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WHO calls for dialogue as Trump announces US withdrawal

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By Francesca Hangeior

The World Health Organisation has expressed regret over the announcement that the United States intends to withdraw from the organisation.

The global health body urged the US to reconsider the decision.

WHO made this known in a statement on its X account on Tuesday, emphasising its crucial role in protecting global health, including that of Americans.

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The organisation highlighted its work in addressing the root causes of diseases, strengthening health systems, and responding to health emergencies, often in challenging environments where others cannot operate.

NaijaBlitzNewsOnline recall that President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order directing the United States to withdraw from WHO. Speaking at the White House shortly after his inauguration, Trump criticised the organisation, stating that the US was paying far more than China and declaring, “World Health ripped us off.”

This marks the second attempt by the US to exit the global health body. During Trump’s first term, the administration issued a similar notice, accusing WHO of being overly influenced by China during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. That decision was later reversed by former President Joe Biden’s administration.

In the new executive order, Trump directed federal agencies to “pause the future transfer of any United States Government funds, support, or resources to the WHO” and to “identify credible and transparent United States and international partners to assume necessary activities previously undertaken by the WHO.”

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The administration also announced plans to review and rescind Biden’s 2024 US Global Health Security Strategy, which aimed to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats, “as soon as practicable.”

Meanwhile, WHO, in its statement, emphasised the United States’ significant contributions since it became a founding member in 1948. The organisation noted that US participation has been instrumental in shaping global health policies and initiatives, citing joint achievements such as eradicating smallpox and nearly eradicating polio.

“The United States was a founding member of WHO in 1948 and has played an active role in shaping and governing WHO’s work alongside 193 other Member States. Together, we have saved countless lives and protected people from health threats. American institutions have greatly contributed to and benefited from WHO membership,” the statement said.

WHO also pointed to reforms implemented over the past seven years to enhance accountability, cost-effectiveness, and impact, underscoring its commitment to improvement.

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The statement concluded: “We hope the United States will reconsider and look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain this partnership, for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe.”

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Lagos police uncover baby factory, nab three suspects

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The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a baby factory in the Ijegun area and rescued 10 people.

According to the spokesperson for the command, Benjamin Hundeyin, also shared that three suspects were nabbed on Monday.

Hundeyin disclosed the illegal activity was exposed after the police received a tip-off last Saturday.

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He added that the officers swift into action to the location and arrested the main suspect, Mariam Vincent, aged 35, along with two others – Orie Ruth, 23, and Ujunwa Ifeanyi, 18.

During the operation, the police found and rescued several victims, including three children aged seven, five, and two.

In conclusion, seven adult women and three children were rescued.

Among the adult victims were Precious
(24), Magdalene (25), Adaobi (23), Princess (22), Ifeanyi (25), and Amaka (26).

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The rescued children are Destiny (7), Miracle (5), and Success (2).

All the rescued people are now getting proper care and support.

Hundeyin said the suspects admitted during questioning that they kidnapped the victims from different places in the state to run the baby factory.

He added that the investigation is still ongoing and the suspects will face charges in court.

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While giving updates on police efforts over the past two weeks,

Hundeyin said, “A total of 39 suspects who engaged in various crimes, including murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, child stealing, vandalism, illegal operation of a baby factory, illegal possession of firearms, and illicit drugs were arrested.”

In another case, police officers rescued two kidnapped people in Igbe Alagemo, Ijede area of Ikorodu.

The kidnappers had attacked the community at night on March 26, 2025.

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The police said the victims were safely rescued on March 29 after a joint effort with local teams and security forces.

A distress call had been received around 9 p.m. on the night of the attack.

Hundeyin explained, “Armed kidnappers invaded the quiet community, forcefully entering the residence of a 40-year-old man identified as Dare. The attackers shot and killed his security dog before abducting him.

“Not stopping there, the kidnappers proceeded to a neighbouring house, where they seized a second victim, 25-year-old Rodiat, under similarly violent circumstances.”

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He said the police and other security teams worked non-stop for three days before rescuing the victims at about 11:56 p.m. on March 29.

“The victims were immediately reunited with their families, and the area is now relatively calm.

“Surveillance continues, and an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of the crime,” he added.

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OERAF Executive Director Dr Akpodiete, Held Memorial lecture on Essence and benefits of health insurance+Photos

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…Enrolled over 400 indigents into Delta state health insurance scheme

In a very unique and significant way of tackling health challenges in our society, the ever passionate and health insurance ambassador (HIA), Executive Director of Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF) Dr Otemu Olotu Akpodiete held memorial lecture on essence and benefits of health insurance in Nigeria in honour of his late grand father, Late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Ph.D

Speaking during the event at both Okparabe and Otor-Udu respectively yesterday, he noted that health insurance is very important to every family in the society.

Akpodiete explained that, Sometimes there might be an emergency and if you don’t have health insurance, you will spent alot before you can be attended to by Medical organizations. But if there’s health insurance card with you it get easier.

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“He further commended the Delta state government led by His Excellency, Rt Hon (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, for brining this good initiative and it’s very affordable, just with seven thousands naira, you get enrolled unlike the federal government that is almost forty thousand per person.” he added.

The Director General (DG) of the Delta State Contributory health commission, Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta ably represented by Mr. Emmanuel Akpofure, thanked the sponsor Dr Akpodiete for being the first person across Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency to register indigents for the scheme. He called on other wealthy individuals to emulate this young man.

Dr Akpodiete also received commendation from several beneficiaries of the scheme, they said that to enrole over 400 persons in this program so far is not a joke, each person is seven thousand naira and Dr Olotu Akpodiete is not the most wealthiest before doing it. He is a man with so much passion for humanity and we prayed God to grant him his heart desires.” they concluded.

Other highlights of the event was presentation of health insurance ambassador (HIA) award to the sponsor.

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Just in: Founder of Diamond Bank and ex-chairman of MTN, Paschal Dozie is dead

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Pascal Gabriel Dozie, founder of the defunct Diamond Bank Plc and a former chairman of MTN Nigeria, has died at 85 from an undisclosed ailment, a source close to the family revealed.

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