The Association of Paediatric Surgeons of Nigeria (APSON) has gathered in Bauchi for its 25th annual general meeting and scientific conference. The event aims to discuss surgical innovations, medical care of Nigerian children, and career development of paediatric students. During the conference, the association performed free surgical operations on children in Bauchi State. A total of 208 operations were conducted, including complex surgeries, in collaboration with the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH).
According to Prof. Roland Iheanyichukwu, National President of APSON and a Consultant Paediatric Surgeon at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, a total of 1,537 consultations were done during the event. Iheanyichukwu stated that the gathering was aimed at ensuring Nigerian children have access to appropriately trained specialists. He emphasized that about 40 percent of Nigeria's population are children, and there is a need for doctors and specialists to take care of them.
Iheanyichukwu raised an alarm over disturbing hernia cases among children, stating that some childhood hernias are congenital and result from the failure of a normal passage in the body to close properly after birth. He stressed the need for paediatric surgeons to address this common surgical condition. The association's efforts aim to provide quality healthcare to Nigerian children, who constitute a significant portion of the country's population.
Dr. Benedict C. Nwomeh, a Professor of Surgery, Pediatrics, and Epidemiology at the United States, was a guest speaker at the conference. He spoke on "What the Theatre Doesn't Teach You: Insights from a Career in Surgical Education." Nwomeh encouraged paediatric students to be more dedicated and advance their careers to an enviable degree. He emphasized the importance of choosing paediatric surgery, as it involves taking care of the most vulnerable, which are infants and children.
Nwomeh highlighted the challenges faced by children in accessing appropriate healthcare, including poverty, inadequate access to safe drinking water, insufficient healthcare facilities, and poor road networks, particularly in rural communities. He noted that these challenges affect children's ability to access healthcare, and paediatric surgeons witness the consequences daily.
The conference provided a platform for paediatric surgeons and students to discuss ways to address the challenges faced by Nigerian children. The association's efforts to provide free surgeries and consultations demonstrate its commitment to improving children's healthcare in Nigeria. The event also aimed to promote career development and advancement in paediatric surgery.
The Association of Paediatric Surgeons of Nigeria (APSON) continues to play a vital role in promoting the health and well-being of Nigerian children. Through its annual general meeting and scientific conference, the association brings together experts in the field to discuss innovations, challenges, and solutions in paediatric care. The free surgeries performed during the event are a testament to the association's dedication to providing quality healthcare to children in need.
Key points
- The Association of Paediatric Surgeons of Nigeria performed 208 free surgical operations on children in Bauchi State to mark its 25th annual general meeting and scientific conference.
- The conference aimed to discuss surgical innovations, medical care of Nigerian children, and career development of paediatric students.
- Paediatric surgeons highlighted the challenges faced by children in accessing healthcare, including poverty, inadequate access to safe drinking water, and insufficient healthcare facilities.
