“Leaving no one behind” – Cross River targets refugees for COVID-19 vaccination

Calabar, 2 July 2021 - Few months since the delivery of the COVID-19 vaccines from the COVAX facility, the global initiative to ensure equitable vaccine distribution, internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Adagom refugee community in Cross River State received their first dose of the Astra Zeneca vaccine as part of the drive to leave no one behind in the fight against the pandemic.

Mr Elias Tako, the Chairman Adagom Refugees community, was not hesitant to receive the vaccine saying the vaccine will protect everyone against the virus.

Signing Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme Bill into law-WHO Repr...

Abuja, 22nd June, 2021 - The World Health Organization Country Representative (WR) Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo has commended His Excellency, Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike on signing the Contributory Health Protection Programme Bill into law.

A statement issued by Special Assistant to the Governor on Media Kelvin Ebiri, indicated that, the Governor, who signed the bill into law at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on 21 June 2021, said with the law, residents and people of the state who want health insurance could now participate in the scheme.

Nigeria commemorates 2021 World Blood Donor Day, targets voluntary donations 

Abuja, 16 June, 2021 - Nigerians are encouraged to become voluntary non-remunerated blood donors, as data indicate that less than 5% of all blood donation in Nigeria come from voluntary unpaid donors. 

Speaking at a Press briefing to mark 2021 World Blood Donor Day in Abuja, with the theme, “Give blood and keep the world-beating”, Nigeria’s Minister of Health highlighted the essential contribution that voluntary unpaid blood donation makes, to keep the world pulsating by saving more lives and improving others’ health.

Donation of blood saves lives, but only a few Nigerians are voluntary non-remunerate...

Abuja, 15 June, 2021 - "I am a regular blood donor. I usually donate blood at least three times a year. However, in 2020, I donated once - in February - due to the pandemic and lockdown. During the lockdown, I received several reminders from the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) Abuja, where I usually donate, but the fear of covid-19 prevented me from donating. However, I plan to resume donating again”, says Adebowale Adedigba, a voluntary non-remunerated blood donor. 

Boosting COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Nigeria

Abuja – With the slowing down of COVID-19 vaccine supplies to Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) is working with countries to optimize their available stocks to provide second doses for those who already received their first shots. In Nigeria’s capital Abuja, WHO is supporting the Federal Capital Territory Primary Health Care Development Board to ensure that all eligible people receive their second doses.

Stakeholders throw weight behind food safety amidst COVID-19 pandemic

Abuja June 7, 2021 - “My stomach started aching, I threw up all day, as if my entire digestive system wants to come out. I felt very weak. I couldn’t understand what was happening around me. I was rushed back to the shores for medical treatment”, narrated 48-year-old Mr. Azok Nsirem, a fisherman in Andoni, Rivers State after eating contaminated moi-moi, a local delicacy made from beans.
Like Mr. Nsirem, millions of other Nigerians share similar experience after eating contaminated food.

In Jigawa State, WHO backs malaria research

Dutse, 9 June, 2021 - The World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting a recent move by the Jigawa State Government to sponsor research on malaria, a preventable but persistent disease in Nigeria.

On a recent weekday, WHO officials toured and certified for use a new Entomological Surveillance Site located at the Federal University Dutse (FUD), a state-funded research institution. The site was completed last year and will be open to research on mosquitoes - the vector responsible for spreading the malaria disease - and similar vectors.

Nigerian youth commit to quit as WHO commemorates world no tobacco day

Abuja May 31, 2021 - “It is really high time I stopped smoking tobacco. I have been smoking for over fifteen years, since my early teen age, I do not feel good about it. I have been struggling to quit but end up going back to my habit. This year, I have promised myself and my family that I will do all my best to quit to be heathier” says31-year-old Michael Chukwuka who resides in FCT, Abuja and is committed to quit smoking tobacco.