Mirian Gom 
✍️ Editor’s Note
Nigeria’s health landscape this week was marked by a combination of outbreaks, preventable deaths, chronic disease, reproductive health concerns and attempts to strengthen healthcare delivery. Infectious diseases remained a major concern, with Plateau State reporting 31 deaths from diphtheria and Nigeria recording 1,086 confirmed Lassa fever cases and 259 deaths across 24 states.
The week also brought renewed attention to the country’s longer-term health challenges. An estimated 15 million Nigerians are living with diabetes, while a leading nephrologist called for a national kidney-care policy amid concerns over the growing burden and high cost of treatment.
There were also significant developments in maternal and reproductive health. A $25 million AI-enabled maternal health initiative aims to reach 500,000 women and equip 5,000 frontline health workers, while Ogun lawmakers passed a bill establishing a framework for safe termination of pregnancy in specified circumstances.
From disease outbreaks to maternal healthcare, sickle cell prevention and the risks posed by unsafe products, these stories show the continuing need for stronger prevention, early detection, accessible treatment and sustained investment in Nigeria’s health system.
🔟 Top 10 Stories This Week
🔟 Stakeholders Seek Free Genotype Testing Across Nigeria
Stakeholders have called for free genotype testing in public healthcare facilities, seeking to improve access to information that can help Nigerians make informed reproductive-health decisions and strengthen sickle cell prevention….
9️⃣ Edo Makes Malaria Testing, Treatment Free for Two Years
The Edo State Government has made malaria testing and treatment free in government hospitals for two years, removing a major financial barrier to diagnosis and treatment of one of Nigeria’s most common infectious diseases….
8️⃣ Nigeria’s Kidney Disease Burden Fuels Call for National Policy
Nigeria needs a dedicated national kidney-care policy as chronic kidney disease continues to place a growing burden on patients. Experts have called for prevention, early detection and kidney care to be integrated into primary healthcare.
7️⃣ 15m Nigerians Living with Diabetes – Expert
About 15 million Nigerians are living with diabetes, while many others remain undiagnosed…
6️⃣ Ogun Assembly Passes Safe Termination of Pregnancy Bill
The Ogun State House of Assembly has passed a bill establishing a legal framework for safe termination of pregnancy in specified circumstances….
5️⃣ MTN, Gates Launch $25m AI Maternal Health Initiative
MTN Group Foundation and the Gates Foundation have launched a $25 million AI-enabled maternal health initiative in Nigeria. The four-year programme aims to help 500,000 women access better care, equip 5,000 frontline health workers with digital tools and support 500 health facilities by 2030…
4️⃣ The Drink That Turned Deadly: Inside Ondo’s Monkey Tail Poisoning Tragedy
The Ondo poisoning tragedy has exposed the serious public-health risks surrounding suspected methanol-contaminated alcoholic and herbal drinks. The special report goes beyond the death toll to examine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and what it reveals about consumer safety and regulation…
3️⃣ Polio Surveillance Gaps Persist in Hard-to-Reach Communities
Nigeria has identified gaps in polio surveillance in hard-to-reach communities, raising concerns that infectious diseases could go undetected…
2️⃣ Lassa Fever Cases Reach 1,086 in Nigeria
Nigeria has recorded 1,086 confirmed Lassa fever cases and 259 deaths across 24 states and 118 LGAs in 2026…
1️⃣ Plateau Diphtheria Outbreak Kills 31, Records 469 Suspected Cases
The diphtheria outbreak in Plateau State has killed 31 people and recorded 469 suspected cases across 10 LGAs, prompting intensified surveillance, vaccination and treatment efforts…
About the Author
Korede Abdullah 
