By Murtala Muhammad
A US-based Nigerian paediatric surgeon, Professor Ben Nwomeh, has encouraged medical students and residents to develop interest in paediatric surgery to help save the lives of infants and children, who he described as the most vulnerable members of society.
Professor Nwomeh made the call while serving as the keynote speaker at the 25th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Association of Paediatric Surgeons of Nigeria (APSON), held in Bauchi.
Paediatric surgeon, Professor Ben Nwomeh, said the call was necessary considering Nigeria’s large child population, stressing that there was nothing more precious than caring for the most vulnerable members of society.
The paediatric surgeon described Nigeria’s young population as an asset requiring greater investment, urging governments at all levels to improve citizens’ welfare to enable them to adequately care for children.
Professor Nwomeh said Nigerian children were facing numerous challenges hindering their development, including poor access to healthcare, potable water, education, roads and other social protection services.
He said paediatric surgeons in the country were witnessing the effects of these challenges daily, as many children were unable to receive the specialised care they needed.
The Chief Host and Chief Medical Director of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, Professor Jibril Bara, said choosing Bauchi to host the APSON AGM was appropriate, given the hospital’s three mandates of clinical services, training and research.
Professor Bara said activities lined up for the conference included provision of clinical services to children, which he described as vital because they require specialised care, while interns and residents would also gain practical knowledge.
In an interview, APSON President, Dr Roland Osoji, said hernia was among the most common conditions requiring surgery among children in Nigeria, urging parents to seek medical attention early for prompt intervention.
The Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu, commended APSON for its humanitarian services to people of Bauchi State, saying no amount of gratitude could adequately repay the association for its contributions.