Posted on: Thu 11-04-2019

The 50^th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria took place from the 22^nd to 26^th  of January, 2019 at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The theme of the conference was PAN at 50: Successes, Challenges and Prospects. The sub-themes were Child Health Care Advocacy in Nigeria; Translating Policy to Practice, Capacity Building for Effective Health Care Delivery; Reducing the Burden of Chronic Childhood Diseases and Therapeutic Advances and Adaptations in Childhood Diseases.

There were nine pre-conference workshops/trainings: Advanced Neonatal Resuscitation Training of Trainers; Helping Babies Breathe for Primary Health Care Workers; Basic Life Support (BALS) and Paediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS); Paediatric Infectious Diseases; Paediatric Nephrology; Neonatal Mechanical Ventilation and CPAP; Two-day Intensive Course on Electroencephalography; Inhaler Techniques, Allergic Rhinitis, New Concepts and Deliverables in Asthma Management and the NISPO on Childhood Cancer Treatment.  About 226 participants were trained. There were six symposia, four plenary sessions, four product presentations and one meet the expert session.

Other events preceding the opening ceremony included a world press conference, courtesy calls to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, the Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Honorable Commissioner of Health, Oyo State, and His Royal Highness, the Olubadan of Ibadan. There was an early morning walk on 22^nd January 2019 with the theme: Healthy Child, Happy Family.

The opening ceremony was held on the 24m January 2019 at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, under the Chairmanship of Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, represented by Professor Kayode Adebowale (Deputy VC Administration) University of Ibadan. The guest of honour His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi was the Chief Host and was represented by the Honourable Commissioner of Health, Oyo State, Dr Azeez Adeduntan. The Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital Ibadan, Professor Temitope Alonge (Co-Host) was represented by the Deputy CMAC, Professor Clement Okolo. The Provost of the College of Medicine Univeristy of Ibadan, Professor Oluwabunmi Olapade-Olaopa was represented by the Deputy Provost, Professor Obafunke Denloye. The Special Guest of Honour was the Honourable Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Folorunso Adewole who was represented by Dr Bose Adeniran, Director of child health in the Federal Ministry of Health. The Royal Father of the day was the Olubadan of Ibadan land, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji Aje Ogungunniso the 1" who was represented by Mogaji Ademola Makinde. In attendance were a Director in UNAPSA, Dr. Bridget Okoeguale, Permanent Secretary Oyo State Ministry of Health, Directors of Primary Health Care, Pharmaceutical Services, Administration, Finance, and Nursing services of the State, representatives of UNICEF, WHO, Pathfinder International, Nestle Nutrition Institute for Africa, Friesland Campina, and other stakeholders. The book on PAN history was previewed and launched by Dr. Kayode Obembe.

About 657 delegates and invited speakers (doctors, nurses and allied health workers) from within the country, Canada, USA, South Africa were in attendance. Dr. Theodore C. Okeahialam delivered the keynote address titled "PAN AT 50 HISTORICAL

PERSPECTIVE, ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES: An eminent paediatrician, Dr. Dorothy Esangbedo, was honoured with the Dr. and Mrs. Bolaji Ajenifuja Distinguished Paediatrician Award for 2019. Two awards were also donated to the association to encourage residents in research and these will be presented during the annual PANCONF i.e. Prof William Ogala prize for research in neonatology and Prof Theodore Okeahialam prize for research in nutrition. Countries in attendance include Ghana, South Africa, USA, Canada, etc.

During the conference the following observations were made:

1. Surfactant therapy use in the management of respiratory distress in newborns is more readily available in a more deliverable modality
2. The use of simulation-based (virtual and mannequin) education in Nigeria is low
3. Death rate from pneumonia remains high despite current effort
4. There was an increase in the number of children with chronic kidney diseases
5. Vaccine hesitancy; low uptake, ignorance on the part of stakeholders parents and caregivers significantly impact on vaccine coverage rates in Nigeria
6. There is inappropriate use of antibiotics in the community
7. Fever; a common childhood symptom that is fraught with complications, is frequently inappropriately treated by care-givers

The conference therefore made the following recommendations:

1. Integrate and promote simulation-based education in paediatric treatments and management
2. Increase funding for operational research, collaboration, partnerships and harmonization of health programmes.
3. Advocacy for increased funding at all tiers of government; federal, state and local for improved health care delivery
4. Free health care especially for under-5 children
5. Increase budgetary allocation to health, including health insurance schemes at state and local level
6. Preventive modalities like clean and safe environment, immunization, growth monitoring,
7. The need for regulation of antimicrobial use by Government and stakeholders
8. Promote immunization, improved newer technologies and implement these in all health institution on a daily basis.
9. Fever should be treated with antipyretics, tepid sponging and immediate transfer of the child to a nearby clinic for appropriate treatment.

The Association commits itself to promoting and improving the quality of child health care in the country through its activities.

Communiqué Drafting Committee

1. Dr. Olufemi Ogunrinde - Chairman
2. Dr. Sunny Ochigbo - Secretary
3. Dr. Mariya Mukhtar-Yola
4. Dr. Regina Oladokun
5. Dr. Ikechukwu Okonkwo
6. Dr Iroro Yarhere

Signed:

Prof Augustine Omoigberale

MBBS, FWACP (Paed)

National President

Dr Damian Nwaneri

 MBBS, MPH, FMCPaed, FWACP (Paed)

National Secretary

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