Nigeria Health Watch

Her Sacrifice, Our Shield! Ten years ago, Dr Stella Adadevoh stood as a barrier between #Ebola and millions of lives in Nigeria, Africa, and perhaps the world—because a disease outbreak anywhere poses a threat everywhere. She paid the ultimate price to protect Nigerians and Africans from the deadly #Ebola virus in 2014. Her swift actions and bravery are a powerful reminder of what it means to serve and protect humanity. We are launching a 10-day memorial campaign (#DrAdadevohLivesOn) to celebrate her life and unmatched bravery, honouring her supreme sacrifice and lasting legacy. Dr Ameyo Stella Adadevoh is worth celebrating. What stands out most to you about Dr Adadevoh’s legacy? Please use the hashtag #DrAdadevohLivesOn to share your thoughts.

Did you know that 2025 marks 17 years since we published our first editorial reflecting on issues relating to health and our health sector in Nigeria? We thank all of you for reading. Without you, there would be no need for Nigeria Health Watch. In our first #NHWPost for the #NewYear2025, Vivianne Ihekweazu outlines five critical issues that demand immediate and sustained action to ensure a healthier future for all Nigerians. Read and share your thoughts here: https://lnkd.in/ddwx8eK4 #HealthForAll #HealthForAllNG

Our final article for 2024 is here, and it’s one you won’t want to miss! As the year comes to an end, we take a moment to reflect on the pivotal moments that shaped Nigeria’s health sector in 2024. From groundbreaking policies to significant investments, innovative partnerships, and remarkable milestones, this year has been one of progress, challenges, and opportunities. In this insightful #NHWPost, Alexander Chiejina and Chukwuemeka Oguanuo explore the key highlights that defined the year. As you read, we encourage you to share your thoughts: What stood out for you in the health sector this year? Let’s continue the conversation about how we can build on these achievements for an even better 2025! Read the full article here: https://nhwat.ch/40fefGr #HealthForAllNG

Political leadership plays a crucial role in accelerating progress toward achieving effective primary healthcare in Nigeria. In this #Christmas special #NHWPost, our Managing Director, Vivianne Ihekweazu writes about the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge Fund (PHC-LCF), a strategic initiative designed to address critical leadership gaps within the Primary Healthcare (PHC) system. The Overall National Best Performing State was Anambra State. The winning states deserve recognition for their achievement; however, citizens must hold their decision-makers accountable, not only tracking how the prize funds are spent, but also demanding transparency and asking questions. During this festive season, as families travel to their home states, this is an opportunity for you to assess the state of primary healthcare facilities in your local government areas. How will you engage with the community and advocate for improved healthcare access? Read here to find out more details about the 2024 #PHCLeadershipChallenge Awards organised by Nigeria Governors' Forum Secretariat, with support from partners: https://nhwat.ch/49UxkRE UNICEF Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Aliko Dangote Foundation #MerryChristmas

When women are empowered to make their own reproductive choices, who benefits most? ➡️Women, ➡️Families, or ➡️Society? Think of a woman who couldn’t decide if or when to have a child. Now, imagine what she could achieve if she had that choice. What would this freedom mean for her future and the society at large? Let’s discuss this as we hear from Dr Samukeliso Dube, the Executive Director of FP2030 in our latest curated conversation hosted by Chibuike Alagboso, our Deputy Director, Media Programmes. They discussed how African countries are making family planning a development and political conversation, the lessons learned, and the importance of collaboration across borders. Watch the discussion here: https://lnkd.in/dUbG-qaC A woman's body belongs to her. What's your perspective on this? United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) UNFPA WCARO | West and Central Africa Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng Jason Bremner Dr Ebere Okereke Dr. Roopa Dhatt Magda Robalo Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu Maliha Khan Vivianne Ihekweazu Coalition for Women's Health in Africa (COWHA) Women in Global Health Cassandra Akinde MBBS, MSc World Health Organization #FP2030 #FundFPNaija

Health misinformation poses significant challenges to public health initiatives, particularly during emergencies. To combat health misinformation and foster accurate health communication, early this year, we launched the social media influencer fellowship and partnered with the Lagos State Ministry of Health and Niger State Ministry of Health to launch the Health Misinformation Management Fellowship in Lagos and Niger State, which aimed to build a network of informed stakeholders who will play a key role in addressing health misinformation and contribute to improved public health interventions both and online and offline. After months of intensive activities, including training, media engagement, and community sensitisation, tomorrow marks the Health Misinformation Management Fellowship graduation ceremony. Register here: https://lnkd.in/d-XVpPMh #HealthfactCheckNaija

Infectious diseases remain one of the most pressing threats to global health, placing immense strain on health systems, economies, and communities globally. From the persistent burden of diseases to the rising challenges of antimicrobial resistance, addressing these threats requires global collaboration & the translation of scientific advances into real-world solutions that reach the most vulnerable populations. This week, our Director of Programmes, Kemisola Agbaoye MD led our team, Abara Erim, & Sonia Biose, to join other public health leaders, infectious disease experts, and stakeholders from around the world in Cape Town, South Africa, as the International Society for Infectious Diseases convened its 20th International Congress on Infectious Diseases (ICID) 2024. The ICID is a biannual event that brings together public health experts, researchers, & other stakeholders to share innovations and foster cross-learning. It featured expert sessions, workshops, plenary discussions, & abstract presentations on a range of topical issues. These sessions included discussions about global health security, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), & other pressing infectious disease topics, as well as the latest innovations in these areas. A key highlight of the event was the inaugural Global Surveillance Summit, hosted by the Africa CDC, ProMed, & ISID. This session addressed major challenges in infectious diseases and epidemics within Africa, focusing particularly on AMR and innovative strategies to tackle these issues, as well as the importance of public/private partnerships & innovative funding mechanisms for outbreaks. The Nigeria Health Watch contributed to discussions at the congress by presenting four abstract posters informed by our work on the Health Misinformation Management Project, where we showcased strategies we are exploring to address health misinformation and build better-informed communities in Nigeria. We were pleased to have contributed to this important discourse & to make meaningful connections. As the ICID comes to a close, it is essential to reiterate some remarks that stood out during the event: ➡️Infectious diseases remain a persistent threat, and we cannot predict when the next outbreak or epidemic will occur, which necessitates constant preparedness. ➡️This preparedness requires significant investments in research, response efforts, and particularly in domestic funding. ➡️We must critically examine the drivers of these infectious diseases, such as the rapidly changing climate, and address these factors. ➡️Effective collaboration at all levels is vital if we hope to make a real impact in the fight against infectious diseases. The ICID has sparked many meaningful discussions and now is the time to translate these ideas into action across our countries and continents. We urge all participants to commit to this work as we continue the fight against infectious diseases & antimicrobial resistance. #HealthFactCheckNaija #ICID2024

West African countries face persistent Lassa fever outbreaks, spotlighting critical health challenges such as limited diagnostics, weak surveillance, and low public awareness. Despite ongoing efforts, the need for a united and strategic approach remains pressing. In today's #NHWPost, Ibukun Oguntola and guest writers Dr Virgil LOKOSSOU and Dr Aishat Usman emphasise the importance of cross-border collaboration and enhanced national ownership to tackle this shared health threat effectively. Read here: https://nhwat.ch/3D3c5AF #EndLassaFever

Lassa fever remains one of West Africa's critical public health challenges, requiring innovative strategies and strengthened regional collaboration to improve preparedness and response. On 10th December 2024, OOASWAHO || West African Health Organization will host a webinar titled “New Knowledge Frontiers for Lassa Fever Preparedness and Response in West Africa: Evidence from the Field.” This session will feature leading experts sharing insights on the progress, and exploring future strategies to combat Lassa fever effectively. 📅 Date: 10th December 2024 ⏰ Time: 9:00 GMT / 10:00 AM (WAT) 📌 Register here: [Insert link] This is an opportunity to connect with global and regional leaders driving innovative responses to Lassa fever in the continent. Please don’t miss it! Register now: https://lnkd.in/dgWa_cwt #EndLassaFever

Strengthening Capacity in Misinformation Management As part of efforts to enhance the skills of our current Health Misinformation Fellows and other stakeholders in the misinformation management ecosystem, we recently hosted another insightful technical session, facilitated by Obol Sunday Jimmy, a Risk Communication and Community Engagement expert. The session, titled "Leveraging Social and Behavioral Change Strategies to Combat Health Misinformation," explored critical approaches to tackling misinformation. Opening the session Mr Obol utilised practical examples to explain the concept of misinformation, setting the stage for a deeper reflection He highlighted the role of social norms and the connection between health communication and behaviour change. Importantly, he emphasised addressing misinformation at its core; the source."Understanding why people behave a certain way is as important as the health behaviour itself. A human-centred approach, rooted in community norms, is key," he shared. The session concluded with a call for multisectoral collaboration to combat health misinformation effectively. Participants left better equipped to identify and debunk misinformation, driving lasting impact in their communities. #HealthFactCheckNaija #HealthMisinformation Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Tina D Purnat Okechi Nzedibe. MBA. MSPH. MPCPh Meedan