A recent symposium in Abuja, Nigeria, highlighted the importance of regular medical check‑ups in preventing non‑communicable diseases (NCDs). Dr. Iorfa Tor‑Ayiin, a consultant family physician at the Federal Medical Centre in Makurdi, Benue State, urged Nigerians to undertake routine health screenings to prevent conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and heart disease—now leading causes of death in the country, surpassing infectious diseases like malaria and tuberculosis.
The event, the 9th Annual Abuja Cardiovascular Symposium, was organized by Cardiocare Multi‑Speciality Hospital under the theme “Hypertension, Diabetes and Heart Disease: Domesticating Global Solutions to Nigeria’s Deadly Trio.” Over two days, medical professionals from various disciplines gathered to discuss the growing burden of NCDs in Nigeria. Dr. Tor‑Ayiin explained that the symposium aimed to refresh health workers’ knowledge on managing diabetes, hypertension and heart failure, while also educating the public about early warning signs and preventive measures.
The consultant emphasized the need for Nigerians to regularly monitor their blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels and to follow medical advice. He cautioned against unhealthy diets and sedentary lifestyles, which increase the risk of developing NCDs. Mr. Nwobodo Chukwuka, Nursing Manager at Cardiocare, urged individuals to take personal responsibility for their health, noting that early detection and lifestyle modification are key to disease management. Administrative Manager Mr. Solomon Olusola highlighted the hospital’s commitment to health education and encouraged anyone experiencing cardiovascular symptoms to seek care at the facility.
Cardiocare Multi‑Speciality Hospital offers specialized services, including neurology, gastroenterology and cardiothoracic surgery, and performs advanced procedures such as coronary angiography and coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The symposium’s focus on NCDs is significant given their rising prevalence in Nigeria. By educating health workers and the public on preventive measures and early warning signs, the event aims to reduce the national burden of these diseases. As Dr. Tor‑Ayiin noted, regular medical check‑ups and healthy lifestyles can prevent and manage NCDs, ultimately lowering the risk of premature death and improving overall well‑being for Nigerians.
Comments are closed for this story.