Medical Women's Association of Nigeria(MWAN) Communique at the end of MWAN National Executive Council Meeting Held on 27th July 2024


Posted on: Wed 07-08-2024

Medical Women's Association of Nigeria(MWAN) Communique at the end of MWAN National Executive Council Meeting Held on 27th July 2024

Preamble

- The Medical women's Association of Nigeria(MWAN) is the umbrella body of all female Medical and Dental Doctors in Nigeria. MWAN is affiliated to the Medical Women's International Association and her motto is: 'Matris Animo Curant'-'Healing with the love of a mother'. MWAN was established in Nigeria in 1976 and has branches in the thirty-six States and the Federal Capital Territory. Her aim is to improve the health of Nigerians with emphasis on women and children through advocacy, education, and service delivery.

- Medical Women's Association of Nigeria(MWAN) in collaboration with Pfizer successfully organized a one-day hybrid symposium and her 3rd National Executive Council Meeting on Saturday, July 27th 2024, in Lagos, Nigeria. This pivotal symposium gathered leading medical professionals from across the globe to discuss the latest advancements and strategies in managing sickle cell diseases, a pressing health issue in Nigeria. The meeting was centered around the theme "Current Trends in the Management of Sickle Cell Diseases," highlighting the urgency and importance of addressing this genetic condition, which affects millions of Nigerians and poses significant health challenges.

- The symposium was attended by over 500 Medical Doctors, Medical Students, Nurses, Pharmacists, Community Health Officers, Persons living with SCD in Nigeria, Caregivers and family members of SCD patients, and the General Public. Participants learned that children with Sickle Cell Anaemia have four times the under-five mortality and 200-fold risk of stroke. The discussions focused on innovative treatments, patient care strategies and the role of healthcare providers in improving outcomes for individuals living with sickle cell disease.

- The symposium was honored by the presence of notable dignitaries, including Madam President MWAN, Prof. Rosemary Ogu, who delivered and inspiring welcome address on the critical role of medical professional in advancing sickle cell care and Prof. Akinsola, representing the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, the  Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos.

- Goodwill messages were given by the MWAN BOT, Dame Dr Ebimie Okara, Dr. Chioma George from Pfizer representing the Pfizer Sub-Saharan Medical Director, Dr. Bha Ndungane Tlakula, Dr. Bodurin Oshiokkaya representing the special guest of the occasion, Prof. Akin Abaoyomi the Honorable Commissioner of Health and Dr Akinsiku with Dr. Adedamola Dada, the CMD, Federal Medical Centre, Ebutte Metta.

Other Distinguished Speakers included:

Dr. Annette Ofunne Akinsete, CEO of National Sickle Cell Foundation, Prof. Obiageli Nnodu, a leading Haematologist & Founding Director of the Centre of Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training at the University of Abuja, who provided insights into  the burden and local context for the management of sickle cell disease. Prof. Miguel Abboud Head of the Sickle Cell Centre and Chairman, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Centre, who shared valuable strategies on the current and future trends in the management of sickle cell disease. Prof. Omosivie Maduka, Epidemiologist and Public Health Physican, Director of the Center for Health and Development, University of Port Harcourt enlightened the participants on the epidemiology challenges of Sickle cell disease, Dr. Ijeoma Diaku Akinwumi, a Consultant Paediatrician, genetic Counselor, and Pioneer Coordinator, Paediatric Sickle Cell Centre, LASUTH, who emphasized the importance of genetic counseling & drug treatment of sickle cell disease & Nurse Patrica Okon, who gave a reaffirming talk on managing sickle cell patients.

A fireside chat on selfcare was beautifully delivered by Mrs Olatomiwa Willians, Country Director of Microsoft Nigeria ad Ghana and was moderated by Dr. Yetunde Ayo Oyalowo.

 

Key Highlights and Discussions

Advancements in Treatment: Participants explored cutting-edge treatments such as gene therapy, new pharmaceutical, and innovative pain managements techniques that offer hope for better patient outcomes.

Patient-Centered Care: Emphasis was placed on holistic and patient-centered approaches, focusing on improving quality of life, mental health support, and comprehensive care plans tailored to individual needs.

Public Health Initiatives: The meeting discussed the need for robust public health campaigns to raise awareness about sickle cell disease, promote early screening and encourage informed reproductive choices.  

Collaboration and Partnerships: Attendees recognized the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to enhance research efforts and expand access to healthcare services for sickle cell patients.

Empowering Women in Medicine: The conference celebrated the contributions of female medical professionals in shaping the future of healthcare in Nigeria and emphasized the need for continued mentorship and support for women in the medical field.

NEC Observations/Resolutions

The 3rd National Executives Council Meeting of the Medical Women's Association of Nigeria was a resounding success, providing a platform for knowledge exchange, professional growth, and strategic planning.

1. After the robust discussions at the symposium, MWAN reaffirmed her commitment to leading initiatives that improve the management of sickle cell diseases in Nigeria. By fostering collaboration and innovation, MWAN aims to drive positive change and enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by this condition.

2. MWAN noted the recommendations of the election petition committee as presented representing grey areas in the constitution and resolved to intensify notice of call for constitution amendment which should be sent to secretariat on or before March 2025.

3. MWAN decried the continuous of 2 of her members from Cross Rivers State (Dr. Ekanem Philips who had been kidnaped for over a year) and Kaduna State (Dr. Gyaniyat Poopoola who had been taken with family members for over 6 months). MWAN noted the steps already taken by the Kaduna state branch and National Executive of the Nigeria Medical Association and MWAN so far.

4. MWAN continues to champion healthcare excellence and remains dedicated to addressing the pressing health challenges faced by Nigerians and empowering women in medicine to lead the way forward.

Appreciation

Our Sincere gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the 3rd MWAN NEC of the biennium and the symposium. Special thank you to:

  • Pfizer Specialties Ltd. for funding the very educational symposium
  • Her Excellency, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo Olu, wife of the Executive Governor of Lagos State for her continued support and for hosting NEC to a sumptious  welcome banquet at the State House.
  • The Chairman BOT for gracing the NEC alongside past Presidents Dr. Dorothy Esangbedo Dr. Joyce Barbar(also a BOT Member).
  • MWAN Lagos elders, executive and LOC for your commitment to the detailed planning and implementation of the Eco 2024 NEC.
  • FCC Healthcare, Market Doctor Orange Insurance Brokers Ltd Mobihealth, Gerontology Centre and Microsoft Nigeria for their Support and partnership.
  • NEC members from across the country for their Participations and commitment to the continuous growth of MWAN through their work at subnational level.
  • Special appreciation to our National PRO Dr. Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri and National Coordinator, Dr. Vetty Agala for their consistent role as comperes cum moderators of MWAN events.

Signed

Prof. Rosemary Nkemdilim Ogu

National President 2023-2025

Dr. Vetty Agala

National Secretary