In commemoration of World Malaria Day 2025, PPC Limited, formerly Philips Projects Centre and Nigeria’s leading engineering and infrastructure development company with a strong presence in the healthcare sector, is calling on government agencies, healthcare providers, and private sector partners to reinvest in the fight against malaria, in line with this year’s global theme, “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.”

Despite decades of progress, malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria. According to a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nigeria and Ethiopia recorded 11 million more malaria cases in 2024 compared to the previous year. Alarmingly, both countries also reported their highest malaria-related death tolls since 2015, highlighting the urgent need for renewed efforts in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Commenting on the importance of combating malaria in Nigeria, Dr. Emmanuel Iyere, Head of Diagnostics at BT Health & Diagnostics Centre, Ikeja, a subsidiary of PPC Healthcare, said the disease remains a leading cause of illness and death, particularly among young children and pregnant women in underserved communities. He stated that the path to malaria elimination must begin with renewed investment in preventive, diagnostic, and treatment systems.

“The fight against malaria demands more than routine responses. It requires bold investments in healthcare technology, expanded access to accurate diagnosis, and collaborative action. At PPC Healthcare, we are strengthening diagnostic capacity, supporting awareness efforts, and working to bridge healthcare access gaps, especially in rural and high-burden areas.

Some of our ongoing malaria initiatives include investing in modern diagnostic equipment for early detection and effective case management, partnering with public health institutions to build capacity through training and data-driven surveillance, and promoting integrated approaches to disease control, including malaria and other preventable illnesses.”

Dr. Iyere emphasised that now is the time for all stakeholders, governments, development partners, and private organisations to reignite their commitment to malaria elimination by aligning resources and strategies that prioritise at-risk communities.

The theme “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite” emphasises the need for renewed commitment, innovation, and increased investment in the fight against malaria and aims to motivate individuals and governments to take action at all levels to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination.

Cancer remains a major health concern in Nigeria, yet early detection through screening can significantly improve survival rates. Unfortunately, many Nigerians avoid screening due to misinformation, fear, and cultural beliefs. This reluctance often leads to late-stage diagnoses when treatment options are limited and less effective.

According to Dr. Emmanuel Iyere, Head of Diagnostic Services at BT Health and Diagnostics Centre, Ikeja, early detection saves lives, emphasizing the need to invest in better screening programmes, improve medical infrastructure such as medical equipment provided by PPC Healthcare, and nationwide awareness campaigns.
This blog post will debunk common myths about cancer screening and set the record straight.

Myth 1: “If I Feel Fine, I Don’t Need a Cancer Screening”
Fact : Many cancers, including breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, do not show symptoms in their early stages. By the time symptoms appear, the disease may have already advanced, making treatment more difficult and expensive. Regular screenings help detect cancer early when treatment is more effective and less invasive.

Myth 2: “Cancer Screening is Too Expensive”
Fact : Many public hospitals and health initiatives offer free or subsidized screenings in Nigeria. In 2024, Kwara Govt Flags Off Free Breast, Cervical Cancer Screening. The Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria also organizes free cervical and breast cancer screening at the Federal Medical Center Abuja and the Lagos state government offers a cervical cancer screening programme at various primary health care (PHC) centers in Lagos.

Myth 3: “Cancer Screening is Only for Older People”
Fact : Certain cancers, such as breast and cervical cancer, also affect young adults. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the most affected age group for breast cancer in Nigeria is 40-44 years. Cervical cancer cases are rising among women in their 20s and 30s
To reduce the risk of late detection, health experts recommend that women should start breast self-examinations from their 20s and get mammograms from age 40. Also, women should undergo regular Pap smears from age 25 to screen for cervical cancer.
Since cancer also affects men, they advise that men should get prostate cancer screenings from age 40, especially if they have a family history.

Myth 4: “Cancer Screening is Painful and Dangerous”
Fact: Most screenings are quick, non-invasive, and safe. Mammograms may cause slight discomfort but last only a few minutes while Pap smears are simple procedures that take less than 5 minutes and are crucial for detecting cervical cancer early. Screening for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) requires only a simple blood sample.

Early detection saves lives. If you’ve never had a cancer screening or it’s been a while, now is the time to act.

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq today flagged off the Kwara Project Ten Million to screen one hundred and ninety-six thousand, nine hundred and thirteen residents of Kwara for hypertension and diabetes.

The launch, which was held at the State Banquet Hall, is expected to run from 27th of October to the 3rd of November 2024.

Represented by his Deputy, Mr Kayode Alabi, Governor AbdulRazaq stated that hypertension and diabetes are a pressing health challenge affecting millions globally and posing significant risks to our communities, hence the need for a free screening programme for hypertension and diabetes for the residents of the state.

He added that with health being a fundamental right, this administration has been and will continue to take significant steps towards combating these silent diseases by ensuring that every citizen has easy access to the resources they need to live a healthy life.

“Through this screening programme, we seek to raise awareness, offer free screening, and provide education on prevention and management” he explained.

He urged Kwarans to take advantage of this programme by participating in the exercise, adding that together, the cycle of ignorance and stigma surrounding these conditions can be broken as well as promoting a proactive approach to health.

Governor AbdulRazaq noted that in addition to this free screening initiative, it is imperative that healthier lifestyle changes be made, which includes eating healthy, regular exercise, and regular check-ups.

The Governor expressed gratitude to the healthcare professionals, community organizations, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to bring this initiative to life.

In her speech, First Lady of Kwara state and Founder Ajike Foundation, Amb. Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq stated that this initiative being launched today underscores the commitment of the state government to the health of Kwarans.

She noted the importance of early detection and prompt treatment of diseases in order to prevent complications that may arise from late detection.

She charged residents of the state to prioritize their wellbeing by knowing their blood pressure and blood sugar count in order to avert the incidence of sudden death.

In her address, Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam explained that the Project Ten Million is an initiative of the Nigeria Health Commissioner’s Forum endorsed by the Nigeria Governor’s Forum, the Federal Ministry of Health and several development partners.

She added that the Project is aimed at screening 10 Million Nigerians for the two major and deadliest non-communicable diseases, hypertension and diabetes, across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Honorable Yakubu Salihu Danladi represented by Hon Abdulkareem Musa expressed joy over the initiative, pledging that all 24 members of the House will take the awareness to all their constituents so that they can all benefit from the project.

Chairman House Committee on Health and Environment, Hon. Razaq Owolabi lauded the administration of Governor AbdulRazaq for prioritizing the health of residents, assuring the full participation of the State House of Assembly to the wellbeing of the people of the state.

Development Partners and other stakeholders commended the intervention of the government of Kwara state aimed at improving the health of residents of the state, pledging their continued support to Kwara State.