…As NAFTRAPH Holds 7th International Conference in Lagos
Health experts and pharmacists from within and outside Nigeria have called for a coordinated national response to the growing threat of non-communicable diseases in the country, saying the time has come for government at all levels to prioritize prevention, data-driven research, and stronger policy frameworks to safeguard public health.
The call was made at the opening ceremony of the 7th Annual International Conference of the Nigerian Association of Foreign Trained Pharmacists (NAFTRAPH) held at the Watercress Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The three-day conference, themed “Non-Communicable Diseases in a Post-Pandemic World: Nigeria’s Perspective and How to Mitigate Disease Ramifications,” brought together foreign-trained pharmacists, health professionals, and academics to examine Nigeria’s readiness to tackle chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Nelson Aluya, Chief Executive Officer of Eralmed Medical Group and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, described diabetes as “the pandemic before the pandemic.” He said non-communicable diseases now constitute a major threat to Nigeria’s health system and must be addressed with urgency.
Dr Aluya, who touched on several salient health issues, called for increased collaboration between government, the private sector, and the diaspora community to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare capacity. He emphasized the need for reliable data to drive planning and decision-making, stressing that “without data, there is no problem; without a problem, there is no funding; and without funding, there is no solution.”
He also urged the Federal Government to invest in technology through a national electronic medical record (EMR) system to enhance communication between hospitals and reduce medication errors. “If a doctor in Zamfara prescribes a drug, a doctor in Lagos should be able to see it. That’s how to build a transparent and efficient health system,” he said.
Citing current statistics, Dr Aluya noted that the prevalence of NCDs in Nigeria has risen by about 20 to 32 percent in recent years, driven largely by changing lifestyles. He observed that many Nigerians are adopting sedentary habits and diets similar to those in industrialized nations. “As our socioeconomic status improves, we are beginning to live like those abroad — from air-conditioned homes to air-conditioned offices and cars — with little physical activity. That shift is driving the rise in hypertension and diabetes,” he explained.
In his opening remarks, President of NAFTRAPH, Dr John Ejezie, said the conference was designed to promote collaboration among healthcare professionals at home and abroad. He stressed that addressing the rising burden of chronic diseases requires a unified approach involving pharmacists, doctors, nurses, and public health practitioners.
Ejezie noted that community pharmacists play a critical role in early detection and management of chronic illnesses, as they are often the first point of contact for patients. “Pharmacists are accessible, trusted, and close to the people,” he said. “They can detect early symptoms, provide counselling, and refer severe cases for further treatment. That’s how we save lives.”
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to improving public health outcomes through professional training, research, and global collaboration.
Ejezie also paid tribute to departed elders of the association, including Pharm. Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, late publisher of Pharmanews, and Dr Terrance Baker, a John Hopkins physician and past host of NAFTRAPH events. He described them as “selfless pillars whose legacies continue to inspire the younger generation.”
The NAFTRAPH president further announced the association’s ongoing partnership with the Africa Diaspora Corporation, aimed at expanding collaboration on health innovation, research, and data-driven development initiatives.
Also speaking at the conference, Dr Violet Bumah, Faculty Member, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas, emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare and lifestyle discipline. She advised Nigerians to embrace traditional diets and avoid excessive consumption of processed foods, which she linked to the rise in chronic diseases.
“Our ancestors lived longer because they ate organic food, stayed active, and maintained balanced lifestyles,” she said. “We should be civilized, not westernized. It’s okay to adopt technology, but not unhealthy eating habits.”
Bumah urged young Nigerians to be bold and proactive in solving health challenges. “Team up, network, and don’t be afraid to approach people in authority if you have good ideas,” she advised. “Change comes through collaboration and courage.”
The conference featured paper presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions addressing healthcare financing, data collection, and community-based interventions. Participants also discussed the role of the diaspora in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare systems through research partnerships, training, and technology transfer.
At the close of the conference, participants resolved to continue supporting national efforts to prevent and manage non-communicable diseases while advocating stronger policy direction, improved public health education, and the integration of digital health tools into Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system.
