Truth Live Int'l

Category: Health

  • Fear Grips Residents As Lassa Fever Kill 13 Persons In Edo

    Fear Grips Residents As Lassa Fever Kill 13 Persons In Edo

    ...As Ministry Begins Contact Tracing

    Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting

    Fear has gripped the residents of Edo State following the recent outbreak of Lassa fever that has left 13 persons dead in the state.

    Stephenson Ojeifo, Director of Public Health at the State Ministry of Health, gave the update on the number of deaths during an interview with Journalists in Benin.

    According to him, three cases of Mpox otherwise known as Monkeypox were also recorded, though with no fatalities.

    Ojeifo said that since the outbreak of Lassa fever was declared on December 30, 2024, the state had recorded 83 confirmed cases out of 378 suspected cases.

    “So far, we have 83 confirmed Lassa fever cases, with 13 deaths.Seven patients are currently receiving treatment, while others have been discharged.”

    He said the fatalities were recorded in Etsako West, Esan West and Esan North-East Local Government Areas of the state, which had been identified as the epicenters of the outbreak.

    He, however, attributed the high mortality rate to late presentation at health facilities.

    Ojeifo said the state government was working with private hospitals to ensure timely referrals to the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, the designated centre for Lassa fever treatment.

    He said that health officials from the state and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, had also conducted contact tracing in affected communities.

    “Lassa fever initially presents with symptoms similar to malaria, until it reaches an advanced stage.

    “We are sensitising communities to seek medical attention if a fever persists beyond 72 hours,” Ojeifo added.

  • Nigeria-Israel Partnership Bolsters Healthcare Breakthrough

     

    Nigeria and Israel Join Forces to Enhance Healthcare Services

     

     

    Nigeria and Israel have embarked on a collaborative journey to improve healthcare services specifically for patients with liver and pancreatic diseases. This partnership is geared towards specialized training for Nigerian healthcare professionals and the enhancement of the country’s healthcare infrastructure, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for universal healthcare coverage.

    At the Hepato Pancreato Biliary symposium in Abuja, Dr. Salma Anas, Special Adviser to the President on Health, emphasized the importance of early disease detection and praised the tangible outcomes of this international cooperation. “The partnership has already yielded positive results, with a recent medical intervention at the Federal Medical Centre in Abuja demonstrating the effectiveness of collaborative efforts,” she stated.

    Dr. Anas commended Israeli Ambassador Michael Freeman and Professor Sa’ad, along with other international experts, for their pivotal roles in this initiative. She outlined future plans to establish a capacity-based resource center at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), which would focus on training and research, becoming a hub for healthcare professionals across Nigeria.

    “We want to create a legacy that goes beyond this initial success. We aim to build a sustainable partnership that will continue to improve healthcare services in Nigeria,” Anas added, highlighting the goal to reduce medical tourism and enhance local health outcomes.

    Ambassador Freeman echoed these sentiments, noting Israel’s commitment to contributing to Nigeria’s healthcare challenges. “Our dream is that Nigeria becomes a centre of excellence where people come on medical tourism to Nigeria, not from Nigeria,” Freeman said. He confirmed that the initiative has already saved four lives and expressed Israel’s intent to expand collaboration into eye care and malaria treatment.

    Professor Sa’ad Ahmed, Chief Medical Director of FMC, represented by Dr. Bioku Muftau, Head of Clinical Services, expressed gratitude for the partnership. “The successful surgeries performed on four patients were a testament to the positive impact of international cooperation,” Muftau stated, noting that this collaboration is a continuation of long-standing efforts with various international organizations to perform complex surgeries locally.

    This partnership not only aims at immediate health benefits but also at making Nigeria a beacon of medical excellence in the region.

  • Don’t ‘Japa’ Stay To Develop Your Country, Health Minister Tells Newly Recruited Staff

     

    Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting

    The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Adekunle Salako, has passionately appealed to the newly recruited staff of the National Orthopedic Hospital, Benin, to remain in their country to develop it rather than (‘japa’) leaving it in search for greener pastures abroad.

    He made the appeal while touring the hospital facilities in Benin.

    Dr. Salako said that the country belongs to them and it is their duty to join hands to make it work and not by migrating to other countries.

    “The President is committed to the improvement of the living standard of the average Nigerian. He is committed to ensure that Nigeria transform to a place that we all can live comfortably and be proud of.

    “So, for those of us who are newly employed, please let us remain committed to our country. Let us display patriotism to the country. Let’s not because of economic crises alone abandon our country, and Japa, as they say.

    “I want to come back and see that all the people that are newly employed remain in the service of this hospital serving our country because nobody is going to come to build this country for us.

    “If we don’t do it ourselves, when we go, we still come back and meet it the way we have left it. So I want to encourage all of you to remain committed, to remain patriotic and serve Nigeria intelligently.

    “The reform that Mr. President is doing, is a reform for the betterment of our country. I can assure you that we are turning the corner and things are getting better. Very soon, things will get much, much and much better”, Dr. Salako said .

    While explaining Tinubu’s love for the state which has led to several of federal government’s presence, Salako maintained that
    “I must say that President Bola Tinubu has a special interest in a state, particularly Benin. Not only are we citing the national hospital in the south south here in Benin, before coming here, I was at the National Obstetrics Fistula Centre.

    “Also out of the six states in south south, Edo State particularly is specially favoured. So, I think this is a demonstration that the president really loves this city. He really loves this state”,.

    Earlier, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the National Orthopedic Hospital, Benin, Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, thanked President Tinubu’s efforts at assuring that health care remains a priority of his administration.

    He said indeed, no nation can develop without investing hugely in the health and education of its people.

    Dr. Ugbodaga said since this infrastructure came on board, they have done everything to ensure that the healthcare needs of Nigerians take the centre stage in line with the renewed hope agenda of the present administration.

    The CMD of the hospital said that they have only few things left to be put in place which are the electrical fittings and the connection to the national grid as well as a few structural things to be done and then, the final painting.

    According to him “You will agree with me that all of these are very minor. So it is our plea, our minister, that with your full support, we are highly and very hopeful that very soon, those few structural things that needed to be done are completed in this hospital so that full clinical services will commence”.

    On the part of the traditional ruler of the community, HRH Michael Ogbonmwan, while commending the federal government for siting the hospital in his community, offered his land as parking lot for the hospital.

    “Also, I want to remind the management that the open space
    opposite the hospital was for my personal use. It was a means for livelihood to me. Now that the hospital needs it for packing space and also to beautify the edifice, it is my prayer that the federal government and the hospital management put me on monthly stipend to enable me meet some of my personal needs.

    “I want to equally draw your attention to the roads links to the National Orthopedic Hospital to be fixed in order for easy accessibility.

    “Finally, I want to announced it to all and sundry and to the hospital in particular that the next compound has been donated to the National Orthopedic Hospital as permanent site.

    “I have discussed with my elders and we have decided to work with the local government chairman to relocate the mini-market to another site where the community originally proposed for the market”, Ogbonmwan added.

  • Indonesia Launches $183million Free Health Screening To prevent Early Deaths

     

    James Godwin Reporting

     

    Indonesia launched an annual free health screening on Monday, a 3 trillion rupiah ($183.54 million) initiative to prevent early deaths that the country’s health ministry said was its biggest ever undertaking.

    Under the programme, all Indonesians will eventually be entitled to a free screening on their birthday, the ministry said. The screening, which is not mandatory, includes blood pressure, tests to determine the risk of heart problems or stroke, and eye tests, the ministry said.

    The programme is initially targeting under-sixes and adults aged 18 and over, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin told news men last week.

    The leading causes of death in the world’s fourth most populous nation include stroke, heart disease, and tuberculosis, data from the World Health Organization shows.

    Budi said the 3 trillion rupiah allocation for the programme was about 1 trillion less than originally planned after President Prabowo Subianto ordered budget cuts to help fund election promises, including giving free meals to school children.

    In a report gathered at the health centre , about 30 people had signed up for the screening on the first day.

    Teacher Ramika Dewi Saragih said she underwent checks on her breasts, cervix, eyes, and more and was not apprehensive. “I was really looking forward to this,” the 33-year-old said, adding that more people should take up the opportunity.

    A health ministry spokesperson said the target for the checks this year was 100 million people.

    Budi said the programme was intended to promote preventive care as Indonesians tended to check for illnesses only when they already had them.

    “Our culture is checking when we’re already sick … that cuts closest to the grave,” he said.

    He said the programme was the biggest the ministry had ever undertaken, surpassing COVID-19 vaccinations.

    Budi added the screening, which is to be rolled out at more than 20,000 health centres and clinics, also includes mental health tests to determine signs of depression or anxiety.

    Researchers at the University of Indonesia’s Economic and Social Research Institute warned the programme could risk burdening the country’s already-strained local health centres, citing uneven distribution of drugs or doctors.

  • 12 Deaths, 76 New Lassa Fever Cases Recorded In 10 States In 2025 –NCDC

    …As NCDC Warns Against Late Presentation Of Cases

    Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has said that 76 new Lassa fever cases and 12 deaths were recorded across 10 states in Nigeria in the 4th week of 2025 (January 20-January 26th).

    This was contained in the week four epidemiology report released by NCDC on Friday, which shows that the number of new confirmed cases decreased from 71 in epidemiology week three of 2025 to 76.

    The report further revealed that, cumulatively, 53 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.3 per cent which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2024 (18.6%).

    It pointed out that in total for 2025, 10 States have recorded, at least, one confirmed case across 54 Local Government Areas. “75 per cent of all the confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from these three states (Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi), while 25 per cent were reported from seven states with confirmed Lassa fever cases. Of the 75 per cent confirmed cases, Ondo reported 37 per cent, Edo 21 per cent, and Bauchi 17 per cent.”

    The NCDC confirmed that no new healthcare worker was affected in the reporting week 4 (January 20th–January 26th).

    However, the National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) have been activated to coordinate the response activities at all levels.

    NCDC, however, warned the public against late presentation of cases which often lead to an increase in Case Fatality Rate (CFR), in addition to poor health-seeking behaviour due to the high cost of treatment and clinical management of Lassa fever.

  • WHO Warns of HIV Setback as US Cuts Global Aid

    The United States has suspended financial support for HIV treatment programmes in Nigeria and other developing countries following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump.

    The decision has led to a 90-day halt in disbursements from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a US initiative that provides life-saving HIV/AIDS treatment to millions across Africa and beyond. The move stems from an order issued on Trump’s first day in office, directing government agencies managing foreign aid to temporarily freeze funding.

    PEPFAR, which has an annual budget of $6.5 billion, has been a cornerstone of global health efforts, reportedly saving 26 million lives since its inception. The programme supports over 20.6 million people worldwide, including two million Nigerians living with HIV. Experts fear that without an exemption, the funding suspension could be extended or even made permanent.

    Public health officials have raised alarms over the potential consequences of the funding halt.

    Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), warned that the suspension could result in increased illness and deaths among people living with HIV.

    In a statement, Dr Tedros said: “A funding halt for HIV programmes can put people living with HIV at immediate increased risk of illness and death and undermine efforts to prevent transmission in communities and countries.”

    He further cautioned that if the funding freeze continues, it could reverse decades of progress, leading to a rise in infections and deaths—potentially bringing the world back to the HIV crisis of the 1980s and 1990s when millions died each year.

    Nigeria, one of the countries with the highest HIV burden globally, is expected to be significantly impacted. PEPFAR has contributed over $6 billion to Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response, playing a crucial role in providing antiretroviral therapy and strengthening healthcare systems.

    Meanwhile, a US State Department spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, defended the move, stating that the US “is no longer going to blindly dole out money with no return for the American people.”

    As global health experts push for an exemption, concerns remain over the future of HIV treatment and prevention in Nigeria and other affected nations.

  • FG Floats National Health Fellows Program Across 774 LGAs, Calls for Applications

    Toba Owojaiye reporting

    Abuja, Nigeria

    The Federal Government has unveiled the National Health Fellows Program, an initiative aimed at engaging young Nigerians in health-related projects across the country’s 774 local government areas. This program, announced in a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, invites applications from youths aged 25 to 35 and aligns with the Tinubu administration’s broader commitment to healthcare reforms and youth empowerment.

    Truth Live News gathered that the National Health Fellows Program is part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to address Nigeria’s healthcare challenges while creating opportunities for youth participation in nation-building. The selected fellows will work at the grassroots level, where they will be provided with tools and remuneration to drive innovation and improve health service delivery.

    According to the statement, the program seeks candidates who:

    Are between the ages of 25 and 35.

    Hold a bachelor’s degree in health-related fields, IT, or social sciences.

    Have experience or demonstrable interest in public health, NGO/partner organizations, or community projects.

    Possess strong leadership and analytical skills.

    Are indigenes of the states they apply to represent.

    Own smartphones capable of handling apps like WhatsApp and Zoom for communication.

    Provide recommendations from credible sources, such as university deans, NYSC supervisors, or respected organizations.

    Applications close on January 27, 2025, providing eligible youths a chance to contribute to the nation’s health sector transformation.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has prioritized improving Nigeria’s healthcare system. Key measures include allocating significant funds to revamp primary healthcare centers (PHCs) across the country and partnerships with international organizations to improve maternal and child healthcare services. Additionally, the government recently launched initiatives to expand access to health insurance through public-private partnerships and digital health platforms.

    The introduction of the National Health Fellows Program complements these reforms by ensuring that health interventions reach underserved rural areas while fostering a generation of young leaders equipped with practical skills in healthcare delivery and management.

    The Tinubu administration has also placed a strong focus on youth engagement and empowerment. Initiatives such as the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) and Tech for the Future programs aim to reduce unemployment, enhance skills acquisition, and encourage innovation among Nigerian youths. The National Health Fellows Program serves as another avenue to tap into the energy and potential of young Nigerians, channeling their talents toward national development.

    This initiative not only addresses pressing healthcare needs but also provides an avenue for young Nigerians to gain leadership experience and contribute to community development. By embedding fellows within local government areas, the program ensures that health solutions are tailored to the unique challenges of each community, fostering inclusivity and sustainability.

    The National Health Fellows Program stands as a testament to the administration’s commitment to tackling Nigeria’s dual challenges of health sector inadequacies and youth unemployment. As the program unfolds, it is expected to create a ripple effect, bolstering the nation’s health infrastructure while inspiring a new generation of changemakers.

  • Controversy Rocks Edo Health Sector Over APC Chairman’s Brother’s Appointment Amid Certificate Forgery

     

    Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting

     

     

    Serious trouble has engulfed the Edo State Ministry of Health following the controversial appointment of Nelson Tenebe as the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Edo State Hospital Management Agency (HMA).

    Truth Live News gathered that the appointment, which was influenced by the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarret Tenebe, has sparked outrage over allegations of questionable qualifications.

    Nelson Tenebe, whose appointment has been linked to his brother’s political influence, is under scrutiny for possessing certificates deemed dubious.

    According to his appointment letter, Nelson claims to hold a National Certificate of Education (NCE) in Agricultural Science from Agbor, a Bachelor’s Degree, a Master’s Degree, and a Doctorate in Nursing from Bestower University in the Republic of Benin.

    However, investigations have revealed that Bestower University does not have a medical school or offer nursing programs. Its curriculum is reportedly limited to fields such as Biochemistry and Microbiology. Furthermore, the Republic of Benin currently lacks accredited medical schools, casting serious doubts on the authenticity of Nelson Tenebe’s academic credentials.

    This development has reignited concerns stemming from a 2021 federal ban on evaluating degrees from private tertiary institutions in the Republic of Benin and Togo, following widespread certificate racketeering. The policy led to the dismissal of Nigerian civil servants who acquired degrees from these institutions. The ban was prompted by a Daily Nigerian exposé revealing that over 22,500 Nigerians obtained fraudulent certificates from these countries, some within as little as two months.

    A source within Edo State’s health sector, speaking anonymously, expressed dismay over the appointment. “This is dirty politics taken too far. How can someone with a National Diploma in Agricultural Science and questionable degrees oversee such a critical agency? It’s an insult to the health professionals in the state,” the source said.

    The appointment, described by critics as prioritizing political loyalty over competence, has sparked debates about its implications for the state’s healthcare system. The Executive Secretary of the HMA is responsible for managing hospitals across Edo State—a role requiring expertise and verifiable credentials.

    “This is about the health and safety of Edo people,” the source added. “Such a critical position cannot be politicized. Okpebholo must be warned to desist from endangering the lives of Edo citizens with questionable appointments.”

    Calls for a thorough investigation into Nelson Tenebe’s qualifications and the circumstances surrounding his appointment are growing louder. Stakeholders in the health sector and civil society groups are demanding transparency and accountability, insisting that the wellbeing of Edo residents must not be compromised by political maneuvers.

  • NCDC Douses Tension On HMPV, Says Case Not Serious Threat To Nigerians

    Lucky Obukohwo Reporting

     

     

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has doused the fear on the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), saying it doesn’t pose any threat to Nigerians.

    The NCDC Director-General Jide Idris, who allayed the fears of Nigerians, said that the virus is not a new one.

    Truth Live News Media reports that Idris said this while featuring on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday.

    The NCDC boss added that HMPV is behind respiratory issues but is not well known.

    “Let me say, there’s no serious threat for now. That’s one. Two, this HMPV virus, it’s not a new virus. It’s just that it’s not well-known.

    “But it’s been implicated in many respiratory infections over the years, over the countries, especially in children, and elderly people,” he said.

    “Just like the normal flu, old virus or influenza, respiratory virus, it’s just one of those causes of respiratory problems.

    “We are in a monitoring and alert phase, and that’s why again we take instructions from WHO globally because every country is supposed to report cases like this, any case; any problem to WHO – those things that they consider might become global problems later so that they can alert every other country to get prepared,” he said on the breakfast show.

    “That’s precisely what we are doing in Nigeria. We’ve experienced some major problems – we had Ebola, and we had COVID.

    “With those two, we developed some capabilities. We learned our lessons and put infrastructures in place. So we’ve got public health infrastructures.

    “These are things you need to put in place in expectation of things like this so that you don’t have to start running helter-skelter,” Idris said.

  • Marburg Virus – WHO Says No Vaccine, Treatment For Disease

    RWANDA: “Currently, there is no available treatment or vaccine for Marburg virus disease outbreak,” WHO said.

    It reports that the risk of this outbreak is very high at the national level, high at the regional level, and low at the global level.

    Truth Live News learned that Rwandan health authorities are intensifying outbreak control efforts following the detection of Marburg virus disease.

    “Cases of the virus have been reported in seven of the country’s 30 districts,” said WHO.

    “Marburg virus disease is highly virulent and causes haemorrhagic fever, with a fatality ratio of up to 88%.”

    “It is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease.”

    Meanwhile , BBC said that the Illness caused by Marburg virus begins abruptly, with high fever, severe headache and severe malaise.

    Also, that many patients develop severe haemorrhagic within seven days.

    The virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials.

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