AGP Executive Report

Malaria Drug Resistance Watch: A new report warns that artemisinin-based malaria treatments (ACTs) may face renewed resistance in Africa, after past setbacks in Southeast Asia showed the problem can return fast. Brain Health Push: Nigeria plans a Brain Health Desk and a National Brain Health Agenda as neurosurgeon and CT-scan shortages limit care for stroke, tumours and spinal injuries. Immunisation Gaps: UNICEF and WHO say global child immunisation improved slightly in 2025, but “zero-dose” children still number 13.5m and drop-outs remain high, raising outbreak risk. Ebola Speed Alarm: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed over 1,000 people in just over two months, far faster than the 2014-16 crisis, with no approved vaccines or treatments for this variant. Food System Strategy: FG unveils a 10-year Agrifood System Strategy to tackle food insecurity and coordinate action beyond pilot projects. NAFDAC Crackdown: NAFDAC begins nationwide seizures and raids targeting banned sachet alcohol and small-bottle drinks below 200ml. Roads & Health Access: Senate urges more funding for FERMA to urgently rehabilitate failed federal roads, citing impacts on healthcare delivery and education. Kogi Mining Safety: Senate demands overhaul of mining safety after a coal mine collapse killed 20 miners in Kogi. HIV/Triple Elimination: Kano renews efforts to stop mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B and syphilis through stronger antenatal care and early treatment. Malaria Treatment Safety Tip: A separate piece lists ways to spot counterfeit malaria medicines in Nigeria.

NAFDAC Crackdown: The agency has begun nationwide enforcement to seize and remove sachet and small-bottle (below 200ml) alcoholic drinks, warning manufacturers and sellers of sanctions and prosecution. Cholera in Borno: Médecins Sans Frontières reports cholera transmission is outpacing containment in Borno, with over 35,500 suspected cases and 198 deaths recorded as of July 12. FG Health Security: Nigeria Governors’ Forum and partners unveiled a Health Security Scorecard to track state readiness for outbreaks and emergencies. Maternal & Child Care in Lagos: Oshodi-Isolo flagged off the 2026 MNCAH+N Week offering free maternal, newborn, child and adolescent services including immunisation, deworming and nutrition support. Autism Inclusion: GTCO announced plans for its 16th Autism Conference, focused on acceptance from family to classroom and workplace. Food & Nutrition: A bouillon fortification push is highlighted as a way to tackle Nigeria’s “hidden hunger” by boosting iron, zinc and folic acid in everyday diets. Health Under Attack: An international report says 101 attacks on Nigerian health facilities and personnel occurred between 2023 and 2025, including 91 kidnappings and 15 deaths. Digital Plant Disease Surveillance: FG launched the WAVE platform to improve early detection of transboundary plant diseases across West and Central Africa.

Cholera Surge in Borno: Médecins Sans Frontières reports 24,000+ treated for suspected cholera and warns facilities may be overwhelmed as cases rise amid poor water, sanitation and overcrowding. Food Affordability Crisis: A UN report says 191.2 million Nigerians couldn’t afford a healthy diet in 2025, with the daily cost of nutritious food rising sharply. Kano Drug Crackdown: Kano Governor Abba Yusuf signs executive orders banning illicit drug sales and unregistered pharma without prescriptions, plus movement restrictions in abuse hotspots and a multi-agency task force. Kwara Digital Civil Registration: Nigeria’s NPC begins full digital birth and death registration in Kwara via the VitalReg platform across all 16 LGAs. Healthcare Financing Push: FCMB announces an upcoming healthcare summit to bring financiers, policymakers and partners together to unlock investment for Nigeria’s health sector. Autism Support in Lagos: GTCO’s Orange Ribbon initiative schedules its 16th Autism Conference and free family consultations to move from awareness to “acceptance in action.” Food Safety Lawmakers Step Back: The House of Reps shelves a bill targeting unbranded, unfortified edible oils after concerns it duplicates existing regulators like NAFDAC.

Breastfeeding Push: Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare will mark 2026 World Breastfeeding Week with nationwide outreach, media campaigns and health worker training across all 36 states and FCT, urging mothers to breastfeed as recommended. Flood Alerts: NIHSA placed 17 states on medium flood alert (July 21–27), warning communities along river channels to begin evacuation from floodplains to avoid localized flooding and damage. Workplace Safety: Ogun State urged industries to strengthen workplace safety, risk management and industrial resilience, after noting gaps between safety policies and real implementation. Healthcare Workforce Under Strain: Nurses’ groups condemned an alleged assault on a Chief Nursing Officer at Adeoyo State Hospital, Ibadan, calling for arrest of the accused and warning of possible industrial action over staffing shortages. Food & Drug Safety: Reps moved to strengthen regulation of foods, vaccines and medical devices, while NAFDAC blacklisted Onifam laboratories and seized diesel tankers linked to edible oil. Public Health in Focus: A report says 8 in 10 Nigerians can’t afford a healthy diet, highlighting nutrition access as a major health challenge. Health-Related Violence: Reports also flagged alleged shootings during customs rice-smuggling raids in Lagos and an abduction of a pastor’s wife and children by suspected Islamists in the northeast.

Mental Health & Awareness: Ex-squash champion Moses Olubo begins a multi-continental “A Ride For Life” motorcycle expedition to raise mental health awareness and challenge stigma, dedicating the journey to his son living with mental illness. Public Health & Regulation: The Senate advances a bill to overhaul Nigeria’s food and drug regulation laws, aiming for a single framework to better protect patients from unsafe food and counterfeit or substandard medical products. Flood Risk: Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) issues a 7-day flood advisory for 17 states (July 21–27), warning of medium flood risk and urging evacuation and preparedness, with Bauchi flagged as most exposed. Healthcare Access & Identity: NPC begins full digital birth and death registration in Kogi under the VitalReg E-CRVS system, addressing low registration coverage that limits legal identity and planning. Mental Health Care Gap: Nigerian rapper YCee says he has lived with bipolar disorder since 2020, pointing to shortages of specialists and treatment access in Nigeria. Health Security & Medicines: Troops in Borno intercept concealed medical supplies and arrest suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, including dewormers and injectable drugs. Eye Health Impact: Cure Blindness Project releases its 2025 impact report, citing record sight-restoring surgeries and expanded community-based eye care. Brain Drain Debate: A Nigerian neurosurgeon’s US appointment sparks renewed discussion on health workforce migration and Nigeria’s specialist shortages. Food & Nutrition: ActionAid warns of looming food and nutrition crises tied to climate and trade risks, as hunger trends shift across Africa.

Healthcare Access & Insurance: Enugu State extended health insurance to market traders via a new scheme with an annual N12,000 premium, including a 24-hour control room and toll-free line for complaints. Hospital & Workforce Tensions: Workers’ Rights Campaign backed nurses’ strike threats at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Kaduna, alleging victimisation and refusal to honour agreements. Regulation & Medicines: NAFDAC blacklisted Onifam Laboratories and directors over regulatory violations, as Nigeria continues to battle unsafe medicines and counterfeit drug risks. Public Health & Emergencies: NEMA confirmed four deaths after a windstorm in Sokoto, while police and hospitals reported multiple casualties from a deadly crush at a preacher’s gathering in Burundi. Health System Capacity: Edo hospital secured full accreditation for residency programmes and acquired IVF equipment to expand fertility care. Medical Professionals in Security: Nigeria Police promoted three specialist medical doctors to Superintendent of Police after conversion into the medical cadre. Digital Health & Compliance: Nigeria Revenue Service began monitoring large taxpayers’ compliance with electronic invoicing and EFS, with onboarding deadlines set for end of July.

Public Health & Safety: NCDC says it’s supporting Niger State to contain a suspected diphtheria outbreak after confirmed/suspected cases, including training and equipping Infection Prevention and Control focal persons with UNICEF support. Risk Communication: Lagos State and the EpiC project held a Risk Communication and Community Engagement workshop to improve emergency preparedness, fight misinformation, and strengthen grassroots health literacy. Workplace Health: Rivers Police launched a 14-day “Know Your Numbers” health assessment for officers and families, offering free consultations, training, treatment and health education. Medicines Regulation: NAFDAC blacklisted Onifam Laboratories Ltd and directors over regulatory misrepresentation, misuse of approvals, improper product registration/transfer and other violations that could undermine medicine traceability. Healthcare Access & Costs: Stakeholders at a Leadway Health media training urged action on Nigeria’s healthcare challenges, warning that poor access, staff shortages, weak infrastructure, drug supply problems and delayed hospital reimbursements push people toward self-medication and worsen outcomes. Disaster Response: Heavy rainstorms in Sokoto left at least four dead and damaged homes, a primary school and a hospital, with NEMA assessing humanitarian needs. Community Health & Youth: Residents in Gwagwalada called for better sports facilities and regular grassroots competitions to keep youths engaged and away from crime. Child Safety: Ogun State directed hoteliers and hospitality operators to stop child labour and exploitation, including banning minors from late-night work and exploitative promotions. Missing Child: A 12-year-old Benue boy reported missing was found safe in Gombe and is in NSCDC custody pending reunion.

Biomedical Education: Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni inaugurates a steering committee to establish the Yobe Institute of Biomedical Engineering Technology, aiming to train biomedical/clinical engineers and boost healthcare innovation. Diagnostics & Local Manufacturing: FG moves to accelerate local production of Rapid Diagnostic Test kits and In-Vitro Diagnostics for malaria, TB and other priority diseases, with plans to clear legal bottlenecks for a manufacturing facility. Diaspora Health Workforce: FG launches the Nigeria Diaspora Advanced Health Programme (NiDAH-P) and a digital portal to reconnect Nigerian doctors, nurses and pharmacists abroad with local care through virtual and physical support. Nutrition & Child Health: Reports link worsening child malnutrition in northern Nigeria to the Iran war’s food impact and Nigeria’s inflation pressures, with families struggling to feed children consistently. Security With Health Impact: Troops foil an ISWAP attempt to abduct students at FGGC Monguno, Borno, rescuing 46 students but with fatalities reported among students. Health System Accountability: A World Bank-backed $3.5bn social investment push faces renewed calls for transparency so funds reach intended beneficiaries. Road Safety: Three young men die after a crash into a bridge culvert in Abuja, highlighting ongoing injury and mortality risks on roads.

Malnutrition Crisis: AP reports children in Sokoto are relapsing into malnutrition as families struggle with food inconsistency, linked to the Iran-driven fuel price shock and broader economic pressure. Nutrition Funding Push: Bauchi local governments are increasing nutrition budgets after CS-SUNN advocacy, with councils urged to create dedicated budget lines and release funds for anti-stunting work. Child Health & Care: A paediatrician says seizures in children are treatable and not spiritual attacks, urging parents to seek prompt medical care. Public Health Awareness: Residents in Abuja’s FCT are shifting toward healthier eating, adding fruits, vegetables and beans as concerns grow over processed foods and preservatives. Healthcare Support: Peter Obi marks 65 with a ₦10m donation to St. Raphael Hospital, stressing health and education as key to national growth. Medical Training Boost: Niger State Governor Umaru Bago donates ₦100m to IBBU Lapai’s College of Medicine for 41 pioneer students’ clinicals. Emergency Response: FRSC reports a fatal Abuja crash where three died after a Toyota Camry hit a bridge culvert; one survivor is receiving hospital care.

Malnutrition Surge: Northern Nigeria is seeing more children relapse into malnutrition, with health workers linking the worsening food insecurity to knock-on effects from the Iran war, inflation and job losses. Emergency Care Reform: A U.S.-based Nigerian doctor urged government to streamline emergency hospital care so patients aren’t delayed by paperwork, referrals and payments. Nurse Death Probe Demands: Ebonyi’s Mary Habila death has sparked calls for an independent autopsy as Works Minister David Umahi says she was “like a daughter,” denies foul play, and says she had an undisclosed condition treated in Abuja. Kidnapping Rescue Pressure: Northern stakeholders are demanding faster action to rescue hundreds of captives still held by terrorists, pointing to uneven government response after the Oriire school rescue. Kidney Crisis Drivers: A report highlights how painkillers, herbal mixtures, unsafe water and self-medication are fueling kidney failure cases, with many patients arriving only after organs have failed. Nurses’ Fee Outcry: Ogun nurses accuse a nursing college of commercialising training through rising fees, including alleged ₦200,000 qualifying exam charges. Food Security Tech Push: FG unveiled an AI-powered crop monitoring system to improve in-season data and strengthen food security planning across priority states. Public Health Safety: N-HYPPADEC says life jackets can cut boat accident deaths by 60% and plans more distribution ahead of flooding seasons. US Travel Warning: The U.S. issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for 23 countries, including parts of Nigeria flagged for security concerns.

Digital Health & UHC: FG fast-tracks digital health identity, aiming to improve patient identification, continuity of care, disease surveillance and NHIS enrolment verification. Primary Healthcare Access: Rivers communities in Oyigbo/Port Harcourt see renewed Primary Healthcare Centres with solar power, stocked facilities and more reliable staff—though the gains need sustained funding. Health System Leadership: UNICEF and EU-backed partners launch an Adamawa health leadership capacity initiative to strengthen RMNCAH+N and GBV services. Health Financing Pressure: Stakeholders warn Nigeria’s health insurance coverage is still very low (about 5–8%), pushing millions into out-of-pocket spending; calls grow to expand coverage, including for informal workers. Medical Tourism & Quality: Aga Khan University Hospital urges Africa-led strategies to curb outbound medical tourism by improving specialist training, clinical research and quality standards. Public Health & Safety: Nigeria’s NCDC and UNICEF partner with Niger State on disease control; Niger also reports a suspected diphtheria death amid immunisation push. Community Health Support: Rotary and partners donate surgical equipment and items to Apata General Hospital, Ibadan, to support maternal and child health. Mental Health Call: A national Mental Health and GBV conference is set for Oct 8–10, 2026, to move beyond awareness into system solutions.

UNICEF Child Protection Push: UNICEF chief Catherine Russell wrapped up a Nigeria visit, urging stronger investment to protect children’s health, food and education amid conflict and rising food insecurity, with Sokoto programmes treating malnutrition and expanding learning support. Rainy-Season Health Tips: Health guidance highlights common seasonal risks like malaria, flu/colds, typhoid, cholera and asthma flare-ups, stressing simple prevention habits to stay well during heavy rains. Healthcare Workforce Crisis: Professor Thadius Ijadunola warns Nigeria’s health system is being weakened by a “double depletion” as professionals migrate and experienced staff retire, calling for urgent reforms and sustained investment. Diaspora Doctors Programme: FG launched NiDAH-P to coordinate Nigerian health professionals abroad and plug gaps in federal tertiary hospitals through specialist services and training support. Malaria Control Call: #EndMalariaInNigeria urges aggressive mosquito control, saying diagnosis and treatment alone won’t cut deaths. Public Health Safety in Lagos: LASEMA begins controlled demolition of a fire-damaged Martins Street building on Lagos Island after structural checks, with trading and access restricted to protect residents. Child Safety & Violence: Anambra police hunt a teacher accused of flogging a 12-year-old student to death, while a court in Anambra sentenced two men to death for rape and murder of a 17-year-old. NHIS Implementation Gaps: Reports say NHIS enrollees still face medicine shortages, delayed referrals, long waits and out-of-pocket costs despite the scheme’s promise. Energy & Health Link: Emir Sanusi says unreliable electricity is Nigeria’s biggest industrialisation barrier and also affects healthcare delivery.

Customs & Border Security: Benin and Nigeria concluded a WCO-led geospatial intelligence operation along the border, making 37 seizures of narcotics, pharmaceuticals, petroleum products and other illicit goods. Oil Sector Compliance: NUPRC warned new oil block owners to “drill or drop” under the Petroleum Industry Act, stressing health, safety and environmental standards. Poverty & Primary Healthcare: Tinubu launched $3.05bn World Bank-backed programmes (NG-CARES, SOLID, HOPE) to cut poverty, strengthen community resilience and boost healthcare and education. Police & Mental Health: IGP Disu vowed to rescue more kidnap victims, while Remi Tinubu urged better mental health support for police wives. Drug Regulation: PCN sealed 505 illegal/non-compliant drug outlets in Cross River after finding widespread breaches. Diaspora Health: FG launched NiDAH-P and a digital portal to mobilise Nigerian health professionals abroad to support care, training and research. Maternal/Child Health Boost: UNICEF commended Sokoto’s investments in child healthcare and education. Public Health & Safety: Lagos began controlled demolition of a fire-damaged Martins Street building and renewed calls for stronger waste enforcement to protect health. Food Systems & Climate: A study links human-driven climate change and rapid urbanisation to severe West Africa flooding, raising risks of water-borne diseases. TB Vaccine Pipeline: Serum Institute partnered with Gates MRI to produce an experimental TB vaccine. High-Profile Death Case: Mary Habila’s father petitioned the IGP opposing an autopsy and demanding release of her body for burial.

Poverty & Human Capital: President Tinubu unveiled a $3.05bn World Bank-backed social investment package—NG-CARES ($1.25bn), SOLID for IDPs ($300m) and HOPE ($1.5bn: HOPE Gov, HOPE PHC, HOPE Edu)—to turn reform gains into better lives for Nigerians. Food Security & Nutrition: BUA Foods plans to double wheat milling capacity to over 2m metric tons, aiming to boost availability of staple foods. Primary Healthcare Access: ACPN urged the FG to integrate registered community pharmacists into NHIA to expand affordable care and improve medicine availability and safety. Child Nutrition: Shettima said FG has mobilised N7.6bn for child nutrition via the Presidential Nutrition Intervention Fund, with UNICEF support. Medicines Safety: African Medicines Agency and Medicines for Africa signed an MoU to strengthen advocacy and communication against substandard and falsified medicines. Public Health Emergency: WHO called for urgent global support as DRC’s Ebola outbreak accelerates, with thousands of cases and deaths reported. Security & Health Access: Kogi said four abducted NECO exam victims in Dekina were rescued after a joint security operation. Health Workforce & Policy: Nigeria’s Genomic City was flagged as a push for research and healthcare innovation, while discussions continue on strengthening health systems and training. Community Health Governance: Lagos Deputy Gov Hamzat stressed accountability and education to curb gender-based violence. Controversy Watch: The Mary Habila death saga continues to trigger calls for autopsy and independent investigation, with youth groups split on whether Umahi should resign.

Human Capital & Primary Care: President Tinubu launched a $1.25bn World Bank-backed human capital programme aimed at cutting poverty and strengthening healthcare and education, with a focus on smallholder farmers, small businesses and displaced communities. Clean Cooking & Public Health: Borno Governor Zulum distributed 23,700 clean cooking gas cylinders and stoves to primary school teachers and environmental vanguards across all 27 LGAs, using refill vouchers to reduce deforestation-linked health risks. Health System Strengthening: Anambra inaugurated a Technical Working Group on eye, ear and sensory health to tackle preventable blindness and improve sensory care planning. Cancer/Diagnostics & Access: The Senate passed the bill establishing a Federal University of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology in Jos to boost diagnostics and reduce medical tourism. TB Vaccine Update: India’s Serum Institute said it will manufacture an experimental TB vaccine with Gates MRI, a potential first new TB shot in over 100 years if approved. Food Inflation & Wellness: CPPE warned that food prices remain the biggest threat to Nigeria’s inflation outlook despite easing headline figures—an issue that directly hits household nutrition. Medical Regulation & Safety: Nigeria’s Physiotherapy Society said “Mary Habila” is not on its register of licensed physiotherapists, urging due diligence on professional identity. Public Health Alerts: Nigeria issued a flood alert for 14 states, warning that schools and healthcare centres could be affected if preventive steps aren’t taken. Controversy & Accountability: Calls for an independent, transparent police investigation into Mary Habila’s death continued, with rights groups pushing for credible autopsy and due process.

HIV Surveillance Prep: Anambra Concludes recruitment for the Nationwide Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance Survey (IBBSS), aiming to strengthen Nigeria’s HIV prevention and treatment planning. Kidney Health Alert: A Lancet study flags chronic kidney disease as the world’s ninth leading cause of death, driven by ageing, unhealthy diets, obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. Oral Care Guidance: A US-based dentist warns many Nigerians use the wrong toothbrush type, urging soft-bristle brushes and earlier dental visits to prevent gum and tooth damage. Dental/Child Health Push: OAUTHC’s paediatric cardiology professor calls for major upgrades to child healthcare, including better primary care, newborn screening and specialist training. Public Health & Climate Link: Nigeria joins a global initiative aligning food systems transformation with climate action, targeting food security and resilience. Governance & Health Systems: Lagos seals an Ikoyi property over untreated sewage discharge, while Nigeria’s decarbonisation working group recommits to ending gas flaring by 2030—both tied to health risks from pollution. Controversial Death Case: SOKAPU and NYCN demand transparent investigation and independent autopsy into physiotherapist Mary Habila’s death at Minister David Umahi’s residence, keeping pressure on police and justice processes. Security Impact on Health: Troops rescued 13 kidnap victims and foiled attacks across Zamfara, Edo, Taraba and Plateau, underscoring how insecurity disrupts access to care.