The state Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying, “The patient died on April 11, 2026, while receiving treatment, while laboratory confirmation of Lassa fever was received on April 13.”

She added that the Ministry of Health had swiftly activated its emergency response system, including the establishment of an Incident Management System to coordinate response activities across the state.

According to her, “All identified contacts of the deceased are being closely monitored, while necessary measures have been taken to ensure a safe and dignified burial in line with public health protocols.”

Ajetunmobi urged residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as persistent fever, weakness, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding, chest pain or difficulty breathing.

She stressed, “Early presentation at health facilities significantly improves the chances of survival.”

The commissioner explained that Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by urine or faeces of infected rodents.

“It can also spread from person to person through contact with bodily fluids, especially in healthcare settings where infection prevention measures are not strictly observed,” she said.

She advised residents to maintain strict environmental hygiene, including proper waste disposal, safe storage of food in rodent-proof containers and avoiding drying food items on bare ground or roadsides.

Ajetunmobi also urged households to seal holes and entry points to prevent rodent access, while emphasising regular handwashing and good personal hygiene.

Residents, she said, should report suspected cases through designated emergency lines, while health workers must strictly adhere to infection prevention and control protocols.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the commissioner said surveillance had been intensified across the state, with all health facilities placed on alert.

“There is no cause for panic. The situation is under control, and Lassa fever is both preventable and treatable when detected early,” she assured.

The post Oyo confirms Lassa fever death in Ibadan, activates emergency response, traces contacts first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post Oyo confirms Lassa fever death in Ibadan, activates emergency response, traces contacts appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.

Oseni, who is Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), made the commitment on Thursday in Ibadan at the flag-off of Pink Month 2025, an initiative of the foundation.

Contained in a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker described the campaign as a “lifesaving mission” given the rising burden of breast cancer in Nigeria, with over 28,000 new cases and thousands of deaths reported annually.

The APC chieftain said the free screening of 1,000 women planned by the foundation was timely, stressing that early detection remained the strongest weapon in the fight against cancer.

Hon. Aderemi Oseni exchanging pleasantries with former Oyo State First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi, at the event.

“Health is life. Only this June, I moved a motion at the National Assembly which led to the Federal Government subsidising dialysis treatment nationwide. Today, dialysis is either free or heavily discounted in federal health facilities,” Oseni said.

He listed his personal interventions to include funding hospital bills of indigent patients, construction of hospitals in Ido and Ibarapa East, establishment of primary health centres, and organisation of medical outreaches. He also disclosed plans to deploy mobile clinics to rural areas.

Commending Mrs. Ajimobi for sustaining her late husband’s legacy through humanitarian service, Oseni assured of partnership with the foundation, saying women’s wellbeing and empowerment remained central to his vision for Oyo State.

In her remarks, Mrs. Ajimobi said the foundation had offered medical care to over 85,000 patients and conducted more than 100,000 investigations since its inception. She added that the campaign was not just corporate social responsibility but “a moral duty and sacred trust.”

The former first lady, who lost her daughter Abisola to breast cancer earlier this year, said the experience had strengthened her resolve to save other families from such tragedy. She appealed to women to take advantage of the free screening and called on partners and development agencies to support the fight.

The post Rep Oseni Backs Ajimobi Widow’s Cancer Fight, Vows More Health Projects first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post Rep Oseni Backs Ajimobi Widow’s Cancer Fight, Vows More Health Projects appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.

Chairman of Fidson Healthcare Plc, Dr. Fidelis Akhagboso Ayebae, and Chief Executive Officer of Hazon Holdings, Dr. Victor ’Gbenga Afolabi, are set to lead discussions at the second edition of the D’Bio Wellness & Selfcare Summit.

The event is scheduled to hold on September 24 and 25 at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Conference and Exhibition Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.

This year’s summit has the theme: “Self-Care as a Driver of Optimal Health and Wellness.”

Ayebae will serve as chairman of the event, while Afolabi, who is also the co-founder of Wellness HMO, will deliver the keynote address.

Ayebae, founder of Fidson Healthcare, is regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading pharmaceutical entrepreneurs. He is a fellow of the Institute of Directors Nigeria and the Institute of Corporate Affairs Management, and has held significant roles in the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.

Afolabi has more than 20 years’ experience spanning healthcare, finance, technology and marketing. He is also the founder of the Eko Innovation Centre, a Lagos-based technology hub that supports start-ups and young entrepreneurs.

Convener of the summit, Dr. Monica Hemben Eimunjeze, said the event would focus on practical steps to improve health outcomes through self-care.

She said, “We are excited to welcome Dr. Ayebae and Dr. Afolabi as pivotal figures in our quest to enhance health literacy and empower individuals to prioritise self-care. This summit is not just about discussions; it is about actionable insights that can inspire and transform lives.”

The organisers said the two-day summit is open to the public and will feature panel sessions with health and wellness experts, attracting healthcare professionals, advocates and business leaders.

The post Ayebae, Afolabi to headline D’Bio Wellness Summit first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post Ayebae, Afolabi to headline D’Bio Wellness Summit appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.

The Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moor Plantation, Apata, Ibadan, has joined the campaign to eradicate malaria in Nigeria.

The initiative followed the unveiling of the Geneith Health Competition on the institution’s campus on Tuesday.

The competition, organised by CEOAfrica in partnership with Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited and powered by Coatal Forte Softgel, targets students of tertiary and secondary schools nationwide to spread knowledge on malaria prevention.

Convener of the project, Mr. Cletus Ilobanafo, said the programme was designed to raise awareness through a structured health contest at the state, regional and national levels.

He said Geneith Pharmaceuticals has committed N1 billion to the project, with N400 million earmarked for scholarships and N600 million for gift items to motivate participants. “By promoting education and prevention strategies, this competition underscores the dedication of all stakeholders in combating malaria and improving public health in Nigeria,” Ilobanafo added.

The Provost of the College, Dr. Chidi Okpeze, praised the organisers for selecting the institution as a launch platform for the campaign. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, for their commitment to repositioning the livestock sector to boost national growth.

“Our students are ready to key into this initiative. They are articulate, active, and have represented us well in international competitions. We are confident they will excel in this campaign too,” he said.

The Provost urged the students to brace up for the task ahead and uphold the institution’s tradition of excellence.

Some students, who spoke on behalf of their colleagues, pledged to support the anti-malaria campaign by intensifying environmental sanitation on campus. They also commended the organisers and sponsors for giving them the opportunity to contribute to the fight against malaria.

They promised to sustain clean surroundings and spread the message beyond the school to ensure malaria is eradicated from the system.

The post Oyo: Fed. College of Animal Health Joins Geneith’s Fight Against Malaria first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post Oyo: Fed. College of Animal Health Joins Geneith’s Fight Against Malaria appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.

His Royal Highness, AIG Bashir Makama (psc+Rtd), the Mwo-Ywom of Garkawa in Plateau State, has thrown his weight behind the Geneith Health Competition (GHC), a national campaign against malaria.

The monarch, who is also head of the Ywom Traditional Council, gave the endorsement in a statement personally signed at his palace, describing the initiative as “a decisive step towards a healthier future” for Nigerians.

He urged governments at all levels, private organisations, and community leaders to support the competition, which is targeted at secondary and tertiary students nationwide.

“Malaria is preventable, yet it continues to take a toll on our people. It is our collective duty to prioritise health initiatives and mobilise resources to create a malaria-free future,” the monarch said.

Organised by CEOAFRICA in partnership with Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, the GHC is designed to raise awareness and build advocacy on malaria prevention and treatment. The programme also provides scholarships, prizes, and incentives worth over ₦1 billion to participating students.

Makama said the entire Garkawa community would ensure that students are enrolled in the competition, stressing that it would empower the youth to become health ambassadors.

“The support for the Geneith Health Competition is growing, and we must capitalise on this momentum,” he added.

According to him, traditional leadership must play an active role in health advocacy to complement the government’s efforts.

With the endorsement, the Garkawa District joins the growing list of communities aligning with the campaign to eliminate malaria in Nigeria.

For details, visit www.geneithhealthcompetition.com.

The post Monarch Endorses Geneith Health Contest, Backs Malaria Fight first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post Monarch Endorses Geneith Health Contest, Backs Malaria Fight appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.

His Royal Highness, AIG Bashir Makama (psc+Rtd), the Mwo-Ywom of Garkawa in Plateau State, has thrown his weight behind the Geneith Health Competition (GHC), a national campaign against malaria.

The monarch, who is also head of the Ywom Traditional Council, gave the endorsement in a statement personally signed at his palace, describing the initiative as “a decisive step towards a healthier future” for Nigerians.

He urged governments at all levels, private organisations, and community leaders to support the competition, which is targeted at secondary and tertiary students nationwide.

“Malaria is preventable, yet it continues to take a toll on our people. It is our collective duty to prioritise health initiatives and mobilise resources to create a malaria-free future,” the monarch said.

Organised by CEOAFRICA in partnership with Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, the GHC is designed to raise awareness and build advocacy on malaria prevention and treatment. The programme also provides scholarships, prizes, and incentives worth over ₦1 billion to participating students.

Makama said the entire Garkawa community would ensure that students are enrolled in the competition, stressing that it would empower the youth to become health ambassadors.

“The support for the Geneith Health Competition is growing, and we must capitalise on this momentum,” he added.

According to him, traditional leadership must play an active role in health advocacy to complement the government’s efforts.

With the endorsement, the Garkawa District joins the growing list of communities aligning with the campaign to eliminate malaria in Nigeria.

For details, visit www.geneithhealthcompetition.com.

The post Monarch Endorses Geneith Health Contest, Backs Malaria Fight first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post Monarch Endorses Geneith Health Contest, Backs Malaria Fight appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.

The event, held at the college conference room, was attended by management staff, health stakeholders and student leaders.

Launched on May 2 in Abuja by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Godwin Ntadom, the programme has continued to enjoy wide backing across the education and health sectors.

Chairing the Ibadan flag-off was Hajia Wosilat Giwa, Chairperson of the Governing Council, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria. Other notable figures included the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Tanko Ibrahim Ayuba, and his predecessor, Prof. Cyril Usifoh, who is also co-chairman of the College of Assessors. Commissioners of education and health from different states were also represented.

Provost of FCC, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul Ganiyu, praised the organisers for selecting the institution as pioneer host. He noted that malaria remains the most common ailment among students, with about 90 per cent of clinic cases linked to the disease.

“Malaria is a killer disease and anything that supports its eradication is welcome. President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agenda includes a strong focus on healthcare, and this initiative aligns with that vision. Our students are ready to take up the challenge,” he said.

To back the campaign, the provost announced plans by the college to procure 1,000 doses of anti-malaria drugs for students.

Initiator of the competition and MD/CEO of CEOAFRICA, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, described malaria as “Nigeria’s deadliest enemy”, noting its economic and social toll.

He disclosed that Geneith Pharmaceuticals has committed ₦1 billion to the project—₦400 million in cash prizes and ₦600 million in scholarships and incentives.

“This is more than a competition; it is a movement. Prevention is the key. If students become ambassadors and take ownership of their environment, we can reduce the malaria burden,” Ilobanafor said.

Student leaders also pledged support. The Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Comrade Emmanuel Aluko, called the initiative “life-changing”, while National President of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, urged youths nationwide to register.

Head of the FCC Clinic, Mrs. Rofiat Ambimbola, stressed that “sanitation, prevention and awareness” remain central to keeping students healthy and learning effectively.

Registration for the competition, which began on June 1, will close on February 15, 2026. Students are to register via www.geneithhealthcompetition.com.

The post Ibadan College Flags Off Geneith Health Contest Against Malaria first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post Ibadan College Flags Off Geneith Health Contest Against Malaria appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.

Over 90 per cent of Nigerian mothers breastfeed their babies, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said.

The Chief of Nutrition at UNICEF Nigeria, Nemat Hajeebhoy, disclosed this on Friday at the flag-off of the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week held in Ambursa, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

While hailing the figure as “good news,” Hajeebhoy warned that recent surveys point to a troubling decline in the practice of exclusive breastfeeding, urging urgent, collective support for mothers across the country.

“We are gathered here for one single mission, and that mission is to put mothers and babies first by building a sustainable support system for every mother and every child in Nigeria,” she said.

She continued, “Breastfeeding is not just food; it is a newborn’s first vaccine and a vital means of survival. The right to breastfeed is enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Nigeria is a signatory.”

The event was jointly organised by UNICEF and Kebbi State Government to promote exclusive breastfeeding and child survival, in line with this year’s global theme: “Let’s make breastfeeding and work, work.”

Hajeebhoy applauded Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, for approving six months of maternity leave for civil servants in the state, describing it as a “bold, strategic move” to enable working mothers care for their infants.

“Breastfeeding is not just a nice thing to do, but a key strategy for safeguarding children’s health and future,” she added.

Also speaking at the event, the wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Nafisa Nasir-Idris, called on women to embrace exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first six months, saying it boosts a child’s intelligence, resilience and overall development.

She also urged women to prioritise personal and environmental hygiene to curb disease outbreaks.

“As a mother and advocate, I commend all women who have remained committed to exclusive breastfeeding. I also thank my husband for his support and for prioritising the health sector,” Mrs Nasir-Idris said.

To further encourage the practice, the governor’s wife donated a bag of rice, a set of baby clothing and ₦10,000 to 20 mothers who exclusively breastfed their babies. Pregnant women also received gifts, while other women in attendance each got a bag of rice.

Speaking earlier, UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Sokoto, Michael Juma, stressed the need for early initiation and continuation of breastfeeding for up to two years, while urging policy makers to make breastfeeding a national priority.

On his part, the Kebbi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Yunusa Musa Isma’il, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maternal and child health, saying the state will continue to provide counterpart funding to tackle malnutrition and support critical health initiatives.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Halima Hassan-Kamba, also encouraged more women to practise exclusive breastfeeding, citing its numerous health and emotional benefits for both mother and child.

The post 90% of Nigerian mothers breastfeed — UNICEF first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post 90% of Nigerian mothers breastfeed — UNICEF appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.

WASPEN’s Founder and President, Dr. Teresa Pounds, made this appeal on Monday during a press conference ahead of the 2025 WASPEN Clinical Nutrition Conference, scheduled for June 17–19 in collaboration with the National Hospital Abuja.

Themed “Bridging the Gap: Integrating Hospital and Community Malnutrition Care in Developing Countries,” the event aims to foster solutions for hospital and community malnutrition.

Describing malnutrition as “the skeleton in the hospital’s closet,” Dr. Pounds emphasised the need for urgent awareness, policy reform, and collaboration among healthcare stakeholders to ensure effective hospital nutrition programs.

“Many patients in Nigerian hospitals suffer from inadequate nutritional support, leading to prolonged hospital stays, increased complications, and higher mortality rates. This issue must be addressed at the highest level,” she stated.

The press conference was attended by the management of Genrith Pharmaceuticals Limited, a major partner, led by its CEO, Chief Emmanuel Umenwa.

Addressing malnutrition will add $29bn, says FG

Call for National Clinical Nutrition Policy

Dr. Pounds, a U.S.-based specialist in critical care nutrition and a board-certified nutrition support pharmacist, urged the government to implement a national policy framework to support specialised clinical nutrition interventions. She stressed the importance of integrating mandatory nutrition screening and intervention into all healthcare facilities.

She also called on the Federal and State Ministries of Health to expand and enforce standardised clinical nutrition policies, ensure hospitals conduct structured nutrition screening for all patients, makes medical nutrition therapy accessible and affordable, and support research and local production of specialised nutritional products.

She further encouraged NAFDAC, NIPRD, pharmaceutical companies, and NGOs to collaborate on research, funding, and product development to improve hospital and community-based nutritional care.

Invest in Africa’s food markets to win the war on hunger, boost nutrition – AfDB

“We need a national framework that ensures no patient suffers due to a lack of proper nutrition,” the expert stressed.

Conference to Attract Top Medical and Policy Experts

Speaking on the upcoming conference, Dr. Pounds noted that it will bring together leading medical experts, policymakers, and healthcare stakeholders to develop strategies for addressing malnutrition.

Prominent figures expected at the event include Prof. Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health (Special Guest of Honour), Nyesom Wike, Minister of the FCT (Chief Host), Prof. Muhammad Raji Mahmud, Chief Medical Director, National Hospital Abuja (Host), Prof. Audu Bala, President, Nigerian Medical Association (Keynote Speaker), Pharm. Ibrahim Tanko Ayuba, President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (Guest of Honour), and Prof. Salisu Maiwada Abubaka, President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria (Guest of Honour) admiration.

Pre-Conference Activities

Prof. Raji Mahmud, Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital Abuja, represented by the Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Pharm. Adesola Clara assured that the hospital has the necessary facilities and expertise to host a successful conference. He emphasised that the hospital is fully prepared for the programme.

AfDB, Big Win Philanthropy, Dangote Foundation launch ambitious plan to improve child nutrition, fight stunting

Also, the WASPEN Central Planning Committee, led by Mrs. Ghinsel Blessing, revealed that pre-conference activities will include a hands-on training workshop on nutritional kits in hospitals, scheduled for June 16, a health walk to raise awareness about hospital malnutrition, expected to be led by First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu.

With malnutrition posing a silent but deadly threat to healthcare outcomes, WASPEN hopes that the Tinubu administration will take decisive action to integrate nutrition-focused interventions into Nigeria’s health policies.

The 2025 WASPEN Clinical Nutrition Conference is expected to be a game-changer in shaping the future of clinical nutrition in Nigeria and West Africa.

The post WASPEN Urges Tinubu to Prioritise Fight Against Clinical Malnutrition first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post WASPEN Urges Tinubu to Prioritise Fight Against Clinical Malnutrition appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.

Two US biotech companies say the Food and Drug Administration has cleared them to conduct clinical trials of their gene-edited pig kidneys for human transplants.

United Therapeutics along with another company, eGenesis, have been working since 2021 on experiments implanting pig kidneys into humans: initially brain-dead patients and more recently living recipients.

Advocates hope the approach will help address the severe organ shortage. More than 100,000 people in the United States are awaiting transplants, including over 90,000 in need of kidneys.

United Therapeutics’s approval, announced Monday, allows the company to advance its technology toward a licensed product if the trial succeeds.

The study authorization was hailed as a “significant step forward in our relentless mission to expand the availability of transplantable organs,” by Leigh Peterson, the company’s executive vice president.

The trial will initially enroll six patients with the end-stage renal disease before expanding to as many as 50, United Therapeutics said in a statement. The first transplant is expected in mid-2025.

Meanwhile, rival eGenesis said it had received FDA approval in December for a separate three-patient kidney study.

“The study will evaluate patients with kidney failure who are listed for a transplant but who face a low probability of receiving a deceased donor offer within a five-year timeframe,” the company said.

Xenotransplantation — transplanting organs from one species to another — has been a tantalizing yet elusive goal for science.

Early experiments in primates faltered, but advances in gene editing and immune system management have brought the field closer to reality.

Pigs have emerged as ideal donors: they grow quickly, produce large litters, and are already part of the human food supply.

United Therapeutics said trial patients would be monitored for life, assessing survival rates, kidney function, and the risk of zoonotic infections — diseases that jump from animals to humans.

Currently, there is only one living human recipient of a pig organ: Towana Looney, a 53-year-old from Alabama who received a United Therapeutics kidney on November 25, 2024.

She is also the longest-surviving recipient, having lived with a pig kidney for 71 days as of Tuesday. David Bennett of Maryland received a pig heart in 2022 and survived 60 days.

The post US Grants Approval for Pig Kidney Transplant Trials first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post US Grants Approval for Pig Kidney Transplant Trials appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.