HEWAN Conference Holds Nov 20 To Proffer Solution For Effects Of Infectious Diseases

The 2022 National Conference of the Health Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) is billed to hold on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 to discuss “Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases: Implications and Solutions.”

The event which will hold at the NECA House, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos will also examine as the sub-theme “Achieving Universal Health Coverage through Mandatory Health Insurance: Role of NHIA.”

To deliver the theme paper is Dr Japhet Olugbogi, Medical Officer, Lagos State Ministry of Health.

Olugbogi is a Public Health Specialist with a strong passion for humanitarian activities, social criticism, good governance, public health, community and social development.

Since his research interest is on Vaccine Hesitancy and Vaccine Preventable Diseases, he will be speaking on the main theme of the  symposium:

The sub-theme  would be delivered by the Lagos State Coordinator, National health Insurance Authority, Dr. Aisha Abubakar Haruna.

The symposium which would be chaired by Dr Jimmy Arigbabuwo, National President, Healthcare Providers Association of Nigeria,  would also have the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi and Dr Monica Hemben Eimunjeze, NAFDAC DG as special guests of honour.

In a statement signed by the Association’s General Secretary, Mrs. Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu, the President of the Association, Mrs Chioma Obinna expressed worries on the effect of the continued outbreak of infectious diseases on human lives and the global economy.

According to her, “Following a review of the available evidence, Lassa fever, Monkey Pox, Ebola Virus Disease, Yellow Fever, and Poliomyelitis are some of the  top  emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases outbreaks Nigeria has battled.

“The rising cases of  emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases threaten all countries in the world by affecting  both human lives and economic capital of the nation.”

HEWAN President said the situation has raised some questions: Why are so many infectious diseases coming up so suddenly? Should Nigerians be concerned? What are the implications? What must the government, the media and individuals do to keep safe and preserve humanity? Adding that the conference will focus on how proffer solution to these challenges.

She said the symposium would also help in shaping the skills and knowledge of health reporters who are critical stakeholders  in the progress of the health sector as well as major player in the quest for Universal Health Coverage.

While assuring participants of an exciting moment at the conference, she said “We have made extensive arrangement for a hitch-free event, everything has been put in place, and we are hopeful of an impactful lecture.”