A renowned pharmacologist and clinical pharmacist, Prof Noel Wannang has raised concern over the increase in cases of breast cancer and infant mortality rate in Nigeria.
He called on pharmacists to come up with innovations to tackle the menace.
Wannang of the University of Jos stated this during the pharmacy week seminar held by the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State chapter on Thursday in Uyo, the State capital.
He disclosed that Nigeria is currently maintaining the first spot in breast cancer disease in the West Africa region and second after the neighboring Niger Republic on the issue of infant mortality.
Addressing participants at the event with the theme: “Pharmacists Strengthening the Health Systems”, Wannang lamented that health outcomes remained poor in Nigeria despite higher expenditure since 2001, stressing that better outcomes were seen in countries with equivalent and even lower expenditure.
He also advocated for a strong health system with effective policies, oversight and accountability with special attention to system design and appropriate regulation.
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.”
Speaking, the State Chairman of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm Abasiama Uwatt explained that Akwa Ibom State will soon have a drug information centre.
She decried the high foreign exchange, saying that it has resulted in the astronomical rise of cost of drugs as pharmacists import practically every raw material for manufacturing of drugs.
Uwatt said the issue of brain drain was affecting the industry due to poor remuneration and called on the government to formulate policies that would be favorable to the industry.
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 and clinical pharmacy, community pharmacy but they are not utilized and 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”.
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