The Nigerian Chapter of the West African College of Physicians (WACP) has commenced its 49th Annual Scientific Conference in Kano with a call for health system reforms and adoption of healthier lifestyle choices to reduce disease burden in the country.
Dr Benjamin Uzochukwu, Chairman, WACP Nigeria Chapter, made the call while addressing a press conference on Tuesday, in Kano.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commencement of the college 49th Annual General and Scientific Conference, holding from July 21 to 25 in Kano.
Uzochukwu said the conference, themed: “Healthy Living: Transforming Lives Through Healthy Lifestyle Choices”, underscored a critical truth that the foundation of wellness “begins not in hospitals but in homes, communities, and daily choices.
“It is a clarion call to promote healthier behaviours, prevent diseases before it takes root, and empower citizens to take charge of their health through informed lifestyle choices.”
Uzochukwu, also a professor of Public Health, Systems and Policy, noted that the conference would also focus on two sub-themes.
According to him, these sub-themes are: “Basic Healthcare Provision Fund” and “The Future of the Nigerian Health Sector and Preventable and Curable Cancers”.
“The Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) remains a transformative opportunity to make primary healthcare accessible, affordable, and accountable.
“However, the promise of this fund can only be fulfilled through transparent governance, sustained financing, community engagement, and unwavering political will,” he said.
He observed that many Nigerians were being lost to cancers that could have been prevented or cured if diagnosed early.
“The tragedy lies not only in the disease itself but in missed screenings, vaccinations, and diagnoses.
“We must challenge the silence, stigma, and system failures that allow treatable cancers to become death sentences,” he added.
He said the conference would bring together thousands of physicians, researchers, public health experts, and policymakers to discuss solutions for healthier living and a stronger health system.
Uzochukwu commended the Kano State Government for hosting the conference and thanked the Federal Ministry of Health, academic institutions, international development partners, and professional associations for their support.
He urged Nigerians to prioritise their health by making informed lifestyle choices.
NAN
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