The Senate has passed a bill seeking to establish a National Agency for Malaria Elimination saddled with the responsibility of preventing, controlling and ultimately eliminating malaria in Nigeria.

The bill, sponsored by Ned Nwoko, scaled third reading on Wednesday after the Senate considered and adopted the report of its Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), chaired by Ipalibo Banigo.

Presenting the report on behalf of Banigo, Sampson Ekong said the proposed agency would serve as the central body responsible for coordinating national efforts aimed at preventing, controlling and ultimately eliminating malaria in Nigeria.

The Senate said the agency seeks to mark a shift in the country’s approach to malaria management from treatment-focused interventions to preventive and elimination strategies.

“The agency, when established, will help shift the country’s approach from curative measures to prevention and eventual elimination of malaria,” it stated.

(Source: The SUN)

Photo : Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State

The Cross River State Government has announced that the molecular laboratory services at Dr. Lawrence Henshaw Memorial Hospital now conducts molecular testing for tuberculosis, HIV and Mpox while retaining the capacity to support surveillance and response efforts for emerging public health threats..

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Egbe Ayuk, disclosed this on Tuesday during an inspection tour of the hospital alongside journalists in Calabar.

Ayuk said that the molecular laboratory, which serves as one of the state’s key public health surveillance centres, has resumed most of its essential functions following rehabilitation efforts supported by the state government and development partners.

“This place is arranged to address issues of TB, HIV and other outbreaks. Mpox, Lassa fever and even Ebola-related surveillance can be handled here. Most of the essential services have now been restored,” he said.

The commissioner explained that although the facility suffered extensive damage during the EndSARS unrest, significant progress has been made in rebuilding critical infrastructure and restoring laboratory operations.

The Niger State Branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has directed doctors at Jummai Babangida Aliyu Maternal and Neonatal Hospital, Minna, to withdraw their services following the alleged assault of a house officer while on duty.

In a letter dated June 1, 2026, the association said the affected doctor, Joanne Husseini, was allegedly assaulted during official duty at the hospital.

The NMA condemned the incident, stating that healthcare workers should not be subjected to intimidation or assault while carrying out their professional responsibilities.

The association further noted that the incident was not the first of its kind at the facility and announced the immediate withdrawal of clinical services by doctors until concerns raised by the house officers are addressed.

Recall also that a particular incident occurred at the Federal Medical Centre, Bida where a nurse on duty was molested by some youths alleging that the nurse criticised the leadership nature of the present administration.