Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Nigeria health

  • Major Healthcare Crisis Averted as JOHESU Suspends Three-Month Strike

    Major Healthcare Crisis Averted as JOHESU Suspends Three-Month Strike

    In an update published by Channels TV, the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has suspended its 84-day nationwide strike following a breakthrough in negotiations with the Federal Government. The suspension brings relief to millions of Nigerians who have been unable to access affordable healthcare services in public hospitals for nearly three months.

    The union, which represents nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory scientists, had downed tools over issues including the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and the payment of hazard allowance arrears. The government has reportedly agreed to a phased implementation of the new salary structure and has committed to clearing outstanding arrears by the end of the second quarter of 2026.

    While the strike is suspended, the union has warned that its members will not hesitate to resume industrial action if the government fails to uphold its end of the bargain. Hospital managements across the country have been directed to ensure a smooth transition and immediate resumption of clinical services.

    Validating reports from Vanguard and Premium Times highlight the human cost of the dispute. Vanguard reported that “maternal and child mortality rates spiked in several states during the strike period,” and Premium Times quoted the JOHESU Chairman saying, “we are suspending the strike in good faith, but our eyes are on the implementation timeline.”

    Echotitbits take: The healthcare system has taken a massive hit, and “suspending” is not the same as “ending.” The government must prioritize these payments to prevent a total collapse of the public health sector, especially with Lassa Fever cases rising in the North.

    Source: NigeriaInfo – https://www.nigeriainfo.fm/news/homepagelagos/johesu-suspends-84-day-nationwide-strike/, February 10, 2026

    Photo credit: Voice of Nigeria

  • Nigeria Secures $500 Million World Bank Credit for Rural Water Access

    Nigeria Secures $500 Million World Bank Credit for Rural Water Access

    The World Bank has approved a $500 million credit facility for Nigeria to expand rural water supply and sanitation under the SURWASH program, aimed at reducing waterborne diseases in underserved communities.

    The initiative will reportedly fund solar-powered boreholes and rehabilitation of water treatment plants across 12 pilot states, alongside hygiene education to reduce open defecation.

    Experts say improved access to clean water can lower child mortality and increase school attendance, while Nigeria is expected to provide counterpart funding to improve sustainability.

    Echotitbits take: Solar-powered boreholes make sense given Nigeria’s power constraints. The recurring weak link is maintenance: too many projects fail months after commissioning because there’s no accountable O&M structure. Sustainability planning should be non-negotiable.
    Source: NairaMetrics – https://nairametrics.com/2024/07/29/nigeria-engages-world-bank-for-500-million-loan-to-boost-dam-safety-water-resource-management/ 2026-01-27

    Photo Credit: NairaMetrics

  • Lagos Hospital Achieves Breakthrough with First Robotic Gynaecological Surgery

    Lagos Hospital Achieves Breakthrough with First Robotic Gynaecological Surgery

    A private clinic in Lagos has reportedly performed the first robotic gynaecological surgery in West Africa, using robotic technology to remove two large tumors on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

    Medical Director Kingsley Ekwueme stated that the milestone expands the scope of robotic surgery in the region from earlier applications in prostate treatments to women’s health. The patient was reported to be recovering quickly, aided by the minimally invasive nature of the procedure and the prospect of a shorter hospital stay.

    Healthcare observers see the development as a potential boost for medical tourism and a sign of growing private-sector capacity to deliver advanced procedures that previously required overseas treatment. Separate reporting also highlighted the technological significance of the operation and referenced commentary from the clinic’s leadership about extending innovation into women’s surgeries.

    Echotitbits take: This is a major win for the “Reverse Brain Drain” in the medical field. If more private clinics invest in this tech, Nigeria could become a regional hub for advanced surgery in West Africa.
    Source: GenezLandHospital – https://genezlandhospital.com/news/lagos-university-teaching-hospital-successfully-performs-first-robotic-surgery-in-nigeria 2026-01-26

    Photo Credit: GenezLandHospital

  • Polio cases drop sharply in Kano, Katsina as eradication push intensifies

    Polio cases drop sharply in Kano, Katsina as eradication push intensifies

    An illustration depicting a particle of the polio virus – New York Times
    2025-12-14

    According to The Punch, Nigeria’s polio-response managers say reported circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) cases have fallen, with Kano and Katsina recording the biggest declines, even as officials warn outbreaks can rebound if immunisation gaps persist.

    The update was presented during a National Economic Council (NEC) review, where officials linked the improvement to intensified campaigns, tighter monitoring and stronger coordination in high-risk areas.

    State House reporting on the same NEC meeting referenced a national reduction figure and stressed that progress depends on sustaining high coverage and rapid response where surveillance detects new risks.

    The Whistler also reported the NEC briefing and echoed the warning that gains will only hold if surveillance and response remain consistent across states.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Kano and Katsina are pivotal in Nigeria’s polio history—progress there is meaningful but fragile. Watch for stronger routine immunisation (not only campaigns), improved surveillance quality, and faster close-out of ‘zero-dose’ pockets that can reseed outbreaks.

    Source: The Punch — 14 Dec 2025 (https://punchng.com/govt-warns-as-polio-drops-in-kano-katsina/)