Mirian Gom 
📝 Editor’s Note
From Lassa fever alerts in Nigeria to the global rise of mental health and epidemic concerns, this week underscored how Africa’s health challenges are deeply interconnected — stretching from governance gaps to scientific innovation.
The Africa CDC’s manufacturing initiative (AMMINA) marks a historic step toward self-reliance, while Ogun’s safe abortion policy and Edo’s maternal reforms spotlight local governments embracing evidence-based healthcare.
Mental health remained front and centre — with the WHO warning that only 11 African countries include it in disaster plans, and Nigeria recording a rising surge in cases. Meanwhile, Aproko Doctor’s arthritis warning went viral, reminding young Africans that chronic diseases no longer belong to the elderly.
At the heart of it all is a shared theme: resilience through reform and research. Africa’s health story this week is not just about crisis response — it’s about shaping the systems that can prevent the next one.
🔟 Top 10 Health Stories This Week
10. UNILAG Don Urges Nigeria to Harness Indigenous Medicinal Resources
A University of Lagos professor has called for stronger investment in indigenous medicinal research to unlock local therapies for chronic diseases….
9. Aproko Doctor Warns Young Nigerians on Rising Arthritis Risk
Popular health advocate Dr Chinonso Egemba (Aproko Doctor) warns that arthritis is fast affecting young Nigerians, urging lifestyle changes for early prevention…
8. Kwara Launches 10-Day Vaccination Drive for Children’s Protection
Kwara State has rolled out a 10-day immunisation campaign targeting thousands of children to strengthen protection against preventable diseases…
7. NAFDAC, NNMDA Partner to Advance Clinical Trials for Herbal Medicine
Nigeria’s drug regulator (NAFDAC) and the Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) have agreed to collaborate on clinical trials for herbal medicines to meet global standards…
6. WHO Warns Only 11 African Nations Integrate Mental Health in Disaster Plans
The World Health Organisation (WHO) warns that just 11 African countries have integrated mental health into disaster preparedness plans, risking millions in crises…
5. Ogun Implements Safe Abortion Guidelines to Reduce Maternal Deaths
Ogun State has adopted WHO-aligned safe abortion protocols to reduce maternal mortality and unsafe terminations — a major step for reproductive health rights in Nigeria…
4. Nigeria Opens First TMS Centre to Treat Depression, PTSD
Nigeria has opened its first Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) centre in Lagos to treat depression and post-traumatic stress disorder non-invasively….
3. Africa CDC Unveils AMMINA to Boost Africa’s Health Manufacturing
The Africa CDC has launched AMMINA — the Africa Medical Manufacturing and Innovation Network — to enhance local vaccine and drug production capacity across the continent…
2. Kano Issues Lassa Fever Alert, Activates Emergency Health Response
Following new infections, Kano State has activated emergency response systems to contain Lassa fever outbreaks, urging residents to maintain hygiene and report symptoms early…
1. WHO Warns: 15m Teens Now Addicted to Vaping
The World Health Organisation has sounded alarm that 15 million teenagers are now addicted to vaping globally, calling for stricter regulations and youth awareness campaigns….
About the Author
Oluwatobi Adu 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Korede Abdullah 