Health
Plateau Govt Reaffirms Support for NYSC Health Initiatives at Free Medical Outreach
The Plateau State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and its innovative programmes aimed at improving youth welfare and promoting community health across the state.
Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, gave the assurance during the flag-off of the NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) held at Zandi, Jos East Local Government Area, on Saturday. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry and the NYSC.
Declaring the free medical outreach open, Hon. Ashoms said the Governor Caleb Mutfwang-led administration remains dedicated to partnering with the NYSC and other relevant agencies to enhance healthcare delivery, especially in underserved communities.
“The Mutfwang administration is people-focused and dedicated to touching lives in tangible ways. Supporting NYSC’s health initiatives aligns perfectly with our resolve to take government presence to the grassroots where it is most needed,” Ashoms stated.
He noted that the outreach reflects the government’s broader vision of providing accessible, affordable, and community-centered healthcare to citizens across Plateau State. The commissioner, who hails from Zandi, expressed delight that the outreach was held in his hometown, describing it as symbolic of the government’s commitment to delivering impact at the local level.
Ashoms urged residents to take advantage of the free consultations and follow medical advice, noting that “healthy citizens form the foundation of a productive society.” He also commended the NYSC for sustaining the initiative since its inception, describing HIRD as one of the Corps’ most laudable interventions that continues to strengthen the bond between the scheme and host communities.
Speaking earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Yavala Jonathan, explained that the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers, launched in 2014, forms part of the Corps’ corporate social responsibility to deliver free medical services to rural populations with limited access to healthcare facilities.
He revealed that in the eleven years since its introduction, hundreds of thousands of Nigerians across rural communities have benefited from consultations, treatments, and health sensitization programmes.
“The outreach has been extended to communities such as Lur in Kanke, Kwall and Miango in Bassa, and Angware in Jos East. Our team comprises doctors, pharmacists, optometrists, dentists, nurses, and other health professionals who volunteer their expertise to serve humanity,” Jonathan said.
He commended Hon. Ashoms for his partnership and logistical support in ensuring the success of the Zandi outreach and appealed for further collaboration to expand the programme’s reach across the state.
Beneficiaries of the initiative, including Adagum Zandi, Goje Azi, community youth leader Itse Ishaku Sani, and Headmaster of Zandi Eckan Primary School, Ajiji Yohanna Bature, expressed gratitude to Governor Mutfwang, Hon. Ashoms, and the NYSC for bringing free healthcare services to their community.
One of the facilitators, Nurse Dorcas Babalola, also lauded the community for their cooperation and orderly conduct throughout the exercise.
The outreach featured free medical consultations, drug distribution, dental and eye examinations, and health education sessions, marking another milestone in NYSC’s ongoing efforts to promote wellness and community service across Plateau State.
Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that the case fatality rate for Lassa fever rose to 19.3 per cent in 2026, up from 18.9 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025.
The agency disclosed this in its Lassa Fever Situation Report for Epidemiological Week 23, covering 1 to 7 June 2026.
According to the report, the number of newly confirmed cases remained unchanged from the previous week, with infections recorded in Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, and Ebonyi states.
The NCDC also noted that no new infections among healthcare workers were reported during the week under review. The outbreak spreads across 23 states.
The report showed that the outbreak has affected 23 states and 109 Local Government Areas (LGAs) since the beginning of the year.
It added that both suspected and confirmed cases have increased compared to figures recorded during the same period in 2025, indicating continued transmission of the disease.
According to the agency, five states account for the majority of confirmed infections nationwide. Ondo State recorded the highest burden, accounting for 28 per cent of confirmed cases, followed by Bauchi with 25 per cent, Taraba with 15 per cent, Edo with 10 per cent, and Benue with six per cent.
The remaining 16 per cent of confirmed cases were reported across 18 other states. Young adults are most affected.
The NCDC said young adults remain the most affected age group in the current outbreak.
It noted that the highest number of infections was recorded among persons aged between 21 and 30 years.
According to the report, confirmed cases ranged in age from 1 to 93 years, with a median age of 30 years. Response efforts ongoing
The agency said the National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) remains activated to coordinate response activities across affected areas.
It explained that the system is supporting surveillance, case management, and other response interventions at the federal, state, and local government levels.
READ ALSO: Ebola: NCDC raises importation risk, says Nigeria remains case-free
Despite the absence of new healthcare worker infections in Week 23, the NCDC said the rising fatality rate and the continued spread of the disease across multiple states underscore the need for sustained response efforts.
It added that surveillance and case management activities are ongoing in all affected states to contain the outbreak and reduce deaths. Lassa fever
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, which is transmitted to humans primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected rats.
It can also spread from person to person through contact with bodily fluids.
The disease often begins with fever, weakness, and headache, and may progress to more severe symptoms such as bleeding, difficulty breathing, swelling, and organ failure. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with Ribavirin are critical for improving survival.
The federal government has approved the release of State Outbreak Investigation and Response Funds (S-OIRF) to support outbreak preparedness and response activities nationwide.
The move is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s readiness against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging public health threats.
This was made known on Saturday in a statement released by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and signed by the Assistant Director, Information & Public Relations, Ado Bako.
The approval, granted by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, authorises the disbursement of 50 per cent of the S-OIRF allocation, amounting to N21.2 million for each state, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) Gateway of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
According to the government, the intervention complements ongoing efforts to strengthen national preparedness and response capacities, including the work of the multi-sectoral Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness and Other Health Threats, chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
No confirmed Ebola case
The government said Nigeria currently has no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease, but noted that the release of the funds is intended to ensure states have the resources needed to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and rapid response systems in the event of any public health emergency.
It explained that the approval represents a one-time special dispensation to enable states to access critical preparedness funding amid growing concerns about emerging public health threats.
The government added that the measure also highlights its commitment to accountability and prudent management of public resources.
‘States must account for funds’
As chairman of the BHCPF Ministerial Oversight Committee, Mr Pate directed all beneficiary states to retire both current and previously disbursed outbreak response funds within six months.
He also instructed states to comply fully with established financial management, reporting and accountability requirements.
“Preparedness remains one of the most effective tools in protecting public health. While it is important that states have timely access to resources needed to strengthen outbreak preparedness and response capacities, it is equally important that public funds are managed responsibly and accounted for in line with established regulations,” Mr Pate said.
READ ALSO: Cross River activates Ebola response system, intensifies border surveillance
Mr Pate said the approval demonstrates the government’s commitment to strengthening health security while maintaining accountability, adding that efforts would continue to support states in improving their ability to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats in a transparent and responsible manner.
Background
The federal government’s action followed renewed Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, prompting concerns about the risk of cross-border transmission.
Authorities subsequently announced plans to strengthen surveillance at airports and land borders, activate isolation and referral facilities, and improve coordination among health, aviation and security agencies.
-
Business4 days agoSenate Clears Customs of ₦62.2BN Under-remittance Allegation
-
News4 days ago
‘It’s in our constitution’ – NDC justifies anti-defection policy
-
News2 days ago
BREAKING: Ekiti 2026: ADC wins first polling unit
-
News3 days ago
APC council officials accuse Osun govt of fueling fresh political crises
