Health experts, however, urged trials of the only vaccine against the disease to halt further spread of the rare Bundibugyo species.

Children and women continue to bear a disproportionate share of the outbreak in Ituri, the most affected province, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, OCHA.

The health crisis is unfolding in a province where nearly one million people have been displaced by conflict, with women and children accounting for around 80 per cent.

The outbreak emerged in mid-May and since then, more than 300 children have succumbed to the virus, the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, said.

Moreover, children make up nearly a quarter of confirmed cases, but almost a third of all deaths, the agency added.

Earlier, the UN reported that the outbreak was also severely disrupting essential healthcare.

“In the hardest-hit areas, use of health services has dropped by more than 40 per cent in recent months, as fear of infection keeps people away,” UN Deputy Spokesperson, Farhan Haq, told journalists in New York.

This fear, combined with overstretched health services, is preventing many pregnant women from seeking care.

The warning by the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA, comes as maternal deaths in Ituri have nearly doubled since the outbreak began.

Roughly, six women die each week from childbirth-related complications, while Ebola infection during pregnancy remains associated with almost universal fetal loss.

In this regard, some 13,000 community workers have been deployed by the Congolese health ministry and partners, including the Africa Centres for Disease Control (Africa CDC), UNICEF and sister UN agency the World Health Organisation, WHO.

The community workers have reached more than 2.4 million people with information on Ebola prevention and early detection.

They have also carried out over 500,000 household visits to counter misinformation, in addition to encouraging people to seek care early.

Meanwhile, an expert panel convened by WHO has recommended that a single licensed Ebola vaccine be evaluated in a randomised clinical trial for Bundibugyo virus disease.

The WHO Technical Advisory Group on candidate vaccine prioritisation for Bundibugyo virus disease recommended Ervebo in a new report issued on Friday.

This follows new preliminary data from animal studies suggesting that the vaccine may offer some cross-protection against the species, particularly against causing fatalities.

Ervebo is the only licensed vaccine against the main form of Ebola virus disease, also known as Ebola Zaire.

WHO convened advisory groups after the Bundibugyo species outbreak in the DRC was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 16 May.

The experts held two meetings to review the vaccine and “treatment landscape” for the species and issued an initial set of recommendations.

At that time, they recommended that Ervebo should not be used outside carefully designed research settings so that its performance against Bundibugyo virus disease could be assessed.

The advisory group met for a third time on July 31 to review new data on Ervebo.

They examined preliminary data from animal studies showing that the vaccine offered some level of cross-protection against Bundibugyo virus disease in animals, particularly against death from the disease.

They assessed the vaccine’s safety, efficacy, availability and feasibility of implementation, agreeing that there were no safety concerns for its use, where contacts of confirmed cases are vaccinated.

The advisory group recommended Ervebo to be prioritised for inclusion in a randomised clinical trial, in the absence of specific vaccines against Bundibugyo.

Its efficacy against the species still needs to be proven.

The experts emphasised that a vaccine developed specifically for Bundibugyo virus would remain the preferred option.

Source: NAN

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Congo’s government confirmed that its death toll reached 254.

The speed of its spread across three provinces of eastern Congo has prompted warnings from African health experts that the outbreak could eventually surpass the epidemic that killed more than 11,000 people across West Africa from 2014 to 2016.

A Congolese health report stated that the 18-month-old baby tested for Ebola on June 14 in the Hungbe displacement camp died before the positive result came back the next day.

The report said the baby had developed a fever more than a week earlier, and was carried on ‌foot to ⁠two different health centres and given antibiotics before finally getting tested.

At least 107 people came into contact with her, including family members, healthcare workers and people from other camps, the report added.

Dr Emmanuel Musingusi Bulemu, a ⁠Congolese health official in the surrounding Nizi zone, said there was a shortage of facilities to isolate patients.

“We need to separate these patients from the community because they risk infecting others but where can we put them?,’’ he added.

There have also been two confirmed cases ⁠in Kpangba, another displacement camp in the same area housing people who have fled decades of conflict between armed groups, militias and the army.

At least 30 people have died in a camp in another displacement site ⁠in Bunia.

According to preliminary data from the UN children’s agency UNICEF, so far, nearly a fifth of confirmed cases have been children.

A much smaller number of cases have also been reported in neighbouring Uganda.

Source: Reuters/NAN

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UNICEF Deputy Executive Director, Ted Chaiban, issued the warning, in a statement, following a visit to Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali.

“After a 14-day visit to the Central Sahel, I have witnessed firsthand a region rich in possibilities, yet continuously affected by insecurity, climate shocks, and socio-economic crises,” he said.

Recent reports of violence in Mali “are another example of the stark reminder that such crises in the region create a fragile situation for children, including, sadly the loss of their lives,” he added.

Rebel groups in the West African country carried out a wave of coordinated attacks this past weekend, which the UN Secretary-General has condemned, while UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher tweeted that “responding to humanitarian needs, protecting civilians and ensuring access to basic services is paramount.”

Chaiban said that even though more than 3.6 people across Central Sahel had been displaced due to violence and forced migration, government officials, community leaders, and displaced persons themselves continued to demonstrate hope.

“In many rural areas, markets are reopening, while communities continue to support each other, just as children are playing, with families and young people yearning to regain their dignity and economic independence,” he said.

Chaiban met political leaders in the three countries who agreed that investing in people and strengthening social cohesion were essential for stability and development.

“Everywhere, a clear ambition is emerging: to make the next generation a priority at the heart of national policies.

“I was encouraged by the strong commitment of the three governments to advance and safeguard the rights of every child,” he said.

He noted that in Niger, government-led reforms had modernised civil registration in more than half of all municipalities.

“As a result, birth registration rates rose to 79 per cent last year, up from 62 per cent in 2023.”

Meanwhile in Burkina Faso, authorities have allocated roughly 25 per cent of the national budget to education and nearly 12 per cent to health, “illustrating a significant effort to scale up essential social services.”

Furthermore, national immunisation coverage in Mali reached 82 per cent in 2024, thus bringing the country closer to ensuring that every child receives life‑saving vaccines.

‘’These policies and commitments are not only good examples.

“More importantly, they take on their full meaning when we witness the positive transformation of the daily lives of children, allowing them to keep moving forward despite the hardships they face,” he said.

Yet, he underscored that “the cycle of violence is still dangerously evident, and the situation of children is particularly alarming.”

He recalled that the UN had documented more than 1,500 grave violations against children, including killing, abduction, and recruitment and use by armed groups, while more than 8,400 schools were rendered inaccessible in 2025 alone.

Chaiban explained that lack of access to education and essential services exposed young people to illness and psychosocial distress, while undermining their chances to experience full and healthy development.

‘’Everyone I met during my visit shared the same concern: providing better protection for children and families, restoring peace, enabling access to healthcare and education, and guaranteeing a safe return home,” he said.

The top official was also heartened by UNICEF teams on the ground who are committed to protecting children’s rights throughout the Sahel.

They also support governments, including in the areas of health, water, education and protection.

‘‘I have seen that our response is most effective when it reinforces resilience by strengthening local systems, empowering communities, and fostering inclusive governance, whilst always ensuring that children’s voices are heard and taken into account,” he said.

Chaiban urged the international community not to ignore the plight of children across the region.

“Faced with the resilience of children in the Sahel, the world must not turn a blind eye; there are still millions of children with urgent humanitarian needs that require immediate action,” he said.

“Their resilience does not mean that they are fine nor must it be used as an excuse for inaction,” he added.

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The meeting will bring together media leaders, policymakers, and child-rights advocates to examine Nigeria’s readiness to secure the future of its children.

The event, themed “Equipping the Nigerian Child for the Future: How Prepared Are We?”, comes at a time when millions of children across the country face increasing risks in education, nutrition, health, safety and climate-related emergencies.

Recent incidents, including attacks on schools, rising child malnutrition, and continued displacement caused by conflict and flooding, have underscored the urgent need to expand access to quality education, strengthen child protection systems, and ensure adequate health and nutrition services.

During the symposium, participants will discuss practical solutions for improving safe learning environments, enhancing welfare and protection systems, building climate resilience for children, and advancing ethical, child-focused media reporting.

UNICEF representatives noted that children continue to bear the greatest burden of insecurity and poverty despite contributing the least to the crises affecting them.

The organisers expressed hope that the dialogue would inspire stronger partnerships, evidence-based policymaking and increased national commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian child had the opportunity to thrive.

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UNICEF, in a report, on Thursday, stated that nearly 90 per cent of those children were in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, but even in high-income countries, 23 per cent live with far less income than their peers.

“It doesn’t have to be this way,” UNICEF executive director, Catherine Russell, said. “When governments commit to ending child poverty by implementing effective policies, they can unlock a world of possibilities for children.”

The report draws on data from more than 130 low and middle-income countries, assessing deprivation across six areas: education, health, nutrition, housing, sanitation and water.

Poverty undermines children’s health, development and learning, leading to weaker job prospects, shorter lifespans and higher rates of depression and anxiety.

UNICEF finds 118 million children are deprived in three or more of the areas studied.

The findings come as many governments scale back foreign aid.

The agency warned that cuts could leave six million more children out of school by next year.

Source: NAN

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Education policy often involves striking a delicate balance between cultural traditions, financial realities, and long-term learning outcomes. Two recent interventions in Nigeria highlight this challenge: the Imo State government’s ban on nursery and JSS3 graduation ceremonies, and the Federal Government’s new literacy drive with cash transfers to mothers. Both have generated strong reactions, but each offers lessons worth deeper reflection.

The Graduation Ban: Beyond Social Fanfare

I recalled I was on a short weekend visit to a family where one of the persons in the gathering showed me a viral video of glamorous graduation ceremonies by nursery pupils; so, even featuring red carpets, grand arrivals like prom events in the western part of the world, asking what my thoughts were about it. I simply said: “this is an indicator of misplaced priorities.”

A couple of weeks later, the Imo State Commissioner for Education announced that only Primary 6 and SS3 pupils should hold graduation ceremonies, describing nursery and JSS3 events as unnecessary burdens on families. In my view, this is a right hit. The National Orientation Agency also welcomed the move as “bold and timely,” given the financial strain many parents face.

The concern is justified. A 2023 SBM Intelligence household survey ranked school-related social events among the top five “hidden costs” of education in Nigeria. UNICEF reports that 63% of Nigerians live below the poverty line, defined as living on less than $1.90 per day. This high rate of poverty highlights how elaborate graduation ceremonies can deepen inequality. Parents who cannot afford the required costumes, parties, and levies often feel excluded, and children may suffer the embarrassment of missing out. To address this issue, schools should consider reducing the costs associated with these events or offering financial assistance to ensure all students can participate fully. Ultimately, such practices risk reinforcing social divides within the education system and undermining efforts to promote equal opportunity for all students.

Yet, ceremonies are not without value. Studies by the Brookings Institution suggest that recognising milestones, no matter how modest, boosts children’s motivation and sense of achievement. See the Million learning: scaling up quality education in Developing Countries report. Therefore, a blanket ban risks throwing away the positive psychological impact along with the excess.

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A more balanced approach would be to reimagine graduation ceremonies rather than abolish them outright. Schools could host low-cost alternatives, such as classroom certificate presentations, talent shows, or academic exhibitions. Such events maintain the sense of accomplishment while reducing pressure on families. Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) should be central to this redesign, ensuring that cultural traditions of recognition are preserved without commercial excess.

In short, the policy addresses a genuine problem, but the solution lies in moderation, not elimination.

Tackling Out-of-School Children: Promise and Pitfalls

At the federal level, the government has announced a literacy initiative targeting 500,000 children and 1 million girls, accompanied by cash transfers to mothers. This initiative aims to reduce Nigeria’s out-of-school population, estimated by UNESCO to be 20.2 million, the highest in the world.

International evidence shows this approach has merit. Brazil’s Bolsa Família programme and Bangladesh’s female stipend scheme both demonstrated that conditional cash transfers can boost school attendance and delay child marriage. In Nigeria, where UNICEF data shows girls in northern states are twice as likely to be out of school as boys, directing financial support to mothers could shift household priorities in favour of education.

But history offers caution. Nigeria’s previous cash transfer programmes have struggled with leakages, poor targeting, and weak monitoring. For instance, the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) under the Buhari administration was repeatedly criticised for inconsistent beneficiary data and alleged diversion of funds. A recent study also confirmed these challenges, highlighting systemic weaknesses that undermined the effectiveness of past interventions. Unless funds are digitally tracked, transparently disbursed, and independently audited, the initiative risks repeating old failures. Equally important, literacy classes must not become poorly staffed “holding centres.” They should be properly resourced as stepping stones into mainstream schooling.

Constructively, three steps could strengthen the programme: (1) Transparency: Use digital payment systems with biometric verification to minimise diversion; (2) Community Anchoring: Engage PTAs, women’s groups, and local leaders in identifying beneficiaries to enhance trust; and (3) Quality First: Pair financial incentives with investment in teacher training and curriculum design, ensuring children gain real skills.

With the ever-growing social media distraction in a fast-paced world, Gen Z and Gen A (Alpha) are experiencing a sharp decline in reading culture. Nigeria could also learn from Kenya’s Tusome programme, which raised literacy rates by combining structured teacher support with regular monitoring. Cash transfers can reduce barriers, but only quality teaching transforms lives.

A Call for Balanced Reforms

The Imo graduation ban, and the Federal Government’s cash transfer scheme highlight a common truth: reforms succeed not by bold headlines but by careful implementation.

Ceremonies should not impoverish families, but neither should they be discarded entirely. Literacy drives should not only put children in classrooms but also equip them with durable skills for lifelong learning. The involvement of parents, teachers, and communities is critical to ensuring these policies become sustainable solutions rather than short-lived experiments.

Ultimately, Nigeria does not need fewer ceremonies or more cash handouts in isolation. What it needs is a culture where learning itself, rather than expenditure, is the true cause for celebration.

*Arowolo, PhD (Journalism, University of Kent), is a researcher, media practitioner, and quality education advocate with expertise in journalism, digital governance, and media analysis. He is an Assistant Lecturer at the Faculty of Communications and Media Studies, Lagos State University, Nigeria. He can be contacted at oa@olaarowolo.com or on X/Twitter @olaarowolo

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Hadiza Tijani, a consultant with the Oxford Policy Management disclosed this in Katsina on Tuesday, while presenting the findings of their survey, at a dissemination workshop.

The survey was supported by UNICEF, in collaboration with the state’s Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.

The survey, which also revealed that two students were killed, was conducted on the impact of insecurity on access to education in Zamfara, Niger and Katsina states.

Tijani added that the survey found that about 15 school staff across the three local government areas were abducted, while five other staff were killed.

“Other key findings from the respondents show that 37.7 per cent of teachers feel unsafe while teaching, and 79.7 per cent of students report difficulty concentrating due to noise and trauma.

“Also, 79.7 per cent of the students reported difficulty in concentration due to students’ noise or loud noises, while in Batsari, 50 per cent of teachers observed a significant attendance decline.

“This is followed by 45.5 per cent in Faskari and 39.1 per cent in Kankara,” according to the findings of the report presented by Tijani.

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She said that the rural and border communities had been most affected by the sharp increase in banditry over the last five years, as 96.1 per cent of the respondents had experienced banditry attacks.

According to her, 97.7 per cent of the respondents cited incidents of kidnapping across the three study local government areas, saying: “between 2020 and 2025, 71 insecurity incidents were recorded.”

“In Kankara alone, over 300 students were abducted, while across Faskari and Kankara, 14 teachers were kidnapped and five were killed.

“Disruptions to education were most pronounced in rural and hard-to-reach areas of the state, with insecurity in surrounding communities frequently forcing schools to shutdown, resulting in prolonged interruptions to learning activities.

“The use of temporary learning centres or hubs has gained notable support, particularly in Kankara LGA, where 84.4 per cent of respondents support this approach.”

According to her, key recommendations of the report to address the crisis include strengthening school security through political advocacy, infrastructure upgrades, early warning systems, emergency training, and relocation of schools.

“And also to enhance alternative education delivery through local teacher recruitment, community-based learning spaces, and radio teaching.

“Other recommendations are to improve teacher welfare and learner well-being through better compensation, professional development, psychosocial support, tailored support for vulnerable learners.

“Supporting livelihood recovery through economic development and social welfare for conflict-affected households are recommended,” she said.

In his welcome address, Mr Michael Banda, Officer-in-Charge, UNICEF Kano Field Office, observed that education was not only the right of every child, but also the foundation for peace, stability, and sustainable development.

He said: “Schools have been closed, teachers displaced, families forced to flee, and communities left vulnerable.

“The consequences are severe, rising numbers of out-of-school children, learning losses, trauma among learners, and weakened community confidence in the school system.

“This study, undertaken in collaboration with government and partners, provides evidence and insights into how insecurity is affecting education outcomes in the region.

“The workshop gives the participants the opportunity to reflect together on the findings, share perspectives, and identify practical solutions.”

In her remarks, the state’s Commissioner for Education, Hajiya Zainab Musawa, revealed that in Katsina, banditry had significantly reduced over the past few years.

She, however, lamented that some schools had remained closed due to fear of kidnapping, with students moved to safer environments.

Source: NAN

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UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Gilles Fagninou, said on Wednesday that cholera outbreak in Nigeria had become endemic.

“Cholera remains endemic in Nigeria, with the country experiencing recurrent major outbreaks in recent years.

“As of end of June, Nigeria recorded 3,109 suspected cholera cases and 86 deaths across 34 states,” Fagninou said.

The UN official added that the figure made Nigeria the second most affected country in the West and Central Africa region.

He noted that cholera outbreak in the West and Central African region posed crisis for children.

He said some 80,000 children were estimated to be at high risk of cholera in West and Central Africa as the rainy season began across the region.

According to him, the heavy rains, widespread flooding and the high level of displacement are all fuelling the risk of cholera transmission and putting the lives of children at risk.

He explained that cholera was an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by consuming food or water contaminated with bacteria.

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The disease can be treated with oral rehydration solution and antibiotics but can be fatal within hours if untreated.

“Young children are particularly vulnerable to cholera due to factors such as poor hygiene, inadequate sanitation and access to safe water and a greater risk of severe dehydration.

“The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the hardest hit country in the region, reporting more than 38,000 cases and 951 deaths in July.

“Children under five years now account for nearly 26 per cent of cases in the DRC, and without stronger containment measures, they may face the worst cholera crisis since 2017,” the UNICEF official said.

He added that Chad, Republic of Congo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Togo were also facing ongoing epidemics.

Fagninou also said that Niger, Liberia, Benin, the Central African Republic and Cameroon were also under close surveillance due to their vulnerability.

He said that urgent and scaled-up efforts were needed to prevent further spread and contain the disease across the region.

He revealed that UNICEF had delivered life-saving health, water, hygiene and sanitation supplies as well as treatment facilities to communities since the outbreak.

“The agency has also supported cholera vaccinations, scaled up preparedness and response efforts and encouraged families to seek timely treatment and improve their hygiene practices.

“We are in a race against time, working hand in hand with the authorities to deliver essential healthcare, safe water and proper nutrition to children already at risk of deadly diseases and severe acute malnutrition,” Fagninou stressed.

“Together with an array of partners, we are strengthening community engagement and extending our reach to remote and underserved areas, making every effort to ensure that no child is left behind,” Fagninou said.

He added that UNICEF West and Central Africa urgently required $20 million over the next three months to scale up critical support in health, WASH, risk communication and community engagement.

Source: NAN

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UNICEF’s Health Specialist, Dr Olusoji Akinleye, made the recommendation during a virtual media parley organised by the agency in Owerri, on Friday.

Diphtheria, a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, recently broke out in Imo, with an index case reported in Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise local government area of the state.

Diphtheria primarily affects the nose, throat, and, in some cases, the skin, spreading through respiratory droplets or direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces.

Medical professionals say the incubation period ranges from two to five days but may extend up to 10 days, and without prompt treatment, can lead to severe complications and death in approximately one in 10 cases.

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UNICEF is supporting the government of Nigeria’s response efforts in case management, infection prevention and control, reactive vaccination, risk communication and community engagement to contain the outbreak.

Akinleye spoke on the theme: “Diphtheria Outbreak Response in Imo”.

He said that with 10 fatalities already recorded, according to available statistics, it was imperative to restrict and contain the spread of the scourge to prevent a possible “national disaster”, as the airport “sits very close to Aboh Mbaise”.

He commended the Imo Immunisation Officer, Dr Chibuzo Anyaehie, for ensuring prompt vaccination of persons across the four affected council areas of Aboh Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise, Owerri North and Owerri Municipal.

In a remark, Anyaehie said that 4,017 persons had already received the diphtheria vaccine.

According to her, the state has so far recorded 79 suspected cases and seven confirmed cases.

“We have established treatment centres across all Primary Health Centres in Mbutu and the Aboh General Hospital, with an additional 70 doses of vaccines just supplied,” she said.

Also, UNICEF’s Communications Officer, Dr Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe, thanked health intervention officers from the Imo Ministry of Health for their efforts in containing the outbreak.

Onuoha-Ogwe charged the media to adequately sensitise the general public on preventive management of the disease to curb its spread.

UNICEF’s Water Sanitation and Hygiene Specialist, Mrs Rebekah Gabriel, harped on the need for regular handwashing with soap and water and greater collaboration with traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders for effective grassroots sensitisation.

Earlier in an opening remark, UNICEF’s Chief of Enugu Field Office, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe, thanked the media for effective partnerships and urged the media “to amplify awareness about the outbreak”.

Source: NAN

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UNICEF’s Kano Chief of Field Office, Mr Rahma Farah, raised the alarm during an orientation for 44 local government area chairmen and district heads on polio eradication, routine immunisation, and primary healthcare services.

Farah said that more than a quarter of a million children in Kano have never received routine immunisation vaccines, making the state home to the highest number of zero-dose children in Nigeria.

“This isn’t just a statistic; it represents the future of nearly a quarter of a million children who are vulnerable to preventable diseases, putting their lives and our communities at risk.

“This is not an isolated issue but a deeply concerning trend that threatens the health of our entire state.”

Farah also highlighted the alarming rise in variant poliovirus cases in the state, with six cases reported in 2022, 27 in 2023, and 29 in 2024.

“This escalating trend underscores the critical need for collective efforts to safeguard our children,” he stated.

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He emphasised the importance of vaccination in preventing diseases such as polio, measles, and diphtheria, urging local government chairpersons, traditional leaders, and the state government to strengthen immunisation efforts.

“I urge you to establish well-funded and functional immunisation task forces in each local government area,” Farah said.

Dr Abubakar Labaran, the Commissioner for Health, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery, particularly in vaccination, polio eradication, and reducing maternal mortality.

Dr Nasiru Mahmud, Director-General of the State Primary Healthcare Management Board, explained that the workshop was designed to update stakeholders on health indicators, immunisation, polio eradication, and the challenge of zero-dose children.

He stressed the importance of familiarising participants with their roles and responsibilities in addressing these issues.

Jamilu Danbatta, the chairman of the Association for Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON, in Kano, spoke on behalf of the participants.

He pledged to intensify efforts to eradicate polio and improve routine immunisation in the state.

Danbatta also expressed commitment to collaborating with UNICEF to ensure the success of these efforts and strengthen immunisation initiatives across Kano.

Source: NAN

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