The first lady, Aisha Buhari, on Thursday Inaugurated Prof. Felicia Anumah Centre for Diabetic and Endocrine in the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, UATH, Gwagwalada.
Mrs Buhari, while inaugurating the centre, said it would provide effective diagnosis and medical services to Nigerians.
The centre named after a female Professor of Endocrinology was sponsored by the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs.
She expressed the need for stakeholders to strengthen awareness campaigns on the dangers of endocrine disorder.
“With the establishment of this centre, I hope that more awareness would be created on the negative impact of endocrine disorder and the need for early diagnosis’’ she said.
The first lady also recommended medical screening of infants at birth to ensure early detection and treatment.
“I also recommend early screening of children within 72 hours of birth in order to allow for early diagnosis for timely intervention.
“It is my sincere hope that the centre would be judiciously used to improve the quality of diabetic and endocrine services in the hospital,’’ she said.
In his welcome address, the Chief Medical Director of the UATH, Prof. Bissallah Ahmed said the centre would provide special clinical services to patients with endocrine disorders.
Ahmed said the centre would provide teaching and training opportunities to undergraduates, resident doctors and other healthcare practitioners.
He expressed the hope that the centre would serve as a hub for research activities.
The CMD also told the gathering that the hospital was the first in Nigeria to manage over 1,000 COVID-19 patients with 90 per cent recovery rate.
“And to the glory of God, we have not lost any staff to COVID-19 and after today`s event, our rating shall go higher,’’ he said.
On her part, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, SGDs, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to meeting the Sustainable Development Goal 3.
The goal is targeted at providing good health and well-being of its citizens.
“We will continue to prioritise interventions with potential impacts on the lives of the poor and vulnerable members of our society, so that no Nigerian is left behind.
“In order not to continue to put pressure on our overstretched health system, I am appealing to Nigerians to practice healthy living by eating well and exercising regularly.
“We must avoid junk food, as the cost of living with diabetes is high and often beyond the reach of an average Nigerian, testing and early detection of diabetes will help reduce the prevalence of full-blown diabetes,” she appealed.
NAN
