensive initiative known as the “Lagos Bio-Shield.”

The programme, he said, focuses on preventing dangerous pathogens from entering the state while ensuring rapid detection and containment of any outbreak.

Abayomi identified the Murtala Muhammed International Airport as one of the key points of entry being closely monitored by health authorities. He explained that surveillance systems have been deployed to track travellers arriving from high-risk regions, particularly parts of Eastern and Central Africa.

According to him, Lagos maintains an extensive network of epidemiologists and public health officials who monitor potential threats and coordinate emergency responses across the state.

He added that the Bio-Shield framework also incorporates contact-tracing mechanisms, isolation facilities, and advanced biosafety laboratories designed to support swift intervention whenever infectious diseases are detected.

The commissioner stressed that the integrated approach is aimed at ensuring that any public health threat is identified and contained before it can spread widely within the state.

Abayomi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting residents and sustaining Lagos’ position as a leading commercial and investment destination through strong public health systems and emergency preparedness measures.

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Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has approved the conversion of the Adamawa State Specialist Hospital in Yola into the Adamawa State University Teaching Hospital as part of efforts to strengthen medical education and specialised healthcare delivery in the state.

The approval was announced by the Secretary to the State Government, Awwal Tukur, during the inauguration of a committee set up to oversee the transition process.

According to the government, the decision followed a request by the management of Adamawa State University for the establishment of a clinical training facility for medical students within the state.

Tukur said the development would reduce reliance on teaching hospitals outside Adamawa for clinical training while also enhancing healthcare services, medical research and manpower development.

Vice Chancellor of the university, Augustine Clement, described the inauguration of the conversion committee as a major milestone in the institution’s growth and expansion.

The committee has been mandated to work out modalities for the seamless transition of the facility ahead of the 2026/2027 academic session.

Also speaking, the Chief Medical Director of the Specialist Hospital Yola, Dauda Wadinga, and the Acting Provost of the Adamawa State College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Michael Misauno, commended the governor for approving the project.

They pledged their commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the teaching hospital initiative.

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The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has threatened to embark on an industrial action following the alleged assault of a female house officer at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in Ogun State.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its President, Mohammad Usman Suleiman, the association described the incident as “shocking and barbaric,” warning that failure to address the situation could trigger a nationwide strike.

According to NARD, the doctor was allegedly attacked by seven men suspected to be students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic following the death of a patient at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency unit. The association said the victim was targeted after being identified as part of the medical team that attended to the deceased.

NARD condemned the attack, stating that it represents a grave violation of the safety, dignity, and professional sanctity of healthcare workers. The association stressed that hospitals should remain safe spaces for healing, not environments where medical personnel are subjected to violence.

As part of its immediate response, NARD directed its members at the Sagamu-based hospital to withdraw their services pending adequate assurances of safety.

The association also called for the urgent identification, arrest, and prosecution of those responsible for the attack, insisting that justice must be served.

It further urged the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic to collaborate with security agencies in apprehending the suspects and to take responsibility for the actions of its students, including covering the victim’s medical expenses and providing compensation.

NARD also called on the management of the teaching hospital to strengthen security within its premises and address welfare concerns affecting healthcare workers.

The association expressed solidarity with the assaulted doctor and wished her a speedy recovery, while warning that failure to meet its demands could lead to escalation into a broader industrial dispute.

It also appealed to government at all levels to prioritise the protection of healthcare workers and enforce strict penalties against violence in medical facilities, stressing that the safety of doctors remains non-negotiable.

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Nigeria has received 11,520 doses of , a long-acting injectable designed to reduce new HIV infections, marking a significant step in the country’s HIV prevention efforts.

The Federal Government took delivery of the medication on Wednesday at the Federal Central Stores in Oshodi, , as part of a phased rollout supported by the .

Officials disclosed that the shipment is the first tranche of a total of 52,000 doses expected in three batches later in the year.

Speaking on the development, Mohammed Patiko, Head of Procurement and Supply Chain Management at the , described the delivery as a major milestone in Nigeria’s response to .

He explained that the injectable drug is intended primarily as a preventive measure, particularly for individuals at higher risk of infection, including serodiscordant couples and key populations.

According to him, the rollout will occur in phases, with the first batch already received, while additional consignments are expected in May and October.

The initial deployment will take place in selected pilot locations, including , , , , the , , , and .

Patiko added that the medication would be provided free of charge during the pilot phase at designated health facilities, with distribution expected to commence next week using existing supply systems.

Health authorities say the introduction of lenacapavir strengthens Nigeria’s HIV prevention strategy by complementing ongoing testing and treatment programmes.

Also speaking, Oladipupo Fisher, Lagos State AIDS Programme Coordinator, noted that the development aligns with Nigeria’s target of eliminating HIV/AIDS by 2030.

He emphasised that expanding access to prevention tools alongside treatment remains critical to reducing new infections and controlling the epidemic nationwide.

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The State Epidemiologist, Dr Msuega Asema, disclosed this on Friday when the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ejeh-Ogwuche, visited isolation centres at Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi and the Federal Medical Centre in Apir, where affected patients are receiving treatment.

The commissioner had earlier declared a Lassa fever outbreak in the state following a rise in suspected cases. On February 16, he told journalists that four health workers had died from the disease, with more than 60 suspected cases recorded at the time.

Providing an update during the visit, Asema said the state is facing a devastating outbreak, with 45 confirmed cases and 10 cumulative deaths out of 250 suspected cases reported so far. He noted that a significant number of those affected are health workers, including five medical doctors, four nurses, two community health extension workers and one hospital porter.

Ejeh-Ogwuche urged residents not to panic, assuring that the state government had intensified efforts to contain the outbreak since it was officially declared on February 3. He said the visit was aimed at assessing the situation on the ground and showing solidarity with patients undergoing treatment at the two facilities.

According to him, the infection involves human-to-human transmission largely due to lapses in infection prevention. He stated that the government under Governor Hyacinth Alia remains fully committed to containing the disease and has activated necessary measures, including mobilising resources to curb further spread.

The commissioner announced that surveillance officers have been deployed across the 23 local government areas of the state to strengthen monitoring, contact tracing and community engagement. He appealed to residents to promptly report symptoms at designated health facilities for early diagnosis and treatment, stressing that timely intervention is critical in reducing fatalities.

He commended health workers for their dedication and sacrifice and expressed sympathy to families of those who lost their lives.

The Chief Medical Director of Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Dr Stephen Hwande, said the hospital had put measures in place to manage the outbreak and urged residents to adhere strictly to infection prevention protocols.

Chairman of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee, Prof Michael Agbir, described the situation as unusual compared to previous years. He revealed that between January and February 2026, the hospital recorded 28 admissions, with 17 confirmed cases currently on admission and three deaths.

At the Federal Medical Centre, Apir, the Chief Medical Director, Prof Joseph Kontor, represented by Dr Uche Augustine Azuka, said the laboratory has been handling diagnostic tests for Lassa fever, COVID-19, chickenpox, cholera, hepatitis B and C, among other conditions. He, however, lamented that inadequate power supply has hampered effective service delivery at the isolation centre, making it difficult to conduct tests and obtain timely results.

He appealed to the state government to intervene by improving power supply and providing consumables and personal protective equipment, noting that patients are currently being treated and discharged free of charge.

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Nigerian medical professionals in the diaspora are set to support healthcare delivery across the country as part of activities marking the 2026 Diaspora Day.

The initiative, themed “Harnessing Global Diaspora Medical Expertise to Strengthen Local Health Systems for National Development,” will be implemented under the Diaspora Health Impact Initiative 2026 (DHII 2026). It is being organised in collaboration with the (NiDCOM), the , the and the .

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, NiDCOM Chairman/CEO said DHII 2026 aims to leverage the expertise and global experience of Nigerian doctors abroad to strengthen local health systems, expand access to specialist care and mentor health workers in underserved communities.

She explained that the programme provides a structured national framework aligned with the National Diaspora Policy as well as federal and state health priorities.

Seven major diaspora medical associations have been assigned to specific states for the outreach. The will cover Imo, Abia and Enugu states, while the has been assigned to the Federal Capital Territory.

The will operate in Kano, Kaduna and Sokoto states, and the will focus on Borno State. The will serve the FCT and Nasarawa State, while the will cover Bayelsa, Edo, Akwa Ibom and Rivers states. The will lead activities in Lagos State.

The outreach is expected to provide specialist clinical services in maternal and neonatal health, sickle cell screening, women’s health, interventional radiology, neurosurgery, echocardiography and point-of-care ultrasound. It will also focus on medical leadership training and broader health systems strengthening, with an emphasis on sustainable capacity building and hands-on mentorship.

The initiative will be officially flagged off in Abuja at the start of Diaspora Week 2026, after which medical teams will deploy to their assigned states.

Participating associations are scheduled to reconvene in Abuja on July 24 ahead of the national Diaspora Day on July 25–26 to submit impact reports that will inform policy dialogue and potential expansion of the programme.

Dabiri-Erewa expressed appreciation to President for supporting diaspora engagement, as well as to relevant ministers, state governments, professional bodies, development partners and private sector stakeholders.

Representatives of the participating associations welcomed the initiative and called for its sustainability, noting that pre-event online sessions on women’s health, interventional radiology, neurosurgery and echocardiography have already commenced.

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Residents of Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State turned out in large numbers on Saturday for a free medical outreach organised by Hon. , member representing Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, in collaboration with his wife, .

The outreach, held at the open field of L.A. Primary School, Odode, Idanre, was facilitated through their humanitarian organisation, HAMDROMI. Tagged “Kasọ Layọ,” the initiative forms part of Dr. Makinde’s nationwide free healthcare programme aimed at supporting pregnant women and improving maternal health outcomes.

In addition to maternal healthcare services, the programme catered to the general medical needs of residents. Beneficiaries received free medical consultations, comprehensive health checks, prescribed medications, and pregnancy care kits for expectant mothers.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Rhoda Makinde, represented by the team lead, Dr. Charles Ogazie, stressed the importance of proper hygiene during pregnancy to safeguard both mother and child. She also encouraged non-pregnant participants to prioritise their health and seek timely medical attention when necessary.

She noted that the initiative aligns with the humanitarian vision and leadership mandate of Hon. Abiola Makinde, focused on enhancing the welfare and wellbeing of constituents in Ondo East and Ondo West federal constituency.

The outreach recorded over 200 beneficiaries, many of whom expressed appreciation for the intervention amid rising healthcare costs.

One of the beneficiaries, Juliet Akinrinola, described the programme as a relief, saying the free medical services and pregnancy care kits would ease the financial burden associated with antenatal care. Another resident, Bolanle Agunbiade, commended the organisers for bringing the initiative to Idanre, noting that access to quality healthcare and medication has become increasingly expensive.

Community members described the outreach as timely and impactful, urging the organisers to sustain and expand the programme to reach more vulnerable groups across the constituency.

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The Plateau State Government has revealed that the state recorded 2,786 new HIV infections and 460 HIV-related deaths in 2024. The disclosure was made on Monday by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, during the 2025 World AIDS Day commemoration held in Jos.

World AIDS Day is marked annually on December 1, and this year’s theme is “Overcoming Disruption: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response.”

Over 51,000 People Living with HIV in Plateau

Ba’amlong noted that as of September 2025, 51,370 residents of Plateau State were living with HIV, comprising 14,001 males and 33,055 females. He added that 47,056 adults and 1,835 children were currently receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).

Between January and September 2025 alone, 98,403 people were screened, and 1,910 tested positive.

Progress in Preventing Mother-to-Child Transmission

The commissioner reported improvements in the state’s response to preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. According to him, 30,743 pregnant women were tested during the period, and 39 who tested positive were successfully linked to care.

He said Plateau State had expanded HIV testing to over 900 health facilities, accompanied by increased awareness campaigns on prevention, early detection, and treatment.

Call for Stronger Community Engagement

Ba’amlong stressed the need for continuous community involvement and improved healthcare access. He also called for increased funding for research, innovation, and interventions that can strengthen the state’s HIV response.

He commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for approving funds used to procure HIV dual test kits, which have been distributed across health facilities in the state. Development partners were also acknowledged for their role in supporting HIV programmes.

PLACA: Plateau Achieves 92% Viral Load Suppression

The Executive Director of the Plateau AIDS Control Agency (PLACA), Mrs. Esther Turaki, said the state had achieved a 92% viral load suppression rate as of June 2025—an indicator of successful treatment outcomes.

She highlighted the importance of the HIV Domestic Resource Mobilisation and Sustainability (DRMS) Strategy, describing it as key to expanding funding sources and standardising ongoing efforts amid declining donor support.

Experts Call for Dedicated HIV Funding

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Chris Isichei urged federal and state governments to reduce reliance on external donors. He recommended establishing a dedicated HIV funding bank to ensure sustainable financing for testing, treatment, and prevention.

Isichei further encouraged the Plateau State Government to integrate HIV and AIDS treatment into its health insurance scheme, emphasizing that long-term sustainability depends on local investment.

The 2025 World AIDS Day event drew government officials, health workers, partners, and members of civil society, all advocating renewed commitment to ending the HIV epidemic in Plateau State and Nigeria at large.

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The President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, has outlined seven critical conditions that must be met before the association will suspend its ongoing nationwide strike.

In an interview with Saturday PUNCH on Friday, Suleiman revealed that although the government had held three conciliation meetings with striking doctors—where 19 demands were agreed upon with clear timelines—virtually none of the resolutions had been implemented.

The only exception, he said, was the partial payment of the 25–35 per cent allowance, which remains incomplete, with about 40 per cent of members yet to receive the payment.

Health Services Crippled Nationwide

The indefinite strike, which began on November 1, has left public hospitals across the country overwhelmed. More than 11,000 resident doctors in 91 teaching hospitals walked off the job over unresolved welfare concerns, worsening service disruptions.

Tensions intensified further on November 15, when the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) commenced its own indefinite strike, heightening fears over patient safety and the stability of health services nationwide.

Seven Key Conditions for Suspension

Suleiman confirmed that the NARD National Executive Council (NEC) has now streamlined its demands to seven immediate conditions, stating:

“NEC said when the government sorts these out, we will come back again and suspend this strike. That is where we are now.”

The conditions include:

1. Reinstatement of the Lokoja doctors dismissed earlier in the year.
2. Release of the Professional Allowance Table for proper implementation.
3. Payment of promotion arrears owed to resident doctors.
4. Payment of salary arrears in affected federal and state hospitals.
5. Implementation of upgrades for doctors who passed Part I exams and fulfil entry-level requirements.
6. Full implementation of specialist allowance for eligible members.
7. Resolution of issues surrounding the Membership Certificate.

Government Missed Agreed Timelines — NARD

The NARD president expressed frustration that the government had failed to meet the timelines agreed upon in the most recent negotiation session.

Specific deadlines missed include:

• Compilation of promotion arrears
• Compilation of salary arrears across affected centres
• Issuance of a letter to the Accountant-General on upgrading qualified doctors
• Response from the Head of Service regarding the reversal of entry-level placement (from CONMESS 3 to CONMESS 2)
• Release of the Professional Allowance Table
• Submission of the Lokoja report, which expired on Thursday
• IPPIS remittance payment report, expected last week but not produced

Suleiman lamented that even the two-week extension granted on several items had expired “without any progress.”

“Today is Friday, one full week after the deadline,” he said. “Those compilations have not even been forwarded to the Minister of Finance or the Budget Office. The Head of Service has not clarified. We still don’t have an update on the Professional Allowance Table.”

He added that attempts to process the accoutrement allowance for doctors on the GIFMIS platform had been “very problematic,” with reported cases of double payments.

As negotiations stall, Nigerians continue to feel the impact of the strike, with emergency units overstretched and routine services suspended across many public hospitals.

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 177 deaths from Lassa fever between January and early November 2025, signalling a rise in the severity of the disease compared to previous years.

According to the agency’s latest epidemiological update released on Thursday, Nigeria has confirmed 966 infections across 21 states and 102 Local Government Areas as of epidemiological Week 44, which ended on November 2.

The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) has climbed to 18.3 per cent — a significant increase from the 16.5 per cent reported during the same period in 2024. Health experts say the rise underscores the need for intensified surveillance and early treatment to curb fatalities.

Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus. The World Health Organisation explains that the disease is primarily spread through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. It is endemic in several West African countries, including Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone and Togo.

The NCDC report shows that infections rose slightly in Week 44, with 12 new confirmed cases, up from 11 the previous week. Ondo, Edo and Benue states accounted for the fresh cases.

So far in 2025, four states — Ondo, Bauchi, Edo and Taraba — have contributed 87 per cent of all confirmed infections. Ondo State alone accounts for 36 per cent, followed by Bauchi (21 per cent), Edo (17 per cent) and Taraba (13 per cent). The remaining 13 per cent of cases were recorded across 17 other states.

The most affected age group remains adults between 21 and 30 years. Patients range from one to 96 years old, with a median age of 30. The male-to-female ratio for confirmed infections stands at 1:0.8. The NCDC also noted that suspected and confirmed cases this year remain lower than figures reported during the same period in 2024.

The agency confirmed that no new healthcare worker infection was recorded in Week 44.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with one of its most persistent infectious diseases, the national multi-partner, multi-sectoral Lassa Fever Technical Working Group is coordinating response efforts at federal, state and community levels.

The NCDC urged the public to adopt preventive measures, including proper food storage, maintaining clean environments, and seeking early medical attention when symptoms arise.

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