…Says “A Healthy Nation Is a Wealthy Nation”

In a bold move to tackle one of Nigeria’s most pressing women’s health challenges, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has donated N1 billion to the National Cancer Fund, reaffirming her commitment to the fight against cervical cancer in the country.

The donation was made during a courtesy visit to the State House by the National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination, led by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, in commemoration of World Health Day 2025 themed “Healthy Beginnings; Hopeful Future.”

Addressing the delegation, the First Lady urged women to speak up and seek help whenever they face health challenges, stressing that no one chooses an illness and thus no one should feel shame in seeking care.

> “I am in support of what you are doing. We are on track, especially with the approach you have adopted — test, screen, vaccinate, and treat,” she said.
“A healthy nation is a wealthy nation. No matter what wealth you have as a nation, if the majority of your population is sick, you are just the poorest, as far as I’m concerned.”

She also emphasized that early presentation and prompt medical intervention are key to defeating cancer, particularly cervical cancer which continues to claim the lives of thousands of women annually.

In his remarks, Dr. Salako commended the First Lady for her advocacy and support for the HPV vaccination programme, noting that her involvement has led to remarkable progress.

> “Your Excellency, because of your support, we were able to immunise 12 million girls aged 9 to 13 within the first nine months of introducing the HPV vaccine into the national routine immunisation programme.
“We hope to immunise another 6 million this year,” he said.

Also speaking, Prof. Isaac Adewole, Chairman of the Taskforce and former Minister of Health, praised Senator Tinubu for showing “uncommon political will,” and urged her to actively join the HPV vaccination campaign, which will move through 12 states this year and another 12 next year.

> “With your voice and visibility, we can meet our ‘8 by 8’ target — immunising eight million girls annually and eliminating cervical cancer in Nigeria by 2030,” Prof. Adewole added.

The WHO Country Representative, Dr. Walter Mulombo, also lauded the First Lady’s leadership, calling on her to champion the rights of women and children to live free of preventable diseases.

> “Every woman and child has a right to live. Your leadership in this campaign will make a profound difference,” Dr. Mulombo noted.

The visit concluded with the presentation of WHO souvenirs to the First Lady, who pledged to continue lending her voice and support to critical health causes across Nigeria.

World Health Day 2025: FG Launches Free Caesarean Section Initiative to Combat Maternal MortalityIn a bold move to tackle Nigeria’s alarming maternal and infant mortality rates, the Federal Government has launched the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII)—a comprehensive intervention designed to ensure that no woman dies while giving life.

The initiative was flagged off in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on World Health Day 2025, and includes provisions for free health insurance, cesarean sections, mama kits, delivery starter packs, transportation vouchers, and more. Representing the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, at the launch in Abuja, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju, National Coordinator of the MAMII project, said the programme responds to the President’s charge that “no woman should die as a result of childbirth.” He revealed that the Federal Government has signed MoUs with 66 teaching hospitals across the country to offer free cesarean sections and plans to expand the scheme to general hospitals. “MAMII is not just a slogan—it’s a practical, system-wide response,” he said. “From pregnancy to postnatal care, we are supporting women every step of the way.”

FCT Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, emphasized the critical role of maternal health in national development. She announced that all pregnant women in the FCT are now entitled to free health insurance, adding that delivery—whether vaginal or via cesarean section—will also be completely free. “We are determined to reverse the grim statistics,” she said, pointing out that Nigeria leads in maternal deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. “Our Renewed Hope Initiative is committed to ensuring safe deliveries, vaccinations, and postnatal care for every woman and child.” Supporting this commitment, WHO Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, described MAMII as a game-changer. “With interventions like this, we are hopeful every child will be born healthy and will thrive,” he stated. Commending the free insurance provision, he pledged WHO’s support in tracking its implementation. “I will personally monitor to ensure it is truly free and women benefit from it,” Dr. Mulombo assured. The launch not only marked World Health Day but also ushered in what stakeholders called a new era of “Healthy Beginnings and Hopeful Futures” for Nigeria’s mothers and children.

…Backs MAMII Initiative To Accelerate Reduction in Preventable Deaths

As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to commemorate World Health Day 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a strong call for urgent, collective action to address the country’s alarmingly high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality.

Speaking at a walk organized to mark the global health day in Abuja, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, urged stakeholders to rise to the challenge, stating that too many Nigerian women and newborns are still dying from preventable causes.

“Today reminds us why WHO was created—to promote health, save lives, and ensure everyone can live a healthy life from birth to old age,” Dr. Mulombo said. “But the reality in Nigeria remains worrisome. Maternal and neonatal mortality rates are still unacceptably high, and we must act now.”

Citing figures from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), he acknowledged that while progress has been made, maternal and child health indicators still present a major concern. He noted that updated data is currently being analyzed by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Dr. Mulombo expressed strong support for the government’s recently launched Mothers and Newborns Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative (MAMII), describing it as a critical step forward in accelerating progress.

“The MAMII initiative is a game-changer. It signifies a renewed commitment by government, civil society, and communities to drastically reduce preventable maternal and neonatal deaths,” he said. “This is not just a government problem—it’s everyone’s responsibility.”

Beyond maternal and newborn care, he emphasized the importance of preventive health and individual lifestyle choices. “This year’s theme, My Health, My Right, is a reminder that everyone has the right to quality healthcare, and that includes making informed decisions about our daily habits—staying active, eating well, and seeking timely medical care.”

Reaffirming WHO’s commitment, Dr. Mulombo said the organization will continue to strengthen Nigeria’s health system through technical support, training for healthcare workers, and improved service delivery.

“Our goal is clear—by 2030, Nigeria must significantly improve health outcomes. WHO stands ready as a committed partner to make that happen,” he concluded.

World Health Day, celebrated every April 7 since 1948, commemorates the founding of WHO and serves as a platform to spotlight key public health challenges. This year’s theme reaffirms the fundamental right of every individual—regardless of location or income—to access quality, affordable healthcare.

…Calls For Vaccine Financing As First-Line Charge In National Budget

Despite recent strides in vaccine funding, Nigeria’s immunization progress remains fragile without a sustainable financing framework, the Vaccine Network for Disease Control has warned. Speaking during a press briefing to mark World Health Day 2025, the Network’s Executive Director, Chika Offor, lauded the Federal Government for releasing long-awaited vaccine funds for 2022 and 2023, alongside 25% of the 2024 allocation. However, she stressed that gains made could be quickly eroded if urgent structural reforms are not put in place.

“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, for demonstrating political will by prioritizing immunization,” Offor said. She noted that the ₦231.7 billion allocated for immunization in 2025—including provision for malaria vaccines and vaccine logistics—represents a critical step toward universal health coverage. However, she warned that donor withdrawals and shrinking fiscal space have created a looming threat. “If we do not act quickly, we risk reversing the progress made in 2024. These children are not statistics—they are real lives, with names and dreams,” she cautioned.

Offor urged the Federal Government to make vaccine financing a first-line charge in the national budget to ensure timely and predictable disbursement. She also called on state and local governments to allocate dedicated vaccine budgets and establish accountability systems. While celebrating successes like 71% HPV vaccine coverage and over 30 million children protected from polio, she pointed to persistent gaps, particularly Nigeria’s high number of zero-dose children—those who have never received any routine immunization.

Also speaking, Prof. Emmanuel Alhassan, Nigeria Coordinator for the Prevent Epidemics/Immunization Programme at the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, echoed the concerns. He stressed that while vaccines save lives, inconsistent financing continues to threaten health security. “It’s time Nigeria stopped depending solely on international partners like Gavi and increased domestic investment. As the CEO of the Vaccine Network rightly said, the time to act is now,” he stated.

Both advocates emphasized that immunization is not just a health obligation but a smart economic investment, reducing disease burden and saving future healthcare costs. They affirmed support for the Federal Government’s renewed investment in primary healthcare, noting that a strong PHC system means better vaccine access, fewer zero-dose children, and a healthier Nigeria.