A renowned medical academic and former Chancellor of the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Professor Ayodele Omotoso, has drawn the attention of critical stakeholders to the increasing number of deaths caused by various non-communicable diseases (NCDs). in Nigeria, saying that concerted efforts are needed to stem the tide.
Professor Omotoso made the call during the university’s 272nd inaugural lecture, titled “From the Heart, For the Heart and From the Heart: Communicating the Uncommunicable from the Heart.”
The professor, who is also a former member of the University Governing Council, stated that 27% of deaths in Nigeria are caused by one non-communicable disease or another, recalling that no less than 43 million deaths were recorded in 2021 alone. . throughout the country, were the product of the effects of Non-Communicable Diseases.
Professor Omotoso noted that 34.1% of adult Nigerians had hypertension in 2021, attributing the dangerous trend to the country's economic situation and the urbanized lifestyles of affected Nigerians.
The inaugural lecturer, who previously served as President of the Nigerian Hypertension Society, said non-communicable diseases are causing more deaths than infectious diseases and maternal, neonatal and nutritional conditions combined.
He also said that unhealthy diets as a result of the transition from traditional to Westernized diets, rich in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats, are contributing factors to non-communicable diseases.
Professor Omotoso, who is equally the Oluomo I of Ijurin-Ekiti in Ekiti State, further said that physical inactivity, smoking and unbridled consumption of alcohol are also responsible for the rising wave of non-communicable diseases.
To stem the tide, Professor Omotoso called for greater research and development, saying investment in cutting-edge research to understand the underlying mechanisms of NCDs and develop innovative treatments and preventive measures would be of great help.
He also suggested collaboration between different departments, such as Medicine, Public Health and Social Sciences, to address NCDs from multiple perspectives.
The professor, who is also a former dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Ilorin, also advocated the development of programs that engage the local community in health education and promotion that would focus on prevention and management of NCDs.
He also said that integrating NCD-related topics into the curriculum of various disciplines would ensure that students are well informed about these diseases and their impact.
Professor Omotoso also implored the university authorities to ensure that the authorities of the Faculties of Health Sciences resurrect the regular university-wide public lecture/interactive session on NCDs and other health-related issues.
The former Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) has advised the University to institutionalize mandatory medical check-ups for all staff members for early detection and treatment of people with NCDs.
He also called for early implementation of new government policies on various aspects of NCDs that promote healthy lifestyles, such as regulations on tobacco and alcohol consumption, and initiatives to encourage physical activity and healthy eating.
In this sense, he stated that the neighborhood's sports and recreational facilities are important.
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The renowned health educator also called for better access to health services, particularly in underserved areas, to ensure early detection and treatment of NCDs.
Professor Omotoso also called for vigorous and relentless national and multi-dimensional campaigns to raise awareness on the risk factors and prevention strategies of NCDs.
He also charged the government to allocate sufficient funds and resources to support NCD prevention and control programmes, including research, healthcare infrastructure and community initiatives.
The keynote speaker said expanding National Health Insurance programs to cover NCD treatment would be a good step, adding that the government should fund and support at least one tertiary health center that can care for complicated NCDs.
Professor Omotoso also noted that stakeholders should encourage private companies to invest in health promotion activities and create workplace wellness programs that address NCD risk factors.
It also campaigned to partner with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to implement community interventions and support groups for people affected by NCDs.
Professor Omotoso also called for closer collaborations between Nigeria and international organizations to share knowledge, resources and best practices for the prevention and control of NCDs.
He also suggested leveraging technology and innovation to develop new tools and platforms to monitor, manage and prevent NCDs across the country.
Professor Omotoso, who recalled that he has been involved in the training of almost 5,000 doctors since 1983, advised the government to prioritize medical education by making more resources available to generate an adequate and competent number of doctors working for health. of the nation's growing population and human community.
The inaugural lecture, which was chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (RTI), Professor Adegboyega Fawole, was attended by some traditional rulers, past and serving Vice-Chancellors, friends, colleagues, students and relations of Professor Omotoso from far and near.