Prof. Lere Baale, CEO of Business Schools Netherlands and President of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, stressed the urgent need for self-care to be a fundamental aspect of public health at the D’Bio Wellness & Selfcare Summit, held on September 24, 2025, in Lagos.

His remarks came in the context of the summit theme, "Self-Care as a Driver of Optimal Health and Wellness."

"This summit is so appropriate," Prof. Baale declared, emphasizing that the theme resonates deeply with the mission of advancing public health and societal wellness. He pointed out that self-care is not merely a personal choice but a “public health imperative.” Prof. Baale articulated that amidst the growing shortage of healthcare professionals—exacerbated by many practitioners relocating—self-care becomes increasingly vital.

“If you choose to make use of about one or half ton of the population of standard healthcare people to deliver, we are already far below in terms of ratio. This is why we need self-care more than ever in Africa,” he noted.

Self-care, he asserted, is essential for strengthening communities and alleviating the burdens on an overstretched healthcare system. “When people are equipped with the proper knowledge, tools, and support, they can take proactive steps to prevent illness, manage minor conditions, live healthier, and have more fulfilled lives,” he explained.

Prof. Baale stated that the summit serves as an invaluable platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration, reminding the audience that self-care transcends medication: it includes mental health, nutrition, physical activity, and responsible lifestyle choices. "Nutrition plays a key role," he emphasized, reinforcing the multidimensional nature of self-care.

He urged policymakers and professionals in the healthcare space to confront the reality of the healthcare workforce shortage in Nigeria, asserting, “We don’t have enough doctors to take care of 240 million people in this country. If we do not want people to seek out fake substandard professionals, we must educate them on self-care. Ultimately, this means that those who reach out to healthcare providers are the ones who truly need their services.”

Prof. Baale concluded by commending D’Bio and its partners for convening the summit, asserting that it could serve as a catalyst for inspiring policies and empowering communities across Africa and beyond.

“I want to reassure this group that the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy stands ready to collaborate in advancing self-care as a cornerstone of health security and prosperity," he stated. He concluded by expressing hope that the summit would mark yet another bold step toward optimal health and wellness for all Africans.

With the urgent calls to action from leaders like Prof. Lere Baale, the path towards a culture of self-care in Africa is becoming clearer, promising a brighter future for public health and community wellness.