Prominent clinical pharmacist and pharmacologist Prof. Noel Wannang has expressed concern about the rising incidence of breast cancer and the infant mortality rate in Nigeria.
He urged pharmacists to devise novel approaches to combat the threat.
During the Pharmacy Week seminar organized by the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State branch on Thursday in Uyo, the state capital, Wannang from the University of Jos made this statement.
He revealed that Nigeria continues to lead the West African region in breast cancer cases, and it ranks second in terms of infant mortality, after the neighboring Niger Republic.
Speaking to attendees under the topic “Pharmacists Strengthening the Health Systems,” Wannang bemoaned the fact that, despite increased spending since 2001, Nigeria’s health results remained subpar and emphasized that, in comparison, countries with comparable or even lower spending had better results.
In addition, he supported a robust health system that was well-designed and appropriately regulated, with strong policies, oversight, and accountability.
His words,
“Nigeria is currently maintaining the first spot in breast cancer disease in the West Africa region. In the same vein, the country is also second only to the neighboring Niger Republic on the issue of infant mortality.
“Life expectancy in Nigeria now stands at 60 years for males and 64 years for females, infant mortality stands at 54. 74 deaths per 1000 live births.
“Pharmacists should transform practice, science, and education and workforce. They should acquire leadership skills to lead and change the healthcare system in Nigeria.”
Akwa Ibom State will soon have a medication information center, according to Pharm Abasiama Uwatt, the State Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria.
She criticized the high exchange rate, claiming that because pharmacists import almost all of the raw materials needed to make pharmaceuticals, the cost of drugs has skyrocketed.
Uwatt added that low compensation was contributing to the brain drain problem in the business and urged the government to create measures that would help it.
She said,
“We have pharmacists who have finished the basic training, go ahead to specialize but are still regarded as fresh graduates.
“We have consultants in the field of public health clinical pharmacy and community pharmacy but they are not utilized and are still regarded as first-degree holders.
“We have pharmacists passing out without a place to do their mandatory one-year internship which is part of their training. We also have unfavorable policies that do not support local capacity building”.