Posted on: Fri 09-12-2022

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 43RD ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE OF THE ENDOCRINE AND METABOLISM SOCIETY OF NIGERIA (EMSON LAGOS 2022) HELD FROM THE 29TH TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2022 AT THE RADISSON BLU HOTEL, IKEJA, LAGOS.

PREAMBLE

The 43rd Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference (AGMSC) of the Endocrine and Metabolism Society of Nigeria (EMSON) held from the 29 to 30 of September 2022 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. The theme of the AGMSC was "Obesity and Overweight in Nigeria: Research, Challenges and Management". The sub-themes were Childhood Obesity: An Emerging Health Challenges; Diabetes and Cardiovascular Health; Bioinformatics in Endocrine Practice; Disorders of Sexual Differentiation.

The meeting was preceded by a pre-conference update course which held on the 28 of September 2022 at the Surgical Skills Centre, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos. This update course was attended by forty- six participants comprising of Consultant Endocrinologists and Resident Doctors in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (EDM) specialty.

The conference had in attendance three hundred delegates comprising Adult Endocrinologists, Paediatric Endocrinologists, Anatomists, Biochemists, Physiologists, Resident Doctors training to be Endocrinologists, International speakers, members of the pharmaceutical industry and invited dignitaries.

The opening ceremony for the scientific conference held on the 29 of September 2022 under the distinguished Chairmanship of Olor'ogun (Dr) Sonny F. Kuku the co-founder, EKO Hospital (Ekocorp Plc). The keynote lecture titled 'Obesity: The time bomb in Nigeria' was delivered by Professor Felicia Anumah. There were three plenary lectures (with topics derived from the conference theme and subthemes) delivered by the invited international speakers who were authorities and leading professors in the fields of the lecture topics delivered virtually.

Four (4) members of the EMSON were awarded the prestigious Fellow of the Endocrine and Metabolism

Society of Nigeria (FEMSON) distinction. Fifteen new full members and five associate members were inducted into the Society at a colourful induction ceremony.

Sixty-five scientific papers were presented as abstracts (oral and moderated posters) during the conference.

There were also robust discussions during the symposia, workshops and meet the expert that held as plenary and parallel sessions.

The society elected a new leadership that was immediately sworn-in to assume office effective 1 January 2023. The members of this new executive council are; Professor Aihanuwa Eregie - President, Professor Andrew Uloko-First Vice President, Dr. Afoke Isiavwe-Second Vice President, Dr. William Balogun-Third Vice President, Dr. Oluwarotimi Olopade-Secretary General, Dr. Ope-Oluwa Fasanmade-Treasurer, Professor Andrew Edo-Internal Auditor, Dr. Michael Olamoyogun - Publicity Secretary, Professor Christian Okafor- Curator.

OBSERVATIONS

The Endocrine and Metabolism Society of Nigeria made the following observations;

1. Obesity is prevalent in our society especially among the paediatric age group, and it is not only among the affluent but cuts across all socio-economic strata.
2. Obesity is fast becoming an epidemic and it is not restricted to any geopolitical zone.
3. Wrong diet choices especially replacing home cooked food with the fast food and processed food will see obesity and related disorders reach epidemic proportions in not too distant future
4. The increasing prevalence of obesity is impacting negatively on the heath of the populace.
5. The drivers of obesity are globalization and urbanization which affects our food culture and consumption habits which lead to energy imbalance.
6. Diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases are grave consequences of obesity. However, access to Endocrinology healthcare services is still grossly inadequate in Nigeria.
7. The number of endocrinologists produced has been on the decline because of the brain drain in the health sector. This is further compounded by migration of the few endocrinologists to foreign lands in search of greener pastures and better working environments.
8. The cost of accessing care is remarkably high, unaffordable and prohibitive to many persons and families of people with endocrine and metabolic problems in Nigeria, as healthcare financing for these services remain largely out-of-pocket.
9. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) needs to improve the scope of Endocrine and metabolic care given to Nigerians.
10. The need for increased advocacy and collaboration for capacity building, research, and training in endocrine and metabolic disease healthcare in Nigeria.
11. The need to strengthen local workforce development and utilization of local resources was re-emphasized.

RESOLUTIONS

At the end of its 43rd AGMSC, EMSON (EMSON LAGOS 2022) the Endocrine and Metabolism Society of

Nigeria resolves as follows:

1. To continue its advocacy as a major stakeholder in shaping the policy for Endocrine and Metabolic health among adults and children in Nigeria.
2. To call for increased governmental and non-governmental funding for Endocrine and Metabolic health, research, and training.
3. To call for improved public health enlightenment by all stakeholders on the scope of endocrinology and metabolic healthcare services available in Nigeria and the need to reduce, if not stop medical tourism.
4. To call on government to put actions and policies in place to stem the brain drain currently decimating the work force in Nigeria in general and the endocrinology specialty in particular.
5. To strongly advocate for the inclusion of specialised services for both adults and children in the National Health Insurance Authority. This will help to lessen the financial burden on individuals and improve access to these services.
6. The 44 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Endocrine and Metabolism Society of Nigeria will hold in Port Harcourt, River State, Nigeria in September 2023.

APPRECIATION

The Endocrine and Metabolism Society of Nigeria wishes to appreciate the Hon. Minister of Health, Federal Republic of Nigeria Dr. Osagie Ehanire, the Hon. Commissioner of Health, Lagos State, Professor Akin Abayomi, Olor'ogun (Dr) Sonny F. Kuku who was the Chairman of the opening ceremony. We equally appreciate the wives of the governors of Ogun and Lagos states, and our founding fathers of the EMSON. The Society specially thanks the local organizing committee for an excellent organising and successful hosting of the 43 AGMSC.. Our special appreciation to the local organizing committee of the 43" AGMSC ably led by Professor Ademola Oremosu, and the National Executive Council of the Endocrine and Metabolism Society of Nigeria (EMSON).

Long Live the Endocrine and Metabolism Society of Nigeria

Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Signed 

Prof. Olufemi A. Fasanmade

President EMSON

Prof. Andrew E. Uloko

Secretary-General EMSON

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