Federal Medical Centre

28th October, 2025 | Safeguarding Health, Protecting Lives! At the First National Dialogue on the Safe Medical Use of Radioactive Substances in Nigeria, the Honourable Minister of State, @SalakoIziaq , called for collective commitment to uphold the highest standards of radiation safety in healthcare. From diagnostics to cancer care, radioactive substances play a vital role in saving lives — but must be used responsibly to protect the health and safety of all Nigerians. This Dialogue underscores the Ministry’s dedication to advancing radiation safety, strengthening regulation, and expanding access to quality cancer care, all in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda and Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. Together, we can build a Nigeria where advanced care thrives safely and every citizen is protected. #SafeHealthForAll #RadiationSafety #HealthSecurity #RenewedHopeAgenda #CancerCare #HealthForAll #MinistryOfHealthNG

Naija we dey quick say ‘na forgetful person’. But sometimes, it’s more than forgetfulness. This #WorldAlzheimersDay, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reminds us: early care, healthy living, and family support can make all the difference. Together, let’s protect our memories, our elders, and our future. 💜🧠 #HealthyNaija #HealthForAll #MinistryOfHealthNG

Press Release   Abuja, Nigeria | 19 June 2025   NIGERIA MARKS 2025 WORLD SICKLE CELL DAY: REAFFIRMING COMMITMENT TO TRANSFORMING CARE AND STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES   As the global health community commemorates World Sickle Cell Day 2025 under the theme “Transforming Care and Strengthening Communities”, the Federal Government through Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reiterates Nigeria’s commitment to reducing the burden of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) through enhanced awareness, prevention, early diagnosis, and quality care.   Sickle Cell Disease is a severe, inherited blood disorder affecting nearly 100 million people globally, with the highest burden found in sub-Saharan Africa. It accounts for over 50% of deaths among individuals with the most severe form (Hb SS) and remains the most prevalent genetic condition in the WHO African Region. In Nigeria, it contributes significantly to both childhood and adult mortality.   Currently, 25% of Nigerian adults carry the sickle cell gene, and the country records approximately 150,000 infant deaths annually due to SCD representing around 8% of total infant mortality. Survivors often suffer chronic complications, including end-organ damage, stroke, and increased susceptibility to infections. The psychosocial and economic burden is immense — impacting education, employment, mental health, and social inclusion.   Despite these challenges, SCD remains preventable and manageable. However, systemic gaps — such as limited public awareness, inadequate screening, and shortage of trained personnel — continue to hinder progress. Addressing SCD is key to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 (No Poverty), 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and 4 (Quality Education).   National Milestones and Strategic Interventions In response, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has launched several targeted initiatives, including:   1) Training of Primary Health Care (PHC) workers to implement Universal Newborn Screening for SCD, currently ongoing in the South-West geopolitical zone.   2) Development of a National Desk Guide and SOPs for standardizing newborn and infant screening procedures across the country.   3) Establishment of six Centres of Excellence, one in each geopolitical zone, equipped with diagnostic tools (e.g., HPLC) and trained staff to serve as regional hubs for SCD screening and management.   4) Review of National Guidelines for the prevention and control of SCD, incorporating the latest WHO-AFRO recommendations and advancements in care.   5) Integration of SCD services into Primary Health Care, alongside other priority Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).   6) Development of Nigeria’s Package of Essential Non-communicable (NCD) Interventions (Nigeria-PEN), adapted from WHO guidelines, with provisions for genetic counselling, screening, diagnosis, and referral.   7) Establishment of a Multi-Sectoral Action Plan (MSAP) Technical Committee to coordinate national efforts across ministries and agencies.   8) Nationwide advocacy campaigns, with ongoing sensitization on genotype testing and genetic counselling.   9) Pilot implementation of PEN-Plus strategies, focusing on SCD, Type 1 Diabetes, and Rheumatic Heart Disease in collaboration with WHO and the Clinton Health Access Initiative, CHIA.   Forward-Looking Priorities Looking ahead, the government is committed to expanding and institutionalizing care for individuals living with SCD through:   • Revitalizing and upgrading the six SCD centres to improve access to comprehensive care.   • Introducing validated point-of-care screening technologies for newborns and older age groups at all levels of healthcare.   • Scaling up the use of Hydroxyurea, a proven therapy for reducing complications and improving quality of life.   • Integrating SCD services into maternal and child health programs, particularly at primary and secondary care levels.

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE TO THE FAMILY OF LATE DR. ALIMI MUSTAPHA Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and Nigeria’s medical community, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the management and staff of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, as well as to the family, friends, and colleagues of our late brother, Dr. Alimi Mustapha, on his sudden and painful passing. Dr. Alimi was a dedicated physician whose quiet devotion and skilled hands brought healing and hope to many. His professional journey was defined by purpose, humility, and compassion—virtues that embody the essence of true service. His passing is an immense loss to the Nigerian Orthopaedic Association and the broader healthcare community. Yet, even in this moment of grief, we find solace in knowing that those who serve with sincerity and dedication leave an indelible mark—not just in the lives they touch but in the higher realms where every act of care is recorded. As we mourn his departure, we pray that the Almighty Allah, in His infinite mercy, grants him Jannatul Firdous and comforts his loved ones. May his family, colleagues, and all who knew him find strength in faith and in the lasting legacy of kindness he leaves behind. Please accept my deepest and most sincere condolences. Muhammad Ali Pate, CON Coordinating Minister, Health and Social Welfare

📢 Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver Tuberculosis (TB) is preventable, treatable, and curable, but only if we act now! The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, through it’s @NTBLCP1 is committed to ending TB in Nigeria by increasing investments and ensuring quality healthcare delivery for all. 💡 Did You Know? TB treatment is free in Nigeria at designated health facilities! Don’t wait. Visit the nearest PHC if you experience symptoms. 🛑 Together, we can END TB. Commit. Invest. Deliver! 🛑 #YesWeCanEndTB #CommitInvestDeliver #HealthForAll #UCH2030 #MinistryOfHealthNG

FMoH&SW commemorates 2023 World Patient Safety Day. Themed: ‘Engaging the Voice of Patients’. The ministry has also developed the first National Policy and Implementation Strategy on Patients Safety and care quality.