A journey towards Universal Health Coverage in Jigawa state, Nigeria.

Dutse, 15 April, 2024, In the heart of the remote Andaza community in Jigawa State, northwest Nigeria, unfolds the remarkable narrative of Adama Haruna, whose journey stands as an emblem of the profound impact of enhanced healthcare services.

Formerly ensnared by the harsh realities of inadequate medical assistance, Adama, alongside her fellow residents, now embraces a beacon of solace and optimism. This transformation is a result of the rejuvenated health facility and the unwavering commitment of skilled healthcare professionals.

Intensifying new initiatives for TB case-finding in Nigeria

Abuja ‒ Around a year ago, Mallam Mainasara Mohammad, a resident of Makera,  a locality in Kebbi State, Nigeria, became increasingly worried about his son, nine-year-old Yusuf. The child had been coughing for weeks, had difficulty sleeping and unable to attend school.

WHO Combats Cerebrospinal Meningitis Outbreak in Yobe State, Nigeria

Yobe, 20 March 2024 - In the wake of a concerning Cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) outbreak in Yobe State, Nigeria, the World Health Organization (WHO) has swiftly mobilized its technical expertise to aid local health authorities in containing the spread of the disease. 

Cerebrospinal Meningitis, potentially fatal illness characterized by inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, poses a significant public health threat, particularly in a state already dealing with the disease alongside a protracted humanitarian crisis.

Enhancing cervical cancer prevention in Nigeria

Abuja ‒ Adenike Olayemi says Nigeria’s cervical cancer screening programme saved her life: “I cannot imagine what could have happened if I had not done the screening and gone for treatment.”

Olayemi, 43, who lives in Ondo State, was among 667 women who tested positive for the human papillomavirus (HPV) and underwent treatment to avert cervical cancer during a campaign in 2023, funded by the Susan Thompson Buffet Foundation and supported by World Health Organization (WHO) in the African Region.

Safeguarding the future of women and girls in Nigeria against cervical cancer

Abuja, 06 February, 2024 -  When 11-year-old Morenike Ayeni received the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV), she became one of the millions of adolescent girls to get vaccinated against cervical cancer in Nigeria. 

“Hearing that the government was giving HPV vaccines to girls aged 9 to 14 years, I made sure my daughter got her shot to safeguard her future. “It is better to prevent diseases using vaccines than seeking cures or treatments”, Said Mrs Ayeni, a businesswoman residing in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. 

Noma: a deadly Neglected Tropical Disease that should not exist

Sokoto, 31 January, 2024 - At age 6, Shamudeen Umaru’s (name changed) face was severely disfigured by noma, a life-threatening disease that primarily affects children under the age of 10. 

“The disease started suddenly with a toothache and within a few days, his face had been destroyed. This affected his eating and drinking because most of the food and water poured out from his mouth’’, said Shamudeen’s mother,  Fatima Umaru, from Munwadata, Lela Ward, Sokoto State, Northwest Nigeria. 

WHO pledges support for government’s health agenda in northeast Nigeria

Borno, 31 January, 2024 - In a significant development aimed at tackling the pressing public health challenges in northeast Nigeria, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reaffirmed its commitment to align with the government’s vision to provide comprehensive health intervention to the vulnerable population in the region.  

The states in the northeast are Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe.