Expert Urges Improved Access to Modern Equipment For Local Miners

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16/10/2025

By Martha Agas

An expert, Prof. Akinade Olatunji has urged the Federal Government to support indigenous small scale mining companies to access modern mining equipment for their operations.

Akinade made the call in his presentation on `Leveraging the Domestic Experience: Need for Homegrown Strategy for Advancing the Mineral and Mining Sector,` on Wednesday in Abuja.

The presentation was on the sidelines of the 10th edition of Nigeria’s Mining Week, with the theme, `Nigeria Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance.’

The professor of Applied Geochemistry said the support was by ensuring robust financial and material support to the companies through the establishment of extension services.

“This is through establishment of extension services to indigenous small scale mining companies to allow for access to modern mining machineries in identified mining clusters in the country,” he said.

He said government policies should be designed to promote the success of homegrown strategies for developing the mining sector, similar to what was achieved in the oil industry.

He cited the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act of 2010 and the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021 as examples of policies that harnessed local expertise and experience.

Prof. Akinade said the government should adopt an Intentional Backward Integration Policy, under which materials and inputs previously imported would be produced locally, to help grow industries, create jobs and save foreign currency.

He listed additional measures the government could implement to include providing geological data, setting up commodity markets and introducing an insurance scheme for small-scale miners.

“One of the necessary measures is the provision of basic geological and mining engineering data procured by government agencies to improve the chances of success of the Small Scale Mining Lease (SSML) operators.

“Facilitation of the establishment of commodity markets where mine products could be sold at internationally acceptable rate is also a necessary measure.

“Also necessary is the facilitation of an insurance scheme for SSML on a model where the premium will not be burdensome but one that will assure some safety net in a very delicate sector,” he said.

A Season Of Atiku Dancing In Open And El Rufai’s Distrust

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News Editor

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16/10/2025

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By Comrade Salisu Isa

The attention of Northern Resistance Front, a pro democracy movement with the commitment to pursuing the promotion of openness, good governance and democratic leadership, peace and unity has been drawn to the unpatriotic statements credited to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai on the recent presidential clemency granted to some Nigerian convicted citizens.

We must observe, that Presidential Clemency is enshrined in the Nigerian constitution. In line with the relevant provisions President Bola Tinubu exercised his constitutionally guaranteed prerogative of mercy based on the recommendation of the committee on the prerogative of mercy, the correctional centres and on the advice of the National Council of State.

We have watched with consternation the misplaced criticism of PBAT on the discharge of his duties bestowed on him by the constitution of Nigeria. Any failure on his part through any abdication of responsibility can only deny justice to the convicted citizens in custodial centres.

“The conviction was not only to serve punishment but also for correctional behaviour. Particularly, having certified and satisfied that the beneficiaries of the clemency have exhibited outstanding amount of introspection, remorsefulness, good behaviour and reformation”.

The unbridled attack on PBAT by Atiku Abubakar of PTDF and Jefferson scandal is very unpleasant given stories associated with Atiku’s name during tenure as Vice President under the Obasanjo government.

The criticism by Atiku is a cheap political grandstanding by one whose selfish interest and inordinate ambition knows no decency and morality. Never in the history of Nigeria such alarming degree of power mongering by one man is witnessed.

We are not surprised by Atiku’s latest antics given his most unpleasant democratic pedigree. The case of betraying PDP the party that have done everything for him including making the Vice President of Nigeria and given him Presidential ticket twice but destroyed for his selfish reasons. The same Atiku, we regret to observe, had in his trademark risen to hijack the structures of his new found ‘African Democratic Contraption’ to the detriment of other presidential aspirants in the party. It is a statement of fact that if members of his own are victims of his undemocratic practices, there is no way he can spare from his blackmail and reckless impunity.

“Where was Atiku when a sodomist, one Major Bello Magaji, an ex military police officer, convicted by military court marshall and upheld by the Supreme Court of Nigeria was granted pardon by the the Jonathan administration?” Is the case sodomy not worst than some other vices given clemency in the present order?

Indeed, Arewa and Nigeria minus Atiku is a blissful place. What is the noise about clemency to convicts cleared by the Council of State? What is the attraction in the Atiku criticism of PBAT given clemency to those who deserve it? Given that even President Biden granted such gesture to his own son and President Trump granted same to his right wing supporters without witnessing the kind of hue and cry being made by Atiku.

Atiku remains a pain in the neck for his unfulfilled political dreams, that he still has the audacity to criticize exercise of presidential descretionary powers by PBAT on matter cleared at the Council of State before the final announcement was made is something strange.

Coincidentally, his voice was so loud in ugly criticism because after his outburst some failed politicians followed on the same matter settled at the Council of State level.

The case of Nasir El-Rufai is very pathetic on his twilight feeling chaotic that his dwindling political relevance is infinitely suffocative and unfilled. Can El-Rufai condemn this kind of gesture if extended to any one of his associates?.

“The discretion of the PBAT based on the recommendation of the Council State on the clemency cannot be swayed by sentiment .

Atiku and El-Rufai should not and cannot constitute themselves as alternative Council of State whose discharge of constitutional duty is binding on all parties.

In fact, the father of late Mohammed Bello, the deceased husband Sandra confessed that he has the ex wife of his late son and specifically requested on the need for the clemency to the extended to her.

We frowned at the campaign of blackmail of calumny and distraction by those unrepentant lurking around the political atmosphere in their circus of deceit aimed towards confusing Nigerians away from eldorado for all being stirred by President Tinubu.

The injury El-Rufai inflicted on the common man during his brutal rule in Kaduna is still in our fresh memory.

Nigerians must be wary of deceitful politicians masquerading as democrats trying to gain undue advantage, using ethnic religious sentiment for their political experiment.

Lastly, we must state that the current administration of PBAT has recorded great strides towards fulfilling its mandate of providing dividends of democracy to Nigerians. The Tinubu reforms and renewed hope agenda are laying a sturdy foundation for a great and prosperous future for our country. We are proud to be associated with such outstanding vision and noble achievement.

COMRADE SALISU ISA
Convener

Genocide Claims: US Congress Must Apologize To Nigeria – Says Elder Statesman

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News Editor

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15/10/2025

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…Don’t Cause Disunity, Incite Nigerians Against Themselves.

An elder statesman, Alhaji Isa Folorunso Mustapha, has said that the American Congress should tender an apology to Nigeria on its genocide statement which claims that Christians are allegedly being killed in Nigeria.

Alhaji Mustapha said that the America must come out clean and release the list of how many Christians were killed in Nigeria and where, adding that such statement is an attempt to blackmail the country which is unacceptable.

He told the American Congress that Nigeria is a polygamous society where Christians and Muslims married each other without any consideration for either religion or tribe.

According to him, a topical example is that of President Bolaji Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria whose wife is a Pastor in one of the largest Churches in Nigeria.

Alhaji Mustapha stated this in a statement he issued and released to the Media in Kaduna on Wednesday.

He said, “the history of marriage between Muslims and Christians including adherent of other religions dated back to over a century in Nigeria, and it has remain so, and this is the beautiful of our peaceful coexistence as a nation”.

The elder statesman frowned at the statement by the American legislator, describing his claims as an attempt to cause disunity and incite Nigerians against themselves. He called for an unreserved apology from the American government and her Congress over the unfortunate statement.

He noted that some Nigerians are allegedly behind the disparaging comments about the country for their selfish and parochial interest, and urged such characters
to desist from the acts of sabotage henceforth.

In the statement, the elder statesman also described those agitating for the release of Biafra agitator, Nnamdi Kalu, as an uninformed group who did put into consideration the activities of Kalu against the unity of the country.

Alh. Mustapha who is over 70 years of age emphasized that the unity of Nigeria and Nigerians is not negotiable and therefore urged Nigerians to be united and not to allow external forces to cause disunity among the people of the country.

He also commended the Senate on its quick action to constitute a 12-member ad-hoc committee to advise the legislature on how to respond to the growing international concerns over alleged state-backed persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

Health: Maternal, Family Planning Services Face Challenges In Kaduna, Demand Investment – Media

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News Editor

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15/10/2025

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PHC Workers Cry Out Over Exclusion From Welfare Package

The avowed commitment of the Kaduna State government to health care delivery to the people may not be realised unless adequate steps are taken to invest in FP commodities and consumables which are only supplied by partners .

This is to arrest some of the challenges including out of stock syndrome and out of pocket expenses by clients characterising maternal and family planning services in most of its secondary and primary health facilities .

This assertion followed a media advocacy visit on Tuesday to some of the facilities, namely, General Hospital Kawo and Zakari Isa PHC in Kaduna North LGA, Rigasa and Mando in Igabi LGA, Television in Kaduna South, and Sabon Tasha in Chikun LGAs Primary Health Care centres.

The advocacy visit supported by the Pathfinder International and being implemented by Kaduna Maternal Accountability Mechanism, (KADMAM) as Smart Advocacy Strategy in Action, (SASA) afforded media the opportunity to see and interact with health care providers in the facilities.

Some of the facilities although equipped with solar power by partners, are compelled to refer cases of premature births to Barau Dikko
Teaching Hospital or Yusuf Dantsoho Hospital due to non availability of incubators and where available, there are no trained technical staff to mann.
Also pediatricians and Lab technicians are lacking .

Worrisome, is the health Legacy Project at Rigasa General Hospital completed over a year ago, yearning to be equipped for use, as the present one lacks enough spaces for theatre among others.

A Family Planning Provider at the facility, Medinat Abidoye said majority of women who are enthusiastic along their husbands prefer Injectable contraceptives which they consider highly effective with implants ranking second in demand, a situation that reflects in other facilities visited.

She emphasized on side effects of the contraceptives including bleeding without availability of consumables to treat them.

At Mando PHC, Mujaratu Rabiu disclosed that at least an average of forty deliveries are recorded monthly with an incubator lying fallow.

While her counterpart at Zakari Isa PHC, Josephine Jatau also spoke of high preference of Injectables to implants which the users claim to have some side effects.

. Above all, she said the PHC was experiencing the out of stock syndrome of consumables but the situation has now normalised.

At the Television PHC, the Asst FP Provider, Mary Sani Mallam spoke of availablity of Injectables but that the centre lacks consumables to treat the side effects of Implants, hence the need to charge in certain areas in order to raise money to buy consumables such as hand gloves, plaster and syringes .

At the Sabo Tasha PHC Which is being run on generator following the vandalized Solar power about a year ago, the Officer in Charge, Deborah Joseph said the centre records an average of 70 to 80 attending antenatal care monthly. She said the centre operates 24 hours using recharged lamps amid insecurity.
On Family Planning, the Provider at the centre, Margret Ambut spoke on the need for Sabo to have additional health facility to bring services closer to the people who live far away coming to the centre.

She contended that all family planning methods are accepted depending on individuals body systems.
She explained that the PHC which also serves as a training ground has been engaging counselling and organising outreaches on FP for both women and adolescents .
Meanwhile, workers at the PHCs have cried out over their exemption from the recent State government welfare package implemented for health personnel in the State civil service. Their exemption, they said, has demoralised them and therefore called on Governor Uba Sani to look into their plights.
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We May Partner With China to Revive Ajaokuta Coy – Steel Minister

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News Editor

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14/10/2025

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By Martha Agas

The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuiabu Abubakar says the ministry is exploring partnership with the Republic of China for the revitalisation of both Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL) and National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO).

Abubakar disclosed this at the opening of the 10th edition of Nigeria’s Mining Week, themed `Nigeria Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance`, on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said that in September 2024, the Federal Government signed a Memorandum Of Understanding with Messrs. Tyazhmashpromexport (TPE), the original builders of ASCL, based in Russia.

He said the move was to rehabilitate, complete, and operate the plant and NIOMCO Itakpe, both in Kogi State, but the Russia-Ukraine war has hindered progress

“Due to constraints as a result of the Russia – Ukraine war, we are now exploring partnership with the Republic of China for the revitalisation of both ASCL and NIOMCO.

“Mr President will give the final approval based on Financial, Managerial and Technical competencies.”

He said that the renewed hope agenda under President Bola Tinubu`s government had remained resolute in breaking the nearly five-decade jinx of the steel company`s comatose state.

According to him, the ministry is in very advanced discussions with the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to commence production of input materials for military hardware.

These hardwares, he said, include rifles, vests, helmets and bullets at the Engineering workshop of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.

“This understanding is to support the defence sector of the Nigeria economy for improved security,” he said.

He said 12 iron ore deposits across the country were currently at various stages of exploration.

Abubakar said its agency, the National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency, Kaduna, identified the 12 deposits and was working to generate the needed resource data to drive investments in the sector.

This he said, was especially on Iron Ore, Cokeable Coal and Bauxite.

He said local Steel production in Nigeria would drive massive local Steel raw materials consumption from Iron Ore, Limestone, Dolomite, Refractory Clay, Coal among others with its economic benefits.

He urged private sector participants at the conference to view investments in the steel raw materials value chain as key to unlocking growth in the sector.

“We are collaborating with critical stakeholders across the Federal Government, especially our sister Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in this regard”.

He said that the Federal Government’s efforts to reposition the Nigerian Steel Industry for sustainable growth with increased foreign direct investment would only be possible with sustainable mineral raw materials supply.

According to him, the robust business engagements and policy alignments for the development of strategic minerals like Iron Ore, Fluxes, Coal and other alloying minerals should see the Nigerian Steel Industry as a major partner/offtaker.

“The top management of Ministry of Steel Development, its Agencies and industry players are present at this conference and the Federal Government is ever ready to provide the required enabling environment,” he assured.

Tinubu Pledges Inclusive Economy For All Nigerians

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News Editor

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14/10/2025

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By Martha Agas

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to provide an inclusive economy for all Nigerians where industries process raw materials locally.

The president made the pledge at the opening of the 10th edition of Nigeria’s Mining Week, themed `Nigeria Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance`, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Represented by Sen. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, he described the mining sector as crucial in realising his administration`s desire in providing jobs for youths through the development of mineral processing industries.

“We are determined to create an economy that works for all Nigerians where industries process our raw materials here at home, small businesses thrive in global supply chains, and millions of dignified jobs are created for our youths.

“ The mining sector is vital to this vision, stimulating local industries, creating employment opportunities, and generating revenue for infrastructure and services., “ he said.

Tinubu said his administration made the historic decision to increase the 2025 national budget by N4.5 trillion, with an extra N1 trillion earmarked for the solid minerals sector.

According to him, this is the most significant single investment in Nigeria’s mining industry by any administration.

Tinubu explained that these funds were being channelled towards geo-scientific exploration, detailed geological surveys and the development of critical infrastructure to unlock our mineral-rich regions.

He said that this investment would enhance Nigeria`s economic resilience by reducing its dependence on volatile oil markets and creating alternative revenue streams for the nation.

“ It will also ensure regional equity by spurring development in resource-rich but underdeveloped areas, boosting rural economies, and supporting the processing and export of minerals to increase our foreign exchange earnings.

“Already, our reforms have led to a dramatic upswing: in 2024, the solid minerals sector generated over N38 billion in revenue, up from N6 billion the previous year—a six-fold increase achieved through improved policy and oversight,“ he said.

The president said that Nigeria must harness its critical minerals wealth responsibly to build a fortified economy that creates jobs and supports industrial clusters.

He said his administration was committed to responsible, people-centered mining and was enforcing strict environmental regulations to prevent pollution of farmlands and water sources.

“We are requiring mine operators to rehabilitate sites and respect biodiversity.

“We are also promoting transparency through initiatives like the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), as our citizens deserve to know how their natural resources are managed and utilised,“ he said.

According to him, safety and security in mining areas are also paramount for all stakeholders, including investors, workers, and residents.

“Our government has taken steps to improve security in regions where mining activities are ongoing, working to eliminate banditry and conflict that threaten both people and projects. A secure environment is the bedrock of sustainable resource development, “ he said.

In his remarks, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, expressed confidence that the conference would inspire innovations, new partnerships and renewed confidence in the future of Nigeria`s solid minerals sector.

On his part, Mr Dele Ayankele, the National President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), said the annual event had stood tall in leading conversations that have hallmarked the growth and development of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

Ayankale urged the participants of the conference to explore opportunities for business, knowledge sharing and international collaborations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigeria Mining Week, holding from Monday to Wednesday, is organised by MAN in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the VUKA Group.

INEC: Amupitan’s Appointment a Recognition of Integrity, Competence – MBF

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News Editor

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13/10/2025

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…Hails President Tinubu

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has congratulated Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) on his appointment as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the choice as a well-deserved recognition of merit, competence, and integrity.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Luka Binniyat, the Forum also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Council of State for endorsing the appointment, saying it reflects a commitment to credible leadership in the nation’s electoral management body.
According to the MBF, Professor Amupitan — a distinguished scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Kogi State — is “eminently qualified for this crucial national assignment.”
The Forum noted that Amupitan, a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, has made remarkable contributions to academia and legal scholarship, mentoring generations of Nigerian lawyers and advancing the study of constitutional and electoral law.

Call for Electoral Reforms and Restored Credibility
The Forum expressed confidence that the new INEC chairman’s wealth of experience and moral uprightness will help restore public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.
“It is the considered opinion of the MBF that the immediate past leadership of INEC left behind a legacy marred by serious electoral irregularities and a widespread loss of public trust,” the statement said.
“Professor Amupitan’s appointment presents an opportunity to rebuild the integrity of the Independent National Electoral Commission and ensure that elections truly reflect the will of the people.”

A Call to the Senate for Swift Confirmation
The Forum urged the Nigerian Senate to expedite Amupitan’s screening and confirmation, describing him as “an outstanding patriot” who embodies honesty, fairness, professionalism, and the fear of God — qualities the Middle Belt region is proud to be associated with.
“Once again, the Middle Belt Forum heartily congratulates Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) and expresses sincere gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for recognizing merit, character, and competence in this appointment,” the statement concluded.

Global Mortality Rate Declines by 67% -Report

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News Editor

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13/10/2025

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By Martha Agas
A report by the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) reveals that the global mortality rate has declined by 67 per cent since 1950, in spite of population growth and aging.

The study, which covered 204 countries and territories as well as 660 subnational locations between 1990 and 2023 was published in The Lancet medical journal and released on its website on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the findings were presented and unveiled at the ongoing World Health Summit in Berlin, Germany, holding from Sunday to Tuesday.

According to the report, global life expectancy has returned to pre-pandemic levels, rising by more than 20 years since 1950 to 76.3 years for females and 71.5 years for males.

The study, however, highlighted of wide regional disparities, with life expectancy ranging from as high as 83 years in high-income regions to as low as 62 years in sub-Saharan Africa.

While global health indicators had improved, the report warned of an emerging crisis of higher death rates among adolescents and young adults.

It attributed the rise to suicide and substance use in North and Latin America and to infectious diseases and unintentional injuries in sub-Saharan Africa.

It said that between 2011 and 2023, the highest increase in deaths was recorded among those aged 20 to 39 in high-income North America, largely due to suicide, drug overdose and excessive alcohol use.

The report also noted that deaths among those aged 5 to 19 rose in Eastern Europe, high-income North America and the Caribbean within the same period.

It said that while the global mean age at death increased from 46.4 in 1990 to 62.9 years in 2023, geographic inequities were profound.

“The highest mean age of death was recorded in the high-income super-region, with females reaching 80.5 years and males at 74.4 years.

“The lowest mean age of death was in sub-Saharan Africa, with females at 37.1 years and males at 34.8 years.

“The all-cause probability of dying before age 70 decreased across each GBD super-region and region from 2000 to 2023, with drug use disorders as one of the leading causes.

“ In sub-Saharan Africa, the probability increased for many Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD), and the mean age of death from NCDs was lower than expected,“it stated.

According to the report, new data and methods uncovered higher mortality among girls and women (ages 15–29 years) in sub-Saharan Africa is 61 per cent greater than previously reported.

In Nigeria, it showed that fewer people were dying now than in 1990, showing better health and longer lives for both men and women.

It revealed a significant decline in the age-standardised mortality rate (ASMR) between 1990 and 2023.

Data showed that the rate for both sexes dropped from 1,722.41 deaths per 100,000 people in 1990 to 1,085.19 in 2023.

For males, it fell from 1,846.59 to 1,182.86, while for females, it declined from 1,599.20 to 1,003.34, indicating improved health outcomes and increased life expectancy across the population.

It noted that tremendous progress has been made in slashing many infectious diseases and injuries and in improving the health of newborns, but cuts to development assistance for health threaten this success.

The report explained that more children aged 5 to 14 in sub-Saharan Africa died between 1950 and 2021 than earlier estimates showed, mainly due to respiratory infections, tuberculosis, other diseases and unintentional injuries.

The report revealed that deaths among young women aged 15 to 29 in sub-Saharan Africa were 61 per cent higher than earlier estimates, mainly due to maternal mortality, road injuries and meningitis.

It stated that many countries particularly those with the fewest resources—need better access to prevention and treatment for non-communicable diseases.

According to the report NCDs account for nearly two-thirds of the world’s total death and disability, led by ischemic heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

It stated that half of the world’s disease burden was preventable and driven by 88 modifiable risks, with the top three being high blood pressure, air pollution and smoking.

It further noted that the burden of mental disorders continued to surge globally, with anxiety and depression increasing death and disability by 63 per cent and 26 per cent respectively.

NAN reports that the study was led by Dr Christopher Murray, Director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington School of Medicine alongside its GBD Collaborator Network.

The researchers collected and analysed data and produced estimates for 375 diseases and injuries and 88 risk factors by age and sex from 1990 to 2023.

The Lancet is a peer-reviewed medical journal founded in 1823 in the United Kingdom covering global health, medicine and public health policy.

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