Health
3 Ways to Cushion against the Effects of Future Pandemics
The COVID-19 pandemic, which characterized the year 2020, was a shock not just for Nigeria but for the entire world as we were unprepared for such an occurrence. The impact of this era was felt by the economy and people across the country through the lockdown measures, which lasted several months, affecting small businesses and business owners.
In addition, the strain it put on the health sector and its professionals, with an avalanche of cases pulled into ill-equipped health facilities and the constant rise in the death toll, left an indelible mark.
While the world faced its unpreparedness unfold, the effects of the pandemic were harder in developing countries across the world, with India and Brazil taking the lead according to statistics aggregated by WolrdOmeters. Nigeria, on the other hand, could be said to have admirably shouldered the health impact of COVID-19 as it defied all predicted cases despite its failing health sector and already dilapidated economy.
Through the pandemic era, a lot of lessons were pulled out to set the tone for the economic recovery and to strengthen institutions across health, and commerce, among others. To cushion the effect of a possible pandemic, government institutions and corporate organisations within the private sector have their roles and responsibilities, which they must begin to put in place in preparation for the unforeseen reoccurrence of COVID-19 or a possible future pandemic.
A few ways to ensure that the effect can be cushioned would include:
- Economic Policies: According to International Monetary Fund (IMF), an estimated 4.4% of the global economy shrunk in 2020. Governments must be more deliberate with the creation of policies and laws that would directly and positively influence the economies of the world. Policies should be intentionally implemented rather than simply formulated and should cater for the most basic of economic needs. If the right structures are put in place, it will safeguard the economy and cushion the effect of a possible pandemic on smaller businesses and business owners.
- Improvement of Health Institutions: The advent of the pandemic showcased that health institutions were unprepared for large-scale treatment, and employing the best of methods and procedures within the healthcare system is still farfetched. A strong and resilient health sector, particularly at the primary healthcare level, is needed to facilitate the detection of disease outbreaks, provide essential care, and strengthen the deployment of vaccines and other medical countermeasures wherever and whenever they are needed. Although pandemic preparedness needs global efforts, according to the World Bank, it sure begins at the country level.
- Revenue Generation and Diversification: Tax policy reforms at different levels of government should be geared to increase tax revenues within its policy framework. The reforms should be aimed at improving compliance, discouraging evasion, and widening the country’s tax base. This will provide the required capital to diversify into other sectors of the economy. Sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure and security should be actively improved on to ensure readiness for dark times.
The occurrence of another Pandemic is unknown but eminent. This can be witnessed in the resurfacing of health sector scares and epidemics like Ebola in Uganda, Monkeypox and the like. There is an evidently high possibility that the COVID-19 pandemic is not over and there are more pandemics that may re-emerge. Therefore, there is a need to act on the lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure proper policies are formulated to strengthen health institutions and the economic sector to be better prepared.
By this, the effect of a possible pandemic can be cushioned, and its effect on the economy and economic recovery will not only be reduced but will be equitable across economic sectors and social strata.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced the recall of a sexual enhancement product known as WAP Sensual Enhancement Capsules.
In a statement on Monday, the Nigerian agency disclosed that the recall is due to “undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients” in the product, whose country of origin is unknown, but is marketed and distributed online in the US through eBay.
It was emphasised that the recall is being “voluntarily” made by the manufacturer, Best Supplements Best Prices Company.
The detection of the undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients was made by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Laboratory analysis by the US FDA revealed that the product contained undeclared sildenafil, tadalafil, and flibanserin, which were not mentioned on the product label. Such substances may include phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors or related compounds commonly used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, the statement by NAFDAC stated.
Sildenafil and tadalafil are ingredients in FDA-approved prescription drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction.
It was noted that these undeclared ingredients may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs, such as nitroglycerin, and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. Consumers with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates.
Flibanserin is the active ingredient in an FDA-approved prescription drug used to treat low sexual desire in women. Flibanserin can cause drowsiness, sedation, dangerously low blood pressure, and fainting, especially when combined with alcohol.
Consumers have been encouraged to report compromised products (medicines or medical devices) to the nearest NAFDAC office, call 0800-162-3322, or send an email to sf******@********ov.ng.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Dr Obi Adigwe has been appointed as the pioneer National Coordinator of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO).
The body was created by the Ministry of Health under the approval of President Bola Tinubu.
NHTDAO will be domiciled in the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, a statement on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, stated.
The agency will serve as a meta-level national platform for coordinating the country’s digital-health agenda. It will reinforce, not replace, the existing statutory functions of relevant departments and agencies, it was emphasised.
The organisation will also harmonise and empower the public and private institutions across the health system, set the standards that connect them, and operationalise the National Digital Health Architecture, approved by the National Council on Health in November 2025.
It was stated that President Tinubu expects NHTDAO to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a secure, interoperable and data-driven health system that improves outcomes for all citizens.
Mr Adigwe, as Director General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, has leveraged science to catalyse interventions in artificial intelligence, translational research, and technology transfer.
He coordinated major projects, including the ¥300m Nanotechnology grant and the AFREXIMBank grant for Africa’s first API Training Facility. He led the roadmap development that underpinned an €18 million EU grant, the largest in Africa for the thematic area. During the last pandemic, Adigwe globally showcased African science by undertaking the world’s first analysis to debunk claims about the Covid Organics preparation.
The Office’s Steering Committee, which provides strategic direction and oversight, comprises:
- Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare (Co-chair)
- Mr Olaniyi Yusuf, Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (Co-chair)
- Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare (Alternate Co-chair)
- Ms Kachollom Daju, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
- Mr Idris Alubankudi Saliu, Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy
- Dr Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq, National Coordinator, SWAp Coordination Office
- Dr Abdu Mukhtar, National Coordinator, Presidential Initiative to Unlock Healthcare Value Chain
- Dr Muyi Aina, Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency
- Dr Kelechi Ohiri, Director General, National Health Insurance Authority
- Director, Health Planning, Research and Statistics, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
- National Information Technology Development Agency Representative
- Six representatives of the State Commissioners of Health, one from each of the six geopolitical zones
- Pharm Hamza Buhari, Stakeholder representing Industry and Community.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State government has kicked off an initiative to ensure that every newborn is screened for Sickle Cell Disease within 48 to 72 hours after birth using a simple heel-prick test.
It was gathered that babies identified as being at risk will immediately be placed on preventive care while awaiting confirmatory testing.
The Head of the Haematology Department at the Alimosho General Hospital, Dr Olubukola Orolu, revealed that an estimated 150,000 babies are born annually with Sickle Cell Disease in Nigeria, giving the country one of the highest SCD burdens globally.
She, however, applauded the Lagos State Government and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) for introducing the state-wide newborn screening programme, describing it as a major step towards reducing childhood deaths associated with the disease.
The commencement of this scheme coincides with the 2026 World Sickle Cell Day, themed Young Voices Rising for Sickle Cell Disease – Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Disease.
It highlights the importance of listening to the experiences and aspirations of young people living with Sickle Cell Disease.
Mrs Orolu noted that SCD warriors are increasingly breaking barriers as advocates, leaders, students and change-makers, adding that their voices have continued to reshape the narrative through advocacy for equitable, patient-centred healthcare, self-care and experience sharing.
She, therefore, called for equal access to quality healthcare, survival opportunities and dignity for everyone living with Sickle Cell Disease.
Also commenting, the chief executive of Alimosho General Hospital, Dr Akinyele Akinlade, described Sickle Cell Disease as an inherited blood disorder that is not contagious, noting that individuals living with the condition are more susceptible to infections.
He advised SCD warriors to stay well hydrated, avoid stress, and protect themselves from extreme cold or heat, as these are common triggers of sickle cell crises, adding that these preventive measures can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of crises.
One of the participants, Ms Borokini Zainab, an SCD warrior and student nurse, expressed appreciation to the organisers for the enlightenment programme.
Sharing her personal journey, she spoke about the challenges of balancing recurrent pain crises with her academic pursuits and personal life. Despite moments of frustration, she encouraged fellow warriors not to lose hope.
“Don’t let sickle cell put you down. Be encouraged from within. Don’t let your dreams be shattered because of this,” she said, adding that her personal experience with Sickle Cell Disease inspired her to pursue a career in nursing so she could support others living with the condition.
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