On September 29, 2026, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed called on paediatric surgeons to increase access to quality surgical care for children in underserved communities, particularly in rural areas. Speaking at the 25th Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Association of Paediatric Surgeons of Nigeria, Mohammed emphasized the need for improved paediatric healthcare to safeguard children's health, development, and future opportunities. He noted that paediatric surgery is crucial for human capital development through early intervention and access to specialized care.
Mohammed highlighted that conferences like the APSON gathering provide a platform for medical professionals to exchange knowledge, review emerging evidence, and develop solutions to challenges in paediatric surgical care. He stressed that his administration recognizes the need for improved specialized healthcare through collaboration among government institutions, professional associations, and the private sector. The governor expressed the state's readiness to support partnerships aimed at strengthening paediatric surgical services and expanding access to quality healthcare for children in rural communities.
The President of APSON, Prof. Roland Osuoji, mentioned that the association conducted a medical and surgical outreach in Bauchi State, attending to 1,537 patients and performing 208 surgical operations. He stated that the conference theme, "Advancing Paediatric Surgical Care in Nigeria: Innovation and Best Practices," reflects the need for continuous improvement in paediatric surgical services. Osuoji noted that renowned experts were assembled to share knowledge and deliberate on contemporary developments in the field.
The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Kefas Bwala, described the conference as a historic event, marking the Silver Jubilee of APSON and the first time the association was holding its annual conference in Bauchi State. He emphasized the need for stakeholders to reflect on progress made over the past 25 years and chart new pathways through innovation and evidence-based practices. Bwala disclosed that APSON conducted two free medical and surgical outreaches in Bauchi State, attending to over 1,000 patients and performing 237 free surgical procedures.
Bwala highlighted that the association organized a two-day pre-conference workshop aimed at building the capacity of resident doctors and young consultants. He appreciated the APSON National Executive for entrusting Bauchi with the hosting right of the 25th annual conference. The governor urged participants to focus on strengthening health systems, expanding access to specialized paediatric surgical services, and exploring technologies to improve surgical outcomes.
Mohammed also called for sustainable models of specialist training, mentorship, and professional development, as well as policies addressing emerging challenges in paediatric healthcare. He advocated for improved access to affordable and cost-effective surgical interventions and stronger collaboration between tertiary institutions and lower levels of healthcare. The governor emphasized that the true measure of scientific advancement is how effectively discoveries improve the lives of ordinary people.
The conference provided a platform for medical professionals to discuss ways to improve paediatric surgical care in Nigeria. Key discussions included the need for increased access to quality healthcare in rural areas and the importance of collaboration among stakeholders. The event marked a significant milestone in the Association of Paediatric Surgeons of Nigeria's 25-year history, highlighting the progress made and the need for continued innovation and best practices in paediatric surgical care.
Key points
- Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed urges paediatric surgeons to expand healthcare services to rural areas.
- The Association of Paediatric Surgeons of Nigeria conducted medical and surgical outreaches in Bauchi State, attending to over 1,537 patients and performing 208 surgical operations.
- The conference theme was "Advancing Paediatric Surgical Care in Nigeria: Innovation and Best Practices," emphasizing the need for continuous improvement in paediatric surgical services.
