Experts Converge in Lagos to Tackle Infectious Diseases

Martins Ifijeh

As part of efforts to curb the rising incidents of infectious diseases in Nigeria, a team of epidemiologists from the United State of America, and their Nigerian counterparts will be converging in Lagos to chat a way forward against diseases.

This is coming on the heels of more reported cases of Lassa fever in Ondo and Anambra States last week.

The international conference is being organised by the Global Infectious Diseases Initiative Incorporated, a non-governmental organisation, based in the U.S.

According to the Convener of the conference in Nigeria, Dr. Folarin Olubowale, who is a Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine and Infectious diseases, the conference would unite the world’s premier infectious diseases providers in the world to combat epidemics from a variety of angles, including social, economic, health and policy formulation.

At a press conference to announce the conference billed to hold 7th of July, 2017, a Public Health Physician, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos, Dr. Udoka Chira, said the rate at which seasonal diseases such as meningitis and Lassa fever were becoming frequent, there was need to find a lasting solution to it.

According to her, “the essence of the conference is to learn more about infectious diseases, we will talk about various epidemics that has happened in the country, their control and preventive strategies and how we can improve on them.

“We will also try to find out why seasonal infectious are now becoming an epidemiology. We want to know what went wrong, best strategies to adopt on its prevention and control, as well as find out about new ways of treating various diseases,” she explained.

Speaking, Managing Director, Complete Advantage, Mrs. Ime Udo said the event which is the 10th in series, apart from the 500 participants expected will be graced by renowned infectious disease experts including Dr. Regis Nadin, a Haitan- American Emergency medicine physician, Dr Yoav Golan from Tufts Medical Centre among others.

She said in collaboration with the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, a 2.5 Continuity Medical Education, CME, will be awarded to attendees.

On the impact of the conference on Nigerians, Udo who said it was the first in Africa explained that the conference organisers are also coming with funding for scholarship for medical students and doctors.

She disclosed plans by the initiators to establish an infectious centre in Nigeria as well.

Udo urged interested participants to register through its website,www.infectionsdiseasesinitiatives.org.