✍️ Editor’s Note
This week highlights growing concerns over infectious disease outbreaks, healthcare workforce shortages, women’s health crises and rising treatment costs. From meningitis deaths in Sokoto to the hidden burden of schistosomiasis affecting Nigerian women, the reports expose major gaps in healthcare systems across the continent.
At the same time, signs of progress emerged through malaria vaccine breakthroughs, expanded cancer care plans and efforts to address Nigeria’s midwife shortage. Together, these stories show that Africa’s health future depends on stronger investments in public health, medical workforce development, disease prevention and equitable healthcare access.
The week’s coverage also reflects the increasing global importance of Africa’s health challenges, as outbreaks, workforce migration and healthcare inequalities continue to shape international public health discussions.
🔟 Top 10 Stories This Week

🔟 Abuja Cancer Programme Launches Nine Projects
After more than 30 months of planning, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has launched…

9️⃣ Oyo Intensifies Fight Against Female Genital Mutilation
Health authorities in Oyo State have intensified efforts to end Female Genital Mutilation through…

8️⃣ Asthma Crisis Sparks Call for Subsidised Inhalers
The Nigerian Thoracic Society has called for urgent government intervention to subsidise asthma medications, …

7️⃣ Nigeria Unveils Plan to Tackle 30,000 Midwife Shortage
Nigeria launches an ambitious national strategy to close a 30,000-midwife gap, targeting high maternal…

6️⃣ WHO Says Africa Faces 54% Health Workforce Gap
Africa is currently operating with just 46% of the health workforce it needs, leaving…

5️⃣ WHO Study Says Malaria Vaccine Cuts Child Deaths in Africa
A new evaluation published in World Health Organization findings says the RTS, S malaria…

4️⃣ Rare Hantavirus Strain Confirmed in South Africa
A rare human-transmissible hantavirus strain is confirmed in South Africa after deaths linked to…

3️⃣ Meningitis Outbreak Kills 33 Children in Sokoto
A fresh outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis has killed at least 33 children in Sokoto…

2️⃣ The Malaria Trap: Nigeria’s Endless Public Health Crisis
As much of the world edges closer to defeating one of humanity’s deadliest diseases, …

1️⃣ Dying in Silence: Hidden Disease Stealing Futures of Nigerian Women
Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease silently damaging their health, fertility, and dignity. Many remain…
