By Abdullahi Jalalludeen
West African College of Physicians Urges Govt to Strengthen Non-Communicable Disease Management
The West African College of Physicians, Nigerian Chapter, has called on the Federal Government to strengthen its multisectoral approach to non-communicable disease management.
This urgent appeal was made at the conclusion of the college’s 49th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, held in Kano from July 21st to 25th .
The conference, led by Professor Benjamin Ozochukwu, National Chairman of the West African College of Physicians, Nigerian Chapter, and Vice President of the college, focused on three key themes: Lifestyle Modifications, Basic Health Care Provision Fund, and Cancers.
Professor Benjamin Ozochukwu said “These themes addressed pressing health issues in Nigeria, including the root causes of ailments like smoking and poor diet, revitalizing primary health care, and combating the rising incidence of cancers.”
He said as part of the conference, the organizing committee conducted outreach services in Bichi local government, providing free medical services, surgical services, health education, and promotion.
“The team screened 3,118 patients for hypertension, diabetes, and other conditions, treating them freely and referring some for further care.”
The Vice Chairman noted that the conference featured numerous presentations and discussions on lifestyle modification, cancers, and primary health care activities. A symposium on lifestyle modifications led to key resolutions, including urging the federal government to release the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund to all local governments.
“We called on the Federal Minister of Health and the NCDC to be able to strengthen multisectoral approach in non-communicable disease management.”
The local organizing committee consisted of Dr. Adamu Samaela, Dr. Issa Abubakar, and Dr. Gajida Anwar, alongside National Secretary Dr. Sunday Malomo.
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