AGP Executive Report

Women’s Rights & GBV Response: Edo State is intensifying awareness for women and girls on legal rights and how to report abuse, using community leaders, schools, faith groups and town halls, and pointing to Sexual Assault Referral Centres in Benin and Uromi (with another planned in Auchi) for medical, legal and psychosocial support. Drug Abuse Prevention: Edo’s Drug Control Committee says it will keep pushing community engagement, prevention and rehabilitation, warning about new psychoactive substances and urging parents, teachers and health workers to join the fight. Community Health Outreach: Over 200 residents in Ozalla (Owan West LGA) benefited from a two-day free medical outreach plus youth and women empowerment, including health checks, lab services and drug dispensation. Sickle Cell Support: Edo pledges sustained help for indigent sickle cell patients and is stepping up genotype screening and counselling to reduce new cases. Men’s Wellness: Edo health stakeholders urged regular exercise, better water intake, adequate sleep and reduced salt to protect against hypertension and prostate-related risks. Public Health Education: WHO validated Tunisia’s trachoma elimination milestone, highlighting what long-term primary healthcare commitment can achieve.

Insurance Inclusion: FANAF is set to adopt a Pan-African Pact for Insurance Inclusion in Cotonou, Benin (July 6–8), aiming to double insurance penetration in the region by 2040. Youth & Family Support: West Africa leaders wrapped up Liberia’s Strengthening Families Conference, with plans to host the next edition in Cotonou, Benin—pushing youth empowerment and stronger social protection. Public Health Milestone: WHO validated Tunisia’s trachoma elimination as a public health problem, highlighting long-term primary care and water/sanitation efforts. Community Health Outreach (Edo): Over 200 residents in Ozalla, Edo State received free medical care plus youth and women empowerment support through the Omoarebu Ogbeide Foundation. Health System Capacity (Nigeria/UNIBEN): Nigeria’s NUC approved six new programmes for the University of Benin, including Speech Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Nursing Science—aimed at closing healthcare manpower gaps. Men’s Wellness: Edo’s Men’s Health session urged regular exercise, less salt, and routine checkups to reduce risks like hypertension and prostate issues. Sickle Cell Support (Edo): Edo pledged continued medical support for indigent sickle cell patients and called for wider genotype screening and counselling. Safety & Care Concerns: Edo also announced arrests of suspected illegal revenue collectors in Benin City, while separate coverage highlights bullying’s mental health harm and the need for safer school environments.

Community Health & Empowerment: Omoarebu Ogbeide Foundation (TOOF) ran a two-day free medical outreach in Ozalla, Owan West LGA, with health checks, lab services and drug dispensation for over 200 residents, alongside youth and women empowerment support. Anti-Extortion Enforcement: Edo State Taskforce arrested two suspected illegal revenue collectors, Osasere Amadin and Irahbor Destiny, at Third Junction, Benin City, after intelligence reports of motorists being extorted through unauthorised levies. Drug Abuse Prevention: Edo State reaffirmed its push against drug abuse and illicit trafficking through awareness, prevention, treatment/rehabilitation and community engagement, pointing to poverty, unemployment and weak education as key drivers. Men’s Wellness Focus: Edo Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC) hosted an Executive Men’s Wellness session urging regular exercise, better water intake, adequate sleep and routine medical check-ups, warning that excess salt and prolonged sitting can worsen blood pressure and prostate health. Sickle Cell Support: Edo Commissioner for Health pledged sustained medical assistance for indigent sickle cell patients and called for wider genotype screening and counselling ahead of marriage. Health Training & Education: Nigeria’s NUC approved six new full-time programmes for University of Benin (UNIBEN), including Speech Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy, plus Nursing Science in collaboration with UBTH—aimed at strengthening healthcare manpower. Local Health Infrastructure: Edo pledged continued support for indigent sickle cell patients while intensifying genotype screening as part of World Sickle Cell Day activities.

Illegal Revenue Crackdown (Edo): Edo State Taskforce arrested two suspects, Osasere Amadin and Irahbor Destiny, for illegal revenue collection around the Third Junction in Benin City, acting on intelligence and surveillance after the state banned such collections. Drug Abuse Push (Edo): Edo State renewed its fight against drug abuse and trafficking through awareness, prevention, and community engagement, pointing to poverty, unemployment, weak education, and inequality as key drivers, while urging parents, teachers, healthcare workers, and community leaders to act. Men’s Wellness (Edo): An Executive Men’s Wellness session in Benin City urged regular exercise, better water intake, adequate sleep, and routine medical checkups, warning that prolonged sitting and high salt intake can raise risks like hypertension and prostate cancer. Sickle Cell Support (Edo): Edo Commissioner for Health said medical support for indigent sickle cell patients will continue, with intensified genotype screening and genetic counselling to reduce new cases. Health Outreach (Edo): The Omoarebu Ogbeide Foundation (TOOF) launched a free medical programme in Ozalla, including support for Ozalla Primary Health Care Centre and community empowerment activities. Training for Health Workforce (Benin/UNIBEN): Nigeria’s NUC approved six new UNIBEN programmes for 2026/2027, including Speech Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Nursing Science (with UBTH collaboration), to address healthcare manpower shortages. Malaria Prevention Update: A new review reports insecticide-treated bed nets still save lives and protect against malaria across Africa and Asia, despite growing mosquito resistance. Regional Health Pressure (Ghana): A DW Africa report highlights how Burkina Faso conflict is spilling into northern Ghana, straining schools and resources for refugee children.

Primary Healthcare Boost (Edo): The World Bank’s IMPACT project is driving a major jump in facility-based deliveries in Edo, with 61 primary healthcare centres revitalised and 146 facilities supported with drugs, immunisation outreach and upgrades, plus over 200 laptops/tablets for better health reporting. Men’s Wellness Push (Edo): An Executive Men’s Wellness session urged Edo men to exercise regularly, drink enough water, avoid excess salt and prolonged sitting, and get routine medical check-ups to reduce risks like hypertension and prostate cancer. Sickle Cell Support (Edo): Edo’s health commissioner says medical assistance for indigent sickle cell patients will continue, alongside intensified genotype screening and counselling before marriage. Health Training Expansion (UNIBEN/NUC): Nigeria’s NUC approved six new UNIBEN programmes for 2026/2027, including Speech Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy, plus Nursing Science in collaboration with UBTH—aimed at closing healthcare manpower gaps. Community Medical Outreach (Edo): The Omoarebu Ogbeide Foundation launched a two-day free medical outreach in Ozalla, including support for the Ozalla Primary Health Care Centre and empowerment for youths and women. Drug Demand Reduction (Nigeria/NDLEA): Edo’s NDLEA drug destruction exercise drew praise from a Senate committee chair, highlighting efforts to stop illicit drugs returning to communities. Security & Health Access (Edo): Edo’s Oba Ewuare II summoned traditional leaders to help tackle escalating insecurity—an indirect but important factor for safe access to care.

Education & Health Workforce: The National Universities Commission has approved six new full-time UNIBEN programmes for the 2026/2027 academic session, including health-focused degrees in Speech Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Nursing Science (with Nursing to run in collaboration with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital). Maternal & Primary Care Boost: In Edo State, the World Bank-backed IMPACT project has driven a 100%+ rise in facility-based deliveries, revitalising 61 primary healthcare centres and supporting 146 facilities with drugs, immunisation outreach, and upgrades, plus training for monitoring and data use. Community Health Support: The Omoarebu Ogbeide Foundation launched a two-day free medical outreach in Ozalla (Owan West, Edo), including donations of vital signs equipment to the primary health centre and empowerment support for youths and women. Men’s Wellness Push: Edo stakeholders urged men to adopt regular exercise, adequate water intake, better sleep, and routine medical check-ups, warning that excess salt and prolonged sitting raise risks like high blood pressure and prostate issues. HIV Anti-Stigma Advocacy: Edo’s National Orientation Agency called for full implementation of the anti-stigma law for people living with HIV and other communicable diseases, stressing that enforcement can reduce discrimination and improve access to care. Malaria Prevention Update: A new review reports insecticide-treated bed nets still protect people and prevent malaria infections across Africa and Asia, even as mosquito resistance grows.

University Expansion: Nigeria’s NUC has approved six new full-time UNIBEN programmes (including Speech Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, International Relations, Intelligence & Security Studies, Primary Education, and Nursing Science with UBTH collaboration), effective 2026/2027, to strengthen healthcare and manpower training. Primary Healthcare Boost: Edo State says the World Bank’s IMPACT project has driven over 100% growth in facility-based deliveries, revitalising 61 primary health centres and supporting 146 facilities with drugs, immunisation outreach, upgrades, and digital tools (200+ tablets/laptops) plus trained monitoring teams. Men’s Wellness Push: Edo stakeholders urged men to exercise regularly, drink water, sleep well, avoid excess salt, and get medical check-ups during an Executive Men’s Wellness session marking Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Sickle Cell Support: Edo pledged sustained help for indigent sickle cell patients and plans to intensify genotype screening and counselling to reduce new cases. Anti-Stigma Advocacy: Edo’s National Orientation Agency called for full implementation of the HIV anti-stigma and discrimination law, urging stronger protections beyond HIV for other communicable diseases. Community Free Care: Edo’s Omoarebu Ogbeide Foundation launched a two-day free medical outreach in Ozalla, including vital-signs equipment for the primary health care centre and support for youths and women. Regional Health Funding: A new $14.26m West African health systems strengthening grant (WAHO) will support cross-border “One Health” lab work and disease surveillance across ECOWAS countries including Benin. Malaria Prevention Update: A new review reports insecticide-treated bed nets still save lives and prevent malaria infections across Africa and Asia despite rising mosquito resistance. Drug Enforcement: Edo’s Senate committee chair Joseph Ikpea commended NDLEA for destroying large quantities of seized illicit drugs in Benin City, praising transparency and public enlightenment efforts.

Men’s Health Push: Stakeholders in Benin urged men to stay healthy with regular exercise, better water intake, adequate sleep, and routine medical checkups, warning that prolonged sitting and high salt consumption can raise risks like hypertension and prostate cancer. Sickle Cell Support: Edo State pledged sustained help for indigent sickle cell patients, with intensified genotype screening and genetic counselling before marriage to reduce new cases. Primary Care Boost (Edo): The World Bank’s IMPACT project is driving a major jump in facility-based deliveries in Edo, upgrading 61 primary healthcare centres and supporting 146 facilities with drugs, immunisation outreach, and equipment plus tablets/laptops for better monitoring. Anti-Stigma Advocacy (Edo/Benin City): The National Orientation Agency called for full implementation of the HIV anti-stigma and discrimination law, urging stronger community messaging on HIV, TB, and malaria to curb discrimination. Lab Safety in Benin: A Benin study found weak biosafety and biosecurity compliance across biomedical and veterinary labs, calling for stronger policies and targeted staff training. Regional Health Funding (Togo/Benin): A new West African health systems grant will strengthen preparedness and disease surveillance across ECOWAS, including support for cross-border “One Health” lab work.

Edo Primary Healthcare Boost: Edo State says World Bank’s IMPACT project has driven a 100%+ rise in facility-based deliveries since full rollout in 2024, revitalising 61 primary health centres and supporting 146 facilities with drugs, immunisation outreach, and upgrades, plus training and new monitoring tools. Malaria Prevention Still Works: A new review reports insecticide-treated bed nets remain strongly protective against malaria even as mosquito resistance grows, with major benefits for children and pregnant women. Edo Insecurity Response: Edo’s governor highlights how criminal networks and informants enable kidnapping and violent crime, following recent arrests tied to a high-profile abduction. Drug Control Push: Nigeria’s Senate drugs committee chair, Joseph Ikpea, commended NDLEA’s public destruction of seized illicit drugs in Benin City and pledged stronger legislative backing. HIV Anti-Stigma Drive: Edo’s National Orientation Agency urges full implementation of the HIV anti-stigma and discrimination law, calling for stronger community messaging on AIDS, TB, and malaria. Health Safety in Labs: A Benin study finds most biomedical and veterinary labs have poor biosafety and biosecurity compliance, urging urgent policy and staff training. Regional Health Funding: Togo is set to benefit from a new $14.26m West African health systems strengthening grant that includes cross-border “One Health” lab work and disease surveillance—covering Benin and six other ECOWAS states.

Maternal & Primary Care Boost: Edo State says World Bank’s IMPACT project has driven a 100%+ rise in facility deliveries since full rollout in 2024, revitalising 61 primary health centres, supporting 146 facilities with drugs and immunisation outreach, and equipping sites with 200+ laptops/tablets. Malaria Prevention Still Works: A new review of 25 trials finds insecticide-treated bed nets continue to save lives and prevent malaria infections across Africa and Asia, even as mosquito resistance grows. HIV Stigma Fight: Edo’s National Orientation Agency urges full implementation of the anti-discrimination law for people living with HIV and other communicable diseases, pushing community messaging to curb stigma and protect patient rights. Lab Safety in Benin: A Benin-focused study reports poor biosafety and biosecurity compliance across 96 biomedical and veterinary labs, calling for stronger policies and targeted training. Drug Abuse & Enforcement: Nigeria’s Senate drug committee backs NDLEA after public destruction of seized illicit drugs in Benin City, while mental health and religious leaders warn of rising substance abuse and urge prevention and rehabilitation. Health System Capacity: A Ghana MP donation story isn’t Benin-specific, but it highlights the wider regional push for better maternal and outreach equipment—relevant to health access conversations.

Maternal health boost in Edo: The World Bank’s IMPACT project is driving a major jump in facility-based deliveries in Edo State, with over 100% increase since full operations in 2024, revitalising 61 primary healthcare centres and supporting 146 facilities with drugs, immunisation outreach, and upgrades, plus training for monitoring and evaluation staff. Anti-stigma push in Edo: Benin City-based advocates urged full implementation of Nigeria’s HIV anti-discrimination law to curb stigma around HIV and other communicable diseases, calling for stronger community messaging and patient rights awareness. Lassa fever update (Edo): Edo State reports 15 Lassa fever deaths since the February 2026 outbreak, with 1,163 suspected cases and 82 confirmed as of May 7, and says late presentation is a key driver of fatalities while treatment capacity at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital is in place. Drug control spotlight (Edo/Benin City): Senator Joseph Ikpea praised NDLEA after large-scale destruction of seized illicit drugs in Benin City, pledging stronger legislative backing to reduce substance abuse and trafficking. Regional health funding (Togo/Benin corridor): A new West African health systems strengthening grant of $14.26m approved for Togo (with Benin among ECOWAS partners) targets better emergency preparedness, disease surveillance, and cross-border “One Health” lab work. Benin health systems research: A Benin-focused study found weak biosafety and biosecurity compliance in 96 biomedical and veterinary labs, with most facilities rated high risk, urging stronger policies and targeted staff training. Illegal gambling warning (Benin-linked): Nigeria’s National Lottery Authority urged tougher action against illegal gambling, citing major revenue losses affecting sectors like education and healthcare.

Maternal Health Boost in Edo: The World Bank’s IMPACT project is driving a major jump in facility-based deliveries in Edo State, with over a 100% increase since full rollout in 2024. It has revitalized 61 primary healthcare centres, supported 146 facilities with drugs and immunisation outreach, upgraded infrastructure, and equipped sites with 200+ laptops/tablets while training monitoring staff. HIV Anti-Stigma Push: Edo’s National Orientation Agency is urging full implementation of the law against discrimination for people living with HIV and other communicable diseases, using community messaging to reduce stigma around AIDS, TB and malaria. Drug Control & Public Safety: Senate drug committee chair Joseph Ikpea praised NDLEA’s public destruction of seized illicit drugs in Benin City, while also pledging stronger legislative backing for the anti-drug effort. Lassa Fever Update (Edo): Edo reports 15 Lassa fever deaths since the February 2026 outbreak, with 1,163 suspected cases and 82 confirmed; officials blame late presentation but say treatment capacity at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital is in place. Illegal Gambling Warning: Nigeria’s National Lottery Authority urged stronger action against illegal gambling, citing major revenue losses affecting health and youth funding.

Regional Health Funding: Togo is set to receive a $14.26m grant under a West African health systems strengthening programme, with Benin included in the wider push to improve healthcare quality, emergency preparedness, and cross-border disease surveillance via a planned “One Health” lab in Togo. Energy Access for Health: ECOWAS targets electricity for 700,000 people across 19 countries through the ROGEAP off-grid solar project, aiming to power homes and critical services like schools and health facilities. Benin Lab Safety: A Benin-focused study on biosafety and biosecurity found most biomedical and veterinary labs are high risk, calling for stronger policies and targeted training to protect staff and communities. Public Health Alert (Edo): Edo State reports Lassa fever deaths rising to 15 since February, with 82 confirmed cases out of 1,163 suspected, and officials urging earlier care. Drug Control (Edo/Benin City): NDLEA destroyed 73,463kg of illicit drugs worth N2.8bn in Benin City, while lawmakers pledged stronger legislative backing for anti-drug efforts. Substance Abuse Push: Mental health and church leaders urged prevention and rehabilitation to tackle rising exposure to psychoactive substances. Illegal Gambling Watch: Benin is named among countries affected as Nigeria’s lottery authority warns illegal gambling drains funds meant for health and youth development. Health Equipment Support (Ghana, relevant regionally): A donation of GH¢700,000 in Sissala West boosts beds, maternity tools, supplies, and CHPS outreach transport.

Drug Control in Edo: NDLEA publicly destroyed 73,463.21kg of illicit drugs worth about ₦2.8bn in Benin City, with cannabis making up most of the haul, as officials said the move aims to protect communities and dismantle trafficking networks. Substance Abuse Focus: Mental health experts and religious leaders warned that about 14.4 million Nigerians are exposed to psychoactive substances, urging churches to lead prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration efforts. Biosafety & Biosecurity in Benin: A Benin study on 96 biomedical and veterinary labs found weak compliance—42% very high risk and only 5% low risk—calling for stronger policies and targeted training to protect staff and communities. Lassa Fever Update (Edo): Edo State reported 15 deaths since the outbreak began in February 2026, with 1,163 suspected cases and 82 confirmed, blaming late hospital presentation; treatment capacity at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital was highlighted. Public Health Safety: Police in Edo arrested suspects over alleged murder and house burning after a dispute, and also arrested three over the alleged torture and death of a 15-year-old domestic worker. Illegal Gambling Warning: Nigeria’s National Lottery Authority urged stronger action against illegal gambling, citing major revenue losses and warning that diverted funds undermine education and healthcare.

Sleeping Sickness Update: WHO validated Kenya’s elimination of human African trypanosomiasis (“sleeping sickness”) as a public health problem, making it the 10th African country to reach the milestone—another win for neglected tropical disease control. Biosafety in Benin Labs: A Benin-focused assessment of 96 biomedical and veterinary laboratories found weak biosafety and biosecurity compliance, with 42% rated very high risk—calling for stronger policies and targeted staff training. Drug Control in Edo/Benin City: NDLEA destroyed 73,463.21kg of illicit drugs worth about ₦2.8bn in Edo, led by NDLEA officials and state representatives, including large quantities of cannabis plus tramadol, diazepam, codeine syrup and other psychotropics. Lassa Fever in Edo: Edo State reported 15 Lassa fever deaths since the February 2026 outbreak, with 1,163 suspected cases and 82 confirmed as of May 7—citing late presentation for diagnosis and treatment. Sports Medicine for Female Medics (Benin City): Nigeria’s Olympic Committee begins a seminar for female medics in Benin City (June 21–24) to strengthen knowledge on adolescent athlete health and welfare. Illegal Gambling Warning: Nigeria’s National Lottery Authority urged stronger action against illegal gambling, citing major revenue losses affecting education, healthcare and youth programmes, with Benin named among heavily affected markets.

Laboratory Safety in Focus: A Benin study reviewing 96 biomedical and veterinary labs found weak biosafety and biosecurity compliance, with 42% rated very high risk and only 5% low risk—urging stronger policies and targeted training. Drug Control & Public Health: Nigeria’s NDLEA publicly destroyed 73,463.21kg of illicit drugs in Edo worth about ₦2.8bn, mainly cannabis, alongside tramadol, diazepam and other psychotropics—framed as a major step to curb substance abuse. Substance Abuse Alarm: Mental health experts and church leaders warned that about 14.4 million Nigerians are exposed to psychoactive substances, calling for prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration led by religious communities. Lassa Fever Update (Edo): Edo State reported 15 Lassa fever deaths since the February outbreak declaration, with 1,163 suspected cases and 82 confirmed as of May 7—citing late presentation for diagnosis and treatment. Sports Medicine for Women: The Nigerian Olympic Committee began a seminar for female medics in Benin City to strengthen knowledge on adolescent athlete health, including the female athlete triad and RED-S. Community Health & Safety: A Children’s Day stampede controversy in Edo City sparked claims and counterclaims about injuries and hospital treatment, highlighting how crowd safety can quickly become a health issue.