HEWAN initiates talk on re-emerging infectious diseases

Worried by the increasing rate of infectious diseases in Nigeria and the world at large, the Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) has assembled a team of experts to discuss the trend and offer possible solutions at its 12^th Annual Symposium holding tomorrow in Lagos.

A statement signed by the President of the Association, Chioma Obinna and Secretary, Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu listed recent outbreak of diseases such as Lassa fever, Monkey Pox, Ebola Virus Disease, Yellow Fever, and Poliomyelitis in the country as a threat to all countries in the world, “affecting  both human lives and economic capital of the nation.”

The association said the symposium themed “Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases: Implications and Solutions” would seek to proffer answers to some questions raised by the current trend such as : “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?”

The statement gave further information on the symposium: “The event which will hold on Dec. 20, 2022 at the NECA House, Alausa, Ikeja,  will feature the 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 sub-theme  would be delivered by the Lagos State Coordinator, National health Insurance Authority, Dr. Aisha Abubakar Haruna.

“The symposium which would be chaired by Dr Jimmy Arigbabuwo, National President, Healthcare Providers Association of Nigeria,  would also have the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi and Dr Monica Hemben Eimunjeze, NAFDAC DG as special guests of honour.”

The HEWAN President, said the symposium would help in shaping the skills and knowledge of health reporters, described as  “critical stakeholders in the progress of the health sector as well as major player in the quest for Universal Health Coverage.”

She said: “We have made extensive arrangement for a hitch-free event, everything has been put in place, and we are hopeful of an impactful lecture.”