By; MATTHEW UKACHUNWA, Lagos
Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) will at its symposium on December 20, 2022 in Lagos, will bring together a constellation of medical experts to find solution to the threats posed by emerging and reemerging infectious diseases in Nigeria.
The theme of the conference is, “Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases: Implications and Solutions,” while the sub-theme is, “Achieving Universal Health Coverage through Mandatory Health Insurance: Role of NHIA.”
The leadership of HEWAN said that subjects for deliberation were chosen following a review of the available evidence on the emerging and reemerging infectious diseases.
The heath journalists disclosed that Lassa fever, Monkey Pox, Ebola Virus Disease, Yellow Fever, and Poliomyelitis are some of the top emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases outbreaks Nigeria has battled.
“The rising cases of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases threaten all countries in the world by affecting both human lives and economic capital of the nation.
“The situation has raised some questions: Why are so many infectious diseases coming up so suddenly? Should Nigerians be concerned? What are the implications? What must the government, the media and individuals do to keep safe and preserve humanity?”
“To find solutions to the problems posed by these diseases outbreaks, the Health Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) will hold its 12th Annual symposium with theme – : ‘Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases: Implications and Solutions’,” the Association stated in a news statement signed by its President, Chioma Obinna and Secretary, Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu.
The event which will take place at NECA House, Alausa, Ikeja will feature Dr Japhet Olugbogi, Medical Officer, Lagos State Ministry of Health, as the lead speaker.
“Olugbogi is a Public Health Specialist with a strong passion for humanitarian activities, social criticism, good governance, public health, community and social development.
“Since his research interest is on Vaccine Hesitancy and Vaccine Preventable Diseases, he will be speaking on the main theme of the symposium,” the health correspondents group said.
The sub-theme would be delivered by Lagos State Coordinator, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Aisha Abubakar Haruna.
The symposium which would be chaired by Dr Jimmy Arigbabuwo, National President, Healthcare Providers Association of Nigeria, will also have Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, and Dr Monica Hemben Eimunjeze, Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), as special guests of honour.
Mrs. Chioma Obinna, President of Health Writers Association of Nigeria, said the symposium will help in shaping the skills and knowledge of health reporters who are also critical stakeholders in the progress of the health sector as well as major players in the quest for sustainable universal health coverage in Nigeria.
“We have made extensive arrangement for a hitch-free event, everything has been put in place, and we are hopeful of an impactful lecture,” she said.
