0
0
The urgent need for the university community, government, and other stakeholders to prioritize research and development aimed at caring for the heart and preventing non-communicable diseases among Nigerians has been emphasized.
A lecturer in the department of Medicine, University of Ilorin, Professor Ayodele Omotoso gave the charge as part of his recommendation during the 272nd Inaugural Lecture, titled “Of The Heart, For The Heart And From The Heart: Communicating The Non- Communicables Heartily”.
Professor Omotoso stressed the importance of community engagement and involvement of the private sector through leveraging technology and innovations to improve the lives of those affected by cardiovascular and non-communicable diseases.
“Government should fund, equip and support at least one tertiary health facility that can take care of complicated Cardiovascular and Diseases and Diabetes (CVDs).
“Private sector and companies should be encouraged to invest in health promotion activities and create workplace wellness programmes that will address NCDs risk factors.
“Non-governmental organizations should Collaborate to implement community-based interventions and support groups for individuals affected by NCDs,” he recommended.
According to Professor Omotoso, non-communicable diseases account for approximately twenty seven percent of all deaths in Nigeria, as reported by the World Health Organization, stressing that the situation is particularly alarming given the country’s young population.
He identified risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, including unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption, as well as low health literacy, which prevents individuals from making informed health choices.
To address this challenge, Professor Omotoso further called on the government to implement policies promoting healthy lifestyles, such as regulations on tobacco and alcohol use, and initiatives encouraging physical activities and healthy eating.
From left, Prof. Omotoso with Prof. A. O. Fawole
The Professor of Cardiology also emphasized the need for nationwide awareness campaigns to educate the public about the risk factors and prevention strategies for non-communicable diseases.
By Sola Rotimi.
