The Vice Chancellor of Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Professor Chinedum Peace Babalola has charged healthcare providers in Nigeria for more collaboration among healthcare providers and researchers for a holistic approach towards a sustainable development of the country’s healthcare through the application of genomics.
Prof Babalola said this while delivering her Chairmanship speech on the theme “Genomics Application for Sustainable Healthcare Development in Nigeria” at the 3-Day 2019 Annual Scientific Conference and Workshop organized by the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientist of Nigeria (AMLSN), Ogun State branch.
The 3-Day Conference which kick-started on Wednesday 17th – Friday 19th July, 2019 at the Edwin Hall, beside Neu Gate Hotel, MKO Abiola Way, Abeokuta in Ogun state, chaired by the Vice Chancellor, and was aimed to discover, learn and adopt strategies that involve the application of genomics in sustainable development of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
In her speech, Professor Babalola said “We are gathered today to discover, learn and adopt strategies that involve the application of genomics for sustainable development of healthcare in Nigeria. This is a very good time to address this topic. Africa and Nigeria in particular has the lowest indices in various aspects of human development. We are plagued with extreme poverty, hunger, disease, poor sanitation, insecurity and all of which affect the health of the nations”.
“Again, most disease diagnosis and treatment are based on research conducted in developed nations on races and species that differ from the Africa. Africa is very diverse with respect to genetics. Therefore to benefit from adequate and sustainable healthcare we need to apply the science of genomics;
“While a lot of genomic studies and application have been carried out in developed nations of the world, Africa is still tagging along. There is dearth of information and practice. There are challenges with funding, facilities, enabling environment, knowledge gap and others. There is need for capacity building which this conference and the pre-conference are addressing” the VC said.
As a Pharmacist and researcher whose own niche is in the area of pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics, Prof Babalola said “Pharmacogenomics involves using an individual’s genome to determine whether or not a particular therapy, or dose therapy, will be effective. Currently, more than 100 FDA-approved drugs have pharmacogenomics information in their labels, in diverse field such as analgesics, antivirals, cardiovascular drugs, and anti-cancer therapeutics. While you diagnose diseases we can identify individual and genetic differences in disease treatment. Therefore, working together will enhance therapy”.
The VC further said that just recently, she submitted a proposal to Federal Medical Centre (Abeokuta) for training the pharmacists on the role of Pharmacists in Pharmacogenomics and individualised medicine.
She noted that there is need for more collaboration among healthcare providers and researchers for a holistic approach. There should be need for collaborative research across disciplines, institutions, and nations in the area of genetics and other aspects of research while she prayed that the outcome of the conference be felt in our healthcare delivery.
Prof Babalola also disclosed at the conference that Chrisland University will in months time start offering Medical Science course.
She said “I am also glad to announce that in few months time, our University, Chrisland University will be offering programmes in Medical Sciences, including Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Public Health, Anatomy, Physiology and Biotechnology. Emphasis will be laid on molecular biology and precision medicine. It will be our joy to partner with AMLSN and other experts here”.
Professor Babalola however commended the leadership of AMLSN (National and Ogun State Chapter) for organizing the conference; and as well commends the participants and supporters who attended the conference.
Various lectures were delivered by various lecturers at the level of the conference which includes; Keynote Lecture: ‘Genomics and Infectious Disease Surveillance: The Nigeria Experience’ by Professor Christian Happi, Professor of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Director, Centre of Excellence Redeemer’s University Ede and Havard University USA; Thematic Lecture: ‘Genomics Applications for Sustainable Healthcare Delivery in Nigeria: Present Challenges and Future Prospects’ by Professor Oluyemi Akinloye, Professor of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria; Special Guest Lecture: ‘Strategic Management and Leadership Production for the Present Day Medical Laboratory Practice’ by Dr. Godswill Okara, Past President AMLSN while Plenary lectures was delivered by Dr.Festus A. Olajubu, Department of Microbiology, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo state on ‘Setting up a Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory in a Challenged Economy’ and Paul Adepoju, Babcock University, Ilisan Remo, Ogun state lectured on ‘Application of Molecular Techniques in the Diagnosis and Surveillance of Non-Communicable Diseases’.
At the conference were the Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Professor A.A Musa, Professor Christian Happi, Professor Oluyemi Akinloye, Dr. Godswill Okara, Paul Adepoju, Laboratory and Medical Scientists and people in the field of Science across the nation.
