Health

FG cautions Nigerians over resurgence of Ebola

Published

11 months ago

September 24, 2025

WHO Declares Ebola Emergency as Nigeria Activates Nationwide Monitoring

FG cautions Nigerians over resurgence of Ebola

National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has urged Nigerians to be cautious following reports of outbreak of viral haemorrhagic fever popularly known as Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in neighbouring countries.

It assured of its commitment to safeguarding human, animal and plant health as well as the environment and also vowed to regulate modern biotechnology and put measures in place to ensure the safe management of emerging biological threat agents.

The agency urged states and local governments to play a critical role in achieving national biosecurity, support and equip surveillance and rapid response teams; ensure that containment and treatment centres are functional and ready and enforce biosafety and biosecurity regulations are in laboratories, abattoirs, markets, and farms. Furthermore, they should invest in public awareness campaigns, including translating Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC’s) and other national safety advisories into local languages at grassroots level to promote early reporting and safe practices.

“Community leaders are powerful allies in safeguarding public health. They are urged to use their influence to promote trust in health authorities and discourage harmful rumours or misinformation.

“Encourage safe burial practices and discourage contact with corpses of suspected infectious disease victims.

Mobilise communities to adopt hygiene practices; report unusual illnesses, and support surveillance efforts” the agency said.

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According to NBMA, Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is one of the most dangerous infectious diseases, with a fatality rate between 25 and 90 per cent. Other biosecurity threats in Nigeria, it said, include lassa fever, avian influenza, anthrax, and antimicrobial resistance – all of which require vigilance and preparedness.

“For more information on Ebola virus and recent control activities in Nigeria, the public is advised to read the recent NCDC Public Health Advisory on Suspected Viral Haemorrhagic Fever Events in Abuja.

“Nigerians are strongly advised to report immediately to a hospital if feeling unwell, especially after travel outside the country, and clearly explain travel history to healthcare workers; practise proper hand hygiene – wash hands frequently with soap and running water or use alcohol-based sanitisers.

“Avoid contact with anyone showing symptoms such as fever, bleeding, vomiting, or diarrhea.

“Avoid contact with wild animals such as bats, monkeys, or apes; ensure all animal products are well-cooked before eating.

Report suspected cases immediately to health authorities via NCDC Connect Centre (6232) or NBMA hotline.

Rely only on verified information from NCDC, NBMA, and authorised sources; avoid spreading rumours or misinformation.

In a statement, NBMA, in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, will continue to strengthen Nigeria’s defences against biological risks.

“State and local governments must provide leadership and resources; traditional and religious leaders must guide communities responsibly; and every individual must practise good hygiene, report symptoms early, and avoid risky practices. Together as a nation, we can ensure that Nigeria remains safe, healthy, and resilient against Ebola and all other biosecurity threats,” NBMA said.

FG cautions Nigerians over resurgence of Ebola

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Health

Stage 4 Cancer: Understanding Ogogo’s Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Published

3 hours ago

August 18, 2026

Trends Admin

Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo

Stage 4 Cancer: Understanding Ogogo’s Diagnosis and Treatment Options

The recent emotional appeals by the daughters of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, have drawn national attention to the realities of stage-four cancer. The 66-year-old film icon’s family revealed he was diagnosed with the advanced disease about three weeks ago and that hospitals have indicated they can no longer continue chemotherapy. This has sparked confusion and concern, prompting a medical expert to clarify what a stage-four diagnosis truly means, how it is treated, and why palliative care is not the same as being abandoned.

Stage-four cancer is the most advanced stage in the commonly used TNM staging system. It generally means the cancer has spread from where it first developed to distant parts of the body—a process known as metastasis. Dr. Olusina Ajidahun, a medical doctor and health communicator known as The Bearded Dr Sina on X, explained it simply: “Stage 4 cancer means the cancer has left the primary organ and gone to other sites.” Cancer staging uses the TNM system to assess the size and extent of the main tumor, whether nearby lymph nodes are affected, and whether the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body. The stage given at diagnosis remains the same, even if the cancer worsens or spreads further.

Symptoms of cancer vary depending on the type and location of the disease. According to medical experts, possible symptoms include unexplained weight loss, persistent tiredness, unusual bleeding, persistent pain, a lump or swelling anywhere on the body, changes in bowel or bladder habits, persistent cough or hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and changes to the skin. For metastatic cancer, symptoms depend on where the cancer has spread. Spread to the bones can cause pain or fractures, spread to the brain can cause headaches, seizures, or dizziness, spread to the lungs can cause shortness of breath, and spread to the liver can cause jaundice or abdominal swelling. It is important to note that many of these symptoms can be caused by other illnesses, and a persistent or unusual symptom should always be assessed by a healthcare professional rather than self-diagnosed. Some cancers may cause few or no noticeable symptoms in their early stages, which is why regular screenings are recommended for certain cancers and groups of people. Early diagnosis can significantly improve the chances that cancer will respond to treatment.

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Yes, stage-four cancer can be treated. Treatment depends on several factors, including the type of cancer, where it has spread, the characteristics of the cancer, the patient’s general health, and how the cancer responds to treatment. Depending on the circumstances, doctors may use chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. In October 2025, Nigeria launched its first immunotherapy program for metastatic colorectal cancer at National Hospital Abuja, marking a significant step forward in advanced cancer care in Sub-Saharan Africa. For many patients with metastatic cancer, the goals of treatment shift to shrinking or controlling the cancer, slowing its growth, relieving symptoms, helping the patient live longer, and maintaining quality of life. Research shows advancements in treatment options are helping people with metastatic cancer live longer and have a better quality of life overall.

Dr. Ajidahun clarified that when patients reach stage four and chemotherapy and other available therapies have been explored, doctors may recommend palliative care. “When patients have stage 4 cancer and chemo and/or other therapies have been explored, there is a form of care called PALLIATIVE CARE… which is end-of-life care and care for terminal diseases because at the point of the disease you cannot treat it, but you can manage associated symptoms and give the person a good quality of life before death,” he explained. He stressed that moving a patient to palliative care does not mean medical treatment has been withdrawn. Rather, it may reflect a change in the goal of care, particularly when doctors believe further aggressive treatment could cause more harm than benefit. Palliative care focuses on improving quality of life, managing symptoms such as pain, difficulty breathing, and other problems associated with cancer or its treatment. It does not necessarily mean that cancer treatment has stopped or that doctors have given up on the patient.

Dr. Ajidahun cautioned that describing the situation as hospitals refusing to treat the actor could create a misleading impression and potentially expose medical personnel to hostility. “Saying they don’t want to treat my father makes it look like they are intentionally rejecting him, and in the context of recent happenings in the health sector, it can trigger an insurrection and put a bad label on health care workers,” he said. In response to one of Ogogo’s daughters mentioning herbs as a possible option, Dr. Ajidahun issued a strong warning: “There are no herbs that will treat a stage 4 cancer.” He cautioned that unverified concoctions could damage more organs and cause further complications, ultimately wasting money and creating more problems. “These concoctions will end up damaging more organs and causing more complications. You’d end up wasting money and causing more problems,” he said.

Public information about Ogogo’s health remains limited. His daughters have publicly said that he is battling stage-four cancer and have appealed for medical assistance. According to reports, several hospitals have turned their father away because of his condition, and the family is seeking medical direction rather than financial donations. The public reports do not establish the specific type of cancer Ogogo has, the extent to which it may have spread, or his detailed medical prognosis. Those questions can only be properly assessed by his medical team after reviewing his diagnosis, scans, pathology results, treatment history, and overall health. Key takeaways from this explanation are that stage-four cancer means the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, treatment is still possible and may aim to control the cancer, relieve symptoms, and prolong life, palliative care focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life and is not abandonment, herbal remedies for stage-four cancer are dangerous and unproven, and Ogogo’s specific prognosis cannot be determined from public information alone.

Stage 4 Cancer: Understanding Ogogo’s Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Health

Tinubu approves 25 new cancer treatment machines, FG begins wider cancer-care expansion

Published

1 week ago

August 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Tinubu approves 25 new cancer treatment machines, FG begins wider cancer-care expansion

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the procurement of 25 additional linear accelerators between 2027 and 2029 as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to expand cancer treatment capacity and strengthen cancer control in Nigeria.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during a meeting of the National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) Technical Working Group and Global Advisory Council.

Salako said the approval was part of a three-year plan to increase access to radiotherapy and other specialised cancer services across the country.

“Recently, President Bola Tinubu approved that between 2027 and 2029, the country should procure an additional 25 linear accelerators. We are executing a three-year plan to achieve this,” the minister said.

Linear accelerators, commonly known as LINACs, are machines used in radiotherapy to deliver high-energy radiation to cancer cells while limiting damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Their availability is critical to the treatment of many cancer patients requiring radiation therapy.

The planned procurement comes under the Federal Government’s National Cancer Control Plan 2026–2030, which seeks to reduce cancer incidence, illness and deaths while improving access to prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and supportive care.

Salako said Nigeria continued to face a significant cancer burden, with many patients presenting at health facilities when their diseases had already reached advanced stages.

He identified inadequate infrastructure, shortages of skilled healthcare workers and limited funding among the challenges affecting cancer treatment and care in the country.

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The minister said the government was therefore pursuing a comprehensive cancer-control strategy that places equal emphasis on prevention, early detection, treatment, research, workforce development and partnerships.

Prevention, he said, remains a major priority of the administration.

Salako noted that President Tinubu had approved the inclusion of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in Nigeria’s routine immunisation programme.

“The President particularly continues to emphasise prioritising prevention. That is why one of the very first things he did was to approve that routinely, HPV vaccination should be part of our immunisation schedule,” he said.

HPV vaccination is an important public-health intervention because persistent infection with certain HPV types can cause cervical cancer and other cancers.

Salako added that the Federal Government was also working to strengthen hepatitis vaccination, expand cervical cancer screening and integrate screening services into primary healthcare facilities across the country.

“Prevention is better and cheaper than cure,” he said.

Beyond prevention, the government is also expanding specialised treatment infrastructure.

Salako disclosed that construction of six Cancer Centres of Excellence had commenced, with three already completed and work progressing on the remaining centres.

The centres are expected to improve access to specialised oncology services across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and reduce the pressure on existing cancer-treatment facilities.

The minister also inaugurated the Blood Cancer Consortium following the donation of equipment and other resources aimed at strengthening pathology laboratories and improving the diagnosis and management of blood cancers.

The President of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, commended the Federal Government for adopting a more coordinated approach to tackling cancer.

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Omonisi identified fragmented interventions among government agencies, development partners, researchers and other stakeholders as one of the challenges that had affected previous cancer-control efforts.

He said the NCCP Technical Working Group was helping to address the problem by bringing together government institutions, researchers, clinicians, development partners, cancer organisations, patients and other stakeholders under a common national framework.

According to him, stronger international partnerships and greater engagement with Nigerians in the diaspora could improve cancer research, technology transfer, workforce development and access to advanced cancer-care services.

Earlier, the Chair of the NCCP Technical Working Group, Prof. Folakemi Odedina, said the group had moved from planning to implementation.

She said the initiative had united government institutions, academics, patients, advocates, survivors, industry players and international partners around a common national cancer-control agenda.

Odedina said work was progressing across several areas, including cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, survivorship, palliative care, research, clinical trials, workforce development and digital health.

She added that the Global Advisory Council was providing expertise in cancer prevention and treatment, genomics, implementation science, workforce development, data management and artificial intelligence.

Odedina said efforts were also underway to strengthen Nigeria’s oncology clinical trials ecosystem and improve patients’ access to innovative treatment options.

“We intend to produce trained people, stronger institutions in Nigeria, better research, expanded clinical trials, improved technologies, greater access to care, and ultimately better outcomes for Nigerian cancer patients,” she said.

She, however, stressed that expanding medical treatment alone would not guarantee better outcomes if patients could not afford other costs associated with cancer care.

According to her, patients may also require support for transportation, nutrition and accommodation during treatment, particularly when specialised services are unavailable close to their communities.

Also speaking, Prof. Taofeek Owonikoko, Global Advisory Council Director at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Centre, said the partnership would strengthen coordination between Nigerian institutions and international cancer organisations.

He said the framework would help ensure that international interventions were aligned with Nigeria’s national priorities rather than operating independently.

Owonikoko described the ambition of achieving a cancer-free Nigeria by 2030 as a long-term goal that would require sustained investment in healthcare systems, research, infrastructure and treatment strategies.

“I’m very convinced that the 2030 cancer-free Nigeria is not going to be a slogan.

“While we may not make Nigeria cancer-free in 2030, I think we would have created the tools, the platform and the strategies that will ensure that we eventually become cancer-free,” he said.

Dr Lewis Roberts of Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Centre called for increased attention to liver, pancreatic and biliary tract cancers across Africa.

“Liver cancer is one of the major causes of cancer deaths in Africa. Across the continent, it’s the number three cause of death from cancer,” Roberts said.

He advocated stronger screening programmes, improved identification and treatment of viral hepatitis cases and wider vaccination coverage to reduce the incidence of liver cancer.

The Federal Government’s broader cancer strategy also places emphasis on research, cancer surveillance, data collection, digital health and the development of a specialised workforce capable of providing modern oncology services.

The NCCP 2026–2030 is designed to bring together federal and state governments, healthcare professionals, researchers, patients, survivors, civil society organisations, development partners and international institutions in a coordinated national response to cancer.

The government’s planned procurement of 25 additional linear accelerators, construction of six Cancer Centres of Excellence, expansion of screening programmes and strengthening of pathology and research facilities are therefore part of a wider attempt to improve Nigeria’s cancer-care system.

However, stakeholders say sustained funding, reliable infrastructure, adequate staffing and affordable access to treatment will remain essential if the new investments are to translate into better outcomes for people living with cancer.

The meeting reviewed progress under the National Cancer Control Plan and examined further strategies for strengthening coordinated action on cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, research and survivorship care across Nigeria.

Tinubu approves 25 new cancer treatment machines, FG begins wider cancer-care expansion

Health

Unpaid arrears: Resident doctors threaten total nationwide strike

Published

3 weeks ago

July 31, 2026

Trends Admin

Unpaid arrears: Resident doctors threaten total nationwide strike

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has threatened to begin a nationwide indefinite strike from August 10, 2026, if the Federal Government fails to substantially address outstanding demands concerning salary arrears, welfare and working conditions.

The association issued the fresh strike notice after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Gombe State from July 26 to July 31, where members reviewed previous agreements with the Federal Government and assessed the state of healthcare delivery across the country.

Speaking after the meeting, NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, said the association was dissatisfied with what it described as the slow pace of implementation of agreements reached with the government despite months of negotiations and repeated engagements.

Suleiman said NARD had extended its previous strike ultimatum on four occasions to give the Federal Government more time to resolve the outstanding issues. However, he said several commitments had yet to be fulfilled.

The association warned that resident doctors across Nigeria would commence a total and indefinite industrial action if the government failed to substantially address the demands before the August 10 deadline.

Among the key demands is the immediate payment of outstanding arrears linked to the 25–35 per cent CONMESS salary adjustment, as well as 19 months of unpaid professional allowance arrears, promotion arrears and outstanding salaries owed to doctors in several federal health institutions.

NARD identified several facilities where some doctors are affected by unresolved salary and welfare concerns. The institutions include the University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Okuki; Federal Medical Centre, Owo; Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife; University of Uyo Teaching Hospital; Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri; Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki; and Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi.

The association also raised concerns over the safety of doctors and other healthcare workers, citing reports of assault, harassment, intimidation and attacks on medical personnel while performing their duties.

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NARD warned that continued attacks on healthcare workers could worsen the shortage of medical personnel and further affect healthcare services, particularly in public hospitals already facing staffing and infrastructure challenges.

The association called on the Federal Government to establish a National Healthcare Workers Assault Prevention and Response Protocol and urged the National Assembly to pass legislation that would criminalise attacks on healthcare personnel and strengthen protections for health workers.

On the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, NARD acknowledged the Federal Government’s release of the fund but insisted that resident doctors who were excluded from the initial disbursement should be identified and paid without further delay.

The association said delays in accessing the training fund could affect the professional development of resident doctors and create additional financial pressure during their medical training.

NARD also expressed concern over the welfare of house officers, citing prolonged salary delays, unpaid entitlements and challenges relating to internship placement, documentation and onboarding.

According to the association, some newly employed doctors begin work and continue for several weeks or months before receiving their first salaries, a situation it said creates financial hardship and affects morale.

The doctors further demanded the immediate conclusion and implementation of the Medical and Health Workers Collective Bargaining Agreement.

They also called for urgent measures to address excessive workload, prolonged call-duty hours and shortages of healthcare workers in public hospitals.

NARD urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to intervene in the lingering industrial dispute involving resident doctors at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and ensure that outstanding welfare concerns are resolved.

The association also called on the Federal Government and state governments to increase investment in the health sector through improved funding, rehabilitation and expansion of healthcare facilities, modern medical equipment, reliable electricity supply and the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals.

According to NARD, stronger investment in healthcare infrastructure and human resources is necessary to improve access to quality medical services and support the implementation of universal health coverage across Nigeria.

The association also appealed to the Federal Capital Territory Administration, the Kaduna State Government and the management of affected federal tertiary health institutions to resolve outstanding salary, welfare and training issues involving resident doctors.

NARD linked many of the challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare system to the increasing migration of doctors abroad in search of better pay, improved working conditions and stronger career opportunities.

The association said more than 16,000 Nigerian doctors had left the country within the last three to four years, warning that the continued loss of medical professionals could place additional pressure on the country’s healthcare system.

According to NARD, the number of doctors leaving Nigeria is now believed to be higher than the number graduating annually from the country’s medical schools.

The association warned that the continued migration of doctors, combined with inadequate recruitment, delayed payments and unresolved welfare concerns, could further increase workloads for healthcare workers who remain in the country.

NARD said it remained open to dialogue but stressed that the Federal Government must take concrete steps before August 10 to prevent a disruption of healthcare services in public hospitals nationwide.

If the strike proceeds, it could affect medical services in federal and state hospitals where resident doctors play major roles in patient care, emergency services, clinical training and the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities.