Health

Nigerian cardiac society develops framework for nationwide CPR training

Published

1 year ago

October 17, 2024

The Nigerian Cardiac Society (NCS) has created a framework to train all Nigerians in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
The President, Prof. Augustine Odili, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during the inauguration of its “Bring Back to Life” programme.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CPR is an emergency procedure that combines chest compressions with artificial ventilation or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

This preserves brain function until further measures can restore blood circulation and breathing in individuals experiencing cardiac arrest.

According to odili, the NCS has been working on this framework for the past year, bringing together experts with extensive experience in resuscitation.
“The curriculum includes certification, retraining timelines, and trainer development.”

Odili emphasised the importance of everyone, regardless of age, knowing how to perform CPR.

“Last year, the society launched “Know Your Numbers” to raise awareness about blood pressure and its link to sudden cardiac arrests.

“Nigeria has also developed its own Public Access Defibrillator for CPR, which should be accessible in all public spaces,”he said.

In her keynote address, Prof. Adeola Animashaun, Consultant paediatric cardiologist, Lagos State University College of Medicine, highlighted the alarming rise of sudden deaths in Nigeria, stressing the need for action.

She attributed most sudden deaths to cardiovascular risk factors, advocating for regular blood pressure checks and a healthy diet.

The National Orientation Agency’s Director-General, Mr Lanre Issa-Oniru, emphasised the importance of making medical knowledge accessible beyond medical professionals.

He suggested taking the message to communities, mosques, and churches to effect change.

NAN also reports that the NCS aims to shift the narrative from “slump and die” to “slump and live” through determination, regular CPR training, and hard work.
NAN

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Health

APC Youth Leader, Health Minister, Others Champion “Going Pink Walk” for Breast Cancer Awareness in Abuja

Published

2 weeks ago

October 18, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

It was a vibrant gathering of energetic young men and women across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday in Abuja, as they joined the “Progress in Pink Walk”, a non-competitive awareness march organized by the All-Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Wing to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The event, themed “Walk for Hope, Walk for Life,” was commenced at The Nest — A Place Where Greatness is Hatched, an over 4 kilometres walk aimed at encouraging early detection, promoting timely medical intervention, and offering hope to those affected by breast cancer.

Leading the walk was the APC National Youth Leader, Dr. Dayo Israel, who has remained consistent in championing initiatives that promote youth empowerment, health consciousness, and community impact.

Over the years, Israel has spearheaded several programs designed to enhance the capacity and wellbeing of young Nigerians.

Globally, October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a period dedicated to increasing awareness, encouraging prevention, and supporting those battling the disease. The APC Youth Wing’s initiative aligns with this global campaign, demonstrating the party’s ongoing commitment to public health advocacy and youth-driven change.

Speaking after the walk, an elated Dr. Dayo Israel explained that the initiative was organized to create awareness among women, both young and old, on the importance of knowing their bodies and seeking medical attention early.

“We want women to know their breasts so well that if anything unusual happens, they act quickly.

“Cancer doesn’t occur overnight it develops over time. awareness, and early detection are key to saving lives,” he said.

He added that the walk also sought to promote fitness as a vital component of a healthy lifestyle and to encourage women to adopt positive habits that support their wellbeing and happiness.

In his remarks, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako commended the APC Youth Wing for taking proactive steps to raise awareness about a critical health concern.

“With this step you have taken today, more Nigerians will become aware of the dangers of late detection.

“Unfortunately, eight to nine out of ten breast cancer cases in Nigeria are detected late — a situation we must change through constant awareness and screening,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of prevention, urging Nigerians to take their health seriously through regular check-ups, healthy living, and avoidance of risk factors like smoking.

Also speaking, the President and CEO of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, noted that breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in Nigeria, accounting for up to 40–50% of all cancer cases.

“Breast cancer remains a major public health challenge. Exercise plays a vital role not only in prevention but also in improving outcomes for people living with cancer and other non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension,” he said.

Prof. Omonisi stressed the need for a community-based response to cancer similar to the national efforts used to combat HIV/AIDS.

“We must involve everyone from schools and youth groups to community organizations to build resilience and eliminate the fear and stigma surrounding cancer,” he added.

He praised the APC Youth Wing for leading the charge, noting that young people, with their creativity and innovation, are uniquely positioned to drive impactful awareness campaigns both online and offline.

The “Progress in Pink Walk” concluded with participants pledging to continue spreading the message of early detection, regular screening, and healthy living underscoring that together, Nigerians can defeat breast cancer through awareness, unity, and action.

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