… Name for stronger coverage, analysis, prevention technique at NAFTRAPH
By Chioma Obinna
Native and diaspora well being professionals have referred to as on the Federal Authorities to urgently develop a coordinated nationwide response to the rising burden of non-communicable illnesses, NCDs, warning that the nation dangers a full-blown well being disaster if present traits proceed unchecked.
The decision was made on the opening ceremony of the seventh Annual Worldwide Convention of the Nigerian Affiliation of Overseas Educated Pharmacists, NAFTRAPH, in Lagos.
The three-day convention, themed “Non-Communicable Illnesses in a Put up-Pandemic World: Nigeria’s Perspective and Methods to Mitigate Illness Ramifications,” introduced collectively foreign-trained pharmacists, medical professionals, and teachers to debate Nigeria’s readiness to confront power situations corresponding to diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular issues.
Delivering the keynote handle, the Chief Govt Officer of Eralmed Medical Group and Assistant Professor of Medication at Rutgers New Jersey Medical Faculty, Dr. Nelson Aluya, described diabetes as “the pandemic earlier than the pandemic,” noting that NCDs now pose one of many greatest threats to Nigeria’s healthcare system.
He stated: “Non-communicable illnesses are silently killing our folks. The federal government should act quick. We’d like collaboration between the private and non-private sectors, the diaspora, and analysis establishments to strengthen healthcare capability.”
Aluya pressured the significance of dependable knowledge to drive nationwide planning and decision-making. “With out knowledge, there isn’t any downside; with out a downside, there isn’t any funding; and with out funding, there isn’t any resolution,” he stated.
He urged the Federal Authorities to put money into well being expertise by implementing a nationwide digital medical information, EMR, system to boost communication between hospitals and cut back medicine errors. “If a physician in Zamfara prescribes a drug, a physician in Lagos ought to have the ability to see it. That’s methods to construct a clear and environment friendly well being system,” he added.
Citing current traits, Aluya famous that the prevalence of NCDs in Nigeria has risen by between 20 and 32 per cent in recent times, pushed largely by altering life. “As our socioeconomic standing improves, we’re starting to reside like these overseas — from air-conditioned houses to air-conditioned places of work and automobiles — with little bodily exercise. That shift is driving the rise in hypertension and diabetes,” he defined.
In his remarks, President of NAFTRAPH, Dr. John Ejezie, stated the convention was designed to advertise collaboration amongst healthcare professionals at house and overseas. He emphasised that addressing the rising burden of power illnesses requires a unified strategy involving pharmacists, docs, nurses, and public well being practitioners.
“Pharmacists are accessible, trusted, and near the folks,” he stated. “They will detect early signs, present counselling, and refer extreme instances for additional therapy. That’s how we save lives.”
Ejezie reaffirmed NAFTRAPH’s dedication to bettering public well being outcomes via coaching, analysis, and international partnerships. He additionally paid tribute to departed elders of the affiliation, together with Pharm. Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, late writer of Pharmanews, and Dr. Terrance Baker, a John Hopkins doctor and previous host of NAFTRAPH occasions, describing them as “selfless pillars whose legacies proceed to encourage the youthful technology.”
He additional introduced NAFTRAPH’s ongoing partnership with the Africa Diaspora Company, geared toward deepening collaboration on well being innovation, analysis, and data-driven initiatives.
Additionally talking, Dr. Violet Bumah, School Member, Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephen F. Austin State College, Texas, emphasised the necessity for preventive healthcare and way of life self-discipline. She suggested Nigerians to return to conventional diets and keep away from extreme consumption of processed meals, which she linked to the rising prevalence of power illnesses.
“Our ancestors lived longer as a result of they ate natural meals, stayed lively, and maintained balanced life,” she stated. “We must be civilised, not westernised. It’s okay to undertake expertise, however not unhealthy consuming habits.”
Bumah additionally inspired younger Nigerians to take initiative in fixing well being challenges. “Group up, community, and don’t be afraid to strategy folks in authority if in case you have good concepts,” she stated. “Change comes via collaboration and braveness.”
The convention featured paper displays, panel discussions, and interactive classes specializing in healthcare financing, knowledge assortment, and community-based interventions. Contributors additionally mentioned the position of the diaspora in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system via analysis partnerships, capability constructing, and expertise switch.
The members additionally resolved to proceed supporting nationwide efforts to forestall and handle non-communicable illnesses whereas advocating stronger coverage path, improved public well being training, and the combination of digital instruments into Nigeria’s healthcare supply system.
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