AGP Executive Report

Flood Preparedness: Nigeria’s Federal Government has put 2,000 locations across 33 states and the FCT on flood alert, with 915 communities in 19 states (including Edo and Benin City) classed as critical for Aug 27–Sep 9, urging residents to verify evacuation routes and protect valuables. Cancer Care Boost: NICRAT says President Tinubu has approved a N302.3bn National Cancer Institute, expected in 36 months, to strengthen local treatment, research, training and reduce medical tourism. Maternal & Newborn Survival: A study from the ALERT project in Benin, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda links hospital training, quality improvement and mentoring to a 22% drop in early perinatal deaths (stillbirths and newborn deaths within 24 hours). Eye Health Warning: The Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria reports over two million Nigerians live with avoidable blindness, mainly cataracts, calling for higher cataract surgery rates. Roads & Health Access: Edo and surrounding corridors face worsening transport strain as federal road reconstruction plans expand, with commuters reporting delays that can disrupt access to care. Community Health Outreach: An Ahmadiyya elders’ group event in Abeokuta included a two-day free medical outreach for over 1,000 people, alongside calls for faith dialogue and coexistence.

Flood Preparedness: Nigeria’s FG warns 915 communities in 19 states plus FCT face critical flood risk (Aug 27–Sep 9), including Edo and Benin City, urging residents to verify evacuation routes and stay on flood watch. Maternal & Newborn Care: An ALERT project study across Benin, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda links hospital training, quality improvement and mentoring to a 22% drop in early stillbirth/newborn deaths and fewer oxygen-deprivation complications. Cancer Care Boost: NICRAT says Tinubu’s approval of a N302.3bn National Cancer Institute (36 months) will cut medical tourism and expand oncology training and research. Malaria at Work: A CAMA survey across 10 West African countries (including Benin) finds 62% of workers get no employer malaria prevention support, calling for stronger workplace action. Mental Health & Herbal Homes (Edo): Edo govt reports 10 mental-health patients in approved herbal healing homes are assessed and ready for discharge and family reunification. Roads & Access: Reports highlight worsening transport on key corridors around Edo, including the Benin–Agbor–Asaba route, with Tinubu ordering total reconstruction of the Benin–Agbor–Asaba road. Eye Health: OSN says over two million Nigerians live with avoidable blindness, mainly cataracts, urging higher cataract surgery rates and expanded eye-care integration.

Maternal & Newborn Care: A study from the ALERT project across 16 maternity units in Benin, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda links training, quality improvement and mentoring to a 22% drop in early perinatal deaths (stillbirths and deaths within 24 hours) and a 19% reduction in oxygen-deprivation complications. Cancer Capacity: Nigeria’s NICRAT says a proposed N302.3bn National Cancer Institute—approved for design and construction and expected to finish in 36 months—will cut medical tourism and expand oncology training and research. Workplace Malaria: A CAMA survey across 10 West African countries (including Benin) finds 62% of workers get no malaria prevention support from employers, urging companies to integrate prevention into workplace health plans. Mental Health & Rehabilitation: Edo State reports 10 people in approved herbal healing homes are ready for discharge and family reunification after monitoring and assessment. Public Health & Eye Care: Nigeria’s Ophthalmological Society says over two million people live with avoidable blindness, mainly from cataracts, and calls for higher cataract surgical rates. Environment & Health: Benin’s plastic waste problem is highlighted as a driver of clogged canals and flooding that harms homes and livelihoods.

Maternal & Newborn Survival: A study from the ALERT project across 16 maternity units in Benin, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda found a 22% drop in early stillbirths and newborn deaths after training, quality improvement support, and mentoring for maternity teams. Cancer Care Boost: Nigeria’s NICRAT says Tinubu’s approval of about N302.3bn for a National Cancer Institute will cut medical tourism and expand oncology training and research, with completion targeted in 36 months. Malaria at Work: A West Africa survey for World Mosquito Day reports 62% of workers get no malaria prevention support from employers, urging companies to integrate prevention into workplace health plans. Eye Health Warning: Nigeria’s Ophthalmological Society says over two million people live with avoidable blindness, mainly from cataracts, and highlights gaps in cataract surgery rates. Mental Health Reintegration (Edo): Edo State reports 10 people in government-approved herbal healing homes are ready for discharge and family reunification after monitoring and assessment. Roads & Health Access (Nigeria): Reports describe severe gridlock and damage on the Lagos–Benin–Asaba expressway, with commuters losing days and health services disrupted by transport breakdowns. Security & Health Risks (Niger State): Tinubu orders a manhunt after mass mosque kidnappings in Borgu, with survivors reportedly receiving treatment for injuries and families fleeing toward Benin. Plastic & Flooding (Benin): A Cotonou-focused piece links blocked canals and flooding to disposable plastic waste, calling it a public health and economic failure. Eid Services (Migration Health): IOM Nigeria temporarily closes migration health assessment centres in Abuja, Lagos and Benin City for Eid el-Maulud, resuming the next day.

Cancer Care Boost: Nigeria’s NICRAT says the approved N302.3bn National Cancer Institute will be completed in 36 months, aiming to cut medical tourism and train oncology experts across Africa. Roads and Health Access: Tinubu orders redesign and total reconstruction of the Benin-Agbor-Asaba road after severe damage and gridlock, with Umahi citing failures by a concessionaire—an issue that can delay emergency travel and raise transport costs. Mental Health in Focus (Edo): Edo State reports 10 people rehabilitated in approved herbal healing homes are ready for discharge and family reunification after monitoring and assessment. Workplace Malaria Gap: A CAMA survey across 10 West African countries (including Benin) finds 62% of workers get no malaria prevention support from employers, urging businesses to integrate prevention into workplace health plans. Plastic and Flooding Risk (Cotonou): A Benin-focused piece links clogged canals to sachet plastic waste, arguing the “waste” framing hides the real public health and economic damage. Eid Health Services: IOM Nigeria temporarily closes migration health assessment centres in Abuja, Lagos and Benin City for Eid al-Maulud, with services resuming the next day. Child Safety (Edo): Police in Benin City arrest a 21-year-old over alleged defilement of an 8-year-old girl; the victim is taken for medical examination as investigations continue.

Mental Health & Community Care (Edo): Edo State says 10 people rehabilitated in approved herbal healing homes are ready for discharge and reunification after quarterly monitoring and assessments, with officials citing phased inspections across several local government areas. Workplace Malaria Prevention (West Africa incl. Benin): A Corporate Alliance on Malaria in Africa survey finds 62% of workers across 10 West African countries—including Benin—receive no malaria prevention support from employers, urging companies to embed malaria protection into workplace health plans. Cancer Care Investment (Nigeria): NICRAT’s DG says Nigeria’s approved N302.3bn National Cancer Institute will cut medical tourism and expand local cancer research and treatment capacity. Public Health Access (IOM Nigeria): IOM announces temporary closure of Migration Health Assessment Centres in Abuja, Lagos, and Benin City for Eid el-Maulud, with services resuming the next day. Health & Safety (TB Diagnostics): A report highlights a new low-cost molecular TB test (US$2.6) aimed at expanding rapid diagnosis in primary care, including when sputum samples aren’t possible. Environment & Health (Benin): A Cotonou-focused piece argues plastic pollution is an economic and public-health failure, linking waste to blocked canals, flooding, and damage to homes and livelihoods. Child Protection (Edo): Edo police arrest a 21-year-old over alleged defilement of an eight-year-old girl, with the victim taken for medical examination and the case headed to court. Security & Health Risks (Niger State): Reports describe mass mosque kidnappings in Niger State, with victims later shown in a video—an alarming situation that also raises urgent needs for medical care and trauma support.

Juma’at Abductions in Niger State: Gunmen attacked four Borgu communities—Dekara, Kpenya, Sabon-Gida and Gidan-Zana—during Friday prayers, abducting 60+ in Dekara and releasing a video urging families to identify captives; some survivors are receiving treatment at local health centres. Child Defilement Case in Edo: Edo State Police arrested 21-year-old Innocent Emmanuel for allegedly defiling an eight-year-old girl in Benin City; the victim was taken for hospital medical examination and the suspect will face court. Migration Health Centres Closed for Eid: IOM Nigeria will shut Migration Health Assessment Centres in Abuja, Lagos and Benin City on Tuesday, Aug 25, resuming Wednesday, Aug 26—important for migrants with scheduled appointments. TB Testing Breakthrough: A new, low-cost molecular TB test (US$2.6) is expanding access to faster diagnosis, including using tongue swabs when sputum isn’t possible. Drug Abuse Screening Push in Edo: UBTH inaugurated a drug testing centre as Edo officials urged screening of alcohol and substance abuse, alleging some health workers are involved in illicit trading. Road Flooding Disrupts Benin-Ore Corridor: Severe flooding stranded traders and commuters on the Benin-Ore expressway, with calls for urgent repairs to prevent repeat disruptions.

Public Health Policy: Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC) is training facility desk officers and healthcare providers ahead of a September 1 go-live for its Online Portal Version 1.0, aiming to automate enrollee verification, authorisations, referrals and claims for smoother access to care. Child Protection & Care Access: Edo State Police arrested a 21-year-old, Innocent Emmanuel, over alleged defilement of an eight-year-old girl in Benin City; the victim was taken for hospital medical examination and the case is headed to court. TB Diagnostics: A new, ultra-affordable molecular tuberculosis testing approach is highlighted as a potential game-changer for high-burden countries, helping replace slower or less sensitive tests and expand access even in primary care settings. Substance Abuse & Workplace Safety: UBTH hosted a stakeholders workshop on screening for alcohol and substance abuse, with Edo accusing some pharmacists and health workers of fuelling drug abuse and launching a drug testing centre. Nutrition & Stunting in Benin: Reporting from northern Benin links widespread child stunting to malnutrition and misinformed beliefs, underscoring the need for better nutrition education and support. Health Infrastructure in the Region: A new health centre in Ogun State is described as ending long, costly trips to Benin Republic for emergency maternal care—after years of preventable deaths.

Health Insurance Digital Push (Edo): Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC) is training facility desk officers and healthcare providers ahead of its September 1, 2026 go-live for Online Portal Version 1.0, moving enrollee verification, authorisations, referrals and claims from manual to automated systems. Drug Abuse Response (Edo/UBTH): UBTH inaugurated a drug testing centre as Edo State accused some pharmacists, doctors and health workers of fuelling alcohol and substance abuse, urging workplace screening and coordinated action with NDLEA and police. Child Nutrition Alert (Benin): Reporting from N’Dali, northern Benin highlights stunting linked to malnutrition and misinformed beliefs, with families describing the long-term impact on children’s growth. Malaria Control Funding Critique (Regional): African Pest Control Association blasts reliance on foreign aid for malaria control, calling for stronger local action and support. Ebola Update (DRC): UN reports Ebola deaths in DR Congo have passed 2,500 as the outbreak spreads, with health workers also contracting the virus. Safety Net & Public Health Context (Nigeria): Coverage around petrol subsidy debate and economic strain repeatedly points to rising costs that can hit healthcare access and nutrition.

Anti-corruption & Justice: Ondo’s SPFACC arraigned lawyer Thompson Akinyemi over alleged N50m land fraud and forgery, including claims the deceased owner’s signature was forged while he was receiving treatment. Public Health & Safety: Edo/UBTH and NDLEA pushed for alcohol and substance abuse screening, while UBTH opened a drug testing centre to curb workplace and public risks. Health Insurance Digital Push (Edo): EDOHIC is training providers ahead of a Sept 1 go-live for its Online Portal Version 1.0, aiming to automate enrolment, authorisations, referrals and claims. Nutrition & Child Health (Benin): Reporting from N’Dali highlights how malnutrition and misinformed beliefs fuel stunting, with experts warning damage can become irreversible after the first 1,000 days. Security & Humanitarian Impact: Survivors described jihadist attacks and kidnappings near Niger’s border with Benin, underscoring ongoing instability in the Sahel. Wellness Guidance: A health explainer warns that magnesium supplements can cause diarrhea when doses get too high, urging people to watch total daily intake. Energy & Health Access (Regional): Ghana says it plans to supply electricity to Nigeria and West Africa, potentially supporting broader development needs including health services.

Child Health in Benin: AP reports stunting remains widespread in northern Benin, affecting over 30% of under-5s, with experts warning it’s often hard to reverse after the first 1,000 days and tied to malnutrition and misleading beliefs. Edo Health Insurance Digitisation: Edo State’s Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC) is training providers ahead of a September 1 go-live for Online Portal Version 1.0 to automate enrolment, verification, referrals and claims. Substance Abuse Screening: UBTH in Benin City has opened a drug testing centre and hosted NDLEA-led workshops pushing workplace and public screening for alcohol and drugs. Drug Abuse Accusations: Edo officials say some pharmacists, doctors and health workers may be fueling substance abuse, calling for coordinated action. Security & Health Access: Edo Governor Okpebholo tells diaspora nurses (NANNNA) that Nigeria and Edo are safe, urging visits via the new Edo Diaspora Agency. Public Health Beyond Benin: WHO and Africa CDC welcome 70,000 Ervebo doses for DRC’s Ebola response, including a clinical trial.

Drug Abuse & Workplace Safety: Edo State accused pharmacists, doctors and other health workers of fuelling drug and substance abuse, as UBTH hosted a stakeholders’ workshop and unveiled a new drug testing centre to screen for substances and improve safety. Health Insurance Digitisation (Edo): EDOHIC trained facility desk officers and providers ahead of a September 1 go-live for its Online Portal Version 1.0, aiming to automate enrolment, verification, referrals and claims. Substance Screening (UBTH): UBTH’s first South-South drug testing centre was officially opened, with screening for drugs including cannabis, tramadol, fentanyl and others to support prevention and early intervention. Mental Health Reform (Nigeria): Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council approved an amendment to decriminalise attempted suicide, shifting responses from punishment to care, protection and psychosocial support. Child Health (Benin): In Benin, malnutrition and misinformed beliefs are linked to widespread stunting in children, with experts stressing the first 1,000 days as critical. Food & Nutrition Systems: Rwanda is set to host the 20th Africa Food Systems Forum, focusing on investing in agri-food systems for jobs, resilience and better nutrition. Public Health Supply (DRC): WHO and Africa CDC welcomed 70,000 Ervebo doses for the DRC Ebola response, including doses for a clinical trial and frontline protection. Community Health Access (Ogun): A new health centre in Ogun is reported to reduce women’s trips to Benin Republic for care, after earlier gaps led to severe outcomes. Governance & Health Funding (Edo): A probe into MOWAA reported Edo spent N3.8bn and recommended returning the project to the Oba of Benin for management. Health & Wellness Tip: Doctors warn that magnesium supplements can be too much if doses stack, with diarrhoea flagged as a key sign to reduce intake.

Edo Health Digital Push: Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC) is training health providers and facility desk officers ahead of its September 1, 2026 go-live for Online Portal Version 1.0, aiming to automate enrollee verification, authorisations, referrals and claims for smoother access to care. Substance Abuse Screening: University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has opened the South-South’s first drug testing centre, set to screen alcohol and substances and support prevention and early intervention. Malnutrition in Benin: A new report from N’Dali highlights how stunting affects over 30% of children under 5 in Benin, driven by malnutrition and misinformed beliefs, with experts warning early-life damage can be lasting. Ebola Vaccine Update (Region-wide): WHO and Africa CDC welcomed the release of 70,000 Ervebo doses to DR Congo to support response efforts, including a Phase 3 trial and frontline protection for workers. Health Policy Reform (Nigeria): Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council approved an amendment to decriminalise attempted suicide, shifting treatment toward care and psychosocial support instead of prosecution. Sports Safety & Health: Reports also note efforts to improve screening and safety around substance abuse in public settings, including workshops involving NDLEA and UBTH.

Digital Health Rollout: Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC) is training facility desk officers and health providers ahead of its September 1, 2026 Online Portal Version 1.0, aiming to automate enrollee verification, authorisations, referrals and claims for smoother care access. Substance Abuse Response: University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has opened the South-South’s first drug testing centre, with screening for alcohol and substances to support prevention and early intervention. Maternal & Child Nutrition: In Benin, malnutrition and misinformation are linked to widespread stunting in children, with stunting affecting over 30% of under-fives. Breastfeeding Support: UBTH is calling for sustained breastfeeding education and support after World Breastfeeding Week activities. Policy & Rights: Edo unveiled a Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence policy framework to strengthen prevention, reporting and response to digital abuse. Health Emergencies: WHO and Africa CDC welcomed 70,000 Ervebo vaccine doses for DRC’s Ebola response, including doses for a clinical trial. Food Systems: Rwanda hosts the 20th Africa Food Systems Forum, focusing on jobs, investment and resilient agri-food systems.

Child Nutrition in Benin: In Benin, malnutrition and misinformed beliefs are driving widespread stunting, with experts warning many cases become hard to reverse after the first 1,000 days. Substance Abuse Care in Edo: UBTH in Benin City has opened a dedicated drug testing centre to screen for alcohol and multiple substances, aiming for prevention and early intervention. Mental Health Reform in Nigeria: Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council approved an amendment to decriminalise attempted suicide, shifting responses from punishment to care and psychosocial support. Cancer Infrastructure Push: Nigeria’s government approved major health funding, including a National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment centre in Abuja, alongside other health projects. Malaria Funding Debate: The African Pest Control Association criticised reliance on foreign aid to fight malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases, calling for stronger local ownership. WHO/Africa CDC Vaccine Update: WHO and Africa CDC welcomed 70,000 Ervebo doses allocated to the DRC to support its Bundibugyo virus outbreak response and a clinical trial. Breastfeeding Support: UBTH urged sustained breastfeeding education and support during World Breastfeeding Week activities. Cross-border Media Detention (Togo): Two French filmmakers and their Togolese fixer remain in pre-trial detention in Togo after arrests near the Benin border, drawing rights group calls for release. Food & Farming Innovation (Benin): World Vegetable Center trials in Benin Republic are testing new tomato and onion varieties with farmers and traders assessing yield, disease tolerance and transportability.

Vaccine Supply & Outbreak Response: WHO and Africa CDC welcomed the release of 70,000 Ervebo doses to the DRC to help contain the Bundibugyo virus outbreak, with 20,000 earmarked for a Phase 3 trial and 50,000 for frontline healthcare workers. Substance Abuse Screening: UBTH opened the first drug testing centre in Nigeria’s South-South zone to screen for alcohol and substance abuse and support prevention and early intervention. Maternal & Child Health Promotion: UBTH urged sustained breastfeeding education and support during World Breastfeeding Week activities, highlighting ongoing counselling and mother-to-mother guidance. Cancer Care Investment: Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council approved major health infrastructure funding, including a National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment centre in Abuja, alongside broader health projects. Mental Health Reform: Nigeria’s FEC approved an amendment to decriminalise attempted suicide, shifting responses toward care, protection and psychosocial support. Food & Nutrition Innovation (Benin): World Vegetable Center trials in Benin Republic evaluated new tomato and onion varieties for yield, heat tolerance and disease resistance. Child Protection & Justice (Edo): A home lesson teacher in Benin City was remanded over alleged defilement, as Edo also unveiled a policy framework to tackle technology-facilitated GBV. Road Safety: A fatal truck crash on the Benin-Ore Expressway sent victims to hospital and renewed calls for safer driving.