Partnership for progress in advancing health and SDGs in the Niger Delta

15 July, 2024, Port Harcourt - In a significant move to advance sustainable development and improve public health services for the vulnerable population in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, the World Health Organization's (WHO) Country Representative, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, recently visited the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Rivers State, Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. 

Breaking health barriers through harm reduction programs for people who inject drugs

Gombe, 4 July, 2024 -- In a strategic move to address the growing concerns of drug abuse and its associated health risks, Gombe State has launched a comprehensive harm reduction program for people who inject drugs (PWID). 

This initiative, backed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and several key partners, aims to provide critical support and services to mitigate the health risks associated with drug use by reducing the spread of infectious diseases, like Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), viral hepatitis and other blood-borne infections.

Creating a safe space for victims of gender-based violence in Yobe state 

Damaturu, 1 July, 2024 - The first time Amina Tijani (name changed) 17 years old, visited the Women and Children Health Facility in Damaturu, Yobe State, she looked around anxiously and was unsure whether she could share her experience or not. Reassured by the friendliness of the health worker who promised her complete privacy, Amina was able to share her story about her abuse. 

“I was asleep when I felt the inappropriate touch. I began struggling and crying, begging him to stop. But he was much stronger and raped me, she says in a shaky voice. 

Rallying action to curb cholera in Nigeria’s Lagos state

Comfort Ajayi, a mother of three and resident of Lagos state says she is keenly observing hygiene and taking steps to protect her family from cholera, which has been reported in all the 20 localities of Nigeria’s second most populous state. “In this critical time, I am also guiding my children on how to live responsibly,” she says. 

Mitigating the risk of cervical cancer with HPV vaccine in Borno and Yobe States, Ni...

Mitigating the risk of cervical cancer with HPV vaccine in Borno and Yobe States, Nigeria
With over 660 000 cases of cervical cancer reported globally and around 350 000 deaths recorded among women as of 2022 cervical cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer among women in Nigeria, and fourth globally indicating, at least 95% of cases are caused by Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

This startling statistic reflects major inequities driven by a lack of access to national HPV vaccination, intensified awareness, cervical screening, and treatment services.

Shun tobacco use – embrace healthier life choices

Abuja, 3 June, 2024 - Bassey Effiong, 42, started smoking as a teenager thinking “it was cool”. “I thought it showed you were in charge and independent. I was influenced by people who smoked in my neighbourhood, in movies, and in music videos, he says. 

Restrategizing Health Sector Responses in the BAY states, Nigeria

In Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States, at least 7.9 million people are in need of urgent support as a result of the humanitarian crisis.

Of the millions of people subjected to the crisis, the humanitarian response plan aims to target at least 4.4 million people in the BAY states, cutting across critical sectors such as health, nutrition, food security, protection, water and sanitation, etc.