Health

By Ibrahim Happiness

‎Every year from April 24 to 30, the world marks World Immunisation Week, a global campaign coordinated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to highlight one of the most effective public health tools ever developed: vaccines. In 2026, the campaign comes with renewed urgency as countries work to close immunity gaps, restore routine vaccination disrupted in recent years, and protect millions of children and adults from preventable diseases.

‎‎This year’s theme, “For every generation, vaccines work,” underscores a simple but powerful reality: immunisation is not only for infants. Vaccines protect people throughout life, from newborn babies receiving their first doses, to adolescents, pregnant women, healthcare workers, and older adults needing booster or age-specific protection. It is a reminder that vaccines have served families for generations and remain central to a healthier future.

‎Globally, vaccines have transformed human survival. WHO estimates that immunisation has saved more than 150 million lives over the last 50 years, with most of those lives saved being those of infants. Vaccination has reduced deaths from diseases such as measles, polio, tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough, while preventing lifelong disabilities and severe complications that once devastated communities. Public health experts note that vaccines are among the most cost-effective investments any nation can make because they prevent illness before it starts, reduce pressure on hospitals, and strengthen productivity.

‎Yet despite this progress, millions of children worldwide still miss out on essential vaccines each year. The reasons vary by country: poverty, insecurity, displacement, weak health systems, long travel times to clinics, shortages of trained health workers, and the spread of misinformation. When vaccination rates decline, diseases quickly return. Recent outbreaks of measles and other vaccine-preventable illnesses in several parts of the world have shown how fragile progress can be.

‎In Nigeria, World Immunisation Week is particularly significant. Africa’s most populous country has made progress in expanding routine immunisation through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), state governments, donor partners, and frontline health workers. Vaccines for children are provided free through public health facilities, and campaigns against polio, measles, yellow fever and meningitis have helped protect millions.

‎However, challenges remain substantial. Many rural and hard-to-reach communities still struggle with access to health centres. Insecurity in parts of the country continues to disrupt outreach services. Urban slums also face low coverage due to population movement and poor health infrastructure. In some communities, false claims about vaccine safety continue to create hesitation among parents.

‎Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, has repeatedly stressed in 2026 that strengthening primary healthcare and expanding routine immunisation are key pillars of the federal government’s health reform agenda. He has called for stronger state-level accountability, improved cold-chain systems, and deeper community engagement to ensure that no child is left behind. According to the minister, immunisation is not merely a health intervention but an investment in national development, because healthy children are more likely to learn, grow, and contribute productively to society.

‎The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Muyi Aina, has also emphasised the importance of reaching zero-dose children, those who have never received a single routine vaccine. He noted that Nigeria’s progress will depend on better data systems, mobile outreach teams, local partnerships, and trust-building with communities.

‎International partners have echoed similar concerns. UNICEF and World Health Organisation officials in Nigeria have warned that preventable diseases can spread rapidly when immunisation services are missed, especially among vulnerable children. They continue to urge governments and families to prioritise vaccination and routine health checks.

‎‎World Immunisation Week, therefore, is more than a symbolic observance. It is a timely reminder that progress in health must be protected. Vaccines only work when they reach people. A child in a remote village deserves the same protection as a child in a city hospital. A mother deserves accurate information, not fear-driven rumours. Health workers deserve the support and tools needed to save lives.

‎For Nigeria, the path forward is clear: sustained political commitment, increased domestic funding, stronger local healthcare systems, and public trust. Communities, religious leaders, schools, media organisations and civil society all have a role to play in promoting accurate information and encouraging uptake.

‎As the world marks World Immunisation Week 2026, the message remains straightforward and timeless: vaccines work, they save lives, and they must reach every generation.

‎Ibrahim Happiness is a 300-level Strategic Communication student at the University of Abuja and an intern with IMPR. She can be reached at: happinessibrahim11@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Abubakar Tahir

Across many communities in northern Nigeria, malnutrition remains a quiet but devastating reality. In rural homes and crowded settlements alike, countless children grow up without the essential nutrients required for healthy development.

The signs are often visible, including stunted growth, frequent illness, low energy levels, and poor cognitive development—but the deeper consequences are far more profound. Malnutrition weakens family foundations, strains healthcare systems, and ultimately undermines society’s long-term development.

Jigawa State is not immune to this silent crisis. Despite various public health interventions over the years, malnutrition continues to affect children and vulnerable populations across the state. Poverty, food insecurity, low dietary diversity, and limited public awareness about proper nutrition all contribute to the persistence of the problem.

At this critical moment, one practical and impactful step the Jigawa State Government can take is to urgently recruit and deploy professional nutritionists across the state’s healthcare system.

Nutrition is the cornerstone of human development. A balanced diet supports healthy physical growth, strengthens the immune system, enhances brain development, and improves overall well-being.

When nutrition is inadequate, the consequences can be severe and long-lasting. Conditions such as stunting, wasting, undernutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies continue to affect many children and women in Jigawa State, undermining not only their health but also the social and economic future of the state.

Health experts emphasise that the first 1,000 days of a child’s life—from conception to the age of two are the most critical for physical and cognitive development. Poor nutrition during this period can lead to irreversible damage, including impaired learning ability, weakened immunity, and increased vulnerability to disease throughout life. Ensuring proper nutrition during this early stage, therefore, requires professional guidance and sustained community engagement.

Unfortunately, Jigawa State is currently facing a growing shortage of professional nutritionists within its healthcare system. Many nutrition officers who previously served in hospitals and public health facilities have recently retired, leaving a significant gap that remains unfilled. As a result, several health facilities now operate without functional nutrition units, while in others, the departments have become largely inactive due to the absence of trained personnel.

This situation is both concerning and avoidable. Across Nigeria, universities and colleges continue to graduate qualified nutritionists every year. Yet many of these professionals remain unemployed or underutilised due to limited opportunities within the public health sector. Jigawa State, therefore, has an opportunity to strengthen its healthcare delivery system by recruiting these young professionals and deploying them to general hospitals, primary healthcare centres, and community health programmes.

Professional nutritionists play a critical role in disease prevention and health promotion. They guide families on proper dietary practices, support maternal and child nutrition, and educate communities on healthy eating habits using locally available foods. Their interventions can significantly reduce cases of malnutrition, improve patient recovery, and enhance the overall health profile of the population.

Beyond hospitals, nutritionists also play an essential role in schools. With the expansion of school feeding programmes in Nigeria, ensuring the nutritional quality of meals provided to pupils has become increasingly important. Qualified nutritionists can design balanced meal plans, monitor food preparation standards, and ensure that these programmes genuinely contribute to children’s physical and cognitive development.

Community-based nutrition education is another area where these professionals are urgently needed. Through outreach programmes, health campaigns, and grassroots engagement, nutritionists can educate rural families on the importance of balanced diets, food safety, proper infant feeding practices, and hygiene.

Crucially, they can also demonstrate how affordable, locally available foods—such as grains, legumes, vegetables, and animal products—can be combined to meet nutritional needs.

Given Jigawa State’s predominantly agrarian economy, nutritionists can also collaborate with agricultural extension services to promote nutrition-sensitive agriculture. Encouraging households to cultivate diverse crops, improve food storage, and adopt better food preparation practices can significantly improve household nutrition and reduce dependency on expensive food items.

Meanwhile, a couple of visits to several hospitals across Jigawa State reveal a worrying reality. Many facilities operate without nutrition officers, leaving nurses and other health workers to manage cases that require specialised dietary expertise. In some institutions, nutrition departments have virtually ceased to function due to staff shortages. This weakens the health system’s ability to effectively address malnutrition and diet-related illnesses.

Equally concerning is the situation in higher institutions offering nutrition and dietetics programmes, where departments sometimes struggle with limited staffing and resources to train future professionals. Strengthening the nutrition workforce will therefore require both recruitment into the healthcare system and sustained support for training institutions.

It is important to acknowledge that the Jigawa State Government has made commendable progress in improving healthcare infrastructure and expanding primary healthcare services across the state. Investments in health facilities, maternal healthcare programmes, and immunisation services have improved health outcomes in many communities.

However, strengthening the nutrition workforce must become an essential component of these broader health reforms. Without trained professionals to address nutrition-related challenges, efforts to combat maternal and child mortality, infectious diseases, and poor health outcomes will remain incomplete.

Recruiting and deploying professional nutritionists is not merely a staffing decision—it is a strategic investment in public health, human capital development, and the long-term prosperity of Jigawa State. A healthier and well-nourished population is more productive, better educated, and more capable of contributing meaningfully to economic and social development.

Jigawa State, therefore, stands at an important crossroads. By prioritising the employment of nutritionists in hospitals, primary healthcare centres, schools, and community health programmes, the government can take a decisive step toward reducing malnutrition and improving the well-being of its citizens.

The fight against malnutrition requires commitment, expertise, and timely action. The time to act is now.

Muhammad Abubakar Tahir, a concerned citizen, writes from Hadejia, Jigawa State.

By Ibrahim Yunusa 

The Cross River State Government has refuted reports alleging 10 new COVID-19 cases in the state, describing the claim as false and misleading.

In an official statement, the State Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk, clarified that as of April 23, 2026, the state has only one confirmed case of COVID-19. He explained that the individuals mentioned in the report were merely contacts identified through contact tracing linked to the existing case, not newly confirmed infections.

Ayuk emphasised that contact tracing remains a standard public health response aimed at preventing further spread of the virus and should not be misconstrued as confirmation of additional cases.

The government urged residents to disregard unverified information and rely on updates from credible and official sources. It also reassured the public that the situation is under control and there is no cause for alarm.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) has acknowledged receipt of a formal petition alleging medical negligence and unprofessional conduct in the treatment of Alhaji Nuhu Dantani, who died at the facility on March 31, 2026.

In an official letter dated April 17, 2026, and signed by the Director of Administration, Idriss Omar, on behalf of the Chief Medical Director, Prof. A. Ahidjo, the hospital management confirmed that an internal investigation has been initiated into the circumstances surrounding the death.

The petition was filed by Hamza N. Dantani Esq. of Potent Attorneys in Abuja, who is acting on behalf of the deceased’s family. The legal complaint cites systemic failure and demands accountability for the loss of the elder statesman, who was admitted under Hospital Number 760494.

In the hospital’s response addressed to the family’s legal counsel, management extended “heartfelt condolences” and acknowledged the severity of the allegations.

“We understand the gravity of the concerns raised and wish to assure you that the Hospital takes allegations of medical negligence and unprofessional conduct seriously,” the statement read in part. “A thorough investigation into the matter has been initiated, and appropriate steps will be taken to ensure that justice is served.”

The hospital has not disclosed the details of the specific clinical incident or the nature of the alleged negligence pending the outcome of the investigation. The case has highlighted patient safety protocols at one of Northeast Nigeria’s largest tertiary healthcare institutions.

By Uzair Adam

As National Kidney Month comes to an end, health experts continue to emphasise the need for greater awareness about Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and the steps people can take to prevent it.

The kidneys play a vital role in the body by filtering waste products and excess fluid from the blood. When these organs become damaged, they gradually lose their ability to perform this function properly.

Over time, this can lead to chronic kidney disease and, in severe situations, kidney failure.

A 2025 study reported that CKD is becoming an increasing global health concern, affecting about 11 to 14 percent of adults, with more than 25 million people potentially living with the condition.

In Nigeria, however, many people remain unaware of the dangers, often resulting in late diagnosis when the disease has already progressed to advanced stages.

Understanding daily habits that may contribute to kidney damage can play a key role in preventing the condition. Several lifestyle choices that seem harmless can gradually place pressure on the kidneys if they are repeated frequently.

One common habit is not drinking enough water. Proper hydration is essential for the kidneys to function effectively because they rely on water to filter waste from the blood and produce urine.

When the body lacks sufficient fluids, toxins can accumulate, increasing the likelihood of kidney stones and infections. Severe dehydration can also weaken kidney function over time.

Health experts recommend a daily intake of about 2.7 litres of water for women and 3.7 litres for men.

Another habit that may harm the kidneys is the frequent use of painkillers. Many people turn to medications to cope with physical stress and fatigue, but excessive or unsupervised use can damage the kidneys.

Drugs such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin, which belong to the group known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, may gradually affect kidney tissues when taken too often.

Long-term misuse has been associated with a condition known as Analgesic Nephropathy, where the filtering units of the kidneys become damaged.

These medications can also reduce blood flow to the kidneys, raising the risk of injury and scarring.

Frequent consumption of energy drinks is another lifestyle habit that can negatively affect kidney health.

Although many people use them to cope with daily stress or fatigue, these drinks typically contain large amounts of caffeine and sugar.

Excess caffeine increases urine production, which can lead to dehydration and additional strain on the kidneys.

High sugar intake, on the other hand, may contribute to health conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes and High Blood Pressure, both of which are known risk factors for kidney disease.

Studies have also linked heavy consumption of energy drinks to several kidney-related complications, including reduced kidney function and acute kidney injury.

The combination of caffeine, taurine and sugar found in many of these beverages may increase oxidative stress and gradually put pressure on the kidneys.

Another factor that can affect kidney health is physical inactivity. Research shows that many adults do not engage in enough exercise, contributing to a sedentary lifestyle.

A lack of regular physical activity has been associated with a higher risk of chronic kidney disease and faster decline in kidney function.

Health experts advise that maintaining healthy habits — including staying hydrated, using medications responsibly, limiting energy drinks and engaging in regular physical activity — can significantly reduce the risk of kidney-related diseases.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has intensified efforts to combat tuberculosis as activities marking World TB Day 2026 are held, reaffirming its commitment to controlling and eliminating the disease.

Nabilusi Abubakar K/Na’isa, the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Health, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, noting that the state is emerging as one of the leading in Nigeria’s fight against tuberculosis.

According to the statement, the government has continued to scale up interventions aimed at preventing the spread of the disease, which remains a major public health concern.

Speaking during the commemoration, the Commissioner for Health, Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, said the state is taking deliberate steps to address the burden of tuberculosis through sustained health programmes and policies.

He noted that TB is still a serious health challenge but added that the government is intensifying efforts to curb its spread across communities.

The commissioner explained that symptoms of the disease include persistent cough, excessive sweating and significant weight loss, warning that tuberculosis is airborne and can easily be transmitted if not properly managed.

“The symptoms should not be ignored, as early detection remains critical in controlling the disease,” he said.

He further stated that the government is committed to eradicating TB through various initiatives, including the renovation of Yada Kunya General Hospital to improve treatment and patient care.

Yusuf also commended the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his continued support in strengthening the health sector.

The statement revealed that 913 people were diagnosed with tuberculosis in Kano State in the past year, with 720 successfully treated, indicating progress in managing the disease.

It added that development partners have supported the state with mobile healthcare vehicles to expand access to medical services, particularly in underserved communities.

Health officials urged residents to seek medical attention promptly if they experience symptoms, stressing that early diagnosis and treatment remain key to stopping the spread of tuberculosis.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Ministry of Health has directed the immediate retirement of directors who have spent eight years or more in the directorate cadre.

Those affected include directors working within the ministry, federal health institutions, and related agencies. The directive was contained in an internal memo obtained by our correspondent in Abuja on Tuesday morning.

This development follows an earlier report that the Federal Government had instructed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to implement the eight-year tenure policy for directors and permanent secretaries. The instruction came with a fresh deadline issued through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

The memo enforcing the decision in the health ministry was signed by the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Tetshoma Dafeta. It stated:

“Further to the Eight (8)-Year Tenure Policy of the Federal Public Service, which mandates the compulsory retirement of Directors after eight years in that rank, as provided in the Revised Public Service Rules 2021(PSR 020909) copy attached, I am directed to remind you to take necessary action to ensure that all affected officers who have spent eight years as Directors, effective 31st December, 2025, are disengaged from Service immediately.

“Accordingly, all Heads of Agencies and Parastatals are by this circular, to ensure that the affected staff hand over all official documents/possessions with immediate effect, their salaries are stopped by the IPPIS Unit and mandate the officers to refund to the treasury all emoluments paid after their effective date of disengagement.

“This is reiterated in a circular recently issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Ref. No. HSCF/3065/Vol.I/225, dated 10″ February 2026. A copy is herewith attached for guidance, please.

“In addition, you are to forward the nominal roll of all directorate officers (CONMESS 07/CONHESS 15/CONRAISS 15) In your institution, send to DHRM@health.gov.ng and Agudosi.obinna@health.gov.ng. You may please note that officials from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Ministry will conduct a monitoring exercise to ensure compliance.

“Failure to adhere to paragraph 2 above shall be met with stiff sanctions.”

The policy has its roots in the revised Public Service Rules introduced in 2023. The former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folasade Yemi-Esan, announced the implementation during a lecture held at the State House, Abuja, to mark the 2023 Civil Service Week.

In a circular issued at the time to permanent secretaries, the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Auditor-General for the Federation, and heads of extra-ministerial departments, she confirmed the enforcement date.

“Following the approval of the revised Public Service Rules (PSR) by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on September 27, 2021, and its subsequent unveiling during the public service lecture in commemoration of the 2023 Civil Service Week, the PSR has become operational with effect from July 27, 2023,” the circular read.

Under Section 020909 of the revised rules, permanent secretaries are to serve a four-year tenure, renewable only on the basis of satisfactory performance. The same rules prescribe compulsory retirement for any director on Grade Level 17, or its equivalent, after eight years in office.

By Sadam Abubakar

I wish I could blow life into words. I wish the words could be woven to assume a shape and posture palpable to human beings.

My recent experience in bed with sickness made me long for words to have the ability to breathe, talk, and describe by themselves certain events that occurred to us in our lives. Some events and situations in our lives are beyond our ability to describe. The words should talk themselves.

The event that sparks my scribbling hand is a disease condition that turned me almost lifeless. It started as something not uncommon but metamorphosed into a thing of mystery and convolutions.

At a particular time of one day, my legs began to appear as if they didn’t belong to me. There was a slight headache and some traces of loss of appetite. These symptoms are common among people with malaria, an endemic disease in our region, especially this time of year. The next thing was the thought of taking P-Alaxin, a particular brand of antimalarial drugs, and some supporting drugs.

Two days later, my disease condition appeared to be getting worse, even though it didn’t cripple me in bed. I rushed to a particular medical lab for diagnosis, and after a rapid test for malaria, it appeared that the malarial parasite was still in my blood, running through my veins. The P-Alaxin drug didn’t kill the parasite in my blood? Maybe I needed to take more for a couple of days. I continued with the medication with P-Alaxin the next day, but to my surprise, the malarial parasite was still in me—perhaps even more active, since the disease succeeded in stagnating me at home for the whole day.

Combining therapeutics to treat a particular disease is arguably one of the best strategies to eliminate a disease that appears intractable. Thus, I received an intramuscular injection of chloroquine, continued with the P-Alaxin, and some supporting drugs. That day was the beginning of more suffering from the disease. I sustained a severe headache, and my body temperature kept alternating between high and low. I also occasionally shivered, and fatigue became my friend. I kept telling myself that today I would beat the malarial parasite in me, considering the combinatorial therapy. Was I right?

After a brief respite from the pain, I felt I could go out to the Masjid to pray Asr. I whispered to myself, no matter what, go and pray—who knows if it would be your last Asr to offer. I crawled to the bathroom, performed my wudu, and headed to the Masjid. I was walking while holding my head, as I could still feel the hammering of the disease in my head. I thought I could surmount that pain, and I kept going. Halfway to the mosque, the pain intensified, and I succumbed to the idea that I could only proceed to the mosque.

I managed to return home. But then another episode of the disease set in. My neck started bending, and my head followed. At some point, I had to ask my wife to straighten my neck to mitigate my pain. Meanwhile, I could feel my teeth gnawing at themselves, and some were abrading. I continued shivering while my wife still tried to cover me with a blanket. The situation escalated. The guy running the best medical lab in our town came. One of the best community health practitioners in our town, who is also my good friend, was summoned. They did what they could and assured things would be alright.

It seemed like they were right, given the temporary relief I had, but then things escalated around Isha prayer time. My mum came and prayed to me profusely. Almost all my family members came and offered their prayers for a speedy recovery, but things appeared to stand still. No progress in my health whatsoever! Finally, they all admitted I should be rushed to Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH).

I already succumbed and felt I was going to die. My beloved brother, Alhaji Garba, shouted that his car should be driven out of the garage and that they should rush me to ABUTH. We started the journey, but before driving out of Soba, it started raining heavily. Musbahu, who was not only my good friend and neighbour, was the driver. He wanted to turn on the long-distance light, but he couldn’t because of confusion. He phoned Alhaji Garba to say the car’s lighting system was faulty. Another car was sent with another driver, and we journeyed to Zaria.

The road from Soba to Zaria is in poor condition. So many potholes on the main road, and the shoulder is no longer in existence in most parts of the road. I was lying with my head on the lap of my wife, in extreme pain. With every bump into an unavoidable pothole on the road, the incessant pain in my head increased. I lost hope. I started whispering Kalimatus Shahada, hoping it would be my last word, since I already knew we couldn’t reach the hospital while I was still alive.

With the pain still sustained, we reached Zaria while it was still raining. Instead of going to ABUTH, some argued that with the urgency of my situation, we should head to a private hospital, and that the bureaucratic process of ABUTH before my treatment could worsen my situation. We headed to Pal Hospital. They quickly examined me while I was telling the doctor I knew I couldn’t make it. The doctor, from my history, suspected immediately that I was suffering from cerebral malaria. He argued that because I was out of Nigeria for a very long time, my immune system might not be robust against malarial parasites, and that worsened my situation.

Alhamdulillah. I am writing this because I survived. After the medication, I finally recovered. But this whole experience has reminded me again that it doesn’t matter our age; we can die anytime. Our health is pretty tenuous, and death is always around the corner. May we live our lives with God consciousness so that we go to paradise in the hereafter.

Sadam Abubakar wrote via sadamabubakarsoba@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A new global report has revealed that at least half of health facilities in Nigeria lack the capacity to properly treat snakebite envenoming, raising concerns over avoidable deaths and long-term disabilities across the country.

The report was released by the Strike Out Snakebite (SOS) initiative to mark World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day 2026, observed annually on January 30. It identified weak health systems, poor infrastructure and persistent shortages of life-saving antivenom as major drivers of snakebite deaths, particularly in high-burden countries such as Nigeria.

The findings were drawn from a survey involving 904 frontline healthcare workers in Nigeria, Brazil, India, Indonesia and Kenya, countries that account for a significant share of the global snakebite burden.

According to the report, 50 per cent of health workers said their facilities lack full capacity to manage snakebite cases, while 99 per cent reported difficulties administering antivenom, which the World Health Organisation recognises as the only essential treatment for snakebite care.

Nigeria’s situation was described as especially severe, with 98 per cent of surveyed healthcare workers reporting challenges in administering antivenom.

“Nigeria is home to 29 species of snakes, nearly 41 per cent of which are venomous, yet many victims still struggle to access timely medical care,” the report stated.

Healthcare workers surveyed identified urgent needs that include improved access to care, higher-quality antivenom, stronger regulation, expanded training and wider community education to reduce risky behaviour.

The report highlighted “delays in patients arriving at health facilities (57 per cent), poor infrastructure and inadequate equipment (56 per cent), and lack of training and clinical guidelines (42 per cent) as key factors contributing to avoidable deaths and disabilities.”

The findings come amid public outrage over the death of Abuja-based music talent, Ifunanya Nwangene, who reportedly visited two hospitals that could not administer antivenom before she died.

The report further showed that 35 per cent of healthcare workers experience daily shortages of antivenom, while more than 77 per cent reported life-threatening delays in treatment because victims often seek traditional remedies first.

In addition, 44 per cent of respondents said avoidable delays have led to amputations or major surgeries, outcomes that frequently push affected families into deeper poverty.

Snakebite envenoming was described as a disease of inequality, with rural communities, children and agricultural workers most affected due to long distances from well-equipped health facilities.

“Snakebite envenoming kills roughly one person every five minutes worldwide, yet remains severely underreported and underfunded despite being preventable and treatable,” the report said.

Commenting on the findings, Co-Chair of the Global Snakebite Taskforce and Chancellor of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Elhadj As Sy, said the data point to a global emergency.

“Snakebite envenoming causes up to 138,000 deaths every year — one person every five minutes — and leaves a further 400,000 with permanent disabilities,” he said.

He questioned why one of the deadliest neglected tropical diseases remains largely ignored by global decision-makers and donors.

“No one should be dying from snakebite envenoming,” he added, while calling for urgent action to end preventable deaths in Nigeria and other vulnerable regions.

Elhadj As Sy also said frontline health workers are fighting the disease within fragile and under-resourced systems.

“Too often, conversations on global health overlook those who shoulder the greatest burden — frontline healthcare workers. This report shines a light on the severe challenges they face. Many solutions exist, but political will and bold commitments from governments, partners and investors are needed to turn the tide on this preventable yet devastating disease,” he said.

The report noted that victims often face long journeys to care, limited infrastructure and scarce, costly antivenom, factors that turn a treatable condition into a medical emergency.

It also pointed to preventive measures such as wearing protective footwear, using mosquito nets, carrying torches at night and avoiding snake habitats as steps that could significantly reduce risk in rural areas.

Elhadj urged governments to act decisively.

“As Co-Chair of the GST, my mission is simple: to bring snakebite out of the shadows and demand the attention, action, and resources from the international community. The solutions exist. The deaths are preventable. Frontline healthcare workers have spoken. I invite you to listen. Stand with them,” he said.

Executive Secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance, Joy Phumaphi, also stressed the urgency of action.

“Snakebite envenoming continues to take the lives of vulnerable people despite being preventable. On World NTD Day, ALMA reaffirms our commitment to strengthen prevention and control through advocacy and country-led solutions. Unite. Act. Eliminate NTDs,” she said.

The report called on governments, philanthropists, multilateral agencies and industry stakeholders to increase investment in research, expand access to affordable and quality antivenom, upgrade health infrastructure and integrate snakebite prevention and treatment into national health plans.

SOS warned that snakebite envenoming still receives only a small fraction of the funding required, despite causing up to 138,000 deaths and 400,000 permanent disabilities worldwide each year.

By Mallam Tawfiq

The scaffold that sturdily supports the pillar of success in everything is “unity”, without which we will somberly watch every beautiful thing in our everyday life running into a complete fiasco.

In healthcare settings, unity and peaceful coexistence among healthcare professionals are of paramount importance and a necessity for ensuring the delivery of effective, high-quality healthcare services.

To easily fathom the significance of that, should we reflect and ponder on the biological level of organisation of life? It succinctly and holistically depicted that the degree of unity among various cells leads to the formation of “body tissues”, and that the harmonious agreement among these tissues leads to the formation of “organs”.

Organs, however, organise to form a system, and thus the effective functioning of the respective systems yields a healthy life. Snags created by pathological factors deflect the spirit of harmonious union at different levels of this organisation, resulting in abnormality and disruption of robust, sound well-being.

The milieu of the hospital/healthcare settings comprises various health specialities from different professional backgrounds. This includes Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Radiography, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Nursing Science, Dentistry and Medicine, among others. The aims and objectives of each and every profession can only be appraised by rendering its best to the prime concern, and that is the patients.

As interdependent social animals tightly bound by the strong bond of humanity, we must interact, socialise, and, above all, reciprocate love and respect everywhere, be it in worship places, hospitals, banks, medical schools, and so on. The essence of so doing is to set our hearts and souls free from the bondage of emotional malice, attain optimum peace and maintain both physical and emotional well-being within ourselves. Unfortunately, the hostility, ranging from an exaggerated self-compliment and a show of self-worth and superiority to contempt for other professions in the name of rivalry amongst medical students and, to some extent, healthcare professionals, is worrisome and indeed condemnable.

Under whose tutelage in the medical school are students being mischievously taught that the six years of MBBS discipline should make them condescend and disregard other professions from being part of the healthcare system? Or the greater dispersion in the juxtaposition of the tense and heinous atmosphere under the five years of Radiography training with that of Medical Laboratory Science or Nursing renders the significance of the former and the insignificance of the latter. This is absolutely puerility of the highest degree. Each profession is worthwhile, and its ethics are centred on meeting the needs of patients.

Can we patiently have a proper dekko at how the systems of our body unite to execute their functions and maintain an equilibrium conducive to survival? What will happen if, for instance, the neural tissue says it is superior and appears to boss other systems, while the circulatory system, in response, denies it sufficient oxygen to meet its basic metabolic demand? Or what do we think is going to happen when the renal system quarrels with the immune system, whose function serves the body best, and both react so that one can predominate over the other and effectively carry out both the functions concurrently? Will this ever happen!? Capital NO.

Conspicuously, the hospital/healthcare environment is analogous to our biological level of organisation and how bodily systems work.

Togetherness leads to the existence of all sorts of misunderstandings; this is inevitably true, and the ripple effect of us not allying with one another is directed towards our subject of interest, which is the patient, because a medical doctor alone cannot efficiently run a whole hospital, nor can pharmacists or physiotherapists. As such, we need to come close, close enough together, thus respect our differences and welcome each other to specialise in one skill or the other and benefit from each other’s knowledge. Only by doing so can we render our best compassion to our patients.

There is a saying, “united we stand, divided we fall.”

Service to humanity is service to the Lord. May everything we do be solely for the sake of God and to attain the reward of God. Ameen.

Mallam Tawfiq, Physiotherapist, writes from Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe.